securities of $35,826,000, the proceeds from redemptions and maturities of fixed-maturity securities of $47,788,000, and the proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term and other investments of $66,897,000, offset by the purchases of fixed-maturity and equity securities of $91,505,000, the purchase of real estate investments of $9,892,000, limited partnership investments of $1,751,000, and the purchases of property and equipment of $1,313,000. Net cash used in financing activities totaled $97,000,000, which was primarily due to the repayments of long-term debt of $90,647,000, $6,428,000 of net cash dividend payments, and $9,029,000 used in our share repurchases, offset by $9,500,000 of borrowings from revolving credit facility.
Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was approximately $27,591,000, which consisted primarily of cash received from net premiums written and reinsurance recoveries less cash disbursed for operating expenses, losses and loss adjustment expenses and interest payments. Net cash used in investing activities of $46,778,000 was primarily due to the purchases of fixed-maturity and equity securities of $71,808,000, the purchases of short-term and other investments of $125,001,000, the purchases of real estate investments of $6,520,000, and the limited partnership investments of $2,638,000, offset by the proceeds from sales of fixed-maturity and equity securities of $118,205,000, the proceeds from redemptions and maturities of fixed-maturity securities of $27,207,000, and the proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term and other investments of $15,117,000. Net cash used in financing activities totaled $20,132,000, which was primarily due to $14,652,000 used in our share repurchases and $4,421,000 of net cash dividend payments.
Investments
The main objective of our investment policy is to maximize ourafter-tax investment income with a reasonable level of risk given the current financial market. Our excess cash is invested primarily in money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and fixed-maturity and equity securities.
At June 30, 2019, we had $239,775,000 of fixed-maturity and equity investments, which are carried at fair value. Changes in the general interest rate environment affect the returns available on new fixed-maturity investments. While a rising interest rate environment enhances the returns available on new investments, it reduces the market value of existing fixed-maturity investments and thus the availability of gains on disposition. A decline in interest rates reduces the returns available on new fixed-maturity investments but increases the market value of existing fixed-maturity investments, creating the opportunity for realized investment gains on disposition.
In the future, we may alter our investment policy as to investments in federal, state and municipal obligations, preferred and common equity securities and real estate mortgages, as permitted by applicable law, including insurance regulations.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
As of June 30, 2019, we had unexpired capital commitments for four limited partnerships in which we hold interests. Such commitments are not recognized in the financial statements but are required to be disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. See Note 18 — “Commitments and Contingencies” to our unaudited consolidated financial statements under Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q andContractual Obligations and Commitment below for additional information.
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