SIGI-3/31/2015-10Q
Table of Contents

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: March 31, 2015
or
 
¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from_____________________________to_____________________________
 
Commission File Number: 001-33067
 
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
New Jersey
 
22-2168890
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
40 Wantage Avenue
 
 
Branchville, New Jersey
 
07890
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
(973) 948-3000
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
 
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yesx           No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yesx           No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
(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).                                                              Yeso          Nox
As of April 15, 2015, there were 56,948,239 shares of common stock, par value $2.00 per share, outstanding. 


Table of Contents

 
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
 
 
Table of Contents
 
 
 
Page No.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Income Taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 5.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
Unaudited
 
 
($ in thousands, except share amounts)
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

Investments:
 
 

 
 

Fixed income securities, held-to-maturity – at carrying value (fair value:  $311,093 – 2015; $333,961 – 2014)
 
$
296,557

 
318,137

Fixed income securities, available-for-sale – at fair value (amortized cost: $4,059,034 – 2015; $3,975,786 – 2014)
 
4,174,242

 
4,066,122

Equity securities, available-for-sale – at fair value (cost:  $199,617 – 2015; $159,011 – 2014)
 
211,571

 
191,400

Short-term investments (at cost which approximates fair value)
 
124,376

 
131,972

Other investments
 
95,020

 
99,203

Total investments (Note 4)
 
4,901,766

 
4,806,834

Cash
 
14,804

 
23,959

Interest and dividends due or accrued
 
38,416

 
38,901

Premiums receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of:  $4,201 – 2015; $4,137 – 2014
 
596,888

 
558,778

Reinsurance recoverables, net
 
574,982

 
581,548

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
 
141,941

 
146,993

Deferred federal income tax
 
92,061

 
98,449

Property and equipment – at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of:
$175,896 – 2015; $172,183 – 2014
 
61,855

 
59,416

Deferred policy acquisition costs
 
191,956

 
185,608

Goodwill
 
7,849

 
7,849

Other assets
 
78,627

 
73,215

Total assets
 
$
6,701,145

 
6,581,550

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 

 
 

Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Reserve for loss and loss expenses
 
$
3,516,268

 
3,477,870

Unearned premiums
 
1,132,733

 
1,095,819

Notes payable
 
394,301

 
379,297

Current federal income tax
 
10,627

 
3,921

Accrued salaries and benefits
 
142,092

 
158,382

Other liabilities
 
189,186

 
190,675

Total liabilities
 
$
5,385,207

 
5,305,964

 
 
 
 
 
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: 100,430,480 – 2015; 99,947,933 – 2014
 
200,861

 
199,896

Additional paid-in capital
 
312,930

 
305,385

Retained earnings
 
1,345,035

 
1,313,440

Accumulated other comprehensive income (Note 10)
 
23,615

 
19,788

Treasury stock – at cost
(shares:  43,482,438 – 2015; 43,353,181 – 2014)
 
(566,503
)
 
(562,923
)
Total stockholders’ equity
 
1,315,938

 
1,275,586

Commitments and contingencies
 


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
6,701,145

 
6,581,550


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

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SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
Quarter ended
March 31,
 
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Revenues:
 
 

 
 

 
Net premiums earned
 
$
476,123

 
456,495

 
Net investment income earned
 
26,917

 
35,534

 
Net realized gains:
 
 

 
 

 
Net realized investment gains
 
20,977

 
8,181

 
Other-than-temporary impairments
 
(2,094
)
 
(963
)
 
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed income securities recognized in other comprehensive income
 

 

 
Total net realized gains
 
18,883

 
7,218

 
Other income
 
1,969

 
9,824

 
Total revenues
 
523,892

 
509,071

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses:
 
 

 
 

 
Loss and loss expense incurred
 
284,999

 
320,546

 
Policy acquisition costs
 
164,723

 
149,266

 
Interest expense
 
5,479

 
5,561

 
Other expenses
 
12,401

 
8,614

 
Total expenses
 
467,602

 
483,987

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before federal income tax
 
56,290

 
25,084

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal income tax expense:
 
 

 
 

 
Current
 
12,254

 
6,538

 
Deferred
 
4,328

 
572

 
Total federal income tax expense
 
16,582

 
7,110

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
39,708

 
17,974

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:
 
 

 
 

 
Basic net income
 
$
0.70

 
0.32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted net income
 
$
0.69

 
0.31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends to stockholders
 
$
0.14

 
0.13

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


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SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
Quarter ended
March 31,
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Net income
 
$
39,708

 
17,974

 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
 
 

 
 

Unrealized gains on investment securities:
 
 

 
 

Unrealized holding gains arising during period
 
15,586

 
21,426

  Amount reclassified into net income:
 
 
 
 
Held-to-maturity securities
 
(170
)
 
(296
)
Non-credit other-than-temporary impairments
 
232

 

Realized gains on available for sale securities
 
(12,932
)
 
(4,699
)
Total unrealized gains on investment securities
 
2,716

 
16,431

 
 
 
 
 
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:
 
 

 
 

Amounts reclassified into net income:
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial loss
 
1,111

 
247

  Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans
 
1,111

 
247

Other comprehensive income
 
3,827

 
16,678

Comprehensive income
 
$
43,535

 
34,652

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


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SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
Quarter ended March 31,
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Common stock:
 
 

 
 

Beginning of year
 
$
199,896

 
198,240

Dividend reinvestment plan (shares:  13,533 – 2015; 15,283 – 2014)
 
27

 
31

Stock purchase and compensation plans (shares:  469,014 – 2015; 401,179 – 2014)
 
938

 
802

End of period
 
200,861

 
199,073

 
 
 
 
 
Additional paid-in capital:
 
 

 
 

Beginning of year
 
305,385

 
288,182

Dividend reinvestment plan
 
346

 
320

Stock purchase and compensation plans
 
7,199

 
5,863

End of period
 
312,930

 
294,365

 
 
 
 
 
Retained earnings:
 
 

 
 

Beginning of year
 
1,313,440

 
1,202,015

Net income
 
39,708

 
17,974

Dividends to stockholders ($0.14 per share – 2015; $0.13 per share – 2014)
 
(8,113
)
 
(7,412
)
End of period
 
1,345,035

 
1,212,577

 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
 
 

 
 

Beginning of year
 
19,788

 
24,851

Other comprehensive income
 
3,827

 
16,678

End of period
 
23,615

 
41,529

 
 
 
 
 
Treasury stock:
 
 

 
 

Beginning of year
 
(562,923
)
 
(559,360
)
Acquisition of treasury stock (shares:  129,257 – 2015; 118,876 – 2014)
 
(3,580
)
 
(2,653
)
End of period
 
(566,503
)
 
(562,013
)
Total stockholders’ equity
 
$
1,315,938

 
1,185,531

 
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.
 


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SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
 
Quarter ended March 31,
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Operating Activities
 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
39,708

 
17,974

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

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
 
14,041

 
10,578

Sale of renewal rights
 

 
(8,000
)
Stock-based compensation expense
 
3,681

 
4,176

Undistributed losses (gains) of equity method investments
 
3,541

 
(33
)
Net realized gains
 
(18,883
)
 
(7,218
)
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Increase in reserve for loss and loss expenses, net of reinsurance recoverables
 
44,964

 
58,938

Increase in unearned premiums, net of prepaid reinsurance
 
41,966

 
20,254

Decrease in net federal income taxes
 
11,034

 
4,332

Increase in premiums receivable
 
(38,110
)
 
(29,042
)
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs
 
(6,348
)
 
(4,697
)
Decrease in interest and dividends due or accrued
 
510

 
414

Decrease in accrued salaries and benefits
 
(16,290
)
 
(21,869
)
Decrease in accrued insurance expenses
 
(24,255
)
 
(26,957
)
Increase in other assets and other liabilities
 
5,015

 
16,914

Net adjustments
 
20,866

 
17,790

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
60,574

 
35,764

 
 
 
 
 
Investing Activities
 
 

 
 

Purchase of fixed income securities, available-for-sale
 
(238,000
)
 
(182,809
)
Purchase of equity securities, available-for-sale
 
(150,500
)
 
(61,360
)
Purchase of other investments
 
(1,724
)
 
(4,615
)
Purchase of short-term investments
 
(333,550
)
 
(398,348
)
Sale of fixed income securities, available-for-sale
 
9,305

 
1,302

Sale of short-term investments
 
341,146

 
434,865

Redemption and maturities of fixed income securities, held-to-maturity
 
20,720

 
9,396

Redemption and maturities of fixed income securities, available-for-sale
 
145,661

 
104,358

Sale of equity securities, available-for-sale
 
129,052

 
61,523

Distributions from other investments
 
5,845

 
5,704

Purchase of property and equipment
 
(4,064
)
 
(5,699
)
Sale of renewal rights
 

 
8,000

Net cash used in investing activities
 
(76,109
)
 
(27,683
)
 
 
 
 
 
Financing Activities
 
 

 
 

Dividends to stockholders
 
(7,591
)
 
(6,948
)
Acquisition of treasury stock
 
(3,580
)
 
(2,653
)
Net proceeds from stock purchase and compensation plans
 
2,271

 
1,261

Proceeds from borrowings
 
15,000

 

Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
 
1,398

 
770

Repayments of capital lease obligations
 
(1,118
)
 
(459
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
6,380

 
(8,029
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash
 
(9,155
)
 
52

Cash, beginning of year
 
23,959

 
193

Cash, end of period
 
$
14,804

 
245

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

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1. Basis of Presentation
As used herein, the "Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refers to Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (the "Parent"), and its subsidiaries, except as expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires. Our interim unaudited consolidated financial statements (“Financial Statements”) have been prepared by us in conformity with: (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.

Certain amounts in the prior years' Financial Statements and related notes have been reclassified to conform to the 2015 presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on our net income, stockholders' equity, or cash flows.

Our Financial Statements reflect all adjustments that, in our opinion, are normal, recurring, and necessary for a fair presentation of our results of operations and financial condition. Our Financial Statements cover the first quarters ended March 31, 2015 (“First Quarter 2015”) and March 31, 2014 (“First Quarter 2014”) and do not include all of the information and disclosures required by GAAP and the SEC for audited annual financial statements. Results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. Consequently, our Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (“2014 Annual Report”) filed with the SEC.

NOTE 2. Accounting Pronouncements 
In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (“ASU 2014-12”). ASU 2014-12 requires that performance targets that affect vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as performance conditions. The effective date for ASU 2014-12 is for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of ASU 2014-12 will not affect us, as we are currently recording expense consistent with the requirements of this accounting update.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”). ASU 2014-15 provides guidance about: (i) management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern; and (ii) the content of related footnote disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods beginning in 2017. Early application is permitted. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to impact the Company.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”). ASU 2015-02 amends the current consolidation guidance, focusing mainly on the investment management industry, although entities across all industries will be impacted. The main provisions in this update affect the following areas: (i) limited partnerships and similar legal entities; (ii) the evaluation of fees paid to a decision maker or a service provider as a variable interest; (iii) the effect of fee arrangements on the primary beneficiary determination; (iv) the effect of related parties on the primary beneficiary determination; and (v) certain investment funds. ASU 2015-02 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. While we are currently evaluating ASU 2015-02, we do not expect a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations from the adoption of this guidance.

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NOTE 3. Statements of Cash Flow
Supplemental cash flow information for First Quarter 2015 and First Quarter 2014 is as follows:
 
 
Quarter ended March 31,
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 

 
 

Interest
 
$
2,887

 
2,973

Federal income tax
 
4,000

 
2,000

 
 
 
 
 
Non-cash items:
 
 
 
 
Tax-free exchange of fixed income securities, available-for-sale ("AFS")
 
8,586

 

Tax-free exchange of fixed income securities, held-to-maturity ("HTM")
 

 
15

Corporate actions related to equity securities, AFS1
 
389

 

Assets acquired under capital lease arrangements
 
2,428

 
1,419

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

Included in "Other assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet was $6.0 million at March 31, 2015 and $6.1 million at March 31, 2014 of cash received from the National Flood Insurance Program ("NFIP"), which is restricted to pay flood claims under the Write Your Own ("WYO") program. 

NOTE 4. Investments
(a) The amortized cost, net unrealized gains and losses, carrying value, unrecognized holding gains and losses, and fair value of HTM fixed income securities as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:
March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Net
 Unrealized Gains
 (Losses)
 
Carrying
Value
 
Unrecognized
 Holding
Gains
 
Unrecognized Holding
 Losses
 
Fair
Value
Foreign government
 
$
5,292

 
25

 
5,317

 
21

 

 
5,338

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
264,788

 
1,706

 
266,494

 
10,536

 

 
277,030

Corporate securities
 
18,532

 
(269
)
 
18,263

 
2,936

 

 
21,199

Asset-backed securities (“ABS”)
 
2,483

 
(378
)
 
2,105

 
375

 

 
2,480

Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”)
 
4,764

 
(386
)
 
4,378

 
668

 

 
5,046

Total HTM fixed income securities
 
$
295,859

 
698

 
296,557

 
14,536

 

 
311,093

December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Net
 Unrealized Gains
 (Losses)
 
Carrying
Value
 
Unrecognized
 Holding
Gains
 
Unrecognized Holding
 Losses
 
Fair
Value
Foreign government
 
$
5,292

 
47

 
5,339

 
55

 

 
5,394

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
285,301

 
2,071

 
287,372

 
11,760

 

 
299,132

Corporate securities
 
18,899

 
(273
)
 
18,626

 
2,796

 

 
21,422

ABS
 
2,818

 
(455
)
 
2,363

 
460

 

 
2,823

CMBS
 
4,869

 
(432
)
 
4,437

 
753

 

 
5,190

Total HTM fixed income securities
 
$
317,179

 
958

 
318,137

 
15,824

 

 
333,961

 
Unrecognized holding gains and losses of HTM securities are not reflected in the Financial Statements, as they represent fair value fluctuations from the later of: (i) the date a security is designated as HTM; or (ii) the date that an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) charge is recognized on an HTM security, through the date of the balance sheet. Our HTM securities had an average duration of 1.7 years as of March 31, 2015.



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(b) The cost/amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of AFS securities as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:
March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
Cost/
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
U.S. government and government agencies
 
$
112,146

 
7,342

 
(2
)
 
119,486

Foreign government
 
27,030

 
885

 

 
27,915

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
1,254,037

 
40,872

 
(534
)
 
1,294,375

Corporate securities
 
1,770,747

 
55,057

 
(1,539
)
 
1,824,265

ABS
 
184,278

 
1,214

 
(105
)
 
185,387

CMBS1
 
197,304

 
3,335

 
(128
)
 
200,511

Residential mortgage-backed
securities (“RMBS”)2
 
513,492

 
9,991

 
(1,180
)
 
522,303

AFS fixed income securities
 
4,059,034

 
118,696

 
(3,488
)
 
4,174,242

AFS equity securities
 
199,617

 
15,223

 
(3,269
)
 
211,571

Total AFS securities
 
$
4,258,651

 
133,919

 
(6,757
)
 
4,385,813

 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
Cost/
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
U.S. government and government agencies
 
$
116,666

 
7,592

 
(128
)
 
124,130

Foreign government
 
27,035

 
796

 

 
27,831

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
1,208,776

 
38,217

 
(729
)
 
1,246,264

Corporate securities
 
1,763,427

 
42,188

 
(5,809
)
 
1,799,806

ABS
 
176,837

 
760

 
(373
)
 
177,224

CMBS1
 
177,932

 
2,438

 
(777
)
 
179,593

RMBS2
 
505,113

 
8,587

 
(2,426
)
 
511,274

AFS fixed income securities
 
3,975,786

 
100,578

 
(10,242
)
 
4,066,122

AFS equity securities
 
159,011

 
32,725

 
(336
)
 
191,400

Total AFS securities
 
$
4,134,797

 
133,303

 
(10,578
)
 
4,257,522


1 CMBS includes government guaranteed agency securities with a fair value of $12.9 million at March 31, 2015 and $13.2 million at December 31, 2014.
2 RMBS includes government guaranteed agency securities with a fair value of $29.2 million at March 31, 2015 and $32.4 million at December 31, 2014.

Unrealized gains and losses of AFS securities represent fair value fluctuations from the later of: (i) the date a security is designated as AFS; or (ii) the date that an OTTI charge is recognized on an AFS security, through the date of the balance sheet. These unrealized gains and losses are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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(c) The following tables summarize, for all securities in a net unrealized/unrecognized loss position at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fair value and pre-tax net unrealized/unrecognized loss by asset class and by length of time those securities have been in a net loss position:
March 31, 2015
 
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 agencies
 
$

 

 
398

 
(2
)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
75,935

 
(534
)
 

 

Corporate securities
 
93,912

 
(821
)
 
50,858

 
(718
)
ABS
 
25,684

 
(16
)
 
14,353

 
(89
)
CMBS
 
24,664

 
(55
)
 
15,682

 
(73
)
RMBS
 
50,977

 
(189
)
 
75,521

 
(991
)
Total fixed income securities
 
271,172

 
(1,615
)
 
156,812

 
(1,873
)
Equity securities
 
100,209

 
(3,269
)
 

 

Subtotal
 
$
371,381

 
(4,884
)
 
156,812

 
(1,873
)

 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
($ in thousands)
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses1
 
Unrecognized
Gains2
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses1
 
Unrecognized
Gains2
HTM securities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
197

 
(2
)
 
1

 

 

 

ABS
 

 

 

 
2,003

 
(379
)
 
361

Subtotal
 
$
197

 
(2
)
 
1

 
2,003

 
(379
)
 
361

Total AFS and HTM
 
$
371,578

 
(4,886
)
 
1

 
158,815

 
(2,252
)
 
361


December 31, 2014
 
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 agencies
 
$
7,567

 
(13
)
 
10,866

 
(115
)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
47,510

 
(105
)
 
64,018

 
(624
)
Corporate securities
 
276,648

 
(1,734
)
 
153,613

 
(4,075
)
ABS
 
113,202

 
(178
)
 
15,618

 
(195
)
CMBS
 
12,799

 
(34
)
 
59,219

 
(743
)
RMBS
 
3,399

 
(8
)
 
138,724

 
(2,418
)
Total fixed income securities
 
461,125

 
(2,072
)
 
442,058

 
(8,170
)
Equity securities
 
5,262

 
(336
)
 

 

Subtotal
 
$
466,387

 
(2,408
)
 
442,058

 
(8,170
)
 

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Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
($ in thousands)
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses1
 
Unrecognized
Gains2
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses1
 
Unrecognized
Gains2
HTM securities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
$
196

 
(3
)
 
1

 

 

 

ABS
 

 

 

 
2,235

 
(455
)
 
439

Subtotal
 
196

 
(3
)
 
1

 
2,235

 
(455
)
 
439

Total AFS and HTM
 
$
466,583

 
(2,411
)
 
1

 
444,293

 
(8,625
)
 
439

 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 Unrecognized gains 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 table below provides our net unrealized/unrecognized loss positions by impairment severity as of March 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014:
($ in thousands)
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Number of
Issues
% of Market/Book
Unrealized/
Unrecognized Loss
 
Number of
Issues
% of
Market/Book
Unrealized/
Unrecognized Loss
189

80% - 99%
$
6,776

 
350

80% - 99%
$
10,596


60% - 79%

 

60% - 79%


40% - 59%

 

40% - 59%


20% - 39%

 

20% - 39%


0% - 19%

 

0% - 19%

 

 
$
6,776

 
 

 
$
10,596

 
The improvement in the number of securities in a loss position in our portfolio and the related loss amounts was mainly driven by a lower interest rate environment. During First Quarter 2015, interest rates on the 10-year U.S. Treasury Note fell by 25 basis points. This interest rate movement had a positive impact on the valuation of our fixed income securities portfolio, thus decreasing the number of securities in a loss position and the corresponding dollar amount of unrealized losses. For a discussion regarding the impact of interest rate movements on our fixed income securities portfolio, refer to Item 7A. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk." in our 2014 Annual Report. Partially offsetting the improvement in fixed income securities was an increase in unrealized losses on our equity portfolio. Unrealized losses of $3.3 million on this portfolio related to 28 securities with an average impairment severity of 3% of cost. The temporary dislocation in market value on these securities was driven by energy and utility-related holdings that are expected to recover in the near term.
  
We do not intend to sell any of the securities in the tables above, nor do we believe we will be required to sell any of these securities. We have also reviewed these securities under our OTTI policy, as described in Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” within Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2014 Annual Report, and have concluded that they are temporarily impaired. This conclusion reflects our current judgment as to the financial position and future prospects of the entity that issued the investment security and underlying collateral. 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.
 

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(d) Fixed income securities at March 31, 2015, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") are included in the maturity tables using the estimated average life of each security. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations, with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
Listed below are the contractual maturities of HTM fixed income securities at March 31, 2015:
($ in thousands)
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
Due in one year or less
 
$
124,997

 
126,670

Due after one year through five years
 
160,671

 
171,337

Due after five years through 10 years
 
10,889

 
13,086

Total HTM fixed income securities
 
$
296,557

 
311,093

 
Listed below are the contractual maturities of AFS fixed income securities at March 31, 2015:
($ in thousands)
 
Fair Value
Due in one year or less
 
$
416,983

Due after one year through five years
 
2,067,679

Due after five years through 10 years
 
1,605,398

Due after 10 years
 
84,182

Total AFS fixed income securities
 
$
4,174,242

  
(e) The following table summarizes our other investment portfolio by strategy and the remaining commitment amount associated with each strategy:
Other Investments
 
Carrying Value
 
March 31,
2015
($ in thousands)
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
Remaining Commitment
Alternative Investments
 
 

 
 

 
 

  Secondary private equity
 
$
20,208

 
21,807

 
7,040

  Private equity
 
17,519

 
20,126

 
8,879

  Energy/power generation
 
12,393

 
14,445

 
21,905

  Real estate
 
11,986

 
11,452

 
10,016

  Mezzanine financing
 
8,363

 
9,853

 
13,598

  Distressed debt
 
7,569

 
8,679

 
2,982

  Venture capital
 
6,236

 
6,606

 
350

Total alternative investments
 
84,274

 
92,968

 
64,770

Other securities
 
10,746

 
6,235

 
2,001

Total other investments
 
$
95,020

 
99,203

 
66,771

 
For a description of our seven alternative investment strategies, as well as information regarding redemption, restrictions, and fund liquidations, refer to Note 5. “Investments” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2014 Annual Report.
 

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The following table sets forth gross summarized financial information for our other investments portfolio, including the portion not owned by us. The investments are carried under the equity method of accounting. The last line of the table below reflects our share of the aggregate income, which is the portion included in our Financial Statements. As the majority of these investments report results to us on a one quarter lag, the summarized financial statement information for the three-month periods ended December 31 is as follows:
Income Statement Information
 
Quarter ended December 31,
 
($ in millions)
 
2014

2013
 
Net investment income
 
$
77.0


65.1

 
Realized gains
 
160.5


63.3

 
Net change in unrealized (depreciation) appreciation
 
(518.0
)

505.9

 
Net (loss) income
 
$
(280.5
)

634.3

 
Selective’s insurance subsidiaries’ other investments (loss) income
 
$
(3.5
)

5.2

 
 
(f) We have pledged certain AFS fixed income securities as collateral related to: (i) our outstanding borrowing of $60 million with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis ("FHLBI"); and (ii) our reinsurance obligations related to our 2011 acquisition of our excess and surplus lines ("E&S") book of business. In addition, certain securities were on deposit with various state and regulatory agencies to comply with insurance laws. We retain all rights regarding all securities pledged as collateral.

The following table summarizes the market value of these securities at March 31, 2015:
($ in millions)
 
FHLBI Collateral
 
Reinsurance Collateral
 
State and Regulatory Deposits
 
Total
U.S. government and government agencies
 
$
7.7

 

 
25.2

 
32.9

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 

 
5.0

 

 
5.0

Corporate securities
 

 
4.8

 

 
4.8

ABS
 

 
1.0

 

 
1.0

CMBS
 
1.7

 

 

 
1.7

RMBS
 
54.6

 
2.2

 

 
56.8

Total pledged as collateral
 
$
64.0

 
13.0


25.2


102.2

 
(g) The components of pre-tax net investment income earned for the periods indicated were as follows:
 
 
Quarter ended March 31,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Fixed income securities
 
$
30,967


31,028

 
Equity securities
 
1,792


1,449

 
Short-term investments
 
25


19

 
Other investments
 
(3,540
)

5,218

 
Investment expenses
 
(2,327
)

(2,180
)
 
Net investment income earned
 
$
26,917

 
35,534

 


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(h) The following tables summarize OTTI by asset type for the periods indicated:
First Quarter 2015
 
Gross 
 
Included in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI")
 
Recognized in
Earnings
($ in thousands) 
 
 
 
AFS fixed income securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Corporate securities
 
$
1,009

 

 
1,009

   RMBS
 
1

 

 
1

Total AFS fixed income securities
 
1,010

 

 
1,010

AFS equity securities
 
$
1,084

 

 
1,084

OTTI losses
 
$
2,094

 

 
2,094

First Quarter 2014

Gross

Included in OCI

Recognized in Earnings
($ in thousands)



AFS securities

 


 


 

     Equity securities

$
963




963

OTTI losses

$
963




963


For a discussion of our evaluation for OTTI of fixed income securities, short-term investments, equity securities, and other investments, refer to Note 2. "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of our 2014 Annual Report.

The following table set forth, for the periods indicated, credit loss impairments on fixed income securities for which a portion of the OTTI charge was recognized in OCI, and the corresponding changes in such amounts:
 
 
Quarter ended March 31,
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
5,444

 
7,488

Addition for the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was not previously recognized
 

 

Reductions for securities sold during the period
 
(4,431
)
 

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
 

 

Additional increases to the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was previously recognized
 

 

Accretion of credit loss impairments previously recognized due to an increase in cash flows expected to be collected
 

 

Balance, end of period
 
1,013

 
7,488



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(i) The components of net realized gains, excluding OTTI charges, for the periods indicated were as follows:
 
 
Quarter ended March 31,
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
HTM fixed income securities
 
 
 
 
Gains
 
$

 

Losses
 
(1
)
 
(11
)
AFS fixed income securities
 
 

 
 

Gains
 
1,502

 
158

Losses
 
(112
)
 
(112
)
AFS equity securities
 
 

 
 

Gains
 
21,318

 
8,317

Losses
 
(1,076
)
 
(171
)
Other investments
 
 
 
 
Gains
 

 

      Losses
 
(654
)


Total net realized gains (excluding OTTI charges)
 
$
20,977


8,181

 
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 $138.4 million in First Quarter 2015 and $62.8 million in First Quarter 2014. The $21.0 million in net realized gains in First Quarter 2015 were primarily related to the sale of AFS equity securities due to a change in our dividend equity strategy from a quantitative, model-driven stock selection strategy to a fundamentally-based stock selection approach that incorporates an assessment of the sustainability and growth rate of a company’s dividends and future cash flow. The $8.2 million in net realized gains in First Quarter 2014 was primarily related to the sale of AFS equity securities due to the quantitative rebalancing of our dividend yield strategy holdings.

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Table of Contents



NOTE 5. Indebtedness
Of our ten insurance subsidiaries ("Insurance Subsidiaries"), we have two domiciled in Indiana ("Indiana Subsidiaries") that are members of the FHLBI. In January 2015, the Indiana Subsidiaries borrowed $15 million in the aggregate from the FHLBI for general corporate purposes. The unpaid principal amount accrues interest of 0.63%, which is paid on the 15th of every month. The principal amount is due on July 22, 2016. For a summary of the Indiana Subsidiaries' borrowings from the FHLBI, refer to Note 10. "Indebtedness" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of our 2014 Annual Report.
 
NOTE 6. Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
($ in thousands)
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair
Value
Financial Assets
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed income securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

HTM
 
$
296,557

 
311,093

 
318,137

 
333,961

AFS
 
4,174,242

 
4,174,242

 
4,066,122

 
4,066,122

Equity securities, AFS
 
211,571

 
211,571

 
191,400

 
191,400

Short-term investments
 
124,376

 
124,376

 
131,972

 
131,972

Financial Liabilities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Notes payable:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

0.63% borrowings from FHLBI
 
15,000

 
14,994

 

 

1.25% borrowings from FHLBI
 
45,000

 
45,338

 
45,000

 
45,244

7.25% Senior Notes
 
49,896

 
60,407

 
49,896

 
59,181

6.70% Senior Notes
 
99,405

 
117,389

 
99,401

 
114,845

5.875% Senior Notes
 
185,000

 
189,440

 
185,000

 
185,000

Total notes payable
 
$
394,301

 
427,568

 
379,297

 
404,270

 
The fair values of our financial assets and liabilities are generated using various valuation techniques and are placed into the fair value hierarchy considering the following: (i) the highest priority is given to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1); (ii) the next highest priority is given to quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets in markets that are not active and other inputs that can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets (Level 2); and (iii) the lowest priority is given to unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity and that reflect our assumptions about the exit price, including assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset (Level 3). An asset or liability's classification within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its valuation. Transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy are recognized at the end of the reporting period.

For a discussion of the techniques used to value our financial assets and liabilities, refer to Note 2. "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of our 2014 Annual Report.


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Table of Contents

The following tables provide quantitative disclosures of our financial assets that were measured at fair value at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
March 31, 2015
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
($ in thousands)
 
Assets
 Measured at
 Fair Value
 at 3/31/2015
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets/
Liabilities (Level 1)1
 
Significant Other
 Observable
Inputs
 (Level 2)1
 
Significant Unobservable
 Inputs
 (Level 3)
Description
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Measured on a recurring basis:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

AFS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and government agencies
 
$
119,486

 
52,977

 
66,509

 

Foreign government
 
27,915

 

 
27,915

 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
1,294,375

 

 
1,294,375

 

Corporate securities
 
1,824,265

 

 
1,824,265

 

ABS
 
185,387

 

 
185,387

 

CMBS
 
200,511

 

 
200,511

 

RMBS
 
522,303

 

 
522,303

 

Total AFS fixed income securities
 
4,174,242

 
52,977

 
4,121,265

 

Equity securities
 
211,571

 
208,671

 

 
2,900

Total AFS Securities
 
4,385,813

 
261,648

 
4,121,265

 
2,900

Short-term investments
 
124,376

 
124,376

 

 

Total assets measured at fair value
 
$
4,510,189

 
386,024

 
4,121,265


2,900

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

December 31, 2014
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
($ in thousands)
 
Assets
 Measured at
Fair Value
at 12/31/14
 
Quoted Prices in
 Active Markets for
Identical Assets/Liabilities
(Level 1)1
 
Significant
Other Observable
Inputs
 (Level 2)1
 
Significant Unobservable
Inputs
 (Level 3)
Description
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Measured on a recurring basis:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

AFS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and government agencies
 
$
124,130

 
53,199

 
70,931

 

Foreign government
 
27,831

 

 
27,831

 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
1,246,264

 

 
1,246,264

 

Corporate securities
 
1,799,806

 

 
1,799,806

 

ABS
 
177,224

 

 
177,224

 

CMBS
 
179,593

 

 
179,593

 

RMBS
 
511,274

 

 
511,274

 

Total AFS fixed income securities
 
4,066,122

 
53,199

 
4,012,923

 

Equity securities
 
191,400

 
188,500

 

 
2,900

Total AFS Securities
 
4,257,522

 
241,699

 
4,012,923

 
2,900

Short-term investments
 
131,972

 
131,972

 

 

Total assets measured at fair value
 
$
4,389,494

 
373,671

 
4,012,923

 
2,900

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

The $2.9 million fair value of securities measured using Level 3 prices remained unchanged during First Quarter 2015 and full year 2014. The price for the securities, which were measured using Level 3 inputs at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, was obtained through statements provided by the issuer, which we review for reasonabless.


16

Table of Contents

The following tables provide quantitative information regarding our financial assets and liabilities that were disclosed at fair value at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
March 31, 2015
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
($ in thousands)
 
Assets/
Liabilities
Disclosed at
Fair Value at 3/31/2015
 
Quoted Prices in
 Active Markets for
 Identical Assets/
Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Financial Assets
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

HTM:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign government
 
$
5,338

 

 
5,338

 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
277,030

 

 
277,030

 

Corporate securities
 
21,199

 

 
21,199

 

ABS
 
2,480

 

 
2,480

 

CMBS
 
5,046

 

 
5,046

 

Total HTM fixed income securities
 
$
311,093

 

 
311,093

 

Financial Liabilities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Notes payable:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

0.63% borrowings from FHLBI
 
$
14,994

 

 
14,994

 

1.25% borrowings from FHLBI
 
45,338

 

 
45,338

 

7.25% Senior Notes
 
60,407

 

 
60,407

 

6.70% Senior Notes
 
117,389

 

 
117,389

 

5.875% Senior Notes
 
189,440

 
189,440

 

 

Total notes payable
 
$
427,568

 
189,440

 
238,128

 


December 31, 2014
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
($ in thousands)
 
Assets/
Liabilities
Disclosed at
Fair Value at 12/31/2014
 
Quoted Prices in
 Active Markets for
 Identical Assets/
Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Financial Assets
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

HTM:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Foreign government
 
$
5,394

 

 
5,394

 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
299,132

 

 
299,132

 

Corporate securities
 
21,422

 

 
21,422

 

ABS
 
2,823

 

 
2,823

 

CMBS
 
5,190

 

 
5,190

 

Total HTM fixed income securities
 
$
333,961

 

 
333,961

 

Financial Liabilities
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes payable:
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
1.25% borrowings from FHLBI
 
$
45,244

 

 
45,244

 

7.25% Senior Notes
 
59,181

 

 
59,181

 

6.70% Senior Notes
 
114,845

 

 
114,845

 

5.875% Senior Notes
 
185,000

 
185,000

 

 

Total notes payable
 
$
404,270

 
185,000

 
219,270

 


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NOTE 7. Reinsurance
The following table contains a listing of direct, assumed, and ceded reinsurance amounts for premiums written, premiums earned, and loss and loss expenses incurred for the periods indicated. For more information concerning reinsurance, refer to
Note 8. “Reinsurance” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2014 Annual Report.
 
 
Quarter ended March 31,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Premiums written:
 
 

 
 

 
Direct
 
$
598,783

 
557,891

 
Assumed
 
6,081

 
7,850

 
Ceded
 
(86,776
)
 
(88,991
)
 
Net
 
$
518,088

 
476,750

 
Premiums earned:
 
 

 
 

 
Direct
 
$
562,042

 
536,700

 
Assumed
 
5,908

 
10,185

 
Ceded
 
(91,827
)
 
(90,390
)
 
Net
 
$
476,123

 
456,495

 
Loss and loss expense incurred:
 
 

 
 

 
Direct
 
$
312,246

 
358,349

 
Assumed
 
4,662

 
7,479

 
Ceded
 
(31,909
)
 
(45,282
)
 
Net
 
$
284,999

 
320,546

 
 
Ceded premiums and losses related to our participation in the NFIP, under which 100% of our flood premiums, losses, and loss expenses are ceded to the NFIP, are as follows:
Ceded to NFIP
 
Quarter ended March 31,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Ceded premiums written
 
$
(53,842
)
 
(57,303
)
 
Ceded premiums earned
 
(58,998
)
 
(58,286
)
 
Ceded loss and loss expense incurred
 
(6,249
)
 
(7,379
)
 

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NOTE 8. Segment Information
Selective Insurance Group, Inc., through its Insurance Subsidiaries, offers property and casualty insurance products in the standard and E&S marketplaces. We classify our business into four reportable segments, which are as follows:

Standard Commercial Lines - comprised of insurance products and services provided in the standard marketplace to
commercial enterprises, which are typically businesses, non-profit organizations, and local government agencies.

Standard Personal Lines - comprised of insurance products and services, including flood insurance coverage, provided primarily to individuals acquiring coverage in the standard marketplace.

E&S Lines - comprised of insurance products and services provided to customers who have not obtained coverage in
the standard marketplace.

Investments - invests the premiums collected by our Standard Commercial Lines, Standard Personal Lines, and E&S
Lines, our earnings and amounts generated through our capital management strategies, which may include the issuance of debt and equity securities.

In the fourth quarter of 2014, we revised our reporting segments from our previously-reported Standard Insurance Operations segment to Standard Commercial Lines and Standard Personal Lines. For information regarding this change, see Note 11. "Segment Information" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of our 2014 Annual Report.

In computing the results of each segment, we do not make adjustments for interest expense or net general corporate expenses. While we do not fully allocate taxes to all segments, we do allocate taxes to our Investments segment as we manage that segment on after-tax results. We do not maintain separate investment portfolios for the segments and therefore, do not allocate assets to the segments.

In First Quarter 2014, we sold the renewal rights to our $37 million self-insured group, or "SIG," book of business within the Standard Commercial Lines segment. We decided to opportunistically sell this small and specialized book of pooled business as a significant portion of the business was produced outside of our standard lines footprint, and proved difficult to grow. As this was a renewal rights sale, we will continue to service policies that were in force at the date of the sale. We continue to remain active in the municipal and public school marketplace for individual risks that procure traditional insurance programs rather than pooling arrangements. The proceeds from this sale, which amounted to $8 million, are included in "Miscellaneous income" within the table below as a component of Standard Commercial Lines revenue.


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The following summaries present revenues (net investment income and net realized gains on investments in the case of the Investments segment) and pre-tax income for the individual segments:
Revenue by Segment
 
Quarter ended
March 31,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Standard Commercial Lines:
 
 

 
 

 
Net premiums earned:
 
 

 
 

 
Commercial automobile
 
$
86,355

 
82,216

 
Workers compensation
 
68,477

 
69,413

 
General liability
 
114,971

 
108,818

 
Commercial property
 
64,563

 
60,186

 
Businessowners’ policies
 
22,699

 
20,869

 
Bonds
 
5,000

 
4,756

 
Other
 
3,468

 
3,183

 
Miscellaneous income
 
1,669

 
8,914

 
Total Standard Commercial Lines revenue
 
367,202

 
358,355

 
Standard Personal Lines:
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned:
 
 
 
 
 
Personal automobile
 
37,010

 
38,226

 
Homeowners
 
33,721

 
33,298

 
Other
 
1,748

 
3,294

 
Miscellaneous income
 
300

 
905

 
Total Standard Personal Lines revenue
 
72,779

 
75,723

 
E&S Lines:
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned:
 


 


 
General liability
 
26,726

 
21,931

 
Commercial property
 
9,655

 
9,117

 
Commercial automobile
 
1,730

 
1,188

 
Total E&S Lines revenue
 
38,111

 
32,236

 
Investments:
 
 

 
 

 
Net investment income
 
26,917

 
35,534

 
Net realized investment gains
 
18,883

 
7,218

 
Total Investments revenue
 
45,800

 
42,752

 
Total segments revenue
 
523,892

 
509,066

 
Other income
 

 
5

 
Total revenues
 
$
523,892

 
509,071

 
 

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Table of Contents

Income Before Federal Income Tax
 
Quarter ended March 31,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Standard Commercial Lines:
 
 

 
 

 
Underwriting gain (loss)
 
$
30,036

 
(3,630
)
 
GAAP combined ratio
 
91.8
%
 
101.0
%
 
Statutory combined ratio
 
89.7
%
 
100.3
%
 
 
 
 
 


 
Standard Personal Lines:
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting loss
 
$
(2,466
)
 
(2,360
)
 
GAAP combined ratio
 
103.4
%
 
103.2
%
 
Statutory combined ratio
 
105.1
%
 
104.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
E&S Insurance Operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting (loss) gain
 
$
(1,549
)
 
975

 
GAAP combined ratio
 
104.1
%
 
97.0
%
 
Statutory combined ratio
 
102.1
%
 
97.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 

 
 

 
Net investment income
 
$
26,917

 
35,534

 
Net realized investment gains
 
18,883

 
7,218

 
Total investment income, before federal income tax
 
45,800

 
42,752

 
Tax on investment income
 
12,318

 
11,575

 
      Total investment income, after federal income tax

33,482


31,177

 
Reconciliation of Segment Results to Income
Before Federal Income Tax
 
Quarter ended
March 31,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Underwriting gain (loss), before federal income tax
 


 


 
Standard Commercial Lines
 
$
30,036

 
(3,630
)
 
Standard Personal Lines
 
(2,466
)
 
(2,360
)
 
E&S Lines
 
(1,549
)
 
975

 
Investment income, before federal income tax
 
45,800

 
42,752

 
Total all segments
 
71,821

 
37,737

 
Interest expense
 
(5,479
)
 
(5,561
)
 
General corporate and other expenses
 
(10,052
)
 
(7,092
)
 
Income before federal income tax
 
$
56,290

 
$
25,084



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NOTE 9. Retirement Plans
The following table shows the net periodic benefit cost related to the Retirement Income Plan for Selective Insurance Company of America (“Retirement Income Plan”) and the life insurance benefits provided to eligible Selective Insurance Company of America retirees (referred to as the "Retirement Life Plan"). For more information concerning these plans, refer to Note 15. “Retirement Plans” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2014 Annual Report.
 
 
Retirement Income Plan
Quarter ended March 31,
 
Retirement Life Plan
Quarter ended March 31,
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
 
$
1,964

 
1,627

 

 

Interest cost
 
3,502

 
3,254

 
63

 
73

Expected return on plan assets
 
(3,991
)
 
(3,919
)
 

 

Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss
 
1,695

 
367

 
14

 
13

Total net periodic cost
 
$
3,170

 
1,329

 
77

 
86


 
 
Retirement Income Plan
Quarter ended March 31,
 
Retirement Life Plan
Quarter ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Weighted-Average Expense Assumptions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
4.29
%
 
5.16
 
4.08
%
 
4.85
Expected return on plan assets
 
6.27

 
6.92
 

 
Rate of compensation increase
 
4.00

 
4.00
 

 

We presently anticipate contributing $11.9 million to the Retirement Income Plan in 2015, $3.2 million of which has been funded as of March 31, 2015.

NOTE 10. Comprehensive Income
The components of comprehensive income, both gross and net of tax, for First Quarter 2015 and First Quarter 2014 are as follows:
First Quarter 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
 
Tax
 
Net
Net income
 
$
56,290

 
16,582

 
39,708

Components of OCI:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized gains on investment securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized holding gains during the period
 
23,977

 
8,391

 
15,586

Amounts reclassified into net income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
HTM securities
 
(261
)
 
(91
)
 
(170
)
Non-credit OTTI
 
357

 
125

 
232

Realized gains on AFS securities
 
(19,895
)
 
(6,963
)
 
(12,932
)
Net unrealized gains
 
4,178

 
1,462

 
2,716

Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Amounts reclassified into net income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net actuarial loss
 
1,709

 
598

 
1,111

Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans
 
1,709

 
598

 
1,111

Other comprehensive income
 
5,887

 
2,060

 
3,827

Comprehensive income
 
$
62,177

 
18,642

 
43,535



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Table of Contents

First Quarter 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
 
Tax
 
Net
Net income
 
$
25,084

 
7,110

 
17,974

Components of OCI:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized gains on investment securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized holding gains during the period
 
32,964

 
11,538

 
21,426

Amounts reclassified into net income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
HTM securities
 
(456
)
 
(160
)
 
(296
)
Realized gains on AFS securities
 
(7,229
)
 
(2,530
)
 
(4,699
)
Net unrealized gains
 
25,279

 
8,848

 
16,431

Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Amounts reclassified into net income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net actuarial loss
 
380

 
133

 
247

Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans
 
380

 
133

 
247

Other comprehensive income
 
25,659

 
8,981

 
16,678

Comprehensive income
 
$
50,743

 
16,091

 
34,652


The balances of, and changes in, each component of AOCI (net of taxes) as of March 31, 2015 are as follows:
March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Investment Securities
 
Defined Benefit
Pension and Post-Retirement Plans
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
OTTI
Related
 
HTM
Related
 
All
Other
 
Investments
Subtotal
 
 
Total AOCI
Balance, December 31, 2014
 
$
(514
)
 
623

 
80,284

 
80,393

 
(60,605
)
 
19,788

OCI before reclassifications
 

 

 
15,586

 
15,586

 

 
15,586

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
 
232

 
(170
)
 
(12,932
)
 
(12,870
)
 
1,111

 
(11,759
)
Net current period OCI
 
232

 
(170
)
 
2,654

 
2,716

 
1,111

 
3,827

Balance, March 31, 2015
 
$
(282
)
 
453

 
82,938

 
83,109

 
(59,494
)
 
23,615


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Table of Contents

The reclassifications out of AOCI are as follows:
 
Quarter ended
March 31,
 
 
($ in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
Affected Line Item in the Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Income
OTTI related
 
 
 
 
 
Non-credit OTTI on disposed securities
357

 

 
Net realized gains
 
357

 

 
Income before federal income tax
 
(125
)
 

 
Total federal income tax expense
 
232

 

 
Net income
HTM related
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized losses on HTM disposals
50

 
24

 
Net realized gains
Amortization of net unrealized gains on HTM securities
(311
)
 
(480
)
 
Net investment income earned
 
(261
)
 
(456
)
 
Income before federal income tax
 
91

 
160

 
Total federal income tax expense
 
(170
)
 
(296
)
 
Net income
Realized gains and losses on AFS and OTTI
 
 
 
 
 
Realized gains on AFS disposals and OTTI
(19,895
)
 
(7,229
)
 
Net realized gains
 
(19,895
)
 
(7,229
)
 
Income before federal income tax
 
6,963

 
2,530

 
Total federal income tax expense
 
(12,932
)
 
(4,699
)
 
Net income
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement life plans
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial loss
371

 
87

 
Loss and loss expense incurred
 
1,338

 
293

 
Policy acquisition costs
Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement life
1,709

 
380

 
Income before federal income tax
 
(598
)
 
(133
)
 
Total federal income tax expense
 
1,111

 
247

 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications for the period
(11,759
)
 
(4,748
)
 
Net income

Note 11. 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 Insurance Subsidiaries as either: (i) liability insurers defending or providing indemnity for third-party claims brought against our customers; or (ii) insurers defending first-party coverage claims brought against them. We account for such activity through the establishment of unpaid loss and loss 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 are also from time to time involved in other legal actions, some of which assert claims for substantial amounts. These actions include, among others, putative class actions seeking certification of a state or national class. Such putative class actions have alleged, for example, improper reimbursement of medical providers paid under workers compensation and personal and commercial automobile insurance policies. 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. As of March 31, 2015, we do not believe the Company was involved in any legal action that could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

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Table of Contents



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

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

Selective Insurance Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, offers property and casualty insurance products in the standard and excess and surplus ("E&S") marketplaces. We classify our business into four reportable segments, which are as follows:

Standard Commercial Lines - comprised of insurance products and services provided in the standard marketplace to
commercial enterprises, which are typically businesses, non-profit organizations, and local government agencies.

Standard Personal Lines - comprised of insurance products and services, including flood insurance coverage, provided primarily to individuals acquiring coverage in the standard marketplace.

E&S Lines - comprised of insurance products and services provided to customers who have not obtained coverage in
the standard marketplace.

Investments - invests the premiums collected by our Standard Commercial Lines, Standard Personal Lines, and E&S
Lines, our earnings, and amounts generated through our capital management strategies, which may include the issuance of debt and equity securities.

Our Standard Commercial and Standard Personal Lines products and services are sold through nine subsidiaries, some of which write flood business through the National Flood Insurance Program ("NFIP"), which is restricted to pay flood claims under the Write Your Own ("WYO") program.
Our E&S products and services are sold through one subsidiary. This subsidiary, Mesa Underwriters Specialty Insurance Company ("MUSIC"), provides us with a nationally-authorized non-admitted platform to offer insurance products and services to customers who have not obtained coverage in the standard marketplace.
Our ten insurance subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the "Insurance Subsidiaries."
The following is Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of the consolidated results of operations and financial condition, as well as known trends and uncertainties, that may have a material impact in future periods. Consequently, investors should read the MD&A in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements in our 2014 Annual Report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

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Table of Contents

In the MD&A, we will discuss and analyze the following:
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates;
Financial Highlights of Results for the first quarters ended March 31, 2015 (“First Quarter 2015”) and March 31, 2014 (“First Quarter 2014”);
Results of Operations and Related Information by Segment;
Federal Income Taxes;
Financial Condition, Liquidity, Short-term Borrowings, and Capital Resources;
Ratings;
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements; and
Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities, and Commitments.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include amounts based on our informed estimates and judgments for those transactions that are not yet complete. Such estimates and judgments affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Those estimates and judgments most critical to the preparation of the consolidated financial statements involve the following: (i) reserves for loss and loss expenses; (ii) pension and post-retirement benefit plan actuarial assumptions; (iii) other-than-temporary investment impairments ("OTTI"); and (iv) reinsurance. These estimates and judgments require the use of assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain and, therefore, are subject to change as facts and circumstances develop. If different estimates and judgments had been applied, materially different amounts might have been reported in the financial statements. For additional information regarding our critical accounting policies, refer to pages 37 through 48 of our 2014 Annual Report.
 
Financial Highlights of Results for First Quarter 2015 and First Quarter 20141 
 
 
Quarter ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
 
($ and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
% or Points
 
 
 
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") measures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
$
523,892

 
509,071

 
3

 
%
 
Net investment income earned
 
26,917

 
35,534

 
(24
)
 
 
 
   Income before federal income tax
 
56,290

 
25,084

 
124

 
 
 
Net income
 
39,708

 
17,974

 
121

 
 
 
Diluted net income per share
 
0.69

 
0.31

 
123

 
 
 
Diluted weighted-average outstanding shares
 
57,720

 
57,172

 
1

 
 
 
GAAP combined ratio
 
94.5
%
 
101.1

 
(6.6
)
 
pts 
 
   Statutory combined ratio
 
93.0
%
 
100.8

 
(7.8
)
 
 
 
Invested assets per dollar of stockholders' equity
 
3.72

 
3.91

 
(4.9
)
 
%
 
After-tax yield on investments
 
1.7
%
 
2.3

 
(0.6
)
 
pts
 
Return on average equity ("ROE")
 
12.3
%
 
6.1

 
6.2

 
 
 
Non-GAAP measures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income2
 
$
27,434

 
13,283

 
107

 
%
 
Diluted operating income per share2
 
0.48

 
0.23

 
109

 
 
 
Operating ROE2
 
8.5
%
 
4.5

 
4.0

 
pts 
 
1 
Refer to the Glossary of Terms attached to our 2014 Annual Report as Exhibit 99.1 for definitions of terms used in this Form 10-Q.
2 
Operating income is used as an important financial measure by us, analysts, and investors, because the realization of investment gains and losses on sales in any given period is largely discretionary as to timing. In addition, these realized investment gains and losses, as well as OTTI that are charged to earnings and the results of discontinued operations, could distort the analysis of trends. See below for a reconciliation of operating income to net income in accordance with GAAP. Operating ROE is calculated by dividing annualized operating income by average stockholders’ equity.

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Table of Contents


The following table reconciles operating income and net income for the periods presented above:
 
 
Quarter ended March 31,
 
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Operating income
 
$
27,434

 
13,283

 
Net realized gains, net of tax
 
12,274

 
4,691

 
Net income
 
$
39,708

 
17,974

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted operating income per share
 
$
0.48

 
0.23

 
Diluted net realized gains per share
 
0.21

 
0.08

 
Diluted net income per share
 
$
0.69

 
0.31

 

We are currently targeting an operating ROE that is three points higher than our weighted-average cost of capital, or approximately 11.5%. Our ROE contributions by component are as follows:
ROE
 
Quarter ended March 31,
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
Insurance Segments
 
5.2
 %
 
(1.1
)%
 
Investment income1
 
6.5
 %
 
9.1
 %
 
Other
 
(3.2
)%
 
(3.5
)%
 
Operating ROE
 
8.5
 %
 
4.5
 %
 
Net realized gains1
 
3.8
 %
 
1.6
 %
 
ROE
 
12.3
 %
 
6.1
 %
 
1 Investment segment results are the combination of Investment income and Net realized gains.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
Insurance Segments
The key metric in understanding our insurance segments’ contribution to operating ROE is the GAAP combined ratio. The following table provides a quantitative foundation for analyzing this ratio:
All Lines
 
Quarter ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change % or Points
 
 
 
GAAP Insurance Operations Results:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums written ("NPW")
 
$
518,088

 
476,750

 
9

 
%
 
Net premiums earned (“NPE”)
 
476,123

 
456,495

 
4

 
 
 
Less:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Loss and loss expense incurred
 
284,999

 
320,546

 
(11
)
 
 
 
Net underwriting expenses incurred
 
163,578

 
139,726

 
17

 
 
 
Dividends to policyholders
 
1,525

 
1,238

 
23

 
 
 
Underwriting gain (loss)
 
$
26,021

 
(5,015
)
 
619

 
%
 
GAAP Ratios:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Loss and loss expense ratio
 
59.9

%
70.2

 
(10.3
)
 
pts 
 
Underwriting expense ratio
 
34.3

 
30.6

 
3.7

 
 
 
Dividends to policyholders ratio
 
0.3

 
0.3

 

 
 
 
Combined ratio
 
94.5

 
101.1

 
(6.6
)
 
 
 
Statutory Ratios:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Loss and loss expense ratio
 
60.0

 
70.2

 
(10.2
)
 
 
 
Underwriting expense ratio
 
32.7

 
30.3

 
2.4

 
 
 
Dividends to policyholders ratio
 
0.3

 
0.3

 

 
 
 
Combined ratio
 
93.0

%
100.8

 
(7.8
)
 
pts 
 


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Table of Contents

The improvement in our GAAP combined ratio was driven by the following factors:

Lower catastrophe and non-catastrophe property losses as a result of reduced severity in weather-related events in First Quarter 2015 compared to First Quarter 2014. Quantitative details are as follows:
 
First Quarter 2015
 
 
First Quarter 2014
 
 
 
($ in millions)
Losses Incurred
Impact on
Loss Ratio
 
 
Losses
Incurred
Impact on
 Loss Ratio
 
Change in Ratio
 
Catastrophe losses
$
25.3

5.3
pts
 
$
34.4

7.5
pts
(2.2
)
pts
Non-catastrophe property losses
71.0

14.9
 
 
91.5

20.0
 
(5.1
)
 

Earned rate in excess of expected claims inflation in First Quarter 2015, despite a slowing rate on written renewal pure price increases. Written renewal pure price increases were 3.9% in First Quarter 2015 and 5.6% in full-year 2014, and are currently earning in at 5.1%, which is above our loss inflation trend of approximately 3%. After taking into account the incremental expenses associated with the additional premium, the net benefit to the combined ratio was approximately 1.5 points.

Favorable prior year casualty reserve development of approximately $20.0 million, or 4.2 points, which was primarily driven by accident years 2013 and prior. The overall favorable development was driven by the general liability line of business. Refer to the table below for further details:
(Favorable)/Unfavorable Prior Year Casualty Reserve Development
 
 
 
 
 
Quarter ended March 31,
 
($ in millions)
2015
 
2014
 
General liability
$
(20.0
)
 
(11.0
)
 
Commercial automobile
1.0

 

 
Workers compensation
(5.0
)
 

 
Businessowners' policies
3.0

 
(1.0
)
 
   Total Standard Commercial Lines
(21.0
)
 
(12.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal automobile

 
(2.0
)
 
   Total Standard Personal Lines

 
(2.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
E&S
1.0

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total (favorable) prior year casualty reserve development
$
(20.0
)
 
$
(14.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Favorable) impact on loss ratio
(4.2
)
pts
(3.1
)
pts

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

Partially offsetting the improvements in the loss and loss expense ratio above was a 3.7-point increase in the underwriting expense ratio. The prior year ratio included $8.0 million, or 1.8 points, of a non-recurring benefit related to the sale of the renewal rights to our self-insured group, or "SIG", book of business in March 2014. Excluding the impact of this benefit, the increase in the underwriting expense ratio between First Quarter 2015 and First Quarter 2014 was 1.9 points, which was attributable to: (i) higher commission expenses; and (ii) higher employee-related expenses.

The increase in commissions is due to higher supplemental commission expense to our distribution partners and a change in our mix of business.

The increase in employee-related expenses was primarily related to the following:

Labor expense increases that included staffing additions, such as agency management specialists and information technology professionals, to support our growth initiatives. As the premium growth is not yet reflected in earned premium, the higher labor expenses are putting pressure on the current period GAAP underwriting expense ratio.


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Table of Contents

Pension expense increases driven by the negative impact of declining interest rates last year and the accrual of service costs for eligible employees. Refer to Note 9. "Retirement Plans" in Item 1. "Financial Statements." of this Form 10-Q for additional information regarding our pension plan.

For additional information regarding the sale of our SIG book of business, see Note 8. “Segment Information” in Item 1. “Financial Statements.” of this Form 10-Q.

Investments Segment
The investment segment's operating ROE was negatively impacted by a net loss in our alternative investment portfolio in First Quarter 2015, as well as the declining interest rate environment, partially offset by an increase in operating cash. The loss in our alternative investment portfolio was primarily driven by declining oil prices in energy-exposed limited partnerships in the fourth quarter of 2014, the results of which are reported to us on a quarter lag.

The increase in our net realized gains, net of tax, in First Quarter 2015 compared to First Quarter 2014 was primarily related to the sale of available-for-sale ("AFS") equity securities due to a change in our equity portfolio strategy that was deployed this year. For further details, refer to the section below entitled "Investments."

Outlook
Based on its Review & Preview report issued in February 2015, A.M. Best Company, Inc. ("A.M. Best") expects the industry combined ratio to deteriorate almost 200 basis points in 2015 to 99.1%, compared to 97.2% in 2014, reflecting: (i) a reduction in the level of rate increases; (ii) a 0.5-point increase in their catastrophe loss estimate to a more normal level of approximately five points; and (iii) reductions in the level of favorable prior year development. They believe the main challenges facing the industry include: (i) low returns on fixed income investments; (ii) reserve shortfalls due to current accident year underestimations and prior accident year unfavorable development; (iii) developing, attracting, and maintaining underwriting talent; (iv) continuing the evolution of data analytics; and (v) addressing the uncertainties surrounding emerging risks such as terrorism, cyber risk, and infectious diseases. Considering these, among other factors, A.M. Best has a negative outlook on the commercial lines market and a stable outlook on the personal lines market. Additionally, after declining in each of the past two years, A.M. Best expects investment income to increase modestly in 2015, driven by growth in invested assets from positive cash flow, as yields will continue to be challenged.
Our First Quarter 2015 statutory combined ratio, excluding catastrophes, was 87.7%, 3.3 points lower than our stated full-year 2015 goal of 91%, driven by favorable prior year casualty reserve development that benefited the combined ratio by 4.2 points. The catastrophe losses in First Quarter 2015 of $25.3 million added 5.3 points to our statutory combined ratio, compared to our full-year catastrophe loss expectation of 4.0 points. As noted above, A.M. Best projects a decline in investment yields, continuing a trend that has persisted over the past five years, with yields on new investments remaining significantly lower than those on investments that mature or are called. This is consistent with our experience in First Quarter 2015, with bonds that we purchased having an average yield of 1.8% compared to our full year expectation of 2%, and bonds that were called, matured, or otherwise disposed of yielding an average of 2.6%.
While we expect the competitive market environment to continue, we believe that we have a strong foundation for further improvement in our underlying profitability considering:
The size of our company and our field model that provides us with the ability to be agile and responsive to our customers' needs;
Our reserve position that reflects the discipline we have always maintained in our reserving practices;
Our customer-centric approach to our business with a focus on our policyholders and the service we bring to them;
The utilization of our capabilities regarding data analytics; and
Our deep bench of talent in the organization and our continuous cultivation of that talent.


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Table of Contents

Given the first quarter performance of alternative investments related to energy, we are lowering our after-tax investment income expectation to $100 million from $105 million. Otherwise, we continue to expect to generate:
An ex-catastrophe combined ratio of 91%, which includes no additional prior year casualty reserve development;
Four points of catastrophe losses for the full year; and
Weighted average shares of approximately 58 million.

On a longer-term basis, it is our goal to achieve an operating ROE of three points higher than our weighted-average cost of capital, or approximately 11.5%, which currently equates to a 94% combined ratio.

Results of Operations and Related Information by Segment

Standard Commercial Lines
Our Standard Commercial Lines, which represents 77% of our combined insurance segments' NPW, sells commercial lines
insurance products and services to businesses, non-profit organizations, and local government agencies located primarily in 22
states in the Eastern and Midwestern U.S. and the District of Columbia through approximately 1,100 distribution partners in the
standard marketplace.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quarter ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
% or
Points
 
 
GAAP Insurance Operations Results:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
NPW
 
$
415,258

 
379,350

 
9

%
 
NPE
 
365,533

 
349,441

 
5

 
 
Less:
 
 
 
  

 
 

 
 
Loss and loss expense incurred
 
206,148

 
242,639

 
(15
)
 
 
Net underwriting expenses incurred
 
127,824

 
109,194

 
17

 
 
Dividends to policyholders
 
1,525

 
1,238

 
23

 
 
Underwriting gain (loss)
 
$
30,036

 
(3,630
)
 
927

%
 
GAAP Ratios:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Loss and loss expense ratio
 
56.4

%
69.4

 
(13.0
)
pts
 
Underwriting expense ratio
 
35.0

 
31.2

 
3.8

 
 
Dividends to policyholders ratio
 
0.4

 
0.4

 

 
 
Combined ratio
 
91.8

 
101.0

 
(9.2
)
 
 
Statutory Ratios:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Loss and loss expense ratio
 
56.5

 
69.4

 
(12.9
)
 
 
Underwriting expense ratio
 
32.8

 
30.5

 
2.3

 
 
Dividends to policyholders ratio
 
0.4

 
0.4

 

 
 
Combined ratio
 
89.7

%
100.3

 
(10.6
)
pts
 

The increase in NPW in First Quarter 2015 compared to First Quarter 2014 was primarily the result of new business growth of 28%, to $88.5 million, as well as the following:
 
 
Quarter ended March 31,
 
($ in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Retention
 
84
%
84
 
Renewal pure price increases
 
3.5
 
6.4
 

NPE increases in First Quarter 2015 were consistent with the fluctuations in NPW for the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2014.


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Table of Contents

The GAAP loss and loss expense ratio decreased 13.0 points in First Quarter 2015 compared to First Quarter 2014 driven by: (i) decreases in catastrophe and non-catastrophe property losses; (ii) written renewal pure price increases that averaged 3.5% in First Quarter 2015 and 5.6% in full-year 2014, the earning of which exceeded our projected loss inflation trend and improved profitability by 1.3 points; and (iii) favorable prior year casualty reserve development. Quantitative information regarding these items are as follows:

First Quarter 2015
 

First Quarter 2014



($ in millions)
Losses Incurred
Impact on
Loss Ratio


Losses
Incurred
Impact on
 Loss Ratio

Change in Ratio

Catastrophe losses
$
18.7

5.1

pts

$
25.9

7.4

pts
(2.3
)
pts
Non-catastrophe property losses
40.4

11.1



58.8

16.8


(5.7
)

Favorable prior year casualty reserve development
(21.0
)
(5.7
)


(12.0
)
(3.5
)

(2.2
)


Partially offsetting the improvements in the loss and loss expense ratio above was a 3.8-point increase in the underwriting expense ratio. The prior year ratio included $8.0 million, or 2.3 points, of non-recurring benefit related to the sale of the renewal rights to our SIG book of business in March 2014. Excluding the impact of this benefit, the increase in the underwriting expense ratio between First Quarter 2015 and First Quarter 2014 was 1.5 points. Similar to the discussion contained in the "Financial Highlights of Results for First Quarter 2015 and First Quarter 2014" section above, this 1.5-point increase was attributable to: (i) higher commission expenses; and (ii) higher employee-related expenses.

For additional information regarding the sale of our SIG book of business, see Note 8. “Segment Information” in Item 1. “Financial Statements.” of this Form 10-Q.
 
The following is a discussion of our most significant standard Commercial Lines of business and their respective statutory results:
General Liability
 
 
 
Quarter ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
% or
Points
 
 
Statutory NPW
 
$
130,482

 
119,504

 
9

%
 
  Direct new business
 
25,229

 
19,835

 
27

 
 
  Retention
 
84

%
84

 

pts
 
  Renewal pure price increases
 
3.5

%
7.6

 
(4.1
)
 
 
Statutory NPE
 
$
114,971

 
108,818

 
6

%
 
Statutory combined ratio
 
73.0

%
80.7

 
(7.7
)
pts
 
% of total statutory standard Commercial Lines NPW
 
31

%
32

 
 

 
 
The increase in NPW and NPE in First Quarter 2015 compared to the same period last year was driven by: (i) direct new business increases; (ii) renewal pure price increases; and (iii) strong retention.

The statutory combined ratio improvement for First Quarter 2015 was driven by the following:

First Quarter 2015
 
First Quarter 2014



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

 (Benefit) Expense
Impact on
Combined Ratio

Change
Points

Favorable prior year casualty reserve development
$
(20.0
)
(17.4
)
pts
$
(11.0
)
(10.1
)
pts
(7.3
)
pts
Sale of SIG renewal rights


 
(2.1
)
(1.8
)
 
1.8

 

Favorable prior year casualty reserve development in First Quarter 2015 was driven by the 2009 through 2013 accident years, primarily due to continued lower frequencies in recent accident years. Favorable prior year casualty reserve development in First Quarter 2014 was driven by accident years 2012 and prior. In addition, earned renewal pure price increases of 6.0% in First Quarter 2015 exceeded our projected loss inflation trend and improved profitability by approximately 1.5 points.

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Table of Contents

Commercial Automobile
 
 
 
Quarter ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
% or
Points
 
 
Statutory NPW
 
$
96,587

 
89,122

 
8

%
 
  Direct new business
 
18,365

 
14,806

 
24

 
 
  Retention
 
84

%
83

 
1

pts
 
  Renewal pure price increases
 
4.0

%
6.2

 
(2.2
)
 
 
Statutory NPE
 
$
86,355

 
82,216

 
5

%
 
Statutory combined ratio
 
99.4

%
94.9

 
4.5

pts
 
% of total statutory standard Commercial Lines NPW
 
23

%
23

 
 

 
 
The increase in NPW and NPE in First Quarter 2015 compared to the same period last year was driven by: (i) direct new business increases; (ii) renewal pure price increases; and (iii) strong retention.

Excluding the impact of the SIG sale last year, the statutory combined ratio increased 2.8 points in First Quarter 2015 compared to First Quarter 2014 due to: (i) higher expected loss costs for the current accident year that increased the combined ratio by 2.4 points; and (ii) unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development of 1.2 points. The increases in the current and prior accident years were driven by higher severities in recent accident years.

Workers Compensation
 
 
 
Quarter ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
% or
Points
 
 
Statutory NPW
 
$
83,805

 
75,971

 
10

%
 
  Direct new business
 
20,120

 
13,658

 
47

 
 
  Retention
 
83

%
82

 
1

pts
 
  Renewal pure price increases
 
3.4

%
4.9

 
(1.5
)
 
 
Statutory NPE
 
$
68,477

 
69,413

 
(1
)
%
 
Statutory combined ratio
 
90.7

%
105.9

 
(15.2
)
pts
 
% of total statutory standard Commercial Lines NPW
 
20

%
20

 
 

 
 

First Quarter 2015 NPW increased compared to First Quarter 2014 mainly due to an increase in direct new business.

The NPE decrease in First Quarter 2015 was consistent with the fluctuation in NPW for the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2014.

Our workers compensation line achieved a 90.7% statutory combined ratio in First Quarter 2015 due to the following factors:

A 9.3-point decrease related to lower expected loss costs for the current accident year, which reflect our ongoing focus on improving this competitive line of business through underwriting, pricing, and claims initiatives as further discussed below. Pricing improvements included earned renewal pure price increases of 4.6% in First Quarter 2015, which exceeded our projected loss inflation trend and improved profitability by approximately 1.0 points; and

Favorable prior year casualty reserve development of $5.0 million, or 7.3 points, related primarily to accident years 2012 through 2013, compared to no development in First Quarter 2014.


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Table of Contents

Reductions in current and prior year loss costs in this line of business are primarily driven by continued lower frequencies. In addition, we have begun to see improvements in claims closure rates and outcomes as a result of centralizing all workers compensation claim handling in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jurisdictionally trained and aligned medical only and lost-time adjusters manage non-complex workers compensation claims within our footprint. Claims with high exposure and/or significant escalation risk are referred to the workers compensation strategic case management unit. While there is still more work to do, the improvement in our workers compensation combined ratio and the favorable prior year casualty reserve development are evidence of our achievements to date.

Commercial Property
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quarter ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
% or
Points
 
 
Statutory NPW
 
$
70,898

 
64,096

 
11

%
 
  Direct new business
 
17,895

 
14,495

 
23

 
 
  Retention
 
83

%
83

 

pts
 
Renewal pure price increases
 
3.0

%
5.5

 
(2.5
)
 
 
Statutory NPE
 
$
64,563

 
60,186

 
7

%
 
Statutory combined ratio
 
98.5

%
131.4

 
(32.9
)
pts
 
% of total statutory standard Commercial Lines NPW
 
17

%
17

 
 

 
 

The increase in NPW and NPE in First Quarter 2015 compared to the same prior year period was driven by: (i) direct new business increases; (ii) renewal pure price increases; and (iii) strong retention.

The decrease in the statutory combined ratio in First Quarter 2015 compared to First Quarter 2014 was due to the following:

First Quarter 2015
 

First Quarter 2014



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


(Benefit) Expense
Impact on
Combined Ratio

Change
% or
Points

Catastrophe losses
$
15.2

23.5
pts

$
18.9

31.5

pts
(8.0
)
pts
Non-catastrophe property losses
21.5

33.3


36.4

60.5


(27.2
)

Sale of SIG renewal rights

 
 
(1.4
)
(2.2
)
 
2.2

 

Although reduced from First Quarter 2014, catastrophe losses and non-catastrophe property losses were still in excess of our expectations.

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Table of Contents


Standard Personal Lines
Our Standard Personal Lines segment, which includes our flood business, represents approximately 15% of our combined
insurance segments' NPW and sells personal lines insurance products and services to individuals located primarily in 13 states
through approximately 700 distribution partners. In addition, we have approximately 5,000 distribution partners selling our
flood business.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quarter ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
% or
Points
 
 
 
GAAP Insurance Operations Results:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
NPW
 
$
65,024

 
67,338

 
(3
)
 
%
 
NPE
 
72,479

 
74,818

 
(3
)
 
 
 
Less:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Loss and loss expense incurred
 
52,969

 
58,027

 
(9
)
 
 
 
Net underwriting expenses incurred
 
21,976

 
19,151

 
15

 
 
 
Underwriting (loss)
 
$
(2,466
)
 
(2,360
)
 
(4
)
 
%
 
GAAP Ratios:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Loss and loss expense ratio
 
73.1

%
77.6

 
(4.5
)
 
pts
 
Underwriting expense ratio
 
30.3

 
25.6

 
4.7

 
 
 
Combined ratio
 
103.4

 
103.2

 
0.2

 
 
 
Statutory Ratios:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Loss and loss expense ratio
 
73.5

 
77.6

 
(4.1
)
 
 
 
Underwriting expense ratio
 
31.6

 
26.9

 
4.7

 
 
 
Combined ratio
 
105.1

%
104.5

 
0.6

 
pts
 

The decrease in NPW for the quarter was primarily driven by targeted non-renewals of less profitable accounts coupled with a decrease in new business. Quantitative information is as follows:

 
 
Quarter ended March 31,
 
 
($ in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Retention
 
82

%
82

 
 
Renewal pure price increase
 
6.4

 
6.8

 
 
Direct new business
 
$
7.3

 
8.0

 
 

NPE decreases in First Quarter 2015 compared to First Quarter 2014 were consistent with the fluctuations in NPW for the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2014.

The improvement in the GAAP loss and loss expense ratio of 4.5 points in First Quarter 2015 compared to First Quarter 2014 was driven by earned renewal pure price increases of 6.5% in First Quarter 2015, which exceeded our projected loss inflation trend and improved profitability by 2.6 points. In addition, the following fluctuations impacted the ratio:
 
First Quarter 2015
 
 
First Quarter 2014
 
 
 
($ in millions)
Loss and Loss Expense Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 
 
Loss and Loss
Expense
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 
Change in Ratio
 
Catastrophe losses
$
6.3

8.7
pts
 
$
8.3

11.1

pts
(2.4
)
pts
Non-catastrophe property losses
24.1

33.3
 
 
27.4

36.6

 
(3.3
)
 
Favorable prior year casualty development

 
 
(2.0
)
(2.7
)
 
2.7

 


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Table of Contents

The increase in the GAAP underwriting expense ratio in First Quarter 2015 compared to First Quarter 2014 was due to the following:

Employee-related expenses that were higher by 3.7 points while premiums declined driven by lower new business due to competition and the targeted non-renewal actions we have taken on this book of business that have put pressure on this component of our underwriting expense ratio in the short-term; and

Higher supplemental commission of 0.4 points to our distribution partners.

E&S Insurance Operations
Our E&S Lines segment, which represents 8% of our combined insurance segments' NPW, sells commercial lines insurance
products and services in all 50 states and the District of Columbia through approximately 80 distribution partners. Insurance
policies in this segment are sold to customers that typically have business risks with unique characteristics, such as the nature
of the business or its claim history, that have not obtained coverage in the standard marketplace. E&S insurers have more
flexibility in coverage terms and rates compared to standard market insurers, generally resulting in policies with higher rates
and terms and conditions that are customized for specific risks.

 
 
Quarter ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
% or
Points
 
 
GAAP Insurance Operations Results:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
NPW
 
$
37,806

 
30,062

 
26

%
 
NPE
 
38,111

 
32,236

 
18

 
 
Less:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Loss and loss expense incurred
 
25,882

 
19,880

 
30

 
 
Net underwriting expenses incurred
 
13,778

 
11,381

 
21

 
 
Underwriting (loss) gain
 
$
(1,549
)
 
975

 
(259
)
%
 
GAAP Ratios:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Loss and loss expense ratio
 
67.9

%
61.7

 
6.2

pts
 
Underwriting expense ratio
 
36.2

 
35.3

 
0.9

 
 
Combined ratio
 
104.1

 
97.0

 
7.1

 
 
Statutory Ratios:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Loss and loss expense ratio
 
67.7

 
61.7

 
6.0

 
 
Underwriting expense ratio
 
34.4

 
36.2

 
(1.8
)
 
 
Combined ratio
 
102.1

%
97.9

 
4.2

pts
 

The increase in NPW in First Quarter 2015 compared to First Quarter 2014 was primarily driven by direct new business increases of $6.5 million, or 43%.

The increase in the GAAP combined ratio in First Quarter 2015 compared to First Quarter 2014 was driven by: (i) unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development in First Quarter 2015 of $1.0 million, or 2.8 points, compared to no prior year casualty reserve development in First Quarter 2014; (ii) an increase of 2.1 points in loss costs for the current accident year, primarily driven by loss trends in excess of renewal pure price increases; and (iii) an increase in property losses of 0.9 points.

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Table of Contents



Investments
Our investment philosophy includes certain return and risk objectives for the fixed income, equity, and other investment portfolios. 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 predominantly a “buy-and-hold” approach. The primary fixed income portfolio return objective 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. Within the equity portfolio, a dividend-focused strategy is designed to generate consistent dividend income while maintaining a lower risk profile relative to the Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P") 500 Index. Additional equity strategies are focused on meeting or exceeding strategy-specific benchmarks of public equity indices. The return objective of the other investment portfolio, which includes alternative investments, is to meet or exceed the S&P 500 Index.
Total Invested Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Change % or Points
 
Total invested assets
 
$
4,901,766

 
4,806,834

 
2

%
Unrealized gain – before tax
 
127,860

 
123,682

 
3

 
Unrealized gain – after tax
 
83,109

 
80,394

 
3

 
Invested assets per dollar of stockholders' equity
 
3.72

 
3.77

 
(1
)
 
Annualized after-tax yield on investment portfolio
 
1.7
%
 
2.2

 
(0.5
)
pts
 
The increase in our investment portfolio at March 31, 2015 compared to year-end 2014 was primarily due to: (i) cash flows provided by operating activities of $60.6 million; (ii) additional borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis ("FHLBI") of $15.0 million; and (iii) proceeds of $11 million from the sale of securities in December 2014 that were deployed into the investment portfolio in First Quarter 2015.

During First Quarter 2015, interest rates on the 10-year U.S. Treasury Note fell by 25 basis points, which drove the increase in pre-tax unrealized gains on fixed income securities in the portfolio by $24.6 million. While the low interest rate environment favorably impacts our unrealized position, it presents a challenge to us in generating after-tax return, as new purchase yields are below the average yield on bonds that are currently maturing. Significantly offsetting the pre-tax unrealized gains on our fixed income securities was a $20.4 million reduction in unrealized gains on our equity portfolio, as we realized gains from the sale of AFS securities during First Quarter 2015. These sales were a result of a change in our dividend equity strategy from a quantitative, model-driven stock selection strategy to a fundamentally-based stock selection approach that incorporates an assessment of the sustainability and growth rate of a company’s dividends and future cash flow.

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 segments; (iv) consideration of taxes; and (v) preservation of capital. We believe that we have a high quality and liquid investment portfolio. The breakdown of our investment portfolio is as follows:
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
U.S. government obligations
 
2
%
2
 
Foreign government obligations
 
1
 
1
 
State and municipal obligations
 
32
 
32
 
Corporate securities
 
37
 
38
 
Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”)
 
15
 
14
 
Asset-backed securities (“ABS”)
 
4
 
4
 
Total fixed income securities
 
91
 
91
 
Equity securities
 
4
 
4
 
Short-term investments
 
3
 
3
 
Other investments
 
2
 
2
 
Total
 
100
%
100
 



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Table of Contents

Fixed Income Securities
The average duration of the fixed income securities portfolio as of March 31, 2015 was 3.7 years, including short-term investments, compared to the Insurance Subsidiaries’ liability duration of approximately 4.2 years. The current duration of the fixed income securities portfolio is within our historical range, and is monitored and managed to maximize yield while managing interest rate risk at an acceptable level. We maintain a well-diversified portfolio across sectors, credit quality, and maturities that affords us ample liquidity. We typically have a long investment time horizon, and every purchase or sale is made with the intent of maximizing risk-adjusted investment returns in the current market environment while balancing capital preservation.

Our fixed income securities portfolio had a weighted average credit rating of “AA-" as of March 31, 2015. The following table presents the credit ratings of this portfolio:
Fixed Income Security Rating
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Aaa/AAA
 
18
%
17
 
Aa/AA
 
43
 
44
 
A/A
 
25
 
25
 
Baa/BBB
 
13
 
13
 
Ba/BB or below
 
1
 
1
 
Total
 
100
%
100
 

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Table of Contents


The following table summarizes the fair value, unrealized gain (loss) balances, and the weighted average credit qualities of our available-for-sale ("AFS") fixed income securities at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
($ in millions)
 
Fair
Value
 
Net Unrealized
Gains
 
Weighted
Average Credit
Quality
 
Fair
Value
 
Net Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
 
Weighted Average Credit Quality
AFS Fixed Income Portfolio:
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
U.S. government and government agencies
 
$
119.5

 
7.3

 
AA+
 
124.1

 
7.4

 
AA+
Foreign government
 
27.9

 
0.9

 
AA-
 
27.8

 
0.8

 
AA-
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
1,294.4

 
40.3

 
AA
 
1,246.3

 
37.5

 
AA
Corporate securities
 
1,824.2

 
53.6

 
A-
 
1,799.8

 
36.4

 
A-
ABS
 
185.4

 
1.1

 
AAA
 
177.2

 
0.4

 
AAA
MBS
 
722.8

 
12.0

 
AA+
 
690.9

 
7.8

 
AA+
Total AFS fixed income portfolio
 
$
4,174.2

 
115.2

 
AA-
 
4,066.1

 
90.3

 
AA-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions:
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
General obligations
 
$
567.5

 
16.8

 
AA+
 
563.4

 
15.9

 
AA+
Special revenue obligations
 
726.9

 
23.5

 
AA
 
682.9

 
21.6

 
AA
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
$
1,294.4

 
40.3

 
AA
 
1,246.3

 
37.5

 
AA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
Financial
 
$
610.0

 
15.4

 
A
 
565.5

 
11.3

 
A
Industrials
 
144.0

 
5.4

 
A-
 
146.9

 
4.2

 
A-
Utilities
 
151.3

 
4.8

 
BBB+
 
151.0

 
2.0

 
BBB+
Consumer discretionary
 
214.8

 
6.8

 
A-
 
207.9

 
5.1

 
A-
Consumer staples
 
165.6

 
4.7

 
A-
 
171.1

 
3.3

 
A-
Healthcare
 
162.2

 
6.7

 
A
 
170.8

 
4.7

 
A
Materials
 
108.2

 
3.2

 
BBB+
 
112.6

 
2.4

 
BBB+
Energy
 
97.7

 
1.4

 
A-
 
103.4

 
0.2

 
A-
Information technology
 
122.2

 
3.6

 
A
 
116.7

 
1.9

 
A+
Telecommunications services
 
47.5

 
1.5

 
BBB+
 
51.1

 
1.0

 
BBB+
Other
 
0.7

 
0.1

 
AA
 
2.8

 
0.3

 
AA
Total corporate securities
 
$
1,824.2

 
53.6

 
A-
 
1,799.8

 
36.4

 
A-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ABS:
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
ABS
 
$
185.1

 
1.0

 
AAA
 
176.7

 
0.3

 
AAA
Sub-prime ABS1
 
0.3

 
0.1

 
D
 
0.5

 
0.1

 
CCC
Total ABS
 
185.4

 
1.1

 
AAA
 
177.2

 
0.4

 
AAA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MBS:
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
Government guaranteed agency commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS")
 
$
12.8

 
0.3

 
AA+
 
14.5

 
0.3

 
AA+
Other agency CMBS
 
12.4

 
0.1

 
AA+
 
13.6

 
(0.1
)
 
AA+
Non-agency CMBS
 
175.3

 
2.9

 
AAA
 
151.5

 
1.4

 
AA+
Government guaranteed agency residential MBS ("RMBS")
 
29.1

 
0.7

 
AA+
 
32.4

 
0.8

 
AA+
Other agency RMBS
 
468.5

 
7.8

 
AA+
 
453.5

 
5.1

 
AA+
Non-agency RMBS
 
21.2

 
0.2

 
BB+
 
21.7

 
0.2

 
BB+
Alternative-A (“Alt-A”) RMBS
 
3.5

 

 
A
 
3.7

 
0.1

 
A
Total MBS
 
$
722.8

 
12.0

 
AA+
 
690.9

 
7.8

 
AA+
1Subprime ABS consists of one security whose issuer is currently expected by rating agencies to default on its obligations. We define sub-prime exposure as exposure to direct and indirect investments in non-agency residential mortgages with average FICO® scores below 650. 


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The following tables provide information regarding our held-to-maturity (“HTM”) fixed income securities and their credit qualities at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Fair
Value
 
Carry
Value
 
Unrecognized Holding Gains
 
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI")
 
Total Unrealized/ Unrecognized Gains
 
Weighted Average Credit Quality
HTM Fixed Income Portfolio:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Foreign government
 
$
5.3

 
5.3

 

 

 

 
AA+
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
277.0

 
266.5

 
10.5

 
1.7

 
12.2

 
AA
Corporate securities
 
21.2

 
18.3

 
2.9

 
(0.2
)
 
2.7

 
A+
ABS
 
2.5

 
2.1

 
0.4

 
(0.4
)
 

 
AAA
MBS
 
5.1

 
4.4

 
0.7

 
(0.4
)
 
0.3

 
AAA
Total HTM fixed income portfolio
 
$
311.1

 
296.6

 
14.5

 
0.7

 
15.2

 
AA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
General obligations
 
$
90.3

 
87.4

 
2.9

 
0.8

 
3.7

 
AA
Special revenue obligations
 
186.7

 
179.1

 
7.6

 
0.9

 
8.5

 
AA
Total obligations of states and municipal subdivisions
 
$
277.0

 
266.5

 
10.5

 
1.7

 
12.2

 
AA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Financial
 
$
2.2

 
1.9

 
0.3

 
(0.1
)
 
0.2

 
A-
Industrials
 
6.4

 
5.4

 
1.0

 
(0.1
)
 
0.9

 
A+
Utilities
 
12.6

 
11.0

 
1.6

 

 
1.6

 
A+
Total corporate securities
 
$
21.2

 
18.3

 
2.9

 
(0.2
)
 
2.7

 
A+
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ABS:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
ABS
 
$
0.5

 
0.5

 

 

 

 
AA
Alt-A ABS
 
2.0

 
1.6

 
0.4

 
(0.4
)
 

 
AAA
Total ABS
 
$
2.5

 
2.1

 
0.4

 
(0.4
)
 

 
AAA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MBS:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Non-agency CMBS
 
$
5.1

 
4.4

 
0.7

 
(0.4
)
 
0.3

 
AAA
Total MBS
 
$
5.1

 
4.4

 
0.7

 
(0.4
)
 
0.3

 
AAA
 



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Table of Contents

December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
($ in millions)
 
Fair
Value
 
Carry
Value
 
Unrecognized Holding Gains
 
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) in AOCI
 
Total Unrealized/ Unrecognized Gains
 
Weighted Average Credit Quality
HTM Portfolio:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Foreign government
 
$
5.4

 
5.3

 
0.1

 

 
0.1

 
AA+
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
299.1

 
287.4

 
11.7

 
2.1

 
13.8

 
AA
Corporate securities
 
21.4

 
18.6

 
2.8

 
(0.3
)
 
2.5

 
A+
ABS
 
2.9

 
2.4

 
0.5

 
(0.5
)
 

 
AAA
MBS
 
5.2

 
4.4

 
0.8

 
(0.4
)
 
0.4

 
AAA
Total HTM portfolio
 
$
334.0

 
318.1

 
15.9

 
0.9

 
16.8

 
AA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
General obligations
 
$
97.8

 
94.6

 
3.2

 
1.0

 
4.2

 
AA
Special revenue obligations
 
201.3

 
192.8

 
8.5

 
1.1

 
9.6

 
AA
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
$
299.1

 
287.4

 
11.7

 
2.1

 
13.8

 
AA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Financial
 
$
2.2

 
1.9

 
0.3

 
(0.1
)
 
0.2

 
A-
Industrials
 
6.7

 
5.7

 
1.0

 
(0.2
)
 
0.8

 
A+
Utilities
 
12.5

 
11.0

 
1.5

 

 
1.5

 
A+
Total corporate securities
 
$
21.4

 
18.6

 
2.8

 
(0.3
)
 
2.5

 
A+
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ABS:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
ABS
 
$
0.6

 
0.6

 

 

 

 
AA
Alt-A ABS
 
2.3

 
1.8

 
0.5

 
(0.5
)
 

 
AAA
Total ABS
 
$
2.9

 
2.4

 
0.5

 
(0.5
)
 

 
AAA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MBS:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Non-agency CMBS
 
$
5.2

 
4.4

 
0.8

 
(0.4
)
 
0.4

 
AAA
Total MBS
 
$
5.2

 
4.4

 
0.8

 
(0.4
)
 
0.4

 
AAA

The sector composition and credit quality of our municipal bonds did not significantly change from December 31, 2014. For details regarding our special revenue bond sectors and additional information regarding credit risk and our management of MBS exposure, see Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” of our 2014 Annual Report.

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The following table details the top 10 state exposures of the municipal bond portion of our fixed income securities portfolio at March 31, 2015:
State Exposures of Municipal Bonds 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General Obligation
 
Special
Revenue
 
Fair
Value
 
% of Total
 
Weighted Average Credit Quality
($ in thousands)
 
Local
 
State
 
 
 
New York
 
$
15,890

 

 
117,315

 
133,205

 
9%
 
AA+
Texas1
 
57,165

 
5,871

 
52,775

 
115,811

 
7%
 
AA+
California
 
16,951

 
12,817

 
61,799

 
91,567

 
6%
 
AA
Washington
 
36,698

 
6,993

 
45,973

 
89,664

 
6%
 
AA
Florida
 

 
15,427

 
51,334

 
66,761

 
4%
 
AA
Arizona
 
11,802

 
1,007

 
49,194

 
62,003

 
4%
 
AA+
Colorado
 
31,367

 

 
20,913

 
52,280

 
3%
 
AA-
Oregon
 
24,950

 

 
26,359

 
51,309

 
3%
 
AA+
Virginia
 
20,763

 
10,180

 
20,157

 
51,100

 
3%
 
AA+
Missouri
 
15,541

 
10,029

 
21,355

 
46,925

 
3%
 
AA+
Other
 
143,467

 
173,232

 
363,150

 
679,849

 
43%
 
AA
 
 
374,594

 
235,556

 
830,324

 
1,440,474

 
91%
 
AA
Pre-refunded/escrowed to maturity bonds
 
43,510

 
11,240

 
76,181

 
130,931

 
8%
 
AA+
Total
 
$
418,104

 
246,796

 
906,505

 
1,571,405

 
99%
 
AA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
% of Total Municipal Portfolio
 
26
%
 
16
%
 
58
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
 
1 Of the $57 million in local Texas general obligation bonds, $34 million represents investments in Texas Permanent School Fund bonds, which are considered to have lower risk as a result of the bond guarantee program that supports these bonds.  
 
A portion of our municipal bonds contain insurance enhancements. The following table provides information regarding these insurance-enhanced securities as of March 31, 2015:
Insurers of Municipal Bond Securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
Fair Value
 
Ratings
 with
Insurance
 
Ratings
without
Insurance
National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation, a subsidiary of MBIA, Inc.
 
$
142,829

 
AA-
 
AA-
Assured Guaranty
 
106,948

 
AA
 
AA
Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
 
45,376

 
AA-
 
AA-
Other
 
6,568

 
AA+
 
AA+
Total
 
$
301,721

 
AA
 
AA

Equity Securities
Our equity securities portfolio was $211.6 million at March 31, 2015 and $191.4 million at December 31, 2014, which was 4% of invested assets at both times. During First Quarter 2015, we generated purchases of $150.5 million and sales of securities that had an original cost of $108.7 million due to a change in our dividend equity strategy from a quantitative strategy to a fundamental approach, as previously discussed.
  
Unrealized/Unrecognized Losses
In the aggregate, our net unrealized/unrecognized loss positions on our fixed income and equity portfolios improved by $3.8 million, to $6.8 million as of March 31, 2015, compared to December 31, 2014. This improvement was primarily driven by our fixed income securities portfolio, reflecting declining interest rates in the marketplace during First Quarter 2015.


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The following table presents amortized cost and fair value information for our AFS fixed income securities that were in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2015 by contractual maturity:
($ in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Unrealized Loss
One year or less
 
$
26,106

 
26,084

22

Due after one year through five years
 
203,288

 
201,840

1,448

Due after five years through ten years
 
198,092

 
196,080

2,012

Due after ten years
 
3,986

 
3,980

6

Total
 
$
431,472

 
427,984

3,488

 
The following table presents amortized cost and fair value information for our HTM fixed income securities that were in an unrealized/unrecognized loss position at March 31, 2015 by contractual maturity:
($ in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Unrecognized/Unrealized Loss
One year or less
 
$
198

 
197

1

Due after one year through five years
 
2,021

 
2,003

18

Total
 
$
2,219

 
2,200

19


We have reviewed the securities in a loss position within our fixed income and equity portfolios, in accordance with our OTTI policy, which is discussed in Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” within Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2014 Annual Report. We have concluded that these securities were temporarily impaired as of March 31, 2015. For additional information regarding the unrealized/unrecognized losses in our AFS and HTM portfolios, see Note 4. “Investments” in Item 1. “Financial Statements.” of this Form 10-Q.

Other Investments
As of March 31, 2015, other investments of $95.0 million represented 2% of our total invested assets.  In addition to the capital that we have already invested to date, we are contractually obligated to invest up to an additional $66.8 million in our other investments portfolio through commitments that currently expire at various dates through 2028. For a description of our seven alternative investment strategies, as well as redemption, restrictions, and fund liquidations, refer to Note 5. “Investments” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2014 Annual Report.

Net Investment Income
The components of net investment income earned for the indicated periods were as follows:
 
 
Quarter ended March 31,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Fixed income securities
 
$
30,967

 
31,028

 
Equity securities
 
1,792

 
1,449

 
Short-term investments
 
25

 
19

 
Other investments
 
(3,540
)
 
5,218

 
Investment expenses
 
(2,327
)
 
(2,180
)
 
Net investment income earned – before tax
 
26,917

 
35,534

 
Net investment income tax expense
 
(5,709
)
 
(9,048
)
 
Net investment income earned – after tax
 
$
21,208

 
26,486

 
Effective tax rate
 
21.2
%
 
25.5

 
Annualized after-tax yield on fixed income securities
 
2.1

 
2.2

 
Annualized after-tax yield on investment portfolio
 
1.7

 
2.3

 

Net investment income before tax decreased in First Quarter 2015 compared to the same prior year period. Net investment income in the quarter was negatively impacted by losses from the alternative investments within our other investments portfolio. In particular, our energy-related limited partnerships were negatively impacted by declining oil prices in the fourth quarter of 2014.




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Table of Contents

Realized Gains and Losses
Our general philosophy for sales of securities is to reduce our exposure to securities and sectors based on economic evaluations and when the fundamentals for that security or sector have deteriorated, or to opportunistically trade out of securities to other securities with better economic return characteristics. We typically have a long investment time horizon, and every purchase or sale is made with the intent of maximizing risk-adjusted investment returns in the current market environment while balancing capital preservation. Total net realized gains amounted to $18.9 million in First Quarter 2015 and $7.2 million in First Quarter 2014. These amounts included OTTI charges of $2.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively.

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 other comprehensive income ("OCI") for the non-credit related portion for fixed income securities. If there is a decline in fair value of an equity security that we do not intend to hold, or if we determine that 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 further discussion of our realized gains and losses, as well as our OTTI methodology, see Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2014 Annual Report. For qualitative information about our OTTI charges, see Note 4. "Investments" in Item 1. "Financial Statements." of this Form 10-Q.

Federal Income Taxes
The following table provides information regarding federal income taxes:
 
Quarter ended March 31,
 
($ in million)
2015
 
2014
 
Federal income tax expense
$
16.6

 
7.1

 
Effective tax rate
29
%
 
28

 

Federal income tax expense increased in First Quarter 2015 compared to First Quarter 2014 due to higher pre-tax income, primarily driven by an improvement in our underwriting results. The effective tax rate for First Quarter 2015 compared to First Quarter 2014 increased slightly, as tax-advantaged income remained flat compared to the increase in pre-tax income. The majority of our differences from the statutory rate are from recurring nontaxable items, such as tax-advantaged interest and dividends received deductions.

We believe that our future effective tax rate will continue to be impacted by similar items, assuming no significant changes to tax laws occur that would impact our tax-advantaged investments.

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Table of Contents


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 the short-term and long-term cash requirements of our business operations. Our cash and short-term investment position of $139 million at March 31, 2015 was comprised of $26 million at Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (the "Parent") and $113 million at the Insurance Subsidiaries. Short-term investments are generally maintained in "AAA" rated money market funds approved by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The Parent continues to maintain a fixed income security investment portfolio containing high-quality, highly-liquid government and corporate fixed income securities to generate additional yield. This portfolio amounted to $56 million at March 31, 2015 compared to $50 million at December 31, 2014.
 
Sources of cash for the Parent have historically consisted of dividends from the Insurance Subsidiaries, borrowings under lines of credit and loan agreements with certain Insurance Subsidiaries, and the issuance of stock and debt securities. We continue to monitor these sources, giving consideration to our long-term liquidity and capital preservation strategies.

We currently anticipate the Insurance Subsidiaries will pay $58 million in total dividends to the Parent in 2015. Cash dividends of $14.4 million were paid in First Quarter 2015. As of December 31, 2014, our allowable ordinary maximum dividend was $162.0 million for 2015.
Any dividends to the Parent are subject to the approval and/or review of the insurance regulators in the respective domiciliary states and are generally payable only from earned surplus as reported in the statutory annual statements of those subsidiaries as of the preceding December 31. Although past dividends have historically been met with regulatory approval, there is no assurance that future dividends that may be declared will be approved. For additional information regarding dividend restrictions, refer to Note 20. “Statutory Financial Information, Capital Requirements, and Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2014 Annual Report.
The Parent had no private or public issuances of stock or debt instruments during First Quarter 2015 and there were no borrowings under its $30 million line of credit ("Line of Credit").

We have two Insurance Subsidiaries domiciled in Indiana ("Indiana Subsidiaries") that are members of the FHLBI. These Insurance Subsidiaries are Selective Insurance Company of South Carolina ("SICSC") and Selective Insurance Company of the Southeast ("SICSE"). Membership in the FHLBI provides these subsidiaries with access to additional liquidity. The Indiana Subsidiaries' aggregate investment of $2.9 million provides them with the ability to borrow approximately 20 times the total amount of the FHLBI common stock purchased, at comparatively low borrowing rates. All borrowings from the FHLBI are required to be secured by certain investments. For additional information regarding the required collateral, refer to Note 4. "Investments" in Item 1. "Financial Statements." of this Form 10-Q.
  
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. Admitted assets amounted to $564.3 million for SICSC and $429.8 million for SICSE as of December 31, 2014, for a borrowing capacity of approximately $99 million, of which $60 million is currently outstanding (including $15 million that was borrowed during First Quarter 2015). Accordingly, the Indiana Subsidiaries have the ability to borrow an additional $39 million before the Line of Credit borrowing limit is met. The Parent has the ability to borrow an additional $47 million from the Indiana Subsidiaries under lending agreements approved by the Indiana Department of Insurance. Similar to the Line of Credit agreement, these lending agreements limit borrowings by the Parent from the Indiana Subsidiaries to 10% of the admitted assets of the respective Indiana Subsidiary. For additional information regarding the Parent's Line of Credit, refer to the section below entitled “Short-term Borrowings.”

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 continually provide a source of cash flows for claims payments in the ordinary course of business. The duration of the fixed income securities portfolio including short-term investments was 3.7 years as of March 31, 2015, while the liabilities of the Insurance Subsidiaries have a duration of 4.2 years. In addition, the Insurance Subsidiaries purchase reinsurance coverage for protection against any significantly large claims or catastrophes that may occur during the year.
 

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Table of Contents

The liquidity generated from the sources discussed above is used, among other things, to pay dividends to our shareholders. Dividends on shares of the Parent's common stock are declared and paid at the discretion of the Board of Directors based on our operating results, financial condition, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, and other relevant factors.
 
Our ability to meet our interest and principal repayment obligations on our debt, as well as our ability to continue to pay dividends to our stockholders, is dependent on liquidity at the Parent coupled with the ability of the Insurance Subsidiaries to pay dividends, if necessary, and/or the availability of other sources of liquidity to the Parent. Our FHLBI borrowings are scheduled for repayment in 2016, with $15 million due in July 2016 and $45 million due in December 2016. Subsequent to these payments, our next principal repayment is due in 2034. Restrictions on the ability of the Insurance Subsidiaries to declare and pay dividends, without alternative liquidity options, could materially affect our ability to service debt and pay dividends on common stock.

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 September 26, 2013 with a borrowing capacity of $30 million, which can be increased to $50 million with the approval of both lending partners.

The Line of Credit provides the Parent with an additional source of short-term liquidity. The interest rate on our Line of Credit varies and is based on, among other factors, the Parent’s debt ratings. The Line of Credit expires on September 26, 2017. There were no balances outstanding under the Line of Credit at any time during First Quarter 2015.
 
The Line of Credit agreement contains representations, warranties, and covenants that are customary for credit facilities of this type, including, without limitation, financial covenants under which we are obligated to maintain a minimum consolidated net worth, a minimum combined statutory surplus, and a maximum ratio of consolidated debt to total capitalization, as well as covenants limiting our ability to: (i) merge or liquidate; (ii) incur debt or liens; (iii) dispose of assets; (iv) make certain investments and acquisitions; and (v) engage in transactions with affiliates.
 
The table below outlines information regarding certain of the covenants in the Line of Credit:
 
Required as of March 31, 2015
Actual as of March 31, 2015
Consolidated net worth
$905 million
$1.3 billion
Statutory surplus
Not less than $750 million
$1.3 billion
Debt-to-capitalization ratio1
Not to exceed 35%
23.4%
A.M. Best financial strength rating
Minimum of A-
A
1 
Calculated in accordance with the 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 March 31, 2015, we had statutory surplus of $1.3 billion, GAAP stockholders’ equity of $1.3 billion, and total debt of $394.3 million, which equates to a debt-to-capital ratio of approximately 23%.
 
Our cash requirements include, but are not limited to, principal and interest payments on various notes payable, dividends to stockholders, payment of claims, payment of commitments under limited partnership agreements and capital expenditures, as well as other operating expenses, which include commissions to our distribution partners, labor costs, premium taxes, general and administrative expenses, and income taxes. For further details regarding our cash requirements, refer to the section below entitled, “Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities, and Commitments.”
 
We continually monitor our cash requirements and the amount of capital resources that we maintain at the holding company and operating subsidiary levels. As part of our long-term capital strategy, we strive to maintain capital metrics, relative to the macroeconomic environment, that support our targeted financial strength. Based on our analysis and market conditions, we may take a variety of actions, including, but not limited to, contributing capital to the Insurance Subsidiaries in our insurance operations, issuing additional debt and/or equity securities, repurchasing shares of the Parent’s common stock, and increasing stockholders’ dividends.
 

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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 $23.11 as of March 31, 2015, from $22.54 as of December 31, 2014, due to $0.69 in net income, partially offset by $0.14 in dividends to our shareholders.

Ratings
We are rated by major rating agencies that issue opinions on our financial strength, operating performance, strategic position, and ability to meet policyholder obligations. We believe that our ability to write insurance business is most influenced by our rating from A.M. Best. In the second quarter of 2014, A.M. Best reaffirmed our rating of "A (Excellent)," their third highest of 13 financial strength ratings, with a “stable” outlook. The rating reflects A.M. Best's view that we have strong risk-adjusted capitalization, disciplined underwriting focus, increasing use of predictive modeling technology, strong distribution partner relationships, and consistently stable loss reserves. We have been rated “A” or higher by A.M. Best for the past 84 years. A downgrade from A.M. Best to a rating below “A-” is an event of default under our Line of Credit and could affect our ability to write new business with customers and/or distribution partners, some of whom are required (under various third-party agreements) to maintain insurance with a carrier that maintains a specified A.M. Best minimum rating.

Ratings by other major rating agencies are as follows:
Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") – Our “A+” rating was reaffirmed in First Quarter 2015, citing our improved underwriting results across all segments, solid capitalization with strong growth in shareholders' equity, and continued improvement in leverage and interest coverage metrics. Our stable outlook was affirmed reflecting a more conservative amount of financial leverage at year end 2014 with adequate financial flexibility.
S&P's Ratings Services– During the fourth quarter of 2014, S&P reaffirmed our financial strength rating of “A-” and revised our outlook to positive from stable. The rating reflects S&P's view of our strong business risk profile, strong competitive position, and very strong capital and earnings. The positive outlook for the rating reflects S&P's view of our ongoing efforts to improve geographic and product diversification and reduce risk concentrations in catastrophe prone areas. In addition, the positive outlook reflects S&P's expectation that we will steadily improve our operating performance and that our capital adequacy will remain redundant at a very strong level.
Moody's Investor Service ("Moody's") – Our "A2" financial strength rating was reaffirmed in the third quarter of 2014 by Moody's, which cited our solid regional franchise with established independent agency support, solid risk adjusted capitalization, strong invested asset quality, and recently improving underwriting profitability. Their outlook remains negative, reflecting Moody's view of challenges in achieving further reductions in segment concentrations and maintaining the pace and consistency of profitability.
Our S&P, Moody's, and Fitch financial strength and associated credit ratings affect our ability to access capital markets.  The interest rate on our Line of Credit varies and is based on, among other factors, the Parent's debt ratings. There can be no assurance that our ratings will continue for any given period of time or that they will not be changed.  It is possible that positive or negative ratings actions by one or more of the rating agencies may occur in the future.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we did not have any material relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, also referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or for other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As such, we are not exposed to any material financing, liquidity, market, or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.
 
Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities, and Commitments
Our future cash payments associated with: (i) loss and loss expense reserves; (ii) contractual obligations pursuant to operating leases for office space and equipment; (iii) notes payable; and (iv) contractual obligations related to our alternative and other investments portfolio have not materially changed since December 31, 2014. We expect to have the capacity to repay and/or refinance these obligations as they come due.
 
We have issued no material guarantees on behalf of others and have no trading activities involving non-exchange traded contracts accounted for at fair value. 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 2014 Annual Report.

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ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
There have been no material changes in the information about market risk set forth in our 2014 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. In performing this evaluation, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control Integrated Framework ("COSO Framework") in 2013. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are: (i) effective in recording, processing, summarizing, and reporting information on a timely basis that we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act; and (ii) effective in ensuring that information that we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. No changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) occurred during First Quarter 2015 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 our customers; or (ii) insurers defending first-party coverage claims brought against them. We account for such activity through the establishment of unpaid loss and loss 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 are also from time to time involved in other legal actions, some of which assert claims for substantial amounts. These actions include, among others, putative class actions seeking certification of a state or national class. Such putative class actions have alleged, for example, improper reimbursement of medical providers paid under workers compensation and personal and commercial automobile insurance policies. Our Insurance Subsidiaries are also 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. As of March 31, 2015, we do not believe the Company was involved in any legal action that could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
Certain risk factors exist that can have a significant impact on our business, liquidity, capital resources, results of operations, financial condition, and debt ratings. The impact of these risk factors also could impact certain actions that we take as part of our long-term capital strategy, including but not limited to, contributing capital to any or all of the Insurance Subsidiaries, issuing additional debt and/or equity securities, repurchasing our equity securities, redeeming our fixed income securities, or increasing or decreasing stockholders dividends. We operate in a continually changing business environment and new risk factors emerge from time to time. Consequently, we can neither predict such new risk factors nor assess the potential future impact, if any, they might have on our business. There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A. “Risk Factors.” in our 2014 Annual Report other than as discussed below.
We face risks regarding our flood business because of uncertainties regarding the NFIP.
We are the sixth largest insurance group participating in the WYO arrangement of the NFIP, which is managed by the Mitigation Division of Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. For WYO participation, we receive an expense allowance for policies written and a servicing fee for claims administered. Under the program, all losses are 100% reinsured by the Federal Government. Currently, the expense allowance is 30.8% of direct premiums written. The servicing fee is the combination of 0.9% of DPW and 1.5% of incurred losses.

The NFIP is funded by U.S Congress and in 2012, U.S. Congress passed, and the President signed, the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (“Biggert-Waters Act”). The Biggert-Waters Act: (i) extended NFIP funding to September 30, 2017; and (ii) moved the program to more market based rates for certain flood policyholders. FEMA implemented these rates throughout 2013, which created significant public discontent and Congressional concern over the impact of the new rates on NFIP customers.

Consequently, U.S Congress passed and, on March 21, 2014, the President signed into law, the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 (“Flood Affordability Act”). The Flood Affordability Act substantially modifies certain provisions of the Biggert-Waters Act, including the reversal of certain rate increases resulting in premium refunds for many NFIP policyholders that began after October 1, 2014.  Effective April 2015, the Flood Affordability Act effectuated certain changes to the NFIP, including: (i) an increase in the Reserve Fund Assessment; (ii) implementation of an annual surcharge on all new and renewal policies; (iii) an additional deductible option; and (iv) increases in the federal policy fee and basic rates.

As a WYO carrier, we are required to follow certain NFIP procedures when administering flood policies and claims. Some of these requirements may differ from our normal business practices and may present a reputational risk to our brand. Insurance companies are regulated by states; however, the NFIP is a federal program. Consequently, we have the risk that regulatory positions taken by the NFIP and a state regulator on the same issue may conflict.

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Despite the passage of the Flood Affordability Act, the role of the NFIP remains under scrutiny by policymakers. The uncertainty behind the public policy debate and politics of flood insurance reform make it difficult for us to predict the future of the NFIP and our continued participation in the program.
Changes in tax legislation initiatives could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We are subject to the tax laws and regulations of U.S. federal, state, and local governments, which may change in ways that adversely impact us. For example, federal tax legislation could be enacted that reduces the existing statutory U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35%, thereby reducing any deferred tax assets. This would require that we recognize, in full, a reduction of a previously-recognized federal tax benefit in the period when enacted, and, along with other changes in the tax rules that may increase our actual tax expense, could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

In addition, our investment portfolio has benefited from tax exemptions and certain other tax laws, including, but not limited to, those governing dividends received deductions and tax-advantaged municipal bond interest. Federal and/or state tax legislation could be enacted that would lessen or eliminate some or all of the tax advantages currently benefiting us. This could negatively impact the value of our investment portfolio and, in turn, materially and adversely impact our results of operations.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
The following table provides information regarding our purchases of our common stock in First Quarter 2015:
Period
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased1
 
Average Price
Paid per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Programs
 
Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased Under the Announced Programs
January 1 – 31, 2015
 
2,916

 
$
26.48

 

 

February 1 - 28, 2015
 
121,029

 
27.76

 

 

March 1 - 31, 2015
 
5,312

 
26.91

 

 

Total
 
129,257

 
$
27.70

 

 


1During First Quarter 2015, 129,257 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 Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan As Amended and Restated Effective as of May 1, 2010.

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ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.
Our 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on April 29, 2015. Voting was conducted in person and by proxy as
follows:

(a) Stockholders voted to elect the following eleven nominees for a term of one year as follows:
 
For
Against
Abstain
Paul D. Bauer
44,047,894

905,188

31,577

Annabelle G. Bexiga
44,209,712

742,093

32,854

John C. Burville
44,410,167

541,978

32,514

Michael J. Morrissey
43,994,403

961,684

28,572

Gregory E. Murphy
43,600,685

1,360,082

23,892

Cynthia S. Nicholson
44,248,215

716,714

19,730

Ronald L. O'Kelley
44,101,898

851,528

31,233

William M. Rue
40,353,933

4,596,391

34,335

John S. Scheid
44,207,625

741,913

35,121

J. Brian Thebault
44,047,827

906,112

30,720

Philip H. Urban
44,206,918

746,851

30,890


There were 5,426,001 broker non-votes for each nominee.

(b) Stockholders voted to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in our
Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The votes were as follows: 42,927,852 shares voted for this
proposal; 1,944,981 shares voted against it; and 111,826 shares abstained. There were 5,426,001 broker non-votes.

(c) Stockholders voted to ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. The votes were as follows: 49,737,003 shares voted for this proposal; 596,512 shares
voted against it; and 77,145 shares abstained.

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Item 6. EXHIBITS.

(a) Exhibits:
Exhibit No.  
 
 
10.1+
 
Employment Agreement between Selective Insurance Company of America and Ronald J. Zaleski, dated as of December 23, 2008 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.23i of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 001-33067).
* 11
 
Statement Re: Computation of Per Share Earnings.
* 31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
* 31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
* 32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer in accordance with Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
* 32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer in accordance with Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
** 101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.
** 101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
** 101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
** 101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
** 101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
** 101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
 
* Filed herewith.
** Furnished and not filed herewith.
+ Management compensation plan or arrangement.

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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
April 30, 2015
Gregory E. Murphy
 
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
By: /s/ Dale A. Thatcher
April 30, 2015
Dale A. Thatcher
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
(principal accounting officer and principal financial officer)
 
 



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