SIGI 10-Q Quarterly Report June 30, 2017 | Alphaminr
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP INC

SIGI 10-Q Quarter ended June 30, 2017

SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP INC
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10-Q 1 sigi-6302017x10q.htm 10-Q Document

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended: June 30, 2017
or
¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from_____________________________to_____________________________
Commission File Number: 001-33067
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
New Jersey
22-2168890
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
40 Wantage Avenue
Branchville, New Jersey
07890
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
(973) 948-3000
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)
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 x No o
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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Emerging growth company o
Smaller reporting company o
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.
o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).                                                              Yes o No x
As of July 14, 2017 , there were 58,364,187 shares of common stock, par value $2.00 per share, outstanding.



SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
Table of Contents
Page No.



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Unaudited
($ in thousands, except share amounts)
June 30,
2017
December 31,
2016
ASSETS


Investments:


Fixed income securities, held-to-maturity – at carrying value (fair value:  $75,540 – 2017; $105,211 – 2016)
$
72,514

101,556

Fixed income securities, available-for-sale – at fair value (amortized cost: $4,923,005 – 2017; $4,753,759 – 2016)
5,018,722

4,792,540

Equity securities, available-for-sale – at fair value (cost:  $131,463 – 2017; $120,889 – 2016)
161,694

146,753

Short-term investments (at cost which approximates fair value)
133,706

221,701

Other investments
116,411

102,397

Total investments (Note 4 and 6)
5,503,047


5,364,947

Cash
8,628

458

Interest and dividends due or accrued
40,231

40,164

Premiums receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of:  $6,627 – 2017; $5,980 – 2016
764,340

681,611

Reinsurance recoverable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of: $5,200 – 2017; $5,500 – 2016
601,887

621,537

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
151,898

146,282

Current federal income tax

2,486

Deferred federal income tax
60,388

84,840

Property and equipment – at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of:
$206,847 – 2017; $198,729 – 2016
66,255

69,576

Deferred policy acquisition costs
234,903

222,564

Goodwill
7,849

7,849

Other assets
88,778

113,534

Total assets
$
7,528,204

7,355,848

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY


Liabilities:


Reserve for losses and loss expenses (Note 8)
$
3,731,221

3,691,719

Unearned premiums
1,352,068

1,262,819

Long-term debt
438,894

438,667

Current federal income tax
2,104


Accrued salaries and benefits
103,177

132,880

Other liabilities
248,184

298,393

Total liabilities
$
5,875,648

5,824,478

Stockholders’ Equity:


Preferred stock of $0 par value per share:
$


Authorized shares 5,000,000; no shares issued or outstanding
Common stock of $2 par value per share:
Authorized shares 360,000,000
Issued: 102,150,866 – 2017; 101,620,436 – 2016
204,302

203,241

Additional paid-in capital
359,982

347,295

Retained earnings
1,641,820

1,568,881

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 11)
24,497

(15,950
)
Treasury stock – at cost
(shares:  43,788,147 – 2017; 43,653,237 – 2016)
(578,045
)
(572,097
)
Total stockholders’ equity
$
1,652,556

1,531,370

Commitments and contingencies




Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
7,528,204

7,355,848


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

1


SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Quarter ended June 30,
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
2017
2016
2017
2016
Revenues:


Net premiums earned
$
568,030

531,932

1,128,884

1,054,390

Net investment income earned
41,430

31,182

78,849

61,951

Net realized gains (losses):


Net realized investment gains
2,951

2,314

5,381

3,203

Other-than-temporary impairments
(1,211
)
(559
)
(4,686
)
(4,152
)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed income securities recognized in other comprehensive income
(6
)
10

(6
)
10

Total net realized gains (losses)
1,734

1,765

689

(939
)
Other income
3,291

3,868

6,532

4,819

Total revenues
614,485

568,747

1,214,954

1,120,221

Expenses:


Losses and loss expenses incurred
341,559

298,479

659,031

595,623

Policy acquisition costs
196,824

190,731

393,052

373,958

Interest expense
6,081

5,620

12,187

11,226

Other expenses
11,092

11,606

24,181

25,228

Total expenses
555,556

506,436

1,088,451

1,006,035

Income before federal income tax
58,929

62,311

126,503

114,186

Federal income tax expense:


Current
17,785

18,318

32,058

32,402

Deferred
(282
)
392

2,579

1,151

Total federal income tax expense
17,503

18,710

34,637

33,553

Net income
$
41,426

43,601

91,866

80,633

Earnings per share:


Basic net income
$
0.71

0.75

1.57

1.40

Diluted net income
$
0.70

0.74

1.55

1.38

Dividends to stockholders
$
0.16

0.15

0.32

0.30

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


2


SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Quarter ended June 30,
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
2017
2016
Net income
$
41,426

43,601

91,866

80,633

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:


Unrealized gains on investment securities:


Unrealized holding gains arising during period
23,326

36,188

40,087

78,917

Non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive income
4

(6
)
4

(6
)
Amounts reclassified into net income:
Held-to-maturity securities
(28
)
(12
)
(60
)
(59
)
Realized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities
(1,225
)
(1,145
)
(244
)
609

Total unrealized gains on investment securities
22,077

35,025

39,787

79,461

Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:


Amounts reclassified into net income:
Net actuarial loss
330

985

660

1,971

Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans
330

985

660

1,971

Other comprehensive income
22,407

36,010

40,447

81,432

Comprehensive income
$
63,833

79,611

132,313

162,065

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


3


SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
2017
2016
Common stock:


Beginning of year
$
203,241

201,723

Dividend reinvestment plan (shares:  15,419 – 2017; 20,808 – 2016)
31

42

Stock purchase and compensation plans (shares:  515,011 – 2017; 569,034 – 2016)
1,030

1,138

End of period
204,302

202,903

Additional paid-in capital:


Beginning of year
347,295

326,656

Dividend reinvestment plan
693

696

Stock purchase and compensation plans
11,994

12,757

End of period
359,982

340,109

Retained earnings:


Beginning of year
1,568,881

1,446,192

Net income
91,866

80,633

Dividends to stockholders ($0.32 per share – 2017; $0.30 per share – 2016)
(18,927
)
(17,583
)
End of period
1,641,820

1,509,242

Accumulated other comprehensive income:


Beginning of year
(15,950
)
(9,425
)
Other comprehensive income
40,447

81,432

End of period
24,497

72,007

Treasury stock:


Beginning of year
(572,097
)
(567,105
)
Acquisition of treasury stock (shares: 134,910 – 2017; 138,007 – 2016)
(5,948
)
(4,419
)
End of period
(578,045
)
(571,524
)
Total stockholders’ equity
$
1,652,556

1,552,737

Selective Insurance Group, Inc. also has authorized, but not issued, 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, without par value, of which 300,000 shares have been
designated Series A junior preferred stock, without par value.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


4


SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
Operating Activities


Net income
$
91,866

80,633

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:


Depreciation and amortization
25,409

30,155

Stock-based compensation expense
8,372

7,203

Undistributed (gains) losses of equity method investments
(3,575
)
1,677

Loss on disposal of fixed assets
998


Net realized (gains) losses
(689
)
939

Changes in assets and liabilities:


Increase in reserve for losses and loss expenses, net of reinsurance recoverable
59,152

41,986

Increase in unearned premiums, net of prepaid reinsurance
83,633

89,109

Decrease in net federal income taxes
7,263

2,380

Increase in premiums receivable
(82,729
)
(91,391
)
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs
(12,339
)
(15,395
)
Increase in interest and dividends due or accrued
(204
)
(1,030
)
Decrease in accrued salaries and benefits
(29,703
)
(48,603
)
Decrease (increase) in other assets
24,953

(3,877
)
Decrease in other liabilities
(48,684
)
(34,659
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
123,723

59,127

Investing Activities


Purchase of fixed income securities, held-to-maturity

(4,235
)
Purchase of fixed income securities, available-for-sale
(1,194,142
)
(411,538
)
Purchase of equity securities, available-for-sale
(22,115
)
(16,796
)
Purchase of other investments
(22,121
)
(17,734
)
Purchase of short-term investments
(2,259,305
)
(691,496
)
Sale of fixed income securities, available-for-sale
717,072

22,114

Sale of short-term investments
2,348,892

680,865

Redemption and maturities of fixed income securities, held-to-maturity
28,730

44,615

Redemption and maturities of fixed income securities, available-for-sale
300,430

264,244

Sale of equity securities, available-for-sale
6,289

83,793

Distributions from other investments
9,843

13,380

Purchase of property and equipment
(7,047
)
(8,187
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(93,474
)
(40,975
)
Financing Activities


Dividends to stockholders
(17,922
)
(16,569
)
Acquisition of treasury stock
(5,948
)
(4,419
)
Net proceeds from stock purchase and compensation plans
4,045

4,368

Proceeds from borrowings
64,000

55,000

Repayments of borrowings
(64,000
)
(55,000
)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

1,761

Repayments of capital lease obligations
(2,254
)
(2,661
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(22,079
)
(17,520
)
Net increase in cash
8,170

632

Cash, beginning of year
458

898

Cash, end of period
$
8,628

1,530

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

5


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1. Basis of Presentation
As used herein, the "Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refers to Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (the "Parent"), and its subsidiaries, except as expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires. Our interim unaudited consolidated financial statements (“Financial Statements”) have been prepared by us in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting. The preparation of the Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported financial statement balances, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions between the Parent and its subsidiaries are eliminated in consolidation.

Our Financial Statements reflect all adjustments that, in our opinion, are normal, recurring, and necessary for a fair presentation of our results of operations and financial condition. Our Financial Statements cover the second quarters ended June 30, 2017 (“ Second Quarter 2017 ”) and June 30, 2016 (“ Second Quarter 2016 ”) and the six-month periods ended June 30, 2017 (" Six Months 2017 ") and June 30, 2016 (" Six Months 2016 "). The Financial Statements do not include all of the information and disclosures required by GAAP and the SEC for audited annual financial statements. Results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. Consequently, our Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (“ 2016 Annual Report ”) filed with the SEC.

NOTE 2. Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions. We adopted this guidance on January 1, 2017, which resulted in the following impacts on our consolidated financial statements:
Consolidated Statements of Income
The new standard requires that the tax effects of share-based compensation be recognized in the income tax provision as discrete items outside of the annual estimated expected tax rate. In addition, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies should be recognized as income tax benefit or expense in the income statement. Previously, these amounts were recorded in additional paid-in capital. In addition, in calculating potential common shares used to determine diluted earnings per share, GAAP requires us to use the treasury stock method. The new standard requires that assumed proceeds under the treasury stock method be modified to exclude the amount of excess tax benefits that would have been recognized in additional paid-in capital. These changes were adopted on a prospective basis. As a result of adoption, we recognized an income tax benefit in the Consolidated Statements of Income of $0.4 million in Second Quarter 2017 and $3.3 million in Six Months 2017 related to stock grants that have vested this year.

In recording share-based compensation expense, ASU 2016-09 allows companies to make a policy election as to whether they will include an estimate of awards expected to be forfeited or whether they will account for forfeitures as they occur. We have elected to include an estimate of forfeitures in the computation of our share-based compensation expense. As this treatment is consistent with previous guidance, this election had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
ASU 2016-09 requires that excess tax benefits from share-based awards be reported as operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Previously, these cash flows were included in financing activities. We elected to apply this change on a prospective basis; therefore, no changes have been made to the prior periods disclosed in this report.

The standard also requires that employee taxes paid when an employer withholds shares for tax-withholding purposes be reported as financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. This requirement has no impact to us as we have historically reported these cash flows as part of financing activities.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-17, Consolidation: Interests Held through Related Parties That Are Under Common Control ("ASU 2016-17"). ASU 2016-17 changes how a decision maker considers indirect interests in a variable interest entity ("VIE") held under common control in making the primary beneficiary determination. ASU 2016-17 was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual periods. The adoption of ASU 2016-17 did not impact us, as we are not the decision maker in any of the VIEs in which we are invested.

6



Pronouncements to be effective in the future
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”). ASU 2016-01 provides guidance to improve certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. Specifically the guidance: (i) requires equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings; (ii) simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment; (iii) eliminates the requirement to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost; (iv) requires the use of the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; and (v) clarifies that the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to an available-for-sale ("AFS") security should be evaluated with other deferred tax assets.

ASU 2016-01 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. Our adoption of this guidance will require a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of January 1, 2018 in an amount equal to the after-tax net unrealized gain or loss on our equity portfolio as of year-end 2017. If this guidance had been adopted as of the beginning of 2017, the cumulative-effect adjustment would have been approximately $17 million and we would have recognized additional after-tax net income of approximately $3 million or $0.05 per diluted share, reflecting the change in fair value during Six Months 2017.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 requires all lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset, measured at the present value of the future minimum lease payments, at the lease commencement date. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim reporting periods within that fiscal year, with early adoption permitted. ASU 2016-02 requires the application of a modified retrospective approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. While we are currently evaluating ASU 2016-02, we do not expect a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations from the adoption of this guidance.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 , Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (“ASU 2016-13”).  ASU 2016-13 will change the way entities recognize impairment of financial assets by requiring immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of many financial assets, including, among others, held-to-maturity debt securities, trade receivables, and reinsurance receivables. ASU 2016-13 requires a valuation allowance to be calculated on these financial assets and that they be presented on the financial statements net of the valuation allowance. The valuation allowance is a measurement of expected losses that is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount.  This methodology is referred to as the current expected credit loss model. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our financial condition and results of operations.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 adds or clarifies guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows, including, but not limited to: (i) debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; (ii) proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies; (iii) distributions received from equity method investees; and (iv) separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our statement of cash flows.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash ("ASU 2016-18"). ASU 2016-18, requires that restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents in the reconciliation of beginning and ending cash on the statements of cash flows. This update also requires a reconciliation of the statement of the cash flows to the balance sheet if the balance sheet includes more than one line item of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash. ASU 2016-18 is effective, with retrospective adoption, for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. We currently have restricted cash associated with the National Flood Insurance Program ("NFIP") in "Other assets." This literature will impact the presentation of this item in both the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Statements of Cash Flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 eliminates the second step of the two part goodwill impairment test, which

7


required entities to determine the fair value of individual assets and liabilities of a reporting unit to measure the goodwill impairment. Under the new guidance, a goodwill impairment is calculated as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The amendments in this update should be applied on a prospective basis for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We do not expect a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations from the adoption of this guidance.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost ("ASU 2017-07"). ASU 2017-07 requires that an employer report a pension plan's service cost in the same line item or line items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by pertinent employees during the period. ASU 2017-07 also requires that other components of net benefit cost be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component. If a separate line item or items are not used, the line item or items used in the income statement to present the other components of net benefit cost must be disclosed. ASU 2017-07 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted at the beginning of an annual period. As our pension plan was frozen as of March 2016, we ceased accruing additional service fee costs at that time. Therefore, the application of this guidance is not anticipated to impact our financial condition, results of operations, or disclosures.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs: Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities ("ASU 2017-08"). ASU 2017-08 revises the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium, requiring the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. Under current GAAP, entities generally amortize the premium as an adjustment of yield over the contractual life of the instrument. ASU 2017-08 is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. This ASU does not impact us, as we amortize premium on these callable debt securities to the earliest call date.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting ("ASU 2017-09"). ASU 2017-09 provides clarification about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award would require the application of modification accounting. ASU 2017-09 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not anticipated to impact us, as we currently record modifications in accordance with this ASU.

NOTE 3. Statements of Cash Flows
Supplemental cash flow information was as follows:
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
Cash paid during the period for:


Interest
$
11,963

10,986

Federal income tax
27,000

29,000

Non-cash items:
Exchange of fixed income securities, AFS
1,029

17,702

Corporate actions related to equity securities, AFS 1

3,032

Assets acquired under capital lease arrangements
278

2,999

Non-cash purchase of property and equipment

577

1 Examples of such corporate actions include non-cash acquisitions and stock splits.

Included in "Other assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets was $8.1 million at June 30, 2017 and $8.9 million at June 30, 2016 of cash received from the NFIP, which is restricted to pay flood claims under the Write Your Own ("WYO") program.

8



NOTE 4. Investments
(a) Information regarding our held-to-maturity ("HTM") fixed income securities as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was as follows:
June 30, 2017
($ in thousands)
Amortized
Cost
Net
Unrealized Gains
(Losses)
Carrying
Value
Unrecognized
Holding
Gains
Unrecognized Holding
Losses
Fair
Value
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
$
53,734

185

53,919

1,703


55,622

Corporate securities
18,714

(119
)
18,595

1,323


19,918

Total HTM fixed income securities
$
72,448

66

72,514

3,026


75,540

December 31, 2016
($ in thousands)
Amortized
Cost
Net
Unrealized Gains
(Losses)
Carrying
Value
Unrecognized
Holding
Gains
Unrecognized Holding
Losses
Fair
Value
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
$
77,466

317

77,783

2,133


79,916

Corporate securities
22,711

(143
)
22,568

1,665

(158
)
24,075

Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS")
1,220

(15
)
1,205

15


1,220

Total HTM fixed income securities
$
101,397

159

101,556

3,813

(158
)
105,211

Unrecognized holding gains and losses of HTM securities are not reflected in the Financial Statements, as they represent fair value fluctuations from the later of: (i) the date a security is designated as HTM; or (ii) the date that an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) charge is recognized on an HTM security, through the date of the balance sheet.

(b) Information regarding our AFS securities as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was as follows:
June 30, 2017
($ in thousands)
Cost/
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
AFS fixed income securities:
U.S. government and government agencies
$
66,932

1,103

(32
)
68,003

Foreign government
18,157

557


18,714

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
1,360,211

45,641

(1,086
)
1,404,766

Corporate securities
1,782,993

39,041

(524
)
1,821,510

Collateralized loan obligations and other asset-backed securities ("CLO and other ABS")
698,594

4,108

(178
)
702,524

CMBS
277,320

2,128

(243
)
279,205

Residential mortgage-backed
securities (“RMBS”)
718,798

6,068

(866
)
724,000

Total AFS fixed income securities
4,923,005

98,646

(2,929
)
5,018,722

AFS equity securities:
Common stock
115,315

30,108

(987
)
144,436

Preferred stock
16,148

1,110


17,258

Total AFS equity securities
131,463

31,218

(987
)
161,694

Total AFS securities
$
5,054,468

129,864

(3,916
)
5,180,416


9


December 31, 2016
($ in thousands)
Cost/
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
AFS fixed income securities:
U.S. government and government agencies
$
75,139

2,230

(36
)
77,333

Foreign government
26,559

322

(16
)
26,865

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
1,366,287

18,610

(5,304
)
1,379,593

Corporate securities
1,976,556

27,057

(5,860
)
1,997,753

CLO and other ABS
527,876

1,439

(355
)
528,960

CMBS
256,356

1,514

(1,028
)
256,842

RMBS
524,986

3,006

(2,798
)
525,194

Total AFS fixed income securities
4,753,759

54,178

(15,397
)
4,792,540

AFS equity securities:
Common stock
104,663

26,250

(305
)
130,608

Preferred stock
16,226

274

(355
)
16,145

Total AFS equity securities
120,889

26,524

(660
)
146,753

Total AFS securities
$
4,874,648

80,702

(16,057
)
4,939,293


Unrealized gains and losses of AFS securities represent fair value fluctuations from the later of: (i) the date a security is designated as AFS; or (ii) the date that an OTTI charge is recognized on an AFS security, through the date of the balance sheet. These unrealized gains and losses are recorded in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" ("AOCI") on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(c) The severity of impairment on securities in an unrealized/unrecognized loss position averaged 1% of amortized cost at both June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . Quantitative information regarding unrealized losses on our AFS portfolio is provided below.
June 30, 2017
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
Total
($ in thousands)
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses 1
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses 1
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
1
AFS fixed income securities:




U.S. government and government agencies
$
12,670

(32
)


12,670

(32
)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
107,387

(1,086
)


107,387

(1,086
)
Corporate securities
72,991

(517
)
2,531

(7
)
75,522

(524
)
CLO and other ABS
156,406

(178
)


156,406

(178
)
CMBS
42,671

(243
)


42,671

(243
)
RMBS
179,293

(860
)
449

(6
)
179,742

(866
)
Total AFS fixed income securities
571,418

(2,916
)
2,980

(13
)
574,398

(2,929
)
AFS equity securities:
Common stock
18,423

(987
)


18,423

(987
)
Total AFS equity securities
18,423

(987
)


18,423

(987
)
Total AFS
$
589,841

(3,903
)
2,980

(13
)
592,821

(3,916
)


10


December 31, 2016
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
Total
($ in thousands)
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses 1
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses 1
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
1
AFS fixed income securities:




U.S. government and government agencies
$
6,419

(36
)


6,419

(36
)
Foreign government
13,075

(16
)


13,075

(16
)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
306,509

(5,304
)


306,509

(5,304
)
Corporate securities
462,902

(5,771
)
4,913

(89
)
467,815

(5,860
)
CLO and other ABS
189,795

(354
)
319

(1
)
190,114

(355
)
CMBS
82,492

(1,021
)
1,645

(7
)
84,137

(1,028
)
RMBS
279,480

(2,489
)
8,749

(309
)
288,229

(2,798
)
Total AFS fixed income securities
1,340,672

(14,991
)
15,626

(406
)
1,356,298

(15,397
)
AFS equity securities:
Common stock
11,271

(305
)


11,271

(305
)
Preferred stock
6,168

(355
)


6,168

(355
)
Total AFS equity securities
17,439

(660
)


17,439

(660
)
Total AFS
$
1,358,111

(15,651
)
15,626

(406
)
1,373,737

(16,057
)
1 Gross unrealized losses include non-OTTI unrealized amounts and OTTI losses recognized in AOCI.

We do not intend to sell any of the securities in the tables above, nor do we believe we will be required to sell any of these securities. We have also reviewed these securities under our OTTI policy, as described in Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” within Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2016 Annual Report , and have concluded that they are temporarily impaired. This conclusion reflects our current judgment as to the financial position and future prospects of the entity that issued the investment security and underlying collateral.
(d) Fixed income securities at June 30, 2017 , by contractual maturity, are shown below. Mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") are included in the maturity tables using the estimated average life of each security. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations, with or without call or prepayment penalties.
Listed below are the contractual maturities of fixed income securities at June 30, 2017 :
AFS
HTM
($ in thousands)
Fair Value
Carrying Value
Fair Value
Due in one year or less
$
306,493

34,521

34,898

Due after one year through five years
2,095,055

29,648

31,498

Due after five years through 10 years
2,379,624

8,345

9,144

Due after 10 years
237,550



Total fixed income securities
$
5,018,722

72,514

75,540

(e) We evaluate the alternative investments and tax credit investments included in our other investments portfolio to determine whether those investments are VIEs and if so, whether consolidation is required. A VIE is an entity that either has equity investors that lack certain essential characteristics of a controlling financial interest or lacks sufficient funds to finance its own activities without financial support provided by other entities. We consider several significant factors in determining if our investments are VIEs and if we are the primary beneficiary, including whether we have: (i) the power to direct activities of the VIE; (ii) the ability to remove the decision maker of the VIE; (iii) the ability to participate in making decisions that are significant to the VIE; and (iv) the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. We have determined that the investments in our other investment portfolio are VIEs, but that we are not the primary beneficiary and therefore, consolidation is not required.


11


The following table summarizes our other investment portfolio by strategy:
Other Investments
June 30, 2017
December 31, 2016
($ in thousands)
Carrying Value
Remaining Commitment
Maximum Exposure to Loss 1
Carrying Value
Remaining Commitment
Maximum Exposure to Loss 1
Alternative Investments


Private equity
$
46,945

76,027

122,972

41,135

76,774

117,909

Private credit
29,942

57,391

87,333

28,193

40,613

68,806

Real assets
20,783

31,237

52,020

14,486

22,899

37,385

Total alternative investments
97,670

164,655

262,325

83,814

140,286

224,100

Other securities
18,741


18,741

18,583

3,400

21,983

Total other investments
$
116,411

164,655

281,066

102,397

143,686

246,083

1 The maximum exposure to loss includes both the carry value of these investments and the related unfunded commitments. In addition, tax credits that have been previously recognized in Other securities are subject to the risk of recapture, which we do not consider significant.

We do not have a future obligation to fund losses or debts on behalf of the investments above; however, we are contractually committed to make additional investments up to the remaining commitment outlined above. We have not provided any non-contractual financial support at any time during 2017 or 2016 .

For a description of our alternative investment strategies, as well as information regarding redemption, restrictions, and fund liquidations, refer to Note 5. “Investments” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2016 Annual Report .
The following table sets forth gross summarized financial information for our other investments portfolio, including the portion not owned by us. The majority of these investments are carried under the equity method of accounting. The last line of the table below reflects our share of the aggregate income or loss, which is the portion included in our Financial Statements. As the majority of these investments report results to us on a one quarter lag, the summarized financial statement information for the three and six-month periods ended March 31 is included in our Second Quarter and Six Months results. This information is as follows:
Income Statement Information
Quarter ended June 30,
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in millions)
2017

2016
2017
2016
Net investment (loss) income
$
(9.9
)

(4.6
)
(62.4
)
37.0

Realized gains
(70.2
)

193.2

(304.3
)
981.1

Net change in unrealized depreciation
1,418.5


(253.9
)
1,890.0

(1,236.5
)
Net gain
$
1,338.4


(65.3
)
1,523.3

(218.4
)
Selective’s insurance subsidiaries’ other investments gain (loss)
$
5.2


(0.6
)
6.8

(1.7
)
(f) We have pledged certain AFS fixed income securities as collateral related to our relationships with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis ("FHLBI") and the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLBNY"). In addition, certain securities were on deposit with various state and regulatory agencies at June 30, 2017 to comply with insurance laws. We retain all rights regarding all securities pledged as collateral.

The following table summarizes the market value of these securities at June 30, 2017 :
($ in millions)
FHLBI Collateral
FHLBNY Collateral
State and Regulatory Deposits
Total
U.S. government and government agencies
$
3.1


23.9

27.0

Obligations of states and political subdivisions


2.0

2.0

CMBS
3.6

4.8


8.4

RMBS
60.6

51.9


112.5

Total pledged as collateral
$
67.3

56.7

25.9


149.9

(g) We did not have exposure to any credit concentration risk of a single issuer greater than 10% of our stockholders' equity, other than certain U.S. government-backed investments, as of June 30, 2017 or December 31, 2016 .


12


(h) The components of pre-tax net investment income earned were as follows:
Quarter ended June 30,
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
2017
2016
Fixed income securities
$
37,668


31,753

$
74,559

63,397

Equity securities
1,419


2,204

2,887

4,434

Short-term investments
377


142

627

301

Other investments
5,231


(611
)
6,834

(1,677
)
Investment expenses
(3,265
)

(2,306
)
(6,058
)
(4,504
)
Net investment income earned
$
41,430

31,182

$
78,849

61,951


(i) The following tables summarize OTTI by asset type for the periods indicated:
Second Quarter 2017
Gross
Included in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI")
Recognized in
Earnings
($ in thousands)
AFS fixed income securities:
U.S. government and government agencies
$
2


2

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
239


239

Corporate securities
381


381

CLO and other ABS
62


62

CMBS
220


220

RMBS
71

(6
)
77

Total AFS fixed income securities
975

(6
)
981

AFS equity securities:
Common stock
46


46

Total AFS equity securities
46


46

Other Investments
190


190

Total OTTI losses
$
1,211

$
(6
)
$
1,217

Second Quarter 2016
Gross
Included in OCI
Recognized in
Earnings
($ in thousands)
AFS fixed income securities:
Corporate securities
$
104


104

RMBS
98

10

88

Total AFS fixed income securities
202

10

192

AFS equity securities:
Common stock
357


357

Total AFS equity securities
357


357

Total OTTI losses
$
559

10

549


Six Months 2017
Gross
Included in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI")
Recognized in
Earnings
($ in thousands)
AFS fixed income securities:
U.S. government and government agencies
$
31


31

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
612


612

Corporate securities
575


575

CLO and other ABS
85


85

CMBS
670


670

RMBS
1,163

(6
)
1,169

Total AFS fixed income securities
3,136

(6
)
3,142

AFS equity securities:
Common stock
1,360


1,360

Total AFS equity securities
1,360


1,360

Other Investments
190


190

Total OTTI losses
$
4,686

$
(6
)
$
4,692



13


Six Months 2016
Gross
Included in OCI
Recognized in
Earnings
($ in thousands)
AFS fixed income securities:
Corporate securities
$
1,077


1,077

RMBS
98

10

88

Total AFS fixed income securities
1,175

10

1,165

AFS equity securities:
Common stock
2,974


2,974

Preferred stock
3


3

Total AFS equity securities
2,977


2,977

Total OTTI losses
$
4,152

10

4,142


For a discussion of our evaluation for OTTI refer to Note 2. "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of our 2016 Annual Report .

(j) The components of net realized gains, excluding OTTI charges, for the periods indicated were as follows:
Quarter ended June 30,
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
2017
2016
HTM fixed income securities
Gains
$
44

3

44

3

Losses


(1
)
(1
)
AFS fixed income securities






Gains
2,715

365

6,267

985

Losses
(153
)
(5
)
(1,740
)
(41
)
AFS equity securities






Gains
350

2,171

350

2,501

Losses

(220
)

(240
)
Other investments
Gains


480


Losses
(5
)


(19
)
(4
)
Total net realized gains (excluding OTTI charges)
$
2,951


2,314

5,381

3,203

Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the cost of the specific investments sold. Proceeds from the sale of AFS securities were $123.1 million and $88.7 million in Second Quarter 2017 and Second Quarter 2016 , respectively, and $723.4 million and $105.9 million in Six Months 2017 and Six Months 2016, respectively. This increase was driven by higher trading volume in our fixed income securities portfolio related to the recent hiring of new external investment managers.

NOTE 5. Indebtedness
Our long-term debt balance has not changed since December 31, 2016 . However, on February 28, 2017 , Selective Insurance Company of America ("SICA") borrowed $64 million in short-term funds from the FHLBNY at an interest rate of 0.75% . This borrowing was repaid on March 21, 2017 .

For detailed information on our indebtedness, see Note 10. "Indebtedness" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of our 2016 Annual Report .

NOTE 6. Fair Value Measurements
Our financial assets are measured at fair value as disclosed on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair values of our long-term debt have improved since December 31, 2016, but not by more than 5% in the aggregate. For a discussion of the fair value and hierarchy of the techniques used to value our financial assets and liabilities, refer to Note 2. "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of our 2016 Annual Report .


14


The following tables provide quantitative disclosures of our financial assets that were measured at fair value at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 :
June 30, 2017
Fair Value Measurements Using
($ in thousands)
Assets
Measured at
Fair Value
at 6/30/2017
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets/
Liabilities (Level 1) 1
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2) 1
Significant Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Description




Measured on a recurring basis:




AFS fixed income securities:
U.S. government and government agencies
$
68,003

24,828

43,175


Foreign government
18,714


18,714


Obligations of states and political subdivisions
1,404,766


1,404,766


Corporate securities
1,821,510


1,821,510


CLO and other ABS
702,524


702,524


CMBS
279,205


279,205


RMBS
724,000


724,000


Total AFS fixed income securities
5,018,722

24,828

4,993,894


AFS equity securities:
Common stock
144,436

135,966


8,470

Preferred stock
17,258

17,258



Total AFS equity securities
161,694

153,224


8,470

Total AFS securities
5,180,416

178,052

4,993,894

8,470

Short-term investments
133,706

133,706



Total assets measured at fair value
$
5,314,122

311,758

4,993,894


8,470


December 31, 2016
Fair Value Measurements Using
($ in thousands)
Assets
Measured at
Fair Value
at 12/31/2016
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets/Liabilities
(Level 1) 1
Significant
Other Observable
Inputs
(Level 2) 1
Significant Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Description




Measured on a recurring basis:




AFS fixed income securities:
U.S. government and government agencies
$
77,333

27,520

49,813


Foreign government
26,865


26,865


Obligations of states and political subdivisions
1,379,593


1,379,593


Corporate securities
1,997,753


1,997,753


CLO and other ABS
528,960


528,960


CMBS
256,842


256,842


RMBS
525,194


525,194


Total AFS fixed income securities
4,792,540

27,520

4,765,020


AFS equity securities:
Common stock
130,608

122,932


7,676

Preferred stock
16,145

16,145



Total AFS equity securities
146,753

139,077


7,676

Total AFS securities
4,939,293

166,597

4,765,020

7,676

Short-term investments
221,701

221,701



Total assets measured at fair value
$
5,160,994

388,298

4,765,020

7,676

1
There were no transfers of securities between Level 1 and Level 2.

There were no material changes in the fair value of securities measured using Level 3 inputs since December 31, 2016 .


15


The following tables provide quantitative information regarding our financial assets and liabilities that were disclosed at fair value at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 :
June 30, 2017
Fair Value Measurements Using
($ in thousands)
Assets/
Liabilities
Disclosed at
Fair Value at 6/30/2017
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets/
Liabilities
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Financial Assets




HTM:




Obligations of states and political subdivisions
$
55,622


55,622


Corporate securities
19,918


13,960

5,958

Total HTM fixed income securities
$
75,540


69,582

5,958

Financial Liabilities




Long-term debt:
7.25% Senior Notes
$
58,690


58,690


6.70% Senior Notes
112,573


112,573


5.875% Senior Notes
188,767

188,767



1.61% borrowings from FHLBNY
24,521


24,521


1.56% borrowings from FHLBNY
24,462


24,462


3.03% borrowings from FHLBI
60,837


60,837


Total long-term debt
$
469,850

188,767

281,083



December 31, 2016
Fair Value Measurements Using
($ in thousands)
Assets/
Liabilities
Disclosed at
Fair Value at 12/31/2016
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets/
Liabilities
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Financial Assets




HTM:



Obligations of states and political subdivisions
$
79,916


79,916


Corporate securities
24,075


16,565

7,510

CMBS
1,220


1,220


Total HTM fixed income securities
$
105,211


97,701

7,510

Financial Liabilities

Long-term debt:
7.25% Senior Notes
$
56,148


56,148


6.70% Senior Notes
108,333


108,333


5.875% Senior Notes
176,860

176,860



1.61% borrowings from FHLBNY
24,286


24,286


1.56% borrowings from FHLBNY
24,219


24,219


3.03% borrowings from FHLBI
59,313


59,313


Total long-term debt
$
449,159

176,860

272,299



16



NOTE 7. Reinsurance
The following table contains a listing of direct, assumed, and ceded reinsurance amounts for premiums written, premiums earned, and loss and loss expenses incurred for the periods indicated. For more information concerning reinsurance, refer to
Note 8. “Reinsurance” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2016 Annual Report .
Quarter ended June 30,
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
2017
2016
Premiums written:




Direct
$
706,408

665,862

1,390,228

1,312,140

Assumed
6,488

7,788

12,179

14,108

Ceded
(99,082
)
(95,510
)
(189,889
)
(182,749
)
Net
$
613,814

578,140

1,212,518

1,143,499

Premiums earned:




Direct
$
654,588

612,406

1,301,316

1,219,067

Assumed
6,063

7,171

11,842

13,441

Ceded
(92,621
)
(87,645
)
(184,274
)
(178,118
)
Net
$
568,030

531,932

1,128,884

1,054,390

Loss and loss expense incurred:




Direct
$
389,550

362,064

731,672

723,703

Assumed
7,766

6,140

12,203

12,495

Ceded
(55,757
)
(69,725
)
(84,844
)
(140,575
)
Net
$
341,559

298,479

659,031

595,623


Ceded premiums and losses related to our participation in the NFIP, under which 100% of our flood premiums, losses, and loss expenses are ceded to the NFIP, are as follows:
Ceded to NFIP
Quarter ended June 30,
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
2017
2016
Ceded premiums written
$
(63,808
)
(63,906
)
(120,142
)
(117,154
)
Ceded premiums earned
(57,655
)
(56,667
)
(114,932
)
(113,481
)
Ceded loss and loss expense incurred
(15,140
)
(24,261
)
(21,681
)
(64,979
)

NOTE 8. Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses
The table below provides a roll forward of reserves for losses and loss expenses for beginning and ending reserve balances:
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
Gross reserves for losses and loss expenses, at beginning of year
$
3,691,719

3,517,728

Less: reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses, at beginning of year
611,200

551,019

Net reserves for losses and loss expenses, at beginning of year
3,080,519

2,966,709

Incurred losses and loss expenses for claims occurring in the:


Current year
684,877

624,159

Prior years
(25,846
)
(28,536
)
Total incurred losses and loss expenses
659,031

595,623

Paid losses and loss expenses for claims occurring in the:


Current year
171,724

146,849

Prior years
425,521

402,255

Total paid losses and loss expenses
597,245

549,104

Net reserves for losses and loss expenses, at end of period
3,142,305

3,013,228

Add: Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses, at end of period
588,916

576,941

Gross reserves for losses and loss expenses at end of period
$
3,731,221

3,590,169


Prior year development in Six Months 2017 of $25.8 million was primarily driven by favorable prior year casualty reserve development of $37.4 million in our general liability line of business and $15.3 million in our workers compensation line of business. This was partially offset by unfavorable casualty reserve development of $21.0 million in our commercial automobile line of business and $4.0 million in our personal automobile line of business.


17


Prior year development in Six Months 2016 of $28.5 million was primarily due to favorable casualty reserve development of $22.0 million in our general liability line of business and $21.0 million in our workers compensation line of business. This was partially offset by unfavorable casualty reserve development of $13.0 million in our commercial automobile line of business and $3.0 million in our E&S segment.

NOTE 9. Segment Information
The disaggregated results of our four reportable segments are used by senior management to manage our operations. These reportable segments are evaluated as follows:

Our Standard Commercial Lines, Standard Personal Lines, and Excess and Surplus ("E&S") Lines are evaluated based on statutory underwriting results (net premiums earned, incurred losses and loss expenses, policyholder dividends, policy acquisition costs, and other underwriting expenses), and statutory combined ratios.

Our Investments segment is evaluated based on after-tax net investment income and net realized gains and losses.

In computing the results of each segment, we do not make adjustments for interest expense or net general corporate expenses; however, we do partially allocate taxes to various segments. Furthermore, we do not maintain separate investment portfolios for the segments and therefore, do not allocate assets to the segments.

The following summaries present revenues (net investment income and net realized gains on investments in the case of the Investments segment) and pre-tax income for the individual segments:
Revenue by Segment
Quarter ended June 30,
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
2017
2016
Standard Commercial Lines:


Net premiums earned:


Commercial automobile
$
108,316

98,896

215,445

194,315

Workers compensation
79,460

75,251

158,786

151,251

General liability
141,503

129,283

281,487

257,368

Commercial property
78,052

73,591

154,443

143,769

Businessowners’ policies
24,989

24,651

49,834

48,555

Bonds
6,986

5,665

13,484

11,129

Other
4,288

3,940

8,529

7,779

Miscellaneous income
3,016

3,567

5,876

4,257

Total Standard Commercial Lines revenue
446,610

414,844

887,884

818,423

Standard Personal Lines:
Net premiums earned:
Personal automobile
37,663

35,881

74,613

71,661

Homeowners
32,467

33,411

65,167

66,311

Other
1,542

1,532

3,093

3,057

Miscellaneous income
275

301

656

561

Total Standard Personal Lines revenue
71,947

71,125

143,529

141,590

E&S Lines:
Net premiums earned:
Commercial liability
39,054

36,940

76,966

73,796

Commercial property
13,710

12,891

27,037

25,399

Miscellaneous income



1

Total E&S Lines revenue
52,764

49,831

104,003

99,196

Investments:




Net investment income
41,430

31,182

78,849

61,951

Net realized investment gains (losses)
1,734

1,765

689

(939
)
Total Investments revenue
43,164

32,947

79,538

61,012

Total revenues
$
614,485

568,747

1,214,954

1,120,221


18


Income Before Federal Income Tax
Quarter ended June 30,
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
2017
2016
Standard Commercial Lines:


Underwriting gain
$
34,759

40,173

77,305

71,105

GAAP combined ratio
92.2
%
90.2

91.2

91.3

Statutory combined ratio
90.6

88.6

89.5

89.1







Standard Personal Lines:
Underwriting (loss) gain
$
(5,768
)
6,125

(662
)
14,730

GAAP combined ratio
108.0
%
91.4

100.5

89.6

Statutory combined ratio
105.9

89.9

99.8

90.1

E&S Lines:
Underwriting gain (loss)
$
1,319

(2,521
)
2,889

(1,103
)
GAAP combined ratio
97.5
%
105.1

97.2

101.1

Statutory combined ratio
97.0

102.7

96.5

100.6

Investments:


Net investment income
$
41,430

31,182

78,849

61,951

Net realized investment losses
1,734

1,765

689

(939
)
Total investment income, before federal income tax
43,164

32,947

79,538

61,012

Tax on investment income
11,734

8,275

21,336

14,538

Total investment income, after federal income tax

$
31,430


24,672

58,202

46,474

Reconciliation of Segment Results to Income
Before Federal Income Tax
Quarter ended June 30,
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
2017
2016
Underwriting gain (loss), before federal income tax
Standard Commercial Lines
$
34,759

40,173

77,305

71,105

Standard Personal Lines
(5,768
)
6,125

(662
)
14,730

E&S Lines
1,319

(2,521
)
2,889

(1,103
)
Investment income, before federal income tax
43,164

32,947

79,538

61,012

Total all segments
73,474

76,724

159,070

145,744

Interest expense
(6,081
)
(5,620
)
(12,187
)
(11,226
)
General corporate and other expenses
(8,464
)
(8,793
)
(20,380
)
(20,332
)
Income, before federal income tax
$
58,929

62,311


126,503

114,186


NOTE 10. Retirement Plans
SICA's primary pension plan is the Retirement Income Plan for Selective Insurance Company of America (the “Pension Plan”). SICA also sponsors the Supplemental Excess Retirement Plan (the “Excess Plan”) and a life insurance benefit plan. All plans are closed to new entrants and benefits ceased accruing under the Pension Plan and the Excess Plan after March 31, 2016. For more information concerning SICA's retirement plans, refer to Note 14. “Retirement Plans” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2016 Annual Report .

The following tables provide information regarding the Pension Plan:
Pension Plan
Quarter ended June 30,
Pension Plan
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
2017
2016
Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
Service cost
$



1,606

Interest cost
3,110

3,101

6,221

6,203

Expected return on plan assets
(4,855
)
(3,988
)
(9,709
)
(7,976
)
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss
482

1,481

963

2,961

Total net periodic cost
$
(1,263
)
594

(2,525
)
2,794


19


Pension Plan
Six Months ended June 30,
2017
2016
Weighted-Average Expense Assumptions:
Discount rate
4.41
%
4.69
%
Effective interest rate for calculation of service cost
n/a

4.52

Effective interest rate for calculation of interest cost
3.83

4.02

Expected return on plan assets
6.24

6.37

Rate of compensation increase
n/a

4.00

NOTE 11. Comprehensive Income
The components of comprehensive income, both gross and net of tax, for Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
Second Quarter 2017
($ in thousands)
Gross
Tax
Net
Net income
$
58,929

17,503

41,426

Components of OCI:



Unrealized gains on investment securities :



Unrealized holding gains during period
35,887

12,561

23,326

Non-credit portion of OTTI recognized in OCI
6

2

4

Amounts reclassified into net income:
HTM securities
(43
)
(15
)
(28
)
Realized gains on AFS securities
(1,885
)
(660
)
(1,225
)
Total unrealized gains on investment securities
33,965

11,888

22,077

Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:



Amounts reclassified into net income:



Net actuarial loss
508

178

330

Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans
508

178

330

Other comprehensive income
34,473

12,066

22,407

Comprehensive income
$
93,402

29,569

63,833

Second Quarter 2016
($ in thousands)
Gross
Tax
Net
Net income
$
62,311

18,710

43,601

Components of OCI:



Unrealized gains on investment securities :



Unrealized holding gains during period
55,675

19,487

36,188

Non-credit portion of OTTI recognized in OCI
(10
)
(4
)
(6
)
Amounts reclassified into net income:
HTM securities
(19
)
(7
)
(12
)
Realized gains on AFS securities
(1,762
)
(617
)
(1,145
)
Total unrealized gains on investment securities
53,884

18,859

35,025

Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:



Amounts reclassified into net income:



Net actuarial loss
1,517

532

985

Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans
1,517

532

985

Other comprehensive income
55,401

19,391

36,010

Comprehensive income
$
117,712

38,101

79,611


20


Six Months 2017
($ in thousands)
Gross
Tax
Net
Net income
$
126,503

34,637

91,866

Components of OCI:



Unrealized gains on investment securities :



Unrealized holding gains during period
61,672

21,585

40,087

Non-credit portion of OTTI recognized in OCI
6

2

4

Amounts reclassified into net income:
HTM securities
(92
)
(32
)
(60
)
Realized gains on AFS securities
(375
)
(131
)
(244
)
Total unrealized gains on investment securities
61,211

21,424

39,787

Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:



Amounts reclassified into net income:



Net actuarial loss
1,015

355

660

Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans
1,015

355

660

Other comprehensive income
62,226

21,779

40,447

Comprehensive income
$
188,729

56,416

132,313

Six Months 2016
($ in thousands)
Gross
Tax
Net
Net income
$
114,186

33,553

80,633

Components of OCI:



Unrealized gains on investment securities :



Unrealized holding gains during period
121,412

42,495

78,917

Non-credit portion of OTTI recognized in OCI
(10
)
(4
)
(6
)
Amounts reclassified into net income:
HTM securities
(91
)
(32
)
(59
)
Realized losses on AFS securities
937

328

609

Total unrealized gains on investment securities
122,248

42,787

79,461

Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:



Amounts reclassified into net income:



Net actuarial loss
3,033

1,062

1,971

Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans
3,033

1,062

1,971

Other comprehensive income
125,281

43,849

81,432

Comprehensive income
$
239,467

77,402

162,065


The balances of, and changes in, each component of AOCI (net of taxes) as of June 30, 2017 were as follows:
June 30, 2017
Defined Benefit
Pension and Post-Retirement Plans
Net Unrealized Gain on Investment Securities
Total AOCI
($ in thousands)
OTTI
Related
HTM
Related
All
Other
Investments
Subtotal
Balance, December 31, 2016
$
(150
)
102

42,170

42,122

(58,072
)
(15,950
)
OCI before reclassifications
4


40,087

40,091


40,091

Amounts reclassified from AOCI

(60
)
(244
)
(304
)
660

356

Net current period OCI
4

(60
)
39,843

39,787

660

40,447

Balance, June 30, 2017
$
(146
)
42

82,013

81,909

(57,412
)
24,497



21


The reclassifications out of AOCI were as follows:
Quarter ended June 30,
Six Months ended June 30,
Affected Line Item in the Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Income
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
2017
2016
HTM related
Unrealized losses on HTM disposals
17

60

30

88

Net realized gains (losses)
Amortization of net unrealized gains on HTM securities
(60
)
(79
)
(122
)
(179
)
Net investment income earned
(43
)
(19
)
(92
)
(91
)
Income before federal income tax
15

7

32

32

Total federal income tax expense
(28
)
(12
)
(60
)
(59
)
Net income
Realized (gains) losses on AFS and OTTI
Realized (gains) losses on AFS disposals and OTTI
(1,885
)
(1,762
)
(375
)
937

Net realized gains (losses)
(1,885
)
(1,762
)
(375
)
937

Income before federal income tax
660

617

131

(328
)
Total federal income tax expense
(1,225
)
(1,145
)
(244
)
609

Net income
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement life plans
Net actuarial loss
111

329

221

658

Losses and loss expenses incurred
397

1,188

794

2,375

Policy acquisition costs
Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement life
508

1,517

1,015

3,033

Income before federal income tax
(178
)
(532
)
(355
)
(1,062
)
Total federal income tax expense
330

985

660

1,971

Net income
Total reclassifications for the period
$
(923
)
(172
)
356

2,521

Net income

NOTE 12. Related Party Transactions
BlackRock, Inc., a leading publicly traded investment management firm (“BlackRock”), has purchased our common shares in the ordinary course of its investment business and has previously filed Schedules 13G/A with the SEC. On April 10, 2017 , BlackRock filed a Schedule 13G/A reporting beneficial ownership as of March 31, 2017, of 12.7% of our common stock. In connection with purchasing our common shares, BlackRock filed the necessary filings with insurance regulatory authorities. On the basis of those filings, BlackRock is deemed not to be a controlling person for the purposes of applicable insurance law.

We are required to disclose related party information for our transactions with BlackRock. BlackRock is highly regulated, serves its clients as a fiduciary, and has a diverse platform of active (alpha) and index (beta) investment strategies across asset classes that enables it to tailor investment outcomes and asset allocation solutions for clients. BlackRock also offers the BlackRock Solutions ® investment and risk management technology platform, Aladdin ® , risk analytics, advisory and technology services and solutions to a broad base of institutional and wealth management investors. In Second Quarter 2017 and Six Months 2017, we incurred BlackRock-related expenses of $0.5 million and $1.0 million for services rendered, respectively. No material expenses were incurred with BlackRock in Second Quarter 2016 and Six Months 2016. Amounts payable for such services at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , were $0.9 million and $0.4 million , respectively. All contracts with BlackRock were consummated in the ordinary course of business on an arm's-length basis.

We have no additional material transactions with related parties other than those disclosed in Note 16. "Related Party Transactions" included in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of our 2016 Annual Report .

22



NOTE 13. Litigation
In the ordinary course of conducting business, we are named as defendants in various legal proceedings. Most of these proceedings are claims litigation involving our ten insurance subsidiaries ("Insurance Subsidiaries") as either: (i) liability insurers defending or providing indemnity for third-party claims brought against our customers; or (ii) insurers defending first-party coverage claims brought against them. We account for such activity through the establishment of unpaid losses and loss expense reserves. We expect that any potential ultimate liability in such ordinary course claims litigation will not be material to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows after consideration of provisions made for potential losses and costs of defense.
From time to time, our Insurance Subsidiaries also are named as defendants in other legal actions, some of which assert claims for substantial amounts. These actions include, among others, putative class actions seeking certification of a state or national class. Such putative class actions have alleged, for example, improper reimbursement of medical providers paid under workers compensation and personal and commercial automobile insurance policies. Similarly, our Insurance Subsidiaries are also named from time-to-time in individual actions seeking extra-contractual damages, punitive damages, or penalties, some of which allege bad faith in the handling of insurance claims. We believe that we have valid defenses to these cases. We expect that any potential ultimate liability in any such lawsuit will not be material to our consolidated financial condition, after consideration of provisions made for estimated losses. Nonetheless, given the inherent unpredictability of litigation and the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these actions, an adverse outcome in certain matters could possibly have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.

As of June 30, 2017 , we do not believe the Company was involved in any legal action that could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.


23


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

Forward-Looking Statements
As used herein, the "Company," "we," "us," or "our" refers to Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (the "Parent"), and its subsidiaries, except as expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires. In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we discuss and make statements regarding our intentions, beliefs, current expectations, and projections regarding our company’s future operations and performance. Such statements are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “will,” “should,” and “intends” and their negatives. We caution prospective investors that such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Risks and uncertainties are inherent in our future performance. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed under Item 1A. “Risk Factors” below in Part II. “Other Information.” These risk factors may not be exhaustive. We operate in a continually changing business environment and new risk factors emerge from time to time. We can neither predict such new risk factors nor can we assess the impact, if any, of such new risk factors on our businesses or the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements in this report. In light of these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this report might not occur. We make forward-looking statements based on currently available information and assume no obligation to update these statements due to changes in underlying factors, new information, future developments, or otherwise.
Introduction
The Parent, through its ten insurance subsidiaries, collectively referred to as the "Insurance Subsidiaries," offers property and casualty insurance products in the standard and excess and surplus ("E&S") marketplaces. We classify our business into four reportable segments, which are as follows:

Standard Commercial Lines;
Standard Personal Lines;
E&S Lines; and
Investments.

For further details regarding these segments, refer to Note 9. "Segment Information" in Item 1. "Financial Statements." of this Form 10-Q and Note 11. "Segment Information" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (" 2016 Annual Report ").

Our Standard Commercial and Standard Personal Lines products and services are written through nine of our Insurance Subsidiaries, some of which write flood business through the Write Your Own ("WYO") program of the National Flood Insurance Program ("NFIP"). Our E&S products and services are written through one subsidiary, Mesa Underwriters Specialty Insurance Company ("MUSIC"). This subsidiary provides us with a nationally-authorized non-admitted platform to offer insurance products and services to customers who have not obtained coverage in the standard marketplace.
The following is Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of the consolidated results of operations and financial condition, as well as known trends and uncertainties, that may have a material impact in future periods. Consequently, investors should read the MD&A in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements in our 2016 Annual Report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
In the MD&A, we will discuss and analyze the following:
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates;
Financial Highlights of Results for the second quarters ended June 30, 2017 (“ Second Quarter 2017 ”) and June 30, 2016 (“ Second Quarter 2016 ”) and the six-month periods ended June 30, 2017 (" Six Months 2017 ") and June 30, 2016 (" Six Months 2016 ");
Results of Operations and Related Information by Segment;
Federal Income Taxes;
Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources;
Ratings;
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements; and
Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities, and Commitments.

24



Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include amounts based on our informed estimates and judgments for those transactions that are not yet complete. Such estimates and judgments affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Those estimates and judgments that were most critical to the preparation of the consolidated financial statements involved the following: (i) reserves for loss and loss expenses; (ii) pension and post-retirement benefit plan actuarial assumptions; (iii) investment valuation and other-than-temporary-impairments ("OTTI"); and (iv) reinsurance. These estimates and judgments require the use of assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain and, therefore, are subject to change as facts and circumstances develop. If different estimates and judgments had been applied, materially different amounts might have been reported in the financial statements. For additional information regarding our critical accounting policies, refer to pages 37 through 45 of our 2016 Annual Report .
Financial Highlights of Results for Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 and Second Quarter and Six Months 2016 1
($ and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
Quarter ended June 30,
Change
% or Points
Six Months ended June 30,
Change
% or Points
2017
2016
2017
2016
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") measures:
Revenues
$
614,485

568,747

8

%
$
1,214,954

1,120,221

8

%
After-tax net investment income
30,303

23,525

29

57,754

47,085

23

Pre-tax net income
58,929

62,311

(5
)
126,503

114,186

11

Net income
41,426

43,601

(5
)
91,866

80,633

14

Diluted net income per share
0.70

0.74

(5
)
1.55

1.38

12

Diluted weighted-average outstanding shares
59,222

58,598

1

59,185

58,552

1

GAAP combined ratio
94.7
%
91.8

2.9

pts
93.0
%
92.0

1.0

pts
Statutory combined ratio
93.1

90.1

3.0

91.4

90.4

1.0

Invested assets per dollar of stockholders' equity
$
3.33

3.39

(2
)
%
$
3.33

3.39

(2
)
%
After-tax yield on investments
2.2
%
1.8

0.4

pts
2.1
%
1.8

0.3

pts
Annualized return on average equity ("ROE")
10.2

11.5

(1.3
)
11.5

10.9

0.6

Non-GAAP measures:
Operating income 2
$
40,299

42,454

(5
)
%
$
91,418

81,244

13

%
Diluted operating income per share 2
0.68

0.72

(6
)
1.54

1.39

11

Annualized operating ROE 2
9.9
%
11.2

(1.3
)
pts
11.5
%
11.0

0.5

pts
1
Refer to the Glossary of Terms attached to our 2016 Annual Report as Exhibit 99.1 for definitions of terms used in this Form 10-Q.
2
Operating income is used as an important financial measure by us, analysts, and investors, because the realization of investment gains and losses on sales in any given period is largely discretionary as to timing. In addition, these realized investment gains and losses, as well as OTTI that are charged to earnings and the results of discontinued operations, could distort the analysis of trends.

Reconciliations of net income, net income per share, and annualized ROE to operating income, operating income per share, and annualized operating ROE, respectively, are provided in the tables below:
Reconciliation of net income to operating income
Quarter ended June 30,
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
2017
2016
Net income
$
41,426

43,601

91,866

80,633

Exclude: Net realized (gains) losses
(1,734
)
(1,765
)
(689
)
939

Exclude: Tax on net realized (gains) losses
607

618

241

(328
)
Operating income
$
40,299

42,454

91,418

81,244

Reconciliation of net income per share to operating income per share
Quarter ended June 30,
Six Months ended June 30,
2017
2016
2017
2016
Diluted net income per share
$
0.70

0.74

1.55

1.38

Exclude: Net realized (gains) losses per share
(0.03
)
(0.03
)
(0.01
)
0.02

Exclude: Tax on net realized (gains) losses per share
0.01

0.01


(0.01
)
Diluted operating income per share
$
0.68

0.72

1.54

1.39

Reconciliation of annualized ROE to annualized operating ROE
Quarter ended June 30,
Six Months ended June 30,
2017
2016
2017
2016
Annualized ROE
10.2
%
11.5

11.5

10.9
Exclude: Net realized (gains) losses
(0.4
)
(0.5
)
(0.1
)
0.1
Exclude: Tax on net realized (gains) losses
0.1

0.2

0.1

Annualized operating ROE
9.9
%
11.2

11.5

11.0

25



Our Six Months 2017 results continue to reflect our hard work to drive renewal pure price increases within our Standard Commercial and Personal Lines segments as well as our E&S segment, generate new business, and improve the underlying profitability of our book of business through various underwriting and claims initiatives. Our net premiums written ("NPW") growth of 6% in Six Months 2017 was driven by our strong franchise value with our "ivy league" distribution partners. Over the past eight years, our Standard Commercial Lines renewal pure price increases have cumulatively outperformed the Willis Towers Watson Commercial Lines Pricing (or CLIPs) survey by approximately 1,800 basis points, while maintaining high retention rates. In addition, NPW growth was aided by the appointment of 46 retail agents in 2016 and 10 retail agents in Six Months 2017 , which is exclusive of 25 agents that have been appointed in our expansion states. These expansion state agents will begin generating premium for us in the second half of 2017.

In addition to the cumulative pure renewal price increases we have achieved over the past several years, we have benefited from underwriting and claims process enhancements, as well as a shift in our business mix towards higher quality accounts. For example, our workers compensation book of business, which represents approximately 20% of our Standard Commercial Lines business, continues to benefit from the steps we have taken in recent years to increase premium rates and improve the business mix by shifting towards lower hazard and smaller accounts from higher hazard and larger accounts. Additionally, claims initiatives, such as having an increased focus on reducing workers compensation medical costs through more favorable Preferred Provider Organization ("PPO") contracts and greater PPO penetration, have helped improve profitability of this line. The workers compensation statutory combined ratio was a profitable 86.9% in Six Months 2017 . Our E&S segment has also seen some improvement in underwriting results as we have continued to deploy our corporate claims practices into this smaller operation; although we have not yet met our financial targets for this segment. For a full discussion of the claims initiatives that we have deployed, refer to the “Reserves for Loss and Loss Expenses” section within Critical Accounting Policies in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our 2016 Annual Report.

After-tax net investment income grew 23% in Six Months 2017 compared to Six Months 2016 , driven by higher yields on our fixed income portfolio and improved returns on our alternative investments. In 2016, we determined that a more active management approach to our investment portfolio was necessary to maximize the risk-adjusted after-tax income and total return of the portfolio in an investment environment of low interest rates, while maintaining a similar level of credit quality and duration risk. We have increased our long-term target risk asset allocation and modestly increased our exposure to non-investment grade fixed income securities, private equity investments, and private credit strategies to further diversify our allocation within risk assets. Our risk assets, which include public equities, non-investment grade fixed income securities, private equity investments, and other limited partnership private investments, represented 7% of our total invested assets at June 30, 2017 and may increase to approximately 10% over time.

The improvements to our underwriting profitability and the more active management of our investment portfolio contributed to our long-term goal of generating an operating ROE that is approximately 300 basis points in excess of our weighted average cost of capital over time. Our annualized operating ROE increased in Six Months 2017 to 11.5%, compared to 11.0% in Six Months 2016 , mainly due to the increase in investment income mentioned above. Our annualized ROE and operating ROE contributions by component are as follows:
ROE
Quarter ended June 30,
Six Months ended June 30,
2017
2016
2017
2016
Insurance segments
4.9
%
7.5

6.5
%
7.5

Investment income 1
7.5

6.2

7.3

6.4

Other
(2.5
)
(2.5
)
(2.3
)
(2.9
)
Net realized gains (losses) 1 , net of tax at 35%
0.3

0.3


(0.1
)
Annualized ROE
10.2

11.5

11.5

10.9

Exclude: Net realized gains (losses) 1 , net of tax at 35%
(0.3
)
(0.3
)

0.1

Annualized operating ROE
9.9
%
11.2

11.5
%
11.0

Weighted average cost of capital, as of the prior year-end
8.5
%
8.7

8.5
%
8.7

1 Investment segment results are the combination of "Net investment income earned" and "Net realized losses".

26


Insurance Segments
The key metric in understanding our insurance segments’ contribution to annualized operating ROE is the GAAP combined ratio. The following table provides a quantitative foundation for analyzing this ratio:
All Lines
Quarter ended June 30,
Change % or Points
Six Months ended June 30,
Change % or Points
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
2017
2016
GAAP Insurance Operations Results:
NPW
$
613,814

578,140

6

%
$
1,212,518

1,143,499

6

%
Net premiums earned (“NPE”)
568,030

531,932

7

1,128,884

1,054,390

7

Less:

Losses and loss expenses incurred
341,559

298,479

14

659,031

595,623

11

Net underwriting expenses incurred
194,237

188,058

3

388,494

370,764

5

Dividends to policyholders
1,924

1,618

19

1,827

3,271

(44
)
Underwriting gain
$
30,310

43,777

(31
)
%
$
79,532

84,732

(6
)
%
GAAP Ratios:

Loss and loss expense ratio
60.2

%
56.1

4.1

pts
58.4

%
56.5

1.9

pts
Underwriting expense ratio
34.2

35.4

(1.2
)
34.4

35.2

(0.8
)
Dividends to policyholders ratio
0.3

0.3


0.2

0.3

(0.1
)
Combined ratio
94.7

91.8

2.9

93.0

92.0

1.0

Statutory Ratios:

Loss and loss expense ratio
60.0

56.0

4.0

58.2

56.4

1.8

Underwriting expense ratio
32.8

33.8

(1.0
)
33.0

33.7

(0.7
)
Dividends to policyholders ratio
0.3

0.3


0.2

0.3

(0.1
)
Combined ratio
93.1

%
90.1

3.0

pts
91.4

%
90.4

1.0

pts

The GAAP combined ratio increased by 2.9 points in Second Quarter 2017 and 1.0 point in Six Months 2017 compared to the same periods last year, driven by:
Second Quarter 2017
Second Quarter 2016
($ in millions)
Losses and Loss Expenses Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
Losses and Loss
Expenses
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
Change in Ratio
Catastrophe losses
$
29.3

5.2

pts
$
8.4

1.6

pts
3.6

pts
Non-catastrophe property losses
73.3

12.9

64.3

12.1

0.8

Favorable prior year casualty reserve development
(14.3
)
(2.5
)
(10.0
)
(1.9
)
(0.6
)
Total
88.3

15.6

62.7

11.8

3.8

Six Months 2017
Six Months 2016
($ in millions)
Losses and Loss Expenses Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
Losses and Loss
Expenses
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
Change in Ratio
Catastrophe losses
$
41.5

3.7

pts
$
22.8

2.2

pts
1.5
pts
Non-catastrophe property losses
144.7

12.8

130.8

12.4

0.4
Favorable prior year casualty reserve development
(28.7
)
(2.5
)
(27.0
)
(2.6
)
0.1
Total
157.5

14.0

126.6

12.0

2.0

The Second Quarter 2017 catastrophe losses included $11.9 million of development, or 2.1 points, from prior period storms. The most significant of these were three hail storms that occurred in March 2017 that added $8.8 million, or 1.5 points, to Second Quarter 2017 losses.


27


Details of the favorable prior year casualty reserve development were as follows:
(Favorable)/Unfavorable Prior Year Casualty Reserve Development
Quarter ended June 30,
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in millions)
2017
2016
2017
2016
General liability
$
(15.0
)
(11.0
)
(37.4
)
(22.0
)
Commercial automobile
15.0

8.0

21.0

13.0

Workers compensation
(15.3
)
(9.0
)
(15.3
)
(21.0
)
Bonds
(2.0
)

(2.0
)

Total Standard Commercial Lines
(17.3
)
(12.0
)
(33.7
)
(30.0
)
Homeowners
1.0


1.0


Personal automobile
2.0


4.0


Total Standard Personal Lines
3.0


5.0


E&S

2.0


3.0

Total (favorable) prior year casualty reserve development
$
(14.3
)
(10.0
)
(28.7
)
(27.0
)
(Favorable) impact on loss ratio
(2.5
)
pts
(1.9
)
(2.5
)
(2.6
)

For a qualitative discussion of this reserve development, please refer to the respective insurance segment section below in
"Results of Operations and Related Information by Segment."

Improvements in the GAAP underwriting expense ratio in Second Quarter 2017 of 1.2 points and Six Months 2017 of 0.8 points compared to the same periods last year included the following:

A 0.3-point and 0.2-point decrease in supplemental commissions to our distribution partners in Second Quarter 2017 and Six Months 2017, respectively; and

A 0.3-point and 0.4-point decrease in pension expense in Second Quarter 2017 and Six Months 2017, respectively. As our pension plan ceased accruing benefits on March 31, 2016, we extended the amortization period for the net actuarial loss from the average remaining service life of active participants to the average remaining life expectancy of plan participants. This reduced amortization, coupled with interest costs in the quarter, did not fully offset the expected return on our pension assets, thereby creating the benefit that reduced our overall expense ratio. For additional information on our pension plan, refer to Note 10. "Retirement Plans" in Item 1. "Financial Statements." of this Form 10-Q.

Investments Segment
In total, our investment segment contributed 7.8 points to our overall annualized ROE in Second Quarter 2017 and 7.3 points in Six Months 2017, compared to 6.5 points and 6.3 points in Second Quarter and Six Months 2016, respectively. These increases were driven by improved yields on our fixed income securities portfolio. Additionally, our alternative investment portfolio reported pre-tax income of $5.2 million in Second Quarter 2017 and $6.8 million in Six Months 2017 compared to pre-tax losses of $0.6 million and $1.7 million in Second Quarter and Six Months 2016, respectively, which were negatively impacted by the energy sector in the prior year.

Other
Our other expenses, which are primarily comprised of expenses at the holding company level, reduced our overall annualized ROE by 2.5 points in both Second Quarter 2017 and Second Quarter 2016 and 2.3 points in Six Months 2017 compared to 2.9 points in Six Months 2016. The year-to-date variance was driven primarily by the tax effects of share-based compensation, which benefited our overall annualized ROE by 0.4 points in Six Months 2017. We do not expect this tax benefit to be replicated throughout the remainder of 2017. We had expected expense reductions and increased stability related to our share-based payment awards beginning in 2017, as we have restructured our 2017 awards to be more aligned with grant date fair value expense treatment and lowered the allocation to awards that require fair value adjustments subsequent to grant date. However, the 16% increase in our stock price during Six Months 2017 has resulted in fair value adjustments to our outstanding awards during Six Months 2017 that have offset the savings associated with the structural changes made to the awards granted in 2017.

For additional information on the tax effects of share-based compensation, refer to Note 2. "Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements" in Item 1. "Financial Statements." of this Form 10-Q.


28


Outlook
In 2017, we continue to focus on seeking out additional growth opportunities in our insurance operations while achieving rate and working towards our profit targets. We have been able to achieve NPW growth that has exceeded the industry’s growth rate, while at the same time generating solid underwriting margins. In addition, we have about a 1.3% standard commercial lines market share in the 22 states in which we operate and our long-term goal is to increase this market share to approximately 3%. By offering our distribution partners superior technology solutions and customer experience, we are targeting a 12% share of the standard commercial lines business within our independent agencies, which we refer to as our "share of wallet." As of June 30, 2017, our share of wallet with agencies with which we have an established relationship was 8%. We are also seeking to increase our agency appointments over time to represent a 25% market share of the states in which we are fully operational, from our current 18% share. We believe our relationships with our distribution partners are among the strongest in the industry and underpin our success. During Six Months 2017 , we appointed 35 of the 85 new agents we are planning for this year, net of agency terminations.

Our expansion plans are well on track for Arizona and New Hampshire. We have appointed a total of 25 agents in these states, with appointments in each state controlling about 25% of that state's available commercial lines premium. We began quoting business during Second Quarter 2017, with policies being effective on or after July 1, 2017. Our approach to entering these states has been consistent with our agent franchise business model, which is predicated around our field-based underwriting, claims, and customer service.

In our Investments segment, we generated after-tax net investment income of $57.8 million in Six Months 2017 and are on track to meet our full-year guidance outlined below. Our challenge in 2017 is navigating the increased market volatility that may accompany uncertainty regarding fiscal and monetary policy changes. For instance, the potential impact of limiting or eliminating tax-advantage municipal bond interest may be significant to the returns of our municipal bond portfolio. Likewise, a reduction in the corporate tax rate or a border-adjustment tax may have significant repercussions in the marketplace. Weighing these risks when seeking new opportunities, and managing the risks for existing positions and sectors in the portfolio, will be a key focus throughout the remainder of the year.

In summary, we are positioning ourselves for a more competitive environment with a focus on generating adequate returns for our shareholders. We are preparing ourselves for changes in a period of heightened uncertainty surrounding interest rates, tax law changes, legislative changes, and inflation. We also have a number of internal strategic initiatives in place to enhance our technological offerings to our agents while improving the overall customer experience.

After two quarters of better than expected results, we are revising our full-year expectations to the following:
A statutory combined ratio, excluding catastrophe losses, of 89.5%, an improvement of 100 basis points from our original guidance. This assumes no additional prior year casualty reserve development;
Catastrophe losses of 3.5 points;
After-tax investment income of $113 million, up from our original guidance of $110 million; and
Weighted average shares of 59.2 million.


29


Results of Operations and Related Information by Segment

Standard Commercial Lines
Quarter ended June 30,
Change
% or
Points
Six Months ended June 30,
Change
% or
Points
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
2017
2016
GAAP Insurance Operations Results:



NPW
$
478,917

449,008

7

%
$
962,465

904,071

6

%
NPE
443,594

411,277

8

882,008

814,166

8

Less:


Losses and loss expenses incurred
252,876

221,618

14

494,440

444,968

11

Net underwriting expenses incurred
154,035

147,868

4

308,436

294,822

5

Dividends to policyholders
1,924

1,618

19

1,827

3,271

(44
)
Underwriting gain
$
34,759

40,173

(13
)
%
$
77,305

71,105

9

%
GAAP Ratios:



Loss and loss expense ratio
57.1

%
53.9

3.2

pts
56.0

%
54.7

1.3

pts
Underwriting expense ratio
34.7

35.9

(1.2
)
35.0

36.2

(1.2
)
Dividends to policyholders ratio
0.4

0.4


0.2

0.4

(0.2
)
Combined ratio
92.2

90.2

2.0

91.2

91.3

(0.1
)
Statutory Ratios:



Loss and loss expense ratio
56.9

53.8

3.1

56.0

54.5

1.5

Underwriting expense ratio
33.3

34.4

(1.1
)
33.3

34.2

(0.9
)
Dividends to policyholders ratio
0.4

0.4


0.2

0.4

(0.2
)
Combined ratio
90.6

%
88.6

2.0

pts
89.5

%
89.1

0.4

pts

The increases in NPW in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 2016 were driven by: (i) direct new business; (ii) renewal pure price increases; and (iii) solid retention.
Quarter ended June 30,
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in millions)
2017
2016
2017
2016
Retention
83

%
83

83

%
83

Renewal pure price increases
3.1

2.6

3.1

2.7

Direct new business
$
98.0

95.5

$
187.5

183.2


The NPE increases in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 2016 were consistent with the fluctuation in NPW for the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2017 compared with the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2016 .

The GAAP loss and loss expense ratio increased 3.2 points in Second Quarter 2017 compared to Second Quarter 2016 and 1.3 points in Six Months 2017 compared to Six Months 2016 , reflecting the following items, which were partially offset by underwriting improvements, claims initiatives, and earned rate that outpaced loss costs:

Second Quarter 2017

Second Quarter 2016


($ in millions)
Losses and Loss Expenses Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio


Losses and Loss
Expenses
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio

Change in Ratio

Catastrophe losses
$
17.0

3.8

pts
$
3.6

0.9

pts
2.9

pts
Non-catastrophe property losses
48.2

10.9



41.6

10.1


0.8


Favorable prior year casualty reserve development
(17.3
)
(3.9
)


(12.0
)
(2.9
)

(1.0
)

Total
47.9

10.8

33.2

8.1

2.7

Six Months 2017
Six Months 2016
($ in millions)
Losses and Loss Expenses Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
Losses and Loss
Expenses
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
Change in Ratio
Catastrophe losses
$
23.9

2.7

pts
$
15.3

1.9

pts
0.8

pts
Non-catastrophe property losses
98.0

11.1

85.2

10.5

0.6

Favorable prior year casualty reserve development
(33.7
)
(3.8
)
(30.0
)
(3.7
)
(0.1
)
Total
88.2

10.0

70.5

8.7

1.3



30




For additional information regarding the favorable prior year casualty reserve development by line of business, see the "Financial Highlights of Results for Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 and Second Quarter and Six Months 2016" section above and the line of business discussions below.

The decreases in the GAAP underwriting expense ratio in both the quarter and year-to-date periods of 1.2 points were primarily attributable to: (i) lower pension expense of 0.3 points in the quarter and 0.4 points in the year-to-date period; and (ii) lower supplemental commissions to our distribution partners of approximately 0.2 points in both periods. In addition, labor expenses decreased as a percentage of premium as we recognized productivity gains relative to the growth of our business.

The following is a discussion of our most significant Standard Commercial Lines of business and their respective statutory results:
General Liability
Quarter ended June 30,
Change
% or
Points
Six Months ended June 30,
Change
% or
Points
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
2017
2016
Statutory NPW
$
158,721

145,489

9

%
$
313,858

290,195

8

%
Direct new business
30,012

28,865

4

56,919

54,976

4

Retention
84

%
83

1

pts
84

%
83

1

pts
Renewal pure price increases
2.9

1.6

1.3

2.6

1.8

0.8

Statutory NPE
$
141,503

129,283

9

%
$
281,487

257,368

9

%
Statutory combined ratio
78.4

%
83.5

(5.1
)
pts
75.8

%
83.4

(7.6
)
pts
% of total statutory Standard Commercial Lines NPW
33

32


33

32


The statutory combined ratio decrease in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 2016 was driven primarily by: (i) favorable prior year casualty reserve development, as illustrated in the tables below; (ii) lower supplemental commissions to our distribution partners of 0.3 points in each period; and (iii) lower pension expense of 0.3 points in the quarter and 0.5 points in the year-to-date period.

Second Quarter 2017
Second Quarter 2016


($ in millions)
(Benefit) Expense
Impact on
Combined Ratio

(Benefit) Expense
Impact on
Combined Ratio

Change
Points

Favorable prior year casualty reserve development
$
(15.0
)
(10.6
)
pts
$
(11.0
)
(8.5
)
pts
(2.1
)
pts

Six Months 2017
Six Months 2016
($ in millions)
(Benefit) Expense
Impact on
Combined Ratio
(Benefit) Expense
Impact on
Combined Ratio
Change
Points
Favorable prior year casualty reserve development
$
(37.4
)
(13.3
)
pts
$
(22.0
)
(8.5
)
pts
(4.8
)
pts

The significant drivers of the development were as follows:

Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 : Development was primarily attributable to lower claims frequencies and severities primarily in accident years 2015 and prior, particularly in the products liability and excess liability segments.

Second Quarter and Six Months 2016 : Development was primarily attributable to lower claims frequencies and severities in the 2012 through 2014 accident years, particularly in the products liability and excess liability segments.


31


Commercial Automobile
Quarter ended June 30,
Change
% or
Points
Six Months ended June 30,
Change
% or
Points
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
2017
2016
Statutory NPW
$
119,063

108,888

9
%
$
236,449

217,096

9
%
Direct new business
20,990

20,682

1
39,550

39,272

1
Retention
84

%
84

pts
84

%
84

pts
Renewal pure price increases
6.9

4.8

2.1
6.7

4.9

1.8
Statutory NPE
$
108,316

98,896

10
%
$
215,445

194,315

11
%
Statutory combined ratio
114.1

%
107.0

7.1
pts
109.9

%
106.0

3.9
pts
% of total statutory Standard Commercial Lines NPW
25

24

25

24


The increases in the statutory combined ratio in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 compared to the prior year periods were driven by:
Unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development that was higher by 5.7 points in Second Quarter 2017 and 3.0 points in Six Months 2017. This development was mainly due to higher casualty claim frequency, and some increases in claim severity, in accident years 2015 and 2016; and
Catastrophe losses that were higher by 0.6 points in Second Quarter 2017 and 0.3 points in Six Months 2017.

Quantitative information regarding the development and catastrophe losses is as follows:
Second Quarter 2017
Second Quarter 2016
($ in millions)
Losses Incurred
Impact on
Loss Ratio
Losses Incurred
Impact on
Loss Ratio
Change in Ratio
Unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development
$
15.0

13.8

pts
$
8.0

8.1

pts
5.7

pts
Catastrophe losses
0.9

0.8

0.2

0.2

0.6

Total
15.9

14.6

8.2

8.3

6.3

Six Months 2017
Six Months 2016
($ in millions)
Losses Incurred
Impact on
Loss Ratio
Losses Incurred
Impact on
Loss Ratio
Change in Ratio
Unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development
$
21.0

9.7

pts
$
13.0

6.7

pts
3.0

pts
Catastrophe losses
1.1

0.5

0.3

0.2

0.3

Total
22.1

10.2

13.3

6.9

3.3


Workers Compensation
Quarter ended June 30,
Change
% or
Points
Six Months ended June 30,
Change
% or
Points
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
2017
2016
Statutory NPW
$
81,354

79,074

3

%
$
173,194

170,386

2

%
Direct new business
17,269

17,081

1

34,306

34,811

(1
)
Retention
83

%
84

(1
)
pts
83

%
84

(1
)
pts
Renewal pure price increases
0.5

1.3

(0.8
)
0.6

1.5

(0.9
)
Statutory NPE
$
79,460

75,251

6

%
$
158,786

151,251

5

%
Statutory combined ratio
78.3

%
87.7

(9.4
)
pts
86.9

%
84.3

2.6

pts
% of total statutory Standard Commercial Lines NPW
17

18


18

19


The variances in the statutory combined ratio in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 compared to the same prior year periods were due primarily to: (i) prior year casualty reserve development, as shown in the tables below; (ii) lower supplemental commissions to our distribution partners of 0.8 points in the quarter and 0.6 points in the year-to-date period; and (iii) lower pension expense of 0.4 points in the quarter and 0.6 points in the year-to-date period.

32


Second Quarter 2017
Second Quarter 2016
($ in millions)
(Benefit) Expense
Impact on
Combined Ratio
(Benefit) Expense
Impact on
Combined Ratio
Change
Points
Favorable prior year casualty reserve development
$
(15.3
)
(19.3
)
pts
$
(9.0
)
(12.0
)
pts
(7.3
)
pts
Six Months 2017
Six Months 2016
($ in millions)
(Benefit) Expense
Impact on
Combined Ratio
(Benefit) Expense
Impact on
Combined Ratio
Change
Points
Favorable prior year casualty reserve development
$
(15.3
)
(9.6
)
pts
$
(21.0
)
(13.9
)
pts
4.3
pts

The significant drivers of the development were as follows:

Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 : Development was primarily due to lower severities in accident years 2016 and prior.

Second Quarter and Six Months 2016 : Development was primarily due to lower severities in accident years 2013 and prior.

For more information regarding the initiatives that we have undertaken regarding this line of business, refer to the Standard Market Workers Compensation Line of Business discussion within the Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses section of "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" of our 2016 Annual Report.

Commercial Property
Quarter ended June 30,
Change
% or
Points
Six Months ended June 30,
Change
% or
Points
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
2017
2016
Statutory NPW
$
81,971

79,354

3

%
$
162,474

154,998

5

%
Direct new business
19,850

20,339

(2
)
37,163

38,149

(3
)
Retention
82

%
82


pts
82

%
82


pts
Renewal pure price increases
1.6

2.7

(1.1
)
2.0

2.5

(0.5
)
Statutory NPE
$
78,052

73,591

6

%
$
154,443

143,769

7

%
Statutory combined ratio
101.4

%
78.2

23.2

pts
93.7

%
84.8

8.9

pts
% of total statutory Standard Commercial Lines NPW
17

18


17

17


The fluctuation in the statutory combined ratio in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 2016 was driven by the following:

Second Quarter 2017

Second Quarter 2016


($ in millions)
(Benefit) Expense
Impact on
Combined Ratio


(Benefit) Expense
Impact on
Combined Ratio

Change
% or
Points

Catastrophe losses
$
14.4

18.5
pts

$
2.9

4.0
pts
14.5
pts
Non-catastrophe property losses
31.0

39.7


23.2

31.5

8.2

Total
45.4

58.2
26.1

35.5
22.7
Six Months 2017
Six Months 2016
($ in millions)
(Benefit) Expense
Impact on
Combined Ratio
(Benefit) Expense
Impact on
Combined Ratio
Change
% or
Points
Non-catastrophe property losses
$
58.1

37.6
pts
$
46.3

32.2
pts
5.4
pts
Catastrophe losses
20.5

13.3
13.1

9.1
4.2
Total
78.6

50.9
59.4

41.3
9.6

The increase in catastrophe losses in Second Quarter 2017 included $7.4 million, or 9.4 points, related to prior period storms. The most significant of these were three hail storms from March 2017 that added $5.5 million, or 7.0 points, to Second Quarter 2017 losses. The increase in non-catastrophe property losses in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 was driven by higher fire and weather-related losses than in Second Quarter and Six Months 2016 , reflecting volatility from period to period that is normally associated with our commercial property line of business.

33



Standard Personal Lines
Quarter ended June 30,
Change
% or
Points
Six Months ended June 30,
Change
% or
Points
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
2017
2016
GAAP Insurance Operations Results:



NPW
$
78,107

75,576

3

%
$
142,803

137,545

4

%
NPE
71,672

70,824

1

142,873

141,029

1

Less:


Losses and loss expenses incurred
54,725

42,212

30

99,015

81,907

21

Net underwriting expenses incurred
22,715

22,487

1

44,520

44,392


Underwriting (loss) gain
$
(5,768
)
6,125

(194
)
%
$
(662
)
14,730

104

%
GAAP Ratios:


Loss and loss expense ratio
76.3

%
59.6

16.7

pts
69.3

%
58.1

11.2

pts
Underwriting expense ratio
31.7

31.8

(0.1
)
31.2

31.5

(0.3
)
Combined ratio
108.0

91.4

16.6

100.5

89.6

10.9

Statutory Ratios:


Loss and loss expense ratio
76.4

59.6

16.8

69.3

58.1

11.2

Underwriting expense ratio
29.5

30.3

(0.8
)
30.5

32.0

(1.5
)
Combined ratio
105.9

%
89.9

16.0

pts
99.8

%
90.1

9.7

pts

The increases in NPW in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 2016 were due primarily to: (i) an increase in new business; (ii) renewal pure price increases; and (iii) improving retention.
Quarter ended June 30,
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in millions)
2017
2016
2017
2016
New business
$
13.2

9.6
$
24.6

17.0
Retention
84

%
83
84

%
82
Renewal pure price increases
2.6

5.2
2.7

5.1

The NPE increases in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 2016 were consistent with the fluctuations in NPW for the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2017 compared with the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2016 .

The GAAP loss and loss expense ratio increased 16.7 points in Second Quarter 2017 compared to Second Quarter 2016 and 11.2 points in Six Months 2017 compared to Six Months 2016 . The quantitative breakout of these drivers were as follows:
Second Quarter 2017
Second Quarter 2016
($ in millions)
Losses and Loss Expenses Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
Losses and Loss
Expenses
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
Change in Ratio
Catastrophe losses
$
9.4

13.0

pts
$
2.1

3.0

pts
10.0
pts
Unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development
3.0

4.2



4.2
Non-catastrophe property losses
20.0

27.9

18.4

25.9

2.0
Flood claims handling fees
(0.8
)
(1.1
)
(0.9
)
(1.3
)
0.2
Total
31.6

44.0

19.6

27.6

16.4
Six Months 2017
Six Months 2016
($ in millions)
Losses and Loss Expenses Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
Losses and Loss
Expenses
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
Change in Ratio
Catastrophe losses
$
13.3

9.3

pts
$
4.3

3.1

pts
6.2
pts
Unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development
5.0

3.5



3.5
Non-catastrophe property losses
36.4

25.4

34.7

24.6

0.8
Flood claims handling fees
(1.4
)
(1.0
)
(2.0
)
(1.4
)
0.4
Total
53.3

37.2

37.0

26.3

10.9


34


The prior year casualty reserve development in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 was primarily driven by increased frequency and severity in the personal automobile liability line for accident year 2016.

The GAAP expense ratio remained relatively flat in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 2016.

E&S Insurance Operations
Quarter ended June 30,
Change
% or
Points
Six Months ended June 30,
Change
% or
Points
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
2017
2016
GAAP Insurance Operations Results:



NPW
$
56,790

53,556

6

%
$
107,250

101,883

5

%
NPE
52,764

49,831

6

104,003

99,195

5

Less:






Losses and loss expenses incurred
33,958

34,649

(2
)
65,576

68,748

(5
)
Net underwriting expenses incurred
17,487

17,703

(1
)
35,538

31,550

13

Underwriting gain (loss)
$
1,319

(2,521
)
152

%
$
2,889

(1,103
)
362

%
GAAP Ratios:






Loss and loss expense ratio
64.4

%
69.5

(5.1
)
pts
63.0

%
69.3

(6.3
)
pts
Underwriting expense ratio
33.1

35.6

(2.5
)
34.2

31.8

2.4

Combined ratio
97.5

105.1

(7.6
)
97.2

101.1

(3.9
)
Statutory Ratios:






Loss and loss expense ratio
64.3

69.6

(5.3
)
63.2

69.3

(6.1
)
Underwriting expense ratio
32.7

33.1

(0.4
)
33.3

31.3

2.0

Combined ratio
97.0

%
102.7

(5.7
)
pts
96.5

%
100.6

(4.1
)
pts

The increase in NPW in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 2016 was due primarily to new business and price increases as follows:
Quarter ended June 30,
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in millions)
2017
2016
2017
2016
Direct new business
$
24.9

25.4

48.7

47.9

Price increases
3.7

%
4.3

5.6

%
4.1

The NPE increases in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 , compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 2016 , were consistent with the fluctuations in NPW for the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2017 compared with the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2016 .

The GAAP loss and loss expense ratio decreased 5.1 points in Second Quarter 2017 and 6.3 points in Six Months 2017 compared to the same prior year periods reflecting underwriting improvements, claims initiatives, and earned rate that outpaced loss costs, which in total decreased current year loss costs by approximately 2.5 points in the quarter and 3.5 points in the year-to-date period, along with the following:
Second Quarter 2017
Second Quarter 2016
($ in millions)
Losses and Loss Expenses Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
Losses and Loss
Expenses
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
Change in Ratio
Non-catastrophe property losses
$
5.1

9.7
pts
$
4.4

8.7
pts
1.0

pts
Catastrophe losses
3.0

5.7
2.7

5.4
0.3

Unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development

2.0

4.0
(4.0
)
Total
8.1

15.4
9.1

18.1
(2.7
)

35


Six Months 2017
Six Months 2016
($ in millions)
Losses and Loss Expenses Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
Losses and Loss
Expenses
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
Change in Ratio
Catastrophe losses
$
4.4

4.2
pts
$
3.2

3.2
pts
1.0

pts
Unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development

3.0

3.0
(3.0
)
Non-catastrophe property losses
10.4

10.0
10.8

10.9
(0.9
)
Total
14.8

14.2
17.0

17.1
(2.9
)

There was a 2.5-point decrease in the GAAP underwriting expense ratio in Second Quarter 2017 compared to Second Quarter 2016 , driven primarily by the growth in premiums earned, which has more than outpaced the increase in fixed expenses, and lower supplemental commissions to our wholesale general agents of 0.8 points. These were partially offset by a higher allocation of corporate support services to this segment.

The 2.4-point increase in the GAAP underwriting expense ratio in Six Months 2017 compared to Six Months 2016 was driven by a lower cash incentive plan payment in the first quarter of 2016 for employees in this segment based on 2015 underwriting results and a higher allocation of corporate support services to this segment in 2017.

Reinsurance
We have successfully completed negotiations of our July 1, 2017 excess of loss treaties, which provide coverage for our Standard Commercial Lines, Standard Personal Lines, and E&S Lines. The renewal of these treaties included some enhancements in terms and conditions, with the same structure as the expiring treaties as follows:

Property Excess of Loss
The property excess of loss treaty ("Property Treaty") provides $58.0 million of coverage in excess of a $2.0 million retention:
The per occurrence cap on the first and second layers is $84.0 million.
The first layer has unlimited reinstatements and a limit of $8.0 million in excess of $2.0 million.
The annual aggregate limit, for the $30.0 million in excess of $10.0 million second layer, is $120.0 million.
A third layer has a limit of $20.0 million in excess of $40.0 million, with an annual aggregate limit of approximately $75.5 million.
The Property Treaty excludes nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological ("NBCR") terrorism losses.

Casualty Excess of Loss
The casualty excess of loss treaty (“Casualty Treaty”) provides $88.0 million of coverage in excess of a $2.0 million retention:
The first through sixth layers provide coverage for 100% of up to $88.0 million in excess of a $2.0 million retention.
The Casualty Treaty includes a $25.0 million limit, per life, on our workers compensation business, which remains unchanged from the prior treaty.
The Casualty Treaty excludes NBCR terrorism losses and has annual aggregate non-NBCR terrorism limits of $208.0 million.

Investments
The primary objective of the investment portfolio is to maximize risk-adjusted after-tax income and total return of the portfolio, while maintaining our historic credit quality and duration risk profile. Our investment philosophy includes certain return and risk objectives for the fixed income, equity, and other investment portfolios. After-tax yield and income generation are key drivers to our investment strategy, which we believe will be obtained through more active management of the portfolio.
Total Invested Assets
($ in thousands)
June 30, 2017
December 31, 2016
Change % or Points
Total invested assets
$
5,503,047

5,364,947

3

%
Invested assets per dollar of stockholders' equity
3.33

3.50

(5
)

Unrealized gain – before tax
126,014

64,803

94

Unrealized gain – after tax
81,909

42,122

94


36


The increase in invested assets at June 30, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016 was primarily driven by operating cash flow of $123.7 million, and an increase in unrealized gains of $61.2 million. The $61.2 million change in unrealized gains was driven by our fixed income securities portfolio, which was favorably impacted by tightening credit spreads and a decrease in risk-free rates.

Fixed Income Securities
At June 30, 2017 , our fixed income securities portfolio represented 93% of our total invested assets, largely unchanged compared to December 31, 2016 . The effective duration and spread duration of the fixed income securities portfolio as of June 30, 2017 was 3.7 years and 4.4 years, respectively, including short-term investments. The Insurance Subsidiaries’ liability duration is approximately 4.0 years. Effective duration provides an approximate measure of the portfolio's price sensitivity to a change in interest rates, while spread duration provides an approximate measure of the portfolio's price sensitivity to spread changes, which are the differences between the yields on particular debt instruments and the yields of U.S. Treasury debt securities with similar maturities. The effective and spread durations of the fixed income securities portfolio are monitored and managed to maximize yield while managing interest rate risk and credit risk, respectively, at an acceptable level. We maintain a well-diversified portfolio across sectors, credit quality, and maturities that affords us ample liquidity. Every purchase or sale is made with the intent of maximizing risk-adjusted investment returns in the current market environment while balancing capital preservation.

Our fixed income securities portfolio had a weighted average credit rating of "AA-" with 97% of the securities in the portfolio being investment grade quality at both June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . Within our fixed income securities portfolio, we maintained an allocation of non-investment grade high-yield securities, which represented 3% of our fixed income securities portfolio as of both June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The sector composition and credit quality of our major asset categories within our fixed income securities portfolio did not significantly change from December 31, 2016 . However, we have recently increased our exposure to floating rate fixed income securities, which is largely reflective of our increased allocation to collateralized loan obligations ("CLO"). Floating rate securities represented approximately 17% of our fixed income securities portfolio as of June 30, 2017 , compared to 13% as of December 31, 2016. The increase in floating rate instruments, which are primarily indexed to the 90-day LIBOR, will increase the sensitivity of changes to our book yield and investment income.

For details regarding the credit quality of our portfolio, see Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” of our 2016 Annual Report.

Net Investment Income
The components of net investment income earned for the indicated periods were as follows:
Quarter ended June 30,
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
2017
2016
Fixed income securities
$
37,668

31,753

74,559

63,397

Equity securities
1,419

2,204

2,887

4,434

Short-term investments
377

142

627

301

Other investments
5,231

(611
)
6,834

(1,677
)
Investment expenses
(3,265
)
(2,306
)
(6,058
)
(4,504
)
Net investment income earned – before tax
41,430

31,182

78,849

61,951

Net investment income tax expense
(11,127
)
(7,657
)
(21,095
)
(14,866
)
Net investment income earned – after tax
$
30,303

23,525

57,754

47,085

Effective tax rate
26.9
%
24.6

26.8

24.0

Annualized after-tax yield on fixed income securities
2.2

2.0

2.2

2.0

Annualized after-tax yield on investment portfolio
2.2

1.8

2.1

1.8


The increase in net investment income in both Second Quarter 2017 and Six Months 2017 was driven primarily by our fixed income securities portfolio, which benefited fromimproved new money reinvestment yields, our increased allocation to non-investment grade securities, and repositioning within the investment grade fixed income portfolio. In addition, income from our alternative investment portfolio increased in both periods due to valuation improvements in the private equity and energy-related sectors.


37


Realized Gains and Losses
Our general philosophy for sales of securities is to reduce our exposure to securities and sectors based on economic evaluations and when the fundamentals for that security or sector have deteriorated, or to opportunistically trade out of securities to other securities with better economic return characteristics. Net realized gains (losses) for the indicated periods were as follows:
Quarter ended June 30,
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
2017
2016
2017
2016
Net realized gains, excluding OTTI
$
2.9

2.3

5.4

3.2

OTTI
(1.2
)
(0.5
)
(4.7
)
(4.1
)
Total net realized gains (losses)
1.7

1.8

0.7

(0.9
)
For further discussion of our realized gains and losses, as well as our OTTI methodology, see Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2016 Annual Report . For additional information about our OTTI charges, see Note 4. "Investments" in Item 1. "Financial Statements." of this Form 10-Q.

Federal Income Taxes
The following table provides information regarding federal income taxes:
Quarter ended June 30,
Six Months ended June 30,
($ in millions)
2017
2016
2017
2016
Federal income tax expense
$
17.5

18.7

34.6

33.6

Effective tax rate
29.7
%
30.0

27.4

29.4


The effective tax rate in the table above differs from the statutory tax rate of 35% primarily because of tax-advantaged interest
and dividend income. The decrease in our effective tax rate in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 2016 was driven primarily by our adoption of ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2016-09") on January 1, 2017, which requires that the tax effects of share-based compensation be recognized in the income tax provision as discrete items outside of the annual estimated expected tax rate. All excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are recognized as income tax benefit or expense in the income statement and reduced our effective tax rate by 0.6 points and 2.6 points in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017, respectively. Previously, these amounts were recorded in additional paid-in capital. For further information on our adoption of ASU 2016-09, refer to Note 2. "Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements" in Item 1. "Financial Statements." of this Form 10-Q.

We believe that our future effective tax rate will continue to be impacted by similar items, assuming no significant changes to
tax laws. However, the U.S. federal income tax structure is currently under significant debate as a result of the last
Presidential election. We are unable to provide an estimate of the magnitude of potential changes.

Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources
Capital resources and liquidity reflect our ability to generate cash flows from business operations, borrow funds at competitive rates, and raise new capital to meet operating and growth needs.
Liquidity
We manage liquidity with a focus on generating sufficient cash flows to meet the short-term and long-term cash requirements of our business operations. Our cash and short-term investment position of $142 million at June 30, 2017 was comprised of $21 million at the Parent and $121 million at the Insurance Subsidiaries. Short-term investments are generally maintained in "AAA" rated money market funds approved by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The Parent maintains a fixed income security investment portfolio containing high-quality, highly-liquid government and corporate fixed income securities. This portfolio amounted to $84 million at June 30, 2017 , compared to $74 million at December 31, 2016 .
Sources of Liquidity
Sources of cash for the Parent have historically consisted of dividends from the Insurance Subsidiaries, the investment portfolio discussed above, borrowings under lines of credit and loan agreements with certain Insurance Subsidiaries, and the issuance of stock and debt securities. We continue to monitor these sources, giving consideration to our long-term liquidity and capital preservation strategies.


38


Insurance Subsidiary Dividends
We currently anticipate that the Insurance Subsidiaries will pay $80 million in total dividends to the Parent in 2017 , of which $40 million was paid during Six Months 2017 . As of June 30, 2017 , our allowable ordinary maximum dividend was $199 million for 2017 , which is a $6 million increase from December 31, 2016 due to an Indiana regulation change regarding the calculation of ordinary dividends, which impacted two of our insurance subsidiaries.

Any dividends to the Parent are subject to the approval and/or review of the insurance regulators in the respective Insurance Subsidiaries' domiciliary states and are generally payable only from earned surplus as reported in the statutory annual statements of those subsidiaries as of the preceding December 31. Although past dividends have historically been met with regulatory approval, there is no assurance that future dividends that may be declared will be approved. For additional information regarding dividend restrictions, refer to Note 19. “Statutory Financial Information, Capital Requirements, and Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2016 Annual Report.
The Insurance Subsidiaries generate liquidity through insurance float, which is created by collecting premiums and earning investment income before losses are paid. The period of the float can extend over many years. Our investment portfolio consists of maturity dates that continually provide a source of cash flows for claims payments in the ordinary course of business. The effective duration of the fixed income securities portfolio, including short-term investments, was 3.7 years as of June 30, 2017 , while the liabilities of the Insurance Subsidiaries have a duration of 4.0 years. As protection for the capital resources of the Insurance Subsidiaries, we purchase reinsurance coverage for significantly large claims or catastrophes that may occur during the year.

Line of Credit
The Parent's line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Branch Banking and Trust Company (BB&T) (referred to as our "Line of Credit"), was renewed effective December 1, 2015 with a borrowing capacity of $30 million, which can be increased to $50 million with the approval of both lending partners. This Line of Credit expires on December 1, 2020 and has an interest rate which varies and is based on, among other factors, the Parent's debt ratings. There were no balances outstanding under the Line of Credit at June 30, 2017 or at any time during 2017 .

The Line of Credit agreement contains representations, warranties, and covenants that are customary for credit facilities of this type, including, without limitation, financial covenants under which we are obligated to maintain a minimum consolidated net worth, a minimum combined statutory surplus, and a maximum ratio of consolidated debt to total capitalization, as well as covenants limiting our ability to: (i) merge or liquidate; (ii) incur debt or liens; (iii) dispose of assets; (iv) make certain investments and acquisitions; and (v) engage in transactions with affiliates.

The table below outlines information regarding certain of the covenants in the Line of Credit:
Required as of June 30, 2017
Actual as of June 30, 2017
Consolidated net worth
Not less than $1.1 billion
$1.7 billion
Statutory surplus
Not less than $750 million
$1.7 billion
Debt-to-capitalization ratio 1
Not to exceed 35%
21.2%
A.M. Best financial strength rating
Minimum of A-
A
1
Calculated in accordance with the Line of Credit agreement.

Several of our Insurance Subsidiaries are members of certain branches of the Federal Home Loan Bank, which provides those subsidiaries with additional access to liquidity. Membership is as follows:
Branch
Insurance Subsidiary Member
Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis ("FHLBI")
Selective Insurance Company of South Carolina ("SICSC") 1
Selective Insurance Company of the Southeast ("SICSE") 1
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLBNY")
Selective Insurance Company of America ("SICA")
Selective Insurance Company of New York ("SICNY")
1 These subsidiaries are jointly referred to as the "Indiana Subsidiaries" as they are domiciled in Indiana.

The Line of Credit permits aggregate borrowings from the FHLBI and the FHLBNY up to 10% of the respective member company’s admitted assets for the previous year end. Additionally, as SICNY is domiciled in New York, this company's borrowings from the FHLBNY are limited to the lower of 5% of admitted assets for the most recently completed fiscal quarter or 10% of admitted assets for the previous year end.


39


All borrowings from both the FHLBI and the FHLBNY are required to be secured by investments pledged as collateral. For additional information regarding collateral outstanding, refer to Note 4. "Investments" in Item 1. "Financial Statements." of this Form 10-Q. The following table provides information on the remaining capacity for Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings as of June 30, 2017 based on these restrictions, as well as the amount of additional stock that would need to be purchased to allow these member companies to borrow their remaining capacity:
($ in millions)
Admitted Assets
Borrowing Limitation
Amount Borrowed
Remaining Capacity
Additional Stock Requirements
SICSC
$
644.9

$
64.5

32.0

32.5

1.4

SICSE
490.7

49.1

28.0

21.1

0.9

SICA
2,314.2

231.4

50.0

181.4

8.2

SICNY
427.4

21.4


21.4

1.0

Total
$
366.4

110.0

256.4

11.5


Short-term Borrowings
In the first quarter of 2017, SICA borrowed $64 million from the FHLBNY, which was repaid on March 21, 2017. For further
information regarding this borrowing, see Note 5. "Indebtedness" in Item 1. "Financial Statements." of this Form 10-Q.

Intercompany Loan Agreements
The Parent has lending agreements with the Indiana Subsidiaries that have been approved by the Indiana Department of Insurance, which provide additional liquidity to the Parent. Similar to the Line of Credit agreement, these lending agreements limit borrowings by the Parent from the Indiana Subsidiaries to 10% of the admitted assets of the respective Indiana Subsidiary. The following table provides information on the Parent’s borrowings and remaining borrowing capacity from the Indiana Subsidiaries:
($ in millions)
Admitted Assets
as of December 31, 2016
Borrowing Limitation
Amount Borrowed
Remaining Capacity
As of June 30, 2017
SICSC
$
644.9

$
64.5

27.0

37.5

SICSE
490.7

49.1

18.0

31.1

Total
$
113.6

45.0

68.6


Capital Market Activities
The Parent had no private or public issuances of stock or debt instruments during Six Months 2017 .

Uses of Liquidity
The liquidity generated from the sources discussed above is used, among other things, to pay dividends to our shareholders. Dividends on shares of the Parent's common stock are declared and paid at the discretion of the Board of Directors based on our operating results, financial condition, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, and other relevant factors.

Our ability to meet our interest and principal repayment obligations on our debt, as well as our ability to continue to pay dividends to our stockholders, is dependent on liquidity at the Parent coupled with the ability of the Insurance Subsidiaries to pay dividends, if necessary, and/or the availability of other sources of liquidity to the Parent. Our next principal debt repayment is due in 2021.

Restrictions on the ability of the Insurance Subsidiaries to declare and pay dividends, without alternative liquidity options, could materially affect our ability to service debt and pay dividends on common stock.

Capital Resources
Capital resources provide protection for policyholders, furnish the financial strength to support the business of underwriting insurance risks, and facilitate continued business growth. At June 30, 2017 , we had GAAP stockholders' equity and statutory surplus of $1.7 billion . With total debt of $438.9 million , our debt-to-capital ratio was approximately 21.0% at June 30, 2017.
Our cash requirements include, but are not limited to, principal and interest payments on various notes payable, dividends to stockholders, payment of claims, payment of commitments under limited partnership agreements and capital expenditures, as well as other operating expenses, which include commissions to our distribution partners, labor costs, premium taxes, general and administrative expenses, and income taxes. For further details regarding our cash requirements, refer to the section below entitled, “Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities, and Commitments.”

40


We continually monitor our cash requirements and the amount of capital resources that we maintain at the holding company and operating subsidiary levels. As part of our long-term capital strategy, we strive to maintain capital metrics, relative to the macroeconomic environment, that support our targeted financial strength. Based on our analysis and market conditions, we may take a variety of actions, including, but not limited to, contributing capital to the Insurance Subsidiaries in our insurance operations, issuing additional debt and/or equity securities, repurchasing shares of the Parent’s common stock, and increasing stockholders’ dividends.
Our capital management strategy is intended to protect the interests of the policyholders of the Insurance Subsidiaries and our stockholders, while enhancing our financial strength and underwriting capacity.
Book value per share increased by 7% to $28.32 as of June 30, 2017 , from $26.42 as of December 31, 2016 , due to $1.55 in net income and $0.68 in unrealized gains on our investment portfolio, partially offset by $0.32 in dividends to our shareholders.

Ratings
We are rated by major rating agencies that issue opinions on our financial strength, operating performance, strategic position, and ability to meet policyholder obligations. We believe that our ability to write insurance business is most influenced by our rating from A.M. Best. We have been rated “A” or higher by A.M. Best for the past 87 years. A downgrade from A.M. Best to a rating below “A-” is an event of default under our Line of Credit and could affect our ability to write new business with customers and/or distribution partners, some of whom are required (under various third-party agreements) to maintain insurance with a carrier that maintains a specified A.M. Best minimum rating.

Our ratings have not changed from those reported in our "Ratings" section of Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." in our 2016 Annual Report and continue to be as follows:
NRSRO
Financial Strength Rating
Outlook
A.M. Best
A
Stable
Moody's Investor Services ("Moody's")
A2
Stable
Fitch Ratings ("Fitch")
A+
Stable
Standard & Poor's Global Ratings ("S&P")
A
Stable

In Second Quarter 2017, Fitch reaffirmed our "A+" rating with a "stable" outlook. In taking this action, Fitch cited our strong underwriting results, solid capitalization with growth in stockholders' equity, stable leverage metrics, and stable interest coverage metrics.

Our S&P, Moody's, and Fitch financial strength and associated credit ratings affect our ability to access capital markets.  The interest rate on our Line of Credit varies and is based on, among other factors, the Parent's debt ratings. There can be no assurance that our ratings will continue for any given period of time or that they will not be changed.  It is possible that positive or negative ratings actions by one or more of the rating agencies may occur in the future.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , we did not have any material relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or for other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As such, we are not exposed to any material financing, liquidity, market, or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.

Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities, and Commitments
Our future cash payments associated with: (i) loss and loss expense reserves; (ii) contractual obligations pursuant to operating leases for office space and equipment; and (iii) debt have not materially changed since December 31, 2016 . As of June 30, 2017 , we had contractual obligations that expire at various dates through 2030 that may require us to invest up to $165 million in alternative and other investments. There is no certainty that any such additional investment will be required. Additionally, as of June 30, 2017 , we had contractual obligations that expire in 2019 to invest $12.0 million in a non-publicly traded common stock within our AFS portfolio. We expect to have the capacity to repay and/or refinance these obligations as they come due.
We have issued no material guarantees on behalf of others and have no trading activities involving non-exchange traded contracts accounted for at fair value. For additional details on transactions with related parties, see Note 12. "Related Party Transactions" in Item 1. "Financial Statements." of this Form 10-Q.


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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
There have been no material changes in the information about market risk set forth in our 2016 Annual Report .

ITEM 4. 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), as of the end of the period covered by this report. In performing this evaluation, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control Integrated Framework ("COSO Framework") in 2013. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are: (i) effective in recording, processing, summarizing, and reporting information on a timely basis that we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act; and (ii) effective in ensuring that information that we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. No changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) occurred during Six Months 2017 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
In the ordinary course of conducting business, we are named as defendants in various legal proceedings. Most of these proceedings are claims litigation involving our Insurance Subsidiaries as either: (i) liability insurers defending or providing indemnity for third-party claims brought against our customers; or (ii) insurers defending first-party coverage claims brought against them. We account for such activity through the establishment of unpaid losses and loss expense reserves. We expect that any potential ultimate liability in such ordinary course claims litigation will not be material to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows after consideration of provisions made for potential losses and costs of defense.
From time to time, our insurance subsidiaries also are named as defendants in other legal actions, some of which assert claims for substantial amounts. These actions include, among others, putative class actions seeking certification of a state or national class. Such putative class actions have alleged, for example, improper reimbursement of medical providers paid under workers compensation and personal and commercial automobile insurance policies. Similarly, our Insurance Subsidiaries are also named from time-to-time in individual actions seeking extra-contractual damages, punitive damages, or penalties, some of which allege bad faith in the handling of insurance claims. We believe that we have valid defenses to these cases. We expect that any potential ultimate liability in any such lawsuit will not be material to our consolidated financial condition, after consideration of provisions made for estimated losses. Nonetheless, given the inherent unpredictability of litigation and the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these actions, an adverse outcome in certain matters could possibly have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.

As of June 30, 2017 , we do not believe the Company was involved in any legal action that could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
Certain risk factors exist that can have a significant impact on our business, liquidity, capital resources, results of operations, financial condition, and debt ratings. These risk factors might affect, alter, or change actions that we might take in executing our long-term capital strategy, including but not limited to, contributing capital to any or all of the Insurance Subsidiaries, issuing additional debt and/or equity securities, repurchasing our equity securities, redeeming our fixed income securities, or increasing or decreasing stockholders' dividends. We operate in a continually changing business environment and new risk factors emerge from time to time. Consequently, we can neither predict such new risk factors nor assess the potential future impact, if any, they might have on our business. There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A. “Risk Factors.” in our 2016 Annual Report.

42



ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
The following table provides information regarding our purchases of our common stock in Second Quarter 2017 :
Period
Total Number of
Shares Purchased 1
Average Price
Paid per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Programs
Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased Under the Announced Programs
April 1 – 30, 2017
792

$
50.14



May 1 - 31, 2017
4,835

51.74



June 1 - 30, 2017
1,636

49.78



Total
7,263

$
51.12




1 During Second Quarter 2017 , 2,428 shares were purchased from employees in connection with the vesting of restricted stock units and 4,835 shares were purchased from employees in connection with option exercises. These repurchases were made to satisfy tax withholding obligations and/or option costs with respect to those employees. These shares were not purchased as part of any publicly announced program. The shares that were purchased in connection with the vesting of restricted stock units were purchased at fair market value as defined in the Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan and the Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan As Amended and Restated Effective as of May 1, 2010. The shares purchased in connection with the option exercises were purchased at the current market prices of our common stock on the dates the options were exercised.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.
Exhibit No.
* 11
Statement Re: Computation of Per Share Earnings.
* 31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
* 31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
* 32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer in accordance with Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
* 32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer in accordance with Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
** 101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
** 101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
** 101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
** 101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
** 101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
** 101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
* Filed herewith.
** Furnished and not filed herewith.





43


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
Registrant
By: /s/ Gregory E. Murphy
July 27, 2017
Gregory E. Murphy
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
By: /s/ Mark A. Wilcox
July 27, 2017
Mark A. Wilcox
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)



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