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EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - UNITED FIRE GROUP INCexhibit322033118.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - UNITED FIRE GROUP INCexhibit321033118.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - UNITED FIRE GROUP INCexhibit312033118.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - UNITED FIRE GROUP INCexhibit311033118.htm

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

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018
or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 001-34257
ufglogo2017a13.jpg
________________________
 UNITED FIRE GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
____________________________
 
 
 
Iowa
 
45-2302834
 
 
 
 
(State of Incorporation)
 
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
 

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES NO

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
YES NO

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer 
Accelerated filer  
 
Non-accelerated filer  
 
Smaller reporting company
 
Emerging growth company
 
 
 
 
 
 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES
NO
As of May 7, 2018, 24,926,648 shares of common stock were outstanding.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



United Fire Group, Inc.
Index to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
March 31, 2018
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



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

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

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



1


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

United Fire Group, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)
March 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
 
(unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
Investments
 
 
 
Fixed maturities
 
 
 
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $150 in 2018 and $150 in 2017)
$
150

 
$
150

Available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $1,577,448 in 2018 and $1,516,610 in 2017)
1,563,996

 
1,535,070

Trading securities, at fair value (amortized cost $13,229 in 2018 and $14,582 in 2017)
15,379

 
16,842

Equity securities at fair value (cost $65,481 in 2018 and $63,275 in 2017)
280,362

 
287,344

Other long-term investments
44,998

 
49,352

Short-term investments
175

 
175

 
1,905,060

 
1,888,933

Cash and cash equivalents
316,852

 
95,562

Accrued investment income
15,083

 
13,841

Premiums receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,082 in 2018 and $1,255 in 2017)
339,007

 
328,513

Deferred policy acquisition costs
89,836

 
88,102

Property and equipment (primarily land and buildings, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $52,693 in 2018 and $51,603 in 2017)
71,929

 
68,992

Reinsurance receivables and recoverables
63,506

 
63,194

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
4,002

 
3,749

Income taxes receivable

 
6,031

Goodwill and intangible assets
23,783

 
23,971

Other assets
16,306

 
16,409

Assets held for sale

 
1,586,134

TOTAL ASSETS
$
2,845,364

 
$
4,183,431

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Losses and loss settlement expenses
$
1,219,981

 
$
1,224,183

Unearned premiums
476,912

 
465,391

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
158,811

 
167,396

Income taxes payable
17,581

 

Deferred income taxes
1,386

 
5,953

Liabilities held for sale

 
1,347,135

TOTAL LIABILITIES
$
1,874,671

 
$
3,210,058

Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 75,000,000 shares; 24,912,748 and 24,916,806 shares issued and outstanding in 2018 and 2017, respectively
$
25

 
$
25

Additional paid-in capital
194,504

 
196,334

Retained earnings
832,031

 
608,700

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(55,867
)
 
168,314

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
970,693

 
$
973,373

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
2,845,364

 
$
4,183,431

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


2


United Fire Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)
2018
 
2017
Revenues
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
$
245,167

 
$
236,444

Investment income, net of investment expenses
13,492

 
12,585

Net realized investment gains (losses) (includes reclassifications for net unrealized investment gains on available-for-sale securities of $37 in 2018 and $3,405 in 2017; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)
(7,864
)
 
2,249

Total revenues
$
250,795

 
$
251,278

Benefits, Losses and Expenses
 
 
 
Losses and loss settlement expenses
$
144,728

 
$
156,552

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
49,639

 
50,461

Other underwriting expenses (includes reclassifications for employee benefit costs of $1,660 in 2018 and $1,352 in 2017; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)
34,855

 
21,259

Total benefits, losses and expenses
$
229,222

 
$
228,272

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
$
21,573

 
$
23,006

Federal income tax expense (includes reclassifications of $341 in 2018 and ($718) in 2017; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)
1,209

 
4,422

Income from continuing operations
$
20,364

 
$
18,584

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
(1,912
)
 
1,352

Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
27,307

 

Net income
$
45,759

 
$
19,936

Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
Change in net unrealized appreciation on investments
$
(51,814
)
 
$
14,966

Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans

 

Other comprehensive income, before tax and reclassification adjustments
$
(51,814
)
 
$
14,966

Income tax effect
10,881

 
(5,238
)
Other comprehensive income, after tax, before reclassification adjustments
$
(40,933
)
 
$
9,728

Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment gains included in income
$
(37
)
 
$
(3,405
)
Reclassification adjustment for employee benefit costs included in expense
1,660

 
1,352

Total reclassification adjustments, before tax
$
1,623

 
$
(2,053
)
Income tax effect
(341
)
 
718

Total reclassification adjustments, after tax
$
1,282

 
$
(1,335
)
Comprehensive income
$
6,108

 
$
28,329

 
 
 
 
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
25,458,090

 
25,854,181

Earnings per common share from continuing operations:
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.82

 
$
0.73

Diluted
0.80

 
0.72

Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
1.84

 
$
0.78

Diluted
1.80

 
0.77

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


3


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

(In Thousands, Except Share Data)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
Common stock
 
Balance, beginning of year
$
25

Shares repurchased (120,372 shares)

Shares issued for stock-based awards (116,314 shares)

Balance, end of period
$
25

 
 
Additional paid-in capital
 
Balance, beginning of year
$
196,334

Compensation expense and related tax benefit for stock-based award grants
1,281

Shares repurchased
(5,404
)
Shares issued for stock-based awards
2,293

Balance, end of period
$
194,504

 
 
Retained earnings
 
Balance, beginning of year
$
608,700

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
191,244

Net unrealized investment depreciation of discontinued operations, sold
(6,714
)
Net income
45,759

Dividends on common stock ($0.28 per share)
(6,958
)
Balance, end of period
$
832,031

 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
Balance, beginning of year
$
168,314

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
(191,244
)
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation(1)
(34,248
)
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans(2)
1,311

Balance, end of period
$
(55,867
)
 
 
Summary of changes
 
Balance, beginning of year
$
973,373

Net income
45,759

All other changes in stockholders’ equity accounts
(48,439
)
Balance, end of period
$
970,693

(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.



4


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

Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands)
2018
 
2017
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
45,759

 
$
19,936

Less net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
(1,912
)
 
1,352

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
 
 
 
Net accretion of bond premium
2,178

 
2,252

Depreciation and amortization
1,159

 
1,165

Stock-based compensation expense
1,281

 
1,044

Net realized investment (gains) losses
7,864

 
(2,249
)
Net cash flows from trading investments
383

 
(610
)
Deferred income tax benefit
(3,879
)
 
(975
)
Changes in:
 
 
 
Accrued investment income
(1,242
)
 
(1,329
)
Premiums receivable
(10,494
)
 
(18,226
)
Deferred policy acquisition costs
(1,734
)
 
(2,623
)
Reinsurance receivables
(312
)
 
(582
)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
(253
)
 
(59
)
Income taxes receivable
6,031

 
4,751

Other assets
104

 
(341
)
Losses and loss settlement expenses
(4,202
)
 
16,823

Unearned premiums
11,521

 
23,231

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
(6,925
)
 
(9,065
)
Income taxes payable
17,581

 

Deferred income taxes
(14,039
)
 
2,526

Other, net
1,708

 
(1,504
)
Cash from operating activities - continuing operations
6,730

 
14,229

Cash from operating activities - discontinued operations
4,024

 
6,394

Cash from operating activities - gain on sale of discontinued operations
(34,851
)
 

Total adjustments
$
(24,097
)
 
$
20,623

Net cash provided by operating activities
$
23,574

 
$
39,207

Cash Flows From Investing Activities
 
 
 
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investments
$

 
$
1,096

Proceeds from call and maturity of available-for-sale investments
30,320

 
40,055

Proceeds from short-term and other investments
3,078

 
1,665

Proceeds from the sale of discontinued operations
276,055

 

Purchase of available-for-sale investments
(93,115
)
 
(80,097
)
Purchase of short-term and other investments
(676
)
 
(1,590
)
Net purchases and sales of property and equipment
(3,851
)
 
(1,392
)
Cash from investing activities - continuing operations
211,811

 
(40,263
)
Cash from investing activities - discontinued operations
14,343

 
12,035

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
$
226,154

 
$
(28,228
)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
 
 
 
Payment of cash dividends
$
(6,960
)
 
$
(6,367
)
Repurchase of common stock
(5,404
)
 
(5,749
)
Issuance of common stock
2,293

 
1,244

Cash from financing activities - continuing operations
(10,071
)
 
(10,872
)
Cash from financing activities - discontinued operations
(11,547
)
 
(17,304
)
Net cash used in financing activities
$
(21,618
)
 
$
(28,176
)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
228,110

 
$
(17,197
)
Less: increase in cash and cash equivalents - discontinued operations
(6,820
)
 
(1,125
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents - continuing operations
221,290

 
(18,322
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period - Continuing Operations
95,562

 
89,194

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period - Continuing Operations
$
316,852

 
$
70,872

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


5



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

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



6


Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, money market accounts, and non-negotiable certificates of deposit with original maturities of three months or less.
For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, we made payments for income taxes for continuing operations totaling $19 and $9, respectively. We received a tax refund of $1,503 during the three-month period ended March 31, 2018. We did not receive a tax refund during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017.
For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, we made no interest payments (excluding interest credited to policyholders’ accounts).
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs ("DAC")

Certain costs associated with underwriting new business (primarily commissions, premium taxes and variable underwriting and policy issue expenses associated with successful acquisition efforts) are deferred. The following table is a summary of the components of DAC, including the related amortization recognized for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018.
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing Operations
 
Discontinued Operations
 
 
 
Property & Casualty Insurance
 
Life Insurance
 
Total
Recorded asset at beginning of period
$
88,102

 
$
71,151

 
$
159,253

Underwriting costs deferred
51,373

 
1,376

 
52,749

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
(49,639
)
 
(1,895
)
 
(51,534
)
Ending unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs
$
89,836

 
$
70,632

 
$
160,468

Impact of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities

 
7,274

 
7,274

Sale of discontinued operations

 
(77,906
)
 
(77,906
)
Recorded asset at March 31, 2018
$
89,836

 
$

 
$
89,836


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

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

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

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


7


securities on the DAC asset at March 31, 2018 because the non-traditional life insurance business is part of discontinued operations, which was sold on March 30, 2018.
Income Taxes

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

In December 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, which addresses how a company recognizes provisional amounts when a company does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed in reasonable detail to complete its accounting for the effect of the changes in the Tax Act. The measurement period ends when a company has obtained, prepared and analyzed the information necessary to finalize its accounting, but cannot extend beyond one year. As of March 31, 2018 we had not completed accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Tax Act, however for certain items, we have made a reasonable estimate of the effects on our deferred tax balances. For other items where we could not make a reasonable estimate, we are still using existing accounting guidance and the provisions of the tax laws that were in place prior to the enactment. The Company will continue to refine this estimated provisional adjustment as we gain a more thorough understanding of the tax law and the Company will take future guidance into consideration when it becomes available.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are established based on differences between the financial statement bases of assets and liabilities and the tax bases of those same assets and liabilities, using the currently enacted statutory tax rates. Deferred income tax expense is measured by the year-to-year change in the net deferred tax asset or liability, except for certain changes in deferred tax amounts that affect stockholders' equity and do not impact federal income tax expense.
We reported consolidated federal income tax expense from continuing and discontinued operations of $9,316 and $5,153 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Our effective tax rate is different than the federal statutory rate of 21 percent, due principally to the effect of tax-exempt municipal bond interest income and non-taxable dividend income.
The Company performs a quarterly review of its tax positions and makes a determination of whether it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination. If, based on review, it appears not more likely than not that the positions will be sustained, the Company will calculate any unrecognized tax benefits and, if necessary, calculate and accrue any related interest and penalties. We did not recognize any liability for unrecognized tax benefits at March 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017. In addition, we have not accrued for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. However, if interest and penalties would need to be accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits, such amounts would be recognized as a component of federal income tax expense.

With regard to the sale of our life insurance subsidiary, federal income taxes were allocated to continuing and discontinued operations in accordance with the Company’s tax allocation agreement and the terms of the definitive agreement related to the sale.
We file a consolidated federal income tax return. We also file income tax returns in various state jurisdictions. We are no longer subject to federal or state income tax examination for years before 2014.

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.


8



Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Accounting Standards Adopted in 2018
Revenue Recognition
In May 2014, the FASB issued comprehensive new guidance on revenue recognition which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The new guidance requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard creates a five-step model that requires companies to exercise judgment when considering the terms of the contract(s) and all relevant facts and circumstances. Insurance contracts are not within the scope of this new guidance. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted the guidance as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of the new guidance had no impact on the Company's reporting and disclosure of net premiums earned from insurance contracts, net investment income or net realized gains and losses, as these revenue streams are not within the scope of this new guidance. The remaining revenue streams are immaterial and not impacted by the new standard.
Financial Instruments
In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance updating certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The amendments in this update supersede the guidance to classify equity securities with readily determinable fair values into different categories (for example, trading or available-for-sale) and require equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income. The new guidance also simplifies the impairment process for equity investments without readily determinable fair values. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. The Company adopted the new guidance as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of the new guidance resulted in a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings of $191.2 million after tax, which is equal to the amount of net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities on January 1, 2018. Also, in the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company recognized $8.1 million after-tax of net realized investment losses in net income from the change in value of equity securities due to the adoption of this new accounting guidance.
Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Payments
In August 2016, the FASB issued an update that clarifies the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the Statement of Cash Flows. The update addresses eight existing cash flow issues by clarifying the correct classification to establish uniformity in practice. The updated guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. The Company adopted the new guidance as of January 1, 2018. The adoption had no impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
Defined Benefit Retirement Plan Cost
In March 2017, the FASB issued guidance on the presentation of net periodic benefit costs of defined benefit retirement benefit plans in the Statements of Income. The new guidance requires the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit plans to be presented in the same line in the Statements of Income as other employee compensation expenses. Also, under the new guidance, the service cost component of the net periodic benefit costs will be the only portion of costs subject to be capitalized in assets. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. The Company adopted the new guidance as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of the new guidance resulted in a change in the capitalization of deferred acquisition costs to only include the pension and post retirement service costs in place of the total net periodic benefit costs. The adoption had an immaterial impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations. Additionally, the adoption did not impact the Company's presentation in the Statements of Income as all


9


net periodic benefit costs and employee compensation expenses are included within the same category in the Statements of Income.
Share-Based Payments
In May 2017, the FASB issued new guidance which clarifies and addresses the diversity in practice when there is a change in the terms of a share-based payment award. The updated guidance clarifies when to use modification accounting when there is a change in the terms of a share-based payment and provides three conditions where modification accounting should not be applied. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted the new guidance as of January 1, 2018. The adoption had no impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
Pending Adoption of Accounting Standards
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance on the accounting for leases. The new guidance requires lessees to place a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, for all leases with terms greater than 12 months, on their balance sheets. The lease liability will be based on the present value of the future lease payments and the 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 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those years. The Company will adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 2019. The Company has created an inventory of its operating leases and has calculated the undiscounted future minimum lease payments, which are disclosed in Note 13. Lease Commitments of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. The undiscounted future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2017 is $22.5 million, which represents less than 1.0 percent of the Company's total assets at December 31, 2017. The Company is reviewing and updating its processes and controls under the new guidance. Management currently believes that the adoption will not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
Financial Instruments - Credit Losses
In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the measurement of credit losses for most financial instruments. The new guidance replaces the current incurred loss model for recognizing credit losses with an expected loss model for instruments measured at amortized cost and requires allowances to be recorded for available-for-sale debt securities rather than reduce the carrying amount. These allowances will be remeasured each reporting period. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within those years. The Company will adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 2021 and is currently evaluating the impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations and key processes.
Income Taxes - Intra-entity Transfers
In October 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the income tax treatment of intra-entity transfers. The new guidance replaces the current guidance which prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes of intra-entity transfers until the asset is sold externally. Under the new guidance, the exemption is eliminated and income taxes will be recognized on transfers of intra-entity assets. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company will adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 2019 and is currently evaluating the impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
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


10


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.

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


11


March 31, 2018
 
Type of Investment
Cost or Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Appreciation
 
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
 
Fair Value
HELD-TO-MATURITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds - financial services
$
150

 
$

 
$

 
$
150

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

Total Held-to-Maturity Fixed Maturities
$
150

 
$

 
$

 
$
150

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury
$
15,995

 
$
1

 
$
270

 
$
15,726

U.S. government agency
135,379

 
606

 
1,556

 
134,429

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midwest
105,376

 
1,019

 
1,060

 
105,335

Northeast
46,132

 
468

 
196

 
46,404

South
134,796

 
916

 
1,993

 
133,719

West
112,871

 
976

 
1,516

 
112,331

Special revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midwest
143,823

 
1,495

 
1,188

 
144,130

Northeast
64,020

 
481

 
1,443

 
63,058

South
250,757

 
1,707

 
4,404

 
248,060

West
149,928

 
1,294

 
2,757

 
148,465

Foreign bonds
10,826

 
156

 

 
10,982

Public utilities
48,024

 
249

 
632

 
47,641

Corporate bonds

 

 

 

Energy
22,516

 
157

 
228

 
22,445

Industrials
33,214

 
200

 
427

 
32,987

Consumer goods and services
31,044

 
217

 
291

 
30,970

Health care
12,170

 
93

 
37

 
12,226

Technology, media and telecommunications
15,447

 
74

 
265

 
15,256

Financial services
55,489

 
226

 
1,203

 
54,512

Mortgage-backed securities
8,763

 
71

 
152

 
8,682

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government national mortgage association
74,000

 
280

 
2,086

 
72,194

Federal home loan mortgage corporation
56,578

 
73

 
1,822

 
54,829

Federal national mortgage association
47,104

 
142

 
1,100

 
46,146

Asset-backed securities
3,196

 
318

 
45

 
3,469

Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
$
1,577,448

 
$
11,219

 
$
24,671

 
$
1,563,996





12


December 31, 2017
 
Type of Investment
Cost or Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Appreciation
 
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
 
Fair Value
HELD-TO-MATURITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds - financial services
$
150

 
$

 
$

 
$
150

Mortgage-backed securities
34

 

 

 
34

Total Held-to-Maturity Fixed Maturities
$
184

 
$

 
$

 
$
184

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE

 

 

 

Fixed maturities:

 

 

 

Bonds

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury
$
17,073

 
$
4

 
$
186

 
$
16,891

U.S. government agency
121,574

 
1,311

 
717

 
122,168

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midwest
107,689

 
2,446

 
439

 
109,696

Northeast
47,477

 
1,174

 
10

 
48,641

South
139,870

 
2,462

 
813

 
141,519

West
111,123

 
2,351

 
463

 
113,011

Special revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midwest
155,475

 
3,620

 
351

 
158,744

Northeast
79,028

 
1,351

 
619

 
79,760

South
260,145

 
5,218

 
1,851

 
263,512

West
156,576

 
2,929

 
1,198

 
158,307

Foreign bonds
51,361

 
1,441

 
49

 
52,753

Public utilities
206,028

 
3,386

 
270

 
209,144

Corporate bonds

 


 

 

Energy
93,191

 
1,972

 
110

 
95,053

Industrials
218,067

 
3,881

 
241

 
221,707

Consumer goods and services
183,253

 
3,498

 
494

 
186,257

Health care
74,125

 
1,312

 
29

 
75,408

Technology, media and telecommunications
146,853

 
2,376

 
250

 
148,979

Financial services
277,824

 
5,769

 
442

 
283,151

Mortgage-backed securities
13,828

 
101

 
238

 
13,691

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government national mortgage association
157,836

 
1,921

 
2,274

 
157,483

Federal home loan mortgage corporation
201,320

 
1,879

 
4,047

 
199,152

Federal national mortgage association
104,903

 
1,703

 
1,174

 
105,432

Asset-backed securities
4,282

 
362

 
8

 
4,636

Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
$
2,928,901

 
$
52,467

 
$
16,273

 
$
2,965,095

Equity securities:

 

 

 

Common stocks

 

 

 



13


Public utilities
$
6,394

 
$
16,075

 
$
30

 
$
22,439

Energy
6,514

 
8,171

 
120

 
14,565

Industrials
13,117

 
53,522

 
120

 
66,519

Consumer goods and services
10,110

 
15,742

 
164

 
25,688

Health care
7,763

 
32,340

 

 
40,103

Technology, media and telecommunications
6,067

 
11,556

 
115

 
17,508

Financial services
11,529

 
104,985

 
67

 
116,447

Nonredeemable preferred stocks
992

 
305

 

 
1,297

Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities
$
62,486

 
$
242,696

 
$
616

 
$
304,566

Total Available-for-Sale Securities
$
2,991,387

 
$
295,163

 
$
16,889

 
$
3,269,661


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

March 31, 2018
 
Type of Investment
Cost or Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Appreciation
 
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
 
Fair Value
HELD-TO-MATURITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
150

 
$

 
$

 
$
150

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

Total Held-to-Maturity Fixed Maturities
$
150

 
$

 
$

 
150

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
1,577,448

 
$
11,219

 
$
24,671

 
$
1,563,996

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
$
1,577,448

 
$
11,219

 
$
24,671

 
$
1,563,996

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




14


December 31, 2017
 
Type of Investment
Cost or Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Appreciation
 
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
 
Fair Value
HELD-TO-MATURITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
150

 
$

 
$

 
$
150

Discontinued operations
34

 

 

 
34

Total Held-to-Maturity Fixed Maturities
$
184

 
$

 
$

 
$
184

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
1,516,610

 
$
27,412

 
$
8,952

 
$
1,535,070

Discontinued operations
1,412,291

 
25,055

 
7,321

 
1,430,025

Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
2,928,901

 
52,467

 
16,273

 
2,965,095

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
57,387

 
$
224,065

 
$
539

 
$
280,913

Discontinued operations
5,099

 
18,631

 
77

 
23,653

Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities
62,486

 
242,696

 
616

 
304,566

Total Available-for-Sale Securities
$
2,991,387

 
$
295,163

 
$
16,889

 
$
3,269,661

Maturities
The amortized cost and fair value of held-to-maturity, available-for-sale and trading fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2018, by contractual maturity, are shown in the following tables. The table below includes investments from continuing operations. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations may be subject to prepayment risk and are therefore not categorized by contractual maturity.
Maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Held-To-Maturity
 
Available-For-Sale
 
Trading
March 31, 2018
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
Due in one year or less
$

 
$

 
$
48,086

 
$
48,368

 
$
2,359

 
$
2,629

Due after one year through five years
150

 
150

 
187,837

 
189,107

 
8,750

 
10,497

Due after five years through 10 years

 

 
447,086

 
447,598

 
1,100

 
965

Due after 10 years

 

 
704,798

 
693,603

 
1,020

 
1,288

Asset-backed securities

 

 
3,196

 
3,469

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 
8,763

 
8,682

 

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations

 

 
177,682

 
173,169

 

 

 
$
150

 
$
150

 
$
1,577,448

 
$
1,563,996

 
$
13,229

 
$
15,379








15


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 March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Net realized investment gains (losses) from continuing operations:
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
Available-for-sale
$
4

 
$
424

Trading securities
 
 
 
Change in fair value
(111
)
 
371

Sales
556

 
57

Equity securities
 
 
 
Change in fair value
(9,188
)
 
111

Sales
875

 
1,286

Total net realized investment gains (losses) from continuing operations
$
(7,864
)
 
$
2,249

Total net realized investment gains (losses) from discontinued operations
(1,057
)
 
1,705

Total net realized investment gains (losses)
$
(8,921
)
 
$
3,954

The proceeds and gross realized gains on the sale of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities from continuing operations are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Proceeds from sales
$

 
$
1,095

Gross realized gains

 
1,046

Gross realized losses

 

The proceeds and gross realized gains on the sale of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities from discontinued operations are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Proceeds from sales
$

 
$
3,964

Gross realized gains

 
1,254

Gross realized losses

 
(78
)
Note: The sale of our life insurance business was completed on March 30, 2018.
There were no sales of held-to-maturity securities during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

Our investment portfolio includes trading securities with embedded derivatives. These securities are primarily convertible securities which are recorded at fair value. Income or loss, including the change in the fair value of these trading securities, is recognized currently in earnings as a component of net realized investment gains. Our portfolio of trading securities had a fair value of $15,379 and $16,842 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

Funding Commitment

Pursuant to an agreement with one of our limited liability partnership investments, we are contractually committed through December 31, 2023 to make capital contributions upon request of the partnership. Our remaining potential contractual obligation was $1,499 at March 31, 2018.


16


Unrealized Appreciation
A summary of the changes in net unrealized investment appreciation during the reporting period is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation
 
 
 
Available-for-sale fixed maturities
$
(59,126
)
 
$
7,043

Available-for-sale equity securities

 
5,795

Deferred policy acquisition costs
7,274

 
(1,277
)
Income tax effect
10,890

 
(4,046
)
Net unrealized investment depreciation of discontinued operations, sold
6,714

 

Cumulative change in accounting principles
(191,244
)
 

Total change in net unrealized investment appreciation, net of tax
$
(225,492
)
 
$
7,515

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



17


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
Type of Investment
Number
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
5

 
$
10,263

 
$
141

 
1

 
$
4,711

 
$
129

 
$
14,974

 
$
270

U.S. government agency
15

 
81,651

 
1,232

 
2

 
7,675

 
324

 
89,326

 
1,556

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midwest
12

 
15,917

 
144

 
3

 
19,209

 
916

 
35,126

 
1,060

Northeast
4

 
13,214

 
94

 
1

 
3,546

 
102

 
16,760

 
196

South
18

 
38,686

 
466

 
11

 
28,716

 
1,527

 
67,402

 
1,993

West
13

 
31,285

 
406

 
8

 
25,021

 
1,110

 
56,306

 
1,516

Special revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midwest
20

 
37,637

 
334

 
7

 
18,561

 
854

 
56,198

 
1,188

Northeast
4

 
12,466

 
162

 
11

 
27,722

 
1,281

 
40,188

 
1,443

South
24

 
50,787

 
866

 
27

 
67,940

 
3,538

 
118,727

 
4,404

West
16

 
30,075

 
331

 
21

 
52,243

 
2,426

 
82,318

 
2,757

Public utilities
13

 
33,171

 
632

 

 

 

 
33,171

 
632

Corporate bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


Energy
5

 
10,567

 
228

 

 

 

 
10,567

 
228

Industrials
6

 
20,349

 
427

 

 

 

 
20,349

 
427

Consumer goods and services
5

 
15,823

 
291

 

 

 

 
15,823

 
291

Health care
2

 
3,694

 
37

 

 

 

 
3,694

 
37

Technology, media and telecommunications
3

 
9,745

 
265

 

 

 

 
9,745

 
265

Financial services
13

 
34,617

 
977

 
1

 
5,374

 
226

 
39,991

 
1,203

Mortgage-backed securities
16

 
2,828

 
70

 
10

 
2,123

 
82

 
4,951

 
152

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government national mortgage association
20

 
47,898

 
1,351

 
6

 
12,087

 
735

 
59,985

 
2,086

Federal home loan mortgage corporation
13

 
35,124

 
1,050

 
4

 
12,590

 
772

 
47,714

 
1,822

Federal national mortgage association
13

 
33,515

 
722

 
1

 
6,963

 
378

 
40,478

 
1,100

Asset-backed securities
1

 
2,837

 
45

 

 

 

 
2,837

 
45

Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
241

 
$
572,149

 
$
10,271

 
114

 
$
294,481

 
$
14,400

 
$
866,630

 
$
24,671















18


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
Type of Investment
Number
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
5

 
$
10,370

 
$
67

 
2

 
$
5,765

 
$
119

 
$
16,135

 
$
186

U.S. government agency
11

 
64,842

 
390

 
5

 
19,372

 
327

 
84,214

 
717

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midwest
2

 
2,177

 
8

 
3

 
19,729

 
431

 
21,906

 
439

Northeast

 

 

 
1

 
3,644

 
10

 
3,644

 
10

South
3

 
7,959

 
32

 
11

 
29,545

 
781

 
37,504

 
813

West
2

 
5,944

 
18

 
8

 
25,755

 
445

 
31,699

 
463

Special revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midwest
2

 
3,486

 
15

 
7

 
19,130

 
336

 
22,616

 
351

Northeast
1

 
4,471

 
37

 
11

 
28,476

 
582

 
32,947

 
619

South
8

 
7,749

 
107

 
27

 
69,917

 
1,744

 
77,666

 
1,851

West
3

 
5,424

 
16

 
22

 
56,753

 
1,182

 
62,177

 
1,198

Foreign bonds
1

 
857

 
49

 

 

 

 
857

 
49

Public utilities
8

 
19,186

 
79

 
5

 
8,446

 
191

 
27,632

 
270

Corporate bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy
1

 
2,236

 
13

 
1

 
1,606

 
97

 
3,842

 
110

Industrials
10

 
27,773

 
146

 
2

 
4,275

 
95

 
32,048

 
241

Consumer goods and services
14

 
32,781

 
248

 
3

 
6,813

 
246

 
39,594

 
494

Health care
4

 
9,947

 
29

 

 

 

 
9,947

 
29

Technology, media and telecommunications
12

 
35,319

 
122

 
3

 
10,413

 
128

 
45,732

 
250

Financial services
22

 
50,144

 
256

 
4

 
11,389

 
186

 
61,533

 
442

Mortgage-backed securities
10

 
2,458

 
18

 
10

 
6,641

 
220

 
9,099

 
238

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government national mortgage association
20

 
49,764

 
629

 
17

 
46,969

 
1,645

 
96,733

 
2,274

Federal home loan mortgage corporation
11

 
37,543

 
577

 
20

 
75,679

 
3,470

 
113,222

 
4,047

Federal national mortgage association
11

 
31,958

 
342

 
11

 
20,123

 
832

 
52,081

 
1,174

Asset-backed securities
1

 
992

 
8

 

 

 

 
992

 
8

Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
162

 
$
413,380

 
$
3,206

 
173

 
$
470,440

 
$
13,067

 
$
883,820

 
$
16,273

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stocks
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public utilities

 
$

 
$

 
1

 
$
278

 
$
30

 
$
278

 
$
30

Energy
2

 
528

 
120

 

 

 

 
528

 
120

Industrials
1

 
99

 
13

 
5

 
193

 
107

 
292

 
120

Consumer goods and services

 

 

 
2

 
151

 
164

 
151

 
164

Technology, media and telecommunications
2

 
466

 
95

 
1

 
4

 
20

 
470

 
115

Financial services
2

 
193

 
55

 
1

 
9

 
12

 
202

 
67

Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities
7

 
$
1,286

 
$
283

 
10

 
$
635

 
$
333

 
$
1,921

 
$
616

Total Available-for-Sale Securities
169

 
$
414,666

 
$
3,489

 
183

 
$
471,075

 
$
13,400

 
$
885,741

 
$
16,889



19



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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
Type of Investment
Number
of Issues
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Depreciation
 
Number
of Issues
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
241

 
$
572,149

 
$
10,271

 
114

 
$
294,481

 
$
14,400

 
$
866,630

 
$
24,671

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
241

 
$
572,149

 
$
10,271

 
114

 
$
294,481

 
$
14,400

 
$
866,630

 
$
24,671

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
Type of Investment
Number
of Issues
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Depreciation
 
Number
of Issues
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
88

 
$
232,489

 
$
1,791

 
112

 
$
302,815

 
$
7,161

 
$
535,304

 
$
8,952

Discontinued operations
74

 
180,891

 
1,415

 
61

 
167,625

 
5,906

 
348,516

 
7,321

Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
162

 
$
413,380

 
$
3,206

 
173

 
$
470,440

 
$
13,067

 
$
883,820

 
$
16,273

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
5

 
$
1,129

 
$
236

 
6

 
$
385

 
$
303

 
$
1,514

 
$
539

Discontinued operations
2

 
157

 
47

 
4

 
250

 
30

 
407

 
77

Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities
7

 
$
1,286

 
$
283

 
10

 
$
635

 
$
333

 
$
1,921

 
$
616

Total Available-for-Sale Securities
169

 
$
414,666

 
$
3,489

 
183

 
$
471,075

 
$
13,400

 
$
885,741

 
$
16,889




20


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 fair value of our mortgage loans is determined by modeling performed by us 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, which is a Level 3 fair value measurement.


21


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

The Company formed a rabbi trust in 2014 to fund obligations under the United Fire & Casualty Company Supplemental Executive Retirement and Deferral Plan (the "Executive Retirement Plan"). Within the rabbi trust, corporate-owned life insurance ("COLI") policies are utilized as an investment vehicle and source of funding for the Company's Executive Retirement Plan. The COLI policies invest in mutual funds, which are priced daily by independent sources. As of March 31, 2018, the cash surrender value of the COLI policies was $4,404, which is equal to the fair value measured using Level 2 inputs, based on the underlying assets of the COLI policies, and is included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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


























22


A summary of the carrying value and estimated fair value of our financial instruments from continuing operations at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is as follows:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Held-to-maturity securities
$
150

 
$
150

 
$
150

 
$
150

Available-for-sale securities
1,563,996

 
1,563,996

 
1,535,070

 
1,535,070

Trading securities
15,379

 
15,379

 
16,842

 
16,842

Equity securities
280,362

 
280,362

 
287,344


287,344

Other long-term investments
44,998

 
44,998

 
49,352

 
49,352

Short-term investments
175

 
175

 
175

 
175

Cash and cash equivalents
316,852

 
316,852

 
95,562

 
95,562

Corporate-owned life insurance
4,404

 
4,404

 
4,029

 
4,029


A summary of the carrying value and estimated fair value of our financial instruments from discontinued operations at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is as follows:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Held-to-maturity securities
$

 
$

 
$
34

 
$
34

Available-for-sale securities

 

 
1,430,025

 
1,430,025

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities

 

 
23,653

 
23,653

Mortgage loans

 

 
3,594

 
3,435

Policy loans

 

 
5,815

 
5,815

Other long-term investments

 

 
16,437

 
16,437

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 
15,851

 
15,851

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policy reserves
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annuity (accumulations) (1)
$

 
$

 
$
591,702

 
$
611,866

Annuity (benefit payments)

 

 
147,038

 
93,560

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
















23


The following tables present the categorization for our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The table includes financial instruments from both continuing and discontinued operations at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
March 31, 2018
 
 
Fair Value Measurements
Description
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury
$
15,726

 
$

 
$
15,726

 
$

U.S. government agency
134,429

 

 
134,429

 

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midwest
105,335

 

 
105,335

 

Northeast
46,404

 

 
46,404

 

South
133,719

 

 
133,719

 

West
112,331

 

 
112,331

 

Special revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midwest
144,130

 

 
144,130

 

Northeast
63,058

 

 
63,058

 

South
248,060

 

 
248,060

 

West
148,465

 

 
148,465

 

Foreign bonds
10,982

 

 
10,982

 

Public utilities
47,641

 

 
47,641

 

Corporate bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy
22,445

 

 
22,445

 

Industrials
32,987

 

 
32,987

 

Consumer goods and services
30,970

 

 
30,970

 

Health care
12,226

 

 
12,226

 

Technology, media and telecommunications
15,256

 

 
15,256

 

Financial services
54,512

 

 
54,412

 
100

Mortgage-backed securities
8,682

 

 
8,682

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government national mortgage association
72,194

 

 
72,194

 

Federal home loan mortgage corporation
54,829

 

 
54,829

 

Federal national mortgage association
46,146

 

 
46,146

 

Asset-backed securities
3,469

 

 
2,837

 
632

Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
$
1,563,996

 
$

 
$
1,563,264

 
$
732

TRADING
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds


 


 


 


Industrials
$
1,968

 
$

 
$
1,968

 
$

Consumer goods and services
1,846

 

 
1,846

 

Health care
3,739

 

 
3,739

 



24


Technology, media and telecommunications
2,212

 

 
2,212

 

Financial services
2,133

 

 
2,133

 

Redeemable preferred stocks
3,481

 
3,481

 

 

Total Trading Securities
$
15,379

 
$
3,481

 
$
11,898

 
$

EQUITY SECURITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stocks
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public utilities
$
15,095

 
$
15,095

 
$

 
$

Energy
12,782

 
12,782

 

 

Industrials
58,724

 
58,724

 

 

Consumer goods and services
24,414

 
24,414

 

 

Health care
39,025

 
39,025

 

 

Technology, media and telecommunications
14,410

 
14,410

 

 

Financial services
111,761

 
111,761

 

 

Nonredeemable preferred stocks
4,151

 
3,331

 

 
820

Total Equity Securities
$
280,362

 
$
279,542

 
$

 
$
820

Short-Term Investments
$
175

 
$
175

 
$

 
$

Money Market Accounts
$
285,804

 
$
285,804

 
$

 
$

Corporate-Owned Life Insurance
$
4,404

 
$

 
$
4,404

 
$

Total Assets Measured at Fair Value
$
2,150,120

 
$
569,002

 
$
1,579,566

 
$
1,552




25


December 31, 2017
 
 
Fair Value Measurements
Description
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury
$
16,891

 
$

 
$
16,891

 
$

U.S. government agency
122,168

 

 
122,168

 

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midwest
109,696

 

 
109,696

 

Northeast
48,641

 

 
48,641

 

South
141,519

 

 
141,519

 

West
113,011

 

 
113,011

 

Special revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midwest
158,744

 

 
158,744

 

Northeast
79,760

 

 
79,760

 

South
263,512

 

 
263,512

 

West
158,307

 

 
158,307

 

Foreign bonds
52,753

 

 
52,753

 

Public utilities
209,144

 

 
209,144

 

Corporate bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy
95,053

 

 
95,053

 

Industrials
221,707

 

 
221,707

 

Consumer goods and services
186,257

 

 
185,589

 
668

Health care
75,408

 

 
75,408

 

Technology, media and telecommunications
148,979

 

 
148,979

 

Financial services
283,151

 

 
275,474

 
7,677

Mortgage-backed securities
13,691

 

 
13,691

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government national mortgage association
157,483

 

 
157,483

 

Federal home loan mortgage corporation
199,152

 

 
199,152

 

Federal national mortgage association
105,432

 

 
105,432

 

Asset-backed securities
4,636

 

 
3,989

 
647

Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
$
2,965,095

 
$

 
$
2,956,103

 
$
8,992

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stocks
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public utilities
$
22,439

 
$
22,439

 
$

 
$

Energy
14,565

 
14,565

 

 

Industrials
66,519

 
66,517

 
2

 

Consumer goods and services
25,688

 
25,688

 

 

Health care
40,103

 
40,103

 

 

Technology, media and telecommunications
17,508

 
17,508

 

 

Financial services
116,447

 
116,447

 

 



26


Nonredeemable preferred stocks
1,297

 
415

 

 
882

Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities
$
304,566

 
$
303,682

 
$
2

 
$
882

Total Available-for-Sale Securities
$
3,269,661

 
$
303,682

 
$
2,956,105

 
$
9,874

TRADING
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industrials
$
2,220

 
$

 
$
2,220

 
$

Consumer goods and services
1,535

 

 
1,535

 

Health care
3,741

 

 
3,741

 

Technology, media and telecommunications
1,221

 

 
1,221

 

Financial services
5,566

 

 
5,566

 

Redeemable preferred stocks
2,559

 
2,559

 

 

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public utilities
874

 
874

 

 

Energy
190

 
190

 

 

Industrials
989

 
989

 

 

Consumer goods and services
1,314

 
1,314

 

 

Health care
325

 
325

 

 

Financial services
198

 
198

 

 

Nonredeemable preferred stocks
2,541

 
2,541

 

 

Total Trading Securities
$
23,273

 
$
8,990

 
$
14,283

 
$

Short-Term Investments
$
175

 
$
175

 
$

 
$

Money Market Accounts
$
16,824

 
$
16,824

 
$

 
$

Corporate-Owned Life Insurance
$
4,029

 
$

 
$
4,029

 
$

Total Assets Measured at Fair Value
$
3,313,962

 
$
329,671

 
$
2,974,417

 
$
9,874





















27


The following tables are a reconciliation for both continuing and discontinued operations of the presentation of the categorization for our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
March 31, 2018
 
 
Fair Value Measurements
Description
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
1,563,996

 
$

 
$
1,563,264

 
$
732

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
$
1,563,996

 
$

 
$
1,563,264

 
$
732

TRADING
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
15,379

 
$
3,481

 
$
11,898

 
$

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

Total Trading Securities
$
15,379

 
$
3,481

 
$
11,898

 
$

EQUITY SECURITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
280,362

 
$
279,542

 
$

 
$
820

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

Total Equity Securities
$
280,362

 
$
279,542

 
$

 
$
820

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
175

 
$
175

 
$

 
$

Discontinued operations

 

 

 
$

Short-Term Investments
$
175

 
$
175

 
$

 
$

MONEY MARKET ACCOUNTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
285,804

 
$
285,804

 
$

 
$

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

Money Market Accounts
$
285,804

 
$
285,804

 
$

 
$

CORPORATE-OWNED LIFE INSURANCE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
4,404

 
$

 
$
4,404

 
$

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

Corporate-Owned Life Insurance
$
4,404

 
$

 
$
4,404

 
$

Total Assets Measured at Fair Value
$
2,150,120

 
$
569,002

 
$
1,579,566

 
$
1,552

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



28


December 31, 2017
 
 
Fair Value Measurements
Description
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
1,535,070

 
$

 
$
1,534,323

 
$
747

Discontinued operations
1,430,025

 

 
1,421,780

 
8,245

Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
$
2,965,095

 
$

 
$
2,956,103

 
$
8,992

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
280,913

 
$
280,031

 
$

 
$
882

Discontinued operations
23,653

 
23,651

 
2

 

Total Equity Securities
$
304,566

 
$
303,682

 
$
2

 
$
882

Total Available-for-Sale Securities
$
3,269,661

 
$
303,682

 
$
2,956,105

 
$
9,874

TRADING
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
16,842

 
$
2,559

 
$
14,283

 
$

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
6,431

 
6,431

 

 

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

Total Trading Securities
$
23,273

 
$
8,990

 
$
14,283

 
$

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
175

 
$
175

 
$

 
$

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments
$
175

 
$
175

 
$

 
$

MONEY MARKET ACCOUNTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
6,147

 
$
6,147

 
$

 
$

Discontinued operations
10,677

 
10,677

 

 

Money Market Accounts
$
16,824

 
$
16,824

 
$

 
$

CORPORATE-OWNED LIFE INSURANCE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
4,029

 
$

 
$
4,029

 
$

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

Corporate-Owned Life Insurance
$
4,029

 
$

 
$
4,029

 
$

Total Assets Measured at Fair Value
$
3,313,962

 
$
329,671

 
$
2,974,417

 
$
9,874

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,


29


collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities, our service providers use additional market inputs to value these securities, including the following: new issue data, periodic payment information, monthly payment information, collateral performance and real estate analysis from third parties. Our service providers prioritize inputs based on market conditions, and not all inputs listed are available for use in the valuation process for each security on any given day.
At least annually, we review the methodologies and assumptions used by our valuation service providers and verify that they are reasonable and representative of the fair value of the underlying securities held in the investment portfolio. We validate the prices obtained from independent pricing services and brokers prior to their use for reporting purposes by evaluating their reasonableness on a monthly basis. Our validation process includes a review for unusual fluctuations. Unusual fluctuations outside of our expectations are independently corroborated with additional third-party sources that use similar valuation techniques as discussed above. In addition, we also randomly select securities and independently corroborate the valuations obtained from our third-party valuation service providers. In our opinion, the pricing obtained at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was reasonable.
For the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, the change in our available-for-sale securities categorized as Level 1 and Level 2 is the result of investment purchases that were made using funds held in our money market accounts, disposals and the change in unrealized gains on both fixed maturities and equity securities. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, there were no securities transferred between Level 1 and Level 2.
Securities categorized as Level 3 include holdings in certain private placement fixed maturity and equity securities for which an active market does not currently exist. The fair value of our Level 3 private placement securities is determined by management relying on pricing received from our independent pricing services and brokers consistent with the process to estimate fair value for Level 2 securities. However, securities are categorized as Level 3 if these quotes cannot be corroborated by other market observable data due to the unobservable nature of the brokers’ valuation processes. If pricing cannot be obtained from these sources, which occurs on a limited basis, management will perform a discounted cash flow analysis, using an appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate, on the underlying security to estimate fair value. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, there were no securities transferred in or out of Level 3.

The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of our Level 3 securities from continuing operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018:
 
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
Corporate bonds
 
Asset-backed securities
 
Equities
 
Total
Balance at January 1, 2018
$

 
$
100

 
$
647

 
$
882

 
$
1,629

Net unrealized gains (losses)(1)

 


 
(15
)
 
(62
)
 
(77
)
Balance at March 31, 2018
$

 
$
100

 
$
632

 
$
820

 
$
1,552

(1) Net unrealized gains (losses) are recorded as a component of comprehensive income.
The fixed maturities reported as disposals relate to the receipt of principal on calls or sinking fund bonds, in accordance with the indentures.


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

Liabilities for losses and loss settlement expenses reflect management's best estimates at a given point in time of what we expect to pay for claims that have been reported and those that have been incurred but not reported


30


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

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

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

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

The following table provides an analysis of changes in our property and casualty losses and loss settlement expense reserves at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (net of reinsurance amounts):
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Gross liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at beginning of year
$
1,224,183

 
$
1,123,896

Ceded losses and loss settlement expenses
(59,871
)
 
(59,794
)
Net liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at beginning of year
$
1,164,312

 
$
1,064,102

Losses and loss settlement expenses incurred
for claims occurring during
 
 
 
   Current year
$
182,783

 
$
779,966

   Prior years
(38,055
)
 
(54,253
)
Total incurred
$
144,728

 
$
725,713

Losses and loss settlement expense payments
for claims occurring during
 
 
 
   Current year
$
44,734

 
$
311,972

   Prior years
104,319

 
313,531

Total paid
$
149,053

 
$
625,503

Net liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at end of year
$
1,159,987

 
$
1,164,312

Ceded loss and loss settlement expenses
59,994

 
59,871

Gross liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at end of period
$
1,219,981

 
$
1,224,183


There are a multitude of factors that can impact loss reserve development. Those factors include, but are not limited to: historical data, the potential impact of various loss reserve development factors and trends including historical


31


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.

The significant drivers of the favorable reserve development in 2018 were our commercial liability, commercial automobile and commercial fire and allied lines of business. For each of these lines, reductions in loss IBNR were approximately equal to claim payments and reductions in reserves for reported claims were similar to the favorable loss development. Much of the favorable development continues to come from loss adjustment expense and is attributed to our continued litigation management efforts. About half of our total favorable development is attributable to loss adjustment expense. Assumed reinsurance exhibited adverse development which provided a partial offset to the favorable development. Assumed reinsurance was adversely affected by the combination of paid losses and increases in reserves for reported claims which were greater than reductions in reserves for claims incurred but not reported.

The significant drivers of the favorable reserve development in 2017 were our commercial liability and workers compensation lines of business. Much of the favorable commercial liability development came from loss adjustment expense and is attributed to our continued litigation management efforts combined with some favorable development coming from decreases in reserves, which were more than sufficient to pay claims as they closed. Workers compensation favorable development was due to the combined effects of decreases in claim reserves along with favorable changes affecting loss adjustment expense. Our personal lines also contributed favorable development. The lines that experienced adverse development during the year, which partially offset the favorable development mentioned earlier, were assumed reinsurance and commercial automobile. The adverse development for assumed reinsurance is due to increases in prior year reserves for unpaid claims while the adverse development for commercial automobile is due to paid losses which were greater than reductions in reported loss reserves and reserves for claims incurred but not reported. No other single line of business contributed a significant portion of the total development.
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.

















32


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 Plan
Three Months Ended March 31,
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
2,175

 
$
1,714

 
$
749

 
$
505

Interest cost
1,875

 
1,765

 
502

 
482

Expected return on plan assets
(2,625
)
 
(2,412
)
 

 

Amortization of prior service credit

 

 
(1,352
)
 
(1,352
)
Amortization of net loss
1,071

 
890

 
589

 
461

Net periodic benefit cost
$
2,496

 
$
1,957

 
$
488

 
$
96


Employer Contributions

We previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 that we expected to contribute $6,400 to the pension plan in 2018. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, we contributed $1,600 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 March 31, 2018, there were 855,781 authorized shares remaining available for future issuance. The Stock Plan is administered by the Board of Directors, which determines those employees who will receive awards, when awards will be granted, and the terms and conditions of the awards. The Board of Directors may also take any action it deems necessary and appropriate for the administration of the Stock Plan. Pursuant to the Stock Plan, the Board of Directors may, at its sole discretion, grant awards to our employees who are in positions of substantial responsibility with UFG.
Options granted pursuant to the Stock Plan are granted to buy shares of UFG's common stock at the market value of the stock on the date of grant. All outstanding option awards have graded vesting over 3 years or 5 years from the grant date, unless the Board of Directors authorizes acceleration of vesting. Performance stock units cliff-vest after 3 years and the certification of performance results by UFG’s Compensation Committee. To the extent not exercised, vested option awards accumulate and are exercisable by the awardee, in whole or in part, in any subsequent year included in the option period, but not later than 10 years from the grant date. Restricted and unrestricted stock awards granted pursuant to the Stock Plan are granted at the market value of UFG's common stock on the date of the grant. Restricted stock units fully vest after 3 years or 5 years from the date of issuance, unless accelerated upon the approval of the Board of Directors, at which time UFG common stock will be issued to the awardee.





33


The activity in the Stock Plan is displayed in the following table:
Authorized Shares Available for Future Award Grants
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
From Inception to March 31, 2018
Beginning balance
996,828

 
1,900,000

Additional shares authorized

 
1,500,000

Number of awards granted
(153,209
)
 
(3,025,180
)
Number of awards forfeited or expired
12,162

 
480,961

Ending balance
855,781

 
855,781

Number of option awards exercised
89,057

 
1,174,952

Number of unrestricted stock awards granted

 
8,470

Number of restricted stock awards vested
19,658

 
57,826


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 March 31, 2018, we had 61,813 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 Grants
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
From Inception to March 31, 2018
Beginning balance
61,813

 
300,000

Number of awards granted

 
(262,190
)
Number of awards forfeited or expired

 
24,003

Ending balance
61,813

 
61,813

Number of option awards exercised
7,599

 
96,880

Number of restricted stock awards vested

 
54,272


Stock-Based Compensation Expense

For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $1,281 and $1,044, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the stock options.

As of March 31, 2018, we had $10,458 in stock-based compensation expense that has yet to be recognized through our results of operations. We expect this compensation to be recognized over the remainder of 2018 and subsequent years according to the table below, except with respect to awards that are accelerated by the Board of Directors, in which case we will recognize any remaining compensation expense in the period in which the awards are accelerated.


34


2018
 
$
3,614

2019
 
3,856

2020
 
2,397

2021
 
552

2022
 
39

Total
 
$
10,458


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, our life insurance business has been considered held for sale and reported as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Financial Statements and all comparable prior periods have been presented to conform to the current period presentation. For more information, refer to Note 11. Discontinued Operations.

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

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



35


The components of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)
2018
 
2017
 
Basic
 
Diluted
 
Basic
 
Diluted
Net income from continuing operations
$
20,364

 
$
20,364

 
$
18,584

 
$
18,584

Weighted-average common shares outstanding
24,915,772

 
24,915,772

 
25,443,101

 
25,443,101

Add dilutive effect of restricted stock unit awards

 
290,083

 

 
248,717

Add dilutive effect of stock options

 
252,235

 

 
162,363

Weighted-average common shares outstanding
24,915,772

 
25,458,090

 
25,443,101

 
25,854,181

Earnings per common share from continuing operations
$
0.82

 
$
0.80

 
$
0.73

 
$
0.72

Earnings per common share from discontinued operations
(0.08
)
 
(0.07
)
 
0.05

 
0.05

Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
1.10

 
1.07

 

 

Earnings per common share
$
1.84

 
$
1.80

 
$
0.78

 
$
0.77

Awards excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation(1)

 

 

 

(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 swingline subfacility in the amount up to $5,000. The Credit Agreement allows the Company to increase the aggregate amount of the commitments thereunder by up to $100,000, provided that no event of default has occurred and is continuing and certain other conditions are satisfied.
The Credit Agreement is available for the Company's general corporate purposes, including liquidity, acquisitions and working capital. All unpaid principal and accrued interest under the Credit Agreement is due and payable in full at maturity on February 2, 2020. Based on the type of loan, advances under the Credit Agreement would bear interest on either the London interbank offered rate ("LIBOR") or a base rate plus, in each case, a calculated margin amount.
The unused commitments under the Credit Agreement will be subject to a commitment fee that will be calculated at a per annum rate. The applicable margins for borrowings under the Credit Agreement and the commitment fee thereunder will be determined by reference to a pricing grid based on the Company’s issuer credit rating by A.M. Best Company, Inc.
The Credit Agreement contains customary representations, conditions to borrowing, covenants and events of default, including certain covenants that limit or restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to sell or transfer assets, enter into a merger or consolidate with another company, create liens, impose restrictions on subsidiary dividends, enter into sale-leaseback transactions, make investments or acquisitions, enter into certain reinsurance agreements, pay dividends during any period of default, enter into transactions with affiliates, change the nature of its business, or incur indebtedness. The Credit Agreement also includes financial covenants that require the Company to (i) maintain a minimum consolidated net worth, (ii) maintain a minimum consolidated statutory surplus and (iii) not exceed a 0.35 to 1.0 debt to total capitalization ratio.
There was no outstanding balance on the Credit Agreement at March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, we did not incur any interest expense related to either credit facility. We were in compliance with all covenants of the Credit Agreement at March 31, 2018.



36


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 March 31, 2018:
 
 
 
Liability for
 
 
 
Net unrealized
 
underfunded
 
 
 
appreciation
 
employee
 
 
 
on investments
 
benefit costs(1)
 
Total
Balance as of January 1, 2018
$
214,865

 
$
(46,551
)
 
$
168,314

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
(191,244
)
 

 
(191,244
)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income before reclassifications
(34,219
)
 

 
(34,219
)
Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(29
)
 
1,311

 
1,282

Balance as of March 31, 2018
$
(10,627
)
 
$
(45,240
)
 
$
(55,867
)
(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. Our 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, unless otherwise noted.
UFG has agreed to provide services to Kuvare through a transition services agreement ("TSA"). The TSA ensures a seamless transfer of the business between UFG and Kuvare. The TSA includes, among other considerations, accounting management, human resources, legal and information technology services, from the closing date for up to 24 months.
The assets and liabilities associated with discontinued operations prior to the closing of the sale have been presented separately in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The major assets and liability categories were as follows as of the dates indicated:


37


    
Discontinued Operations
Balance Sheets
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)
March 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
Investments
 
 
 
Fixed maturities
 
 
 
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $0 in 2018 and $34 in 2017)
$

 
$
34

Available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $0 in 2018 and $1,412,291 in 2017)

 
1,430,025

Equity Securities at fair value (cost $0 in 2018 and $5,099 in 2017)

 
23,653

Mortgage loans

 
3,435

Policy loans

 
5,815

Other long-term investments

 
16,437

 

 
1,479,399

Cash and cash equivalents

 
15,851

Deferred policy acquisition costs

 
71,151

Other assets

 
19,733

Total assets held for sale
$

 
$
1,586,134

Liabilities
 
 
 
Future policy benefits and losses

$

 
$
1,320,401

Deferred income taxes

 
18,716

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 
8,018

Total liabilities held for sale
$

 
$
1,347,135
















38


Summary operating results of discontinued operations were as follows for the periods indicated:
Discontinued Operations
Statements of Income (Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
$
13,003

 
$
17,428

Investment income, net of investment expenses
12,663

 
12,450

Net realized investment gains (losses)
(1,057
)
 
1,705

Other income
146

 
198

Total revenues
$
24,755

 
$
31,781

 
 
 
 
Benefits, Losses and Expenses
 
 
 
Losses and loss settlement expenses
$
10,823

 
$
11,071

Increase in liability for future policy benefits
5,023

 
8,579

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
1,895

 
1,673

Other underwriting expenses
3,864

 
3,631

Interest on policyholders’ accounts
4,499

 
4,744

Total benefits, losses and expenses
$
26,104

 
$
29,698

 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes
$
(1,349
)
 
$
2,083

Federal income tax expense
563

 
731

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations
$
(1,912
)
 
$
1,352

Earnings per common share from discontinued operations:
 
 
 
Basic
$
(0.08
)
 
$
0.05

Diluted
(0.07
)
 
0.05


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.


39


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

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

Results of Review of Interim Financial Statements

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of United Fire Group, Inc. (the "Company") as of March 31, 2018, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the consolidated statement of stockholders' equity for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated interim financial statements”). Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

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

Basis for Review Results

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


 
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP  
 
 
Ernst & Young LLP 
 


Des Moines, Iowa
May 9, 2018



40


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

INTRODUCTION

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

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Founded in 1946 as United Fire & Casualty Company, United Fire Group, Inc. ("UFG," the "Registrant," the "Company," "we," "us," or "our") and its consolidated insurance subsidiaries provide insurance protection for individuals and businesses through several regional offices. Our property and casualty insurance company subsidiaries are licensed in 46 states plus the District of Columbia and are represented by approximately 1,150 independent agencies.
Our primary sources of revenue are premiums and investment income. Major categories of expenses include losses and loss settlement expenses, future policy benefits, underwriting and other operating expenses and interest on policyholders' accounts.
Discontinued Operations
On September 18, 2017, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell its subsidiary, United Life Insurance Company, to Kuvare US Holdings, Inc. ("Kuvare"). The sale closed on March 30, 2018. Our life insurance business has been considered held for sale and accounted for as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. All periods presented have been revised to show results from continuing and discontinued operations, unless otherwise noted. For more information, refer to Part I, Item 1, Note 11. "Discontinued Operations."



41


Reportable Segments

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

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

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

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

Subsequent to the announcement of the sale of our life insurance business on September 19, 2017, we operate and report one business segment, which contains our continuing operations. Our life insurance business has been considered held for sale and is reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented in this Form 10-Q, 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 three-month period ended March 31, 2018, approximately 48.4 percent of our property and casualty premiums were written in Texas, Iowa, California, 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.

















42


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
%
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
 
$
245,167

 
$
236,444

 
3.7
 %
Investment income, net of investment expenses
 
13,492

 
12,585

 
7.2

Net realized investment gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 

Change in the value of equity securities
 
(8,313
)
 
111

 
NM

All other net realized gains
 
449

 
2,138

 
(79.0
)
Net realized investment gains
 
(7,864
)
 
2,249

 
NM

Total revenues
 
$
250,795

 
$
251,278

 
(0.2
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits, Losses and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss settlement expenses
 
$
144,728

 
$
156,552

 
(7.6
)%
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
 
49,639

 
50,461

 
(1.6
)
Other underwriting expenses
 
34,855

 
21,259

 
64.0

Total benefits, losses and expenses
 
$
229,222

 
$
228,272

 
0.4
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
$
21,573

 
$
23,006

 
(6.2
)%
Federal income tax expense
 
1,209

 
4,422

 
(72.7
)
Net income from continuing operations
 
$
20,364

 
$
18,584

 
9.6
 %
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
(1,912
)
 
1,352

 
(241.4
)%
Gain on sale discontinued operations, net of tax
 
27,307

 

 
NM

Net income
 
$
45,759

 
$
19,936

 
129.5
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss ratio (without catastrophes)
 
57.6
%
 
62.1
%
 
(7.2
)%
Catastrophes - effect on net loss ratio
 
1.4

 
4.1

 
(65.9
)%
Net loss ratio(1)
 
59.0
%
 
66.2
%
 
(10.9
)%
Expense ratio(2)
 
34.5

 
30.3

 
13.9
 %
Combined ratio(3)
 
93.5
%
 
96.5
%
 
(3.1
)%
(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

The following is a summary of our financial performance from continuing operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018:

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, the net income from continuing operations was $20.4 million compared to net income from continuing operations of $18.6 million for the same period of 2017. This increase was driven by higher net premiums earned from organic growth and geographical expansion, a decrease in losses and loss settlement expenses from a decrease in catastrophe losses and an increase in prior year favorable reserve


43


development primarily on our other liability, commercial automobile and commercial fire and allied lines of business. These were all partially offset by: realized investment losses, primarily on equity securities, due to the adoption of new accounting guidance on January 1, 2018 which requires changes in the value of equity securities to be recognized in net income rather than accumulated other comprehensive income within shareholders equity; an increase in expenses primarily from investments in upgrading our underwriting technology platforms; and the acceleration of the amortization of our deferred acquisition costs in our commercial and personal automobile lines of business due to lower than expected profitability in these lines.

Net premiums earned increased to $245.2 million compared to $236.4 million for the same period of 2017 from continued organic growth and geographical expansion.

Losses and loss settlement expenses decreased by $11.8 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 compared to the same period of 2017, and the net loss ratio decreased by 7.2 percentage points during the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 compared to the same period of 2017. This decrease was driven by a decrease in catastrophe losses and an increase in prior year favorable reserve development primarily on our other liability, commercial automobile and commercial fire and allied lines of business. Pre-tax catastrophe losses for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 were $3.4 million compared to $9.7 million in the same period of 2017.

Investment income increased slightly by $0.9 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017. The increase in the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 was primarily driven by an increase in invested assets and the change in the valuation of our investments in limited liability partnerships and not due to a change in our investment philosophy. The valuation of these investments in limited liability partnerships varies from period to period due to current equity market conditions, specifically related to financial institutions.

The combined ratio decreased 3.0 percentage points to 93.5 percent, for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, compared to 96.5 percent for the same period of 2017. The decrease in the combined ratio in the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the same period of 2017, was primarily attributable to a decrease in the net loss ratio partially offset by an increase in underwriting expenses. The decrease in net loss ratio was primarily driven by a decrease in catastrophe losses and an increase in prior year favorable reserve development primarily on our other liability, commercial automobile and commercial fire and allied lines of business.

The net loss ratio, a component of the combined ratio, decreased by 7.2 percentage points to 59.0 percent in the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the same period of 2017. The decrease in net loss ratio was primarily driven by a decrease in catastrophe losses and an increase in prior year favorable reserve development primarily on our other liability, commercial automobile and commercial fire and allied lines of business.

The expense ratio, a component of the combined ratio, was 34.5 percent for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, an increase of 4.2 percentage points as compared with the same period of 2017. The increase in the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 was due to two items: first, continued investment in our multi-year project to upgrade our technology platforms to enhance core underwriting decisions and productivity, and second, acceleration of the amortizaion of deferred acquisition costs in our commercial and personal automobile lines of business due to lower than expected profitability in these lines.

On March 30, 2018 the sale of United Life closed, resulting in a gain on sale of discontinued operations after-tax of $27,307.

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


44


small proportion of losses in these accident years are reported claims and an even smaller proportion are paid losses. In addition, long-tail liability claims are more susceptible to litigation and can be significantly affected by changing contract interpretations and the legal environment. Consequently, the estimation of loss reserves for long-tail coverages is more complex and subject to a higher degree of variability. Reserves for these long-tail coverages represent a significant portion of our overall carried reserves.

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

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

2018 Development

The property and casualty insurance business experienced $38.1 million of favorable development in our net reserves for prior accident years for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018. Three lines combined to provide the majority of favorable development while one line developed adversely. The three largest contributors to favorable development were commercial liability with $14.9 million of favorable development, commercial automobile with $13.9 million of favorable development and commercial fire and allied with $7.8 million of favorable development. Additional favorable development also came from workers compensation with $4.0 million of favorable development. The favorable development is attributable to reductions in reserves for reported claims as well as reductions in required reserves for incurred but not reported claims along with reductions in reserves for loss adjustment expense. Reserve reductions were more than sufficient to offset claim payments and loss adjustment expense payments. Loss adjustment expense payments continue to benefit from successful management of litigation expenses. The only line which partially offset to the favorable development was assumed reinsurance with $4.6 million of adverse development. Adverse development for assumed reinsurance is attributable to the combination of paid loss and the emergence of additional reserves for reported claims which were greater than reductions in prior year IBNR.

2017 Development

The property and casualty insurance business experienced $24.9 million of favorable development in our net reserves for prior accident years for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017. Two lines combined to provide the majority of favorable development while two lines developed adversely. The two largest contributors to favorable development were commercial liability, with $25.7 million of favorable development, and workers' compensation with $4.0 million of favorable development, in the three-month period ended March 31, 2017. The favorable development is also attributable to reductions in reserves for reported claims and reductions in required reserves for incurred but not reported claims along with reductions in reserves for loss adjustment expense. Reserve reductions were more than sufficient to offset claim payments and loss adjustment expense payments. Loss adjustment expense payments continue to benefit from successful management of litigation expenses. The two lines that provided a partial offset to the favorable development were assumed reinsurance with $6.1 million of adverse development and commercial fire with $2.5 million of adverse development. Adverse development for assumed reinsurance is primarily attributable to the emergence of additional reserves for reported claims. The adverse development for commercial fire was due to the emergence of 2016 accident year paid losses.



45


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 March 31, 2018, our total reserves were within our actuarial estimates.

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
Net Losses
 
 
 
 
 
Net Losses
 
 
 
 
 
and Loss
 
 
 
 
 
and Loss
 
 
 
Net
 
Settlement
 
Net
 
Net
 
Settlement
 
Net
(In Thousands, Except Ratios)
Premiums
 
Expenses
 
Loss
 
Premiums
 
Expenses
 
Loss
Unaudited
Earned
 
Incurred
 
Ratio
 
Earned
 
Incurred
 
Ratio
Commercial lines
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liability
$
75,593

 
$
25,303

 
33.5
 %
 
$
74,080

 
$
17,789

 
24.0
 %
Fire and allied lines
57,399

 
34,229

 
59.6

 
55,519

 
44,123

 
79.5

Automobile
66,694

 
53,947

 
80.9

 
57,721

 
58,976

 
102.2

Workers' compensation
23,341

 
12,060

 
51.7

 
24,483

 
16,396

 
67.0

Fidelity and surety
5,473

 
658

 
12.0

 
5,897

 
208

 
3.5

Miscellaneous
425

 
184

 
43.3

 
378

 
57

 
15.1

Total commercial lines
$
228,925

 
$
126,381

 
55.2
 %
 
$
218,078

 
$
137,549

 
63.1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal lines
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fire and allied lines
$
10,438

 
$
7,401

 
70.9
 %
 
$
10,788

 
$
6,374

 
59.1
 %
Automobile
7,009

 
5,757

 
82.1

 
6,479

 
6,230

 
96.2

Miscellaneous
295

 
(105
)
 
(35.6
)
 
279

 
(70
)
 
(25.1
)
Total personal lines
$
17,742

 
$
13,053

 
73.6
 %
 
$
17,546

 
$
12,534

 
71.4
 %
Reinsurance assumed
$
(1,500
)
 
$
5,294

 
NM

 
$
820

 
$
6,469

 
NM

Total
$
245,167

 
$
144,728

 
59.0
 %
 
$
236,444

 
$
156,552

 
66.2
 %
NM = Not meaningful

Below are explanations regarding significant changes in the net loss ratios by line of business:
 
Other liability - The net loss ratio deteriorated 9.5 percentage points in the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017. This deterioration is attributable to a reduction in incurred but not reported ("IBNR") loss reserves that occurred during the three month period ended March 31, 2017 which provided a benefit in 2017 compared to no IBNR reserve reduction during the first quarter of 2018. This was offset by an increase in prior year favorable reserve development. Paid loss and paid loss adjustment expense were comparable for first quarter 2018 compared to same period of 2017 and the change in reserves for reported claims was more favorable in first quarter 2018 compared to the same period of 2017.

Commercial fire and allied lines - The net loss ratio improved 19.9 percentage points in the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017. This improvement is primarily attributable to favorable prior year reserve development and a decrease in catastrophe losses in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017.

Commercial automobile - The net loss ratio improved 21.3 percentage points in the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017. This improvement is primarily attributable to a decrease in severity and frequency of losses and favorable prior year reserve development.

Workers' compensation - The net loss ratio improved 15.3 percentage points in the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017. The improvement was primarily due to a


46


decrease in frequency and severity of losses and reported claims in 2018 as compared to 2017 along with prior year favorable reserve development.

Personal fire and allied lines - The net loss ratio deteriorated 11.8 percentage points in the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017. The deterioration is attributable to an increase in frequency of losses and claims from first quarter non-catastrophic weather events during 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017

Personal automobile - The net loss ratio improved 14.1 percentage points in the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, respectively, compared to the same period of 2017. This improvement is attributable to both a reduction in paid loss and a decrease in reported claims in 2018 as compared to 2017.

Reinsurance assumed - The net loss ratio deteriorated in the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 compared to the same period of 2017. Net premiums earned were negative in the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 due to return of premiums from favorable prior year experience. Net losses decreased in the first quarter of 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017 primarily due to a decrease in frequency of losses and claims.

Financial Condition

Our stockholders' equity decreased to $970.7 million at March 31, 2018, from $973.4 million at December 31, 2017. The decrease was attributable to a decrease in net unrealized investment gains of $34.2 million, net of tax, during the first three months of 2018, shareholder dividends of $7.0 million and share repurchases of $5.4 million, partially offset by net income of $45.8 million, which includes a $27.3 million gain on the sale of discontinued operations.

At March 31, 2018, the book value per share of our common stock was $38.96. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, 120,372 shares of common stock were repurchased under our share repurchase program at a total cost of $5.4 million and an average share price of $44.90. Under our share repurchase program, which is scheduled to expire on August 31, 2018, we were authorized to repurchase an additional 2,116,200 shares of our common stock as of March 31, 2018.



47


Discontinued Operations Results
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
 
$
13,003

 
$
17,428

Investment income, net of investment expenses
 
12,663

 
12,450

Net realized investment gains (losses)
 
(1,057
)
 
1,705

Other income
 
146

 
198

Total revenues
 
$
24,755

 
$
31,781

 
 
 
 
 
Benefits, Losses and Expenses
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss settlement expenses
 
$
10,823

 
$
11,071

Increase in liability for future policy benefits
 
5,023

 
8,579

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
 
1,895

 
1,673

Other underwriting expenses
 
3,864

 
3,631

Interest on policyholders' accounts
 
4,499

 
4,744

Total benefits, losses and expenses
 
$
26,104

 
$
29,698

 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before income taxes
 
$
(1,349
)
 
$
2,083


Our discontinued operations had a loss before income taxes of $1.3 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, compared to income before income taxes of $2.1 million for the same period of 2017. The decrease in net income during the first quarter of 2018 was primarily due to a decrease in net premiums earned and realized investment losses compared to realized investment gains in the first quarter of 2017. The realized investment losses are primarily due to the change in the value of equity securities, which are now required to be recognized in the income statement due to the change in accounting principles adopted on January 1, 2018 as previously discussed.

Investment Portfolio

Our invested assets from continuing operations totaled $1.9 billion at March 31, 2018, compared to $1.9 billion at December 31, 2017, an increase of $16.1 million. At March 31, 2018, fixed maturity securities and equity securities made up 82.9 percent and 14.7 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.







48


The composition of our investment portfolio at March 31, 2018 is presented at carrying value in the following table:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
Percent

(In Thousands, Except Ratios)
 
 
 
of Total

Fixed maturities (1)
 


 


Held-to-maturity
 
$
150

 
%
Available-for-sale
 
1,563,996

 
82.1

Trading securities
 
15,379

 
0.8

Equity securities
 
280,362

 
14.7

Other long-term investments
 
44,998

 
2.4

Short-term investments
 
175

 

Total
 
$
1,905,060

 
100.0
%
(1) Available-for-sale securities and trading fixed maturities are carried at fair value. Held-to-maturity fixed maturities are carried at amortized cost.

At both March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we classified $1.6 billion or 99.0 percent and $1.5 billion or 98.9 percent, respectively, of our fixed maturities portfolio as available-for-sale. We classify our remaining fixed maturities as held-to-maturity or trading. We record held-to-maturity securities at amortized cost. We record available-for-sale fixed maturity securities at fair value, with any changes in fair value recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. We record trading securities, primarily convertible redeemable preferred debt securities, at fair value, with any changes in fair value recognized in earnings.

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

Credit Quality

The table below shows the composition of fixed maturity securities held in our available-for-sale, held-to-maturity and trading security portfolios, by credit rating for both continuing and discontinued operations at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Information contained in the table is generally based upon the issued credit ratings provided by Moody's, unless the rating is unavailable, in which case we obtain credit ratings from Standard & Poor's.
(In Thousands, Except Ratios)
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Rating
Carrying Value
 
% of Total
 
Carrying Value
 
% of Total
AAA
$
590,813

 
37.4
%
 
$
885,000

 
29.7
%
AA
738,716

 
46.8

 
839,210

 
28.0

A
137,332

 
8.7

 
616,787

 
20.7

Baa/BBB
101,565

 
6.4

 
585,968

 
19.6

Other/Not Rated
11,099

 
0.7

 
55,156

 
1.9

 
$
1,579,525

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,982,121

 
100.0
%

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




49



Investment Results
We invest the premiums received from our policyholders and annuitants in order to generate investment income, which is an important component of our revenues and profitability. The amount of investment income that we are able to generate is affected by many factors, some of which are beyond our control. Some of these factors are volatility in the financial markets, economic growth, inflation, interest rates, world political conditions, terrorist attacks or threats of terrorism, adverse events affecting other companies in our industry or the industries in which we invest and other unpredictable national or world events. Our net investment income from continuing operations increased by 7.2 percent in the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, compared with the same period of 2017. The increase in the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 was primarily due to an increase in invested assets and changes in value of our investments in limited liability partnerships as compared to the same period in 2017. We are maintaining our investment philosophy of purchasing fixed income investments rated investment grade or better.
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-month period ended March 31, 2018, the change in value of our investments in limited liability partnerships resulted in investment income of $1.4 million as compared to an increase of $1.1 million in investment income in the same period of 2017. This resulted in an increase of $0.3 million in investment income in the three-month period ended March 31, 2018.
Our net realized investment losses from continuing operations was $7.9 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, as compared with net realized investment gains of $2.2 million in the same period of 2017. $9.2 million of the net loss between such quarterly periods is the result the change in the value of equity securities which are now required to be recognized in net income rather the accumulated other comprehensive income due to the change in accounting principles adopted on January 1, 2018.
We regularly monitor the difference between our cost basis and the estimated fair value of our investments. Our accounting policy for impairment recognition requires other-than-temporary impairment charges to be recorded when we determine that it is more likely than not that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the fixed maturity security or that the anticipated recovery in fair value of the equity security will not occur in a reasonable amount of time. Impairment charges on investments are recorded based on the fair value of the investments at the measurement date. Factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary include: the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been less than cost; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; our intention to hold the investment; and the likelihood that we will be required to sell the investment.
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities do not affect net income and earnings per share but do impact comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and book value per share. We believe that any unrealized losses on our available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2018 are temporary based upon our current analysis of the issuers of the securities that we hold and current market conditions. It is possible that we could recognize impairment charges in future periods on securities that we own at March 31, 2018 if future events and information cause us to determine that a decline in value is other-than-temporary. However, we endeavor to invest in high quality assets to provide protection from future credit quality issues and corresponding other-than-temporary impairment write-downs. In the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, 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, annuity deposits, 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, policyholder benefits under life insurance contracts, annuity withdrawals, 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 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 and future policyholder benefits of the underlying insurance policies, and annuity withdrawals. 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 in the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 from continuing and discontinued operations:
Cash Flow Summary
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands)
2018
 
2017
Cash provided by (used in)
 
 
 
Operating activities
$
23,574

 
$
39,207

Investing activities
226,154

 
(28,228
)
Financing activities
(21,618
)
 
(28,176
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
228,110

 
$
(17,197
)
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 three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 and we anticipate they will be sufficient to meet our future liquidity needs.
Operating Activities
Net cash flows provided by continuing operations totaled $23.6 million and $39.2 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Cash flows from discontinued operations provided by operating activities totaled $4.0 million and $6.4 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Investing Activities
Cash in excess of operating requirements is generally invested in fixed maturity securities and equity securities. Fixed maturities provide regular interest payments and allow us to match the duration of our liabilities. Equity securities provide dividend income, potential dividend income growth and potential appreciation. For further discussion of our investments, including our philosophy and our strategy for our portfolio, see the "Investment Portfolio" section of this item.
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, $239.9 million, or 15.2 percent, of our fixed maturity portfolio will mature.


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We invest funds required for short-term cash needs primarily in money market accounts, which are classified as cash equivalents. At March 31, 2018, our cash and cash equivalents included $285.8 million related to these money market accounts, compared to $16.8 million at December 31, 2017.
Net cash flows provided by investing activities were $226.2 million and $28.2 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, we had cash inflows from scheduled and unscheduled investment maturities, redemptions, prepayments, and sales of investments, from continuing operations of $33.4 million and $42.8 million, respectively. We also had net cash inflows from the sale of discontinued operations of $276.1 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018.
Our cash outflows for investment purchases from continuing operations were $93.8 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, compared to $81.7 million for the same period of 2017.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows used in financing activities from continuing operations was $10.1 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 which changed slightly compared to $10.9 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017.
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 March 31, 2018 and 2017, there were no balances outstanding under this credit agreement. For further discussion of our credit agreement, refer to Part I, Item 1, Note 9. "Credit Facility" to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
Dividends
Dividends paid to shareholders totaled $7.0 million and $6.4 million in the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 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, however, will depend upon factors such as net income, financial condition, capital requirements, and general business conditions. We will only pay dividends if declared by our Board of Directors out of legally available funds.
As a holding company with no independent operations of its own, we rely on dividends received from our insurance company subsidiaries in order to pay dividends to its 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 March 31, 2018, UFG's sole direct insurance company subsidiary, United Fire & Casualty Company, was able to make a maximum of $35.7 million in dividend payments without prior regulatory approval. These restrictions will not have a material impact in meeting the cash obligations of UFG.
Stockholders' Equity
Stockholders' equity decreased 0.3 percent to $970.7 million at March 31, 2018, from $973.4 million at December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily attributed to a decrease in net unrealized investment gains of $34.2 million, net of tax, during the first three months of 2018, shareholder dividends of $7.0 million and share


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repurchases of $5.4 million, partially offset by net income of $45.8 million, which includes $27.3 million of gain on the sale of discontinued operations. At March 31, 2018, the book value per share of our common stock was $38.96 compared to $39.06 at December 31, 2017.

OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

Funding Commitments

Pursuant to an agreement with one of our limited liability partnership investments, we are contractually committed through December 31, 2023, to make capital contributions upon request of the partnership. Our remaining potential contractual obligation was $1.5 million at March 31, 2018.

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

Catastrophe losses is a commonly used financial measure that uses the designations of the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and are reported with losses and loss settlement expense amounts net of reinsurance recoverables, unless specified otherwise. According to the ISO, a catastrophe loss is defined as a single unpredictable incident or series of closely related incidents that result in $25.0 million or more in U.S. industry-wide direct insured losses to property and that affect a significant number of insureds and insurers ("ISO catastrophe"). In addition to ISO catastrophes, we also include as catastrophes those events ("non-ISO catastrophes"), which may include U.S. or international losses that we believe are, or will be, material to our operations, either in amount or in number of claims made. Management, at times, may determine for comparison purposes that it is more meaningful to exclude extraordinary catastrophe losses and resulting litigation. The frequency and severity of catastrophic 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 segment, 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 March 31,
(In Thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
ISO catastrophes
 
$
3,438

 
$
9,738

Non-ISO catastrophes (1)
 
(77
)
 
(13
)
Total catastrophes
 
$
3,361

 
$
9,725

(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 March 31, 2018, we did not have direct exposure to investments in sub-prime mortgages or other credit-enhancement exposures.

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

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

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

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

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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



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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the normal course of its business, the Company is a party to a variety of legal proceedings. While the final outcome of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes all of the proceedings pending as of March 31, 2018 to be ordinary and routine and does not expect these legal proceedings to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position 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 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2018, that could have a material effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and/or liquidity and that could cause our operating results to vary significantly from period to period. The risks described in the above mentioned report are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial could also have a material effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity.

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

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

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

 
$

 

 
2,236,572

2/1/2018 - 2/28/2018
115,372

 
44.89

 
115,372

 
2,121,200

3/1/2018 - 3/31/2018
5,000

 
44.98

 
5,000

 
2,116,200

Total
120,372

 
$
44.90

 
120,372

 
2,116,200

(1) Our share repurchase program was originally announced in August 2007. In August 2016, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 1,500,000 shares of common stock through the end of August 2018. This is in addition to the 1,528,886 shares of common stock remaining under its previous authorizations. As of March 31, 2018 we remained authorized to repurchase 2,116,200 shares of common stock.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.


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

 
 
X



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SIGNATURES

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

UNITED FIRE GROUP, INC.
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Randy A. Ramlo
 
/s/ Dawn M. Jaffray
Randy A. Ramlo
 
Dawn M. Jaffray
President, Chief Executive Officer,
 
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Director and Principal Executive Officer
 
Principal Accounting Officer
 
 
 
May 9, 2018
 
May 9, 2018
(Date)
 
(Date)
 



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