Table of Contents

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

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 001-34257
ufglogo2017color600a17.gif
________________________
 UNITED FIRE GROUP INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Iowa 45-2302834
(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
118 Second Avenue SE
Cedar Rapids
Iowa
52401
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (319399-5700
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act of 1934:
Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.001 par valueUFCSThe NASDAQ Global Select Market
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large accelerated filerAccelerated 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 5,November 4, 2019, 25,257,38425,031,726 shares of common stock were outstanding.
     
     
     

United Fire Group, Inc.
Index to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
JuneSeptember 30, 2019
 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, continue," "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, 2018 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 our 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;
Litigation or regulatory actions that could require us to pay significant damages, fines or penalties or change the way we do business;
Our ability to effectively underwrite and adequately price insured risks;
Changes in industry trends, an increase in competition and significant industry developments;
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,
2019
 December 31,
2018
September 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
(unaudited)  (unaudited)  
ASSETS      
Investments      
Fixed maturities      
Available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $1,653,296 in 2019 and $1,761,289 in 2018)$1,703,319
 $1,749,488
Trading securities, at fair value (amortized cost $12,932 in 2019 and $11,277 in 2018)17,143
 13,240
Equity securities at fair value (cost $65,409 in 2019 and $64,819 in 2018)283,178
 248,361
Available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $1,663,984 in 2019 and $1,761,289 in 2018)$1,729,286
 $1,749,488
Trading securities, at fair value (amortized cost $12,627 in 2019 and $11,277 in 2018)16,880
 13,240
Equity securities at fair value (cost $65,393 in 2019 and $64,819 in 2018)292,743
 248,361
Mortgage loans36,374
 25,782
36,312
 25,782
Other long-term investments47,772
 37,077
49,989
 37,077
Short-term investments175
 175
175
 175
2,087,961
 2,074,123
2,125,385
 2,074,123
Cash and cash equivalents148,784
 64,454
129,708
 64,454
Accrued investment income15,200
 15,774
15,604
 15,774
Premiums receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,208 in 2019 and $785 in 2018)402,887
 346,825
Premiums receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,238 in 2019 and $785 in 2018)387,617
 346,825
Deferred policy acquisition costs101,563
 92,796
98,500
 92,796
Property and equipment (primarily land and buildings, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $42,118 in 2019 and $39,894 in 2018)115,853
 97,194
Property and equipment (primarily land and buildings, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $42,240 in 2019 and $39,894 in 2018)121,288
 97,194
Reinsurance receivables and recoverables52,779
 61,337
57,673
 61,337
Prepaid reinsurance premiums8,112
 7,063
7,950
 7,063
Deferred tax asset
 912

 912
Income taxes receivable9,122
 15,035
12,006
 15,035
Goodwill and intangible assets22,897
 23,252
22,720
 23,252
Other assets36,639
 17,933
35,578
 17,933
TOTAL ASSETS$3,001,797
 $2,816,698
$3,014,029
 $2,816,698
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
Liabilities      
Losses and loss settlement expenses$1,341,666
 $1,312,483
$1,360,539
 $1,312,483
Unearned premiums539,980
 492,918
528,214
 492,918
Accrued expenses and other liabilities131,726
 122,922
136,861
 122,922
Deferred tax liability20,122
 
24,247
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES$2,033,494
 $1,928,323
$2,049,861
 $1,928,323
Stockholders’ Equity      
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 75,000,000 shares; 25,245,200 and 25,097,408 shares issued and outstanding in 2019 and 2018, respectively$25
 $25
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 75,000,000 shares; 25,081,726 and 25,097,408 shares issued and outstanding in 2019 and 2018, respectively$25
 $25
Additional paid-in capital208,971
 203,350
202,504
 203,350
Retained earnings739,162
 715,472
728,536
 715,472
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax20,145
 (30,472)33,103
 (30,472)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY$968,303
 $888,375
$964,168
 $888,375
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY$3,001,797
 $2,816,698
$3,014,029
 $2,816,698
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)2019 2018 2019 20182019 2018 2019 2018
Revenues              
Net premiums earned$276,486
 $256,853
 $538,800
 $502,020
$274,942
 $264,747
 $813,742
 $766,767
Investment income, net of investment expenses14,120
 17,249
 30,632
 30,741
13,291
 13,192
 43,923
 43,933
Net realized investment gains (losses) (includes reclassifications for net unrealized investment gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities of $37 and $127 in 2019 and ($196) and ($159) in 2018; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)13,591

1,297
 40,304
 (6,567)
Net realized investment gains (losses) (includes reclassifications for net unrealized investment gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities of $130 and $257 in 2019 and ($496) and ($655) in 2018; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)9,822

13,971
 50,126
 7,404
Total revenues$304,197
 $275,399
 $609,736
 $526,194
$298,055
 $291,910
 $907,791
 $818,104
Benefits, Losses and Expenses              
Losses and loss settlement expenses$220,009
 $189,146
 $384,249
 $333,874
$211,752
 $193,667
 $596,001
 $527,541
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs54,795
 50,810
 107,014
 100,449
54,828
 51,758
 161,842
 152,207
Other underwriting expenses (includes reclassifications for employee benefit costs of $1,124 and $2,248 in 2019 and $1,661 and $3,321 in 2018; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)33,964
 37,252
 68,367
 72,107
Other underwriting expenses (includes reclassifications for employee benefit costs of $1,124 and $3,372 in 2019 and $1,661 and $4,982 in 2018; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)36,003
 33,887
 104,370
 105,994
Total benefits, losses and expenses$308,768
 $277,208
 $559,630
 $506,430
$302,583
 $279,312
 $862,213
 $785,742
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes$(4,571) $(1,809) $50,106
 $19,764
$(4,528) $12,598
 $45,578
 $32,362
Federal income tax expense (benefit) (includes reclassifications of $229 and $445 in 2019 and $390 and $731 in 2018; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)(375) (1,966) 9,781
 (757)
Federal income tax expense (benefit) (includes reclassifications of $209 and $654 in 2019 and $453 and $1,184 in 2018; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)(2,186) 1,528
 7,595
 771
Income (loss) from continuing operations$(4,196) $157
 $40,325
 $20,521
$(2,342) $11,070
 $37,983
 $31,591
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
 
 
 (1,912)
 
 
 (1,912)
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
 $
 
 $27,307

 $
 
 $27,307
Net income (loss)$(4,196) $157
 $40,325
 $45,916
$(2,342) $11,070
 $37,983
 $56,986
Other comprehensive income (loss)              
Change in net unrealized appreciation on investments$28,596
 $(6,199) $61,950
 $(58,013)$15,410
 $(15,389) $77,360
 $(73,402)
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans
 
 
 

 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax and reclassification adjustments$28,596
 $(6,199) $61,950
 $(58,013)$15,410
 $(15,389) $77,360
 $(73,402)
Income tax effect(6,004) 1,301
 (13,009) 12,182
(3,237) 3,232
 (16,246) 15,414
Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax, before reclassification adjustments$22,592
 $(4,898) $48,941
 $(45,831)$12,173
 $(12,157) $61,114
 $(57,988)
Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment (gains) losses included in income$(37) $196
 $(127) $159
$(130) $496
 $(257) $655
Reclassification adjustment for employee benefit costs included in expense1,124
 1,661
 2,248
 3,321
1,124
 1,661
 3,372
 4,982
Total reclassification adjustments, before tax$1,087
 $1,857
 $2,121
 $3,480
$994
 $2,157
 $3,115
 $5,637
Income tax effect(229) (390) (445) (731)(209) (453) (654) (1,184)
Total reclassification adjustments, after tax$858
 $1,467
 $1,676
 $2,749
$785
 $1,704
 $2,461
 $4,453
Comprehensive income (loss)$19,254
 $(3,274) $90,942
 $2,834
Comprehensive income$10,616
 $617
 $101,558
 $3,451
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding25,210,354
 25,611,773
 25,659,803
 25,582,708
25,176,334
 25,626,951
 25,643,744
 25,607,305
Earnings per common share from continuing operations:              
Basic$(0.17) $0.01
 $1.60
 $0.82
$(0.09) $0.44
 $1.51
 $1.26
Diluted(0.17) 0.01
 1.57
 0.80
(0.09) 0.43
 1.48
 1.23
Earnings per common share:              
Basic$(0.17) $0.01
 $1.60
 $1.84
$(0.09) $0.44
 $1.51
 $2.28
Diluted(0.17) 0.01
 1.57
 1.80
(0.09) 0.43
 1.48
 2.23
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)

Common Stock Common Stock 
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)Shares outstandingCommon stockAdditional paid-in capitalRetaining EarningsAccumulated other comprehensive incomeTotalShares outstandingCommon stockAdditional paid-in capitalRetaining EarningsAccumulated other comprehensive incomeTotal
    
Balance, January 1, 201925,097,408
$25
$203,350
$715,472
$(30,472)$888,375
25,097,408
$25
$203,350
$715,472
$(30,472)$888,375
Net income


44,521

44,521



44,521

44,521
Stock based compensation70,414

3,438


3,438
70,414

3,438


3,438
Dividends on common stock ($0.31 per share)


(7,797)
(7,797)


(7,797)
(7,797)
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation(1)




26,279
26,279




26,279
26,279
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans(2)




888
888




888
888
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle


(513)
(513)


(513)
(513)
Balance, March 31, 201925,167,822
$25
$206,788
$751,683
$(3,305)$955,191
25,167,822
$25
$206,788
$751,683
$(3,305)$955,191
    
Net income (loss)
$
$
$(4,196)$
$(4,196)
$
$
$(4,196)$
$(4,196)
Shares repurchased(1,507)
(69)

(69)(1,507)
(69)

(69)
Stock based compensation78,885

2,252


2,252
78,885

2,252


2,252
Dividends on common stock ($0.33 per share)


(8,325)
(8,325)


(8,325)
(8,325)
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation(1)




22,562
22,562




22,562
22,562
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans(2)




888
888




888
888
Balance, June 30, 201925,245,200
$25
$208,971
$739,162
$20,145
$968,303
25,245,200
$25
$208,971
$739,162
$20,145
$968,303
  
Net income (loss)
$
$
$(2,342)$
$(2,342)
Shares repurchased(177,249)
(8,058)

(8,058)
Stock based compensation13,775

1,591


1,591
Dividends on common stock ($0.33 per share)


(8,284)
(8,284)
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation(1)




12,070
12,070
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans(2)




888
888
Balance, September 30, 201925,081,726
$25
$202,504
$728,536
$33,103
$964,168

(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.


















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

Common Stock Common Stock 
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)Shares outstandingCommon stockAdditional paid-in capitalRetaining EarningsAccumulated other comprehensive incomeTotalShares outstandingCommon stockAdditional paid-in capitalRetaining EarningsAccumulated other comprehensive incomeTotal
    
Balance, January 1, 201824,916,806
$25
$196,334
$608,700
$168,314
$973,373
24,916,806
$25
$196,334
$608,700
$168,314
$973,373
Net income


45,759

45,759



45,759

45,759
Shares repurchased(120,372)
(5,404)

(5,404)(120,372)
(5,404)

(5,404)
Stock based compensation116,314

3,574


3,574
116,314

3,574


3,574
Dividends on common stock ($0.28 per share)


(6,958)
(6,958)


(6,958)
(6,958)
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation(1)



(6,714)(34,248)(40,962)


(6,714)(34,248)(40,962)
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans(2)




1,311
1,311




1,311
1,311
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle


191,244
(191,244)



191,244
(191,244)
Balance, March 31, 201824,912,748
$25
$194,504
$832,031
$(55,867)$970,693
24,912,748
$25
$194,504
$832,031
$(55,867)$970,693
    
Net income
$
$
$157
$
$157

$
$
$157
$
$157
Shares repurchased











Stock based compensation131,219

4,938


4,938
131,219

4,938


4,938
Dividends on common stock ($0.31 per share)


(7,757)
(7,757)


(7,757)
(7,757)
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation(1)




(4,743)(4,743)



(4,743)(4,743)
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans(2)




1,312
1,312




1,312
1,312
Balance, June 30, 201825,043,967
$25
$199,442
$824,431
$(59,298)$964,600
25,043,967
$25
$199,442
$824,431
$(59,298)$964,600
Net income
$
$
$11,070
$
$11,070
Shares repurchased





Stock based compensation22,417

1,919


1,919
Dividends on common stock ($3.31 per share)


(82,920)
(82,920)
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation(1)




(11,765)(11,765)
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans(2)




1,312
1,312
Balance, September 30, 201825,066,384
25
201,361
752,581
(69,751)884,216
(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)2019 20182019 2018
Cash Flows From Operating Activities      
Net income$40,325
 $45,916
$37,983
 $56,986
Less net loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes
 (1,912)
 (1,912)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities      
Net accretion of bond premium5,039
 4,324
7,074
 6,518
Depreciation and amortization2,618
 2,316
4,235
 4,015
Stock-based compensation expense4,045
 2,718
5,248
 4,040
Net realized investment (gains) losses(40,304) 6,567
(50,126) (7,404)
Net cash flows from equity and trading investments639
 21,839
911
 21,253
Deferred income tax benefit7,716
 (8,836)8,829
 (6,259)
Changes in:      
Accrued investment income574
 (1,875)170
 (3,032)
Premiums receivable(56,062) (51,729)(40,792) (50,780)
Deferred policy acquisition costs(8,767) (6,963)(5,704) (7,038)
Reinsurance receivables8,558
 4,384
3,664
 (2,954)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums(1,049) (1,153)(887) (2,107)
Income taxes receivable5,913
 6,031
3,029
 (4,238)
Other assets(18,706) (102)(17,645) (223)
Losses and loss settlement expenses29,183
 16,664
48,056
 53,894
Unearned premiums47,062
 52,341
35,296
 43,459
Accrued expenses and other liabilities10,562
 9,383
16,821
 (3,654)
Income taxes payable
 5,539

 
Deferred income taxes
 (14,054)(434) (8,298)
Other, net(1,070) 1,253
437
 3,951
Cash from operating activities - continuing operations(4,049) 48,647
18,182
 41,143
Cash from operating activities - discontinued operations
 4,023

 4,024
Cash from operating activities - gain on sale of discontinued operations
 (34,851)
 (34,851)
Total adjustments$(4,049) $17,819
$18,182
 $10,316
Net cash provided by operating activities$36,276
 $65,647
$56,165
 $69,214
Cash Flows From Investing Activities      
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investments$36,490
 $23,994
$36,490
 $129,865
Proceeds from call and maturity of available-for-sale investments111,824
 60,651
206,478
 101,837
Proceeds from short-term and other investments2,315
 5,816
3,607
 8,527
Proceeds from the sale of discontinued operations
 276,055

 276,055
Purchase of available-for-sale investments(44,400) (383,633)(151,528) (485,656)
Purchase of mortgage loans(10,723) (9,896)(10,723) (14,896)
Purchase of short-term and other investments(11,986) (1,995)(16,939) (3,824)
Net purchases and sales of property and equipment(20,920) (13,012)(27,796) (23,760)
Cash from investing activities - continuing operations62,600
 (42,020)39,589
 (11,852)
Cash from investing activities - discontinued operations
 14,343

 14,343
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities$62,600
 $(27,677)
Net cash provided by investing activities$39,589
 $2,491
Cash Flows From Financing Activities      
Payment of cash dividends$(16,122) $(14,716)$(24,406) $(97,635)
Repurchase of common stock(69) (5,404)(8,127) (5,404)
Issuance of common stock1,645
 5,794
2,033
 6,391
Cash from financing activities - continuing operations(14,546) (14,326)(30,500) (96,648)
Cash from financing activities - discontinued operations
 (11,547)
 (11,547)
Net cash used in financing activities$(14,546) $(25,873)$(30,500) $(108,195)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents$84,330
 $12,097
$65,254
 $(36,490)
Less: increase in cash and cash equivalents - discontinued operations
 (6,819)
 (6,820)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents - continuing operations84,330
 5,278
65,254
 (43,310)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period - Continuing Operations64,454
 95,562
64,454
 95,562
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period - Continuing Operations$148,784
 $100,840
$129,708
 $52,252
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
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, washas been reported as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for all periods presented in this Form 10-Q. Subsequent to the announcement of this sale, our continuing operations were reported as one1 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, 2018, including certain financial statement footnote disclosures, is not required by the rules and regulations of the SEC for interim financial reporting and havehas 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; loss settlement expenses; and pension and postretirementpost-retirement 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, 2018.
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.


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For the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, we made payments for income taxes totaling $1,537$1,556 and $15,037,$24,055, respectively. We received a tax refund of $5,401 and $1,503 for the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
For the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, we made no0 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, 2019.
  
TotalTotal
Recorded asset at beginning of period$92,796
$92,796
Underwriting costs deferred115,781
167,546
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs(107,014)(161,842)
Recorded asset at June 30, 2019$101,563
Recorded asset at September 30, 2019$98,500


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.
Income Taxes
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 continuing operations of $9,781$7,595 for the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 compared to income tax expense from continuing operations and discontinued operations of $7,350$8,878 during the same period of 2018. 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 not0t recognize any liability for unrecognized tax benefits at JuneSeptember 30, 2019 or December 31, 2018. 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.
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 2015. The Internal Revenue Service is conducting an examination of our federal income tax return for the 2017 tax year.




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Leases

The Company determines if a contract contains a lease at inception of the contract. The Company's inventory of leases consists of operating leases which are recorded as a lease obligation liability disclosed in accruedthe "Accrued expenses and other liabilitiesliabilities" line on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and as a lease right-of-use asset disclosed in other assetsthe "Other assets" line on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company's operating leases consist of office space, vehicles, computer equipment and office equipment. The lease right-of-use asset represents the Company's right to use each underlying asset for the lease term and the lease obligation liability represents the Company's obligation over the lease term. The Company's lease obligation is recorded at the present value of the lease payments based on the term of the lease. The Company has elected to categorize its leases into four categories based on length of lease terms and applies an incremental borrowing rate of interest as of the effective date of adoption or the lease effective date equivalent to a collateralized rate with similar terms. The four categories are as follows: less than three years, three to five years, five to ten years and greater than ten years. The collateralized discount rate used to calculate the present value of future minimum lease payments is based, where appropriate, on the Company's incremental borrowing rate of its credit facility, described in Note 99. Credit Facility of this Form 10-Q.Facility. For leases that existed prior to the adoption of the new accounting guidance on January 1, 2019 or those with terms not similar to the credit facility, the Company has elected to use the remaining lease term based on the four categories noted above as of the date of initial application to measure its incremental borrowing rate. In this case, the incremental borrowing rate is a collateralized rate based on current industry borrowing rates for similar companies with similar ratings.
Certain leases include rental payments adjusted for increases on an annual basis as part of the rental expense and are included in measurement of the lease liability. Lease expenses for lease payments, where appropriate, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Short-term leases of 12 months or less are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and lease payments are recognized on the Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income. The Company has agreements with lease and non-lease components, which the Company accounts for separately and continues to follow the guidance and its existing policy for minimum rental payments under Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") Topic 840 for leases that commenced prior to the effective date. Modified or new leases subsequent to the effective date will follow ASC Topic 842. For more information on leases refer to Note 12. Leases.
Variable Interest Entities
The Company and certain related parties are equity investors in one1 investment in which the Company determined is a variable interest entity ("VIE") as a result of participation in the risks and rewards of the VIE based on the objectives and strategies of the VIE. The VIE is a limited liability company that primarily invests in commercial real estate. The Company and certain related parties are not the primary beneficiary largely due to their inability to influence management or direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance. Based on these facts and circumstances, the Company has a variable interest in the VIE, but has not consolidated the VIE's financial results as it is not the primary beneficiary. The Company's investment is reported in other long-term investments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company's initial investment and the fair value of the VIE at JuneSeptember 30, 2019 was $7.5 million. The Company's maximum exposure to loss from this VIE is $7.5 million, its carrying value of the investment, and there are no future funding commitments.
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. The Company concluded there are no material subsequent events or transactions that have occurred after the balance sheet date through the date on which the financial statements were issued.




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Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Accounting Standards Adopted in 2019
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 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. The Company has classified all of its leases as operating leases. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those years. The Company adopted the new guidance under a modified retrospective transition approach using the package of practical expedients and the Company did not adopt the hindsight practical expedient as of January 1, 2019. The package of practical expedients allowed the Company not to reassess whether the arrangement contains a lease, lease classification and whether previously capitalized costs qualify as initial direct costs. The practical expedients allowed the Company to continue classifying all of its leases as operating leases as they were previously classified under ASC Topic 840. Therefore, the Company's disclosures for the comparative periods presented in 2019 continues to be in accordance with previous lease guidance under ASC Topic 840. The Company used the accounting standard adoption date as its date of initial application.
Adoption of the new guidance resulted in the recording of additional net lease right-of-use assets and lease obligations of $19.8 million and $20.3 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2019. The lease amounts recognized were measured based on the present value of discounted future lease payments, net of reversal of prepaid rent and deferred rent balances that existed prior to January 1, 2019. The Company had no adjustments upon adoption related to unrecorded but expected lease abandonments at December 31, 2018. The difference between the additional lease assets and lease liabilities, net of the deferred tax impact, was recorded as a cumulative change in accounting principles adjustment to retained earnings of $387. The adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations and had no impact on cash flows.
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 adopted the new guidance as of January 1, 2019. The adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
Financial Instruments - Callable Debt Securities
In March 2016, the FASB issued an update to amend the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. The update requires the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The update doesn’t change the accounting for securities held at a discount, which will continue to be amortized to maturity. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted the new guidance as of January 1, 2019. The adoption of the new guidance resulted in cumulative change in accounting principles adjustment to retained earnings, net of the deferred tax, of $126 on January 1, 2019 and did not have a material impact on net income between the comparable periods.
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


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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 a significant impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.




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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, 2019 and interim periods within those years. The new guidance will impact the Company's portfolio of mortgage loan investments, which are carried at amortized cost, the impairment model related to our available-for-sale fixed-maturity portfolio and reinsurance receivables. The Company has developed a time-line for implementing the new guidance and will adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 2020. The Company has developed an implementation time-line for adoptingidentified parameters and performed preliminary test runs of the new guidance andcredit loss model over available-for-sale fixed maturity securities. The Company is currentlyin the process of building it'sits model for recognizing credit losses for mortgage loans and available-for-sale fixed-maturity investments and reinsurance receivables, as we continueit continues to evaluate moving to an expected loss model. Currently, the Company utilizes an aging method to estimate credit losses on premiums receivable, which is in line with the new guidance. The Company is evaluating the impact of adopting the new guidance and the impact on it's financial position, results of operations, key processes and key processes.changes to internal controls.
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. Management currently believes 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, 2019.2020. The Company will adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 2020.2021. Management currently believes the new guidance will modify existing disclosures, but will not have an impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.



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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, as of JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, is provided below:
June 30, 2019 
September 30, 2019 
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
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE              
Fixed maturities:              
Bonds              
U.S. Treasury$28,937
 $177
 $42
 $29,072
$38,863
 $225
 $26
 $39,062
U.S. government agency137,846
 2,245
 41
 140,050
110,971
 2,821
 61
 113,731
States, municipalities and political subdivisions              
General obligations:              
Midwest86,696
 2,674
 
 89,370
86,609
 3,079
 
 89,688
Northeast31,213
 1,111
 
 32,324
31,159
 1,216
 
 32,375
South113,289
 2,757
 71
 115,975
112,667
 3,482
 
 116,149
West105,978
 3,927
 12
 109,893
105,774
 4,807
 
 110,581
Special revenue:              
Midwest139,244
 5,203
 9
 144,438
137,191
 6,474
 
 143,665
Northeast62,469
 2,232
 
 64,701
60,091
 3,129
 
 63,220
South228,469
 8,195
 98
 236,566
227,301
 11,211
 
 238,512
West142,661
 4,664
 8
 147,317
138,858
 6,504
 
 145,362
Foreign bonds4,939
 178
 
 5,117
4,938
 181
 
 5,119
Public utilities62,749
 2,031
 62
 64,718
62,724
 2,779
 
 65,503
Corporate bonds
 
 
 

 
 
 
Energy26,634
 1,139
 
 27,773
26,613
 1,333
 
 27,946
Industrials53,751
 1,454
 43
 55,162
53,118
 1,803
 23
 54,898
Consumer goods and services48,118
 1,844
 73
 49,889
47,667
 2,295
 9
 49,953
Health care13,982
 585
 
 14,567
13,990
 704
 
 14,694
Technology, media and telecommunications25,897
 1,231
 
 27,128
25,899
 1,542
 
 27,441
Financial services91,870
 3,049
 256
 94,663
97,916
 3,846
 330
 101,432
Mortgage-backed securities7,071
 83
 60
 7,094
6,649
 135
 32
 6,752
Collateralized mortgage obligations              
Government national mortgage association76,524
 2,022
 80
 78,466
74,450
 3,239
 51
 77,638
Federal home loan mortgage corporation109,450
 2,100
 87
 111,463
125,422
 2,507
 196
 127,733
Federal national mortgage association52,247
 1,755
 37
 53,965
71,874
 2,377
 79
 74,172
Asset-backed securities3,262
 430
 84
 3,608
3,240
 483
 63
 3,660
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities$1,653,296
 $51,086
 $1,063
 $1,703,319
$1,663,984
 $66,172
 $870
 $1,729,286





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December 31, 2018 
Type of InvestmentCost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Appreciation Gross Unrealized Depreciation Fair Value
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
Bonds
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury$27,632
 $6
 $220
 $27,418
U.S. government agency215,535
 896
 1,749
 214,682
States, municipalities and political subdivisions       
General obligations:       
Midwest94,806
 1,091
 685
 95,212
Northeast37,326
 432
 103
 37,655
South114,710
 754
 1,553
 113,911
West107,787
 1,229
 1,175
 107,841
Special revenue:       
Midwest140,025
 1,609
 870
 140,764
Northeast62,737
 452
 1,241
 61,948
South237,848
 1,669
 3,708
 235,809
West143,829
 1,294
 2,203
 142,920
Foreign bonds9,698
 31
 13
 9,716
Public utilities56,808
 274
 1,023
 56,059
Corporate bonds
 

 
 
Energy28,909
 43
 304
 28,648
Industrials53,867
 124
 906
��53,085
Consumer goods and services54,323
 142
 819
 53,646
Health care16,721
 42
 105
 16,658
Technology, media and telecommunications26,819
 35
 678
 26,176
Financial services81,286
 238
 2,175
 79,349
Mortgage-backed securities7,642
 14
 232
 7,424
Collateralized mortgage obligations       
Government national mortgage association78,055
 380
 1,734
 76,701
Federal home loan mortgage corporation108,403
 524
 1,304
 107,623
Federal national mortgage association53,267
 213
 732
 52,748
Asset-backed securities3,256
 352
 113
 3,495
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities$1,761,289
 $11,844
 $23,645
 $1,749,488

Maturities
The amortized cost and fair value of held-to-maturity, available-for-sale and trading fixed maturity securities at JuneSeptember 30, 2019, by contractual maturity, are shown in the following tables. 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.


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Maturities                
 Available-For-Sale Trading Available-For-Sale Trading
June 30, 2019 Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value
September 30, 2019 Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value
Due in one year or less $44,381
 $44,604
 $6,176
 $7,346
 $59,024
 $59,242
 $4,235
 $5,797
Due after one year through five years 233,480
 239,201
 4,739
 7,294
 253,553
 260,509
 5,859
 8,120
Due after five years through 10 years 514,156
 533,677
 
 
 490,802
 513,962
 
 
Due after 10 years 612,725
 631,241
 2,017
 2,503
 578,970
 605,618
 2,533
 2,963
Asset-backed securities 3,262
 3,608
 
 
 3,240
 3,660
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities 7,071
 7,094
 
 
 6,649
 6,752
 
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations 238,221
 243,894
 
 
 271,746
 279,543
 
 
 $1,653,296
 $1,703,319
 $12,932
 $17,143
 $1,663,984
 $1,729,286
 $12,627
 $16,880

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 June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019 2018 2019 20182019 2018 2019 2018
Net realized investment gains (losses) from continuing operations:              
Fixed maturities:              
Available-for-sale$(8) $(219) $142
 $(193)$129
 $22
 $271
 $(171)
Trading securities              
Change in fair value501
 (148) 2,247
 (259)43
 351
 2,290
 92
Sales92
 349
 92
 905
8
 171
 100
 1,076
Equity securities              
Change in fair value12,499
 305
 37,133
 (8,883)9,692
 14,381
 46,825
 5,498
Sales507
 1,010
 705
 1,863
(50) (437) 655
 1,426
Mortgage loans
 
 (15) 

 
 (15) 
Total net realized investment gains (losses) from continuing operations$13,591
 $1,297
 $40,304
 $(6,567)
Real estate
 (517) 
 (517)
Total net realized investment gains from continuing operations$9,822
 $13,971
 $50,126
 $7,404
Total net realized investment gains (losses) from discontinued operations
 
 
 (1,057)
 
 
 (1,057)
Total net realized investment gains (losses)$13,591
 $1,297
 $40,304
 $(7,624)
Total net realized investment gains$9,822
 $13,971
 $50,126
 $6,347


The proceeds and gross realized gains on the sale of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities are as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019 2018 2019 20182019 2018 2019 2018
Proceeds from sales$
 $23,994
 $36,490
 $23,994
$
 $105,871
 $36,490
 $129,865
Gross realized gains
 140
 30
 140

 
 30
 140
Gross realized losses
 (307) 13
 (307)
 (94) 13
 (401)

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 $17,143$16,880 and $13,240 at JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.


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Funding Commitment

Pursuant to an agreement with one of our limited liability partnership investments, we are contractually committed through July 31, 2028 to make capital contributions upon request of the partnership. Our remaining potential contractual obligation was $17,791$15,987 at JuneSeptember 30, 2019.
Unrealized Appreciation
A summary of the changes in net unrealized investment appreciation during the reporting period is as follows:
Six Months Ended June 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019 20182019 2018
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation      
Available-for-sale fixed maturities$61,824
 $(65,127)$77,103
 $(80,023)
Deferred policy acquisition costs
 7,274

 7,274
Income tax effect(12,983) 12,148
(16,192) 15,279
Net unrealized investment depreciation of discontinued operations, sold
 6,714

 6,714
Cumulative change in accounting principles
 (191,244)
 (191,244)
Total change in net unrealized investment appreciation, net of tax$48,841
 $(230,235)$60,911
 $(242,000)

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 at JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. 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, 2019, 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, 2019 or at JuneSeptember 30, 2018. 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.


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June 30, 2019Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
September 30, 2019Less 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:                              
Bonds                              
U.S. Treasury
 $
 $
 3
 $8,737
 $42
 $8,737
 $42

 $
 $
 3
 $8,723
 $26
 $8,723
 $26
U.S. government agency
 
 
 2
 7,959
 41
 7,959
 41
4
 20,889
 61
 
 
 
 20,889
 61
States, municipalities and political subdivisions               
General obligations               
Midwest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
South
 
 
 3
 9,519
 71
 9,519
 71
West
 
 
 1
 2,086
 12
 2,086
 12
Special revenue               
Midwest
 
 
 2
 3,339
 9
 3,339
 9
Northeast
 
 
 1
 1,296
 
 1,296
 
South
 
 
 6
 14,039
 98
 14,039
 98
West
 
 
 4
 4,115
 8
 4,115
 8
Public utilities1
 2,934
 62
 
 
 
 2,934
 62
Corporate bonds            

 

            

 

Energy
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industrials1
 5,009
 1
 1
 3,996
 42
 9,005
 43

 
 
 1
 4,011
 23
 4,011
 23
Consumer goods and services
 
 
 3
 4,637
 73
 4,637
 73
2
 1,503
 1
 1
 3,180
 8
 4,683
 9
Health care
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technology, media and telecommunications
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial services1
 4,744
 256
 1
 998
 
 5,742
 256
4
 15,721
 330
 
 
 
 15,721
 330
Mortgage-backed securities
 
 
 20
 3,749
 60
 3,749
 60

 
 
 13
 1,713
 32
 1,713
 32
Collateralized mortgage obligations                              
Government national mortgage association
 
 
 7
 10,194
 80
 10,194
 80

 
 
 5
 3,249
 51
 3,249
 51
Federal home loan mortgage corporation
 
 
 7
 11,199
 87
 11,199
 87
7
 39,817
 150
 3
 4,999
 46
 44,816
 196
Federal national mortgage association
 
 
 5
 3,843
 37
 3,843
 37
2
 20,654
 66
 3
 1,170
 13
 21,824
 79
Asset-backed securities
 
 
 1
 2,864
 84
 2,864
 84

 
 
 1
 2,863
 63
 2,863
 63
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities3
 $12,687
 $319
 67
 $92,570
 $744
 $105,257
 $1,063
19
 $98,584
 $608
 30
 $29,908
 $262
 $128,492
 $870














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December 31, 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. Treasury1
 $8,018
 $7
 5
 $14,645
 $213
 $22,663
 $220
U.S. government agency4
 17,907
 81
 17
 80,696
 1,668
 98,603
 1,749
States, municipalities and political subdivisions               
General obligations               
Midwest2
 2,939
 5
 7
 23,749
 680
 26,688
 685
Northeast
 
 
 3
 12,110
 103
 12,110
 103
South1
 778
 2
 22
 50,174
 1,551
 50,952
 1,553
West1
 1,203
 5
 16
 48,499
 1,170
 49,702
 1,175
Special revenue               
Midwest4
 3,892
 8
 19
 43,854
 862
 47,746
 870
Northeast
 
 
 14
 37,629
 1,241
 37,629
 1,241
South4
 4,298
 30
 45
 107,016
 3,678
 111,314
 3,708
West4
 11,115
 32
 28
 69,667
 2,171
 80,782
 2,203
Foreign bonds1
 2,984
 13
 
 
 
 2,984
 13
Public utilities12
 25,781
 552
 8
 17,253
 471
 43,034
 1,023
Corporate bonds               
Energy7
 12,556
 148
 2
 4,099
 156
 16,655
 304
Industrials9
 21,970
 397
 4
 11,040
 509
 33,010
 906
Consumer goods and services14
 30,399
 527
 5
 9,554
 292
 39,953
 819
Health care3
 6,203
 97
 1
 345
 8
 6,548
 105
Technology, media and telecommunications6
 12,638
 288
 5
 9,619
 390
 22,257
 678
Financial services13
 30,177
 650
 13
 32,855
 1,525
 63,032
 2,175
Mortgage-backed securities22
 1,539
 34
 22
 4,166
 198
 5,705
 232
Collateralized mortgage obligations               
Government national mortgage association2
 3,797
 55
 22
 44,690
 1,679
 48,487
 1,734
Federal home loan mortgage corporation3
 4,541
 20
 18
 38,189
 1,284
 42,730
 1,304
Federal national mortgage association4
 2,107
 3
 15
 38,986
 729
 41,093
 732
Asset-backed securities1
 2,829
 113
 
 
 
 2,829
 113
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities118
 $207,671
 $3,067
 291
 $698,835
 $20,578
 $906,506
 $23,645



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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.
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 years' 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.


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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, 2019, the cash surrender value of the COLI policies was $5,976,$6,271, 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.

A summary of the carrying value and estimated fair value of our financial instruments at JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 is as follows:
June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying ValueFair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value
Assets              
Investments              
Fixed maturities:              
Available-for-sale securities$1,703,319
 $1,703,319
 $1,749,488
 $1,749,488
$1,729,286
 $1,729,286
 $1,749,488
 $1,749,488
Trading securities17,143
 17,143
 13,240
 13,240
16,880
 16,880
 13,240
 13,240
Equity securities283,178
 283,178
 248,361

248,361
292,743
 292,743
 248,361

248,361
Mortgage loans38,018
 36,374
 26,021
 25,782
38,265
 36,312
 26,021
 25,782
Other long-term investments47,772
 47,772
 37,077
 37,077
49,989
 49,989
 37,077
 37,077
Short-term investments175
 175
 175
 175
175
 175
 175
 175
Cash and cash equivalents148,784
 148,784
 64,454
 64,454
129,708
 129,708
 64,454
 64,454
Corporate-owned life insurance5,976
 5,976
 4,907
 4,907
6,271
 6,271
 4,907
 4,907























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The following tables present the categorization for our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The table includes financial instruments at JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
June 30, 2019  Fair Value Measurements
September 30, 2019  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$29,072
 $
 $29,072
 $
$39,062
 $
 $39,062
 $
U.S. government agency140,050
 
 140,050
 
113,731
 
 113,731
 
States, municipalities and political subdivisions              
General obligations              
Midwest89,370
 
 89,370
 
89,688
 
 89,688
 
Northeast32,324
 
 32,324
 
32,375
 
 32,375
 
South115,975
 
 115,975
 
116,149
 
 116,149
 
West109,893
 
 109,893
 
110,581
 
 110,581
 
Special revenue              
Midwest144,438
 
 144,438
 
143,665
 
 143,665
 
Northeast64,701
 
 64,701
 
63,220
 
 63,220
 
South236,566
 
 236,566
 
238,512
 
 238,512
 
West147,317
 
 147,317
 
145,362
 
 145,362
 
Foreign bonds5,117
 
 5,117
 
5,119
 
 5,119
 
Public utilities64,718
 
 64,718
 
65,503
 
 65,503
 
Corporate bonds              
Energy27,773
 
 27,773
 
27,946
 
 27,946
 
Industrials55,162
 
 55,162
 
54,898
 
 54,898
 
Consumer goods and services49,889
 
 49,889
 
49,953
 
 49,953
 
Health care14,567
 
 14,567
 
14,694
 
 14,694
 
Technology, media and telecommunications27,128
 
 27,128
 
27,441
 
 27,441
 
Financial services94,663
 
 94,413
 250
101,432
 
 101,182
 250
Mortgage-backed securities7,094
 
 7,094
 
6,752
 
 6,752
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations              
Government national mortgage association78,466
 
 78,466
 
77,638
 
 77,638
 


Federal home loan mortgage corporation111,463
 
 111,463
 
127,733
 
 127,733
 


Federal national mortgage association53,965
 
 53,965
 
74,172
 
 74,172
 


Asset-backed securities3,608
 
 2,864
 744
3,660
 
 2,863
 797
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities$1,703,319
 $
 $1,702,325
 $994
$1,729,286
 $
 $1,728,239
 $1,047
TRADING              
Fixed maturities:              
Bonds              
U.S. Treasury$749
 $
 $749
 $
Corporate bonds              
Industrials398
 
 398
 
Consumer goods and services1,905
 
 1,905
 
$1,948
 $
 $1,948
 $
Health care5,164
 
 5,164
 
5,635
 
 5,635
 
Technology, media and telecommunications3,203
 
 3,203
 


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Technology, media and telecommunications3,065
 
 3,065
 
Financial services2,006
 
 2,006
 
2,795
 
 2,795
 
Redeemable preferred stocks3,856
 3,856
 
 
3,299
 3,299
 
 
Total Trading Securities$17,143
 $3,856
 $13,287
 $
$16,880
 $3,299
 $13,581
 $
EQUITY SECURITIES              
Common stocks              
Public utilities$15,665
 $15,665
 $
 $
$16,995
 $16,995
 $
 $
Energy13,784
 13,784
 
 
12,824
 12,824
 
 
Industrials59,931
 59,931
 
 
59,526
 59,526
 
 
Consumer goods and services27,494
 27,494
 
 
29,010
 29,010
 
 
Health care25,378
 25,378
 
 
25,314
 25,314
 
 
Technology, media and telecommunications16,776
 16,776
 
 
18,339
 18,339
 
 
Financial services118,779
 118,779
 
 
124,663
 124,663
 
 
Nonredeemable preferred stocks5,371
 4,776
 
 595
6,072
 5,477
 
 595
Total Equity Securities$283,178
 $282,583
 $
 $595
$292,743
 $292,148
 $
 $595
Short-Term Investments$175
 $175
 $
 $
$175
 $175
 $
 $
Money Market Accounts$17,739
 $17,739
 $
 $
$30,742
 $30,742
 $
 $
Corporate-Owned Life Insurance$5,976
 $
 $5,976
 $
$6,271
 $
 $6,271
 $
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value$2,027,530
 $304,353
 $1,721,588
 $1,589
$2,076,097
 $326,364
 $1,748,091
 $1,642




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December 31, 2018  Fair Value Measurements
DescriptionTotal Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE       
Fixed maturities:       
Bonds       
U.S. Treasury$27,418
 $
 $27,418
 $
U.S. government agency214,682
 
 214,682
 
States, municipalities and political subdivisions       
General obligations       
Midwest95,212
 
 95,212
 
Northeast37,655
 
 37,655
 
South113,911
 
 113,911
 
West107,841
 
 107,841
 
Special revenue       
Midwest140,764
 
 140,764
 
Northeast61,948
 
 61,948
 
South235,809
 
 235,809
 
West142,920
 
 142,920
 
Foreign bonds9,716
 
 9,716
 
Public utilities56,059
 
 56,059
 
Corporate bonds       
Energy28,648
 
 28,648
 
Industrials53,085
 
 53,085
 
Consumer goods and services53,646
 
 53,646
 
Health care16,658
 
 16,658
 
Technology, media and telecommunications26,176
 
 26,176
 
Financial services79,349
 
 79,099
 250
Mortgage-backed securities7,424
 
 7,424
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations       
Government national mortgage association76,701
 
 76,701
 
Federal home loan mortgage corporation107,623
 
 107,623
 
Federal national mortgage association52,748
 
 52,748
 
Asset-backed securities3,495
 
 2,829
 666
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities$1,749,488
 $
 $1,748,572
 $916
TRADING       
Fixed maturities:       
Bonds       
Corporate bonds       
Industrials$397
 $
 $397
 $
Consumer goods and services1,599
 
 1,599
 
Health care3,236
 
 3,236
 
Technology, media and telecommunications3,028
 
 3,028
 
Financial services2,231
 
 2,231
 



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Redeemable preferred stocks2,749
 2,749
 
 
Total Trading Securities$13,240
 $2,749
 $10,491
 
EQUITY SECURITIES       
Common Stocks       
Public utilities$15,949
 $15,949
 $
 $
Energy10,975
 10,975
 
 
Industrials53,536
 53,536
 
 
Consumer goods and services24,465
 24,465
 
 
Health care22,286
 22,286
 
 
Technology, media and telecommunications13,944
 13,944
 
 
Financial services101,555
 101,555
 
 
Nonredeemable preferred stocks5,651
 5,056
 
 595
Total Equity Securities$248,361
 $247,766
 $
 $595
Short-Term Investments$175
 $175
 $
 $
Money Market Accounts$3,275
 $3,275
 $
 $
Corporate-Owned Life Insurance$4,907
 $
 $4,907
 $
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value$2,019,446
 $253,965
 $1,763,970
 $1,511

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, on a quarterly basis, we also test all securities in the portfolio and independently corroborate the valuations obtained from our third-party valuation service providers. Quarterly, we also perform deep dive analysis of the pricing method used by our third-party valuation service provider by selecting a random sample of securities by asset class and reviewing methodologies. In our opinion, the pricing obtained at JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was reasonable.
For the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, 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-month periods ended June 30, 2019, there were no securities transferred between Level 1 and Level 2.


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During the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, 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, 2019, 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 for the three-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019:
Corporate bonds Asset-backed securities Equities TotalCorporate bonds Asset-backed securities Equities Total
Balance at March 31, 2019$250
 $701
 $595
 $1,546
Balance at June 30, 2019$250
 $744
 $595
 $1,589
Net unrealized gains(1)

 43
 
 43

 53
 
 53
Balance at June 30, 2019$250
 $744
 $595
 $1,589
Purchases100
 
 
 100
Disposals(100) 
 
 (100)
Balance at September 30, 2019$250
 $797
 $595
 $1,642
(1) Net unrealized gains are recorded as a component of comprehensive income.

The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of our Level 3 securities for the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019:
Corporate bonds Asset-backed securities Equities TotalCorporate bonds Asset-backed securities Equities Total
Balance at January 1, 2019$250
 $666
 $595
 $1,511
$250
 $666
 $595
 $1,511
Net unrealized gains(1)

 78
 
 78

 131
 
 131
Balance at June 30, 2019$250
 $744
 $595
 $1,589
Purchases100
 
 
 
Disposals(100) 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2019$250
 $797
 $595
 $1,642
(1) Net unrealized gains 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, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
Commercial Mortgage Loans
 June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Loan-to-valueCarrying Value Carrying Value
Less than 65%$27,940
 $25,828
65%-75%8,496
 
Total amortized cost$36,436
 $25,828
Valuation allowance(62) (46)
Total mortgage loans$36,374
 $25,782



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Mortgage Loans by Region
 June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
 Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total
East North Central$3,245
 8.9% $3,244
 12.6%
Southern Atlantic6,652
 18.3
 6,652
 25.8
East South Central4,899
 13.4
 4,975
 19.3
New England6,588
 18.1
 6,588
 25.4
Middle Atlantic12,825
 35.2
 4,369
 16.9
Mountain2,227
 6.1
 
 
Total mortgage loans at amortized cost$36,436
 100.0% $25,828
 100.0%
Commercial Mortgage Loans
 September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Loan-to-valueCarrying Value Carrying Value
Less than 65%$27,878
 $25,828
65%-75%8,496
 
Total amortized cost$36,374
 $25,828
Valuation allowance(62) (46)
Total mortgage loans$36,312
 $25,782

Mortgage Loans by Property Type
 June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
 Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total
Commercial       
Multifamily$3,245
 8.9% $3,244
 12.6%
Office11,551
 31.7
 11,627
 45.0
Retail2,227
 6.1
 
 
Mixed use/Other19,413
 53.3
 10,957
 42.4
Total mortgage loans at amortized cost$36,436
 100.0% $25,828
 100.0%
Mortgage Loans by Region
 September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
 Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total
East North Central$3,245
 8.9% $3,244
 12.6%
Southern Atlantic6,652
 18.3
 6,652
 25.8
East South Central4,861
 13.4
 4,975
 19.3
New England6,588
 18.1
 6,588
 25.4
Middle Atlantic12,801
 35.2
 4,369
 16.9
Mountain2,227
 6.1
 
 
Total mortgage loans at amortized cost$36,374
 100.0% $25,828
 100.0%
Mortgage Loans by Property Type
 September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
 Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total
Commercial       
Multifamily$3,245
 8.9% $3,244
 12.6%
Office11,513
 31.7
 11,627
 45.0
Retail2,227
 6.1
 
 
Mixed use/Other19,389
 53.3
 10,957
 42.4
Total mortgage loans at amortized cost$36,374
 100.0% $25,828
 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 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, 2019, there were no mortgage loan impairments.

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.



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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


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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. 

The following table provides an analysis of changes in our property and casualty losses and loss settlement expense reserves at JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (net of reinsurance amounts):
      
June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Gross liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at beginning of year
$1,312,483
 $1,224,183
$1,312,483
 $1,224,183
Ceded losses and loss settlement expenses(57,094) (59,871)(57,094) (59,871)
Net liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at beginning of year
$1,255,389
 $1,164,312
$1,255,389
 $1,164,312
Losses and loss settlement expenses incurred
for claims occurring during
      
Current year$379,507
 $785,778
$596,771
 $785,778
Prior years4,742
 (54,167)(770) (54,167)
Total incurred$384,249
 $731,611
$596,001
 $731,611
Losses and loss settlement expense payments
for claims occurring during
      
Current year$125,106
 $306,032
$229,274
 $306,032
Prior years222,102
 334,502
316,101
 334,502
Total paid$347,208
 $640,534
$545,375
 $640,534
Net liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at end of year
$1,292,430
 $1,255,389
$1,306,015
 $1,255,389
Ceded loss and loss settlement expenses49,236
 57,094
54,524
 57,094
Gross liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at end of period
$1,341,666
 $1,312,483
$1,360,539
 $1,312,483




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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, 2019 the majority of favorable development came from workers' compensation with a partial offset coming primarily from unfavorable development for commercial liability. The favorable development for workers' compensation was primarily from reductions in reserves for reported claims which were more than sufficient to offset paid loss. The unfavorable development for commercial liability is due to paid losses and an increase in loss adjustment expenses. All other lines combined contributed additional overall favorable development during this three-month period. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 the majority of favorable development came from workers' compensation which was more than offset by unfavorable development for commercial liability. The favorable development for workers' compensation was primarily from reductions in reserves for reported claims which were more than sufficient to offset paid loss. Also, loss adjustment expense contributed favorable development with reductions in reserves more than sufficient to offset payments. The unfavorable development for commercial liability is due to paid losses and an increase in loss adjustment expenses. All other lines combined contributed additional overall favorable development during this nine-month period.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2018, the majority of unfavorable development came from two lines, commercial liability and commercial automobile with a partial offset coming primarily from favorable development in workers compensation and commercial fire and allied lines. All otherfor the three lines combined contributed a relatively minimal amount of overall unfavorable development during this three-month period. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2019, the


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majority of unfavorable development came from commercial liability with a partial offset coming primarily from favorable development in workersreinsurance assumed, workers' compensation and fidelity and surety. All other lines combined contributed a relatively minimal amount of overall unfavorable development during this six-monththree-month period. The unfavorable development in both periods in commercial liability was primarily from prior year reserve strengthening on auto liability and other liability claims.

Forfor the three-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 is attributable to latent emergence of commercial automobile claims that increased sufficiently to also generate an umbrella liability claim, as well as a large but independent general liability claim. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 the majority of favorable development came from two lines, workersfour 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 also contributed some overall 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 also contributed 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).
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.



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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 30,2019 2018 2019 2018
Three Months Ended September 30,2019 2018 2019 2018
              
Net periodic benefit cost              
Service cost$1,997
 $2,175
 $456
 $750
$1,997
 $2,175
 $456
 $750
Interest cost2,080
 1,875
 318
 502
2,080
 1,875
 319
 502
Expected return on plan assets(2,696) (2,626) 
 
(2,696) (2,626) 
 
Amortization of prior service credit
 
 (2,221) (1,352)
 
 (2,221) (1,352)
Amortization of net loss901
 1,072
 224
 589
901
 1,072
 224
 589
Net periodic benefit cost$2,282
 $2,496
 $(1,223) $489
$2,282
 $2,496
 $(1,222) $489

Pension Plan Postretirement Benefit PlanPension Plan Postretirement Benefit Plan
Six Months Ended June 30,2019 2018 2019 2018
Nine Months Ended September 30,2019 2018 2019 2018
              
Net periodic benefit cost              
Service cost$3,994
 $4,350
 $912
 $1,499
$5,991
 $6,525
 $1,368
 $2,249
Interest cost4,160
 3,750
 637
 1,004
6,240
 5,625
 956
 1,506
Expected return on plan assets(5,392) (5,251) 
 
(8,088) (7,877) 
 
Amortization of prior service credit
 
 (4,242) (2,704)
 
 (6,463) (4,056)
Amortization of net loss1,802
 2,143
 447
 1,178
2,703
 3,215
 671
 1,767
Net periodic benefit cost$4,564
 $4,992
 $(2,246) $977
$6,846
 $7,488
 $(3,468) $1,466



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A portion of the service cost component of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs is capitalized and amortized as part of deferred acquisition costs and is included in the income statement line titled "amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs." The portion not related to the compensation and the other components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs is included in the income statement line titled "other underwriting expenses."

Employer Contributions

We previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 that we expected to contribute $4,000 to the pension plan in 2019. For the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, we contributed $2,000$4,000 to the pension plan.

NOTE 6. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Non-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, Inc. Stock Plan (as amended, the "Stock Plan"). At JuneSeptember 30, 2019, there were 809,310817,355 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


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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.employees.
Options granted pursuant to the Stock Plan are granted to buy shares of United Fire'sUFG's common stock at the market value of the stock on the date of grant. Options granted prior to March 2017 vest and are exercisable in installments of 20.0 percent of the number of shares covered by the option award each year from the grant date, unless the Board of Directors authorizes the acceleration of vesting. Options granted after March 2017 vest and are exercisable in installments of 33.3 percent of the number of shares covered by the option award each year from the grant date, unless the Board of Directors authorizes the acceleration of vesting. 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 grant, 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 GrantsSix Months Ended June 30, 2019 From Inception to June 30, 2019Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 From Inception to September 30, 2019
Beginning balance890,857
 1,900,000
890,857
 1,900,000
Additional shares authorized
 1,500,000

 1,500,000
Number of awards granted(117,553) (3,140,620)(109,905) (3,132,972)
Number of awards forfeited or expired36,006
 549,930
36,403
 550,327
Ending balance809,310
 809,310
817,355
 817,355
Number of option awards exercised90,723
 1,415,337
104,338
 1,428,952
Number of unrestricted stock awards granted
 9,370

 9,370
Number of restricted stock awards vested42,425
 100,618
42,585
 100,778




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Non-Qualified Non-Employee Director Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan
The United Fire Group, Inc. 2005 Non-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, 2019, we had 34,863 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.
The activity in the Director Plan is displayed in the following table:
Authorized Shares Available for Future Award GrantsSix Months Ended June 30, 2019 From Inception to June 30, 2019Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 From Inception to September 30, 2019
Beginning balance49,163
 300,000
49,163
 300,000
Number of awards granted(14,300) (289,140)(14,300) (289,140)
Number of awards forfeited or expired
 24,003

 24,003
Ending balance34,863
 34,863
34,863
 34,863
Number of option awards exercised1,131
 119,092
1,131
 119,092
Number of restricted stock awards vested
 71,541

 71,541





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Stock-Based Compensation Expense

For the three-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $1,357$1,203 and $1,437,$1,320, respectively. For the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $4,045$5,248 and $2,718,$4,040, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the stock options.

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2019, we had $8,114$6,645 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 2019 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.
2019 $2,650
 $1,301
2020 3,614
 3,525
2021 1,672
 1,643
2022 178
 176
2023 
 
Total $8,114
 $6,645


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 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 two2 reportable business segments in our operations: property and casualty insurance and life insurance. The property and casualty insurance business has six6 domestic locations


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from which it conducts its direct 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 one1 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 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.
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


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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, 2019 and 2018:
Three Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)2019 20182019 2018
Basic Diluted Basic DilutedBasic Diluted Basic Diluted
Net income (loss) from continuing operations$(4,196) $(4,196) $157
 $157
$(2,342) $(2,342) $11,070
 $11,070
Weighted-average common shares outstanding25,210,354
 25,210,354
 24,976,563
 24,976,563
25,176,334
 25,176,334
 25,052,627
 25,052,627
Add dilutive effect of restricted stock unit awards
 
 
 281,654

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

 
 
 294,688
Weighted-average common shares outstanding25,210,354
 25,210,354
 24,976,563
 25,611,773
25,176,334
 25,176,334
 25,052,627
 25,626,951
Earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations$(0.17) $(0.17) $0.01
 $0.01
$(0.09) $(0.09) $0.44
 $0.43
Earnings (loss) per common share$(0.17) $(0.17) $0.01
 $0.01
$(0.09) $(0.09) $0.44
 $0.43
Awards excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation(1)

 63,897
 
 2,681

 63,897
 
 
(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, 2019 and 2018:

Six Months Ended June 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)2019 20182019 2018
Basic Diluted Basic DilutedBasic Diluted Basic Diluted
Net income from continuing operations$40,325
 $40,325
 $20,521
 $20,521
$37,983
 $37,983
 $31,591
 $31,591
Weighted-average common shares outstanding25,170,877
 25,170,877
 24,946,335
 24,946,335
25,172,716
 25,172,716
 24,982,155
 24,982,155
Add dilutive effect of restricted stock unit awards
 257,810
 
 281,654

 249,605
 
 279,636
Add dilutive effect of stock options
 231,116
 
 354,719

 221,423
 
 345,514
Weighted-average common shares outstanding25,170,877
 25,659,803
 24,946,335
 25,582,708
25,172,716
 25,643,744
 24,982,155
 25,607,305
Earnings per common share from continuing operations$1.60
 $1.57
 $0.82
 $0.80
$1.51
 $1.48
 $1.26
 $1.23
Earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operations
 
 (0.08) (0.07)
 
 (0.08) (0.07)
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
 
 1.10
 1.07

 
 1.10
 1.07
Earnings per common share$1.60
 $1.57
 $1.84
 $1.80
$1.51
 $1.48
 $2.28
 $2.23
Awards excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation(1)

 63,897
 
 2,681

 63,897
 
 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.


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There was no0 outstanding balance on the Credit Agreement at JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. For the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, we did not0t incur any interest expense related to either credit facility. We were in compliance with all covenants of the Credit Agreement at JuneSeptember 30, 2019.

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, 2019:
  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, 201916,956
 (20,261) $(3,305)
Balance as of June 30, 201939,518
 (19,373) $20,145
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income before reclassifications22,592
 
 22,592
12,173
 
 12,173
Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(30) 888
 858
(103) 888
 785
Balance as of June 30, 2019$39,518
 $(19,373) $20,145
Balance as of September 30, 2019$51,588
 $(18,485) $33,103
(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, 2019:
  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, 2019(9,323) (21,149) $(30,472)(9,323) (21,149) $(30,472)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income before reclassifications48,941
 
 48,941
61,114
 
 61,114
Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(100) 1,776
 1,676
(203) 2,664
 2,461
Balance as of June 30, 2019$39,518
 $(19,373) $20,145
Balance as of September 30, 2019$51,588
 $(18,485) $33,103
(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


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seamless transfer of the business between UFG and Kuvare. The TSA includes, among other considerations, accounting management, human resources, legal and information technology services, from the closing date for up to 24 months. Since the closeclosing date, the Company has received $717$809 as part of the TSA agreement.TSA.
Summary operating results of discontinued operations were as follows for the periods indicated:
Discontinued Operations
Statements of Income (Unaudited)
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)2019 2018 2019 2018
        
Revenues       
Net premiums earned$
 $
 $
 $13,003
Investment income, net of investment expenses
 
 
 12,663
Net realized investment gains (losses)


 
 (1,057)
Other income
 
 
 146
Total revenues$
 $
 $
 $24,755
        
Benefits, Losses and Expenses       
Losses and loss settlement expenses$
 $
 $
 $10,823
Increase in liability for future policy benefits
 
 
 5,023
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
 
 
 1,895
Other underwriting expenses
 
 
 3,864
Interest on policyholders’ accounts
 
 
 4,499
Total benefits, losses and expenses$
 $
 $
 $26,104
        
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes$
 $
 $
 $(1,349)
Federal income tax expense
 
 
 563
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations$
 $
 $
 $(1,912)
Earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operations:       
Basic$
 $
 $
 (0.08)
Diluted
 
 
 (0.07)


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Discontinued Operations
Statements of Income (Unaudited)
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)2019 2018 2019 2018
        
Revenues       
Net premiums earned$
 $
 $
 $13,003
Investment income, net of investment expenses
 
 
 12,663
Net realized investment gains (losses)


 
 (1,057)
Other income
 
 
 146
Total revenues$
 $
 $
 $24,755
        
Benefits, Losses and Expenses       
Losses and loss settlement expenses$
 $
 $
 $10,823
Increase in liability for future policy benefits
 
 
 5,023
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
 
 
 1,895
Other underwriting expenses
 
 
 3,864
Interest on policyholders’ accounts
 
 
 4,499
Total benefits, losses and expenses$
 $
 $
 $26,104
        
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes$
 $
 $
 $(1,349)
Federal income tax expense
 
 
 563
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations$
 $
 $
 $(1,912)
Earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operations:       
Basic$
 $
 $
 (0.08)
Diluted
 
 
 (0.07)

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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NOTE 12. LEASES

The Company has operating leases consisting of office space, vehicle leases, computer equipment, and office equipment. Lease terms and options vary in the Company's operating leases dependent upon the underlying leased asset. We exclude options to extend or terminate a lease from our recognition as part of our right-of-use assets and lease liabilities until those options are known and/or executed, as we typically do not exercise options to purchase the underlying leased asset. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2019, we have leases with remaining terms of 1 year to 7 years, some of which may include no options for renewal and others with options to extend the lease terms from 6 months to 5 years.
The components of our operating leases were as follows:
 As of June 30, 2019 As of September 30, 2019
    
Components of lease expense:    
Operating lease expense $3,820
 $5,730
Less sublease income 252
 371
Net lease expense 3,568
 5,359
Cash flows information related to leases:    
Operating cash outflow from operating leases 3,608
 5,420

Balance sheet information for operating leases: As of June 30, 2019 As of September 30, 2019
    
Operating lease right-of-use assets (Other assets on Consolidated Balance Sheets) $18,398
 $16,924
Operating lease liabilities (Accrued expenses and other liabilities on Consolidated Balance Sheets) 18,884
 17,389
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities 467
 687
Weighted average remaining lease term 3.50
 3.27
Weighted average discount rate 4.80% 4.75%

Maturities of lease liabilities: As of June 30, 2019 As of September 30, 2019
2019 $3,800
 $1,906
2020 7,258
 7,401
2021 5,256
 5,262
2022 2,374
 2,402
2023 1,293
 1,312
Thereafter 298
 298
Total lease payments 20,279
 18,581
Less imputed interest (1,395) (1,192)
Lease liability $18,884
 $17,389




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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, 2018. There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies from December 31, 2018.

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, 2018. 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 from our continuing operations include losses and loss settlement expenses, future policy benefits, underwriting and other operating expenses and interest on policyholders' accounts.expenses.
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 accounted for as discontinued operations in the 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 11. "Discontinued Operations."



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Reportable Segments

Subsequent to the announcement of the sale of the life insurance business on September 19, 2017, we have operated and report as one business segment. The life insurance business has been 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, 2019, approximately 47.648.3 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)2019 2018 % 2019 2018 %2019 2018 % 2019 2018 %
Revenues                ��     
Net premiums earned$276,486
 $256,853
 7.6 % $538,800
 $502,020
 7.3 %$274,942
 $264,747
 3.9 % $813,742
 $766,767
 6.1 %
Investment income, net of investment expenses14,120
 17,249
 (18.1) 30,632
 30,741
 (0.4)13,291
 13,192
 0.8
 43,923
 43,933
 
Net realized investment gains (losses)     
      
     
      
Change in the value of equity securities12,499
 305
 NM
 37,133
 (8,883) NM
9,692
 14,381
 (32.6) 46,825
 5,498
 NM
All other net realized gains1,092
 992
 10.1
 3,171
 2,316
 36.9
Net realized investment gains (losses)13,591
 1,297
 NM
 40,304
 (6,567) NM
All other net realized gains (losses)130
 (410) (131.7) 3,301
 1,906
 73.2
Net realized investment gains9,822
 13,971
 (29.7) 50,126
 7,404
 NM
Total revenues$304,197
 $275,399
 10.5 % $609,736
 $526,194
 15.9 %$298,055
 $291,910
 2.1 % $907,791
 $818,104
 11.0 %

          
          
Benefits, Losses and Expenses
          
          
Losses and loss settlement expenses$220,009
 $189,146
 16.3 % $384,249
 $333,874
 15.1 %$211,752
 $193,667
 9.3 % $596,001
 $527,541
 13.0 %
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs54,795
 50,810
 7.8
 107,014
 100,449
 6.5
54,828
 51,758
 5.9
 161,842
 152,207
 6.3
Other underwriting expenses33,964
 37,252
 (8.8) 68,367
 72,107
 (5.2)36,003
 33,887
 6.2
 104,370
 105,994
 (1.5)
Total benefits, losses and expenses$308,768
 $277,208
 11.4 % $559,630
 $506,430
 10.5 %$302,583
 $279,312
 8.3 % $862,213
 $785,742
 9.7 %


          

          
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes$(4,571) $(1,809) 152.7
 $50,106
 $19,764
 153.5 %$(4,528) $12,598
 (135.9) $45,578
 $32,362
 40.8 %
Federal income tax expense (benefit)(375) (1,966) (80.9) 9,781
 (757) NM
(2,186) 1,528
 (243.1) 7,595
 771
 NM
Net income (loss) from continuing operations$(4,196) $157
 NM
 $40,325
 $20,521
 96.5 %$(2,342) $11,070
 (121.2)% $37,983
 $31,591
 20.2 %
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
  % 
 (1,912) (100.0)%
 
  % 
 (1,912) (100.0)%
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax
 
  % 
 27,307
 (100.0)%
 
  % 
 27,307
 (100.0)%
Net income (loss)$(4,196) $157
 NM
 $40,325
 $45,916
 (12.2)%$(2,342) $11,070
 (121.2)% $37,983
 $56,986
 (33.3)%
                      
GAAP Ratios:   
           
        
Net loss ratio (without catastrophes)71.6% 67.7% 5.8 % 66.5% 62.8% 5.9 %70.0% 68.6% 2.0 % 67.8% 64.8% 4.6 %
Catastrophes - effect on net loss ratio8.0
 5.9
 35.6 % 4.8
 3.7
 29.7 %7.0
 4.6
 52.2 % 5.5
 4.0
 37.5 %
Net loss ratio(1)
79.6% 73.6% 8.2 % 71.3% 66.5% 7.2 %77.0% 73.2% 5.2 % 73.3% 68.8% 6.5 %
Expense ratio(2)
32.1
 34.3
 (6.4)% 32.6
 34.4
 (5.2)%33.0
 32.3
 2.2 % 32.7
 33.7
 (3.0)%
Combined ratio(3)
111.7% 107.9% 3.5 % 103.9% 100.9% 3.0 %110.0% 105.5% 4.3 % 106.0% 102.5% 3.4 %
(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 for the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019:

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For the three-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, net loss was $4.2$2.3 million compared to net income of $0.2$11.1 million for the same period of 2018. In the three-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, an increase in catastrophe losses and unfavorable prior year reserve developmentloss settlement expenses, and a lower increase in the change in the fair value of equity securities were partially offset by an increase in realized gains on equity securities and an increase in net earned premiums.premiums earned. Net premiums earned increased to $276.5$274.9 million compared to $256.9$264.7 million for the same period of 2018 primarily due to rate increases, premium audits and endorsements.

For the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, net income was $40.3$38.0 million compared to net income of $45.9$57.0 million for the same period of 2018. In the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, there was an increase in net premiums earned and net realized gains on equity securities, partially offset by an increase in losses and loss settlement expenses driven by unfavorable prior year reserve development and an increase in catastrophe losses.losses and a decrease in favorable prior year reserve development. Net premiums earned increased to $538.8$813.7 million compared to $502.0$766.8 million for the same period of 2018 primarily due to rate increases, premium audits and endorsements.

Investment income decreasedincreased by $3.1$0.1 million and $0.1 millionwas flat, respectively, during the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 compared to the same periods of 2018. The change in net investment income for the three-month period ended June 30, 2019 was due to lower appreciation in the value of our investments in limited liability partnerships. 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 change in net investment income for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 was relatively flat due to assets under management remaining relatively flat for the year.

The increasedecrease in net realized investment gains of $12.3$4.1 million was primarily due to stronga lower increase in the change in the fair value of equity marketssecurities during the three-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, which resulted2019. The change in an increase in the fair value of equity securities of $12.5in the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 was $9.7 million compared to an increase of $0.3$14.4 million during the same period of 2018. For the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, the increase in net realized investment gains of $46.9$42.7 million was primarily due to an increase in the fair value of equity securities of $37.1$46.8 million compared to a decreasean increase of $8.9$5.5 million in the same period of 2018.

Losses and loss settlement expenses increased by 16.39.3 percentage points during the three-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 compared to the same period of 2018.2018 primarily due to an increase in catastrophe losses, an increase in severity of losses and reserves additions in the current accident year, in our commercial auto and liability lines of business. Losses and loss settlement expenses increased by 15.113.0 percentage points during the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 compared to the same period of 2018. The increase in both periods was2018 primarily due to unfavorablea decrease in favorable prior year reserve development from reserve strengthening in our commercial auto and commercial liability lines of business and an increase in our Gulf Coast region.catastrophe losses.

The combined ratio increased 3.84.5 percentage points and 3.03.5 percentage points to 111.7110.0 percent and 103.9106.0 percent for the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, compared to 107.9105.5 percent and 100.9102.5 percent for the same periods of 2018. The increaseincreases in the combined ratioratios in the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 wasas compared to the same periods in 2018 are primarily driven by an increase in the GAAP loss ratio from a combination of increasedan increase in catastrophe losses, an increase in severity of losses and unfavorable prior year reserve development partially offset by a decreasereserves additions in the expense ratio.current accident year in our commercial auto and liability lines of business.

Pre-tax catastrophe losses in the secondthird quarter of 2019 were higher compared to the secondthird quarter of 2018, with catastrophe losses adding 8.07.0 percentage points to the combined ratio in 2019 compared to 5.94.6 percentage points in 2018. Our 10-year historical average for secondthird quarter is 10.97.3 percentage points added to the combined ratio. Year-to-date, catastrophe losses added 4.85.5 percentage points in 2019 compared to 3.74.0 percentage points in 2018.

The GAAP net loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses deteriorated by 3.91.4 percentage points and 3.73.0 percentage points to 71.670.0 percent and 66.567.8 percent in the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, respectively, as compared to the same period of 2018, primarily due to unfavorable prior year reserve development2018. The increase in 2019 as previously mentioned. Excluding the impact of prior year development, our coreGAAP net loss ratio improved 3.5 percentage points and 6.8 percentage points, respectively, forin the three- and six-month periodsthree-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 as compared to the same periodsperiod of 2018.2018 is primarily due to an increase in catastrophe losses, an increase in severity of losses and reserves additions in the current accident year in our commercial auto and liability


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lines of business. The increase in the GAAP net loss ratio in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 compared to the same period of 2018 is primarily due to a decrease in favorable prior year reserve development from reserve strengthening in our commercial auto and liability lines of business.

The expense ratio was 32.133.0 percent and 32.632.7 percent, respectively, for the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, an increase of 0.7 percentage points and a decrease of 2.2 percentage points and 1.81.0 percentage points, respectively, as compared with the same periods of 2018. The decreaseincrease in the three- and six-month periodsthree-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 was primarily due to quarterly fluctuations in expenses for our multi-year Oasis project to upgrade our technology platform to enhance core underwriting decisions, selection of risks and productivity. The decrease in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 was due to a decrease in employee benefit accruals and expenses due to post-retirement benefit plan amendments made at the end of 2018 and capitalization of development expenses for our multi-year Oasis project. The Oasis project is intended to upgrade our technology platform to enhance core underwriting decisions, selection of risks and productivity.2018.

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.

2019 Development

The property and casualty insurance business experienced $9.4$5.5 million and $4.7 million, respectively, of unfavorable development in our net reserves for prior accident years for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019. For the three-month period ended June 30, 2019 the majority of unfavorable development was from commercial liability with $17.5 million unfavorable development, followed by assumed reinsurance which contributed $2.1 million of unfavorable development. The unfavorable development in commercial liability was primarily from paid loss and an increase in claim reserves along with prior year reserve strengthening on auto liability and other liability claims in our Gulf Coast region. The apparent adverse development for assumed reinsurance is attributed to the acquisition of a new reinsurance program. The loss portfolio transfer of reserves for prior accident years shows up as unfavorable development. All other lines of insurance, in total, contributed $10.2 million of favorable development during the quarter which partially offset the unfavorable development from commercial liability and assumed reinsurance. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 the majority of unfavorable development was from commercial liability with $16.0 million unfavorable development, followed by commercial fire and allied lines which contributed $2.4 million unfavorable development and then assumed reinsurance which contributed $1.2 million of unfavorable development. The unfavorable development in commercial liability was primarily from prior


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year reserve strengthening on auto liability and other liability claims in our Gulf Coast region. Commercial fire and allied lines developed unfavorably due to an increase in paid loss. Reductions in unpaid claim reserves did not fully offset paid loss, but loss adjustment expense did provide a partial offset to the loss development by contributing favorable development. The apparent adverse development for assumed reinsurance is attributed to the acquisition of a new reinsurance program which was noted when discussing quarterly results above. All other lines of insurance, in total, contributed $14.9 million of favorable development during the year, which partially offset unfavorable development from commercial liability, commercial fire and allied and assumed reinsurance.

2018 Development

The property and casualty insurance business experienced $10.3 million of favorable development and $48.4$0.8 million of favorable development in our net reserves for prior accident years for the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, respectively. For the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 the majority of favorable development was from workers' compensation with $14.9 million favorable development, followed by assumed reinsurance which contributed $1.2 million of favorable development. The favorable development for workers' compensation was primarily from reductions in reserves for reported claims which were more than sufficient to offset paid losses. The favorable development for assumed reinsurance was primarily from reductions in incurred but not reported ("IBNR") reserves which were more than sufficient to offset paid losses. The favorable development was partially offset by unfavorable development for two lines, primarily from commercial liability which experienced $11.5 million of unfavorable development due to paid loss and loss adjustment expense. Commercial fire and allied lines


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also contributed $1.1 million of unfavorable development due to paid loss and paid loss adjustment expense. All other lines of insurance, in total, contributed an additional $2.0 million of favorable development during the quarter.

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 the majority of favorable development was from workers' compensation with $26.3 million favorable development, followed by fidelity and surety which was $3.1 million favorable. The favorable development for workers' compensation was primarily from reductions in reserves for reported claims which were more than sufficient to offset paid losses; loss adjustment expense also contributed favorable development with reductions in reserves more than sufficient to offset payments. The favorable development for fidelity and surety was from reductions in IBNR reserves, reductions in claim reserves and salvage recoveries. The favorable development was partially offset by unfavorable development for two lines, primarily from commercial liability which experienced $27.4 million of unfavorable development due to paid loss and loss adjustment expense. Commercial fire and allied lines also contributed $3.5 million of unfavorable development due to paid losses. All other lines of insurance, in total, contributed an additional $2.3 million of favorable year-to-date development.

2018 Development

The property and casualty insurance business experienced $0.7 million of unfavorable and $47.7 million of favorable development in our net reserves for prior accident years for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 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-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 the three individual lines experienced unfavorablecontributing the majority of favorable development which totaled $6.0 million. Essentially all ofpartially offset the unfavorable development came from two lines: commercial fire and allied lines,noted above were reinsurance assumed with $3.7$6.5 million unfavorableof favorable development, workers' compensation with $5.4 million of favorable development, and commercial other liability,fidelity and surety with $2.3$1.6 million unfavorableof favorable development.

For the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 the majority of favorable development came from threefour 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 wasin 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 reportedIBNR claims, and reservesreserve for general loss adjustment expenses.

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, 2019, our total reserves were within our actuarial estimates.


























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The following tables display our net premiums earned, net losses and loss settlement expenses and net loss ratio by line of business:
Three Months Ended June 30,2019 2018
Three Months Ended September 30,2019 2018
  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$79,452
 $57,582
 72.5 % $76,309
 $38,503
 50.5 %$80,421
 $50,656
 63.0 % $78,943
 $53,581
 67.9 %
Fire and allied lines60,615
 55,851
 92.1
 57,996
 51,101
 88.1
61,628
 49,628
 80.5
 59,056
 40,514
 68.6
Automobile78,472
 69,766
 88.9
 69,709
 66,090
 94.8
80,574
 85,227
 105.8
 72,773
 68,892
 94.7
Workers compensation22,621
 9,378
 41.5
 23,633
 17,002
 71.9
Workers' compensation22,041
 3,076
 14.0
 24,127
 17,776
 73.7
Fidelity and surety6,146
 (650) (10.6) 5,742
 291
 5.1
6,755
 1,437
 21.3
 5,929
 1,379
 23.3
Miscellaneous436
 99
 22.7
 428
 193
 45.1
428
 63
 14.7
 436
 (29) (6.7)
Total commercial lines$247,742
 $192,026
 77.5 % $233,817
 $173,180
 74.1 %$251,847
 $190,087
 75.5 % $241,264
 $182,113
 75.5 %
                      
Personal lines                      
Fire and allied lines$10,302
 $14,386
 139.6 % $10,396
 $9,359
 90.0 %$10,370
 $13,469
 129.9 % $10,416
 $11,423
 109.7 %
Automobile7,698
 6,809
 88.5
 7,227
 6,213
 86.0
7,870
 6,946
 88.3
 7,450
 6,731
 90.3
Miscellaneous307
 552
 179.8
 301
 (167) (55.5)312
 (130) (41.7) 307
 25
 8.1
Total personal lines$18,307
 $21,747
 118.8 % $17,924
 $15,405
 85.9 %$18,552
 $20,285
 109.3 % $18,173
 $18,179
 100.0 %
Reinsurance assumed$10,437
 $6,236
 59.7 % $5,112
 $561
 11.0 %$4,543
 $1,380
 30.4 % $5,310
 $(6,625) (124.8)%
Total$276,486
 $220,009
 79.6 % $256,853
 $189,146
 73.6 %$274,942
 $211,752
 77.0 % $264,747
 $193,667
 73.2 %



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Six Months Ended June 30,2019 2018
Nine Months Ended September 30,2019 2018
  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$157,879
 $95,857
 60.7 % $151,902
 $63,806
 42.0 %$238,300
 $146,513
 61.5% $230,845
 $117,387
 50.9 %
Fire and allied lines119,789
 92,637
 77.3
 115,395
 85,330
 73.9
181,417
 142,265
 78.4
 174,451
 125,844
 72.1
Automobile153,706
 140,337
 91.3
 136,403
 120,037
 88.0
234,280
 225,564
 96.3
 209,176
 188,929
 90.3
Workers compensation44,496
 15,323
 34.4
 46,974
 29,062
 61.9
Workers' compensation66,537
 18,399
 27.7
 71,101
 46,838
 65.9
Fidelity and surety12,521
 (901) (7.2) 11,215
 949
 8.5
19,276
 536
 2.8
 17,144
 2,328
 13.6
Miscellaneous863
 
 
 853
 377
 44.2
1,291
 63
 4.9
 1,289
 348
 27.0
Total commercial lines$489,254
 $343,253
 70.2 % $462,742
 $299,561
 64.7 %$741,101
 $533,340
 72.0% $704,006
 $481,674
 68.4 %
                      
Personal lines                      
Fire and allied lines$20,522
 $20,668
 100.7 % $20,834
 $16,760
 80.4 %$30,892
 $34,137
 110.5% $31,250
 $28,183
 90.2 %
Automobile15,180
 12,476
 82.2
 14,236
 11,970
 84.1
23,050
 19,422
 84.3
 21,686
 18,701
 86.2
Miscellaneous608
 484
 79.6
 596
 (272) (45.6)920
 354
 38.5
 903
 (247) (27.4)
Total personal lines$36,310
 $33,628
 92.6 % $35,666
 $28,458
 79.8 %$54,862
 $53,913
 98.3% $53,839
 $46,637
 86.6 %
Reinsurance assumed$13,236
 $7,368
 55.7 % $3,612
 $5,855
 162.1 %$17,779
 $8,748
 49.2% $8,922
 $(770) (8.6)%
Total$538,800
 $384,249
 71.3 % $502,020
 $333,874
 66.5 %$813,742
 $596,001
 73.2% $766,767
 $527,541
 68.8 %

Below are explanations regarding significant changes in the net loss ratios by line of business:
 
Other liability - The net loss ratio improved 4.9 and deteriorated 22.0 and 18.710.6 percentage points respectively, in the three-three and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2018. The deteriorationquarterly improvement is attributable to a decrease in both periodslosses over $500 thousand and a decrease in products liability IBNR reserves partially offset by an increase in unfavorable prior year reserve development, an increase in paid losses and an increase in auto liability IBNR reserves from an increase in severity. The year-to-date deterioration is primarily dueattributable to increases in paid losses, paid loss adjustment expense and increase in reserves along with unfavorable prior year unfavorable reserve development primarily in our Gulf Coast region.

Commercial automobile - The net loss ratio improved 5.9deteriorated 11.1 and deteriorated 3.36.0 percentage points respectively, in the three-three and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2018. The deterioration for the quarterly improvementresults is attributable primarily to loss adjustment expense which saw favorable changesan increase in paid losses as well as an increase in IBNR reserves for both the paid amount and thethird quarter of 2019 due to an increase in severity of losses compared with an IBNR reserve for unpaid loss adjustment expense while incurred loss was essentially unchanged.decrease in 2018. The year-to-date deterioration is primarily attributable toincreased paid losses and a decrease in prior year favorable reserve development from reserve strengthening in our Gulf Coast region andin 2019 as compared to a lesser extent, an increasethe same period in paid losses.2018.

WorkersCommercial fire and allied lines - The net loss ratio deteriorated 11.9 and 6.3 percentage points in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2018. The deterioration in both periods is primarily due to an increase in catastrophe losses in 2019 and reserve releases in the same periods in 2018. For the quarter, the deterioration is attributable to changes in IBNR reserves which decreased significantly during the third quarter of 2018 compared to no change during the third quarter of 2019 along with changes in reserves for loss adjustment expense which increased moderately in 2019 compared with a decrease in the same period in 2018. The year-to-date deterioration is


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primarily attributable to changes in loss IBNR reserves which increased during 2019 compared with no change during the same period in 2018 along with changes in reserves for loss adjustment expense which changed slightly during 2019 compared with a decrease during 2018.

Workers' compensation - The net loss ratio improved 30.459.7 and 27.538.2 percentage points respectively, in the three-three and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2018. ThisThe improvement in both periods is attributable to the combination of three factors: severity of claims has decreased in 2019 vs. 2018, an increase in favorable prior year reserve development in 2019 vs. 2018 and a decrease in severity of losses over $0.5 million.loss adjustment expenses in 2019 vs. 2018

Fidelity and surety - The net loss ratio improved 15.72.0 and 15.710.8 percentage points respectively, in the three-three and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2018. The improvement is attributable to favorable changes for paid loss and paid loss adjustment expense, both of which were lower for 2019 vs. 2018 because 2018 had experienced significant payments for asignificantly more large single claim.claim activity.

Personal fire and allied lines -The net loss ratio deteriorated 49.620.2 and 20.3 percentage points respectively, in the three-three and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2018. The deterioration for both periods is primarily attributable to an increase in paid losses in 2019 and increase in IBNR reserves for 2019 vs. no change in 2018.


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deterioration is attributable to significantly more storm claims in 2019 vs. 2018 which increased paid loss and also reserves for unpaid claims.

Reinsurance assumed - The net loss ratio deteriorated 48.7155.2 and improved 106.457.8 percentage points respectively, in the three-three and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2018. ComparisonsFor the quarter, the deterioration is attributable to changes in IBNR reserves which decreased significantly during the third quarter of 2018 compared to less of a decrease during the third quarter of 2019. Year-to-date comparisons of results for 2019 vs. 2018 need to consider effects of a new reinsurance program which resulted in a portfolio transfer of premiums and reserves for prior accident years in the second quarter of 2019.

Financial Condition

Stockholders' equity increased to $968.3$964.2 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2019, from $888.4 million at December 31, 2018. The increase was primarily attributed to net income of $40.3$38.0 million and an increase in net unrealized investment gains of $48.8$60.9 million, net of tax, partially offset by shareholder dividends of $16.1$24.4 million.

At JuneSeptember 30, 2019, the book value per share of our common stock was $38.36.$38.44. During the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, 1,507178,756 shares of common stock were repurchased for a total of $69.$8.1 million. Under our share repurchase program, which is scheduled to expire on August 31, 2020, we were authorized to repurchase an additional 2,114,6931,937,444 shares of our common stock as of JuneSeptember 30, 2019.



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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)2019 2018 2019 20182019 2018 2019 2018
Revenues              
Net premiums earned$
 $
 $
 $13,003
$
 $
 $
 $13,003
Investment income, net of investment expenses
 
 
 12,663

 
 
 12,663
Net realized investment gains (losses)
 
 
 (1,057)
 
 
 (1,057)
Other income
 
 
 146

 
 
 146
Total revenues$
 $
 $
 $24,755
$
 $
 $
 $24,755
              
Benefits, Losses and Expenses              
Losses and loss settlement expenses$
 $
 $
 $10,823
$
 $
 $
 $10,823
Increase in liability for future policy benefits
 
 
 5,023

 
 
 5,023
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
 
 
 1,895

 
 
 1,895
Other underwriting expenses
 
 
 3,864

 
 
 3,864
Interest on policyholders' accounts
 
 
 4,499

 
 
 4,499
Total benefits, losses and expenses$
 $
 $
 $26,104
$
 $
 $
 $26,104
              
Loss from discontinued operations, before income taxes$
 $
 $
 $(1,349)$
 $
 $
 $(1,349)

The sale of our discontinued operations closed on March 30, 2018, and therefore no income attributable to that business was earned in the first and second quarter ofnine-month period ended September 30, 2019. For the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, our discontinued operations had a loss before income taxes of $1.3 million.

Investment Portfolio

Our invested assets totaled $2.1 billion at JuneSeptember 30, 2019, compared to $2.1 billion at December 31, 2018, an increase of $13.8$51.3 million. At JuneSeptember 30, 2019, fixed maturity securities and equity securities made up 82.482.2 percent and 13.613.8 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, 2019 is presented at carrying value in the following table:
     
  Total
    Percent
(In Thousands, Except Ratios)   of Total
Fixed maturities (1)
 

 

Available-for-sale $1,703,319
 81.6%
Trading securities 17,143
 0.8
Equity securities 283,178
 13.6
Mortgage loans 36,374
 1.7
Other long-term investments 47,772
 2.3
Short-term investments 175
 
Total $2,087,961
 100.0%
 Continuing Operations
 Property & Casualty Insurance
   Percent
(In Thousands, Except Ratios)  of Total
Fixed maturities (1)
   
Available-for-sale$1,729,286
 81.4%
Trading securities16,880
 0.8
Equity securities292,743
 13.8
Mortgage loans36,312
 1.7
Other long-term investments49,989
 2.3
Short-term investments175
 
Total$2,125,385
 100.0%
(1) Available-for-sale securities and trading fixed maturities are carried at fair value.

At both JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we classified $1.7 billion, or 99.0 percent, and $1.7 billion, or 99.2 percent, respectively, of our fixed maturities portfolio as available-for-sale. We classify our remaining fixed maturities as trading. 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, 2019 and December 31, 2018, 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 at JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. 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, 2019 December 31, 2018September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
RatingCarrying Value % of Total Carrying Value % of TotalCarrying Value % of Total Carrying Value % of Total
AAA$676,966
 39.3% $734,471
 41.7%$710,279
 40.7% $734,471
 41.7%
AA689,927
 40.1
 684,863
 38.9
678,857
 38.9
 684,863
 38.9
A176,984
 10.3
 178,282
 10.1
174,842
 10.0
 178,282
 10.1
Baa/BBB164,462
 9.6
 157,349
 8.9
166,685
 9.5
 157,349
 8.9
Other/Not Rated12,123
 0.7
 7,763
 0.4
15,503
 0.9
 7,763
 0.4
$1,720,462
 100.0% $1,762,728
 100.0%$1,746,166
 100.0% $1,762,728
 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 we use 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 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 decreasedincreased by 18.1%0.8% percent and 0.4%was flat, respectively, in the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, compared with the same periodperiods of 2018. The change in net investment income for the three-month period ended June 30, 2019 was due to lower appreciation 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, 2019, the change in value of our investments in limited liability partnerships from continuing operations resulted in investment loss of $0.7 million and investment income of $0.1 million and $2.6$1.9 million, respectively, as compared to an increaseinvestment loss of $3.1$0.6 million and $4.5investment income of $3.4 million, respectively, in investment income in the same periods of 2018. This resulted in a decrease of $3.0$0.1 million and $1.9$1.5 million, respectively, in investment income in the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019.
Our net realized investment gains were $13.6$9.8 million and $40.3$50.1 million, respectively, during the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, as compared with net realized investment gains of $1.3$14.0 million and net realized investment losses of $6.6$7.4 million in the same period of 2018. $12.2$4.7 million of the $12.3$4.1 million change in the three-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 as compared to the same period in 2018 is due to the change in the fair value of equity securities. $46.0$41.3 million of the $46.9$42.7 million change in the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 as compared to the same period in 2018 is due to the change in the fair value of equity securities.
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 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, 2019 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, 2019 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, 2019 and 2018, there were no other-than-temporary impairment write-downs.

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 loss settlement expenses, the purchase of investments, operating expenses, dividends, pension plan contributions, and in recent years, common stock repurchases.


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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


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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, 2019 and 2018 from continuing and discontinued operations:
Cash Flow SummarySix Months Ended June 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands)2019 20182019 2018
Cash provided by (used in)      
Operating activities$36,276
 $65,647
$56,165
 $69,214
Investing activities62,600
 (27,677)39,589
 2,491
Financing activities(14,546) (25,873)(30,500) (108,195)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents$84,330
 $12,097
$65,254
 $(36,490)
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, 2019 and 2018 and we anticipate they will be sufficient to meet our future liquidity needs.
Operating Activities
Net cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $36.3$56.2 million and $65.669.2 million for the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, 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 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, $279.4$308.4 million, or 16.217.7 percent, of our fixed maturity portfolio will mature.
We invest funds required for short-term cash needs primarily in money market accounts, which are classified as cash equivalents. At JuneSeptember 30, 2019, our cash and cash equivalents included $17.7$30.7 million related to these money market accounts, compared to $3.3 million at December 31, 2018.


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Net cash flows provided by investing activities was $62.6were $39.6 million and used by investing activities was $27.7$2.5 million for the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. For the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, we had cash inflows from scheduled and unscheduled investment maturities, redemptions, prepayments, and sales of


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investments from continuing operations of $150.6$246.6 million and $90.5$240.2 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 $67.1$179.2 million for the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, compared to $395.5$504.4 million for the same period of 2018.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows used in financing activities from continuing operations was $14.5$30.5 million for the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 which increased $0.2decreased $77.7 million compared to $14.3$108.2 million used in the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018.
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, 2019 and 2018, 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 $16.1$24.4 million and $14.7$97.6 million in the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Dividends paid to shareholders in 2018 were higher than 2019 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.
Payments of any future dividends and the amounts of such dividends 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 our 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, 2019, UFG's sole direct insurance company subsidiary, United Fire & Casualty Company, is able to make a maximum of $109.2$184.2 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 increased 9.08.5 percent to $968.3$964.2 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2019, from $888.4 million at December 31, 2018. The increase was primarily attributed to net income of $40.3$38.0 million and an increase in net unrealized investment gains of $48.8$60.9 million, net of tax, during the first sixnine months of 2019, partially offset by shareholder dividends of $16.1$24.4 million. At JuneSeptember 30, 2019, the book value per share of our common stock was $38.36$38.44 compared to $35.40 at December 31, 2018.






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OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

Funding Commitments

Pursuant to an agreement with one of our limited liability partnership investments, we are contractually committed through July 31, 2028, to make capital contributions upon request of the partnership. Our remaining potential contractual obligation was $17.8$16.0 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2019.

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)("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)2019 2018 2019 20182019 2018 2019 2018
ISO catastrophes$19,549
 $15,111
 $23,095
 $18,549
$18,549
 $12,441
 $41,643
 $30,990
Non-ISO catastrophes (1)
2,456
 4
 2,541
 (73)743
 (173) 3,284
 (245)
Total catastrophes$22,005
 $15,115
 $25,636
 $18,476
$19,292
 $12,268
 $44,927
 $30,745
(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, 2019, 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, 2018.

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, 2019 to be ordinary and routine and does not expect these legal proceedings to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition 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, 2018 filed with the SEC on February 28, 2019, 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, 2019:
     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)
4/1/2019 - 4/30/2019
 $
 
 2,116,200
5/1/2019 - 5/31/20191,507
 45.93
 1,507
 2,114,693
6/1/2019 - 6/30/2019
 
 
 2,114,693
Total1,507
 $45.93
 1,507
 2,114,693
     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)
7/1/2019 - 7/31/2019
 $
 
 2,114,693
8/1/2019 - 8/31/2019158,349
 45.52
 158,349
 1,956,344
9/1/2019 - 9/30/201918,900
 44.95
 18,900
 1,937,444
Total177,249
 $45.46
 177,249
 1,937,444
(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, 2019, we remained authorized to repurchase 2,114,6931,937,444 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
104.1X



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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, Director and Principal Executive Officer Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer
   
   
August 7,November 6, 2019 August 7,November 6, 2019
(Date) (Date)
 



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