RLI Corp. reports Q3 2026 results with operating EPS $0.86 and 86.2% combined ratio

RLI Corp. released its third‑quarter 2026 earnings on October 20. The insurer posted operating earnings per share of $0.86, up from $0.82 a year earlier, while GAAP earnings fell to $0.88 per share from $1.35. Underwriting income was $58.8 million and the combined ratio slipped to 86.2%, with net investment income rising 13% to $46.7 million. Revenue came in at $476.96 million, a 6.3% decline year‑over‑year, and the company returned capital through a $0.18 dividend and a share repurchase of roughly 104,000 shares.

The lower GAAP EPS and revenue miss suggest weaker profitability, which may pressure the stock price. However, the rise in operating EPS and steady underwriting income indicate the core insurance business remains resilient, and the continued capital returns support shareholder yield.

  • 1Operating earnings per share was $0.86 in Q3 2026, up from $0.82 in Q3 2025.
  • 2GAAP net earnings per share was $0.88, down from $1.35 a year earlier.
  • 3Underwriting income totaled $58.8 million for the quarter.
  • 4The combined ratio was 86.2%, compared with 85.1% in the prior year.
  • 5Net investment income increased 13% to $46.7 million.
  • 6Gross premiums written grew 2% year over year.

Sources