07/23/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/23/2021 09:55

Quarterly Report (SEC Filing - 10-Q)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021

or

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 001-09463

RLI Corp.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(309) 692-1000

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

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.

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 14, 2021, the number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common Stock was 45,225,943.

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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

RLI Corp. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings

(Unaudited)

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

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RLI Corp. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

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

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RLI Corp. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity

(Unaudited)

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)

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. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial reporting and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. As such, these unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with our 2020 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, 2021 and the results of operations of RLI Corp. (the Company) and subsidiaries for all periods presented have been made. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for a full year. Certain reclassifications were made to 2020 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.

B. ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

No new accounting standards applicable in 2021 impact our financial statements.

C. PROSPECTIVE ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

There are no prospective accounting standards which would have a material impact on our financial statements as of June 30, 2021.

D. REINSURANCE

Ceded unearned premiums and reinsurance balances recoverable on unpaid losses and settlement expenses are reported separately as an asset, rather than being netted with the related liability, since reinsurance does not relieve the Company of our liability to policyholders. Such balances are subject to the credit risk associated with the individual reinsurer. We continually monitor the financial condition of our reinsurers and actively follow up on any past due or disputed amounts. As part of our monitoring efforts, we review their annual financial statements 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. In addition, we subject our reinsurance recoverables to detailed recoverability tests, including a segment-based analysis using the average default rating percentage by S&P rating, which assists the Company in assessing the sufficiency of the existing allowance. Additionally, we perform an in-depth reinsurer financial condition analysis prior to the renewal of each of our reinsurance placements.

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

The allowances for uncollectible amounts on paid and unpaid reinsurance recoverables were $16.1 million and $9.2 million, respectively, at June 30, 2021. At December 31, 2020, the amounts were $15.9 million and $8.6 million, respectively. Changes in the allowances were due to changes in the amount of reinsurance balances outstanding, the composition of reinsurers from whom the balances were recoverable and their associated S&P default ratings. No write-offs were applied to the allowances in the first six months of 2021 and less than $0.1 million was recovered. We have no receivables with a due date that extends beyond one year that are not included in our allowance for uncollectible amounts.

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E. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The composition of goodwill and intangible assets at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is detailed in the following table:

All definite-lived intangible assets are amortized based on their estimated useful lives. Amortization of intangible assets was less than $0.1 million for the second quarter of 2021 and $0.1 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2021. Amortization of intangible assets was $0.1 million for the second quarter of 2020 and $0.2 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2020.

Annual impairment assessments were performed on our goodwill and state insurance license indefinite-lived intangible asset during the second quarter of 2021. Based upon these reviews, none of the assets were impaired. In addition, there were no triggering events as of June 30, 2021 that would suggest an updated impairment test would be needed for our goodwill and intangible assets.

F. EARNINGS PER SHARE

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

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G. COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS

Our comprehensive earnings include net earnings plus after-tax unrealized gains and losses on our available-for-sale fixed income portfolio. In reporting the components of comprehensive earnings, we used the federal statutory tax rate of 21 percent. Other comprehensive earnings (loss), as shown in the consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive earnings, is net of tax expense of $4.0 million and $14.2 million for the second quarter of 2021 and 2020, respectively. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2021, other comprehensive earnings is net of tax benefit of $7.9 million, compared to $10.8 million of net tax expense for the same period in 2020.

Unrealized losses, net of tax, recognized in other comprehensive earnings (loss) were $29.6 million for the first six months of 2021, compared to $40.5 million of unrealized gains, net of tax, during the same period last year. The unrealized losses were attributable to increased interest rates in 2021, which decreased the fair value of securities held in the fixed income portfolio, while interest rate declines resulted in unrealized gains in 2020.

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:

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. The effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive earnings by the respective line items of net earnings are presented in the following table:

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H. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

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

The following are the levels of the fair value hierarchy and a brief description of the type of valuation inputs that are used to establish each level. Financial assets are classified based upon the lowest level of significant input that is used to determine fair value.

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 are deemed Level 2.

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

Regulation D Private Placement Securities: All Regulation D privately-placed bonds are classified as corporate securities and deemed Level 3. The pricing vendor evaluation methodology for these securities includes a combination of observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs include public corporate spread matrices classified by sector, rating and average life, as well as investment and non-investment grade matrices created from fixed income indices. Unobservable inputs

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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 creditspread assumptions would result in a lower fair value.

For all of our fixed income securities classified as Level 2, we periodically conduct a review to assess the reasonableness of the fair values provided by our pricing services. Our review consists of a two-pronged approach. First, we compare prices provided by our pricing services to those provided by an additional source. In some cases, we obtain prices from securities brokers and compare them to the prices provided by our pricing services. If discrepancies are found in our comparisons, we compare our prices to actual reported trade data for like securities. No changes to the fair values supplied by our pricing services have occurred as a result of our reviews. Based on these assessments, we have determined that the fair values of our Level 2 fixed income securities provided by our pricing services are reasonable.

Common Stock:As of June 30, 2021, nearly all of our common stock holdings were traded on an exchange. Exchange traded equities have readily observable price levels and are classified as Level 1 (fair value based on quoted market prices). Pricing for the equity securities not traded on an exchange is provided by a third-party pricing source and are classified as Level 2.

Due to the relatively short-term nature of cash, short-term investments, accounts receivable and accounts payable, their carrying amounts are reasonable estimates of fair value. Our investments in private funds, classified as other invested assets, are measured using the investments' net asset value per share and are not categorized within the fair value hierarchy.

I. RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

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

2. INVESTMENTS

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

Realized gains and losses on disposition of investments are based on specific identification of the investments sold on the settlement date. The following is a summary of the disposition of fixed income and equity securities for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020:

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are summarized below:

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

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The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed income securities by contractual maturity as of June 30, 2021 were as follows:

The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are presented in the tables below. Amortized cost does not include the $16.0 million and $14.9 million of accrued interest receivable as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

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 reversable allowance for credit losses on available-for-sale fixed income securities. 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:

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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, 2021, the discounted cash flow analysis resulted in an allowance for credit losses on 13 securities. The following table presents changes in the allowance for expected credit losses on available-for-sale securities:

As of June 30, 2021, in addition to the securities included in the allowance for credit losses, the fixed income portfolio contained 260 securities with an unrealized loss position for which an allowance for credit losses had not been recorded. The $7.8 million in associated unrealized losses represents 0.4 percent of the fixed income portfolio's cost basis and 0.3percent of total invested assets. Isolated to these securities, unrealized losses increased through the first six months of 2021, as interest rates increased during the period. Of the total 260 securities, 39 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, 2021 and December 31, 2020 after factoring in the allowance for credit losses. All fixed income securities continue to pay the expected coupon payments and we believe we will recover the amortized cost basis of available-for-sale securities that remain in an unrealized loss position.

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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, 2021 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.

Net Unrealized Gains and Losses on Equity Securities

Net unrealized gains recognized on equity securities still held as of June 30, 2021 were $39.7 million during the second quarter, while net unrealized gains were $81.0 million during the first half of 2021. Comparatively, net unrealized gains recognized on equity securities still held as of June 30, 2020 were $72.4 million during the second quarter, while net unrealized losses were $42.9 million during the first half of 2020.

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Other Invested Assets

We had $52.8 million of other invested assets at June 30, 2021, compared to $54.2 million at December 31, 2020. Other invested assets include investments in low income housing tax credit partnerships (LIHTC), membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBC), and investments in private funds. Our LIHTC investments are carried at amortized cost and our investment in FHLBC stock is carried at cost. Due to the nature of the LIHTC and our membership in the FHLBC, their carrying amounts approximate fair value. The private funds are carried at fair value, using each investment's net asset value.

Our LIHTC interests had a balance of $18.3 million at June 30, 2021, compared to $20.3 million at December 31, 2020 and recognized a total tax benefit of $0.9 million during the second quarters of 2021 and 2020. For each of the six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, our LIHTC interests recognized a total benefit of $1.8 million. Our unfunded commitment for our LIHTC investments totaled $2.4 million at June 30, 2021 and will be paid out in installments through 2035.

As of June 30, 2021, $9.6 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-month period ended June 30, 2021, there were no outstanding borrowings with the FHLBC.

Our investments in private funds totaled $31.1 million at June 30, 2021, compared to $32.1 million at December 31, 2020, and we had $9.3 million of associated unfunded commitments at June 30, 2021. Our interest in private funds is generally restricted from being transferred or otherwise redeemed without prior consent by the respective entities and the timed dissolution of the partnerships would trigger redemption. At December 31, 2020, we had a publicly traded common stock with short-term restrictions that limited our ability to sell the security without prior approval. During the first quarter of 2021, our investment in this security became unrestricted and the investment was included in our equity portfolio as of June 30, 2021.

Cash

Cash consists of uninvested balances in bank accounts. We had a cash balance of $95.5 million at June 30, 2021, compared to $62.2 million at December 31, 2020.

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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 2021 and 2020:

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 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.

For the first six months of 2021, incurred losses and LAE included $67.5 million of favorable development on prior years' loss reserves. General liability, transportation, professional services, small commercial, personal umbrella and marine were drivers of the favorable development. No products experienced significant adverse development.

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.

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, 2021. 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 recorded reserves include consideration of these factors, but the duration and degree to which these issues persist, along with potential legislative, regulatory or judicial actions, could result in loss reserve deficiencies and reduce earnings in future periods.

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4. INCOME TAXES

Our effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 was 19.8 percent and 19.3 percent, respectively, compared to 19.8 percent and 13.0 percent, respectively, for the same period in 2020. Effective rates are dependent upon components of pretax earnings and the related tax effects. Pretax income, tax-favored adjustments and the effective rate was similar for the second quarters of 2021 and 2020. For the six-month period end June 30, the effective tax rate was higher for 2021 as lower pretax income was experienced in 2020, which increased the percentage impact of tax-favored adjustments.

Income tax expense attributable to income from operations for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 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.

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 2,853,420 awards under the 2015 LTIP, including 230,051 thus far in 2021.

Compensation expense is based on the probable number of awards expected to vest. The total compensation expense related to equity awards was $1.7 million and $3.2 million in the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021, respectively, compared to $0.7 million and $2.0 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2020. The total income tax benefit was $0.3 million and $0.5 million for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021, respectively, compared to $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2020. Total unrecognized compensation expense relating to outstanding and unvested awards was $8.4 million, which will be recognized over the weighted average vesting period of 2.52 years.

Stock Options

Under the 2015 LTIP, as under the 2010 LTIP, we grant stock options for shares with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the shares at the date of grant (subject to adjustments for changes in our capitalization, special dividends and other events as set forth in such plans). Options generally vest and become exercisable ratably over a five-yearperiod and expire eight years after grant.

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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.

The following tables summarize option activity for the six-month period ended June 30, 2021:

The intrinsic value, which is the difference between the fair value and the exercise price, of options exercised was $7.3 million and $3.2 million during the first six months of 2021 and 2020, respectively.

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

The risk-free rate was determined based on U.S. treasury yields that most closely approximated the option's expected life. The dividend yield was determined based on the average annualized quarterly dividends paid during the most recent five-year period and incorporated a consideration for special dividends paid in recent history. The expected volatility was calculated based on the median of the rolling volatilities for the expected life of the options. The expected option life was determined based on historical exercise behavior and the assumption that all outstanding options will be exercised at the midpoint of the current date and remaining contractual term, adjusted for the demographics of the current year's grant.

Restricted Stock Units

In addition to stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) are granted with a value equal to the closing stock price of the Company's stock on the dates the units are granted. For employees, these units generally have a three-yearcliff vesting, but have an accelerated vesting feature for participants who are retirement eligible, defined by the plan as those individuals whose age and years of service equals 75. For directors, these units vest on the earlier of one year from the date of grant or the next annual shareholders meeting. In addition, the RSUs have dividend participation, which accrue as additional units and are settled with granted stock units at the end of the vesting period. The total fair value of restricted stock units that vested was $2.2 million and $1.5 million during 2021 and 2020, respectively.

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6. OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION

Selected information by operating segment is presented in the table below. Additionally, the table reconciles segment totals to total earnings and total revenues.

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

7. LEASES

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

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The Company's operating lease obligations are for branch office facilities. The components of lease expense and other lease information as of and during the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of June 30, 2021 were as follows:

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Forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 appear throughout this report. These statements relate to our current expectations, beliefs, intentions, goals or strategies regarding the future and are based on certain underlying assumptions by the Company. These forward looking statements generally include words such as 'expect,' 'predict,' 'estimate,' 'will,' 'should,' 'anticipate,' 'believe' and similar expressions. Such assumptions are, in turn, based on information available and internal estimates and analyses of general economic conditions, competitive factors, conditions specific to the property and casualty insurance and reinsurance industries, claims development and the impact thereof on our loss reserves, the adequacy and financial security of our reinsurance programs, developments in the securities market and the impact on our investment portfolio, regulatory changes and conditions and other factors. These assumptions are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation those set forth in 'Item 1A. Risk Factors' within the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and Part II within this report. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward looking statements. We assume no obligation to update any such statements. You should review the various risks, uncertainties and other factors listed from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

OVERVIEW

RLI Corp. is a U.S.-based, specialty insurance company that underwrites select property and casualty insurance through major subsidiaries collectively known as RLI Insurance Group (Group). Our focus is on niche markets and developing unique products that are tailored to customers' needs. We hire underwriters and claim examiners with deep expertise and provide exceptional customer service and support. We maintain a highly diverse product portfolio and underwrite for profit in all market conditions. In 2020, we achieved our 25th consecutive year of underwriting profitability. Over the 25-year period, we averaged an 88.3 combined ratio. This drives our ability to provide shareholder returns in three different ways: the underwriting income itself, net investment income from our investment portfolio and long-term appreciation in our equity portfolio.

We measure the results of our insurance operations by monitoring growth and profitability across three distinct business segments: casualty, property and surety. Growth is measured in terms of gross premiums written, and profitability is analyzed through combined ratios, which are further subdivided into their respective loss and expense components.

The property and casualty insurance business is cyclical and influenced by many factors, including price competition, economic conditions, natural or man-made disasters (for example, earthquakes, hurricanes, pandemics and terrorism), interest rates, state regulations, court decisions and changes in the law. One of the unique and challenging features of the property and casualty insurance business is that coverages must be priced before costs have fully developed, because premiums are charged before claims are incurred. This requires that liabilities be estimated and recorded in recognition of future loss and settlement obligations. Due to the inherent uncertainty in estimating these liabilities, there can be no assurance that actual liabilities will not be more or less than recorded amounts; if actual liabilities differ from recorded amounts, there will be an adverse or favorable effect on net earnings.

The casualty portion of our business consists largely of commercial excess, personal umbrella, general liability, transportation and executive products coverages, as well as package business and other specialty coverages, such as professional liability and workers' compensation for office-based professionals. We also assume a limited amount of hard-to-place risks through a quota share reinsurance agreement. The casualty business is subject to the risk of estimating losses and related loss reserves because the ultimate settlement of a casualty claim may take several years to fully develop. The casualty segment is also subject to inflation risk and may be affected by evolving legislation and court decisions that define the extent of coverage and the amount of compensation due for injuries or losses.

Our property segment is comprised primarily of commercial fire, earthquake, difference in conditions and marine coverages. We also offer select personal lines policies, including homeowners' coverages. Property insurance results are subject to the variability introduced by perils such as earthquakes, fires, hurricanes and other storms. Our major catastrophe exposure is to losses caused by earthquakes, primarily on the West Coast. Our second largest catastrophe exposure is to losses caused by wind storms to commercial properties throughout the Gulf and East Coast, as well as to homes we insure in Hawaii. We limit our net aggregate exposure to a catastrophic event by minimizing the total policy limits written in a particular region, purchasing reinsurance and maintaining policy terms and conditions throughout insurance cycles. We also use computer-assisted modeling techniques to provide estimates that help the Company carefully manage the concentration of risks exposed to catastrophic events.

The surety segment specializes in writing small to large-sized commercial and contract surety coverages, including payment and performance bonds. We also offer miscellaneous bonds including license and permit, notary and court bonds. Often, our surety coverages involve a statutory requirement for bonds. While these bonds typically maintain a relatively low

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loss ratio, losses may fluctuate due to adverse economic conditions affecting the financial viability of our principals. The contract surety product guarantees the construction work of a commercial contractor for a specific project. Generally, losses occur due to the deterioration of a contractor's financial condition. This line has historically produced marginally higher loss ratios than other surety lines during economic downturns.

The insurance marketplace is competitive across all of our segments. However, we believe that our business model is built to create underwriting income by focusing on sound risk selection and discipline. Our primary focus will continue to be on underwriting profitability, with a secondary focus on premium growth where we believe underwriting profit exists, as opposed to general premium growth or market share measurements.

GAAP, non-GAAP and Performance Measures

Throughout this quarterly report, we include certain non-generally accepted accounting principles (non-GAAP) financial measures. Management believes that these non-GAAP measures further explain the Company's results of operations and allow for a more complete understanding of the underlying trends in the Company's business. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP). In addition, our definitions of these items may not be comparable to the definitions used by other companies.

The following is a list of non-GAAP measures found throughout this report with their definitions, relationships to GAAP measures and explanations of their importance to our operations.

Underwriting Income

Underwriting income or profit represents one measure of the pretax profitability of our insurance operations and is derived by subtracting losses and settlement expenses, policy acquisition costs and insurance operating expenses from net premiums earned, which are all GAAP financial measures. Each of these captions is presented in the statements of earnings but is not subtotaled. However, this information is available in total and by segment in note 6 to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, and in note 12 to the consolidated financial statements in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, regarding operating segment information. The nearest comparable GAAP measure is earnings before income taxes which, in addition to underwriting income, includes net investment income, net realized gains or losses, net unrealized gains or losses on equity securities, general corporate expenses, debt costs and our portion of earnings from unconsolidated investees. A reconciliation of net earnings to underwriting income follows:

Combined Ratio

The combined ratio, which is derived from components of underwriting income, is a common industry performance measure of profitability for underwriting operations and is calculated in two components. First, the loss ratio is losses and settlement expenses divided by net premiums earned. The second component, the expense ratio, reflects the sum of policy acquisition costs and insurance operating expenses divided by net premiums earned. All items included in these components of the combined ratio are presented in our GAAP consolidated financial statements. The sum of the loss and expense ratios is the combined ratio. The difference between the combined ratio and 100 reflects the per-dollar rate of underwriting income or loss.

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Critical Accounting Policies

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

The most critical accounting policies involve significant estimates and include those used in determining the liability for unpaid losses and settlement expenses, investment valuation, recoverability of reinsurance balances, deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred taxes. For a detailed discussion of each of these policies, refer to our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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

IMPACT OF COVID-19

Our processes and controls continue to operate effectively and we have been able to maintain the highest service and support levels possible for our customers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. While we have recently welcomed many of our team members back to our offices, a number of our associates are still working from home.

It is difficult to predict how and to what extent COVID-19, and its effects on the economy, will impact our revenues in the coming quarters. To date, the product line that has experienced the greatest impact has been public transportation. Many of our passenger transportation customers have been unable to effectively operate under social-distancing protocols and stay-at-home orders. Although transportation premium is up from pre-pandemic levels in the first half of 2021 in total, public transportation continues to be down and may be challenged until the use of public transportation increases. Additionally, a number of our products support the construction industry, and revenues may be impacted if disruption in this section does not continue to ease.

The loss exposure arising out of the spread of COVID-19 and the 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 derivative implications that COVID-19 had on the economy may have negative implications on products that are correlated with the credit cycle, including, but not limited to, some of our surety and executive products offerings. Additionally, the professional services and executive product groups may be affected by claims made against companies who are reopening or returning to work.

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, 2021. We expect there will be impacts to the timing of loss emergence and ultimate loss ratios for certain coverages. The industry experienced 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 of business. 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.

Investment yields decreased throughout 2020, which resulted in lower reinvestment rates and, in turn, lower investment income in the first half of 2021. Additionally, the fair value of the fixed income portfolio will decline as interest rates rise, as we observed with our $29.6 million of after-tax other comprehensive loss during the first half of 2021.

We produced solid operating results in the first six months of 2021 and our financial position remains strong. We generated $164.5 million of net operating cash inflows and believe we have sufficient sources of liquidity to meet our anticipated needs over the next 12 to 24 months. 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.

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 environment and uncertainty we continue to experience.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

Consolidated revenue for the first half of 2021 increased $169.0 million from the first half of 2020. Net premiums earned for the Group increased 11 percent, driven by growth from our casualty and property segments, while performance in the equity portfolio varied significantly between the periods. Positive market performance resulted in $32.1 million of unrealized gains in our equity portfolio in 2021, while overall market declines resulted in $55.7 million of unrealized losses on equity securities in the first half of 2020. Investment income was down 5 percent compared to the prior year, as reinvestment rates declined during the first half of 2021. Realized gains during the first six months of 2021 were comprised of $48.9 million of realized gains on equity securities, primarily due to rebalancing within our equity strategies, $1.5 million of realized gains on the fixed income portfolio and $0.2 million of other realized losses. This compares to $12.8 million of realized gains on the equity portfolio, $2.6 million of realized gains on the fixed income portfolio and $2.4 million of other realized losses for the same period in 2020.

Net earnings for the first six months of 2021 totaled $154.8 million, compared to $30.9 million for the same period in 2020. The increase in earnings was primarily attributed to $25.4 million of net after-tax unrealized gains on equity securities, compared to $44.0 million of after-tax unrealized losses in 2020. Underwriting results for 2021 were impacted by $24.0 million of pretax storm losses, compared to $6.5 million of pretax losses from storms and civil unrest in the first half of 2020. Results for each period benefited from favorable development on prior years' loss reserves, which provided additional pretax earnings of $69.5 million in the first six months of 2021, compared to $40.8 million in 2020. Pretax bonus and profit sharing-related expenses associated with the net impact of prior years' reserve development and catastrophe losses totaled $6.8 million in 2021, compared to $5.1 million in 2020. 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 predominantly influenced by corporate performance, including operating earnings, combined ratio and return on capital.

Underwriting income was $66.5 million on an 85.8 combined ratio for the first half of 2021, compared to $41.4 million on a 90.2 combined ratio in the same period of 2020. The loss ratio decreased to 45.1 from 50.0, due to improvements in the current accident year loss ratio, a higher level of favorable development in 2021 and the $10.8 million of reserves added in 2020 related to COVID-19 loss and defense costs. The Group's expense ratio increased to 40.7 from 40.2, as improved bonus and profit-sharing metrics led to larger levels of expense.

Our equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees primarily relate to our investments in Maui Jim, Inc. (Maui Jim), a manufacturer of high-quality sunglasses, and Prime Holdings Insurance Services, Inc. (Prime), a specialty insurance company. In the first half of 2021, $14.3 million of investee earnings were recorded for Maui Jim and $7.3 million of investee earnings were recorded for Prime. Comparatively, the first six months of 2020 reflected investee earnings of $5.2 million and $4.4 million from Maui Jim and Prime, respectively. Earnings from Maui Jim increased as sales improved with the recovery of the traditional retail sector.

Comprehensive earnings totaled $125.3 million for the first six months of 2021, compared to $71.4 million for the first six months of 2020. Other comprehensive earnings primarily included net after-tax unrealized gains and losses from the fixed income portfolio. Other comprehensive loss of $29.6 million in the first six months of 2021 was attributable to increased interest rates, which decreased the fair value of securities held in the fixed income portfolio. Comparatively, $40.5 million of other comprehensive gain was recognized in 2020 as interest rates declined.

Premiums

Gross premiums written for the Group increased $120.9 million for the first six months of 2021 when compared to the same period of 2020. Growth was achieved in all three segments, though the increase was driven by products in the casualty and property segments. Net premiums earned increased $45.3 million, also driven by products in our casualty and property segments.

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Casualty

Gross premiums written for the casualty segment were up $75.9 million in the first six months of 2021. Gross premiums from commercial excess and personal umbrella increased $23.7 million, due to an expanded distribution base in personal umbrella and rate increases. Rate increases also led to a 19 percent increase in premiums for our executive products group.

Commercial transportation was meaningfully affected by the stay-at-home orders associated with COVID-19, particularly in our public transportation line, which resulted in a significant decrease in premium in 2020. While transportation premiums were up $35.2 million in 2021, when compared to 2020, and were up from pre-pandemic levels in total, the public transportation line continues to be challenged.

Property

Gross premiums written for the property segment were up $40.4 million in the first six months of 2021. Our commercial property business was up $27.7 million, as rates on wind-prone and earthquake exposures continued to increase. Rate increases and improved retention, led to $9.2 million of growth for our marine product. Other property premium increased as a result of property-exposed General Binding Authority (GBA) business that continues to gain scale.

Surety

Gross premiums written for the surety segment were up $4.5 million for the first six months of 2021. Commercial surety has benefited from growth within existing accounts and writing bonds with new customers, while market disruption led to increased premium for miscellaneous surety.

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Underwriting Income

Casualty

The casualty segment recorded underwriting earnings of $51.3 million in the first six months of 2021, compared to $8.4 million for the same period last year. Reserve releases reduced loss and settlement expenses for the casualty segment by $57.7 million, primarily on accident years 2017 through 2020. Favorable development was widespread, with notable amounts from general liability, transportation, professional services, small commercial and personal umbrella. Offsetting the favorable development in 2021, storm losses on casualty-oriented package policies that include property coverage resulted in $2.4 million of losses. In comparison, $27.5 million of reserves were released in the first half of 2020. Transportation, general liability, executive products and small commercial were drivers of the favorable development.

The combined ratio for the casualty segment was 83.2 in 2021, compared to 97.0 in 2020. The segment's loss ratio was 47.4 in 2021, down from 61.7 in 2020 as a result of the increased level of favorable development and the addition of $7.7 million of reserves in 2020 related to COVID-19 loss and defense costs. The expense ratio for the casualty segment was 35.8, up from 35.3 for the same period last year.

Property

The property segment recorded underwriting earnings of $7.9 million for the first six months of 2021, compared to $16.1 million for the same period last year. Underwriting results for 2021 included $11.7 million of favorable development on prior years' loss and catastrophe reserves across all products and $21.6 million of storm losses. Comparatively, the 2020 underwriting results included $5.5 million of favorable development on prior years' loss and catastrophe 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.

Underwriting results for the first six months of 2021 translated into a combined ratio of 92.7, compared to 82.1 for the same period last year. The segment's loss ratio was 52.0 in 2021, up from 41.8 in 2020, due to higher levels of storm losses. The segment's expense ratio increased to 40.7 in 2021 from 40.3 in the prior year.

Surety

The surety segment recorded underwriting income of $7.3 million for the first six months of 2021, compared to $16.9 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 2021 included favorable development on prior accident years' reserves, which decreased loss and settlement expenses for the segment by $0.1 million. Comparatively, 2020 results included favorable development on prior accident years' loss reserves, which decreased the segment's loss and settlement expenses by $7.8 million, and offset $1.1 million in reserves established for COVID-19 related losses.

The combined ratio for the surety segment totaled 87.2 for the first six months of 2021, compared to 69.8 for the same period in 2020. The segment's loss ratio was 19.8 in 2021, up from 5.0 in 2020 due to lower reserve releases and modestly higher current accident year losses. The expense ratio was 67.4, up from 64.8 in the prior year, as an increased level of bonus and profit-sharing expenses were incurred, which were influenced by overall corporate performance.

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Investment Income

Our investment portfolio generated net investment income of $33.1 million during the first six months of 2021, a decrease of 4.6 percent from that reported for the same period in 2020. The decrease in investment income was largely due to the decline in reinvestment rates during 2020.

Yields on our fixed income investments for the first half of 2021 and 2020 were as follows:

The following table depicts the composition of our investment portfolio at June 30, 2021 as compared to December 31, 2020:

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

The fixed income portfolio increased by $122.6 million in the first six months of 2021. The increase was due to the majority of operating cash flows being allocated to the fixed income portfolio. Average fixed income duration was 4.9 years at June 30, 2021, reflecting our current liability structure and sound capital position. The equity portfolio increased by $42.9 million during the first six months of 2021, reflecting strong market returns.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate for the first six months of 2021 was 19.3 percent, compared to 13.0 percent for the same period in 2020. Effective rates are dependent upon components of pretax earnings or losses and the related tax effects. The effective rate was higher for the first six months of 2021, as lower pretax income was experienced in 2020, which increased the percentage impact of tax-favored adjustments.

Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2020

Consolidated revenue for the second quarter of 2021 decreased $0.2 million from the second quarter of 2020. Net premiums earned for the Group increased 15 percent, driven by growth from our casualty and property segments, while performance in the equity portfolio varied significantly between the periods. Positive market performance resulted in $4.0 million of unrealized gains in our equity portfolio in 2021, compared to $74.7 million of unrealized gains on equity securities in the second quarter of 2020, as the market recovered from pandemic lows. Investment income was down 2 percent compared to the prior year, as reinvestment rates declined during 2020. Realized gains during the second quarter of 2021 were comprised of $35.8 million of realized gains on equity securities, due primarily to rebalancing within our equity strategies, $0.4 million of realized gains on the fixed income portfolio and $0.3 million of other realized gains. This compares to $2.3 million of realized losses on the equity portfolio, $0.3 million of realized gains on the fixed income portfolio and $0.1 million of other realized losses for the same period in 2020.

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Net earnings for the second quarter of 2021 totaled $81.8 million, compared to $92.2 million of net earnings for the same period in 2020. The decrease in earnings was primarily attributed to $3.1 million of net after-tax unrealized gains on equity securities in 2021, compared to $59.0 million in 2020. Underwriting results for 2021 were impacted by $8.0 million of pretax storm losses, compared to $6.0 million of pretax storm and civil unrest losses in the second quarter of 2020. Results for each period benefited from favorable development on prior years' loss reserves, which provided additional pretax earnings of $32.4 million in the second quarter of 2021, compared to $25.6 million in 2020. Pretax bonus and profit sharing-related expenses associated with the net impact of prior years' reserve development and catastrophe losses totaled $3.7 million in 2021, compared to $2.9 million in 2020. 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.

Underwriting income was $36.6 million on an 84.8 combined ratio for the second quarter of 2021, compared to $24.2 million on an 88.4 combined ratio in the same period of 2020. The loss ratio decreased to 44.4 from 48.5, due to improvements in the current accident year loss ratio, a higher level of favorable development in 2021 and the $5.8 million of reserves added in 2020 related to COVID-19 loss and defense costs. The Group's expense ratio increased to 40.4 from 39.9, as improved bonus and profit-sharing metrics led to larger levels of expense.

In the second quarter of 2021, $10.6 million of investee earnings were recorded for Maui Jim and $3.6 million of investee earnings were recorded for Prime. Comparatively, the second of 2020 reflected investee earnings of $2.6 million and $2.5 million from Maui Jim and Prime, respectively. Earnings from Maui Jim increased as sales improved with the recovery of the traditional retail sector.

Comprehensive earnings totaled $97.0 million for the second quarter of 2021, compared to $145.7 million for the second quarter of 2020. Other comprehensive earnings primarily included net after-tax unrealized gains from the fixed income portfolio. Other comprehensive gain of $15.2 million in the second quarter of 2021 was attributable to a slight decline in interest rates, which increased the fair value of securities held in the fixed income portfolio. Comparatively, $53.6 million of other comprehensive gain was recognized in 2020 due to declines in interest rates.

Premiums

Gross premiums written for the Group increased $71.8 million for the second quarter of 2021 when compared to the same period of 2020. Growth was achieved in all three segments, though the increase was driven by products in the casualty and property segments. Net premiums earned increased $32.3 million, also driven by products in our property and casualty segments.

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Casualty

Gross premiums written for the casualty segment were up $46.3 million in the second quarter of 2021. Gross premiums from commercial excess and personal umbrella increased $14.6 million, due to an expanded distribution base in personal umbrella and rate increases. Rate increases led to a 26 percent increase in premiums for our executive products group. Other casualty premium increased as a result of our GBA business that continues to gain scale and growth in the amount of business written by Prime, with whom we maintain a quota share reinsurance treaty.

Commercial transportation was meaningfully affected by the stay-at-home orders associated with COVID-19, particularly in the public transportation line, which resulted in a significant decrease in premium in 2020. While transportation premiums were up $15.0 million in 2021, when compared to 2020, and were up from pre-pandemic levels in total, the public transportation line continues to be challenged.

Property

Gross premiums written for the property segment were up $22.6 million in the second quarter of 2021. Our commercial property business was up $17.3 million, as rates on wind-prone and earthquake exposures continued to increase and the marketplace provided an opportunity to increase market share. Rate increases and improved retention led to $3.5 million of growth for our marine product. Other property premium increased as a result of property-exposed GBA business that continues to gain scale.

Surety

Gross premiums written for the surety segment were up $2.9 million in the second quarter of 2021. The increase in miscellaneous surety premium is attributable to growth in existing programs and new opportunities from market disruption. Contract surety benefited from improving conditions, while the expansion of existing accounts and writing bonds with new customers resulted in increased premium for commercial surety.

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Underwriting Income

Casualty

The casualty segment recorded underwriting earnings of $26.4 million in the second quarter of 2021, compared to $9.7 million for the same period last year. Reserve releases reduced loss and settlement expenses for the casualty segment by $29.5 million, primarily on accident years 2016 through 2020. Favorable development was widespread, with notable amounts from general liability, transportation, commercial excess and professional services. Offsetting the favorable development in 2021, storm losses on casualty-oriented package policies that include property coverage resulted in $1.3 million of losses. In comparison, $21.1 million of reserves were released in the second quarter of 2020. Transportation, executive products, general liability and professional services were drivers of the favorable development.

The combined ratio for the casualty segment was 83.1 in 2021, compared to 92.8 in 2020. The segment's loss ratio was 47.6 in 2021, down from 57.4 in 2020 as a result of the increased level of favorable development, and the addition of $4.7 million of reserves in 2020 related to COVID-19 loss and defense costs. The expense ratio for the casualty segment was 35.5, up from 35.4 for the same period last year.

Property

The property segment recorded underwriting earnings of $8.9 million for the second quarter of 2021, compared to $6.2 million of underwriting income for the same period last year. Underwriting results for 2021 included $5.7 million of favorable development on prior years' loss and catastrophe reserves across all products and $6.7 million of storm losses. Comparatively, the 2020 underwriting results included $0.7 million of favorable development on prior years' loss and catastrophe reserves and $4.8 million of storm and civil unrest losses.

Underwriting results for the second quarter of 2021 translated into a combined ratio of 84.1, compared to 86.4 for the same period last year. The segment's loss ratio was 43.5 in 2021, down from 47.5 in 2020 due to higher reserve releases. The segment's expense ratio increased to 40.6 in 2021 from 38.9 in the prior year, as higher levels of bonus and profit-sharing expenses were incurred.

Surety

The surety segment recorded underwriting income of $1.3 million for the second quarter of 2021, compared to $8.3 million for the same period last year. Both periods reflected positive current accident year underwriting performance. Results for 2021 included $2.7 million of unfavorable development on prior accident years' reserves. A number of bankruptcy filings in the energy sector of our commercial surety business led to the strengthening of our incurred but not reported reserves on the 2020 accident year. Comparatively, 2020 results included favorable development on prior accident years' loss reserves, which decreased the segment's loss and settlement expenses by $3.8 million, and the addition of $1.1 million of reserves for COVID-19 related losses.

The combined ratio for the surety segment totaled 95.6 for the second quarter of 2021, compared to 70.6 for the same period in 2020. The segment's loss ratio was 28.7 in 2021, up from 7.1 in 2020, due to lower reserve releases and modestly higher current accident year losses. The expense ratio was 66.9, up from 63.5 in the prior year, as higher levels of bonus and profit-sharing expenses were incurred.

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Investment Income

Our investment portfolio generated net investment income of $16.7 million during the second quarter of 2021, a decrease of 1.5 percent from that reported for the same period in 2020. The decrease in investment income was largely due to a decline in reinvestment rates during 2020.

Yields on our fixed income investments for the second quarter of 2021 and 2020 were as follows:

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate for the second quarters of 2021 and 2020 was 19.8 percent. Effective rates are dependent upon components of pretax earnings or losses and the related tax effects. Similar levels of pretax income and tax-favored adjustments led to the same effective tax rate.

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, 2021 and 2020:

Our largest source of cash is premiums received from customers and our largest cash outflow is claim payments on insured losses. Cash flows from operating activities can vary among periods due to the timing in which these payments are made or received. Operating cash flows in the first six months of 2021 benefited from increased premium receipts and lower levels of loss and settlement expense payments relative to the first six months of 2020.

We have $149.6 million in debt outstanding. On October 2, 2013, we completed a public debt offering, issuing $150.0 million in senior notes maturing September 15, 2023 (a 10-year maturity), and paying interest semi-annually at the rate of 4.875 percent per annum. The notes were issued at a discount resulting in proceeds, net of discount and commission, of $148.6 million. The estimated fair value for the senior notes at June 30, 2021 was $162.5 million. The fair value of our debt is estimated based on the limited observable prices that reflect thinly traded securities.

As of June 30, 2021, we had cash and other investments maturing within one year of approximately $185.2 million and an additional $606.7 million maturing between one to five years. Whereas our strategy is to be fully invested at all times, short-term investments in excess of demand deposit balances are considered a component of investment activities, and thus are classified as investments in our consolidated balance sheets.

We also maintain a revolving line of credit with Bank of Montreal, Chicago Branch, which permits us to borrow up to an aggregate principal amount of $60.0 million. This facility was entered into during the first quarter of 2020 and replaced the previous $50.0 million facility with JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A., which was set to expire on May 24, 2020. Under certain conditions, the line may be increased up to an aggregate principal amount of $120.0 million. The facility has a three-year term

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that expires on March 27, 2023. As of and during the six-month period ended June 30, 2021, no amounts were outstanding on either facility.

Additionally, two of our insurance companies, RLI Insurance Company (RLI Ins.) and Mt. Hawley Insurance Company, are members of the 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, 2021, 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 maintain a diversified investment portfolio representing policyholder funds that have not yet been paid out as claims, as well as the capital we hold for our shareholders. Invested assets at June 30, 2021 have increased $197.3 million from December 31, 2020. As of June 30, 2021, our investment portfolio had the following asset allocation breakdown:

Quality is an average of each bond's credit rating, adjusted for its relative weighting in the portfolio. As of June 30, 2021, our fixed income portfolio had the following rating distribution:

As of June 30, 2021, the duration of the fixed income portfolio was 4.9 years. Our fixed income portfolio remained well diversified, with 1,504 individual issues.

Our investment portfolio has limited exposure to structured asset-backed securities. As of June 30, 2021, we had $128.3 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, 2021, we had $93.2 million in commercial mortgage-backed securities and $365.4 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 7.3 percent of our investment portfolio at quarter end.

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We had $928.1 million in corporate fixed income securities as of June 30, 2021, which includes $108.9 million invested in a high-yield credit strategy. This high-yield portfolio consists of floating rate bank loans and bonds that are below investment grade in credit quality and offer incremental yield over our core fixed income portfolio.

The municipal portfolio includes approximately 52 percent tax-exempt securities and 48 percent taxable securities. Approximately 89 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.

The securities within the actively managed portion of the equity portfolio remain primarily invested in large-cap issues, with a focus on dividend income, and are a source of liquidity. This strategy remains one of value investing, with security selection taking precedence over market timing.

As of June 30, 2021, our equity portfolio had a dividend yield of 1.8 percent, compared to 1.3 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 82 individual securities and four ETF positions. No single company exposure in the equity portfolio represents more than 1 percent of invested assets.

Other invested assets include investments in low income housing tax credit partnerships, membership in the FHLBC and investments in private funds. As of June 30, 2021, $9.6 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-month period ended June 30, 2021, 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, 2021, our capital structure consisted of $149.6 million in 10-year maturity senior notes maturing in 2023 (debt) and $1.2 billion of shareholders' equity. Debt outstanding comprised 10.8 percent of total capital as of June 30, 2021. Interest and fees on debt obligations totaled $3.8 million during each of the first six months of 2021 and 2020. We have incurred interest expense on debt at an average annual interest rate of 4.91 percent for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

We paid a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share on June 18, 2021, an increase of $0.01 from the prior quarter. We have increased dividends in each of the last 46 years.

Our three insurance companies are subsidiaries of RLI Corp, with RLI Ins. as the first-level, or principal, insurance company. At the holding company (RLI Corp.) level, we rely largely on dividends from our insurance subsidiaries to meet our obligations for paying principal and interest on outstanding debt, corporate expenses and dividends to RLI Corp. shareholders. As discussed further below, dividend payments to RLI Corp. from our principal insurance subsidiary are restricted by state insurance laws as to the amount that may be paid without prior approval of the insurance regulatory authorities of Illinois. As a result, we may not be able to receive dividends from such subsidiary at times and in amounts necessary to pay desired dividends to RLI Corp. shareholders. On a GAAP basis, as of June 30, 2021, our holding company had $1.2 billion in equity. This includes amounts related to the equity of our insurance subsidiaries, which is subject to regulatory restrictions under state insurance laws. The unrestricted portion of holding company net assets is comprised primarily of investments and cash, including $83.2 million in liquid assets, which exceeds our normal annual holding company expenditures. Unrestricted funds at the holding company are available to fund debt interest, general corporate obligations and dividend payments to our shareholders. If necessary, the holding company also has other potential sources of liquidity that could provide for additional funding to meet corporate obligations or pay shareholder dividends, which include a revolving line of credit, as well as access to capital markets.

Ordinary dividends, which may be paid by our principal insurance subsidiary without prior regulatory approval, are subject to certain limitations based upon statutory income, surplus and earned surplus. The maximum ordinary dividend distribution from our principal insurance subsidiary in a rolling 12-month period is limited by Illinois law to the greater of 10 percent of RLI Ins. policyholder surplus, as of December 31 of the preceding year, or the net income of RLI Ins. for the 12-month period ending December 31 of the preceding year. Ordinary dividends are further restricted by the requirement that they be paid from earned surplus. Any dividend distribution in excess of the ordinary dividend limits is deemed extraordinary and requires prior approval from the Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI). In the first six months of 2021, RLI Ins. paid $47.0 million in ordinary dividends to RLI Corp. In 2020, our principal insurance subsidiary paid ordinary dividends totaling $110.0 million. As of June 30, 2021, $0.3 million of the net assets of our principal insurance subsidiary were not restricted and could be distributed to RLI Corp. as ordinary dividends without prior approval from the IDOI. Because the limitations are based upon a rolling 12-month period, the amount and impact of these restrictions vary over time. In addition to restrictions from our

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principal subsidiary's insurance regulator, we also consider internal models and how capital adequacy is defined by our rating agencies in determining amounts available for distribution.

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-, with 80 percent rated A or better by at least two nationally recognized rating organizations.

On an overall basis, our exposure to market risk has not significantly changed from that reported in our 2020 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 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

We maintain a system of controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the reliability of the financial statements and other disclosures included in this report, as well as to safeguard assets from unauthorized use or disposition. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures was performed, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective, as of the end of the period covered by this report.

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

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

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

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 2021. 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.

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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.

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