RLI's products serve niche markets, providing unique insurance coverages in the specialty admitted and excess and surplus markets. The company has achieved 29 consecutive years of underwriting profitability as of 2024. RLI's risk-aware culture includes management compensation tied to long-term underwriting profitability and avoids writing unprofitable business.
Cyborg Score Rationale
AM Best affirmed RLI's A+ (Superior) financial strength rating in January 2025, revising the outlook to positive, citing its strongest balance sheet and strong operating performance. RLI has paid dividends for 198 consecutive quarters and increased regular dividends in each of the last 50 years, with the company returning more than $1.6 billion to shareholders over the last 10 years. Q4 2025 net earnings reached $91.2 million, or $0.99 per share, up from $40.9 million, or $0.44, a year earlier.
Top Insights
Underwriting income of $70.9 million on a combined ratio of 82.6 in Q4 2025
Favorable development in prior years' loss reserves resulted in a $22.0 million net increase in underwriting income in Q4 2025
First Pacific Advisors highlighted RLI as an attractive small-cap specialty insurer in February 2026, pointing to stable business and lower valuation multiples
RLI paid a special dividend of $2.00 per share in December 2025, representing $183.7 million returned to shareholders