UFCS 10-Q Quarterly Report June 30, 2012 | Alphaminr
UNITED FIRE GROUP INC

UFCS 10-Q Quarter ended June 30, 2012

UNITED FIRE GROUP INC
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10-Q 1 ufcs-2012630x10q2.htm UFCS-2012.6.30-10Q2

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

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012

Commission File Number 001-34257
____________________________

UNITED FIRE GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
____________________________
Iowa
45-2302834
(State of Incorporation)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

118 Second Avenue, S.E., Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52407
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES R 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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
YES R NO o

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). YES o NO R

As of August 6, 2012 , 25,435,181 shares of common stock were outstanding.



United Fire Group, Inc.
Index to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
June 30, 2012
Page
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures



FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
It is important to note that our actual results could differ materially from those projected in our forward-looking statements. Information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is contained in Part I, Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Part II, Item 1A “Risk Factors.”



1


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
United Fire Group, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
June 30,
2012
December 31, 2011
(unaudited)
ASSETS
Investments
Fixed maturities
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $3,927 in 2012 and $4,161 in 2011)
$
3,864

$
4,143

Available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $2,657,938 in 2012 and $2,562,786 in 2011)
2,800,624

2,697,248

Equity securities, at fair value (amortized cost $68,663 in 2012 and $68,559 in 2011)
174,359

159,451

Trading securities, at fair value (amortized cost $14,263 in 2012 and $13,429 in 2011)
14,249

13,454

Mortgage loans
4,732

4,829

Policy loans
7,393

7,209

Other long-term investments
24,399

20,574

Short-term investments
1,100

1,100

Total investments
$
3,030,720

$
2,908,008

Cash and cash equivalents
$
101,978

$
144,527

Accrued investment income
32,750

32,219

Premiums receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $728 in 2012 and $825 in 2011)
211,205

172,348

Deferred policy acquisition costs
107,058

106,654

Property and equipment (primarily land and buildings, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $34,510 in 2012 and $35,248 in 2011)
44,098

45,644

Reinsurance receivables and recoverables
152,898

128,574

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
3,315

6,191

Income taxes receivable
14,454

26,742

Goodwill and intangible assets
29,530

30,801

Other assets
13,257

17,216

TOTAL ASSETS
$
3,741,263

$
3,618,924

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities
Future policy benefits and losses, claims and loss settlement expenses
Property and casualty insurance
$
960,291

$
945,051

Life insurance
1,504,178

1,476,281

Unearned premiums
330,297

288,991

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
140,883

138,210

Deferred income taxes
25,252

13,624

Debt
45,000

45,000

Trust preferred securities

15,626

TOTAL LIABILITIES
$
3,005,901

$
2,922,783

Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 75,000,000 shares; 25,432,681 and 25,505,350 shares issued and outstanding in 2012 and 2011, respectively
$
25

$
25

Additional paid-in capital
212,171

213,045

Retained earnings
426,744

400,485

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
96,422

82,586

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
735,362

$
696,141

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
3,741,263

$
3,618,924

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


2


United Fire Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
2012
2011
2012
2011
Revenues
Net premiums earned
$
170,090

$
152,210

$
331,593

$
266,414

Investment income, net of investment expenses
28,749

27,741

57,895

54,804

Net realized investment gains
Other-than-temporary impairment charges
(4
)

(4
)

All other net realized gains
568

1,124

3,362

3,777

Net realized investment gains
564

1,124

3,358

3,777

Other income
243

729

499

885

Total revenues
$
199,646

$
181,804

$
393,345

$
325,880

Benefits, Losses and Expenses
Losses and loss settlement expenses
$
106,766

$
135,811

$
198,250

$
211,993

Future policy benefits
8,356

7,880

18,494

16,062

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
34,179

43,732

68,730

69,778

Other underwriting expenses
20,541

14,720

42,535

30,777

Interest on policyholders’ accounts
10,627

10,657

21,283

21,327

Total expenses
$
180,469

$
212,800

$
349,292

$
349,937

Income (loss) before income taxes
$
19,177

$
(30,996
)
$
44,053

$
(24,057
)
Federal income tax expense (benefit)
4,461

(13,082
)
10,153

(11,953
)
Net income (loss)
$
14,716

$
(17,914
)
$
33,900

$
(12,104
)
Other comprehensive income
Change in net unrealized appreciation on investments
8,667

21,439

22,270

22,939

Adjustment for net realized gains included in income
(564
)
(1,124
)
(3,358
)
(3,777
)
Adjustment for employee benefit costs included in expense
1,732

732

2,375

1,286

$
9,835

$
21,047

$
21,287

$
20,448

Income tax effect of components of other comprehensive income
(3,442
)
(7,366
)
(7,451
)
(7,157
)
$
6,393

$
13,681

$
13,836

$
13,291

Comprehensive income (loss)
$
21,109

$
(4,233
)
$
47,736

$
1,187

Weighted average common shares outstanding
25,476,220

26,101,842

25,491,091

26,148,438

Basic earnings (loss) per common share
$
0.58

$
(0.69
)
$
1.33

$
(0.46
)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
0.58

(0.69
)
1.33

(0.46
)
Cash dividends declared per common share
0.15

0.15

0.30

0.30

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



3


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

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
Common stock
Balance, beginning of year
$
25

Shares repurchased (101,901 shares)
(1
)
Shares issued for stock-based awards (29,232 shares)
1

Balance, end of period
$
25

Additional paid-in capital
Balance, beginning of year
$
213,045

Compensation expense and related tax benefit for stock-based award grants
859

Shares repurchased
(2,133
)
Shares issued for stock-based awards
400

Balance, end of period
$
212,171

Retained earnings
Balance, beginning of year
$
400,485

Net income
33,900

Dividends on common stock ($0.30 per share)
(7,641
)
Balance, end of period
$
426,744

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
Balance, beginning of year
$
82,586

Change in net unrealized investment appreciation (1)
12,292

Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans
1,544

Balance, end of period
$
96,422

Summary of changes
Balance, beginning of year
$
696,141

Net income
33,900

All other changes in stockholders’ equity accounts
5,321

Balance, end of period
$
735,362

(1)
The change in net unrealized appreciation is net of reclassification adjustments.

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



4


United Fire Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(In Thousands)
Six Months Ended June 30,
2012
2011
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income (loss)
$
33,900

$
(12,104
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Net accretion of bond premium
7,127

3,768

Depreciation and amortization
3,671

1,708

Stock-based compensation expense
916

939

Net realized investment gains
(3,358
)
(3,777
)
Net cash flows from trading investments
(748
)
(2,104
)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
6,626

(7,571
)
Changes in:
Accrued investment income
(531
)
507

Premiums receivable
(38,857
)
(29,226
)
Deferred policy acquisition costs
(4,520
)
(6,373
)
Reinsurance receivables
(24,324
)
(5,883
)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
2,876

(602
)
Income taxes receivable
12,288

(4,029
)
Other assets
3,959

(806
)
Future policy benefits and losses, claims and loss settlement expenses
34,345

52,813

Unearned premiums
41,306

29,542

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
5,048

25,493

Deferred income taxes
(2,448
)
(1,019
)
Other, net
(2,131
)
(486
)
Total adjustments
$
41,245

$
52,894

Net cash provided by operating activities
$
75,145

$
40,790

Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investments
$
13,412

$
21,367

Proceeds from call and maturity of held-to-maturity investments
285

709

Proceeds from call and maturity of available-for-sale investments
302,334

316,235

Proceeds from short-term and other investments
2,875

1,554

Purchase of available-for-sale investments
(414,828
)
(292,808
)
Purchase of short-term and other investments
(4,650
)
(1,706
)
Net purchases and sales of property and equipment
(857
)
3,486

Acquisition of property and casualty company, net of cash acquired

(172,619
)
Net cash used in investing activities
$
(101,429
)
$
(123,782
)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Policyholders’ account balances
Deposits to investment and universal life contracts
$
78,313

$
71,489

Withdrawals from investment and universal life contracts
(69,521
)
(57,263
)
Borrowings of short-term debt

79,900

Repayment of trust preferred securities
(15,626
)

Payment of cash dividends
(7,641
)
(7,840
)
Repurchase of common stock
(2,134
)
(6,082
)
Issuance of common stock
401

139

Tax impact from issuance of common stock
(57
)
6

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
$
(16,265
)
$
80,349

Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
(42,549
)
$
(2,643
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
144,527

180,057

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$
101,978

$
177,414

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


5



United Fire Group, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Nature of Business
The terms “United Fire,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to United Fire Group, Inc., and its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates, as the context requires. We are engaged in the business of writing property and casualty insurance and life insurance and selling annuities through a network of independent agencies. We report our operations in two business segments: property and casualty insurance and life insurance. We are licensed as a property and casualty insurer in 43 states plus the District of Columbia and as a life insurer in 36 states.
Basis of Presentation
We maintain our records in conformity with the accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the insurance departments of the states in which we are domiciled. To the extent that certain of these practices differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), we have made adjustments to present the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP. Certain financial information that is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, including certain financial statement footnote disclosures, are not required by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial reporting and have been condensed or omitted.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The financial statement categories that are most dependent on management estimates and assumptions include: investments; deferred policy acquisition costs; reinsurance receivables and recoverables (for net realizable value); goodwill and intangible assets (for recoverability); and future policy benefits and losses, claims and loss settlement expenses.
In the preparation of the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, we have evaluated all material subsequent events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date through the date on which the financial statements were issued for potential recognition or disclosure.
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
In the opinion of the management of United Fire, the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results reported for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the year. The unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 . The review report of Ernst & Young LLP as of and for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 , accompanies the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 “Financial Statements.”
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, money market accounts, and non-negotiable certificates of deposit with original maturities of three months or less.
For the six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 , we made payments for income taxes totaling $8.9 million and $0.6 million , respectively. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 , we received a federal tax refund of $15.5 million that resulted from the utilization of our 2009 net operating losses and net capital losses in the


6


carryback period. No tax refunds were received for the six-month period ended June 30, 2011 .
For the six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 , we made interest payments totaling $0.8 million and $0.4 million , respectively. These payments exclude interest credited to policyholders’ accounts.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
The costs associated with underwriting new business – primarily commissions, premium taxes and variable underwriting and policy issue expenses associated with successful acquisition efforts – are deferred and amortized over the terms of the underlying policies. The following table shows the reconciliation of the components of our deferred policy acquisition costs asset, including the related amortization recognized for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 .
(In Thousands)
Property & Casualty
Life Insurance
Total
Recorded asset at December 31, 2011
$
60,668

$
45,986

$
106,654

Amortization of value of business acquired
(1,674
)

(1,674
)
Underwriting costs deferred
69,742

3,508

73,250

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
(62,621
)
(4,435
)
(67,056
)
$
66,115

$
45,059

$
111,174

Change in "shadow" deferred policy acquisition costs

(4,116
)
(4,116
)
Recorded asset at June 30, 2012
$
66,115

$
40,943

$
107,058


In October 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued updated accounting guidance to address the diversity in practice for the accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. This guidance modifies the definition of acquisition costs to specify that a cost must be incremental and directly related to the successful acquisition of a new or renewal insurance contract in order to be deferred. Acquisition costs that are not eligible for deferral are to be charged to expense in the period incurred. If application of this guidance would result in the capitalization of acquisition costs that had not previously been capitalized by a reporting entity, the entity may elect not to capitalize those costs.
Effective January 1, 2012, we elected to adopt the updated accounting guidance on a prospective basis. As a result of the adoption, the amount of underwriting expenses eligible for deferral has decreased. After consideration of our normal recoverability assessment, which we refer to as a premium deficiency charge, and the amortization pattern of our deferred policy acquisition costs, we recognized approximately $8.1 million of pretax expense in the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 that we would not have recognized had the guidance remained the same. The impact of the adoption on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 was an increase to other underwriting expenses of $13.9 million , a decrease to deferred policy acquisition cost amortization of $5.8 million and a decrease to net income of $5.3 million . This represents a reduction to net income of $0.21 per share.

The impact of the updated accounting guidance on our results for the full year will be influenced by a number of factors including: the volume of premiums written; our assessment of successful acquisition efforts; the profitability of our lines of property and casualty business, which impacts the level of premium deficiency charge recorded; and the normal amortization pattern of these deferred policy acquisition costs, which is generally over one year. The greatest impact will be experienced in the most current quarter as the recorded deferred policy acquisitions costs would amortize to expense in succeeding quarters to offset a portion of the initial impact when assessed on an annual basis. Accordingly, the impact of the updated accounting guidance on our results reported for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 should not be considered to be representative of the impact for the full year.




7


Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are established based on differences between the financial statement bases of assets and liabilities and the tax bases of those same assets and liabilities, using the currently enacted statutory tax rates. Deferred income tax expense is measured by the year-to-year change in the net deferred tax asset or liability, except for certain changes in deferred tax amounts that affect stockholders’ equity and do not impact federal income tax expense.
We reported a federal income tax expense of $10.2 million and a federal income tax benefit of $12.0 million for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 , respectively. Our effective tax rate is different than the federal statutory rate of 35.0 percent due principally to the effect of tax-exempt municipal bond interest income and non-taxable dividend income.
We have recognized no liability for unrecognized tax benefits at June 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011 . In addition, we have not accrued for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. However, if interest and penalties would need to be accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits, such amounts would be recognized as a component of federal income tax expense.
We file a consolidated federal income tax return. We also file income tax returns in various state jurisdictions. We are no longer subject to federal or state income tax examination for years before 2006.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Adopted Accounting Standards

Comprehensive Income

In June and December 2011, the FASB issued guidance amending the presentation of comprehensive income and its components. Under the new guidance, a reporting entity has the option to present comprehensive income in a single continuous statement or in two separate but consecutive statements. This new guidance is to be applied retrospectively. We adopted the new guidance in the first quarter of 2012 by electing to report comprehensive income in a single continuous statement as shown in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The adoption of the new guidance affects presentation only and therefore had no impact on our results of operations or financial position.
Fair Value Measurements
In May 2011, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance that changed the wording used to describe many of the requirements in GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements to ensure consistency between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The guidance also requires additional disclosures for fair value measurements that are estimated using significant unobservable (i.e., Level 3) inputs. We adopted the updated guidance on a prospective basis effective January 1, 2012, and we have provided the additional disclosures required in "Note 3. Fair Value of Financial Instruments". The adoption of the new guidance did not have any impact on our financial position or results of operations.
NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS
Fair Value of Investments
A reconciliation of the amortized cost (cost for equity securities) to fair value of investments in held-to-maturity and available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 , is as follows:


8


June 30, 2012
(Dollars in Thousands)
Type of Investment
Cost or Amortized Cost
Gross Unrealized Appreciation
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
Fair Value
HELD-TO-MATURITY
Fixed maturities
Bonds
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
$
3,556

$
44

$

$
3,600

Mortgage-backed securities
280

18


298

Collateralized mortgage obligations
28

1


29

Total Held-to-Maturity Fixed Maturities
$
3,864

$
63

$

$
3,927

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE




Fixed maturities




Bonds




U.S. Treasury
$
42,364

$
1,140

$

$
43,504

U.S. government agency
39,722

490


40,212

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
699,803

58,080

269

757,614

Foreign bonds
226,172

10,089

627

235,634

Public utilities
241,811

15,203

55

256,959

Corporate bonds




Energy
178,831

7,718

1

186,548

Industrials
307,282

12,987

484

319,785

Consumer goods and services
209,643

9,232

271

218,604

Health care
120,500

7,130

7

127,623

Technology, media and telecommunications
123,527

5,910

106

129,331

Financial services
299,318

10,538

1,746

308,110

Mortgage-backed securities
33,884

1,130

22

34,992

Collateralized mortgage obligations
129,515

6,644

301

135,858

Asset-backed securities
5,188

432

151

5,469

Redeemable preferred stocks
378

3


381

Total Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities
$
2,657,938

$
146,726

$
4,040

$
2,800,624

Equity securities




Common stocks




Public utilities
$
7,231

$
7,952

$
172

$
15,011

Energy
5,094

6,679


11,773

Industrials
13,032

18,206

240

30,998

Consumer goods and services
10,394

7,701

134

17,961

Health care
8,212

10,018

187

18,043

Technology, media and telecommunications
5,367

5,822

134

11,055

Financial services
15,699

50,549

342

65,906

Nonredeemable preferred stocks
3,634

119

141

3,612

Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities
$
68,663

$
107,046

$
1,350

$
174,359

Total Available-for-Sale Securities
$
2,726,601

$
253,772

$
5,390

$
2,974,983




9


December 31, 2011
(Dollars in Thousands)
Type of Investment
Cost or Amortized Cost
Gross Unrealized Appreciation
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
Fair Value
HELD-TO-MATURITY
Fixed maturities
Bonds
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
$
3,739

$
52

$
61

$
3,730

Mortgage-backed securities
356

25


381

Collateralized mortgage obligations
48

2


50

Total Held-to-Maturity Fixed Maturities
$
4,143

$
79

$
61

$
4,161

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE




Fixed maturities




Bonds




U.S. Treasury
$
42,530

$
1,421

$

$
43,951

U.S. government agency
95,813

582


96,395

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
687,039

61,076

8

748,107

Foreign bonds
206,872

8,766

823

214,815

Public utilities
254,822

15,562

313

270,071

Corporate bonds





Energy
189,902

7,567

277

197,192

Industrials
285,696

10,631

650

295,677

Consumer goods and services
203,948

8,872

646

212,174

Health care
109,219

6,497

45

115,671

Technology, media and telecommunications
108,315

4,951

318

112,948

Financial services
258,526

9,075

2,300

265,301

Mortgage-backed securities
34,353

1,041

4

35,390

Collateralized mortgage obligations
79,545

3,490

184

82,851

Asset-backed securities
5,801

495


6,296

Redeemable preferred stocks
405

4


409

Total Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities
$
2,562,786

$
140,030

$
5,568

$
2,697,248

Equity securities




Common stocks




Public utilities
$
7,231

$
7,602

$
98

$
14,735

Energy
5,094

7,116


12,210

Industrials
12,678

16,153

275

28,556

Consumer goods and services
10,750

7,982

168

18,564

Health care
8,212

8,008

232

15,988

Technology, media and telecommunications
5,368

4,796

146

10,018

Financial services
15,592

41,041

543

56,090

Nonredeemable preferred stocks
3,634

40

384

3,290

Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities
$
68,559

$
92,738

$
1,846

$
159,451

Total Available-for-Sale Securities
$
2,631,345

$
232,768

$
7,414

$
2,856,699




10


Maturities
The amortized cost and fair value of held-to-maturity, available-for-sale and trading securities at June 30, 2012 , by contractual maturity, are shown in the following table. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations may be subject to prepayment risk and are therefore not categorized by contractual maturity.
(In Thousands)
Held-To-Maturity
Available-For-Sale
Trading
June 30, 2012
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Due in one year or less
$
406

$
416

$
241,061

$
245,155

$
490

$
520

Due after one year through five years
3,150

3,184

1,051,843

1,107,127

7,376

7,171

Due after five years through 10 years


1,054,621

1,123,705

1,844

1,776

Due after 10 years


141,826

148,318

4,553

4,782

Asset-backed securities


5,188

5,469



Mortgage-backed securities
280

298

33,884

34,992



Collateralized mortgage obligations
28

29

129,515

135,858



$
3,864

$
3,927

$
2,657,938

$
2,800,624

$
14,263

$
14,249

Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses
Net realized gains (losses) on disposition of investments are computed using the specific identification method and recognized as a component of earnings for the current period. A summary of net realized investment gains (losses) resulting from investment sales and calls is as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
(In Thousands)
2012
2011
2012
2011
Net realized investment gains (losses)
Fixed maturities
$
792

$
1,048

$
2,323

$
2,434

Equity securities
(4
)
218

697

1,334

Trading securities
(224
)
(38
)
338

278

Other long-term investments

(104
)

(269
)
Total net realized investment gains
$
564

$
1,124

$
3,358

$
3,777

The proceeds and gross realized gains and losses on the sale of available-for-sale securities are as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
(In Thousands)
2012
2011
2012
2011
Proceeds from sales
$
10,412

$
16,520

$
13,412

$
21,367

Gross realized gains
8

261

478

351

Gross realized losses

172

25

688

There were no sales of held-to-maturity securities during the six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 .

Our investment portfolio includes trading securities with embedded derivatives. These securities, which are primarily convertible redeemable preferred debt securities, are recorded at fair value. Income or loss, including the change in the fair value of these trading securities, is recognized currently in earnings as a component of net realized investment gains and losses. Our portfolio of trading securities had a fair value of $14.2 million and $13.5 million at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 , respectively.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Pursuant to an agreement with one of our limited liability partnership investments, we are contractually committed


11


to make capital contributions up to $15.0 million , upon request by the partnership, through December 31, 2017. Our remaining potential contractual obligation was $7.4 million at June 30, 2012 .
Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation
A summary of changes in net unrealized investment appreciation (depreciation) during the reporting period is as follows:
Six Months Ended June 30,
(In Thousands)
2012
2011
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation
Available-for-sale fixed maturities and equity securities
$
23,028

$
19,419

Deferred policy acquisition costs
(4,116
)
(257
)
Income tax effect
(6,620
)
(6,707
)
Total change in net unrealized investment appreciation, net of tax
$
12,292

$
12,455

In the above table, the amount reported as changes in deferred policy acquisition costs pertains to our life insurance segment and represents the impact of fluctuations that occur in the interest rate environment from time to time.
We continually monitor the difference between our cost basis and the estimated fair value of our investments. Our accounting policy for impairment recognition requires other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") charges to be recorded when we determine that it is more likely than not that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the fixed maturity security or that the anticipated recovery in fair value of the equity security will not occur in a reasonable amount of time. Impairment charges on investments are recorded based on the fair value of the investments at the measurement date. Factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary include: the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been less than cost; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; our intention to hold the investment; and the likelihood that we will be required to sell the investment.
The tables on the following pages summarize our fixed maturity and equity securities that were in an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 . The securities are presented by the length of time they have been continuously in an unrealized loss position. It is possible that we could recognize OTTI charges in future periods on securities held at June 30, 2012 , if future events or information cause us to determine that a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary.
We believe the unrealized depreciation in value of securities in our fixed maturity portfolio is primarily attributable to changes in market interest rates and not the credit quality of the issuer. We have no intent to sell and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell these securities until such time as the fair value recovers to at least equal our cost basis or the securities mature.
We have evaluated the unrealized losses reported for all of our equity securities at June 30, 2012 , and have concluded that the duration and severity of these losses do not warrant the recognition of an OTTI charge at June 30, 2012 . Our largest unrealized loss greater than 12 months on an individual equity security at June 30, 2012 was $0.2 million . We have no intention to sell any of these securities prior to a recovery in value, but will continue to monitor the fair value reported for these securities as part of our overall process to evaluate investments for OTTI recognition.



12


(In Thousands)
June 30, 2012
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
Total
Type of Investment
Number
of Issues
Fair
Value
Gross Unrealized
Depreciation
Number
of Issues
Fair
Value
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
Fair
Value
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Fixed maturities
Bonds
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
36

$
21,466

$
269


$

$

$
21,466

$
269

Foreign bonds
14

23,083

488

2

3,982

139

27,065

627

Public utilities
1

989

11

1

1,117

44

2,106

55

Corporate bonds




Energy
1

2,526

1




2,526

1

Industrials
9

27,584

381

1

2,897

103

30,481

484

Consumer goods and services
12

17,088

252

1

1,379

19

18,467

271

Health care
1

1,715

7




1,715

7

Technology, media and telecommunications
3

10,589

47

1

2,135

59

12,724

106

Financial services
16

24,317

340

22

22,061

1,406

46,378

1,746

Mortgage-backed securities
6

5,034

22




5,034

22

Collateralized mortgage obligations
5

18,857

117

7

303

184

19,160

301

Asset-backed securities
1

96

151




96

151

Total Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities
105

$
153,344

$
2,086

35

$
33,874

$
1,954

$
187,218

$
4,040

Equity securities
Common stocks
Public utilities
4

$
462

$
172


$

$

$
462

$
172

Industrials
9

876

123

6

504

117

1,380

240

Consumer goods and services
5

94

16

6

345

118

439

134

Health care
3

446

18

5

789

169

1,235

187

Technology, media and telecommunications
10

200

16

4

528

118

728

134

Financial services
4

663

125

7

1,018

217

1,681

342

Nonredeemable preferred stocks



3

1,135

141

1,135

141

Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities
35

$
2,741

$
470

31

$
4,319

$
880

$
7,060

$
1,350

Total Available-for-Sale Securities
140

$
156,085

$
2,556

66

$
38,193

$
2,834

$
194,278

$
5,390



13



(In Thousands)
December 31, 2011
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
Total
Type of Investment
Number
of Issues
Fair
Value
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
Number
of Issues
Fair
Value
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
Fair
Value
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
HELD-TO-MATURITY
Fixed maturities
Bonds
States, municipalities and political subdivisions

$

$

1

$
473

$
61

$
473

$
61

Total Held-to-Maturity Fixed Maturities

$

$

1

$
473

$
61

$
473

$
61

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Fixed maturities
Bonds
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
6

$
3,555

$
6

1

$
619

$
2

$
4,174

$
8

Foreign bonds
13

18,001

488

6

14,123

335

32,124

823

Public utilities
6

9,579

160

1

1,068

153

10,647

313

Corporate bonds
Energy
2

5,436

53

1

5,223

224

10,659

277

Industrials
9

25,664

359

3

8,135

291

33,799

650

Consumer goods and services
5

5,360

514

5

3,932

132

9,292

646

Health care
2

5,027

45




5,027

45

Technology, media and telecommunications
13

14,148

318




14,148

318

Financial services
23

20,073

292

26

28,892

2,008

48,965

2,300

Mortgage-backed securities
5

684

4




684

4

Collateralized mortgage obligations
7

4,466

141

3

5,209

43

9,675

184

Total Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities
91

$
111,993

$
2,380

46

$
67,201

$
3,188

$
179,194

$
5,568

Equity securities
Common stocks
Public utilities
3

$
210

$
98


$

$

$
210

$
98

Industrials
7

975

155

8

577

120

1,552

275

Consumer goods and services
12

625

150

3

431

18

1,056

168

Health care
5

768

94

4

455

138

1,223

232

Technology, media and telecommunications
7

571

124

2

144

22

715

146

Financial services
16

1,876

319

6

746

224

2,622

543

Nonredeemable preferred stocks
3

1,171

31

2

878

353

2,049

384

Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities
53

$
6,196

$
971

25

$
3,231

$
875

$
9,427

$
1,846

Total Available-for-Sale Securities
144

$
118,189

$
3,351

71

$
70,432

$
4,063

$
188,621

$
7,414

Total
144

$
118,189

$
3,351

72

$
70,905

$
4,124

$
189,094

$
7,475



14


NOTE 3. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
We estimate the fair value of our financial instruments based on relevant market information or by discounting estimated future cash flows at estimated current market discount rates appropriate to the specific asset or liability.
In most cases, we use quoted market prices to determine the fair value of fixed maturities, equity securities, trading securities and short-term investments. When quoted market prices do not exist, we base fair values on pricing or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement of the financial instrument. Such inputs may reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the financial instrument.
The fair value of our mortgage loans is determined by modeling performed by us based on the stated principal and coupon payments provided for in the loan agreement. These cash flows are then discounted using an appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate to determine the security's fair value, which is a Level 3 fair value measurement.
The estimated fair value of policy loans is equivalent to carrying value. We do not make policy loans for amounts in excess of the cash surrender value of the related policy. In all instances, the policy loans are fully collateralized by the related liability for future policy benefits for traditional insurance policies or by the policyholders’ account balance for non-traditional policies.
Our other long-term investments consist primarily of holdings in limited liability partnership funds that are valued by the various fund managers and are recorded on the equity method of accounting. In management’s opinion, these values represent fair value.
For cash and cash equivalents and accrued investment income, carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments.

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

The fair value of our debt approximates carrying value due to the variable interest rates and short-term nature of these financial instruments.



15


A summary of the carrying value and estimated fair value of our financial instruments at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is as follows:
June 30, 2012
December 31, 2011
(In Thousands)
Fair Value
Carrying Value
Fair Value
Carrying Value
Assets
Investments
Held-to-maturity fixed maturities
$
3,927

$
3,864

$
4,161

$
4,143

Available-for-sale fixed maturities
2,800,624

2,800,624

2,697,248

2,697,248

Trading securities
14,249

14,249

13,454

13,454

Equity securities
174,359

174,359

159,451

159,451

Mortgage loans
5,234

4,732

5,219

4,829

Policy loans
7,393

7,393

7,209

7,209

Other long-term investments
24,399

24,399

20,574

20,574

Short-term investments
1,100

1,100

1,100

1,100

Cash and cash equivalents
101,978

101,978

144,527

144,527

Accrued investment income
32,750

32,750

32,219

32,219

Liabilities




Policy reserves




Annuity (accumulations) (1)
$
1,114,522

$
1,008,607

$
1,074,661

$
999,534

Annuity (benefit payments)
144,274

98,579

133,921

94,465

Debt
45,000

45,000

45,000

45,000

(1) Annuity accumulations represent deferred annuity contracts that are currently earning interest.

Current accounting guidance on fair value measurements includes the application of a fair value hierarchy that requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Our financial instruments that are recorded at fair value are categorized into a three-level hierarchy, which is based upon the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (i.e., Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (i.e., Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the financial instrument.
Financial instruments recorded at fair value are categorized in the fair value hierarchy as follows:
Level 1: Valuations are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments that we have the ability to access.
Level 2: Valuations are based on quoted prices for similar financial instruments, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, in markets that are not active or on inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for the full term of the financial instrument.
Level 3: Valuations are based on pricing or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement of the financial instrument. Such inputs may reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the financial instrument.
Transfers between levels, if any, are recorded as of the beginning of the reporting period.
To determine the fair value of the majority of our investments, we utilize prices obtained from independent, nationally recognized pricing services. We obtain one price for each security. When the pricing services cannot provide a determination of fair value for a specific security, we obtain non-binding price quotes from broker-dealers with whom we have had several years experience and who have demonstrated knowledge of the subject security. We request and utilize one broker quote per security.


16


We validate the prices obtained from independent pricing services and brokers prior to their use for reporting purposes by evaluating their reasonableness on a monthly basis. Our validation process includes a review for unusual fluctuations. In our opinion, the pricing obtained at June 30, 2012 was reasonable.
In order to determine the proper classification in the fair value hierarchy for each security where the price is obtained from an independent pricing service, we obtain and evaluate the vendors’ pricing procedures and inputs used to price the security, which include unadjusted quoted market prices for identical securities, such as a New York Stock Exchange closing price and quoted prices for identical securities in markets that are not active. For fixed maturity securities, an evaluation of interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, volatility, prepayment speeds, credit risks and default rates may also be performed. We have determined that these processes and inputs result in fair values and classifications consistent with the applicable accounting guidance on fair value measurements.
We review our fair value hierarchy categorizations on a quarterly basis at which time the classification of certain financial instruments may change if the input observations have changed.

The following tables present the categorization for our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis in our Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 :


17



(In Thousands)
Fair Value Measurements
Description
June 30, 2012
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Fixed maturities
Bonds
U.S. Treasury
$
43,504

$

$
43,504

$

U.S. government agency
40,212


40,212


States, municipalities and political subdivisions
757,614


756,799

815

Foreign bonds
235,634


234,798

836

Public utilities
256,959


256,959


Corporate bonds








Energy
186,548


186,548


Industrials
319,785


316,887

2,898

Consumer goods and services
218,604


217,225

1,379

Health care
127,623


127,623


Technology, media and telecommunications
129,331


129,331


Financial services
308,110


295,888

12,222

Mortgage-backed securities
34,992


34,992


Collateralized mortgage obligations
135,858


135,858


Asset-backed securities
5,469


5,154

315

Redeemable preferred stocks
381

381



Total Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities
$
2,800,624

$
381

$
2,781,778

$
18,465

Equity securities
Common stocks
Public utilities
$
15,011

$
15,011

$

$

Energy
11,773

11,773



Industrials
30,998

30,923

75


Consumer goods and services
17,961

17,961



Health care
18,043

18,043



Technology, media and telecommunications
11,055

11,055



Financial services
65,906

62,251


3,655

Nonredeemable preferred stocks
3,612

3,372

240


Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities
$
174,359

$
170,389

$
315

$
3,655

Total Available-for-Sale Securities
$
2,974,983

$
170,770

$
2,782,093

$
22,120

TRADING
Bonds
Foreign bonds
$
2,801

$

$
2,801

$

Corporate bonds








Industrials
1,327


1,327




18


Consumer goods and services
1,563


1,563


Health care
1,814


1,814


Technology, media and telecommunications
2,387


2,387


Financial services
2,265


2,265


Redeemable preferred stocks
2,092

2,092



Total Trading Securities
$
14,249

$
2,092

$
12,157

$

Short-Term Investments
$
1,100

$
1,100

$

$

Money Market Accounts
$
38,414

$
38,414

$

$

Total Assets Measured at Fair Value
$
3,028,746

$
212,376

$
2,794,250

$
22,120




19


(In Thousands)
Fair Value Measurements
Description
December 31, 2011
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Fixed maturities
Bonds
U.S. Treasury
$
43,951

$

$
43,951

$

U.S. government agency
96,395


96,395


States, municipalities and political subdivisions
748,107


747,227

880

Foreign bonds
214,815


213,979

836

Public utilities
270,071


270,071


Corporate bonds







Energy
197,192


197,192


Industrials
295,677


292,780

2,897

Consumer goods and services
212,174


210,759

1,415

Health care
115,671


115,671


Technology, media and telecommunications
112,948


112,948


Financial services
265,301


249,328

15,973

Mortgage-backed securities
35,390


35,390


Collateralized mortgage obligations
82,851


82,851


Asset-backed securities
6,296


5,981

315

Redeemable preferred stocks
409

409



Total Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities
$
2,697,248

$
409

$
2,674,523

$
22,316

Equity securities
Common stocks
Public utilities
$
14,735

$
14,735

$

$

Energy
12,210

12,210



Industrials
28,556

28,556



Consumer goods and services
18,564

18,564



Health care
15,988

15,988



Technology, media and telecommunications
10,018

10,018



Financial services
56,090

52,564


3,526

Nonredeemable preferred stocks
3,290

3,032

258


Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities
$
159,451

$
155,667

$
258

$
3,526

Total Available-for-Sale Securities
$
2,856,699

$
156,076

$
2,674,781

$
25,842

TRADING
Bonds
Foreign bonds
$
2,906

$

$
2,906

$

Corporate bonds




Industrials
1,443


1,443


Consumer goods and services
1,059


1,059


Health care
1,450


1,450


Technology, media and telecommunications
1,458


1,458




20


Financial services
2,063


2,063


Redeemable preferred stocks
3,075

1,659

1,416


Total Trading Securities
$
13,454

$
1,659

$
11,795

$

Short-Term Investments
$
1,100

$
1,100

$

$

Money Market Accounts
$
62,899

$
62,899

$

$

Total Assets Measured at Fair Value
$
2,934,152

$
221,734

$
2,686,576

$
25,842




21


The fair value of securities that are categorized as Level 1 is based on quoted market prices that are readily and regularly available.
The fair value of securities that are categorized as Level 2 is determined by management after reviewing market prices obtained from independent pricing services and brokers. Such estimated fair values do not necessarily represent the values for which these securities could have been sold at the reporting date. Our independent pricing services and brokers obtain prices from reputable pricing vendors in the marketplace. They continually monitor and review the external pricing sources, while actively participating to resolve any pricing issues that may arise.
For the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 , the change in our available-for-sale securities categorized as Level 1 and Level 2 is the result of investment purchases, which were made using funds held in our money market accounts, disposals and the change in unrealized gains on both fixed maturities and equity securities. There were no significant transfers of securities between Level 1 and Level 2 during the period.
Securities categorized as Level 3 include holdings in certain private placement fixed maturity and equity securities and certain other securities that were determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired in a prior period and for which an active market does not currently exist.
The fair value of our Level 3 private placement securities is determined by management relying on pricing received from our independent pricing services and brokers consistent with the process to estimate fair value for Level 2 securities. If pricing could not be obtained from these sources, which occurs on a limited basis, management performed an analysis of the contractual cash flows of the underlying security to estimate fair value.
The fair value of our Level 3 impaired securities was determined primarily based upon management’s assumptions regarding the timing and amount of future cash inflows. If a security has been written down or the issuer is in bankruptcy, management relies in part on outside opinions from rating agencies, our lien position on the security, general economic conditions and management’s expertise to determine fair value. We have the ability and the positive intent to hold securities until such time that we are able to recover all or a portion of our original investment. If there is no market for the impaired security at the balance sheet date, management will estimate the security’s fair value based on other securities in the market. Management will continue to monitor securities after the balance sheet date to confirm that their estimated fair value is reasonable.

The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of our Level 3 securities for the three-month period ended June 30, 2012 :
(In Thousands)
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
Foreign bonds
Corporate bonds
Asset-backed securities
Equities
Total
Balance at March 31, 2012
$
880

$
836

$
20,075

$
315

$
3,476

$
25,582

Realized gains (1)


646



646

Unrealized losses (1)


(408
)


(408
)
Purchases




179

179

Disposals
(65
)

(3,814
)


(3,879
)
Balance at June 30, 2012
$
815

$
836

$
16,499

$
315

$
3,655

$
22,120

(1) Realized gains (losses) are recorded as a component of earnings whereas unrealized gains (losses) are recorded as a component of comprehensive income.
The reported disposals relate to receipt of principal on calls or sinking fund bonds, in accordance with the indentures, and a bond that was called by the issuer.



22


The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of our Level 3 securities for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 :
(In Thousands)
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
Foreign bonds
Corporate bonds
Asset-backed securities
Equities
Total
Balance at December 31, 2011
$
880

$
836

$
20,285

$
315

$
3,526

$
25,842

Realized gains (1)


646



646

Unrealized losses (1)


(368
)


(368
)
Purchases




179

179

Disposals
(65
)

(4,064
)

(50
)
(4,179
)
Balance at June 30, 2012
$
815

$
836

$
16,499

$
315

$
3,655

$
22,120

(1) Realized gains (losses) are recorded as a component of earnings whereas unrealized gains (losses) are recorded as a component of comprehensive income.
The reported disposals relate to the sale of an equity security and receipt of principal on calls or sinking fund bonds, in accordance with the indentures, and a bond that was called by the issuer.

NOTE 4. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The components of the net periodic benefit cost for our pension and postretirement benefit plans are as follows:
(In Thousands)
Pension Plan
Postretirement Benefit Plan
Three Months Ended June 30,
2012
2011
2012
2011
Net periodic benefit cost
Service cost
$
1,278

$
870

$
496

$
614

Interest cost
1,334

1,237

398

439

Expected return on plan assets
(1,360
)
(1,512
)


Amortization of prior service cost

3

(8
)
(2
)
Amortization of net loss
1,684

639

56

92

Net periodic benefit cost
$
2,936

$
1,237

$
942

$
1,143


(In Thousands)
Pension Plan
Postretirement Benefit Plan
Six Months Ended June 30,
2012
2011
2012
2011
Net periodic benefit cost
Service cost
$
2,069

$
1,583

$
992

$
993

Interest cost
2,524

2,380

796

795

Expected return on plan assets
(2,682
)
(2,644
)


Amortization of prior service cost
3

6

(17
)
(16
)
Amortization of net loss
2,276

1,184

112

112

Net periodic benefit cost
$
4,190

$
2,509

$
1,883

$
1,884


Employer Contributions

We previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 that we expected to contribute $7.0 million to the pension plan for the 2012 plan year. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 , we contributed $3.3 million to the pension plan. We anticipate that the total contribution for the 2012 plan year will not vary significantly from our expected contribution.


23


NOTE 5. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Non-qualified Employee Stock Award Plan
The United Fire Group, Inc. 2008 Stock Plan (the “2008 Stock Plan”) authorizes the issuance of restricted and unrestricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights, incentive stock options, and non-qualified stock options for up to 1,900,000 shares of United Fire common stock to employees, with 564,716 authorized shares available for future issuance at June 30, 2012 . The 2008 Stock Plan is administered by the Board of Directors, which determines those employees who will receive awards, when awards will be granted, and the terms and conditions of the awards. The Board of Directors may also take any action it deems necessary and appropriate for the administration of the 2008 Stock Plan. Pursuant to the 2008 Stock Plan, the Board of Directors may, at its sole discretion, grant awards to our employees who are in positions of substantial responsibility with United Fire.
Options granted pursuant to the 2008 Stock Plan are granted to buy shares of United Fire's common stock at the market value of the stock on the date of grant. All outstanding option awards vest and are exercisable in installments of 20.0 percent of the number of shares covered by the option award each year from the grant date, unless the Board of Directors authorizes the acceleration of vesting. To the extent not exercised, vested option awards accumulate and are exercisable by the awardee, in whole or in part, in any subsequent year included in the option period, but not later than 10 years from the grant date. Restricted and unrestricted stock awards granted pursuant to the 2008 Stock Plan are granted at the market value of our stock on the date of the grant. Restricted stock awards fully vest after 5 years from the date of issuance, unless accelerated upon the approval of the Board of Directors, at which time United Fire common stock will be issued to the awardee. All awards are generally granted free of charge to the eligible employees of United Fire as designated by the Board of Directors.
The activity in the 2008 Stock Plan is displayed in the following table:
Authorized Shares Available for Future Award Grants
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
Inception to Date
Beginning balance
653,511

1,900,000

Number of awards granted
(97,895
)
(1,443,584
)
Number of awards forfeited or expired
9,100

108,300

Ending balance
564,716

564,716

Number of option awards exercised
20,025

198,042

Number of unrestricted stock awards granted
895

3,380

Number of restricted stock awards vested



Non-qualified Non-employee Director Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan
The United Fire Group, Inc. 2005 Non-qualified Non-Employee Director Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the "Director Plan") authorizes the issuance of restricted and unrestricted stock awards and non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of United Fire’s common stock to non-employee directors. At June 30, 2012 , we had 130,012 authorized shares available for future issuance.
The Board of Directors has the authority to determine which non-employee directors receive awards, when options and restricted and unrestricted stock shall be granted, the option price, the option expiration date, the date of grant, the vesting schedule of options or whether the options shall be immediately vested, the terms and conditions of options and restricted stock (other than those terms and conditions set forth in the plan) and the number of shares of common stock to be issued pursuant to an option agreement or restricted stock agreement. The Board of Directors may also take any action it deems necessary and appropriate for the administration of the Director Plan.

The activity in the Director Plan is displayed in the following table:


24


Authorized Shares Available for Future Award Grants
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
Inception to Date
Beginning balance
160,009

300,000

Number of awards granted
(29,997
)
(175,991
)
Number of awards forfeited or expired

6,003

Ending balance
130,012

130,012

Number of option awards exercised



Stock-Based Compensation Expense

For the three-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 , we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $0.5 million and $0.5 million , respectively. For the six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 , we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $0.9 million and $0.9 million , respectively.

As of June 30, 2012 , we had $3.7 million in stock-based compensation expense that has yet to be recognized through our results of operations. We expect this compensation to be recognized over the remainder of 2012 and subsequent years according to the following table, except with respect to awards that are accelerated by the Board of Directors, in which case we will recognize any remaining compensation expense in the period in which the awards are accelerated.
(In Thousands)
2012
$
800

2013
1,139

2014
863

2015
646

2016
191

2017
23

Total
$
3,662


NOTE 6. SEGMENT INFORMATION

We have two reportable business segments in our operations: property and casualty insurance and life insurance. The property and casualty insurance segment has six domestic locations from which it conducts its business. All offices target a similar customer base, market the same products and use the same marketing strategies and are therefore aggregated. The life insurance segment operates from our home office. Because all of our insurance is sold domestically, we have no revenues allocable to foreign operations.

We evaluate the two segments on the basis of both statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by our states of domicile and GAAP. We analyze results based on profitability (i.e., loss ratios), expenses, and return on equity. The basis we use to determine and analyze segments and to measure segment profit or loss have not changed from that reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 .
The following tables for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 have been reconciled to the amounts reported in our unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements to adjust for intersegment eliminations.


25


(In Thousands)
Property and Casualty Insurance
Life Insurance
Total
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
Net premiums earned
$
153,914

$
16,287

$
170,201

Investment income, net of investment expenses
11,762

17,029

28,791

Net realized investment gains (losses)
(582
)
1,193

611

Other income
96

147

243

Total reportable segment
$
165,190

$
34,656

$
199,846

Intersegment eliminations
(89
)
(111
)
(200
)
Total revenues
$
165,101

$
34,545

$
199,646

Net income
$
13,355

$
1,361

$
14,716

Assets
$
1,947,895

$
1,793,368

$
3,741,263

Invested assets
$
1,323,303

$
1,707,417

$
3,030,720

Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
Net premiums earned
$
139,009

$
13,293

$
152,302

Investment income, net of investment expenses
9,495

18,350

27,845

Net realized investment gains
393

731

1,124

Other income
530

199

729

Total reportable segment
$
149,427

$
32,573

$
182,000

Intersegment eliminations
(44
)
(152
)
(196
)
Total revenues
$
149,383

$
32,421

$
181,804

Net income (loss)
$
(19,574
)
$
1,660

$
(17,914
)
Assets
$
1,902,215

$
1,719,719

$
3,621,934

Invested assets
$
1,284,623

$
1,582,787

$
2,867,410




26


The following tables for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 have been reconciled to the amounts reported in our unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements to adjust for intersegment eliminations.
(In Thousands)
Property and Casualty Insurance
Life Insurance
Total
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
Net premiums earned
$
300,670

$
31,145

$
331,815

Investment income, net of investment expenses
22,440

35,537

57,977

Net realized investment gains
551

2,807

3,358

Other income
196

303

499

Total reportable segment
$
323,857

$
69,792

$
393,649

Intersegment eliminations
(82
)
(222
)
(304
)
Total revenues
$
323,775

$
69,570

$
393,345

Net income
$
29,991

$
3,909

$
33,900

Assets
$
1,947,895

$
1,793,368

$
3,741,263

Invested assets
$
1,323,303

$
1,707,417

$
3,030,720

Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
Net premiums earned
$
240,773

$
25,825

$
266,598

Investment income, net of investment expenses
18,276

36,679

54,955

Net realized investment gains
1,601

2,176

3,777

Other income
538

347

885

Total reportable segment
$
261,188

$
65,027

$
326,215

Intersegment eliminations
(88
)
(247
)
(335
)
Total revenues
$
261,100

$
64,780

$
325,880

Net income (loss)
$
(16,224
)
$
4,120

$
(12,104
)
Assets
$
1,902,215

$
1,719,719

$
3,621,934

Invested assets
$
1,284,623

$
1,582,787

$
2,867,410





27


NOTE 7. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share gives effect to all dilutive common shares outstanding during the reporting period. The dilutive shares we consider in our diluted earnings per share calculation relate to our outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards.
We determine the dilutive effect of our outstanding stock options using the “treasury stock” method. Under this method, we assume the exercise of all of the outstanding stock options whose exercise price is less than the weighted-average market value of our common stock during the reporting period. This method also assumes that the proceeds from the hypothetical stock option exercises are used to repurchase shares of our common stock at the weighted-average market value of the stock during the reporting period. The net of the assumed stock options exercised and assumed common shares repurchased represents the number of dilutive common shares, which we add to the denominator of the earnings per share calculation.

The components of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 :
Three Months Ended June 30,
(In Thousands Except Per Share Data)
2012
2011
Basic
Diluted
Basic
Diluted
Net income (loss)
$
14,716

$
14,716

$
(17,914
)
$
(17,914
)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
25,476

25,476

26,102

26,102

Add dilutive effect of restricted stock awards

57



Add dilutive effect of stock options

25



Weighted-average common shares for EPS calculation
25,476

25,558

26,102

26,102

Earnings (loss) per common share
$
0.58

$
0.58

$
(0.69
)
$
(0.69
)
Awards excluded from diluted EPS calculation (1)

1,103


1,206

(1)
Outstanding awards excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect of including them would have been anti-dilutive.

The components of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 :
Six Months Ended June 30,
(In Thousands Except Per Share Data)
2012
2011
Basic
Diluted
Basic
Diluted
Net income (loss)
$
33,900

$
33,900

$
(12,104
)
$
(12,104
)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
25,491

25,491

26,148

26,148

Add dilutive effect of restricted stock awards

57



Add dilutive effect of stock options

31



Weighted-average common shares for EPS calculation
25,491

25,579

26,148

26,148

Earnings (loss) per common share
$
1.33

$
1.33

$
(0.46
)
$
(0.46
)
Awards excluded from diluted EPS calculation (1)

1,103


1,206

(1)
Outstanding awards excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect of including them would have been anti-dilutive.







28


NOTE 8. DEBT
In the fourth quarter of 2011, United Fire entered into a credit agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions as lenders, KeyBank National Association as administrative agent, lead arranger, sole book runner, swingline lender, and letter of credit issuer, and Bankers Trust Company as syndication agent. The four-year credit agreement provides for a $100.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility that includes a $20.0 million letter of credit subfacility and a swing line subfacility in the amount of up to $5.0 million .
During the term of this credit facility, we have the right to increase the total facility from $100.0 million up to $125.0 million if no event of default has occurred and is continuing and certain other conditions are satisfied. The credit facility is available for general corporate purposes, including working capital, acquisitions and liquidity purposes. Principal of the credit facility is due in full at maturity, on December 22, 2015. The interest rate is based on our monthly choice of either a base rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus, in each case, a calculated margin amount. A commitment fee on each lender's unused commitment under the credit facility is also payable quarterly.
The credit agreement contains customary representations, covenants and events of default, including certain covenants that limit or restrict our ability to engage in certain activities. Subject to certain exceptions, these activities include restricting our ability to sell or transfer assets or enter into a merger or consolidate with another company, grant certain types of security interests, incur certain types of liens, impose restrictions on subsidiary dividends, enter into leaseback transactions, or incur certain indebtedness. The credit agreement contains certain financial covenants including covenants that require us to maintain a minimum consolidated net worth, a debt to capitalization ratio and minimum stockholders' equity.
The outstanding balance on the line of credit was $45.0 million at June 30, 2012 at an interest rate of 2.0% percent. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 , we have incurred $0.6 million in interest expense related to this line of credit. We were in compliance with all covenants for the credit agreement at June 30, 2012 .
In connection with our acquisition of Mercer Insurance Group, we acquired three issuances of trust preferred securities with an outstanding balance as of the acquisition date of $15.5 million . During the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 , we redeemed each of the issuances in full. We incurred $0.5 million of interest expense related to these trust preferred securities for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 .





29



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders
United Fire Group, Inc.

We have reviewed the consolidated balance sheet of United Fire Group, Inc. as of June 30, 2012 , and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 , the consolidated statements of cash flows for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 , and the consolidated statement of stockholders' equity for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 . These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of United Fire Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2011 , and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, not presented herein, and in our report dated March 15, 2012, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 , is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Ernst & Young LLP

Chicago, Illinois
August 8, 2012



30


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

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report may contain forward-looking statements about our operations, anticipated performance and other similar matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected and/or projected. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our company, the industry in which we operate, and beliefs and assumptions made by management. Words such as “expect(s),” “anticipate(s),” “intend(s),” “plan(s),” “believe(s),” “continue(s),” “seek(s),” “estimate(s),” “goal(s),” “target(s),” “forecast(s),” “project(s),” “predict(s),” “should,” “could,” “may,” “will continue,” “might,” “hope,” “can” and other words and terms of similar meaning or expression in connection with a discussion of future operations, financial performance or financial condition, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed in such forward-looking statements. Information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is contained in Part II Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of this document. Among the factors that could cause our actual outcomes and results to differ are:

The frequency and severity of claims, including those related to catastrophe losses, and the impact those claims have on our loss reserve adequacy.

Developments in the domestic and global financial markets that could affect our investment portfolio and financing plans.

The calculation and recovery of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”).

The valuation of pension and other postretirement benefit obligations.

Our relationship with our agencies and agents.

Our relationship with our reinsurers.

The financial strength rating of our reinsurers.

Changes in industry trends and significant industry developments.

Our exposure to international catastrophes through our assumed reinsurance program.

Governmental actions, policies and regulations, including, but not limited to, domestic health care reform, financial services regulatory reform, corporate governance, new laws or regulations or court decisions interpreting existing laws and regulations or policy provisions.

NASDAQ policies or regulations relating to corporate governance and the cost to comply.

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



31


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Critical accounting estimates are defined as those that are representative of significant judgments and uncertainties and that potentially may result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We base our discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition on the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements, which we have prepared in accordance with GAAP. As we prepare these Consolidated Financial Statements, we must make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Our critical accounting estimates are: the valuation of investments; the valuation of reserves for losses, claims, and loss settlement expenses and the related valuation of reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses; the valuation of reserves for future policy benefits; the calculation of the deferred policy acquisition costs asset; the recoverability of goodwill and other intangible assets; and the valuation of pension and postretirement benefit obligations. These critical accounting estimates are more fully described in our Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 .

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the Management's Discussion and Analysis is to provide an understanding of our results of operations and consolidated financial position. Our Management's Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes, including those in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 . When we provide information on a statutory basis, we label it as such, otherwise, all other data is presented in accordance with GAAP.

This discussion and analysis is presented in these sections:

Our Business

Consolidated Financial Highlights

Results of Operations for Property and Casualty Insurance, Life Insurance and Investment Portfolio

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Measurement of Results

OUR BUSINESS

Founded in 1946 as United Fire & Casualty Company, we provide insurance protection for individuals and businesses through several regional companies. We are licensed as a property and casualty insurer in 43 states plus the District of Columbia and are represented by more than 1,200 independent agencies. Our life insurance subsidiary is licensed in 36 states and is represented by more than 900 independent agencies.

Segments

We operate two business segments, each with a wide range of products:

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

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


32



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

For the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 , property and casualty business accounted for 90.7 percent of our net premiums earned, of which 89.7 percent was generated from commercial lines. Life insurance business made up 9.3 percent of our net premiums earned, of which 68.7 percent was generated from traditional life insurance products.

Pooling Arrangement

All of our property and casualty insurance subsidiaries, with the exception of Texas General Indemnity Company, are members of an intercompany reinsurance pooling arrangement. The insurance entities of Mercer Insurance Group participated in their own pooling arrangement in 2011, which was in place when we acquired Mercer Insurance Group on March 28, 2011. Effective January 1, 2012, one pooling arrangement covers all participating insurance subsidiaries of United Fire Group, Inc. Pooling arrangements permit the participating companies to rely on the capacity of the entire pool’s capital and surplus, rather than being limited to policy exposures of a size commensurate with each participant’s own surplus level.

Geographic Concentration

For the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 , more than half of our property and casualty direct premiums were written in Iowa, Texas, California, New Jersey, and Missouri, and over three-fourths of our life insurance premiums, excluding annuities, were written in Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

Segment Revenue and Expense

We evaluate segment profit or loss based upon operating and investment results. Segment profit or loss described in the following sections of the Management's Discussion and Analysis is reported on a pre-tax basis. Additional segment information is presented in Part I, Item 1, Note 6 “Segment Information” to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
Our primary sources of revenue are premiums and investment income. Major categories of expenses include losses and loss settlement expenses, future policy benefits, operating expenses and interest on policyholders’ accounts.
Profit Factors
The profitability of our company is influenced by many factors, including price, competition, economic conditions, interest rates, catastrophic events and other natural disasters, man-made disasters, state regulations, court decisions, and changes in the law. Unless a connection between future increased extreme weather events and climate change is ultimately proven true, management believes that climate change considerations will not have a material impact on our profitability.
To manage these risks and uncertainties, we seek to achieve consistent profitability through strong agency relationships, exceptional customer service, fair and prompt claims handling, disciplined underwriting, superior loss control services, and effective and efficient use of technology.



33


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
(In Thousands)
2012
2011
%
2012
2011 (1)
%
Revenues
Net premiums earned
$
170,090

$
152,210

11.7
%
$
331,593

$
266,414

24.5
%
Investment income, net of investment expenses
28,749

27,741

3.6

57,895

54,804

5.6

Net realized investment gains



Other-than-temporary impairment charges
(4
)

NM (2)

(4
)

NM (2)

All other net realized gains
568

1,124

(49.5
)
3,362

3,777

(11.0
)
Net realized investment gains
564

1,124

(49.8
)
3,358

3,777

(11.1
)
Other income
243

729

(66.7
)
499

885

(43.6
)
$
199,646

$
181,804

9.8
%
$
393,345

$
325,880

20.7
%

Benefits, Losses and Expenses

Losses and loss settlement expenses
$
106,766

$
135,811

(21.4
)%
$
198,250

$
211,993

(6.5
)%
Future policy benefits
8,356

7,880

6.0

18,494

16,062

15.1

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
34,179

43,732

(21.8
)
68,730

69,778

(1.5
)
Other underwriting expenses
20,541

14,720

39.5

42,535

30,777

38.2

Interest on policyholders' accounts
10,627

10,657

(0.3
)
21,283

21,327

(0.2
)
$
180,469

$
212,800

(15.2
)%
$
349,292

$
349,937

(0.2
)%


Income (loss) before income taxes
$
19,177

$
(30,996
)
161.9
%
$
44,053

$
(24,057
)
NM (2)

Federal income tax expense (benefit)
4,461

(13,082
)
134.1

10,153

(11,953
)
184.9
%
Net income (Loss)
$
14,716

$
(17,914
)
182.1
%
$
33,900

$
(12,104
)
NM (2)

(1) The information presented for 2011 includes Mercer Insurance Group's results after the March 28, 2011 acquisition date.
(2) Not meaningful.

The following is a summary of our financial performance for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 :

Consolidated Results of Operations

For the three-month period ended June 30, 2012 , net income was $14.7 million , compared to a net loss of $17.9 million for the same period of 2011 . The improvement is primarily due to the following:

Net premiums earned increased to $170.1 million , compared to $152.2 million for the same period of 2011 . This increase represents organic growth and is the result of a combination of rate increases across most commercial and personal lines, modest growth in premium audit collections, and new business writings .

Losses and loss settlement expenses decreased to $106.8 million , compared to $135.8 million for the same period of 2011 . This decrease is due primarily to reduced catastrophe loss experience. In 2011 we incurred significant catastrophe losses from storms that occurred in the southern states and Joplin, Missouri.

For the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 , net income was $33.9 million , compared to a net loss of $12.1 million for the same period of 2011 . The improvement is primarily due to the following:

Net premiums earned increased to $331.6 million , compared to $266.4 million for the same period of 2011 due primarily to the acquisition of Mercer Insurance Group in March 2011, which accounted for $34.9 million of additional earned premium. Our organic growth was $30.3 million over the same period of 2011 .


34



Losses and loss settlement expenses decreased to $198.3 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 , compared to $212.0 million for the same period of 2011 . The decrease is due to reduced catastrophe loss experience offset in part by the acquisition of Mercer Insurance Group in March 2011, which accounted for $24.7 million of additional incurred losses and loss settlement expenses as compared to the same period of 2011 .

Pre-tax catastrophe losses totaled $12.0 million and $26.1 million for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 , compared to $36.9 million and $53.1 million in the same periods of 2011 . I n 2011 we incurred significant catastrophe losses from storms that occurred in the southern states and Joplin, Missouri, as well as assumed reinsurance losses related to the New Zealand earthquakes and the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Effective January 1, 2012, we elected to adopt the updated accounting guidance that limits the amount of underwriting expenses eligible for deferral on a prospective basis. The adoption of the updated accounting guidance resulted in the recognition of approximately $8.1 million ( $7.2 million for our property and casualty insurance segment; $0.9 million for our life insurance segment) of expense in the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 that we would not have recognized had the accounting guidance remained unchanged. This represents a reduction to net income of $0.21 per share. Refer to the results of operations section of this item for further discussion of the impact of the updated accounting guidance related to deferred policy acquisition costs on our reported results.


Consolidated Financial Condition

Deferred annuity deposits decreased 13.0 percent and increased 13.0 percent for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 , compared to the same periods of 2011 . We attribute the fluctuations to the impact of the low interest rate environment on credited interest rates and customer demand. While deferred annuity deposits are not recorded as a component of net premiums written or net premiums earned, they do generate investment income.

Net cash outflow related to our annuity business was $5.3 million and $5.6 million in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 , compared to a net cash inflow of $3.6 million and a net cash outflow of $2.6 million in the same periods of 2011 . We attribute this to the activity described in the prior bullet point.

As of June 30, 2012 , the book value per share of our common stock was $28.91 . We repurchased 101,901 shares in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 . Under our share repurchase program, which expires in August 2014, we are authorized to purchase an additional 1,367,978 shares of common stock.

Net unrealized investment gains totaled $136.7 million as of June 30, 2012 , an increase of $12.3 million , net of tax, or 9.9 percent since December 31, 2011 . The increase in unrealized gains resulted from an increase in the fair value of both our fixed maturity and equity portfolios.

Our stockholders' equity increased to $735.4 million at June 30, 2012 , from $ 696.1 million at December 31, 2011 . The increase was primarily attributable to net income of $33.9 million and net unrealized investment gains of $12.3 million , net of tax, less stockholder dividends of $7.6 million .



35


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Property and Casualty Insurance Segment Results
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
(In Thousands)
2012
2011
2012
2011 (1)
Net premiums written (2)
$
180,237

$
159,027

$
344,870

$
269,753

Net premiums earned
$
153,914

$
139,009

$
300,670

$
240,773

Losses and loss settlement expenses
(100,220
)
(130,124
)
(187,530
)
(201,789
)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
(31,882
)
(41,086
)
(64,295
)
(65,116
)
Other underwriting expenses
(16,153
)
(11,800
)
(34,021
)
(24,526
)
Underwriting gain (loss) (2)
$
5,659

$
(44,001
)
$
14,824

$
(50,658
)

Investment income, net of investment expenses
11,720

9,451

22,358

18,188

Net realized investment gains (losses)

Other-than-temporary impairment charges
(4
)

(4
)

All other net realized gains (losses)
(625
)
393

555

1,601

Net realized investment gains (losses)
(629
)
393

551

1,601

Other income
96

530

196

538

Income (loss) before income taxes
$
16,846

$
(33,627
)
$
37,929

$
(30,331
)

GAAP Ratios:

Net loss ratio
57.3
%
67.1
%
53.7
%
61.8
%
Catastrophes - effect on net loss ratio
7.8

26.5

8.7

22.0

Net loss ratio
65.1
%
93.6
%
62.4
%
83.8
%
Expense ratio (3)
31.2

38.1

32.7

37.2

Combined ratio
96.3
%
131.7
%
95.1
%
121.0
%
(1) The information presented for 2011 includes Mercer Insurance Group's results after the March 28, 2011 acquisition date.
(2) The Measurement of Results section of this report defines data prepared in accordance with statutory accounting practices, which is a comprehensive basis of accounting other than U.S. GAAP.
(3) Includes policyholder dividends.

Net premiums earned increased 10.7 percent in the second quarter of 2012 , compared to the second quarter of 2011 , due to:

Organic growth - The increase in our net premiums earned is the result of a combination of rate increases across most lines, modest growth in premium audit collections, and new business writings.

Commercial lines renewal pricing was steady to slightly higher for the third consecutive quarter, with average increases in the mid-single digits. Competitive market conditions continued to ease on renewals, but persisted on new business during the quarter.

Personal lines pricing has improved, with larger mid- to upper-single digit increases for homeowners and smaller increases for personal auto.

Policy retention rates remained strong for both commercial and personal lines.


GAAP combined ratio decreased by 35.4 percentage points and 25.9 percentage points for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 , compared with the same periods in 2011 . This improvement is attributable to the following:

Net loss ratio, a component of the combined ratio, decreased by 28.5 percentage points and 21.4 percentage points in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 , as compared to the


36


same periods in 2011. The improvement is due primarily to reduced catastrophe loss experience. In 2011 we incurred significant catastrophe losses from storms that occurred in the southern states and Joplin, Missouri as well as assumed reinsurance losses related to the New Zealand earthquakes and the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Expense ratio, a component of the combined ratio, decreased 6.9 percentage points and 4.5 percentage points for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 , as compared to the same periods in 2011 . The expenses associated with the acquisition of the Mercer Insurance Group increased the 2011 reported expense ratio.

Accounting rules related to deferred policy acquisition costs - Effective January 1, 2012, we elected to adopt the updated accounting guidance related to deferred policy acquisition costs on a prospective basis. As a result, the amount of underwriting expenses eligible for deferral has decreased. After consideration of our normal recovery assessment, which we refer to as a premium deficiency charge, and the amortization pattern of our deferred policy acquisition costs, we recognized approximately $3.5 million and $7.2 million of expense in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 that we would not have recognized had the guidance remained unchanged.

The impact of the adoption of the updated accounting guidance on our results for the full year will be influenced by a number of factors including: the volume of premiums written; our assessment of successful acquisition efforts; the profitability of our lines of property and casualty business, which impacts the level of premium deficiency charge recorded; and the normal amortization pattern of these deferred policy acquisition costs, which is generally over one year. The greatest impact will be experienced in the most current quarter as the recorded deferred policy acquisitions costs would amortize to expense in succeeding quarters to offset a portion of the initial impact when assessed on an annual basis. Accordingly, the impact of the adoption of the updated accounting guidance on our results reported for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 should not be considered to be representative of the impact for the full year.

For a detailed discussion of our consolidated investment results, refer to the “Investment Portfolio” section of this item.



37


The following tables display our premiums earned, losses and loss settlement expenses and loss ratio by line of business:
Three Months Ended June 30,
2012
2011 (4)
Losses
Losses
and Loss
and Loss
Net
Settlement
Net
Settlement
(In Thousands)
Premiums
Expenses
Loss
Premiums
Expenses
Loss
Unaudited
Earned
Incurred
Ratio
Earned
Incurred
Ratio
Commercial lines
Other liability (1)
$
48,597

$
19,866

40.9
%
$
42,897

$
21,944

51.2
%
Fire and allied lines (2)
32,245

31,489

97.7

30,394

55,694

183.2

Automobile
33,089

27,919

84.4

29,891

17,697

59.2

Workers' compensation
16,853

7,835

46.5

13,457

11,668

86.7

Fidelity and surety
4,118

(311
)
(7.6
)
3,844

28

0.7

Miscellaneous
245

63

25.7

208

168

80.8

Total commercial lines
$
135,147

$
86,861

64.3
%
$
120,691

$
107,199

88.8
%
Personal lines
Fire and allied lines (3)
$
10,079

$
7,257

72.0
%
$
9,789

$
17,310

176.8
%
Automobile
5,056

4,301

85.1

4,918

4,107

83.5

Miscellaneous
234

(69
)
(29.5
)
222

101

45.5

Total personal lines
$
15,369

$
11,489

74.8
%
$
14,929

$
21,518

144.1
%
Reinsurance assumed
$
3,398

$
1,870

55.0
%
$
3,389

$
1,407

41.5
%
Total
$
153,914

$
100,220

65.1
%
$
139,009

$
130,124

93.6
%
(1) “Other liability” is business insurance covering bodily injury and property damage arising from general business operations, accidents on the insured's premises, and products manufactured or sold.
(2) “Fire and allied lines” includes fire, allied lines, commercial multiple peril, and inland marine.
(3) “Fire and allied lines” includes fire, allied lines, homeowners, and inland marine.
(4) The Form 10-Q we filed on August 5, 2011 and the Form 8-K we filed on August 6, 2012, contained a misclassification between two lines of business for net premiums earned and losses and loss settlement expenses incurred. The two lines of business affected were other liability and fire and allied lines. Those reports showed net premiums earned, losses and loss settlement expenses incurred, and loss ratio of $29,021, $10,629 and 36.6%, respectively, for other liability, and net premiums earned, losses and loss settlement expenses incurred, and loss ratio of $44,270, $67,009 and 151.4%, respectively, for fire and allied lines. The reclassification for these lines shown in this table reflect a reclassification to other liability from fire and allied lines of $13,876 in net premiums earned and $11,315 in losses and loss settlement expenses incurred. The reclassification had no impact on net income .




38



Six Months Ended June 30,
2012
2011 (1)(3)
Losses
Losses
and Loss
and Loss
Net
Settlement
Net
Settlement
(In Thousands)
Premiums
Expenses
Loss
Premiums
Expenses
Loss
Unaudited
Earned
Incurred
Ratio
Earned
Incurred
Ratio
Commercial lines
Other liability
$
94,717

$
42,214

44.6
%
$
70,826

$
33,125

46.8
%
Fire and allied lines
63,791

57,331

89.9

54,292

75,362

138.8

Automobile
64,698

51,188

79.1

52,585

31,355

59.6

Workers' compensation
32,462

13,327

41.1

25,095

21,559

85.9

Fidelity and surety
8,415

(355
)
(4.2
)
7,905

19

0.2

Miscellaneous
477

64

13.4

411

385

93.7

Total commercial lines
$
264,560

$
163,769

61.9
%
$
211,114

$
161,805

76.6
%
Personal lines
Fire and allied lines
$
20,232

$
10,875

53.8
%
$
16,036

$
19,509

121.7
%
Automobile
10,185

7,437

73.0

8,662

5,970

68.9

Miscellaneous
456

116

25.4

345

103

29.9

Total personal lines
$
30,873

$
18,428

59.7
%
$
25,043

$
25,582

102.2
%
Reinsurance assumed
$
5,237

$
5,333

101.8
%
$
4,616

$
14,402

NM (2)

Total
$
300,670

$
187,530

62.4
%
$
240,773

$
201,789

83.8
%
( 1) The information presented for 2011 includes Mercer Insurance Group's results after the March 28, 2011 acquisition date.
(2) Not meaningful
(3) The Form 10-Q we filed on August 5, 2011 and the Form 8-K we filed on August 6, 2012, contained a misclassification between two lines of business for net premiums earned and losses and loss settlement expenses incurred. The two lines of business affected were other liability and fire and allied lines. Those reports showed net premiums earned, losses and loss settlement expenses incurred, and loss ratio of $56,950, $21,810 and 38.3%, respectively, for other liability, and net premiums earned, losses and loss settlement expenses incurred, and loss ratio of $68,168, $86,677 and 127.2% , respectively, for fire and allied lines. The reclassification for these lines shown in this table reflect a reclassification to other liability from fire and allied lines of $13,876 in net premiums earned and $11,315 in losses and loss settlement expenses incurred. The reclassification had no impact on net income .


Commercial fire and allied lines - The loss ratio improved by 85.5 percentage points and 48.9 percentage points to 97.7 percent and 89.9 percent in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 , compared to the same periods of 2011 . The improvement in this line was due to the reduction in our catastrophe loss experience.

Commercial automobile - The loss ratio deteriorated by 25.2 percentage points and 19.5 percentage points to 84.4 percent and 79.1 percent in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 , compared to the same periods of 2011 . The deterioration in this line was due to an influx of severe losses in the West Coast commercial automobile book of business.

Workers' compensation - The loss ratio improved by 40.2 percentage points and 44.8 percentage points to 46.5 percent and 41.1 percent in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 , compared to the same periods of 2011 . The improvement in this line reflects the high severity and frequency that occurred in 2011, as well as adverse development incurred in 2011 on claims that occurred in 2010.

Personal fire and allied lines - The loss ratio improved by 104.8 percentage points and 67.9 percentage points to 72.0 percent and 53.8 percent in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 , compared to the same periods of 2011 . The improvement in this line was due to the reduction in our catastrophe loss experience.


39



Life Insurance Segment Results
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
(In Thousands)
2012
2011
2012
2011
Revenues
Net premiums earned
$
16,176

$
13,201

$
30,923

$
25,641

Investment income, net
17,029

18,290

35,537

36,616

Net realized investment gains
1,193

731

2,807

2,176

Other income
147

199

303

347

Total revenues
$
34,545

$
32,421

$
69,570

$
64,780

Benefits, Losses and Expenses
Losses and loss settlement expenses
$
6,546

$
5,687

$
10,720

$
10,204

Future policy benefits
8,356

7,880

18,494

16,062

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
2,297

2,646

4,435

4,662

Other underwriting expenses
4,388

2,920

8,514

6,251

Interest on policyholders' accounts
10,627

10,657

21,283

21,327

Total benefits, losses and expenses
$
32,214

$
29,790

$
63,446

$
58,506

Income before income taxes
$
2,331

$
2,631

$
6,124

$
6,274


Net income decreased by $0.3 million and $0.2 million in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 , respectively, as compared to the same periods of 2011 as a result of the following factors:

Net premiums earned increased 22.5 percent and 20.6 percent in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 , respectively, as compared to the same periods of 2011 . This was due to increased sales of our single premium whole life product.

Investment income decreased 6.9 percent and 2.9 percent in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 , respectively, as compared to the same periods of 2011 . Interest rates continued to remain at historically low levels, reducing both our investment income and margin on earnings. We are maintaining our investment philosophy of purchasing quality investments rated investment grade or better and are more closely matching the duration of our investment portfolio to our liabilities. Additionally, we regularly review our annuity products to ensure we are pricing them appropriately for this low interest rate environment.

Loss and loss settlement expenses increased 15.1 percent and 5.1 percent in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 , respectively, as compared to the same periods of 2011 , due to an increase in both annuity benefits and traditional life insurance death benefits.

Future policy benefits increased 6.0 percent and 15.1 percent in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 , respectively, as compared to the same periods of 2011 , due to an increase in sales as mentioned above and the demographics of our insureds.

Deferred annuity deposits decreased 13.0 percent for the three-month period ended June 30, 2012 and increased 13.0 percent for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 , as compared with the same periods in 2011 ; this reflects the impact on pricing of the low interest rate environment. While deferred annuity deposits are not recorded as a component of net premiums written or net premiums earned, they do generate investment income.

Net cash outflow related to our annuity business was $5.3 million and $5.6 million in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 , compared to a net cash inflow of $3.6 million and a net cash outflow of $2.6 million in the same periods of 2011 . We attribute this to the activity described in the prior bullet point.


40


Investment Portfolio

Our invested assets totaled $3,030.7 million at June 30, 2012 , compared to $2,908.0 million at December 31, 2011 , an increase of $122.7 million, which is due primarily to an overall change in strategy to keep less cash on hand in the low interest rate environment. If extra cash is needed we have an ability to borrow funds available under our revolving credit facility.

At June 30, 2012 , fixed maturity securities and equity securities comprised 93.0 percent and 5.8 percent of the value of our investment portfolio, respectively. Because the primary purpose of our investment portfolio is to fund future claims payments, we follow a conservative investment philosophy, investing in a diversified portfolio of high quality, intermediate-term taxable corporate bonds, taxable U.S. government bonds and tax-exempt U.S. municipal bonds.

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

The composition of our investment portfolio at June 30, 2012 , is presented at carrying value in the following table:
Property & Casualty Insurance Segment
Life Insurance Segment
Total
Percent
Percent
Percent
(Dollars in Thousands)
of Total
of Total
of Total
Fixed maturities (1)
$
1,130,954

85.5
%
$
1,673,534

98.0
%
$
2,804,488

92.5
%
Equity securities
155,937

11.8

18,422

1.1

174,359

5.8

Trading securities
14,249

1.1



14,249

0.5

Mortgage loans


4,732

0.3

4,732

0.2

Policy loans


7,393

0.4

7,393

0.2

Other long-term investments
21,063

1.5

3,336

0.2

24,399

0.8

Short-term investments
1,100

0.1



1,100


Total
$
1,323,303

100.0
%
$
1,707,417

100.0
%
$
3,030,720

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

At June 30, 2012 , we classified $2,800.6 million , or 99.4 percent , of our fixed maturities portfolio as available-for-sale, compared to $2,697.2 million , or 99.4 percent , at December 31, 2011 . We classify our remaining fixed maturities as held-to-maturity or trading. We record held-to-maturity securities at amortized cost. We record trading securities, primarily convertible redeemable preferred debt securities, at fair value, with any changes in fair value recognized in earnings.

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 , we did not have direct exposure to investments in subprime mortgages or other credit enhancement vehicles.

Credit Quality

The following table shows the composition of fixed maturity securities held in our available-for-sale, held-to-maturity and trading security portfolios, by credit rating at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 . Information contained in the table is generally based upon the issue credit ratings provided by Moody's, unless the rating is unavailable, in which case we obtain it from Standard & Poor's.


41


(In Thousands)
June 30, 2012
December 31, 2011
Rating
Carrying Value
% of Total
Carrying Value
% of Total
AAA
$
397,533

14.1
%
$
409,124

15.0
%
AA
639,768

22.7

631,250

23.3

A
683,869

24.3

626,927

23.1

Baa/BBB
1,009,607

35.8

929,188

34.2

Other/Not Rated
87,960

3.1

118,356

4.4

$
2,818,737

100.0
%
$
2,714,845

100.0
%

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

Group

The weighted average effective duration of our portfolio of fixed maturity securities, at June 30, 2012 , is 4.0 years compared to 3.6 years at December 31, 2011 .

Property and Casualty Insurance Segment

The weighted average effective duration of our portfolio of fixed maturity securities, at June 30, 2012 , is 4.2 years compared to 4.0 years at December 31, 2011 .

Life Insurance Segment

The weighted average effective duration of our portfolio of fixed maturity securities, at June 30, 2012 is 3.9 years compared to 3.4 years at December 31, 2011 .

Investment Results
We invest the premiums received from our policyholders and annuitants in order to generate investment income, which is an important component of our revenues and profitability. The amount of investment income that we are able to generate is affected by many factors, some of which are beyond our control. Some of these factors are: volatility in the financial markets, economic growth, inflation, changes in interest rates, world political conditions, terrorist attacks or threats of terrorism, adverse events affecting other companies in our industry or the industries in which we invest and other unpredictable national or world events. In our life insurance segment, net investment income decreased 6.9 percent and 2.9 percent in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 , compared with the same periods of 2011 , due to historically low yields that reduce both our investment income and margin on earnings. We are maintaining our investment philosophy of purchasing quality investments rated investment grade or better, and we are more closely matching the duration of our investment portfolio to our liabilities.
In our property and casualty insurance segment, our acquisition of Mercer Insurance Group and an increase in the value of our investments in limited liability partnerships contributed to the increase of 24.0 percent and 22.9 percent in net investment income in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 , respectively, compared to with the same periods of 2011 . The increases were somewhat offset by the impact of low interest rates. Our property and casualty insurance segment holds certain investments in limited liability partnerships that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting, with changes in the value of these investments recorded in investment income.
We regularly monitor the difference between our cost basis and the estimated fair value of our investments. Our


42


accounting policy for impairment recognition requires other-than-temporary impairment charges to be recorded when we determine that it is more likely than not that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the fixed maturity security or that the anticipated recovery in fair value of the equity security will not occur in a reasonable amount of time. Impairment charges on investments are recorded based on the fair value of the investments at the measurement date. Factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary include: the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been less than cost; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; our intention to hold the investment; and the likelihood that we will be required to sell the investment.
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities do not affect net income and earnings per share but do impact comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and book value per share. We believe that any unrealized losses on our available-for-sale securities at June 30, 2012 , are temporary based upon our current analysis of the issuers of the securities that we hold and current market events. It is possible that we could recognize impairment charges in future periods on securities that we own at June 30, 2012 , if future events and information cause us to determine that a decline in value is other-than-temporary. However, we endeavor to invest in high quality assets to provide protection from future credit quality issues and corresponding other-than-temporary impairment write-downs.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity measures our ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet our short- and long-term cash obligations. Our cash inflows are primarily a result of premiums, annuity deposits, reinsurance recoveries, sales or maturities of investments, and investment income. Cash provided from these sources is used primarily to fund the payment of losses and loss settlement expenses, policyholder benefits under life insurance contracts, annuity withdrawals, operating expenses, dividends, pension plan contributions, and in recent years, common stock repurchases.
Cash outflows may be variable because of the uncertainty regarding settlement dates for losses. In addition, the timing and amount of individual catastrophe losses are inherently unpredictable and could increase our liquidity requirements. The timing and amount of reinsurance recoveries may be affected by reinsurer solvency and reinsurance coverage disputes.
Historically, we have generated substantial cash inflows from operations. It is our policy to invest the cash generated from operations in securities with maturities that correlate to the anticipated timing of payments for losses and loss settlement expenses of the underlying insurance policies. The majority of our assets are invested in available-for-sale fixed maturity securities.
The following table displays a summary of cash sources and uses in 2012 and 2011 .
Cash Flow Summary
Six Months Ended June 30,
(In Thousands)
2012
2011
Cash provided by (used in)
Operating activities
$
75,145

$
40,790

Investing activities
(101,429
)
(123,782
)
Financing activities
(16,265
)
80,349

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
$
(42,549
)
$
(2,643
)
Operating Activities
Net cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $75.1 million and $40.8 million for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 , respectively. Cash flows for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 , reflected a higher level of property and casualty insurance premiums collected, which was offset by loss and loss settlement expense payments and operating expenses paid, compared to the same period of 2011 .
Our cash flows from operations were sufficient to meet our liquidity needs for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 .


43


Investing Activities
Cash in excess of operating requirements is generally invested in fixed maturity securities and equity securities. Fixed maturities provide regular interest payments and allow us to match the duration of our liabilities. Equity securities provide dividend income, potential dividend income growth and potential appreciation. For further discussion of our investments, including our philosophy and portfolio, see the “Investment Portfolio” section contained in this item.
In addition to investment income, possible sales of investments and proceeds from calls or maturities of fixed maturity securities also can provide liquidity. During the next five years, $1.3 billion , or 45.2 percent of our fixed maturity portfolio will mature.
We invest funds required for short-term cash needs primarily in money market accounts, which are classified as cash equivalents. At June 30, 2012 , our cash and cash equivalents included $38.4 million related to these money market accounts, compared to $62.9 million at December 31, 2011 .
Net cash flows used in investing activities totaled $101.4 million and $123.8 million for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 , respectively. In the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 , we had cash inflows from scheduled and unscheduled investment maturities, redemptions, prepayments, and sales of investments that totaled $318.9 million compared to $339.9 million for the same period in 2011 .
Our cash outflows for investment purchases totaled $419.5 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 , compared to $294.5 million for the same period in 2011 . In 2012 , we purchased a higher level of fixed maturity securities than we have historically purchased. Such securities are more profitable than other investment vehicles when market interest rates are low.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows used in financing activities totaled $16.3 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 compared to net cash flows provided of $80.3 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2011 . In the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 we fully repaid the $15.6 million of trust preferred securities outstanding at December 31, 2011. For further discussion of our outstanding debt at June 30, 2012 , please see Part I, Item 1, Note 8 “Debt.” In the six-month period ended June 30, 2011 , we borrowed short-term debt totaling $79.9 million related to our acquisition of Mercer Insurance Group.
In the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 , net cash inflows from our life insurance segment's annuity and universal life deposits totaled $8.8 million , compared to $14.2 million for the same period of 2011 . This reflects the impact on pricing of the low interest rate environment.


44


Credit Facilities
In the fourth quarter of 2011, United Fire entered into a credit agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions as lenders, KeyBank National Association as administrative agent, lead arranger, sole book runner, swingline lender and letter of credit issuer, and Bankers Trust Company as syndication agent. The four-year credit agreement provides for a $100.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility that includes a $20.0 million letter of credit subfacility and a swing line subfacility in the amount of up to $5.0 million.
During the term of this credit facility, we have the right to increase the total facility from $100.0 million up to $125.0 million if no event of default has occurred and is continuing and certain other conditions are satisfied. The credit facility is available for general corporate purposes, including working capital, acquisitions and liquidity purposes. Principal of the credit facility is due in full at maturity, on December 22, 2015. The interest rate is based on our monthly choice of either a base rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus, in each case, a calculated margin amount. A commitment fee on each lender's unused commitment under the credit facility is also payable quarterly.
The credit agreement contains customary representations, covenants and events of default, including certain covenants that limit or restrict our ability to engage in certain activities. Subject to certain exceptions, these activities include restricting our ability to sell or transfer assets or enter into a merger or consolidate with another company, grant certain types of security interests, incur certain types of liens, impose restrictions on subsidiary dividends, enter into leaseback transactions, or incur certain indebtedness. The credit agreement contains certain financial covenants including covenants that require us to maintain a minimum consolidated net worth, a debt to capitalization ratio and minimum stockholders' equity.
As of June 30, 2012 , we were in compliance with all covenants of the credit agreement.
Stockholders' Equity
Stockholders' equity increased 5.6 percent to $735.4 million at June 30, 2012 , from $696.1 million at December 31, 2011 . The increase was primarily attributable to net income of $33.9 million and an increase in net unrealized investment gains of $12.3 million , net of tax, less stockholder dividends of $7.6 million . As of June 30, 2012 , the book value per share of our common stock was $28.91 compared to $27.29 at December 31, 2011 .
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Pursuant to an agreement with one of our limited liability partnership investments, we are contractually committed to make capital contributions up to $15.0 million , upon request by the partnership, through December 31, 2017. Our remaining potential contractual obligation was $7.4 million at June 30, 2012 .

MEASUREMENT OF RESULTS
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared on the basis of GAAP. We also prepare financial statements for each of our insurance subsidiaries based on statutory accounting principles and file them with insurance regulatory authorities in the states where they do business.
Management evaluates our operations by monitoring key measures of growth and profitability. We believe that disclosure of certain Non-GAAP financial measures enhances investor understanding of our financial performance. The following provides further explanation of the key measures management uses to evaluate our results:
Premiums written is a statutory measure of our overall business volume. Premiums written is an important measure of business production for the period under review. Net premiums written comprise direct and assumed premiums written, less ceded premiums written. Direct premiums written is the amount of premiums charged for policies issued during the period. For the property and casualty insurance segment there are no differences between direct statutory premiums written and direct premiums written under GAAP. However, for the life insurance segment, deferred annuity deposits (i.e., sales) are included in direct statutory premiums written, whereas they are excluded


45


for GAAP.
Assumed premiums written is consideration or payment we receive in exchange for insurance we provide to other insurance companies. We report these premiums as revenue as they are earned over the underlying policy period. Ceded premiums written is the portion of direct premiums written that we cede to our reinsurers under our reinsurance contracts.
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
(In Thousands)
2012
2011
2012
2011 (1)

Net premiums written
$
196,395


$
172,196

$
375,775

$
295,355

Net change in unearned premium
(26,078
)

(20,453
)
(41,306
)
(29,543
)
Net change in prepaid reinsurance premium
(227
)

467

(2,876
)
602

Net premiums earned
$
170,090


$
152,210

$
331,593

$
266,414

( 1) The information presented for 2011 includes Mercer Insurance Group's results after the March 28, 2011 acquisition date.
Combined ratio is a commonly used statutory financial measure of property and casualty underwriting performance. The combined ratio is the sum of two separately calculated ratios, the loss and loss settlement expense ratio (the “net loss ratio”) and the underwriting expense ratio (the “expense ratio”). A combined ratio below 100.0 percent generally indicates a profitable book of business. If the combined ratio is at or above 100.0 percent, an insurance company is not underwriting profitably and may not be profitable unless investment income is sufficient to offset underwriting losses.
When prepared in accordance with GAAP, the net loss ratio is calculated as the ratio of losses and loss settlement expenses incurred to net premiums earned, and measures the underwriting profitability of a company’s insurance business. We use the net loss ratio as a measure of the overall underwriting profitability of the insurance business we write and to assess the adequacy of our pricing. Our net loss ratio is meaningful in evaluating our financial results as reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
When prepared in accordance with GAAP, the underwriting expense ratio is calculated as the ratio of amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and nondeferred underwriting expenses to net premiums earned. The underwriting expense ratio measures a company’s operational efficiency in producing, underwriting and administering its insurance business.
When prepared in accordance with statutory accounting principles, the net loss ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of losses and loss settlement expenses by net premiums earned, and the expense ratio is calculated by dividing underwriting expenses by net premiums written.
Catastrophe losses is a commonly used non-GAAP financial measure, which utilize the designations of the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and are reported with loss and loss settlement expense amounts net of reinsurance recoverables, unless specified otherwise. According to the ISO, a catastrophe loss is defined as a single unpredictable incident or series of closely related incidents that result in $25.0 million or more in U.S. industry-wide direct insured losses to property and that affect a significant number of insureds and insurers (“ISO catastrophe”). In addition to ISO catastrophes, we also include as catastrophes those events (“non-ISO catastrophes”), which may include U.S. or international losses, that we believe are, or will be, material to our operations, either in amount or in number of claims made. Management, at times, may determine for comparison purposes that it is more meaningful to exclude extraordinary catastrophe losses and resulting litigation. The frequency and severity of catastrophic losses we experience in any year affect our results of operations and financial position. In analyzing the underwriting performance of our property and casualty insurance segment, we evaluate performance both including and excluding catastrophe losses. Portions of our catastrophe losses may be recoverable under our catastrophe reinsurance agreements. We include a discussion of the impact of catastrophes because we believe it is meaningful for investors to understand the variability in periodic earnings.


46


Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
(In Thousands)
2012
2011
2012
2011
ISO catastrophes
$
10,061

$
34,480

$
24,049

$
38,646

Non-ISO catastrophes (1)
1,894

2,371

2,004

14,436

Total catastrophes
$
11,955

$
36,851

$
26,053

$
53,082

(1) This number includes international assumed losses.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

It is our philosophy that we do not utilize financial hedges or derivative financial instruments to manage risks, nor do we enter into any swap, forward or option contracts, but attempt to mitigate our exposure through active portfolio management. In addition, we place the majority of our investments in high-quality, liquid securities and limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. At June 30, 2012 , we did not hold investments in sub-prime mortgages, credit default swaps, or other credit-enhancement exposures.

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

There have been no material changes in our market risk or market risk factors from what we reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 .

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report, were designed and functioning effectively to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. We believe that a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the control system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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



47


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We consider all our litigation pending as of June 30, 2012 , to be ordinary, routine, and incidental to our business.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Our business is subject to a number of risks, including those identified in Part I, Item 1A of our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2012 , that could have a material effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and/or liquidity and that could cause our operating results to vary significantly from period to period. The risks described in the above mentioned document are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial could also have a material effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity.

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

Under our Share Repurchase Program, first announced in August 2007, we may purchase United Fire common stock from time to time on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The amount and timing of any purchases will be at our discretion and will depend upon a number of factors, including the share price, economic and general market conditions, and corporate and regulatory requirements. We will generally consider repurchasing our common stock on the open market if (i) the trading price on NASDAQ drops below 130 percent of its book value, (ii) sufficient excess capital is available to purchase the stock, and (iii) we are optimistic about future market trends and the performance of our company. Our Share Repurchase Program may be modified or discontinued at any time.

We are authorized to purchase 1,367,978 shares at June 30, 2012 . Our stock repurchase program is scheduled to end in August 2014.

The following table provides information with respect to purchases of shares of common stock made by or on our behalf or by any “affiliated purchaser,” as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, during the three-month period ended June 30, 2012 .
Total Number of Shares
Maximum Number of
Total
Purchased as a Part of
Shares that may be
Number of
Average Price
Publicly Announced
Purchased Under the
Period
Shares Purchased
Paid per Share
Plans or Programs
Plans or Programs
4/1/2012 - 4/30/2012

$


469,879

5/1/2012 - 5/31/2012
83,874

20.94

83,874

1,386,005

6/1/2012 - 6/30/2012
18,027

20.95

18,027

1,367,978


ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.


48


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit number
Exhibit description
Filed herewith
11
Statement Re Computation of Per Share Earnings. All information required by Exhibit 11 is presented within Note 7 of the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, in accordance with the FASB guidance on Earnings per Share
X
31.1
Certification of Randy A. Ramlo pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
X
31.2
Certification of Dianne M. Lyons pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
X
32.1
Certification of Randy A. Ramlo pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
X
32.2
Certification of Dianne M. Lyons pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
X
101.1
The following financial information from United Fire Group, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2012 (unaudited) and December 31, 2011; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (unaudited) for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011; (iii) Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited) for the six months ended June 30, 2012; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011; and (v) Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as a block of text.

X



49


SIGNATURES

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

UNITED FIRE GROUP, INC.
(Registrant)
/s/ Randy A. Ramlo
/s/ Dianne M. Lyons
Randy A. Ramlo
Dianne M. Lyons
President, Chief Executive Officer,
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Director and Principal Executive Officer
Principal Accounting Officer
August 8, 2012
August 8, 2012
(Date)
(Date)



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TABLE OF CONTENTS