0000101199 ufcs:EnergyMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:CommonStockMember ufcs:ContinuingandDiscontinuingOperationsMember 2017-12-31
Table of Contents


     
     
     
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q


[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018
or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 001-34257
ufglogo2017a22.jpgufglogo2017color600.gif
________________________
UNITED FIRE GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
____________________________
 
  Iowa 45-2302834  
  (State of Incorporation) (IRS Employer Identification No.)  


118 Second Avenue, S.E., Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)


Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (319) 399-5700


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 and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post 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:
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
Smaller reporting company
 
Emerging growth company
      


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
As of August 6,November 5, 2018, 25,050,26725,071,751 shares of common stock were outstanding.
     
     
     

United Fire Group, Inc.
Index to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
JuneSeptember 30, 2018
 Page
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This report may contain forward-looking statements about our operations, anticipated performance and other similar matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), for forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expected and/or projected. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about United Fire Group, Inc. ("UFG," the "Registrant," the "Company," "we," "us," or "our"), the industry in which we operate, and beliefs and assumptions made by management. Words such as "expect(s)," "anticipate(s)," "intend(s)," "plan(s)," "believe(s)," "continue(s)," "seek(s)," "estimate(s)," "goal(s)," "target(s)," "forecast(s)," "project(s)," "predict(s)," "should," "could," "may," "will," "might," "hope," "can" and other words and terms of similar meaning or expression in connection with a discussion of future operations, financial performance or financial condition, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. See Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and Part II, Item 1A "Risk Factors" of this report for more information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.
Risks and uncertainties that may affect the actual financial condition and results of the Company include, but are not limited to, the following:


The frequency and severity of claims, including those related to catastrophe losses and the impact those claims have on our loss reserve adequacy; the occurrence of catastrophic events, including international events, significant severe weather conditions, climate change, acts of terrorism, acts of war and pandemics;
The adequacy of our reserves for property and casualty insurance losses and loss settlement expenses;
Geographic concentration risk in the property and casualty insurance business;
The potential disruption of our operations and reputation due to unauthorized data access, cyber-attacks or cyber-terrorism and other security breaches;
Developments in general economic conditions, domestic and global financial markets, interest rates and other-than-temporary impairment losses that could affect the performance of our investment portfolio;
Our ability to effectively underwrite and adequately price insured risks;
Changes in industry trends, an increase in competition and significant industry developments;
Litigation or regulatory actions that could require us to pay significant damages, fines or penalties or change the way we do business;
Lowering of one or more of the financial strength ratings of our operating subsidiaries or our issuer credit ratings and the adverse impact such action may have on our premium writings, policy retention, profitability and liquidity;
Governmental actions, policies and regulations, including, but not limited to, domestic health care reform, financial services regulatory reform, corporate governance, new laws or regulations or court decisions interpreting existing laws and regulations or policy provisions; changes in laws, regulations and stock exchange requirements relating to corporate governance and the cost of compliance;
Our relationship with and the financial strength of our reinsurers; and
Competitive, legal, regulatory or tax changes that affect the distribution cost or demand for our products through our independent agent/agency distribution network.


These are representative of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from what is expressed in forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report or as of the date they are made. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.






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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
  
United Fire Group, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
United Fire Group, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
United Fire Group, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
September 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
(unaudited)  (unaudited)  
ASSETS      
Investments      
Fixed maturities      
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $150 in 2018 and $150 in 2017)$150
 $150
Available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $1,811,473 in 2018 and $1,516,610 in 2017)1,792,019
 1,535,070
Trading securities, at fair value (amortized cost $12,704 in 2018 and $14,582 in 2017)14,705
 16,842
Equity securities at fair value (cost $64,092 in 2018 and $63,275 in 2017)260,979
 287,344
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $0 in 2018 and $150 in 2017)$
 $150
Available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $1,764,380 in 2018 and $1,516,610 in 2017)1,730,031
 1,535,070
Trading securities, at fair value (amortized cost $12,047 in 2018 and $14,582 in 2017)14,399
 16,842
Equity securities at fair value (cost $65,458 in 2018 and $63,275 in 2017)276,253
 287,344
Mortgage loans9,896
 
14,896
 
Other long-term investments43,949
 49,352
40,432
 49,352
Short-term investments175
 175
175
 175
2,121,873
 1,888,933
2,076,186
 1,888,933
Cash and cash equivalents100,840
 95,562
52,252
 95,562
Accrued investment income15,716
 13,841
16,873
 13,841
Premiums receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $988 in 2018 and $1,255 in 2017)380,242
 328,513
Premiums receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $968 in 2018 and $1,255 in 2017)379,293
 328,513
Deferred policy acquisition costs95,065
 88,102
95,140
 88,102
Property and equipment (primarily land and buildings, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $53,603 in 2018 and $51,603 in 2017)80,128
 68,992
Property and equipment (primarily land and buildings, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $50,431 in 2018 and $51,603 in 2017)88,882
 68,992
Reinsurance receivables and recoverables58,810
 63,194
66,148
 63,194
Prepaid reinsurance premiums4,902
 3,749
5,856
 3,749
Deferred tax asset4,482
 
Income taxes receivable
 6,031
10,269
 6,031
Goodwill and intangible assets23,606
 23,971
23,429
 23,971
Other assets16,512
 16,409
16,632
 16,409
Assets held for sale
 1,586,134

 1,586,134
TOTAL ASSETS$2,902,176
 $4,183,431
$2,830,960
 $4,183,431
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
Liabilities      
Losses and loss settlement expenses$1,240,847
 $1,224,183
$1,278,077
 $1,224,183
Unearned premiums517,732
 465,391
508,850
 465,391
Accrued expenses and other liabilities173,458
 167,396
158,761
 167,396
Income taxes payable5,539
 
Deferred income taxes
 5,953
1,056
 5,953
Liabilities held for sale
 1,347,135

 1,347,135
TOTAL LIABILITIES$1,937,576
 $3,210,058
$1,946,744
 $3,210,058
Stockholders’ Equity      
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 75,000,000 shares; 25,043,967 and 24,916,806 shares issued and outstanding in 2018 and 2017, respectively$25
 $25
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 75,000,000 shares; 25,066,384 and 24,916,806 shares issued and outstanding in 2018 and 2017, respectively$25
 $25
Additional paid-in capital199,442
 196,334
201,361
 196,334
Retained earnings824,431
 608,700
752,581
 608,700
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax(59,298) 168,314
(69,751) 168,314
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY$964,600
 $973,373
$884,216
 $973,373
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY$2,902,176
 $4,183,431
$2,830,960
 $4,183,431
The Notes to unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.




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United Fire Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)2018 2017 2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Revenues              
Net premiums earned$256,853
 $245,222
 $502,020
 $481,666
$264,747
 $255,758
 $766,767
 $737,424
Investment income, net of investment expenses17,249
 12,184
 30,741
 24,769
13,192
 13,792
 43,933
 38,561
Net realized investment gains (losses) (includes reclassifications for net unrealized investment gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities of ($196) and ($159) in 2018 and $1,975 and $5,380 in 2017; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)1,297

1,081
 (6,567) 3,330
Net realized investment gains (includes reclassifications for net unrealized investment gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities of ($496) and ($655) in 2018 and $419 and $5,799 in 2017; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)13,971

67
 7,404
 3,397
Total revenues$275,399
 $258,487
 $526,194
 $509,765
$291,910
 $269,617
 $818,104
 $779,382
Benefits, Losses and Expenses              
Losses and loss settlement expenses$189,146
 $188,596
 $333,874
 $345,148
$193,667
 $223,208
 $527,541
 $568,356
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs50,810
 51,398
 100,449
 101,859
51,758
 52,986
 152,207
 154,845
Other underwriting expenses (includes reclassifications for employee benefit costs of $1,661 and $3,321 in 2018 and $1,352 and $2,704 in 2017; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)37,252
 22,824
 72,107
 44,083
Other underwriting expenses (includes reclassifications for employee benefit costs of $1,661 and $4,982 in 2018 and $1,352 and $4,056 in 2017; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)33,887
 25,817
 105,994
 69,900
Total benefits, losses and expenses$277,208
 $262,818
 $506,430
 $491,090
$279,312
 $302,011
 $785,742
 $793,101
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes$(1,809) $(4,331) $19,764
 $18,675
$12,598
 $(32,394) $32,362
 $(13,719)
Federal income tax benefit (includes reclassifications of $390 and $731 in 2018 and ($219) and ($937) in 2017; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)(1,966) (4,440) (757) (18)
Income from continuing operations$157
 $109
 $20,521
 $18,693
Federal income tax expense (benefit) (includes reclassifications of $453 and $1,184 in 2018 and $327 and ($610) in 2017; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)1,528
 (13,312) 771
 (13,330)
Income (loss) from continuing operations$11,070
 $(19,082) $31,591
 $(389)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
 2,849
 (1,912) 4,201

 1,218
 (1,912) 5,419
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
 
 27,307
 

 
 27,307
 
Net income$157
 $2,958
 $45,916
 $22,894
Other comprehensive income       
Net income (loss)$11,070
 $(17,864) $56,986
 $5,030
Other comprehensive income (loss)       
Change in net unrealized appreciation on investments$(6,199) $30,653
 $(58,013) $45,619
$(15,389) $18,995
 $(73,402) $64,614
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans
 
 
 

 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax and reclassification adjustments$(6,199) $30,653
 $(58,013) $45,619
$(15,389) $18,995
 $(73,402) $64,614
Income tax effect1,301
 (10,729) 12,182
 (15,967)3,232
 (6,648) 15,414
 (22,615)
Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax, before reclassification adjustments$(4,898) $19,924
 $(45,831) $29,652
$(12,157) $12,347
 $(57,988) $41,999
Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment (gains) losses included in income$196
 $(1,975) $159
 $(5,380)$496
 $(419) $655
 $(5,799)
Reclassification adjustment for employee benefit costs included in expense1,661
 1,352
 3,321
 2,704
1,661
 1,352
 4,982
 4,056
Total reclassification adjustments, before tax$1,857
 $(623) $3,480
 $(2,676)$2,157
 $933
 $5,637
 $(1,743)
Income tax effect(390) 219
 (731) 937
(453) (327) (1,184) 610
Total reclassification adjustments, after tax$1,467
 $(404) $2,749
 $(1,739)$1,704
 $606
 $4,453
 $(1,133)
Comprehensive income (loss)$(3,274) $22,478
 $2,834
 $50,807
$617
 $(4,911) $3,451
 $45,896
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding25,611,773
 25,624,686
 25,582,708
 25,752,525
25,626,951
 24,960,086
 25,607,305
 25,666,405
Earnings per common share from continuing operations:       
Earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations:       
Basic$0.01
 $0.01
 $0.82
 $0.74
$0.44
 $(0.77) $1.26
 $(0.01)
Diluted0.01
 0.01
 0.80
 0.73
0.43
 (0.77) 1.23
 (0.01)
Earnings per common share:       
Earnings (loss) per common share:       
Basic$0.01
 $0.12
 $1.84
 $0.91
$0.44
 $(0.72) $2.28
 $0.20
Diluted0.01
 0.12
 1.80
 0.89
0.43
 (0.72) 2.23
 0.20
The Notes to unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.




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United Fire Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited)


(In Thousands, Except Share Data)Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
  
Common stock 
Balance, beginning of year$25
Shares repurchased (120,372 shares)
Shares issued for stock-based awards (269,950 shares)
Balance, end of period$25
  
Additional paid-in capital 
Balance, beginning of year$196,334
Compensation expense and related tax benefit for stock-based award grants4,040
Shares repurchased(5,404)
Shares issued for stock-based awards6,391
Balance, end of period$201,361
  
Retained earnings 
Balance, beginning of year$608,700
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle191,244
Net unrealized investment depreciation of discontinued operations, sold(6,714)
Net income56,986
Dividends on common stock ($3.90 per share)(97,635)
Balance, end of period$752,581
  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 
Balance, beginning of year$168,314
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle(191,244)
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation(1)
(50,756)
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans(2)
3,935
Balance, end of period$(69,751)
  
Summary of changes 
Balance, beginning of year$973,373
Net income56,986
All other changes in stockholders’ equity accounts(146,143)
Balance, end of period$884,216
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
  
Common stock 
Balance, beginning of year$25
Shares repurchased (120,372 shares)
Shares issued for stock-based awards (246,633 shares)
Balance, end of period$25
  
Additional paid-in capital 
Balance, beginning of year$196,334
Compensation expense and related tax benefit for stock-based award grants2,718
Shares repurchased(5,404)
Shares issued for stock-based awards5,794
Balance, end of period$199,442
  
Retained earnings 
Balance, beginning of year$608,700
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle191,244
Net unrealized investment depreciation of discontinued operations, sold(6,714)
Net income45,916
Dividends on common stock ($0.59 per share)(14,715)
Balance, end of period$824,431
  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 
Balance, beginning of year$168,314
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle(191,244)
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation(1)
(38,991)
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans(2)
2,623
Balance, end of period$(59,298)
  
Summary of changes 
Balance, beginning of year$973,373
Net income45,916
All other changes in stockholders’ equity accounts(54,689)
Balance, end of period$964,600

(1)The change in net unrealized appreciation is net of reclassification adjustments and income taxes.
(2)The change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans is net of reclassification adjustments and income taxes.


The Notes to unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.






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United Fire Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended June 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands)2018 20172018 2017
Cash Flows From Operating Activities      
Net income$45,916
 $22,894
$56,986
 $5,030
Less net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes(1,912) 4,201
(1,912) 5,419
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities      
Net accretion of bond premium4,324
 4,517
6,518
 6,663
Depreciation and amortization2,316
 2,333
4,015
 3,501
Stock-based compensation expense2,718
 2,254
4,040
 3,456
Net realized investment (gains) losses6,567
 (3,330)
Net realized investment gains(7,404) (3,397)
Net cash flows from equity and trading investments21,839
 (1,524)21,253
 816
Deferred income tax benefit(8,836) (2,833)(6,259) (4,979)
Changes in:      
Accrued investment income(1,875) (643)(3,032) (1,294)
Premiums receivable(51,729) (55,664)(50,780) (45,208)
Deferred policy acquisition costs(6,963) (8,041)(7,038) (4,115)
Reinsurance receivables4,384
 (4,431)(2,954) (5,409)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums(1,153) (184)(2,107) (39)
Income taxes receivable6,031
 6,300
(4,238) (7,075)
Other assets(102) (484)(223) (1,358)
Losses and loss settlement expenses16,664
 56,582
53,894
 113,384
Unearned premiums52,341
 58,542
43,459
 46,641
Accrued expenses and other liabilities9,383
 14,460
(3,654) (12,430)
Income taxes payable5,539
 
Deferred income taxes(14,054) (2,308)(8,298) 1,794
Other, net1,253
 2,927
3,951
 1,920
Cash from operating activities - continuing operations48,647
 68,473
41,143
 92,871
Cash from operating activities - discontinued operations4,023
 24,968
4,024
 23,814
Cash from operating activities - gain on sale of discontinued operations(34,851) 
(34,851) 
Total adjustments$17,819
 $93,441
$10,316
 $116,685
Net cash provided by operating activities$65,647
 $112,134
$69,214
 $116,296
Cash Flows From Investing Activities      
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investments$23,994
 $1,096
$129,865
 $3,388
Proceeds from call and maturity of available-for-sale investments60,651
 76,183
101,837
 134,503
Proceeds from short-term and other investments5,816
 3,185
8,527
 4,846
Proceeds from the sale of discontinued operations276,055
 
276,055
 
Purchase of available-for-sale investments(383,633) (112,472)(485,656) (162,121)
Purchase of mortgage loans(9,896) 
(14,896) 
Purchase of short-term and other investments(1,995) (2,852)(3,824) (4,864)
Net purchases and sales of property and equipment(13,012) (3,861)(23,760) (11,630)
Cash from investing activities - continuing operations(42,020) (38,721)(11,852) (35,878)
Cash from investing activities - discontinued operations14,343
 13,956
14,343
 31,517
Net cash used in investing activities$(27,677) $(24,765)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities$2,491
 $(4,361)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities      
Payment of cash dividends$(14,716) $(13,380)$(97,635) $(20,364)
Repurchase of common stock(5,404) (21,184)(5,404) (29,784)
Issuance of common stock5,794
 2,207
6,391
 2,960
Cash from financing activities - continuing operations(14,326) (32,357)(96,648) (47,188)
Cash from financing activities - discontinued operations(11,547) (35,444)(11,547) (46,239)
Net cash used in financing activities$(25,873) $(67,801)$(108,195) $(93,427)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents$12,097
 $19,568
$(36,490) $18,508
Less: increase in cash and cash equivalents - discontinued operations(6,819) (3,480)(6,820) (9,092)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents - continuing operations5,278
 16,088
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents - continuing operations(43,310) 9,416
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period - Continuing Operations95,562
 89,194
95,562
 89,194
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period - Continuing Operations$100,840
 $105,282
$52,252
 $98,610
The Notes to unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.




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UNITED FIRE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share amounts or as otherwise noted)


NOTE 1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Nature of Business
United Fire Group, Inc. ("UFG," the "Registrant," the "Company," "we," "us," or "our") and its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates are engaged in the business of writing property and casualty insurance through a network of independent agencies. Our insurance company subsidiaries are licensed as a property and casualty insurer in 46 states and the District of Columbia.
Discontinued Operations
We have historically reported our operations in two business segments: property and casualty insurance and life insurance. On September 18, 2017, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell its subsidiary, United Life Insurance Company ("United Life"), to Kuvare US Holdings, Inc. ("Kuvare") and on March 30, 2018, the sale closed. As a result, the life insurance business, previously a separate segment, was considered held for sale and reported as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for all periods presented in this Form 10-Q (collectively, the "Consolidated Financial Statements"). Subsequent to the announcement of this sale, our continuing operations were reported as one business segment. All current and prior periods reflected in this Form 10-Q have been presented as continuing and discontinued operations, as applicable, unless otherwise noted. For more information, refer to Note 11. Discontinued Operations.
Basis of Presentation
The unaudited consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial reporting and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC. Certain financial information that is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, including certain financial statement footnote disclosures, is not required by the rules and regulations of the SEC for interim financial reporting and have been condensed or omitted.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The financial statement categories that are most dependent on management estimates and assumptions include: investments; deferred policy acquisition costs; reinsurance receivables and recoverables; future policy benefits and losses, and loss settlement expenses; and pension and postretirement benefit obligations.
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Management of UFG believes the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results reported for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the year. The unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. The review report of Ernst & Young LLP as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and for the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017 accompanies the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 "Financial Statements."





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Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, money market accounts, and non-negotiable certificates of deposit with original maturities of three months or less.
For the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, we made payments for income taxes for continuing operations totaling $15,037$24,055 and $7,628,$7,648, respectively. We received a tax refund of $1,503 and $10,000 for the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
For the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, we made no interest payments (excluding interest credited to policyholders’ accounts).
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs ("DAC")


Certain costs associated with underwriting new business (primarily commissions, premium taxes and variable underwriting and policy issue expenses associated with successful acquisition efforts) are deferred. The following table is a summary of the components of DAC, including the related amortization recognized for the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018.
    
 Continuing Operations Discontinued Operations  
 Property & Casualty Insurance Life Insurance Total
Recorded asset at beginning of period$88,102
 $71,151
 $159,253
Underwriting costs deferred159,245
 1,376
 160,621
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs(152,207) (1,895) (154,102)
Ending unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs$95,140
 $70,632
 $165,772
Impact of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities
 7,274
 7,274
Sale of discontinued operations
 (77,906) (77,906)
Recorded asset at September 30, 2018$95,140
 $
 $95,140

    
 Continuing Operations Discontinued Operations  
 Property & Casualty Insurance Life Insurance Total
Recorded asset at beginning of period$88,102
 $71,151
 $159,253
Underwriting costs deferred107,412
 1,376
 108,788
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs(100,449) (1,895) (102,344)
Ending unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs$95,065
 $70,632
 $165,697
Impact of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities
 7,274
 7,274
Sale of discontinued operations
 (77,906) (77,906)
Recorded asset at June 30, 2018$95,065
 $
 $95,065


Property and casualty insurance policy acquisition costs deferred are amortized as premium revenue is recognized. The method followed in computing DAC limits the amount of such deferred costs to their estimated realizable value. This takes into account the premium to be earned, losses and loss settlement expenses expected to be incurred and certain other costs expected to be incurred as the premium is earned.


For traditional life insurance policies, DAC is amortized to income over the premium-paying period in proportion to the ratio of the expected annual premium revenue to the expected total premium revenue. Expected premium revenue and gross profits are based on the same mortality and withdrawal assumptions used in determining future policy benefits. These assumptions are not revised after policy issuance unless the recorded DAC asset is deemed to be unrecoverable from future expected profits.


For non-traditional life insurance policies, DAC is amortized over the anticipated terms in proportion to the ratio of the expected annual gross profits to the total expected gross profits. Changes in the amount or timing of expected gross profits result in adjustments to the cumulative amortization of these costs. The effect on amortization of DAC for revisions to estimated gross profits is reported in earnings in the period the estimated gross profits are revised.


The effect on DAC that results from the assumed realization of unrealized gains (losses) on investments allocated to non-traditional life insurance business is recognized with an offset to net unrealized investment appreciation as of the balance sheet date. The impact of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities decreased the DAC asset by $6,294 at December 31, 2017. There was no impact of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale




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securities on the DAC asset at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 because the non-traditional life insurance business is part of discontinued operations, which was sold on March 30, 2018.
Income Taxes


The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "Tax Act") was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Tax Act significantly revised the U.S. corporate income tax laws including lowering the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, effective January 1, 2018.


In December 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, which addresses how a company recognizes provisional amounts when a company does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed in reasonable detail to complete its accounting for the effect of the changes in the Tax Act. The measurement period ends when a company has obtained, prepared and analyzed the information necessary to finalize its accounting, but cannot extend beyond one year. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 we had not completed accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Tax Act, however for certain items, we have made a reasonable estimate of the effects on our deferred tax balances. For other items where we could not make a reasonable estimate, we are still using existing accounting guidance and the provisions of the tax laws that were in place prior to the enactment. The Company will continue to refine this estimated provisional adjustment as we gain a more thorough understanding of the effects of enactment of the Tax Act on the Company, and the Company will take future guidance into consideration when it becomes available.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are established based on differences between the financial statement bases of assets and liabilities and the tax bases of those same assets and liabilities, using the currently enacted statutory tax rates. Deferred income tax expense is measured by the year-to-year change in the net deferred tax asset or liability, except for certain changes in deferred tax amounts that affect stockholders' equity and do not impact federal income tax expense.
We reported consolidated federal income tax expense from consolidated continuing operations and discontinued operations of $7,350$1,528 and $2,250$8,878 for the six-monththree- and nine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, respectively, compared to income tax benefit of $12,650 and 2017, respectively.$10,400 during the same periods of 2017. Our effective tax rate is different than the federal statutory rate of 21 percent, due principally to the effect of tax-exempt municipal bond interest income and non-taxable dividend income.
The Company performs a quarterly review of its tax positions and makes a determination of whether it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination. If, based on review, it appears not more likely than not that the positions will be sustained, the Company will calculate any unrecognized tax benefits and, if necessary, calculate and accrue any related interest and penalties. We did not recognize any liability for unrecognized tax benefits at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017. In addition, we have not accrued for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. However, if interest and penalties would need to be accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits, such amounts would be recognized as a component of federal income tax expense.


With regard to the sale of the life insurance subsidiary, federal income taxes were allocated to continuing and discontinued operations in accordance with the Company’s tax allocation agreement and the terms of the definitive agreement related to the sale.
We file a consolidated federal income tax return. We also file income tax returns in various state jurisdictions. We are no longer subject to federal or state income tax examination for years before 2014.2015.


Subsequent Events


In the preparation of the accompanying financial statements, the Company has evaluated all material subsequent events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date through the date on which the financial statements were issued for potential recognition or disclosure in the Company's financial statements. On July 24, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $3.00 per share or a total of approximately $75,000 payable August 20, 2018 to shareholders of record as of August 3, 2018. This dividend will be recorded inThe Company concl




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the Company's financial statements in the three months ended September 30, 2018. The Company concludeduded there are no other material subsequent events or transactions that have occurred after the balance sheet date through the date on which the financial statements were issued.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Accounting Standards Adopted in 2018
Revenue Recognition
In May 2014, the FASB issued comprehensive new guidance on revenue recognition which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The new guidance requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard creates a five-step model that requires companies to exercise judgment when considering the terms of the contract(s) and all relevant facts and circumstances. Insurance contracts are not within the scope of this new guidance. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted the guidance as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of the new guidance had no impact on the Company's reporting and disclosure of net premiums earned from insurance contracts, net investment income or net realized gains and losses, as these revenue streams are not within the scope of this new guidance. The remaining revenue streams are immaterial and not impacted by the new standard.
Financial Instruments
In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance updating certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The amendments in this update supersede the guidance to classify equity securities with readily determinable fair values into different categories (for example, trading or available-for-sale) and require equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income. The new guidance also simplifies the impairment process for equity investments without readily determinable fair values. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. The Company adopted the new guidance as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of the new guidance resulted in a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings of $191,244 after tax, which is equal to the amount of net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities on January 1, 2018. Also, in the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the Company recognized an after-tax net realized investment gain from continuing operations of $241$11,361 and an after-tax net realized investment loss of $7,879,$4,343, respectively, in net income from the change in value of equity securities due to the adoption of this new accounting guidance.
Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Payments
In August 2016, the FASB issued an update that clarifies the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the Statement of Cash Flows. The update addresses eight existing cash flow issues by clarifying the correct classification to establish uniformity in practice. The updated guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. The Company adopted the new guidance as of January 1, 2018. The adoption had no impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
Defined Benefit Retirement Plan Cost
In March 2017, the FASB issued guidance on the presentation of net periodic benefit costs of defined benefit retirement benefit plans in the Statements of Income. The new guidance requires the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit plans to be presented in the same line in the Statements of Income as other employee compensation expenses. Also, under the new guidance, the service cost component of the net periodic benefit costs will be the only portion of costs subject to be capitalized in assets. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. The Company adopted the new guidance as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of the new guidance resulted in a change in the capitalization


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of deferred acquisition costs to only include the pension and post retirement service costs in place of the total net periodic benefit costs. The adoption had an immaterial impact on the Company's financial position and results of


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operations. Additionally, the adoption did not impact the Company's presentation in the Statements of Income as all net periodic benefit costs and employee compensation expenses are included within the same category in the Statements of Income.
Share-Based Payments
In May 2017, the FASB issued new guidance which clarifies and addresses the diversity in practice when there is a change in the terms of a share-based payment award. The updated guidance clarifies when to use modification accounting when there is a change in the terms of a share-based payment and provides three conditions where modification accounting should not be applied. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted the new guidance as of January 1, 2018. The adoption had no impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
Pending Adoption of Accounting Standards
Intangibles - Other Internal Use Software

In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance to align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The guidance requires the Company to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as an asset related to the service contract and which costs to expense. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company will adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 2020. Management currently believes that the adoption will not have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance on the accounting for leases. The new guidance requires lessees to place a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with terms greater than 12 months, on their balance sheets. The lease liability will be based on the present value of the future lease payments and the right-of-use asset will be based on the liability. Expenses will be recognized on the income statement in a similar manner as previous methods. The new guidance also requires companies to classify all leases as operating leases or financing leases. We believe all of our leases will be classified as operating leases. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those years. The Company will adopt the new guidance under a modified retrospective transition approach using the package of practical expedients and the Company will not adopt the hindsight practical expedient as of January 1, 2019. We expect to use the accounting standard adoption date as our date of initial application.
The Company has created an inventory of its operating leases and has calculated the total undiscounted future minimum lease payments, which are disclosed in Note 13.13 Lease Commitments of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. The undiscounted future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2017 isare $22.5 million, which represents less than 1.0 percent of the Company's total assets at December 31, 2017. The Company plans to use their incremental borrowing rate of their credit facility described in Note 9.9 Credit Facility of this Form 10-Q, as the discount rate for calculating the minimum lease payments. For leases that exist prior to the date of initial application, the Company has elected to use the remaining lease term as of the date of initial application to measure its incremental borrowing rate. The Company is reviewinghas reviewed and updatingupdated its processes and controls under the new guidance. Management currently believes that the adoption will not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position andor results of operations.
Financial Instruments - Credit Losses
In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the measurement of credit losses for most financial instruments. The new guidance replaces the current incurred loss model for recognizing credit losses with an expected loss model for instruments measured at amortized cost and requires allowances to be recorded for available-for-sale debt securities rather than reduce the carrying amount. These allowances will be remeasured each reporting period. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 20202019 and interim periods within those


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years. The new guidance will impact the Company's portfolio of mortgage loan investments which are carried at amortized cost and are impairment model related to our available-for-sale portfolio. The Company will adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 20212020 and is currently evaluating the impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations and key processes.
Income Taxes - Intra-entity Transfers
In October 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the income tax treatment of intra-entity transfers. The new guidance replaces the current guidance which prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes of intra-entity transfers until the asset is sold externally. Under the new guidance, the exemption is eliminated and income taxes will be recognized on transfers of intra-entity assets. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company will adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 2019 and is2019. Management currently evaluatingbelieves that the adoption will not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.



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Goodwill
In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance which simplifies the test for goodwill impairment. The new guidance eliminates the implied fair value calculation when measuring a goodwill impairment charge. Under the new guidance, impairment charges will be based on the excess of the carrying value over fair value of goodwill. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company will adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 2020 and it currently believes the adoption will have no impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
Financial Instruments - Disclosures
In August 2018, the FASB issued new guidance which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements of financial instruments. The new guidance removes the requirement for disclosing the amount and reason for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 investment securities and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. The guidance also requires additional disclosures on the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company will adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 2020. The new guidance will modify existing fair value disclosures, but will not have an impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
Defined Benefit Plans - Disclosures
In August 2018, the FASB issued new guidance which modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension and postretirement plans. The new guidance removes the requirement for disclosing the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs in the next year and the sensitivity of postretirement health plans to one-percentage-point changes in medical trend rates. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company will adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 2020. The new guidance will modify existing disclosures, but will not have an impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS
Fair Value of Investments
A reconciliation of the amortized cost (cost for equity securities) to fair value of investments in held-to-maturity and available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities, presented on a consolidated basis, including both continuing and discontinued operations as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, is as follows:




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June 30, 2018 
September 30, 2018 
Type of InvestmentCost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Appreciation Gross Unrealized Depreciation Fair ValueCost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Appreciation Gross Unrealized Depreciation Fair Value
HELD-TO-MATURITY       
Fixed maturities:       
Bonds       
Corporate bonds - financial services$150
 $
 $
 $150
Total Held-to-Maturity Fixed Maturities$150
 $
 $
 $150
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE              
Fixed maturities:              
Bonds              
U.S. Treasury$120,272
 $23
 $341
 $119,954
$27,195
 $
 $354
 $26,841
U.S. government agency196,348
 633
 2,712
 194,269
212,542
 310
 5,862
 206,990
States, municipalities and political subdivisions              
General obligations:              
Midwest99,821
 893
 1,053
 99,661
99,023
 574
 1,359
 98,238
Northeast40,913
 385
 187
 41,111
37,389
 251
 289
 37,351
South119,745
 612
 2,040
 118,317
115,440
 333
 2,559
 113,214
West110,147
 916
 1,492
 109,571
107,993
 643
 1,998
 106,638
Special revenue:              
Midwest143,606
 1,368
 1,208
 143,766
140,245
 817
 1,735
 139,327
Northeast63,889
 426
 1,431
 62,884
63,758
 240
 1,901
 62,097
South247,056
 1,414
 4,457
 244,013
241,007
 611
 6,177
 235,441
West147,388
 1,251
 2,469
 146,170
145,072
 737
 3,411
 142,398
Foreign bonds7,751
 72
 
 7,823
9,722
 49
 24
 9,747
Public utilities49,629
 196
 1,141
 48,684
54,606
 129
 1,191
 53,544
Corporate bonds
 
 
 

 
 
 
Energy22,477
 111
 316
 22,272
26,929
 77
 320
 26,686
Industrials42,286
 143
 486
 41,943
56,127
 103
 699
 55,531
Consumer goods and services44,100
 106
 680
 43,526
52,398
 42
 763
 51,677
Health care13,071
 65
 159
 12,977
18,062
 58
 134
 17,986
Technology, media and telecommunications26,632
 43
 790
 25,885
26,622
 34
 534
 26,122
Financial services73,501
 182
 1,746
 71,937
77,788
 164
 1,888
 76,064
Mortgage-backed securities8,382
 28
 223
 8,187
7,985
 13
 260
 7,738
Collateralized mortgage obligations              
Government national mortgage association73,482
 181
 2,650
 71,013
78,797
 121
 3,602
 75,316
Federal home loan mortgage corporation111,082
 136
 2,044
 109,174
108,666
 7
 2,957
 105,716
Federal national mortgage association46,657
 46
 1,305
 45,398
53,776
 2
 1,924
 51,854
Asset-backed securities3,238
 325
 79
 3,484
3,238
 318
 41
 3,515
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities$1,811,473
 $9,555
 $29,009
 $1,792,019
$1,764,380
 $5,633
 $39,982
 $1,730,031














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December 31, 2017 
Type of InvestmentCost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Appreciation Gross Unrealized Depreciation Fair Value
HELD-TO-MATURITY       
Fixed maturities:       
Bonds       
Corporate bonds - financial services$150
 $
 $
 $150
Mortgage-backed securities34
 
 
 34
Total Held-to-Maturity Fixed Maturities$184
 $
 $
 $184
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
Bonds
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury$17,073
 $4
 $186
 $16,891
U.S. government agency121,574
 1,311
 717
 122,168
States, municipalities and political subdivisions       
General obligations:       
Midwest107,689
 2,446
 439
 109,696
Northeast47,477
 1,174
 10
 48,641
South139,870
 2,462
 813
 141,519
West111,123
 2,351
 463
 113,011
Special revenue:       
Midwest155,475
 3,620
 351
 158,744
Northeast79,028
 1,351
 619
 79,760
South260,145
 5,218
 1,851
 263,512
West156,576
 2,929
 1,198
 158,307
Foreign bonds51,361
 1,441
 49
 52,753
Public utilities206,028
 3,386
 270
 209,144
Corporate bonds
 

 
 
Energy93,191
 1,972
 110
 95,053
Industrials218,067
 3,881
 241
 221,707
Consumer goods and services183,253
 3,498
 494
 186,257
Health care74,125
 1,312
 29
 75,408
Technology, media and telecommunications146,853
 2,376
 250
 148,979
Financial services277,824
 5,769
 442
 283,151
Mortgage-backed securities13,828
 101
 238
 13,691
Collateralized mortgage obligations       
Government national mortgage association157,836
 1,921
 2,274
 157,483
Federal home loan mortgage corporation201,320
 1,879
 4,047
 199,152
Federal national mortgage association104,903
 1,703
 1,174
 105,432
Asset-backed securities4,282
 362
 8
 4,636
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities$2,928,901
 $52,467
 $16,273
 $2,965,095
Equity securities:
 
 
 
Common stocks
 
 
 




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Public utilities$6,394
 $16,075
 $30
 $22,439
Energy6,514
 8,171
 120
 14,565
Industrials13,117
 53,522
 120
 66,519
Consumer goods and services10,110
 15,742
 164
 25,688
Health care7,763
 32,340
 
 40,103
Technology, media and telecommunications6,067
 11,556
 115
 17,508
Financial services11,529
 104,985
 67
 116,447
Nonredeemable preferred stocks992
 305
 
 1,297
Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities$62,486
 $242,696
 $616
 $304,566
Total Available-for-Sale Securities$2,991,387
 $295,163
 $16,889
 $3,269,661


The following table is a reconciliation of the amortized cost (cost for equity securities) to fair value of investments in held-to-maturity and available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities for continuing and discontinued operations by investment type at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:


June 30, 2018 
September 30, 2018 
Type of InvestmentCost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Appreciation Gross Unrealized Depreciation Fair ValueCost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Appreciation Gross Unrealized Depreciation Fair Value
HELD-TO-MATURITY       
Fixed maturities:       
Continuing operations$150
 $
 $
 $150
Discontinued operations
 
 
 
Total Held-to-Maturity Fixed Maturities$150
 $
 $
 150
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE              
Fixed maturities:              
Continuing operations$1,811,473
 $9,555
 $29,009
 $1,792,019
$1,764,380
 $5,633
 $39,982
 $1,730,031
Discontinued operations
 
 
 

 
 
 
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities$1,811,473
 $9,555
 $29,009
 $1,792,019
$1,764,380
 $5,633
 $39,982
 $1,730,031
Note: The sale of the life insurance business was completed on March 30, 2018.








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December 31, 2017 
Type of InvestmentCost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Appreciation Gross Unrealized Depreciation Fair Value
HELD-TO-MATURITY       
Fixed maturities:       
Continuing operations$150
 $
 $
 $150
Discontinued operations34
 
 
 34
Total Held-to-Maturity Fixed Maturities$184
 $
 $
 $184
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE       
Fixed maturities:       
Continuing operations$1,516,610
 $27,412
 $8,952
 $1,535,070
Discontinued operations1,412,291
 25,055
 7,321
 1,430,025
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities2,928,901
 52,467
 16,273
 2,965,095
Equity securities:       
Continuing operations$57,387
 $224,065
 $539
 $280,913
Discontinued operations5,099
 18,631
 77
 23,653
Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities62,486
 242,696
 616
 304,566
Total Available-for-Sale Securities$2,991,387
 $295,163
 $16,889
 $3,269,661

December 31, 2017 
Type of InvestmentCost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Appreciation Gross Unrealized Depreciation Fair Value
HELD-TO-MATURITY       
Fixed maturities:       
Continuing operations$150
 $
 $
 $150
Discontinued operations34
 
 
 34
Total Held-to-Maturity Fixed Maturities$184
 $
 $
 $184
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE       
Fixed maturities:       
Continuing operations$1,516,610
 $27,412
 $8,952
 $1,535,070
Discontinued operations1,412,291
 25,055
 7,321
 1,430,025
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities2,928,901
 52,467
 16,273
 2,965,095
Equity securities:       
Continuing operations$57,387
 $224,065
 $539
 $280,913
Discontinued operations5,099
 18,631
 77
 23,653
Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities62,486
 242,696
 616
 304,566
Total Available-for-Sale Securities$2,991,387
 $295,163
 $16,889
 $3,269,661
Maturities
Maturities
The amortized cost and fair value of held-to-maturity, available-for-sale and trading fixed maturity securities at JuneSeptember 30, 2018, by contractual maturity, are shown in the following tables. The table below includes investments from continuing operations. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations may be subject to prepayment risk and are therefore not categorized by contractual maturity.
Maturities        
  Available-For-Sale Trading
September 30, 2018 Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value
Due in one year or less $48,539
 $48,703
 $3,347
 $3,431
Due after one year through five years 212,322
 211,709
 6,835
 8,797
Due after five years through 10 years 518,809
 513,464
 
 
Due after 10 years 732,248
 712,016
 1,865
 2,171
Asset-backed securities 3,238
 3,515
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities 7,985
 7,738
 
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations 241,239
 232,886
 
 
  $1,764,380
 $1,730,031
 $12,047
 $14,399

Maturities           
 Held-To-Maturity Available-For-Sale Trading
June 30, 2018Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value
Due in one year or less$
 $
 $80,163
 $80,314
 $1,807
 $1,871
Due after one year through five years150
 150
 276,772
 277,322
 8,530
 10,268
Due after five years through 10 years
 
 481,651
 479,036
 1,100
 1,020
Due after 10 years
 
 730,046
 718,091
 1,267
 1,546
Asset-backed securities
 
 3,238
 3,484
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
 
 8,382
 8,187
 
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
 231,221
 225,585
 
 
 $150
 $150
 $1,811,473
 $1,792,019
 $12,704
 $14,705














15

Table of Contents


Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses
Net realized gains on disposition of investments are computed using the specific identification method and are included in the computation of net income. A summary of the components of net realized investment gains (losses) is as follows:
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net realized investment gains (losses) from continuing operations:       
Fixed maturities:       
Available-for-sale$22
 $118
 $(171) $645
Trading securities       
Change in fair value351
 (43) 92
 504
Sales171
 72
 1,076
 117
Equity securities13,944
 (80) 6,924
 1,842
Real estate(517) 
 (517) 289
Total net realized investment gains from continuing operations$13,971
 $67
 $7,404
 $3,397
Total net realized investment gains (losses) from discontinued operations
 296
 (1,057) 3,600
Total net realized investment gains$13,971
 $363
 $6,347
 $6,997

 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net realized investment gains (losses) from continuing operations:       
Fixed maturities:       
Available-for-sale$(219) $103
 $(193) $527
Trading securities       
Change in fair value(148) 176
 (259) 547
Sales349
 (11) 905
 46
Equity securities1,315
 524
 (7,020) 1,921
Real estate
 289
 
 289
Total net realized investment gains (losses) from continuing operations$1,297
 $1,081
 $(6,567) $3,330
Total net realized investment gains (losses) from discontinued operations
 1,599
 (1,057) 3,304
Total net realized investment gains (losses)$1,297
 $2,680
 $(7,624) $6,634


The proceeds and gross realized gains on the sale of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities from continuing operations are as follows:
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Proceeds from sales$105,871
 $2,293
 $129,865
 $3,388
Gross realized gains
 
 140
 1,046
Gross realized losses(94) 
 (401) 
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Proceeds from sales$23,994
 $
 $23,994
 $1,096
Gross realized gains140
 
 140
 1,046
Gross realized losses(307) 
 (307) 

The proceeds and gross realized gains on the sale of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities from discontinued operations are as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2018 2017 2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Proceeds from sales$
 $
 $
 $3,963
$
 $1,844
 $
 $5,807
Gross realized gains
 
 
 1,254

 
 
 1,254
Gross realized losses
 
 
 (78)
 
 
 (78)
Note: The sale of the life insurance business was completed on March 30, 2018.
There were no sales of held-to-maturity securities during the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017.


Our investment portfolio includes trading securities with embedded derivatives. These securities are primarily convertible securities which are recorded at fair value. Income or loss, including the change in the fair value of these trading securities, is recognized currently in earnings as a component of net realized investment gains. Our portfolio of trading securities had a fair value of $14,705$14,399 and $16,842$16,842 at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017,, respectively.













16

Table of Contents



Funding Commitment


Pursuant to an agreement with one of our limited liability partnership investments, we are contractually committed through DecemberJuly 31, 20272028 to make capital contributions upon request of the partnership. Our remaining potential contractual obligation was $15,380$23,702 at JuneSeptember 30, 2018.2018.
Unrealized Appreciation
A summary of the changes in net unrealized investment appreciation during the reporting period is as follows:
 Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 2017
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation   
Available-for-sale fixed maturities$(80,023) $34,837
Available-for-sale equity securities
 27,559
Deferred policy acquisition costs7,274
 (3,582)
Income tax effect15,279
 (20,584)
Net unrealized investment depreciation of discontinued operations, sold6,714
 
Cumulative change in accounting principles(191,244) 
Total change in net unrealized investment appreciation, net of tax$(242,000) $38,230
 Six Months Ended June 30,
 2018 2017
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation   
Available-for-sale fixed maturities$(65,127) $32,132
Available-for-sale equity securities
 11,861
Deferred policy acquisition costs7,274
 (3,753)
Income tax effect12,148
 (14,084)
Net unrealized investment depreciation of discontinued operations, sold6,714
 
Cumulative change in accounting principles(191,244) 
Total change in net unrealized investment appreciation, net of tax$(230,235) $26,156

We continually monitor the difference between our cost basis and the estimated fair value of our investments. Our accounting policy for impairment recognition requires other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") charges to be recorded when we determine that it is more likely than not that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the fixed maturity security or that the anticipated recovery in fair value of the equity security will not occur in a reasonable amount of time. Impairment charges on investments are recorded based on the fair value of the investments at the measurement date or based on the value calculated using a discounted cash flow model. Credit-related impairments on fixed maturity securities that we do not plan to sell, and for which we are not more likely than not to be required to sell, are recognized in net income. Any non-credit related impairment is recognized as a component of other comprehensive income. Factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary include: the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been less than cost; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; our intention to hold the investment; and the likelihood that we will be required to sell the investment.
The tables on the following pages summarize our fixed maturity and equity securities that were in an unrealized loss position on a consolidated basis, including both continuing and discontinued operations at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The securities are presented by the length of time they have been continuously in an unrealized loss position. It is possible that we could recognize OTTI charges in future periods on securities held at JuneSeptember 30, 2018, if future events or information cause us to determine that a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary.
We have evaluated the near-term prospects of the issuers of our fixed maturity securities in relation to the severity and duration of the unrealized loss and determined that these losses did not warrant the recognition of an OTTI charge at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 or at JuneSeptember 30, 2017. We have no intent to sell, and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell, these securities until the fair value recovers to at least equal our cost basis or the securities mature.






17

Table of Contents


                
September 30, 2018Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
Type of InvestmentNumber
of Issues
 Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized
Depreciation
 Number
of Issues
 Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized Depreciation Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized Depreciation
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE               
Fixed maturities:               
Bonds               
U.S. Treasury5
 $18,989
 $107
 5
 $7,852
 $247
 $26,841
 $354
U.S. government agency34
 158,156
 4,096
 7
 34,516
 1,766
 192,672
 5,862
States, municipalities and political subdivisions               
General obligations               
Midwest17
 26,098
 234
 5
 21,109
 1,125
 47,207
 1,359
Northeast5
 14,211
 152
 1
 3,500
 137
 17,711
 289
South23
 46,353
 700
 12
 29,344
 1,859
 75,697
 2,559
West21
 47,340
 680
 8
 24,676
 1,318
 72,016
 1,998
Special revenue               
Midwest31
 56,940
 672
 8
 20,569
 1,063
 77,509
 1,735
Northeast7
 18,451
 336
 11
 27,327
 1,565
 45,778
 1,901
South40
 102,910
 1,578
 32
 70,521
 4,599
 173,431
 6,177
West19
 37,030
 573
 23
 52,433
 2,838
 89,463
 3,411
Foreign bonds1
 2,973
 24
 
 
 
 2,973
 24
Public utilities19
 39,011
 916
 1
 4,860
 275
 43,871
 1,191
Corporate bonds            

 

Energy10
 17,219
 320
 
 
 
 17,219
 320
Industrials16
 39,427
 513
 1
 3,860
 186
 43,287
 699
Consumer goods and services18
 40,446
 737
 1
 974
 26
 41,420
 763
Health care5
 11,515
 134
 
 
 
 11,515
 134
Technology, media and telecommunications9
 20,569
 406
 1
 1,833
 128
 22,402
 534
Financial services24
 54,884
 1,445
 2
 6,154
 443
 61,038
 1,888
Mortgage-backed securities32
 2,355
 55
 13
 3,602
 205
 5,957
 260
Collateralized mortgage obligations               
Government national mortgage association11
 27,027
 856
 18
 39,403
 2,746
 66,430
 3,602
Federal home loan mortgage corporation21
 77,751
 967
 11
 27,390
 1,990
 105,141
 2,957
Federal national mortgage association16
 29,346
 684
 8
 22,072
 1,240
 51,418
 1,924
Asset-backed securities1
 2,882
 41
 
 
 
 2,882
 41
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities385
 $891,883
 $16,226
 168
 $401,995
 $23,756
 $1,293,878
 $39,982

                
June 30, 2018Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
Type of InvestmentNumber
of Issues
 Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized
Depreciation
 Number
of Issues
 Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized Depreciation Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized Depreciation
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE               
Fixed maturities:               
Bonds               
U.S. Treasury7
 $65,396
 $201
 2
 $4,687
 $140
 $70,083
 $341
U.S. government agency26
 126,009
 2,357
 2
 7,644
 355
 133,653
 2,712
States, municipalities and political subdivisions               
General obligations               
Midwest13
 19,600
 140
 3
 19,177
 913
 38,777
 1,053
Northeast4
 13,208
 78
 1
 3,534
 109
 16,742
 187
South17
 35,461
 503
 11
 28,623
 1,537
 64,084
 2,040
West12
 28,125
 388
 8
 24,959
 1,104
 53,084
 1,492
Special revenue               
Midwest18
 33,830
 356
 7
 18,510
 852
 52,340
 1,208
Northeast4
 12,472
 120
 11
 27,636
 1,311
 40,108
 1,431
South30
 61,106
 1,034
 26
 65,618
 3,423
 126,724
 4,457
West17
 31,156
 237
 21
 52,290
 2,232
 83,446
 2,469
Public utilities19
 39,933
 1,141
 
 
 
 39,933
 1,141
Corporate bonds            

 

Energy7
 10,465
 316
 
 
 
 10,465
 316
Industrials8
 22,206
 486
 
 
 
 22,206
 486
Consumer goods and services14
 28,226
 680
 
 
 
 28,226
 680
Health care4
 6,489
 159
 
 
 
 6,489
 159
Technology, media and telecommunications10
 22,147
 790
 
 
 
 22,147
 790
Financial services21
 49,917
 1,440
 1
 5,293
 306
 55,210
 1,746
Mortgage-backed securities34
 4,217
 113
 11
 2,012
 110
 6,229
 223
Collateralized mortgage obligations               
Government national mortgage association21
 50,094
 1,766
 7
 11,744
 884
 61,838
 2,650
Federal home loan mortgage corporation20
 46,374
 964
 7
 17,556
 1,080
 63,930
 2,044
Federal national mortgage association17
 35,019
 944
 3
 6,882
 361
 41,901
 1,305
Asset-backed securities1
 2,846
 79
 
 
 
 2,846
 79
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities324
 $744,296
 $14,292
 121
 $296,165
 $14,717
 $1,040,461
 $29,009



























18

Table of Contents


                
December 31, 2017Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
Type of InvestmentNumber
of Issues
 Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized Depreciation Number
of Issues
 Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized Depreciation Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized Depreciation
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE               
Fixed maturities:               
Bonds               
U.S. Treasury5
 $10,370
 $67
 2
 $5,765
 $119
 $16,135
 $186
U.S. government agency11
 64,842
 390
 5
 19,372
 327
 84,214
 717
States, municipalities and political subdivisions               
General obligations               
Midwest2
 2,177
 8
 3
 19,729
 431
 21,906
 439
Northeast
 
 
 1
 3,644
 10
 3,644
 10
South3
 7,959
 32
 11
 29,545
 781
 37,504
 813
West2
 5,944
 18
 8
 25,755
 445
 31,699
 463
Special revenue               
Midwest2
 3,486
 15
 7
 19,130
 336
 22,616
 351
Northeast1
 4,471
 37
 11
 28,476
 582
 32,947
 619
South8
 7,749
 107
 27
 69,917
 1,744
 77,666
 1,851
West3
 5,424
 16
 22
 56,753
 1,182
 62,177
 1,198
Foreign bonds1
 857
 49
 
 
 
 857
 49
Public utilities8
 19,186
 79
 5
 8,446
 191
 27,632
 270
Corporate bonds               
Energy1
 2,236
 13
 1
 1,606
 97
 3,842
 110
Industrials10
 27,773
 146
 2
 4,275
 95
 32,048
 241
Consumer goods and services14
 32,781
 248
 3
 6,813
 246
 39,594
 494
Health care4
 9,947
 29
 
 
 
 9,947
 29
Technology, media and telecommunications12
 35,319
 122
 3
 10,413
 128
 45,732
 250
Financial services22
 50,144
 256
 4
 11,389
 186
 61,533
 442
Mortgage-backed securities10
 2,458
 18
 10
 6,641
 220
 9,099
 238
Collateralized mortgage obligations               
Government national mortgage association20
 49,764
 629
 17
 46,969
 1,645
 96,733
 2,274
Federal home loan mortgage corporation11
 37,543
 577
 20
 75,679
 3,470
 113,222
 4,047
Federal national mortgage association11
 31,958
 342
 11
 20,123
 832
 52,081
 1,174
Asset-backed securities1
 992
 8
 
 
 
 992
 8
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities162
 $413,380
 $3,206
 173
 $470,440
 $13,067
 $883,820
 $16,273
Equity securities:               
Common stocks               
Public utilities
 $
 $
 1
 $278
 $30
 $278
 $30
Energy2
 528
 120
 
 
 
 528
 120
Industrials1
 99
 13
 5
 193
 107
 292
 120
Consumer goods and services
 
 
 2
 151
 164
 151
 164
Technology, media and telecommunications2
 466
 95
 1
 4
 20
 470
 115
Financial services2
 193
 55
 1
 9
 12
 202
 67
Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities7
 $1,286
 $283
 10
 $635
 $333
 $1,921
 $616
Total Available-for-Sale Securities169
 $414,666
 $3,489
 183
 $471,075
 $13,400
 $885,741
 $16,889

                
December 31, 2017Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
Type of InvestmentNumber
of Issues
 Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized Depreciation Number
of Issues
 Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized Depreciation Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized Depreciation
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE               
Fixed maturities:               
Bonds               
U.S. Treasury5
 $10,370
 $67
 2
 $5,765
 $119
 $16,135
 $186
U.S. government agency11
 64,842
 390
 5
 19,372
 327
 84,214
 717
States, municipalities and political subdivisions               
General obligations               
Midwest2
 2,177
 8
 3
 19,729
 431
 21,906
 439
Northeast
 
 
 1
 3,644
 10
 3,644
 10
South3
 7,959
 32
 11
 29,545
 781
 37,504
 813
West2
 5,944
 18
 8
 25,755
 445
 31,699
 463
Special revenue               
Midwest2
 3,486
 15
 7
 19,130
 336
 22,616
 351
Northeast1
 4,471
 37
 11
 28,476
 582
 32,947
 619
South8
 7,749
 107
 27
 69,917
 1,744
 77,666
 1,851
West3
 5,424
 16
 22
 56,753
 1,182
 62,177
 1,198
Foreign bonds1
 857
 49
 
 
 
 857
 49
Public utilities8
 19,186
 79
 5
 8,446
 191
 27,632
 270
Corporate bonds               
Energy1
 2,236
 13
 1
 1,606
 97
 3,842
 110
Industrials10
 27,773
 146
 2
 4,275
 95
 32,048
 241
Consumer goods and services14
 32,781
 248
 3
 6,813
 246
 39,594
 494
Health care4
 9,947
 29
 
 
 
 9,947
 29
Technology, media and telecommunications12
 35,319
 122
 3
 10,413
 128
 45,732
 250
Financial services22
 50,144
 256
 4
 11,389
 186
 61,533
 442
Mortgage-backed securities10
 2,458
 18
 10
 6,641
 220
 9,099
 238
Collateralized mortgage obligations               
Government national mortgage association20
 49,764
 629
 17
 46,969
 1,645
 96,733
 2,274
Federal home loan mortgage corporation11
 37,543
 577
 20
 75,679
 3,470
 113,222
 4,047
Federal national mortgage association11
 31,958
 342
 11
 20,123
 832
 52,081
 1,174
Asset-backed securities1
 992
 8
 
 
 
 992
 8
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities162
 $413,380
 $3,206
 173
 $470,440
 $13,067
 $883,820
 $16,273
Equity securities:               
Common stocks               
Public utilities
 $
 $
 1
 $278
 $30
 $278
 $30
Energy2
 528
 120
 
 
 
 528
 120
Industrials1
 99
 13
 5
 193
 107
 292
 120
Consumer goods and services
 
 
 2
 151
 164
 151
 164
Technology, media and telecommunications2
 466
 95
 1
 4
 20
 470
 115
Financial services2
 193
 55
 1
 9
 12
 202
 67
Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities7
 $1,286
 $283
 10
 $635
 $333
 $1,921
 $616
Total Available-for-Sale Securities169
 $414,666
 $3,489
 183
 $471,075
 $13,400
 $885,741
 $16,889




19

Table of Contents



The tables on the following pages are a reconciliation for continuing and discontinued operations of our total fixed maturity and equity securities that were in an unrealized loss position at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The sale of our life insurance business was completed on March 30, 2018. The securities are presented by the length of time they have been continuously in an unrealized loss position:


                              
June 30, 2018Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
September 30, 2018Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
Type of InvestmentNumber
of Issues
 Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized
Depreciation
 Number
of Issues
 Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized Depreciation Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized DepreciationNumber
of Issues
 Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized
Depreciation
 Number
of Issues
 Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized Depreciation Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized Depreciation
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE                              
Fixed maturities:                              
Continuing operations324
 $744,296
 $14,292
 121
 $296,165
 $14,717
 $1,040,461
 $29,009
385
 $891,883
 $16,226
 168
 $401,995
 $23,756
 $1,293,878
 $39,982
Discontinued operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities324
 $744,296
 $14,292
 121
 $296,165
 $14,717
 $1,040,461
 $29,009
385
 $891,883
 $16,226
 168
 $401,995
 $23,756
 $1,293,878
 $39,982
Note: The sale of the life insurance business was completed on March 30, 2018.


                
December 31, 2017Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
Type of InvestmentNumber
of Issues
 Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized
Depreciation
 Number
of Issues
 Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized Depreciation Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized Depreciation
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE               
Fixed maturities:               
Continuing operations88
 $232,489
 $1,791
 112
 $302,815
 $7,161
 $535,304
 $8,952
Discontinued operations74
 180,891
 1,415
 61
 167,625
 5,906
 348,516
 7,321
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities162
 $413,380
 $3,206
 173
 $470,440
 $13,067
 $883,820
 $16,273
Equity securities:               
Continuing operations5
 $1,129
 $236
 6
 $385
 $303
 $1,514
 $539
Discontinued operations2
 157
 47
 4
 250
 30
 407
 77
Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities7
 $1,286
 $283
 10
 $635
 $333
 $1,921
 $616
Total Available-for-Sale Securities169
 $414,666
 $3,489
 183
 $471,075
 $13,400
 $885,741
 $16,889

                
December 31, 2017Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
Type of InvestmentNumber
of Issues
 Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized
Depreciation
 Number
of Issues
 Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized Depreciation Fair
Value
 Gross Unrealized Depreciation
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE               
Fixed maturities:               
Continuing operations88
 $232,489
 $1,791
 112
 $302,815
 $7,161
 $535,304
 $8,952
Discontinued operations74
 180,891
 1,415
 61
 167,625
 5,906
 348,516
 7,321
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities162
 $413,380
 $3,206
 173
 $470,440
 $13,067
 $883,820
 $16,273
Equity securities:               
Continuing operations5
 $1,129
 $236
 6
 $385
 $303
 $1,514
 $539
Discontinued operations2
 157
 47
 4
 250
 30
 407
 77
Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities7
 $1,286
 $283
 10
 $635
 $333
 $1,921
 $616
Total Available-for-Sale Securities169
 $414,666
 $3,489
 183
 $471,075
 $13,400
 $885,741
 $16,889






20

Table of Contents


NOTE 3. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS


Current accounting guidance on fair value measurements includes the application of a fair value hierarchy that requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Our financial instruments that are recorded at fair value are categorized into a three-level hierarchy, which is based upon the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (i.e., Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (i.e., Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the financial instrument.
Financial instruments recorded at fair value are categorized in the fair value hierarchy as follows:
Level 1: Valuations are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments that we have the ability to access.
Level 2: Valuations are based on quoted prices for similar financial instruments, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, in markets that are not active or on inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for the full term of the financial instrument.
Level 3: Valuations are based on pricing or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement of the financial instrument. Such inputs may reflect management's own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the financial instrument.
Level 1: Valuations are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments that we have the ability to access.
Level 2: Valuations are based on quoted prices for similar financial instruments, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, in markets that are not active or on inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for the full term of the financial instrument.
Level 3: Valuations are based on pricing or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement of the financial instrument. Such inputs may reflect management's own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the financial instrument.
We review our fair value hierarchy categorizations on a quarterly basis at which time the classification of certain financial instruments may change if the input observations have changed. Transfers between levels, if any, are recorded as of the beginning of the reporting period.
To determine the fair value of the majority of our investments, we utilize prices obtained from independent, nationally recognized pricing services. We obtain one price for each security. When the pricing services cannot provide a determination of fair value for a specific security, we obtain non-binding price quotes from broker-dealers with whom we have had several yearsyears' experience and who have demonstrated knowledge of the subject security. We request and utilize one broker quote per security.
In order to determine the proper classification in the fair value hierarchy for each security where the price is obtained from an independent pricing service, we obtain and evaluate the vendors' pricing procedures and inputs used to price the security, which include unadjusted quoted market prices for identical securities, such as a New York Stock Exchange closing price, and quoted prices for identical securities in markets that are not active. For fixed maturity securities, an evaluation of interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, volatility, prepayment speeds, credit risks and default rates may also be performed. We have determined that these processes and inputs result in fair values and classifications consistent with the applicable accounting guidance on fair value measurements.
When possible, we use quoted market prices to determine the fair value of fixed maturities, equity securities, trading securities and short-term investments. When quoted market prices do not exist, we base estimates of fair value on market information obtained from independent pricing services and brokers or on valuation techniques that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement of the financial instrument. Such inputs may reflect management's own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the financial instrument. Our valuation techniques are discussed in more detail throughout this section.
The mortgage loan portfolio consists entirely of commercial mortgage loans. The fair value of our mortgage loans is determined by modeling performed by our third party fund manager based on the stated principal and coupon payments provided for in the loan agreements. These cash flows are then discounted using an appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate to determine the security's fair value.




21



The fair value of our policy loans is equivalent to carrying value, which is a reasonable estimate of fair value and is classified as Level 2. We do not make policy loans for amounts in excess of the cash surrender value of the related policy. In all instances, the policy loans are fully collateralized by the related liability for future policy benefits for traditional insurance policies or by the policyholders' account balance for non-traditional policies.
Our other long-term investments consist primarily of our interests in limited liability partnerships that are recorded on the equity method of accounting. The fair value of the partnerships is obtained from the fund managers, which is based on the fair value of the underlying investments held in the partnerships. In management's opinion, these values represent a reasonable estimate of fair value. We have not adjusted the net asset value provided by the fund managers.
For cash and cash equivalents and accrued investment income, carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments.


The Company formed a rabbi trust in 2014 to fund obligations under the United Fire & Casualty Company Supplemental Executive Retirement and Deferral Plan (the "Executive Retirement Plan"). Within the rabbi trust, corporate-owned life insurance ("COLI") policies are utilized as an investment vehicle and source of funding for the Company's Executive Retirement Plan. The COLI policies invest in mutual funds, which are priced daily by independent sources. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the cash surrender value of the COLI policies was $4,625,$4,998, which is equal to the fair value measured using Level 2 inputs, based on the underlying assets of the COLI policies, and is included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


Policy reserves are developed and recorded for deferred annuities, which is an interest-sensitive product, and income annuities. The fair value of the reserve liability for these annuity products is based upon an estimate of the discounted pretax cash flows that are forecast for the underlying business, which is a Level 3 fair value measurement. We base the discount rate on the current U.S. Treasury spot yield curve, which is then risk-adjusted for nonperformance risk and, for interest-sensitive business and market risk factors. The risk-adjusted discount rate is developed using interest rates that are available in the market and representative of the risks applicable to the underlying business.


A summary of the carrying value and estimated fair value of our financial instruments from continuing operations at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is as follows:
 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
 Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value
Assets       
Investments       
Fixed maturities:       
Held-to-maturity securities$
 $
 $150
 $150
Available-for-sale securities1,730,031
 1,730,031
 1,535,070
 1,535,070
Trading securities14,399
 14,399
 16,842
 16,842
Equity securities276,253
 276,253
 287,344

287,344
Mortgage loans14,749
 14,896
 
 
Other long-term investments40,432
 40,432
 49,352
 49,352
Short-term investments175
 175
 175
 175
Cash and cash equivalents52,252
 52,252
 95,562
 95,562
Corporate-owned life insurance4,998
 4,998
 4,029
 4,029

 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
 Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value
Assets       
Investments       
Fixed maturities:       
Held-to-maturity securities$150
 $150
 $150
 $150
Available-for-sale securities1,792,019
 1,792,019
 1,535,070
 1,535,070
Trading securities14,705
 14,705
 16,842
 16,842
Equity securities260,979
 260,979
 287,344

287,344
Mortgage loans9,896
 9,896
 
 
Other long-term investments43,949
 43,949
 49,352
 49,352
Short-term investments175
 175
 175
 175
Cash and cash equivalents100,840
 100,840
 95,562
 95,562
Corporate-owned life insurance4,625
 4,625
 4,029
 4,029
















22



A summary of the carrying value and estimated fair value of our financial instruments from discontinued operations at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is as follows:
June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying ValueFair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value
Assets              
Investments              
Fixed maturities:              
Held-to-maturity securities$
 $
 $34
 $34
$
 $
 $34
 $34
Available-for-sale securities
 
 1,430,025
 1,430,025

 
 1,430,025
 1,430,025
Equity securities:              
Available-for-sale securities
 
 23,653
 23,653

 
 23,653
 23,653
Mortgage loans
 
 3,594
 3,435

 
 3,594
 3,435
Policy loans
 
 5,815
 5,815

 
 5,815
 5,815
Other long-term investments
 
 16,437
 16,437

 
 16,437
 16,437
Cash and cash equivalents
 
 15,851
 15,851

 
 15,851
 15,851
Liabilities              
Policy reserves              
Annuity (accumulations)$
 $
 $591,702
 $611,866
$
 $
 $591,702
 $611,866
Annuity (benefit payments)
 
 147,038
 93,560

 
 147,038
 93,560
Note: The sale of the life insurance business was completed on March 30, 2018.


The following tables present the categorization for our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The table includes financial instruments from both continuing and discontinued operations at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
June 30, 2018  Fair Value Measurements
September 30, 2018  Fair Value Measurements
DescriptionTotal Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE              
Fixed maturities:              
Bonds              
U.S. Treasury$119,954
 $
 $119,954
 $
$26,841
 $
 $26,841
 $
U.S. government agency194,269
 
 194,269
 
206,990
 
 206,990
 
States, municipalities and political subdivisions              
General obligations              
Midwest99,661
 
 99,661
 
98,238
 
 98,238
 
Northeast41,111
 
 41,111
 
37,351
 
 37,351
 
South118,317
 
 118,317
 
113,214
 
 113,214
 
West109,571
 
 109,571
 
106,638
 
 106,638
 
Special revenue              
Midwest143,766
 
 143,766
 
139,327
 
 139,327
 
Northeast62,884
 
 62,884
 
62,097
 
 62,097
 
South244,013
 
 244,013
 
235,441
 
 235,441
 
West146,170
 
 146,170
 
142,398
 
 142,398
 
Foreign bonds7,823
 
 7,823
 
9,747
 
 9,747
 
Public utilities48,684
 
 48,684
 
53,544
 
 53,544
 
Corporate bonds              
Energy22,272
 
 22,272
 
26,686
 
 26,686
 
Industrials41,943
 
 41,943
 
55,531
 
 55,531
 
Consumer goods and services43,526
 
 43,526
 
51,677
 
 51,677
 




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Health care12,977
 
 12,977
 
17,986
 
 17,986
 
Technology, media and telecommunications25,885
 
 25,885
 
26,122
 
 26,122
 
Financial services71,937
 
 71,837
 100
76,064
 
 75,814
 250
Mortgage-backed securities8,187
 
 8,187
 
7,738
 
 7,738
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations              
Government national mortgage association71,013
 
 71,013
 
75,316
 
 75,316
 
Federal home loan mortgage corporation109,174
 
 109,174
 
105,716
 
 105,716
 
Federal national mortgage association45,398
 
 45,398
 
51,854
 
 51,854
 
Asset-backed securities3,484
 
 2,845
 639
3,515
 
 2,883
 632
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities$1,792,019
 $
 $1,791,280
 $739
$1,730,031
 $
 $1,729,149
 $882
TRADING              
Fixed maturities:              
Bonds              
U.S. Treasury$200
 $
 $200
 $
Corporate bonds

 

 

 



 
 
 
Industrials$2,099
 $
 $2,099
 $
1,812
 
 1,812
 $
Consumer goods and services1,772
 
 1,772
 
1,750
 
 1,750
 
Health care3,914
 
 3,914
 
3,182
 
 3,182
 
Technology, media and telecommunications1,960
 
 1,960
 
2,694
 
 2,694
 
Financial services2,120
 
 2,120
 
2,114
 
 2,114
 
Redeemable preferred stocks2,840
 2,840
 
 
2,647
 2,647
 
 
Total Trading Securities$14,705
 $2,840
 $11,865
 $
$14,399
 $2,647
 $11,752
 $
EQUITY SECURITIES              
Common stocks              
Public utilities$15,565
 $15,565
 $
 $
$15,563
 $15,563
 $
 $
Energy14,029
 14,029
 
 
13,647
 13,647
 
 
Industrials58,683
 58,683
 
 
62,741
 62,741
 
 
Consumer goods and services24,328
 24,328
 
 
25,870
 25,870
 
 
Health care19,503
 19,503
 
 
22,991
 22,991
 
 
Technology, media and telecommunications14,624
 14,624
 
 
15,047
 15,047
 
 
Financial services110,222
 110,222
 
 
114,708
 114,708
 
 
Nonredeemable preferred stocks4,025
 3,356
 
 669
5,686
 5,091
 
 595
Total Equity Securities$260,979
 $260,310
 $
 $669
$276,253
 $275,658
 $
 $595
Short-Term Investments$175
 $175
 $
 $
$175
 $175
 $
 $
Money Market Accounts$25,927
 $25,927
 $
 $
$3,824
 $3,824
 $
 $
Corporate-Owned Life Insurance$4,625
 $
 $4,625
 $
$4,998
 $
 $4,998
 $
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value$2,098,430
 $289,252
 $1,807,770
 $1,408
$2,029,680
 $282,304
 $1,745,899
 $1,477
Note: The sale of the life insurance business was completed on March 30, 2018.






24

Table of Contents


December 31, 2017  Fair Value Measurements
DescriptionTotal Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE       
Fixed maturities:       
Bonds       
U.S. Treasury$16,891
 $
 $16,891
 $
U.S. government agency122,168
 
 122,168
 
States, municipalities and political subdivisions       
General obligations       
Midwest109,696
 
 109,696
 
Northeast48,641
 
 48,641
 
South141,519
 
 141,519
 
West113,011
 
 113,011
 
Special revenue       
Midwest158,744
 
 158,744
 
Northeast79,760
 
 79,760
 
South263,512
 
 263,512
 
West158,307
 
 158,307
 
Foreign bonds52,753
 
 52,753
 
Public utilities209,144
 
 209,144
 
Corporate bonds       
Energy95,053
 
 95,053
 
Industrials221,707
 
 221,707
 
Consumer goods and services186,257
 
 185,589
 668
Health care75,408
 
 75,408
 
Technology, media and telecommunications148,979
 
 148,979
 
Financial services283,151
 
 275,474
 7,677
Mortgage-backed securities13,691
 
 13,691
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations       
Government national mortgage association157,483
 
 157,483
 
Federal home loan mortgage corporation199,152
 
 199,152
 
Federal national mortgage association105,432
 
 105,432
 
Asset-backed securities4,636
 
 3,989
 647
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities$2,965,095
 $
 $2,956,103
 $8,992
Equity securities:       
Common stocks       
Public utilities$22,439
 $22,439
 $
 $
Energy14,565
 14,565
 
 
Industrials66,519
 66,517
 2
 
Consumer goods and services25,688
 25,688
 
 
Health care40,103
 40,103
 
 
Technology, media and telecommunications17,508
 17,508
 
 
Financial services116,447
 116,447
 
 

December 31, 2017  Fair Value Measurements
DescriptionTotal Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE       
Fixed maturities:       
Bonds       
U.S. Treasury$16,891
 $
 $16,891
 $
U.S. government agency122,168
 
 122,168
 
States, municipalities and political subdivisions       
General obligations       
Midwest109,696
 
 109,696
 
Northeast48,641
 
 48,641
 
South141,519
 
 141,519
 
West113,011
 
 113,011
 
Special revenue       
Midwest158,744
 
 158,744
 
Northeast79,760
 
 79,760
 
South263,512
 
 263,512
 
West158,307
 
 158,307
 
Foreign bonds52,753
 
 52,753
 
Public utilities209,144
 
 209,144
 
Corporate bonds       
Energy95,053
 
 95,053
 
Industrials221,707
 
 221,707
 
Consumer goods and services186,257
 
 185,589
 668
Health care75,408
 
 75,408
 
Technology, media and telecommunications148,979
 
 148,979
 
Financial services283,151
 
 275,474
 7,677
Mortgage-backed securities13,691
 
 13,691
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations       
Government national mortgage association157,483
 
 157,483
 
Federal home loan mortgage corporation199,152
 
 199,152
 
Federal national mortgage association105,432
 
 105,432
 
Asset-backed securities4,636
 
 3,989
 647
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities$2,965,095
 $
 $2,956,103
 $8,992
Equity securities:       
Common stocks       
Public utilities$22,439
 $22,439
 $
 $
Energy14,565
 14,565
 
 
Industrials66,519
 66,517
 2
 
Consumer goods and services25,688
 25,688
 
 
Health care40,103
 40,103
 
 
Technology, media and telecommunications17,508
 17,508
 
 
Financial services116,447
 116,447
 
 




25

Table of Contents


Nonredeemable preferred stocks1,297
 415
 
 882
Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities$304,566
 $303,682
 $2
 $882
Total Available-for-Sale Securities$3,269,661
 $303,682
 $2,956,105
 $9,874
TRADING       
Fixed maturities:       
Bonds       
Corporate bonds       
Industrials$2,220
 $
 $2,220
 $
Consumer goods and services1,535
 
 1,535
 
Health care3,741
 
 3,741
 
Technology, media and telecommunications1,221
 
 1,221
 
Financial services5,566
 
 5,566
 
Redeemable preferred stocks2,559
 2,559
 
 
Equity securities:       
Public utilities874
 874
 
 
Energy190
 190
 
 
Industrials989
 989
 
 
Consumer goods and services1,314
 1,314
 
 
Health care325
 325
 
 
Financial services198
 198
 
 
Nonredeemable preferred stocks2,541
 2,541
 
 
Total Trading Securities$23,273
 $8,990
 $14,283
 $
Short-Term Investments$175
 $175
 $
 $
Money Market Accounts$16,824
 $16,824
 $
 $
Corporate-Owned Life Insurance$4,029
 $
 $4,029
 $
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value$3,313,962
 $329,671
 $2,974,417
 $9,874

Nonredeemable preferred stocks1,297
 415
 
 882
Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities$304,566
 $303,682
 $2
 $882
Total Available-for-Sale Securities$3,269,661
 $303,682
 $2,956,105
 $9,874
TRADING       
Fixed maturities:       
Bonds       
Corporate bonds       
Industrials$2,220
 $
 $2,220
 $
Consumer goods and services1,535
 
 1,535
 
Health care3,741
 
 3,741
 
Technology, media and telecommunications1,221
 
 1,221
 
Financial services5,566
 
 5,566
 
Redeemable preferred stocks2,559
 2,559
 
 
Equity securities:       
Public utilities874
 874
 
 
Energy190
 190
 
 
Industrials989
 989
 
 
Consumer goods and services1,314
 1,314
 
 
Health care325
 325
 
 
Financial services198
 198
 
 
Nonredeemable preferred stocks2,541
 2,541
 
 
Total Trading Securities$23,273
 $8,990
 $14,283
 $
Short-Term Investments$175
 $175
 $
 $
Money Market Accounts$16,824
 $16,824
 $
 $
Corporate-Owned Life Insurance$4,029
 $
 $4,029
 $
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value$3,313,962
 $329,671
 $2,974,417
 $9,874








































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The following tables are a reconciliation for both continuing and discontinued operations of the presentation of the categorization for our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
June 30, 2018  Fair Value Measurements
September 30, 2018  Fair Value Measurements
DescriptionTotal Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE              
Fixed maturities:              
Continuing operations$1,792,019
 $
 $1,791,280
 $739
$1,730,031
 

 $1,729,149
 $882
Discontinued operations
 
 
 

 
 
 
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities$1,792,019
 $
 $1,791,280
 $739
$1,730,031
 $
 $1,729,149
 $882
TRADING              
Fixed maturities:              
Continuing operations$14,705
 $2,840
 $11,865
 $
$14,399
 $2,647
 $11,752
 $
Discontinued operations
 
 
 

 
 
 
Total Trading Securities$14,705
 $2,840
 $11,865
 $
$14,399
 $2,647
 $11,752
 $
EQUITY SECURITIES              
Continuing operations$260,979
 $260,310
 $
 $669
$276,253
 $275,658
 $
 $595
Discontinued operations
 
 
 

 
 
 
Total Equity Securities$260,979
 $260,310
 $
 $669
$276,253
 $275,658
 $
 $595
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS              
Continuing operations$175
 $175
 $
 $
$175
 $175
 


 


Discontinued operations
 
 
 $

 
 
 $
Short-Term Investments$175
 $175
 $
 $
$175
 $175
 $
 $
MONEY MARKET ACCOUNTS              
Continuing operations$25,927
 $25,927
 $
 $
$3,824
 $3,824
 

 

Discontinued operations
 
 
 

 
 
 
Money Market Accounts$25,927
 $25,927
 $
 $
$3,824
 $3,824
 $
 $
CORPORATE-OWNED LIFE INSURANCE              
Continuing operations$4,625
 $
 $4,625
 $
$4,998
 


 $4,998
 


Discontinued operations
 
 
 

 
 
 
Corporate-Owned Life Insurance$4,625
 $
 $4,625
 $
$4,998
 $
 $4,998
 $
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value$2,098,430
 $289,252
 $1,807,770
 $1,408
$2,029,680
 $282,304
 $1,745,899
 $1,477
Note: The sale of the life insurance business was completed on March 30, 2018.






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December 31, 2017  Fair Value Measurements
DescriptionTotal Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE       
Fixed maturities:       
Continuing operations$1,535,070
 $
 $1,534,323
 $747
Discontinued operations1,430,025
 
 1,421,780
 8,245
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities$2,965,095
 $
 $2,956,103
 $8,992
Equity securities:       
Continuing operations$280,913
 $280,031
 $
 $882
Discontinued operations23,653
 23,651
 2
 
Total Equity Securities$304,566
 $303,682
 $2
 $882
Total Available-for-Sale Securities$3,269,661
 $303,682
 $2,956,105
 $9,874
TRADING       
Fixed maturities:       
Continuing operations$16,842
 $2,559
 $14,283
 $
Discontinued operations
 
 
 
Equity securities:       
Continuing operations6,431
 6,431
 
 
Discontinued operations
 
 
 
Total Trading Securities$23,273
 $8,990
 $14,283
 $
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS       
Continuing operations$175
 $175
 $
 $
Discontinued operations
 
 
 
Short-Term Investments$175
 $175
 $
 $
MONEY MARKET ACCOUNTS       
Continuing operations$6,147
 $6,147
 $
 $
Discontinued operations10,677
 10,677
 
 
Money Market Accounts$16,824
 $16,824
 $
 $
CORPORATE-OWNED LIFE INSURANCE       
Continuing operations$4,029
 $
 $4,029
 $
Discontinued operations
 
 
 
Corporate-Owned Life Insurance$4,029
 $
 $4,029
 $
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value$3,313,962
 $329,671
 $2,974,417
 $9,874

December 31, 2017  Fair Value Measurements
DescriptionTotal Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE       
Fixed maturities:       
Continuing operations$1,535,070
 $
 $1,534,323
 $747
Discontinued operations1,430,025
 
 1,421,780
 8,245
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities$2,965,095
 $
 $2,956,103
 $8,992
Equity securities:       
Continuing operations$280,913
 $280,031
 $
 $882
Discontinued operations23,653
 23,651
 2
 
Total Equity Securities$304,566
 $303,682
 $2
 $882
Total Available-for-Sale Securities$3,269,661
 $303,682
 $2,956,105
 $9,874
TRADING       
Fixed maturities:       
Continuing operations$16,842
 $2,559
 $14,283
 $
Discontinued operations
 
 
 
Equity securities:       
Continuing operations6,431
 6,431
 
 
Discontinued operations
 
 
 
Total Trading Securities$23,273
 $8,990
 $14,283
 $
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS       
Continuing operations$175
 $175
 $
 $
Discontinued operations
 
 
 
Short-Term Investments$175
 $175
 $
 $
MONEY MARKET ACCOUNTS       
Continuing operations$6,147
 $6,147
 $
 $
Discontinued operations10,677
 10,677
 
 
Money Market Accounts$16,824
 $16,824
 $
 $
CORPORATE-OWNED LIFE INSURANCE       
Continuing operations$4,029
 $
 $4,029
 $
Discontinued operations
 
 
 
Corporate-Owned Life Insurance$4,029
 $
 $4,029
 $
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value$3,313,962
 $329,671
 $2,974,417
 $9,874
















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The fair value of securities that are categorized as Level 1 is based on quoted market prices that are readily and regularly available.


We use a market-based approach for valuing all of our Level 2 securities and submit them primarily to a third-party valuation service provider. Any of these securities not valued by this service provider are submitted to another third-party valuation service provider. Both service providers use a market approach to find pricing of similar financial instruments. The market inputs our service providers normally seek to value our securities include the following, listed in approximate order of priority: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data including market research publications. The method and inputs for these securities classified as Level 2 are the same regardless of industry category, credit quality, duration, geographical concentration or economic characteristics. For our mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities, our service providers use additional market inputs to value these securities, including the following: new issue data, periodic payment information, monthly payment information, collateral performance and real estate analysis from third parties. Our service providers prioritize inputs based on market conditions, and not all inputs listed are available for use in the valuation process for each security on any given day.
At least annually, we review the methodologies and assumptions used by our valuation service providers and verify that they are reasonable and representative of the fair value of the underlying securities held in the investment portfolio. We validate the prices obtained from independent pricing services and brokers prior to their use for reporting purposes by evaluating their reasonableness on a monthly basis. Our validation process includes a review for unusual fluctuations. Unusual fluctuations outside of our expectations are independently corroborated with additional third-party sources that use similar valuation techniques as discussed above. In addition, we also randomly select securities and independently corroborate the valuations obtained from our third-party valuation service providers. In our opinion, the pricing obtained at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was reasonable.
For the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the change in our available-for-sale securities categorized as Level 1 and Level 2 is the result of investment purchases that were made using funds held in our money market accounts, disposals and the change in unrealized gains on both fixed maturities and equity securities. During the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, there were no securities transferred between Level 1 and Level 2.
Securities categorized as Level 3 include holdings in certain private placement fixed maturity and equity securities for which an active market does not currently exist. The fair value of our Level 3 private placement securities is determined by management relying on pricing received from our independent pricing services and brokers consistent with the process to estimate fair value for Level 2 securities. However, securities are categorized as Level 3 if these quotes cannot be corroborated by other market observable data due to the unobservable nature of the brokers’ valuation processes. If pricing cannot be obtained from these sources, which occurs on a limited basis, management will perform a discounted cash flow analysis, using an appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate, on the underlying security to estimate fair value. During the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, there were no securities transferred in or out of Level 3.


The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of our Level 3 securities from continuing operations for the three-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018:
Corporate bonds Asset-backed securities Equities TotalCorporate bonds Asset-backed securities Equities Total
Balance at March 31, 2018$100
 $632
 $820
 $1,552
Balance at June 30, 2018$100
 $639
 $669
 $1,408
Net unrealized gains (losses)(1)


 7
 (151) (144)150
 (7) (74) 69
Balance at June 30, 2018$100
 $639
 $669
 $1,408
Balance at September 30, 2018$250
 $632
 $595
 $1,477
(1) Net unrealized gains (losses) are recorded as a component of comprehensive income.







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The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of our Level 3 securities from continuing operations for the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018:
 Corporate bonds Asset-backed securities Equities Total
Balance at January 1, 2018$100
 $647
 $882
 $1,629
Net unrealized losses(1)

 (8) (213) (221)
Balance at June 30, 2018$100
 $639
 $669
 $1,408
 Corporate bonds Asset-backed securities Equities Total
Balance at January 1, 2018$100
 $647
 $882
 $1,629
Net unrealized gains (losses)(1)
150
 (15) (287) (152)
Balance at September 30, 2018$250
 $632
 $595
 $1,477
(1) Net unrealized losses are recorded as a component of comprehensive income.


Commercial Mortgage Loans
The following tables present the carrying value of our commercial mortgage loans and additional information at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
Commercial Mortgage Loans
 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Loan-to-valueCarrying Value Carrying Value
Less than 65%$14,896
 
Total commercial mortgage loans$14,896
 $

Commercial Mortgage Loans
 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Loan-to-valueCarrying Value Carrying Value
Less than 65%$9,896
 
Total commercial mortgage loans$9,896
 $


Mortgage Loans by Region
June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of TotalCarrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total
East North Central$3,245
 32.8% $
 %$3,245
 21.8% $
 %
Southern Atlantic6,651
 67.2
 
 
6,651
 44.7
 
 
East South Central5,000
 33.5
 
 
Total mortgage loans$9,896
 100.0% $
 %$14,896
 100.0% $
 %
Mortgage Loans by Property Type
 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
 Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total
Commercial       
Multifamily$3,245
 21.8% $
 %
Office11,651
 78.2
 
 
Total mortgage loans$14,896
 100.0% $
 %
Mortgage Loans by Property Type
 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
 Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total
Commercial       
Multifamily$3,245
 32.8% $
 %
Office6,651
 67.2
 
 
Total mortgage loans$9,896
 100.0% $
 %

The commercial mortgage loans originate with an initial loan-to-value ratio to provide sufficient collateral to absorb losses should a loan be required to foreclosure.foreclose. Mortgage loans are evaluated on a quarterly basis for impairment on an individual basis through a monitoring process and review of key credit indicators, such as economic trends, delinquency rates, property valuations, occupancy and rental rates and loan-to-value ratios. A loan is considered impaired when the Company believes it will not collect the contractual principal and interest set forth in the contractual terms of the loan. A valuation allowance is established on each loan recognizing a loss for amounts which we believe will not be collected according to the contractual terms of the respective loan agreement. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 there were no mortgage loansloan impairments.






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NOTE 4. RESERVES FOR LOSSES AND LOSS SETTLEMENT EXPENSES
Property insurance indemnifies an insured with an interest in physical property for loss of, or damage to, such property or the loss of its income-producing abilities. Casualty insurance primarily covers liability for damage to property of, or injury to, a person or entity other than the insured. In most cases, casualty insurance also obligates the insurance company to provide a defense for the insured in litigation, arising out of events covered by the policy.


Liabilities for losses and loss settlement expenses reflect management's best estimates at a given point in time of what we expect to pay for claims that have been reported and those that have been incurred but not reported ("IBNR"), based on known facts, circumstances, and historical trends. Because property and casualty insurance reserves are estimates of the unpaid portions of incurred losses that have been reported to us, as well as losses that have been incurred but not reported, the establishment of appropriate reserves, including reserves for catastrophes, is an inherently uncertain and complex process. The ultimate cost of losses and related loss settlement expenses may vary materially from recorded amounts. We regularly update our reserve estimates as new information becomes available and as events unfold that may affect the resolution of unsettled claims. Changes in prior year reserve estimates, which may be material, are reported as a component of losses and loss settlement expenses incurred in the period such changes are determined.


The determination of reserves (particularly those relating to liability lines of insurance that have relatively longer lag in claim reporting) requires significant work to reasonably project expected future claim reporting and payment patterns. If, during the course of our regular monitoring of reserves, we determine that coverages previously written are incurring higher than expected losses, we will take action that may include, among other things, increasing the related reserves. Any adjustments we make to reserves are reflected in operating results in the year in which we make those adjustments. We engage an independent actuary, Regnier Consulting Group, Inc., to render an opinion as to the reasonableness of our statutory reserves annually. The actuarial opinion is filed in those states where we are licensed.


On a quarterly basis, UFG's internal actuary performs a detailed actuarial review of IBNR reserves. This review includes a comparison of results from the most recent analysis of reserves completed by both our internal and external actuaries. Senior management meets with our internal actuary to review, on a regular and quarterly basis, the adequacy of carried reserves based on results from this actuarial analysis. There are two fundamental types or sources of IBNR reserves. We record IBNR reserves for "normal" types of claims and also specific IBNR reserves related to unique circumstances or events. A major hurricane is an example of an event that might necessitate establishing specific IBNR reserves because an analysis of existing historical data would not provide an appropriate estimate.


We do not discount loss reserves based on the time value of money. 






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The following table provides an analysis of changes in our property and casualty losses and loss settlement expense reserves at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (net of reinsurance amounts):
    
 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Gross liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at beginning of year
$1,224,183
 $1,123,896
Ceded losses and loss settlement expenses(59,871) (59,794)
Net liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at beginning of year
$1,164,312
 $1,064,102
Losses and loss settlement expenses incurred
for claims occurring during
   
   Current year$575,214
 $779,966
   Prior years(47,673) (54,253)
Total incurred$527,541
 $725,713
Losses and loss settlement expense payments
for claims occurring during
   
   Current year$212,138
 $311,972
   Prior years263,552
 313,531
Total paid$475,690
 $625,503
Net liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at end of year
$1,216,163
 $1,164,312
Ceded loss and loss settlement expenses61,914
 59,871
Gross liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at end of period
$1,278,077
 $1,224,183

    
 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Gross liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at beginning of year
$1,224,183
 $1,123,896
Ceded losses and loss settlement expenses(59,871) (59,794)
Net liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at beginning of year
$1,164,312
 $1,064,102
Losses and loss settlement expenses incurred
for claims occurring during
   
   Current year$382,259
 $779,966
   Prior years(48,385) (54,253)
Total incurred$333,874
 $725,713
Losses and loss settlement expense payments
for claims occurring during
   
   Current year$116,117
 $311,972
   Prior years197,750
 313,531
Total paid$313,867
 $625,503
Net liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at end of year
$1,184,319
 $1,164,312
Ceded loss and loss settlement expenses56,528
 59,871
Gross liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at end of period
$1,240,847
 $1,224,183


There are a multitude of factors that can impact loss reserve development. Those factors include, but are not limited to: historical data, the potential impact of various loss reserve development factors and trends including historical loss experience, legislative enactments, judicial decisions, legal developments in imposition of damages, experience with alternative dispute resolution, results of our medical bill review process, the potential impact of salvage and subrogation and changes and trends in general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. All of these factors influence our estimates of required reserves and for long tail lines these factors can change over the course of the settlement of the claim. However, there is no precise method for evaluating the specific monetary impact of any individual factor on the development of reserves.


For the three-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 the majority of unfavorable development came from two lines, commercial liability and commercial automobile with a partial offset coming from favorable development for the three lines of reinsurance assumed, workers compensation and fidelity and surety. All other lines combined contributed a relatively minimal amount of overall unfavorable development during this three-month period. The unfavorable development for the quarter is attributable to the combination of latent emergence of commercial automobile claims that increased sufficiently to also generate an umbrella liability claim combined with a very large but independent general liability claim. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 the majority of favorable development came from two lines,four lines: workers compensation, commercial automobile, commercial liability, and reinsurance assumed with a partial offset coming from unfavorable development for commercial fire and alliedassumed. Each of the other individual lines and commercial other liability. All other lines combined to also contribute some overallcontributed favorable development during this three-month period. For the six-monthnine-month period ended June 30, 2018, the majority of favorable development came from three lines, commercial automobile, workers compensation, and commercial other liability. All other lines combined to also contribute overall favorable development and only one line, reinsurance assumed, provided any unfavorable development during this six-month period. The favorable development is attributable to our continued litigation management efforts as well as favorable runoff of reserves for general loss adjustment expenses.(none were unfavorable).


The significant drivers of the favorable reserve development in 2017 were our commercial liability and workers compensation lines of business. Much of the favorable commercial other liability development came from loss adjustment expense and is attributed to our continued litigation management efforts combined with some favorable development coming from decreases in reserves, which were more than sufficient to pay claims as they closed. Workers compensation favorable development was due to the combined effects of decreases in claim reserves along with favorable changes affecting loss adjustment expense. Our personal lines also contributed favorable development. The lines that experienced adverse development during the year, which partially offset the favorable development mentioned earlier, were assumed reinsurance and commercial automobile. The adverse development for assumed reinsurance is due to increases in prior year reserves for unpaid claims while the adverse development for commercial automobile is due to paid losses which were greater than reductions in reported loss reserves and


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reserves for claims incurred but not reported. No other single line of business contributed a significant portion of the total development.


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Generally, we base reserves for each claim on the estimated ultimate exposure for that claim. We believe that it is appropriate and reasonable to establish a best estimate for reserves within a range of reasonable estimates, especially when we are reserving for claims for bodily injury, disabilities and similar claims, for which settlements and verdicts can vary widely. Our reserving philosophy may result in favorable reserve development in future years that will decrease losses and loss settlement expenses for prior year claims in the year of adjustment. We realize that this philosophy, coupled with what we believe to be aggressive and successful claims management and loss settlement practices, has resulted in year-to-year redundancies in reserves. We believe our approach produces recorded reserves that are reasonably consistent as to their relative position within a range of reasonable reserves from year-to-year. However, conditions and trends that have affected the reserve development for a given year do change. Therefore, such development cannot be used to project future reserve redundancies or deficiencies.
We are not aware of any significant contingent liabilities related to environmental issues. Because of the type of property coverage we write, we have potential exposure to environmental pollution, mold and asbestos claims. Our underwriters are aware of these exposures and use riders or endorsements to limit exposure.


NOTE 5. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS


Net Periodic Benefit Cost


The components of the net periodic benefit cost for our pension and postretirement benefit plans are as follows:
Pension Plan Postretirement Benefit PlanPension Plan Postretirement Benefit Plan
Three Months Ended June 30,2018 2017 2018 2017
Three Months Ended September 30,2018 2017 2018 2017
              
Net periodic benefit cost              
Service cost$2,175
 $1,714
 $750
 $505
$2,175
 $1,714
 $750
 $505
Interest cost1,875
 1,765
 502
 482
1,875
 1,765
 502
 482
Expected return on plan assets(2,626) (2,412) 
 
(2,626) (2,413) 
 
Amortization of prior service credit
 
 (1,352) (1,352)
 
 (1,352) (1,352)
Amortization of net loss1,072
 891
 589
 461
1,072
 891
 589
 462
Net periodic benefit cost$2,496
 $1,958
 $489
 $96
$2,496
 $1,957
 $489
 $97


 Pension Plan Postretirement Benefit Plan
Nine Months Ended September 30,2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Net periodic benefit cost       
Service cost$6,525
 $5,141
 $2,249
 $1,515
Interest cost5,625
 5,295
 1,506
 1,446
Expected return on plan assets(7,877) (7,237) 
 
Amortization of prior service credit
 
 (4,056) (4,056)
Amortization of net loss3,215
 2,673
 1,767
 1,384
Net periodic benefit cost$7,488
 $5,872
 $1,466
 $289

 Pension Plan Postretirement Benefit Plan
Six Months Ended June 30,2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Net periodic benefit cost       
Service cost$4,350
 $3,427
 $1,499
 $1,010
Interest cost3,750
 3,530
 1,004
 964
Expected return on plan assets(5,251) (4,824) 
 
Amortization of prior service credit
 
 (2,704) (2,704)
Amortization of net loss2,143
 1,782
 1,178
 922
Net periodic benefit cost$4,992
 $3,915
 $977
 $192


Employer Contributions


We previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 that we expected to contribute $6,400 to the pension plan in 2018.2018. For the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018,, we contributed $3,200$16,400 to the pension plan. In September 2018, the Company contributed an additional $10,000 to the pension plan to reduce future obligations.









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NOTE 6. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION


Non-qualifiedNon-Qualified Employee Stock Award Plan
The United Fire Group, Inc. 2008 Stock Plan (the "2008 Stock Plan") authorized the issuance of restricted and unrestricted stock awards, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, incentive stock options, and non-qualified stock options for up to 1,900,000 shares of UFG common stock to employees. In May 2014, the Registrant's shareholders approved an additional 1,500,000 shares of UFG common stock issuable at any time and from time to time pursuant to the 2008 Stock Plan, among other amendments, and renamed such plan as the United Fire Group,


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Inc. Stock Plan (as amended, the "Stock Plan"). At JuneSeptember 30, 2018, there were 876,695879,913 authorized shares remaining available for future issuance. The Stock Plan is administered by the Board of Directors, which determines those employees who will receive awards, when awards will be granted, and the terms and conditions of the awards. The Board of Directors may also take any action it deems necessary and appropriate for the administration of the Stock Plan. Pursuant to the Stock Plan, the Board of Directors may, at its sole discretion, grant awards to our employees who are in positions of substantial responsibility with UFG.
Options granted pursuant to the Stock Plan are granted to buy shares of UFG's common stock at the market value of the stock on the date of grant. All outstanding option awards have graded vesting over 3 years or 5 years from the grant date, unless the Board of Directors authorizes acceleration of vesting. Performance stock units cliff-vest after 3 years and the certification of performance results by UFG’s Compensation Committee. To the extent not exercised, vested option awards accumulate and are exercisable by the awardee, in whole or in part, in any subsequent year included in the option period, but not later than 10 years from the grant date. Restricted and unrestricted stock awards granted pursuant to the Stock Plan are granted at the market value of UFG's common stock on the date of the grant. Restricted stock units fully vest after 3 years or 5 years from the date of issuance, unless accelerated upon the approval of the Board of Directors, at which time UFG common stock will be issued to the awardee.
The activity in the Stock Plan is displayed in the following table:
Authorized Shares Available for Future Award GrantsNine Months Ended September 30, 2018 From Inception to September 30, 2018
Beginning balance996,828
 1,900,000
Additional shares authorized
 1,500,000
Number of awards granted(157,188) (3,029,159)
Number of awards forfeited or expired40,273
 509,072
Ending balance879,913
 879,913
Number of option awards exercised211,789
 1,297,684
Number of unrestricted stock awards granted


 8,470
Number of restricted stock awards vested19,658
 57,826

Authorized Shares Available for Future Award GrantsSix Months Ended June 30, 2018 From Inception to June 30, 2018
Beginning balance996,828
 1,900,000
Additional shares authorized
 1,500,000
Number of awards granted(157,527) (3,029,498)
Number of awards forfeited or expired37,394
 506,193
Ending balance876,695
 876,695
Number of option awards exercised198,726
 1,284,621
Number of unrestricted stock awards granted
 8,470
Number of restricted stock awards vested19,658
 57,826


Non-qualified Non-employeeNon-Qualified Non-Employee Director Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan
The United Fire Group, Inc. 2005 Non-qualified Non-employeeNon-Qualified Non-Employee Director Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the "Director Plan") authorizes the issuance of restricted stock awards and non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of UFG's common stock to non-employee directors. At JuneSeptember 30, 2018, we had 49,163 authorized shares available for future issuance.
The Board of Directors has the authority to determine which non-employee directors receive awards, when options and restricted stock shall be granted, the option price, the option expiration date, the date of grant, the vesting schedule of options or whether the options shall be immediately vested, the terms and conditions of options and restricted stock (other than those terms and conditions set forth in the plan) and the number of shares of common stock to be issued pursuant to an option agreement or restricted stock agreement (subject to limits set forth in the plan). The Board of Directors may also take any action it deems necessary and appropriate for the administration of the Director Plan.





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The activity in the Director Plan is displayed in the following table:
Authorized Shares Available for Future Award GrantsNine Months Ended September 30, 2018 From Inception to September 30, 2018
Beginning balance61,813
 300,000
Number of awards granted(12,650) (274,840)
Number of awards forfeited or expired


 24,003
Ending balance49,163
 49,163
Number of option awards exercised24,953
 114,234
Number of restricted stock awards vested17,269
 71,541

Authorized Shares Available for Future Award GrantsSix Months Ended June 30, 2018 From Inception to June 30, 2018
Beginning balance61,813
 300,000
Number of awards granted(12,650) (274,840)
Number of awards forfeited or expired
 24,003
Ending balance49,163
 49,163
Number of option awards exercised15,599
 104,880
Number of restricted stock awards vested17,269
 71,541


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Stock-Based Compensation Expense


For the three-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $1,437$1,320 and $1,210,$1,202, respectively. For the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $2,718$4,040 and $2,254,$3,456, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the stock options.


As of JuneSeptember 30, 2018, we had $9,589$8,287 in stock-based compensation expense that has yet to be recognized through our results of operations. We expect this compensation to be recognized over the remainder of 2018 and subsequent years according to the table below, except with respect to awards that are accelerated by the Board of Directors, in which case we will recognize any remaining compensation expense in the period in which the awards are accelerated.
2018 $1,318
2019 4,032
2020 2,355
2021 544
2022 38
Total $8,287

2018 $2,636
2019 4,026
2020 2,348
2021 542
2022 37
Total $9,589


NOTE 7. SEGMENT INFORMATION


On September 19, 2017, the Company announced that it had agreed to sell its subsidiary, United Life, to Kuvare. The sale closed on March 30, 2018. As a result, the life insurance business has been considered held for sale and reported as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Financial Statements and all comparable prior periods have been presented to conform to the current period presentation. For more information, refer to Note 11. Discontinued Operations.


Prior to the announcement to sell United Life, we had two reportable business segments in our operations: property and casualty insurance and life insurance. The property and casualty insurance business has six domestic locations from which it conducts its business. The life insurance segment operated from our home office in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Because all of our insurance is sold domestically, we have no revenues from foreign operations.


After the announcement of the United Life transaction, our continuing operations, the property and casualty insurance business, was reported as one reportable segment. The property and casualty insurance business profit or loss is consistent with consolidated reporting as disclosed on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. We analyze the property and casualty insurance business results based on profitability (i.e., loss ratios), expenses and return on equity. The Company's property and casualty insurance business was determined using a management approach to make decisions on operating matters, including allocating resources, assessing performance, determining which products to market and sell, determining distribution networks with insurance agents and monitoring the regulatory environment. The property and casualty insurance business products have similar economic characteristics and use a similar marketing and distribution strategy with our independent agents. The property and casualty insurance business geographic concentration did not change after the announcement of


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the sale of the life insurance business. We will continue to evaluate our continuing operations on the basis of both statutory accounting principles prescribed or permitted by our states of domicile and GAAP.
NOTE 8. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share gives effect to all dilutive common shares outstanding during the reporting period. The dilutive shares we consider in our diluted earnings per share calculation relate to our outstanding stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards.


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We determine the dilutive effect of our outstanding stock options using the "treasury stock" method. Under this method, we assume the exercise of all of the outstanding stock options whose exercise price is less than the weighted-average market value of our common stock during the reporting period. This method also assumes that the proceeds from the hypothetical stock option exercises are used to repurchase shares of our common stock at the weighted-average market value of the stock during the reporting period. The net of the assumed stock options exercised and assumed common shares repurchased represents the number of dilutive common shares, which we add to the denominator of the earnings per share calculation.
The components of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows for the three-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017:
Three Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)2018 20172018 2017
Basic Diluted Basic DilutedBasic Diluted Basic Diluted
Net income from continuing operations$157
 $157
 $109
 $109
Net income (loss) from continuing operations$11,070
 $11,070
 $(19,082) $(19,082)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding24,976,563
 24,976,563
 25,133,035
 25,133,035
25,052,627
 25,052,627
 24,960,086
 24,960,086
Add dilutive effect of restricted stock unit awards
 281,654
 
 248,717

 279,636
 
 
Add dilutive effect of stock options
 353,556
 
 242,934

 294,688
 
 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding24,976,563
 25,611,773
 25,133,035
 25,624,686
25,052,627
 25,626,951
 24,960,086
 24,960,086
Earnings per common share from continuing operations$0.01
 $0.01
 $0.01
 $0.01
Earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations$0.44
 $0.43
 $(0.77) $(0.77)
Earnings per common share from discontinued operations
 
 0.11
 0.11

 
 0.05
 0.05
Earnings per common share$0.01
 $0.01
 $0.12
 $0.12
Earnings (loss) per common share$0.44
 $0.43
 $(0.72) $(0.72)
Awards excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation(1)

 2,681
 
 

 
 
 
(1)Outstanding awards that are not "in-the-money" are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect of including them would have been anti-dilutive.




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The components of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows for the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017:
Six Months Ended June 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)2018 20172018 2017
Basic Diluted Basic DilutedBasic Diluted Basic Diluted
Net income from continuing operations$20,521
 $20,521
 $18,693
 $18,693
Net income (loss) from continuing operations$31,591
 $31,591
 $(389) $(389)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding24,946,335
 24,946,335
 25,288,068
 25,288,068
24,982,155
 24,982,155
 25,177,133
 25,177,133
Add dilutive effect of restricted stock unit awards
 281,654
 
 248,717

 279,636
 
 253,082
Add dilutive effect of stock options
 354,719
 
 215,740

 345,514
 
 236,190
Weighted-average common shares outstanding24,946,335
 25,582,708
 25,288,068
 25,752,525
24,982,155
 25,607,305
 25,177,133
 25,666,405
Earnings per common share from continuing operations$0.82
 $0.80
 $0.74
 $0.73
Earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations$1.26
 $1.23
 $(0.01) $(0.01)
Earnings per common share from discontinued operations(0.08) (0.07) 0.17
 0.16
(0.08) (0.07) 0.21
 0.21
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes1.10
 1.07
 
 
1.10
 1.07
 
 
Earnings per common share$1.84
 $1.80
 $0.91
 $0.89
$2.28
 $2.23
 $0.20
 $0.20
Awards excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation(1)

 2,681
 
 

 2,681
 
 
(1)Outstanding awards that are not "in-the-money" are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect of including them would have been anti-dilutive.


NOTE 9. CREDIT FACILITY


On February 2, 2016, the Company, as borrower, entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") by and among the Company, with the lenders from time to time party thereto and KeyBank National Association ("Key Bank"), as administrative agent, swingline lender and letter of credit issuer. The Credit Agreement provides for a $50,000 four-year unsecured revolving credit facility that includes a $20,000 letter of credit subfacility and a


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swingline subfacility in the amount up to $5,000. The Credit Agreement allows the Company to increase the aggregate amount of the commitments thereunder by up to $100,000, provided that no event of default has occurred and is continuing and certain other conditions are satisfied.
The Credit Agreement is available for the Company's general corporate purposes, including liquidity, acquisitions and working capital. All unpaid principal and accrued interest under the Credit Agreement is due and payable in full at maturity on February 2, 2020. Based on the type of loan, advances under the Credit Agreement would bear interest on either the London interbank offered rate ("LIBOR") or a base rate plus, in each case, a calculated margin amount.
The unused commitments under the Credit Agreement will be subject to a commitment fee that will be calculated at a per annum rate. The applicable margins for borrowings under the Credit Agreement and the commitment fee thereunder will be determined by reference to a pricing grid based on the Company’s issuer credit rating by A.M. Best Company, Inc.
The Credit Agreement contains customary representations, conditions to borrowing, covenants and events of default, including certain covenants that limit or restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to sell or transfer assets, enter into a merger or consolidate with another company, create liens, impose restrictions on subsidiary dividends, enter into sale-leaseback transactions, make investments or acquisitions, enter into certain reinsurance agreements, pay dividends during any period of default, enter into transactions with affiliates, change the nature of its business, or incur indebtedness. The Credit Agreement also includes financial covenants that require the Company to (i) maintain a minimum consolidated net worth, (ii) maintain a minimum consolidated statutory surplus and (iii) not exceed a 0.35 to 1.0 debt to total capitalization ratio.
There was no outstanding balance on the Credit Agreement at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. For the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, we did not incur any interest expense related to either credit facility. We were in compliance with all covenants of the Credit Agreement at JuneSeptember 30, 2018.



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NOTE 10. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)


The following table shows the changes in the components of our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the three-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018:
  Liability for    Liability for  
Net unrealized underfunded  Net unrealized underfunded  
appreciation employee  appreciation employee  
on investments 
benefit costs(1)
 Totalon investments 
benefit costs(1)
 Total
Balance as of March 31, 2018$(10,627) $(45,240) $(55,867)
Balance as of June 30, 2018$(15,370) $(43,928) $(59,298)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income before reclassifications(4,898) 
 (4,898)(12,157) 
 (12,157)
Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)155
 1,312
 1,467
392
 1,312
 1,704
Balance as of June 30, 2018$(15,370) $(43,928) $(59,298)
Balance as of September 30, 2018$(27,135) $(42,616) $(69,751)
(1) The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make various estimates and assumptions that affect the reporting of net periodic benefit cost, plan assets and plan obligations for each plan at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. One significant estimate relates to the calculation of the benefit obligation for each plan. We annually establish the discount rate, which is an estimate of the interest rate at which these benefits could be effectively settled, that is used to determine the present value of the respective plan's benefit obligations as of December 31.







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The following table shows the changes in the components of our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018:
  Liability for    Liability for  
Net unrealized underfunded  Net unrealized underfunded  
appreciation employee  appreciation employee  
on investments 
benefit costs(1)
 Totalon investments 
benefit costs(1)
 Total
Balance as of January 1, 2018$214,865
 $(46,551) $168,314
$214,865
 $(46,551) $168,314
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle(191,244) 
 (191,244)(191,244) 
 (191,244)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income before reclassifications(39,117) 
 (39,117)(51,274) 
 (51,274)
Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)126
 2,623
 2,749
518
 3,935
 4,453
Balance as of June 30, 2018$(15,370) $(43,928) $(59,298)
Balance as of September 30, 2018$(27,135) $(42,616) $(69,751)
(1) The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make various estimates and assumptions that affect the reporting of net periodic benefit cost, plan assets and plan obligations for each plan at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. One significant estimate relates to the calculation of the benefit obligation for each plan. We annually establish the discount rate, which is an estimate of the interest rate at which these benefits could be effectively settled, that is used to determine the present value of the respective plan's benefit obligations as of December 31.



NOTE 11. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS


On September 18, 2017, we signed a definitive agreement to sell our subsidiary, United Life, to Kuvare for $280,000 in cash, less a $21 adjustment as set forth in the definitive agreement, for a net amount of $279,979. The sale closed on March 30, 2018 and we reported an after-tax gain on the sale of discontinued operations of $27,307. The life insurance business (previously reported as a separate segment) was considered held for sale and reported as discontinued operations and its financial position, results of operations and cash flows were reported separately for all periods presented, as applicable, unless otherwise noted.
UFG has agreed to provide services to Kuvare through a transition services agreement ("TSA"). The TSA ensures a seamless transfer of the business between UFG and Kuvare. The TSA includes, among other considerations,


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accounting management, human resources, legal and information technology services, from the closing date for up to 24 months. Since the close date, the Company has received $317 as part of the TSA agreement.
The assets and liabilities associated with discontinued operations prior to the closing of the sale have been presented separately in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The major assets and liability categories were as follows as of the dates indicated:


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Discontinued OperationsBalance Sheets
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
September 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
(unaudited)  (unaudited)  
Assets      
Investments      
Fixed maturities      
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $0 in 2018 and $34 in 2017)$
 $34
$
 $34
Available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $0 in 2018 and $1,412,291 in 2017)
 1,430,025

 1,430,025
Equity Securities at fair value (cost $0 in 2018 and $5,099 in 2017)
 23,653

 23,653
Mortgage loans
 3,435

 3,435
Policy loans
 5,815

 5,815
Other long-term investments
 16,437

 16,437

 1,479,399

 1,479,399
Cash and cash equivalents
 15,851

 15,851
Deferred policy acquisition costs
 71,151

 71,151
Other assets
 19,733

 19,733
Total assets held for sale$
 $1,586,134
$
 $1,586,134
Liabilities      
Future policy benefits and losses$
 $1,320,401
$
 $1,320,401
Deferred income taxes
 18,716

 18,716
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 8,018

 8,018
Total liabilities held for sale$
 $1,347,135
$
 $1,347,135
Note: The sale of the life insurance business was completed on March 30, 2018.



























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Summary operating results of discontinued operations were as follows for the periods indicated:
Discontinued Operations
Statements of Income (Unaudited)
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Revenues       
Net premiums earned$
 $14,230
 $13,003
 $45,999
Investment income, net of investment expenses
 12,354
 12,663
 37,230
Net realized investment gains (losses)

296
 (1,057) 3,600
Other income
 174
 146
 498
Total revenues$
 $27,054
 $24,755
 $87,327
        
Benefits, Losses and Expenses       
Losses and loss settlement expenses$
 $10,506
 $10,823
 $30,679
Increase in liability for future policy benefits
 5,481
 5,023
 19,341
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
 2,156
 1,895
 5,524
Other underwriting expenses
 2,444
 3,864
 9,452
Interest on policyholders’ accounts
 4,587
 4,499
 13,982
Total benefits, losses and expenses$
 $25,174
 $26,104
 $78,978
        
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes$
 $1,880
 $(1,349) $8,349
Federal income tax expense
 662
 563
 2,930
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations$
 $1,218
 $(1,912) $5,419
Earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operations:       
Basic$
 $0.05
 $(0.08) $0.21
Diluted
 0.05
 (0.07) 0.21
Discontinued Operations
Statements of Income (Unaudited)
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Revenues       
Net premiums earned$
 $14,341
 $13,003
 $31,769
Investment income, net of investment expenses
 12,426
 12,663
 24,876
Net realized investment gains (losses)
 1,599
 (1,057) 3,304
Other income
 126
 146
 324
Total revenues$
 $28,492
 $24,755
 $60,273
        
Benefits, Losses and Expenses       
Losses and loss settlement expenses$
 $9,102
 $10,823
 $20,173
Increase in liability for future policy benefits
 5,281
 5,023
 13,860
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
 1,695
 1,895
 3,368
Other underwriting expenses
 3,377
 3,864
 7,008
Interest on policyholders’ accounts
 4,651
 4,499
 9,395
Total benefits, losses and expenses$
 $24,106
 $26,104
 $53,804
        
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes$
 $4,386
 $(1,349) $6,469
Federal income tax expense
 1,537
 563
 2,268
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations$
 $2,849
 $(1,912) $4,201
Earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operations:       
Basic$
 $0.11
 $(0.08) $0.17
Diluted
 0.11
 (0.07) 0.16

Note: The sale of the life insurance business was completed on March 30, 2018.


The Company's Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows presents operating, investing and financing cash flows of the discontinued operations separately. The Company's cash management and financial management of both continued and discontinued operations is consolidated as a centralized corporate function in our Finance Department.




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Review Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of United Fire Group, Inc.


Results of Review of Interim Financial Statements


We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of United Fire Group, Inc. (the "Company") as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, the consolidated statements of cash flows for the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, the consolidated statement of stockholders' equity for the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated interim financial statements”). Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.


We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2017, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes and schedules (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 28, 2018, we expressed an unqualified audit opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.


Basis for Review Results


These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the PCAOB. We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. A review of interim financial statements consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.




 /s/ Ernst & Young LLP   
 Ernst & Young LLP  




Des Moines, Iowa
August 8,November 7, 2018






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ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with Part I, Item 1 "Financial Statements."


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are representative of significant judgments and uncertainties and that potentially may result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We base our discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations on the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements, which we have prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). As we prepare these Consolidated Financial Statements, we must make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Our critical accounting policies are more fully described in our Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations presented in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies from December 31, 2017.


INTRODUCTION


The purpose of this Management's Discussion and Analysis is to provide an understanding of our results of operations and consolidated financial condition. Our Management's Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes, including those in Part II, Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared on the basis of GAAP. We also prepare financial statements for each of our insurance company subsidiaries based on statutory accounting principles and file them with insurance regulatory authorities in the states where they do business.


When we provide information on a statutory or other basis, we label it as such, otherwise all other data is presented in accordance with GAAP.


BUSINESS OVERVIEW


Founded in 1946 as United Fire & Casualty Company, United Fire Group, Inc. ("UFG," the "Registrant," the "Company," "we," "us," or "our") and its consolidated insurance subsidiaries provide insurance protection for individuals and businesses through several regional offices. Our property and casualty insurance company subsidiaries are licensed in 46 states plus the District of Columbia and are represented by approximately 1,100 independent agencies.
Our primary sources of revenue are premiums and investment income. Major categories of expenses include losses and loss settlement expenses, future policy benefits, underwriting and other operating expenses and interest on policyholders' accounts.
Discontinued Operations
On September 18, 2017, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell its subsidiary, United Life Insurance Company ("United Life"), to Kuvare US Holdings, Inc. ("Kuvare"). The sale closed on March 30, 2018. The life insurance business has been considered held for sale and accounted for as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. All periods presented have been revised to show results from continuing and discontinued operations, as applicable, unless otherwise noted. For more information, refer to Part I, Item 1, Note




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11. "Discontinued Operations."


Reportable Segments


Prior to the announcement of the sale of the life insurance business, we have historically reported our operations in two business segments, each with a wide range of products:


property and casualty insurance, which includes commercial lines insurance, personal lines insurance, surety bonds and assumed reinsurance; and


life insurance, which includes deferred and immediate annuities, universal life products and traditional life (primarily single premium whole life) insurance products.


We managemanaged these business segments separately, as they generally do not share the same customer base, and each has different products, pricing, and expense structures.


Subsequent to the announcement of the sale of the life insurance business on September 19, 2017, we operate and report as one business segment, which contains our continuing operations. The life insurance business has been considered held for sale and is reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented in this Form 10-Q, as applicable, unless otherwise noted. For more information, refer to Part I, Item 1, Note 7. "Segment Information."


Pooling Arrangement


All of our property and casualty insurance subsidiaries are members of an intercompany reinsurance pooling arrangement. The Company's pooling arrangement permits the participating companies to rely on the capacity of the entire pool's capital and surplus, rather than being limited to policy exposures of a size commensurate with each participant’s own surplus level.


Geographic Concentration


For the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, approximately 48.548.6 percent of our property and casualty premiums were written in Texas, California, Iowa, Missouri and Colorado.
Profit Factors
Our profitability is influenced by many factors, including price, competition, economic conditions, investment returns, interest rates, catastrophic events and other natural disasters, man-made disasters, state regulations, court decisions, and changes in the law. To manage these risks and uncertainties, we seek to achieve consistent profitability through strong agency relationships, exceptional customer service, fair and prompt claims handling, disciplined underwriting, superior loss control services, prudent management of our investments, appropriate matching of assets and liabilities, effective use of ceded reinsurance and effective and efficient use of technology.






























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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands, Except Ratios)2018 2017 % 2018 2017 %2018 2017 % 2018 2017 %
Revenues                      
Net premiums earned$256,853
 $245,222
 4.7 % $502,020
 $481,666
 4.2 %$264,747
 $255,758
 3.5 % $766,767
 $737,424
 4.0 %
Investment income, net of investment expenses17,249
 12,184
 41.6
 30,741
 24,769
 24.1
13,192
 13,792
 (4.4) 43,933
 38,561
 13.9
Net realized investment gains (losses)     
      
     
      
Change in the value of equity securities305
 245
 NM
 (8,883) 356
 NM
14,381
 (124) NM
 5,498
 232
 NM
All other net realized gains992
 836
 NM
 2,316
 2,974
 NM
(410) 191
 NM
 1,906
 3,165
 (39.8)
Net realized investment gains (losses)1,297
 1,081
 20.0
 (6,567) 3,330
 NM
Net realized investment gains13,971
 67
 NM
 7,404
 3,397
 118.0
Total revenues$275,399
 $258,487
 6.5 % $526,194
 $509,765
 3.2 %$291,910
 $269,617
 8.3 % $818,104
 $779,382
 5.0 %

          
          
Benefits, Losses and Expenses
          
          
Losses and loss settlement expenses$189,146
 $188,596
 0.3 % $333,874
 $345,148
 (3.3)%$193,667
 $223,208
 (13.2)% $527,541
 $568,356
 (7.2)%
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs50,810
 51,398
 (1.1) 100,449
 101,859
 (1.4)51,758
 52,986
 (2.3) 152,207
 154,845
 (1.7)
Other underwriting expenses37,252
 22,824
 63.2
 72,107
 44,083
 63.6
33,887
 25,817
 31.3
 105,994
 69,900
 51.6
Total benefits, losses and expenses$277,208
 $262,818
 5.5 % $506,430
 $491,090
 3.1 %$279,312
 $302,011
 (7.5)% $785,742
 $793,101
 (0.9)%


          

          
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes$(1,809) $(4,331) (58.2) $19,764
 $18,675
 5.8 %$12,598
 $(32,394) (138.9) $32,362
 $(13,719) (335.9)%
Federal income tax benefit(1,966) (4,440) (55.7) (757) (18) NM
Federal income tax expense (benefit)1,528
 (13,312) (111.5) 771
 (13,330) (105.8)
Net income from continuing operations$157
 $109
 44.0 % $20,521
 $18,693
 9.8 %$11,070
 $(19,082) (158.0)% $31,591
 $(389) NM
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
 2,849
 (100.0)% (1,912) 4,201
 (145.5)%
 1,218
 (100.0)% (1,912) 5,419
 (135.3)%
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax
 
  % 27,307
 
 NM

 
  % 27,307
 
 NM
Net income$157
 $2,958
 (94.7)% $45,916
 $22,894
 100.6 %$11,070
 $(17,864) (162.0)% $56,986
 $5,030
 NM
                      
GAAP Ratios:   
           
        
Net loss ratio (without catastrophes)67.7% 65.3% 3.7 % 62.8% 63.8% (1.6)%68.6% 75.3% (8.9)% 64.8% 67.8% (4.4)%
Catastrophes - effect on net loss ratio5.9
 11.6
 (49.1)% 3.7
 7.9
 (53.2)%4.6
 12.0
 (61.7)% 4.0
 9.3
 (57.0)%
Net loss ratio(1)
73.6% 76.9% (4.3)% 66.5% 71.7% (7.3)%73.2% 87.3% (16.2)% 68.8% 77.1% (10.8)%
Expense ratio(2)
34.3
 30.3
 13.2 % 34.4
 30.3
 13.5 %32.3
 30.8
 4.9 % 33.7
 30.5
 10.5 %
Combined ratio(3)
107.9% 107.2% 0.7 % 100.9% 102.0% (1.1)%105.5% 118.1% (10.7)% 102.5% 107.6% (4.7)%
(1) The net loss ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of losses and loss settlement expenses by net premiums earned. We use the net loss ratio as a measure of the overall underwriting profitability of the insurance business we write and to assess the adequacy of our pricing. Our net loss ratio is meaningful in evaluating our financial results as reported in our unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) The expense ratio is calculated by dividing nondeferred underwriting expenses and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs by net premiums earned. The expense ratio measures a company's operational efficiency in producing, underwriting and administering its insurance business.
(3) The combined ratio is a commonly used financial measure of property and casualty underwriting performance. A combined ratio below 100.0 percent generally indicates a profitable book of business. The combined ratio is the sum of the net loss ratio and the underwriting expense ratio.
NM = Not meaningful












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The following is a summary of our financial performance from continuing operations for the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018:


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


For the three-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the net income from continuing operations was $0.2$11.1 million compared to net incomeloss from continuing operations of $0.1$19.1 million for the same period of 2017. In the three-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, there was an increase in net premiums earned from continued organic growth from new business writings and geographical expansion and rate increases; an increase in net realized investment incomegains due to an increasethe change in invested assetsvalue of our equity securities; and improved performance on limited liability investments as compareda decrease in losses and loss settlement expenses due to the same period in 2017. These were bothlower catastrophe losses and improvement of our core loss ratio, all partially offset by an increase in other underwriting expenses primarily fromdue to continued investment in upgrading our underwriting technology platforms and the acceleration of the amortization of our deferred acquisition costs in our commercial and personal automobile lines of business due to lower than expected profitability in these lines.platforms. Net premiums earned increased to $256.9$264.7 million compared to $245.2$255.8 million for the same period of 2017, due to continued organic growth from new business writings and geographical expansion.


For the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the net income from continuing operations was $20.5$31.6 million compared to net incomeloss from continuing operations of $18.7$0.4 million for the same period of 2017. This increase was driven by an increase in net premiums earned from continued organic growth from new business writings and geographical expansion and rate increases; an increase in investment income due to an increase in invested assets and improved performance on limited liability investments,assets; an increase in net realized investment gains due to the change in value of our equity securities; and a decrease in losses and loss settlement expenses from a decrease in catastrophe losses and improvement of our core loss ratio as compared to the same period in 2017. Net premiums earned increased to $502.0$766.8 million compared to $481.7$737.4 million for the same period of 2017. These results were all partially offset by an increase in other underwriting expenses primarily from continued investment in upgrading our underwriting technology platforms and realized investment losses, primarily on equity securities,acceleration of the amortization of deferred acquisition costs in our commercial and personal automobile lines of business due to the adoption of new accounting guidance on January 1, 2018 which requires changeslower than expected profitability in the value of equity securities to be recognized in net income rather than accumulated other comprehensive income within shareholders equity.these lines.


Losses and loss settlement expenses increased slightlydecreased by 0.313.2 percentage points during the three-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to the same period of 2017. This increaseThe decrease was drivenprimarily due to a decrease in catastrophe losses and an improvement in our core loss ratio from a decrease in frequency of losses, partially offset by an increase in severity of non-catastrophe losses partially offset by a decrease in catastrophe losses. Pre-tax catastrophe losses for the three-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 were $15.1$12.3 million compared to $28.3$30.7 million in the same period of 2017.


Losses and loss settlement expenses decreased by 3.37.2 percentage points during the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to the same period of 2017. This decrease was driven by a decrease in catastrophe losses andlosses; an increase in prior year favorable reserve development primarily on our workers compensation, commercial automobile, assumed reinsurance, other liability commercial automobile and commercial fire and allied lines of businessbusiness; and an improvement in our core loss ratio from a decrease in frequency of losses, partially offset by an increase in severity of non-catastrophe losses. Pre-tax catastrophe losses for the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 were $18.5$30.7 million compared to $38.1$68.8 million in the same period of 2017.


Investment income increaseddecreased by $5.1$0.6 million and $6.0increased $5.4 million during the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, compared to the same periods of 2017. The increasechange in net investment income for the three- and six-month periodsthree-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 was primarilydue to a decrease in the value of our investments in limited liability partnerships, partially offset by an increase in invested assets. The change in net investment income in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 was driven by an increase in invested assets and the change in the valuation of our investments in limited liability partnerships and not due to a change in our investment philosophy. The valuation of these investments in limited liability partnerships varies from period to period due to current equity market conditions, specifically related to financial institutions.


The combined ratio increased 0.7decreased 12.6 percentage points and decreased 1.15.1 percentage points to 107.9105.5 percent and 100.9102.5 percent, respectively, for the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, compared to 107.2118.1 percent and 102.0107.6 percent for the same periods of 2017. The increase in the combined ratio in the three-month period ended June 30, 2018 was primarily due to an increase in the expense ratio partially offset by a decrease in the net loss ratio as compared to the same periods of 2017. The decrease in the combined ratio in the six-month periodthree- and nine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 as compared to the same periods of 2017, was primarily attributabledue to a decrease in the net loss ratio partiallywith a decrease in catastrophe losses offset by an increase in the expense ratio.ratio as compared to the same periods of 2017.






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The net loss ratio, a component of the combined ratio, decreased by 3.314.1 percentage points and 5.28.3 percentage points to 73.673.2 percent and 66.568.8 percent in the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the same periods of 2017. The decrease in net loss ratio was primarily driven by a decrease in catastrophe losses and an improvement in our core loss ratio from a decrease in frequency of losses, partially offset by an increase in severity of non-catastrophe losses.


The expense ratio, a component of the combined ratio, was 34.332.3 percent and 34.433.7 percent, respectively, for the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, an increase of 4.01.5 percentage points and 4.13.2 percentage points, respectively, as compared with the same periods of 2017. The increase in the three- and six-month periodsthree-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 is primarily due to our continued investment in our multi-year Oasis project. The increase in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 was primarily split between two items. First, we investedcontinued to invest in our multi-year Oasis project to upgrade our technology platform to enhance core underwriting decisions, selection of risks and productivity. The expectation is this project will add 1.0 to 2.0 percentage points annually to the expense ratio for the duration of the project. Second, the acceleration of the amortization of our deferred acquisition costs in our underperforming commercial and personal auto lines of business which resulted from lower than expected profitability in these lines as discussed in prior quarters.


On March 30, 2018, the sale of United Life closed, resulting in a gain on sale of discontinued operations after-tax of $27.3 million.


For a detailed discussion of our investment results, refer to the "Investment Portfolio" section below.
Reserve Development


For many liability claims, significant periods of time, ranging up to several years, and for certain construction defect claims, more than a decade, may elapse between the occurrence of the loss, the reporting of the loss to us and the settlement or other disposition of the claim. As a result, loss experience in the more recent accident years for the long-tail liability coverages has limited statistical credibility in our reserving process because a relatively small proportion of losses in these accident years are reported claims and an even smaller proportion are paid losses. In addition, long-tail liability claims are more susceptible to litigation and can be significantly affected by changing contract interpretations and the legal environment. Consequently, the estimation of loss reserves for long-tail coverages is more complex and subject to a higher degree of variability. Reserves for these long-tail coverages represent a significant portion of our overall carried reserves.


When establishing reserves and monitoring reserve adequacy, we analyze historical data and consider the potential impact of various loss development factors and trends, including historical loss experience, legislative enactments, judicial decisions, legal developments in imposition of damages, experience with alternative dispute resolution, results of our medical bill review process, the potential impact of salvage and subrogation and changes and trends in general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. All of these factors influence our estimates of required reserves and for long-tail lines these factors can change over the course of the settlement of the claim. However, there is no precise method for evaluating the specific dollar impact of any individual factor on the development of reserves.


Our reserving philosophy is to reserve claims to their ultimate expected loss amount as soon as practicable after information about a claim becomes available. This approach tends to produce, on average, prudently conservative case reserves, which we expect to result in some level of favorable development over the course of settlement.


2018 Development


The property and casualty insurance segmentbusiness experienced $10.3$0.7 million of favorable developmentunfavorable and $48.4$47.7 million of favorable development in our net reserves for prior accident years for the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, respectively. For the three-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 the two lines contributing the majority of favorableunfavorable development were workers compensationcommercial other liability with $10.5$7.5 million favorableunfavorable development and reinsurance assumedcommercial automobile with $3.2$6.6 million favorableunfavorable development. The unfavorable development for the three-


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month period ended September 30, 2018 is attributable to the combination of latent emergence of commercial automobile claims that increased sufficiently to also generate an umbrella liability claim and also a very large but independent general liability claim. During the three-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 there werethe three individual lines experiencing unfavorablecontributing the majority of favorable development which totaled $6.0 million with essentially all ofpartially offset the unfavorable development coming from two lines, commercial firenoted above were reinsurance assumed with $6.5 million of favorable development, workers compensation with $5.4 million of favorable development, and allied lines,fidelity and surety with $3.7$1.6 million unfavorable development; and commercial other liability with $2.3 million unfavorableof favorable development.

For the six-monthnine-month period


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ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 the majority of favorable development came from three lines:four lines, workers compensation with $19.9 million favorable development, commercial automobile with $15.0$8.4 million favorable development: workers compensation with $14.5 million favorable development; anddevelopment, commercial other liability with $12.7$5.2 million favorable development, and reinsurance assumed with $5.5 million of favorable development. During the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 the onlyevery individual line with unfavorable development was reinsurance assumed, with $1.2 million unfavorableexperienced favorable development. The favorable development in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 is attributable to our continued litigation management efforts as well as favorable runoff of reserves for reported claims, reserves for incurred but not reported ("IBNR") claims, and reservesreserve for general loss adjustment expenses.


2017 Development


The property and casualty insurance business experienced $16.3$3.2 million of unfavorable and $41.2$38.0 million of favorable development in our net reserves for prior accident years for the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017, respectively. For the three-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 the majority of favorableunfavorable development came from two lines:lines, commercial otherautomobile with $2.8 million unfavorable development and commercial liability with $11.0$7.4 million unfavorable development, which was partially offset by favorable development; anddevelopment from two other lines, workers compensation with $5.6$4.4 million favorable development and personal fire and allied lines with $2.2 million favorable development. During the three-month period ended September 30, 2017 all other lines combined contributed $0.4 million favorable development. Commercial automobile and other liability were the primary sources of unfavorable development which is attributable to latent development of more severe claims than what we have historically seen which manifested itself as increased payments and less favorable changes in reserves for unpaid claims.

For the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 the majority of favorable development came from two lines, commercial liability with $36.7$23.6 million favorable development and workers compensation with $9.6$14.2 million favorable development. This favorable development, which was partially offset by unfavorable development from two other lines: commercial fire and allied lines, with $3.0 million unfavorable development; and assumed reinsurance with $5.0$6.2 million unfavorable development. During the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 all other lines combined contributed $2.9$6.4 million favorable development. Much of the favorable year-to-date long-tail liability development continuescontinued to come from loss adjustment expense and is attributed to our continued litigation management efforts. There was also a reduction in reserves for incurred but not reported claims because our long tail liability has experienced fewer late reported claims than what was initially anticipated. The majority of the favorable workers compensation development is due to reductions in reserves for reported claims which were greater than what was necessary to offset claim payments.


Development amounts can vary significantly from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year depending on a number of factors, including the number of claims settled and the settlement terms, and are subject to reallocation between accident years and lines of business. At JuneSeptember 30, 2018, our total reserves were within our actuarial estimates.












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The following table displays our net premiums earned, net losses and loss settlement expenses and net loss ratio from continuing operations by line of business:


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Three Months Ended September 30,2018 2017
   Net Losses     Net Losses  
   and Loss     and Loss  
 Net Settlement Net Net Settlement Net
(In Thousands, Except Ratios)Premiums Expenses Loss Premiums Expenses Loss
UnauditedEarned Incurred Ratio Earned Incurred Ratio
Commercial lines           
Other liability$78,943
 $53,581
 67.9 % $77,955
 $54,598
 70.0 %
Fire and allied lines59,056
 40,514
 68.6
 58,568
 44,996
 76.8
Automobile72,773
 68,892
 94.7
 64,470
 71,674
 111.2
Workers compensation24,127
 17,776
 73.7
 26,387
 23,573
 89.3
Fidelity and surety5,929
 1,379
 23.3
 6,430
 (350) (5.4)
Miscellaneous436
 (29) (6.7) 459
 107
 23.3
Total commercial lines$241,264
 $182,113
 75.5 % $234,269
 $194,598
 83.1 %
            
Personal lines           
Fire and allied lines$10,416
 $11,423
 109.7 % $10,730
 $8,461
 78.9 %
Automobile7,450
 6,731
 90.3
 6,878
 8,046
 117.0
Miscellaneous307
 25
 8.1
 294
 161
 54.8
Total personal lines$18,173
 $18,179
 100.0 % $17,902
 $16,668
 93.1 %
Reinsurance assumed$5,310
 $(6,625) (124.8)% $3,587
 $11,942
 332.9 %
Total$264,747
 $193,667
 73.2 % $255,758
 $223,208
 87.3 %

Three Months Ended June 30,2018 2017
          
Nine Months Ended September 30,2018 2017
  Net Losses     Net Losses    Net Losses     Net Losses  
  and Loss     and Loss    and Loss     and Loss  
Net Settlement Net Net Settlement NetNet Settlement Net Net Settlement Net
(In Thousands, Except Ratios)Premiums Expenses Loss Premiums Expenses LossPremiums Expenses Loss Premiums Expenses Loss
UnauditedEarned Incurred Ratio Earned Incurred RatioEarned Incurred Ratio Earned Incurred Ratio
Commercial lines                      
Other liability$76,309
 $38,503
 50.5 % $76,215
 $15,554
 20.4%$230,845
 $117,387
 50.9 % $228,250
 $87,941
 38.5%
Fire and allied lines57,996
 51,101
 88.1
 54,419
 60,989
 112.1
174,451
 125,844
 72.1
 168,506
 150,108
 89.1
Automobile69,709
 66,090
 94.8
 61,497
 71,653
 116.5
209,176
 188,929
 90.3
 183,688
 202,303
 110.1
Workers compensation23,633
 17,002
 71.9
 27,222
 15,916
 58.5
71,101
 46,838
 65.9
 78,092
 55,885
 71.6
Fidelity and surety5,742
 291
 5.1
 5,714
 450
 7.9
17,144
 2,328
 13.6
 18,041
 308
 1.7
Miscellaneous428
 193
 45.1
 537
 108
 20.1
1,289
 348
 27.0
 1,374
 272
 19.8
Total commercial lines$233,817
 $173,180
 74.1 % $225,604
 $164,670
 73.0%$704,006
 $481,674
 68.4 % $677,951
 $496,817
 73.3%
                      
Personal lines                      
Fire and allied lines$10,396
 $9,359
 90.0 % $10,782
 $15,001
 139.1%$31,250
 $28,183
 90.2 % $32,300
 $29,836
 92.4%
Automobile7,227
 6,213
 86.0
 6,674
 8,002
 119.9
21,686
 18,701
 86.2
 20,031
 22,278
 111.2
Miscellaneous301
 (167) (55.5) 287
 27
 9.4
903
 (247) (27.4) 860
 118
 13.7
Total personal lines$17,924
 $15,405
 85.9 % $17,743
 $23,030
 129.8%$53,839
 $46,637
 86.6 % $53,191
 $52,232
 98.2%
Reinsurance assumed$5,112
 $561
 11.0 % $1,875
 $896
 47.8%$8,922
 $(770) (8.6)% $6,282
 $19,307
 307.3%
Total$256,853
 $189,146
 73.6 % $245,222
 $188,596
 76.9%$766,767
 $527,541
 68.8 % $737,424
 $568,356
 77.1%


           
Six Months Ended June 30,2018 2017
   Net Losses     Net Losses  
   and Loss     and Loss  
 Net Settlement Net Net Settlement Net
(In Thousands, Except Ratios)Premiums Expenses Loss Premiums Expenses Loss
UnauditedEarned Incurred Ratio Earned Incurred Ratio
Commercial lines           
Other liability$151,902
 $63,806
 42.0 % $150,295
 $33,343
 22.2 %
Fire and allied lines115,395
 85,330
 73.9
 109,938
 105,112
 95.6
Automobile136,403
 120,037
 88.0
 119,218
 130,629
 109.6
Workers compensation46,974
 29,062
 61.9
 51,705
 32,312
 62.5
Fidelity and surety11,215
 949
 8.5
 11,611
 658
 5.7
Miscellaneous853
 377
 44.2
 915
 165
 18.0
Total commercial lines$462,742
 $299,561
 64.7 % $443,682
 $302,219
 68.1 %
            
Personal lines           
Fire and allied lines$20,834
 $16,760
 80.4 % $21,570
 $21,375
 99.1 %
Automobile14,236
 11,970
 84.1
 13,153
 14,232
 108.2
Miscellaneous596
 (272) (45.6) 566
 (43) (7.6)
Total personal lines$35,666
 $28,458
 79.8 % $35,289
 $35,564
 100.8 %
Reinsurance assumed$3,612
 $5,855
 162.1 % $2,695
 $7,365
 273.3 %
Total$502,020
 $333,874
 66.5 % $481,666
 $345,148
 71.7 %





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Below are explanations regarding significant changes in the net loss ratios by line of business:
 
Other liability- The net loss ratio improved 2.1 and deteriorated 12.4 percentage points in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2017. The deterioration is attributable to reductions in loss IBNR that occurred during both the first and second quarters of 2017 which provided a benefit to 2017 compared with no IBNR reduction during the first quarter of 2018 and IBNR increases during the second and third quarters of 2018. The change in reserves for reported claims increased more in 2018 vs. the same nine-month period of 2017. Paid loss was lower in 2018 than in 2017 while paid loss adjustment expense was comparable for 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017.

Commercial fire and allied lines - The net loss ratio improved 8.2 and 17.0 percentage points in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2017. The improvement in the three-month and nine-month periods is attributable to a decrease in catastrophe losses, a decrease in frequency of claims partially offset by an increase in severity of losses, a decrease in paid losses and a lower increase in reserves for incurred but not reported claims.

Commercial automobile - The net loss ratio improved 16.5 and 19.8 percentage points in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same periods of 2017. This improvement is attributable to a decrease in frequency of losses in the three-month period ended September 30, 2018 along with changes in loss IBNR compared to the same period in 2017. We continue to make progress in improving our core loss ratio, however, the performance of this line of business remains below our expectation. Our strategy to improve profitability continues to be: aggressively seeking rate increases, focusing on loss control initiatives and reviewing our book of business for underperforming accounts.

Workers compensation - The net loss ratio improved 15.6 and 5.7 percentage points in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 compared to the same periods of 2017. This improvement in the three-month period ended September 30, 2018 is attributable to a decrease in paid losses along with decline in the increase in reserves for reported claims. The improvement in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 was somewhat muted by an increase in severity of losses with a portion of the severe losses from auto-related claims.

Personal fire and allied lines - The net loss ratio deteriorated 30.8 and improved 2.2 percentage points in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same periods of 2017. The deterioration for the quarterly results is attributable to changes in loss IBNR which decreased significantly during the third quarter of 2017 due to favorable reserve development compared to a smaller decrease during the three-month period ended September 30, 2018.

Personal automobile - The net loss ratio improved 26.7 and 25.0 percentage points in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same periods of 2017. This improvement is attributable to a reduction in paid losses as well as changes in reserves for reported claims which increased less in 2018 compared to the same period of 2017.

Reinsurance assumed - The net loss ratio improved in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same periods of 2017. This improvement in the three-month period ended September 30, 2018 is attributable to a decline in catastrophe losses as compared to the same period in 2017, which was impacted by three large hurricanes (Harvey, Irma and Maria) and a decrease in paid losses along with reductions in reserves for reported claims and reductions in loss IBNR which occurred in 2018 as compared to increases in the same period of 2017. Year-to-date improvement is attributable to the decrease in catastrophe losses mentioned above, reductions in reserves for reported claims which occurred in 2018 as compared to increases in the same period of 2017 along with changes in loss IBNR which increased less in 2018 as compared to 2017.



Other liability - The net loss ratio deteriorated 30.1 and 19.8 percentage points in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods
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Table of 2017. This deterioration is attributable to reductions in loss IBNR that occurred during both the first and second quarters of 2017, which provided a benefit to 2017 compared to no IBNR reduction during the first quarter of 2018, and a relatively small IBNR increase during the second quarter of 2018. In addition, in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018, we experienced an increase in severity of losses driven primarily by auto liability and bodily injury related claims. The change in reserves for reported claims increased in 2018 compared to a decrease in 2017. Paid losses were lower in 2018 than in 2017 while paid loss adjustment expenses were comparable for 2018 vs. 2017.Contents


Commercial fire and allied lines - The net loss ratio improved 24.0 and 21.7 percentage points in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2017. This improvement is attributable to lower paid losses, a decrease in catastrophe losses and less of an increase in reserves for reported claims in 2018 vs. 2017.

Commercial automobile - The net loss ratio improved 21.7 and 21.6 percentage points in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2017. While we continued to experience improvement in this line in 2018 as compared to the same periods in 2017, the performance of this line remains below our expectations. We will continue to aggressively pursue rate increases, review underperforming accounts and implement the risk control initiatives we have discussed the last few quarters to improve the performance of this line of business.

Workers compensation - The net loss ratio deteriorated 13.4 and improved 0.6 percentage points in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2017. The deterioration in the three-month period ended June 30, 2018 is primarily due to an increase in severity of losses with a portion of the severe losses from auto-related claims.

Personal fire and allied lines - The net loss ratio improved 49.1 and 18.7 percentage points in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2017. The improvement is attributable to fewer catastrophe claims in 2018 vs. 2017, which resulted in relatively favorable changes in reserves for both reported claims and incurred but not reported claims for 2018 vs. 2017.

Personal automobile - The net loss ratio improved 33.9 and 24.1 percentage points in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2017. This improvement is attributable to a reduction in reserves for reported claims in 2018 vs. an increase in 2017 with some of this favorable change due to fewer catastrophe claims in 2018 vs. 2017.

Reinsurance assumed - The net loss ratio improved in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods of 2017. This improvement is attributable to reductions in reserves for reported claims which occurred in 2018 vs. increases in 2017. These reductions were more than sufficient to offset increases in paid losses for 2018 vs. 2017 as well as increases in reserves for incurred but not reported claims for 2018 vs. 2017.

Financial Condition


Our stockholders' equity decreased to $964.6$884.2 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2018, from $973.4 million at December 31, 2017. The decrease was attributable to shareholder dividends of $97.6 million (of which $75 million or $3.00 per share was a special cash dividend paid to shareholders on August 20, 2018), a decrease in net unrealized investment gains of $39.0$50.8 million, net of tax, during the first six months of 2018, shareholder dividends of $14.7 million and share repurchases of $5.4 million, partially offset by net income of $45.9$57.0 million, which includes a $27.3 million gain on the sale of discontinued operations.



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At JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the book value per share of our common stock was $38.52.$35.27. During the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, 120,372 shares of common stock were repurchased under our share repurchase program at a total cost of $5.4 million and an average share price of $44.90. No shares were repurchased during the three-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018. Under our share repurchase program, which is scheduled to expire on August 31, 2018,2020, we were authorized to repurchase an additional 2,116,200 shares of our common stock as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018.






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Discontinued Operations Results
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands)2018 2017 2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Revenues              
Net premiums earned$
 $14,341
 $13,003
 $31,769
$
 $14,230
 $13,003
 $45,999
Investment income, net of investment expenses
 12,426
 12,663
 24,876

 12,354
 12,663
 37,230
Net realized investment gains (losses)
 1,599
 (1,057) 3,304

 296
 (1,057) 3,600
Other income
 126
 146
 324

 174
 146
 498
Total revenues$
 $28,492
 $24,755
 $60,273
$
 $27,054
 $24,755
 $87,327
              
Benefits, Losses and Expenses              
Losses and loss settlement expenses$
 $9,102
 $10,823
 $20,173
$
 $10,506
 $10,823
 $30,679
Increase in liability for future policy benefits
 5,281
 5,023
 13,860

 5,481
 5,023
 19,341
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
 1,695
 1,895
 3,368

 2,156
 1,895
 5,524
Other underwriting expenses
 3,377
 3,864
 7,008

 2,444
 3,864
 9,452
Interest on policyholders' accounts
 4,651
 4,499
 9,395

 4,587
 4,499
 13,982
Total benefits, losses and expenses$
 $24,106
 $26,104
 $53,804
$
 $25,174
 $26,104
 $78,978
              
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before income taxes$
 $4,386
 $(1,349) $6,469
$
 $1,880
 $(1,349) $8,349


The sale of our discontinued operations closed on March 30, 2018, and therefore no income was earned in the secondthird quarter of 2018. For the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, our discontinued operations had a loss before income taxes of $1.3 million, compared to income before income taxes of $6.5$8.3 million for the same period of 2017.


Investment Portfolio


Our invested assets from continuing operations totaled $2.1 billion at JuneSeptember 30, 2018, compared to $1.9 billion at December 31, 2017, an increase of $232.9$187.3 million. At JuneSeptember 30, 2018, fixed maturity securities and equity securities made up 85.284.0 percent and 12.313.3 percent of the value of our investment portfolio, respectively. Because the primary purpose of our investment portfolio is to fund future claims payments, we use a conservative investment philosophy, investing in a diversified portfolio of high-quality, intermediate-term taxable corporate bonds, taxable U.S. government bonds and tax-exempt U.S. municipal bonds. Our overall investment strategy is to keep our cash on hand low in the current interest rate environment. If additional cash is needed, we can borrow funds available under our revolving credit facility.


Composition
We develop our investment strategies based on a number of factors, including estimated duration of reserve liabilities, short- and long-term liquidity needs, projected tax status, general economic conditions, expected rates of inflation, regulatory requirements, interest rates and credit quality of assets. We administer our investment portfolio based on investment guidelines approved by management and the investment committee of our Board of Directors that comply with applicable statutory regulations.


















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The composition of our investment portfolio at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 is presented at carrying value in the following table:
       
Total Total
  Percent
   Percent
(In Thousands, Except Ratios)  of Total
   of Total
Fixed maturities (1)


 

 

 

Held-to-maturity$150
 %
Available-for-sale1,792,019
 84.5
 $1,730,031
 83.3%
Trading securities14,705
 0.7
 14,399
 0.7
Equity securities260,979
 12.3
 276,253
 13.3
Mortgage loans9,896
 0.5
 14,896
 0.7
Other long-term investments43,949
 2.0
 40,432
 2.0
Short-term investments175
 
 175
 
Total$2,121,873
 100.0% $2,076,186
 100.0%
(1) Available-for-sale securities and trading fixed maturities are carried at fair value. Held-to-maturity fixed maturities are carried at amortized cost.


At both JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we classified $1.8$1.7 billion, or 99.2 percent, and $1.5 billion, or 98.9 percent, respectively, of our fixed maturities portfolio as available-for-sale. We classify our remaining fixed maturities as held-to-maturity or trading. We record held-to-maturity securities at amortized cost. We record available-for-sale fixed maturity securities at fair value, with any changes in fair value recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. We record trading securities, primarily convertible redeemable preferred debt securities, at fair value, with any changes in fair value recognized in earnings.


As of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we did not have direct exposure to investments in subprime mortgages or other credit enhancement vehicles.


Credit Quality


The table below shows the composition of fixed maturity securities held in our available-for-sale, held-to-maturity and trading security portfolios, by credit rating for both continuing and discontinued operations at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Information contained in the table is generally based upon the issued credit ratings provided by Moody's, unless the rating is unavailable, in which case we obtain credit ratings from Standard & Poor's.
(In Thousands, Except Ratios)June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
RatingCarrying Value % of Total Carrying Value % of TotalCarrying Value % of Total Carrying Value % of Total
AAA$803,291
 44.5% $885,000
 29.7%$722,204
 41.4% $885,000
 29.7%
AA710,295
 39.3
 839,210
 28.0
696,948
 40.0
 839,210
 28.0
A161,460
 8.9
 616,787
 20.7
172,681
 9.9
 616,787
 20.7
Baa/BBB121,104
 6.7
 585,968
 19.6
144,814
 8.3
 585,968
 19.6
Other/Not Rated10,724
 0.6
 55,156
 1.9
7,783
 0.4
 55,156
 1.9
$1,806,874
 100.0% $2,982,121
 100.0%$1,744,430
 100.0% $2,982,121
 100.0%


Duration
Our investment portfolio is invested primarily in fixed maturity securities whose fair value is susceptible to market risk, specifically interest rate changes. Duration is a measurement used to quantify our inherent interest rate risk and analyze our ability to match our invested assets to our reserve liabilities. If our invested assets and reserve liabilities have similar durations, then any change in interest rates will have an equal effect on these accounts. The primary purpose for matching invested assets and reserve liabilities is liquidity. With appropriate matching, our investments will mature when cash is needed, preventing the need to liquidate other assets prematurely. Mismatches in the duration of assets and liabilities can cause significant fluctuations in our results of operations.





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Investment Results
We invest the premiums received from our policyholders and annuitants in order to generate investment income, which is an important component of our revenues and profitability. The amount of investment income that we are able to generate is affected by many factors, some of which are beyond our control. Some of these factors are volatility in the financial markets, economic growth, inflation, interest rates, world political conditions, terrorist attacks or threats of terrorism, adverse events affecting other companies in our industry or the industries in which we invest and other unpredictable national or world events. Our net investment income from continuing operations decreased by 4.4 percent and increased by 41.6 percent and 24.113.9 percent in the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, compared with the same period of 2017. The increase2017.The change in net investment income for the six-monththree-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 was primarily due to a decrease in the value of our investments in limited liability partnerships, partially offset by an increase in invested assets. The change in net investment income in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 was driven by an increase in invested assets, andpartially offset by the change in the value of our investments in limited liability partnerships and not due to a change in our investment philosophy. The valuation of these investments in limited liability partnerships varies from period to period due to current equity market conditions, specifically related to financial institutions.
We hold certain investments in limited liability partnerships that are recorded on the equity method of accounting, with changes in value of these investments recorded in investment income. In the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the change in value of our investments in limited liability partnerships from continuing operations resulted in investment losses of $0.6 million and investment income of $3.1 million and $4.5$3.4 million, respectively, as compared to an increase of $0.9$2.0 million and $2.0$3.3 million, respectively in investment income in the same periods of 2017. This resulted in a decrease of $2.6 million and an increase of $2.2 million and $2.5$0.1 million in investment income in the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018.
Our net realized investment gains from continuing operations was a $1.3were $14.0 million and our net realized investment losses were $6.6$7.4 million, respectively, during the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, as compared with net realized investment gains of $1.1$0.1 million and $3.3$3.4 million, respectively, in the same periods of 2017. $8.9$5.5 million of the $9.9$4.0 million change in the six-monthsnine-months period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017 is due to the change in the value of equity securities which is now required to be recognized in net income rather than in accumulated other comprehensive income due to the change in accounting principles adopted on January 1, 2018.
We regularly monitor the difference between our cost basis and the estimated fair value of our investments. Our accounting policy for impairment recognition requires other-than-temporary impairment charges to be recorded when we determine that it is more likely than not that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the fixed maturity security or that the anticipated recovery in fair value of the equity security will not occur in a reasonable amount of time. Impairment charges on investments are recorded based on the fair value of the investments at the measurement date. Factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary include: the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been less than cost; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; our intention to hold the investment; and the likelihood that we will be required to sell the investment.
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities do not affect net income and earnings per share but do impact comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and book value per share. We believe that any unrealized losses on our available-for-sale securities at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 are temporary based upon our current analysis of the issuers of the securities that we hold and current market conditions. It is possible that we could recognize impairment charges in future periods on securities that we own at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 if future events and information cause us to determine that a decline in value is other-than-temporary. However, we endeavor to invest in high-quality assets to provide protection from future credit quality issues and corresponding other-than-temporary impairment write-downs. In the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, there were no other-than-temporary impairment write-downs.






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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity measures our ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet our short- and long-term cash obligations. Our cash inflows are primarily a result of the receipt of premiums, reinsurance recoveries, sales or maturities of investments, and investment income. Cash provided from these sources is used to fund the payment of losses and


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loss settlement expenses, the purchase of investments, operating expenses, dividends, pension plan contributions, and in recent years, common stock repurchases.
We monitor our capital adequacy to support our business on a regular basis. The future capital requirements of our business will depend on many factors, including our ability to write new business successfully and to establish premium rates and reserves at levels sufficient to cover losses. Our ability to underwrite is largely dependent upon the quality of our claims paying and financial strength ratings as evaluated by independent rating agencies. In particular, we require (1) sufficient capital to maintain our financial strength ratings, as issued by various rating agencies, at a level considered necessary by management to enable our insurance company subsidiaries to compete and (2) sufficient capital to enable our insurance company subsidiaries to meet the capital adequacy tests performed by regulatory agencies in the United States.
Cash outflows may be variable because of the uncertainty regarding settlement dates for losses. In addition, the timing and amount of individual catastrophe losses are inherently unpredictable and could increase our liquidity requirements. The timing and amount of reinsurance recoveries may be affected by reinsurer solvency and reinsurance coverage disputes.
Historically, we have generated substantial cash inflows from operations. It is our policy to invest the cash generated from operations in securities with maturities that, in the aggregate, correlate to the anticipated timing of payments for losses and loss settlement expenses. The majority of our assets are invested in available-for-sale fixed maturity securities.
The following table displays a consolidated summary of cash sources and uses for the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017 from continuing and discontinued operations:
Cash Flow SummarySix Months Ended June 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands)2018 20172018 2017
Cash provided by (used in)      
Operating activities$65,647
 $112,134
$69,214
 $116,296
Investing activities(27,677) (24,765)2,491
 (4,361)
Financing activities(25,873) (67,801)(108,195) (93,427)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents$12,097
 $19,568
$(36,490) $18,508
In the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, cash flows from discontinued operations are shown in separate lines in each of the operating, investing and financing sections of the Cash Flow Statement. Our cash flows from continuing operations were sufficient to meet our current liquidity needs for the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017 and we anticipate they will be sufficient to meet our future liquidity needs.
Operating Activities
Net cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $65.6$69.2 million and $112.1116.3 million for the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Cash flows from discontinued operations provided by operating activities totaled $4.0 million and $25.0$23.8 million for the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Investing Activities
Cash in excess of operating requirements is generally invested in fixed maturity securities and equity securities. Fixed maturities provide regular interest payments and allow us to match the duration of our liabilities. Equity securities provide dividend income, potential dividend income growth and potential appreciation. For further


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discussion of our investments, including our philosophy and our strategy for our portfolio, see the "Investment Portfolio" section of this Item 2.
In addition to investment income, possible sales of investments and proceeds from calls or maturities of fixed maturity securities also can provide liquidity. During the next five years, $360.6$264.3 million, or 20.015.2 percent, of our fixed maturity portfolio will mature.


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We invest funds required for short-term cash needs primarily in money market accounts, which are classified as cash equivalents. At JuneSeptember 30, 2018, our cash and cash equivalents included $25.9$3.8 million related to these money market accounts, compared to $16.8 million at December 31, 2017.
Net cash flows provided by investing activities was $2.5 million and used in investing activities were $27.7 million and $24.8was $4.4 million for the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. For the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, we had cash inflows from scheduled and unscheduled investment maturities, redemptions, prepayments, and sales of investments, from continuing operations of $90.5$240.2 million and $80.5$142.7 million, respectively. We also had net cash inflows from the sale of discontinued operations of $276.1 million for the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018.
Our cash outflows for investment purchases from continuing operations were $395.5$504.4 million for the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, compared to $115.3$167.0 million for the same period of 2017.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows used in financing activities from continuing operations was $14.3$96.6 million for the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 which decreased $18.1increased $49.4 million compared to $32.4$47.2 million used in the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 primarily due to an increase in shareholder dividends partially offset by a decrease in share repurchases.
Credit Facilities
On February 2, 2016, the Company, as borrower, entered into a credit agreement by and among the Company, with the lenders from time to time party thereto and KeyBank National Association, as administrative agent, swingline lender and letter of credit issuer. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, there were no balances outstanding under this credit agreement. For further discussion of our credit agreement, refer to Part I, Item 1, Note 9. "Credit Facility."
Dividends
Dividends paid to shareholders totaled $14.7$97.6 million and $13.4$20.4 million in the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase in dividends paid to shareholders is primarily due to a special cash dividend of $3.00 per share paid to shareholders on August 20, 2018. Our practice has been to pay quarterly cash dividends, which we have paid every quarter since March 1968.
On July 24, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $3.00 per share or a total of approximately $75 million payable August 20, 2018 to stockholders of record as of August 3, 2018.
Payments of any future dividends and the amounts of such dividends however, will depend upon factors such as net income, financial condition, capital requirements, and general business conditions. We will only pay dividends if declared by our Board of Directors out of legally available funds.
As a holding company with no independent operations of its own, we rely on dividends received from our insurance company subsidiaries in order to pay dividends to itsour common shareholders. Dividends payable by our insurance subsidiaries are governed by the laws in the states in which they are domiciled, and if applicable, commercially domiciled. In all cases, these state laws permit the payment of dividends only from earned surplus arising from business operations. For example, under Iowa law, the maximum dividend or distribution that may be paid within a 12-month period without prior approval of the Iowa Insurance Commissioner is generally restricted to the greater of 10 percent of statutory surplus as of the preceding December 31, or net income of the preceding calendar year on a statutory basis, not greater than earned statutory surplus. Other states in which our insurance company subsidiaries are domiciled may impose similar restrictions on dividends and distributions. Based on these restrictions, at JuneSeptember 30, 2018, UFG's sole direct insurance company subsidiary, United Fire & Casualty Company, was not


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able to make a maximum of $50.7 million in dividend payments without prior regulatory approval. These restrictions will not have a material impact in meeting the cash obligations of UFG.
Stockholders' Equity
Stockholders' equity decreased 0.99.2 percent to $964.6$884.2 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2018, from $973.4 million at December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily attributed to shareholder dividends of $97.6 million, a decrease in net unrealized investment gains of $39.0$50.8 million, net of


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tax, during the first sixnine months of 2018 shareholder dividends of $14.7 million and share repurchases of $5.4 million, partially offset by net income of $45.9$57.0 million, which includes $27.3 million of gain on the sale of discontinued operations. At JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the book value per share of our common stock was $38.52 $35.27 compared to $39.06 at December 31, 2017.


OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS


Funding Commitments


Pursuant to an agreement with one of our limited liability partnership investments, we are contractually committed through DecemberJuly 31, 2027,2028, to make capital contributions upon request of the partnership. Our remaining potential contractual obligation was $15.4$23.7 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2018.


MEASUREMENT OF RESULTS
Management evaluates our operations by monitoring key measures of growth and profitability. The following section provides further explanation of the key measures management uses to evaluate our results.


Catastrophe losses is a commonly used financial measure that uses the designations of the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and are reported with losses and loss settlement expense amounts net of reinsurance recoverables, unless specified otherwise. According to the ISO, a catastrophe loss is defined as a single unpredictable incident or series of closely related incidents that result in $25.0 million or more in U.S. industry-wide direct insured losses to property and that affect a significant number of insureds and insurers ("ISO catastrophe"). In addition to ISO catastrophes, we also include as catastrophes those events ("non-ISO catastrophes"), which may include U.S. or international losses that we believe are, or will be, material to our operations, either in amount or in number of claims made. Management, at times, may determine for comparison purposes that it is more meaningful to exclude extraordinary catastrophe losses and resulting litigation. The frequency and severity of catastrophe losses we experience in any year affect our results of operations and financial position. In analyzing the underwriting performance of our property and casualty insurance business, we evaluate performance both including and excluding catastrophe losses. Portions of our catastrophe losses may be recoverable under our catastrophe reinsurance agreements. We include a discussion of the impact of catastrophes because we believe it is meaningful for investors to understand the variability in our periodic earnings.
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands)2018 2017 2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
ISO catastrophes$15,111
 $26,804
 $18,549
 $36,542
$12,441
 $25,628
 $30,990
 $62,170
Non-ISO catastrophes (1)
4
 1,532
 (73) 1,519
(173) 5,077
 (245) 6,596
Total catastrophes$15,115
 $28,336
 $18,476
 $38,061
$12,268
 $30,705
 $30,745
 $68,766
(1) This number includes international assumed losses.




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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


We have exposure to market risk arising from potential losses in our investment portfolio due to adverse changes in interest rates and market prices. However, we have the ability to hold fixed maturity investments to maturity. Our investment guidelines define the overall framework for managing our market and other investment risks, including accountability and controls. In addition, each of our subsidiaries has specific investment policies that delineate the investment limits and strategies that are appropriate given each entity's liquidity, surplus, product, and regulatory requirements. We respond to market risk by managing the character of investment purchases.


It is our philosophy that we do not utilize financial hedges or derivative financial instruments to manage risks, nor do we enter into any swap, forward or option contracts, but attempt to mitigate our exposure through active portfolio management. In addition, we place the majority of our investments in high-quality, liquid securities and limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. At JuneSeptember 30, 2018, we did not have direct exposure to investments in sub-prime mortgages or other credit-enhancement exposures.


While our primary market risk exposure is to changes in interest rates, we do have limited exposure to changes in equity prices and limited exposure to foreign currency exchange rates.


There have been no material changes in our market risk or market risk factors from what we reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report, were designed and functioning effectively to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. We believe that a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the control system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.


Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated our internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on this evaluation, no such change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates.






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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the normal course of its business, the Company is a party to a variety of legal proceedings. While the final outcome of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes all of the proceedings pending as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 to be ordinary and routine and does not expect these legal proceedings to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial positioncondition or results of operations.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS


Our business is subject to a number of risks, including those identified in Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 filed with the SEC on February 28, 2018, that could have a material effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and/or liquidity and that could cause our operating results to vary significantly from period to period. The risks described in the above mentioned report are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial could also have a material effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity.


ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS


Under our share repurchase program, first announced in August 2007, we may purchase UFG common stock from time to time on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The amount and timing of any purchases will be at our discretion and will depend upon a number of factors, including the share price, general economic and market conditions, and corporate and regulatory requirements.


The following table provides information with respect to purchases of shares of common stock made by or on our behalf or by any "affiliated purchaser," as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act, during the three-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018:
     Total Number of Shares Maximum Number of
 Total   Purchased as a Part of Shares that may yet be
 Number of Average Price Publicly Announced Purchased Under the
PeriodShares Purchased Paid per Share Plans or Programs 
Plans or Programs(1)
4/7/1/2018 - 4/30/7/31/2018

 $

 

 2,116,200

5/8/1/2018 - 5/8/31/2018

 

 

 2,116,200

6/9/1/2018 - 6/9/30/2018

 

 

 2,116,200

Total

 $

 

 2,116,200

(1) Our share repurchase program was originally announced in August 2007. In August 2016, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 1,500,000 shares of common stock through the end of August 2018. This is in addition to the 1,528,886 shares of common stock remaining under its previous authorizations. In August 2018, our Board of Directors extended our share repurchase program through the end of August, 2020. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 we remained authorized to repurchase 2,116,200 shares of common stock.


ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES


None.


ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES


None.


ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION


None.




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ITEM 6. EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit number Exhibit description Furnished herewithFiled herewith
31.1   X
31.2   X
32.1  X 
32.2  X 
101.1 


  X






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SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


UNITED FIRE GROUP, INC.  
(Registrant)  
   
/s/ Randy A. Ramlo /s/ Dawn M. Jaffray
Randy A. Ramlo Dawn M. Jaffray
President, Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Director and Principal Executive Officer Principal Accounting Officer
   
August 8,November 7, 2018 August 8,November 7, 2018
(Date) (Date)
 






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