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UNITED FIRE GROUP INC - Quarter Report: 2020 March (Form 10-Q)


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

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 001-34257
ufglogo2017color600a32.gif
________________________
 UNITED FIRE GROUP INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Iowa
 
45-2302834
(State of incorporation)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
118 Second Avenue SE
Cedar Rapids
Iowa
52401
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (319399-5700
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act of 1934:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.001 par value
UFCS
The NASDAQ Global Select Market
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
 
 
 
 
 
 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
No

As of May 4, 2020, 25,016,093 shares of common stock were outstanding.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



United Fire Group, Inc.
Index to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
March 31, 2020
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This report may contain forward-looking statements about our operations, anticipated performance and other similar matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), for forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expected and/or projected. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about United Fire Group, Inc. ("UFG," the "Registrant," the "Company," "we," "us," or "our"), the industry in which we operate, and beliefs and assumptions made by management. Words such as "expect(s)," "anticipate(s)," "intend(s)," "plan(s)," "believe(s)," "continue(s)," "seek(s)," "estimate(s)," "goal(s)," "remain(s) optimistic," "target(s)," "forecast(s)," "project(s)," "predict(s)," "should," "could," "may," "will," "might," "hope," "can" and other words and terms of similar meaning or expression in connection with a discussion of future operations, financial performance or financial condition, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. See Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for more information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.
Risks and uncertainties that may affect the actual financial condition and results of the Company include, but are not limited to, the following:
The frequency and severity of claims, including those related to catastrophe losses and the impact those claims have on our loss reserve adequacy; the occurrence of catastrophic events, including international events, significant severe weather conditions, climate change, acts of terrorism, acts of war and pandemics, including the ongoing impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic;
The adequacy of our reserves for property and casualty insurance losses and loss settlement expenses;
Geographic concentration risk in our property and casualty insurance business;
The potential disruption of our operations and reputation due to unauthorized data access, cyber-attacks or cyber-terrorism and other security breaches;
Developments in general economic conditions, domestic and global financial markets, interest rates and other-than-temporary impairment losses that could affect the performance of our investment portfolio;
Litigation or regulatory actions that could require us to pay significant damages, fines or penalties or change the way we do business;
Our ability to effectively underwrite and adequately price insured risks;
Changes in industry trends, an increase in competition and significant industry developments;
Lowering of one or more of the financial strength ratings of our operating subsidiaries or our issuer credit ratings and the adverse impact such action may have on our premium writings, policy retention, profitability and liquidity;
Governmental actions, policies and regulations, including, but not limited to, domestic health care reform, financial services regulatory reform, corporate governance, new laws or regulations or court decisions interpreting existing laws and regulations or policy provisions; changes in laws, regulations and stock exchange requirements relating to corporate governance and the cost of compliance;
Our relationship with and the financial strength of our reinsurers; and
Competitive, legal, regulatory or tax changes that affect the distribution cost or demand for our products through our independent agent/agency distribution network.
These are representative of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from what is expressed in forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report or as of the date they are made. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we do not have


1


any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.


2


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
United Fire Group, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)
March 31,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
 
(unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
Investments
 
 
 
Fixed maturities
 
 
 
Available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $1,633,875 in 2020 and $1,659,760 in 2019; allowance for credit losses $59 in 2020 and $0 in 2019)
$
1,699,359

 
$
1,719,607

Trading securities, at fair value (amortized cost $10,502 in 2020 and $11,941 in 2019)
11,208

 
15,256

Equity securities at fair value (cost $66,992 in 2020 and $67,529 in 2019)
206,951

 
299,203

Mortgage loans
45,192

 
42,520

Less: allowance for mortgage loan losses
77

 
72

Mortgage loans, net
45,115

 
42,448

Other long-term investments
66,917

 
78,410

Short-term investments
175

 
175

 
2,029,725

 
2,155,099

Cash and cash equivalents
120,724

 
120,722

Accrued investment income
15,193

 
15,182

Premiums receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,170 in 2020 and $1,239 in 2019)
363,202

 
357,632

Deferred policy acquisition costs
94,335

 
94,292

Property and equipment (primarily land and buildings, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $51,122 in 2020 and $50,183 in 2019)
122,646

 
116,989

Reinsurance receivables and recoverables (net of allowance for credit losses of $46 in 2020 and $0 in 2019)
98,395

 
72,369

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
11,689

 
9,550

Income taxes receivable
34,340

 
19,190

Goodwill and intangible assets
22,365

 
22,542

Other assets
37,032

 
29,905

TOTAL ASSETS
$
2,949,646

 
$
3,013,472

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Losses and loss settlement expenses
$
1,438,405

 
$
1,421,754

Unearned premiums
520,960

 
505,162

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
152,469

 
155,498

Deferred tax liability
4,668

 
20,586

TOTAL LIABILITIES
$
2,116,502

 
$
2,103,000

Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 75,000,000 shares; 25,016,093 and 25,015,963 shares issued and outstanding in 2020 and 2019, respectively
$
25

 
$
25

Additional paid-in capital
198,317

 
200,179

Retained earnings
616,303

 
697,116

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
18,499

 
13,152

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
833,144

 
$
910,472

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
2,949,646

 
$
3,013,472

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


3


United Fire Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)
2020
 
2019
Revenues
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
$
268,849

 
$
262,314

Investment income, net of investment expenses
2,363

 
16,512

Net realized investment gains (losses) (includes reclassifications for net unrealized investment gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities of ($121) in 2020 and $90 in 2019; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)
(93,407
)
 
26,713

Total revenues
$
177,805

 
$
305,539

Benefits, Losses and Expenses
 
 
 
Losses and loss settlement expenses
$
186,503

 
$
164,240

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
54,452

 
52,219

Other underwriting expenses (includes reclassifications for employee benefit costs of $1,072 in 2020 and $1,124 in 2019; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)
41,849

 
34,403

Total benefits, losses and expenses
$
282,804

 
$
250,862

Income (loss) before income taxes
$
(104,999
)
 
$
54,677

Federal income tax expense (benefit) (includes reclassifications of $250 in 2020 and $217 in 2019; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)
(32,465
)
 
10,156

Net Income (loss)
$
(72,534
)
 
$
44,521

 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
Change in net unrealized appreciation on investments
$
7,168

 
$
33,354

Change in net unrealized appreciation on investments for which an allowance for a credit loss has been recorded
(1,593
)
 

Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans

 

Other comprehensive income, before tax and reclassification adjustments
$
5,575

 
$
33,354

Income tax effect
(1,171
)
 
(7,005
)
Other comprehensive income, after tax, before reclassification adjustments
$
4,404

 
$
26,349

Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment (gains) losses included in income
$
121

 
$
(90
)
Reclassification adjustment for employee benefit costs included in expense
1,072

 
1,124

Total reclassification adjustments, before tax
$
1,193

 
$
1,034

Income tax effect
(250
)
 
(217
)
Total reclassification adjustments, after tax
$
943

 
$
817

Comprehensive income (loss)
$
(67,187
)
 
$
71,687

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
25,014,027

 
25,604,268

Earnings (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
(2.90
)
 
$
1.77

Diluted
(2.90
)
 
1.74

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


4


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

 
Common Stock
 
 
 
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)
Shares outstanding
Common stock
Additional paid-in capital
Retaining Earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, January 1, 2020
25,015,963

$
25

$
200,179

$
697,116

$
13,152

$
910,472

Net income (loss)



(72,534
)

(72,534
)
Shares repurchased
(70,467
)

(2,741
)


(2,741
)
Stock based compensation
70,597


879



879

Dividends on common stock ($0.33 per share)



(8,249
)

(8,249
)
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation(1)




4,500

4,500

Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans(2)




847

847

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle



(30
)

(30
)
Balance, March 31, 2020
25,016,093

$
25

$
198,317

$
616,303

$
18,499

$
833,144


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

 
Common Stock
 
 
 
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)
Shares outstanding
Common stock
Additional paid-in capital
Retaining Earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, January 1, 2019
25,097,408

$
25

$
203,350

$
715,472

$
(30,472
)
$
888,375

Net income



44,521


44,521

Stock based compensation
70,414


3,438



3,438

Dividends on common stock ($0.31 per share)



(7,797
)

(7,797
)
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation(1)




26,279

26,279

Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans(2)




888

888

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle



(513
)

(513
)
Balance, March 31, 2019
25,167,822

$
25

$
206,788

$
751,683

$
(3,305
)
$
955,191

(1)
The change in net unrealized appreciation is net of reclassification adjustments and income taxes.
(2)
The change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans is net of reclassification adjustments and income taxes.
The Notes to unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.



5


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

Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands)
2020
 
2019
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(72,534
)
 
$
44,521

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
 
 
 
Net accretion of bond premium
3,008

 
2,763

Depreciation and amortization
1,636

 
1,166

Stock-based compensation expense
1,634

 
2,688

Net realized investment (gains) losses
93,407

 
(26,713
)
Net cash flows from equity and trading investments
2,156

 
1,235

Deferred income tax benefit
(21,803
)
 
4,863

Changes in:
 
 
 
Accrued investment income
(11
)
 
(709
)
Premiums receivable
(5,570
)
 
(18,361
)
Deferred policy acquisition costs
(43
)
 
(3,095
)
Reinsurance receivables
(26,026
)
 
4,720

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
(2,139
)
 
(443
)
Income taxes receivable
(15,150
)
 
10,647

Other assets
(7,126
)
 
(21,034
)
Losses and loss settlement expenses
16,651

 
(8,987
)
Unearned premiums
15,798

 
17,795

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
(1,958
)
 
1,275

Deferred income taxes
4,463

 

Other, net
11,120

 
(1,628
)
Cash from operating activities
70,047

 
(33,818
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
(2,487
)
 
$
10,703

Cash Flows From Investing Activities
 
 
 
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investments
$
11,910

 
$
36,490

Proceeds from call and maturity of available-for-sale investments
68,976

 
38,740

Proceeds from short-term and other investments
1,889

 
1,027

Purchase of available-for-sale investments
(57,182
)
 
(25,007
)
Purchase of mortgage loans
(2,746
)
 
(8,496
)
Purchase of short-term and other investments
(1,469
)
 
(3,311
)
Net purchases and sales of property and equipment
$
(7,144
)
 
(12,017
)
Net cash provided by investing activities
14,234

 
27,426

Cash Flows From Financing Activities
 
 
 
Payment of cash dividends
$
(8,249
)
 
$
(7,797
)
Repurchase of common stock
(2,741
)
 

Issuance of common stock
(755
)
 
750

Net cash used in financing activities
$
(11,745
)
 
(7,047
)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
2

 
$
31,082

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
120,722

 
64,454

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$
120,724

 
$
95,536

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


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UNITED FIRE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share amounts or as otherwise noted)

NOTE 1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Nature of Business
United Fire Group, Inc. ("UFG," the "Registrant," the "Company," "we," "us," or "our") and its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates are engaged in the business of writing property and casualty insurance through a network of independent agencies. Our insurance company subsidiaries are licensed as property and casualty insurers in 46 states and the District of Columbia.
Basis of Presentation
The unaudited consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial reporting and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC. Certain financial information that is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, including certain financial statement footnote disclosures, is not required by the rules and regulations of the SEC for interim financial reporting and has been condensed or omitted.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The financial statement categories that are most dependent on management estimates and assumptions include: investments; deferred policy acquisition costs; reinsurance receivables and recoverables; loss settlement expenses; and pension and post-retirement benefit obligations.
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Management of UFG believes the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results reported for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the year. The unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Segment Information
On September 19, 2017, the Company announced that it had agreed to sell its subsidiary, United Life Insurance Company ("United Life"), to Kuvare US Holdings, Inc. ("Kuvare"). The sale closed on March 30, 2018. Prior to the announcement to sell United Life, we had two reportable business segments in our operations: property and casualty insurance and life insurance. The property and casualty insurance business has six domestic locations from which it conducts its direct business. The life insurance segment operated from our home office in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Because all of our insurance is sold domestically, we have no revenues from foreign operations.

After the announcement of the United Life transaction, our continuing operations, the property and casualty insurance business, was reported as one reportable segment. The property and casualty insurance business profit or loss is consistent with consolidated reporting as disclosed on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. We analyze the property and casualty insurance business results based on profitability (i.e., loss ratios), expenses and return on equity. The Company's property and casualty insurance business was determined using a management approach to make decisions on operating matters, including allocating resources, assessing performance, determining which products to market and sell, determining distribution networks with insurance


7


agents and monitoring the regulatory environment. The property and casualty insurance business products have similar economic characteristics and use a similar marketing and distribution strategy with our independent agents. The property and casualty insurance business geographic concentration did not change after the announcement of the sale of the life insurance business. We will continue to evaluate our continuing operations on the basis of both statutory accounting principles prescribed or permitted by our states of domicile and GAAP.
Discontinued Operations
On September 18, 2017, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell its subsidiary, United Life, to Kuvare for $280,000 in cash, less a $21 adjustment as set forth in the definitive agreement, for a net amount of $279,979. The sale closed on March 30, 2018 (the "closing date") and we reported an after-tax gain on the sale of discontinued operations of $27,307. The life insurance business (previously reported as a separate segment) was considered held for sale and reported as discontinued operations and its financial position, results of operations and cash flows were reported separately for all periods presented, as applicable, unless otherwise noted.
UFG has agreed to provide services to Kuvare through a transition services agreement ("TSA"). The TSA included, among other considerations, accounting management, human resources, legal and information technology services, from the closing date for up to 24 months. The TSA terminated on March 30, 2020. Since the closing date, the Company received $930 as part of the TSA.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, money market accounts, and non-negotiable certificates of deposit with original maturities of three months or less.
For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, we made payments for income taxes totaling $20 and $19, respectively. We did not receive a tax refund during the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 and we received a tax refund of $5,401 during the three-month period ended March 31, 2019.
For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, we made no interest payments (excluding interest credited to policyholders’ accounts).
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs ("DAC")

Certain costs associated with underwriting new business (primarily commissions, premium taxes and variable underwriting and policy issue expenses associated with successful acquisition efforts) are deferred. The following table is a summary of the components of DAC, including the related amortization recognized for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020.
 
 
 
Total
Recorded asset at beginning of period
$
94,292

Underwriting costs deferred
54,495

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
(54,452
)
Recorded asset at March 31, 2020
$
94,335



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




8


Income Taxes
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act") was enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act, among other things, permits net operating loss ("NOL") carryovers and carrybacks to offset 100 percent of taxable income for taxable years beginning before 2021. In addition, the CARES Act allows NOLs incurred in 2018, 2019, and 2020 to be carried back to each of the five preceding taxable years to generate a refund of previously paid income taxes. The Company has considered the implications of the CARES Act on its tax provision and has included an income tax benefit of $9.5 million as the result of this Act.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are established based on differences between the financial statement bases of assets and liabilities and the tax bases of those same assets and liabilities, using the currently enacted statutory tax rates. Deferred income tax expense is measured by the year-to-year change in the net deferred tax asset or liability, except for certain changes in deferred tax amounts that affect stockholders' equity and do not impact federal income tax expense.
We reported consolidated federal income tax benefit of $32,465 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 compared to income tax expense from of $10,156 during the same period of 2019. Our effective tax rate is different than the federal statutory rate of 21 percent, due principally to the impact of the provisions of the CARES Act.
The Company performs a quarterly review of its tax positions and makes a determination of whether it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination. If, based on review, it appears not more likely than not that the positions will be sustained, the Company will calculate any unrecognized tax benefits and, if necessary, calculate and accrue any related interest and penalties. We did not recognize any liability for unrecognized tax benefits at March 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019. In addition, we have not accrued for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. However, if interest and penalties would need to be accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits, such amounts would be recognized as a component of federal income tax expense.
We file a consolidated federal income tax return. We also file income tax returns in various state jurisdictions. We are no longer subject to federal or state income tax examination for years before 2015. The Internal Revenue Service is conducting an examination of our federal income tax return for the 2017 tax year.

Leases

The Company determines if a contract contains a lease at inception of the contract. The Company's inventory of leases consists of operating leases which are recorded as a lease obligation liability disclosed in the "Accrued expenses and other liabilities" line on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and as a lease right-of-use asset disclosed in the "Other assets" line on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company's operating leases consist of office space, vehicles, computer equipment and office equipment. The lease right-of-use asset represents the Company's right to use each underlying asset for the lease term and the lease obligation liability represents the Company's obligation over the lease term. The Company's lease obligation is recorded at the present value of the lease payments based on the term of the applied lease. Short-term leases of 12 months or less are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and lease payments are recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. For more information on leases refer to Note 10 "Leases."
Variable Interest Entities
The Company and certain related parties are equity investors in one investment in which the Company determined is a variable interest entity ("VIE") as a result of participation in the risks and rewards of the VIE based on the objectives and strategies of the VIE. The VIE is a limited liability company that primarily invests in commercial real estate. The Company and certain related parties are not the primary beneficiary largely due to their inability to influence management or direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance. Based on these facts and circumstances, the Company has a variable interest in the VIE, but has not consolidated the VIE's financial results as it is not the primary beneficiary. The Company's investment is reported in other long-term


9


investments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The fair value of the VIE at March 31, 2020 was $6.9 million and there are no future funding commitments.
Credit Losses
The Company recognizes credit losses for our available-for-sale fixed-maturity portfolio, reinsurance receivables, mortgage loans and premium receivables by setting up allowances which are remeasured each reporting period and recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
For our available-for-sale fixed-maturity portfolio an allowance for credit losses is recorded net of available-for-sale fixed maturities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and a corresponding credit loss recognized as a realized loss or gain in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The Company determines if an allowance for credit losses is recorded based on a number of factors including the current economic conditions, management's expectations of future economic conditions and performance indicators, such as market value vs. amortized cost, investment spreads widening or contracting, rating actions, payment and default history.
The Company does not recognize an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivable for available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities, which is recorded in "Accrued investment income" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and "Investment income, net of investment expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The Company considers collections of accrued investment income within six months to be timely and therefore not requiring a write-off. If a write-off is required for accrued investment income outstanding greater than six months, the Company writes off accrued interest by reversing net investment income. For more information on credit losses and the allowance for credit losses for available-for-sale fixed-maturity portfolio, see Note 2 "Summary of Investments."
An allowance for mortgage loan losses is established based on historical loss information of the collective pool of the Company's commercial mortgage loan investments which have similar risk characteristics. To calculate the allowance for mortgage loan losses, the Company starts with historical loan experience to predict the future expected losses and then layers on a market-linked adjustment. An example of a market linked adjustment is the change in commercial market price appreciation or change in gross domestic product, with every point of fall leading to an increase in the allowance. Local market economics are also considered. On a quarterly basis, quantitative credit risk metrics, including for example, cash-flows, rent rolls and financial statements are reviewed for each loan to determine if it is performing in line with its expectations. This allowance is presented as a separate line in the Consolidated Balance Sheets beneath the asset value as well as presented net and recorded through "Net realized investment gains (losses)" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. For more information on credit losses and the allowance for credit losses for our investment in mortgage loans see Note 3 "Fair Value of Financial Instruments."
For reinsurance receivables, the Company's model estimates expected credit loss by multiplying the exposure at default by both the probability of default and loss given default ("LGD"). The LGD is estimated by the rating of the Company, historical relationship with UFG, existence of letters of credit and known regulation the company may be held accountable for. The ultimate LGD percentage is estimated after considering Moody’s experience with unsecured year 1 bond recovery rates from 1983-2017. The allowance calculated as of March 31, 2020 is recorded through the line "Reinsurance receivables and recoverables" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and through the line "Other underwriting expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Other Comprehensive Income. As of March 31, 2020, the Company had a credit loss allowance for reinsurance receivables of $46.


10


Rollforward of credit loss allowance for reinsurance receivable:
 
 
As of
 
 
March 31, 2020
Beginning balance, January 1, 2020
 
$
38

Current-period provision for expected credit losses
 
8

Write-off charged against the allowance, if any
 

Recoveries of amounts previously written off, if any
 

Ending balance of the allowance for reinsurance receivable, March 31, 2020
 
$
46



With respect to premiums receivable, the Company utilizes an aging method to estimate credit losses. An allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a periodic evaluation of the aging and collectability of amounts due from agents and policyholders. "Premiums receivable" are presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts and recorded through "Other underwriting expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.

Subsequent Events

In the preparation of the accompanying financial statements, the Company has evaluated all material subsequent events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date through the date on which the financial statements were issued for potential recognition or disclosure in the Company's financial statements. Subsequent to December 31, 2019, the spread of the COVID-19 virus caused significant financial market volatility, economic uncertainty and interruptions to normal business activities. As of the date of issuance of these financial statements, we expect the effect of COVID-19 on claims currently under our coverages to be manageable, based on the information presently available. However, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve and we cannot predict the extent to which our business, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, capital position, the value of investments we hold in our investment portfolio, premiums and the demand for our products and our ability to collect premiums or requirement to return premiums to our policyholders, will ultimately be impacted. Additionally, if established written contract policy exclusions of business interruption coverage for losses attributable to this COVID-19 pandemic are voided or changed through legislation, regulations or interpretations by the courts, such changes have the potential to materially increase claims, losses and legal expenses which will impact our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. See further discussion in Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Accounting Standards Adopted in 2020

Intangibles - Other Internal Use Software

In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance to align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The guidance requires the Company to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as an asset related to the service contract and which costs to expense. The new guidance was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted the new guidance as of January 1, 2020. The adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
Financial Instruments - Credit Losses
In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the measurement of credit losses for most financial instruments. The new guidance replaces the current incurred loss model for recognizing credit losses with an expected loss model


11


for instruments measured at amortized cost and requires allowances to be recorded for available-for-sale debt securities rather than reduce the carrying amount. These allowances are remeasured each reporting period. The new guidance was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those years. The new guidance impacted the Company's impairment model related to our available-for-sale fixed-maturity portfolio, reinsurance receivables and mortgage loans. The Company has performed a run of the credit loss models as of January 1, 2020. These models resulted in an immaterial expected credit loss at January 1, 2020. Prior to the adoption of the new guidance, the Company utilized an aging method to estimate credit losses on premiums receivable. This aging method is permitted under the new guidance. The Company adopted the new guidance prospectively as of January 1, 2020 with an immaterial estimated cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings. This cumulative effect adjustment is an allowance related to the Company's reinsurance receivables. The adoption of the new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
Goodwill
In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance which simplifies the test for goodwill impairment. The new guidance eliminates the implied fair value calculation when measuring a goodwill impairment charge. Under the new guidance, impairment charges are based on the excess of the carrying value over fair value of goodwill. The new guidance was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted the new guidance as of January 1, 2020. The adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
Financial Instruments - Disclosures
In August 2018, the FASB issued new guidance which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements of financial instruments. The new guidance removes the requirement for disclosing the amount and reason for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 investment securities and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. The guidance also requires additional disclosures on the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted the new guidance as of January 1, 2020. The adoption modified existing fair value disclosures, but did not have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
Pending Adoption of Accounting Standards
Defined Benefit Plans - Disclosures
In August 2018, the FASB issued new guidance which modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension and postretirement plans. The new guidance removes the requirement for disclosing the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs in the next year and the sensitivity of postretirement health plans to one-percentage-point changes in medical trend rates. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company will adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 2021. Management currently believes the new guidance will modify existing disclosures, but will not have an impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.


12


NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS
Fair Value of Investments
A reconciliation of the amortized cost (cost for equity securities) to fair value of investments in available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities, presented on a consolidated basis, as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, is provided below:
March 31, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Type of Investment
Cost or Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Appreciation
 
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
 
Fair Value
 
Allowance for Credit Losses
 
Carrying Value
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury
$
49,068

 
$
1,026

 
$

 
$
50,094

 
$

 
$
50,094

U.S. government agency
75,504

 
4,184

 

 
79,688

 

 
79,688

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midwest
85,521

 
2,925

 

 
88,446

 

 
88,446

Northeast
30,067

 
1,071

 

 
31,138

 

 
31,138

South
111,497

 
3,579

 

 
115,076

 

 
115,076

West
105,363

 
4,712

 

 
110,075

 

 
110,075

Special revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midwest
130,758

 
6,740

 

 
137,498

 

 
137,498

Northeast
58,540

 
2,892

 

 
61,432

 

 
61,432

South
223,360

 
10,617

 
48

 
233,929

 

 
233,929

West
137,256

 
6,051

 

 
143,307

 

 
143,307

Foreign bonds
4,935

 
179

 
2

 
5,112

 

 
5,112

Public utilities
74,192

 
2,072

 
424

 
75,840

 

 
75,840

Corporate bonds

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
Energy
27,124

 
236

 
1,360

 
26,000

 
16

 
25,984

Industrials
56,173

 
1,640

 
380

 
57,433

 

 
57,433

Consumer goods and services
47,109

 
1,925

 
263

 
48,771

 

 
48,771

Health care
9,006

 
368

 

 
9,374

 

 
9,374

Technology, media and telecommunications
34,185

 
1,618

 
272

 
35,531

 
11

 
35,520

Financial services
100,666

 
2,678

 
794

 
102,550

 
32

 
102,518

Mortgage-backed securities
5,929

 
205

 
4

 
6,130

 

 
6,130

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government national mortgage association
76,808

 
5,334

 
30

 
82,112

 

 
82,112

Federal home loan mortgage corporation
114,099

 
4,494

 
7

 
118,586

 

 
118,586

Federal national mortgage association
76,401

 
4,000

 
26

 
80,375

 

 
80,375

Asset-backed securities
314

 
607

 

 
921

 

 
921

Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
$
1,633,875

 
$
69,153

 
$
3,610

 
$
1,699,418

 
$
59

 
$
1,699,359





13


December 31, 2019
 
Type of Investment
Cost or Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Appreciation
 
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
 
Fair Value
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE

 

 

 

Fixed maturities:

 

 

 

Bonds

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury
$
69,300

 
$
203

 
$
12

 
$
69,491

U.S. government agency
97,962

 
2,344

 
104

 
100,202

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midwest
85,607

 
2,987

 

 
88,594

Northeast
30,120

 
1,150

 

 
31,270

South
111,688

 
3,515

 

 
115,203

West
105,569

 
4,748

 

 
110,317

Special revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midwest
133,717

 
6,175

 

 
139,892

Northeast
58,665

 
2,878

 

 
61,543

South
224,214

 
10,452

 

 
234,666

West
138,557

 
6,287

 

 
144,844

Foreign bonds
4,936

 
181

 

 
5,117

Public utilities
60,950

 
2,701

 

 
63,651

Corporate bonds

 


 

 

Energy
28,695

 
1,429

 

 
30,124

Industrials
52,249

 
1,766

 

 
54,015

Consumer goods and services
47,131

 
2,335

 

 
49,466

Health care
8,998

 
482

 

 
9,480

Technology, media and telecommunications
25,931

 
1,739

 

 
27,670

Financial services
96,613

 
3,870

 
230

 
100,253

Mortgage-backed securities
6,250

 
127

 
21

 
6,356

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government national mortgage association
78,400

 
2,053

 
97

 
80,356

Federal home loan mortgage corporation
123,572

 
1,150

 
220

 
124,502

Federal national mortgage association
70,322

 
1,631

 
108

 
71,845

Asset-backed securities
314

 
436

 

 
750

Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
$
1,659,760

 
$
60,639

 
$
792

 
$
1,719,607


Maturities
The amortized cost and fair value of held-to-maturity, available-for-sale and trading fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2020, by contractual maturity, are shown in the following tables. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations may be subject to prepayment risk and are therefore not categorized by contractual maturity.


14


Maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-For-Sale
 
Trading
March 31, 2020
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
Due in one year or less
 
$
67,835

 
$
68,253

 
$
2,211

 
$
3,156

Due after one year through five years
 
276,483

 
282,037

 
7,190

 
6,694

Due after five years through 10 years
 
465,814

 
484,021

 

 

Due after 10 years
 
550,192

 
576,983

 
1,101

 
1,358

Asset-backed securities
 
314

 
921

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities
 
5,929

 
6,130

 

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
267,308

 
281,073

 

 

Allowance for credit losses
 

 
(59
)
 

 

 
 
$
1,633,875

 
$
1,699,359

 
$
10,502

 
$
11,208


Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses
Net realized gains on disposition of investments are computed using the specific identification method and are included in the computation of net income. A summary of the components of net realized investment gains (losses) is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Net realized investment gains (losses):
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
Available-for-sale
$
(30
)
 
$
150

Allowance for credit losses
(59
)
 

Trading securities
 
 
 
Change in fair value
(2,608
)
 
1,746

Sales
151

 

Equity securities
 
 
 
Change in fair value
(90,647
)
 
24,634

Sales
(181
)
 
198

Mortgage loans allowance for credit losses
(5
)
 
(15
)
Cash equivalents

 

Real estate
(28
)
 

Total net realized investment gains (losses)
$
(93,407
)
 
$
26,713



The proceeds and gross realized gains on the sale of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Proceeds from sales
$
11,910

 
$
36,490

Gross realized gains
172

 
30

Gross realized losses
382

 
13


Our investment portfolio includes trading securities with embedded derivatives. These securities are primarily convertible securities which are recorded at fair value. Income or loss, including the change in the fair value of these trading securities, is recognized currently in earnings as a component of net realized investment gains. Our portfolio of trading securities had a fair value of $11,208 and $15,256 at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.


15


Funding Commitment

Pursuant to an agreement with one of our limited liability partnership investments, we are contractually committed through July 31, 2028 to make capital contributions upon request of the partnership. Our remaining potential contractual obligation was $12,583 at March 31, 2020.

In addition, the Company invested $25,000 in December 2019 in a limited liability partnership investment fund which is subject to a 3-year lockup with a 60 day minimum notice, with 4 possible repurchase dates per year, after the 3-year lockup period is met. There are no remaining contractual obligations with this investment.
Unrealized Appreciation
A summary of the changes in net unrealized investment appreciation during the reporting period is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation
 
 
 
Available-for-sale fixed maturities
$
5,696


$
33,264

Income tax effect
(1,196
)

(6,985
)
Total change in net unrealized investment appreciation, net of tax
$
4,500

 
$
26,279


Credit Risk
An allowance for credit losses is recorded based on a number of factors including the current economic conditions, management's expectations of future economic conditions and performance indicators, such as market value vs. amortized cost, investment spreads widening or contracting, rating actions, payment and default history. The following table contains a rollforward of the allowance for credit losses for available-for-sale fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2020:
Rollforward of allowance for credit losses for available-for-sale fixed maturity securities:
 
 
As of
 
 
March 31, 2020
Beginning balance, January 1, 2020
 
$

Additions to the allowance for credit losses for which credit losses were not previously recorded
 
59

Reductions for securities sold during the period (realized)
 

Writeoffs charged against the allowance
 

Recoveries of amounts previously written off
 

Ending balance, March 31, 2020
 
$
59











16


The following tables summarize our fixed maturity securities that were in an unrealized loss position reported on a consolidated basis at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The securities are presented by the length of time they have been continuously in an unrealized loss position. Non-credit related unrealized losses are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income and represent other market movements that are not credit related, for example interest rate changes. We have no intent to sell, and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell, these securities until the fair value recovers to at least equal our cost basis or the securities mature.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2020
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
Type of Investment
Number
of Issues
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Depreciation
 
Number
of Issues
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Special revenue - south
2

 
$
5,386

 
$
48

 

 

 

 
$
5,386

 
$
48

Foreign bonds
1

 
597

 
2

 

 

 

 
597

 
2

Public utilities
8

 
20,882

 
424

 

 

 

 
20,882

 
424

Corporate bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


Energy
6

 
12,042

 
980

 

 

 

 
12,042

 
980

Industrials
5

 
13,052

 
380

 

 

 

 
13,052

 
380

Consumer goods and services
7

 
11,765

 
263

 

 

 

 
11,765

 
263

Technology, media and telecommunications
3

 
6,919

 
166

 

 

 

 
6,919

 
166

Financial services
8

 
20,728

 
216

 

 

 

 
20,728

 
216

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 
8

 
279

 
4

 
279

 
4

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government national mortgage association
1

 
1,525

 
28

 
2

 
542

 
2

 
2,067

 
30

Federal home loan mortgage corporation
2

 
2,237

 
6

 
1

 
116

 
1

 
2,353

 
7

Federal national mortgage association
1

 
2,337

 
26

 

 

 

 
2,337

 
26

Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
44

 
$
97,470

 
$
2,539

 
11

 
$
937

 
$
7

 
$
98,407

 
$
2,546



The unrealized losses on our investments in available-for-sale fixed maturities were the result of interest rate movements. We have no intent to sell, and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell, these securities until the fair value recovers to at least equal our cost basis or the securities mature.



17


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2019
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
Type of Investment
Number
of Issues
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
 
Number
of Issues
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury

 
$

 
$

 
2

 
$
4,733

 
$
12

 
$
4,733

 
$
12

U.S. government agency
3

 
13,846

 
104

 

 

 

 
13,846

 
104

Corporate bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial services
3

 
10,906

 
142

 
1

 
4,913

 
88

 
15,819

 
230

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 
13

 
1,585

 
21

 
1,585

 
21

Government national mortgage association
2

 
8,444

 
38

 
5

 
3,053

 
59

 
11,497

 
97

Federal home loan mortgage corporation
12

 
50,829

 
183

 
3

 
4,844

 
37

 
55,673

 
220

Federal national mortgage association
4

 
23,515

 
90

 
3

 
1,102

 
18

 
24,617

 
108

Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
24

 
$
107,540

 
$
557

 
27

 
$
20,230

 
$
235

 
$
127,770

 
$
792





18


NOTE 3. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Current accounting guidance on fair value measurements includes the application of a fair value hierarchy that requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Our financial instruments that are recorded at fair value are categorized into a three-level hierarchy, which is based upon the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (i.e., Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (i.e., Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the financial instrument.
Financial instruments recorded at fair value are categorized in the fair value hierarchy as follows:
Level 1: Valuations are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments that we have the ability to access.
Level 2: Valuations are based on quoted prices for similar financial instruments, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, in markets that are not active or on inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for the full term of the financial instrument.
Level 3: Valuations are based on pricing or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement of the financial instrument. Such inputs may reflect management's own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the financial instrument.
We review our fair value hierarchy categorizations on a quarterly basis at which time the classification of certain financial instruments may change if the input observations have changed. Transfers between levels, if any, are recorded as of the beginning of the reporting period.
To determine the fair value of the majority of our investments, we utilize prices obtained from independent, nationally recognized pricing services. We obtain one price for each security. When the pricing services cannot provide a determination of fair value for a specific security, we obtain non-binding price quotes from broker-dealers with whom we have had several years' experience and who have demonstrated knowledge of the subject security. We request and utilize one broker quote per security.
In order to determine the proper classification in the fair value hierarchy for each security where the price is obtained from an independent pricing service, we obtain and evaluate the vendors' pricing procedures and inputs used to price the security, which include unadjusted quoted market prices for identical securities, such as a New York Stock Exchange closing price, and quoted prices for identical securities in markets that are not active. For fixed maturity securities, an evaluation of interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, volatility, prepayment speeds, credit risks and default rates may also be performed. We have determined that these processes and inputs result in fair values and classifications consistent with the applicable accounting guidance on fair value measurements.
When possible, we use quoted market prices to determine the fair value of fixed maturities, equity securities, trading securities and short-term investments. When quoted market prices do not exist, we base estimates of fair value on market information obtained from independent pricing services and brokers or on valuation techniques that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement of the financial instrument. Such inputs may reflect management's own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the financial instrument. Our valuation techniques are discussed in more detail throughout this section.
The mortgage loan portfolio consists entirely of commercial mortgage loans. The fair value of our mortgage loans is determined by modeling performed by our third party fund manager based on the stated principal and coupon payments provided for in the loan agreements. These cash flows are then discounted using an appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate to determine the security's fair value.


19


Our other long-term investments consist primarily of our interests in limited liability partnerships that are recorded on the equity method of accounting. The fair value of the partnerships is obtained from the fund managers, which is based on the fair value of the underlying investments held in the partnerships. In management's opinion, these values represent a reasonable estimate of fair value. We have not adjusted the net asset value provided by the fund managers.
For cash and cash equivalents and accrued investment income, carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments.

The Company formed a rabbi trust in 2014 to fund obligations under the United Fire & Casualty Company Supplemental Executive Retirement and Deferral Plan (the "Executive Retirement Plan"). Within the rabbi trust, corporate-owned life insurance ("COLI") policies are utilized as an investment vehicle and source of funding for the Company's Executive Retirement Plan. The COLI policies invest in mutual funds, which are priced daily by independent sources. As of March 31, 2020, the cash surrender value of the COLI policies was $6,167, which is equal to the fair value measured using Level 2 inputs, based on the underlying assets of the COLI policies, and is included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

A summary of the carrying value and estimated fair value of our financial instruments at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is as follows:
 
March 31, 2020
 
December 31, 2019
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities
$
1,699,418

 
$
1,699,359

 
$
1,719,607

 
$
1,719,607

Trading securities
11,208

 
11,208

 
15,256

 
15,256

Equity securities
206,951

 
206,951

 
299,203


299,203

Mortgage loans
45,821

 
45,115

 
43,992

 
42,448

Other long-term investments
66,917

 
66,917

 
78,410

 
78,410

Short-term investments
175

 
175

 
175

 
175

Cash and cash equivalents
120,724

 
120,724

 
120,722

 
120,722

Corporate-owned life insurance
6,167

 
6,167

 
6,777

 
6,777
























20


The following tables present the categorization for our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The table includes financial instruments at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
March 31, 2020
 
 
Fair Value Measurements
Description
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury
$
50,094

 
$

 
$
50,094

 
$

U.S. government agency
79,688

 

 
79,688

 

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midwest
88,446

 

 
88,446

 

Northeast
31,138

 

 
31,138

 

South
115,076

 

 
115,076

 

West
110,075

 

 
110,075

 

Special revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midwest
137,498

 

 
137,498

 

Northeast
61,432

 

 
61,432

 

South
233,929

 

 
233,929

 

West
143,307

 

 
143,307

 

Foreign bonds
5,112

 

 
5,112

 

Public utilities
75,840

 

 
75,840

 

Corporate bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy
26,000

 

 
26,000

 

Industrials
57,433

 

 
57,433

 

Consumer goods and services
48,771

 

 
48,771

 

Health care
9,374

 

 
9,374

 

Technology, media and telecommunications
35,531

 

 
35,531

 

Financial services
102,550

 

 
102,300

 
250

Mortgage-backed securities
6,130

 

 
6,130

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government national mortgage association
82,112

 

 
82,112

 


Federal home loan mortgage corporation
118,586

 

 
118,586

 


Federal national mortgage association
80,375

 

 
80,375

 


Asset-backed securities
921

 

 

 
921

Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
$
1,699,418

 
$

 
$
1,698,247

 
$
1,171

TRADING
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industrials
$
463

 
$

 
$
463

 
$

Consumer goods and services
1,374

 

 
1,374

 

Health care
3,945

 

 
3,945

 

Financial services
2,193

 

 
2,193

 

Redeemable preferred stocks
3,233

 
3,233

 

 



21


Total Trading Securities
$
11,208

 
$
3,233

 
$
7,975

 
$

EQUITY SECURITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stocks
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public utilities
$
14,779

 
$
14,779

 
$

 
$

Energy
8,837

 
8,837

 

 

Industrials
34,453

 
34,453

 

 

Consumer goods and services
25,188

 
25,188

 

 

Health care
24,001

 
24,001

 

 

Technology, media and telecommunications
15,778

 
15,778

 

 

Financial services
78,010

 
78,010

 

 

Nonredeemable preferred stocks
5,905

 
5,310

 

 
595

Total Equity Securities
$
206,951

 
$
206,356

 
$

 
$
595

Short-Term Investments
$
175

 
$
175

 
$

 
$

Money Market Accounts
$
31,168

 
$
31,168

 
$

 
$

Corporate-Owned Life Insurance
$
6,167

 
$

 
$
6,167

 
$

Total Assets Measured at Fair Value
$
1,955,087

 
$
240,932

 
$
1,712,389

 
$
1,766





22


December 31, 2019
 
 
Fair Value Measurements
Description
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury
$
69,491

 
$

 
$
69,491

 
$

U.S. government agency
100,202

 

 
100,202

 

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midwest
88,594

 

 
88,594

 

Northeast
31,270

 

 
31,270

 

South
115,203

 

 
115,203

 

West
110,317

 

 
110,317

 

Special revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midwest
139,892

 

 
139,892

 

Northeast
61,543

 

 
61,543

 

South
234,666

 

 
234,666

 

West
144,844

 

 
144,844

 

Foreign bonds
5,117

 

 
5,117

 

Public utilities
63,651

 

 
63,651

 

Corporate bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy
30,124

 

 
30,124

 

Industrials
54,015

 

 
54,015

 

Consumer goods and services
49,466

 

 
49,466

 

Health care
9,480

 

 
9,480

 

Technology, media and telecommunications
27,670

 

 
27,670

 

Financial services
100,253

 

 
100,003

 
250

Mortgage-backed securities
6,356

 

 
6,356

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government national mortgage association
80,356

 

 
80,356

 

Federal home loan mortgage corporation
124,502

 

 
124,502

 

Federal national mortgage association
71,845

 

 
71,845

 

Asset-backed securities
750

 

 

 
750

Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
$
1,719,607

 
$

 
$
1,718,607

 
$
1,000

TRADING
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer goods and services
2,276

 

 
2,276

 

Health care
4,701

 

 
4,701

 

Technology, media and telecommunications
1,732

 

 
1,732

 

Financial services
2,460

 

 
2,460

 

Redeemable preferred stocks
4,087

 
4,087

 

 




23


Total Trading Securities
$
15,256

 
$
4,087

 
$
11,169

 

EQUITY SECURITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stocks
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public utilities
$
16,295

 
$
16,295

 
$

 
$

Energy
14,639

 
14,639

 

 

Industrials
57,330

 
57,330

 

 

Consumer goods and services
29,935

 
29,935

 

 

Health care
27,285

 
27,285

 

 

Technology, media and telecommunications
19,265

 
19,265

 

 

Financial services
127,780

 
127,780

 

 

Nonredeemable preferred stocks
6,674

 
6,079

 

 
595

Total Equity Securities
$
299,203

 
$
298,608

 
$

 
$
595

Short-Term Investments
$
175

 
$
175

 
$

 
$

Money Market Accounts
$
9,334

 
$
9,334

 
$

 
$

Corporate-Owned Life Insurance
$
6,777

 
$

 
$
6,777

 
$

Total Assets Measured at Fair Value
$
2,050,352

 
$
312,204

 
$
1,736,553

 
$
1,595


The fair value of securities that are categorized as Level 1 is based on quoted market prices that are readily and regularly available.

We use a market-based approach for valuing all of our Level 2 securities and submit them primarily to a third-party valuation service provider. Any of these securities not valued by this service provider are submitted to another third-party valuation service provider. Both service providers use a market approach to find pricing of similar financial instruments. The market inputs our service providers normally seek to value our securities include the following, listed in approximate order of priority: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data including market research publications. The method and inputs for these securities classified as Level 2 are the same regardless of industry category, credit quality, duration, geographical concentration or economic characteristics. For our mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities, our service providers use additional market inputs to value these securities, including the following: new issue data, periodic payment information, monthly payment information, collateral performance and real estate analysis from third parties. Our service providers prioritize inputs based on market conditions, and not all inputs listed are available for use in the valuation process for each security on any given day.
At least annually, we review the methodologies and assumptions used by our valuation service providers and verify that they are reasonable and representative of the fair value of the underlying securities held in the investment portfolio. We validate the prices obtained from independent pricing services and brokers prior to their use for reporting purposes by evaluating their reasonableness on a monthly basis. In addition, on a quarterly basis, we also test all securities in the portfolio and independently corroborate the valuations obtained from our third-party valuation service providers. Quarterly, we also perform deep dive analysis of the pricing method used by our third-party valuation service provider by selecting a random sample of securities by asset class and reviewing methodologies. In our opinion, the pricing obtained at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was reasonable.
For the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, the change in our available-for-sale securities categorized as Level 1 and Level 2 is the result of investment purchases that were made using funds held in our money market accounts, disposals and the change in unrealized gains on both fixed maturities and equity securities.
Securities categorized as Level 3 include holdings in certain private placement fixed maturity and equity securities for which an active market does not currently exist. The fair value of our Level 3 private placement securities is determined by management relying on pricing received from our independent pricing services and brokers


24


consistent with the process to estimate fair value for Level 2 securities. However, securities are categorized as Level 3 if these quotes cannot be corroborated by other market observable data due to the unobservable nature of the brokers’ valuation processes. The following table provides a quantitative information about our Level 3 securities at March 31, 2020:
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
 
 
Fair Value at
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Unobservable inputs
 
Range of weighted average significant unobservable inputs
 
 
March 31, 2020
 
 
 
Corporate bonds - financial services
 
$
250

 
Fair value equals cost
 
NA
 
NA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Maturities asset-backed securities
 
921

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Probability of default
 
4% - 6%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonredeemable preferred stocks
 
595

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Multiplier
 
3x - 4x

During the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, there were no securities transferred in or out of Level 3.

The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of our Level 3 securities for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020:
 
Corporate bonds
 
Asset-backed securities
 
Equities
 
Total
Balance at January 1, 2020
$
250

 
$
750

 
$
595

 
$
1,595

Net unrealized gains(1)

 
171

 

 
171

Purchases

 

 

 

Disposals

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2020
$
250

 
$
921

 
$
595

 
$
1,766

(1) Net unrealized gains are recorded as a component of comprehensive income.

Commercial Mortgage Loans
The following tables present the carrying value of our commercial mortgage loans and additional information at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
Commercial Mortgage Loans
 
March 31, 2020
 
December 31, 2019
Loan-to-value
Carrying Value
 
Carrying Value
Less than 65%
$
36,696

 
$
34,024

65%-75%
8,496

 
8,496

Total amortized cost
$
45,192

 
$
42,520

Allowance for mortgage loan losses
(77
)
 
(72
)
Mortgage loans, net
$
45,115

 
$
42,448




25


Mortgage Loans by Region
 
March 31, 2020
 
December 31, 2019
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
East North Central
$
3,245

 
7.2
%
 
$
3,245

 
7.6
%
Southern Atlantic
7,026

 
15.5

 
7,026

 
16.5

East South Central
8,318

 
18.4

 
8,358

 
19.7

New England
6,588

 
14.6

 
6,588

 
15.5

Middle Atlantic
15,042

 
33.3

 
15,076

 
35.5

Mountain
2,227

 
4.9

 
2,227

 
5.2

West North Central
2,746

 
6.1
%
 

 

Total mortgage loans at amortized cost
$
45,192

 
100.0
%
 
$
42,520

 
100.0
%
Mortgage Loans by Property Type
 
March 31, 2020
 
December 31, 2019
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multifamily
$
14,487

 
32.1
%
 
$
11,741

 
27.6
%
Office
11,808

 
26.1

 
11,848

 
27.9

Industrial
10,124

 
22.4

 
10,124

 
23.8

Retail
2,227

 
4.9

 
2,227

 
5.2

Mixed use/Other
6,546

 
14.5

 
6,580

 
15.5

Total mortgage loans at amortized cost
$
45,192

 
100.0
%
 
$
42,520

 
100.0
%

Amortized Cost Basis by Year of Origination and Credit Quality Indicator
 
2020
 
2019
 
2018
 
Total
Commercial mortgage loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk Rating:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-2 internal grade
$
2,746

 
$
8,427

 
$
18,935

 
$
30,108

3-4 internal grade

 
8,496

 
6,588

 
15,084

5 internal grade

 

 

 

6 internal grade

 

 

 

7 internal grade

 

 

 

Total commercial mortgage loans
$
2,746

 
$
16,923

 
$
25,523

 
$
45,192

Current-period write-offs

 

 

 

Current-period recoveries

 

 

 

Current-period net write-offs
$

 
$

 
$

 
$


Commercial mortgage loans carrying value excludes accrued interest of $162. As of March 31, 2020, all loan receivables were current, with no delinquencies. The commercial mortgage loans originate with an initial loan-to-value ratio to provide sufficient collateral to absorb losses should a loan be required to foreclose. Mortgage loans are evaluated on a quarterly basis for impairment on an individual basis through a monitoring process and review of key credit indicators, such as economic trends, delinquency rates, property valuations, occupancy and rental rates and loan-to-value ratios. A loan is considered impaired when the Company believes it will not collect the contractual principal and interest set forth in the contractual terms of the loan. An internal grade is assigned to each mortgage loan, with a grade of 1 being the highest and least likely for an impairment and the lowest rating of 7 being the most likely for an impairment. An allowance for mortgage loan losses is established on each loan recognizing a loss for


26


amounts which we believe will not be collected according to the contractual terms of the respective loan agreement. As of March 31, 2020, the Company had an allowance for mortgage loan losses of $77, summarized in the following rollforward:
Rollforward of allowance for mortgage loan losses:
 
 
As of
 
 
March 31, 2020
Beginning balance, January 1, 2020
 
$
72

Current-period provision for expected credit losses
 
5

Write-off charged against the allowance, if any
 

Recoveries of amounts previously written off, if any
 

Ending balance of the allowance for mortgage loan losses, March 31, 2020
 
$
77



NOTE 4. RESERVES FOR LOSSES AND LOSS SETTLEMENT EXPENSES
Property insurance indemnifies an insured with an interest in physical property for loss of, or damage to, such property or the loss of its income-producing abilities. Casualty insurance primarily covers liability for damage to property of, or injury to, a person or entity other than the insured. In most cases, casualty insurance also obligates the insurance company to provide a defense for the insured in litigation, arising out of events covered by the policy.

Liabilities for losses and loss settlement expenses reflect management's best estimates at a given point in time of what we expect to pay for claims that have been reported and those that have been incurred but not reported ("IBNR"), based on known facts, circumstances, and historical trends. Because property and casualty insurance reserves are estimates of the unpaid portions of incurred losses that have been reported to us, as well as losses that have been incurred but not reported, the establishment of appropriate reserves, including reserves for catastrophes, is an inherently uncertain and complex process. The ultimate cost of losses and related loss settlement expenses may vary materially from recorded amounts. We regularly update our reserve estimates as new information becomes available and as events unfold that may affect the resolution of unsettled claims. Changes in prior year reserve estimates, which may be material, are reported as a component of losses and loss settlement expenses incurred in the period such changes are determined.

The determination of reserves (particularly those relating to liability lines of insurance that have relatively longer lag in claim reporting) requires significant work to reasonably project expected future claim reporting and payment patterns. If, during the course of our regular monitoring of reserves, we determine that coverages previously written are incurring higher than expected losses, we will take action that may include, among other things, increasing the related reserves. Any adjustments we make to reserves are reflected in operating results in the year in which we make those adjustments. We engage an independent actuary, Regnier Consulting Group, Inc., to render an opinion as to the reasonableness of our statutory reserves annually. The actuarial opinion is filed in those states where we are licensed.

On a quarterly basis, UFG's internal actuary performs a detailed actuarial review of IBNR reserves. This review includes a comparison of results from the most recent analysis of reserves completed by both our internal and external actuaries. Senior management meets with our internal actuary to review, on a regular and quarterly basis, the adequacy of carried reserves based on results from this actuarial analysis. There are two fundamental types or sources of IBNR reserves. We record IBNR reserves for "normal" types of claims and also specific IBNR reserves related to unique circumstances or events. A major hurricane is an example of an event that might necessitate establishing specific IBNR reserves because an analysis of existing historical data would not provide an appropriate estimate.

We do not discount loss reserves based on the time value of money. 



27


The following table provides an analysis of changes in our property and casualty losses and loss settlement expense reserves at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (net of reinsurance amounts):
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2020
 
December 31, 2019
Gross liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at beginning of year
$
1,421,754

 
$
1,312,483

Ceded losses and loss settlement expenses
(68,536
)
 
(57,094
)
Net liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at beginning of year
$
1,353,218

 
$
1,255,389

Losses and loss settlement expenses incurred
for claims occurring during
 
 
 
   Current year
$
200,250

 
$
835,507

   Prior years
(13,747
)
 
(5,335
)
Total incurred
$
186,503

 
$
830,172

Losses and loss settlement expense payments
for claims occurring during
 
 
 
   Current year
$
50,191

 
$
333,975

   Prior years
144,860

 
398,368

Total paid
$
195,051

 
$
732,343

Net liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at end of year
$
1,344,670

 
$
1,353,218

Ceded loss and loss settlement expenses
93,735

 
68,536

Gross liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at end of period
$
1,438,405

 
$
1,421,754



There are a multitude of factors that can impact loss reserve development. Those factors include, but are not limited to: historical data, the potential impact of various loss reserve development factors and trends including historical loss experience, legislative enactments, judicial decisions, legal developments in imposition of damages, experience with alternative dispute resolution, results of our medical bill review process, the potential impact of salvage and subrogation and changes and trends in general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. All of these factors influence our estimates of required reserves and for long tail lines these factors can change over the course of the settlement of the claim. However, there is no precise method for evaluating the specific monetary impact of any individual factor on the development of reserves.
Generally, we base reserves for each claim on the estimated ultimate exposure for that claim. We believe that it is appropriate and reasonable to establish a best estimate for reserves within a range of reasonable estimates, especially when we are reserving for claims for bodily injury, disabilities and similar claims, for which settlements and verdicts can vary widely. Our reserving philosophy may result in favorable reserve development in future years that will decrease losses and loss settlement expenses for prior year claims in the year of adjustment. We realize that this philosophy, coupled with what we believe to be aggressive and successful claims management and loss settlement practices, has resulted in year-to-year redundancies in reserves. We believe our approach produces recorded reserves that are reasonably consistent as to their relative position within a range of reasonable reserves from year-to-year. However, conditions and trends that have affected the reserve development for a given year do change. Therefore, such development cannot be used to project future reserve redundancies or deficiencies.
We are not aware of any significant contingent liabilities related to environmental issues. Because of the type of property coverage we write, we have potential exposure to environmental pollution, mold and asbestos claims. Our underwriters are aware of these exposures and use riders or endorsements to limit exposure.

Reserve Development

The significant drivers of the favorable reserve development in the three-month period ended March 31, 2020
were workers' compensation and commercial fire and allied lines of business offset by unfavorable development in other liability line of business. The lines of business which experienced favorable development benefited from favorable prior accident year decreases in both loss and loss adjustment expense ("LAE"). Commercial other liability experienced unfavorable development primarily due to paid loss, which was greater than reductions in


28


reserves for unpaid loss. Favorable loss adjustment expense development partially offset the unfavorable loss experience.

The significant drivers of the favorable reserve development in the three-month period ended March 31,
2019 were our workers' compensation line partially offset by unfavorable development primarily for commercial liability and commercial automobile lines. Workers' compensation favorable development was primarily from reserve reductions for both reported claims and loss IBNR which were more than sufficient to offset paid loss with additional favorable development coming from LAE, where the reduction in LAE reserves was more than sufficient to offset paid LAE. The other lines with relatively small contributions to development, either favorable or unfavorable, generally experienced favorable development for LAE. Commercial liability unfavorable development was primarily from paid loss, which exceeded reserve reductions for both reported claims and loss IBNR. Additional unfavorable development came from LAE where paid LAE exceeded reductions of LAE reserves. Commercial liability and commercial automobile lines continue to be adversely affected by reserve strengthening for both reported claims and loss IBNR in response to an increase in severity of claims. Commercial liability continues to receive umbrella claims which flow in from commercial automobile.





29


NOTE 5. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The components of the net periodic benefit cost for our pension and postretirement benefit plans are as follows:
 
Pension Plan
 
Postretirement Benefit Plan
Three Months Ended March 31,
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
2,707

 
$
1,997

 
$
432

 
$
456

Interest cost
2,066

 
2,080

 
253

 
319

Expected return on plan assets
(3,385
)
 
(2,696
)
 

 

Amortization of prior service credit

 

 
(2,021
)
 
(2,021
)
Amortization of net loss
979

 
901

 
94

 
223

Net periodic benefit cost
$
2,367

 
$
2,282

 
$
(1,242
)
 
$
(1,023
)

A portion of the service cost component of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs is capitalized and amortized as part of deferred acquisition costs and is included in the line "Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The portion not related to the compensation and the other components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs is included in the income statement line titled "other underwriting expenses."

Employer Contributions

We previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 that we expected to contribute $10,000 to the pension plan in 2020. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, we contributed $2,500 to the pension plan.

NOTE 6. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Non-Qualified Employee Stock Award Plan
The United Fire Group, Inc. 2008 Stock Plan (the "2008 Stock Plan") authorized the issuance of restricted and unrestricted stock awards, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, incentive stock options, and non-qualified stock options for up to 1,900,000 shares of UFG common stock to employees. In May 2014, the Registrant's shareholders approved an additional 1,500,000 shares of UFG common stock issuable at any time and from time to time pursuant to the 2008 Stock Plan, among other amendments, and renamed such plan as the United Fire Group, Inc. Stock Plan (as amended, the "Stock Plan"). At March 31, 2020, there were 697,650 authorized shares remaining available for future issuance. The Stock Plan is administered by the Board of Directors, which determines those employees who will receive awards, when awards will be granted, and the terms and conditions of the awards. The Board of Directors may also take any action it deems necessary and appropriate for the administration of the Stock Plan. Pursuant to the Stock Plan, the Board of Directors may, at its sole discretion, grant awards to our employees.
Options granted pursuant to the Stock Plan are granted to buy shares of UFG's common stock at the market value of the stock on the date of grant. Options granted prior to March 2017 vest and are exercisable in installments of 20.0 percent of the number of shares covered by the option award each year from the grant date, unless the Board of Directors authorizes the acceleration of vesting. Options granted after March 2017 vest and are exercisable in installments of 33.3 percent of the number of shares covered by the option award each year from the grant date, unless the Board of Directors authorizes the acceleration of vesting. To the extent not exercised, vested option awards accumulate and are exercisable by the awardee, in whole or in part, in any subsequent year included in the option period, but not later than 10 years from the grant date. Restricted and unrestricted stock awards granted pursuant to the Stock Plan are granted at the market value of UFG's common stock on the date of the grant.


30


Restricted stock units fully vest after 3 years or 5 years from the date of grant, unless accelerated upon the approval of the Board of Directors, at which time UFG common stock will be issued to the awardee.
The activity in the Stock Plan is displayed in the following table:
Authorized Shares Available for Future Award Grants
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
 
From Inception to March 31, 2020
Beginning balance
834,910

 
1,900,000

Additional shares authorized

 
1,500,000

Number of awards granted
(164,332
)
 
(3,280,753
)
Number of awards forfeited or expired
27,072

 
578,403

Ending balance
697,650

 
697,650

Number of option awards exercised
5,700

 
1,448,889

Number of unrestricted stock awards granted

 
10,090

Number of restricted stock awards vested
59,040

 
159,818



Non-Qualified Non-Employee Director Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan
The United Fire Group, Inc. 2005 Non-Qualified Non-Employee Director Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the "Director Plan") authorizes the issuance of restricted stock awards and non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of UFG's common stock to non-employee directors. At March 31, 2020, we had 34,863 authorized shares available for future issuance.
The Board of Directors has the authority to determine which non-employee directors receive awards, when options and restricted stock shall be granted, the option price, the option expiration date, the date of grant, the vesting schedule of options or whether the options shall be immediately vested, the terms and conditions of options and restricted stock (other than those terms and conditions set forth in the plan) and the number of shares of common stock to be issued pursuant to an option agreement or restricted stock agreement (subject to limits set forth in the plan). The Board of Directors may also take any action it deems necessary and appropriate for the administration of the Director Plan.
The activity in the Director Plan is displayed in the following table:
Authorized Shares Available for Future Award Grants
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
 
From Inception to March 31, 2020
Beginning balance
34,863

 
300,000

Number of awards granted

 
(289,140
)
Number of awards forfeited or expired

 
24,003

Ending balance
34,863

 
34,863

Number of option awards exercised
5,857

 
124,949

Number of restricted stock awards vested
1,300

 
85,491



Stock-Based Compensation Expense

For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $1,634 and $2,688, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the stock options.

As of March 31, 2020, we had $6,749 in stock-based compensation expense that has yet to be recognized through our results of operations. We expect this compensation to be recognized over the remainder of 2020 and subsequent years according to the table below, except with respect to awards that are accelerated by the Board of Directors, in which case we will recognize any remaining compensation expense in the period in which the awards are accelerated.


31


2020
 
$
2,878

2021
 
2,419

2022
 
1,158

2023
 
212

2024
 
82

Total
 
$
6,749



NOTE 7. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share gives effect to all dilutive common shares outstanding during the reporting period. The dilutive shares we consider in our diluted earnings per share calculation relate to our outstanding stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards.
We determine the dilutive effect of our outstanding stock options using the "treasury stock" method. Under this method, we assume the exercise of all of the outstanding stock options whose exercise price is less than the weighted-average market value of our common stock during the reporting period. This method also assumes that the proceeds from the hypothetical stock option exercises are used to repurchase shares of our common stock at the weighted-average market value of the stock during the reporting period. The net of the assumed stock options exercised and assumed common shares repurchased represents the number of dilutive common shares, which we add to the denominator of the earnings per share calculation.
The components of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)
2020
 
2019
 
Basic
 
Diluted
 
Basic
 
Diluted
Net income (loss)
$
(72,534
)
 
$
(72,534
)
 
$
44,521

 
$
44,521

Weighted-average common shares outstanding
25,014,027

 
25,014,027

 
25,130,961

 
25,130,961

Add dilutive effect of restricted stock unit awards

 

 

 
260,829

Add dilutive effect of stock options

 

 

 
212,478

Weighted-average common shares outstanding
25,014,027

 
25,014,027

 
25,130,961

 
25,604,268

Earnings (loss) per common share
$
(2.90
)
 
$
(2.90
)
 
$
1.77

 
$
1.74

Awards excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation(1)

 
379,282

 

 
63,897

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

NOTE 8. CREDIT FACILITY

On March 31, 2020, United Fire & Casualty Company (the "Borrower"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a credit agreement (the "New Credit Agreement") with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo"), as administrative agent (the "Administrative Agent"), issuing lender, swing line lender and lender, and the other lenders from time to time party thereto (collectively with Wells Fargo, the "Lenders"), providing for a $50,000 revolving credit facility, which includes a $20,000 letter of credit sub-facility and a $5,000 swing line loan for working capital and other general corporate purposes. The New Credit Agreement is provided by the Lenders on an unsecured basis, and the Borrower has the option to increase the New Credit Agreement by $100,000 if agreed to by the Lenders providing such incremental facility.

The New Credit Agreement includes customary events of default, including default in payments of principals, default in payment of other indebtedness, change of control and voluntary and involuntary insolvency proceedings, the occurrence of which would allow the Lenders to accelerate payment of all amounts outstanding thereunder and terminate any further commitments to lend.


32


The entry into the New Credit Agreement was completed as part of the Company’s regular course of financial planning and was not initiated as a result of market conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to February 2, 2020, the Company had a credit agreement (the "Previous Credit Agreement") which it entered into on February 2, 2016. The Company, as borrower, entered into the Previous Credit Agreement with the lenders from time to time party thereto and KeyBank National Association ("Key Bank"), as administrative agent, swingline lender and letter of credit issuer. The Previous Credit Agreement provided for a $50,000 four-year unsecured revolving credit facility that included a $20,000 letter of credit subfacility and a swingline subfacility in the amount up to $5,000. The Previous Credit Agreement allowed the Company to increase the aggregate amount of the commitments thereunder by up to $100,000, provided that no event of default had occurred and was continuing and certain other conditions were satisfied. The Previous Credit Agreement was available for the Company's general corporate purposes, including liquidity, acquisitions and working capital. All unpaid principal and accrued interest under the Previous Credit Agreement was due and payable in full at maturity on February 2, 2020. Based on the type of loan, advances under the Previous Credit Agreement bore interest on either the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or a base rate plus, in each case, a calculated margin amount.
There was no outstanding balance on either the New Credit Agreement or the Previous Credit Agreement at March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, we did not incur any interest expense related to either credit facility. We were in compliance with all covenants of the New Credit Agreement at March 31, 2020.

NOTE 9. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following table shows the changes in the components of our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020:
 
 
 
Liability for
 
 
 
Net unrealized
 
underfunded
 
 
 
appreciation
 
employee
 
 
 
on investments
 
benefit costs(1)
 
Total
Balance as of January 1, 2020
47,279

 
(34,127
)
 
$
13,152

Change in accumulated other comprehensive income before reclassifications
4,404

 

 
4,404

Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
96

 
847

 
943

Balance as of March 31, 2020
$
51,779

 
$
(33,280
)
 
$
18,499

(1) The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make various estimates and assumptions that affect the reporting of net periodic benefit cost, plan assets and plan obligations for each plan at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. One significant estimate relates to the calculation of the benefit obligation for each plan. We annually establish the discount rate, which is an estimate of the interest rate at which these benefits could be effectively settled, that is used to determine the present value of the respective plan's benefit obligations as of December 31.

NOTE 10. LEASES

The Company has operating leases consisting of office space, vehicle leases, computer equipment, and office equipment. Lease terms and options vary in the Company's operating leases dependent upon the underlying leased asset. We exclude options to extend or terminate a lease from our recognition as part of our right-of-use assets and lease liabilities until those options are known and/or executed, as we typically do not exercise options to purchase the underlying leased asset. As of March 31, 2020, we have leases with remaining terms of 1 year to 7 years, some of which may include no options for renewal and others with options to extend the lease terms from 6 months to 5 years.




33


The components of our operating leases were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
Components of lease expense:
 
 
 
 
Operating lease expense
 
$
2,029

 
$
1,908

   Less sublease income
 
122

 
126

Net lease expense
 
1,907

 
1,782

Cash flows information related to leases:
 
 
 
 
Operating cash outflow from operating leases
 
1,639

 
1,800





34


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

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

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are representative of significant judgments and uncertainties and that potentially may result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We base our discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations on the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements, which we have prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). As we prepare these Consolidated Financial Statements, we must make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Our critical accounting policies are more fully described in our Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations presented in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies from December 31, 2019.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this Management's Discussion and Analysis is to provide an understanding of our results of operations and consolidated financial condition. Our Management's Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes, including those in Part II, Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared on the basis of GAAP. We also prepare financial statements for each of our insurance company subsidiaries based on statutory accounting principles and file them with insurance regulatory authorities in the states where they do business.

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

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Founded in 1946 as United Fire & Casualty Company, United Fire Group, Inc. ("UFG," the "Registrant," the "Company," "we," "us," or "our") and its consolidated insurance subsidiaries provide insurance protection for individuals and businesses through several regional offices. Our property and casualty insurance company subsidiaries are licensed in 46 states plus the District of Columbia and are represented by approximately 1,000 independent agencies.
Our primary sources of revenue are premiums and investment income. Major categories of expenses from our continuing operations include losses and loss settlement expenses, underwriting and other operating expenses.
Reportable Segments

Subsequent to the announcement of the sale of the life insurance business on September 19, 2017, we have operated and report as one business segment. For more information, refer to Part I, Item 1, Note 1. "Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation."





35


Pooling Arrangement

All of our property and casualty insurance subsidiaries are members of an intercompany reinsurance pooling arrangement. The Company's pooling arrangement permits the participating companies to rely on the capacity of the entire pool's capital and surplus, rather than being limited to policy exposures of a size commensurate with each participant’s own surplus level.

Geographic Concentration

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, approximately 49.4 percent of our property and casualty premiums were written in Texas, California, Iowa, Missouri and Louisiana.
Profit Factors
Our profitability is influenced by many factors, including price, competition, economic conditions, investment returns, interest rates, catastrophic events and other natural disasters, man-made disasters, state regulations, court decisions, and changes in the law. To manage these risks and uncertainties, we seek to achieve consistent profitability through strong agency relationships, exceptional customer service, fair and prompt claims handling, disciplined underwriting, superior loss control services, prudent management of our investments, appropriate matching of assets and liabilities, effective use of ceded reinsurance and effective and efficient use of technology.

COVID-19

Subsequent to December 31, 2019, the spread of the COVID-19 virus caused significant financial market volatility, economic uncertainty and interruptions to normal business activities. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on day to day life, financial markets and the economy in the United States in the last few weeks of first quarter 2020. The Company has, in response to the challenges presented by COVID-19, activated its pre-existing business continuity plans to respond to a pandemic. With the exception of our essential services employees, UFG has dispatched its staff to work remotely for the safety, health and well-being of our employees and as some of the states in which we have operations have issued "shelter in place" or similar directives. We believe we are fully operational, but have limited travel for non-essential employees and certain routine work completed by our field claims and loss control representatives, such as premium audits and inspections, has been delayed or is being completed remotely to comply with social distancing recommendations. We are and will continue monitoring the state and federal responses to the pandemic and, when appropriate, will adjust our operations in response. 

The implementation of our business continuity plans did not have a material effect on our internal control environment. We believe our operational processes, internal controls over financial reporting and disclosures, and financial reporting systems are operating effectively in the present environment. Our business teams are working remotely and continue to support our customers, agents and claimants as they did when we were in the office.
Nearly all of the policies we have issued contain contract language that specifically excludes business interruption coverage for losses due to viruses such as the COVID-19 pandemic, but we continue to carefully scrutinize each claim and will be affording coverage when appropriate. At this time, we expect the effect of COVID-19 on claims currently under our coverages to be manageable, based on the information presently available. However, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve and we cannot predict the extent to which our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity will ultimately be impacted. Additionally, if established written contract policy exclusions of business interruption coverage for losses attributable to this COVID-19 pandemic are voided or changed through legislation, regulations or interpretations by the courts, such changes have the potential to materially increase claims, losses and legal expenses which will impact our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

We anticipate that the larger impact on our financial condition and results of operations will likely result from developments in the economy as a whole and the effect on financial markets and the investments we hold in our investment portfolio, premiums and demand for our products, and our ability to collect premiums or any


36


requirement to return premiums to policyholders. We believe our current capital and liquidity position are adequate and we have the ability to access our credit facility if needed, but we have not yet had the need to do so. See Note 8 "Credit Facility" for more information.

We evaluate goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment at least on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of goodwill and other intangible assets may exceed its implied fair value. Goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level. Any impairment is charged to operations in the period that the impairment is identified. As a result of COVID-19 and its impact on equity markets and the economy, we performed a qualitative impairment assessment of our goodwill and intangible assets at March 31, 2020. As a result of this assessment, we did not recognize an impairment charge for goodwill and intangible assets at March 31, 2020.

As of March 31, 2020, we intend to keep all assets currently leased and honor the terms of the contract. Also, we have four lease contracts where we are the lessor which we evaluated for impairment. As of March 31, 2020 all payments on these contracts had been received and we fully expect to receive all future payments on time. In the event that we receive any lease-related relief provided to mitigate the economic effects of COVID-19, we elect not to evaluate whether or not the relief represents a lease modification.
The decline in equity markets in the first three months of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic did have a material impact on the fair value of our investments in equity securities and limited liability partnerships. The Company's investment philosophy, objectives, approach and program have not changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The realized loss reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income related to the change in the fair value of equity securities was $90.6 million and the decline in value of our investments in limited liability partnerships of $10.1 million was reported in the line "Net investment income" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three-months ended March 31, 2020. The Company has a highly rated fixed maturity portfolio, with low credit risk. The Company recognized an unrealized gain of $4.5 million, net of tax, at March 31, 2020 on its available-for-sale fixed maturity portfolio. In addition, we also adopted new accounting guidance on January 1, 2020 which changes the measurement of credit losses for our investment in available-for-sale fixed maturities and our mortgage loans and also impacts our reinsurance receivables. The adoption of this new guidance resulted in an immaterial allowance for credit losses to be recorded for each of these assets on our balance sheet as of March 31, 2020. For more information on credit losses recognized in the three-months ended March 31, 2020, please refer to the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q.





















37


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands, Except Ratios)
2020
 
2019
 
%
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
$
268,849

 
$
262,314

 
2.5
 %
Investment income, net of investment expenses
2,363

 
16,512

 
(85.7
)
Net realized investment gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
 

Change in the value of equity securities
(90,647
)
 
24,634

 
NM

All other net realized gains (losses)
(2,760
)
 
2,079

 
(232.8
)
Net realized investment gains (losses)
(93,407
)
 
26,713

 
NM

Total revenues
$
177,805

 
$
305,539

 
(41.8
)%
 

 
 
 
 
Benefits, Losses and Expenses

 
 
 
 
Losses and loss settlement expenses
$
186,503

 
$
164,240

 
13.6
 %
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
54,452

 
52,219

 
4.3

Other underwriting expenses
41,849

 
34,403

 
21.6

Total benefits, losses and expenses
$
282,804

 
$
250,862

 
12.7
 %
 


 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
$(104,999)
 
$
54,677

 
NM

Federal income tax expense (benefit)
(32,465
)
 
10,156

 
NM

Net income (loss)
$
(72,534
)
 
$
44,521

 
NM

 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP Ratios:
 
 
 

 
 
Net loss ratio (without catastrophes)
63.7
%
 
61.2
%
 
4.1
 %
Catastrophes - effect on net loss ratio
5.7

 
1.4

 
NM

Net loss ratio(1)
69.4
%
 
62.6
%
 
10.9
 %
Expense ratio(2)
35.8

 
33.0

 
8.5
 %
Combined ratio(3)
105.2
%
 
95.6
%
 
10.0
 %
(1) The net loss ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of losses and loss settlement expenses by net premiums earned. We use the net loss ratio as a measure of the overall underwriting profitability of the insurance business we write and to assess the adequacy of our pricing. Our net loss ratio is meaningful in evaluating our financial results as reported in our unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) The expense ratio is calculated by dividing nondeferred underwriting expenses and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs by net premiums earned. The expense ratio measures a company's operational efficiency in producing, underwriting and administering its insurance business.
(3) The combined ratio is a commonly used financial measure of property and casualty underwriting performance. A combined ratio below 100.0 percent generally indicates a profitable book of business. The combined ratio is the sum of the net loss ratio and the underwriting expense ratio.
NM = Not meaningful

The following is a summary of our financial performance for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020:

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, net loss was $72.5 million compared to net income of $44.5 million for the same period of 2019. In the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, the decrease in net income was primarily due to a decrease in the fair value of equity securities, an increase in losses and loss settlement expenses and a decrease in net investment income. Net premiums earned increased to $268.8 million compared to $262.3 million for the same period of 2019 primarily due to rate increases, premium audits and endorsements.



38


Investment income decreased by $14.1 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period of 2019. The decrease in investment income was primarily due to a decrease in value of our investments in limited liability partnerships.

The Company recognized net realized investment losses of $93.4 million during the first quarter of 2020, compared to net realized investment gains of $26.7 million for the same period in 2019. The change in the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, as compared to the same period in 2019, was primarily due to changes in the fair value of equity securities as mentioned previously.

The combined ratio increased 9.6 percentage points to 105.2 percent for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, compared to 95.6 percent for the same period of 2019. The increase in the combined ratio in the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019 was primarily driven by an increase in the loss ratio due to an increase in severity of losses of both catastrophe and non-catastrophe losses, and an increase in the expense ratio.

Losses and loss settlement expenses increased by 13.6 percentage points during the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period of 2019 primarily due to an increase in severity of catastrophe and non-catastrophe losses in our other liability, commercial fire and allied and workers' compensation lines of business. Catastrophe losses in the first quarter of 2020 were higher when compared to first quarter of 2019, with catastrophe losses adding 5.7 percent percentage points to the combined ratio in 2020 as compared to 1.4 percentage points in 2019. Our 10-year historical average for first quarter catastrophe losses is 2.9 percentage points added to the combined ratio. The increase in severity of catastrophe losses stemmed primarily from two events: (i) a large explosion at a manufacturing business in Houston, Texas in January which was classified as an ISO catastrophe event, and (ii) a hail storm in Jefferson City, Missouri in the last week of March.

The GAAP net loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses deteriorated by 2.5 percentage points to 63.7 percent in the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the same period of 2019. The increase in the GAAP net loss ratio in the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period of 2019 was primarily due to an increase in severity of losses in our other liability, commercial fire and allied, and workers' compensation lines of business.

The expense ratio was 35.8 percent for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, an increase of 2.8 percentage points as compared with the same period of 2019. The increase in the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 was primarily due to the acceleration of the amortization of our deferred acquisition costs in our under performing commercial auto line of business and personal lines of business from lower than expected profitability. The increase in the expense ratio was also driven by our continued investment in our multi-year Oasis project, an upgrade to our technology platform designed to enhance core underwriting decisions, selection of risks and productivity.

For a detailed discussion of our investment results, refer to the "Investment Portfolio" section below.
Reserve Development

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

When establishing reserves and monitoring reserve adequacy, we analyze historical data and consider the potential impact of various loss development factors and trends, including historical loss experience, legislative enactments, judicial decisions, legal developments in imposition of damages, experience with alternative dispute


39


resolution, results of our medical bill review process, the potential impact of salvage and subrogation and changes and trends in general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. All of these factors influence our estimates of required reserves and for long-tail lines these factors can change over the course of the settlement of the claim. However, there is no precise method for evaluating the specific dollar impact of any individual factor on the development of reserves.

Our reserving philosophy is to reserve claims to their ultimate expected loss amount as soon as practicable after information about a claim becomes available. This approach tends to produce, on average, prudently conservative case reserves, which we expect to result in some level of favorable development over the course of settlement.

2020 Development

The property and casualty insurance business experienced $13.7 million of favorable development in our net reserves for prior accident years for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020. The favorable development was primarily driven by two lines of business: workers' compensation, which had $8.2 million favorable development and commercial fire and allied lines with $8.0 million favorable development. The lines of business which experienced favorable development benefited from favorable prior accident year decreases in both loss and loss adjustment expense ("LAE"). A partial offset to the favorable development came primarily from commercial other liability which experienced $6.8 million unfavorable development Commercial liability experienced unfavorable development primarily due to paid loss which was greater than reductions in reserves for unpaid loss. Favorable loss adjustment expense development partially offset the unfavorable loss experience.

2019 Development

The property and casualty insurance business experienced $4.6 million of favorable development in our net reserves for prior accident years for the three-month period ended March 31, 2019. Three lines combined to provide the majority of favorable development. Workers' compensation contributed $4.8 million of favorable development primarily attributable to LAE due to successful litigation management. Fidelity and surety contributed $2.0 million of favorable development attributable to reductions in loss IBNR, which was not needed to pay claims. Commercial liability contributed $1.5 million of favorable development attributable to LAE due to successful litigation management. The only line with significant unfavorable development was commercial fire and allied lines, which experienced $4.5 million unfavorable development attributable to higher than anticipated paid losses. The overall favorable development is attributable to LAE, where reserve reductions were more than sufficient to offset paid expenses. LAE payments continue to benefit from successful management of litigation expenses.

Development amounts can vary significantly from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year depending on a number of factors, including the number of claims settled and the settlement terms, and are subject to reallocation between accident years and lines of business. At March 31, 2020, our total reserves were within our actuarial estimates.




40


The following tables display our net premiums earned, net losses and loss settlement expenses and net loss ratio by line of business:
Three Months Ended March 31,
2020
 
2019
 
 
 
Net Losses
 
 
 
 
 
Net Losses
 
 
 
 
 
and Loss
 
 
 
 
 
and Loss
 
 
 
Net
 
Settlement
 
Net
 
Net
 
Settlement
 
Net
(In Thousands, Except Ratios)
Premiums
 
Expenses
 
Loss
 
Premiums
 
Expenses
 
Loss
Unaudited
Earned
 
Incurred
 
Ratio
 
Earned
 
Incurred
 
Ratio
Commercial lines
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liability
$
79,309

 
$
43,723

 
55.1
%
 
$
78,427

 
$
38,275

 
48.8
 %
Fire and allied lines
61,669

 
51,925

 
84.2

 
59,174

 
36,786

 
62.2

Automobile
78,018

 
65,305

 
83.7

 
75,234

 
70,571

 
93.8

Workers' compensation
19,428

 
7,708

 
39.7

 
21,875

 
5,945

 
27.2

Fidelity and surety
6,418

 
32

 
0.5

 
6,375

 
(251
)
 
(3.9
)
Miscellaneous
395

 
92

 
23.3

 
427

 
(99
)
 
(23.2
)
Total commercial lines
$
245,237

 
$
168,785

 
68.8
%
 
$
241,512

 
$
151,227

 
62.6
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal lines
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fire and allied lines
$
9,970

 
$
6,734

 
67.5
%
 
$
10,220

 
$
6,282

 
61.5
 %
Automobile
7,630

 
5,149

 
67.5

 
7,482

 
5,667

 
75.7

Miscellaneous
306

 
2,606

 
851.6

 
301

 
(68
)
 
(22.6
)
Total personal lines
$
17,906

 
$
14,489

 
80.9
%
 
$
18,003

 
$
11,881

 
66.0
 %
Reinsurance assumed
$
5,706

 
$
3,229

 
56.6
%
 
$
2,799

 
$
1,132

 
40.4
 %
Total
$
268,849

 
$
186,503

 
69.4
%
 
$
262,314

 
$
164,240

 
62.6
 %


Below are explanations regarding significant changes in the net loss ratios by line of business:
 
Other liability - The net loss ratio deteriorated 6.3 percentage points in the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. The deterioration originated from an increase in reserves for reported claims during 2020 compared to a decrease during 2019 resulting from an increase in paid loss adjustment expense and less benefit from reductions of loss adjustment expense reserves. Also contributing to the deterioration is unfavorable prior year reserve development in the first quarter of 2020.

Commercial automobile - The net loss ratio improved 10.1 percentage points in the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. The improvement was primarily attributable to a decrease in frequency of commercial auto claims and our portfolio management strategy to reduce the number of insured auto units, aggressively increase commercial auto pricing and non-renew underperforming accounts. Also, the three-month period ended March 31, 2019 was impacted by prior year reserve strengthening in our Gulf Coast region.

Commercial fire and allied lines - The net loss ratio deteriorated 22.0 percentage points in the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. The deterioration is attributable to an increase in severity of catastrophe losses which were primarily driven by two events: (i) a large explosion at a manufacturing business in Houston, Texas in January which was classified as an ISO catastrophe event, and (ii) a hail storm in Jefferson City, Missouri in the last week of March 2020.



41


Workers' compensation - The net loss ratio deteriorated 12.5 percentage points in the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. This deterioration was primarily due to an increase in severity of workers' compensation losses and to a lesser extent, attributable to loss adjustment expense which benefited from a reduction of reserves for unpaid expenses during the first quarter of 2019 compared to a much smaller favorable change in loss adjustment expense reserves during 2020.

Personal fire and allied lines - The net loss ratio deteriorated 6.0 percentage points in the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. The deterioration is attributable to an increase in severity of catastrophe losses.

Personal automobile - The net loss ratio improved by 8.2 percentage points in the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period of 2019. The improvement is attributable to a decrease in claim frequency in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.

Financial Condition

Stockholders' equity decreased to $833.1 million at March 31, 2020, from $910.5 million at December 31, 2019. This decrease was primarily attributed to a net loss of $72.5 million, shareholder dividends of $8.2 million and share repurchases of $2.7 million, partially offset by an increase in net unrealized investment gains on fixed maturity securities of $4.5 million, net of tax, during the first three months of 2020.

The Company's book value per share was $33.30, which is a decrease of $3.10 per share, or 8.5 percent from December 31, 2019. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, 70,467 shares of common stock were repurchased for a total of $2.7 million. Under our share repurchase program, which is scheduled to expire on August 31, 2020, we were authorized to repurchase an additional 1,786,977 shares of our common stock as of March 31, 2020.

Investment Portfolio

Our invested assets totaled $2.0 billion at March 31, 2020, compared to $2.2 billion at December 31, 2019, a decrease of $125.4 million. At March 31, 2020, fixed maturity securities and equity securities made up 84.3 percent and 10.2 percent of the value of our investment portfolio, respectively. Because the primary purpose of our investment portfolio is to fund future claims payments, we use a conservative investment philosophy, investing in a diversified portfolio of high-quality, intermediate-term taxable corporate bonds, taxable U.S. government bonds and tax-exempt U.S. municipal bonds. Our overall investment strategy is to keep our cash on hand low in the current interest rate environment. If additional cash is needed, we can borrow funds available under our revolving credit facility.

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











42




The composition of our investment portfolio at March 31, 2020 is presented at carrying value in the following table:

 
Property & Casualty Insurance
 
 
 
Percent

(In Thousands, Except Ratios)
 
 
of Total

Fixed maturities (1)
 
 
 
Available-for-sale
$
1,699,359

 
83.7
%
Trading securities
11,208

 
0.6

Equity securities
206,951

 
10.2

Mortgage loans
45,115

 
2.2

Other long-term investments
66,917

 
3.3

Short-term investments
175

 

Total
$
2,029,725

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

At both March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we classified $1.7 billion, or 99.3 percent, and $1.7 billion, or 99.1 percent, respectively, of our fixed maturities portfolio as available-for-sale. We classify our remaining fixed maturities as trading. We record available-for-sale fixed maturity securities at fair value, with any changes in fair value recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. We record trading securities, primarily convertible redeemable preferred debt securities, at fair value, with any changes in fair value recognized in earnings.

As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we did not have direct exposure to investments in subprime mortgages or other credit enhancement vehicles.

Credit Quality

The table below shows the composition of fixed maturity securities held in our available-for-sale and trading security portfolios, by credit rating at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Information contained in the table is generally based upon the issued credit ratings provided by Moody's, unless the rating is unavailable, in which case we obtain credit ratings from Standard & Poor's.
(In Thousands, Except Ratios)
March 31, 2020
 
December 31, 2019
Rating
Carrying Value
 
% of Total
 
Carrying Value
 
% of Total
AAA
$
682,923

 
39.9
%
 
$
721,446

 
41.6
%
AA
661,487

 
38.7

 
664,238

 
38.3

A
191,711

 
11.2

 
179,553

 
10.3

Baa/BBB
162,154

 
9.5

 
157,350

 
9.1

Other/Not Rated
12,351

 
0.7

 
12,276

 
0.7

 
$
1,710,626

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,734,863

 
100.0
%

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



43



Investment Results
We invest the premiums received from our policyholders in order to generate investment income, which is an important component of our revenues and profitability. The amount of investment income that we are able to generate is affected by many factors, some of which are beyond our control. Some of these factors are volatility in the financial markets, economic growth, inflation, interest rates, world political conditions, terrorist attacks or threats of terrorism, adverse events affecting other companies in our industry or the industries in which we invest and other unpredictable national or world events. Our net investment income decreased by 85.7 percent in the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, compared with the same period of 2019.
We hold certain investments in limited liability partnerships that are recorded on the equity method of accounting, with changes in value of these investments recorded in investment income. In the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, the change in value of our investments in limited liability partnerships resulted in investment loss of $10.1 million as compared to investment income of $2.5 million in the same period of 2019. This resulted in a decrease of $12.6 million in investment income in the three-month period ended March 31, 2020.
Our net realized investment losses were $93.4 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, as compared with net realized investment gains of $26.7 million in the same period of 2019. $115.3 million of the $120.1 million change in the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019 was due to the change in the fair value of equity securities.
We regularly monitor the difference between our cost basis and the estimated fair value of our investments. For our available-for-sale fixed-maturity portfolio an allowance for credit losses is recorded net of available-for-sale fixed maturities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and a corresponding credit loss recognized as a realized loss or gain in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The Company determines if an allowance for credit losses is recorded based on a number of factors including the current economic conditions, management's expectations of future economic conditions and performance indicators, such as market value vs. amortized cost, investment spreads widening or contracting, rating actions, payment and default history.
Non-credit related changes in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale fixed maturity securities are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income, impact stockholders' equity and book value per share, but do not affect net income. We believe that any unrealized losses on our available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2020 are temporary based upon our current analysis of the issuers of the securities that we hold and current market conditions. We have no intent to sell, and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell, these securities until the fair value recovers to at least equal our cost basis or the securities mature.
For mortgage loans, an allowance for losses is established based on historical loss information of the collective pool of the Company's commercial mortgage loan investments that have similar risk characteristics. This allowance is presented as a separate line in the Consolidated Balance Sheets with an offset to "Net realized investment gains (losses)" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
To calculate the allowance for mortgage loan losses, the Company starts with historical loan experience to predict the future expected losses and then layers on a market-linked adjustment. An example of a market linked adjustment is the change in commercial market price appreciation or change in gross domestic product, with every point of fall leading to an increase in loss reserve. Local market economics are also considered. On a quarterly basis, quantitative credit risk metrics, including for example, cash-flows, rent rolls and financial statements are reviewed for each loan to determine if it is performing in line with its expectations.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity measures our ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet our short- and long-term cash obligations. Our cash inflows are primarily a result of the receipt of premiums, reinsurance recoveries, sales or maturities of investments, and investment income. Cash provided from these sources is used to fund the payment of losses and loss settlement expenses, the purchase of investments, operating expenses, dividends, pension plan contributions, and in recent years, common stock repurchases.


44


We monitor our capital adequacy to support our business on a regular basis. The future capital requirements of our business will depend on many factors, including our ability to write new business successfully and to establish premium rates and reserves at levels sufficient to cover losses. Our ability to underwrite is largely dependent upon the quality of our claims paying and financial strength ratings as evaluated by independent rating agencies. In particular, we require (1) sufficient capital to maintain our financial strength ratings, as issued by various rating agencies, at a level considered necessary by management to enable our insurance company subsidiaries to compete and (2) sufficient capital to enable our insurance company subsidiaries to meet the capital adequacy tests performed by regulatory agencies in the United States.
Cash outflows may be variable because of the uncertainty regarding settlement dates for losses. In addition, the timing and amount of individual catastrophe losses are inherently unpredictable and could increase our liquidity requirements. The timing and amount of reinsurance recoveries may be affected by reinsurer solvency and reinsurance coverage disputes.
Historically, we have generated substantial cash inflows from operations. It is our policy to invest the cash generated from operations in securities with maturities that, in the aggregate, correlate to the anticipated timing of payments for losses and loss settlement expenses. The majority of our assets are invested in available-for-sale fixed maturity securities.
The following table displays a consolidated summary of cash sources and uses for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:
Cash Flow Summary
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands)
2020
 
2019
Cash provided by (used in)
 
 
 
Operating activities
$
(2,487
)
 
$
10,703

Investing activities
14,234

 
27,426

Financing activities
(11,745
)
 
(7,047
)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
$
2

 
$
31,082

Our cash flows from operations were sufficient to meet our liquidity needs for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 and we anticipate they will be sufficient to meet our future liquidity needs.
Operating Activities
Net cash flows used in operating activities totaled $2.5 million and provided by operating activities totaled $10.7 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Investing Activities
Cash in excess of operating requirements is generally invested in fixed maturity securities and equity securities. Fixed maturities provide regular interest payments and allow us to match the duration of our liabilities. Equity securities provide dividend income, potential dividend income growth and potential appreciation. For further discussion of our investments, including our philosophy and our strategy for our portfolio, see the "Investment Portfolio" section of this Item 2.
In addition to investment income, possible sales of investments and proceeds from calls or maturities of fixed maturity securities also can provide liquidity. During the next five years, $338.3 million, or 19.8 percent, of our fixed maturity portfolio will mature.
We invest funds required for short-term cash needs primarily in money market accounts, which are classified as cash equivalents. At March 31, 2020, our cash and cash equivalents included $31.2 million related to these money market accounts, compared to $9.3 million at December 31, 2019.
Net cash flows provided by investing activities were $14.2 million and $27.4 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, we had


45


cash inflows from scheduled and unscheduled investment maturities, redemptions, prepayments, and sales of investments of $82.8 million and $76.3 million, respectively.
Our cash outflows for investment purchases were $61.4 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, compared to $36.8 million for the same period of 2019.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows used in financing activities was $11.7 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 which increased $4.7 million compared to $7.0 million used in the three-month period ended March 31, 2019.
Credit Facilities

On March 31, 2020, United Fire & Casualty Company, as borrower ("Borrower"), wholly owned subsidiary of United Fire Group, Inc. entered into a credit agreement (the "New Credit Agreement") with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo"), as administrative agent, issuing lender, swing line lender and lender, and the other lenders from time to time party thereto (collectively with Wells Fargo, the "Lenders"), providing for a $50,000 revolving credit facility, which includes a $20,000 letter of credit sub-facility and a $5,000 swing line loan for working capital and other general corporate purposes. The New Credit Agreement is provided on an unsecured basis, and the Borrower has the option to increase the New Credit Agreement by $100,000 if agreed to by the Lenders providing such incremental facility. As of March 31, 2020, there were no balances outstanding under this New Credit Agreement. For further discussion of the New Credit Agreement, refer to Part I, Item 1, Note 8 "Credit Facility."
Dividends
Dividends paid to shareholders totaled $8.2 million and $7.8 million in the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Our practice has been to pay quarterly cash dividends, which we have paid every quarter since March 1968.
Payments of any future dividends and the amounts of such dividends will depend upon factors such as net income, financial condition, capital requirements, and general business conditions. We will only pay dividends if declared by our Board of Directors out of legally available funds.
As a holding company with no independent operations of its own, we rely on dividends received from our insurance company subsidiaries in order to pay dividends to our common shareholders. Dividends payable by our insurance subsidiaries are governed by the laws in the states in which they are domiciled, and if applicable, commercially domiciled. In all cases, these state laws permit the payment of dividends only from earned surplus arising from business operations. For example, under Iowa law, the maximum dividend or distribution that may be paid within a 12-month period without prior approval of the Iowa Insurance Commissioner is generally restricted to the greater of 10 percent of statutory surplus as of the preceding December 31, or net income of the preceding calendar year on a statutory basis, not greater than earned statutory surplus. Other states in which our insurance company subsidiaries are domiciled may impose similar restrictions on dividends and distributions. Based on these restrictions, at March 31, 2020, UFG's sole direct insurance company subsidiary, United Fire & Casualty Company, is able to make a maximum of $13.8 million in dividend payments without prior regulatory approval. We do not believe that these restrictions have a material impact in meeting the cash obligations of UFG.
Stockholders' Equity
Stockholders' equity decreased 8.5 percent to $833.1 million at March 31, 2020, from $910.5 million at December 31, 2019. At March 31, 2020, the book value per share of our common stock was $33.30 compared to $36.40 at December 31, 2019. This decrease was primarily attributed to a net loss of $72.5 million, shareholder dividends of $8.2 million and share repurchases of $2.7 million, partially offset by an increase in net unrealized investment gains on fixed maturity securities of $4.5 million, net of tax, during the first three months of 2020.



46


OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

Funding Commitments

Pursuant to an agreement with one of our limited liability partnership investments, we are contractually committed through July 31, 2028, to make capital contributions upon request of the partnership. Our remaining potential contractual obligation was $12.6 million at March 31, 2020.

In addition, the Company invested $25,000 in December 2019 in a limited liability partnership investment fund which is subject to a 3 year lockup with a 60 day minimum notice, with 4 possible repurchase dates per year after the 3 year lockup period is met. There are no remaining contractual obligations with this investment.


MEASUREMENT OF RESULTS
Management evaluates our operations by monitoring key measures of growth and profitability. The following section provides further explanation of the key measures management uses to evaluate our results.

Catastrophe losses is a commonly used financial measure that uses the designations of the Insurance Services Office ("ISO") and are reported with losses and loss settlement expense amounts net of reinsurance recoverables, unless specified otherwise. According to the ISO, a catastrophe loss is defined as a single unpredictable incident or series of closely related incidents that result in $25.0 million or more in U.S. industry-wide direct insured losses to property and that affect a significant number of insureds and insurers ("ISO catastrophe"). In addition to ISO catastrophes, we also include as catastrophes those events ("non-ISO catastrophes"), which may include U.S. or international losses that we believe are, or will be, material to our operations, either in amount or in number of claims made. Management, at times, may determine for comparison purposes that it is more meaningful to exclude extraordinary catastrophe losses and resulting litigation. The frequency and severity of catastrophe losses we experience in any year affect our results of operations and financial position. In analyzing the underwriting performance of our property and casualty insurance business, we evaluate performance both including and excluding catastrophe losses. Portions of our catastrophe losses may be recoverable under our catastrophe reinsurance agreements. We include a discussion of the impact of catastrophes because we believe it is meaningful for investors to understand the variability in our periodic earnings.
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands)
2020
 
2019
ISO catastrophes
$
15,122

 
$
3,545

Non-ISO catastrophes (1)
145

 
85

Total catastrophes
$
15,267

 
$
3,630

(1) This number includes international assumed losses.


47


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

It is our philosophy that we do not utilize financial hedges or derivative financial instruments to manage risks, nor do we enter into any swap, forward or option contracts, but attempt to mitigate our exposure through active portfolio management. In addition, we place the majority of our investments in high-quality, liquid securities and limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. At March 31, 2020, we did not have direct exposure to investments in sub-prime mortgages or other credit-enhancement exposures.

Our primary market risks are exposure to changes in interest rates and equity prices, and we have limited exposure to foreign currency exchange rates.

The decline in equity markets in the first three months of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic did have a material impact on the fair value of our investments in equity securities and limited liability partnerships. The COVID-19 pandemic presents new and emerging uncertainty to the financial markets. See further discussion in Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

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

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated our internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on this evaluation, no such change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates. The implementation of our business continuity plans related to the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a material effect on our internal control environment. We believe our operational processes, internal controls over financial reporting and disclosures, and financial reporting systems are operating effectively in the present environment. Our business teams are working remotely and continue to support our customers, agents and claimants as they did when we were in the office.



48


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the normal course of its business, the Company is a party to a variety of legal proceedings. While the final outcome of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes all of the proceedings pending as of March 31, 2020 to be ordinary and routine and does not expect these legal proceedings to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Our business is subject to a number of risks, including those identified in Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on February 28, 2020, and the additional risk factor set forth below that could have a material effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and/or liquidity and that could cause our operating results to vary significantly from period to period. These risks are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial could also have a material effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity.
Our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity may be negatively impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global emergency, with respect to the COVID-19 outbreak. Several countries, including the United States, as well as several states within the United States, have initiated travel restrictions and other limitations that have impacted individuals and businesses worldwide. We are closely monitoring developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic to assess its impact on our business. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve and have the potential to materially impact our business, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, capital position, the value of the investments we hold in our investment portfolio, premiums and demand for our products, and our ability to collect premiums on a timely basis or the requirement to return premiums to policyholders. The extent to which the coronavirus impacts our business will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time, including the duration and severity of the coronavirus and the actions taken to contain the coronavirus or treat its impact, among others. Additionally, if established written contract policy exclusions of business interruption coverage for losses attributable to this COVID-19 pandemic are voided or changed through legislation, regulations or interpretations by the courts, such changes have the potential to materially increase claims, losses and legal expenses which will impact our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. To the extent we experience adverse effects from the COVID-19 pandemic, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

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

Under our share repurchase program, first announced in August 2007, we may purchase UFG common stock from time to time on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The amount and timing of any purchases will be at our discretion and will depend upon a number of factors, including the share price, general economic and market conditions, and corporate and regulatory requirements.

The following table provides information with respect to purchases of shares of common stock made by or on our behalf or by any "affiliated purchaser," as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act, during the three-month period ended March 31, 2020:


49


 
 
 
 
 
Total Number of Shares
 
Maximum Number of
 
Total
 
 
 
Purchased as a Part of
 
Shares that may yet be
 
Number of
 
Average Price
 
Publicly Announced
 
Purchased Under the
Period
Shares Purchased
 
Paid per Share
 
Plans or Programs
 
Plans or Programs(1)
1/1/2020 - 1/31/2020

 
$

 

 
1,857,444

2/1/2020 - 2/29/2020
30,248

 
40.93

 
30,248

 
1,827,196

3/1/2020 - 3/31/2020
40,219

 
37.38

 
40,219

 
1,786,977

Total
70,467

 
$
38.90

 
70,467

 
1,786,977

(1) Our share repurchase program was originally announced in August 2007. In August 2016, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 1,500,000 shares of common stock through the end of August 2018. This is in addition to the 1,528,886 shares of common stock remaining under its previous authorizations. In August 2018, our Board of Directors extended our share repurchase program through the end of August 2020. As of March 31, 2020, we remained authorized to repurchase 1,786,977 shares of common stock.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.


50


ITEM 6. EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit number
 
Exhibit description
 
Furnished herewith
Filed herewith
10.1
 
 
 
 
31.1
 
 
 
X
31.2
 
 
 
X
32.1
 
 
X
 
32.2
 
 
X
 
101.1
 

 
 
X
104.1
 
 
 
X



51


SIGNATURES

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

UNITED FIRE GROUP, INC.
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Randy A. Ramlo
 
/s/ Dawn M. Jaffray
Randy A. Ramlo
 
Dawn M. Jaffray
President, Chief Executive Officer, Director and Principal Executive Officer
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
May 6, 2020
 
May 6, 2020
(Date)
 
(Date)
 



52