Unassociated Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended:  June 30, 2011
or

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                                                                          to                                 
 
Commission File Number:  001-33067

SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

New Jersey
 
22-2168890
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
40 Wantage Avenue
   
Branchville, New Jersey
 
07890
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)

 
(973) 948-3000
 
 
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
 

   
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

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

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

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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
    Large accelerated filer x
 
 Accelerated filer ¨
    Non-accelerated filer   ¨
 
 Smaller reporting company ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ¨              No x
As of June 30, 2011, there were 54,164,792 shares of common stock, par value $2.00 per share, outstanding.

 
 

 

SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
Table of Contents
   
Page
No.
PART I.     
 
     
Item 1.
 
     
 
1
     
 
2
     
 
3
     
 
4
     
 
5
     
Item 2.
 
     
 
24
     
 
24
     
 
24
     
 
25
     
 
27
     
 
49
     
 
49
     
 
51
     
 
52
     
 
52
     
 
52
     
Item 3.
52
     
Item 4.
52
     
PART II.      
     
Item 1.
53
     
Item 1A.
53
     
Item 2.
54
     
Item 6.
55
 
 
 

 
 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
 
Unaudited
       
 
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
($ in thousands, except share amounts)
 
2011
   
2010
 
ASSETS
           
Investments:
           
Fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity – at carrying value (fair value: $1,120,977 – 2011; $1,256,294 – 2010)
  $ 1,070,578       1,214,324  
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale – at fair value (amortized cost: $2,442,579 – 2011; $2,285,988 – 2010)
    2,525,237       2,342,742  
Equity securities, available-for-sale – at fair value (cost of: $128,187 – 2011; $58,039 – 2010)
    136,577       69,636  
Short-term investments (at cost which approximates fair value)
    142,809       161,155  
Other investments
    132,137       137,865  
Total investments
    4,007,338       3,925,722  
Cash
    185       645  
Interest and dividends due or accrued
    36,596       37,007  
Premiums receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of: $4,054 – 2011; $4,691 – 2010
    467,122       414,105  
Reinsurance recoverables, net
    338,122       318,752  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    115,943       110,327  
Current federal income tax
    7,304       11,200  
Deferred federal income tax
    87,899       93,234  
Property and equipment – at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of: $156,209 – 2011; $151,704 – 2010
    39,998       41,775  
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    216,185       209,627  
Goodwill
    7,849       7,849  
Other assets
    45,107       61,529  
Total assets
  $ 5,369,648       5,231,772  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Liabilities:
               
Reserve for losses and loss expenses
  $ 2,898,592       2,830,058  
Unearned premiums
    858,627       823,596  
Notes payable
    262,346       262,333  
Accrued salaries and benefits
    100,378       100,933  
Other liabilities
    148,671       143,743  
Total liabilities
  $ 4,268,614       4,160,663  
                 
Stockholders’ Equity:
               
Preferred stock of $0 par value per share: Authorized shares: 5,000,000; no shares issued or outstanding
  $ -       -  
Common stock of $2 par value per share Authorized shares: 360,000,000 Issued: 96,987,900 – 2011; 96,362,667 – 2010
    193,976       192,725  
Additional paid-in capital
    252,189       244,613  
Retained earnings
    1,185,659       1,176,155  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    21,144       7,024  
Treasury stock – at cost (shares: 42,823,108 – 2011; 42,686,204 – 2010)
    (551,934 )     (549,408 )
Total stockholders’ equity
    1,101,034       1,071,109  
Commitments and contingencies
               
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 5,369,648       5,231,772  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

 
1

 
   
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
 
 
Quarter ended
   
Six Months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Revenues:
                       
Net premiums earned
  $ 355,580       352,190       706,923       708,392  
Net investment income earned
    39,345       36,545       82,818       71,251  
Net realized gains (losses):
                               
Net realized investment gains
    2,315       2,920       8,705       11,096  
Other-than-temporary impairments
    163       (6,162 )     (369 )     (12,235 )
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities recognized in other comprehensive income
    (332 )     (22 )     (430 )     (2,189 )
Total net realized gains (losses)
    2,146       (3,264 )     7,906       (3,328 )
Other income
    2,499       2,247       5,379       4,515  
Total revenues
    399,570       387,718       803,026       780,830  
                                 
Expenses:
                               
Losses and loss expenses incurred
    274,555       239,980       523,761       494,123  
Policy acquisition costs
    113,843       116,099       227,273       232,101  
Interest expense
    4,559       4,655       9,116       9,497  
Other expenses
    5,392       4,136       13,883       14,614  
Total expenses
    398,349       364,870       774,033       750,335  
                                 
Income from continuing operations, before federal income tax
    1,221       22,848       28,993       30,495  
                                 
Federal income tax (benefit) expense:
                               
Current
    3,111       1,322       7,387       10,166  
Deferred
    (4,215 )     1,435       (2,268 )     (6,355 )
Total federal income tax (benefit) expense
    (1,104 )     2,757       5,119       3,811  
                                 
Net income from continuing operations
    2,325       20,091       23,874       26,684  
                                 
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax of $(713) for Second Quarter 2010 and $(1,139) for Six Months 2010
    -       (1,325 )     -       (2,115 )
                                 
Net income
  $ 2,325       18,766       23,874       24,569  
                                 
Earnings per share:
                               
Basic net income from continuing operations
  $ 0.04       0.37       0.44       0.50  
Basic net loss from disposal of discontinued operations
    -       (0.02 )     -       (0.04 )
Basic net income
  $ 0.04       0.35       0.44       0.46  
                                 
Diluted net income from continuing operations
  $ 0.04       0.37       0.43       0.49  
Diluted net loss from disposal of discontinued operations
    -       (0.02 )     -       (0.04 )
Diluted net income
  $ 0.04       0.35       0.43       0.45  
                                 
Dividends to stockholders
  $ 0.13       0.13       0.26       0.26  

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

 
2

 
   
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
 
 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
   
Six Months ended June 30,
 
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2011
   
2010
 
Common stock:
                       
Beginning of year
  $ 192,725             191,646        
Dividend reinvestment plan (shares:  47,488 – 2011; 53,272 – 2010)
    95             107        
Stock purchase and compensation plans (shares:  577,745 – 2011; 218,525 – 2010)
    1,156             437        
End of period
    193,976             192,190        
                             
Additional paid-in capital:
                           
Beginning of year
    244,613             231,933        
Dividend reinvestment plan
    716             733        
Stock purchase and compensation plans
    6,860             6,675        
End of period
    252,189             239,341        
                             
Retained earnings:
                           
Beginning of year
    1,176,155             1,138,978        
Net income
    23,874       23,874       24,569       24,569  
Dividends to stockholders ($0.26 per share – 2011 and 2010)
    (14,370 )             (14,160 )        
End of period
    1,185,659               1,149,387          
                                 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Beginning of year
    7,024               (12,460 )        
Other comprehensive income, increase in:
                               
Unrealized gains on investment securities:
                               
Non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income, net of deferred income tax
    389               3,830          
Other net unrealized gains on investment securities, net of deferred income tax
    12,246               25,044          
Total unrealized gains on investment securities
    12,635       12,635       28,874       28,874  
Defined benefit pension plans, net of deferred income tax
    1,485       1,485       1,412       1,412  
End of period
    21,144               17,826          
Comprehensive income
            37,994               54,855  
                                 
Treasury stock:
                               
Beginning of year
    (549,408 )             (547,722 )        
Acquisition of treasury stock (shares:  136,904 – 2011; 97,816 – 2010)
    (2,526 )             (1,518 )        
End of period
    (551,934 )             (549,240 )        
Total stockholders’ equity
  $ 1,101,034               1,049,504          

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

 
3

 
   
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
 
 
Six Months ended
 
   
June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
Operating Activities
           
Net income
  $ 23,874       24,569  
                 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    16,261       14,805  
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations
    -       2,115  
Stock-based compensation expense
    5,286       5,762  
Undistributed income of equity method investments
    (726 )     (4,841 )
Net realized (gains) losses
    (7,906 )     3,328  
                 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Increase in reserves for losses and loss expenses, net of reinsurance recoverables
    49,164       48,870  
Increase in unearned premiums, net of prepaid reinsurance and advance premiums
    30,183       13,252  
Decrease (increase) in net federal income tax recoverable
    1,628       (9,380 )
Increase in premiums receivable
    (53,017 )     (22,519 )
(Increase) decrease in deferred policy acquisition costs
    (6,558 )     401  
Decrease (increase) in interest and dividends due or accrued
    514       (206 )
Decrease in accrued salaries and benefits
    (555 )     (80 )
Decrease in accrued insurance expenses
    (7,045 )     (10,003 )
Other-net
    8,694       (7,862 )
Net adjustments
    35,923       33,642  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    59,797       58,211  
                 
Investing Activities
               
Purchase of fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale
    (252,529 )     (396,076 )
Purchase of equity securities, available-for-sale
    (123,141 )     (30,974 )
Purchase of other investments
    (7,715 )     (11,150 )
Purchase of short-term investments
    (694,764 )     (956,904 )
Sale of subsidiary
    670       788  
Sale of fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale
    64,104       128,110  
Sale of short-term investments
    713,111       826,853  
Redemption and maturities of fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity
    99,560       171,900  
Redemption and maturities of fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale
    66,805       165,513  
Sale of equity securities, available-for-sale
    59,663       56,247  
Distributions from other investments
    14,046       15,152  
Sale of other investments
    16,357       -  
Purchase of property and equipment
    (2,843 )     (2,570 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (46,676 )     (33,111 )
                 
Financing Activities
               
Dividends to stockholders
    (13,225 )     (12,999 )
Acquisition of treasury stock
    (2,526 )     (1,518 )
Principal payment of notes payable
    -       (12,300 )
Net proceeds from stock purchase and compensation plans
    2,355       2,310  
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
    (185 )     (813 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (13,581 )     (25,320 )
Net decrease in cash
    (460 )     (220 )
Cash, beginning of year
    645       811  
Cash, end of period
  $ 185       591  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

 
4

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1.
Organization
Selective Insurance Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, (collectively referred to as “we,” “us,” or “our”) offers property and casualty insurance products.  Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (referred to as the “Parent”) was incorporated in New Jersey in 1977 and its main offices are located in Branchville, New Jersey.  The Parent’s common stock is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SIGI.”

We classify our business into two operating segments:
 
·
Insurance Operations, which sells property and casualty insurance products and services primarily in 22 states in the Eastern and Midwestern U.S.; and
 
·
Investments.

NOTE 2.
Basis of Presentation
These interim unaudited consolidated financial statements (“Financial Statements”) include the accounts of the Parent and its subsidiaries, and have been prepared in conformity with:  (i) U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”); and (ii) the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting.  The preparation of the Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported financial statement balances, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions between the Parent and its subsidiaries are eliminated in consolidation.

These Financial Statements reflect all adjustments that, in our opinion, are normal, recurring, and necessary for a fair presentation of our results of operations and financial condition.  The Financial Statements cover the second quarters ended June 30, 2011 (“Second Quarter 2011”) and June 30, 2010 (“Second Quarter 2010”) and the six-month periods ended June 30, 2011 (“Six Months 2011”) and June 30, 2010 (“Six Months 2010”).  The Financial Statements do not include all of the information and disclosures required by GAAP and the SEC for audited financial statements.  Results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.  Consequently, the Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (“2010 Annual Report”).
 
NOTE 3.
Reclassification
Certain prior year amounts in these Financial Statements and related footnotes have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.  Such reclassifications had no effect on our net income, stockholders’ equity, or cash flows.

NOTE 4.
Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements.  This guidance requires:  (i) separate disclosure of significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and reasons for the transfers; (ii) disclosure, on a gross basis, of purchases, sales, issuances, and net settlements within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy; (iii) disclosures by class of assets and liabilities; and (iv) a description of the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements.  This guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the Level 3 disclosure requirements, which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 and interim periods within those fiscal years.  We have included the disclosures required by this guidance in our notes to the consolidated financial statements, where appropriate.

 
5

 

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-28 Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts.  This guidance modifies Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test, which assesses whether the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts.  It requires that an entity perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which determines if goodwill has been impaired and measures the amount of impairment, if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists.  In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider the qualitative factors within existing guidance that would require goodwill of a reporting unit to be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.  This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2010.  The adoption of this guidance did not impact our financial condition or results of operations.
 
In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-29 Business Combinations (Topic 805): Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations.  This guidance relates to disclosure of pro forma information for business combinations that have occurred in the current reporting period.  It requires that an entity presenting comparative financial statements include revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the combination had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual period only.  This guidance is effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010.  The adoption of this guidance did not impact our financial condition or results of operations.

Pronouncements to be effective in the future
In October 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-26, Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts (“ASU 2010-26”).  This guidance requires that only costs that are incremental or directly related to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts are to be capitalized as a deferred acquisition cost.  This would include, among other items, sales commissions paid to agents, premium taxes, and the portion of employee salaries and benefits directly related to time spent on acquired contracts.  This guidance is effective, either with a prospective or retrospective application, for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted.  Although we continue to evaluate the impact of this guidance, we anticipate that ASU 2010-26 would have an after-tax impact on our stockholders’ equity of approximately $55 million, or about $1 of book value per share.  The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations on either a historical or prospective basis.
 
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU 2011-04”), which changes the wording used to describe the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and disclosing information about fair value measurements to improve consistency in the application and description of fair value between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards.  ASU 2011-04 clarifies how the concepts of highest and best use and valuation premise in a fair value measurement are relevant only when measuring the fair value of nonfinancial assets, and are not relevant when measuring the fair value of financial assets or  liabilities.  In addition, ASU 2011-04 expands the disclosures for unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements, requiring quantitative information to be disclosed related to:  (i) the valuation processes used; (ii) the sensitivity of the fair value measurement to changes in unobservable inputs and the interrelationships between those unobservable inputs; and (iii) use of a nonfinancial asset in a way that differs from the asset’s highest and best use.  ASU 2011-04 is effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or current disclosures.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220):  Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”).  ASU 2011-05 requires that all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  ASU 2011-05 also requires financial statement presentation of reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income.  This guidance, which only changes financial statement presentation, is effective, on a retrospective basis, for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.

 
6

 

NOTE 5.
Statements of Cash Flow
Cash paid during the period for interest and federal income taxes was as follows:
 
   
Six Months ended June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
Cash paid during the period for:
           
Interest
  $ 9,103       9,649  
Federal income tax
    3,673       14,000  

NOTE 6.
Investments
(a) The following table provides information related to our held-to-maturity (“HTM”) securities:
 
June 30, 2011
       
Net
                         
         
Unrealized
         
Unrecognized
   
Unrecognized
       
   
Amortized
   
Gains
   
Carrying
   
Holding
   
Holding
   
Fair
 
($ in thousands)
 
Cost
   
(Losses)
   
Value
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
U.S. government and government agencies
  $ 86,479       4,280       90,759       6,336       -       97,095  
Foreign government
    5,292       330       5,622       -       (167 )     5,455  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    779,013       17,284       796,297       25,828       (594 )     821,531  
Corporate securities
    72,739       (3,023 )     69,716       8,027       (8 )     77,735  
Asset-backed securities (“ABS”)
    10,238       (2,255 )     7,983       1,803       (510 )     9,276  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”)1
    42,784       (6,181 )     36,603       7,470       (218 )     43,855  
Residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”)2
    62,769       829       63,598       2,432       -       66,030  
Total HTM fixed maturity securities
  $ 1,059,314       11,264       1,070,578       51,896       (1,497 )     1,120,977  
 
December 31, 2010
       
Net
                         
         
Unrealized
         
Unrecognized
   
Unrecognized
       
   
Amortized
   
Gains
   
Carrying
   
Holding
   
Holding
   
Fair
 
($ in thousands)
 
Cost
   
(Losses)
   
Value
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
U.S. government and government agencies
  $ 93,411       4,695       98,106       5,023       -       103,129  
Foreign government
    5,292       368       5,660       -       (30 )     5,630  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    874,388       22,183       896,571       16,845       (1,132 )     912,284  
Corporate securities
    76,663       (3,990 )     72,673       9,705       (313 )     82,065  
ABS
    12,947       (2,422 )     10,525       1,847       (444 )     11,928  
CMBS1
    54,909       (7,354 )     47,555       7,483       (109 )     54,929  
RMBS2
    82,191       1,043       83,234       3,095       -       86,329  
Total HTM fixed maturity securities
  $ 1,199,801       14,523       1,214,324       43,998       (2,028 )     1,256,294  

1 CMBS includes government guaranteed agency securities with a carrying value of $5.0 million at June 30, 2011 and $8.9 million at December 31, 2010.
2 RMBS includes government guaranteed agency securities with a carrying value of $6.9 million at June 30, 2011 and $4.0 million at December 31, 2010.

Unrecognized holding gains/losses of HTM securities are not reflected in the consolidated Financial Statements, as they represent fair value fluctuations from the later of:  (i) the date a security is designated as HTM; or (ii) the date that an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) charge is recognized on an HTM security, through the date of the balance sheet.  Our HTM securities had an average duration of 3.2 years as of June 30, 2011 and 3.4 years as of December 31, 2010.

 
7

 

(b) The following table provides information related to our available-for-sale (“AFS”) securities:
 
June 30, 2011
                       
   
Cost/
                   
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
($ in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
U.S. government and government agencies1
  $ 288,760       8,223       (52 )     296,931  
Foreign government
    29,768       477       (145 )     30,100  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    512,957       29,665       (6 )     542,616  
Corporate securities
    1,047,110       35,518       (4,125 )     1,078,503  
ABS
    77,573       760       (128 )     78,205  
CMBS2
    105,706       4,599       (1,181 )     109,124  
RMBS3
    380,705       10,565       (1,512 )     389,758  
AFS fixed maturity securities
    2,442,579       89,807       (7,149 )     2,525,237  
AFS equity securities
    128,187       10,053       (1,663 )     136,577  
Total AFS securities
  $ 2,570,766       99,860       (8,812 )     2,661,814  
 
December 31, 2010
                       
   
Cost/
                   
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
($ in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
U.S. government and government agencies1
  $ 312,384       8,292       (147 )     320,529  
Foreign government
    19,035       280       (349 )     18,966  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    512,013       22,534       (650 )     533,897  
Corporate securities
    973,835       28,674       (8,784 )     993,725  
ABS
    48,558       514       (339 )     48,733  
CMBS2
    103,374       4,024       (2,923 )     104,475  
RMBS3
    316,789       7,871       (2,243 )     322,417  
AFS fixed maturity securities
    2,285,988       72,189       (15,435 )     2,342,742  
AFS equity securities
    58,039       11,597       -       69,636  
Total AFS securities
  $ 2,344,027       83,786       (15,435 )     2,412,378  

1 U.S. government includes corporate securities fully guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) with a fair value of $98.9 million at June 30, 2011 and $121.0 million at December 31, 2010.
2 CMBS includes government guaranteed agency securities with a fair value of $72.3 million at June 30, 2011 and $71.9 million at December 31, 2010.
3 RMBS includes government guaranteed agency securities with a fair value of $94.7 million at June 30, 2011 and $91.1 million at December 31, 2010.

Unrealized gains/losses of AFS securities represent fair value fluctuations from the later of:  (i) the date a security is designated as AFS; or (ii) the date that an OTTI charge is recognized on an AFS security, through the date of the balance sheet.  These unrealized gains and losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
During Six Months 2011, 18 securities, with a carrying value of $46.6 million in a net unrecognized gain position of $1.2 million, were reclassified from the HTM category to AFS due to recent credit rating downgrades by either Moody’s Investors Service, Standard and Poor’s Financial Services, or Fitch Ratings.  These unexpected rating downgrades raised significant concerns about the issuers’ credit worthiness, which changed our intention to hold these securities to maturity.
 
 
8

 

(c) The following tables summarize, for all securities in a net unrealized/unrecognized loss position at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the fair value and gross pre-tax net unrealized/unrecognized loss by asset class and by length of time those securities have been in a net loss position:

June 30, 2011
 
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
 
($ in thousands)
 
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses1
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses1
 
AFS securities
                       
U.S. government and government agencies2
  $ 4,051       (52 )     -       -  
Foreign government
    15,355       (145 )     -       -  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    -       -       305       (6 )
Corporate securities
    254,600       (4,125 )     -       -  
ABS
    25,317       (56 )     765       (72 )
CMBS
    8,064       (33 )     10,362       (1,148 )
RMBS
    68,028       (888 )     7,201       (624 )
Total fixed maturity securities
    375,415       (5,299 )     18,633       (1,850 )
Equity securities
    51,650       (1,663 )     -       -  
Subtotal
  $ 427,065       (6,962 )     18,633       (1,850 )
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
 
($ in thousands)
 
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses1
   
Unrecognized
Gains (Losses)3
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses1
   
Unrecognized
Gains3
 
HTM securities
                                   
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
  $ 13,127       (549 )     476       23,379       (1,630 )     1,312  
ABS
    -       -       -       3,364       (1,635 )     340  
CMBS
    -       -       -       6,438       (3,554 )     1,137  
RMBS
    -       -       -       112       (38 )     18  
Subtotal
  $ 13,127       (549 )     476       33,293       (6,857 )     2,807  
                                                 
Total AFS and HTM
  $ 440,192       (7,511 )     476       51,926       (8,707 )     2,807  
 
December 31, 2010
 
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
 
($ in thousands)
 
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses1
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses1
 
AFS securities
                       
U.S. government and government agencies2
  $ 3,956       (147 )     -       -  
Foreign government
    10,776       (349 )     -       -  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    40,410       (650 )     -       -  
Corporate securities
    362,502       (8,784 )     -       -  
ABS
    30,297       (273 )     880       (66 )
CMBS
    5,453       (271 )     11,115       (2,652 )
RMBS
    70,934       (1,098 )     20,910       (1,145 )
Total fixed maturity securities
    524,328       (11,572 )     32,905       (3,863 )
Equity securities
    -       -       -       -  
Subtotal
  $ 524,328       (11,572 )     32,905       (3,863 )
 
 
9

 

   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
 
($ in thousands)
 
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
(Losses) Gains1
   
Unrecognized
Gains (Losses)3
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses1
   
Unrecognized
Gains3
 
HTM securities
                                   
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
  $ 21,036       (381 )     45       27,855       (1,969 )     670  
Corporate securities
    1,985       (434 )     420       -       -       -  
ABS
    507       (546 )     (440 )     2,931       (1,095 )     747  
CMBS
    3,621       15       (17 )     5,745       (3,933 )     833  
RMBS
    -       -       -       95       (38 )     1  
   Subtotal
  $ 27,149       (1,346 )     8       36,626       (7,035 )     2,251  
                                                 
      Total AFS and HTM
  $ 551,477       (12,918 )     8       69,531       (10,898 )     2,251  

1
Gross unrealized losses include non-OTTI unrealized amounts and OTTI losses recognized in AOCI.  In addition, this column includes remaining unrealized gain or loss amounts on securities that were transferred to an HTM designation in the first quarter of 2009 for those  securities that are in a net unrealized/unrecognized loss position.
2
U.S. government includes corporate securities fully guaranteed by the FDIC.
3
Unrecognized holding gains/(losses) represent fair value fluctuations from the later of:  (i) the date a security is designated as HTM; or (ii) the date that an OTTI charge is recognized on an HTM security.

The number of securities in an unrealized/unrecognized loss position increased from 199 at December 31, 2010 to 225 at June 30, 2011, with an associated fair value of $621.0 million and $492.1 million, respectively.  Despite the increase in the number of securities, the corresponding unrealized/unrecognized position in total declined by $8.6 million, reflecting smaller loss positions.  This is further illustrated in the following table wherein the number of issues in the 80% – 99% market/book category increased since December 31, 2010 while the overall loss position decreased during the same period:

($ in thousands)
 
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
Number
of Issues
 
% of
Market/Book
   
Unrealized
Unrecognized
Loss
   
Number of
Issues
   
% of
Market/Book
   
Unrealized
Unrecognized
Loss
 
221
    80% - 99 %   $ 9,331       193       80% - 99 %   $ 16,310  
1
    60% - 79 %     23       2       60% - 79 %     1,125  
2
    40% - 59 %     2,529       2       40% - 59 %     2,160  
1
    20% - 39 %     1,052       1       20% - 39 %     986  
-
    0% - 19 %     -       1       0% - 19 %     976  
            $ 12,935                     $ 21,557  
 
We have reviewed the securities in the tables above in accordance with our OTTI policy, as described in Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2010 Annual Report.  At June 30, 2011, unrealized/unrecognized losses on securities that were in a loss position for 12 months or longer amounted to $5.9 million.  Each of these securities are current with their interest and principal payments in 2011 other than one security discussed below.  The unrealized/unrecognized losses were primarily driven by $3.6 million in our CMBS portfolio, including $3.1 million of unrealized/unrecognized losses on three securities that had been previously impaired, one of which has experienced a shortfall in interest payments in 2011.  The unrealized/unrecognized balance on this security was $0.5 million at June 30, 2011.  The current discounted cash flow analyses on these three securities did not indicate further impairment for Second Quarter 2011.  For further discussion regarding the credit quality of our investment portfolio, see the “Investments” section of Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” of this Form 10-Q.
 
We do not have the intent to sell any securities in an unrealized/unrecognized loss position nor do we believe we will be required to sell these securities, and therefore we have concluded that they are temporarily impaired as of June 30, 2011.  This conclusion reflects our current judgment as to the financial position and future prospects of the entity that issued the investment security and underlying collateral.  If our judgment about an individual security changes in the future, we may ultimately record a credit loss after having originally concluded that one did not exist, which could have a material impact on our net income and financial position in future periods.

 
10

 

(d) Fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2011, by contractual maturity, are shown below.  Mortgage-backed securities are included in the maturity tables using the estimated average life of each security.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
Listed below are HTM fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2011:
 
($ in thousands)
 
Carrying Value
   
Fair Value
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 115,247       117,326  
Due after one year through five years
    648,116       676,796  
Due after five years through 10 years
    294,010       312,695  
Due after 10 years
    13,205       14,160  
Total HTM fixed maturity securities
  $ 1,070,578       1,120,977  

Listed below are AFS fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2011:
 
($ in thousands)
 
Fair Value
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 191,624  
Due after one year through five years
    1,646,663  
Due after five years through 10 years
    681,048  
Due after 10 years
    5,902  
Total AFS fixed maturity securities
  $ 2,525,237  
 
(e) The following table outlines a summary of our other investment portfolio by strategy and the remaining commitment amount associated with each strategy:
 
Other Investments
 
Carrying Value
   
June 30, 2011
 
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
   
Remaining
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Commitment
 
Alternative Investments
                 
Energy/power generation
  $ 29,862       35,560       10,296  
Secondary private equity
    27,601       26,709       12,334  
Distressed debt
    19,868       20,432       3,389  
Private equity
    18,786       21,601       7,966  
Real estate
    15,642       14,192       10,670  
Mezzanine financing
    10,126       10,230       15,865  
Venture capital
    7,666       6,386       1,100  
Total alternative investments
    129,551       135,110       61,620  
Other securities
    2,586       2,755       -  
Total other investments
  $ 132,137       137,865       61,620  
 
The carrying value of our other investments decreased $5.7 million compared to year end 2010.  The carrying value was primarily impacted by distributions of $32.8 million, partially offset by income of $19.6 million and additional contributions of $7.7 million under our existing commitments.
 
For a description of our seven alternative investment strategies outlined above, as well as redemption, restrictions, and fund liquidations, refer to Note 5. “Investments” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2010 Annual Report.

 
11

 

The following table sets forth aggregated summarized financial information for the partnerships in our alternative investment portfolio.  The last line of the table below reflects our share of the aggregate income, which is the portion included in our consolidated Financial Statements.  As the majority of these investments report results to us on a quarter lag, the summarized financial statement information for the three and six-month periods ended March 31 is as follows:

Income Statement Information
 
Quarter ended,
   
Six Months ended
 
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
($ in millions)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Net investment income
  $ 132.6       125.6       286.8       274.4  
Realized gains (losses)
    355.3       (396.9 )     163.0       (486.7 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation
    608.3       810.3       2,072.5       1,248.8  
Net income
  $ 1,096.2       539.0       2,522.3       1,036.5  
                                 
Selective’s insurance subsidiaries’ net income 
  $ 7.9       4.9       19.5       8.8  

(f) At June 30, 2011, we had one fixed maturity security, with a carrying value of $15.7 million, pledged as collateral for our outstanding borrowing with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”).  This borrowing, which has an outstanding principal balance of $13.0 million, is included in “Notes payable” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  In accordance with the terms of our agreement with the FHLBI, we retain all rights regarding this security, which is included in the “U.S. government and government agencies” classification of our AFS fixed maturity securities portfolio.

(g) The components of net investment income earned were as follows:
 
   
Quarter ended
   
Six Months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Fixed maturity securities
  $ 32,752       32,977       65,875       66,173  
Equity securities
    785       480       1,102       932  
Short-term investments
    33       133       95       233  
Other investments
    7,922       4,884       19,588       8,816  
Investment expenses
    (2,147 )     (1,929 )     (3,842 )     (4,903 )
Net investment income earned
  $ 39,345       36,545       82,818       71,251  

Net investment income, before tax, increased by $2.8 million for Second Quarter 2011 compared to Second Quarter 2010, and increased by $11.6 million for Six Months 2011 compared to Six Months 2010.  These increases were primarily driven by income from our alternative investments.  Our alternative investments, which are accounted for under the equity method, primarily consist of investments in limited partnerships, the majority of which report results to us on a one quarter lag.  The following table illustrates income by strategy for these partnerships:
 
   
Quarter ended June 30,
   
Six Months ended June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Energy/power generation
  $ 1,284       965       5,839       3,031  
Private equity
    1,181       99       3,758       807  
Secondary private equity
    3,067       2,665       4,716       3,684  
Distressed debt
    421       (41 )     1,394       723  
Real estate
    681       (494 )     1,450       (2,359 )
Venture capital
    565       (18 )     1,323       248  
Mezzanine financing
    701       1,692       1,061       2,629  
Other
    22       16       47       53  
Total other investment income
  $ 7,922       4,884       19,588       8,816  

 
12

 
 
(h) The following tables summarize OTTI by asset type for the periods indicated:
 
Second Quarter 2011
       
Included in Other
       
         
Comprehensive
   
Recognized in
 
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
   
Income (“OCI”)
   
Earnings
 
Fixed maturity securities
                 
CMBS
  $ (260 )     (402 )     142  
RMBS
    97       70       27  
OTTI losses
  $ (163 )     (332 )     169  
 
Second Quarter 2010
             
Recognized in
 
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
   
Included in OCI
   
Earnings
 
Fixed maturity securities
                 
CMBS
  $ 3,405       569       2,836  
RMBS
    2,085       (591 )     2,676  
Total fixed maturity securities
    5,490       (22 )     5,512  
Equity securities
    672       -       672  
OTTI losses
  $ 6,162       (22 )     6,184  

Six Months 2011
             
Recognized in
 
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
   
Included in OCI
   
Earnings
 
Fixed maturity securities
                 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
  $ 17       -       17  
Corporate securities
    244       -       244  
CMBS
    (186 )     (658 )     472  
RMBS
    294       228       66  
OTTI losses
  $ 369       (430 )     799  
 
Six Months 2010
             
Recognized in
 
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
   
Included in OCI
   
Earnings
 
Fixed maturity securities
                 
ABS
  $ 158       127       31  
CMBS
    3,445       (2,052 )     5,497  
RMBS
    7,960       (264 )     8,224  
Total fixed maturity securities
    11,563       (2,189 )     13,752  
Equity securities
    672       -       672  
OTTI losses
  $ 12,235       (2,189 )     14,424  

OTTI charges recognized in earnings were immaterial at $0.2 million in Second Quarter 2011 and $0.8 million in Six Months 2011.
 
The following is a discussion surrounding the credit-related OTTI charges taken in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010 as outlined in the table above:
 
·
$2.7 million and $8.2 million of RMBS credit OTTI charges in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, respectively.  The Second Quarter 2010 charges related to declines in the related cash flows of the collateral support.  Based on our analysis, we did not believe it is probable that we would receive all contractual cash flows for these securities.  In addition to the Second Quarter 2010 charges, losses in Six Months 2010 were largely driven by impairments on two securities in the first quarter of 2010 that we intended to sell.  We sold these securities in Second Quarter 2010.
 
·
$2.8 million and $5.5 million of CMBS credit OTTI charges in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, respectively.  These charges were related to reductions in the related cash flows of the underlying collateral of these securities.  These charges were associated with securities that had been previously impaired but, over time, have shown little, if any, improvement in valuations, poor net operating income performance of the underlying properties, and, in some cases, an increase in over 60-day delinquency rates.  For Second Quarter 2010, these securities had, on average, unrealized/unrecognized loss positions of approximately 87% of their amortized cost.  Based on our analysis, we did not believe it is probable that we would receive all contractual cash flows for these securities.

 
13

 

 
·
$0.7 million of equity OTTI charges in both Second Quarter and Six Months 2010.  These charges were driven primarily by one health care company which, due to a recent recall of one of its products, had experienced a significant decline in its share price.  This coupled with the length of time this security had been in an unrealized loss position made a recovery to our cost basis unlikely in the near term.
 
The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, gross credit loss impairments on fixed maturity securities for which a portion of the OTTI charge was recognized in OCI, and the corresponding changes in such amounts:
 
 
 
Quarter ended June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 14,368       24,737  
Addition for the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was not previously recognized
    -       2,004  
Reductions for securities sold during the period
    -       (2,990 )
Reductions for securities for which the amount previously recognized in OCI was recognized in earnings because of intention or potential requirement to sell before recovery of amortized cost
    -       -  
Reductions for securities for which the entire amount previously recognized in OCI was recognized in earnings due to a decrease in cash flows expected
    (372 )     (4,358 )
Additional increases to the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was previously recognized
    28       950  
Accretion of credit loss impairments previously recognized due to an increase in cash flows expected to be collected
    -       -  
Balance, end of period
  $ 14,024       20,343  
 
   
Six Months ended June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 17,723       22,189  
Addition for the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was not previously recognized
    -       2,134  
Reductions for securities sold during the period
    -       (2,990 )
Reductions for securities for which the amount previously recognized in OCI was recognized in earnings because of intention or potential requirement to sell before recovery of amortized cost
    -       -  
Reductions for securities for which the entire amount previously recognized in OCI was recognized in earnings due to a decrease in cash flows expected
    (3,954 )     (4,652 )
Additional increases to the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was previously recognized
    255       3,662  
Accretion of credit loss impairments previously recognized due to an increase in cash flows expected to be collected
    -       -  
Balance, end of period
  $ 14,024       20,343  
 
(i) The components of net realized gains, excluding OTTI charges, were as follows:
 
   
Quarter ended
   
Six Months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
HTM fixed maturity securities
                       
Gains
  $ 8       368       9       412  
Losses
    (108 )     (210 )     (322 )     (450 )
AFS fixed maturity securities
                               
Gains
    1,947       325       2,354       4,782  
Losses
    -       (7,558 )     (7 )     (7,589 )
AFS equity securities
                               
Gains
    468       9,995       6,671       14,174  
Losses
    -       -       -       (233 )
Total other net realized investment gains
    2,315       2,920       8,705       11,096  
Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings
    (169 )     (6,184 )     (799 )     (14,424 )
Total net realized gains (losses)
  $ 2,146       (3,264 )     7,906       (3,328 )

Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the cost of the specific investments sold.  Proceeds from the sale of AFS securities were $52.1 million in Second Quarter 2011 and $123.8 million in Six Months 2011.  In addition to calls and maturities and certain bond sales, Six Months 2011 net realized gains, excluding OTTI charges, were driven by the sale of AFS equity securities for proceeds of $59.7 million and realized gains of $6.7 million due to a reallocation of the equity portfolio to a high dividend yield strategy.

 
14

 

Proceeds from the sale of AFS securities were $128.3 million in Second Quarter 2010 and $184.4 million in Six Months 2010.  In addition to calls and maturities, the net realized gain, excluding OTTI charges, in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010 were driven by the Second Quarter 2010 sale of energy-focused AFS equity securities to mitigate portfolio risk and sector exposure.  In addition to the Second Quarter 2010 realized gains, Six Months 2010 realized gains on AFS securities included sales in the first quarter of 2010 that were predominantly associated with tax planning strategies.  These gains were largely offset by realized losses on certain AFS fixed maturity securities in Second Quarter 2010 that our new investment managers, during their initial review of the portfolio, had recommended that we sell.  This recommendation was due to ongoing credit concerns of the underlying investments coupled with strategically positioning the portfolio to generate maximum yield while balancing risk objectives.

NOTE 7.
Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Carrying
   
Fair
   
Carrying
   
Fair
 
($ in thousands)
 
Amount
   
Value
   
Amount
   
Value
 
Financial Assets
                       
Fixed maturity securities:
                       
HTM
  $ 1,070,578       1,120,977       1,214,324       1,256,294  
AFS
    2,525,237       2,525,237       2,342,742       2,342,742  
Equity securities, AFS
    136,577       136,577       69,636       69,636  
Short-term investments
    142,809       142,809       161,155       161,155  
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR Solutions (“Selective HR”)
    4,531       4,531       5,002       5,002  
Financial Liabilities
                               
Notes payable:
                               
7.25% Senior Notes
    49,906       55,699       49,904       55,190  
6.70% Senior Notes
    99,440       98,250       99,429       90,097  
7.50% Junior Notes
    100,000       100,400       100,000       99,840  
2.90% borrowings from FHLBI
    13,000       13,620       13,000       13,389  
Total notes payable
  $ 262,346       267,969       262,333       258,516  

There have been no significant changes to the techniques used to value our financial instruments during Six Months 2011.  For a discussion regarding these techniques, refer to Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” in our 2010 Annual Report.  For discussion of the sale of Selective HR, refer to Note 14. “Discontinued Operations” of this Form 10-Q.

 
15

 

The following tables provide quantitative disclosures of our financial assets that were measured at fair value at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
 
June 30, 2011
       
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
         
Quoted Prices in
             
   
Assets
   
Active Markets for
   
Significant Other
   
Significant
 
   
Measured at
   
Identical Assets/
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
 
   
Fair Value
   
Liabilities
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
($ in thousands)
 
at 6/30/11
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Description
                       
Measured on a recurring basis:
                       
U.S. government and government agencies1
  $ 296,931       99,101       197,830       -  
Foreign government
    30,100       -       30,100       -  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    542,616       -       542,616       -  
Corporate securities
    1,078,503       -       1,078,503       -  
ABS
    78,205       -       78,205       -  
CMBS
    109,124       -       108,683       441  
RMBS
    389,758       -       389,758       -  
Total AFS fixed maturity securities
    2,525,237       99,101       2,425,695       441  
Equity securities
    136,577       136,577       -       -  
Short-term investments
    142,809       142,809       -       -  
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR
    4,531       -       -       4,531  
Total financial assets measured on a recurring basis
  $ 2,809,154       378,487       2,425,695       4,972  
 
December 31, 2010
       
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
         
Quoted Prices in
             
   
Assets
   
Active Markets for
   
Significant Other
   
Significant
 
   
Measured at
   
Identical Assets/
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
 
   
Fair Value
   
Liabilities
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
($ in thousands)
 
at 12/31/10
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Description
                       
Measured on a recurring basis:
                       
U.S. government and government agencies1
  $ 320,529       105,317       215,212       -  
Foreign government
    18,966       -       18,966       -  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    533,897       -       533,897       -  
Corporate securities
    993,725       -       993,725       -  
ABS
    48,733       -       48,733       -  
CMBS
    104,475       -       104,290       185  
RMBS
    322,417       -       322,417       -  
Total AFS fixed maturity securities
    2,342,742       105,317       2,237,240       185  
Equity securities
    69,636       69,636       -       -  
Short-term investments
    161,155       161,155       -       -  
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR
    5,002       -       -       5,002  
Total financial assets measured on a recurring basis
  $ 2,578,535       336,108       2,237,240       5,187  

1 U.S. government includes corporate securities fully guaranteed by the FDIC.

 
16

 

The following tables provide a summary of the changes in fair value of securities using Level 3 inputs.  The transfers of the CMBS, AFS securities in 2010 between levels in the fair value hierarchy were driven primarily by the availability and nature of the broker quotes used at the valuation dates:

Six Months 2011
       
Receivable for
       
         
Proceeds
       
         
Related to Sale
       
($ in thousands)
 
CMBS, AFS
   
of Selective HR
   
Total
 
                   
Fair value, December 31, 2010
  $ 185       5,002       5,187  
Total net gains (losses) for the period included in:
                       
OCI1
    440       -       440  
Net income2
    (179 )     199       20  
Purchases
    -       -       -  
Sales
    -       -       -  
Issuances
    -       -       -  
Settlements
    (5 )     (670 )     (675 )
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3
    -       -       -  
Fair value, June 30, 2011
  $ 441       4,531       4,972  
 
2010
             
Receivable for
       
               
Proceeds Related
       
               
to Sale of
       
 ($ in thousands)
 
ABS, AFS
   
CMBS, AFS
   
Selective HR
   
Total
 
                         
Fair Value, December 31, 2009
  $ -       -       12,300       12,300  
Total net (losses) gains for the period included in:
                               
    OCI1
    (22 )     1,862       -       1,840  
    Net income2,3
    -       41       (5,460 )     (5,419 )
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net)
    2,737       (148 )     (1,838 )     751  
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3
    (2,715 )     (1,570 )     -       (4,285 )
Fair value, December 31, 2010
  $ -       185       5,002       5,187  
 
 
1
Amounts are reported in “Other net unrealized gains on investment securities, net of deferred income tax” on the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity.
 
2
Amounts are reported in “Net realized investment gains (losses)” for the ABS and CMBS securities and "Other Income" for the receivable related to the sale of Selective HR on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
3
Amounts are reported in “Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax” for the receivable related to sale of Selective HR on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
 
17

 

NOTE 8.
Reinsurance
The following table contains a listing of direct, assumed, and ceded reinsurance amounts for premiums written, premiums earned, and losses and loss expenses incurred.  For more information concerning reinsurance, refer to Note 8. “Reinsurance” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” in our 2010 Annual Report.
 
   
Quarter ended
   
Six Months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Premiums written:
                       
Direct
  $ 447,595       414,913       870,937       842,749  
Assumed
    1,537       947       7,190       6,189  
Ceded
    (74,629 )     (62,336 )     (141,789 )     (127,323 )
Net
  $ 374,503       353,524       736,338       721,615  
                                 
Premiums earned:
                               
Direct
  $ 418,977       411,595       831,856       825,153  
Assumed
    5,351       4,682       11,240       11,700  
Ceded
    (68,748 )     (64,087 )     (136,173 )     (128,461 )
Net
  $ 355,580       352,190       706,923       708,392  
                                 
Losses and loss expenses incurred:
                               
Direct
  $ 296,963       256,959       566,367       557,320  
Assumed
    3,739       3,023       7,572       4,923  
Ceded
    (26,147 )     (20,002 )     (50,178 )     (68,120 )
Net
  $ 274,555       239,980       523,761       494,123  

The ceded premiums and losses related to our involvement with the National Flood Insurance Program (“NFIP”), in which all of our Flood premiums, losses, and loss expenses are ceded to the NFIP, are as follows:
 
National Flood Insurance Program
 
Quarter ended
 
Six Months ended
 
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
2011
   
2010
 
Ceded premiums written
  $ (55,265 )     (44,566 )   $ (103,579 )     (90,458 )
Ceded premiums earned
    (48,907 )     (45,495 )     (96,855 )     (89,980 )
Ceded losses and loss expenses incurred
    (15,339 )     (8,122 )     (29,879 )     (43,076 )
 
NOTE 9.
Segment Information
We have classified our operations into two segments, the disaggregated results of which are reported to and used by senior management to manage our operations:
 
·
Insurance Operations, which is evaluated based on statutory underwriting results (net premiums earned, incurred losses and loss expenses, policyholders dividends, policy acquisition costs, and other underwriting expenses), and statutory combined ratios; and
 
·
Investments, which is evaluated based on net investment income and net realized gains and losses.

In computing the results of each segment, we do not make adjustments for interest expense, net general corporate expenses, or federal income taxes.  We do not maintain separate investment portfolios for the segments and therefore, do not allocate assets to the segments.  In addition, we do not aggregate any of our operating segments.

 
18

 

The following summaries present revenue from continuing operations (net investment income and net realized gain (loss) on investments in the case of the Investments segment) and pre-tax income from continuing operations for the individual segments.

Revenue from Continuing Operations by Segment
 
Quarter ended
   
Six Months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Insurance Operations:
                       
Net premiums earned:
                     $     
Commercial automobile
    69,198       73,176       138,868       147,492  
Workers compensation
    63,855       62,069       126,381       126,710  
General liability
    85,672       83,967       168,238       169,188  
Commercial property
    47,877       50,294       96,070       100,630  
Business owners’ policies
    16,407       16,152       32,892       32,438  
Bonds
    4,725       4,828       9,492       9,431  
Other
    2,561       2,515       5,117       5,020  
Total commercial lines
    290,295       293,001       577,058       590,909  
Personal automobile
    37,189       35,243       74,151       69,563  
Homeowners
    25,060       21,126       49,615       41,619  
Other
    3,036       2,820       6,099       6,301  
Total personal lines
    65,285       59,189       129,865       117,483  
Total net premiums earned
    355,580       352,190       706,923       708,392  
Other income
    2,388       2,231       5,158       4,497  
Total Insurance Operations revenues
    357,968       354,421       712,081       712,889  
Investments:
                               
Net investment income
    39,345       36,545       82,818       71,251  
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
    2,146       (3,264 )     7,906       (3,328 )
Total investment revenues
    41,491       33,281       90,724       67,923  
Total all segments
    399,459       387,702       802,805       780,812  
Other income
    111       16       221       18  
Total revenues from continuing operations
  $ 399,570       387,718       803,026       780,830  

Income from Continuing Operations, Before Federal Income Tax
 
Quarter ended
   
Six Months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Insurance Operations:
                       
Commercial lines underwriting
  $ (22,331 )     3,305       (27,165 )     (7,667 )
Personal lines underwriting
    (10,351 )     (6,466 )     (16,601 )     (10,099 )
Underwriting loss, before federal income tax
    (32,682 )     (3,161 )     (43,766 )     (17,766 )
GAAP combined ratio
    109.2 %     100.9       106.2 %     102.5  
Statutory combined ratio
    109.5 %     101.0       106.1 %     101.9  
Investments:
                               
Net investment income
  $ 39,345       36,545       82,818       71,251  
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
    2,146       (3,264 )     7,906       (3,328 )
Total investment income, before federal income tax
    41,491       33,281       90,724       67,923  
Total all segments
    8,809       30,120       46,958       50,157  
Interest expense
    (4,559 )     (4,655 )     (9,116 )     (9,497 )
General corporate and other expenses
    (3,029 )     (2,617 )     (8,849 )     (10,165 )
                                 
Income from continuing operations, before federal income tax
  $ 1,221       22,848       28,993       30,495  

 
19

 

NOTE 10.
Retirement Plans
The following tables show the costs of the Retirement Income Plan for Selective Insurance Company of America (“Retirement Income Plan”) and the retirement life insurance component (“Retirement Life Plan”) of the Selective Insurance Company of America Welfare Benefits Plan.  For more information concerning these plans, refer to Note 15. “Retirement Plans” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2010 Annual Report.

   
Retirement Income Plan
   
Retirement Life Plan
 
   
Quarter ended June 30,
   
Quarter ended June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
                       
Service cost
  $ 2,174       1,945       -       -  
Interest cost
    3,155       3,090       76       79  
Expected return on plan assets
    (3,481 )     (2,810 )     -       -  
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
    38       38       -       -  
Amortization of unrecognized net loss
    1,099       1,171       5       1  
Net periodic cost
  $ 2,985       3,434       81       80  

   
Retirement Income Plan
   
Retirement Life Plan
 
   
Six Months ended June 30,
   
Six Months ended June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
                       
Service cost
  $ 4,347       3,942       -       -  
Interest cost
    6,310       6,015       153       158  
Expected return on plan assets
    (6,963 )     (5,626 )     -       -  
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
    75       75       -       -  
Amortization of unrecognized net loss
    2,200       2,095       9       3  
Net periodic cost
  $ 5,969       6,501       162       161  
                                 
Weighted-Average Expense Assumptions 
                               
for the years ended December 31:
                               
Discount rate
    5.55 %     5.93       5.55 %     5.93  
Expected return on plan assets
    8.00       8.00       -       -  
Rate of compensation increase
    4.00       4.00       -       -  

We presently anticipate contributing $8.4 million to the Retirement Income Plan in 2011, $4.7 million of which has been funded as of June 30, 2011.

 
20

 

NOTE 11.
Comprehensive Income
The components of comprehensive income, both gross and net of tax, for Second Quarter 2011 and 2010 are as follows:
 
Second Quarter 2011
                 
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
   
Tax
   
Net
 
Net income
  $ 1,221       (1,104 )     2,325  
Components of OCI:
                       
Unrealized gains on securities:
                       
Unrealized holding gains during the period
    30,099       10,536       19,563  
Portion of OTTI recognized in OCI
    418       146       272  
Amortization of net unrealized gains on HTM securities
    (1,258 )     (441 )     (817 )
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
    (2,144 )     (751 )     (1,393 )
Net unrealized gains
    27,115       9,490       17,625  
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:
                       
Reversal of amortization items:
                       
Net actuarial loss
    1,104       386       718  
Prior service cost
    38       13       25  
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans
    1,142       399       743  
Comprehensive income
  $ 29,478       8,785       20,693  

Second Quarter 2010
                 
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
   
Tax
   
Net
 
Net income
  $ 20,810       2,044       18,766  
Components of other comprehensive income:
                       
Unrealized gains on securities:
                       
Unrealized holding gains during the period
    31,498       11,024       20,474  
Portion of OTTI recognized in OCI
    3,617       1,265       2,352  
Amortization of net unrealized gains on HTM securities
    (802 )     (280 )     (522 )
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income
    783       274       509  
Net unrealized gains
    35,096       12,283       22,813  
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:
                       
Reversal of amortization items:
                       
Net actuarial loss
    1,172       411       761  
Prior service cost
    38       13       25  
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans
    1,210       424       786  
Comprehensive income
  $ 57,116       14,751       42,365  

The components of comprehensive income, both gross and net of tax, for Six Months 2011 and 2010 are as follows:
 
Six Months 2011
                 
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
   
Tax
   
Net
 
Net income
  $ 28,993       5,119       23,874  
Components of OCI:
                       
Unrealized gains on securities:
                       
Unrealized holding gains during the period
    29,166       10,209       18,957  
Portion of OTTI recognized in OCI
    598       209       389  
Amortization of net unrealized gains on HTM securities
    (2,433 )     (852 )     (1,581 )
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
    (7,893 )     (2,763 )     (5,130 )
Net unrealized gains
    19,438       6,803       12,635  
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:
                       
Reversal of amortization items:
                       
Net actuarial loss
    2,209       773       1,436  
Prior service cost
    75       26       49  
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans
    2,284       799       1,485  
Comprehensive income
  $ 50,715       12,721       37,994  

 
21

 

Six Months 2010
                 
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
   
Tax
   
Net
 
Net income
  $ 27,241       2,672       24,569  
Components of other comprehensive income:
                       
Unrealized gains on securities:
                       
Unrealized holding gains during the period
    46,698       16,344       30,354  
Portion of OTTI recognized in OCI
    5,892       2,062       3,830  
Amortization of net unrealized gains on HTM securities
    (6,555 )     (2,294 )     (4,261 )
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
    (1,614 )     (565 )     (1,049 )
Net unrealized gains
    44,421       15,547       28,874  
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:
                       
Reversal of amortization items:
                       
Net actuarial loss
    2,098       735       1,363  
Prior service cost
    75       26       49  
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans
    2,173       761       1,412  
Comprehensive income
  $ 73,835       18,980       54,855  

The balances of, and changes in, each component of AOCI (net of taxes) as of June 30, 2011 are as follows:
 
June 30, 2011
       
Defined
       
   
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)
   
Benefit
       
   
 
OTTI
   
 
HTM
   
 
All
   
Pension
and Post-Retirement
   
Total
Accumulated
 
($ in thousands)
 
Related
   
Related
   
Other
   
Plans
   
OCI
 
Balance, December 31, 2010
  $ (4,593 )     11,144       47,316       (46,843 )     7,024  
Changes in component during period
    389       (2,228 )     14,474       1,485       14,120  
Balance, June 30, 2011
  $ (4,204 )     8,916       61,790       (45,358 )     21,144  

NOTE 12.
Commitments and Contingencies
At June 30, 2011, we had contractual obligations that expire at various dates through 2022 to invest up to an additional $61.6 million in alternative investments.  There is no certainty that any such additional investment will be required.

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

 
22

 

NOTE 14.
Discontinued Operations
In 2009, we sold 100% of our interest in Selective HR, which had historically comprised the human resource administration outsourcing segment of our operations.  We sold our interest for proceeds scheduled to be received over a 10-year period based on the ability of the purchaser to retain and generate new worksite lives though our independent agency distribution channel.  Although the proceeds are contingent upon the future operations of the former Selective HR business, we have no continued involvement relevant to the proceeds.  We recorded an after-tax charge of $1.3 million and $2.1 million in Second Quarter 2010 and Six Months 2010, respectively, primarily due to our revaluation of the contingent proceeds, including assumptions regarding worksite life generation and retention.  No such charges have been recorded in 2011.  As of June 30, 2011, our estimated sales price was approximately $6.9 million, of which $2.4 million has been received to date.

 
23

 

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

Forward-Looking Statements
In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we discuss and make statements regarding our intentions, beliefs, current expectations, and projections regarding our company’s future operations and performance.  Such statements are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “will,” “should,” and “intends” and their negatives.  We caution prospective investors that such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance.  Risks and uncertainties are inherent in our future performance.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed under Item 1A. “Risk Factors” below.  These risk factors may not be exhaustive.  We operate in a continually changing business environment and new risk factors may emerge from time to time.  We can neither predict such new risk factors nor can we assess the impact, if any, of such new risk factors on our businesses or the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements in this report.  In light of these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this report might not occur.  We make forward-looking statements based on currently available information and assume no obligation to update these statements due to changes in underlying factors, new information, future developments, or otherwise.
 
Introduction
We offer property and casualty insurance products through our various subsidiaries.  We classify our business into two operating segments:  (i) Insurance Operations, which consists of commercial lines (“Commercial Lines”) and personal lines (“Personal Lines”), including our flood lines of business; and (ii) Investments.

The purpose of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is to provide an understanding of the consolidated results of operations and financial condition and known trends and uncertainties that may have a material impact in future periods.  Consequently, investors should read the MD&A in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (“2010 Annual Report”).
 
In the MD&A, we will discuss and analyze the following:
·
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates;
·
Financial Highlights of Results for Second Quarter 2011 and Six Months 2011;
·
Results of Operations and Related Information by Segment;
·
Federal Income Taxes;
·
Financial Condition, Liquidity, Short-term Borrowings, and Capital Resources;
·
Ratings;
·
Pending Accounting Pronouncements;
·
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements; and
·
Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities, and Commitments.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include amounts based on our informed estimates and judgments for those transactions that are not yet complete.  Such estimates and judgments affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements.  Those estimates and judgments most critical to the preparation of the consolidated financial statements involved the following:  (i) reserves for losses and loss expenses; (ii) deferred policy acquisition costs; (iii) premium audit; (iv) pension and post-retirement benefit plan actuarial assumptions; (v) other-than-temporary investment impairments; and (vi) reinsurance.  These estimates and judgments require the use of assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain and, therefore, are subject to change as facts and circumstances develop.  If different estimates and judgments had been applied, materially different amounts might have been reported in the financial statements.  For additional information regarding our critical accounting policies, refer to our 2010 Annual Report, pages 44 through 54.

 
24

 
 
Financial Highlights of Results for Second Quarter 2011 and Six Months 20111

   
Quarter ended
   
Change
   
Six Months ended
   
Change
 
   
June 30,
   
% or
   
June 30,
   
% or
 
(Shares and $ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Points
   
2011
   
2010
   
Points
 
GAAP measures:
                                   
Revenues
  $ 399,570       387,718       3 %   $ 803,026       780,830       3 %
Pre-tax net investment income
    39,345       36,545       8       82,818       71,251       16  
Pre-tax net income
    1,221       20,810       (94 )     28,993       27,241       6  
Net income
    2,325       18,766       (88 )     23,874       24,569       (3 )
Diluted net income per share
    0.04       0.35       (89 )     0.43       0.45       (4 )
Diluted weighted-average outstanding shares
    55,135       54,361       1       55,092       54,289       1  
GAAP combined ratio
    109.2 %     100.9    
8.3
pts      106.2 %     102.5    
3.7
pts
Statutory combined ratio
    109.5 %     101.0       8.5       106.1 %     101.9       4.2  
Return on average equity
    0.9 %     7.3       (6.4 )     4.4 %     4.8       (0.4 )
Non-GAAP measures:
                                               
Operating income2
  $ 930       22,212       (96 )%   $ 18,735       28,847       (35 )%
Diluted operating income per share2
    0.01       0.41       (98 )     0.34       0.53       (36 )
Operating return on average equity2
    0.3 %     8.6    
(8.3
) pts      3.5 %     5.6    
(2.1
) pts

1 Refer to the Glossary of Terms attached to our 2010 Annual Report as Exhibit 99.1 for definitions of terms used in this Form 10-Q.
2 Operating income is used as an important financial measure by us, analysts, and investors, because the realization of investment gains and losses on sales in any given period is largely discretionary as to timing.  In addition, these realized investment gains and losses, as well as other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) that are charged to earnings, and the results of discontinued operations, could distort the analysis of trends.  See below for a reconciliation of operating income to net income in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).  Operating return on average equity is calculated by dividing annualized operating income by average stockholders’ equity.
 
Second Quarter 2011 revenues increased 3% compared to Second Quarter 2011, including a 1% improvement in net premiums earned.  On a written basis, premiums increased 6% for the same period due to economic conditions that have improved our audit and endorsement premiums, coupled with a successful balance between retention and renewal rate.  However, despite these premium improvements, pre-tax net income decreased by $19.6 million in Second Quarter 2011 compared to the same period last year.  The decrease was driven by:
 
  
·
Pre-tax underwriting losses, which increased by $29.5 million, to $32.7 million, reflecting:
 
·
Catastrophe losses which increased by $22.1 million, to $38.1 million, compared to Second Quarter 2010; and
 
·
Favorable prior year casualty development of $5 million, compared to approximately $12 million of favorable prior year casualty development in Second Quarter 2010.

Partially offsetting these items are:
 
  
·
Pre-tax net realized gains, which increased by $5.4 million, from a realized loss of $3.3 million to a realized gain of $2.1 million.  This improvement was primarily due to pre-tax non-cash OTTI charges that were $6.0 million lower than last year at $0.2 million.
 
 
·
Pre-tax net investment income earned, which increased $2.8 million, to $39.3 million, due to higher alternative investment income of $3.0 million, to $7.9 million.  Our alternative investments, which are accounted for under the equity method, primarily consist of investments in limited partnerships, the majority of which report results to us on a one quarter lag.  See Note 6. “Investments” in Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Form 10-Q for additional information regarding our alternative investment portfolio.
 
Tax expense from continuing operations decreased primarily due to the pre-tax results discussed above, partially offset by taxes being recorded at a lower full-year expected tax rate as required under Accounting Standards Codification 270, Interim Reporting (“ASC 270”).  The effect of this accounting rule is to record every quarter at the expected annual marginal rate regardless of the relative magnitude of the individual components within any one quarter.
 
Pre-tax net income increased by $1.8 million in Six Months 2011 compared to the same period last year.  The increase was driven by:
 
 
25

 
 
  
·
Pre-tax net investment income earned, which increased $11.6 million, to $82.8 million, due to higher alternative investment income of $10.8 million, to $19.5 million.
 
 
·
Pre-tax net realized gains, which increased $11.2 million from a realized loss of $3.3 million to a realized gain of $7.9 million.  This improvement was primarily due to pre-tax non-cash OTTI charges that were $13.6 million lower than last year at $0.8 million.
 
 
·
Pre-tax losses on the disposal of discontinued operations of $3.3 million as of Six Months 2010.  No losses have been recorded in 2011.
 
Partially offsetting these items are:
 
  
·
Pre-tax underwriting losses, which increased by $26.0 million, to $43.8 million, reflecting:
 
·
Non-catastrophe property losses of $115.2 million compared to $98.5 million in Six Months 2010;
 
·
Catastrophe losses of $44.9 million compared to $40.2 million in Six Months 2010; and
 
·
Favorable prior year casualty development of $9 million, compared to $21 million of favorable prior year casualty development in Six Months 2010.
 
Tax expense from continuing operations increased driven by the pre-tax results discussed above coupled with the impact of taxes recorded at a full-year expected tax rate as required under ASC 270.
 
The following table reconciles operating income and net income for the periods presented above:

   
Quarter ended
 June 30,
   
Six Months ended 
June 30,
 
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Operating income
  $ 930       22,212       18,735       28,847  
Net realized gains (losses), after tax
    1,395       (2,121 )     5,139       (2,163 )
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax
    -       (1,325 )     -       (2,115 )
Net income
  $ 2,325       18,766       23,874       24,569  
                                 
Diluted operating income per share
  $ 0.01       0.41       0.34       0.53  
Diluted net realized gains (losses) per share
    0.03       (0.04 )     0.09       (0.04 )
Diluted net loss from disposal of discontinued operations per share
    -       (0.02 )     -       (0.04 )
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.04       0.35       0.43       0.45  

Operating income decreased in Second Quarter 2011 and Six Months 2011 compared to the same periods last year reflecting increased property losses partially offset by improvements in net investment income as mentioned above.
 
 
26

 
 
Results of Operations and Related Information by Segment

Insurance Operations
Our Insurance Operations segment writes property and casualty insurance business through seven insurance subsidiaries (the “Insurance Subsidiaries”).  Our Insurance Operations segment sells property and casualty insurance products and services primarily in 22 states in the Eastern and Midwestern U.S. through approximately 990 independent insurance agencies.  Our Insurance Operations segment consists of two components:  (i) Commercial Lines, which markets primarily to businesses and represents approximately 81% of net premium written (“NPW”); and (ii) Personal Lines, which markets primarily to individuals and represents approximately 19% of NPW.  The underwriting performance of these lines is generally measured by four different statutory ratios:  (i) loss and loss expense ratio; (ii) underwriting expense ratio; (iii) dividend ratio; and (iv) combined ratio.  For further details regarding these ratios, see the discussion in the “Insurance Operations” section of Item 1. “Business.” of our 2010 Annual Report.
 
Summary of Insurance Operations
 
All Lines
 
Quarter ended
   
Change
   
Six Months ended
   
Change
 
   
June 30,
   
% or
   
June 30,
   
% or
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Points
   
2011
   
2010
   
Points
 
GAAP Insurance Operations Results:
                                   
NPW
  $ 374,503       353,524       6     736,338       721,615       2
Net premiums earned (“NPE”)
    355,580       352,190       1       706,923       708,392       -  
Less:
                                               
Losses and loss expenses incurred
    274,555       239,980       14       523,761       494,123       6  
Net underwriting expenses incurred
    112,246       114,727       (2 )     224,181       229,896       (2 )
Dividends to policyholders
    1,461       644       127       2,747       2,139       28  
Underwriting loss
  $ (32,682 )     (3,161 )     (934 )%     (43,766 )     (17,766 )     (146 ) %
GAAP Ratios:
                                               
Loss and loss expense ratio
    77.2 %     68.1    
9.1
pts      74.1 %     69.8    
4.3
pts 
Underwriting expense ratio
    31.6       32.6       (1.0 )     31.7       32.4       (0.7 )
Dividends to policyholders ratio
    0.4       0.2       0.2       0.4       0.3       0.1  
Combined ratio
    109.2       100.9       8.3       106.2       102.5       3.7  
Statutory Ratios:
                                               
Loss and loss expense ratio
    77.2       68.1       9.1       74.1       69.7       4.4  
Underwriting expense ratio
    31.9       32.7       (0.8 )     31.6       31.9       (0.3 )
Dividends to policyholders ratio
    0.4       0.2       0.2       0.4       0.3       0.1  
Combined ratio
    109.5 %     101.0    
8.5
pts      106.1 %     101.9    
4.2
pts 
 
 
·
NPW increased in both Second Quarter and Six Months 2011 compared to the same periods last year.  This is the first quarter since the fourth quarter of 2007 that NPW increased compared to the prior year.  This increase is due to economic improvements evidenced in our audit and endorsement premium, coupled with the successful balance between retention and renewal rate.  The following details the fluctuations in NPW for the comparable periods:
  
o
Audit additional premium of $1.5 million in Second Quarter 2011 and audit return premium of $2.1 million in Six Months 2011 compared to audit return premium of $13.1 million in Second Quarter 2010 and $24.3 million in Six Months 2010;
 
o
Endorsement additional premium of $1.9 million and $1.5 million in Second Quarter and Six Months 2011, respectively, compared to endorsement return premium of $2.3 million and $7.0 million in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, respectively; and
 
o
Increase in net renewals of $6.9 million, to $320.2 million, in Second Quarter 2011 and $3.4 million, to $637.5 million, in Six Months 2011.
 
These items were partially offset by reductions in new business premiums of $3.3 million, to $68.4 million, in Second Quarter 2011 and $19.7 million, to $128.5 million, in Six Months 2011.
 
 
·
NPE changes in Second Quarter and Six Months 2011 compared to the same periods last year are consistent with the fluctuation in NPW for the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2011 as compared to the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2010.
 
 
27

 
 
 
·
The GAAP loss and loss expense ratio increased 9.1 points in Second Quarter 2011 compared to the prior year reflecting:
 
o
An increase in catastrophe losses of $22.1 million, or 6.2 points, to $38.1 million;
 
o
Favorable prior year casualty development of approximately $5 million, or 1.4 points, compared to approximately $12 million, or 3.3 points, in Second Quarter 2010; and
 
o
An increase in non-catastrophe property losses of $6.6 million, or 1.7 points.
 
 
·
The GAAP loss and loss expense ratio increased 4.3 points in Six Months 2011 compared to the prior year reflecting:
 
o
An increase in non-catastrophe property losses of $16.6 million, or 2.4 points;
 
o
An increase in catastrophe losses of $4.7 million, or 0.7 points, to $44.9 million; and
 
o
Favorable prior year casualty development of approximately $9 million, or 1.3 points, compared to approximately $21 million, or 2.9 points, in Second Quarter 2010.
 
The decreases in the GAAP underwriting expense ratio in Second Quarter and Six Months 2011, compared to the same periods last year, were primarily due to an increase in premiums that has outpaced underwriting expenses.
 
Insurance Operations Outlook
 
Our Insurance Operations segment reported a statutory combined ratio of 109.5% for Second Quarter 2011 and 106.1% for Six Months 2011.  This includes a Commercial Lines statutory combined ratio of 108.2% and 104.4%, respectively, and a Personal Lines statutory combined ratio of 115.3% and 113.3%, respectively.  A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”) notes that industry-wide results for the first quarter of 2011 were significantly worse than the same period in 2010 as a result of elevated levels of catastrophe-related losses, lower reserve releases, and decreased investment gains despite an increase in net premiums written.  A.M Best expects the industry’s return on equity to remain low for the remainder of 2011 as a result of the catastrophe losses that have continued in the second quarter, ongoing challenging market conditions in the commercial lines sector, a sluggish economic recovery, and relatively low investment yields.  A.M. Best believes that the level of reserve deficiencies for the industry will increase.  They also anticipate record-setting catastrophe losses in Second Quarter 2011 as a result of unprecedented tornado activity, hail, drought, and wildfires.  Industry results are expected to deteriorate further as a result of these factors, coupled with continued competitive market conditions, and the low interest rate environment.  Certain analysts believe that results may be unprofitable through 2013, at which time they expect that market conditions may support a broader cyclical turn.

The industry has begun experiencing some improvement in pricing on select lines of business, and there are some indications that pricing may continue to improve, such as:  (i) the low interest rate environment that has continued to put pressure on investment yields; (ii) an A.M. Best commercial lines industry statutory combined ratio projection for 2011 of 110.0%; (iii) higher anticipated reinsurance costs (see the “Reinsurance” section below for more detail); and (iv) declining industry profitability as a result of elevated levels of catastrophe-related losses in Six Months 2011 coupled with an Atlantic hurricane season that is expected to have above-average activity.  A recent report from the Commercial Lines Insurance Pricing Survey showed that industry pricing increased by 0.4% during the first quarter of 2011, the first quarter of positive rate change since 2009.  Despite this slight increase, the commercial lines industry remains very competitive and pricing has continued its downward trend in certain lines of business, such as commercial automobile and commercial property.
 
While industry pricing has just begun to improve, we are on our ninth consecutive quarter of price increases with 2.6% in Second Quarter 2011.  The price increases that we have obtained demonstrate the overall strength of the relationships that we have with our independent agents, even in difficult economic and competitive times.  We believe that once the market as a whole becomes more successful at driving price, we will be able to further capitalize on our relationships with our agents to generate additional renewal price increases.  The price increases we have been able to obtain, coupled with strong retention, have led to growth in our Commercial Lines NPW for the first time since the fourth quarter of 2007.
 
 
28

 

In an effort to write profitable business in the current commercial and personal lines environment, we continue to implement a defined plan of improving risk selection and mitigating higher frequency trends to complement our strong agency relationships and unique field-based model.  In addition, as we are committed to executing on our strategy to introduce more high-margin products into our portfolio, we have entered into a renewal rights agreement to write commercial contract binding authority excess and surplus lines business.  The agreement, which is expected to close in the third quarter of 2011, allows us a natural expansion of our commercial lines small business and offers a new product to agents and customers.  The renewal rights that we purchased relate to a commercial lines book of business that produced gross premiums written of $77 million in 2010.
 
The personal lines market has been more receptive to price increases and our Personal Lines operations continue to experience NPW growth driven by ongoing rate increases that went into effect in 2010 and 2011, which are expected to generate an additional $26.3 million in annual premium.  We were able to obtain increased Personal Lines renewal pure pricing of 6.5% in Second Quarter 2011 while retention increased two points, to 86%.
 
Given the elevated level of property losses incurred partially offset by the  rate increases achieved and favorable prior year development we have experienced in Six Months 2011, we are expecting to generate overall full year statutory and GAAP combined ratios of between 104% and 105%, which include a catastrophe loss assumption of four points for the full year.  These combined ratios do not include any assumptions for additional reserve development, favorable or unfavorable.  Weighted average shares at year-end 2011 are expected to be approximately 55 million.
 
 
29

 
 
Review of Underwriting Results by Line of Business

Commercial Lines
 
Commercial Lines
 
Quarter ended
   
Change
   
Six Months ended
   
Change
 
   
June 30,
   
% or
   
June 30,
   
% or
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Points
   
2011
   
2010
   
Points
 
GAAP Insurance Operations Results:
                                   
NPW
  $ 303,305       286,882       6     603,639       598,791       1
NPE
    290,295       293,001       (1 )     577,058       590,909       (2 )
Less:
                                               
Losses and loss expenses incurred
    216,363       192,856       12       412,385       401,077       3  
Net underwriting expenses incurred
    94,802       96,196       (1 )     189,091       195,360       (3 )
Dividends to policyholders
    1,461       644       127       2,747       2,139       28  
Underwriting (loss) income
  $ (22,331 )     3,305       (776 )%     (27,165 )     (7,667 )     254
GAAP Ratios:
                                               
Loss and loss expense ratio
    74.5 %     65.8    
8.7
pts      71.5 %     67.9    
3.6
pts 
Underwriting expense ratio
    32.7       32.9       (0.2 )     32.7       33.0       (0.3 )
Dividends to policyholders ratio
    0.5       0.2       0.3       0.5       0.4       0.1  
Combined ratio
    107.7       98.9       8.8       104.7       101.3       3.4  
Statutory Ratios:
                                               
Loss and loss expense ratio
    74.5       65.8       8.7       71.5       67.8       3.7  
Underwriting expense ratio
    33.2       33.9       (0.7 )     32.4       32.6       (0.2 )
Dividends to policyholders ratio
    0.5       0.2       0.3       0.5       0.4       0.1  
Combined ratio
    108.2 %     99.9    
8.3
pts      104.4 %     100.8    
3.6
pts 

 
·
NPW increased in both Second Quarter and Six Months 2011 compared to the same periods last year.  This is the first quarter since the fourth quarter of 2007 that NPW increased compared to the prior year.  This increase is due to economic improvements evidenced in our audit and endorsement premium, coupled with the successful balance between retention and renewal rate.  The following details the fluctuations in NPW for the comparable periods:
  
o
Audit additional premium of $1.5 million and audit return premium of $2.1 million in Second Quarter and Six Months 2011, respectively, compared to audit return premium of $13.1 million and $24.3 million in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, respectively; and
 
o
Endorsement additional premium of $1.7 million and $1.2 million in Second Quarter and Six Months 2011, respectively, compared to endorsement return premium of $2.6 million and $7.4 million in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, respectively.
 
These increases were partially offset by reductions in net renewals of $1.5 million, to $260.2 million, in Second Quarter 2011, and $11.4 million, to $527.4 million, in Six Months 2011 despite renewal pure price increases of 2.6% and 2.7% in the Second Quarter and Six Months 2011, respectively.  In addition, direct new business, while flat in Second Quarter 2011 compared to Second Quarter 2010, decreased $15.2 million, to $102.5 million, in Six Months 2011.
 
 
·
NPE decreases in Second Quarter and Six Months 2011 compared to the Second Quarter and Six Months 2010 are consistent with the fluctuation in NPW for the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2011 as compared to the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2010.
 
 
30

 
 
 
·
The 8.7-point increase in the GAAP loss and loss expense ratio in Second Quarter 2011 compared to Second Quarter 2010 reflects:
 
o
An increase in catastrophe losses of $14.8 million, or 5.1 points, in Second Quarter 2011;
 
o
An increase in non-catastrophe property losses of $4.7 million, or 1.7 points, in Second Quarter 2011; and
 
o
Approximately $6 million, or 1.9 points, of favorable casualty prior year development in Second Quarter 2011 compared to approximately $13 million, or 4.3 points, in Second Quarter 2010.
 
The 3.6-point increase in the GAAP loss and loss expense ratio in Six Months 2011 compared to Six Months 2010 reflects:
 
o
An increase in non-catastrophe property losses of $5.6 million, or 1.2 points, in Six Months 2011; and
 
o
Approximately $10 million, or 1.7 points, of favorable casualty prior year development in Six Months 2011 compared to approximately $22 million, or 3.7 points, in Six Months 2010.  For further detail regarding the development in Second Quarter and Six Months 2011 and 2010 see the following lines of business discussions.
 
The following is a discussion of our most significant commercial lines of business:
 
General Liability
 
   
Quarter ended
   
Change
   
Six Months ended
   
Change
 
   
June 30,
   
% or
   
June 30,
   
% or
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Points
   
2011
   
2010
   
Points
 
                                     
Statutory NPW
  $ 90,463       83,513       8 %     179,235       173,047       4
Statutory NPE
    85,672       83,967       2       168,238       169,188       (1 )
Statutory combined ratio
    103.0 %     93.5    
9.5
pts      101.7 %     93.2    
8.5
pts
% of total statutory commercial NPW
    30 %     29               30 %     29          

We continue to see improvements in pricing in this line as our renewal pure price increase was 3.6% and 3.8% in Second Quarter and Six Months 2011, respectively.  NPW increased in both Second Quarter and Six Months 2011 which is evidenced by the following:
 
o
Endorsement additional premium of $1.0 million and $1.3 million in Second Quarter and Six Months 2011, respectively, compared to return premium of $0.7 million and $2.3 million in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, respectively; and
 
o
Audit return premium of $0.2 million and $3.5 million in Second Quarter and Six Months 2011, respectively, compared to $7.0 million and $13.7 million in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, respectively.
 
Partially offsetting the items above were:
 
o
Net renewals that decreased 2%, or $1.3 million, to $79.3 million in Second Quarter 2011, and 3%, or $4.2 million, to $160.2 million in Six Months 2011; and
 
o
New business that decreased 11%, or $3.3 million, to $28.1 million in Six Months 2011.

As of June 30, 2011, approximately 55% of our premium in this line is subject to audit.  At the end of the policy period, actual exposure units (usually sales or payroll) on policies with premium subject to audit are compared to beginning of period estimates and a return premium or additional premium transaction occurs.
 
The increase in the statutory combined ratio for this line for Second Quarter and Six Months 2011 compared to the same periods last year was driven by lower favorable prior year development, which was as follows:
  
·
2011:  $1 million, or 1.2 points, in Second Quarter and $4 million, or 2.3 points, in Six Months, driven by the 2005 through 2009 accident years partially offset by adverse development in the 2010 accident year;
 
·
2010:  $10 million, or 11.9 points, in Second Quarter and $19 million, or 11.2 points, in Six Months, driven by 2008 and prior accident years.
 
 
31

 

Workers Compensation
 
   
Quarter ended
   
Change
   
Six Months ended
   
Change
 
   
June 30,
   
% or
   
June 30,
   
% or
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Points
   
2011
   
2010
   
Points
 
                                     
Statutory NPW
  $ 66,705       57,360       16     134,473       129,543       4
Statutory NPE
    63,855       62,069       3       126,381       126,710       -  
Statutory combined ratio
    116.3 %     127.4    
(11.1
) pts      119.5 %     121.7    
(2.2
) pts 
% of total statutory commercial NPW
    22 %     20               22 %     22          
 
In Second Quarter and Six Months 2011, we experienced NPW increases, with renewal pure price increases of 3.3% for both periods.  The increases are evidenced by the following:
 
o
Endorsement additional premiums of $0.8 million and $0.6 million in Second Quarter and Six Months 2011, respectively, compared to endorsement return premiums of $1.5 million and $3.1 million in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, respectively; and
  
o
Audit additional premiums of $1.7 million and $1.3 million in Second Quarter and Six Months 2011, respectively, compared to return premium of $6.1 million and $10.6 million in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, respectively.
 
Partially offsetting the items above were:
 
o
Net renewals that decreased 2%, or $1.0 million, to $56.7 million in Second Quarter 2011 and 7%, or $8.7 million, to $117.4 million in Six Months 2011; and
 
o
New business that decreased 13%, or $3.4 million, to $23.2 million in Six Months 2011.

The decrease in the statutory combined ratio for this line for Second Quarter and Six Months 2011 compared to the same periods last year was driven by lower unfavorable prior year development which was as follows:
  
·
2011:  $1 million, or 1.6 points, in Second Quarter and $7 million, or 5.5 points, in Six Months, driven by the 2010 accident year; and
 
·
2010:  $8 million, or 12.9 points, in Second Quarter and $14 million, or 11.0 points, in Six Months, primarily associated with increased severity in the 2008 and 2009 accident years.

Commercial Automobile
 
   
Quarter ended
   
Change
 
Six Months ended
   
Change
   
June 30,
   
% or
 
June 30,
   
% or
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Points
 
2011
   
2010
   
Points
                                     
Statutory NPW
  $ 72,740       72,770       - %     144,469       148,255       (3 ) %
Statutory NPE
    69,199       73,176       (5 )     138,869       147,492       (6 )
Statutory combined ratio
    92.5 %     87.9       4.6 pts     92.4 %     89.4       3.0 pts
% of total statutory commercial NPW
    24 %     25               24 %     25          

Economic factors continue to put pressure on NPW for this line as exposure levels are reduced.  This is primarily evidenced in new business, which is down 14%, or $3.5 million, to $22.0 million in Six Months 2011.

The increase in the statutory combined ratio for this line was primarily driven by lower favorable casualty prior year development in Second Quarter and Six Months 2011 compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 2010.  Prior year casualty development was as follows:
 
o
2011: $4 million, or 5.1 points, in Second Quarter and $8 million, or 5.8 points, in Six Months driven by accident years 2006 through 2009; and
 
o
2010: $10 million, or 13.7 points, in Second Quarter due to lower than anticipated severity primarily in the 2007 through 2009 accident years and $17 million, or 11.2 points, in Six Months, due to lower than anticipated severity primarily in the 2005 through 2009 accident years.
 
 
32

 

Commercial Property
 
   
Quarter ended
   
Change
 
Six Months ended
   
Change
   
June 30,
   
% or
 
June 30,
   
% or
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Points
 
2011
   
2010
   
Points
                                     
Statutory NPW
  $ 49,049       49,502       (1 ) %     97,380       99,641       (2 ) %
Statutory NPE
    47,877       50,295       (5 )     96,070       100,630       (5 )
Statutory combined ratio
    130.9 %     90.3       40.6 pts     108.8 %     99.3       9.5 pts
% of total statutory commercial NPW
    16 %     17               16 %     17          
 
NPW for this line of business decreased in Six Months 2011 due to lower new business, which was down 14%, or $2.8 million, to $16.7 million.  Partially offsetting this decrease was an increase in net renewals of $0.6 million, to $89.2 million.

The increase in the statutory combined ratio for this line was driven by the following:
 
o
An increase in catastrophe losses of $11.4 million, or 24.8 points, to $21.2 million in Second Quarter 2011 and $1.1 million, or 2.2 points, to $24.9 million in Six Months 2011; and
 
o
An increase in non-catastrophe losses of $6.7 million, or 15.3 points, to $20.7 million in Second Quarter 2011 and $4.8 million, or 6.5 points, to $38.3 million in Six Months 2011.

 
33

 

Personal Lines
 
Personal Lines
 
Quarter ended
   
Change
   
Six Months ended
   
Change
 
   
June 30,
   
% or
   
June 30,
   
% or
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Points
   
2011
   
2010
   
Points
 
GAAP Insurance Operations Results:
                                   
NPW
  $ 71,198       66,642       7 %     132,699       122,824       8 %
NPE
    65,285       59,189       10       129,865       117,483       11  
Less:
                                               
Losses and loss expenses incurred
    58,192       47,124       23       111,376       93,046       20  
Net underwriting expenses incurred
    17,444       18,531       (6 )     35,090       34,536       2  
Underwriting loss
  $ (10,351 )     (6,466 )     (60 ) %     (16,601 )     (10,099 )     (64 ) %
GAAP Ratios:
                                               
Loss and loss expense ratio
    89.1 %     79.6       9.5 pts     85.8 %     79.2       6.6 pts
Underwriting expense ratio
    26.8       31.3       (4.5 )     27.0       29.4       (2.4 )
Combined ratio
    115.9       110.9       5.0       112.8       108.6       4.2  
Statutory Ratios:
                                               
Loss and loss expense ratio
    89.2       79.6       9.6       85.7       79.2       6.5  
Underwriting expense ratio
    26.1       28.0       (1.9 )     27.6       28.1       (0.5 )
Combined ratio
    115.3 %     107.6       7.7 pts     113.3 %     107.3       6.0 pts

 
·
NPW increased in Second Quarter and Six Months 2011 compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 2010 primarily due to:
  
o
21 rate increases, 17 of which are 5% or more, that went into effect across our Personal Lines footprint during Six Months 2011 and are expected to generate an additional $11.6 million in annual premium; and
 
o
Net renewal direct premium written (“DPW”) increases of $8.4 million, or 16%, to $60.0 million, for Second Quarter 2011 and $14.8 million, or 16%, to $110.1 million for Six Months 2011.  Renewal pure price increased 6.5% in both Second Quarter and Six Months 2011.  These net renewal DPW increases reflect policy retention increases of two points in Second Quarter 2011 and one point in Six Months 2011, to 86% for both periods.
 
 
·
NPE increases in Second Quarter and Six Months 2011, compared to the same periods last year, are consistent with the fluctuation in NPW for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2011 as compared to the 12-month period ended June 30, 2010.

 
·
The 9.5-point increase in the GAAP loss and loss expense ratio in Second Quarter 2011 compared to Second Quarter 2010 was primarily attributable to an increase in catastrophe property losses of $7.3 million, or 10.4 points.
 
The 6.6-point increase in the GAAP loss and loss expense ratio in Six Months 2011 compared to Six Months 2010 was primarily attributable to an increase in non-catastrophe property losses of $11.0 million, or 5.7 points.  During Six Months 2011, 41 large property claims (more than $100,000) amounted to $12.4 million compared to $6.6 million from 21 large property claims for Six Months 2010.
 
 
·
The decrease in the GAAP underwriting expense ratio in Second Quarter and Six Months 2011 compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 2010 was attributable to an increase in premiums that has outpaced underwriting expenses.
 
We continue to work to achieve the necessary rate increases across our footprint states to improve profitability.  In addition, our Personal Lines strategy includes:  (i) continued improvement in the quality of new business, focusing on low-frequency and high retaining business through the use of our predictive modeling tools; (ii) fortifying our relationships with our independent agents; (iii) continued diversification in our territory structure; and (iv) providing the excellent service that our policyholders and agents demand.  The rate increases that we anticipate obtaining in 2011 are expected to generate an additional $17.6 million in annual premium.  Policy retention continues to be positive, despite increases to our rates over the past several years.  We believe that this increase in policy retention reflects the hardening of the personal lines market as well as:  (i) the ability of our pricing tools to comprehensively analyze where rate increases are appropriate; and (ii) our strategy to obtain high retention, low frequency accounts in our core book of business.

 
34

 

Reinsurance
On February 28, 2011, Risk Management Solutions, Inc. (“RMS”), one of the leaders in catastrophe modeling, launched a new version of its US Hurricane Model.  The RMS v. 11 model incorporates increased vulnerability of construction assumptions and increases to wind hazards further inland.  Reinsurance brokers indicate that the RMS version change created significant increases in modeled losses across portfolios with different geographic and business mix attributes.  The modeled results of our portfolio indicate increases in modeled losses of between 70%-100% of the RMS v. 9 model results.  Below is a summary of the largest 3 actual hurricane losses that we experienced in the past 20 years:
 
Accident
Year
 
Hurricane Name
 
Actual Loss 
($ in millions)
 
1989
 
Hurricane Hugo
  $ 26.0  
1999
 
Hurricane Floyd
    14.5  
2003
 
Hurricane Isabel
    13.4  
 
We view catastrophe modeling as an important tool in our management of aggregation risk. The significant shift of the results created by the latest update to the RMS model, as well as the differences in the modeled losses for the same portfolio between RMS and AIR Worldwide (“AIR”) hurricane models, demonstrates the limitations of available models. We therefore use these models to gauge the general direction of change in our risk profile rather than a precise risk indicator. Modeling results are an important part of the determination of the amount of reinsurance we seek to purchase to transfer some of our catastrophic risk. As a result of our blended view of RMS’s v. 11.0 and AIR v. 12, on April 22, 2011 we purchased an additional $75 million layer of catastrophe coverage. This brings our Catastrophe Excess of Loss program to $435 million in excess of $40 million retention.
 
The following table presents modeled hurricane losses on a near-term basis from:  (i) RMS’s v. 9.0; (ii) RMS’s v. 11.0; and (iii) AIR v. 12.  These projections are based on the Insurance Subsidiaries’ property book of business as of July 2010:
($ in thousands)
 
RMS v. 9.0
   
RMS v. 11.0
   
AIR v. 12
 
Occurrence Exceedence
Probability3
 
Gross
Losses RMS
v.9.0
   
Net
Losses1
   
Net Losses
as a
Percent of
Equity2
   
Gross
Losses RMS
v.11.0
   
Net
Losses1
   
Net Losses
as a
Percent of
Equity2
   
Gross
Losses AIR
v.12
   
Net
Losses1
   
Net
Losses as
a Percent
of Equity2
 
                                                       
4.0% (1 in 25 year event)
  $ 58,201       27,675       3 %   $ 113,995       33,038       3 %   $ 97,588       31,300       3 %
2.0% (1 in 50 year event)
    121,799       33,883       3       230,242       43,926       4       168,590       38,951       4  
1.0% (1 in 100 year event)
    228,213       43,820       4       412,597       54,642       5       284,973       46,771       4  
0.4% (1 in 250 year event)
    457,873       61,438       6       784,332       265,074       24       573,510       128,041       12  

1 Losses are after tax, based on total reinsurance program of $435 million excess of $40 million and includes applicable reinstatement premium.
2 Equity as of June 30, 2011.
3 Current Catastrophic Excess of Loss program exhausts at 1 in 153 year event with corresponding net loss to equity of 6% based on blended model results.  The blended model results for a 1 in 250 year event corresponds to net losses equal to 18% of equity.

We have successfully completed negotiations of our July 1, 2011 excess of loss treaties with highlights as follows:

Property Excess of Loss
The Property Excess of Loss treaty (“Property Treaty”) was renewed with the same terms as the expiring treaty providing for per risk coverage of $28.0 million in excess of a $2.0 million retention.
 
·
The per occurrence cap on the total program is $64.0 million.
  
·
The first layer continues to have unlimited reinstatements.  The annual aggregate limit for the second, $20.0 million in excess of $10.0 million, layer remains at $80.0 million.
 
·
Consistent with the prior year treaty, the Property Treaty excludes nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological terrorism losses.
 
 
35

 
 
Casualty Excess of Loss
The Casualty Excess of Loss treaty (“Casualty Treaty”) was renewed with substantially the same terms as the expiring treaty providing the following per occurrence coverage:
 
·
The first layer now provides coverage for 100% of up to $3.0 million in excess of a $2.0 million retention, compared to 85% coverage in the expiring treaty.
 
·
The next five layers provide coverage for 100% of up to $85.0 million in excess of $5.0 million.
 
·
Consistent with the prior year, the Casualty Treaty excludes nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological terrorism losses.  Annual aggregate terrorism limits increased to $201.0 million from $198.8 million due to the increased participation on the first layer.

 
36

 
 
Investments
Our investment philosophy includes certain return and risk objectives for the fixed maturity, equity, and other investment portfolios.  The primary return objective of the fixed maturity portfolio is to maximize after-tax investment yield and income while balancing risk.  A secondary objective is to meet or exceed a weighted-average benchmark of public fixed income indices.  The equity portfolio return objective is to meet or exceed a weighted-average benchmark of public equity indices with a secondary goal of generating dividend income.  Although yield and income generation remain the key drivers to our investment strategy, our overall philosophy is to invest with a long-term horizon along with a “buy-and-hold” principle.  During the first quarter of 2011, we began repositioning our equity portfolio into a high dividend yield equities strategy that is benchmarked to the Standards and Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index.  The return objective for other investments, which includes alternative investments, is to meet or exceed the S&P 500 Index.

Total Invested Assets

 
($ in thousands)
 
June 30,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
   
Change %
 
                   
Total invested assets
  $ 4,007,338       3,925,722       2 %
Unrealized gain – before tax
    102,312       82,872       23  
Unrealized gain – after tax
    66,503       53,867       23  
                         

Our investment portfolio totaled $4.0 billion at June 30, 2011, an increase of 2% compared to December 31, 2010.  This increase was driven primarily by:  (i) cash flows generated from our Insurance Operations; and (ii) increased valuations on securities in our available-for-sale (“AFS”) portfolio.  The unrealized gain position on the AFS portfolio increased by $19.4 million on a pre-tax basis, to $102.3 million, as of June 30, 2011.
 
The breakdown of our investment portfolio, which generally remained unchanged from December 31, 2010, is as follows:

   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
U.S. government obligations
    10 %     11 %
Foreign government obligations
    1       1  
State and municipal obligations
    33       36  
Corporate securities
    29       27  
Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”)
    15       14  
Asset-backed securities (“ABS”)
    2       2  
Total fixed maturity securities
    90       91  
                 
Equity securities
    3       2  
Short-term investments
    4       4  
Other investments
    3       3  
Total
    100 %     100 %

We structure our portfolio conservatively with a focus on:  (i) asset diversification; (ii) investment quality; (iii) liquidity, particularly to meet the cash obligations of our Insurance Operations segment; (iv) consideration of taxes; and (v) preservation of capital.  We believe that we have a high quality and liquid investment portfolio.  The average duration of the fixed maturity securities portfolio as of June 30, 2011, including short-term investments, was 3.3 years compared to the Insurance Subsidiaries’ liability duration of approximately 3.8 years.  The current duration of the fixed maturity securities portfolio is within our historical range, and is monitored and managed to maximize yield and limit interest rate risk.  We manage liquidity with a laddered maturity structure and an appropriate level of short-term investments to avoid liquidation of AFS fixed maturities in the ordinary course of business.  We typically have a long investment time horizon and every purchase or sale is made with the intent of improving future investment returns while balancing capital preservation.
 
 
37

 
 
Our fixed maturity securities portfolio carries a weighted average credit rating of “AA” despite ratings migration over the past year due to general economic conditions and our recent heavier allocation to investment-grade corporate bonds.  The following table presents the credit ratings of our fixed maturity securities portfolio:

Fixed Maturity
 
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
Security Rating
 
2011
   
2010
 
Aaa/AAA
    42 %     42 %
Aa/AA
    28       28  
A/A
    22       21  
Baa/BBB
    7       8  
Ba/BB or below
    1       1  
Total
    100 %     100 %
 
 
38

 
 
The following table summarizes the fair value, unrealized gain (loss) balances, and the weighted average credit qualities of our AFS fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
               
Average
               
Average
 
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Credit
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Credit
 
($ in millions)
 
Value
   
Gain (Loss)
   
Quality
   
Value
   
Gain (Loss)
   
Quality
 
AFS Fixed Maturity Portfolio:
                                   
U.S. government obligations1
  $ 296.9       8.2    
AAA
      320.5       8.1    
AAA
 
Foreign government obligations
    30.1       0.3    
AA
      19.0       -    
AA
 
State and municipal obligations
    542.6       29.7    
AA+
      533.9       21.9    
AA+
 
Corporate securities
    1,078.5       31.4     A       993.7       19.9     A  
MBS
    498.9       12.5    
AA+
      426.9       6.7    
AA+
 
ABS
    78.2       0.6    
AAA
      48.7       0.2    
AAA
 
Total AFS fixed maturity portfolio
  $ 2,525.2       82.7    
AA
      2,342.7       56.8    
AA
 
                                             
State and Municipal Obligations:
                                           
General obligations
  $ 294.9       16.6    
AA+
      289.6       11.1    
AA+
 
Special revenue obligations
    247.7       13.1    
AA
      244.3       10.8    
AA
 
Total state and municipal obligations
  $ 542.6       29.7    
AA+
      533.9       21.9    
AA+
 
                                             
Corporate Securities:
                                           
Financial
  $ 344.4       8.7     A+       289.9       4.5     A+  
Industrials
    81.2       4.4     A       77.0       3.6     A-  
Utilities
    68.5       1.1     A-       56.5       0.2    
BBB+
 
Consumer discretion
    85.0       2.0     A-       98.9       1.1     A-  
Consumer staples
    118.0       3.5     A       101.6       2.1     A-  
Healthcare
    141.9       5.2    
AA-
      138.0       4.1    
AA-
 
Materials
    52.9       1.3     A-       57.0       0.8     A-  
Energy
    56.6       2.1     A       49.5       1.2     A  
Information technology
    70.7       1.1     A+       51.5       0.4     A+  
Telecommunications services
    44.1       0.8    
BBB+
      50.5       0.2     A-  
Other
    15.2       1.2    
AA+
      23.3       1.7    
AA+
 
Total corporate securities
  $ 1,078.5       31.4     A       993.7       19.9     A  
                                             
MBS:
                                           
Government guaranteed agency commercial MBS (“CMBS”)
  $ 72.3       3.6    
AAA
      71.9       3.3    
AAA
 
Non-agency CMBS
    36.8       (0.2 )   A-       32.6       (2.1 )   A-  
Government guaranteed agency residential MBS (“RMBS”)
    94.7       3.9    
AAA
      91.1       3.0    
AAA
 
Other agency RMBS
    250.6       5.5    
AAA
      183.6       3.8    
AAA
 
Non-agency RMBS
    36.1       (0.3 )  
BBB-
      38.3       (1.0 )  
BBB
 
Alternative-A (“Alt-A”) RMBS
    8.4       -    
AA+
      9.4       (0.3 )  
AAA
 
Total MBS
  $ 498.9       12.5    
AA+
      426.9       6.7    
AA+
 
                                             
ABS:
                                           
ABS
  $ 77.4       0.7    
AAA
      47.8       0.2    
AAA
 
Sub-prime ABS2, 3
    0.8       (0.1 )   D       0.9       -     D  
Total ABS
  $ 78.2       0.6    
AAA
      48.7       0.2    
AAA
 
 
1 U.S. government includes corporate securities fully guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).
2 We define sub-prime exposure as exposure to direct and indirect investments in non-agency residential mortgages with average FICO® scores below 650.
3 Subprime ABS consists of one security that is currently expected by rating agencies to default on its obligations.
 
 
39

 
 
The following tables provide information regarding our held-to-maturity (“HTM”) fixed maturity securities and their credit qualities at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
 
June 30, 2011
                         
Total
       
               
Unrecognized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized/
   
Average
 
   
Fair
   
Carry
   
Holding Gain
   
Gain (Loss) in
   
Unrecognized
   
Credit
 
($ in millions)
 
Value
   
Value
   
(Loss)
   
AOCI
   
Gain (Loss)
   
Quality
 
HTM Portfolio:
                                   
U.S. government obligations1
  $ 97.1       90.8       6.3       4.3       10.6    
AAA
 
Foreign government obligations
    5.5       5.6       (0.1 )     0.3       0.2    
AA+
 
State and municipal obligations
    821.5       796.3       25.2       17.3       42.5    
AA
 
Corporate securities
    77.7       69.7       8.0       (3.0 )     5.0     A  
MBS
    109.9       100.2       9.7       (5.3 )     4.4    
AA+
 
ABS
    9.3       8.0       1.3       (2.3 )     (1.0 )   A-  
Total HTM portfolio
  $ 1,121.0       1,070.6       50.4       11.3       61.7    
AA
 
                                               
State and Municipal Obligations:
                                             
General obligations
  $ 234.5       227.2       7.3       8.1       15.4    
AA
 
Special revenue obligations
    587.0       569.1       17.9       9.2       27.1    
AA
 
Total state and municipal obligations
  $ 821.5       796.3       25.2       17.3       42.5    
AA
 
                                               
Corporate Securities:
                                             
Financial
  $ 21.7       18.5       3.2       (2.0 )     1.2     A-  
Industrials
    20.7       18.0       2.7       (0.8 )     1.9     A  
Utilities
    17.0       16.0       1.0       (0.1 )     0.9     A  
Consumer discretion
    7.3       7.0       0.3       0.1       0.4    
AA-
 
Consumer staples
    5.3       5.0       0.3       -       0.3     A  
Materials
    2.1       1.9       0.2       (0.1 )     0.1    
BBB
 
Energy
    3.6       3.3       0.3       (0.1 )     0.2    
BBB-
 
Total corporate securities
  $ 77.7       69.7       8.0       (3.0 )     5.0     A  
                                               
MBS:
                                             
Government guaranteed agency CMBS
  $ 5.2       5.0       0.2       -       0.2    
AAA
 
Non-agency CMBS
    38.7       31.6       7.1       (6.2 )     0.9    
AA
 
Government guaranteed agency RMBS
    7.5       6.9       0.6       (0.1 )     0.5    
AAA
 
Other agency RMBS
    58.4       56.6       1.8       1.0       2.8    
AAA
 
Non-agency RMBS
    0.1       0.1       -       -       -    
BBB
 
Total MBS
  $ 109.9       100.2       9.7       (5.3 )     4.4    
AA+
 
                                               
ABS:
                                             
ABS
  $ 6.4       5.5       0.9       (0.7 )     0.2    
BBB+
 
Alt-A ABS
    2.9       2.5       0.4       (1.6 )     (1.2 )  
AA-
 
Total ABS
  $ 9.3       8.0       1.3       (2.3 )     (1.0 )   A-  
  
 
40

 
 
December 31, 2010
                         
Total
       
                           
Unrealized/
   
Average
 
   
Fair
   
Carry
   
Unrecognized
   
Unrealized Gain
   
Unrecognized
   
Credit
 
 ($ in millions)
 
Value
   
Value
   
Holding Gain
   
(Loss) in AOCI
   
Gain (Loss)
   
Quality
 
HTM Portfolio:
                                   
U.S. government obligations1
  $ 103.1       98.1       5.0       4.7       9.7    
AAA
 
Foreign government obligations
    5.6       5.6       -       0.3       0.3    
AA+
 
State and municipal obligations
    912.3       896.6       15.7       22.2       37.9    
AA
 
Corporate securities
    82.1       72.7       9.4       (4.0 )     5.4     A-  
MBS
    141.3       130.8       10.5       (6.3 )     4.2    
AAA
 
ABS
    11.9       10.5       1.4       (2.4 )     (1.0 )   A  
Total HTM portfolio
  $ 1,256.3       1,214.3       42.0       14.5       56.5    
AA
 
                                               
State and Municipal Obligations:
                                             
General obligations
  $ 240.3       236.8       3.5       9.7       13.2    
AA
 
Special revenue obligations
    672.0       659.8       12.2       12.5       24.7    
AA
 
Total state and municipal obligations
  $ 912.3       896.6       15.7       22.2       37.9    
AA
 
                                               
Corporate Securities:
                                             
Financial
  $ 23.5       20.0       3.5       (2.5 )     1.0     A-  
Industrials
    22.8       19.4       3.4       (1.2 )     2.2     A  
Utilities
    16.9       16.1       0.8       (0.1 )     0.7    
BBB
 
Consumer discretion
    7.7       7.1       0.6       0.2       0.8    
AA-
 
Consumer staples
    5.4       4.9       0.5       (0.1 )     0.4     A  
Materials
    2.1       1.9       0.2       (0.1 )     0.1    
BBB-
 
Energy
    3.7       3.3       0.4       (0.2 )     0.2    
BB+
 
Total corporate securities
  $ 82.1       72.7       9.4       (4.0 )     5.4     A-  
                                               
MBS
                                             
Government guaranteed agency CMBS
  $ 9.2       8.9       0.3       -       0.3    
AAA
 
Other agency CMBS
    3.6       3.6       -       -       -    
AAA
 
Non-agency CMBS
    42.1       35.0       7.1       (7.4 )     (0.3 )  
AA+
 
Government guaranteed agency RMBS
    4.5       4.0       0.5       (0.1 )     0.4    
AAA
 
Other agency RMBS
    81.8       79.2       2.6       1.2       3.8    
AAA
 
Non-agency RMBS
    0.1       0.1       -       -       -    
BBB
 
Total MBS
  $ 141.3       130.8       10.5       (6.3 )     4.2    
AAA
 
                                               
ABS:
                                             
ABS
  $ 9.1       8.0       1.1       (0.9 )     0.2     A-  
Alt-A ABS
    2.8       2.5       0.3       (1.5 )     (1.2 )  
AA-
 
Total ABS
  $ 11.9       10.5       1.4       (2.4 )     (1.0 )   A  

1 U.S. government includes corporate securities fully guaranteed by the FDIC.
 
A portion of our AFS and HTM municipal bonds contain insurance enhancements.  The following table provides information regarding these insurance-enhanced securities as of June 30, 2011:
 
Insurers of Municipal Bond Securities
     
Ratings
 
Ratings
 
       
with
 
without
 
($ in thousands)
 
Fair Value
 
Insurance
 
Insurance
 
National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation, a subsidiary of MBIA, Inc.
  $ 354,577  
AA-
  A+  
Assured Guaranty
    232,604  
AA+
  A  
Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
    95,127  
AA-
 
AA-
 
Other
    20,685  
AA
  A+  
Total
  $ 702,993  
AA
  A+  
   
 
41

 
    
To manage and mitigate exposure, we perform analyses on MBS both at the time of purchase and as part of the ongoing portfolio evaluation.  This analysis includes review of average FICO® scores, loan-to-value ratios, geographic spread of the assets securing the bond, delinquencies in payments for the underlying mortgages, gains/losses on sales, evaluations of projected cash flows, as well as other information that aids in determination of the health of the underlying assets.  We also consider the overall credit environment, economic conditions, total projected return on the investment, and overall asset allocation of the portfolio in our decisions to purchase or sell structured securities.
 
The following table details the top 10 state exposures of the municipal bond portion of our fixed maturity securities portfolio at June 30, 2011:
 
State Exposures of Municipal Bonds
                       
 
 
General Obligation
   
Special
   
Fair
   
Average
Credit
 
($ in thousands)
 
Local
   
State
   
Revenue
   
Value
   
Quality
 
                               
Texas
  $ 85,750       1,056       59,425       146,231    
AA
 
Washington
    45,866       -       45,122       90,988     A+  
Arizona
    6,837       -       68,695       75,532    
AA
 
Florida
    -       -       69,155       69,155     A+  
North Carolina
    23,474       22,266       23,385       69,125    
AA+
 
New York
    -       -       67,348       67,348    
AA+
 
Ohio
    13,687       7,345       33,343       54,375    
AA
 
Minnesota
    5,156       41,240       6,797       53,193    
AAA
 
Illinois
    19,856       -       28,388       48,244    
AA-
 
Colorado
    28,535       1,847       16,885       47,267    
AA-
 
Other
    123,111       76,479       379,770       579,360    
AA-
 
      352,272       150,233       798,313       1,300,818    
AA
 
Advanced refunded/escrowed to maturity bonds
    21,482       5,389       36,457       63,328     A+  
Total
  $ 373,754       155,622       834,770       1,364,146    
AA
 
 
There has recently been widespread concern regarding the stress on state and local governments emanating from declining revenues, large unfunded liabilities, and entrenched cost structures.  This has led to speculation about potential fallout on the municipal bond market.  Overall, we are comfortable with the quality, composition, and diversification of our $1.4 billion municipal bond portfolio, but we closely monitor our exposure, particularly in light of the changing landscape for municipalities.  Our municipal bond portfolio is very high quality with an average AA rating and is well laddered with 35% maturing within three years and another 33% maturing between three and five years.  The weightings of the municipal bond portfolio are:  61% of high-quality revenue bonds that have dedicated revenue streams, 27% of local general obligation bonds, and 12% of state general obligation bonds.  In addition, approximately 5% of the municipal bond portfolio has been refunded in advance.  Our largest state exposure is to Texas, at 11% excluding the impact of advanced refunded bonds.  Of the $86 million in local Texas general obligation bonds, $42 million represents investments in Texas Permanent School Fund bonds, which are considered to be lower risk.

The sector composition and credit quality of our special revenue bonds did not significantly change from December 31, 2010. For details regarding our special revenue bond sectors and additional information regarding credit risk associated with our portfolio, see Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” of our 2010 Annual Report.
  
 
42

 
 
As of June 30, 2011, alternative investments represented 3% of our total invested assets.  The following table outlines a summary of our other investment portfolio by strategy and the remaining commitment amount associated with each strategy:
 

Other Investments
       
June 30, 2011
 
   
Carrying Value
   
Remaining
 
($ in thousands)
 
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
   
Commitment
 
Alternative Investments:
                 
Energy/power generation
  $ 29,862       35,560       10,296  
Secondary private equity
    27,601       26,709       12,334  
Distressed debt
    19,868       20,432       3,389  
Private equity
    18,786       21,601       7,966  
Real estate
    15,642       14,192       10,670  
Mezzanine financing
    10,126       10,230       15,865  
Venture capital
    7,666       6,386       1,100  
Total alternative investments
    129,551       135,110       61,620  
Other securities
    2,586       2,755       -  
Total other investments
  $ 132,137       137,865       61,620  

In addition to the capital that we have already invested to date, we are contractually obligated to invest up to an additional $61.6 million in these alternative investments through commitments that currently expire at various dates through 2022.  For a description of our seven alternative investment strategies outlined above, as well as redemption, restrictions, and fund liquidations, refer to Note 5. “Investments” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2010 Annual Report.

Net Investment Income
The components of net investment income earned were as follows:
 
   
Quarter ended June 30,
   
Six Months ended June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Fixed maturity securities
  $ 32,752       32,977       65,875       66,173  
Equity securities
    785       480       1,102       932  
Short-term investments
    33       133       95       233  
Other investments
    7,922       4,884       19,588       8,816  
Investment expenses
    (2,147 )     (1,929 )     (3,842 )     (4,903
Net investment income earned – before tax
    39,345       36,545       82,818       71,251  
Net investment income tax expense
    (9,925 )     (8,617 )     (21,273 )     (16,498
Net investment income earned – after tax
  $ 29,420       27,928       61,545       54,753  
                                 
Effective tax rate on net investment income
    25.2 %     23.6       25.7 %     23.2  
Annual after-tax yield on fixed maturity securities
                    2.7       2.9  
Annual after-tax yield on investment portfolio
                    3.1       2.9  
 
Net investment income, before tax, increased by:  (i) $2.8 million for Second Quarter 2011 compared to Second Quarter 2010; and (ii) $11.6 million for Six Months 2011 compared to Six Months 2010.  These increases were primarily driven by income from our alternative investments within our investment portfolio.  Our alternative investments, which are accounted for under the equity method, primarily consist of investments in limited partnerships, the majority of which report results to us on a one quarter lag.  The following table illustrates income by strategy for these partnerships:

   
Quarter ended June 30,
   
Six Months ended June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Energy/power generation
  $ 1,284       965       5,839       3,031  
Private equity
    1,181       99       3,758       807  
Secondary private equity
    3,067       2,665       4,716       3,684  
Distressed debt
    421       (41 )     1,394       723  
Real estate
    681       (494 )     1,450       (2,359 )
Venture capital
    565       (18 )     1,323       248  
Mezzanine financing
    701       1,692       1,061       2,629  
Other
    22       16       47       53  
Total other investment income
  $ 7,922       4,884       19,588       8,816  
 
 
43

 
 
Realized Gains and Losses

Realized Gains and Losses (excluding OTTI)
Realized gains and losses, by type of security excluding OTTI charges, are determined on the basis of the cost of specific investments sold and are credited or charged to income.  The components of net realized gains were as follows:
 
   
Quarter ended
   
Six Months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
HTM fixed maturity securities
                       
Gains
  $ 8       368       9       412  
Losses
    (108 )     (210 )     (322 )     (450 )
AFS fixed maturity securities
                               
Gains
    1,947       325       2,354       4,782  
Losses
    -       (7,558 )     (7 )     (7,589 )
AFS equity securities
                               
Gains
    468       9,995       6,671       14,174  
Losses
    -       -       -       (233 )
Total other net realized investment gains
    2,315       2,920       8,705       11,096  
Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings
    (169 )     (6,184 )     (799 )     (14,424 )
Total net realized gains (losses)
  $ 2,146       (3,264 )     7,906       (3,328 )
 
For a discussion of realized gains and losses, see Note 6. “Investments” in Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Form 10-Q.

There were no securities sold at a loss during Second Quarter 2011 and Six Months 2011.  The following tables present the period of time that securities sold at a loss in Second Quarter 2010 and Six Months 2010 were continuously in an unrealized loss position prior to sale:
 

Period of Time in an
 
Quarter ended
 
Unrealized Loss Position
 
June 30, 2010
 
   
Fair
       
   
Value on
   
Realized
 
($ in thousands)
 
Sale Date
   
Loss
 
Fixed maturities:
           
0 – 6 months
  $ 6,403       432  
7 – 12 months
    -       -  
Greater than 12 months
    10,257       7,098  
Total fixed maturities
    16,660       7,530  
Total equity securities
    -       -  
Total other investments
    -       -  
Total
  $ 16,660       7,530  

Period of Time in an
 
Six Months ended
 
Unrealized Loss Position
 
June 30, 2010
 
   
Fair
       
   
Value on
   
Realized
 
($ in thousands)
 
Sale Date
   
Loss
 
Fixed maturities:
           
0 – 6 months
  $ 11,462       463  
7 – 12 months
    -       -  
Greater than 12 months
    10,257       7,098  
Total fixed maturities
    21,719       7,561  
Equities:
               
0 – 6 months
    4,128       233  
7 – 12 months
    -       -  
Total equity securities
    4,128       233  
Total other investments
    -       -  
Total
  $ 25,847       7,794  
 
 
44

 
 
Our general philosophy for sales of securities is to reduce our exposure to securities and sectors based on economic evaluations and when the fundamentals for that security or sector have deteriorated.  We typically have a long investment time horizon and every purchase or sale is made with the intent of improving future investment returns while balancing capital preservation.  From time to time, this may involve initiating sales programs to rebalance the overall portfolio allocation.

Other-than-Temporary Impairments
The following table provides information regarding our OTTI charges recognized in earnings:

   
Quarter ended
   
Six Months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
HTM securities
                       
ABS
  $ -       -       -       31  
CMBS
    -       1,464       -       4,125  
RMBS
    -       317       -       317  
Total HTM securities
    -       1,781       -       4,473  
                                 
AFS securities
                               
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
    -       -       17       -  
Corporate securities
    -       -       244       -  
CMBS
    142       1,372       472       1,372  
RMBS
    27       2,359       66       7,907  
Total fixed maturity AFS securities
    169       3,731       799       9,279  
Equity Securities
    -       672       -       672  
Total AFS securities
    169       4,403       799       9,951  
                                 
Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings
  $ 169       6,184       799       14,424  

We regularly review our entire investment portfolio for declines in fair value.  If we believe that a decline in the value of a particular investment is other than temporary, we record it as an OTTI, through realized losses in earnings for the credit-related portion and through unrealized losses in OCI for the non-credit related portion.  If there is a decline in fair value of an equity security that we do not intend to hold, or if we determine the decline is other than temporary, we write down the cost of the investment to fair value and record the charge through earnings as a component of realized losses.

For discussion of our OTTI methodology, see Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2010 Annual Report.  In addition, for qualitative information regarding these charges, see Note 6. “Investments,” included in Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Form 10-Q.
  
 
45

 
 
Unrealized/Unrecognized Losses
The following table summarizes the aggregate fair value and gross pre-tax unrealized/unrecognized losses recorded, by asset class and by length of time, for all securities that have continuously been in an unrealized/unrecognized loss position at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

June 30, 2011
 
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses1
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses1
 
AFS securities
                       
U.S. government and government agencies2
  $ 4,051       (52 )     -       -  
Foreign government
    15,355       (145 )     -       -  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    -       -       305       (6 )
Corporate securities
    254,600       (4,125 )     -       -  
ABS
    25,317       (56 )     765       (72 )
CMBS
    8,064       (33 )     10,362       (1,148 )
RMBS
    68,028       (888 )     7,201       (624 )
Total fixed maturity securities
    375,415       (5,299 )     18,633       (1,850 )
Equity securities
    51,650       (1,663 )     -       -  
Subtotal
  $ 427,065       (6,962 )     18,633       (1,850 )
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
 
               
Unrecognized
               
Unrecognized
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses1
   
Gains
(Losses)3
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses1
   
Gains
(Losses)3
 
HTM securities
                                   
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
  $ 13,127       (549 )     476       23,379       (1,630 )     1,312  
ABS
    -       -       -       3,364       (1,635 )     340  
CMBS
    -       -       -       6,438       (3,554 )     1,137  
RMBS
    -       -       -       112       (38 )     18  
Subtotal
  $ 13,127       (549 )     476       33,293       (6,857 )     2,807  
                                                 
Total AFS and HTM
  $ 440,192       (7,511 )     476       51,926       (8,707 )     2,807  
 
December 31, 2010
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
($ in thousands)
 
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses1
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses1
 
AFS securities
                       
U.S. government and government agencies2
  $ 3,956       (147 )     -       -  
Foreign government
    10,776       (349 )     -       -  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    40,410       (650 )     -       -  
Corporate securities
    362,502       (8,784 )     -       -  
ABS
    30,297       (273 )     880       (66 )
CMBS
    5,453       (271 )     11,115       (2,652 )
RMBS
    70,934       (1,098 )     20,910       (1,145 )
Total fixed maturity securities
    524,328       (11,572 )     32,905       (3,863 )
Equity securities
    -       -       -       -  
Subtotal
  $ 524,328       (11,572 )     32,905       (3,863 )
 
 
46

 

 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
 
         
Unrealized
   
Unrecognized
                   
 
($ in thousands)
 
Fair
Value
   
(Losses)
Gains1
   
Gains
(Losses)3
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses1
   
Unrecognized
Gains3
 
HTM securities
                                   
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
  $ 21,036       (381 )     45       27,855       (1,969 )     670  
Corporate securities
    1,985       (434 )     420       -       -       -  
ABS
    507       (546 )     (440 )     2,931       (1,095 )     747  
CMBS
    3,621       15       (17 )     5,745       (3,933 )     833  
RMBS
    -       -       -       95       (38 )     1  
Subtotal
  $ 27,149       (1,346 )     8       36,626       (7,035 )     2,251  
                                                 
Total AFS and HTM
  $ 551,477       (12,918 )     8       69,531       (10,898 )     2,251  

1
Gross unrealized losses include non-OTTI unrealized amounts and OTTI losses recognized in AOCI.  In addition, this column includes remaining unrealized gain or loss amounts on securities that were transferred to an HTM designation in the first quarter of 2009 for those securities that are in a net unrealized/unrecognized loss position.
2
U.S. government includes corporate securities fully guaranteed by the FDIC.
3
Unrecognized holding gains/(losses) represent fair value fluctuations from the later of:  (i) the date a security is designated as HTM; or (ii) the date that an OTTI charge is recognized on an HTM security.

The number of securities in an unrealized/unrecognized loss position increased from 199 at December 31, 2010 to 225 at June 30, 2011, with an associated fair value of $621.0 million and $492.1 million, respectively.  Despite the increase in the number of securities and the associated fair value, the corresponding unrealized/unrecognized position in total declined by $8.6 million, reflecting smaller loss positions.  This is further illustrated in the following table wherein the number of issues in the 80% – 99% market/book category increased since December 31, 2010 while the overall loss position decreased during the same period:
 
($ in thousands)
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
 
Number
of Issues
 
 
% of
Market/Book
 
Unrealized
Unrecognized
Loss
   
Number of
Issues
 
 
% of
Market/Book
 
Unrealized
Unrecognized
Loss
 
221
 
80% - 99%
  $ 9,331     193  
80% - 99%
  $ 16,310  
1
 
60% - 79%
    23     2  
60% - 79%
    1,125  
2
 
40% - 59%
    2,529     2  
40% - 59%
    2,160  
1
 
20% - 39%
    1,052     1  
20% - 39%
    986  
-
 
0% - 19%
    -     1  
0% - 19%
    976  
        $ 12,935             $ 21,557  
 
We have reviewed the securities in the tables above in accordance with our OTTI policy, which is discussed in Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2010 Annual Report.  For qualitative information regarding our conclusion as to why these impairments are deemed temporary, see Note 6. “Investments,” in Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Form 10-Q.
 
Contractual Maturities
The following table presents amortized cost and fair value regarding our AFS fixed maturities that were in an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2011 by contractual maturity:

Contractual Maturities
 
Amortized
   
Fair
 
($ in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Value
 
One year or less
  $ 17,181       17,017  
Due after one year through five years
    228,793       226,007  
Due after five years through ten years
    146,623       143,051  
Due after ten years
    8,600       7,973  
Total
  $ 401,197       394,048  
 
 
47

 

 
The following table presents information regarding our HTM fixed maturities that were in an unrealized/unrecognized loss position at June 30, 2011 by contractual maturity:

Contractual Maturities
 
Amortized
   
Fair
 
($ in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Value
 
One year or less
  $ 363       361  
Due after one year through five years
    37,422       34,553  
Due after five years through ten years
    10,719       10,542  
Due after ten years
    2,039       964  
Total
  $ 50,543       46,420  
 
Investments Outlook
Through Six Months 2011 the economic recovery has been proceeding at a slow pace.  The labor market continues to be sluggish, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that the June 2011 unemployment rate was 9.2%, up from the March reading and down only 0.3% from June 2010.  The Federal Reserve continues to maintain an accommodative monetary policy with no indication of an upcoming change.  We are focused on the following areas of concern:  (i) instability in oil producing countries and the impact on oil prices; (ii) efforts to contain the Eurozone debt crisis; (iii) commodity input price inflation; (iv) overall inflation expectations; and (v) the overhang in the domestic housing market.  Inflation and the monetary response to it will have a significant impact on our fixed income portfolio.  At its June meeting, the Federal Reserve acknowledged recent inflationary indicators although consensus remains for stable longer term inflation.  The accommodative monetary policy is likely to continue through 2011 and it will be challenging to maintain yield and credit quality given the spread between maturing assets and current reinvestment rates.
 
Our fixed income strategy remains focused on maintaining sufficient liquidity while maximizing yield within acceptable risk tolerances.  We will continue to invest in high quality instruments including additions to investment grade corporate bonds with diversified maturities to manage incremental interest rate risk.  When market conditions warrant, we may opportunistically invest in higher yielding fixed income securities to take advantage of attractive risk adjusted return opportunities.
 
We have modified our equity portfolio and are pursuing a more sector-neutral position for this asset class.  As mentioned previously, we have allocated assets to a high dividend yield strategy, which is expected to improve our equity portfolio’s diversification and provide additional yield while maintaining our allocation to the domestic equities market.
 
Our current outlook for alternative investments is positive.  Private markets remain strong and the improved merger and acquisition environment is an important driver of exit opportunities for our general partners, and has also positively impacted the underlying funds’ portfolio values.
 
 
48

 
 
Federal Income Taxes
Federal income taxes from continuing operations decreased by $3.9 million for Second Quarter 2011 and increased by $1.3 million for Six Months 2011, to a benefit of $1.1 million for Second Quarter 2011 and an expense of $5.1 million for Six Months 2011, compared to an expense of $2.8 million and $3.8 million, respectively.  The decrease in Second Quarter 2011 is primarily due to an increase in underwriting losses compared to the prior year.  The increase for Six Months 2011 is attributable to an increase in net investment income and net realized gains.  The effective tax rate was approximately (90)% for Second Quarter 2011 and 18% for Six Months 2011, compared to an effective tax rate of 12% for both Second Quarter and Six Months 2010.  Our effective tax rate for continuing operations differs from the federal corporate rate of 35% primarily as a result of tax-advantaged investment income.

Financial Condition, Liquidity, Short-term Borrowings, and Capital Resources
Capital resources and liquidity reflect our ability to generate cash flows from business operations, borrow funds at competitive rates, and raise new capital to meet operating and growth needs.

Liquidity
We manage liquidity with a focus on generating sufficient cash flows to meet both the short-term and long-term cash requirements of our business operations.  Our cash and short-term investment position was $143 million at June 30, 2011, primarily comprised of $41 million at Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (the “Parent”) and $102 million at the Insurance Subsidiaries.  We continually evaluate our liquidity levels and short-term investments are maintained in AAA rated money market funds approved by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Sources of cash for the Parent have historically consisted of dividends from the Insurance Subsidiaries, borrowings under its line of credit, loan agreements with our Indiana-domiciled Insurance Subsidiaries (“Indiana Subsidiaries”), and the issuance of stock and debt securities.  We continue to monitor these sources, giving consideration to our long-term liquidity and capital preservation strategies.  The Parent had no private or public issuances of stock or debt during 2011 and there were no borrowings under its $30 million line of credit (“Line of Credit”).

We currently anticipate the Insurance Subsidiaries paying approximately $63 million of dividends to the Parent in 2011, of which $29 million was paid through Second Quarter 2011, compared to our allowable ordinary maximum dividend amount of approximately $110 million.  Any dividends to the Parent continue to be subject to the approval and/or review of the insurance regulators in the respective domiciliary states under insurance holding company acts, and are generally payable only from earned surplus as reported in the statutory annual statements of those subsidiaries as of the preceding December 31.  Although past dividends have historically been met with regulatory approval, there is no assurance that future dividends that may be declared will be approved.  For additional information regarding dividend restrictions, refer to Note 6. “Stockholders’ Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2010 Annual Report.

The Indiana Subsidiaries are members in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”), which provides these companies with access to additional liquidity.  The Indiana Subsidiaries’ aggregate investment of $0.8 million provides them with the ability to borrow up to 20 times the total amount of the FHLBI common stock purchased, at comparatively low borrowing rates.  The Parent’s Line of Credit agreement permits collateralized borrowings by the Indiana Subsidiaries from the FHLBI so long as the aggregate amount borrowed does not exceed 10% of the respective Indiana Subsidiary’s admitted assets from the preceding calendar year.  For additional information regarding the Parent’s Line of Credit, refer to the section below entitled “Short-term Borrowings.”  All borrowings from FHLBI are required to be secured by certain investments.  The Indiana Department of Insurance has approved lending agreements from the Indiana Subsidiaries to the Parent.  At June 30, 2011, the outstanding borrowings of the Indiana Subsidiaries from the FHLBI were $13 million in fixed rate borrowings after pledging the required collateral.  These funds have been loaned to the Parent under the approved lending agreements.  For additional information regarding the required collateral, refer to Note 6. “Investments” of this Form 10-Q.
 
 
49

 
 
The Insurance Subsidiaries also generate liquidity through insurance float, which is created by collecting premiums and earning investment income before losses are paid.  The period of the float can extend over many years.  Our investment portfolio consists of maturity dates that are well-laddered to continually provide a source of cash flows for claims payments in the ordinary course of business.  The duration of the fixed maturity securities portfolio, including short-term investments, was 3.3 years as of June 30, 2011, while the liabilities of the Insurance Subsidiaries have a duration of approximately 3.8 years.  In addition, the Insurance Subsidiaries purchase reinsurance coverage for protection against any significantly large claims or catastrophes that may occur during the year.

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

Our ability to meet our interest and principal repayment obligations on our debt, as well as our ability to continue to pay dividends to our stockholders is dependent on liquidity at the Parent coupled with the ability of the Insurance Subsidiaries to pay dividends, if necessary, and/or the availability of other sources of liquidity to the Parent.  Our next principal repayment of $13 million is due in 2014, with the next principal repayment occurring beyond that in 2034.  Restrictions on the ability of the Insurance Subsidiaries to declare and pay dividends, without alternative liquidity options, could materially affect the Parent’s ability to service its debt and pay dividends on common stock.
 
Short-term Borrowings
Our Line of Credit with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Branch Banking and Trust Company (BB&T), was renewed effective June 13, 2011 with a borrowing capacity of $30 million, which can be increased to $50 million with the approval of both lending parties.  This Line of Credit, which is not used in our daily cash management, provides the Parent an additional source of short-term liquidity, if needed.  The interest rate on our Line of Credit varies and is based on the Parent’s debt ratings.  The Line of Credit expires on June 13, 2014.  There were no balances outstanding under this credit facility as of June 30, 2011 or at any time during 2011.

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

The table below outlines information regarding certain of the covenants in the Line of Credit:
 
 
Required as of
June 30, 2011
 
Actual as of
June 30, 2011
Consolidated net worth
$783 million
 
$1.1 billion
Statutory surplus
Not less than $750 million
 
$1.1 billion
Debt-to-capitalization ratio1
 Not to exceed 35%
 
17.73%
A.M. Best financial strength rating
Minimum of A-
 
A+
1 Calculated in accordance with Line of Credit agreement.

Capital Resources
Capital resources provide protection for policyholders, furnish the financial strength to support the business of underwriting insurance risks, and facilitate continued business growth.  At June 30, 2011, we had statutory surplus and GAAP stockholders’ equity of $1.1 billion.  We had total debt of $262 million at June 30, 2011, which equates to a debt-to-capital ratio of approximately 19.2%.

Our cash requirements include, but are not limited to, principal and interest payments on various notes payable and dividends to stockholders, payment of claims, payment of commitments under limited partnership agreements and capital expenditures, as well as other operating expenses, which include agents’ commissions, labor costs, premium taxes, general and administrative expenses, and income taxes.  For further details regarding our cash requirements, refer to the section below entitled “Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities, and Commitments.”
 
 
50

 

We continually monitor our cash requirements and the amount of capital resources that we maintain at the holding company and operating subsidiary levels.  As part of our long-term capital strategy, we strive to maintain capital metrics, relative to the macroeconomic environment, that support an “A+” (Superior) financial strength A.M. Best rating for the Insurance Subsidiaries.  Based on our analysis and market conditions, we may take a variety of actions, including, but not limited to, contributing capital to the Insurance Subsidiaries, issuing additional debt and/or equity securities, repurchasing shares of the Parent’s common stock, and increasing stockholders’ dividends.
Our capital management strategy is intended to protect the interests of the policyholders of the Insurance Subsidiaries and our stockholders, while enhancing our financial strength and underwriting capacity.

Book value per share increased to $20.33 as of June 30, 2011 from $19.95 as of December 31, 2010, primarily driven by:  (i) net income, which led to an increase in book value per share of $0.44; and (ii) an increase in unrealized gains on our investment portfolio, which led to an increase in book value of $0.23.  Partially offsetting this increase was:  (i) the impact of dividends paid to our stockholders, which resulted in a decrease in book value per share of $0.26; and (ii) the issuance of stock under our stock compensation plans, which led to a decrease in book value of $0.06.

Ratings
We are rated by major rating agencies that issue opinions on our financial strength, operating performance, strategic position, and ability to meet policyholder obligations.  We believe that our ability to write insurance business is most influenced by our rating from A.M. Best, which was reaffirmed in Second Quarter 2011 as “A+ (Superior),” their second highest of 15 ratings, with a “negative” outlook.  They cited our strong capitalization, solid level of operating profitability, and established presence within our targeted regional markets.  We have been rated “A” or higher by A.M. Best for the past 81 years, with our current rating of “A+ (Superior)” being in place for the last 50 consecutive years.  The financial strength reflected by our A.M. Best rating is a competitive advantage in the marketplace and influences where independent insurance agents place their business.  A downgrade from A.M. Best to a rating below “A-” could:  (i) affect our ability to write new business with customers and/or agents, some of whom are required (under various third-party agreements) to maintain insurance with a carrier that maintains a specified A.M. Best minimum rating; or (ii) be an event of default under our Line of Credit.

Our ratings by other major rating agencies are as follows:
 
·
S&P Insurance Rating Services – Our “A” financial strength rating was reaffirmed in the third quarter of 2010.  S&P cited our strong competitive position in Mid-Atlantic markets, effective use of well-developed predictive modeling, strong financial flexibility, conservative financial leverage, and strong agency relationships.  At the same time, S&P revised our outlook to “stable” from “negative,” citing strong cycle management, careful risk selection, improved capital adequacy, and continuing price increases across most commercial and personal lines along with strong retention.
 

 
·
Moody’s Investor Service – Our financial strength rating of “A2” and outlook of stable, was reaffirmed in the first quarter of 2011.  Moody’s cited our strong regional franchise with established independent agency support, along with good risk adjusted capitalization and moderate financial leverage.  Their outlook reflects the expectation that we will continue to employ our technologically-based risk management process to identify and manage underperforming segments, while maintaining pricing discipline and reserve adequacy.

 
·
Fitch Ratings – Our “A+” rating and outlook of stable was reaffirmed in Second Quarter 2011, citing our disciplined underwriting culture, conservative balance sheet with very good capitalization and reserve strength, strong independent agency relationships, and improved diversification through our continued efforts to reduce our concentration in New Jersey.
 
Our S&P and Moody’s financial strength ratings affect our ability to access capital markets.  There can be no assurance that our ratings will continue for any given period of time or that they will not be changed.  It is possible that positive or negative ratings actions by one or more of the rating agencies may occur in the future.  We review our financial debt agreements for any potential triggers that could dictate a material change in terms.
 
 
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Pending Accounting Pronouncements
In October 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-26, Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts (“ASU 2010-26”)This guidance requires that only costs that are incremental or directly related to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts are to be capitalized as a deferred acquisition cost.  This would include, among other items, sales commissions paid to agents, premium taxes, and the portion of employee salaries and benefits directly related to time spent on acquired contracts.  This guidance is effective, either with a prospective or retrospective application, for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted.  Although we continue to evaluate the impact of this guidance, we anticipate that ASU 2010-26 would have an after-tax impact on our stockholders’ equity of approximately $55 million, or about $1 of book value per share.  The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations on both a historical and prospective basis.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or for other contractually narrow or limited purposes.  As such, we are not exposed to any financing, liquidity, market, or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.

Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities, and Commitments
Our future cash payments associated with loss and loss expense reserves, contractual obligations pursuant to operating leases for office space and equipment, and notes payable have not materially changed since December 31, 2010.  We expect to have the capacity to repay and/or refinance these obligations as they come due.

At June 30, 2011, we had contractual obligations that expire at various dates through 2022 that may require us to invest up to an additional $61.6 million in alternative investments.  There is no certainty that any such additional investment will be required.  We have issued no material guarantees on behalf of others and have no trading activities involving non-exchange traded contracts accounted for at fair value.  We have no material transactions with related parties other than those disclosed in Note 17. “Related Party Transactions” included in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2010 Annual Report.

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There have been no material changes in the information about market risk set forth in our 2010 Annual Report.

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”)), as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are:  (i) effective in recording, processing, summarizing, and reporting information on a timely basis that we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act; and (ii) effective in ensuring that information that we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  No changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) occurred during Second Quarter or Six Months 2011 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the ordinary course of conducting business, we are named as defendants in various legal proceedings.  Most of these proceedings are claims litigation involving our Insurance Subsidiaries as either:  (i) liability insurers defending or providing indemnity for third-party claims brought against insureds; or (ii) insurers defending first-party coverage claims brought against them.  We account for such activity through the establishment of unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves.  We expect that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such ordinary-course claims litigation, after consideration of provisions made for potential losses and costs of defense, will not be material to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Our Insurance Subsidiaries also are involved from time-to-time in other legal actions, some of which assert claims for substantial amounts.  These actions include, among others, putative state class actions seeking certification of a state or national class.  Such putative class actions have alleged, for example, improper reimbursement of medical providers paid under workers compensation and personal and commercial automobile insurance policies.  Our Insurance Subsidiaries also are involved from time-to-time in individual actions in which extra-contractual damages, punitive damages, or penalties are sought, such as claims alleging bad faith in the handling of insurance claims.  We believe that we have valid defenses to these cases.  We expect that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such lawsuits, after consideration of provisions made for estimated losses, will not be material to our consolidated financial condition.  Nonetheless, given the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these actions, and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time-to-time, have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.
 
ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS
Certain risk factors exist that can have a significant impact on our business, liquidity, capital resources, results of operations, and financial condition.  The impact of these risk factors could also impact certain actions that we take as part of our long-term capital strategy including, but not limited to, contributing capital to our subsidiaries in our Insurance Operations, issuing additional debt and/or equity securities, repurchasing shares of our common stock, or changing stockholders’ dividends.  We operate in a continually changing business environment and new risk factors emerge from time-to-time.  Consequently, we can neither predict such new risk factors nor assess the impact, if any, they might have on our business in the future.  The following is in addition to the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A. “Risk Factors.” in our 2010 Annual Report:
 
A failure, or the perceived risk of a failure, to raise the statutory debt limit of the United States could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The U.S. Treasury has estimated that on August 2, 2011 the United States is expected to reach its statutory debt limit.  Unless legistlation is passed to raise the statutory debt limit, the United States may be unable to pay its obligations, including with regard to treasury securities, as they become due.  In light of that risk, Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor’s Financial Services and Fitch Ratings has publicly warned of the possibility of a downgrade to the United States’ credit rating.  We cannot estimate the impact of a failure to raise the statutory debt limit.  The failure to raise the debt limit (or an increase in the perceived risk that such a failure may occur and/or the United States may not pay its debt obligations when due) could have a material adverse effect on financial markets and economic conditions in the United States and throughout the world.  In turn, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  In particular, these events could have a material adverse effect on the value and liquidity of financial assets, including assets in our investment portfolio.  Our investment portfolio, which is described in Note 6. “Investments” of Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Form 10-Q, was comprised of non-fixed income securities with a carrying value of $411.5 million and fixed income securities with a carrying value of $3.6 billion at June 30, 2011.  Our fixed income securities portfolio included $873.9 million of U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government and government agencies and authorities and $1.3 billion of obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions as of June 30, 2011.
 
 
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ITEM 2.          UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The following table provides information regarding our purchases of the Parent’s common stock in Second Quarter 2011:
 
               
Total Number of
   
Maximum Number of
 
               
Shares Purchased
   
Shares that May Yet
 
   
Total Number of
   
Average Price
   
as Part of Publicly
   
Be Purchased Under the
 
Period
 
Shares Purchased1
   
Paid per Share
   
Announced Programs
   
Programs
 
April 1– 30, 2011
    301     $ 17.22       -       -  
May 1 – 31, 2011
    1,200       17.07       -       -  
June 1 – 30, 2011
    308       15.69       -       -  
Total
    1,809     $ 16.86       -       -  
 
1
During Second Quarter 2011, 1,809 shares were purchased from employees in connection with the vesting of restricted stock units.  These repurchases were made to satisfy tax withholding obligations with respect to those employees.  These shares were not purchased as part of any publicly announced program.  The shares that were purchased in connection with the vesting of restricted stock units were purchased at fair market value as defined in the Parent’s 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan.
 
 
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ITEM 6.          EXHIBITS
 
(a)           Exhibits:

Exhibit No.
*   10.1
 
Credit Agreement among Selective Insurance Group, Inc., the Lenders Named Therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, dated as of June 13, 2011.
*   11
 
Statement Re: Computation of Per Share Earnings.
*   31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).
*   31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).
*   32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*   32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
** 101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.
** 101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
** 101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
** 101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
** 101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
** 101.DEF
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
 

*   Filed herewith
** Furnished and not filed herewith
 
SIGNATURES

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

SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
 
Registrant
 
     
By:  /s/ Gregory E. Murphy
 
July 28, 2011
Gregory E. Murphy
 
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
 
   
By:  /s/ Dale A. Thatcher
 
July 28, 2011
Dale A. Thatcher
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
(principal accounting officer and principal financial officer)
 
 
 
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