Stock Analysis

RLI (RLI): Assessing Valuation Following Insider Buying and Anticipated Q3 Earnings Update

RLI (RLI) has been drawing extra attention after recent insider buying by top executives. This suggests confidence in the company’s direction, as investors also await details from the upcoming Q3 earnings report.

See our latest analysis for RLI.

Shares of RLI have slipped in recent months, marked by an 8.7% drop over the past 90 days and standing at $65.05, while investors weigh the impact of recent insider buying and the anticipation of fresh earnings guidance. Even with a year-to-date share price return down more than 20%, RLI’s three- and five-year total shareholder returns of 36.8% and 79.8% still signal meaningful long-term growth for patient investors. Momentum is shifting as market attention sharpens on management’s next moves.

If management’s confidence in RLI piqued your interest, now’s a great opportunity to discover fast growing stocks with high insider ownership.

With shares down substantially and management making notable insider buys, investors are left wondering if RLI is a value opportunity waiting to be seized, or if the market has already accounted for any potential recovery and growth.

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Most Popular Narrative: 8.7% Undervalued

Compared to the recent closing price of $65.05, the most widely followed narrative suggests RLI’s fair value is notably higher, sparking new questions about where the price could go next.

Elevated frequency and severity of natural catastrophe events, combined with increasing catastrophe-related claims and ongoing exposure to hurricane and earthquake risk, may require RLI to set aside higher capital reserves. This could lead to greater earnings volatility and reduced net profitability in the longer term.

Read the complete narrative.

Curious what’s fueling this “undervalued” verdict? The story hinges on ambitious growth projections and a future profit multiple rarely seen in insurance. Find out which underlying financial assumptions have everyone talking. Dive in for the full blueprint behind this narrative’s fair value.

Result: Fair Value of $71.25 (UNDERVALUED)

Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what's behind the forecasts.

Still, if RLI’s disciplined underwriting or growth in niche markets outpaces expectations, the thesis of pressured margins and profits could quickly change.

Find out about the key risks to this RLI narrative.

Another View: Price Ratios Tell a Different Story

Looking at RLI through the lens of price-to-earnings, the company trades at 18.5x earnings, which is much higher than both its industry peers at 14.2x and the fair ratio of 9.7x. This sizable gap means RLI could be seen as expensive, raising the question of whether investors are paying too much for its growth potential.

See what the numbers say about this price — find out in our valuation breakdown.

NYSE:RLI PE Ratio as at Oct 2025
NYSE:RLI PE Ratio as at Oct 2025

Build Your Own RLI Narrative

Prefer your own perspective or want to challenge the consensus? Building your own RLI story using real data takes just a few minutes. Do it your way.

A great starting point for your RLI research is our analysis highlighting 1 key reward and 2 important warning signs that could impact your investment decision.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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