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SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP INC - Quarter Report: 2010 June (Form 10-Q)

Unassociated Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended:  June 30, 2010
or

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

For the transition period from _______________________________to_______________________________

Commission File Number:  001-33067

SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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

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


(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ¨                      No x
As of June 30, 2010, there were 53,418,161 shares of common stock, par value $2.00 per share, outstanding.

 

 

SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
Table of Contents
     
Page
No.
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
       
Item 1.
Financial Statements
   
       
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2010 (Unaudited)
   
 
and December 31, 2009
 
1
       
 
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income for the
   
 
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009
 
2
       
 
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the
   
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009
 
3
       
 
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow for the
   
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009
 
4
       
 
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
 
5
       
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
   
       
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
25
       
 
Introduction
 
25
       
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
25
       
 
Financial Highlights of Results for Second Quarter 2010 and Six Months 2010
 
26
       
 
Results of Operations and Related Information by Segment
 
28
       
 
Federal Income Taxes
 
50
       
 
Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources
 
50
       
 
Ratings
 
52
       
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
53
       
 
Contractual Obligations and Contingent Liabilities and Commitments
 
53
       
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
54
       
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
54
       
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
       
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
54
       
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
55
       
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
58
       
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
59

 

 
 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
 
Unaudited
       
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
($ in thousands, except share amounts)
 
2010
   
2009
 
ASSETS
           
Investments:
           
Fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity – at carry value
           
    (fair value:  $1,510,871 – 2010; $1,740,211 – 2009)
  $ 1,461,882       1,710,403  
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale – at fair value
               
    (amortized cost:  $1,798,996 – 2010; $1,616,456 – 2009)
    1,870,383       1,635,869  
Equity securities, available-for-sale – at fair value
               
    (cost of:  $59,859– 2010; $64,390 – 2009)
    60,988       80,264  
Short-term investments (at cost which approximates fair value)
    343,900       213,848  
Other investments
    153,475       140,667  
Total investments
    3,890,628       3,781,051  
Cash
    591       811  
Interest and dividends due or accrued
    34,865       34,651  
Premiums receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible
               
    accounts of:  $5,327 – 2010; $5,880 – 2009
    469,096       446,577  
Reinsurance recoverables, net
    287,191       276,018  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    104,383       105,522  
Current federal income tax
    21,826       17,662  
Deferred federal income tax
    101,085       111,038  
Property and equipment – at cost, net of accumulated
               
    depreciation and amortization of:  $146,998 – 2010; $141,251 – 2009
    43,014       46,287  
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    218,200       218,601  
Goodwill
    7,849       7,849  
Other assets
    48,206       68,760  
    Total assets
  $ 5,226,934       5,114,827  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Liabilities:
               
Reserve for losses and loss expenses
  $ 2,805,841       2,745,799  
Unearned premiums
    856,931       844,847  
Notes payable
    262,319       274,606  
Accrued salaries and benefits
    101,908       103,802  
Other liabilities
    150,431       143,398  
   Total liabilities
  $ 4,177,430       4,112,452  
                 
Stockholders’ Equity:
               
Preferred stock of $0 par value per share:
               
   Authorized shares 5,000,000; no shares issued or outstanding
  $ -       -  
Common stock of $2 par value per share
               
   Authorized shares 360,000,000
               
   Issued:  96,094,756 – 2010; 95,822,959 – 2009
    192,190       191,646  
Additional paid-in capital
    239,341       231,933  
Retained earnings
    1,149,387       1,138,978  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    17,826       (12,460 )
Treasury stock – at cost (shares:  42,676,595 – 2010; 42,578,779 – 2009)
    (549,240 )     (547,722 )
   Total stockholders’ equity
    1,049,504       1,002,375  
    Commitments and contingencies
               
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 5,226,934       5,114,827  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

 
1

 
 

SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
   
Quarter ended
   
Six Months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Revenues:
                       
Net premiums earned
  $ 352,190       358,311       708,392       722,184  
Net investment income earned
    36,545       26,368       71,251       42,085  
Net realized (losses) gains:
                               
Net realized investment gains
    2,920       1,181       11,096       4,256  
Other-than-temporary impairments
    (6,162 )     (12,534 )     (12,235 )     (39,634 )
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities recognized in other comprehensive income
    (22 )     59       (2,189 )     59  
Total net realized losses
    (3,264 )     (11,294 )     (3,328 )     (35,319 )
Other income
    2,247       3,810       4,515       5,091  
Total revenues
    387,718       377,195       780,830       734,041  
                                 
Expenses:
                               
Losses and loss expenses incurred
    239,980       239,049       494,123       491,243  
Policy acquisition costs
    116,099       114,522       232,101       227,628  
Interest expense
    4,655       4,843       9,497       9,867  
Other expenses
    4,136       6,533       14,614       14,038  
Total expenses
    364,870       364,947       750,335       742,776  
                                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, before federal income tax
    22,848       12,248       30,495       (8,735 )
                                 
Federal income tax expense (benefit):
                               
Current
    1,322       (1,631 )     10,166       4,244  
Deferred
    1,435       (1,479 )     (6,355 )     (15,387 )
Total federal income tax expense (benefit)
    2,757       (3,110 )     3,811       (11,143 )
                                 
Net income from continuing operations
    20,091       15,358       26,684       2,408  
                                 
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax of $53 for Second Quarter 2009 and $41 for Six Months 2009
    -       330       -       403  
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax of $(713) for Second Quarter 2010 and $(1,139) for Six Months 2010
    (1,325 )     -       (2,115 )     -  
Total discontinued operations, net of tax
    (1,325 )     330       (2,115 )     403  
                                 
Net income
  $ 18,766       15,688       24,569       2,811  
                                 
Earnings per share:
                               
Basic net income from continuing operations
    0.37       0.29       0.50       0.04  
Basic net (loss) income from disposal of discontinued operations
    (0.02 )     0.01       (0.04 )     0.01  
Basic net income
  $ 0.35       0.30       0.46       0.05  
                                 
Diluted net income from continuing operations
    0.37       0.28       0.49       0.04  
Diluted net (loss) income from disposal of discontinued operations
    (0.02 )     0.01       (0.04 )     0.01  
Diluted net income
  $ 0.35       0.29       0.45       0.05  
                                 
Dividends to stockholders
  $ 0.13       0.13       0.26       0.26  

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

 
2

 
 

SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
   
Six Months ended June 30,
 
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Common stock:
                       
Beginning of year
  $ 191,646             190,527        
Dividend reinvestment plan
                           
(shares:  53,272 – 2010; 70,839 – 2009)
    107             141        
Stock purchase and compensation plans
                           
(shares:  218,525 – 2010; 233,878 – 2009)
    437             468        
End of period
    192,190             191,136        
                             
Additional paid-in capital:
                           
Beginning of year
    231,933             217,195        
Dividend reinvestment plan
    733             751        
Stock purchase and compensation plans
    6,675             7,447        
End of period
    239,341             225,393        
                             
Retained earnings:
                           
Beginning of year
    1,138,978             1,128,149        
Cumulative effect adjustment due to adoption of other-than-temporary impairment guidance under ASC 320, net of deferred income tax
    -             2,380        
Net income
    24,569       24,569       2,811       2,811  
Cash dividends to stockholders ($0.26 per share – 2010; $0.26 per share – 2009)
    (14,160 )             (13,924 )        
End of period
    1,149,387               1,119,416          
                                 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Beginning of year
    (12,460 )             (100,666        
Cumulative-effect adjustment due to adoption of other-than-temporary impairment guidance under ASC 320, net of deferred income tax
    -               (2,380 )        
Other comprehensive income (loss), increase (decrease) in:
                               
Unrealized gains on investment securities:
                               
Non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income, net of deferred income tax
    3,830               (18 )        
Other net unrealized gains on investment securities, net of deferred income tax
    25,044               60,306          
Total unrealized gains on investment securities
    28,874       28,874       60,288       60,288  
Defined benefit pension plans, net of deferred income tax
    1,412       1,412       571       571  
End of period
    17,826               (42,187 )        
Comprehensive income
            54,855               63,670  
                                 
Treasury stock:
                               
Beginning of year
    (547,722 )             (544,712 )        
Acquisition of treasury stock
                               
(shares:  97,816 – 2010; 170,540 – 2009)
    (1,518 )             (2,671 )        
End of period
    (549,240 )             (547,383 )        
Total stockholders’ equity
  $ 1,049,504               946,375          

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

 
3

 


SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
   
Six Months ended
 
   
June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Operating Activities
           
Net Income
  $ 24,569       2,811  
                 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    14,805       13,910  
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations
    2,115       -  
Stock-based compensation expense
    7,964       5,599  
Undistributed (income) losses of equity method investments
    (4,841 )     29,404  
Net realized losses
    3,328       35,319  
Postretirement life curtailment benefit
    -       (4,217 )
Unrealized gain on trading securities
    -       (262 )
Deferred tax benefit
    (6,355 )     (15,093 )
                 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Increase in reserves for losses and loss expenses, net of reinsurance recoverables
    48,870       21,742  
Increase in unearned premiums, net of prepaid reinsurance and advance premiums
    13,252       18,894  
(Increase) decrease in net federal income tax recoverable
    (3,025 )     15,639  
Increase in premiums receivable
    (22,519 )     (17,697 )
Decrease (increase) in deferred policy acquisition costs
    401       (5,697 )
(Increase) decrease in interest and dividends due or accrued
    (206 )     1,086  
Decrease in accrued salaries and benefits
    (2,282 )     (14,573 )
Decrease in accrued insurance expenses
    (10,003 )     (7,703 )
Sale of trading securities
    -       2,831  
Other-net
    (7,862 )     (8,002 )
Net adjustments
    33,642       71,180  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    58,211       73,991  
                 
Investing Activities
               
Purchase of fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity
    -       (157,752 )
Purchase of fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale
    (396,076 )     (512,726 )
Purchase of equity securities, available-for-sale
    (30,974 )     (75,609 )
Purchase of other investments
    (11,150 )     (10,595 )
Purchase of short-term investments
    (956,904 )     (1,160,667 )
Sale of subsidiary
    788       -  
Sale of fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity
    -       5,622  
Sale of fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale
    128,110       371,667  
Sale of short-term investments
    826,853       1,163,746  
Redemption and maturities of fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity
    171,900       123,213  
Redemption and maturities of fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale
    165,513       63,897  
Sale of equity securities, available-for-sale
    56,247       123,269  
Proceeds from other investments
    15,152       15,498  
Purchase of property and equipment
    (2,570 )     (2,986 )
Net cash used in investment activities
    (33,111 )     (53,423 )
                 
Financing Activities
               
Dividends to stockholders
    (12,999 )     (13,378 )
Acquisition of treasury stock
    (1,518 )     (2,671 )
Principal payment of notes payable
    (12,300 )     (12,300 )
Net proceeds from stock purchase and compensation plans
    2,310       2,402  
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
    (813 )     (1,158 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (25,320 )     (27,105 )
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (220 )     (6,537 )
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations
    -       (3,654 )
Net decrease in cash from continuing operations
    (220 )     (2,883 )
Cash from continuing operations, beginning of year
    811       3,606  
Cash from continuing operations, end of period
  $ 591       723  

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

 
4

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

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

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

These Financial Statements reflect all adjustments that, in our opinion, are normal, recurring, and necessary for a fair presentation of our results of operations and financial condition.  The Financial Statements cover the second quarters ended June 30, 2010 (“Second Quarter 2010”) and June 30, 2009 (“Second Quarter 2009”) and the six-month periods ended June 30, 2010 (“Six Months 2010”) and June 30, 2009 (“Six Months 2009”).  The Financial Statements do not include all of the information and disclosures required by GAAP and the SEC for audited financial statements.  Results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.  Consequently, the Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (“2009 Annual Report”).
 
NOTE 3.
Reclassification
Certain prior year amounts in these Financial Statements and related footnotes have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.  Such reclassifications had no effect on our net income, stockholders’ equity, or cash flows.
 
NOTE 4.
Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Update 2009-16, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860) – Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets.  This guidance:  (i) eliminates the concept of a qualifying “special-purpose entity” (ii) alters the requirements for transferring assets off of the reporting company’s balance sheet; (iii) requires additional disclosure about a transferor’s involvement in transferred assets; and (iv) eliminates special treatment of guaranteed mortgage securitizations.  The adoption of this guidance, which was effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009, did not impact our financial condition or results of operations.
 
In December 2009, the FASB issued ASC Update 2009-17, Consolidations (Topic 810) – Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities.  This guidance requires the reporting entity to perform a qualitative analysis that results in a variable interest entity (“VIE”) being consolidated if the reporting entity:  (i) has the power to direct activities of the VIE that significantly impact the VIE’s financial performance; and (ii) has an obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits that may be significant to the VIE.  This guidance further requires enhanced disclosures, including disclosure of significant judgments and assumptions as to whether a VIE must be consolidated, and how involvement with a VIE affects the company’s financial statements.  The adoption of this guidance, which was effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009, did not impact our financial condition or results of operations.

 
5

 

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

NOTE 5.
Statements of Cash Flow
Our cash paid (received) during the period for interest and federal income tax was as follows:
 
   
Six Months ended June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
           
Interest
  $ 9,649       10,004  
Federal income tax
    14,000       (10,500 )

NOTE 6.
Investments
(a) The carrying value, unrecognized holding gains and losses, and fair values of held-to-maturity (“HTM”) fixed maturity securities were as follows:
 
June 30, 2010
       
Net
                         
         
Unrealized
         
Unrecognized
   
Unrecognized
       
   
Amortized
   
Gains
   
Carrying
   
Holding
   
Holding
   
Fair
 
($ in thousands)
 
Cost
   
(Losses)
   
Value
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
U.S. government and government agencies
  $ 96,554       5,101       101,655       4,978       -       106,633  
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
    1,045,033       27,185       1,072,218       23,952       (896 )     1,095,274  
Corporate securities
    94,400       (4,575 )     89,825       10,063       (427 )     99,461  
Asset-backed securities (“ABS”)
    19,855       (2,976 )     16,879       2,496       (16 )     19,359  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”)1
    71,404       (9,362 )     62,042       6,866       (1,175 )     67,733  
Residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”)2
    117,593       1,670       119,263       3,252       (104 )     122,411  
Total HTM fixed maturity securities
  $ 1,444,839       17,043       1,461,882       51,607       (2,618 )     1,510,871  
 
December 31, 2009
       
Net
                         
         
Unrealized
         
Unrecognized
   
Unrecognized
       
   
Amortized
   
Gains
   
Carrying
   
Holding
   
Holding
   
Fair
 
($ in thousands)
 
Cost
   
(Losses)
   
Value
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
U.S. government and government agencies
  $ 139,278       5,555       144,833       1,694       (549 )     145,978  
Obligations of state and political
                                               
subdivisions
    1,167,461       33,951       1,201,412       14,833       (5,450 )     1,210,795  
Corporate securities
    104,854       (6,028 )     98,826       9,665       (913 )     107,578  
ABS
    35,025       (6,042 )     28,983       4,195       (82 )     33,096  
CMBS1
    107,812       (18,836 )     88,976       7,132       (3,658 )     92,450  
RMBS2
    146,124       1,249       147,373       3,153       (212 )     150,314  
Total HTM fixed maturity securities
  $ 1,700,554       9,849       1,710,403       40,672       (10,864 )     1,740,211  

1 CMBS includes government guaranteed agency securities with a carrying value of $10.3 million at June 30, 2010 and $10.8 million at December 31, 2009.
2 RMBS includes government guaranteed agency securities with a carrying value of $4.0 million at June 30, 2010 and $3.9 million at December 31, 2009.

 
6

 

Unrecognized holding gains/losses of HTM securities are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements, as they represent market value fluctuations from the later of:  (i) the date a security is designated as HTM; or (ii) the date that an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) charge is recognized on an HTM security, through the date of the balance sheet.  Our HTM securities had an average duration of 3.5 years as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

(b) The cost/amortized cost, fair value, and unrealized gains (losses) of available-for-sale (“AFS”) securities were as follows:
 
June 30, 2010
                       
   
Cost/
                   
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
($ in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
U.S. government and government agencies1
  $ 383,161       9,454       -       392,615  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    441,307       24,285       (20 )     465,572  
Corporate securities
    616,030       33,358       (1,666 )     647,722  
ABS
    31,781       1,261       (331 )     32,711  
CMBS2
    83,088       3,978       (4,161 )     82,905  
RMBS3
    243,629       8,505       (3,276 )     248,858  
AFS fixed maturity securities
    1,798,996       80,841       (9,454 )     1,870,383  
AFS equity securities
    59,859       5,416       (4,287 )     60,988  
Total AFS securities
  $ 1,858,855       86,257       (13,741 )     1,931,371  
 
December 31, 2009
                       
   
Cost/
                   
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
($ in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
U.S. government and government agencies1
  $ 473,750       2,994       (1,210 )     475,534  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    359,517       20,419       (137 )     379,799  
Corporate securities
    365,500       15,330       (1,246 )     379,584  
ABS
    26,638       466       (57 )     27,047  
CMBS2
    93,514       1,746       (637 )     94,623  
RMBS3
    297,537       2,457       (20,712 )     279,282  
AFS fixed maturity securities
    1,616,456       43,412       (23,999 )     1,635,869  
AFS equity securities
    64,390       16,484       (610 )     80,264  
Total AFS securities
  $ 1,680,846       59,896       (24,609 )     1,716,133  

1 U.S. government includes corporate securities fully guaranteed by the Federal Depositary Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) with a fair value of $121.7 million at June 30, 2010 and $136.2 million at December 31, 2009.
2 CMBS includes government guaranteed agency securities with a fair value of $73.7 million at June 30, 2010 and $94.6 million at December 31, 2009.
3 RMBS includes government guaranteed agency securities with a fair value of $95.6 million at June 30, 2010 and $105.2 million at December 31, 2009.

Unrealized gains/losses represent market value fluctuations from the later of:  (i) the date of security is designated as AFS; or (ii) the date that an OTTI charge is recognized on an AFS security, through the date of the balance sheet.  These unrealized gains and losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
During Second Quarter 2010, 23 securities with a carrying value of $66.0 million in a net unrecognized gain position of $3.4 million were reclassified from the HTM category to AFS due to recent credit rating downgrades by either Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) or Standard and Poor’s Financial Services (“S&P”).  These rating downgrades raised significant concerns about the issuers’ credit worthiness, which changed our intention to hold these securities to maturity.

 
7

 

(c) The following tables summarize, for all securities in a net unrealized/unrecognized loss position at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the fair value and gross pre-tax net unrealized/unrecognized loss by asset class, and by length of time those securities have been in a net loss position:
 
June 30, 2010
 
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer1
 
($ in thousands)
 
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses2
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses2
 
AFS securities
                       
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
  $ 10,716       (20 )     -       -  
Corporate securities
    16,925       (1,666 )     -       -  
ABS
    1,069       (2 )     925       (329 )
CMBS
    -       -       9,141       (4,161 )
RMBS
    6,324       (73 )     35,397       (3,203 )
   Total fixed maturity securities
    35,034       (1,761 )     45,463       (7,693 )
Equity securities
    31,437       (3,684 )     2,803       (603 )
   Subtotal
  $ 66,471       (5,445 )     48,266       (8,296 )

   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer1
 
               
Unrecognized
               
Unrecognized
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses2
   
Gains
(Losses)3
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses2
   
Gains
(Losses)3
 
HTM securities
                                   
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
  $ 14,944       (426 )     318       62,715       (3,792 )     1,843  
Corporate securities
    2,220       (595 )     566       7,813       (1,514 )     1,300  
ABS
    -       -       -       6,981       (2,136 )     1,323  
CMBS
    -       -       -       10,447       (6,823 )     1,526  
RMBS
    -       -       -       5,961       (160 )     (94 )
   Subtotal
  $ 17,164       (1,021 )     884       93,917       (14,425 )     5,898  
                                                 
      Total AFS and HTM
  $ 83,635       (6,466 )     884       142,183       (22,721 )     5,898  

 
8

 
 
December 31, 2009
 
Less than 12 months1
 
12 months or longer1
 
($ in thousands)
 
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses2
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses2
 
AFS securities
                       
U.S. government and government agencies4
  $ 187,283       (1,210 )     -       -  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    8,553       (120 )     3,059       (17 )
Corporate securities
    74,895       (829 )     10,550       (417 )
ABS
    2,983       (17 )     3,960       (40 )
CMBS
    36,447       (637 )     -       -  
RMBS
    78,328       (514 )     53,607       (20,198 )
   Total fixed maturity securities
    388,489       (3,327 )     71,176       (20,672 )
Equity securities
    3,828       (214 )     5,932       (396 )
   Subtotal
  $ 392,317       (3,541 )     77,108       (21,068 )

   
Less than 12 months1
   
12 months or longer1
 
               
Unrecognized
               
Unrecognized
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses2
   
Gains
(Losses)3
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses2
   
Gains
(Losses)3
 
HTM securities
                                   
U.S. government and government agencies4
  $ 29,459       -       (317 )     -       -       -  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    46,671       (598 )     85       74,360       (4,315 )     1,631  
Corporate securities
    6,124       (1,170 )     1,068       19,233       (4,751 )     3,441  
ABS
    -       -       -       13,343       (4,968 )     2,472  
CMBS
    316       (538 )     (190 )     22,044       (15,315 )     (879 )
RMBS
    5,068       -       (146 )     5,892       (1,062 )     127  
   Subtotal
  $ 87,638       (2,306 )     500       134,872       (30,411 )     6,792  
                                                 
      Total AFS and HTM
  $ 479,955       (5,847 )     500       211,980       (51,479 )     6,792  
 
1 The month count for aging of unrealized losses was reset back to historical unrealized loss month counts for securities impacted by the adoption of OTTI guidance in Second Quarter 2009 and for securities that were transferred from an AFS to HTM category.
2 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.
3 Unrecognized holding gains/(losses) represent market value fluctuations from the later of:  (i) the date of a security is designated as HTM; or (ii) the date that an OTTI charge is recognized on a HTM security.
4 U.S. government includes corporate securities fully guaranteed by the FDIC.

Unrealized/unrecognized losses decreased $27.6 million compared to December 31, 2009 due to the following:  (i) the general improvement in the overall marketplace for our fixed maturity portfolio which is reflected in the reduction of the number of securities in an unrealized/unrecognized loss position; and (ii) the sale of certain fixed maturity securities that resulted in a decrease to unrealized/unrecognized losses of $14.1 million.  For further discussion on realized gains and losses, see section (i) of this note below.

We have reviewed the securities in the tables above in accordance with our OTTI policy, which is discussed in Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2009 Annual Report.  The discussion that follows will focus on fixed maturity securities in an unrealized and unrecognized loss position for more than 12 months at June 30, 2010, which amounted to $16.2 million.  Specifically, we will focus on the following categories:
 
·
AFS CMBS with an unrealized loss balance of $4.2 million;
 
·
AFS RMBS with an unrealized loss balance of $3.2 million;
 
·
HTM CMBS with an unrealized/unrecognized loss balance of $5.3 million; and
 
·
All other fixed maturity securities with an unrealized/unrecognized loss balance of $3.6 million.

 
9

 

AFS CMBS
Unrealized losses on our AFS CMBS that have been in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months amounted to $4.2 million at June 30, 2010.  These losses were comprised of 5 securities and can be categorized as follows:
 
·
$3.1 million of non-credit OTTI charges that have been recognized in AOCI.  These non-credit impairment charges were generated concurrently with credit-related charges.  Prior to their initial impairment, these securities had a decline in fair value of 73%, or $11.1 million, as compared to their amortized cost.
 
·
$1.1 million in unrealized losses not related to OTTI charges.  These securities had a decline in fair value of 16%, or $1.1 million, as compared to their amortized cost at June 30, 2010.

All scheduled principal and interest payments on these securities have been received to date.  The evaluations performed indicated that no additional principal losses are expected on these securities, and therefore, the impairments were determined to be temporary.

AFS RMBS
Unrealized losses on our AFS RMBS that have been in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months amounted to $3.2 million at June 30, 2010.  These losses were comprised of 17 securities and can be categorized as follows:
 
·
$0.6 million of non-credit OTTI charges that have been recognized in AOCI.  These non-credit impairment charges were generated concurrently with credit-related charges.
 
·
$2.6 million in unrealized losses not related to OTTI charges.  These securities had a decline in fair value of 9% as compared to their amortized cost at June 30, 2010.

All principal and interest payments on these securities have been received to date. Under all scenarios performed, the underlying cash flows on these securities did not indicate that these impairments were other than temporary.

HTM CMBS
Unrealized/unrecognized losses on our HTM CMBS that have been in a loss position for more than 12 months amounted to $5.3 million at June 30, 2010.  These losses were comprised of four securities and can be categorized as follows:
 
·
$1.5 million of non-credit OTTI charges that have been recognized in AOCI.  These non-credit impairment charges were generated concurrently with credit-related charges.  Prior to their initial impairment, these securities had a decline in fair value of 93%, or $2.6 million, as compared to their amortized cost.
 
·
$3.8 million in unrealized/unrecognized losses not related to OTTI charges.  These securities had a decline in fair value of 27%, as compared to their amortized cost as of June 30, 2010.

All scheduled principal and interest payments on these securities have been received to date.  The evaluations performed indicated that no additional principal losses are expected on these securities, and therefore, these impairments were determined to be temporary.

All Other Securities
The remaining $3.6 million of unrealized/unrecognized losses was comprised of 45 securities with fair values that were, on average, 96% of their amortized costs.  Given the number of securities and the close proximity of amortized cost and fair value, we have concluded that these securities are only temporarily impaired under our OTTI policy.

Based on the above, coupled with the fact that we do not have the intent to sell any of the securities discussed above, nor do we believe we will be required to sell these securities, we have concluded that they are not other-than-temporarily impaired as of June 30, 2010.  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.

(d) Fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2010, by contractual maturity, are shown below.  Mortgage-backed securities are included in the maturity tables using the estimated average life of each security.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 
10

 

Listed below are HTM fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2010:
($ in thousands)
 
Carrying Value
   
Fair Value
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 211,156       211,901  
Due after one year through five years
    753,786       783,329  
Due after five years through 10 years
    467,768       484,255  
Due after 10 years
    29,172       31,386  
Total HTM fixed maturity securities
  $ 1,461,882       1,510,871  

Listed below are AFS fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2010:
($ in thousands)
 
Fair Value
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 138,565  
Due after one year through five years
    1,090,827  
Due after five years through 10 years
    611,762  
Due after 10 years
    29,229  
Total AFS fixed maturity securities
  $ 1,870,383  

(e) The following table outlines a summary of our other investment portfolio by strategy and the remaining commitment amount associated with each strategy:
 
Other Investments
 
Carrying Value
   
June 30,
2010
 
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
   
Remaining
 
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
Commitment
 
Alternative Investments
                 
     Energy/Power Generation
  $ 34,294       32,996       12,317  
     Secondary Private Equity
    27,949       20,936       22,222  
     Private Equity
    23,172       21,525       15,963  
     Mezzanine Financing
    23,033       20,323       26,119  
     Distressed Debt
    19,908       19,201       4,611  
     Real Estate
    15,779       16,856       12,188  
     Venture Capital
    6,422       5,752       1,400  
          Total Alternative Investments
    150,557       137,589       94,820  
Other Securities
    2,918       3,078       -  
Total Other Investments
  $ 153,475       140,667       94,820  

The increase in other investments of $12.8 million at June 30, 2010 compared to December 31, 2009 was primarily due to the $13.0 million increase in the value of our alternative investments, which included fundings under our existing commitments of $4.2 million, net of distributions received.  Alternative investments are reported to us on a quarter lag, therefore the increase was driven primarily by improved equity and credit markets as well as increased stability in the financial markets during the first quarter of 2010.

For a description of our seven alternative investment strategies outlined above, as well as redemption, restrictions and fund liquidations, refer to Note 5. “Investments” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2009 Annual Report.

(f) At June 30, 2010, we had one fixed maturity security, with a carrying value of $15.5 million, that was pledged as collateral for our outstanding borrowing with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”).  This borrowing, which is in the amount of $13.0 million, is included in “Notes payable” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  In accordance with the terms of our agreement with the FHLBI, we retain all rights regarding this security, which is included in the “U.S. government and government agency” classification of our AFS fixed maturity portfolio.

 
11

 

(g) The components of net investment income earned were as follows:

   
Quarter ended
 
Six Months ended
 
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
2010
   
2009
 
Fixed maturity securities
  $ 32,977       35,972       66,173       72,233  
Equity securities
    480       496       932       1,011  
Trading securities
    -       -       -       262  
Short-term investments
    133       312       233       924  
Other investments
    4,884       (8,787     8,816       (29,164 )
Investment expenses
    (1,929 )     (1,625     (4,903 )     (3,181 )
Net investment income earned
  $ 36,545       26,368       71,251       42,085  
 
Net investment income, before tax, increased $10.2 million for Second Quarter 2010 compared to Second Quarter 2009, and $29.2 million for Six Months 2010 compared to Six Months 2009.  For both Second Quarter and Six Months 2010 the improvement was driven by income on the alternative investment portion of our other investment portfolio compared to a loss on these investments in the comparable periods during 2009.  Our alternative investments, which are accounted for under the equity method, primarily consist of investments in limited partnerships, the majority of which report results to us on a one quarter lag.  The improvement in the returns on these investments is reflective of improved equity and credit markets, as well as increased stability in the financial markets.  In addition, the 2009 adoption of fair value accounting guidance by the limited partnerships had led to increased volatility in the period-to-period changes in the fair values associated with the underlying assets of the partnerships which, under the new guidance, were based on current exit values.  Partially offsetting this improvement were:  (i) lower fixed maturity reinvestment yields; (ii) an increase in lower yielding short-term investments as we were transitioning to the new investment managers; and (iii) increased investment expense, which included one-time charges of approximately $0.5 million and $2.2 million in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, respectively, related to our decision to outsource the management of our investment portfolio.  This decision does not indicate a change to our overall investment strategy, but only a change in our execution model to provide broader specific sector knowledge, advanced risk management tools, and greater flexibility in trade execution.

 
12

 

(h) The following tables summarize OTTI by asset type for the periods indicated:
 
Second Quarter 2010
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
   
Included in Other
Comprehensive
Income (“OCI”)
   
Recognized in
Earnings
 
Fixed maturity securities
                 
     CMBS
  $ 3,405       569       2,836  
     RMBS
    2,085       (591 )     2,676  
Total fixed maturity securities
    5,490       (22 )     5,512  
Equity securities
    672       -       672  
OTTI losses
  $ 6,162       (22 )     6,184  
 
Second Quarter 2009
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
   
Included in OCI
   
Recognized in
Earnings
 
Fixed maturity securities
                 
     Corporate securities
  $ 1,270       -       1,270  
     ABS
    376       (826 )     1,202  
     CMBS
    1,417       706       711  
     RMBS
    8,830       179       8,651  
Total fixed maturity securities
    11,893       59       11,834  
Equity securities
    641       -       641  
OTTI losses
  $ 12,534       59       12,475  
 
Six Months 2010
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
   
Included in OCI
   
Recognized in
Earnings
 
Fixed maturity securities
                 
     ABS
  $ 158       127       31  
     CMBS
    3,445       (2,052 )     5,497  
     RMBS
    7,960       (264 )     8,224  
Total fixed maturity securities
    11,563       (2,189 )     13,752  
Equity securities
    672       -       672  
OTTI losses
  $ 12,235       (2,189 )     14,424  
 
Six Months 2009
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
   
Included in OCI
   
Recognized in
Earnings
 
Fixed maturity securities
                 
     Corporate securities
  $ 1,270       -       1,270  
     ABS
    1,527       (826 )     2,353  
     CMBS
    1,417       706       711  
     RMBS
    33,975       179       33,796  
Total fixed maturity securities
    38,189       59       38,130  
Equity securities
    1,445       -       1,445  
OTTI losses
  $ 39,634       59       39,575  

 
13

 

The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, credit loss impairments on fixed maturity securities for which a portion of the OTTI charge was recognized in OCI, and the corresponding changes in such amounts:

Second Quarter 2010
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
 
Balance, March 31, 2010
  $ 24,737  
Addition for the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was not previously recognized
    2,004  
Reductions for securities sold during the period
    (2,990 )
Reductions for securities for which the amount previously recognized in OCI was recognized in earnings
       
because of intention or potential requirement to sell before recovery of amortized cost
    -  
Reductions for securities for which the entire amount previously recognized in OCI was recognized in
       
earnings due to a decrease in cash flows expected
    (4,358 )
Additional increases to the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was previously recognized
    950  
Accretion of credit loss impairments previously recognized due to an increase in cash flows expected to be collected
    -  
Balance, June 30, 2010
  $ 20,343  
 
Second Quarter 2009
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
 
Balance, March 31, 2009
  $ -  
Addition for the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was not previously recognized
    9,647  
Reductions for securities sold during the period
    -  
Reductions for securities for which the amount previously recognized in OCI was recognized in earnings
       
because of intention or potential requirement to sell before recovery of amortized cost
    -  
Reductions for securities for which the entire amount previously recognized in OCI was recognized in
       
earnings due to a decrease in cash flows expected
    -  
Additional increases to the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was previously recognized
    1,996  
Accretion of credit loss impairments previously recognized due to an increase in cash flows expected
       
to be collected
    -  
Balance, June 30, 2009
  $ 11,643  

Six Months 2010
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
 
Balance, December 31, 2009
  $ 22,189  
Addition for the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was not previously recognized
    2,134  
Reductions for securities sold during the period
    (2,990 )
Reductions for securities for which the amount previously recognized in OCI was recognized in earnings
       
because of intention or potential requirement to sell before recovery of amortized cost
    -  
Reductions for securities for which the entire amount previously recognized in OCI was recognized in
       
earnings due to a decrease in cash flows expected
    (4,652 )
Additional increases to the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was previously recognized
    3,662  
Accretion of credit loss impairments previously recognized due to an increase in cash flows expected
       
to be collected
    -  
Balance, June 30, 2010
  $ 20,343  

For discussion of our OTTI methodology, see Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2009 Annual Report.

 
14

 

The following is a discussion surrounding the credit-related OTTI charges taken in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010 as outlined in the table above:
 
·
$2.7 million and $8.2 million of RMBS credit OTTI charges in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, respectively. The Second Quarter 2010 charges related to declines in the related cash flows of the collateral support. Based on our analysis, we do not believe it is probable that we will receive all contractual cash flows for these securities. In addition to the Second Quarter 2010 charges, losses in Six Months 2010 were largely driven by impairments on two securities in the first quarter of 2010 that we intended to sell. We sold these securities in Second Quarter 2010.
 
·
$2.8 million and $5.5 million of CMBS credit OTTI charges in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, respectively. These charges were related to reductions in the related cash flows of the underlying collateral of these securities. These charges were associated with securities that had been previously impaired but, over time, have shown little, if any, improvement in valuations, poor net operating income performance of the underlying properties, and, in some cases, an increase in over 60-day delinquency rates. For Second Quarter 2010, these securities had, on average, unrealized/unrecognized loss positions of approximately 87% of their amortized cost. Based on our analysis, we do not believe it is probable that we will receive all contractual cash flows for these securities.
 
·
$0.7 million of equity OTTI charges in both Second Quarter and Six Months 2010. These charges were driven primarily by one health care company which, due to a recent recall of one of its products, has experienced a significant decline in its share price. This coupled with the length of time this security has been in an unrealized loss position makes a recovery to our cost basis unlikely in the near term.

The following is a discussion surrounding the credit-related OTTI charges taken in Second Quarter 2009 and Six Months 2009 as outlined in the table above:
 
·
$8.7 million and $33.8 million of RMBS credit OTTI charges in Second Quarter and Six Months 2009, respectively. In Second Quarter 2009, credit charges of $8.4 million related to one security for which we had the intent to sell. For the remainder of the impairments, the charges related to declines in the related cash flows of the collateral. Generally these securities showed signs of loss at conditional default rates between 3.0 and 7.0 and had declines in their fair value of 61% as compared to their amortized cost. Based on our assumptions of the expected default rates and the value of the collateral, we did not believe it was probable that we would receive all contractual cash flows for these securities.
 
·
$0.7 million for both Second Quarter and Six Months 2009 of CMBS credit OTTI charges. These charges related to declines in the related cash flows of the collateral. These securities showed signs of loss at a conditional default rate of 1.5 and had declines in fair value of 73% as compared to their amortized cost. Based on our assumptions of the expected default rates and the value of the collateral, we did not believe it was probable that we would receive all contractual cash flows for these securities.
 
·
$1.2 million and $2.4 million of ABS credit OTTI charges in Second Quarter and Six Months 2009, respectively. These charges related primarily to two bonds from the same issuer that were previously written down, which experienced a technical default in the first quarter of 2009 by violating indenture covenants. There was no payment default on these securities, but we believed a payment default was imminent and had recorded impairment charges for the securities. These charges also included additional credit impairment losses on another security that was previously written down.
 
·
$1.3 million for Second Quarter and Six Months 2009 of corporate debt credit OTTI charges. In assessing corporate debt securities for OTTI, we evaluate, among other things, the issuer’s ability to meet its debt obligations, the value of the company, and, if applicable, the value of specific collateral securing the position. These charges were primarily related to a financial institution issuer that we believed to be on the verge of bankruptcy. This security was subsequently sold in the third quarter of 2009 at an additional loss of $1.1 million.
 
·
$0.6 million and $1.4 million of equity OTTI charges in Second Quarter and Six Months 2009, respectively, related to two banks, one energy company, and a membership warehouse chain of stores. We believed the share price weakness of these securities was more reflective of general overall financial market conditions at that time, as we were not aware of any significant deterioration in the fundamentals of these four companies. However, the length of time these securities were in an unrealized loss position, and the overall distressed trading levels of many coal stocks in the energy sector, banking stocks in the financial services sector, and retail/wholesale store stocks during the first half of 2009, made a recovery to our cost basis unlikely in the near term.

 
15

 

(i) The components of net realized losses, excluding OTTI charges, were as follows:
 
   
Quarter ended
 
Six Months ended
 
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
2010
   
2009
 
HTM fixed maturity securities
                       
  Gains
  $ 368       112       412       138  
  Losses
    (210 )     (125 )     (450 )     (294 )
AFS fixed maturity securities
                               
  Gains
    325       9,090       4,782       13,598  
  Losses
    (7,558 )     (7,055 )     (7,589 )     (8,959 )
AFS equity securities
                               
  Gains
    9,995       9,043       14,174       28,706  
  Losses
    -       (8,695 )     (233 )     (27,744 )
Other investments
                               
  Gains
    -       -       -       -  
  Losses
    -       (1,189 )     -       (1,189 )
Total other net realized investment gains
    2,920       1,181       11,096       4,256  
Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings
    (6,184 )     (12,475 )     (14,424 )     (39,575 )
Total net realized losses
  $ (3,264 )     (11,294 )     (3,328 )     (35,319 )

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

During Second Quarter 2009, we sold one HTM security with a carrying value of $6.0 million for a loss of $0.2 million.  The issuer of this security had experienced significant deterioration in its creditworthiness.  Sales of AFS fixed maturity securities that resulted in realized losses during Second Quarter 2009 were driven by further declines in issuer creditworthiness and liquidity.

We sold equity securities in both the first and second quarters of 2009.  During Second Quarter 2009, A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”) changed our ratings outlook from “Stable” to “Negative” due, in part, to concerns over the risk in our investment portfolio.  To reduce this risk, we sold $31.1 million of equity securities for a net loss of $0.6 million, which included gross gains of $7.7 million and gross losses of $8.3 million.  In addition, certain equity securities were sold in the first quarter of 2009, resulting in a net realized gain of approximately $0.6 million, comprised of $19.7 million in realized gains and $19.1 million in realized losses.  These securities were sold in an effort to reduce overall portfolio risk and was in response to an overall year-to-date market decline of approximately 24% by the end of the first week of March.  In addition, the Parent’s market capitalization at that time had decreased more than 50% since the latter part of January, which we believed to be due partially to investment community views of our equity and equity-like investments.  Our equity-like investments include alternative investments, many of which report results to us on a one quarter lag.  Consequently, we believed that the investment community would wait to evaluate our results based on the knowledge they had of the previous quarter’s general market conditions.  As a result, we determined it was prudent to mitigate a portion of our overall equity exposure.  In determining which securities were to be sold, we contemplated, among other things, security-specific considerations with respect to downward earnings trends corroborated by recent analyst reports, primarily in the energy, commodity, and pharmaceutical sectors.

 
16

 

Note 7.
Fair Values Measurements
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

   
June 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Carrying
   
Fair
   
Carrying
   
Fair
 
($ in thousands)
 
Amount
   
Value
   
Amount
   
Value
 
Financial Assets
                       
Fixed maturity securities:
                       
  HTM
  $ 1,461,882       1,510,871       1,710,403       1,740,211  
  AFS
    1,870,383       1,870,383       1,635,869       1,635,869  
Equity securities, AFS
    60,988       60,988       80,264       80,264  
Short-term investments
    343,900       343,900       213,848       213,848  
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective
                               
 HR Solutions (“Selective HR”)
    8,067       8,067       -       -  
Financial Liabilities
                               
Notes payable:1
                               
  8.87% Senior Notes Series B
    -       -       12,300       12,300  
  7.25% Senior Notes
    49,902       50,965       49,900       49,505  
  6.70% Senior Notes
    99,417       86,000       99,406       90,525  
  7.50% Junior Notes
    100,000       92,040       100,000       83,680  
  2.90% borrowings from FHLBI
    13,000       13,369       13,000       13,000  
Total notes payable
  $ 262,319       242,374       274,606       249,010  

1 Our notes payable are subject to certain debt covenants that were met in their entirety in 2009 and Six Months 2010.  For further discussion regarding the debt covenants, refer to Note 10, “Indebtedness” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in our 2009 Annual Report.

Assets
The fair values of our investment portfolio 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’s classification within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its valuation.
 
For discussion regarding the techniques used to value our investment portfolio, refer to Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in our 2009 Annual Report.  The fair value of the fixed maturity securities classified as Level 3 is estimated using non-binding broker quotes.  The fair value of the receivable for proceeds related to the sale of Selective HR is estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis with updated worksite lives and retention assumptions.  For discussion of the sale of Selective HR, refer to Note 15. “Discontinued Operations.”

Liabilities
The techniques used to value our notes payable are as follows:
 
·
The fair values of the 7.25% Senior Notes due November 15, 2034, the 6.70% Senior Notes due November 1, 2035, and the 7.5% Junior Subordinated Notes due September 27, 2066, are based on quoted market prices.
 
·
The fair value of the 8.87% Senior Notes as of December 31, 2009 that matured on May 4, 2010 was estimated to be its carrying value due to the close proximity of this note’s maturity date to the balance sheet date.
 
·
The fair value of the 2.90% FHLBI borrowings is estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on a current borrowing rate provided by the FHLBI consistent with the remaining term of the borrowing.

 
17

 
 
The following tables provide quantitative disclosures of our financial assets that were measured at fair value at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:
 
June 30, 2010
       
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
         
Quoted Prices in
             
   
Assets
   
Active Markets for
   
Significant Other
   
Significant
 
   
Measured at
   
Identical Assets/
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
 
   
Fair Value
   
Liabilities
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
($ in thousands)
 
at 6/30/10
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Description
                       
U.S. government and government agencies1
  $ 392,615       105,781       286,834       -  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    465,572       -       465,572       -  
Corporate securities
    647,722       -       647,722       -  
ABS
    32,711       -       32,711       -  
CMBS
    82,905       -       79,652       3,253  
RMBS
    248,858       -       248,858       -  
   Total AFS fixed maturity securities
    1,870,383       105,781       1,761,349       3,253  
Equity securities
    60,988       60,988       -       -  
Short-term investments
    343,900       343,900       -       -  
                                 
Measured on a non-recurring basis:
                               
CMBS, HTM
    470       -       -       470  
RMBS, HTM
    5,865       -       5,865       -  
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR
    8,067       -       -       8,067  
   Total assets
  $ 2,289,673       510,669       1,767,214       11,790  

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

December 31, 2009
       
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
         
Quoted Prices in
             
   
Assets
   
Active Markets for
   
Significant Other
   
Significant
 
   
Measured at
   
Identical Assets/
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
 
   
Fair Value
   
Liabilities
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
($ in thousands)
 
at 12/31/09
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Description
                       
U.S. government and government agencies1
  $ 475,534       52,361       423,173       -  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    379,799       -       379,799       -  
Corporate securities
    379,584       -       379,584       -  
ABS
    27,047       -       27,047       -  
CMBS
    94,623       -       94,623       -  
RMBS
    279,282       -       279,282       -  
   Total AFS fixed maturity securities
    1,635,869       52,361       1,583,508       -  
Equity securities
    80,264       80,264       -       -  
Short-term investments
    213,848       213,848       -       -  
                                 
Measured on a non-recurring basis:
                               
ABS, HTM
    2,412       -       2,412       -  
CMBS, HTM
    5,400       -       5,400       -  
   Total assets
  $ 1,937,793       346,473       1,591,320       -  

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

The following assets were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of June 30, 2010:
 
·
As the result of our OTTI analysis, we impaired approximately $6.3 million of HTM securities down to fair value, which are typically not carried at fair value.  These securities consisted of:  (i) one RMBS security, fair valued at $5.9 million; and (ii) two CMBS, fair valued at $0.5 million.
 
·
Due to changes in assumptions regarding worksite life generation and retention, we reduced the value of our receivable for the expected proceeds from the sale of Selective HR, which we will receive over the course of a 10-year period.  This fair value was determined using Level 3 pricing.  The reduction in this receivable is included in “Loss on disposal of discontinued operations” on the Consolidated Statement of Income.
 
 
18

 
 
The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of securities using Level 3 inputs for the Second Quarter and Six Months 2010.  The transfer of the CMBS, AFS securities was driven primarily by the non-binding nature of the broker quotes used in the valuation:
 
($ in thousands)
 
CMBS, AFS
 
       
Beginning balance
  $ -  
Transfers in and/or out of Level 31
    3,253  
Fair value, June 30, 2010
  $ 3,253  
 
1 Transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy are recognized at the end of the reporting period.
 
NOTE 8.
Reinsurance
The following table contains a listing of direct, assumed, and ceded reinsurance amounts by income statement caption.  For more information concerning reinsurance, refer to Note 8. “Reinsurance” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in our 2009 Annual Report.
 
   
Quarter ended
   
Six Months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Premiums written:
                       
Direct
  $ 414,913       427,209       842,749       858,850  
Assumed
    947       2,560       6,189       7,361  
Ceded
    (62,336 )     (64,506 )     (127,323 )     (125,165 )
Net
  $ 353,524       365,263       721,615       741,046  
                                 
Premiums earned:
                               
Direct
  $ 411,595       413,401       825,153       831,833  
Assumed
    4,682       5,213       11,700       10,733  
Ceded
    (64,087 )     (60,303 )     (128,461 )     (120,382 )
Net
  $ 352,190       358,311       708,392       722,184  
                                 
Losses and loss expenses incurred:
                               
Direct
  $ 256,959       259,636       557,320       529,345  
Assumed
    3,023       3,348       4,923       7,073  
Ceded
    (20,002 )     (23,935 )     (68,120 )     (45,175 )
Net
  $ 239,980       239,049       494,123       491,243  
 
The ceded premiums and losses related to our Flood operations are as follows:
 
National Flood Insurance Program
 
Quarter ended
 
Six Months ended
 
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
2010
   
2009
 
Ceded premiums written
  $ (44,566 )     (46,413 )   $ (90,458 )     (88,830 )
Ceded premiums earned
    (45,495 )     (42,708 )     (89,980 )     (84,426 )
Ceded losses and loss expenses incurred
    (8,122 )     (9,222 )     (43,076 )     (11,100 )
 
NOTE 9. 
Segment Information
We have classified our operations into two segments, the disaggregated results of which are reported to and used by senior management to manage our operations:
 
 
·
Insurance Operations, which is evaluated based on statutory underwriting results (net premiums earned, incurred losses and loss expenses, policyholders dividends, policy acquisition costs, and other underwriting expenses), and statutory combined ratios; and
 
·
Investments, which is evaluated based on net investment income and net realized gains and losses.

 
19

 

Our segments may, from time-to-time, provide services to each other in the normal course of business.  These service transactions included transactions with our discontinued operations, Selective HR, and totaled $2.3 million in Second Quarter 2009, $4.5 million in Six Months 2009, and none in the first six months of 2010.  These transactions were eliminated in all consolidated statements.  For discussion of the sale of Selective HR, refer to Note 15. “Discontinued Operations.”  In computing the results of each segment, we do not make adjustments for interest expense, net general corporate expenses, or federal income taxes.  We do not maintain separate investment portfolios for the segments and therefore, do not allocate assets to the segments.  In addition, we do not aggregate any of our operating segments.

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

Revenue from continuing operations by segment
 
Quarter ended
   
Six Months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Insurance Operations:
                       
Net premiums earned:
                       
Commercial automobile
  $ 73,176       75,339       147,492       151,185  
Workers compensation
    62,069       66,590       126,710       136,967  
General liability
    83,967       91,853       169,188       186,077  
Commercial property
    50,294       48,970       100,630       97,855  
Business owners’ policy
    16,152       15,551       32,438       30,761  
Bonds
    4,828       4,560       9,431       9,183  
Other
    2,515       2,382       5,020       4,762  
Total commercial lines
    293,001       305,245       590,909       616,790  
Personal automobile
    35,243       33,034       69,563       65,886  
Homeowners
    21,126       17,618       41,619       34,724  
Other
    2,820       2,414       6,301       4,784  
Total personal lines
    59,189       53,066       117,483       105,394  
   Total net premiums earned
    352,190       358,311       708,392       722,184  
Miscellaneous income
    2,231       3,797       4,497       5,063  
Total Insurance Operations revenues
    354,421       362,108       712,889       727,247  
Investments:
                               
Net investment income
    36,545       26,368       71,251       42,085  
Net realized loss on investments
    (3,264 )     (11,294 )     (3,328 )     (35,319 )
Total investment revenues
    33,281       15,074       67,923       6,766  
Total all segments
    387,702       377,182       780,812       734,013  
Other income
    16       13       18       28  
Total revenues from continuing operations
  $ 387,718       377,195       780,830       734,041  

Income (loss) from continuing operations, before federal income tax
 
Quarter ended
   
Six Months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Insurance Operations:
                       
Commercial lines underwriting
  $ 3,305       8,186       (7,667 )     8,014  
Personal lines underwriting
    (6,466 )     (2,154 )     (10,099 )     (4,945 )
Underwriting (loss) income, before federal income tax
    (3,161 )     6,032       (17,766 )     3,069  
     GAAP combined ratio
    100.9 %     98.3       102.5 %     99.6  
     Statutory combined ratio
    101.0 %     98.8       101.9 %     99.5  
Investments:
                               
Net investment income
    36,545       26,368       71,251       42,085  
Net realized loss on investments
    (3,264 )     (11,294 )     (3,328 )     (35,319 )
Total investment income, before federal income tax
    33,281       15,074       67,923       6,766  
Total all segments
    30,120       21,106       50,157       9,835  
Interest expense
    (4,655 )     (4,843 )     (9,497 )     (9,867 )
General corporate and other expenses
    (2,617 )     (4,015 )     (10,165 )     (8,703 )
                                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, before federal income tax
  $ 22,848       12,248       30,495       (8,735 )
 
 
20

 
 
NOTE 10. 
Federal Income Taxes
Federal income taxes from continuing operations increased by $5.9 million for Second Quarter 2010, to an expense of $2.8 million, compared to a benefit of $3.1 million for Second Quarter 2009 and $15.0 million for Six Months 2010, to an expense of $3.8 million compared to a benefit of $11.1 million Six Months 2009.  These increases, which are attributable to an increase in net investment income earned coupled with a reduction in net realized losses, resulted in an effective tax rate of approximately 12% for both Second Quarter 2010 and Six Months 2010.  The tax benefit in Second Quarter 2009 and Six Months 2009 resulted in an effective tax rate of approximately (25)% and 128%, respectively.  Our effective tax rate for continuing operations differs from the federal corporate rate of 35% primarily as a result of tax-advantaged investment income.
 
NOTE 11. 
Retirement Plans
The following tables show the costs of the Retirement Income Plan for Selective Insurance Company of America (“Retirement Income Plan”) and the retirement life insurance component (“Retirement Life Plan”) of the Selective Insurance Company of America Welfare Benefits Plan.  For more information concerning these plans, refer to Note 16. “Retirement Plans” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of our 2009 Annual Report.

   
Retirement Income Plan
   
Retirement Life Plan
 
   
Quarter ended June 30,
   
Quarter ended June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
                       
Service cost
  $ 1,945       2,003       -       -  
Interest cost
    3,090       2,771       79       74  
Expected return on plan assets
    (2,810 )     (2,367 )     -       -  
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
    38       38       1       -  
Amortization of unrecognized net loss
    1,171       1,117       -       -  
Net periodic cost
  $ 3,434       3,562       80       74  

   
Retirement Income Plan
   
Retirement Life Plan
 
   
Six Months ended June 30,
   
Six Months ended June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
                       
Service cost
  $ 3,942       4,007       -       32  
Interest cost
    6,015       5,542       158       191  
Expected return on plan assets
    (5,626 )     (4,734 )     -       -  
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost (credit)
    75       75       -       (44 )
Amortization of unrecognized net loss
    2,095       2,235       3       -  
Curtailment benefit
    -       -       -       (4,217 )
Net periodic cost (benefit)
  $ 6,501       7,125       161       (4,038 )

Weighted-Average Expense Assumptions for the years ended December 31:
                       
Discount rate
    5.93 %     6.24       5.93 %     6.24  
Expected return on plan assets
    8.00 %     8.00       - %     -  
Rate of compensation increase
    4.00 %     4.00       4.00 %     4.00  

In the first quarter of 2009, Selective Insurance Company of America eliminated the benefits under the Retirement Life Plan to active employees.  This elimination resulted in a curtailment to the plan, the benefit of which was $4.2 million in Six Months 2009 and was comprised of:  (i) a $2.8 million reversal of the Retirement Life Plan liability; and (ii) a $1.4 million reversal of prior service credits and net actuarial losses included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.
 
We presently anticipate contributing $8.0 million to the Retirement Income Plan in 2010, $4.4 million of which has been funded as of June 30, 2010.
 
 
21

 

NOTE 12.
Comprehensive Income
The components of comprehensive income, both gross and net of tax, for Second Quarter 2010 and Second Quarter 2009 are as follows:
 
Second Quarter 2010
                 
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
   
Tax
   
Net
 
Net income
  $ 20,810       2,044       18,766  
Components of other comprehensive income:
                       
Unrealized gains on securities:
                       
Unrealized holding gains during the period
    31,498       11,024       20,474  
Portion of OTTI recognized in OCI
    3,617       1,265       2,352  
Amortization of net unrealized losses on HTM securities
    (802 )     (280 )     (522 )
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income
    783       274       509  
Net unrealized gains
    35,096       12,283       22,813  
Defined benefit pension plans:
                       
Reversal of amortization items:
                       
Net actuarial loss
    1,172       411       761  
Prior service credit
    38       13       25  
Defined benefit pension plans
    1,210       424       786  
Comprehensive income
  $ 57,116       14,751       42,365  

Second Quarter 2009
                 
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
   
Tax
   
Net
 
Net income
  $ 12,631       (3,057 )     15,688  
Components of other comprehensive income:
                       
Unrealized gains on securities:
                       
Unrealized holding gains during the period
    24,422       8,547       15,875  
Portion of OTTI recognized in OCI
    (27 )     (9 )     (18 )
Amortization of net unrealized gains on HTM securities
    1,411       494       917  
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income
    9,368       3,279       6,089  
Net unrealized gains
    35,174       12,311       22,863  
Defined benefit pension plans:
                       
Reversal of amortization items:
                       
Net actuarial loss
    1,117       391       726  
Prior service credit
    38       14       24  
Defined benefit pension plans
    1,155       405       750  
Comprehensive income
  $ 48,960       9,659       39,301  
 
 
22

 
 
The components of comprehensive income, both gross and net of tax, for Six Months 2010 and Six Months 2009 are as follows:
 
Six Months 2010
                 
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
   
Tax
   
Net
 
Net income
  $ 27,241       2,672       24,569  
Components of other comprehensive income:
                       
Unrealized gains on securities:
                       
Unrealized holding gains during the period
    46,698       16,344       30,354  
Portion of OTTI recognized in OCI
    5,892       2,062       3,830  
Amortization of net unrealized losses on HTM securities
    (6,555 )     (2,294 )     (4,261 )
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
    (1,614 )     (565 )     (1,049 )
Net unrealized gains
    44,421       15,547       28,874  
Defined benefit pension plans:
                       
Reversal of amortization items:
                       
Net actuarial loss
    2,098       735       1,363  
Prior service credit
    75       26       49  
Defined benefit pension plans
    2,173       761       1,412  
Comprehensive income
  $ 73,835       18,980       54,855  
 
Six Months 2009
                 
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
   
Tax
   
Net
 
Net income
  $ (8,291 )     (11,102 )     2,811  
Components of other comprehensive income:
                       
Unrealized gains on securities:
                       
Unrealized holding gains during the period
    56,275       19,696       36,579  
Portion of OTTI recognized in OCI
    (27 )     (9 )     (18 )
Amortization of net unrealized gains on HTM securities
    4,403       1,541       2,862  
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income
    32,100       11,235       20,865  
   Net unrealized gains
    92,751       32,463       60,288  
Defined benefit pension plans:
                       
Reversal of amortization items:
                       
Net actuarial loss
    2,235       782       1,453  
Curtailment benefit
    (1,387 )     (485 )     (902 )
Prior service credit
    31       11       20  
Defined benefit pension plans
    879       308       571  
Comprehensive income
  $ 85,339       21,669       63,670  
 
The balances of, and changes in, each component of AOCI (net of taxes) as of June 30, 2010 are as follows:
 
June 30, 2010
       
Defined
       
   
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)
   
Benefit
   
Total
 
   
OTTI
   
HTM
   
All
   
Pension
   
Accumulated
 
($ in thousands)
 
Related
   
Related
   
Other
   
Plans
   
OCI
 
Balance, December 31, 2009
  $ (8,009 )     11,937       25,410       (41,798 )     (12,460 )
Changes in component during period
    3,830       631       24,413       1,412       30,286  
Balance, June 30, 2010
  $ (4,179 )     12,568       49,823       (40,386 )     17,826  

NOTE 13. 
Commitments and Contingencies
At June 30, 2010, we had contractual obligations to invest up to an additional $94.8 million in other investments that expire at various dates through 2023.  There is no certainty that any such additional investment will be required.

 
23

 
 
NOTE 14. 
Litigation
In the ordinary course of conducting business, we are named as defendants in various legal proceedings.  Most of these proceedings are claims litigation involving our seven insurance subsidiaries (the “Insurance Subsidiaries”) as either:  (i) liability insurers defending or providing indemnity for third-party claims brought against insureds; or (ii) insurers defending first-party coverage claims brought against them.  We account for such activity through the establishment of unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves.  We expect that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such ordinary-course claims litigation, after consideration of provisions made for potential losses and costs of defense, will not be material to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
 
Our Insurance Subsidiaries also are involved from time to time in other legal actions, some of which assert claims for substantial amounts.  These actions include, among others, putative state class actions seeking certification of a state or national class.  Such putative class actions have alleged, for example, improper reimbursement of medical providers paid under workers compensation and personal and commercial automobile insurance policies.  Our Insurance Subsidiaries also are involved from time to time in individual actions in which extra-contractual damages, punitive damages, or penalties are sought, such as claims alleging bad faith in the handling of insurance claims.  We believe that we have valid defenses to these cases.  We expect that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such lawsuits, after consideration of provisions made for estimated losses, will not be material to our consolidated financial condition.  Nonetheless, given the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these actions, and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.

NOTE 15. 
Discontinued Operations
In December 2009, we sold 100% of our interest in Selective HR, which had historically comprised the HR Outsourcing segment of our operations.  We sold our interest in Selective HR for proceeds to be received over a 10-year period based on the ability of the purchaser to retain and generate new worksite lives though our independent agency distribution channel.  In Second Quarter 2010 and Six Months 2010, we recorded an after-tax charge of $1.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively, primarily due to our revaluation of the contingent proceeds, including assumptions regarding worksite life generation and retention, bringing our estimated sales price to approximately $9.3 million as of June 30, 2010 as compared to $12.3 million at December 31, 2009.

The following tables reflect the reclassification of the operating results of Selective HR as a discontinued operation as of June 30, 2009:
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
Second
Quarter
2009
   
Six
Months
2009
 
Net revenue
  $ 11,054       23,773  
Pre-tax profit
    383       444  
After-tax profit
    330       403  

Intercompany transactions related to the discontinued operations are as follows as of June 30, 2009:
 
($ in thousands)
 
Second
Quarter
2009
   
Six
Months
2009
 
Net revenue
  $ 2,312       4,539  
 
 
24

 

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

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

The purpose of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is to provide an understanding of the consolidated results of operations and financial condition and known trends and uncertainties that may have a material impact in future periods.  Consequently, investors should read the MD&A in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (“2009 Annual Report”).
 
In the MD&A, we will discuss and analyze the following:
·
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates;
·
Financial Highlights of Results for Second Quarter 2010 and Six Months 2010;
·
Results of Operations and Related Information by Segment;
·
Federal Income Taxes;
·
Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources;
·
Ratings;
·
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements; and
·
Contractual Obligations and Contingent Liabilities and Commitments.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include amounts based on our informed estimates and judgments for those transactions that are not yet complete.  Such estimates and judgments affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements.  Those estimates and judgments most critical to the preparation of the financial statements involved the following:  (i) reserves for losses and loss expenses; (ii) deferred policy acquisition costs; (iii) pension and post-retirement benefit plan actuarial assumptions; (iv) other-than-temporary investment impairments; and (v) reinsurance.  These estimates and judgments require the use of assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain and, therefore, are subject to change as facts and circumstances develop.  If different estimates and judgments had been applied, materially different amounts might have been reported in the financial statements.  For additional information regarding our critical accounting policies, refer to our 2009 Annual Report, pages 42 through 51.

 
25

 
 
Financial Highlights of Results for Second Quarter 2010 and Six Months 20101
 
   
Quarter ended
   
Change
     
Six Months ended
   
Change
   
   
June 30,
   
% or
     
June 30,
   
% or
   
(Shares and $ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2010
   
2009
   
Points
     
2010
   
2009
   
Points
   
GAAP measures:
                                       
Revenues
  $ 387,718       377,195       3  
%
  $ 780,830       734,041       6  
%
Pre-tax net investment income
    36,545       26,368       39         71,251       42,085       69    
Pre-tax net income (loss)
    20,810       12,631       65         27,241       (8,291 )     429    
Net income
    18,766       15,688       20         24,569       2,811       774    
Diluted net income per share
    0.35       0.29       21         0.45       0.05       800    
Diluted weighted-average outstanding shares2
    54,361       53,234       2         54,289       53,181       2    
GAAP combined ratio
    100.9 %     98.3       2.6  
pts
    102.5 %     99.6       2.9  
pts
Statutory combined ratio
    101.0 %     98.8       2.2         101.9 %     99.5       2.4    
Return on average equity
    7.3 %     6.8       0.5         4.8 %     0.6       4.2    
Non-GAAP measures:
                                                   
Operating income3
  $ 22,212       22,700       (2 )
%
  $ 28,847       25,366       14  
%
Diluted operating income per share3
    0.41       0.42       (2 )       0.53       0.47       13    
Operating return on average equity3
    8.6       9.8       (1.2 )
pts
    5.6       5.5       0.1  
pts

1 Refer to the Glossary of Terms attached to our 2009 Annual Report as Exhibit 99.1 for definitions of terms used in this financial review.
2 Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding represents weighted-average common shares outstanding adjusted for the impact of dilutive common stock equivalents, if any.
3 Operating income is used as an important financial measure by us, analysts, and investors, because the realization of investment gains and losses on sales in any given period is largely discretionary as to timing.  In addition, these realized investment gains and losses, as well as other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) that are charged to earnings, and the results of discontinued operations, could distort the analysis of trends.  See below for a reconciliation of operating income to net income in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).
 
On a pre-tax basis, net income increased by $8.2 million in Second Quarter 2010 compared to Second Quarter 2009 due to:
 
 
·
Pre-tax net investment income earned, which increased by $10.2 million, to $36.5 million, primarily driven by income of $4.9 million on the alternative investment portion of our investment portfolio in Second Quarter 2010, compared to a loss on these investments of $8.9 million in Second Quarter 2009.  Our alternative investments, which are accounted for under the equity method, primarily consist of investments in limited partnerships, the majority of which report results to us on a one quarter lag.  The improvement in returns on these investments is reflective of the stabilization in the capital and credit markets as compared to the same period last year.  This increase was partially offset by lower fixed maturity security income of $3.0 million, resulting from lower reinvestment yields and an increase in lower yielding short-term investments.  For additional information on our other investment portfolio and a discussion of the related strategies associated with this portfolio, see Note 5. “Investments” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of our 2009 Annual Report.
 
 
·
Net realized losses, pre-tax, which decreased by $8.0 million, to $3.3 million, driven by lower pre-tax non-cash OTTI charges of $6.2 million compared to OTTI charges of $12.5 million in Second Quarter 2009.  See Note 6. “Investments” in Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Form 10-Q for additional information on net realized gains and losses.
 
Partially offsetting these items are:
 
 
·
Pre-tax underwriting losses of $3.2 million in Second Quarter 2010, compared to pre-tax underwriting income of $6.0 million in Second Quarter 2009, primarily attributable to an increase of $10.7 million of catastrophe losses and $5.8 million of non-catastrophe property losses.  This increase was partially offset by favorable prior year casualty development of approximately $11 million compared to approximately $5 million in Second Quarter 2009.
  
26

 
Tax expense from continuing operations was $2.8 million in Second Quarter 2010 compared to a benefit of $3.1 million in Second Quarter 2009.  This increase was primarily driven by the increase in pre-tax investment income and the decrease in net realized losses as discussed above.
 
On a pre-tax basis, net income increased by $35.5 million in Six Months 2010 compared to Six Months 2009 due to:
 
 
·
Pre-tax net investment income earned, which increased by $29.2 million, to $71.3 million, primarily driven by income of $8.8 million on the alternative investment portion of our investment portfolio in Six Months 2010, compared to a loss on these investments of $29.4 million in Six Months 2009.  This increase was also partially offset by lower fixed maturity security income of $6.1 million resulting from lower reinvestment yields and an increase in lower yielding short-term investments, coupled with increased investment expenses due to approximately $2.2 million of costs incurred related to our decision to outsource our investment portfolio management operations.
 
 
·
Net realized losses, pre-tax, which decreased by $32.0 million, to $3.3 million, in Six Months 2010 driven by lower pre-tax non-cash OTTI charges of $14.4 million in Six Months 2010 compared to OTTI charges that were $39.6 million in Six Months 2009.
 
Partially offsetting these items are:
 
 
·
Pre-tax underwriting losses of $17.8 million in Six Months 2010 compared to pre-tax underwriting income of $3.1 million in Six Months 2009, primarily attributable to an increase of $33.6 million in catastrophe losses.  This increase was partially offset by a decrease in non-catastrophe property losses of $7.7 million and favorable prior year casualty development of $20 million compared to approximately $16 million in Six Months 2009.
 
Tax expense from continuing operations was $3.8 million in Six Months 2010 compared to a benefit of $11.1 million in Six Months 2009.  This increase was primarily driven by the increase in pre-tax investment income and the decrease in net realized losses as discussed above.

The following table reconciles operating income and net income for the periods presented above:

   
Quarter ended
 June 30,
   
Six Months ended
June 30,
 
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Operating income
  $ 22,212       22,700       28,847       25,366  
Net realized losses, after tax
    (2,121 )     (7,342 )     (2,163 )     (22,958 )
Income from discontinued operations, after tax
    -       330       -       403  
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, after tax
    (1,325 )     -       (2,115 )     -  
Net income
  $ 18,766       15,688       24,569       2,811  
                                 
Diluted operating income per share
  $ 0.41       0.42       0.53       0.47  
Diluted net realized losses per share
    (0.04 )     (0.14 )     (0.04 )     (0.43 )
Diluted (loss) income on disposal of discontinued operations per share
    (0.02 )     0.01       (0.04 )     0.01  
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.35       0.29       0.45       0.05  

On an after-tax basis, operating income was $22.2 million in Second Quarter 2010 compared to $22.7 million in Second Quarter 2009, and $28.8 million in Six Months 2010 compared to $25.4 million in Six Months 2009.  For both periods, operating income reflects increases in net investment income, partially offset by the increases in underwriting losses as discussed above.

 
27

 
 
Results of Operations and Related Information by Segment

 
Insurance Operations
Our Insurance Operations segment writes property and casualty insurance business through seven insurance subsidiaries (the “Insurance Subsidiaries”).  Our Insurance Operations segment sells property and casualty insurance products and services primarily in 22 states in the Eastern and Midwestern U.S. through approximately 980 independent insurance agencies.  Our Insurance Operations segment consists of two components:  (i) Commercial Lines, which markets primarily to businesses and represents approximately 83% of net premium written (“NPW”); and (ii) Personal Lines, which markets primarily to individuals and represents approximately 17% of NPW.  The underwriting performance of these lines is generally measured by four different statutory ratios:  (i) loss and loss expense ratio; (ii) underwriting expense ratio; (iii) dividend ratio; and (iv) combined ratio.  For further details regarding these ratios, see the discussion in the “Insurance Operations” section of Item 1. “Business.” of our 2009 Annual Report.
 
Summary of Insurance Operations

 
All Lines
 
Quarter ended
   
Change
   
Six Months ended
 
Change
 
   
June 30,
   
% or
   
June 30,
 
% or
 
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
Points
   
2010
   
2009
   
Points
 
GAAP Insurance Operations Results:
                                       
NPW
  $ 353,524       365,263       (3 )
% 
    721,615       741,046       (3 )
%
Net premiums earned (“NPE”)
    352,190       358,311       (2 )       708,392       722,184       (2 )  
Less:
                                                   
Losses and loss expenses incurred
    239,980       239,049       -         494,123       491,243       1    
Net underwriting expenses incurred
    114,727       112,418       2         229,896       226,595       1    
Dividends to policyholders
    644       812       (21 )       2,139       1,277       68    
Underwriting (loss) income
  $ (3,161 )     6,032       (152 )
% 
    (17,766 )     3,069       (679 )
%
GAAP Ratios:
                                                   
Loss and loss expense ratio
    68.1 %     66.7       1.4  
pts 
    69.8 %     68.0       1.8  
pts
Underwriting expense ratio
    32.6 %     31.4       1.2         32.4 %     31.4       1.0    
Dividends to policyholders ratio
    0.2 %     0.2       -         0.3 %     0.2       0.1    
Combined ratio
    100.9 %     98.3       2.6         102.5 %     99.6       2.9    
Statutory Ratios:
                                                   
Loss and loss expense ratio
    68.1 %     66.7       1.4         69.7 %     68.0       1.7    
Underwriting expense ratio
    32.7 %     31.9       0.8         31.9 %     31.3       0.6    
Dividends to policyholders ratio
    0.2 %     0.2       -         0.3 %     0.2       0.1    
Combined ratio
    101.0 %     98.8       2.2  
pts 
    101.9 %     99.5       2.4  
pts
 
 
·
NPW decreased in both Second Quarter and Six Months 2010 compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 2009 due to economic conditions despite Commercial Lines renewal pure price increases of 3.3% in both Second Quarter and Six Months 2010.  Through Six Months 2010, we have experienced the most significant NPW decreases in our general liability and workers compensation lines of business, which have experienced reduced levels of exposure given the reductions in payroll and sales consistent with the high level of unemployment and the difficult economy.  These factors are reflected in the following:
 
o
Reductions in new business premiums of $11.6 million, to $71.7 million, in Second Quarter 2010 and $16.9 million, to $148.2 million, in Six Months 2010;
 
o
Audit and endorsement return premium of $17.9 million and $36.2 million in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, respectively, compared to $19.7 million and $37.2 million in the comparable periods in 2009; and
 
o
Commercial Lines retention decrease of one point in both Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, to 75% and 76%, respectively.
 
 
·
NPE decreases in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010 compared to the same periods last year are consistent with the fluctuation in NPW for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the 12-month period ended June 30, 2009.

 
28

 
 
 
·
For Second Quarter 2010 compared to Second Quarter 2009, the GAAP loss and loss expense ratio increased 1.4 points, due to an increase in property losses of $16.5 million, which included increased catastrophe losses of $10.7 million, or 3.1 points, to $16.0 million, in Second Quarter 2010.  The catastrophe losses in Second Quarter 2010 were driven primarily by several wind and thunderstorm events that encompassed the majority of our footprint.  This was partially offset by favorable prior year casualty development of approximately $11 million, or 3.1 points, compared to approximately $5 million, or 1.5 points, in Second Quarter 2009.  The development in Second Quarter 2010 was primarily due to favorable results in our 2008 and prior accident years for our general liability line of business and our 2007 through 2009 accident years on our commercial automobile line of business.  This favorable development was partially offset by unfavorable development in our workers compensation line due to pressure in our 2008 and 2009 accident years resulting from higher claim severity.  The favorable development in Second Quarter 2009 was driven by our workers compensation line of business.

The 1.8-point increase in the GAAP loss and loss expense ratio for Six Months 2010 compared to Six Months 2009 was primarily attributable to an increase in catastrophe losses of $33.6 million, or 4.8 points, to $40.2 million in Six Months 2010.  Partially offsetting this increase for Six Months 2010 was:  (i) favorable casualty prior year development of approximately $20 million, or 2.9 points, in Six Months 2010 compared to approximately $16 million, or 2.1 points, in Six Months 2009; and (ii) a decrease in non-catastrophe losses of $7.7 million, or 0.8 points.  The Six Months 2010 and 2009 development follows the same trends as the Second Quarter 2010 and Second Quarter 2009 development mentioned above.

 
·
The increase in the GAAP underwriting expense ratio in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, compared to the same periods in the prior year, were primarily due to premium shortfalls.
 
Insurance Operations Outlook
The commercial lines insurance sector remains very competitive and is not achieving pure price increases overall.  We continue to work to maintain a balance between rate and retention.  Recent reports from:  (i) Commercial Lines Insurance Pricing Survey (“CLIPS”) showed that industry pricing was relatively flat during 2009; and (ii) Advisen showed industry pricing continued its decline last year.  Despite the competitive environment, our Commercial Lines renewal pure price increased 3.3% in both Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, while retention decreased one point in both periods to 75% and 76%, respectively, as compared to the same periods in the prior year. During Second Quarter 2010, we modified our pricing strategy to focus our pricing efforts on our worst performing business most aggressively to achieve profitability while focusing strongly on retention for our best performing business.  As a result, overall pricing will be determined by this strategy.
 
Our Personal Lines operations continues to experience NPW growth driven by:  (i) ongoing rate increases that went into effect during 2009 and 2010, which are expected to generate an additional $16.8 million in annual premium; (ii) higher levels of new business premium of $6.5 million, to $30.4 million through Six Months 2010; and (iii) maintaining strong retention at 83%.

The overall outlook on the industry for 2010 from key rating agencies is as follows:
 
·
A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”) – A.M. Best is maintaining a stable outlook on the industry looking forward, as they project that balance sheet strength and liquidity will remain adequate in 2010.  The industry benefited from the recovery in the financial markets to post a net profit in the first quarter of 2010.  However, NPW continues to deteriorate, falling 1.2% in the first quarter of 2010 amid sustained competitive market conditions in the commercial lines market, weak exposure growth, and excess capacity.  The industry posted a combined ratio of 101.0% during the period, which is a result of higher than expected catastrophe losses primarily driven by the winter storms in the northeast, offset by favorable prior year development.  A.M. Best believes that in 2010, the industry will continue to push personal line rate increases; however, rates in commercial lines will experience a slight decline.  They continue to expect industry returns will be strained through 2010 given an anticipated sluggish economic recovery, low yields in the credit market, and the likelihood of higher catastrophe losses that are anticipated to be roughly 4.0 points on the overall 2010 statutory combined ratio.
 
29

 
 
·
Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”) – Fitch projected that they would be maintaining their negative outlook over the next year, reflecting lingering economic and financial uncertainty.  In addition, Fitch projects an industry-wide statutory combined ratio of 104.0% for 2010, reflecting their belief that underwriting results will not improve significantly as they project premiums will have insignificant growth.  They anticipate that underwriting results will be impacted by higher expense ratios and less favorable reserve development, partially offset by a return to historical average catastrophe loss experience.
 
 
·
Standard & Poor’s Financial Services (“S&P”) – Earlier this year S&P reiterated their negative outlook on the commercial lines industry citing that although the industry has reaped some benefit from the economic recovery, commercial lines carriers are still dealing with low premium rates and weak investment returns, problems that they faced before the economic crisis began.  They believe that rates will remain flat to down slightly until the economic recovery gains momentum or a large loss event serves as a catalyst for significant rate increases.  Absent a large loss event, they project that a material improvement in pricing will not occur in 2010.

Our Commercial Lines business reported a statutory combined ratio of 99.9% and 100.8% for Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, respectively and our Personal Lines business reported a statutory combined ratio of 107.6% and 107.3% for the same periods.  The Personal Lines statutory combined ratio included 8.5 points and 9.8 points of catastrophe losses in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, respectively, which reflects much higher levels of catastrophe losses than we have historically experienced.  In an effort to write profitable business in the current commercial and personal lines market conditions, we continue to implement a defined plan of improving risk selection and mitigating higher frequency trends to complement our strong agency relationships and unique field-based model.
 
Our focus for 2010 includes the following:
·
Continuing to concentrate on our long-term strategy to improve profitability by diversifying our mix of business and writing more non-contractor classes of business, which typically experience lower volatility during economic cycles.  Through Six Months 2010, non-contractor new business comprised 66% of Commercial Lines new business, up from 60% in Six Months 2009.
 
·
Deploying second generation Commercial Lines predictive modeling tools that give our underwriters additional information, enabling them to make better decisions regarding individual account underwriting.  These tools also provide us with increased pricing granularity, allowing our agents the ability to compete for the most attractive accounts.
 
·
Continuing to manage our book of business by balancing anticipated Commercial Lines pure price increases with retention in a very competitive marketplace.
 
·
Personal Lines rate increases for 2010 which we believe could generate $14.8 million in additional premium annually.  Despite increases to our rates over the past several years, Personal Lines policy retention increased by four points to 83% and new policy counts increased nearly 30% from a year ago.
 
·
Implementing our Claims Strategic Program, which focuses on enhancing areas of:  (i) workers compensation best practices and targeted case management; (ii) litigation management; (iii) fraud detection and recovery recognition through use of advanced systems analytics; (iv) claims automation; and (v) vendor management.  We believe that these initiatives will allow us to maintain our reputation for superior claims service while enabling us to leverage our current resources to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the claims area.
 
·
Sales management efforts, including our market planning tools and leads program.  Our market planning tools allow us to identify and strategically appoint additional independent agencies and hire or redeploy agency management specialists (“AMS”) in under-penetrated territories.  We have continued to expand our independent agency count, which now stands at approximately 980 agencies across our footprint.  These independent insurance agencies are serviced by approximately 100 field-based AMSs who make hands-on underwriting decisions on a daily basis.  In addition, we use our predictive modeling and business analytics to build tools that help our agents identify potential new customers.
 
·
Technology that allows agents and our field teams to input business seamlessly into our systems, including our One & Done® small business system and our xSELerate® straight-through processing system.  Average premiums of approximately $328,000 per workday were processed through our One & Done® small business system during Second Quarter 2010, up 3% from Second Quarter 2009.  These technology-based systems complement our existing underwriting group, giving them more time to focus on underwriting the more technical accounts.
 
30

 
Review of Underwriting Results by Line of Business

Commercial Lines Results
 
Commercial Lines
 
Quarter ended
   
Change
 
Six Months ended
   
Change
   
June 30,
   
% or
 
June 30,
   
% or
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
Points
 
2010
   
2009
   
Points
GAAP Insurance Operations Results:
                                       
NPW
  $ 286,882       306,630       (6 )
%
    598,791       632,071       (5 )
%
NPE
    293,001       305,245       (4 )       590,909       616,790       (4 )  
Less:
                                                   
Losses and loss expenses incurred
    192,856       199,821       (3 )       401,077       411,566       (3 )  
Net underwriting expenses incurred
    96,196       96,426       -         195,360       195,933       -    
Dividends to policyholders
    644       812       (21 )       2,139       1,277       68    
Underwriting income (loss)
  $ 3,305       8,186       (60 )
%
    (7,667 )     8,014       (196 )
%
GAAP Ratios:
                                                   
Loss and loss expense ratio
    65.8 %     65.5       0.3  
pts
    67.9 %     66.7       1.2  
pts
Underwriting expense ratio
    32.9 %     31.5       1.4         33.0 %     31.8       1.2    
Dividends to policyholders ratio
    0.2 %     0.3       (0.1 )       0.4 %     0.2       0.2    
Combined ratio
    98.9 %     97.3       1.6         101.3 %     98.7       2.6    
Statutory Ratios:
                                                   
Loss and loss expense ratio
    65.8 %     65.5       0.3         67.8 %     66.7       1.1    
Underwriting expense ratio
    33.9 %     32.5       1.4         32.6 %     31.8       0.8    
Dividends to policyholders ratio
    0.2 %     0.3       (0.1 )       0.4 %     0.2       0.2    
Combined ratio
    99.9 %     98.3       1.6  
pts
    100.8 %     98.7       2.1  
pts

 
·
NPW decreased in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010 compared to the same periods last year due to the continued economic weakness and an ongoing very competitive insurance marketplace.  We have experienced the most significant decreases in our general liability and workers compensation lines of businesses due to reduced levels of exposure.  This decrease is evidenced by the following:
 
o
Reductions in direct new business of $14.7 million, or 21%, to $55.2 million in the Second Quarter 2010 and $23.5 million, or 17%, to $117.8 million in Six Months 2010;
 
o
Reductions in net renewals of $5.9 million, or 2%, to $264.2 million, including a 1-point decrease in policy retention that was 75% in Second Quarter 2010 compared to 76% in Second Quarter 2009.  Net renewals decreased $9.5 million, or 2%, to $543.7 million in Six Months 2010, including a 1-point decrease in retention, to 76%.  These decreases were partially offset by renewal pure price increases of 3.3% in both Second Quarter and Six Months 2010 compared to a renewal pure price increase of 0.6% in Second Quarter 2009 and a decrease of 0.1% in Six Months 2009; and
 
o
Audit and endorsement return premium during Second Quarter and Six Months 2010 was relatively flat compared to the same periods in 2009 at $18.1 million and $36.6 million, respectively.
 
 
·
NPE decreased in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, consistent with the fluctuation in NPW for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the 12-month period ended June 30, 2009.
 
·
The 0.3-point increase in the GAAP loss and loss expense ratio in Second Quarter 2010 compared to Second Quarter 2009 was primarily attributable to catastrophe losses of $11.0 million, or 3.7 points, in Second Quarter 2010 compared to catastrophe losses of $3.8 million, or 1.2 points, in Second Quarter 2009.  Second Quarter 2010 catastrophe losses were driven by 10 wind and thunderstorm events.  Partially offsetting the increases in losses was approximately $12 million, or 4.1 points, of favorable casualty prior year development in Second Quarter 2010 compared to approximately $6 million, or 2.1 points, in Second Quarter 2009.  The development in Second Quarter 2010 was primarily due to favorable results in our general liability and commercial automobile lines, partially offset by adverse development in our workers compensation line.  The development in Second Quarter 2009 was primarily due to favorable prior year development in our workers compensation line.
 
31

 
The 1.2-point increase in the GAAP loss and loss expense ratio in Six Months 2010 compared to Six Months 2009 was primarily attributable to catastrophe losses of $28.7 million, or 4.9 points, in Six Months 2010 compared to catastrophe losses of $4.7 million, or 0.8 points, in Six Months 2009.  Partially offsetting catastrophe losses was favorable casualty prior year development of $21 million, or 3.6 points, in Six Months 2010, compared to favorable casualty prior year development of approximately $14 million, or 2.2 points, in Six Months 2009.  The development in Six Months 2010 was primarily due to favorable results in our general liability and commercial automobile lines, partially offset by adverse development in our workers compensation line.  The development in Six Months 2009 was primarily due to favorable prior year development in our workers compensation line.
 
 
·
The GAAP underwriting expense ratio increases in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010 compared to the same periods last year were primarily attributable to declines in premiums earned.
 
The following is a discussion of our most significant commercial lines of business:
 
General Liability
 
   
Quarter ended
   
Change
 
Six Months ended
   
Change
   
June 30,
   
% or
 
June 30,
   
% or
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
Points
 
2010
   
2009
   
Points
                                         
Statutory NPW
  $ 83,513       92,429       (10 )
%
    173,047       192,233       (10 )
%
Statutory NPE
    83,967       91,853       (9 )       169,188       186,077       (9 )  
Statutory combined ratio
    93.5 %     103.7       (10.2 )
pts
    93.2 %     104.0       (10.8 )
pts
% of total statutory commercial NPW
    29 %     30                 29 %     30            
 
NPW for this line of business decreased in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010 compared to the same periods last year, primarily driven by:  (i) net renewal decreases of $3.8 million, or 5%, to $80.6 million in Second Quarter 2010, and $8.7 million, or 5%, to $164.4 million in Six Months 2010; (ii) new business decreases of $3.1 million, or 17%, to $15.2 million in Second Quarter 2010, and $6.1 million, or 16%, to $31.5 million in Six Months 2010; and (iii) endorsement and audit return premium of $7.7 million and $16.0 million in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, respectively, compared to a return premium of $6.6 million and $13.0 million in the same periods a year ago.  These decreases are primarily driven by the current economic weakness and competitive nature of the insurance marketplace.  As of June 30, 2010, approximately 50% of this line of business’s premium is subject to audit, whereby actual exposure units (usually sales or payroll) are compared to estimates and a return premium, or additional premium, transaction occurs. These decreases were partially offset by:  (i) renewal pure price increases of 4.6% in Second Quarter 2010 compared to increases of 1.6% in Second Quarter 2009 and increases of 4.5% in Six Months 2010 compared to increases of 0.6% in Six Months 2009; and (ii) policy retention, which increased two points in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, to 76% and 75%, respectively, compared to the same periods last year.
 
The decrease in the statutory combined ratio for Second Quarter and Six Months 2010 compared to the same period in the prior year was driven by favorable prior year development in accident years 2008 and prior of approximately $10 million, or 11.9 points, in Second Quarter 2010 and $19 million, or 11.2 points, in Six Months 2010, compared to favorable prior year development of approximately $1 million, or 1.5 points, in Second Quarter 2009 and unfavorable development of approximately $2 million, or 0.9 points, in Six Months 2009.
 
32

 
Workers Compensation
 
   
Quarter ended
   
Change
 
Six Months ended
   
Change
   
June 30,
   
% or
 
June 30,
   
% or
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
Points
 
2010
   
2009
   
Points
                                         
Statutory NPW
  $ 57,360       64,696       (11 )
%
    129,543       136,872       (5 )
%
Statutory NPE
    62,069       66,590       (7 )       126,710       136,967       (7 )  
Statutory combined ratio
    127.4 %     100.9       26.5  
pts
    121.7 %     96.6       25.1  
pts
% of total statutory commercial NPW
    20 %     21                 22 %     22            
 
In Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, NPW on this line decreased compared to the same periods last year, primarily driven by a reduction in exposure due to the elevated levels of unemployment.  This is reflected in:  (i) new business decreases of $6.5 million, or 36%, to $11.7 million in Second Quarter 2010, and $10.3 million, or 28%, to $26.6 million in Six Months 2010; and (ii) net renewal decreases of $3.2 million, or 5%, to $57.7 million in Second Quarter 2010.  Net renewals were relatively flat for Six Months 2010 compared to Six Months 2009 at $126.1 million.  In addition, endorsement and audit return premium was $10.1 million in Second Quarter 2010 and $18.5 million in Six Months 2010, compared to return premium of $12.0 million and $20.6 in Second Quarter and Six Months 2009, respectively.  These decreases were partially offset by renewal pure price increases of 2.0% in Second Quarter 2010 compared to increases of 0.2% in Second Quarter 2009, and increases of 2.2% in Six Months 2010 compared to decreases of 0.4% in Six Months 2009.
 
The increase in the statutory combined ratio of this line in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010 compared to the same periods last year reflects unfavorable prior year statutory development of approximately $8 million, or 12.9 points, in Second Quarter 2010 and unfavorable prior year development of approximately $14 million, or 11.0 points, in Six Months 2010 primarily associated with increased severity in the 2008 and 2009 accident years, compared to favorable development of approximately $4 million, or 6.0 points, in Second Quarter 2009 and favorable development of approximately $11 million, or 8.0 points, in Six Months 2009 driven by favorable emergence in the 2007 and prior accident years.

Commercial Automobile
 
   
Quarter ended
   
Change
 
Six Months ended
   
Change
   
June 30,
   
% or
 
June 30,
   
% or
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
Points
 
2010
   
2009
   
Points
                                         
Statutory NPW
  $ 72,770       76,187       (4 )
%
    148,255       156,046       (5 )
%
Statutory NPE
    73,176       75,339       (3 )       147,492       151,185       (2 )  
Statutory combined ratio
    87.9 %     99.0       (11.1 )
pts
    89.4 %     97.6       (8.2 )
pts
% of total statutory commercial NPW
    25 %     25                 25 %     25            
 
The decrease in NPW in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010 compared to the same period last year was primarily driven by:  (i) net renewals that decreased $1.9 million, or 3%, to $60.9 million in Second Quarter 2010 and $6.1 million, or 5%, to $123.4 million in Six Months 2010, reflecting a decrease in policy retention of one point to 77% in both periods; and (ii) new business decreases of $2.0 million, or 14%, to $12.1 million in Second Quarter 2010 and a decrease of $3.0 million, or 11%, to $25.5 million in Six Months 2010 compared to the same periods last year.  These decreases were partially offset by renewal pure price increases of 3.2% and 3.4% in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, respectively, compared to increases of 0.8% and 0.2% in Second Quarter and Six Months 2009, respectively.

The decrease in the statutory combined ratio for Second Quarter and Six Months 2010 compared to the same periods last year, was primarily driven by favorable casualty prior year development of approximately $10 million, or 13.7 points, in Second Quarter 2010, due to lower than anticipated severity primarily in the 2007 through 2009 accident years, and favorable casualty prior year development of approximately $17 million, or 11.2 points, in Six Months 2010, due to lower than anticipated severity primarily in the 2005 through 2009 accident years, compared to favorable casualty prior year development in Second Quarter 2009 of approximately $2 million, or 2.0 points, and favorable casualty prior year development of approximately $5 million, or 3.0 points, in Six Months 2009, due to favorable emergence in accident years 2005 through 2007.
 
33

 
Commercial Property
 
   
Quarter ended
   
Change
 
Six Months ended
   
Change
   
June 30,
   
% or
 
June 30,
   
% or
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
Points
 
2010
   
2009
   
Points
                                         
Statutory NPW
  $ 49,502       50,217       (1 )
%
    99,641       100,451       (1 )
%
Statutory NPE
    50,295       48,970       3         100,630       97,855       3    
Statutory combined ratio
    90.3 %     78.6       11.7  
pts
    99.3 %     89.8       9.5  
pts
% of total statutory commercial NPW
    17 %     16                 17 %     16            
 
NPW for this line of business decreased slightly in Second Quarter 2010 and Six Months 2010 compared to Second Quarter 2009 and Six Months 2009 due to new business premium decreases of $2.5 million, or 22%, to $8.9 million in Second Quarter 2010, and $3.8 million, or 16%, to $19.5 million in Six Months 2010.  This was partially offset by net renewal increases of $1.1 million, or 3%, to $44.5 million in Second Quarter 2010, and $2.6 million, or 3%, to $88.5 million in Six Months 2010.  These net renewal increases were driven by renewal pure price increases of 2.5% in Second Quarter 2010 compared to decreases of 0.2% in Second Quarter 2009, and increases of 2.4% in Six Months 2010 compared to decreases of 0.8% in Six Months 2009.
 
NPE increases in Second Quarter and Six Month 2010 compared to the same periods last year, are driven by the increase in NPW for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the 12-month period ended June 30, 2009.
 
The increase in the statutory combined ratio for Second Quarter 2010 and Six Months 2010 compared to same periods last year was driven by an increase in catastrophe losses of $6.9 million, or 13.5 points, in Second Quarter 2010, and an increase in catastrophe losses of $20.5 million, or 20.3 points, in Six Months 2010.  This increased level of catastrophe losses is due largely to a high frequency of catastrophic events in our footprint area, including three major snow, ice, and wind storms in February 2010 and two major rain, hail, and wind storms in March 2010 in the northeast and mid-Atlantic states coupled with several wind and thunderstorm events during Second Quarter 2010.  This was partially offset by decreases in non-catastrophe property losses of $0.5 million, or 1.8 points, in Second Quarter 2010, and $9.4 million, or 10.5 points, in Six Months 2010.

34

 
Personal Lines Results
 
Personal Lines
 
Quarter ended
   
Change
 
Six Months ended
   
Change
   
June 30,
   
% or
 
June 30,
   
% or
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
Points
 
2010
   
2009
   
Points
GAAP Insurance Operations Results:
                                       
NPW
  $ 66,642       58,633       14  
%
    122,824       108,975       13  
%
NPE
    59,189       53,066       12         117,483       105,394       11    
Less:
                                                   
Losses and loss expenses incurred
    47,124       39,228       20         93,046       79,677       17    
Net underwriting expenses incurred
    18,531       15,992       16         34,536       30,662       13    
Underwriting loss
  $ (6,466 )     (2,154 )     (200 )
%
    (10,099 )     (4,945 )     (104 )
%
GAAP Ratios:
                                                   
Loss and loss expense ratio
    79.6 %     73.9       5.7  
pts
    79.2 %     75.6       3.6  
pts
Underwriting expense ratio
    31.3 %     30.2       1.1         29.4 %     29.1       0.3    
Combined ratio
    110.9 %     104.1       6.8         108.6 %     104.7       3.9    
Statutory Ratios:
                                                   
Loss and loss expense ratio
    79.6 %     74.0       5.6         79.2 %     75.6       3.6    
Underwriting expense ratio
    28.0 %     28.1       (0.1 )       28.1 %     28.9       (0.8 )  
Combined ratio
    107.6 %     102.1       5.5  
pts
    107.3 %     104.5       2.8  
pts

 
·
NPW increased in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010 compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 2009 primarily due to:
 
o
21 rate increases, 16 of which are 5% or more, that went into effect across our Personal Lines footprint during Six Months 2010 and are expected to generate an additional $10.1 million in annual premium;
 
o
New business direct premium written increases of $3.1 million, or 23%, to $16.5 million for Second Quarter 2010 and $6.5 million, or 27%, to $30.4 million for Six Months 2010;
 
o
Net renewal direct premium written increases of $4.7 million, or 10%, to $51.6 million for Second Quarter 2010 and $6.5 million, or 7%, to $95.3 million for Six Months 2010; and
 
o
Policy retention increase of four points to 83%.

 
·
NPE increases in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, compared to the same periods last year, are consistent with the fluctuation in NPW for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the 12-month period ended June 30, 2009.

 
·
The 5.7-point increase in the GAAP loss and loss expense ratio in Second Quarter 2010 compared to Second Quarter 2009 was primarily attributable to increased property losses of $8.4 million, or 11.5 points, which included an increase in catastrophe losses of $3.6 million driven by several wind and thunderstorm events.  This was partially offset by premium earned outpacing loss costs.

The 3.6-point increase in the GAAP loss and loss expense ratio for the Six Months 2010 compared to Six Months 2009 was attributable to an increase in catastrophe losses of $9.6 million, or 8.0 points, driven by the above mentioned Second Quarter 2010 catastrophe losses and three major snow, ice, and wind storms in February 2010 and two major rain, hail, and wind storms in March 2010.  This increase was partially offset by premium earned outpacing loss costs.
 
 
·
The increase in the GAAP underwriting expense ratio in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010 compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 2009 was primarily attributable to a South Carolina municipal tax levied on our flood premiums related to our 2008 and 2009 tax years.
 
35

 
We continue to work to achieve the necessary rate increases across our footprint states to improve profitability.  In addition, our strategy on this line includes:  (i) writing new policies in our expansion states; (ii) continued diversification in our territory structure; and (iii) providing the excellent service that our policyholders and agents demand.  The rate increases that we anticipate obtaining in 2010 are expected to generate an additional $14.8 million in annual premium.  Policy retention continues to be positive, despite increases to our rates over the past several years.  We believe that this increase in policy retention reflects the hardening of the personal lines market as well as:  (i) the ability of our pricing tools to comprehensively analyze where rate increases are appropriate; and (ii) our strategy to obtain high retention, low frequency accounts in our core book of business.
 
Reinsurance
We have successfully completed negotiations of our July 1, 2010 excess of loss treaties with highlights as follows:

Property Excess of Loss
The Property Excess of Loss treaty (“Property Treaty”) was renewed with the same terms as the expiring treaty providing for per risk coverage of $28.0 million in excess of a $2.0 million retention.
 
·
The per occurrence cap on the total program is $64.0 million.
 
·
The first layer continues to have unlimited reinstatements.  The annual aggregate limit for the second, $20.0 million in excess of $10.0 million, layer remains at $80.0 million. 
 
·
Consistent with the prior year treaty, the Property Treaty excludes nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological terrorism losses.
 
·
The renewal treaty rate decreased by 2%.
 
Casualty Excess of Loss
The Casualty Excess of Loss treaty (“Casualty Treaty”) was renewed with the same terms as the expiring treaty providing the following per occurrence coverage:
 
·
The first layer provides coverage for 85% of up to $3.0 million in excess of a $2.0 million retention.
 
·
The next five layers provide coverage for 100% of up to $85.0 million in excess of $5.0 million.
 
·
Consistent with the prior year, the Casualty Treaty excludes nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological terrorism losses.  Annual aggregate terrorism limits, net of co-participation, remained the same at $198.8 million.
 
·
The renewal treaty rate increased by 9%.
 
36

 
Investments
 
As mid-year 2010 approached, global markets had turned more pessimistic with regard to the economic recovery.  Concerns over slowing global growth, particularly in China, the European sovereign debt crisis, and the failure to contain the Gulf of Mexico oil spill tempered the optimism that rallied financial markets in the first quarter of 2010.  U.S. growth, albeit modest for 2010, is expected to be slow but positive over the remainder of the year.  Federal funds rates remained low, which contributed to the continued recovery in valuations of fixed maturity securities.  We saw improvement in our overall investment portfolio and had an increase in pre-tax unrealized/unrecognized gains of $44.4 million during Six Months 2010.
 
Credit quality of our fixed maturity portfolio continues to remain high, with an average S&P rating of “AA+.”  This is primarily due to the large allocation of the fixed income portfolio to high-quality municipal bonds, agency residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), and government and agency obligations.  Although we maintain a high-quality municipal bond portfolio at an average S&P rating of “AA+”, we continue to closely monitor this portfolio given the general uncertainty about states and municipalities and the ability of such issuers to fulfill their obligations in light of ongoing budget constraints.  Exposure to non-investment grade bonds represents only 1% of the total fixed maturity portfolio.  We have 19 non-investment grade rated securities in the investment portfolio with a total fair value of $29.0 million and an unrealized/unrecognized loss balance of $6.7 million as of June 30, 2010.
 
During the first half of 2010 we decided to outsource our investment management operations to two third party managers, which does not indicate a change to our overall investment strategy, only a change in the execution model.  We expect to benefit from broader specific sector knowledge, advanced risk management tools, and greater flexibility in trade execution.
 
Our investment philosophy includes certain return and risk objectives for the fixed maturity and equity portfolios.  The primary fixed maturity 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.  The equity portfolio return objective is to meet or exceed a weighted-average benchmark of public equity indices.  Although yield and income generation remain the key drivers to our investment strategy, our overall philosophy is to invest with a long-term horizon along with a “buy-and-hold” principle.
 
The following table presents information regarding our investment portfolio:
 
   
Quarter ended
   
Change
     
Six Months ended
   
Change
   
   
June 30,
   
% or
     
June 30,
   
% or
   
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
Points
     
2010
   
2009
   
Points
   
                                         
Total invested assets
                      $ 3,890,628       3,618,987       8  
%
Net investment income – before tax
  $ 36,545       26,368       39  
%
    71,251       42,085       69    
Net investment income – after tax
    27,928       21,869       28         54,753       37,010       48    
Unrealized gain during the period – before tax
    35,097       35,174       (0 )       44,422       92,751       (52 )  
Unrealized gain during the period – after tax
    22,813       22,863       (0 )       28,874       60,288       (52 )  
Net realized losses – before tax
    (3,264 )     (11,294 )     71         (3,328 )     (35,319 )     91    
Net realized losses – after tax
    (2,121 )     (7,342 )     71         (2,163 )     (22,958 )     91    
Effective tax rate
    23.6 %     17.1       6.5  
pts
    23.2 %     12.1       11.1  
pts
Annual after-tax yield on fixed maturity securities
                              2.9 %     3.4       (0.5 )  
Annual after-tax yield on investment portfolio
                              2.9 %     2.1       0.8    
 
Total Invested Assets
Our investment portfolio totaled $3.9 billion at June 30, 2010, an increase of 8% compared to June 30, 2009.  This was driven primarily by valuation improvements within the fixed income portfolio, which resulted in an $87.0 million improvement in unrealized gains, bringing the portfolio from a $1.4 million unrealized gain position at June 30, 2009 to an $88.4 million unrealized gain position at June 30, 2010.  Available cash flows from calls and maturities, equity sales, and other operating cash flows were invested in short-term investments to help mitigate market risk and to increase the amount of liquid assets available for the new investment managers to deploy after the transition of the portfolio in June 2010.
 
37

 
Our investment portfolio consists primarily of fixed maturity investments (85%), but also contains short-term investments (9%), other investments (4%), and equity securities (2%).  We structure our portfolio conservatively with a focus on:  (i) asset diversification; (ii) investment quality; (iii) liquidity, particularly to meet the cash obligations of our Insurance Operations segment; (iv) consideration of taxes; and (v) preservation of capital.  We believe that we have a high quality and liquid investment portfolio.  The duration of the fixed maturity portfolio as of June 30, 2010, including short-term investments, was an average 3.3 years compared to the Insurance Subsidiaries’ liability duration of approximately 3.6 years, which was relatively consistent with the prior year.  The current duration of the fixed maturity portfolio is within our historical range, and is monitored and managed to maximize yield and limit interest rate risk.  We manage liquidity with a laddered maturity structure and an appropriate level of short-term investments to avoid liquidation of available-for-sale (“AFS”) fixed maturities in the ordinary course of business.  We typically have a long investment time horizon and every purchase or sale is made with the intent of improving future investment returns while balancing capital preservation.

As of June 30, 2010, alternative investments represented 4% 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 $94.8 million in these alternative investments through commitments that currently expire at various dates through 2023.  See Note 6. “Investments” in Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Form 10-Q for quantitative data on our alternative investments portfolio by strategy.
 
Our portfolio continues to have a weighted average credit rating of “AA+” despite ratings migration due to general economic conditions.  The following table presents the credit ratings of our fixed maturity portfolios:
 
Fixed Maturity
 
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
Rating
 
2010
   
2009
 
Aaa/AAA
    51 %     57 %
Aa/AA
    26 %     25 %
A/A
    18 %     14 %
Baa/BBB
    4 %     3 %
Ba/BB or below
    1 %     1 %
Total
    100 %     100 %

To manage and mitigate exposure to losses, we analyze our mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) both at the time of purchase and as part of the ongoing portfolio evaluation.  This analysis may include loan level reviews of average FICO® scores, loan-to-value ratios, geographic spread of the assets securing the bond, delinquencies in payments for the underlying mortgages, gains/losses on sales, evaluations of projected cash flows under various economic and default scenarios, as well as other information that aids in determining the health of the underlying assets.  We also consider the overall credit environment, economic conditions, total projected return on the investment, and overall asset allocation of the portfolio in our decisions to purchase or sell structured securities.  For additional information regarding credit risk associated with our portfolio, see Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” in our 2009 Annual Report.

38

 
The following table summarizes the fair value, unrealized gain (loss) balances, and the weighted average credit qualities of our AFS fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

   
June 30, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
             
Average
           
Average
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
Credit
 
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
Credit
($ in millions)
 
Value
   
Gain (Loss)
 
Quality
 
Value
   
Gain (Loss)
 
Quality
AFS Fixed Maturity Portfolio:
                           
U.S. government obligations1
  $ 392.6       9.5  
AAA
  $ 475.6       1.8  
AAA
State and municipal obligations
    465.6       24.3  
AA+
    379.8       20.3  
AA+
Corporate securities
    647.7       31.7  
A+
    379.6       14.1  
A+
MBS
    331.8       5.0  
AA+
    373.9       (17.2 )
AA+
Asset-backed securities (“ABS”)
    32.7       0.9  
AA+
    27.0       0.4  
AA
Total AFS portfolio
  $ 1,870.4       71.4  
AA+
  $ 1,635.9       19.4  
AA+
                                     
State and Municipal Obligations:
                                   
General obligations
  $ 271.0       12.9  
AAA
  $ 222.6       11.0  
AA+
Special revenue obligations
    194.6       11.4  
AA+
    157.2       9.3  
AA+
Total state and municipal obligations
  $ 465.6       24.3  
AA+
  $ 379.8       20.3  
AA+
                                     
Corporate Securities:
                                   
Financial
  $ 177.7       5.6  
A+
  $ 67.4       3.0  
AA-
Industrials
    70.8       5.2  
A
    46.6       2.2  
A
Utilities
    22.6       1.5  
BBB+
    18.9       0.9  
A-
Consumer discretion
    46.2       2.6  
A
    26.3       1.3  
A-
Consumer staples
    66.7       3.9  
A-
    51.6       1.4  
A
Healthcare
    110.3       6.4  
AA-
    52.8       1.7  
AA-
Materials
    21.7       1.8  
A-
    20.7       0.8  
A-
Energy
    55.0       0.5  
AA-
    42.4       1.3  
AA-
Information technology
    24.7       1.1  
A+
    10.8       0.1  
AA
Telecommunications services
    20.4       1.0  
A
    14.6       0.5  
A
Other
    31.6       2.1  
A
    27.5       0.9  
A
Total corporate securities
  $ 647.7       31.7  
A+
  $ 379.6       14.1  
A+
                                     
MBS:
                                   
Government guaranteed agency commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”)
  $ 73.7       4.0  
AAA
  $ 94.6       1.1  
AAA
Non-agency CMBS
    9.3       (4.2 )
B+
    -       -  
-
Government guaranteed agency RMBS
    95.6       3.6  
AAA
    105.2       0.1  
AAA
Other agency RMBS
    116.7       4.8  
AAA
    119.8       1.9  
AAA
Non-agency RMBS
    25.6       (2.5 )
BBB-
    30.2       (12.8 )
A-
Alternative-A (“Alt-A”) RMBS
    10.9       (0.7 )
AAA
    24.1       (7.5 )
A-
Total MBS
  $ 331.8       5.0  
AA+
  $ 373.9       (17.2 )
AA+
                                     
ABS:
                                   
ABS
  $ 31.8       1.2  
AA+
  $ 27.0       0.4  
AA
Sub prime ABS2, 3
    0.9       (0.3 )
D
    -       -  
-
Total ABS
  $ 32.7       0.9  
AA+
  $ 27.0       0.4  
AA
 
1 U.S. government includes corporate securities fully guaranteed by the Federal Depositary Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).
2 We define sub-prime exposure as exposure to direct and indirect investments in non-agency residential mortgages with average FICO® scores below 650.
3 Subprime ABS includes one security which is currently expected to default on its obligations according to the rating agencies.
 
39

 
The following tables provide information regarding our held-to-maturity (“HTM”) fixed maturity securities and their credit qualities at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:
 
June 30, 2010
 
 
($ in millions)
 
 
Fair
Value
   
 
Carry
Value
   
Unrecognized
Holding Gain
(Loss)
   
Unrealized
Gain (Loss) in
Accumulated
OCI
   
Total
Unrealized/
Unrecognized
Gain (Loss)
 
 
Average
Credit
Quality
 
HTM Fixed Maturity Portfolio:
                                 
U.S. government obligations1
  $ 106.6       101.7       4.9       5.1       10.0  
AAA
 
State and municipal obligations
    1,095.3       1,072.2       23.1       27.2       50.3  
AA+
 
Corporate securities
    99.5       89.8       9.7       (4.6 )     5.1  
A
 
MBS
    190.1       181.3       8.8       (7.7 )     1.1  
AAA
 
ABS
    19.4       16.9       2.5       (3.0 )     (0.5 )
A
 
Total HTM portfolio
  $ 1,510.9       1,461.9       49.0       17.0       66.0  
AA+
 
                                             
State and Municipal Obligations:
                                           
General obligations
  $ 295.1       289.9       5.2       12.6       17.8  
AA+
 
Special revenue obligations
    800.2       782.3       17.9       14.6       32.5  
AA
 
Total state and municipal obligations
  $ 1,095.3       1,072.2       23.1       27.2       50.3  
AA+
 
                                             
Corporate Securities:
                                           
Financial
  $ 34.0       30.2       3.8       (2.6 )     1.2  
A
 
Industrials
    24.5       20.6       3.9       (1.8 )     2.1  
A
 
Utilities
    17.2       16.3       0.9       (0.1 )     0.8  
A-
 
Consumer discretion
    12.6       12.7       (0.1 )     0.3       0.2  
A+
 
Consumer staples
    5.4       4.9       0.5       (0.1 )     0.4  
A
 
Materials
    2.2       1.9       0.3       (0.1 )     0.2  
BBB-
 
Energy
    3.6       3.2       0.4       (0.2 )     0.2  
BB+
 
Total corporate securities
  $ 99.5       89.8       9.7       (4.6 )     5.1  
A
 
                                             
MBS:
                                           
Government guaranteed agency CMBS
  $ 10.6       10.3       0.3       -       0.3  
AAA
 
Other agency CMBS
    3.7       3.7       -       -       -  
AAA
 
Non-agency CMBS
    53.3       48.0       5.3       (9.3 )     (4.0 )
AA+
 
Government guaranteed agency RMBS
    4.4       4.0       0.4       -       0.4  
AAA
 
Other agency RMBS
    112.1       109.2       2.9       1.8       4.7  
AAA
 
Non-agency RMBS
    6.0       6.1       (0.1 )     (0.2 )     (0.3 )
AAA
 
Total MBS
  $ 190.1       181.3       8.8       (7.7 )     1.1  
AAA
 
                                             
ABS:
                                           
ABS
  $ 17.8       16.0       1.8       (2.4 )     (0.6 )
AA-
 
Alt-A ABS
    1.6       0.9       0.7       (0.6 )     0.1  
CC
 
Total ABS
  $ 19.4       16.9       2.5       (3.0 )     (0.5 )
A
 
 
40

 
December 31, 2009
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Fair
Value
   
Carry
Value
   
Unrecognized
Holding Gain
(Loss)
   
Unrealized Gain
(Loss) in
Accumulated
OCI
   
Total
Unrealized/
Unrecognized
Gain (Loss)
 
Average
Credit
Quality
 
HTM Fixed Maturity Portfolio:
                                 
U.S. government obligations1
  $ 146.0       144.8       1.2       5.6       6.8  
AAA
 
State and municipal obligations
    1,210.8       1,201.4       9.4       33.9       43.3  
AA
 
Corporate securities
    107.5       98.8       8.7       (6.0 )     2.7  
A-
 
MBS
    242.8       236.4       6.4       (17.6 )     (11.2 )
AA+
 
ABS
    33.1       29.0       4.1       (6.0 )     (1.9 )
AA-
 
Total HTM portfolio
  $ 1,740.2       1,710.4       29.8       9.9       39.7  
AA+
 
                                             
State and Municipal Obligations:
                                           
General obligations
  $ 301.5       300.8       0.7       14.7       15.4  
AA+
 
Special revenue obligations
    909.3       900.6       8.7       19.2       27.9  
AA
 
Total state and municipal obligations
  $ 1,210.8       1,201.4       9.4       33.9       43.3  
AA
 
                                             
Corporate Securities:
                                           
Financial
  $ 35.4       31.8       3.6       (4.0 )     (0.4 )
A
 
Industrials
    29.1       25.7       3.4       (2.0 )     1.4  
A-
 
Utilities
    16.5       16.3       0.2       (0.1 )     0.1  
A-
 
Consumer discretion
    6.3       6.0       0.3       -       0.3  
BBB+
 
Consumer staples
    14.6       13.9       0.7       0.5       1.2  
AA-
 
Materials
    2.1       1.9       0.2       (0.1 )     0.1  
BBB-
 
Energy
    3.5       3.2       0.3       (0.3 )     -  
BB+
 
Total corporate securities
  $ 107.5       98.8       8.7       (6.0 )     2.7  
A-
 
                                             
MBS
                                           
Government guaranteed agency CMBS
  $ 11.1       10.8       0.3       -       0.3  
AAA
 
Other agency CMBS
    3.8       3.8       -       0.1       0.1  
AAA
 
Non-agency CMBS
    77.6       74.4       3.2       (18.9 )     (15.7 )
AA+
 
Government guaranteed agency RMBS
    4.2       3.9       0.3       (0.2 )     0.1  
AAA
 
Other agency RMBS
    140.2       137.7       2.5       2.5       5.0  
AAA
 
Non-agency RMBS
    5.9       5.8       0.1       (1.1 )     (1.0 )
AAA
 
Total MBS
  $ 242.8       236.4       6.4       (17.6 )     (11.2 )
AA+
 
                                             
ABS:
                                           
ABS
  $ 30.2       27.0       3.2       (5.1 )     (1.9 )
AA
 
Alt-A ABS
    1.8       1.0       0.8       (0.5 )     0.3  
CC
 
Sub-prime ABS2
    1.1       1.0       0.1       (0.4 )     (0.3 )
A
 
Total ABS
  $ 33.1       29.0       4.1       (6.0 )     (1.9 )
AA-
 
 
1U.S. government includes corporate securities fully guaranteed by the FDIC.
2 We define sub-prime exposure as exposure to direct and indirect investments in non-agency residential mortgages with average FICO® scores below 650.
 
A portion of our AFS and HTM municipal bonds contain insurance enhancements.  The following table provides information regarding these insurance-enhanced securities as of June 30, 2010:

Insurers of Municipal Bond Securities
     
Ratings
 
Ratings 
 
       
with
 
without
 
($ in thousands)
 
Fair Value
 
Insurance
 
Insurance
 
MBIA Inc.
  $ 251,174  
AA-
 
A+
 
Assured Guaranty
    207,002  
AA+
 
AA
 
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company
    132,051  
AA-
 
AA-
 
Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
    113,081  
AA-
 
AA-
 
Other
    8,235  
AA
 
A
 
Total
  $ 711,543  
AA
 
AA-
 

41

 
The following table details the top 10 state exposures of the municipal bond portion of our fixed maturity portfolio at June 30, 2010:
 
State Exposures of Municipal Bonds
 
General
   
Special
   
Fair
 
Average Credit
 
($ in thousands)
 
Obligation
   
Revenue
   
Value
 
Quality
 
                       
Texas
  $ 113,381       76,390       189,771  
AA+
 
Washington
    47,994       47,100       95,094  
AA+
 
Florida
    521       89,228       89,749  
AA-
 
Arizona
    6,911       73,734       80,645  
AA+
 
North Carolina
    41,290       30,325       71,615  
AA+
 
New York
    -       69,066       69,066  
AA+
 
Illinois
    20,667       43,651       64,318  
AA
 
Ohio
    21,475       34,960       56,435  
AA+
 
Colorado
    35,300       22,999       58,299  
AA
 
Other
    259,243       466,419       725,662  
AA+
 
    $ 546,782       953,872       1,500,654  
AA+
 
Advanced refunded/escrowed to maturity bonds
    19,295       40,896       60,191  
AA+
 
Total
  $ 566,077       994,768     $ 1,560,845  
AA+
 
 
Special revenue fixed income securities of municipalities (referred to as “special revenue bonds”) generally do not have the “full faith and credit” backing of the municipal or state governments, as do general obligation bonds, but special revenue bonds have a dedicated revenue stream for repayment which can, in many instances, provide a higher quality credit profile than general obligation bonds.  As such, we believe our special revenue bond portfolio is appropriate for the current environment.  The following table provides further quantitative details on our special revenue bonds:
 
June 30, 2010
 
($ in thousands)
 
Market
Value
   
% of Special
Revenue
Bonds
 
 
Average
Rating
 
Essential Services:
               
Transportation
  $ 197,672       21 %
AA
 
Water and Sewer
    177,253       19 %
AA+
 
Electric
    114,309       12 %
AA
 
Total Essential Services
    489,234       52 %
AA+
 
                     
Education
    149,852       16 %
AA+
 
Special Tax
    116,009       12 %
AA
 
Housing
    92,628       10 %
AA+
 
Other:
                   
Leasing
    43,426       4 %
AA
 
Hospital
    20,349       2 %
AA-
 
Other
    42,374       4 %
AA-
 
Total Other
    106,149       10 %
AA
 
Total Special Revenue Bonds
  $ 953,872       100 %
AA+
 
 
For details regarding our special revenue bond sectors, see Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” of our 2009 Annual Report.

Net Investment Income
 
Net investment income, before tax, increased $10.2 million and $29.2 million, for Second Quarter 2010 and Six Months 2010, respectively, compared to the same periods last year.  For both Second Quarter and Six Months 2010 the improvement was driven by income on the alternative investment portion of our other investment portfolio compared to a loss on these investments in the comparable periods during 2009.  The improvement in returns on this portfolio is also the primary driver in both the increase in our investment portfolio’s effective tax rate, to 23.6% from 17.1% for Second Quarter 2010 and to 23.2% from 12.1% for Six Months 2010, as well as the increase in the annualized after-tax yield on the overall portfolio, to 2.9% from 2.1%.
 
42

 
Our alternative investments, which are accounted for under the equity method, primarily consist of investments in limited partnerships, the majority of which report results to us on a one quarter lag.  The improvement in the returns on these investments is reflective of improved equity and credit markets, as well as increased stability in the financial markets.  In addition, the 2009 adoption of fair value accounting guidance had led to increased volatility in the period-to-period changes in the fair values associated with the underlying assets of the partnerships which, under the revised guidance, are based on current exit values.  Partially offsetting the improved alternative investment returns was:  (i) decreases in fixed maturity security income of $3.0 million for Second Quarter 2010 and $6.1 million for Six Months 2010 resulting primarily from lower fixed maturity reinvestment yields; (ii) an increase in lower yielding short-term investments as part of our transition to the new investment managers; and (iii) an increase in investment expense which included one-time charges of approximately $0.5 million and $2.2 million in Second Quarter and Six Months 2010, respectively, related to our decision to outsource the management of our investment portfolio.  These reduced yields drove our year-to-date after-tax yield on our fixed maturity securities portfolio to 2.9% from 3.4% at this point in 2009.

Realized Gains and Losses:

Realized Gains and Losses (excluding OTTI)
Realized gains and losses, by type of security excluding OTTI charges, are determined on the basis of the cost of specific investments sold and are credited or charged to income.  The components of net realized losses at June 30 were as follows:
 
   
Quarter ended
   
Six Months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
HTM fixed maturity securities
                       
Gains
  $ 368       112       412       138  
Losses
    (210 )     (125 )     (450 )     (294 )
AFS fixed maturity securities
                               
Gains
    325       9,090       4,782       13,598  
Losses
    (7,558 )     (7,055 )     (7,589 )     (8,959 )
AFS equity securities
                               
Gains
    9,995       9,043       14,174       28,706  
Losses
    -       (8,695 )     (233 )     (27,744 )
Other Investments
                               
Gains
    -       -       -       -  
Losses
    -       (1,189 )     -       (1,189 )
Total other net realized investment gains
    2,920       1,181       11,096       4,256  
Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings
    (6,184 )     (12,475 )     (14,424 )     (39,575 )
Total net realized losses
  $ (3,264 )     (11,294 )     (3,328 )     (35,319 )

43

 
The following table presents the period of time that securities sold at a loss were continuously in an unrealized loss position prior to sale:
 
Period of Time in an
 
Quarter ended
   
Quarter ended
 
Unrealized Loss Position
 
June 30, 2010
   
June 30, 2009
 
   
Fair
         
Fair
       
   
Value on
   
Realized
   
Value on
   
Realized
 
($ in thousands)
 
Sale Date
   
Loss
   
Sale Date
   
Loss
 
Fixed maturities:
                       
0 – 6 months
  $ 6,403       432       13,574       2,132  
7 – 12 months
    -       -       14,215       2,486  
Greater than 12 months
    10,257       7,098       27,042       2,609  
Total fixed maturities
    16,660       7,530       54,831       7,227  
Equities:
                               
0 – 6 months
    -       -       10,934       8,695  
7 – 12 months
    -       -       -       -  
Total equity securities
    -       -       10,934       8,695  
Other investments
                               
7 – 12 months
    -       -       4,816       1,189  
Total other investments
    -       -       4,816       1,189  
Total
  $ 16,660       7,530       70,581       17,111  

Period of Time in an
 
Six Months ended
   
Six Months ended
 
Unrealized Loss Position
 
June 30, 2010
   
June 30, 2009
 
   
Fair
         
Fair
       
   
Value on
   
Realized
   
Value on
   
Realized
 
($ in thousands)
 
Sale Date
   
Loss
   
Sale Date
   
Loss
 
Fixed maturities:
                       
0 – 6 months
  $ 11,462       463       44,165       2,460  
7 – 12 months
    -       -       38,292       3,424  
Greater than 12 months
    10,257       7,098       36,418       3,247  
Total fixed maturities
    21,719       7,561       118,875       9,131  
Equities:
                               
0 – 6 months
    4,128       233       27,313       20,308  
7 – 12 months
    -       -       8,230       7,436  
Total equity securities
    4,128       233       35,543       27,744  
Other investments
                               
7 – 12 months
    -       -       4,816       1,189  
Total other investments
    -       -       4,816       1,189  
Total
  $ 25,847       7,794       159,234       38,064  

For a discussion of realized gains and losses, see Note 6. “Investments” in Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Form 10-Q.
 
44

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

   
Quarter ended
   
Six Months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
HTM securities
                       
ABS
  $ -       1,202       31       2,353  
CMBS
    1,464       711       4,125       711  
RMBS
    317       -       317       -  
Total HTM securities
    1,781       1,913       4,473       3,064  
                                 
AFS securities
                               
Corporate securities
    -       1,271       -       1,271  
CMBS
    1,372       -       1,372       -  
RMBS
    2,359       8,650       7,907       33,795  
Total fixed maturity AFS securities
    3,731       9,921       9,279       35,066  
Equity securities
    672       641       672       1,445  
Total AFS securities
    4,403       10,562       9,951       36,511  
                                 
Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings
  $ 6,184       12,475       14,424       39,575  

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.  Under previously existing accounting guidance, a decline in fair value on a fixed maturity security was deemed to be other than temporary if we did not have the intent and ability to hold the security to its anticipated recovery.

For discussion of our OTTI methodology, see Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2009 Annual Report.  In addition, for significant inputs used to measure OTTI and qualitative information regarding these charges, see Note 6. “Investments,” included in Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Form 10-Q.
 
45

 
Unrealized/Unrecognized Losses
The following table summarizes the aggregate fair value and gross pre-tax unrealized/unrecognized losses recorded, by asset class and by length of time, for all securities that have continuously been in an unrealized/unrecognized loss position at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:
 
June 30, 2010
 
0 – 6 months
   
7 – 11 months
   
12 months or longer 1
 
($ in thousands)
 
Fair Value
   
Net
Unrecognized
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Net
Unrecognized
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Net
Unrecognized
Unrealized
Losses
 
AFS securities
                                   
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
  $ 10,716       (20 )     -       -       -       -  
Corporate securities
    16,925       (1,666 )     -       -       -       -  
ABS
    1,069       (2 )     -       -       925       (329 )
CMBS
    -       -       -       -       9,141       (4,161 )
RMBS
    6,324       (73 )     -       -       35,397       (3,203 )
Total fixed maturity securities
    35,034       (1,761 )     -       -       45,463       (7,693 )
Equity securities
    30,295       (3,361 )     1,142       (323 )     2,803       (603 )
Subtotal
  $ 65,329       (5,122 )     1,142       (323 )     48,266       (8,296 )
                                                 
HTM securities
                                               
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
  $ 5,545       (33 )     9,399       (75 )     62,715       (1,949 )
Corporate securities
    2,220       (29 )     -       -       7,813       (214 )
ABS
    -       -       -       -       6,981       (813 )
CMBS
    -       -       -       -       10,447       (5,297 )
RMBS
    -       -       -       -       5,961       (254 )
Subtotal
  $ 7,765       (62 )     9,399       (75 )     93,917       (8,527 )
                                                 
Total AFS and HTM
  $ 73,094       (5,184 )     10,541       (398 )     142,183       (16,823 )
 
46

 
December 31, 2009
 
0 – 6 months
   
7 – 11 months 1
   
12 months or longer 1
 
($ in thousands)
 
Fair
Value
   
Net
Unrecognized
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Net
Unrecognized
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Net
Unrecognized
Unrealized
Losses
 
AFS securities
                                   
U.S. government and government agencies
  $ 187,283       (1,210 )     -       -       -       -  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    8,553       (120 )     -       -       3,059       (17 )
Corporate securities
    74,895       (829 )     -       -       10,550       (417 )
ABS
    2,983       (17 )     -       -       3,960       (40 )
CMBS
    36,447       (637 )     -       -       -       -  
RMBS
    77,674       (493 )     654       (21 )     53,607       (20,198 )
Total fixed maturity securities
    387,835       (3,306 )     654       (21 )     71,176       (20,672 )
Equity securities
    3,828       (214 )     -       -       5,932       (396 )
Sub-total
  $ 391,663       (3,520 )     654       (21 )     77,108       (21,068 )
                                                 
HTM securities
                                               
U.S. government and government agencies
  $ 19,746       (29 )     9,713       (288 )     -       -  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    40,904       (332 )     5,767       (181 )     74,360       (2,684 )
Corporate securities
    6,124       (102 )     -       -       19,233       (1,310 )
ABS
    -       -       -       -       13,343       (2,496 )
CMBS
    -       -       316       (728 )     22,044       (16,194 )
RMBS
    5,068       (146 )     -       -       5,892       (935 )
Sub-total
  $ 71,842       (609 )     15,796       (1,197 )     134,872       (23,619 )
                                                 
Total AFS and HTM
  $ 463,505       (4,129 )     16,450       (1,218 )     211,980       (44,687 )

1 The month count for aging of unrealized losses was reset back to historical unrealized loss month counts for securities impacted by the adoption of OTTI accounting guidance issued in 2009.

Gross pre-tax unrealized/unrecognized losses decreased for our fixed maturity portfolio as compared to December 31, 2009, primarily driven by general improvement in the overall marketplace.  In addition, $14.1 million of the decrease was due to the Second Quarter 2010 sale of certain fixed maturity securities.  For further details regarding these sales, see Note 6. “Investments” in Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Form 10-Q.  As of June 30, 2010, 89 fixed maturity securities and 27 equity securities were in an unrealized loss position.  At December 31, 2009, 173 fixed maturity securities and six equity securities were in an unrealized loss position.

We have reviewed the securities in the tables above in accordance with our OTTI policy, which is discussed in Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of our 2009 Annual Report.  For qualitative information regarding this conclusion, see Note 6. “Investments,” in Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Form 10-Q.

In addition, the following table presents information regarding securities in our portfolio with the five largest unrealized/unrecognized balances as of June 30, 2010:
 
   
Cost/
         
Unrealized/
 
   
Amortized
   
Fair
   
Unrecognized
 
($ in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Value
   
Losses
 
GS Mortgage Securities Corp II
  $ 5,730       3,133       (2,597 )
Mach One Trust
    4,017       1,828       (2,189 )
BP Capital Markets PLC
    10,127       8,521       (1,606 )
ACT Depositor Corp
    1,712       208       (1,504 )
Morgan Stanley Capital I
    5,000       3,525       (1,475 )
 
47

 
GS Mortgage Securities Corp II (unrealized/unrecognized loss of $2.6 million)
This security is a senior tranche of a Re-REMIC (a re-securitization) that represents an undivided interest in a static pool of seasoned subordinated CMBS.  Based on our OTTI evaluation at March 31, 2010, this security was deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired.  Based on our re-evaluation of this position as of June 30, 2010, there has been no further credit deterioration, and therefore, the remaining $2.6 million unrealized/unrecognized loss balance represents the non-credit portion of this impairment.
 
Mach One Trust (unrealized/unrecognized loss of $2.2 million)
Despite the unrealized loss being 54% of its amortized cost, the unrealized loss was only 14% of its amortized cost last quarter and there have been no actual losses on this security to date.  The security has low exposure to specialty service entities and its loan-to-value ratio is under 70%.  In addition, this security is a CMBS with very low delinquencies over 60 days.  Based on these factors, among others, we have determined the impairment to be only temporary.

BP Capital Markets PLC (unrealized/unrecognized loss of $1.6 million)
This security’s unrealized/unrecognized loss position is approximately 16% of its amortized cost and is predominantly related to the market reaction associated with BP’s unknown exposure from the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.  The market perception is that this decline is a temporary market reaction to these events and that it does not pose any significant concern about BP’s ability to fulfill its financial obligations.  We believe this security is only temporarily impaired; however, we will continue to closely monitor events regarding the cleanup efforts and BP’s financial stability moving forward.

ACT Depositor Corp (unrealized/unrecognized loss of $1.5 million)
This security is a senior tranche of a Re-REMIC (a re-securitization) that represents an undivided interest in a static pool of seasoned subordinated CMBS.  Although the tranche is senior with 62% credit support, the underling deals have an average subordination of 2.75%.  Based on our analysis at June 30, 2010, we have determined that this security is other-than-temporarily impaired.  The $1.5 million unrealized/unrecognized loss balance represents the non-credit portion of this impairment.

Morgan Stanley Capital I (unrealized/unrecognized loss of $1.5 million)
This security is a CMBS with credit support of approximately 30%.  The unrealized loss position of this security is marginally elevated at approximately 30% of its amortized cost.  In accordance with our OTTI policy, we stress tested this security and performed a discounted cash flow analysis of the underlying cash flows, which did not indicate that the impairment was other than temporary, despite the fact that the life is expected to extend slightly beyond the initial projected maturity.

Contractual Maturities
The following table presents amortized cost and fair value regarding our AFS fixed maturities that were in an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2010 by contractual maturity:

Contractual Maturities
 
Amortized
   
Fair
 
($ in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Value
 
One year or less
  $ 7,856       6,669  
Due after one year through five years
    57,922       51,569  
Due after five years through ten years
    24,173       22,259  
Due after ten years
    -       -  
Total
  $ 89,951       80,497  

The following table presents information regarding our HTM fixed maturities that were in an unrealized/unrecognized loss position at June 30, 2010 by contractual maturity:

Contractual Maturities
 
Amortized
   
Fair
 
($ in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Value
 
One year or less
  $ 13,450       11,678  
Due after one year through five years
    62,607       57,088  
Due after five years through ten years
    37,719       36,470  
Due after ten years
    5,970       5,845  
Total
  $ 119,746       111,081  
 
48

 
Investments Outlook
After excessive optimism in April and May, global markets turned more pessimistic on the economy during June.  Most signs still point to a slow but positive growth trajectory for the U.S. economic expansion that began in July of 2009, but languishing housing and unemployment statistics will likely continue to restrain growth.  The Federal Reserve continues its low interest rate policy in response to these conditions.  Although the investment community expects 2010 to have moderate economic growth, the economy still faces significant challenges.  U.S. unemployment rates will likely not see a meaningful reduction and consumer spending will remain modest, which will continue to have a dampening effect on the growth potential of the Gross Domestic Product.  The flight to quality into the U.S. Treasury markets has depressed yields.  The fixed income sector performed well as investors continued to favor quality and spreads tightened in response.  Globally, equity markets declined as investors sought safer havens.
 
The outsourcing of our fixed income and equity investment management to third party managers was successfully completed, and is now fully operational.  Our overall investment strategy has not changed, only the execution model.  We are benefiting from broader specific sector knowledge, advanced risk management tools, and greater flexibility in trade execution.

Our fixed income strategy remains focused on maintaining sufficient liquidity while maximizing yield within acceptable risk tolerances.  We will invest in high quality instruments, while striving to reduce risk, including additions to high-grade corporate bonds with targeted maturities of approximately five years to lessen incremental interest rate risk.

We have lowered our exposure to equities and will be pursuing a more index-neutral position for this asset class, in the near term, providing greater sector and sponsor diversification.

Our current outlook for the alternative investment strategy is positive despite the volatility in investment income over the past two years.  Performance of the alternatives portfolio has rebounded as the merger and acquisitions environment has improved and financing has become available.  In the near term we will remain cautious and limit our exposure in the alternative investment class.

49

 
Federal Income Taxes
Federal income taxes from continuing operations increased by $5.9 million for Second Quarter 2010 and $15.0 million in Six Months 2010, to an expense of $2.8 million and $3.8 million, respectively, compared to a benefit of $3.1 million for Second Quarter 2009 and $11.1 million in Six Months 2009.  These increases, which were attributable to an increase in net investment income earned coupled with a reduction in net realized losses, resulted in an effective tax rate of approximately 12% for both Second Quarter 2010 and Six Months 2010.  The tax benefit in Second Quarter 2009 and Six Months 2009 resulted in an effective tax rate of approximately (25)% and 128%, respectively.  Our effective tax rate for continuing operations differs from the federal corporate rate of 35% primarily as a result of tax-advantaged investment income.

Financial Condition, Liquidity, 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 was $344 million at June 30, 2010, primarily comprised of $46 million at the Parent and $298 million at the Insurance Subsidiaries.

We continually evaluate our liquidity levels in light of market conditions and, given the financial market volatility over the past two years, we have continued to maintain higher than historical cash and short-term investment balances as of June 30, 2010.  In addition, during Second Quarter 2010 we intentionally increased our cash and short-term position as the Company transitioned the portfolio to its new outside managers.  Short-term investments are maintained in AAA rated money market funds approved by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) and high-quality, investment grade commercial paper.

Sources of cash for the Parent have consisted of dividends from the Insurance Subsidiaries, borrowings under its line of credit and loan agreements with our Indiana-domiciled Insurance Subsidiaries (“Indiana Subsidiaries”), and the issuance of stock and debt securities.  We continue to monitor these sources, giving consideration to our long-term liquidity and capital preservation strategies.  The Parent had no private or public issuances of stock or debt during Second Quarter 2010.  In addition, there were no borrowings under its line of credit or any additional borrowings from its Indiana Subsidiaries.

We currently anticipate the Insurance Subsidiaries paying approximately $48 million of dividends to the Parent in 2010, of which $24.0 million was paid through Second Quarter 2010, compared to our allowable ordinary maximum dividend amount of approximately $101 million.  Any dividends to the Parent continue to be subject to the approval and/or review of the insurance regulators in the respective domiciliary states under insurance holding company acts, and are generally payable only from earned surplus as reported in the statutory annual statements of those subsidiaries as of the preceding December 31.  Although past dividends have historically been met with regulatory approval, there is no assurance that future dividends that may be declared will be approved given current conditions.  For additional information regarding dividend restrictions, refer to Note 10. “Indebtedness” and Note 11. “Stockholders’ Equity” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2009 Annual Report.

Our $30 million line of credit (“Line of Credit”) is syndicated between Wachovia Bank N.A., a subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, as administrative agent, and Branch Banking and Trust Company and allows us to increase our borrowings to $50 million with the approval of both lending parties.  We continue to monitor current news regarding the banking industry, in general, and our lending partners, in particular, as, according to the syndicated line of credit agreement, the obligations of the lenders to make loans and to make payments are several and not joint.  There were no balances outstanding under this credit facility as of June 30, 2010.

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

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The table below outlines information regarding certain of the covenants in the Line of Credit:
   
Required as of
June 30, 2010
 
Actual as of
June 30, 2010
Consolidated net worth
 
$790.0 million
 
$1.0 billion
Statutory surplus
 
Not less than $750 million
 
$1.0 billion
Debt-to-capitalization ratio
 
 Not to exceed 30%
 
20.0%
A.M. Best financial strength rating
 
Minimum of A-
 
A+

The Indiana Subsidiaries are members in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”), which provides these companies with access to additional liquidity.  The Indiana Subsidiaries’ aggregate investment of $0.8 million provides them with the ability to borrow up to 20 times the total amount of the FHLBI common stock purchased, at comparatively low borrowing rates.  The Line of Credit 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.  The Indiana Department of Insurance has approved lending agreements from the Indiana Subsidiaries to the Parent.  At June 30, 2010, the outstanding borrowings of the Indiana Subsidiaries from the FHLBI were $13 million in fixed rate borrowings after pledging the required collateral.  These funds have been loaned to the Parent under the approved lending agreements.  For additional information regarding the required collateral, refer to Note 10. “Indebtedness” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2009 Annual Report.

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.  While current market conditions have limited the liquidity in our fixed maturity investments regarding sales, our laddered portfolio, in which some issues are always maturing, continues to provide a source of cash flows for claim payments in the ordinary course of business. The duration of the fixed maturity portfolio, including short-term investments, was 3.3 years as of June 30, 2010, while the liabilities of the Insurance Subsidiaries have a duration of 3.6 years.  In addition, the Insurance Subsidiaries purchase reinsurance coverage for protection against any significantly large claims or catastrophes that may occur during the year.

The liquidity generated from the sources discussed above is used, among other things, to pay dividends to our shareholders.  Dividends on shares of the Parent’s common stock are declared and paid at the discretion of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) based on our operating results, financial condition, capital requirements, and other relevant factors.  Our ability to declare dividends was restricted by covenants contained in our 8.87% Senior Notes that matured on May 4, 2010.  All such covenants were met during 2010.  For further information regarding our notes payable and the related covenants, see Note 10. “Indebtedness,” included in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2009 Annual Report.

Our ability to meet our interest and principal repayment obligations on our debt, as well as our ability to continue to pay dividends to our stockholders is dependent on liquidity at the Parent coupled with the ability of the Insurance Subsidiaries to pay dividends, if necessary, and/or the availability of other sources of liquidity to the Parent.  Our next principal repayment of $13 million is due in 2014, with the next principal repayment occurring beyond that in 2034.  Restrictions on the ability of the Insurance Subsidiaries to declare and pay dividends, without alternative liquidity options, could materially affect our ability to service our debt and pay dividends on common stock.
 
Capital Resources
Capital resources provide protection for policyholders, furnish the financial strength to support the business of underwriting insurance risks, and facilitate continued business growth.  At June 30, 2010, we had statutory surplus and GAAP stockholders’ equity of $1.0 billion.  We had total debt of $262.3 million at June 30, 2010, which equates to a debt-to-capital ratio of approximately 20.0%.

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

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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 an approximate 25% debt-to-capital ratio and a premiums-to-surplus ratio sufficient to maintain an “A+” (Superior) financial strength A.M. Best rating for the Insurance Subsidiaries.  Based on our analysis and market conditions, we may take a variety of actions, including, but not limited to, contributing capital to our subsidiaries in our Insurance Operations, issuing additional debt and/or equity securities, repurchasing shares of the Parent’s common stock, and increasing stockholders’ dividends.
 
We continue to maintain liquidity at the Insurance Subsidiary levels.  Our capital management strategy is intended to protect the interests of the policyholders of the Insurance Subsidiaries and the Parent’s stockholders, while enhancing our financial strength and underwriting capacity.

Book value per share increased to $19.65 as of June 30, 2010 from $18.83 as of December 31, 2009, primarily driven by:  (i) unrealized gains on our investment portfolio, which led to an increase in book value per share of $0.54; and (ii) net income which led to an increase in book value per share of $0.46.  Partially offsetting these increases was the impact of dividends paid to our shareholders, which resulted in decreases in book value per share of $0.27.

Ratings
We are rated by major rating agencies, which issue opinions on our financial strength, operating performance, strategic position, and ability to meet policyholder obligations.  We believe that our ability to write insurance business is most influenced by our rating from A.M. Best, which was reaffirmed in the second quarter of 2010 as “A+ (Superior),” their second highest of 15 ratings, with a “negative” outlook.  They cited our strong capitalization, solid level of operating profitability and established presence within our targeted regional markets.  We have been rated “A” or higher by A.M. Best for the past 80 years, with our current rating of “A+ (Superior)” being in place for the last 49 consecutive years.  The financial strength reflected by our A.M. Best rating is a competitive advantage in the marketplace and influences where independent insurance agents place their business.  A downgrade from A.M. Best, could:  (i) affect our ability to write new business with customers and/or agents, some of whom are required (under various third party agreements) to maintain insurance with a carrier that maintains a specified A.M. Best minimum rating; or (ii) be an event of default under our line of credit.

Our ratings by other major rating agencies are as follows:
 
·
S&P Insurance Rating Services — Our financial strength rating was revised to “A” from “A+” in the third quarter of 2009.  S&P cited our strong competitive position in Mid-Atlantic markets, well-developed predictive modeling capabilities, strong financial flexibility and consistent recognition by third-party agent satisfaction surveys as a superior regional carrier.  Mitigating the strengths and precipitating the rating change was a decline in capital adequacy and operating results, relative to historically strong levels.  S&P noted the decline in statutory surplus was largely attributed to realized and unrealized losses from the investment portfolio at the end of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009.  S&P’s outlook of “negative” reflects continued commercial lines pricing competition and reduced investment income.
 
 
·
Moody’s — Our “A2” financial strength rating was reaffirmed in the third quarter of 2008, citing our strong regional franchise with good independent agency support, along with our conservative balance sheet, moderate financial leverage, and consistent profitability.  At the same time, Moody’s revised our outlook from “positive” to “stable” reflecting an increasingly competitive commercial lines market and continued weakness in our personal lines book of business.

 
·
Fitch Ratings — Our “A+” rating was reaffirmed in the first quarter of 2009, citing our disciplined underwriting culture, conservative balance sheet, strong independent agency relationships, and improved diversification through our continued efforts to reduce our concentration in New Jersey.  Fitch revised our outlook to “negative” from “stable” citing a deterioration of recent underwriting performance on an absolute basis and relative to our rating category.  To a lesser extent, the negative outlook also reflected Fitch’s concern about further declines in our capitalization tied to investment losses.
 
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Our S&P and Moody’s financial strength ratings affect our ability to access capital markets.  In addition, our interest rate under our Line of Credit varies based on the Parent’s debt ratings from S&P and Moody’s.  There can be no assurance that our ratings will continue for any given period of time or that they will not be changed.  It is possible that positive or negative ratings actions by one or more of the rating agencies may occur in the future.  We review our financial debt agreements for any potential rating triggers that could dictate a material change in terms if our credit ratings were to change.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or for other contractually narrow or limited purposes.  As such, we are not exposed to any financing, liquidity, market, or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.

Contractual Obligations and Contingent Liabilities and Commitments
Our future cash payments associated with loss and loss expense reserves, and contractual obligations pursuant to operating leases for office space and equipment, and notes payable have not materially changed since December 31, 2009.  We expect to have the capacity to repay and/or refinance these obligations as they come due.

At June 30, 2010, we had contractual obligations that expire at various dates through 2023 that may require us to invest up to an additional $94.8 million in other investments.  There is no certainty that any such additional investment will be required. We have issued no material guarantees on behalf of others and have no trading activities involving non-exchange traded contracts accounted for at fair value.  We have no material transactions with related parties other than those disclosed in Note 18. “Related Party Transactions” included in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of our 2009 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 2009 Annual Report.
 
ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”)), as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are:  (i) effective in recording, processing, summarizing, and reporting information on a timely basis that we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act; and (ii) effective in ensuring that information that we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  No changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) occurred during Second Quarter or Six Months 2010 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the ordinary course of conducting business, we are named as defendants in various legal proceedings.  Most of these proceedings are claims litigation involving our Insurance Subsidiaries as either:  (i) liability insurers defending or providing indemnity for third-party claims brought against insureds; or (ii) insurers defending first-party coverage claims brought against them.  We account for such activity through the establishment of unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves.  We expect that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such ordinary-course claims litigation, after consideration of provisions made for potential losses and costs of defense, will not be material to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

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

There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our 2009 Annual Report except for the modification of the following risk factors:

We are heavily regulated and changes in regulation may reduce our profitability and limit our growth.
Our Insurance Operations are heavily regulated and subject to extensive laws and regulations that are subject to change.  By virtue of the McCarran-Ferguson Act, Congress has traditionally ceded insurance regulation to the various states.  We, however, are subject to federal regulators, such as the SEC, for securities issues, and the Federal Trade Commission, for privacy issues.  We also are subject to non-governmental regulators, such as the NASDAQ Stock Market and the New York Stock Exchange, where we list our securities.  Many of these regulators, to some degree, have overlap with each other on various matters.  They also have different regulations on the same legal issues that are subject to their individual interpretative discretion.  Consequently, we have the risk that one regulator’s position may conflict with another regulator’s position on the same issue.  As compliance is generally reviewed in hindsight, we also are subject to the risk that interpretations will change over time.
 
The primary public policy behind state insurance regulation is the protection of policyholders and claimants over all other constituencies, including shareholders.  By virtue of the McCarran-Ferguson Act, Congress has traditionally delegated insurance regulation to the various states.  For Insurance Subsidiaries, the primary regulators of their business and financial condition are the departments of insurance in the states in which they are organized and are licensed.  The broad regulatory, administrative, and supervisory powers of the various state departments of insurance include:
 
 
·
Related to our financial condition, review and approval of such matters as minimum capital and surplus requirements, standards of solvency, security deposits, methods of accounting, form and content of statutory financial statements, reserves for unpaid loss and loss expenses, reinsurance, payment of dividends and other distributions to shareholders, periodic financial examinations and annual and other report filings.
 
 
·
Related to our general business, review and approval of such matters as certificates of authority and other insurance company licenses, licensing and compensation of agents, premium rates (which may not be excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory), policy forms, policy terminations, reporting of statistical information regarding our premiums and losses, periodic market conduct examinations, unfair trade practices, participation in mandatory shared market mechanisms, such as assigned risk pools and reinsurance pools, participation in mandatory state guaranty funds, and mandated continuing workers compensation coverage post-termination of employment.
 
 
·
Related to our ownership of the Insurance Subsidiaries, we are required to register as an insurance holding company system and report information concerning all of our operations that may materially affect the operations, management, or financial condition of the insurers.  As an insurance holding company, the appropriate state regulatory authority may:  (i) examine us or our insurance subsidiaries at any time; (ii) require disclosure or prior approval of material transactions of any of the insurance subsidiaries with us or each other; and (iii) require prior approval or notice of certain transactions, such as payment of dividends or distributions to us.

Although the federal government traditionally has not regulated insurance, federal legislation and administrative policies do affect us, including the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 and the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007, Office of Foreign Assets Control, and various privacy laws, including the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Drivers Privacy Protection Act, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.  As a result of issuing workers compensation policies, we also are subject to Mandatory Medicare Secondary Payer Reporting under the Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007.

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In July 2010, President Obama signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act").  Among other things, the Dodd-Frank Act, created a Financial Stability and Oversight Council that may designate certain insurance companies and insurance holding companies as nonbank financial companies subject to prudential regulation by the Board of Governors of the U.S. Federal Reserve (the "Federal Reserve Board of Governors") on a variety of issues, including capital requirements, leverage limits, liquidity requirements, and examinations.  If the Federal Reserve Board of Governors deems any nonbank financial company under its supervision to pose a grave threat to the financial stability of the United States, it may limit the company's ability to enter into merger transactions, restrict its ability to offer financial products, require it to terminate one or more activities, or impose conditions on the manner in which it conducts activities.
 
The Dodd-Frank Act also established a Federal Insurance Office in the U.S. Treasury Department to monitor all aspects of the insurance industry and lines of business other than certain health insurance, certain long-term care insurance, and crop insurance.  The director of the Federal Insurance Office will have the ability to recommend that an insurance company or an insurance holding company be subject to heightened prudential standards.  The Dodd-Frank Act also provides in certain instances for the pre-emption of state laws regulating reinsurance and other limited insurance matters.  At this time, it is not possible to predict with any degree of certainty whether any other proposed legislation or regulatory changes will be adopted or what impact, if any, the Dodd-Frank Act or any other such legislation or changes could have on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We are subject to the risk that legislation will be passed significantly changing insurance regulation and adversely impacting our business, our financial condition, and our results of operations.
As a result of the financial markets crises in 2008 and 2009, the issues regarding the AIG scandal, and public concerns over health insurance, there have been a number of legislative proposals discussed and introduced in Congress that could result in the federal government becoming directly involved in the regulation of insurance:
 
 
·
Repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act.  While proposals for McCarran-Ferguson Act repeal recently have been primarily directed at health insurers, if enacted and applicable to property and casualty insurers, such repeal would significantly reduce our ability to compete and materially affect our results of operations because we rely on the anti-trust exemptions the law provides to obtain loss data from third party aggregators such as ISO to predict future losses.
 
 
·
National Catastrophe Funds.  Various legislative proposals have been introduced that would establish a federal reinsurance catastrophic fund as a federal backstop for future natural disasters.  These bills generally encourage states to create catastrophe funds by creating a federal backstop for states that create the funds.  While homeowners' insurance is primarily handled at the state level, there are important roles for the federal government to play, including the establishment of a national catastrophic fund.
 
 
·
Reform of the National Flood Insurance Program (“NFIP”).  There have been legislative proposals to reform the NFIP by:  (i) expanding coverage to include coverage for losses from wind damage; and (ii) forgiving the nearly $20 billion in debt amassed by the NFIP from the catastrophic storms of 2004 and 2005.  We believe that the expansion of coverage to include wind losses would significantly increase the cost and availability of NFIP insurance.
 
We cannot predict whether any of these or any related proposal will be adopted, or what impact, if any, such proposals, could have on our business, financial condition or results of operations if enacted.
 
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There can be no assurance that the Dodd-Frank Act or any other actions of the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and other governmental and regulatory bodies to reform the financial markets and provide future financial stability, will achieve their intended effect.
A primary objective of the Dodd-Frank Act, which was signed into law on July 21, 2010, is to reform the financial markets and provide future financial stability.  Among other things, the Dodd-Frank Act heightens supervision and regulation of financial institutions, requires strengthened capital levels, tightens oversight of credit rating agencies, requires an overhaul of the regulation of the derivatives market, and reforms and requires more transparency in governance and executive compensation.  The Dodd-Frank Act covers almost every aspect of financial regulation and analysis of its practical implications is in its early stages.  Implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act will require an extraordinary amount of rulemaking and regulators are given significant discretion.  Consequently, its final shape and practical impact are, in many respects, still to be determined.  As a result, it is presently unclear the full impact this legislation will have on our operations.

However, if, even in the short-term, the Dodd-Frank Act is not perceived by the investing public as a means to effectively reform and provide stability to the financial markets, it could result in a further deterioration of investor confidence in the U.S. economy and financial markets, which could further increase constraints on the liquidity available in the banking system and financial markets and increase pressure on the price of our fixed income and equity portfolios.  These results could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, and the trading price of the Parent’s Common Stock.  In the event of future material deterioration in business conditions, we may need to raise additional capital or consider other transactions to manage its capital position and liquidity. 

In addition, we are subject to extensive laws and regulations that are administered and enforced by a number of different governmental authorities and non-governmental self-regulatory agencies.  In light of the current economic conditions, some of these authorities have implemented, or may in the future implement, new or enhanced regulatory requirements intended to restore confidence in financial institutions and reduce the future economic events like those of the recent past.  These authorities may also seek to exercise their supervisory and enforcement authority in new or more robust ways.  Such events could affect the way we conduct our business and manage our capital, and may require us to satisfy increased capital requirements.  These developments, if they occurred could materially affect our results of operations, financial conditions, and liquidity.
 
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ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The following table provides information regarding our purchases of the Parent’s common stock in Second Quarter 2010:
               
Total Number of
   
Maximum Number
 
   
Total Number of
   
Average
   
Shares Purchased
   
of Shares that May Yet
 
   
Shares
   
Price Paid
   
as Part of Publicly
   
Be Purchased Under the
 
Period
 
Purchased1
   
per Share
   
Announced Programs
   
Announced Programs
 
April 1 – 30, 2010
    -     $ -       -       -  
May 1 – 31, 2010
    323       16.77       -       -  
June 1 – 30,  2010
    -       -       -       -  
Total
    323       16.77       -       -  

1
During Second Quarter 2010, 323 shares were purchased from employees in connection with the vesting of restricted stock units.  These repurchases were made in connection with satisfying tax withholding obligations with respect to those employees and were purchased at the closing price on the dates of purchase.  These shares were not purchased as part of any publicly announced program.

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ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS

(a)
Exhibits:
 
Exhibit No.
*   3.1
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Selective Insurance Group, Inc., dated May 3, 2010.
*   10.1
 
Amended and Restated Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan for Independent Insurance Agencies (2010)
*   11
 
Statement Re: Computation of Per Share Earnings.
*   31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).
*   31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).
*   32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*   32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
** 101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.
** 101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
** 101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
** 101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
** 101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
** 101.DEF
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
 

*
Filed herewith
**
Furnished and not filed herewith
 
SIGNATURES

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

SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
Registrant

By:  /s/ Gregory E. Murphy
 
July 29, 2010
Gregory E. Murphy
   
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
   
     
By:  /s/ Dale A. Thatcher
 
July 29, 2010
Dale A. Thatcher
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
(principal accounting officer and principal financial officer)
   
 
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