Table of Contents

13

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 June 30, 20192020

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, PeoriaIL

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 July 12, 2019,16, 2020, the number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock was 44,787,197.44,952,602.

Table of Contents

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 and Six-Month Periods Ended June 30, 20192020 and 20182019 (unaudited)

3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2019 (unaudited)2020 and December 31, 20182019 (unaudited)

4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity For the Three and Six-Month Periods Ended June 30, 20192020 and 20182019 (unaudited)

5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Six-Month Periods Ended June 30, 20192020 and 20182019 (unaudited)

6

Notes to unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statementsUnaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

7

Item 2.

Management’s discussionDiscussion and analysisAnalysis of financial conditionFinancial Condition and resultsResults of operationsOperations

22

Item 3.

Quantitative and qualitative disclosuresQualitative Disclosures about market riskMarket Risk

3637

Item 4.

Controls and proceduresProcedures

3637

Part II - Other Information

3638

Item 1.

Legal proceedingsProceedings

3638

Item 1a.

Risk factorsFactors

3638

Item 2.

Unregistered salesSales of equity securitiesEquity Securities and useUse of proceedsProceeds

3638

Item 3.

Defaults upon senior securitiesSenior Securities

3638

Item 4.

Mine safety disclosuresSafety Disclosures

3638

Item 5.

Other informationInformation

3638

Item 6.

Exhibits

3738

Signatures

3839

2

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-Month Periods

For the Six-Month Periods

For the Three-Month Periods

For the Six-Month Periods

Ended June 30,

Ended June 30,

Ended June 30,

Ended June 30,

(in thousands, except per share data)

2019

2018

2019

2018

2020

2019

2020

2019

Net premiums earned

   

$

207,541

    

$

196,522

$

412,230

$

386,549

   

$

208,734

    

$

207,541

$

424,316

$

412,230

Net investment income

 

16,998

 

14,577

 

33,563

 

28,809

 

16,917

 

16,998

 

34,695

 

33,563

Net realized gains

 

4,764

 

20,849

 

13,832

 

29,309

Other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses on investments

-

-

-

(56)

Net realized gains (losses)

 

(2,109)

 

4,764

 

13,043

 

13,832

Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities

8,810

(12,611)

42,308

(39,383)

74,705

8,810

(55,690)

42,308

Consolidated revenue

$

238,113

$

219,337

$

501,933

$

405,228

$

298,247

$

238,113

$

416,364

$

501,933

Losses and settlement expenses

 

103,919

 

101,653

 

198,216

 

194,074

 

101,202

 

103,919

 

212,223

 

198,216

Policy acquisition costs

 

71,742

 

66,325

 

143,034

 

133,059

 

69,463

 

71,742

 

142,404

 

143,034

Insurance operating expenses

 

16,948

 

14,398

 

33,615

 

27,783

 

13,906

 

16,948

 

28,287

 

33,615

Interest expense on debt

 

1,861

 

1,858

 

3,722

 

3,714

 

1,903

 

1,861

 

3,800

 

3,722

General corporate expenses

 

3,283

 

2,641

 

6,559

 

4,924

 

1,994

 

3,283

 

3,749

 

6,559

Total expenses

$

197,753

$

186,875

$

385,146

$

363,554

$

188,468

$

197,753

$

390,463

$

385,146

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees

 

8,468

 

7,100

 

13,782

 

12,266

 

5,100

 

8,468

 

9,614

 

13,782

Earnings before income taxes

$

48,828

$

39,562

$

130,569

$

53,940

$

114,879

$

48,828

$

35,515

$

130,569

Income tax expense

 

8,361

 

6,311

 

24,629

 

8,473

 

22,713

 

8,361

 

4,616

 

24,629

Net earnings

 

$

40,467

 

$

33,251

$

105,940

$

45,467

 

$

92,166

 

$

40,467

$

30,899

$

105,940

Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax

 

27,864

 

(7,675)

 

57,165

 

(34,073)

Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax

 

53,571

 

27,864

 

40,540

 

57,165

Comprehensive earnings

 

$

68,331

 

$

25,576

$

163,105

$

11,394

 

$

145,737

 

$

68,331

$

71,439

$

163,105

Earnings per share:

Basic:

Basic net earnings per share

 

$

0.91

 

$

0.75

$

2.37

$

1.03

 

$

2.05

 

$

0.91

$

0.69

$

2.37

Basic comprehensive earnings per share

 

$

1.53

 

$

0.58

$

3.66

$

0.26

 

$

3.24

 

$

1.53

$

1.59

$

3.66

Diluted:

Diluted net earnings per share

 

$

0.89

 

$

0.74

$

2.35

$

1.01

 

$

2.04

 

$

0.89

$

0.68

$

2.35

Diluted comprehensive earnings per share

 

$

1.51

 

$

0.57

$

3.62

$

0.25

 

$

3.22

 

$

1.51

$

1.58

$

3.62

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

Basic

 

44,704

 

44,310

 

44,620

 

44,266

 

44,951

 

44,704

 

44,936

 

44,620

Diluted

 

45,219

 

44,742

 

45,056

 

44,853

 

45,274

 

45,219

 

45,311

 

45,056

Cash dividends paid per common share

 

$

0.23

 

$

0.22

$

0.45

$

0.43

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

3

Table of Contents

RLI Corp. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

June 30,

December 31,

(in thousands, except share data)

    

2019

    

2018

ASSETS

   

   

Investments and cash:

Fixed income:

Available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost - $1,809,429 at 6/30/19 and $1,776,465 at 12/31/18)

 

$

1,865,613

 

$

1,760,515

Equity securities, at fair value (cost - $259,177 at 6/30/19 and $220,373 at 12/31/18)

 

421,801

 

340,483

Short-term investments, at cost which approximates fair value

 

47,353

 

11,550

Other invested assets

55,196

51,542

Cash

 

24,834

 

30,140

Total investments and cash

$

2,414,797

$

2,194,230

Accrued investment income

 

14,597

 

14,033

Premiums and reinsurance balances receivable, net of allowances for uncollectible amounts of $16,829 at 6/30/19 and $16,967 at 12/31/18

 

158,559

 

152,576

Ceded unearned premium

 

78,957

 

71,174

Reinsurance balances recoverable on unpaid losses and settlement expenses, net of allowances for uncollectible amounts of $9,792 at 6/30/19 and $9,793 at 12/31/18

 

362,310

 

364,999

Deferred policy acquisition costs

 

85,952

 

84,934

Property and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation of $58,330 at 6/30/19 and $54,275 at 12/31/18

 

53,580

 

54,692

Investment in unconsolidated investees

 

108,977

 

94,967

Goodwill and intangibles

 

54,330

 

54,534

Other assets

 

43,050

 

18,926

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

3,375,109

 

$

3,105,065

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Liabilities

Unpaid losses and settlement expenses

 

$

1,506,279

 

$

1,461,348

Unearned premiums

 

513,819

 

496,505

Reinsurance balances payable

 

21,227

 

22,591

Funds held

 

76,331

 

72,309

Income taxes-deferred

 

50,487

 

24,238

Bonds payable, long-term debt

 

149,208

 

149,115

Accrued expenses

 

41,046

 

45,124

Other liabilities

 

56,764

 

26,993

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

$

2,415,161

 

$

2,298,223

Shareholders’ Equity

Common stock ($0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

(67,717,411 shares issued, 44,787,197 shares outstanding at 6/30/19)

(67,434,257 shares issued, 44,504,043 shares outstanding at 12/31/18)

$

677

$

674

Paid-in capital

 

315,766

 

305,660

Accumulated other comprehensive earnings

 

42,593

 

(14,572)

Retained earnings

 

993,911

 

908,079

Deferred compensation

 

7,530

 

8,354

Less: Treasury shares at cost

(22,930,214 shares at 6/30/19 and 12/31/18)

 

(400,529)

 

(401,353)

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$

959,948

$

806,842

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

3,375,109

 

$

3,105,065

June 30,

December 31,

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

2020

 

2019

ASSETS

  

  

Investments and cash:

Fixed income:

Available-for-sale, at fair value

 

$

2,075,093

 

$

1,983,086

(amortized cost of $1,956,137 and allowance for credit losses of $985 at 6/30/20)

(amortized cost of $1,915,278 and allowance for credit losses of $0 at 12/31/19)

 

 

Equity securities, at fair value (cost - $270,987 at 6/30/20 and $262,131 at 12/31/19)

 

422,198

 

460,630

Other invested assets

63,440

70,441

Cash

 

84,797

 

46,203

Total investments and cash

$

2,645,528

$

2,560,360

Accrued investment income

 

15,142

 

14,587

Premiums and reinsurance balances receivable, net of allowances for uncollectible amounts of $17,139 at 6/30/20 and $16,682 at 12/31/19

 

154,941

 

160,369

Ceded unearned premium

 

93,679

 

93,656

Reinsurance balances recoverable on unpaid losses and settlement expenses, net of allowances for uncollectible amounts of $8,035 at 6/30/20 and $9,402 at 12/31/19

 

364,756

 

384,517

Deferred policy acquisition costs

 

87,560

 

85,044

Property and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation of $65,762 at 6/30/20 and $62,703 at 12/31/19

 

52,350

 

53,121

Investment in unconsolidated investees

 

112,662

 

103,836

Goodwill and intangibles

 

53,923

 

54,127

Other assets

 

38,738

 

36,104

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

3,619,279

 

$

3,545,721

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Liabilities

Unpaid losses and settlement expenses

 

$

1,590,996

 

$

1,574,352

Unearned premiums

 

543,113

 

540,213

Reinsurance balances payable

 

24,777

 

25,691

Funds held

 

84,430

 

83,358

Income taxes-deferred

 

57,421

 

56,727

Bonds payable, long-term debt

 

149,395

 

149,302

Accrued expenses

 

35,998

 

66,626

Other liabilities

 

81,691

 

54,064

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

$

2,567,821

 

$

2,550,333

Shareholders’ Equity

Common stock ($0.01 par value)

(Shares authorized - 200,000,000 at 6/30/20 and 100,000,000 at 12/31/19)

(67,882,816 shares issued, 44,952,602 shares outstanding at 6/30/20)

(67,799,229 shares issued, 44,869,015 shares outstanding at 12/31/19)

$

679

$

678

Paid-in capital

 

325,862

 

321,190

Accumulated other comprehensive earnings

 

93,035

 

52,473

Retained earnings

 

1,024,881

 

1,014,046

Deferred compensation

 

7,600

 

7,980

Less: Treasury shares at cost

(22,930,214 shares at 6/30/20 and 12/31/19)

 

(400,599)

 

(400,979)

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$

1,051,458

$

995,388

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

3,619,279

 

$

3,545,721

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

   

   

   

 

Total

Other

Common

Shareholders’

Common

Paid-in

Comprehensive

Retained

Deferred

Treasury Stock

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Shares

Equity

Stock

Capital

Earnings (Loss)

Earnings

Compensation

at Cost

Balance, January 1, 2018

 

44,148,355

$

853,598

$

67,079

$

233,077

$

157,919

$

788,522

$

8,640

$

(401,639)

Cumulative-effect adjustment from ASU 2016-01 and 2018-02

86

(138,494)

138,580

Net earnings

 

12,216

12,216

Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax

 

 

(26,398)

 

 

 

(26,398)

 

 

 

Deferred compensation under Rabbi trust plans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(584)

 

584

Share-based compensation

 

104,771

 

2,721

 

104

 

2,617

 

 

 

 

Dividends and dividend equivalents ($0.21 per share)

 

 

(9,290)

 

 

 

 

(9,290)

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2018

 

44,253,126

$

832,933

$

67,183

$

235,694

$

(6,973)

$

930,028

$

8,056

$

(401,055)

Par value conversion from $1.00 per share to $0.01 per share

(66,513)

66,513

Net earnings

 

33,251

33,251

Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax

 

 

(7,675)

 

 

 

(7,675)

 

 

 

Deferred compensation under Rabbi trust plans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(120)

 

120

Share-based compensation

 

86,813

 

1,041

 

3

 

1,038

 

 

 

 

Dividends and dividend equivalents ($0.22 per share)

 

 

(9,753)

 

 

 

 

(9,753)

 

 

Balance, June 30, 2018

 

44,339,939

$

849,797

$

673

$

303,245

$

(14,648)

$

953,526

$

7,936

$

(400,935)

   

   

   

   

   

Accumulated

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

Accumulated

   

   

   

 

Total

Other

 

Total

Other

Common

Shareholders’

Common

Paid-in

Comprehensive

Retained

Deferred

Treasury Stock

 

Common

Shareholders’

Common

Paid-in

Comprehensive

Retained

Deferred

Treasury

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Shares

Equity

Stock

Capital

Earnings (Loss)

Earnings

Compensation

at Cost

 

Shares

Equity

Stock

Capital

Earnings (Loss)

Earnings

Compensation

Shares at Cost

Balance, January 1, 2019

 

44,504,043

$

806,842

$

674

$

305,660

$

(14,572)

$

908,079

$

8,354

$

(401,353)

 

44,504,043

$

806,842

$

674

$

305,660

$

(14,572)

$

908,079

$

8,354

$

(401,353)

Net earnings

 

65,473

65,473

Net earnings (loss)

 

65,473

65,473

Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax

 

 

29,301

 

 

 

29,301

 

 

 

 

 

29,301

 

 

 

29,301

 

 

 

Deferred compensation under Rabbi trust plans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,039)

 

1,039

Deferred compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,039)

 

1,039

Share-based compensation

 

50,213

 

2,892

 

1

 

2,891

 

 

 

 

 

50,213

 

2,892

 

1

 

2,891

 

 

 

 

Dividends and dividend equivalents ($0.22 per share)

 

 

(9,803)

 

 

 

 

(9,803)

 

 

 

 

(9,803)

 

 

 

 

(9,803)

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2019

 

44,554,256

$

894,705

$

675

$

308,551

$

14,729

$

963,749

$

7,315

$

(400,314)

 

44,554,256

$

894,705

$

675

$

308,551

$

14,729

$

963,749

$

7,315

$

(400,314)

Net earnings

 

40,467

40,467

Net earnings (loss)

 

40,467

40,467

Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax

 

 

27,864

 

 

 

27,864

 

 

 

 

 

27,864

 

 

 

27,864

 

 

 

Deferred compensation under Rabbi trust plans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

215

 

(215)

Deferred compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

215

 

(215)

Share-based compensation

 

232,941

 

7,217

 

2

 

7,215

 

 

 

 

 

232,941

 

7,217

 

2

 

7,215

 

 

 

 

Dividends and dividend equivalents ($0.23 per share)

 

 

(10,305)

 

 

 

 

(10,305)

 

 

 

 

(10,305)

 

 

 

 

(10,305)

 

 

Balance, June 30, 2019

 

44,787,197

$

959,948

$

677

$

315,766

$

42,593

$

993,911

$

7,530

$

(400,529)

 

44,787,197

$

959,948

$

677

$

315,766

$

42,593

$

993,911

$

7,530

$

(400,529)

   

   

   

   

   

Accumulated

   

   

   

Total

Other

 

Common

Shareholders’

Common

Paid-in

Comprehensive

Retained

Deferred

Treasury

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Shares

Equity

Stock

Capital

Earnings (Loss)

Earnings

Compensation

Shares at Cost

 

Balance, January 1, 2020

 

44,869,015

$

995,388

$

678

$

321,190

$

52,473

$

1,014,046

$

7,980

$

(400,979)

Cumulative-effect adjustment from ASU 2016-13

1,095

22

1,073

Net earnings (loss)

 

(61,267)

(61,267)

Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax

 

 

(13,031)

 

 

 

(13,031)

 

 

 

Deferred compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,010)

 

1,010

Share-based compensation

 

53,641

 

3,863

 

1

 

3,862

 

 

 

 

Dividends and dividend equivalents ($0.23 per share)

 

 

(10,343)

 

 

 

 

(10,343)

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2020

 

44,922,656

$

915,705

$

679

$

325,052

$

39,464

$

943,509

$

6,970

$

(399,969)

Net earnings (loss)

 

92,166

92,166

Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax

 

 

53,571

 

 

 

53,571

 

 

 

Deferred compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

630

 

(630)

Share-based compensation

 

29,946

 

810

 

 

810

 

 

 

 

Dividends and dividend equivalents ($0.24 per share)

 

 

(10,794)

 

 

 

 

(10,794)

 

 

Balance, June 30, 2020

 

44,952,602

$

1,051,458

$

679

$

325,862

$

93,035

$

1,024,881

$

7,600

$

(400,599)

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

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RLI Corp. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

For the Six-Month Periods

Ended June 30,

(in thousands)

2019

2018

Net cash provided by operating activities

    

$

105,347

    

$

100,000

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Investments purchased

$

(281,315)

$

(431,061)

Investments sold

 

167,300

 

282,276

Investments called or matured

 

52,113

 

67,493

Net change in short-term investments

 

(35,803)

 

9,980

Net property and equipment purchased

 

(3,004)

 

(3,638)

Other

55

62

Net cash used in investing activities

 

$

(100,654)

 

$

(74,888)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Cash dividends paid

 

$

(20,092)

 

$

(19,043)

Proceeds from stock option exercises

 

10,093

 

3,762

Net cash used in financing activities

 

$

(9,999)

 

$

(15,281)

Net increase (decrease) in cash

$

(5,306)

$

9,831

Cash at the beginning of the period

$

30,140

$

24,271

Cash at June 30

 

$

24,834

 

$

34,102

For the Six-Month Periods

Ended June 30,

(in thousands)

2020

2019

Net cash provided by operating activities

    

$

83,773

    

$

105,347

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Purchase of:

Fixed income securities, available-for-sale

$

(185,502)

$

(214,332)

Equity securities

(48,473)

(59,861)

Property and equipment

(3,413)

(3,004)

Other

(6,651)

(7,122)

Proceeds from sale of:

Fixed income securities, available-for-sale

40,333

132,153

Equity securities

52,533

33,360

Other

2,596

1,842

Proceeds from call or maturity of:

Fixed income securities, available-for-sale

121,911

52,113

Net proceeds from sale (purchase) of short-term investments

 

-

 

(35,803)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

$

(26,666)

 

$

(100,654)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Cash dividends paid

 

$

(21,119)

 

$

(20,092)

Proceeds from stock option exercises

 

2,606

 

10,093

Net cash used in financing activities

 

$

(18,513)

 

$

(9,999)

Net increase (decrease) in cash

$

38,594

$

(5,306)

Cash at the beginning of the period

46,203

30,140

Cash at June 30

 

$

84,797

 

$

24,834

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

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

RLI Corp. (the Company) is an insurance holding company that was organized in 1965. As reported in previous SEC filings, RLI Corp. changed its state of incorporation from the State of Illinois to the State of Delaware on May 4, 2018 (the Reincorporation). The Reincorporation was effected by merging RLI Corp., an Illinois corporation (RLI Illinois) into RLI Corp., a Delaware corporation (RLI Delaware). Each outstanding share of RLI Illinois common stock, which had a par value of $1.00 per share, was automatically converted into one outstanding share of RLI Delaware common stock, with a par value of $0.01 per share. In order to reflect the new par value of common stock on the balance sheet, a $66.5 million reclassification from common stock to paid-in-capital was made during the second quarter of 2018. For more information on the Reincorporation, see RLI Corp.’s Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2018.

B. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial reporting and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. As such, these unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with our 20182019 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 June 30, 20192020 and the results of operations of RLI Corp. and subsidiaries for all periods presented have been made. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for a full year. Certain reclassifications were made to 20182019 to conform to the classifications used in the current year.

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

C.B. ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)

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

We adopted ASU 2016-02, ASU 2018-10 Codification Improvements to Topic 842: Leases and ASU 2018-11 Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements on January 1, 2019. We applied the standards using the alternative transition method provided by ASU 2018-11 under which leases were recognized at the date of adoption and a cumulative-effective adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings would have been recognized in the period of adoption. As the standard did not have an impact on our net earnings, no adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings was required. As of June 30, 2019, $24.4 million of right-of-use assets and $26.6 million of lease liabilities were included in the other assets and other liabilities line items of the balance sheet, respectively, as a result of the adoption of this update. We implemented controls for the adoption of the standard and the ongoing monitoring of the right-of-use asset and lease liability, but they did not materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

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ASU 2017-08, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities

Under previous guidance, the amortization period for callable debt securities held at a premium was generally the contractual life of the instrument. However, if an entity had a large number of similar loans, it could consider estimates of future principal prepayments. For those who chose not to incorporate an estimate of future prepayments, ASU 2017-08 shortens the amortization period for premium on debt securities to the earliest call date, rather than the maturity date, to align the amortization method with how the securities are quoted, priced and traded. After the earliest call date, if the call option is not exercised, the entity shall reset the effective yield using the payment terms of the debt security. Any excess of the amortized cost basis over the amount payable will be amortized to the next call date or to maturity if there are no other call dates. The method of accounting for a discount does not change and will continue to be amortized over the life of the bond.

We adopted ASU 2017-08 on January 1, 2019 using a modified-retrospective approach. As we had been incorporating estimates of future principal prepayments when calculating the effective yield for bonds carrying a premium under the old guidance, the adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

ASU 2018-07, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting

ASU 2018-07 was issued to simplify the accounting for share-based transactions by expanding the scope of Topic 718 from only being applicable to share-based payments to employees to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. As a result, nonemployee share-based transactions will be measured by estimating the fair value of the equity instruments at the grant date, taking into consideration the probability of satisfying performance conditions. We adopted ASU 2018-07 on January 1, 2019. Our long-term incentive plan limits the awards of share-based payments to employees and directors of the Company. As our share-based compensation expense to nonemployee directors was $0.3 million in the first six months of 2019, the standard did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

D. PROSPECTIVE ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

ASU 2016-13 was issued to provide more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments. Current GAAP delaysPrevious guidance delayed the recognition of credit losses until it iswas probable a loss hashad been incurred. TheThis update will requirerequires a financial asset measured at amortized cost including reinsurance balances recoverable, to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected by means of an allowance for credit losses that runs throughis included in net earnings. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities willare also required to be recorded through ana reversible allowance for credit losses. However, the amendments would limit the amount of the allowancelosses, but is limited to the amount by which fair value is belowless than amortized cost. The measurement of credit losses on available-for-sale securities is similar under current GAAP, but the update requires the use of the allowance account through which amounts can be reversed, rather than through an irreversible write-down.

ThisWe adopted ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted beginning after December 15, 2018. Upon adoption, the update will be applied2016-13 on January 1, 2020 using the modified-retrospective approach, by which a cumulative-effect adjustment will be madeapproach. The standard applied to retained earnings asthree of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. This update will have the most impact on ourCompany’s balance sheet accounts: available-for-sale fixed income portfoliosecurities, premiums receivable and reinsurance balances recoverable. However,The impact of this standard was and is expected to continue to be immaterial, as our fixed income portfolio is weighted towards higher rated bonds (83.0(84 percent rated A or better at June 30, 2020 and 85 percent at December 31, 2019) and, we purchase reinsurance from financially strong reinsurers, for which we already have a long history of collecting premium receivables through various economic cycles and we had previously maintained an allowance for uncollectible premium and reinsurance amounts, we do not expect thatbalances. In total, the effectcumulative-effect adjustment made to the balance sheet as of adoption will be material.the beginning of the year resulted in a $1.1 million increase to retained earnings and an increase to accumulated other comprehensive earnings of less than $0.1 million.

ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value MeasurementC. REINSURANCE

ASU 2018-13 modifies the disclosure requirements forCeded unearned premiums and reinsurance balances recoverable on paid and unpaid losses and settlement expenses are reported separately as assets, and liabilities measured at fair value. The requirements to disclose the amountinstead of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the policy for timing of transfers between levels and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements have all been removed. However, the changes in unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period must be disclosed alongbeing netted with the rangerelated liabilities, since reinsurance does not relieve the Company of our legal liability to our policyholders. Such balances are subject to the credit risk associated with the individual reinsurer. We continuously monitor the financial condition of our reinsurers and weightedactively follow up on any past due or disputed amounts. As part of our monitoring efforts, we review their annual financial statements, quarterly disclosures and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings for those reinsurers 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. Additionally, we perform an in depth reinsurer financial condition analysis prior to the renewal of our reinsurance placements.

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 balances recoverable from the reinsurer are specifically identified and charged to earnings in the form of an allowance for uncollectible amounts. We subject our remaining reinsurance balances receivable to detailed recoverability tests, including a segment-based analysis using the average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements (or other quantitative information if it is more reasonable). Finally, for investments measured at net asset value, the requirements have been modified so that the timing ofdefault rating percentage by S&P rating, and

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liquidation andrecord an additional allowance for unrecoverable amounts from reinsurers. This credit allowance is reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that the date when restrictions from redemption might lapse are only disclosed if the investee has communicated the timingamount makes a reasonable provision for reinsurance balances that we may be unable to the entity or announced the timing publicly.

This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. As the amendments are only disclosure related and we do not currently have any assets or liabilities that are measured based on Level 3 inputs, our financial statements will not be materially impacted by this update.

ASU 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract

ASU 2018-15 requires a customer in a cloud computing arrangement (i.e. hosting arrangement) that is a service contract to follow the internal-use software guidance to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as assets or expense as incurred. Relevant implementation costs in the development stage are capitalized, while costs incurred during the preliminary project and post-implementation stages are expensed as the activities are performed. Capitalized costs are expensed over the term of the hosting arrangement. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. This update can be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. We are currently evaluating how the adoption of this ASU will affect our financial statements.recover.

E.The allowances for uncollectible amounts on paid and unpaid reinsurance recoverables were $15.9 million and $8.0 million, respectively, at June 30, 2020. At December 31, 2019, the amounts were $15.7 million and $9.4 million, respectively. Adoption of ASU 2016-03 resulted in a $1.3 million decrease to the allowance for uncollectible amounts on reinsurance recoverables in 2020, while other 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. NaN write-offs or recoveries were applied to the allowances in the first six months of 2020.

D. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill and intangible assets totaled $54.3$53.9 million and $54.5$54.1 million at June 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, respectively, as detailed in the following table:

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

June 30,

December 31,

June 30,

December 31,

(in thousands)

2019

2018

2020

2019

Goodwill

Energy surety

$

25,706

$

25,706

$

25,706

$

25,706

Miscellaneous and contract surety

15,110

15,110

15,110

15,110

Small commercial

5,246

5,246

5,246

5,246

Total goodwill

$

46,062

$

46,062

$

46,062

$

46,062

Intangibles

State insurance licenses

$

7,500

$

7,500

Definite-lived intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $3,266 at 6/30/19 and $3,062 at 12/31/18

768

972

Indefinite-lived intangibles - state insurance licenses

7,500

7,500

Definite-lived intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $3,674 at 6/30/20 and $3,470 at 12/31/19

361

565

Total intangibles

$

8,268

$

8,472

$

7,861

$

8,065

Total goodwill and intangibles

$

54,330

$

54,534

$

53,923

$

54,127

All definite-lived intangible assets are amortized against future operating results based on their estimated useful lives. Amortization of intangible assets was $0.1 million for the second quarter of 20192020 and $0.2 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019,2020, the same as for the comparable periods in 2018.2019.

Annual impairment assessment wasassessments were performed on our energy surety goodwill, miscellaneous and contract surety goodwill, small commercial goodwill and state insurance license indefinite-lived intangible asset during the second quarter of 2019.2020. Based upon these reviews, noneNaN of the assets were impaired. In addition, as of June 30, 2019, there were no triggering events as of June 30, 2020 that would suggest an updated review was necessary on the above-mentionedimpairment test would be needed for our goodwill and intangible assets.

Adverse loss experience triggered the need to test the medical professional liability reporting unit during the first quarter of 2018, which resulted in a $4.4 million non-cash impairment charge. A fair value for the medical professional liability reporting unit’s agency relationships, carried as a definite-lived intangible, was determined by using a discounted cash flow valuation. The carrying value exceeded the fair value, resulting in a $0.8 million non-cash impairment charge. A fair value for the medical professional liability reporting unit’s goodwill was determined by using a weighted average of a market approach and discounted cash flow valuation. The carrying value exceeded the fair value, resulting in a $3.6 million non-cash

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impairment charge. Subsequent to the first quarter 2018 impairment, the medical professional liability reporting unit had no remaining goodwill or intangible assets. All impairment charges were recorded as net realized losses in the consolidated statement of earnings.

F.E. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share (EPS) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock or common stock equivalents were exercised or converted into common stock. When inclusion of common stock equivalents increases the earnings per share or reduces the loss per share, the effect on earnings is anti-dilutive. Under these circumstances, the diluted net earnings or net loss per share is computed excluding the common stock equivalents. The following represents a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted EPS computations contained in the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements:

For the Three-Month Period

For the Three-Month Period

Ended June 30, 2019

Ended June 30, 2018

Income

Shares

Per Share

Income

Shares

Per Share

(in thousands, except per share data)

    

(Numerator)

    

(Denominator)

    

Amount

    

(Numerator)

    

(Denominator)

    

Amount

Basic EPS

Income available to common shareholders

   

$

40,467

    

44,704

    

$

0.91

    

$

33,251

    

44,310

    

$

0.75

Effect of Dilutive Securities

Stock options

 

-

 

515

 

-

 

432

Diluted EPS

Income available to common shareholders

 

$

40,467

 

45,219

 

$

0.89

 

$

33,251

 

44,742

 

$

0.74

For the Six-Month Period

For the Six-Month Period

Ended June 30, 2019

Ended June 30, 2018

Income

Shares

Per Share

Income

Shares

Per Share

(in thousands, except per share data)

    

(Numerator)

    

(Denominator)

    

Amount

    

(Numerator)

    

(Denominator)

    

Amount

Basic EPS

Income available to common shareholders

   

$

105,940

    

44,620

    

$

2.37

    

$

45,467

    

44,266

    

$

1.03

Effect of Dilutive Securities

Stock options

 

-

 

436

 

-

 

587

Diluted EPS

Income available to common shareholders

 

$

105,940

 

45,056

 

$

2.35

 

$

45,467

 

44,853

 

$

1.01

G. COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS

Our comprehensive earnings include net earnings plus after-tax unrealized gains and losses on our fixed income portfolio. In reporting other comprehensive earnings on a net basis in the statement of earnings, we used the federal statutory tax rate of 21 percent.

Unrealized gains, net of tax, on the fixed income portfolio for the first six months of 2019 were $57.2 million, compared to $34.1 million of unrealized losses, net of tax, during the same period last year. Unrealized gains in the first six months of 2019 were attributable to declining interest rates, which increased the fair value of securities held in the fixed income portfolio. In contrast, rising interest rates decreased the fair value of securities held in the fixed income portfolio in the first six months of 2018.

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

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(in thousands)

For the Three-Month Periods

For the Six-Month Periods

Ended June 30,

Ended June 30,

Unrealized Gains/Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

Beginning balance

 

$

14,729

 

$

(6,973)

 

$

(14,572)

 

$

157,919

Cumulative effect adjustment of ASU 2016-01

-

-

-

(142,219)

Adjusted beginning balance

$

14,729

$

(6,973)

$

(14,572)

$

15,700

Other comprehensive earnings before reclassifications

 

28,388

 

 

(8,385)

 

58,183

 

(34,795)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive earnings

 

(524)

 

 

710

 

(1,018)

 

722

Net current-period other comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

$

27,864

 

$

(7,675)

 

$

57,165

 

$

(34,073)

Reclassification of stranded tax effect per ASU 2018-02

-

-

-

3,725

Ending balance

 

$

42,593

 

$

(14,648)

 

$

42,593

 

$

(14,648)

In 2018, the adoption of accounting standards resulted in adjustments to accumulated other comprehensive earnings. ASU 2016-01 required equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net earnings. A cumulative-effect adjustment was made as of the beginning of 2018, which moved $142.2 million of net unrealized gains and losses on equity securities from accumulated other comprehensive earnings to retained earnings.

ASU 2018-02 addressed issues arising from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Accounting guidance required deferred tax items to be revalued based on the new tax laws with the changes included in net earnings. Since other comprehensive earnings was not affected by the revaluation of the deferred tax items, the accumulated other comprehensive earnings balance was reflective of the historic tax rate instead of the newly enacted rate, which created a stranded tax effect. ASU 2018-02 allowed for the reclassification of our $3.7 million stranded tax effect out of accumulated other comprehensive earnings into retained earnings.

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

Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other

(in thousands)

Comprehensive Earnings

For the Three-Month

For the Six-Month

Component of Accumulated 

Periods Ended June 30, 

Periods Ended June 30, 

Affected line item in the

Other Comprehensive Earnings

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

    

Statement of Earnings

Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities

$

664

$

(899)

$

1,289

$

(858)

Net realized gains (losses)

-

-

-

(56)

Other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses on investments

$

664

$

(899)

$

1,289

$

(914)

Earnings before income taxes

(140)

189

(271)

192

Income tax benefit (expense)

$

524

$

(710)

$

1,018

$

(722)

Net earnings (loss)

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. When available, we obtain quoted market prices to determine fair value for our investments. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using a secondary pricing source or using quoted market prices of similar securities. We have no investment securities for which fair value is determined using Level 3 inputs as defined in note 3 to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements, “Fair Value Measurements.”

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Fixed Income Securities - Available-for-Sale

For the Three-Month Period

For the Three-Month Period

Ended June 30, 2020

Ended June 30, 2019

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

 

$

92,166

 

44,951

 

$

2.05

    

$

40,467

 

44,704

 

$

0.91

Effect of Dilutive Securities

Stock options and restricted stock units

 

-

 

323

 

-

 

515

Diluted EPS

Earnings available to common shareholders

 

$

92,166

 

45,274

 

$

2.04

 

$

40,467

 

45,219

 

$

0.89

Anti-dilutive options excluded from diluted EPS

94

-

For the Six-Month Period

For the Six-Month Period

Ended June 30, 2020

Ended June 30, 2019

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

 

$

30,899

 

44,936

 

$

0.69

 

$

105,940

 

44,620

 

$

2.37

Effect of Dilutive Securities

Stock options and restricted stock units

 

-

 

375

 

-

 

436

Diluted EPS

Earnings available to common shareholders

 

$

30,899

 

45,311

 

$

0.68

 

$

105,940

 

45,056

 

$

2.35

Anti-dilutive options excluded from diluted EPS

335

254

F. COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS

The amortized costOur comprehensive earnings include net earnings plus after-tax unrealized gains and fair value of available-for-sale securities at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows:

Available-for-sale

June 30, 2019

(in thousands)

    

Cost or

    

Gross

    

Gross

    

    

Amortized

Unrealized

Unrealized

Fair

Asset Class

    

Cost

    

Gains

    

Losses

    

Value

U.S. government

$

194,712

$

6,774

$

(101)

$

201,385

U.S. agency

29,708

1,987

-

31,695

Non-U.S. govt. & agency

9,249

192

(329)

9,112

Agency MBS

402,993

6,603

(1,400)

408,196

ABS/CMBS*

149,583

2,440

(147)

151,876

Corporate

701,358

27,072

(1,632)

726,798

Municipal

321,826

14,750

(25)

336,551

Total Fixed Income

$

1,809,429

$

59,818

$

(3,634)

$

1,865,613

Available-for-sale

December 31, 2018

(in thousands)

    

Cost or

    

Gross

    

Gross

    

    

Amortized

Unrealized

Unrealized

Fair

Asset Class

    

Cost

    

Gains

    

Losses

    

Value

U.S. government

$

199,982

$

1,232

$

(985)

$

200,229

U.S. agency

31,716

403

(215)

31,904

Non-U.S. govt. & agency

8,170

-

(531)

7,639

Agency MBS

402,992

1,709

(9,448)

395,253

ABS/CMBS*

137,224

375

(876)

136,723

Corporate

681,909

2,894

(16,124)

668,679

Municipal

314,472

6,926

(1,310)

320,088

Total Fixed Income

$

1,776,465

$

13,539

$

(29,489)

$

1,760,515

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

The following table presents the amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale debt securities by contractual maturity dates as of June 30, 2019:

June 30, 2019

Available-for-sale

Amortized

Fair

(in thousands)

    

Cost

    

Value

Due in one year or less

$

51,149

$

51,233

Due after one year through five years

400,628

410,544

Due after five years through 10 years

615,648

643,270

Due after 10 years

189,428

200,494

Mtge/ABS/CMBS*

552,576

560,072

Total available-for-sale

$

1,809,429

$

1,865,613

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

Unrealized Losseslosses on Fixed Income Securities

We conduct and document periodic reviews of allour fixed income securities with unrealized losses to evaluate whetherportfolio. In reporting other comprehensive earnings on a net basis in the impairment is other-than-temporary. The following tables arestatement of earnings, we used as partthe federal statutory tax rate of our impairment analysis and illustrate the total value of fixed income securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The tables segregate the securities based on type, noting the fair value, amortized cost and unrealized loss on each category of investment as well as in total. The tables further classify the securities based on the length of time they have been in an unrealized loss position. As of June 30, 2019, unrealized losses on fixed income securities,21 percent. Other comprehensive earnings, as shown in the following tables,consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive earnings, is net of tax expense of $14.2 million and $7.4 million for the second quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, other comprehensive earnings is net of tax expense of $10.8 million and $15.2 million, respectively.

Unrealized gains, net of tax, on the fixed income portfolio were 0.2 percent of total invested assets. Unrealized losses decreased through$40.5 million for the first six months of 2019, as2020, compared to $57.2 million during the same period last year. The unrealized gains were attributable to declining interest rates decreased from the end of 2018, increasingin both periods, which increased the fair value of securities held in the fixed income portfolio. For the first half of 2020, widening credit spreads partially offset the impact of the declining interest rates.

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

(in thousands)

For the Three-Month Periods

For the Six-Month Periods

Ended June 30,

Ended June 30,

Unrealized Gains/Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

Beginning balance

 

$

39,464

 

$

14,729

 

$

52,473

 

$

(14,572)

Cumulative-effect adjustment of ASU 2016-13 (see note 1.B.)

-

-

22

-

Adjusted beginning balance

$

39,464

$

14,729

$

52,495

$

(14,572)

Other comprehensive earnings before reclassifications

 

53,733

 

 

28,388

 

41,853

 

58,183

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive earnings

 

(162)

 

 

(524)

 

(1,313)

 

(1,018)

Net current-period other comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

$

53,571

 

$

27,864

 

$

40,540

 

$

57,165

Ending balance

 

$

93,035

 

$

42,593

 

$

93,035

 

$

42,593

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

$

1,752

 

$

-

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Credit losses on or the sale of an available-for-sale security results in amounts being reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive earnings to current period net earnings. We recognized $0.1 million of credit loss expense on available-for-sale securities in the second quarter of 2020 and $1.0 million in the first six months of 2020, increasing the allowance for credit losses on fixed income securities to $1.0 million. NaN write-offs or recoveries were applied to the allowances in the first half of 2020. The effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive earnings by the respective line items of net earnings are presented in the following table:

Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other

(in thousands)

Comprehensive Earnings

For the Three-Month

For the Six-Month

Component of Accumulated 

Periods Ended June 30, 

Periods Ended June 30, 

Affected line item in the

Other Comprehensive Earnings

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

    

Statement of Earnings

Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities

$

312

$

664

$

2,618

$

1,289

Net realized gains (losses)

(107)

-

(956)

-

Credit losses presented within net realized gains

$

205

$

664

$

1,662

$

1,289

Earnings before income taxes

(43)

(140)

(349)

(271)

Income tax expense

$

162

$

524

$

1,313

$

1,018

Net earnings

G. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Mortgage-backed Securities (MBS)/Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities (CMBS) and Asset-backed Securities (ABS): The pricing vendor evaluation methodology includes principally interest rate movements and new issue data. Evaluations of the tranches (non-volatile, volatile or credit sensitivity) are based on the pricing vendors’ interpretation of accepted modeling and pricing conventions. This information is used to determine the cash flows for each tranche, benchmark yields, prepayment assumptions and to incorporate collateral performance. To evaluate MBS and CMBS volatility, an option

10

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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 measurement.

For all of our fixed income securities classified as Level 2, as described above, we periodically conduct a review to assess the reasonableness of the fair values provided by our pricing services. Our review consists of a two-pronged approach. First, we compare prices provided by our pricing services to those provided by an additional source. In some cases, we obtain prices from securities brokers and compare them to the prices provided by our pricing services. In both comparisons, if discrepancies are found, 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 securities provided by our pricing services are reasonable.

Common Stock: As of June 30, 2020, all of our common stock holdings are 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).

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.

H. 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 has resulted in and is expected to continue to result in significant disruptions in economic activity and financial markets. The cumulative effects of COVID-19 on the Company, and the effect of any other public health outbreak, cannot be predicted at this time, but 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.

Catastrophe Exposures

Our catastrophe reinsurance treaty renewed on January 1, 2020. We purchased limits of $400 million in excess of $25 million first-dollar retention for earthquakes in California, $425 million in excess of $25 million first-dollar retention for earthquakes outside of California and $275 million in excess of $25 million first-dollar retention for all other perils. These amounts are subject to certain co-participations by the Company on losses in excess of the $25 million retentions. On March 1, 2020, we purchased $100 million of additional catastrophe reinsurance protection on top of the previously described coverage. This increases the limits to $500 million for earthquakes in California, $525 million for earthquakes outside of California and $375 for all other perils, all of which are still subject to $25 million first-dollar retentions and certain co-participations in excess of the retentions.

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 six-month periods ended June 30, 2020 and 2019:

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June 30, 2019

December 31, 2018

(in thousands)

    

< 12 Mos.

    

12 Mos. & 
Greater

    

Total

    

< 12 Mos.

    

12 Mos. & 
Greater

    

Total

U.S. government

Fair value

$

$

23,525

$

23,525

$

7,249

$

76,073

$

83,322

Amortized cost

23,626

23,626

7,270

77,037

84,307

Unrealized Loss

$

$

(101)

$

(101)

$

(21)

$

(964)

$

(985)

U.S. agency

Fair value

$

$

$

$

$

8,843

$

8,843

Amortized cost

9,058

9,058

Unrealized Loss

$

$

$

$

$

(215)

$

(215)

Non-U.S. government

Fair value

$

$

3,625

$

3,625

$

5,432

$

2,207

$

7,639

Amortized cost

3,954

3,954

5,571

2,599

8,170

Unrealized Loss

$

$

(329)

$

(329)

$

(139)

$

(392)

$

(531)

Agency MBS

Fair value

$

1

$

129,203

$

129,204

$

25,345

$

261,325

$

286,670

Amortized cost

1

130,603

130,604

25,486

270,632

296,118

Unrealized Loss

$

$

(1,400)

$

(1,400)

$

(141)

$

(9,307)

$

(9,448)

ABS/CMBS*

Fair value

$

16,755

$

11,628

$

28,383

$

46,918

$

32,137

$

79,055

Amortized cost

16,823

11,707

28,530

47,146

32,785

79,931

Unrealized Loss

$

(68)

$

(79)

$

(147)

$

(228)

$

(648)

$

(876)

Corporate

Fair value

$

44,618

$

32,689

$

77,307

$

306,177

$

147,751

$

453,928

Amortized cost

45,578

33,361

78,939

315,428

154,624

470,052

Unrealized Loss

$

(960)

$

(672)

$

(1,632)

$

(9,251)

$

(6,873)

$

(16,124)

Municipal

Fair value

$

$

8,146

$

8,146

$

6,036

$

55,681

$

61,717

Amortized cost

8,171

8,171

6,052

56,975

63,027

Unrealized Loss

$

$

(25)

$

(25)

$

(16)

$

(1,294)

$

(1,310)

Total fixed income

Fair value

$

61,374

$

208,816

$

270,190

$

397,157

$

584,017

$

981,174

Amortized cost

62,402

211,422

273,824

406,953

603,710

1,010,663

Unrealized Loss

$

(1,028)

$

(2,606)

$

(3,634)

$

(9,796)

$

(19,693)

$

(29,489)

SALES

Proceeds

Gross Realized

Net Realized

(in thousands)

 

From Sales

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

Gain (Loss)

2020

Available-for-sale

$

42,874

$

3,495

$

(1,162)

$

2,333

Equities

 

52,533

 

19,569

 

(6,732)

 

12,837

2019

Available-for-sale

$

133,473

$

2,346

$

(1,106)

$

1,240

Equities

 

33,360

 

13,016

 

(711)

 

12,305

CALLS/MATURITIES

Gross Realized

Net Realized

(in thousands)

    

Proceeds

    

Gains

    

Losses

    

Gain (Loss)

2020

Available-for-sale

$

121,911

$

294

$

(9)

$

285

2019

Available-for-sale

$

53,113

$

58

$

(9)

$

49

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are summarized below:

As of June 30, 2020

Fair Value Measurements Using

    

Quoted Prices in

    

Significant Other

    

Significant

    

    

Active Markets for

Observable

Unobservable

Identical Assets

Inputs

Inputs

(in thousands)

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

(Level 3)

    

Total

Fixed income securities - available-for-sale

U.S. government

$

$

186,838

$

$

186,838

U.S. agency

32,091

32,091

Non-U.S. govt. & agency

7,692

7,692

Agency MBS

409,167

409,167

ABS/CMBS*

218,507

218,507

Corporate

758,066

7,059

765,125

Municipal

455,673

455,673

Total fixed income securities - available-for-sale

$

$

2,068,034

$

7,059

$

2,075,093

Equity securities

422,198

422,198

Other invested assets

15,792

15,792

Total

$

437,990

$

2,068,034

$

7,059

$

2,513,083

As of December 31, 2019

Fair Value Measurements Using

Quoted Prices in

    

Significant Other

    

Significant

    

    

Active Markets for

Observable

Unobservable

Identical Assets

Inputs

Inputs

(in thousands)

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

(Level 3)

    

Total

Fixed income securities - available-for-sale

U.S. government

$

$

193,661

$

$

193,661

U.S. agency

38,855

38,855

Non-U.S. govt. & agency

7,628

7,628

Agency MBS

420,165

420,165

ABS/CMBS*

224,870

224,870

Corporate

690,297

1,770

692,067

Municipal

405,840

405,840

Total fixed income securities - available-for-sale

$

$

1,981,316

$

1,770

$

1,983,086

Equity securities

460,630

460,630

Total

$

460,630

$

1,981,316

$

1,770

$

2,443,716

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

The following table shows the composition of the fixed income securities in unrealized loss positions at June 30, 2019 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

$

203,150

$

201,403

$

(1,747)

48.1

%

2

BBB

Baa

21,914

21,213

(701)

19.3

%

3

BB

Ba

22,336

21,950

(386)

10.6

%

4

B

B

24,877

24,148

(729)

20.1

%

5

CCC

Caa

1,547

1,476

(71)

2.0

%

6

CC or lower

Ca or lower

-

-

-

-

%

Total

$

273,824

$

270,190

$

(3,634)

100.0

%

Evaluating Fixed Income Securities for OTTIAs of June 30, 2020, we had $7.1 million of Regulation D private placement fixed income securities whose fair value was measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The following table summarizes changes in the balance of these Level 3 securities.

Level 3

(in thousands)

Securities

Balance as of January 1, 2020

$

1,770

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

 

Included in net earnings as a part of:

Net investment income

(10)

Net realized gains (losses)

(96)

Included in other comprehensive earnings

 

(282)

Total net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

$

(388)

Purchases

5,677

Balance as of June 30, 2020

$

7,059

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

$

(96)

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

$

(282)

The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed income securities by contractual maturity as of June 30, 2020 were as follows:

June 30, 2020

Available-for-sale

Amortized

Fair

(in thousands)

    

Cost

    

Value

Due in one year or less

$

75,077

$

75,888

Due after one year through five years

472,458

495,968

Due after five years through 10 years

526,480

571,103

Due after 10 years

279,538

304,460

Mtge/ABS/CMBS*

602,584

627,674

Total available-for-sale

$

1,956,137

$

2,075,093

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

The fixed income portfolio contained 279amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are presented in an unrealized loss positionthe tables below. Amortized cost does not include the $14.1 million and $13.5 million of accrued interest receivable as of June 30, 2019. The $3.6 million2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

Available-for-sale

June 30, 2020

(in thousands)

    

Cost or

Allowance

    

Gross

    

Gross

    

    

Amortized

for Credit

Unrealized

Unrealized

Fair

Asset Class

    

Cost

Losses

Gains

    

Losses

    

Value

U.S. government

$

171,174

$

-

$

15,664

$

-

$

186,838

U.S. agency

27,913

-

4,178

-

32,091

Non-U.S. govt. & agency

7,316

-

401

(25)

7,692

Agency MBS

388,036

-

21,208

(77)

409,167

ABS/CMBS*

214,548

(54)

5,218

(1,205)

218,507

Corporate

717,748

(931)

54,610

(6,302)

765,125

Municipal

429,402

-

26,341

(70)

455,673

Total Fixed Income

$

1,956,137

$

(985)

$

127,620

$

(7,679)

$

2,075,093

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

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Available-for-sale

December 31, 2019

(in thousands)

    

Cost or

Allowance

    

Gross

    

Gross

    

    

Amortized

for Credit

Unrealized

Unrealized

Fair

Asset Class

    

Cost

Losses

    

Gains

    

Losses

    

Value

U.S. government

$

186,699

$

-

$

6,994

$

(32)

$

193,661

U.S. agency

36,535

-

2,362

(42)

38,855

Non-U.S. govt. & agency

7,333

-

295

-

7,628

Agency MBS

411,808

-

8,920

(563)

420,165

ABS/CMBS*

222,832

-

2,514

(476)

224,870

Corporate

659,640

-

33,245

(818)

692,067

Municipal

390,431

-

16,131

(722)

405,840

Total Fixed Income

$

1,915,278

$

-

$

70,461

$

(2,653)

$

1,983,086

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

Allowance for Credit Losses and Unrealized Losses on Fixed Income Securities

We adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, on January 1, 2020, which required the recognition of a reversible allowance for credit losses on available-for-sale fixed income securities. See note 1. B. for more information on the adoption of the ASU. Available-for-sale securities in associated unrealized losses represents 0.2 percent of the fixed income portfolio’s cost basis. Of these 279portfolio are subjected to several criteria to determine if those securities 122 have beenshould 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 securities fair value is below amortized cost.

As of June 30, 2020, the discounted cash flow analysis resulted in an unrealized loss positionallowance for 12 consecutive months or longer.credit losses on 36 securities totaling $1.0 million. All fixed income securities in the investment portfolio continue to pay the expected coupon payments under the contractual terms of the securities. Any credit-related impairment on fixed income securities we do not plan to sell and for which we are not more likely than not to be required to sell is recognized in net earnings, with the non-credit related impairment recognized in comprehensive earnings. Based on our analysis, our fixed income portfolio is of high credit quality and we believe we will recover the amortized cost basis on the available-for-sale securities not included in the allowance for credit losses. We do not intend to sell the available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the investments before recovery of our fixed income securities.the amortized cost basis. We continually monitor the credit quality of our fixed income investments to assess if it is probable that we will receive our contractual or estimated cash flows in the form of principal and interest.

Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, we conducted reviews of fixed income securities with unrealized losses to evaluate whether an impairment was other-than-temporary. Any credit-related impairment on fixed income securities we did not plan to sell and for which we were not more likely than not to be required to sell were recognized in net earnings, with the non-credit related impairment recognized in comprehensive earnings. We did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses in earnings on the fixed income portfolio in the first six months of 2019. Comparatively, we recognized $0.1 million

As of June 30, 2020, in OTTI losses in earnings on one fixed income security that we no longer hadaddition to the intent to holdsecurities included in the same period in 2018. There were no OTTIallowance for credit losses, recognized in other comprehensive earnings on the fixed income portfolio contained 249 securities with an unrealized loss position for which an allowance for credit losses had not been recorded. The $7.7 million in associated unrealized losses represents 0.4 percent of the periods presented.fixed income portfolio’s cost basis and 0.3 percent of total invested assets. Isolated to these securities, unrealized losses increased through the first six months of 2020, as increased credit

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spreads more than offset declines in interest rates during the period, primarily in the corporate portfolio. Of the total 285 securities, 32 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 June 30, 2020, after factoring in the allowance for credit losses, and December 31, 2019.

June 30, 2020

December 31, 2019

(in thousands)

    

< 12 Mos.

    

12 Mos. & 
Greater

    

Total

    

< 12 Mos.

    

12 Mos. & 
Greater

    

Total

U.S. government

Fair value

$

$

$

$

2,505

$

8,463

$

10,968

Amortized cost

2,506

8,494

11,000

Unrealized Loss

$

$

$

$

(1)

$

(31)

$

(32)

U.S. agency

Fair value

$

$

$

$

6,794

$

$

6,794

Amortized cost

6,836

6,836

Unrealized Loss

$

$

$

$

(42)

$

$

(42)

Non-U.S. government

Fair value

$

1,995

$

$

1,995

$

$

$

Amortized cost

2,020

2,020

Unrealized Loss

$

(25)

$

$

(25)

$

$

$

Agency MBS

Fair value

$

22,294

$

468

$

22,762

$

21,548

$

41,718

$

63,266

Amortized cost

22,368

471

22,839

21,664

42,165

63,829

Unrealized Loss

$

(74)

$

(3)

$

(77)

$

(116)

$

(447)

$

(563)

ABS/CMBS*

Fair value

$

34,445

$

15,578

$

50,023

$

74,968

$

18,036

$

93,004

Amortized cost

35,297

15,931

51,228

75,332

18,148

93,480

Unrealized Loss

$

(852)

$

(353)

$

(1,205)

$

(364)

$

(112)

$

(476)

Corporate

Fair value

$

110,503

$

5,185

$

115,688

$

16,478

$

9,348

$

25,826

Amortized cost

116,140

5,850

121,990

16,950

9,694

26,644

Unrealized Loss

$

(5,637)

$

(665)

$

(6,302)

$

(472)

$

(346)

$

(818)

Municipal

Fair value

$

12,038

$

$

12,038

$

47,018

$

$

47,018

Amortized cost

12,108

12,108

47,740

47,740

Unrealized Loss

$

(70)

$

$

(70)

$

(722)

$

$

(722)

Total fixed income

Fair value

$

181,275

$

21,231

$

202,506

$

169,311

$

77,565

$

246,876

Amortized cost

187,933

22,252

210,185

171,028

78,501

249,529

Unrealized Loss

$

(6,658)

$

(1,021)

$

(7,679)

$

(1,717)

$

(936)

$

(2,653)

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

The following table shows the composition of the fixed income securities in unrealized loss positions, after factoring in the allowance for credit losses, at June 30, 2020 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

$

100,257

$

98,089

$

(2,168)

28.2

%

2

BBB

Baa

10,076

9,860

(216)

2.8

%

3

BB

Ba

51,161

49,264

(1,897)

24.7

%

4

B

B

42,541

40,086

(2,455)

32.0

%

5

CCC

Caa

5,822

5,019

(803)

10.5

%

6

CC or lower

Ca or lower

328

188

(140)

1.8

%

Total

$

210,185

$

202,506

$

(7,679)

100.0

%

Unrealized Gains and Losses on Equity Securities

Unrealized gains recognized on equity securities still held as of June 30, 2020 were $72.4 million during the second quarter, while unrealized losses were $42.9 million during the first half of 2020. Comparatively, unrealized gains recognized on equity securities still held as of June 30, 2019 were $12.9 million during the second quarter and $54.8 million during the first half of 2019. Comparatively, unrealized gains recognized on equity securities still held as of June 30, 2018 were $9.1 million during the second quarter, while unrealized losses were $4.8 million during the first half of 2018.

Other Invested Assets

We had $55.2$63.4 million of other invested assets at June 30, 2019,2020, compared to $51.5$70.4 million at the end of 2018.2019. Other invested assets include investments in low income housing tax credit partnerships (LIHTC), membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBC), investments in private funds and investments in private funds.restricted stock. 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. Restricted stock is carried at quoted market prices, as the restrictions expire within one year.

Our LIHTC interests had a balance of $19.4$21.6 million at June 30, 2019,2020, compared to $20.3$23.3 million at December 31, 20182019 and recognized a total tax benefit of $0.6$0.9 million during the second quarter of 2019, the same as2020, compared to $0.6 million the prior year. For the six-month periods ended June 30, 20192020 and 2018,2019, our LIHTC interestsinterest recognized a total benefit of $1.2$1.8 million and $1.1$1.2 million, respectively. Our unfunded commitment for our LIHTC investments totaled $7.1$7.4 million at June 30, 20192020 and will be paid out in installments through 2035.

As of June 30, 2019, $16.32020, $14.6 million of investments were pledged as collateral with the FHLBC to ensure timely access to the secured lending facility that ownership of FHLBC stock provides. As of and during the six monthsix-month period endingended June 30, 2019,2020, there were no0 outstanding borrowings with the FHLBC.

We had $12.4 million of unfunded commitments related to ourOur investments in private funds totaled $24.4 million at June 30, 2019. Additionally, our2020, compared to $46.0 million at December 31, 2019, and we had $10.4 million of associated unfunded commitments at June 30, 2020. Our interest in these investmentsprivate funds is generally restricted from being transferred or otherwise redeemed without prior consent by the respective entities. An IPO would allow forDuring the transferfirst quarter of interest2020, one of the private funds transitioned into a publicly traded common stock. Short term restrictions, limiting our ability to sell without prior approval, were established and remain in some situations, whileplace. Our investment in restricted stock was $15.8 million as of June 30, 2020. For our remaining investments in private funds, the timed dissolution of the partnershippartnerships would trigger redemption in others.redemption.

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Cash and Short-term Investments

Cash consists of uninvested balances in bank accounts. We had a cash balance of $24.8$84.8 million at June 30, 2019,2020, compared to $30.1$46.2 million at the end of 2018. As of June 30, 2019, we had $47.4 million of short-term investments that were carried at cost and approximated fair value, compared to $11.6 million at December 31, 2018.2019.

3. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Fair value is defined as the price in the principal market that would be received for an asset to facilitate an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. We determined the fair value of certain financial instruments based on their underlying characteristics and relevant transactions in the marketplace. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

For all of our fixed income securities classified as Level 2, as described above, we periodically conduct a review to assess the reasonableness of the fair values provided by our pricing services. Our review consists of a two-pronged approach. First, we compare prices provided by our pricing services to those provided by an additional source. In some cases, we obtain prices from securities brokers and compare them to the prices provided by our pricing services. In both comparisons, if discrepancies are found, 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 securities provided by our pricing services are reasonable.

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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 six months of 2020 and 2019:

For the Six-Month Periods

Ended June 30,

(in thousands)

    

2020

    

2019

Unpaid losses and LAE at beginning of year

Gross

$

1,574,352

$

1,461,348

Ceded

 

(384,517)

 

(364,999)

Net

$

1,189,835

$

1,096,349

Adoption impact of ASU 2016-13 on reinsurance balances recoverable

$

(1,345)

$

Increase (decrease) in incurred losses and LAE

Current accident year

$

253,031

$

239,053

Prior accident years

 

(40,808)

 

(40,837)

Total incurred

$

212,223

$

198,216

Loss and LAE payments for claims incurred

Current accident year

$

(25,588)

$

(23,624)

Prior accident years

 

(148,885)

 

(126,972)

Total paid

$

(174,473)

$

(150,596)

Net unpaid losses and LAE at June 30

$

1,226,240

$

1,143,969

Unpaid losses and LAE at June 30

Gross

$

1,590,996

$

1,506,279

Ceded

 

(364,756)

 

(362,310)

Net

$

1,226,240

$

1,143,969

We adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, on January 1, 2020, which required financial assets, including reinsurance balances recoverable, to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. We previously maintained an allowance for uncollectible reinsurance balances prior to the adoption of this update. However, in order to comply with the updated requirements, we released $1.3 million of the allowance on uncollectible reinsurance balances upon adoption. The implementation guidance required the cumulative-effect adjustment be made to the beginning balance of retained earnings, rather than through net earnings like historical changes have and ongoing modifications will continue to be recorded. See note 1. B. for more information on the adoption of the ASU.

For the first six months of 2020, incurred losses and LAE included $40.8 million of favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves. The majority of products experienced modest amounts of favorable development on prior accident years, with notable contributions from transportation, executive products, general liability, marine, small commercial and surety. No products experienced significant adverse development.

For the first six months of 2019, incurred losses and LAE included $40.8 million of favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves. Transportation, general liability, commercial excess and personal umbrella, professional services and surety were drivers of the favorable development. Executive products experienced adverse development.

Actuarial models base future emergence on historic experience, with adjustments for current trends, and the appropriateness of these assumptions involved more uncertainty as of June 30, 2020. We expect there will be impacts to the timing of loss emergence and ultimate loss ratios for certain coverages we underwrite as a result of the spread of COVID-19 and the related economic shutdown. The industry is experiencing new issues, including the postponement of civil court cases, the extension of various statutes of limitations, changes in settlement trends and a significant reduction in economic activity and insured exposure in some classes. 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.

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Common Stock: All but one of our common stock holdings are 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 security not traded on an exchange is provided by a third-party pricing source and is 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 investment’s net asset value per share and are not categorized within the fair value hierarchy.

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

As of June 30, 2019

Fair Value Measurements Using

    

Quoted Prices in

    

Significant Other

    

Significant

    

    

Active Markets for

Observable

Unobservable

Identical Assets

Inputs

Inputs

(in thousands)

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

(Level 3)

    

Total

Fixed income securities - available-for-sale

U.S. government

$

$

201,385

$

$

201,385

U.S. agency

31,695

31,695

Non-U.S. govt. & agency

9,112

9,112

Agency MBS

408,196

408,196

ABS/CMBS*

151,876

151,876

Corporate

726,798

726,798

Municipal

336,551

336,551

Total fixed income securities - available-for-sale

$

$

1,865,613

$

$

1,865,613

Equity securities

421,298

503

421,801

Total

$

421,298

$

1,866,116

$

$

2,287,414

As of December 31, 2018

Fair Value Measurements Using

Quoted Prices in

    

Significant Other

    

Significant

    

    

Active Markets for

Observable

Unobservable

Identical Assets

Inputs

Inputs

(in thousands)

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

(Level 3)

    

Total

Fixed income securities - available-for-sale

U.S. government

$

$

200,229

$

$

200,229

U.S. agency

31,904

31,904

Non-U.S. govt. & agency

7,639

7,639

Agency MBS

395,253

395,253

ABS/CMBS*

136,723

136,723

Corporate

668,679

668,679

Municipal

320,088

320,088

Total fixed income securities - available-for-sale

$

$

1,760,515

$

$

1,760,515

Equity securities

339,985

498

340,483

Total

$

339,985

$

1,761,013

$

$

2,100,998

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

As noted in the above table, we did not have any assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the period. Additionally, there were no securities transferred in or out of Levels 1 or 2 during the six-month period ended June 30, 2019.

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4. HISTORICAL LOSS AND LAE DEVELOPMENT

The following table is a reconciliation of our unpaid losses and settlement expenses (LAE) for the first six months of 2019 and 2018:

For the Six-Month Periods

 

Ended June 30,

(in thousands)

    

2019

    

2018

Unpaid losses and LAE at beginning of year

Gross

$

1,461,348

$

1,271,503

Ceded

 

(364,999)

 

(301,991)

Net

$

1,096,349

$

969,512

Increase (decrease) in incurred losses and LAE

Current accident year

$

239,053

$

222,121

Prior accident years

 

(40,837)

 

(28,047)

Total incurred

$

198,216

$

194,074

Loss and LAE payments for claims incurred

Current accident year

$

(23,624)

$

(16,805)

Prior accident years

 

(126,972)

 

(118,650)

Total paid

$

(150,596)

$

(135,455)

Net unpaid losses and LAE at June 30

$

1,143,969

$

1,028,131

Unpaid losses and LAE at June 30

Gross

$

1,506,279

$

1,343,248

Ceded

 

(362,310)

 

(315,117)

Net

$

1,143,969

$

1,028,131

For the first six months of 2019, incurred losses and LAE included $40.8 million of favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves. The majority of products experienced modest amounts of favorable development on prior accident years, with notable contributions from transportation, general liability, commercial excess and personal umbrella, professional services and surety. Executive products was the exception and experienced adverse development.

For the first six months of 2018, incurred losses and LAE included $28.0 million of favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves. Commercial excess and personal umbrella, general liability, marine and surety were drivers of the favorable development. Executive products, transportation and medical professional liability experienced adverse development.

5. INCOME TAXES

Our effective tax rate for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 20192020 was 19.8 percent and 13.0 percent, respectively, compared to 17.1 percent and 18.9 percent, respectively, compared to 16.0 percent and 15.7 percent, respectively, for the same periods in 2018.2019. Effective rates are dependent upon components of pretax earnings and the related tax effects. The effective rate was higher for the first six months of 2019three-month period in 2020 due largely to higher levels of pre-tax earnings whichand lower levels of tax-favored adjustments compared to 2019. For the six-month period, lower levels of pre-tax earnings caused the tax-favored adjustments to be smallerlarger on a percentage basis in 20192020 compared to the prior year.

Income tax expense (benefit) attributable to income from operations for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 20192020 and 20182019 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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For the Three-Month Periods Ended June 30,

 

For the Six-Month Periods Ended June 30,

For the Three-Month Periods Ended June 30,

 

For the Six-Month Periods Ended June 30,

2019

2018

2019

2018

2020

2019

2020

2019

(in thousands)

    

Amount

    

  %  

    

    

Amount

    

  %  

    

Amount

    

  %  

    

Amount

    

  %  

 

Amount

 

%

    

 

Amount

 

%

 

Amount

 

%

    

Amount

 

%

Provision for income taxes at the statutory rate of 21%

$

10,254

21.0

%

$

8,308

21.0

%

$

27,419

21.0

%

$

11,327

21.0

%

$

24,124

21.0

%

$

10,254

21.0

%

$

7,458

21.0

%

$

27,419

21.0

%

Increase (reduction) in taxes resulting from:

Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation

(2,191)

(4.5)

%

(924)

(2.3)

%

(2,932)

(2.3)

%

(2,067)

(3.9)

%

(265)

(0.2)

%

(2,191)

(4.5)

%

(1,293)

(3.6)

%

(2,932)

(2.3)

%

Tax exempt interest income

(309)

(0.6)

%

(504)

(1.3)

%

(654)

(0.5)

%

(1,085)

(2.0)

%

(323)

(0.3)

%

(309)

(0.6)

%

(636)

(1.8)

%

(654)

(0.5)

%

Dividends received deduction

(214)

(0.4)

%

(169)

(0.4)

%

(417)

(0.3)

%

(366)

(0.7)

%

(212)

(0.2)

%

(214)

(0.4)

%

(484)

(1.4)

%

(417)

(0.3)

%

ESOP dividends paid deduction

(140)

(0.3)

%

(145)

(0.4)

%

(277)

(0.2)

%

(284)

(0.5)

%

(137)

(0.1)

%

(140)

(0.3)

%

(269)

(0.8)

%

(277)

(0.2)

%

Nondeductible expenses

161

0.1

%

414

0.8

%

364

1.0

%

922

0.7

%

Other items, net

961

1.9

%

(255)

(0.6)

%

1,490

1.2

%

948

1.8

%

(635)

(0.5)

%

547

1.1

%

(524)

(1.4)

%

568

0.5

%

Total tax expense

$

8,361

17.1

%

$

6,311

16.0

%

$

24,629

18.9

%

$

8,473

15.7

%

Total tax expense (benefit)

$

22,713

19.8

%

$

8,361

17.1

%

$

4,616

13.0

%

$

24,629

18.9

%

6.5. 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 2,217,710 awardsawarded 2,312,835 stock options and restricted stock units under the 2015 LTIP, including 314,080 thus far in 2019.LTIP.

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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The following tables summarize option activity for the six-month periods ended June 30, 20192020 and 2018:2019:

    

    

    

    

Weighted

    

    

Weighted

Average

Aggregate

Number of

Average

Remaining

Intrinsic

Options

Exercise

Contractual

Value

    

Outstanding

    

Price

    

Life

    

(in 000’s)

Outstanding options at January 1, 2020

1,667,290

$

62.52

Options granted

30,375

94.62

Options exercised

(72,180)

45.92

$

3,181

Options canceled/forfeited

(2,370)

66.57

Outstanding options at June 30, 2020

1,623,115

$

63.86

4.82

$

30,819

Exercisable options at June 30, 2020

878,335

$

57.70

3.89

$

21,544

    

    

    

    

Weighted

    

    

    

    

    

    

Weighted

    

    

Weighted

Average

Aggregate

Weighted

Average

Aggregate

Number of

Average

Remaining

Intrinsic

Number of

Average

Remaining

Intrinsic

Options

Exercise

Contractual

Value

Options

Exercise

Contractual

Value

    

Outstanding

    

Price

    

Life

    

(in 000’s)

    

Outstanding

    

Price

    

Life

    

(in 000’s)

Outstanding options at January 1, 2019

1,964,880

$

54.24

1,964,880

$

54.24

Options granted

292,150

$

80.36

292,150

80.36

Options exercised

(414,470)

$

44.70

$

14,941

(414,470)

44.70

$

14,941

Options canceled/forfeited

(33,600)

$

57.61

(33,600)

57.61

Outstanding options at June 30, 2019

1,808,960

$

60.59

5.57

$

45,448

1,808,960

$

60.59

5.57

$

45,448

Exercisable options at June 30, 2019

672,110

$

52.17

4.21

$

22,544

672,110

$

52.17

4.21

$

22,544

    

    

    

    

Weighted

    

    

Weighted

Average

Aggregate

Number of

Average

Remaining

Intrinsic

Options

Exercise

Contractual

Value

    

Outstanding

    

Price

    

Life

    

(in 000’s)

Outstanding options at January 1, 2018

2,257,015

$

46.80

Options granted

367,500

$

63.27

Options exercised

(337,000)

$

31.60

$

11,151

Options canceled/forfeited

(5,200)

$

62.04

Outstanding options at June 30, 2018

2,282,315

$

51.66

5.34

$

33,224

Exercisable options at June 30, 2018

996,265

$

44.04

3.89

$

22,089

TheThrough 2019, the majority of our annual stock options are granted annuallyoption grants were authorized at our regular board meeting in May. In addition, options are approved at the May meeting for quarterly grants to certain retirement eligible employees.employees were historically authorized at the May meeting. Since stock option grants to retirement eligible employees are fully expensed when issued, the approach allowsallowed for a more even expense distribution throughout the year. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic created economic uncertainty and the Company deemed it prudent to defer any decision on whether to grant stock options until a later date. The options granted in the six-month period ended June 30, 2020 related to the quarterly grants authorized at the May 2019 board meeting.

Thus far in 2019, 292,150In the first six months of 2020, 30,375 stock options were granted with a weighted average exercise price of $80.36$94.62 and a weighted average fair value of $13.33.$14.48. We recognized $0.6 million of expense in the second quarter of 2020 and $1.6 million in the first six months of 2020 related to options vesting. Since options granted under our 2015 LTIP are non-qualified, we recorded a tax benefit of $0.1 million in the second quarter of 2020 and $0.3 million in the first six months of 2020 related to this compensation expense. Total unrecognized compensation expense relating to outstanding and unvested options was $3.6 million, which will be recognized over the remainder of the vesting period. Comparatively, we recognized $1.4 million of compensation expense in the second quarter of 2019 and $2.4 million in the first six months of 2019 related to options vesting. Since options granted under our 2015 LTIP are non-qualified, we2019. We recorded a tax benefit of $0.3 million in the second quarter of 2019 and $0.5 million in the first six months of 2019 related to this compensation expense. Total unrecognized compensation expense relating to outstanding and unvested options was $6.7 million, which will be recognized over the remainder of the vesting period. Comparatively, we recognized $1.3 million of compensation expense in the second quarter of 2018 and $2.3 million in the first six months of 2018. We recorded a tax benefit of $0.3 million in the second quarter of 2018 and $0.5 million in the first six months of 2018 related to this compensation expense.

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

    

2019

    

2018

 

    

2020

    

2019

 

Weighted-average fair value of grants

$

13.33

$

10.20

$

14.48

$

13.33

Risk-free interest rates

2.42

%

2.69

%

1.54

%

2.42

%

Dividend yield

2.69

%

3.15

%

2.69

%

2.69

%

Expected volatility

22.71

%

22.88

%

22.68

%

22.71

%

Expected option life

4.96

years

5.06

years

4.99

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

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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.

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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. Generally, theseThese units generally have a three-year cliff vesting. Whenvesting, but have an accelerated vesting feature for participants terminate employment withwho are retirement eligible, defined by the Company after having met the definition of retirement under the 2015 LTIP, definedplan as those individuals whose age and years of service equals 75, the RSUs will become fully vested.75. 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. RSUs are generally granted at our regular board meeting in May. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic created economic uncertainty and the Company deferred the decision on whether to grant RSUs to employees and outside directors until a later date.

As of June 30, 2019,2020, 45,350 RSUs have been granted to employees under the 2015 LTIP including 15,275 in 2019, and 44,43128,946 remain outstanding. We recognized $0.2$0.1 million of expense on these units in the second quarter of 2020 and $0.3 million in the first six months of 2020. Total unrecognized compensation expense relating to outstanding and unvested RSUs was $0.6 million, which will be recognized over the remainder of the vesting period. Comparatively, we recognized $0.2 million in the second quarter of 2019 and $0.3 million in the first six months of 2019. Total unrecognized compensation expense relating to outstanding and unvested RSUs was $1.5 million, which will be recognized over the remainder of the vesting period. Comparatively, we recognized $0.1 million of expense in the second quarter of 2018 and $0.2 million in the first six months of 2018.

In 2018 and 2019, each outside director received RSUs with a fair market value of $50,000that approximated $50 thousand on the date of grant as part of annual director compensation. Director RSUs vest one year from the date of grant. As of June 30, 2019,2020, 15,085 restricted stock units have been granted to directors under the 2015 LTIP including 6,655 in 2019, and 7,402NaN remain outstanding. We recognized less than $0.1 million of compensation expense on these units in the second quarter of 2020 and $0.2 million in the first six months of 2020. Comparatively, we recognized $0.2 million of compensation expense on these units in the second quarter of 2019 and $0.3 million in the first six months of 2019. Total unrecognized compensation expense relating to outstanding and unvested director RSUs was $0.4 million, which will be recognized over the remainder of the vesting period. Comparatively, we recognized $0.1 million of compensation expense for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018.

7.6. 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.

For the Three-Month Periods

For the Six-Month Periods

For the Three-Month Periods

For the Six-Month Periods

REVENUES

Ended June 30,

Ended June 30,

Ended June 30,

Ended June 30,

(in thousands)

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

Casualty

$

138,344

$

129,613

$

275,244

$

255,463

$

135,215

$

138,344

$

278,635

$

275,244

Property

39,972

37,190

78,718

72,372

45,387

39,972

89,735

78,718

Surety

29,225

29,719

58,268

58,714

28,132

29,225

55,946

58,268

Net premiums earned

$

207,541

$

196,522

$

412,230

$

386,549

$

208,734

$

207,541

$

424,316

$

412,230

Net investment income

16,998

14,577

33,563

28,809

16,917

16,998

34,695

33,563

Net realized gains

4,764

20,849

13,832

29,253

Net realized gains (losses)

(2,109)

4,764

13,043

13,832

Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities

8,810

(12,611)

42,308

(39,383)

74,705

8,810

(55,690)

42,308

Total consolidated revenue

$

238,113

$

219,337

$

501,933

$

405,228

$

298,247

$

238,113

$

416,364

$

501,933

NET EARNINGS

NET EARNINGS (LOSS)

(in thousands)

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

Casualty

$

6,939

$

2,854

$

12,282

$

4,415

$

9,733

$

6,939

$

8,410

$

12,282

Property

(436)

3,647

7,810

9,529

6,167

(436)

16,075

7,810

Surety

8,429

7,645

17,273

17,689

8,263

8,429

16,917

17,273

Net underwriting income

$

14,932

$

14,146

$

37,365

$

31,633

$

24,163

$

14,932

$

41,402

$

37,365

Net investment income

16,998

14,577

33,563

28,809

16,917

16,998

34,695

33,563

Net realized gains

4,764

20,849

13,832

29,253

Net realized gains (losses)

(2,109)

4,764

13,043

13,832

Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities

8,810

(12,611)

42,308

(39,383)

74,705

8,810

(55,690)

42,308

General corporate expense and interest on debt

(5,144)

(4,499)

(10,281)

(8,638)

(3,897)

(5,144)

(7,549)

(10,281)

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees

8,468

7,100

13,782

12,266

5,100

8,468

9,614

13,782

Total earnings before income taxes

$

48,828

$

39,562

$

130,569

$

53,940

Earnings before income taxes

$

114,879

$

48,828

$

35,515

$

130,569

Income tax expense

8,361

6,311

24,629

8,473

22,713

8,361

4,616

24,629

Total net earnings

$

40,467

$

33,251

$

105,940

$

45,467

Net earnings

$

92,166

$

40,467

$

30,899

$

105,940

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

For the Three-Month Periods

For the Six-Month Periods

For the Three-Month Periods

For the Six-Month Periods

NET PREMIUMS EARNED

Ended June 30,

Ended June 30,

Ended June 30,

Ended June 30,

(in thousands)

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

Casualty

Commercial excess and personal umbrella

$

34,340

$

30,649

$

66,621

$

60,601

$

42,321

$

34,340

$

82,409

$

66,621

General liability

25,347

23,338

49,235

46,503

22,651

25,347

46,649

49,235

Professional services

21,384

19,275

42,079

39,574

Commercial transportation

20,508

20,648

40,912

39,823

11,139

20,508

32,324

40,912

Professional services

19,275

19,846

39,574

39,669

Small commercial

13,315

12,901

26,503

25,791

15,791

13,315

31,424

26,503

Executive products

6,381

5,144

12,450

10,196

6,975

6,381

14,306

12,450

Other casualty

19,178

17,087

39,949

32,880

14,954

19,178

29,444

39,949

Total

$

138,344

$

129,613

$

275,244

$

255,463

$

135,215

$

138,344

$

278,635

$

275,244

Property

Marine

$

18,579

$

14,941

$

35,600

$

28,798

$

20,712

$

18,579

$

40,289

$

35,600

Commercial property

16,275

17,856

33,150

34,807

19,048

16,275

38,203

33,150

Specialty personal

4,792

4,129

9,376

8,271

4,936

4,792

9,936

9,376

Other property

326

264

592

496

691

326

1,307

592

Total

$

39,972

$

37,190

$

78,718

$

72,372

$

45,387

$

39,972

$

89,735

$

78,718

Surety

Commercial

$

10,806

$

10,975

$

21,744

$

21,787

Miscellaneous

$

11,280

$

11,719

$

22,882

$

23,361

10,499

11,280

21,015

22,882

Commercial

7,077

6,761

13,811

13,474

Contract

6,970

7,012

13,599

13,358

6,827

6,970

13,187

13,599

Energy

3,898

4,227

7,976

8,521

Total

$

29,225

$

29,719

$

58,268

$

58,714

$

28,132

$

29,225

$

55,946

$

58,268

Grand Total

$

207,541

$

196,522

$

412,230

$

386,549

$

208,734

$

207,541

$

424,316

$

412,230

8.7. LEASES

We adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases on January 1, 2019, which resulted in the recognition of operating leases on the balance sheet in 2019 and forward. See note 1c for more information on the adoption of the ASU. 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 operating lease right-of-useROU 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. Lease expenseOperating 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. Our leases have remaining lease terms of 1 to 1615 years. Expenses associated with leases totaled $6.9 million in 2018, $6.8 million in 2017 and $6.4 million in 2016. The components of lease expense and other lease information as of and during the three and six-month periodperiods ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:

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For the Three-Month Period

For the Six-Month Period

(in thousands)

Ended June 30, 2019

    

Ended June 30, 2019

Operating lease cost

$

1,445

$

2,927

Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of lease liabilities

Operating cash flows from operating leases

$

1,402

$

2,797

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities

$

231

$

951

Reduction to right-of-use assets resulting from reduction to lease liabilities

$

1,279

$

1,279

For the Three-Month Periods

For the Six-Month Periods

Ended June 30,

Ended June 30,

(in thousands)

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

Operating lease cost

$

1,370

$

1,445

$

2,776

$

2,927

Variable lease cost

320

892

675

1,210

Sublease income

(42)

-

(42)

-

Total lease cost

$

1,648

$

2,337

$

3,409

$

4,137

Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of lease liabilities

Operating cash outflows from operating leases

$

1,503

$

1,402

$

2,990

$

2,797

ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities

$

-

$

231

$

15

$

951

Reduction to ROU assets resulting from reduction to lease liabilities

$

-

$

1,279

$

-

$

1,279

Other non-cash reductions to ROU assets

$

-

$

-

$

1,192

$

-

(in thousands)

June 30, 2019

June 30, 2020

    

December 31, 2019

Operating lease right-of-use assets

$

24,449

Operating lease ROU assets

$

18,648

$

22,335

Operating lease liabilities

$

26,640

$

21,766

$

24,475

Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases

5.13

years

4.26

years

4.69

years

Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases

2.33

%

2.34

%

2.33

%

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 20182020 were as follows:

(in thousands)

June 30, 2019

December 31, 2018

June 30, 2020

2019

$

2,915

$

5,911

2020

5,914

6,019

$

3,002

2021

5,819

5,924

5,976

2022

5,753

5,884

5,904

2023

4,297

4,459

4,386

2024

2,334

Thereafter

3,700

3,968

1,365

Total future minimum lease payments

$

28,398

$

32,165

$

22,967

Less imputed interest

(1,758)

N/A

(1,201)

Total operating lease liability

$

26,640

N/A

$

21,766

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

“SAFE HARBOR” STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995: This discussion and analysis may contain forward-lookingForward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 thatappear throughout this report. These statements relate to our current expectations, beliefs, intentions, goals or strategies regarding the future and are not historical facts,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 involvesimilar 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 and are subject to various risks, uncertainties and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially fromother factors, including, without limitation those expected and projected. Various risk factors that could affect future results are listedset forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including“Item 1A. Risk Factors” within the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2019 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.

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OVERVIEW

RLI Corp. (the Company) was founded in 1965. We underwriteis a U.S.-based, specialty insurance company that underwrites select property and casualty insurance through major subsidiaries collectively known as RLI Insurance Group (the Group)(Group). We conduct operations principally through three insurance companies. RLI Insurance Company (RLI Ins.), a subsidiary of RLI Corp.Our focus is on niche markets and our principal insurance subsidiary, writes multiple lines of insurance on an admitted basis in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam. Mt. Hawley Insurance Company (Mt. Hawley), a subsidiary of RLI Ins., writes excess and surplus lines insurance on a non-admitted basis in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam. Contractors Bonding and Insurance Company (CBIC), a subsidiary of RLI Ins., writes multiple lines of insurance on an admitted basis in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Each of our insurance companies is domiciled in Illinois.

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

The foundation of our overall business strategy is to underwrite for profit in all market conditions andconditions. In 2019, we have achieved this for 23our 24th consecutive years, averagingyear of underwriting profitability. Over the 24 year period, we averaged an 88.188.3 combined ratio over that period of time.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. Our investment strategy is based on preservation of capital as the first priority, with a secondary focus on generating total return. The fixed income portfolio consists primarily of highly-rated, diversified, liquid, investment-grade securities. Consistent underwriting income allows a portion of our investment portfolio to be invested in equity securities and other risk asset classes. Our equity portfolio consists of a core stock portfolio weighted toward dividend-paying stocks, as well as exchange traded funds (ETFs). Our minority equity ownership interests in Maui Jim, Inc. (Maui Jim), a manufacturer of high-quality sunglasses, and Prime Holdings Insurance Services, Inc. (Prime), a specialty insurance company, have also enhanced financial results. We have a diversified investment portfolio and closely monitor our investment risks. Despite periodic fluctuations in market value, our equity portfolio is part of a long-term asset allocation strategy and has contributed significantly to our historic growth in book value.

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. In evaluating the objective performance measures previously mentioned, it is important to consider the following individual characteristics of each major insurance segment.

The casualty portion of our business consists largely of commercial 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 offer fidelity and crime coverage for commercial insureds and select financial institutions. We exited the medical professional liability business in 2019 as losses had exceeded our expectations and our assessmentassume a limited amount of the competitive environment did not supporthard-to-place risks through a conclusion that an underwriting profit could be achieved in the near term.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.

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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 hurricanes.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 consistent policy terms and conditions throughout marketinsurance cycles. We also use computer-assisted modeling techniques to provide estimates that help usthe 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, as well as those for the energy, petrochemicalincluding payment and refining industries.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 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 intensely competitive across all of our segments. Despite challenges that exist in today’s marketplace,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.

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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 betterfurther 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.

FollowingThe 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 on page 20 ofin note 6 to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and in note 1112 to the consolidated financial statements in our 20182019 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 gain 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-Month Periods

For the Six-Month Periods

Ended June 30,

Ended June 30,

(in thousands)

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

Net earnings

$

92,166

$

40,467

$

30,899

$

105,940

Income tax expense

22,713

8,361

4,616

24,629

Earnings before income taxes

$

114,879

$

48,828

$

35,515

$

130,569

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees

(5,100)

(8,468)

(9,614)

(13,782)

General corporate expenses

1,994

3,283

3,749

6,559

Interest expense on debt

1,903

1,861

3,800

3,722

Net unrealized (gains) losses on equity securities

(74,705)

(8,810)

55,690

(42,308)

Net realized (gains) losses

2,109

(4,764)

(13,043)

(13,832)

Net investment income

(16,917)

(16,998)

(34,695)

(33,563)

Net underwriting income

$

24,163

$

14,932

$

41,402

$

37,365

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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Net Unpaid Loss and Settlement Expenses

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

Critical Accounting Policies

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

The most critical accounting policies involve significant estimates and include those used in determining the liability for unpaid losses and settlement expenses, investment valuation, and OTTI, recoverability of reinsurance balances, deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred taxes. For a detailed discussion of each of these policies, refer to our 20182019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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We adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, on January 1, 2020, which eliminated the concept of other-than-temporary impairment and required the recognition of a reversible allowance for credit losses on available-for-sale fixed income securities. See note 1. B. for more information on the adoption of the ASU. Available-for-sale securities in the fixed income portfolio are subjected to several criteria to determine if those securities 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 securities fair value is below amortized cost. If we intend to sell a security or if we determine it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell a security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, any allowance for credit loss or unrealized loss would be written off and the amortized cost basis of the security would be written down to the security’s fair value.

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

IMPACT OF COVID-19

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to impact individuals, businesses and the economy. As an employee-owned company, the health and well-being of our customers, partners and associates is our highest priority. While a large percentage of our associates are still working from home, our processes and controls continue to operate effectively and we have been able to maintain the highest service and support levels possible for our customers.

It is difficult to predict how and to what extent the economic slowdown will have on our revenues in the coming months. To date, our most impacted product line has been public transportation. A large number of our passenger transportation customers have been unable to effectively operate under social-distancing protocols and stay-at-home orders. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2020, transportation gross written premium was down $33.3 million when compared to 2019. We would expect transportation premium to continue to be down from prior periods until the use of public transportation increases, which may not be until after there is a vaccine, effective treatment or significant reduction in cases. Additionally, slowdowns in the construction industry contributed to premium declines for our general liability and surety products in the second quarter. A number of our products support the construction industry and revenues may continue to be impacted to the extent this sector experiences disruption. However, we have many product lines that may see little to no impact on the amount of premium we write, including our personal lines products, management liability products and property businesses.

We have been fair and flexible with our customers in regards to modifying exposures and payment terms and we are in compliance with any applicable state regulatory directives on such changes. Insureds continue to make payments in accordance with the agreed upon schedules and we have not experienced a material increase in the amount of expense associated with uncollectible receivables.

The loss exposure arising out of the spread of COVID-19 and resulting shutdown will take time to resolve. We do not offer event cancellation, travel, trade credit or pandemic-related coverages which would be more directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company has received a number of claims, the majority of which relate to business interruption. We are reviewing the individual circumstances of each claim submitted and will fulfill our obligation to pay if coverage applies. The derivative implications that COVID-19 has on the economy may have negative implications on products that are correlated with the credit cycle, including, but not limited to, some of our executive products and surety offerings. In the second quarter of 2020, $5.8 million of net reserves were established to address the increased risk of loss and expense that emanated from the economic downturn brought on by the pandemic. Combined with the reserves established in the first quarter

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that addressed the expected increase in costs to investigate and defend business interruption claims, $10.8 million of COVID-19 related net losses have been recognized in the first six months of 2020.

Actuarial models base future emergence on historic experience, with adjustments for current trends, and the appropriateness of these assumptions involved greater uncertainty as of June 30, 2020. We expect there will be impacts to the timing of loss emergence and ultimate loss ratios for certain coverages. The industry is experiencing new issues, including the postponement of civil court cases, the extension of various statutes of limitations, changes in settlement trends and a significant reduction in economic activity and insured exposure in some classes. 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 opportunities for expense savings and efficiencies and have taken targeted actions to reduce or defer expenses, including certain hiring freezes, position consolidations and executive merit increase suspensions. Travel was limited and any decision on granting share-based compensation, which normally takes place at our May board meeting, was deferred until a later date, resulting in a reduced level of compensation expense in the second quarter. Bonus and profit sharing expense is correlated with company performance and is responsible for the largest portion of the total expense decline for the six-month period ended June 30, when compared to 2019. The performance-related expenses recognized for the 2020 fiscal year will be dependent on the full year’s results and may increase or decrease in the second half of the year.

Although we have recovered a large portion of the market value declines recorded in the first quarter, equity securities have not fully returned to levels recorded at year end. Net after-tax realized and unrealized losses on equity securities were $33.9 million in the first half of 2020. Conversely, lower interest rates increased the fair value of the fixed income portfolio, which resulted in $40.5 million of after-tax other comprehensive earnings for the six-month period ended June 30, 2020. With the decline in yields, reinvestment rates are now lower than in previous years, which will cap the portfolio’s ability to generate higher levels of investment income, absent a larger invested asset base.

Maui Jim, Inc. (Maui Jim) and Prime Holdings Insurance Services, Inc. (Prime) continued to contribute towards positive net earnings. While earnings for Prime were modestly higher, Maui Jim results were negatively impacted by the shutdown much of the traditional retail sector experienced during the second quarter. The economic downturn may continue to impact the results of these investees, particularly if there is any lasting impact on the retail sector as it relates to Maui Jim.

We produced solid operating results in the first half of the year and believe our financial position has remained strong despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We generated $83.8 million of net operating cash inflows and believe we have adequate liquidity. Our revolving credit facility provides for a borrowing capacity of $60.0 million, which can be increased to $120.0 million under certain circumstances. Additionally, our membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank system provides a secured lending facility with an aggregate borrowing capacity of approximately $30.0 million. There were no amounts outstanding under any of these policies duringfacilities as of June 30, 2020. In addition to the current year.$160.7 million of cash and other investments maturing within one year as of June 30, 2020, we believe that cash generated from operations, the liquidity of our fixed income portfolio and our unused lines of credit provide sufficient sources of cash to meet our anticipated needs over the next 12 to 24 months.

Ultimately, the extent to which COVID-19 will impact our business will be influenced by how long it takes for the economy to recover. 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 downturn and uncertainty we are currently experiencing.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Six Months Ended June 30, 20192020 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 20182019

Consolidated revenue for the first half of 2019 increased $96.72020 decreased $85.6 million or 24 percent, from the same periodfirst half of 2019 as performance in 2018.the equity portfolio varied significantly between the periods. Overall market declines resulted in $55.7 million of unrealized losses on equity securities in 2020, while positive returns generated $42.3 million of unrealized gains in our equity portfolio in the first half of 2019. Net premiums earned for the Group increased 73 percent, driven by growth from our casualty and property segments. Investment income increased 173 percent due to an increaseda larger asset base and higher average yields relative to the prior year. Realized gains during the first half of 2019 were $13.8$13.0 million and were comprised of $12.3$12.8 million of realized gains on equity securities from normal rebalancing our portfolio, $2.6 million of realized gains on the fixed income portfolio and $2.4 million of other realized losses. This compares

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to $12.3 million of realized gains on the equity portfolio, $1.3 million of realized gains on the fixed income portfolio and $0.2 million of miscellaneousother realized gains. This compares to realized gains of $34.5 million on the equity portfolio that were partially offset by $0.9 million of realized losses in the fixed income portfolio and a $4.4 million non-cash impairment charge on goodwill and definite-lived intangibles for the same period in 2018. Additionally, $42.3 million of net unrealized gains on equity securities were recognized in the first half of 2019 compared to $39.4 million of net unrealized losses in the same period in 2018.2019.

For the Six-Month Periods

For the Six-Month Periods

Ended June 30,

Ended June 30,

    

2019

    

2018

    

2020

    

2019

Consolidated revenues (in thousands)

Net premiums earned

$

412,230

$

386,549

$

424,316

$

412,230

Net investment income

33,563

28,809

34,695

33,563

Net realized gains

13,832

29,253

Net realized gains (losses)

13,043

13,832

Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities

42,308

(39,383)

(55,690)

42,308

Total consolidated revenue

$

501,933

$

405,228

$

416,364

$

501,933

Net after-tax earnings for the first halfsix months of 20192020 totaled $105.9$30.9 million, compared to $45.5$105.9 million for the same period last year. The increasedecrease in earnings for 20192020 was influenced byprimarily attributed to $44.0 million of net after-tax unrealized losses on equity securities, compared to $33.4 million of after-tax unrealized gains on equity securities compared to $31.1 million of after-tax unrealized losses on equity securities in 2018.2019. Underwriting results for both periods reflect profitable current accident year results and favorable development from prior years’ loss reserves. Favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves provided additional pretax earnings of $40.8 million in the first half of 20192020 and $28.02019. Pretax losses from storms and civil unrest were $6.5 million, in 2018. Pretax storm losses werecompared to $5.0 million in the first six months of 2019, compared to $10.0 million of total catastrophestorm losses for the same period in 2018, which were largely the result of volcanic activity in Hawaii.2019. Pretax bonus and profit sharing-related expenses associated with the net impact of prior years’ reserve development and catastrophe losses totaled $5.1 million in 2020, compared to $5.3 million in 2019, compared to $2.9 million in 2018.2019. These performance-related expenses affected policy acquisition, insurance operating and general corporate expenses. Bonus and profit-sharing amounts earned by executives, managers and associates are predominately influenced by corporate performance including operating earnings, combined ratio and return on capital. These performance-related expenses were further increased in the first half of 2019 based on the overall growth in earnings and book value.

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During the first half of 2019,2020, equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees totaled $13.8$9.6 million. This amount includes $5.2 million from Maui Jim and $4.4 million from Prime. Comparatively, the first half of 2019 reflected $13.8 million of earnings, including $10.1 million from Maui Jim and $3.7 million from Prime. Comparatively, the first half of 2018 reflected $12.3 million ofThe decline in earnings including $10.8 million from Maui Jim and $1.5 million from Prime.is reflective of the shutdown much of the traditional retail sector experienced as a result of the pandemic during the second quarter.

Comprehensive earnings totaled $163.1$71.4 million for the first six months of 2019,2020, compared to $11.4$163.1 million for the same period in 2018.first half of 2019. Other comprehensive earnings primarily included net after-tax unrealized gains and losses from the fixed income portfolio. In 2019, declining interest rates resulted in unrealized gains on the fixed income portfolio and $57.2totaled $40.5 million of other comprehensive earnings in the first six months. This compareshalf of 2020, compared to $34.1$57.2 million of other comprehensive loss for the same period in 2018, primarily2019. The unrealized gains were attributable to increasingdeclining interest rates duringin both periods, which increased the period.fair value of securities held in the fixed income portfolio. However, wider credit spreads partially offset the impact of the lower treasury rates in 2020.

RLI Insurance GroupPremiums

Gross premiums written for the Group increased $27.5$18.8 million, or 64 percent, for the first half of 20192020 when compared to 2018.the same period of 2019. Products in our casualtyproperty and propertycasualty segments drove the growth. Net premiums earned increased $25.7$12.1 million, or 73 percent, also driven by products in our casualtyproperty and propertycasualty segments.

Gross Premiums Written

Net Premiums Earned

For the Six-Month Periods Ended June 30,

For the Six-Month Periods Ended June 30,

(in thousands)

2019

    

2018

% Change

    

2019

    

2018

% Change

Casualty

Commercial excess and personal umbrella

$

90,422

$

76,527

18.2

%

$

66,621

$

60,601

9.9

%

General liability

54,773

49,495

10.7

%

49,235

46,503

5.9

%

Commercial transportation

48,391

47,190

2.5

%

40,912

39,823

2.7

%

Professional services

44,984

44,511

1.1

%

39,574

39,669

(0.2)

%

Small commercial

30,208

28,019

7.8

%

26,503

25,791

2.8

%

Executive products

37,649

29,525

27.5

%

12,450

10,196

22.1

%

Other casualty

34,803

43,709

(20.4)

%

39,949

32,880

21.5

%

Total

$

341,230

$

318,976

7.0

%

$

275,244

$

255,463

7.7

%

Property

Marine

$

44,150

$

34,380

28.4

%

$

35,600

$

28,798

23.6

%

Commercial property

57,450

60,217

(4.6)

%

33,150

34,807

(4.8)

%

Specialty personal

10,957

8,958

22.3

%

9,376

8,271

13.4

%

Other property

824

607

35.7

%

592

496

19.4

%

Total

$

113,381

$

104,162

8.9

%

$

78,718

$

72,372

8.8

%

Surety

Miscellaneous

$

22,400

$

24,958

(10.2)

%

$

22,882

$

23,361

(2.1)

%

Commercial

14,097

13,925

1.2

%

13,811

13,474

2.5

%

Contract

14,949

15,643

(4.4)

%

13,599

13,358

1.8

%

Energy

8,126

9,015

(9.9)

%

7,976

8,521

(6.4)

%

Total

$

59,572

$

63,541

(6.2)

%

$

58,268

$

58,714

(0.8)

%

Grand Total

$

514,183

$

486,679

5.7

%

$

412,230

$

386,549

6.6

%

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Gross Premiums Written

Net Premiums Earned

For the Six-Month Periods Ended June 30,

For the Six-Month Periods Ended June 30,

(in thousands)

2020

    

2019

% Change

    

2020

    

2019

% Change

Casualty

Commercial excess and personal umbrella

$

115,533

$

90,422

28

%

$

82,409

$

66,621

24

%

General liability

51,357

54,773

(6)

%

46,649

49,235

(5)

%

Professional services

45,967

44,984

2

%

42,079

39,574

6

%

Commercial transportation

15,097

48,391

(69)

%

32,324

40,912

(21)

%

Small commercial

33,257

30,208

10

%

31,424

26,503

19

%

Executive products

47,959

37,649

27

%

14,306

12,450

15

%

Other casualty

40,113

34,803

15

%

29,444

39,949

(26)

%

Total

$

349,283

$

341,230

2

%

$

278,635

$

275,244

1

%

Property

Marine

$

46,925

$

44,150

6

%

$

40,289

$

35,600

13

%

Commercial property

67,090

57,450

17

%

38,203

33,150

15

%

Specialty personal

10,177

10,957

(7)

%

9,936

9,376

6

%

Other property

1,815

824

120

%

1,307

592

121

%

Total

$

126,007

$

113,381

11

%

$

89,735

$

78,718

14

%

Surety

Commercial

$

20,902

$

22,223

(6)

%

$

21,744

$

21,787

(0)

%

Miscellaneous

22,260

22,400

(1)

%

21,015

22,882

(8)

%

Contract

14,533

14,949

(3)

%

13,187

13,599

(3)

%

Total

$

57,695

$

59,572

(3)

%

$

55,946

$

58,268

(4)

%

Grand Total

$

532,985

$

514,183

4

%

$

424,316

$

412,230

3

%

Casualty

Gross premiums written for the casualty segment were up $8.1 million in the first six months of 2019 were up 7 percent, or $22.3 million.2020. Premiums from commercial excess and personal umbrella increased $13.9$25.1 million, due in part to an expanded distribution base in personal umbrella and larger scale in the energy casualty space. Ourrate increases. Small commercial continued to benefit from new production sources and geographic expansion. Substantial rate increases led to a 27 percent increase for our executive products group grew $8.1group. Other casualty increased $5.3 million, as rate increases were achieved, market turmoil created new business opportunities and our newer cyber liability and representations and warranties products expanded. General liability, transportation, professional services and small commercial also contributed to the growth during the first half of the year. As previously announced, we reduced our quota share reinsurance agreement with Prime from 25 percent to 6 percent at the beginning of 2019 and exited from our medical professional liability

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lines due to unfavorable market conditions and poor underwriting performance. The actions on these programs account for the decline in other casualty and offset continued growth in our general binding authority and mortgage reinsurance lines.(GBA) business continued to grow.

Commercial transportation has been significantly affected by the stay at home orders associated with COVID-19, particularly our public lines. Public transportation focuses on charter, school and transit busses, which stopped running to a large degree in March. The reduced utilization led to a $33.3 million decline in gross premiums written in the first six months of 2020.

Property

Gross premiums written for the Group’s property segment totaled $113.4were up $12.6 million forin the first half of 2019,2020. Our commercial property business was up 9 percent from the same period last year. Market disruption has provided opportunity for$9.6 million, as an improving market allowed our marine productunderwriters to find more opportunities with acceptable rate levels. Additionally, rates on wind-prone and along with rate increases, ledearthquake exposures continued to a 28 percent increase in premiums written over the first half of 2018. Hawaii homeowners, within the specialty personal group, benefited from continued investment in relationshipsyear. Rate increases and distribution withmarket disruption, which created new business opportunities, led to $2.8 million of growth for our marine product. Other property premium increased as a result of 15 percent. Commercial property is down 5 percent, despite rate increases in the wind market, as we continuedexposed GBA business that continues to manage exposures. Rates for non-wind coverages remain flat to down.gain scale.

Surety

The surety segment recorded gross premiums written of $59.6$57.7 million for the first six months of 2019,2020, a decrease of $4.0$1.9 million from the same period last year. Competitive market conditions led to a reduction in miscellaneous, energyThe economic slowdown and contractdecreased commodity pricing has reduced demand for surety production, which was partially offset by growth withinbonds. Additionally, we continually monitor our commercial lines. Selectively reducing exposures on highportfolio for higher risk accounts given the current stage in the credit cycle, and restructuring one program in the miscellaneous surety book also resulted in a decline in premium for the first half of the year.have selectively eliminated exposures that no longer met our underwriting standards.

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Table of Contents

RLI Insurance GroupUnderwriting Income

Underwriting income for the Group totaled $37.4$41.4 million for the first halfsix months of 2019,2020, compared to $31.6$37.4 million in the same period last year.of 2019. Both periods reflect positive underwriting results for the current accident year and similar amounts of favorable reserve development on prior accident years, with 2019 experiencing a larger benefit.years. The combined ratio for the Group totaled 90.2 in the first half of 2020, compared to 90.9 in 2019, compared to 91.8 in 2018.the same period of 2019. The loss ratio decreasedincreased to 50.0 from 48.1, from 50.2,primarily due to the increased leveladdition of favorable development$10.8 million in 2019.current accident year reserves related to COVID-19 loss and claim defense costs. The Group’s expense ratio increaseddecreased to 40.2 from 42.8, from 41.6 as strong2019 experienced stronger growth in earnings and book value, which led to increasedlarger levels of bonus and profit-sharing expenses.

For the Six-Month Periods

For the Six-Month Periods

Ended June 30,

Ended June 30,

    

2019

    

2018

    

2020

    

2019

Underwriting income (in thousands)

Casualty

$

12,282

$

4,415

$

8,410

$

12,282

Property

7,810

9,529

16,075

7,810

Surety

17,273

17,689

16,917

17,273

Total

$

37,365

$

31,633

$

41,402

$

37,365

Combined ratio

Casualty

95.5

98.3

97.0

95.5

Property

90.1

86.8

82.1

90.1

Surety

70.4

69.8

69.8

70.4

Total

90.9

91.8

90.2

90.9

Casualty

The casualty segment recorded underwriting incomeearnings of $12.3$8.4 million in the first half of 2019,2020, compared to $4.4$12.3 million of underwriting income for the same period last year. Reserve releases reduced loss and settlement expenses for the casualty segment by $30.7$27.5 million, primarily on accident years 20152016 through 2018. General2019. Transportation, general liability, professional services, transportation, commercial excess and personal umbrellaexecutive products and small commercial all contributed towere drivers of the favorable development, while executive products experienced adverse development. In comparison, $14.5$30.7 million of reserves were released in the first half of 2018, largely driven by2019. General liability, professional services, transportation, commercial excess, personal umbrella and general liability. A majority of the difference between the reserve releases in 2019 and 2018 can be attributed to the contrast between the favorable development in 2019 and adverse development in 2018 within our transportation business.small commercial developed favorably, while executive products developed adversely.

The combined ratio for the casualty segment was 97.0 in 2020, compared to 95.5 in 2019, compared to 98.3 in 2018.2019. The segment’s loss ratio was 61.7 in 2020, up from 58.3 in 2019, down from 62.8 in 2018.2019. The loss ratio decreasedincreased in 20192020 as a result of moreless favorable development on prior

27

Table years’ reserves and the addition of Contents

years’ reserves.$7.7 million in current year reserves related to COVID-19 loss and defense costs. The expense ratio for the casualty segment was 37.2, up35.3, down from 35.537.2 for the same period last year, due to investments in technology and a larger amountas reduced levels of bonus and profit-sharing expenses.expenses were incurred.

Property

The property segment recorded underwriting income of $7.8$16.1 million for the first halfsix months of 2019,2020, compared to $9.5$7.8 million for the same period last year. LossUnderwriting results for 2020 included $5.5 million of favorable development on prior years’ loss and settlement expenses forcatastrophe reserves, primarily from the marine business, $5.3 million of storm and civil unrest losses and $2.0 million of reserves related to COVID-19 investigative and defense costs. Comparatively, the 2019 underwriting results included $2.1 million of favorable development on prior years’ loss and catastrophe reserves and $4.7 million of storm losses. Comparatively, the 2018 underwriting results included $6.5 million of favorable development on prior years’ loss and catastrophe reserves, primarily from the marine business, $6.5 million of losses from the volcanic activity in Hawaii and $3.2 million of storm losses.

TheUnderwriting results for the first half of 2020 translated into a combined ratio for the casualty segment was 90.1,of 82.1, compared to 86.890.1 for the same period last year. The segment’s loss ratio was 41.8 in 2020, down from 45.1 in 2019 up from 41.8 in 2018 due to a combination of a higherlower current accident year loss ratiolosses and lower levels of reserve releases than in themore favorable development on prior year.years’ reserves. The segment’s expense ratio wasdecreased to 40.3 in 2020 from 45.0 in 2019 and 2018,the prior year, as a higherincreased levels of earned premium base offset increasedallowed the segment to better leverage expenses.

Surety

The surety segment recorded underwriting income of $17.3$16.9 million for the first half of 2019,2020, compared to $17.7$17.3 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 20192020 included favorable development on prior accident

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Table of Contents

years’ reserves, across most surety lines, which decreased loss and settlement expenses for the segment by $8.0 million.$7.8 million, and offset $1.1 million in current year reserves established for COVID-19 related losses. Comparatively, 20182019 results included favorable development on prior accident years’ loss reserves, across all products, which decreased the segment’s loss and settlement expenses by $7.0$8.0 million.

The combined ratio for the surety segment totaled 70.469.8 for the first halfsix months of 2019,2020, compared to 69.870.4 for the same period in 2018.2019. The segment’s loss ratio was 5.0 in 2020, up from 3.6 for 2019, compared to 5.8 for 2018. The loss ratio decrease was the result of a lower current accident year loss ratio and a higher amount of favorable development on prior accident year reserves.in 2019. The expense ratio was 66.8, up64.8, down from 64.066.8 in the prior year, due to increased investments in technology and higher bonus and profit-sharing expenses on a slightly lower premium base.year.

Investment Income and Realized Capital Gains

Our investment portfolio generated net investment income of $33.6$34.7 million during the first half of 2019,2020, an increase of 16.53.4 percent from that reported for the same period in 2018.2019. The increase in investment income was largely due to an increaseda larger asset base and higher average yields relative to the prior year.

Yields on our fixed income investments for the first half of 20192020 and 20182019 were as follows:

    

2019

    

2018

    

2020

    

2019

Pretax Yield

Taxable

3.44

%  

3.22

3.22

%  

3.44

Tax-Exempt

2.83

%

2.68

%

2.75

%

2.83

%

After-Tax Yield

Taxable

2.72

%

2.54

%

2.54

%

2.72

%

Tax-Exempt

2.68

%

2.54

%

2.61

%

2.68

%

We recognized $13.8$13.0 million of realized gains in the first six monthshalf of 2020, which were comprised of $12.8 million of realized gains on equity securities from rebalancing our portfolio, $2.6 million of realized gains on the fixed income portfolio and $2.4 million of other realized losses. This compares to realized gains of $13.8 million in the first half of 2019, which were comprised of $12.3 million of realized gains on the equity securities,portfolio, $1.3 million of realized gains on the fixed income portfolio and $0.2 million of miscellaneousother realized gains. This compares to realized gains of $34.5 million on equity securities from rebalancing the portfolio that were partially offset by $0.9 million of realized losses in the fixed income portfolio as well as realized losses related to a non-cash impairment charge on goodwill and definite-lived intangibles for the same period in 2018.

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Table of Contents

The following table depicts the composition of our investment portfolio at June 30, 20192020 as compared to December 31, 2018:2019:

June 30, 2019

December 31, 2018

June 30, 2020

December 31, 2019

Financial

Financial

Financial

Financial

(in thousands)

    

Stmt Value

    

%

    

 

Stmt Value

    

%

    

Stmt Value

    

%

    

 

Stmt Value

    

%

Fixed income

$

1,865,613

77.2

%

$

1,760,515

80.2

%

$

2,075,093

78.4

%

$

1,983,086

77.5

%

Equity securities

421,801

17.5

%

340,483

15.5

%

422,198

16.0

%

460,630

18.0

%

Other invested assets

55,196

2.3

%

51,542

2.4

%

63,440

2.4

%

70,441

2.7

%

Cash and short-term investments

72,187

3.0

%

41,690

1.9

%

84,797

3.2

%

46,203

1.8

%

Total

$

2,414,797

100.0

%

$

2,194,230

100.0

%

$

2,645,528

100.0

%

$

2,560,360

100.0

%

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

The fixed income portfolio increased by $105.1$92.0 million in the first six months of 2019.2020. The increase was due to cash flows being allocated to the fixed income portfolio as well as the declinedeclines in interest rates during the first halfsix months of the year, increasinglifting the fair value of securities in the fixed income portfolio. Average fixed income duration was 4.84.6 years at June 30, 2019,2020, reflecting our current liability structure and sound capital position. The equity portfolio increaseddecreased by $81.3$38.4 million during the first six months of 2019 due largely to strong2020 as the equity market returns.sold off sharply in the first quarter.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate for the first halfsix months of 20192020 was 18.913.0 percent, compared to 15.718.9 percent for the same period in 2018.2019. Effective rates are dependent upon components of pretax earnings or losses and the related tax effects. The effective rate was higherlower for the first half of 2019 due to higher2020 as lower levels of pre-tax earnings which caused the tax-favored adjustments to be smallerlarger on a percentage basis in 2019when compared to the prior year.

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Table of Contents

Three Months Ended June 30, 20192020 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 20182019

Consolidated revenue for the second quarter of 20192020 increased $18.8$60.1 million or 9 percent, from the same periodsecond quarter of 2019. A partial recovery from the market declines experienced in 2018.the first quarter resulted in $74.7 million of unrealized gains on equity securities in the second quarter of 2020, compared to $8.8 million of unrealized gains in the second quarter of 2019. Net premiums earned for the Group increased 61 percent, driven by growth from our casualty and property segments.segment, which offset declines in our surety segment. Investment income increased 17decreased 1 percent due to an increased asset base and higherlower average yields relative to the prior year. Realized gainslosses during the quarter were $2.1 million and were comprised of $2.3 million of realized losses on equity securities from rebalancing our portfolio, $0.3 million of realized gains on the fixed income portfolio and $0.1 million of other realized losses. This compares to realized gains of $4.8 million andin the second quarter of 2019, which were comprised of $3.9 million of realized gains on the equity securities,portfolio, $0.7 million of realized gains on the fixed income portfolio and $0.2 million of miscellaneous realized gains. This compares to $21.7 million of realized gains on the equity portfolio from normal rebalancing and $0.9 million of realized losses on the fixed income portfolio for the same period in 2018. Additionally, $8.8 million of net unrealized gains on equity securities were recognized in the second quarter of 2019 compared to $12.6 million of net unrealized losses in the same period in 2018.

For the Three-Month Periods

For the Three-Month Periods

Ended June 30,

Ended June 30,

    

2019

    

2018

    

2020

    

2019

Consolidated revenues (in thousands)

Net premiums earned

$

207,541

$

196,522

$

208,734

$

207,541

Net investment income

16,998

14,577

16,917

16,998

Net realized gains

4,764

20,849

Net realized gains (losses)

(2,109)

4,764

Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities

8,810

(12,611)

74,705

8,810

Total consolidated revenue

$

238,113

$

219,337

$

298,247

$

238,113

Net after-tax earnings for the second quarter of 20192020 totaled $40.5$92.2 million, compared to $33.3$40.5 million for the same period last year.in 2019. The increase in earnings for 20192020 was influenced by $10.7primarily attributed to $59.0 million of net after-tax realized gains and unrealized gains on equity securities, compared to $6.5$7.0 million in 2018.2019. Underwriting results for both periods reflect profitable current accident year results and favorable development from prior years’ loss reserves. Favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves provided additional pretax earnings of $21.2$25.6 million in the second quarter of 20192020, compared to $13.5$21.2 million in 2018.2019. Catastrophe activity consisted of $4.0$6.0 million of pretax storm and civil unrest losses in the second quarter of 2019,2020, compared to $1.5$4.0 million of storm losses and $6.5 million of losses from volcanic activity in Hawaii for the same period in the prior year.2019. Pretax bonus and profit sharing-related expenses associated with the net impact of prior years’ reserve development and catastrophe losses

29

Table of Contents

totaled $2.9 million in 2020, compared to $2.5 million in 2019, compared to a $1.0 million in 2018.2019. These performance-related expenses affected policy acquisition, insurance operating and general corporate expenses. Bonus and profit-sharing amounts earned by executives, managers and associates are predominately influenced by corporate performance including operating earnings, combined ratio and return on capital. These performance-related expenses were further increased in the second quarter of 2019 based on the overall growth in earnings and book value.

During the second quarter of 2019,2020, equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees totaled $8.5$5.1 million. This amount includes $2.6 million from Maui Jim and $2.5 million from Prime. Comparatively, the second quarter of 2019 reflected $8.5 million of earnings, including $6.5 million from Maui Jim and $2.0 million from Prime. Comparatively, the second quarter of 2018 reflected $7.1 million ofThe decline in earnings including $6.6 million from Maui Jim and $0.5 million from Prime.is reflective of the shutdown much of the traditional retail sector experienced as a result of the pandemic.

Comprehensive earnings totaled $68.3$145.7 million for the second quarter of 2019,2020, compared to $25.6$68.3 million of comprehensive earnings for the second quarter of 2018.2019. Other comprehensive earnings primarily included after-tax unrealized gains and losses from the fixed income portfolio. The second quarter’s $27.9$53.6 million of other comprehensive earnings was due to unrealized gains on the fixed income portfolio asdeclines in interest rates, declined.which increased the market value of the portfolio. This compares to $7.7$27.9 million of other comprehensive lossearnings for the same period in 2018, primarily attributable to increasing interest rates during the period.2019.

RLI Insurance GroupPremiums

Gross premiums written for the Group increased $13.5$3.9 million or 5 percent, for the second quarter of 20192020 when compared to 2018. Products in ourthe same period of 2019. Rate increases across the property and casualty and property segments droveportfolios were the largest influence on growth. Net premiums earned increased $11.0$1.2 million, or 6 percent, also driven by products in our casualty andthe property segments.segment.

Gross Premiums Written

Net Premiums Earned

For the Three-Month Periods Ended June 30,

For the Three-Month Periods Ended June 30,

(in thousands)

2019

    

2018

% Change

    

2019

    

2018

% Change

Casualty

Commercial excess and personal umbrella

$

49,427

$

42,194

17.1

%

$

34,340

$

30,649

12.0

%

General liability

32,030

28,207

13.6

%

25,347

23,338

8.6

%

Commercial transportation

30,712

28,774

6.7

%

20,508

20,648

(0.7)

%

Professional services

23,958

24,030

(0.3)

%

19,275

19,846

(2.9)

%

Small commercial

16,244

14,872

9.2

%

13,315

12,901

3.2

%

Executive products

22,100

16,525

33.7

%

6,381

5,144

24.0

%

Other casualty

14,652

23,919

(38.7)

%

19,178

17,087

12.2

%

Total

$

189,123

$

178,521

5.9

%

$

138,344

$

129,613

6.7

%

Property

Marine

$

24,070

$

18,253

31.9

%

$

18,579

$

14,941

24.3

%

Commercial property

33,900

34,908

(2.9)

%

16,275

17,856

(8.9)

%

Specialty personal

5,878

4,811

22.2

%

4,792

4,129

16.1

%

Other property

512

283

80.9

%

326

264

23.5

%

Total

$

64,360

$

58,255

10.5

%

$

39,972

$

37,190

7.5

%

Surety

Miscellaneous

$

10,572

$

12,343

(14.3)

%

$

11,280

$

11,719

(3.7)

%

Commercial

6,149

6,413

(4.1)

%

7,077

6,761

4.7

%

Contract

8,647

9,450

(8.5)

%

6,970

7,012

(0.6)

%

Energy

4,420

4,833

(8.5)

%

3,898

4,227

(7.8)

%

Total

$

29,788

$

33,039

(9.8)

%

$

29,225

$

29,719

(1.7)

%

Grand Total

$

283,271

$

269,815

5.0

%

$

207,541

$

196,522

5.6

%

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Table of Contents

Gross Premiums Written

Net Premiums Earned

For the Three-Month Periods Ended June 30,

For the Three-Month Periods Ended June 30,

(in thousands)

2020

    

2019

% Change

    

2020

    

2019

% Change

Casualty

Commercial excess and personal umbrella

$

59,943

$

49,427

21

%

$

42,321

$

34,340

23

%

General liability

26,666

32,030

(17)

%

22,651

25,347

(11)

%

Commercial transportation

18,874

30,712

(39)

%

11,139

20,508

(46)

%

Professional services

24,469

23,958

2

%

21,384

19,275

11

%

Small commercial

17,140

16,244

6

%

15,791

13,315

19

%

Executive products

27,012

22,100

22

%

6,975

6,381

9

%

Other casualty

15,943

14,652

9

%

14,954

19,178

(22)

%

Total

$

190,047

$

189,123

0

%

$

135,215

$

138,344

(2)

%

Property

Marine

$

25,814

$

24,070

7

%

$

20,712

$

18,579

11

%

Commercial property

37,311

33,900

10

%

19,048

16,275

17

%

Specialty personal

5,305

5,878

(10)

%

4,936

4,792

3

%

Other property

856

512

67

%

691

326

112

%

Total

$

69,286

$

64,360

8

%

$

45,387

$

39,972

14

%

Surety

Commercial

$

9,622

$

10,569

(9)

%

$

10,806

$

10,975

(2)

%

Miscellaneous

10,312

10,572

(2)

%

10,499

11,280

(7)

%

Contract

7,886

8,647

(9)

%

6,827

6,970

(2)

%

Total

$

27,820

$

29,788

(7)

%

$

28,132

$

29,225

(4)

%

Grand Total

$

287,153

$

283,271

1

%

$

208,734

$

207,541

1

%

Casualty

Gross premiums written for the casualty segment were up 6 percent, or $10.6$0.9 million in the second quarter of 2019. Although the repositioning we undertook at the beginning of the year reduced the impact, the segment experienced exposure growth and a 5 percent rate increase.2020. Premiums from commercial excess and personal umbrella increased $7.2$10.5 million, due in

30

Table of Contents

part to an expanded distribution base in personal umbrella, and larger scale in the energy casualty space. General liability andwhich supplemented rate increases. Substantial rate increases led to a 22 percent increase for our executive products group also made contributions during the quarter with both mature and newer product offerings, such as cyber liability and representation and warranties coverages, experiencing exposure growth. Other casualty, which includes assumed premiums from Prime and our medical professional liability lines, decreased $9.3 million, despite growth from our general binding authority and mortgage reinsurance business. As previously announced, we reduced our quota share reinsurance agreement with Prime from 25 percent to 6 percent at the beginning of 2019 and exited from our medical professional liability lines due to unfavorable market conditions and poor underwriting performance.group.

Transportation continues to be significantly affected by the stay at home orders associated with COVID-19. This is particularly impactful on our public transportation book that has a focus on charter or city buses, which stopped running to a large degree in March. A slowdown or suspension of construction activity in certain parts of the country also led to the decline in general liability.

Property

Gross premiums written for the property segment totaled $64.4$69.3 million for the second quarter of 2019,2020, up 10 percent$4.9 million from the same period last year. Our marinecommercial property business accounted for a large portion of the increase with $24.1was up $3.4 million, as rates on wind-prone and earthquake exposures continued to increase. Market disruption created new business opportunities and led to $1.7 million of premiums written, up 32 percent over the second quartergrowth for our marine product. Other property premium increased as a result of 2018. Production from specialty personal reflects growth from our Hawaii homeowners’ product, which was up 14 percent. While renewal rates for catastrophe prone wind exposures continueproperty exposed GBA business that continues to improve, gross written premium from our commercial property lines declined 3 percent as we continued to manage exposures.gain scale.

Surety

The surety segment recorded gross premiums written of $29.8$27.8 million for the second quarter of 2019,2020, a decrease of $3.3$2.0 million from the same period last year. CompetitiveThe surety market conditions led to a reduction across all surety lines. Restructuring of one program resulted in a further decline of miscellaneous surety premium inremains very competitive. Additionally, the second quarter.economic downturn, decreased commodity pricing and less regulation has reduced demand for bonds.

RLI Insurance GroupUnderwriting Income

Underwriting income for the Group totaled $14.9$24.2 million for the second quarter of 2019,2020, compared to $14.1$14.9 million in the same period last year. Both periods reflect positive underwriting results for the current accident year and favorable reserve

32

Table of Contents

development on prior accident years, with 20192020 experiencing a larger benefit. The combined ratio for the Group totaled 88.4 in the second quarter of 2020, compared to 92.8 in 2019, the same as in 2018.period of 2019. The loss ratio decreased to 50.148.5 from 51.7,50.1, due to the increased level of favorable development in 2019.2020. The Group’s expense ratio increaseddecreased to 39.9 from 42.7, from 41.1 as strong2019 experienced stronger earnings and growth in earnings and book value in the six-month period ended June 30, which led to increasedlarger levels of bonus and profit-sharing expenses.

For the Three-Month Periods

For the Three-Month Periods

Ended June 30,

Ended June 30,

    

2019

    

2018

    

2020

    

2019

Underwriting income (in thousands)

Underwriting income (loss) (in thousands)

Casualty

$

6,939

$

2,854

$

9,733

$

6,939

Property

(436)

3,647

6,167

(436)

Surety

8,429

7,645

8,263

8,429

Total

$

14,932

$

14,146

$

24,163

$

14,932

Combined ratio

Casualty

95.0

97.8

92.8

95.0

Property

101.1

90.2

86.4

101.1

Surety

71.2

74.3

70.6

71.2

Total

92.8

92.8

88.4

92.8

Casualty

The casualty segment recorded underwriting income of $6.9$9.7 million in the second quarter of 2019,2020, compared to $2.9$6.9 million for the same period last year. Reserve releases reduced loss and settlement expenses for the casualty segment by $17.5$21.1 million, primarily on accident years 20152016 through 2018. Nearly every product contributed toTransportation, executive products, general liability and professional services were drivers of the favorable developmentdevelopment. Partially offsetting these benefits, $4.7 million of current year reserves were established in the second quarter of 2020 for COVID-19 related loss and no active programs had significant adverse development.defense costs. In comparison, $7.4$17.5 million of reserves were released in the second quarter of 2018, largely driven by commercial excess, personal umbrella and the executive products group. A majority of the difference between the reserve releases in 2019, and 2018 can be attributedwith nearly every product contributing to the contrast between the favorable development in 2019 and the adverse development in 2018 within our transportation business.development.

The combined ratio for the casualty segment was 92.8 in 2020, compared to 95.0 in 2019, compared to 97.8 in 2018.2019. The segment’s loss ratio was 57.4 in 2020, down from 57.9 in 2019, down from 62.8 in 2018.2019. The loss ratio decreased in 20192020 as a result of a shift in mix of business towards products with lower loss booking ratios and more favorable development on prior

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years’ reserves. The expense ratio for the casualty segment was 37.1, up35.4, down from 35.037.1 for the same period last year, due to investments in technology and higheras reduced levels of bonus and profit-sharing expenses.expenses were incurred.

Property

The property segment recorded an underwriting lossincome of $0.4$6.2 million for the second quarter of 2019,2020, compared to $3.6$0.4 million of underwriting incomeloss for the same period last year. The current accident year was impacted by a few large isolated losses that increased loss and settlement expense. Underwriting results for 2020 included $0.7 million of favorable development on prior years’ loss and catastrophe reserves and $4.8 million of storm and civil unrest losses. Comparatively, the 2019 alsounderwriting results included $0.1 million of adverse development on prior years’ loss and catastrophe reserves and $3.9 million of storm losses. Comparatively, the 2018 underwriting results included $3.8 million of favorable development on prior years’ loss and catastrophe reserves, primarily from the marine business, $6.5 million of net losses from volcanic activity in Hawaii and $1.3 million of storm losses.

Underwriting results for the second quarter of 20192020 translated into a combined ratio of 101.1,86.4, compared to 90.2101.1 for the same period last year. The segment’s loss ratio was 47.5 in 2020, down from 56.5 in 2019 up from 46.1 in 2018 due to athe combination of increaseda larger amount of favorable development and decreased current accident year non-catastrophe losses and the impact of the difference in prior accident years’ reserve releases discussed above.losses. The segment’s expense ratio increaseddecreased to 44.638.9 in 20192020 from 44.144.6 in the prior year, as strong growth in overall earningsincreased levels of earned premium allowed the segment to better leverage expenses and book value led to an increase inreduced levels of bonus and profit-sharing expenses.expenses were incurred.

Surety

The surety segment recorded underwriting income of $8.4$8.3 million for the second quarter of 2019,2020, compared to $7.6$8.4 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 2019 included favorable development on prior accident years’ reserves across all surety lines, which decreased loss2020 and settlement expenses for the segment by $3.8 million. Comparatively, 2018 results2019 included favorable development on prior accident years’ loss reserves across mostall products, which decreased the segment’s loss and settlement expenses by $2.3$3.8 million. Additionally, $1.1 million of reserves were established in 2020 for COVID-19 related losses.

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The combined ratio for the surety segment totaled 71.270.6 for the second quarter of 2019,2020, compared to 74.371.2 for the same period in 2018.2019. The segment’s loss ratio was 7.1 in 2020, up from 4.1 in 2019 down from 10.3 in 2018. The loss ratio decrease wasdue to the resultrecognition of a lower current accident year loss ratio and a higher amount of favorable development on prior accident years’ reserves.COVID-19 related losses. The expense ratio was 67.1, up63.5, down from 64.067.1 in the prior year dueas stronger growth in book value led to increased investments in technology and higher bonus and profit-sharing expenses on a slightly lower premium base.in 2019.

Investment Income and Realized Capital Gains

Our investment portfolio generated net investment income of $17.0$16.9 million during the second quarter of 2019, an increase2020, a decrease of 16.60.5 percent from that reported for the same period in 2018.2019. The increasedecrease in investment income was largely due to an increased asset base and higher averagea decline in yields relative to the prior year. In addition, one dividend, which had historically been paid in the third quarter, was paid in the second quarter and accounted for 4.0 percent of the increase.

Yields on our fixed income investments for the second quarter of 20192020 and 20182019 were as follows:

    

2Q 2019

    

2Q 2018

    

2Q 2020

    

2Q 2019

Pretax Yield

Taxable

3.43

%

3.19

%

3.17

%

3.43

%

Tax-Exempt

2.83

%

2.85

%

2.70

%

2.83

%

After-Tax Yield

Taxable

2.71

%

2.52

%

2.50

%

2.71

%

Tax-Exempt

2.68

%

2.70

%

2.56

%

2.68

%

We recognized $4.8$2.1 million of realized losses in the second quarter of 2020, which were comprised of $2.3 million of realized losses on equity securities from rebalancing our portfolio, $0.3 million of realized gains on the fixed income portfolio and $0.1 million of other realized losses. This compares to realized gains of $4.8 million in the second quarter of 2019, which were comprised of $3.9 million of realized gains on the equity securities from rebalancing the portfolio, $0.7 million of realized gains on the fixed income portfolio and $0.2 million of miscellaneousother realized gains. This compares to realized gains of $21.7 million on the equity portfolio that were partially offset by realized losses of $0.9 million in the fixed income portfolio for the same period in 2018.

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Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate for the second quarter of 20192020 was 17.119.8 percent, compared to 16.017.1 percent for the same period in 2018.2019. Effective rates are dependent upon components of pretax earnings or losses and the related tax effects. The effective rate was higher for the second quarter of 20192020 due largely to higher levels of pre-tax earnings which caused theand lower levels of tax-favored adjustments to have a smaller impact on a percentage basis in 2019 compared to the prior year.2019.

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 six-month periods ended June 30, 20192020 and 2018:2019:

(in thousands)

    

2019

    

2018

    

2020

    

2019

Operating cash flows

$

105,347

$

100,000

$

83,773

$

105,347

Investing cash flows

$

(100,654)

$

(74,888)

(26,666)

(100,654)

Financing cash flows

$

(9,999)

$

(15,281)

(18,513)

(9,999)

Total

$

(5,306)

$

9,831

$

38,594

$

(5,306)

OperatingOur 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 generated positivecan vary among periods due to the timing in which these payments are made or received. Operating cash flows in the first half of $105.3 million in2020 were impacted by increased levels of loss and settlement expense payments relative to the first six months of 2019. Additionally, improved financial performance in 2019 compared to $100.0 millionresulted in a higher level of bonus and profit-sharing contributions that were paid in the same period last year. The increase infirst quarter of 2020, which also reduced operating cash flows was due to increased premium receipts and investment income, which were partially offset by a larger amount of paid loss and loss adjustment expense during the period.in 2020.

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We have $149.2$149.4 million in debt outstanding. On October 2, 2013, we completed a public debt offering, issuing $150.0 million in senior notes maturing September 15, 2023 (a 10-year maturity), and paying interest semi-annually at the rate of 4.875 percent per annum. The notes were issued at a discount resulting in proceeds, net of discount and commission, of $148.6 million. The estimated fair value for the senior note at June 30, 20192020 was $161.0$162.7 million. The fair value of our debt is estimated based on the limited observable prices that reflect thinly traded securities.

As of June 30, 2019,2020, we had cash and other investments maturing within one year of approximately $123.4$160.7 million and an additional $410.5$496.0 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 JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A.,of Montreal, Chicago Branch, which permits us to borrow up to an aggregate principal amount of $50.0$60.0 million. This facility was entered into during the secondfirst quarter of 20182020 and replaced the previous $40.0$50.0 million facility with JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A., which expiredwas set to expire on May 28, 2018.24, 2020. Under certain conditions, the line may be increased up to an aggregate principal amount of $75.0$120.0 million. The facility has a two-yearthree-year term that expires on May 24, 2020.March 27, 2023. As of and during the six-monththree-month period ended June 30, 2019,2020, no amounts were outstanding on thiseither facility.

Additionally, two of our insurance companies, RLI Ins. and Mt. Hawley, are members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBC). Membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank System provides both companies access to an additional source of liquidity via a secured lending facility. Our membership allows each insurance subsidiary to determine tenor and structure at the time of borrowing. As of and during the six-month period ended June 30, 2019,2020, there were no outstanding borrowing amounts with the FHLBC.

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

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

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We maintain a diversified investment portfolio representing policyholder funds that have not yet been paid out as claims, as well as the capital we hold for our shareholders. As of June 30, 2019, our investment portfolio had a balance sheet value of $2.4 billion. Invested assets at June 30, 20192020 have increased $220.6$85.2 million from December 31, 2018.

2019. As of June 30, 2019,2020, our investment portfolio had the following asset allocation breakdown:

Portfolio Allocation

(in thousands)

Cost or

Fair

Unrealized

% of Total

Cost or

Fair

Unrealized

% of Total

Asset class

    

Amortized Cost

    

Value

    

Gain/(Loss)

    

Fair Value

    

Quality*

    

Amortized Cost

    

Value

    

Gain/(Loss)

    

Fair Value

    

Quality*

U.S. government

$

194,712

$

201,385

$

6,673

8.3

%

AAA

$

171,174

$

186,838

$

15,664

7.1

%

AAA

U.S. agency

29,708

31,695

1,987

1.3

%

AAA

27,913

32,091

4,178

1.2

%

AAA

Non-U.S. govt. & agency

9,249

9,112

(137)

0.4

%

BBB

7,316

7,692

376

0.3

%

BBB

Agency MBS

402,993

408,196

5,203

16.9

%

AAA

388,036

409,167

21,131

15.5

%

AAA

ABS/CMBS**

149,583

151,876

2,293

6.3

%

AAA

214,548

218,507

3,959

8.2

%

AA+

Corporate

701,358

726,798

25,440

30.1

%

BBB+

717,748

765,125

47,377

28.9

%

BBB+

Municipal

321,826

336,551

14,725

13.9

%

AA

429,402

455,673

26,271

17.2

%

AA

Total Fixed Income

$

1,809,429

$

1,865,613

$

56,184

77.2

%

AA-

$

1,956,137

$

2,075,093

$

118,956

78.4

%

AA-

Equity

$

259,177

$

421,801

$

162,624

17.5

%

270,987

422,198

151,211

16.0

%

Other Invested Assets

$

55,188

$

55,196

$

8

2.3

%

72,291

63,440

(8,851)

2.4

%

Cash and Short-Term Investments

$

72,187

$

72,187

$

3.0

%

Cash

84,797

84,797

3.2

%

Total Portfolio

$

2,195,981

$

2,414,797

$

218,816

100.0

%

$

2,384,212

$

2,645,528

$

261,316

100.0

%

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

**Asset-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities

Quality is an average of each bond’s credit rating, adjusted for its relative weighting in the portfolio. As of June 30, 2019,2020, our fixed income portfolio had the following rating distribution:

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AAA

    

47.445.9

%

AA

15.217.9

%

A

20.4

%

BBB

10.69.3

%

BB

3.93.2

%

B

2.32.4

%

CCC

0.10.3

%

NR

0.10.6

%

Total

100.0

%

As of June 30, 2019,2020, the duration of the fixed income portfolio was 4.84.6 years. Our fixed income portfolio remained well diversified, with 1,2111,288 individual issues.

Our investment portfolio has limited exposure to structured asset-backed securities (ABS).securities. As of June 30, 2019,2020, we had $108.9$137.9 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 June 30, 2019,2020, we had $43.0$80.6 million in commercial mortgage backed securities (CMBS) and $408.2$409.2 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 6.38.2 percent of our investment portfolio at quarter end.

We had $726.8$765.1 million in corporate fixed income securities as of June 30, 2019,2020, which includes $83.5$98.2 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.

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We also maintain an allocation to municipal fixed income securities. As of June 30, 2019,2020, we had $336.6$455.7 million in municipal securities. The municipal portfolio includes approximately 73 percent tax-exempt securities and 27 percent taxable securities. Approximately 8386 percent of our municipal bond portfolio maintains an ‘AA’ or better rating, while 99 percent of the municipal bond portfolio is rated ‘A’ or better.

Our equity portfolio had a fair value of $421.8$422.2 million as of June 30, 20192020 and is also a source of liquidity. The securities within the equity portfolio remain primarily invested in large-cap issues with a focus on dividend income. In the equity portfolio, the strategy remains one of value investing, with security selection taking precedence over market timing.

As of June 30, 2019,2020, our equity portfolio had a dividend yield of 2.42.1 percent, compared to 1.9 percent for the S&P 500 index. Because of the corporate dividend-received-deduction applicable to our dividend income, we pay an effective tax rate of 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 243221 individual securities and three ETF positions. No single stock exposure is greater than 2 percent of the equity portfolio.

We had $55.2$63.4 million of other invested assets at June 30, 2019,2020, including investments in low income housing tax credit partnerships, membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBC)FHLBC, investments in private funds and investments in private funds.restricted stock. As of June 30, 2019, $16.32020, $14.6 million of investments were pledged as collateral with the FHLBC to ensure timely access to the secured lending facility that ownership of FHLBC stock provides. As of and during the six monthsix-month period ending June 30, 2019,2020, there were no outstanding borrowings with the FHLBC.

Our investment portfolio does not have any exposure to derivatives.

Our capital structure is comprised of equity and debt outstanding. As of June 30, 2019,2020, our capital structure consisted of $149.2$149.4 million in 10-year maturity senior notes maturing in 2023 (debt) and $959.9 million$1.1 billion of shareholders’ equity. Debt outstanding comprised 13.512.4 percent of total capital as of June 30, 2019.2020. Interest and fees on debt obligations totaled $3.8 million during the first six months of 2020, compared to $3.7 million during the first half of 2019, the same amount as the previous year.period in 2019. We have incurred interest expense on debt at an average annual interest rate of 4.91 percent for the six-monththree-month periods ended June 30, 20192020 and 2018.2019.

We paid a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.23$0.24 per share on June 20, 2019,19, 2020, a $0.01 increase over the prior quarter. We have increased dividends in each of the last 4445 years.

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Our three insurance subsidiaries are subsidiaries of RLI Corp, with RLI Ins. as the first-level, or principal, insurance subsidiary. At the holding company (RLI Corp.) level, we rely largely on dividends from our insurance company subsidiaries to meet our obligations for paying principal and interest on outstanding debt, corporate expenses and dividends to RLI Corp. shareholders. As discussed further below, dividend payments to RLI Corp. from our principal insurance subsidiary are restricted by state insurance laws as to the amount that may be paid without prior approval of the insurance regulatory authorities of Illinois. As a result, we may not be able to receive dividends from such subsidiary at times and in amounts necessary to pay desired dividends to RLI Corp. shareholders. On a GAAP basis, as of June 30, 2019,2020, our holding company had $959.9 million$1.1 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 $46.3$43.4 million in liquid assets, which approximateswould cover the majority of our 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). RLI Ins. did not pay any dividends to RLI Corp inIn the first six months of 2019.2020, RLI Ins. paid $22.0 million in ordinary dividends to RLI Corp. In 2018,2019, our principal insurance subsidiary paid ordinary dividends totaling $13.0$59.0 million. As of June 30, 2020, $43.3 million and extraordinary dividends totaling $110.0 million. Given the amount of dividends paid during the prior rolling 12-month period, the net assets of our principal insurance subsidiary arewere not restricted until the fourth quarter of 2019 and cannotcould 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,

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we also consider internal models and how capital adequacy is defined by our rating agencies in determining amounts available for distribution. However, as discussed above, RLI Corp. had the necessary amount of unrestricted liquid net assets on hand at June 30, 2019 to cover normal annual holding company expenditures as they are incurred and become payable.

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

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

Credit risk is the potential loss resulting from adverse changes in an issuer’s ability to repay its debt obligations. We monitor our portfolio to ensure that credit risk does not exceed prudent levels. We have consistently invested in high credit quality, investment grade securities. Our fixed maturity portfolio has an average rating of “AA-AA-, with 8384 percent rated “A”A or better by at least two nationally recognized rating organizations.

On an overall basis, our exposure to market risk has not significantly changed from that reported in our December 31, 20182019 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The COVID-19 pandemic does present new and emerging uncertainty to the financial markets. See further discussion in Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Part II, Item 1A., Risk Factors, of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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.

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

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

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings – There were no material changes to report.

ItemItem 1A.  

Risk Factors - There were no material changes to report.

There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as updated in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020.

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 2019.2020. 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.

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Item 6.  

Exhibits

Exhibit No.

Description of Document

Reference

3.1

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 8, 2020.

10.1

RLI Corp. 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan

Attached as Exhibit 10.1.

10.2

RLI Corp. Annual Incentive Compensation Plan

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

Exhibit 31.2

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

Attached as Exhibit 31.2.

32.1

Exhibit 32.1

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

Attached as Exhibit 32.1.

32.2

Exhibit 32.2

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

Attached as Exhibit 32.2.

101

iXBRL-Related Documents

Attached as Exhibit 101101.

104

iXBRL-Related Documents

Cover Page Interactive Data File

Embedded in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

RLI Corp.

/s/ Todd W. Bryant

Todd W. Bryant

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Chief Accounting Officer)

Date: July 25, 201924, 2020

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