Zacks Research Issues Optimistic Outlook for RLI Earnings

RLI Corp. (NYSE:RLI) – Research analysts at Zacks Research increased their Q3 2026 earnings estimates for shares of RLI in a note issued to investors on Wednesday, March 18th. Zacks Research analyst Team now expects that the insurance provider will earn $0.57 per share for the quarter, up from their prior estimate of $0.55. Zacks Research has a “Strong Sell” rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for RLI’s current full-year earnings is $3.08 per share.

RLI (NYSE:RLI) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 21st. The insurance provider reported $0.94 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.76 by $0.18. The business had revenue of $465.69 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $447.53 million. RLI had a net margin of 21.43% and a return on equity of 18.67%. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.41 earnings per share.

A number of other research analysts have also weighed in on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of RLI from an “underperform” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $52.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Wells Fargo & Company set a $59.00 price target on RLI and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Citizens Jmp reiterated a “market perform” rating on shares of RLI in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upgraded RLI from a “moderate buy” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 24th. Finally, Truist Financial set a $58.00 price objective on RLI in a report on Friday, January 23rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $65.20.

RLI Trading Up 0.5%

Shares of RLI stock opened at $57.93 on Monday. The firm’s 50 day moving average is $60.30 and its 200 day moving average is $62.17. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.33 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.29 and a beta of 0.50. RLI has a 12 month low of $55.80 and a 12 month high of $81.79.

RLI Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 16th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 2nd were given a dividend of $0.16 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, March 2nd. This represents a $0.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.1%. RLI’s dividend payout ratio is 14.68%.

Insider Transactions at RLI

In other news, COO Jennifer L. Klobnak acquired 2,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 23rd. The shares were bought at an average cost of $57.99 per share, with a total value of $115,980.00. Following the acquisition, the chief operating officer owned 100,318 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,817,440.82. This represents a 2.03% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Craig W. Kliethermes bought 5,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 23rd. The stock was purchased at an average price of $57.45 per share, with a total value of $287,250.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 143,990 shares in the company, valued at $8,272,225.50. The trade was a 3.60% increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing. Company insiders own 2.16% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On RLI

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Wasatch Advisors LP purchased a new position in RLI in the 2nd quarter worth $84,608,000. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of RLI during the fourth quarter valued at about $66,997,000. Victory Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of RLI by 6,060.1% during the fourth quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 739,709 shares of the insurance provider’s stock valued at $47,327,000 after buying an additional 727,701 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can increased its holdings in shares of RLI by 3,664.4% in the fourth quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 368,384 shares of the insurance provider’s stock worth $23,569,000 after buying an additional 358,598 shares during the period. Finally, Two Sigma Investments LP increased its holdings in shares of RLI by 353.1% in the third quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 446,378 shares of the insurance provider’s stock worth $29,113,000 after buying an additional 347,858 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.89% of the company’s stock.

RLI Company Profile

RLI Corporation (NYSE:RLI) is a specialty property and casualty insurance company focused on underwriting niche risks for businesses and individuals. Headquartered in Peoria, Illinois, the company operates through a network of independent agents and brokers, offering customized coverage solutions. RLI’s approach emphasizes disciplined underwriting, targeted product development and strong customer service to maintain profitability and long-term growth.

Founded in 1965 as Replacement Lens, Inc, RLI initially provided insurance for contact lens manufacturers before shifting its focus to specialty insurance in the 1980s.