UFCS 10-Q Quarterly Report Sept. 30, 2013 | Alphaminr
UNITED FIRE GROUP INC

UFCS 10-Q Quarter ended Sept. 30, 2013

UNITED FIRE GROUP INC
10-Ks and 10-Qs
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
PROXIES
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
10-Q 1 ufcs-2013930x10q.htm 10-Q UFCS-2013.9.30-10Q

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 September 30, 2013

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 November 1, 2013 , 25,403,989 shares of common stock were outstanding.



United Fire Group, Inc.
Index to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
September 30, 2013
Page
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures



FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This report may contain forward-looking statements about our operations, anticipated performance and other similar matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor under the Securities Act of 1933 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 from those expected and/or projected. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the 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. See Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Part II, Item 1A "Risk Factors" of this document for more information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.
Risks and uncertainties that may affect the actual financial condition and results of the Company include but are not limited to the following:

The frequency and severity of claims, including those related to catastrophe losses and the impact those claims have on our loss reserve adequacy;
Occurrence of catastrophic events, occurrence of significant severe weather conditions, climate change, acts of terrorism, acts of war and pandemics;
Developments in the domestic and global financial markets and "other-than-temporary" impairment losses that could affect our investment portfolio;
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 of our reinsurers;
Our exposure to international catastrophes through our assumed reinsurance program;
Lowering of one or more of the financial strength ratings of our operating subsidiaries or our issuer credit ratings and the adverse impact such action may have on our premium writings, policy retention, profitability and liquidity;
Changes in general economic conditions, interest rates, industry trends, increase in competition and significant industry developments;
Competitive, legal, regulatory or tax changes that affect the distribution cost or demand for our products;
Litigation or regulatory actions that could require us to pay significant damages or change the way we do business;
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; and
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 ("SEC"), we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.



1


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
United Fire Group, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)
September 30,
2013
December 31,
2012
(unaudited)
ASSETS
Investments
Fixed maturities
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $1,120 in 2013 and $1,681 in 2012)
$
1,102

$
1,655

Available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $2,724,100 in 2013 and $2,657,800 in 2012)
2,769,082

2,808,078

Trading securities, at fair value (amortized cost $8,480 in 2013 and $12,645 in 2012)
9,977

13,353

Equity securities
Available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $70,951 in 2013 and $66,892 in 2012)
208,538

177,127

Trading securities, at fair value (cost $2,335 in 2013 and $1,772 in 2012)
2,464

2,018

Mortgage loans
4,477

4,633

Policy loans
6,361

6,671

Other long-term investments
34,876

30,028

Short-term investments
800

800

3,037,677

3,044,363

Cash and cash equivalents
86,691

107,466

Accrued investment income
29,064

30,375

Premiums receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $910 in 2013 and $866 in 2012)
233,747

188,289

Deferred policy acquisition costs
144,038

105,300

Property and equipment (primarily land and buildings, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $35,888 in 2013 and $34,093 in 2012)
44,579

43,090

Reinsurance receivables and recoverables
100,821

114,399

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
3,438

2,963

Income taxes receivable
2,924

16,536

Goodwill and intangible assets
27,239

28,259

Other assets
13,479

13,613

TOTAL ASSETS
$
3,723,697

$
3,694,653

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities
Future policy benefits and losses, claims and loss settlement expenses
Property and casualty insurance
$
978,174

$
971,911

Life insurance
1,472,209

1,498,176

Unearned premiums
354,136

311,650

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
168,738

164,111

Deferred income taxes
6,213

19,628

TOTAL LIABILITIES
$
2,979,470

$
2,965,476

Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 75,000,000 shares; 25,401,314 and 25,227,463 shares issued and outstanding in 2013 and 2012, respectively
$
25

$
25

Additional paid-in capital
212,522

208,536

Retained earnings
462,132

425,428

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
69,548

95,188

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
744,227

$
729,177

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
3,723,697

$
3,694,653

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 September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)
2013
2012
2013
2012
Revenues
Net premiums earned
$
194,219

$
176,531

$
557,403

$
508,124

Investment income, net of investment expenses
27,278

28,665

82,761

86,560

Net realized investment gains (losses)
Other-than-temporary impairment charges
(139
)

(139
)
(4
)
All other net realized gains (includes reclassifications for net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities of $617 and $6,270 in 2013; and $91 and $3,111 in 2012; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)
1,329

1,300

7,389

4,662

Total net realized investment gains
1,190

1,300

7,250

4,658

Other income
337

85

634

584

Total revenues
$
223,024

$
206,581

$
648,048

$
599,926

Benefits, Losses and Expenses
Losses and loss settlement expenses
$
131,168

$
119,756

$
349,073

$
318,006

Increase in liability for future policy benefits
8,415

9,815

26,520

28,309

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
38,767

36,167

113,556

104,897

Other underwriting expenses (includes reclassifications for employee benefit costs of $1,915 and $4,400 in 2013; and $1,085 and $3,460 in 2012; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)
21,654

20,496

67,310

63,031

Interest on policyholders’ accounts
8,625

10,327

27,026

31,610

Total benefits, losses and expenses
$
208,629

$
196,561

$
583,485

$
545,853

Income before income taxes
$
14,395

$
10,020

$
64,563

$
54,073

Federal income tax expense (includes reclassifications of $455 and ($654) in 2013; and $348 and $124 in 2012; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)
2,670

1,290

14,949

11,443

Net income
$
11,725

$
8,730

$
49,614

$
42,630

Other comprehensive income (loss)
Change in net unrealized appreciation on investments
$
(282
)
$
19,404

$
(37,576
)
$
41,335

Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans




Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax and reclassification adjustments
$
(282
)
$
19,404

$
(37,576
)
$
41,335

Income tax effect
107

(6,616
)
13,152

(14,290
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax, before reclassification adjustments
$
(175
)
$
12,788

$
(24,424
)
$
27,045

Reclassification adjustment for net realized gains included in income
$
(617
)
$
(91
)
$
(6,270
)
$
(3,111
)
Reclassification adjustment for employee benefit costs included in expense
1,915

1,085

4,400

3,460

Total reclassification adjustments, before tax
$
1,298

$
994

$
(1,870
)
$
349

Income tax effect
(455
)
(348
)
$
654

$
(124
)
Total reclassification adjustments, after tax
$
843

$
646

$
(1,216
)
$
225

Comprehensive income
$
12,393

$
22,164

$
23,974

$
69,900

Weighted average common shares outstanding
25,359,196

25,423,191

25,301,432

25,468,293

Basic earnings per common share
$
0.46

$
0.34

$
1.96

$
1.67

Diluted earnings per common share
0.45

0.34

1.94

1.67

Cash dividends declared per common share
0.18

0.15

0.51

0.45

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


3


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

(In Thousands, Except Share Data)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Common stock
Balance, beginning of year
$
25

Shares repurchased (3,577 shares)

Shares issued for stock-based awards (177,428 shares)

Balance, end of period
$
25

Additional paid-in capital
Balance, beginning of year
$
208,536

Compensation expense and related tax benefit for stock-based award grants
1,010

Shares repurchased
(99
)
Shares issued for stock-based awards
3,075

Balance, end of period
$
212,522

Retained earnings
Balance, beginning of year
$
425,428

Net income
49,614

Dividends on common stock ($0.51 per share)
(12,910
)
Balance, end of period
$
462,132

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
Balance, beginning of year
$
95,188

Change in net unrealized investment appreciation (1)
(28,500
)
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans (2)
2,860

Balance, end of period
$
69,548

Summary of changes
Balance, beginning of year
$
729,177

Net income
49,614

All other changes in stockholders’ equity accounts
(34,564
)
Balance, end of period
$
744,227

(1)
The change in net unrealized appreciation is net of reclassification adjustments and income taxes.
(2)
The change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans is net of reclassification adjustments and income taxes.

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



4


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

Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands)
2013
2012
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income
$
49,614

$
42,630

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Net accretion of bond premium
11,715

10,909

Depreciation and amortization
4,120

5,989

Stock-based compensation expense
1,436

1,318

Net realized investment gains
(7,250
)
(4,658
)
Net cash flows from trading investments
3,836

(337
)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
(4,352
)
7,143

Changes in:
Accrued investment income
1,311

990

Premiums receivable
(45,458
)
(31,244
)
Deferred policy acquisition costs
(4,640
)
(4,345
)
Reinsurance receivables
13,578

(19,051
)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
(475
)
3,029

Income taxes receivable
13,612

10,959

Other assets
134

4,575

Future policy benefits and losses, claims and loss settlement expenses
28,404

50,429

Unearned premiums
42,486

35,347

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
9,027

17,856

Deferred income taxes
4,743

(2,820
)
Other, net
(3,814
)
(3,373
)
Total adjustments
$
68,413

$
82,716

Net cash provided by operating activities
$
118,027

$
125,346

Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investments
$
23,007

$
12,003

Proceeds from call and maturity of held-to-maturity investments
557

2,316

Proceeds from call and maturity of available-for-sale investments
370,531

433,619

Proceeds from short-term and other investments
2,569

3,791

Purchase of available-for-sale investments
(468,934
)
(557,257
)
Purchase of short-term and other investments
(3,475
)
(9,000
)
Net purchases and sales of property and equipment
(4,589
)
(1,391
)
Net cash used in investing activities
$
(80,334
)
$
(115,919
)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Policyholders’ account balances
Deposits to investment and universal life contracts
$
97,893

$
109,900

Withdrawals from investment and universal life contracts
(146,001
)
(106,978
)
Repayment of short-term debt

(45,000
)
Repayment of trust preferred securities

(15,626
)
Payment of cash dividends
(12,910
)
(11,455
)
Repurchase of common stock
(99
)
(2,900
)
Issuance of common stock
3,075

760

Tax impact from issuance of common stock
(426
)
(89
)
Net cash used in financing activities
$
(58,468
)
$
(71,388
)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
(20,775
)
$
(61,961
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
107,466

144,527

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$
86,691

$
82,566

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


5



UNITED FIRE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

NOTE 1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Nature of Business
United Fire Group, Inc. ("United Fire", the "Registrant", the "Company", "we", "us", or "our") and its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates are engaged in the business of writing property and casualty insurance 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. Our insurance company subsidiaries are licensed as a property and casualty insurer in 43 states and the District of Columbia, and as a life insurer in 37 states.
Basis of Presentation
The unaudited consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial reporting and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC. Certain financial information that is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, including certain financial statement footnote disclosures, are not required by the rules and regulations of the SEC for interim financial reporting and have been condensed or omitted.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The financial statement categories that are most dependent on management estimates and assumptions include: investments; deferred policy acquisition costs; reinsurance receivables and recoverables (for net realizable value); future policy benefits and losses, claims and loss settlement expenses; and pension and postretirement benefit obligations.
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.
Management of United Fire believes the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results reported for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the year. The unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 . The review report of Ernst & Young LLP as of September 30, 2013 and for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 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 nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 , we made payments for income taxes totaling $10,117 and $11,363 , respectively. We received tax refunds of $8,744 and $15,508 , respectively, during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 .


6


For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 , we made no interest payments. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012 , we made interest payments totaling $960 . These payments exclude interest credited to policyholders’ accounts.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs ("DAC")

Certain costs associated with underwriting new business (primarily commissions, premium taxes and variable underwriting and policy issue expenses associated with successful acquisition efforts) are deferred. The following table is a summary of the components of DAC, including the related amortization recognized for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 .
Property & Casualty
Life Insurance
Total
Recorded asset at beginning of period
$
64,947

$
40,353

$
105,300

Underwriting costs deferred
113,812

4,384

118,196

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
(108,591
)
(4,965
)
(113,556
)
Ending unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs
$
70,168

$
39,772

$
109,940

Change in "shadow" deferred policy acquisition costs

34,098

34,098

Recorded asset at end of period
$
70,168

$
73,870

$
144,038


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

For traditional life insurance policies, DAC is amortized to income over the premium-paying period in proportion to the ratio of the expected annual premium revenue to the expected total premium revenue. For non-traditional life policies, DAC is amortized over the anticipated terms in proportion to the ratio of the expected annual gross profits to the total expected gross profits. Expected premium revenue and gross profits are based on the same mortality and withdrawal assumptions used in determining future policy benefits. For non-traditional policies, changes in the amount or timing of expected gross profits result in adjustments to the cumulative amortization of these costs. The effect on amortization of DAC for revisions to estimated gross profits is reported in earnings in the period the estimated gross profits are revised.

The effect on DAC that results from the assumed realization of unrealized gains (losses) on investments allocated to non-traditional life insurance business is recognized with an offset, or "shadow" DAC, to net unrealized investment appreciation as of the balance sheet date. The "shadow" DAC adjustment decreased the DAC asset by $4,597 and $38,695 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 , respectively.
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 $14,949 and $11,443 for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 , respectively. Our effective tax rate is different than the federal statutory rate of 35.0% due principally to the effect of tax-exempt municipal bond interest income and non-taxable dividend income.


7


We did not recognize any liability for unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012 . 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 2009. The Internal Revenue Service is conducting a routine examination of our income tax return for the 2011 tax year.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Adopted Accounting Standards in 2013

Comprehensive Income
In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance that requires significant items that are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period, to be reported to show the effect of the reclassifications on the respective line items of the statement where net income is presented. These reclassifications can be presented either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes to the financial statements. For items that are not reclassified to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period a cross reference to other disclosures currently required under GAAP is required in the notes to the financial statements. The new guidance also requires companies to report changes in the accumulated balances of each component of AOCI. This new guidance was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2013. The adoption of the new guidance affects presentation only and therefore had no impact on the Company's results of operations or financial position.
Pending Adoption of Accounting Standards
In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company currently does not have any liability for unrecognized tax benefits. Therefore, the adoption of the new guidance in not expected to have an impact on the Company's 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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 , is as follows:


8


September 30, 2013
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
$
684

$
7

$

$
691

Corporate bonds - financial services
200



200

Mortgage-backed securities
218

11


229

Total Held-to-Maturity Fixed Maturities
$
1,102

$
18

$

$
1,120

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE




Fixed maturities




Bonds




U.S. Treasury
$
35,882

$
551

$
86

$
36,347

U.S. government agency
224,953

449

11,844

213,558

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
699,796

36,302

9,138

726,960

Foreign bonds
174,839

6,333

324

180,848

Public utilities
224,874

8,620

947

232,547

Corporate bonds




Energy
154,915

4,802

858

158,859

Industrials
242,348

6,783

2,257

246,874

Consumer goods and services
176,217

4,544

1,099

179,662

Health care
95,424

3,576

1,074

97,926

Technology, media and telecommunications
130,972

2,968

3,203

130,737

Financial services
241,319

8,921

763

249,477

Mortgage-backed securities
23,641

308

269

23,680

Collateralized mortgage obligations
294,759

2,393

10,067

287,085

Asset-backed securities
3,827

358


4,185

Redeemable preferred stocks
334

3


337

Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
$
2,724,100

$
86,911

$
41,929

$
2,769,082

Equity securities




Common stocks




Public utilities
$
7,231

$
8,543

$
41

$
15,733

Energy
5,094

8,152


13,246

Industrials
13,308

27,741

59

40,990

Consumer goods and services
10,356

9,391

10

19,737

Health care
7,920

13,767


21,687

Technology, media and telecommunications
6,204

6,229

64

12,369

Financial services
15,854

64,267

90

80,031

Nonredeemable preferred stocks
4,984

5

244

4,745

Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities
$
70,951

$
138,095

$
508

$
208,538

Total Available-for-Sale Securities
$
2,795,051

$
225,006

$
42,437

$
2,977,620



9


December 31, 2012
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
$
1,185

$
11

$

$
1,196

Corporate bonds - financial services
200



200

Mortgage-backed securities
256

15


271

Collateralized mortgage obligations
14



14

Total Held-to-Maturity Fixed Maturities
$
1,655

$
26

$

$
1,681

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE




Fixed maturities




Bonds




U.S. Treasury
$
37,887

$
939

$
5

$
38,821

U.S. government agency
45,566

429

67

45,928

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
739,752

55,572

819

794,505

Foreign bonds
207,359

11,863

62

219,160

Public utilities
232,550

15,208

32

247,726

Corporate bonds





Energy
169,973

9,758


179,731

Industrials
280,185

13,690

212

293,663

Consumer goods and services
193,313

9,813

151

202,975

Health care
115,654

7,111

80

122,685

Technology, media and telecommunications
123,660

6,909

198

130,371

Financial services
271,061

13,858

1,059

283,860

Mortgage-backed securities
27,940

888

21

28,807

Collateralized mortgage obligations
208,042

7,702

1,160

214,584

Asset-backed securities
4,480

406


4,886

Redeemable preferred stocks
378


2

376

Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
$
2,657,800

$
154,146

$
3,868

$
2,808,078

Equity securities




Common stocks




Public utilities
$
7,231

$
7,268

$
83

$
14,416

Energy
5,094

6,903


11,997

Industrials
13,031

19,827

174

32,684

Consumer goods and services
10,394

8,535

50

18,879

Health care
7,920

10,286

125

18,081

Technology, media and telecommunications
5,367

5,155

95

10,427

Financial services
15,701

52,936

145

68,492

Nonredeemable preferred stocks
2,154

25

28

2,151

Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities
$
66,892

$
110,935

$
700

$
177,127

Total Available-for-Sale Securities
$
2,724,692

$
265,081

$
4,568

$
2,985,205



10


Maturities
The amortized cost and fair value of held-to-maturity, available-for-sale and trading fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2013 , 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.
Held-To-Maturity
Available-For-Sale
Trading
September 30, 2013
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Due in one year or less
$
570

$
572

$
257,096

$
261,686

$
1,828

$
1,972

Due after one year through five years
314

319

989,457

1,039,814

3,965

4,918

Due after five years through 10 years


830,883

844,061



Due after 10 years


324,437

308,571

2,687

3,087

Asset-backed securities


3,827

4,185



Mortgage-backed securities
218

229

23,641

23,680



Collateralized mortgage obligations


294,759

287,085



$
1,102

$
1,120

$
2,724,100

$
2,769,082

$
8,480

$
9,977

Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses
Net realized gains (losses) on disposition of investments are computed using the specific identification method and are included in the computation of net income. A summary of the components of net realized investment gains (losses) is as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2013
2012
2013
2012
Net realized investment gains (losses)
Fixed maturities:
Held-to-maturity
$

$
11

$

$
11

Available-for-sale
626

91

2,531

2,414

Trading securities
Change in fair value
360

966

790

927

Sales
310

(64
)
608

313

Equity securities
Available-for-sale
(9
)

3,739

697

Trading securities
Change in fair value
(97
)
296

(116
)
296

Sales


38


Other long-term investments


(340
)

Total net realized investment gains
$
1,190

$
1,300

$
7,250

$
4,658

The proceeds and gross realized gains (losses) on the sale of available-for-sale securities are as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2013
2012
2013
2012
Proceeds from sales
$
17,036

$

$
23,007

$
12,003

Gross realized gains
213


451

472

Gross realized losses
(139
)

(139
)
(25
)
There were no sales of held-to-maturity securities during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 .



11


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 $12,441 and $15,371 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 , respectively.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Pursuant to an agreement with one of our limited liability partnership investments, we are contractually committed through December 31, 2017 to make capital contributions upon request of the partnership. Our remaining potential contractual obligation was $1,950 at September 30, 2013 .
Unrealized Appreciation
A summary of the changes in net unrealized investment appreciation during the reporting period is as follows:
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2013
2012
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation
Available-for-sale fixed maturities
$
(105,296
)
$
29,205

Equity securities
27,352

19,873

Deferred policy acquisition costs
34,098

(10,854
)
Income tax effect
15,346

(13,270
)
Total change in net unrealized investment appreciation, net of tax
$
(28,500
)
$
24,954

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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 . 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 September 30, 2013 , if future events or information cause us to determine that a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary.
We have evaluated the near-term prospects of the issuers of our fixed maturity securities in relation to the severity and duration of the unrealized loss which resulted in the recognition of a $139 credit loss OTTI in our unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 . We believe the unrealized depreciation in value of other 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 the fair value recovers to at least equal our cost basis or the securities mature.
We have evaluated the near-term prospects of the issuers of our equity securities in relation to the severity and duration of the unrealized loss, and unless otherwise noted, these losses do not warrant the recognition of an OTTI charge at September 30, 2013 . Our largest unrealized loss greater than 12 months on an individual equity security at September 30, 2013 was $42 . 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


September 30, 2013
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
Total
Type of Investment
Number
of Issues
Fair
Value
Gross Unrealized
Depreciation
Number
of Issues
Fair
Value
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
Fair
Value
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Fixed maturities
Bonds
U.S. Treasury
8

$
7,493

$
86


$

$

$
7,493

$
86

U.S. government agency
61

170,795

11,844




170,795

11,844

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
156

119,047

8,255

2

5,867

883

124,914

9,138

Foreign bonds
9

23,867

324




23,867

324

Public utilities
27

52,241

947




52,241

947

Corporate bonds




Energy
10

25,104

858




25,104

858

Industrials
27

71,118

2,257




71,118

2,257

Consumer goods and services
19

38,968

983

6

3,256

116

42,224

1,099

Health care
9

25,008

963

1

1,181

111

26,189

1,074

Technology, media and telecommunications
16

55,331

3,203




55,331

3,203

Financial services
6

17,773

699

2

6,513

64

24,286

763

Mortgage-backed securities
37

10,620

250

5

333

19

10,953

269

Collateralized mortgage obligations
100

198,380

8,637

13

26,367

1,430

224,747

10,067

Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
485

$
815,745

$
39,306

29

$
43,517

$
2,623

$
859,262

$
41,929

Equity securities
Common stocks
Public utilities
3

$
267

$
41


$

$

$
267

$
41

Industrials



3

140

59

140

59

Consumer goods and services



2

66

10

66

10

Technology, media and telecommunications
4

245

2

6

227

62

472

64

Financial services
1

47

19

3

206

71

253

90

Nonredeemable preferred stocks
3

3,425

183

2

1,170

61

4,595

244

Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities
11

$
3,984

$
245

16

$
1,809

$
263

$
5,793

$
508

Total Available-for-Sale Securities
496

$
819,729

$
39,551

45

$
45,326

$
2,886

$
865,055

$
42,437



13


December 31, 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
U.S. Treasury
2

$
1,724

$
5


$

$

$
1,724

$
5

U.S. government agency
5

17,654

67




17,654

67

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
31

41,775

819




41,775

819

Foreign bonds
1

3,323

48

1

558

14

3,881

62

Public utilities
2

3,155

32




3,155

32

Corporate bonds
Industrials
4

12,194

109

1

2,897

103

15,091

212

Consumer goods and services



7

4,606

151

4,606

151

Health care
3

7,416

80




7,416

80

Technology, media and telecommunications
5

13,402

198




13,402

198

Financial services
2

1,005

1

24

24,693

1,058

25,698

1,059

Mortgage-backed securities
7

4,472

21




4,472

21

Collateralized mortgage obligations
27

74,702

1,004

1

29

156

74,731

1,160

Redeemable preferred stocks
2

376

2




376

2

Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
91

$
181,198

$
2,386

34

$
32,783

$
1,482

$
213,981

$
3,868

Equity securities
Common stocks
Public utilities
3

$
225

$
83


$

$

$
225

$
83

Industrials
4

482

52

9

621

122

1,103

174

Consumer goods and services
2

280

19

4

372

31

652

50

Health care
1

31

2

3

896

123

927

125

Technology, media and telecommunications
5

241

7

7

581

88

822

95

Financial services
1

47

19

7

1,109

126

1,156

145

Nonredeemable preferred stocks



2

1,203

28

1,203

28

Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities
16

$
1,306

$
182

32

$
4,782

$
518

$
6,088

$
700

Total Available-for-Sale Securities
107

$
182,504

$
2,568

66

$
37,565

$
2,000

$
220,069

$
4,568



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 estimates of 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 fair value of our policy loans is equivalent to carrying value, which is a reasonable estimate of fair 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 our interests in limited liability partnerships that are recorded on the equity method of accounting. The values of the partnerships are determined by the fund managers primarily based on the fair value of the underlying investments held. In management’s opinion, these values represent a reasonable estimate of 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.





15


A summary of the carrying value and estimated fair value of our financial instruments at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is as follows:
September 30, 2013
December 31, 2012
Fair Value
Carrying Value
Fair Value
Carrying Value
Assets
Investments
Fixed maturities:
Held-to-maturity securities
$
1,120

$
1,102

$
1,681

$
1,655

Available-for-sale securities
2,769,082

2,769,082

2,808,078

2,808,078

Trading securities
9,977

9,977

13,353

13,353

Equity securities:
Available-for-sale securities
208,538

208,538

177,127

177,127

Trading securities
2,464

2,464

2,018

2,018

Mortgage loans
4,278

4,477

5,037

4,633

Policy loans
6,361

6,361

6,671

6,671

Other long-term investments
34,876

34,876

30,028

30,028

Short-term investments
800

800

800

800

Cash and cash equivalents
86,691

86,691

107,466

107,466

Accrued investment income
29,064

29,064

30,375

30,375

Liabilities
Policy reserves
Annuity (accumulations) (1)
$
965,177

$
935,869

$
1,043,866

$
983,579

Annuity (benefit payments)
137,358

93,695

139,213

93,701

(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


16


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.
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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 :


17


Fair Value Measurements
Description
September 30, 2013
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Fixed maturities
Bonds
U.S. Treasury
$
36,347

$

$
36,347

$

U.S. government agency
213,558


213,558


States, municipalities and political subdivisions
726,960


726,172

788

Foreign bonds
180,848


180,848


Public utilities
232,547


232,547


Corporate bonds








Energy
158,859


158,859


Industrials
246,874


243,778

3,096

Consumer goods and services
179,662


178,171

1,491

Health care
97,926


97,926


Technology, media and telecommunications
130,737


130,737


Financial services
249,477


237,113

12,364

Mortgage-backed securities
23,680


23,680


Collateralized mortgage obligations
287,085


287,085


Asset-backed securities
4,185


1,979

2,206

Redeemable preferred stocks
337

337



Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
$
2,769,082

$
337

$
2,748,800

$
19,945

Equity securities
Common stocks
Public utilities
$
15,733

$
15,733

$

$

Energy
13,246

13,246



Industrials
40,990

40,969

21


Consumer goods and services
19,737

19,737



Health care
21,687

21,687



Technology, media and telecommunications
12,369

12,369



Financial services
80,031

76,161

61

3,809

Nonredeemable preferred stocks
4,745

1,715

3,030


Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities
$
208,538

$
201,617

$
3,112

$
3,809

Total Available-for-Sale Securities
$
2,977,620

$
201,954

$
2,751,912

$
23,754

TRADING
Bonds
Foreign bonds
$
1,262

$

$
1,262

$

Corporate bonds








Industrials
1,213


1,213


Consumer goods and services
111


111




18


Health care
969


969


Technology, media and telecommunications
2,595


2,595


Financial services
1,572


1,572


Redeemable preferred stocks
2,255

2,255



Equity securities
Energy
556

556



Health care
315

315



Nonredeemable preferred stocks
1,593

1,593



Total Trading Securities
$
12,441

$
4,719

$
7,722

$

Short-Term Investments
$
800

$
800

$

$

Money Market Accounts
$
26,652

$
26,652

$

$

Total Assets Measured at Fair Value
$
3,017,513

$
234,125

$
2,759,634

$
23,754




19


Fair Value Measurements
Description
December 31, 2012
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Fixed maturities
Bonds
U.S. Treasury
$
38,821

$

$
38,821

$

U.S. government agency
45,928


45,928


States, municipalities and political subdivisions
794,505


793,755

750

Foreign bonds
219,160


218,602

558

Public utilities
247,726


247,726


Corporate bonds







Energy
179,731


179,731


Industrials
293,663


290,766

2,897

Consumer goods and services
202,975


201,633

1,342

Health care
122,685


122,685


Technology, media and telecommunications
130,371


130,371


Financial services
283,860


271,991

11,869

Mortgage-backed securities
28,807


28,807


Collateralized mortgage obligations
214,584


214,584


Asset-backed securities
4,886


2,398

2,488

Redeemable preferred stocks
376

376



Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
$
2,808,078

$
376

$
2,787,798

$
19,904

Equity securities
Common stocks
Public utilities
$
14,416

$
14,416

$

$

Energy
11,997

11,997



Industrials
32,684

32,658

26


Consumer goods and services
18,879

18,879



Health care
18,081

18,081



Technology, media and telecommunications
10,427

10,427



Financial services
68,492

64,800

56

3,636

Nonredeemable preferred stocks
2,151

1,906

245


Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities
$
177,127

$
173,164

$
327

$
3,636

Total Available-for-Sale Securities
$
2,985,205

$
173,540

$
2,788,125

$
23,540

TRADING
Bonds
Foreign bonds
$
1,379

$

$
1,379

$

Corporate bonds




Industrials
1,299


1,299


Consumer goods and services
1,532


1,532


Health care
1,824


1,824


Technology, media and telecommunications
2,250


2,250




20


Financial services
1,486


1,486


Redeemable preferred stocks
3,583

3,583



Equity securities - health care
303

303



Nonredeemable preferred stocks
1,715

1,715



Total Trading Securities
$
15,371

$
5,601

$
9,770

$

Short-Term Investments
$
800

$
800

$

$

Money Market Accounts
$
45,613

$
45,613

$

$

Total Assets Measured at Fair Value
$
3,046,989

$
225,554

$
2,797,895

$
23,540




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 three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 , 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 we cannot obtain pricing from these sources, which occurs on a limited basis, management will perform 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 September 30, 2013 :
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
Foreign bonds
Corporate bonds
Asset-backed securities
Equities
Total
Balance at June 30, 2013
$
788

$

$
17,746

$
2,311

$
3,809

$
24,654

Realized gains (1)



18


18

Unrealized losses (1)


(533
)
(20
)

(553
)
Purchases


105



105

Disposals


(367
)
(103
)

(470
)
Balance at September 30, 2013
$
788

$

$
16,951

$
2,206

$
3,809

$
23,754

(1) Realized gains are recorded as a component of earnings whereas unrealized losses are recorded as a component of comprehensive income.










22


The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of our Level 3 securities for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 :
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
Foreign bonds
Corporate bonds
Asset-backed securities
Equities
Total
Balance at December 31, 2012
$
750

$
558

$
16,108

$
2,488

$
3,636

$
23,540

Realized gains (1)

35


18


53

Unrealized gains (1)
103

13

1,554



1,670

Purchases


105


173

278

Disposals
(65
)
(606
)
(816
)
(300
)

(1,787
)
Balance at September 30, 2013
$
788

$

$
16,951

$
2,206

$
3,809

$
23,754

(1) Realized gains are recorded as a component of earnings, whereas unrealized gains are recorded as a component of comprehensive income.
The fixed maturities reported as disposals for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 relate to the receipt of principal on calls or sinking fund bonds, in accordance with the applicable indentures.

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:
Pension Plan
Postretirement Benefit Plan
Three Months Ended September 30,
2013
2012
2013
2012
Net periodic benefit cost
Service cost
$
1,575

$
1,777

$
1,401

$
496

Interest cost
1,295

1,263

472

398

Expected return on plan assets
(1,443
)
(1,341
)


Amortization of prior service cost

2


(8
)
Amortization of net loss
1,530

1,035

385

56

Net periodic benefit cost
$
2,957

$
2,736

$
2,258

$
942


Pension Plan
Postretirement Benefit Plan
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2013
2012
2013
2012
Net periodic benefit cost
Service cost
$
4,725

$
3,846

$
2,906

$
1,488

Interest cost
3,882

3,787

1,319

1,194

Expected return on plan assets
(4,329
)
(4,023
)


Amortization of prior service cost

5


(24
)
Amortization of net loss
3,741

3,311

659

168

Net periodic benefit cost
$
8,019

$
6,926

$
4,884

$
2,826


Employer Contributions

We previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 that we expected to contribute $7,000 to the pension plan in 2013 . For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 , we contributed $7,000 to the pension plan. We anticipate that the total contribution in 2013 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”) authorized 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 345,056 authorized shares remaining available for future issuance at September 30, 2013 . 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.
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 common stock on the date of the grant. Restricted stock awards fully vest after five 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
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
From Inception to September 30, 2013
Beginning balance
568,746

1,900,000

Number of awards granted
(238,517
)
(1,682,341
)
Number of awards forfeited or expired
14,827

127,397

Ending balance
345,056

345,056

Number of option awards exercised
139,476

366,318

Number of unrestricted stock awards granted
780

4,400

Number of restricted stock awards vested
18,576

18,576


Non-qualified Non-employee Director Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan
The United Fire Group, Inc. 2005 Non-qualified Non-Employee Director Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the "Director Plan") authorizes the issuance of restricted stock awards and non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of United Fire’s common stock to non-employee directors. At September 30, 2013 , we had 103,912 authorized shares available for future issuance.
The Board of Directors has the authority to determine which non-employee directors receive awards, when options and restricted stock shall be granted, the option price, the option expiration date, the date of grant, the vesting schedule of options or whether the options shall be immediately vested, the terms and conditions of options and restricted stock (other than those terms and conditions set forth in the plan) and the number of shares of common stock to be issued pursuant to an option agreement or restricted stock agreement. The Board of Directors may also take any action it deems necessary and appropriate for the administration of the Director Plan.








24


The activity in the Director Plan is displayed in the following table:
Authorized Shares Available for Future Award Grants
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
From Inception to September 30, 2013
Beginning balance
130,012

300,000

Number of awards granted
(26,100
)
(202,091
)
Number of awards forfeited or expired

6,003

Ending balance
103,912

103,912

Number of option awards exercised
3,156

3,156

Number of restricted stock awards vested
6,402

6,402


Stock-Based Compensation Expense

For the three-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 , we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $618 and $402 , respectively. For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 , we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $1,436 and $1,318 , respectively.

As of September 30, 2013 , we had $3,613 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 2013 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.
2013
$
346

2014
1,224

2015
993

2016
569

2017
423

2018
58

Total
$
3,613


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. 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, 2012 .













25


We have reconciled the following table for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 to the amounts reported in our unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements to adjust for intersegment eliminations.
Property and Casualty Insurance
Life Insurance
Total
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
Net premiums earned
$
178,553

$
15,789

$
194,342

Investment income, net of investment expenses
11,679

15,587

27,266

Net realized investment gains
816

374

1,190

Other income
145

192

337

Total reportable segment
$
191,193

$
31,942

$
223,135

Intersegment eliminations
12

(123
)
(111
)
Total revenues
$
191,205

$
31,819

$
223,024

Net income
$
10,282

$
1,443

$
11,725

Assets
$
1,977,120

$
1,746,577

$
3,723,697

Invested assets
$
1,401,982

$
1,635,695

$
3,037,677

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
Net premiums earned
$
161,232

$
15,412

$
176,644

Investment income, net of investment expenses
11,093

17,614

28,707

Net realized investment gains
1,214

86

1,300

Other income (losses)
(19
)
104

85

Total reportable segment
$
173,520

$
33,216

$
206,736

Intersegment eliminations
(42
)
(113
)
(155
)
Total revenues
$
173,478

$
33,103

$
206,581

Net income
$
7,616

$
1,114

$
8,730

Assets
$
1,923,407

$
1,814,403

$
3,737,810

Invested assets
$
1,334,278

$
1,734,788

$
3,069,066





























26


We have reconciled the following table for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 to the amounts reported in our unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements to adjust for intersegment eliminations.

Property and Casualty Insurance
Life Insurance
Total
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Net premiums earned
$
511,781

$
45,991

$
557,772

Investment income, net of investment expenses
34,379

48,297

82,676

Net realized investment gains
5,405

1,845

7,250

Other income
229

405

634

Total reportable segment
$
551,794

$
96,538

$
648,332

Intersegment eliminations
85

(369
)
(284
)
Total revenues
$
551,879

$
96,169

$
648,048

Net income
$
44,207

$
5,407

$
49,614

Assets
$
1,977,120

$
1,746,577

$
3,723,697

Invested assets
$
1,401,982

$
1,635,695

$
3,037,677

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
Net premiums earned
$
461,902

$
46,557

$
508,459

Investment income, net of investment expenses
33,533

53,151

86,684

Net realized investment gains
1,765

2,893

4,658

Other income
177

407

584

Total reportable segment
$
497,377

$
103,008

$
600,385

Intersegment eliminations
(124
)
(335
)
(459
)
Total revenues
$
497,253

$
102,673

$
599,926

Net income
$
37,607

$
5,023

$
42,630

Assets
$
1,923,407

$
1,814,403

$
3,737,810

Invested assets
$
1,334,278

$
1,734,788

$
3,069,066


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.







27


The components of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 :
Three Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands Except Share Data)
2013
2012
Basic
Diluted
Basic
Diluted
Net income
$
11,725

$
11,725

$
8,730

$
8,730

Weighted-average common shares outstanding
25,359,196

25,359,196

25,423,191

25,423,191

Add dilutive effect of restricted stock awards

59,849


56,608

Add dilutive effect of stock options

152,576


46,863

Weighted-average common shares for EPS calculation
25,359,196

25,571,621

25,423,191

25,526,662

Earnings per common share
$
0.46

$
0.45

$
0.34

$
0.34

Awards excluded from diluted EPS calculation (1)

646,226


719,563

(1)
Outstanding awards that are not "in-the-money" are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect of including them would have been anti-dilutive.

The components of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 :
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands Except Share Data)
2013
2012
Basic
Diluted
Basic
Diluted
Net income
$
49,614

$
49,614

$
42,630

$
42,630

Weighted-average common shares outstanding
25,301,432

25,301,432

25,468,293

25,468,293

Add dilutive effect of restricted stock awards

59,849


56,608

Add dilutive effect of stock options

152,930


41,745

Weighted-average common shares for EPS calculation
25,301,432

25,514,211

25,468,293

25,566,646

Earnings per common share
$
1.96

$
1.94

$
1.67

$
1.67

Awards excluded from diluted EPS calculation (1)

661,826


1,098,292

(1)
Outstanding awards that are not "in-the-money" are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect of including them would have been anti-dilutive.

NOTE 8. DEBT
In December 2011, United Fire entered into a credit agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions as lenders. KeyBank National Association is the administrative agent, lead arranger, sole book runner, swingline lender, and letter of credit issuer, and Bankers Trust Company is the syndication agent. The four -year credit agreement provides for a $100,000 unsecured revolving credit facility that includes a $20,000 letter of credit subfacility and a swing line subfacility of up to $5,000 .
On June 4, 2013, United Fire & Casualty Company, United Fire Group, Inc. and the syndicated lenders entered into an Assignment, Joinder, Assumption, and Release Agreement (the "Joinder Agreement") transferring the obligations under the credit agreement from United Fire & Casualty Company to United Fire Group, Inc. Effective with the execution of the Joinder Agreement, United Fire & Casualty Company was released from any further obligations under the credit agreement.
During the term of this credit agreement, we have the right to increase the total credit facility from $100,000 up to $125,000 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. Any principal outstanding under 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.


28


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.
There was no outstanding balance on the credit facility at September 30, 2013 and 2012 . For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 , we did not incur any interest expense related to this credit facility. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012 , we incurred $780 in interest expense related to this credit facility. We were in compliance with all covenants for the credit agreement at September 30, 2013 .
In connection with our acquisition of Mercer Insurance Group on March 28, 2011, we acquired three statutory trusts with outstanding issuances of trust preferred securities with a balance as of the acquisition date of $15,614 . We redeemed two of the issuances totaling $8,035 during the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 and the remaining issuance in full in April 2012. We incurred $509 of interest expense related to these trust preferred securities for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012 .

NOTE 9. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The following table shows the changes in the components of our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2013 :

Liability for
Net unrealized
underfunded
appreciation
employee
on investments
benefit costs
Total
Balance as of June 30, 2013
$
116,173

$
(47,293
)
$
68,880

Change in accumulated other comprehensive income before reclassifications
(175
)

(175
)
Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income
(402
)
1,245

843

Balance as of September 30, 2013
$
115,596

$
(46,048
)
$
69,548


The following table shows the changes in the components of our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 :

Liability for
Net unrealized
underfunded
appreciation
employee
on investments
benefit costs
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2012
$
144,096

$
(48,908
)
$
95,188

Change in accumulated other comprehensive income before reclassifications
(24,424
)

(24,424
)
Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income
(4,076
)
2,860

(1,216
)
Balance as of September 30, 2013
$
115,596

$
(46,048
)
$
69,548



29


Review 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 September 30, 2013 , and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 , and the consolidated statement of stockholders' equity for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 . 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 (United States), 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, 2012 , and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein) and we expressed an unqualified audit opinion on those consolidated financial statements in our report dated March 4, 2013. In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of United Fire Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2012 , 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
November 5, 2013



30


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

The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with Part I, Item 1 "Financial Statements."

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are representative of significant judgments and uncertainties and that potentially may result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We base our discussion and analysis of our 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 policies 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, 2012 . There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies from December 31, 2012 .

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, 2012 . When we provide information on a statutory basis, we label it as such, otherwise, all other data is presented in accordance with GAAP.

OUR BUSINESS

Founded in 1946 as United Fire & Casualty Company, United Fire Group, Inc. ("United Fire", the "Registrant", the "Company", "we", "us", or "our") and its consolidated insurance subsidiaries provide insurance protection for individuals and businesses through several regional offices. Our property and casualty insurance company subsidiaries are licensed in 43 s tates plus the District of Columbia and are represented by approximately 1,200 independent agencies. Our life insurance subsidiary is licensed in 37 s tates 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 reinsurance; and

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

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

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 , property and casualty insurance business accounted for approximately 92.0 percent of our net premiums earned, of which 90.4 percent was generated from commercial


31


lines. Life insurance business accounted for approximately 8.0 percent of our net premiums earned, of which 69.4 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, which is in runoff, are members of an intercompany reinsurance pooling arrangement. 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 nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 , approximately 50.0 percent of our property and casualty premiums were written in Texas, Iowa, California, New Jersey, and Missouri; approximately 84.0 percent of our life insurance premiums were written in Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska and Illinois.

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, underwriting and other operating expenses and interest on policyholders’ accounts.
Profit Factors
Our profitability is influenced by many factors, including price, competition, economic conditions, investment returns, interest rates, catastrophic events and other natural disasters, man-made disasters, state regulations, court decisions, and changes in the law. To manage these risks and uncertainties, we seek to achieve consistent profitability through strong agency relationships, exceptional customer service, fair and prompt claims handling, disciplined underwriting, superior loss control services, prudent management of our investments, appropriate matching of assets and liabilities and effective and efficient use of technology.






















32


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands)
2013
2012
%
2013
2012
%
Revenues
Net premiums earned
$
194,219

$
176,531

10.0
%
$
557,403

$
508,124

9.7
%
Investment income, net of investment expenses
27,278

28,665

(4.8
)
82,761

86,560

(4.4
)
Net realized investment gains (losses)


Other-than-temporary impairment charges
(139
)

NM

(139
)
(4
)
NM

All other net realized gains
1,329

1,300

2.2

7,389

4,662

58.5

Net realized investment gains
1,190

1,300

(8.5
)
7,250

4,658

55.6

Other income
337

85

NM

634

584

8.6

Total revenues
$
223,024

$
206,581

8.0
%
$
648,048

$
599,926

8.0
%

Benefits, Losses and Expenses

Losses and loss settlement expenses
$
131,168

$
119,756

9.5
%
$
349,073

$
318,006

9.8
%
Increase in liability for future policy benefits
8,415

9,815

(14.3
)
26,520

28,309

(6.3
)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
38,767

36,167

7.2

113,556

104,897

8.3

Other underwriting expenses
21,654

20,496

5.6

67,310

63,031

6.8

Interest on policyholders' accounts
8,625

10,327

(16.5
)
27,026

31,610

(14.5
)
Total benefits, losses and expenses
$
208,629

$
196,561

6.1
%
$
583,485

$
545,853

6.9
%


Income before income taxes
$
14,395

$
10,020

43.7
%
$
64,563

$
54,073

19.4
%
Federal income tax expense
2,670

1,290

107.0

14,949

11,443

30.6
%
Net income
$
11,725

$
8,730

34.3
%
$
49,614

$
42,630

16.4
%
NM=Not meaningful


The following is a summary of our financial performance for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 :

Consolidated Results of Operations

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2013 , net income was $11.7 million compared to $8.7 million for the same period of 2012, driven primarily by growth in property and casualty premium revenue, which was partially offset by an increase in loss and loss settlement expenses. Consolidated net premiums earned increased to $194.2 million , compared to $176.5 million for the same period of 2012. This increase represents organic growth and is the result of a combination of rate increases across most commercial and personal lines and new business writings.

Losses and loss settlement expenses increased by $11.4 million during the third quarter of 2013 compared to the same period of 2012, primarily due to growth in our overall business and an increase in loss severity.

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 , net income was $49.6 million compared to $42.6 million for the same period of 2012, driven primarily by growth in property and casualty premium revenue, which was partially offset by an increase in loss and loss settlement expenses. Consolidated net premiums earned increased to $557.4 million , compared to $508.1 million for the same period of 2012. This increase represents organic growth and is the result of a combination of rate increases across most commercial and personal lines and new business writings.

Losses and loss settlement expenses increased by $31.1 million during the first nine months of 2013 compared to the same period of 2012, primarily due to the overall growth in our business and an increase in loss severity in the


33


commercial automobile and workers compensation lines of business, partially offset by a decrease in catastrophe loss experience. Pre-tax catastrophe losses totaled $27.2 million compared to $34.5 million in the same period of 2012, which was impacted by losses from storms in the Midwest.

Consolidated Financial Condition

At September 30, 2013, the book value per share of our common stock was $29.30 . We repurchased 3,577 shares of our common stock in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013. Under our share repurchase program, which is scheduled to expire in August 2014, we are authorized to repurchase an additional 1,126,143 shares of our common stock.

Net unrealized investment gains totaled $115.6 million as of September 30, 2013, a decrease of $28.5 million , net of tax, or 19.8 percent , since December 31, 2012. The decrease in net unrealized gains resulted from a decrease in our fair value of the fixed maturity investment portfolio due to rising interest rates, partially offset by an increase in the fair value of our equity investment portfolio.

Our stockholders' equity increased to $744.2 million at September 30, 2013 , from $729.2 million at December 31, 2012 . The increase was primarily attributable to net income of $49.6 million , which was offset by a decrease in net unrealized investment gains of $28.5 million , net of tax, and stockholder dividends of $12.9 million .

































34



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Property and Casualty Insurance Segment Results
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands Except Ratios)
2013
2012
2013
2012
Net premiums written
$
178,313

$
155,433

$
553,795

$
500,303

Net premiums earned
$
178,553

$
161,232

$
511,781

$
461,902

Losses and loss settlement expenses
(124,643
)
(114,846
)
(332,264
)
(302,376
)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
(37,243
)
(34,060
)
(108,591
)
(98,355
)
Other underwriting expenses
(17,219
)
(16,332
)
(54,854
)
(50,353
)
Underwriting gain (loss)
$
(552
)
$
(4,006
)
$
16,072

$
10,818


Investment income, net of investment expenses
11,691

11,051

34,464

33,409

Net realized investment gains (losses)
Other-than-temporary impairment charges
(139
)

(139
)

All other net realized gains
955

1,214

5,544

1,765

Net realized investment gains
816

1,214

5,405

1,765

Other income (loss)
145

(19
)
229

177

Income before income taxes
$
12,100

$
8,240

$
56,170

$
46,169


GAAP Ratios:

Net loss ratio
65.1
%
65.9
%
59.6
%
58.0
%
Catastrophes - effect on net loss ratio
4.7

5.3

5.3

7.5

Net loss ratio (1)
69.8
%
71.2
%
64.9
%
65.5
%
Expense ratio (2)
30.5

31.3

31.9

32.2

Combined ratio (3)
100.3
%
102.5
%
96.8
%
97.7
%
(1) The net loss ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of losses and loss settlement expenses by net premiums earned. We use the net loss ratio as a measure of the overall underwriting profitability of the insurance business we write and to assess the adequacy of our pricing. Our net loss ratio is meaningful in evaluating our financial results as reported in our unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) The expense ratio is calculated by dividing nondeferred underwriting expenses and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs by net premiums earned. The expense ratio measures a company's operational efficiency in producing, underwriting and administering its insurance business.
(3) The combined ratio is a commonly used financial measure of property and casualty underwriting performance. A combined ratio below 100.0 percent generally indicates a profitable book of business. The combined ratio is the sum of two separately calculated ratios, the loss and loss settlement expense ratio (the “net loss ratio”) and the underwriting expense ratio (the “expense ratio”).

For the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 , our property and casualty segment reported income before taxes of $12.1 million and $56.2 million , respectively, or an increase of $3.9 million and $10.0 million , respectively, compared to the same periods of 2012. The increase in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is primarily due to an increase in net premiums earned partially offset by an increase in loss and loss settlement expenses.

Net premiums earned increased 10.7 percent to $178.6 million in the three-month period ended September 30, 2013 , compared to $161.2 million in the same period of 2012. In the nine months ended September 30, 2013 , net premiums earned also increased 10.8 percent to $511.8 million , compared to $461.9 million in the same period of 2012 .

The GAAP combined ratio decreased 2.2 percentage points to 100.3 percent for the three-month period ended September 30, 2013 , compared to 102.5 percent for the same period of 2012. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 , the GAAP combined ratio was 96.8 percent , compared to 97.7 percent for the same period of 2012 .



35


The net loss ratio, a component of the combined ratio, decreased by 1.4 percentage points to 69.8 percentage points in the three-month period ended September 30, 2013 , as compared to the same period in 2012. The decrease is primarily due to increased premiums and improvement in underwriting results. Pre-tax catastrophe losses totaled $8.5 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2013 , which is consistent with the same period of 2012.

The net loss ratio in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 decreased 0.6 percentage points as compared with the same period of 2012. The decrease is due to increased premiums and lower catastrophe losses in 2013 as compared with the same period of 2012.

The expense ratio, a component of the combined ratio, of 30.5 percentage points for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 decreased by 0.8 percentage points as compared with the same period of 2012 , due to an increase in net earned premiums.

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

Reserve Development

For many liability claims, significant periods of time, ranging up to several years and for certain construction defect claims more than a decade, may elapse between the occurrence of the loss, the reporting of the loss to us and the settlement or other disposition of the claim. As a result, loss experience in the more recent accident years for the long-tail liability coverages has limited statistical credibility in our reserving process because a relatively small proportion of losses in these accident years are reported claims and an even smaller proportion are paid losses. In addition, long-tail liability claims are more susceptible to litigation and can be significantly affected by changing contract interpretations and the legal environment. Consequently, the estimation of loss reserves for long-tail coverages is more complex and subject to a higher degree of variability. Reserves for these long-tail coverages represent a significant portion of our overall carried reserves.

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

Our reserving philosophy is to reserve claims to their ultimate expected loss amount as soon as practicable after information about a claim becomes available.

2013 Development

The property and casualty insurance segment experienced $8.6 million of favorable development in our net reserves for prior accident years during the three-month period ended September 30, 2013 and $49.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 . Year-to-date, favorable development remains consistent with our 2012 nine-month experience.

The favorable development on prior year reserves was primarily related to our long-tail lines of commercial business including other liability, workers compensation and auto liability. The favorable development is generally caused by changes in loss development patterns due to many factors discussed previously. Specifically, we observed a continuation of a trend, started in 2011, reducing the overall number of reported new construction defect claims and lower than expected emergence on known claims. In addition, in 2009 management began an initiative to control legal defense costs. As these costs are a significant component of the carried reserves for the other liability line,


36


management believes this initiative is also contributing to the favorable development trends.
Development amounts can vary significantly from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year depending on a number of factors, including the number of claims settled and the settlement terms, and are subject to reallocation between accident years and lines of business. At September 30, 2013 , our total reserves remained relatively flat compared to June 30, 2013.

The following tables display our net premiums earned, net losses and loss settlement expenses and net loss ratio by line of business:
Three Months Ended September 30,
2013
2012
Net Losses
Net Losses
and Loss
and Loss
Net
Settlement
Net
Net
Settlement
Net
(In Thousands)
Premiums
Expenses
Loss
Premiums
Expenses
Loss
Unaudited
Earned
Incurred
Ratio
Earned
Incurred
Ratio
Commercial lines
Other liability
$
52,251

$
28,406

54.4
%
$
50,887

$
28,579

56.2
%
Fire and allied lines
41,717

27,260

65.3

33,574

24,637

73.4

Automobile
37,646

36,140

96.0

34,087

24,703

72.5

Workers' compensation
21,519

20,524

95.4

17,606

16,933

96.2

Fidelity and surety
4,877

(163
)
(3.3
)
4,365

1,962

44.9

Miscellaneous
628

(104
)
(16.6
)
258

214

82.9

Total commercial lines
$
158,638

$
112,063

70.6
%
$
140,777

$
97,028

68.9
%
Personal lines
Fire and allied lines
$
10,786

$
8,307

77.0
%
$
10,247

$
11,758

114.7
%
Automobile
5,624

3,615

64.3

5,711

3,562

62.4

Miscellaneous
240

1,068

NM

235

42

17.9

Total personal lines
$
16,650

$
12,990

78.0
%
$
16,193

$
15,362

94.9
%
Reinsurance assumed
$
3,265

$
(410
)
(12.6
)%
$
4,262

$
2,456

57.6
%
Total
$
178,553

$
124,643

69.8
%
$
161,232

$
114,846

71.2
%
NM=Not meaningful




37


Nine Months Ended September 30,
2013
2012
Net Losses
Net Losses
and Loss
and Loss
Net
Settlement
Net
Net
Settlement
Net
(In Thousands)
Premiums
Expenses
Loss
Premiums
Expenses
Loss
Unaudited
Earned
Incurred
Ratio
Earned
Incurred
Ratio
Commercial lines
Other liability
$
146,755

$
77,721

53.0
%
$
145,604

$
70,793

48.6
%
Fire and allied lines
122,107

71,954

58.9

97,365

81,968

84.2

Automobile
108,629

91,090

83.9

98,785

75,891

76.8

Workers' compensation
60,786

51,364

84.5

50,068

30,260

60.4

Fidelity and surety
13,684

(843
)
(6.2
)
12,780

1,607

12.6

Miscellaneous
1,190

555

46.6

735

278

37.8

Total commercial lines
$
453,151

$
291,841

64.4
%
$
405,337

$
260,797

64.3
%
Personal lines
Fire and allied lines
$
31,911

$
25,273

79.2
%
$
30,479

$
22,633

74.3
%
Automobile
16,485

11,177

67.8

15,896

10,999

69.2

Miscellaneous
528

1,969

NM

691

158

22.9

Total personal lines
$
48,924

$
38,419

78.5
%
$
47,066

$
33,790

71.8
%
Reinsurance assumed
$
9,706

$
2,004

20.6
%
$
9,499

$
7,789

82.0
%
Total
$
511,781

$
332,264

64.9
%
$
461,902

$
302,376

65.5
%
NM=Not meaningful

Commercial fire and allied lines - The net loss ratio improved 8.1 percentage points and 25.3 percentage points in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 , respectively, compared to the same periods of 2012 . The loss ratio improvement was due to the combination of a reduction in our catastrophe loss experience and premium growth.

Commercial automobile - The net loss ratio deteriorated 23.5 percentage points and 7.1 percentage points in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 , respectively, compared to the same periods of 2012 . The change was primarily due to an increase in claim activity and loss severity in 2013.

Workers' compensation - The net loss ratio improved 0.8 percentage points and deteriorated 24.1 percentage points in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 , respectively, compared to the same periods of 2012 . The change was primarily due to increased loss severity and generally increased claim activity in 2013, especially when compared to the same period in 2012 when we experienced particularly low net loss ratios.

Fidelity and surety - The net loss ratio improved 48.2 percentage points and 18.8 percentage points in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 , respectively, compared to the same periods of 2012 primarily due to an increase in salvage and subrogation and low claim activity in 2013.

Personal fire and allied lines - The net loss ratio improved 37.7 percentage points and deteriorated 4.9 percentage points in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 , respectively, compared to the same periods of 2012 . The improvement in the three-month period ended September 30, 2013 was primarily due to lower claim activity in 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 , the deterioration was due to unfavorable development on prior year claims.







38


Life Insurance Segment Results
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands)
2013
2012
2013
2012
Revenues
Net premiums earned
$
15,666

$
15,299

$
45,622

$
46,222

Investment income, net
15,587

17,614

48,297

53,151

Net realized investment gains (losses)

Other-than-temporary impairment charges



(4
)
All other net realized gains
374

86

1,845

2,897

Net realized investment gains
374

86

1,845

2,893

Other income
192

104

405

407

Total revenues
$
31,819

$
33,103

$
96,169

$
102,673

Benefits, Losses and Expenses
Losses and loss settlement expenses
$
6,525

$
4,910

$
16,809

$
15,630

Increase in liability for future policy benefits
8,415

9,815

26,520

28,309

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
1,524

2,107

4,965

6,542

Other underwriting expenses
4,435

4,164

12,456

12,678

Interest on policyholders' accounts
8,625

10,327

27,026

31,610

Total benefits, losses and expenses
$
29,524

$
31,323

$
87,776

$
94,769

Income before income taxes
$
2,295

$
1,780

$
8,393

$
7,904


Income before income taxes increased $0.5 million in both the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 , as compared to the same periods of 2012 due to a decrease in interest on policyholders' accounts and future policy benefits partially offset by a decrease in net investment income.

Net premiums earned increased 2.4 percent to $15.7 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2013 , compared to $15.3 million in the same period of 2012. In the nine months ended September 30, 2013 , net premiums earned decreased 1.3 percent to $45.6 million , compared to $46.2 million in the same period of 2012. The increase in net premiums earned in the three-month period ended September 30, 2013 was due to a slight increase in the guaranteed interest rate for sales of annuity products with life contingencies.; however, the increase in guaranteed interest rates has not been sufficient to offset the overall decline in net premiums earned year-to-date.

Net investment income decreased 11.5 percent to $15.6 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2013 , compared to $17.6 million for the same period of 2012. In the nine months ended September 30, 2013 , net investment income decreased 9.1 percent to $48.3 million , compared to $53.2 million for the same period of 2012, due to the decrease in invested assets, resulting from negative cash flows on annuity products, and a decrease in the reinvestment interest rates from the continued low interest rate environment.

Loss and loss settlement expenses increased $1.6 million for three-month period ended September 30, 2013 compared to the same period of 2012. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012 , loss and loss settlement expenses increased $1.2 million, compared to the same period of 2012, due to an increase in policy claims.

The increase in the liability for future policy benefits decreased in both the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 compared to the same periods of 2012 , due to the increase in net withdrawals of annuity products as we continue to reflect a more equal balance between fixed annuity products and life insurance products.

Deferred annuity deposits increased 93.2 percent and decreased 11.0 percent for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 , respectively, compared with the same periods of 2012 . The increase in guaranteed interest rates had a favorable effect in the three-month period ended September 30, 2013 ; however, the increase in


39


guaranteed interest rates was not sufficient to offset the decrease in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012 .
Net cash outflow related to our annuity business was $17.1 million and $63.2 million in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 , respectively, compared to a net cash outflow of $13.2 million and $18.8 million in the same periods of 2012. We attribute this to the activity described above.

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

Investment Portfolio

Our invested assets totaled $3,037.7 million at September 30, 2013 , compared to $3,044.4 million at December 31, 2012, a decrease of $6.7 million. At September 30, 2013 , fixed maturity securities and equity securities made up 91.5 percent and 6.9 percent of the value of our investment portfolio, respectively. Because the primary purpose of our investment portfolio is to fund future claims payments, we use a conservative investment philosophy, investing in a diversified portfolio of high-quality, intermediate-term taxable corporate bonds, taxable U.S. government bonds and tax-exempt U.S. municipal bonds. Our overall investment strategy is to keep our cash on hand low in the current interest rate environment. If additional cash is needed, we can borrow funds available under our revolving credit facility.

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

The composition of our investment portfolio at September 30, 2013 , is presented at carrying value in the following table:
Property & Casualty Insurance Segment
Life Insurance Segment
Total
Percent

Percent

Percent

(In Thousands)
of Total

of Total

of Total

Fixed maturities (1)






Held-to-maturity
$
750

%
$
352

%
$
1,102

%
Available-for-sale
1,174,236

83.7

1,594,846

97.5

2,769,082

91.2

Trading securities
9,977

0.7



9,977

0.3

Equity securities
Available-for-sale
183,205

13.1

25,333

1.5

208,538

6.9

Trading securities
2,464

0.2



2,464

0.1

Mortgage loans


4,477

0.3

4,477

0.1

Policy loans


6,361

0.4

6,361

0.2

Other long-term investments
30,550

2.2

4,326

0.3

34,876

1.2

Short-term investments
800

0.1



800


Total
$
1,401,982

100.0
%
$
1,635,695

100.0
%
$
3,037,677

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

At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 , we classified $2.8 billion , or 99.6 percent and 99.5 percent , respectively, of our fixed maturities portfolio as available-for-sale. We classify our remaining fixed maturities as held-to-maturity or trading. We record held-to-maturity securities at amortized cost. We record available-for-sale at fair value, with any changes in fair value recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. We record trading


40


securities, primarily convertible redeemable preferred debt securities, at fair value, with any changes in fair value recognized in earnings.

As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 , 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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 . 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.
(In Thousands)
September 30, 2013
December 31, 2012
Rating
Carrying Value
% of Total
Carrying Value
% of Total
AAA
$
698,350

25.1
%
$
481,754

17.1
%
AA
547,876

19.7

646,516

22.9

A
606,254

21.8

632,962

22.4

Baa/BBB
860,142

31.0

998,818

35.4

Other/Not Rated
67,539

2.4

63,036

2.2

$
2,780,161

100.0
%
$
2,823,086

100.0
%

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

Group

The weighted average effective duration of our portfolio of fixed maturity securities, at September 30, 2013 , is 4.8 years compared to 4.0 years at December 31, 2012 .

Property and Casualty Insurance Segment

The weighted average effective duration of our portfolio of fixed maturity securities, at September 30, 2013 , is 4.7 years compared to 4.0 years at December 31, 2012 .

Life Insurance Segment

The weighted average effective duration of our portfolio of fixed maturity securities, at September 30, 2013 , is 4.8 years compared to 4.0 years at December 31, 2012 .

Investment Results
We invest the premiums received from our policyholders and annuitants in order to generate investment income, which is an important component of our revenues and profitability. The amount of investment income that we are able to generate is affected by many factors, some of which are beyond our control. Some of these factors are volatility in the financial markets, economic growth, inflation, interest rates, world political conditions, terrorist attacks or threats of terrorism, adverse events affecting other companies in our industry or the industries in which we invest and other unpredictable national or world events. Our net investment income decreased by 4.8 percent and by


41


4.4 percent in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 , compared with the same periods of 2012 . The decrease in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is primarily due to historically low yields that reduce our investment income and margin on earnings. We are maintaining our investment philosophy of purchasing investments rated investment grade or better.
Our net realized investment gains were $1.2 million and $7.3 million during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 , respectively, as compared with $1.3 million and $4.7 million in the same periods of 2012 . Net realized investment gains included other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") charges of $0.1 million and less than $0.1 million in the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 , respectively.
We continually monitor the difference between our cost basis and the estimated fair value of our investments. Our accounting policy for impairment recognition requires 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.
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 September 30, 2013 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 September 30, 2013 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 the receipt of premiums, annuity deposits, reinsurance recoveries, sales or maturities of investments, and investment income. Cash provided from these sources is used to fund the payment of losses and loss settlement expenses, policyholder benefits under life insurance contracts, annuity withdrawals, the purchase of investments, operating expenses, dividends, pension plan contributions, and in recent years, common stock repurchases.
We monitor our capital adequacy to support our business on a regular basis. The future capital requirements of our business will depend on many factors, including our ability to write new business successfully and to establish premium rates and reserves at levels sufficient to cover losses. Our ability to underwrite is largely dependent upon the quality of our claims paying and financial strength ratings as evaluated by independent rating agencies. In particular, we require (1) sufficient capital to maintain our financial strength ratings, as issued by various rating agencies, at a level considered necessary by management to enable our insurance company subsidiaries to compete and (2) sufficient capital to enable our insurance company subsidiaries to meet the capital adequacy tests performed by statutory agencies in the United States.
Cash outflows may be variable because of the uncertainty regarding settlement dates for losses. In addition, the timing and amount of individual catastrophe losses are inherently unpredictable and could increase our liquidity requirements. The timing and amount of reinsurance recoveries may be affected by reinsurer solvency and reinsurance coverage disputes.
Historically, we have generated substantial cash inflows from operations. It is our policy to invest the cash generated from operations in securities with maturities that, in the aggregate, correlate to the anticipated timing of payments for losses and loss settlement expenses and future policyholder benefits of the underlying insurance policies, and annuity withdrawals. The majority of our assets are invested in available-for-sale fixed maturity securities.


42


The following table displays a summary of cash sources and uses in 2013 and 2012 .
Cash Flow Summary
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands)
2013
2012
Cash provided by (used in)
Operating activities
$
118,027

$
125,346

Investing activities
(80,334
)
(115,919
)
Financing activities
(58,468
)
(71,388
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
$
(20,775
)
$
(61,961
)
Operating Activities
Net cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $118.0 million and $125.3 million for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 , respectively. The decrease reflects a higher level of property and casualty loss payments in the three-month period ended September 30, 2013 , which was partially offset by a higher level of property and casualty premiums collected.
Our cash flows from operations were sufficient to meet our liquidity needs for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 .
Investing Activities
Cash in excess of operating requirements is generally invested in fixed maturity securities and equity securities. Fixed maturities provide regular interest payments and allow us to match the duration of our liabilities. Equity securities provide dividend income, potential dividend income growth and potential appreciation. For further discussion of our investments, including our philosophy and our strategy for our portfolio, see the “Investment Portfolio” section 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, $1.2 billion , or 43.0 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 September 30, 2013 , our cash and cash equivalents included $26.7 million related to these money market accounts, compared to $45.6 million at December 31, 2012 .
Net cash flows used in investing activities totaled $80.3 million and $115.9 million for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 , respectively. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 , we had cash inflows from scheduled and unscheduled investment maturities, redemptions, prepayments, and sales of investments of $396.7 million, compared to $451.7 million for the same period of 2012.
Our cash outflows for investment purchases were $472.4 million for nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 , compared to $566.3 million for the same period of 2012. In 2013, we continued to purchase a higher level of fixed maturity securities, which are more profitable than other categories of investments when market interest rates are low.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows used in financing activities were $58.5 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 compared to net cash flows used in financing activities of $71.4 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012 . The increase was primarily due to net annuity withdrawals in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 , compared to net annuity deposits in the same period of 2012.




43


Credit Facilities
In December 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.
On June 4, 2013, United Fire & Casualty Company, United Fire Group, Inc. and the syndicated lenders entered into an Assignment, Joinder, Assumption, and Release Agreement (the "Joinder Agreement") transferring the obligations under the credit agreement from United Fire & Casualty Company to United Fire Group, Inc. Effective with the execution of the Joinder Agreement, United Fire & Casualty Company was released from any further obligations under the credit agreement. As of September 30, 2013 , there were no balances outstanding under this credit agreement. For further discussion of our credit agreement, refer to Part I, Item 1, Note 8 "Debt" to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
Dividends
Dividends paid to stockholders totaled $12.9 million and $11.5 million in the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 , respectively. Our practice has been to pay quarterly cash dividends, which we have paid every quarter since March 1968.
Payments of any future dividends and the amounts of such dividends, however, will depend upon factors such as net income, financial condition, capital requirements, and general business conditions. We will only pay dividends if declared by our Board of Directors, out of funds legally available, and subject to any other restrictions that may be applicable to us.
As a holding company with no independent operations of its own, United Fire Group, Inc. relies on dividends received from its insurance company subsidiaries in order to pay dividends to its common stockholders. Dividends payable by our insurance subsidiaries are governed by the laws in the states in which they are domiciled. In all cases, these state laws permit the payment of dividends only from earned surplus arising from business operations. Furthermore, under state law our insurance company subsidiaries may pay dividends only if after giving effect to the payment they are able to pay their debts as they become due in the normal course of business or their total assets would be equal to or greater than the sum of their total liabilities. Based on these restrictions, at September 30, 2013 , our insurance company subsidiaries are able to make a maximum of $37.8 million in dividend payments without prior regulatory approval. These restrictions will not have a material impact in meeting our cash obligations. In addition, United Fire Group, Inc. maintains the above mentioned credit agreement, which permits us to borrow up to an aggregate principal amount of $125.0 million.
Stockholders' Equity
Stockholders' equity increased 2.1 percent to $744.2 million at September 30, 2013 , from $729.2 million at December 31, 2012 . The increase was primarily attributable to net income of $49.6 million offset by a decrease in net unrealized investment gains of $28.5 million , net of tax, during the first nine months of 2013, and by stockholder dividends of $12.9 million . At September 30, 2013 , the book value per share of our common stock was $29.30 compared to $28.90 at December 31, 2012 .
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Pursuant to an agreement with one of our limited liability partnership investments, we are contractually committed through December 31, 2017 to make capital contributions upon request of the partnership. Our remaining potential contractual obligation was $2.0 million at September 30, 2013 .







44


MEASUREMENT OF RESULTS
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared on the basis of GAAP. We also prepare financial statements for each of our insurance company subsidiaries based on statutory accounting principles and file them with insurance regulatory authorities in the states where they do business.
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 section provides further explanation of the key measures management uses to evaluate our results.

Catastrophe losses is a commonly used non-GAAP financial measure that uses 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 our periodic earnings.
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands)
2013
2012
2013
2012
ISO catastrophes
$
6,179

$
7,204

$
24,672

$
33,148

Non-ISO catastrophes (1)
2,275

1,289

2,514

1,398

Total catastrophes
$
8,454

$
8,493

$
27,186

$
34,546

(1) This number includes international assumed losses.


45


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 September 30, 2013 , we did not have direct exposure to investments in sub-prime mortgages or other credit-enhancement exposures.

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

There have been no material changes in our market risk or market risk factors from what we reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 .

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.



46


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We consider all our litigation pending as of September 30, 2013 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 "Risk Factors" in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 4, 2013 , 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, general economic and market conditions, and corporate and regulatory requirements.

We are authorized to purchase 1,126,143 shares of common stock at September 30, 2013 . Our share 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 September 30, 2013 .
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
7/1/2013 - 7/31/2013

$


1,126,143

8/1/2013 - 8/31/2013



1,126,143

9/1/2013 - 9/30/2013



1,126,143


ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.


47


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 September 30, 2013 formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2013 (unaudited) and December 31, 2012; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012; (iii) Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012; and (v) Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as a block of text

X



48


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
November 5, 2013
November 5, 2013
(Date)
(Date)



49
TABLE OF CONTENTS