Document



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
 
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
 
ý ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2017
or
 
¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from_______________________to_______________________

Commission file number 001-33067 
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
New Jersey
 
22-2168890
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
40 Wantage Avenue, Branchville, New Jersey
 
07890
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
 
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
 
(973) 948-3000
 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $2 per share
 
NASDAQ Global Select Market
 
 
 
5.875% Senior Notes due February 9, 2043
 
New York Stock Exchange
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:      None
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
ý Yes     ¨ No
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
¨ Yes     ý No
 
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.
ý Yes     ¨ No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
ý Yes     ¨ No


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Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
ý
                                                    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
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 standard 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 Act).
¨ Yes     ý No 

The aggregate market value of the voting company common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, was $2,859,898,742 on June 30, 2017. As of February 9, 2018, the registrant had outstanding 58,717,701 shares of common stock.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 2, 2018 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.


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SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
 
 
Table of Contents
 
 
 
Page No.
PART I
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
 
 
 
PART II
 
 
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 7A.
Item 8.
 
 
 
 
    December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
 
 
    December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
 
 
    December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
 
 
    December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
 
 
 
PART III
 
 
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
 
 
 
PART IV
 
 
Item 15.

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PART I

Item 1. Business.

Overview
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (referred to as the “Parent”) is a New Jersey holding company that was incorporated in 1977. Our main office is located in Branchville, New Jersey and the Parent’s common stock is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SIGI.” The Parent has ten insurance subsidiaries, nine of which are licensed by various state departments of insurance to write specific lines of property and casualty insurance business in the standard market. The remaining subsidiary is authorized by various state insurance departments to write property and casualty insurance in the excess and surplus ("E&S") lines market. Our ten insurance subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the “Insurance Subsidiaries.” The Parent and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as "we," “us,” or “our” in this document.

In 2017, we were ranked as the 36th largest property and casualty group in the United States based on 2016 net premiums written (“NPW”) in A.M. Best Company’s (“A.M. Best”) annual list of “Top 200 U.S. Property/Casualty Writers.”

The property and casualty insurance market is highly competitive, with fragmented market share and three main distribution methods: (i) sales through independent insurance agents; (ii) direct sales to personal and commercial customers; and (iii) a combination of independent agent and direct sales. In this highly competitive and regulated industry, we have several strategic advantages as follows: (i) the true franchise value we have built through our relationships with a small group of distribution partners that we refer to as our "ivy league" independent distribution partners, who collectively have significant market share in the states in which we operate and from whom we expect to gain increasing percentages of the business they write; (ii) our unique field model, in which our underwriting, claims, and safety management personnel are located in the same communities as our distribution partners and customers supported by sophisticated analytics, technology, and regional and home office support; and (iii) our focus on service and providing an exceptional and personalized customer experience that is seamless regardless of whether the method of communication is on-line, over the phone, or in person with one of our distribution partners. We refer to this as our omni-channel customer experience.

We have defined a long-term financial goal to achieve a non-GAAP operating return on equity of 300 basis points over our weighted-average cost of capital. For further details regarding our 2017 performance as it relates to return on equity, refer to "Financial Highlights of Results for Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015" in Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." of this Form 10-K.

Financial Strength Ratings play a significant role in insurance purchasing recommendations by our distribution partners and in decision-making by our customers. Distribution partners generally recommend higher rated carriers to limit their liability for error and omission claims, and customers often have minimum insurer rating requirements in loan and other banking covenants securing real and personal property. Our Insurance Subsidiaries’ ratings by major rating agency are as follows:
Rating Agency
 
Financial Strength Rating
 
Outlook
A.M. Best
 
A
 
Stable
Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings (“S&P”)
 
A
 
Stable
Moody’s Investors Services (“Moody’s”)
 
A2
 
Stable
Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”)
 
A+
 
Stable

For further discussion on our ratings, please see the “Ratings” section of Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” of this Form 10-K.

We have provided a glossary of terms as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 10-K, which defines certain industry-specific and other terms that are used in this Form 10-K.


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Segments

We classify our business into four reportable segments, which are as follows:
•
Standard Commercial Lines, which is comprised of insurance products and services provided in the standard marketplace to commercial enterprises, which are typically businesses, non-profit organizations, and local government agencies. This business represents 78% of our total insurance operations’ NPW and is sold in 25 states and the District of Columbia.

•
Standard Personal Lines, which is comprised of insurance products and services provided primarily to individuals acquiring coverage in the standard marketplace. This business represents 13% of our total insurance operations’ NPW and is primarily sold in 13 Eastern and Midwestern states. Standard Personal Lines includes flood insurance coverage. We are the fifth largest writer of this coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (“NFIP”) and write flood business in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

•
E&S Lines, which is comprised of insurance products and services provided to customers who have not obtained coverage in the standard marketplace. We currently only write commercial lines E&S coverages and this business represents 9% of our total insurance operations’ NPW and is sold in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

•
Investments, which invests the premiums collected by our insurance operations, as well as amounts generated through our capital management strategies, which includes the issuance of debt and equity securities.

We derive substantially all of our income in three ways:

•
Underwriting income/loss from our insurance operations. Underwriting income/loss is comprised of revenues, which are the premiums earned on our insurance products and services, less expenses. Gross premiums are direct premium written (“DPW”) plus premiums assumed from other insurers. Gross premiums less premium ceded to reinsurers, is NPW. NPW is recognized as revenue ratably over a policy’s term as net premiums earned (“NPE”). Expenses related to our insurance operations fall into three main categories: (i) losses associated with claims and various loss expenses incurred for adjusting claims (referred to as “loss and loss expense”); (ii) expenses related to insurance policy issuance, such as commissions to our distribution partners, premium taxes, and other expenses incurred in issuing and maintaining policies, including employee compensation and benefits (referred to as “underwriting expenses”); and (iii) policyholder dividends.

•
Net investment income from the investment segment. We generate income from investing insurance premiums and amounts generated through our capital management strategies. Net investment income consists primarily of: (i) interest earned on fixed income investments and preferred stocks; (ii) dividends earned on equity securities; and (iii) other income primarily generated from our alternative investment portfolio.

•
Net realized gains and losses on investment securities from the investments segment. Realized gains and losses from the investment portfolios of the Insurance Subsidiaries and the Parent are typically the result of sales, calls, and redemptions. They also include write downs from other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”).

Our income is partially offset by: (i) expenses at the Parent that include long-term incentive compensation to employees, interest on our debt obligations, and other general corporate expenses; and (ii) federal income taxes.

We use the combined ratio as the key measure in assessing the performance of our insurance operations. The combined ratio is calculated by adding: (i) the loss and loss expense ratio, which is the ratio of incurred loss and loss expense to NPE; (ii) the expense ratio, which is the ratio of underwriting expenses to NPE; and (iii) the dividend ratio, which is the ratio of policyholder dividends to NPE. A combined ratio under 100% indicates an underwriting profit and a combined ratio over 100% indicates an underwriting loss. The combined ratio does not reflect investment income, federal income taxes, or Parent company income or expense.

We use after-tax investment income, and net realized gains or losses as the key measures in assessing the performance of our investments segment. Our investment philosophy includes setting certain risk and return objectives for the fixed income, equity, and other investment portfolios. We generally review our performance by comparing our returns for each of these components of our portfolio to a weighted-average benchmark of comparable indices.


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For revenue and profitability measures for each of our segments, see Note 11. "Segment Information" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K. We do not allocate assets to individual segments. In addition, for analysis of segments' results, see "Results of Operations and Related Information by Segment" in Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." of this Form 10-K.

Insurance Operations

Overview
 
We derive all of our insurance operations revenue from selling insurance products and services to businesses and individuals for premium. The majority of our sales are annual insurance policies. Our most significant cost associated with the sale of insurance policies is our loss and loss expense.

To that end, we establish loss and loss expense reserves that are estimates of the ultimate amounts that we will need to pay in the future for claims and related expenses for insured losses that have already occurred. Estimating reserves as of any given date requires the application of estimation techniques, involves a considerable degree of judgment and is an inherently uncertain process. We regularly review our reserving techniques and the overall adequacy of our reserves. For disclosures concerning our unpaid loss and loss expense, as well as a full discussion regarding our loss reserving process, see "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" in Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." of this Form 10-K. Additionally, for an analysis of changes in our loss reserves over the most recent three-year period, see Note 9. "Reserve for Loss and Loss Expense" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.

As part of our risk management efforts associated with the sale of our products and services, we use reinsurance to protect our capital resources and insure us against losses on the risks that we underwrite. We use two main reinsurance vehicles: (i) a reinsurance pooling agreement among our Insurance Subsidiaries in which each company agrees to share in premiums and losses based on certain specified percentages; and (ii) reinsurance contracts and arrangements with third parties that cover various policies that we issue to our customers. For information regarding reinsurance treaties and agreements, see "Reinsurance" in Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." of this Form 10-K.
 
Insurance Operations Products and Services
The types of insurance we sell in our insurance operations fall into two broad categories: 

•
Property insurance, which generally covers the financial consequences of accidental loss of an insured’s real and/or personal property. Property claims are generally reported and settled in a relatively short period of time.

•
Casualty insurance, which generally covers the financial consequences of employee injuries in the course of employment and bodily injury and/or property damage to a third party as a result of an insured’s negligent acts, omissions, or legal liabilities. Casualty claims may take several years, and for some casualty claims even several decades, to be reported and settled.

We underwrite our business primarily through traditional insurance. The following table shows the principal types of policies we write:
Types of Policies
 
Category of Insurance
Standard Commercial Lines
Standard Personal Lines
E&S Lines
Commercial Property (including Inland Marine)
 
Property
X

X
Commercial Automobile
 
Property/Casualty
X

X
General Liability (including Excess Liability/Umbrella)
 
Casualty
X

X
Workers Compensation
 
Casualty
X


Businessowners' Policy
 
Property/Casualty
X


Bonds (Fidelity and Surety)
 
Casualty
X


Homeowners
 
Property/Casualty

X

Personal Automobile
 
Property/Casualty

X

Personal Umbrella
 
Casualty

X

Flood1
 
Property

X

1Flood insurance premiums and losses are 100% ceded to the Federal Government’s Write Your Own ("WYO") Program of the National Flood Insurance Program ("NFIP").

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Product Development and Pricing
Our insurance policies are contracts that specify our coverages - what we will pay to or for an insured upon a specified loss. We develop our coverages internally and by adopting and modifying forms and statistical data licensed from third party aggregators, notably Insurance Services Office, Inc. (“ISO”), American Association of Insurance Services, Inc. ("AAIS"), and the National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc. ("NCCI"). Determining the price to charge for our coverages involves consideration of many variables. At the time we underwrite and issue a policy, we do not know what our actual costs for the policy will be in the future. To calculate and project future costs, we examine and analyze historical statistical data and factor in expected changes in loss trends. Additionally, we have developed predictive models for certain of our Standard Commercial and Standard Personal Lines. Predictive models analyze historical statistical data regarding our customers and their loss experience, rank our policies, or potential policies, based on this analysis, and apply this risk data to current and future customers to predict the likely profitability of an account. A model’s predictive capabilities are limited by the amount and quality of the statistical data available. As a super-regional insurance group, our loss experience is not always statistically large enough to analyze and project future costs. Consequently, we use ISO, AAIS, and NCCI data to supplement our proprietary data.

Customers and Customer Markets
We categorize our Standard Commercial Lines customers into the following strategic business units ("SBUs"):
 
 
Percentage of Standard Commercial Lines
 
Description
Contractors
 
37%
 
General contractors and trade contractors
Mercantile and Services
 
26%
 
Focuses on retail, office, service businesses, restaurants, golf courses, and hotels
Community and Public Services
 
19%
 
Focuses on public entities, social services, religious institutions, and schools
Manufacturing and Wholesale
 
17%
 
Includes manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors
Bonds
 
1%
 
Includes fidelity and surety
Total Standard Commercial Lines
 
100%
 
 

We do not categorize our Standard Personal Line customers or our E&S Line customers by SBU.

The following are general guidelines that can be used as indicators of the approximate size of our customers:
•
The average Standard Commercial Lines account size is approximately $11,000.
•
The average Standard Personal Lines account size is approximately $2,000.
•
The average E&S Lines policy is approximately $3,000.

No one customer accounts for 10% or more of our insurance operations in the aggregate.

Geographic Markets
We principally sell in the following geographic markets:

•
Standard Commercial Lines products and services are primarily sold in 25 states located in the Eastern, Midwestern and Southwestern regions of the United States and the District of Columbia. In January 2018, we entered Colorado, and we expect to add New Mexico and Utah later this year. This will bring our total Standard Commercial Lines states to 27 by the end of 2018.

•
Standard Personal Lines products and services are primarily sold in 13 states located in the Eastern and Midwestern regions of the United States, except for the flood portion of this segment, which is sold in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In the future, we expect to add Arizona and Utah, which will bring our total primary Standard Personal Lines states to 15.

•
E&S Lines are sold in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.


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Geographic diversification lessens our exposure to regulatory, competitive, and catastrophic risk. The following table lists the principal states in which we write business and the percentage of total NPW each represents for the last three fiscal years:
 
 
Years ended December 31,
% of NPW
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
New Jersey
 
19.6
%
 
20.2
 
21.2
Pennsylvania
 
11.8

 
11.8
 
11.7
New York
 
8.2

 
7.8
 
7.2
Maryland
 
5.5

 
5.4
 
5.4
Virginia
 
4.6

 
4.6
 
4.6
Georgia
 
4.5

 
4.3
 
4.1
North Carolina
 
4.2

 
3.9
 
3.7
Indiana
 
3.7

 
3.9
 
4.3
Illinois
 
3.6

 
3.6
 
3.7
South Carolina
 
3.2

 
3.1
 
3.0
Michigan
 
3.1

 
3.3
 
3.5
Other states
 
28.0

 
28.1
 
27.6
Total
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
 
100.0


We support geographically diversified business from our corporate headquarters in Branchville, New Jersey, and our seven regional branches (referred to as our “Regions”). The table below lists our Regions and where they have office locations:
Region
 
Office Location
Heartland
 
Carmel, Indiana
New Jersey
 
Hamilton, New Jersey
Northeast
 
Branchville, New Jersey
Mid-Atlantic
 
Allentown, Pennsylvania and Hunt Valley, Maryland
Southern
 
Charlotte, North Carolina
Southwest
 
Scottsdale, Arizona
E&S
 
Horsham, Pennsylvania and Scottsdale, Arizona

Distribution Channel
We sell our insurance products and services through the following types of distribution partners:

•
Standard Commercial Lines: independent retail agents;

•
Standard Personal Lines: independent retail agents; and

•
E&S Lines: wholesale general agents and brokers.

We pay our distribution partners commissions that are based on a percentage of direct premiums written, and in some cases are further based on profit calculations, and other consideration for business placed with us. We seek to compensate them fairly and in a manner consistent with market practices. No one distribution partner is responsible for 10% or more of our combined insurance operations' premium. Our top 20 distribution partners generated approximately 27% of our NPW in 2017, with 19 of the 20 being larger agency groups.

As our customers rely heavily on our distribution partners, it is sometimes difficult to develop brand recognition as these customers cannot always differentiate between their insurance agents and their insurance carriers. We continue to evolve our service model, post policy-acquisition, with an increasing focus on the customer. Our goal is to provide our customers with 24/7 access to transactional capabilities and account information. Customers expect this level of access from every business and, while many insurers offer such solutions in the personal lines space, we want to be a leader in this area for our entire book of business. When combined with our digital strategy, we believe this level of access will significantly improve the customer experience. Within our digital strategy, we provide self-servicing capabilities via a mobile application and a web-based portal where our customers have access to basic account information on demand. These efforts will allow us to continue to offer customers a shared experience with our distribution partners, while positioning us to more directly demonstrate our value proposition.


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Independent Retail Agents
According to a study released in 2017 by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, independent retail insurance agents and brokers write approximately 83% of standard commercial lines insurance and 36% of standard personal lines insurance in the United States. We believe that independent retail insurance agents will remain a significant force in overall insurance industry premium production because they represent more than one insurance carrier and therefore are able to provide a wider choice of commercial and personal lines insurance products and risk-based consultation to customers.

We currently have 1,250 independent retail agents selling our Standard Commercial Lines business, 685 of which also sell our Standard Personal Lines business (excluding flood). In total, these 1,250 distribution partners have approximately 2,350 office locations selling our business. In addition, we have approximately 5,800 retail agents selling our flood insurance products.

In a 2017 survey, we received an overall satisfaction score of 8.8 out of 10 from our standard market distribution partners, which, we believe, highlighted their satisfaction with our products, the ease of reporting claims, and the professionalism and effectiveness of our employees.

Wholesale General Agents
E&S Lines are written almost exclusively through 85 wholesale general agents and 9 wholesale brokers with a combined 245 office locations, who are our distribution partners in the E&S market. We have granted limited binding authority to the wholesale general agents for business that meets our prescribed underwriting and pricing guidelines. The wholesale brokers submit brokerage business to us for risk acceptability, terms and conditions, and pricing.

Marketing
Our primary marketing strategy is to:

•
Use an empowered field underwriting model to provide our Standard Commercial Lines retail distribution partners with resources within close geographic proximity to their businesses and our mutual customers. For further discussion on this, see the “Field Model and Technology” section below.

•
Develop close relationships with each distribution partner, as well as their principals and producers: (i) by soliciting their feedback on products and services; (ii) by advising them concerning our product developments; and (iii) through education and development focusing on producer recruitment, sales training, enhancing customer experience, online marketing, and distribution operations.

•
Develop with each distribution partner, and then carefully monitor, annual goals regarding: (i) types and mix of risks placed with us; (ii) amount of premium or number of policies placed with us; (iii) customer service and retention levels; and (iv) profitability of business placed with us.

•
Develop brand recognition with our customers through our marketing efforts to be recognized as a proactive risk manager, which include advertising, proactive communication, and providing exceptional products and services that help position us as a leader in the marketplace.

Field Model and Technology
We use the service mark “High-tech x High-touch = HT2 SM” to describe our business strategy. “High-tech” refers to our technology that we use to make it easy for our distribution partners and customers to do business with us. “High-touch” refers to the close relationships that we have with our distribution partners and customers through our field business model.

High Tech
We leverage the use of technology in our business. We have made significant investments in information technology platforms, integrated systems, internet-based applications, and predictive modeling initiatives. We do this to provide:

•
Our distribution partners and customers with access to accurate business information and the ability to process certain transactions from their locations, seamlessly integrating those transactions into our systems;

•
Our underwriters with targeted underwriting and pricing tools to enhance profitability while growing the business;

•
Our workers compensation claims adjusters with predictive tools to indicate when claims are likely to escalate to better serve our customers;


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•
Our Special Investigations Unit ("SIU") investigators access to our business intelligence systems to better identify claims with potential fraudulent activities;

•
Our claims recovery and subrogation departments with the ability to expand and enhance their models through the use of our business intelligence systems; and

•
Our customers with 24/7 access to transactional capabilities and information through a web-based customer portal and a customer mobile application.

We manage our information technology projects through an Enterprise Project Management Office (“EPMO”) governance model. The EPMO is supported by certified project managers who apply methodologies to: (i) communicate project management standards; (ii) provide project management training and tools; (iii) manage projects; (iv) review project status and cost; and (v) provide non-technology project management consulting services to the rest of the organization. The EPMO, which includes senior management representatives from all major business areas, corporate functions, and information technology, meets regularly to review all major initiatives and receives reports on the status of other projects. We believe the EPMO is an important factor in the success of our technology implementation.

Our primary technology operations are located in Branchville, New Jersey and Glastonbury, Connecticut. We have agreements with multiple consulting, information technology, and service providers for supplemental staffing services. Collectively, these providers supply approximately 47% of our skilled technology capacity and are principally based in the U.S., although we do contract with some service providers who are based, or utilize resources, outside the U.S. We retain management oversight of all projects and ongoing information technology production operations. We believe we would be able to manage an efficient transition to new vendors without significant impact to our operations if we terminated an existing vendor.
    
High Touch
To support our distribution partners, we employ a field model for both underwriting and claims, with various employees in the field, usually working from home offices near our distribution partners. We believe that we build better and stronger relationships with our distribution partners because of the close proximity of our field employees, and the resulting direct interaction with our distribution partners and customers. At December 31, 2017, we had approximately 2,260 employees, of which 560 worked in the field, 860 worked in one of our regional offices, and the remainder worked in our corporate office.

Underwriting Process
Our underwriting process requires communication and interaction among:

•
Our Regions, together with our corporate underwriting and actuarial departments, jointly establish and execute upon the following for our Standard Commercial Lines business: (i) annual premium and pricing goals; (ii) specific new business targets by distribution partner; and (iii) profit improvement plans as needed across lines, states, and/or distribution partners;

•
Our corporate underwriting department, which develops our underwriting appetite, products, policy forms, pricing, and underwriting guidelines for our standard market business;

•
Our corporate actuaries who assist in the determination of rate and pricing levels, while monitoring pricing and profitability along with the Regions, corporate underwriting department, and business intelligence staff for our standard and E&S market business;

•
Our distribution partners, which include independent retail agents for our standard market business and wholesale general agents for our E&S market business, that provide front-line underwriting within our prescribed guidelines;

•
Our Agency Management Specialists (“AMSs”), who:  (i) manage the growth and profitability of business that their assigned distribution partners write with us; and (ii) perform field underwriting for new Standard Commercial Lines business;

•
Our territory managers who have oversight of the AMS production team for Standard Commercial Lines, ensure that: (i) annual profit and growth plans are developed on a state by state basis; (ii) the achievement of these state plans are monitored at the state, AMS territory and account level; and (iii) individual agency plans are developed and monitored for achievement annually;


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•
Our Standard Commercial Lines small business teams that are responsible for handling: (i) new business in need of review that was submitted by our distribution partners through our automated underwriting platform, One & Done®; and (ii) other new small accounts and middle market accounts with low underwriting complexity;

•
Our Safety Management Specialists (“SMSs”), who provide a wide range of front-line safety management services to our Standard Commercial Lines customers as discussed more fully below;

•
Our regional underwriters, who manage the in-force policies for their assigned Standard Commercial Lines distribution partners, including, but not limited to, managing profitability and pricing levels within their portfolios by developing policy-specific pricing;

•
Our premium auditors, who supplement the underwriting process by working with insureds to accurately audit exposures for certain Standard Commercial Lines policies that we write;

•
Our field technical coordinators, who are responsible for technology assistance and training to aid our employees and standard market distribution partners;

•
Our Personal Lines Marketing Specialists (“PLMSs”), who have primary responsibility for identifying new opportunities to grow our Standard Personal Lines; and

•
Our E&S territory managers, who have primary responsibility for identifying new opportunities to grow our E&S Lines.

We have an underwriting service center (“USC”) located in Richmond, Virginia. The USC assists our distribution partners by servicing certain Standard Personal Lines and smaller Standard Commercial Lines accounts. At the USC, many of our employees are licensed agents who respond to customer inquiries about insurance coverage, billing transactions, and other matters. For the convenience of using the USC and our handling of certain transactions, our distribution partners agree to receive a slightly lower than standard commission for the premium associated with the USC. As of December 31, 2017, our USC was servicing Standard Commercial Lines NPW of $51.5 million and Standard Personal Lines NPW of $28.3 million. The $79.8 million total serviced by the USC represents 3% of our total NPW.

As mentioned above, our field model provides a wide range of front-line safety management services focused on improving a Standard Commercial Lines insured’s safety and risk management programs. Our service mark “Safety Management: Solutions for a safer workplace”SM includes: (i) risk evaluation and improvement surveys intended to evaluate potential exposures and provide solutions for mitigation; (ii) internet-based safety management educational resources, including a large library of coverage-specific safety materials, videos and online courses, such as defensive driving and employee educational safety courses; (iii) thermographic infrared surveys aimed at identifying electrical hazards; and (iv) Occupational Safety and Health Administration construction and general industry certification training. Risk improvement efforts for existing customers are designed to improve loss experience and policyholder retention through valuable ongoing consultative service. Our safety management goal is to work with our customers to identify, mitigate, and eliminate potential loss exposures.

Claims Management
Effective, fair, and timely claims management is one of the most important services that we provide to our customers and distribution partners. It is also one of the critical factors in achieving underwriting profitability. We have structured our claims organization to emphasize: (i) cost-effective delivery of claims services and control of loss and loss expense; and (ii) maintenance of timely and adequate claims reserves. In connection with our Standard Commercial Lines and Standard Personal Lines, we achieve better claim outcomes through a field model that locates claim representatives in close proximity to our customers and distribution partners.

We have a claims service center (“CSC”), co-located with the USC, in Richmond, Virginia. The CSC receives first notices of loss from our customers and claimants related to our Standard Commercial Lines and Standard Personal Lines and manages routine automobile and property claims with no injuries. The CSC is designed to help: (i) reduce the claims settlement time on first- and third-party automobile property damage claims; (ii) increase the use of body shops, glass repair shops, and car rental agencies that have contracted with us at discounted rates and specified service levels; (iii) handle and settle small property claims; and (iv) investigate and negotiate auto liability claims. The CSC, as appropriate, will assign claims to the appropriate regional claims office or other specialized area within our claims organization.

Claims Management Specialists (“CMSs”) are responsible for investigating and resolving the majority of our standard marketplace commercial automobile bodily injury, general liability, and property losses with low severities. We also have

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Property Claims Specialists ("PCSs") to handle property claims with severities ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. They also form the basis of our catastrophe response team. Strategically located throughout our footprint, CMSs and PCSs are able to provide highly responsive customer and distribution partner service to quickly resolve claims within their authority.

Our E&S claims processing is consistent with our Standard Commercial Lines and Standard Personal Lines claims processing. E&S claims are handled in our standard lines regional offices and are segregated by line of business (property and liability), litigation, and complexity.

Our Quality Assurance Unit conducts monthly file reviews on all of our operations to validate compliance with our quality claim handling standards.

Complex and litigated claims oversight is handled by specialists within the Complex Claims and Litigation Unit ("CCU").

We have implemented specialized claims handling as follows:

•
Liability claims with high severity or technically complex losses are handled by the CCU. The CCU specialists are primarily field based and handle losses based on injury type or with severities greater than $250,000.

•
Litigated matters not meeting the CCU criteria are handled within our regional litigation offices. These teams are aligned based upon jurisdictional knowledge and technical experience and are supervised by regional litigation managers. These claims are segregated from the CMSs to allow for focused management and application of specific technical expertise.

•
Workers compensation claims handling is centralized in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jurisdictionally trained and aligned medical-only and lost-time adjusters manage non-complex workers compensation claims within our footprint. Claims with high exposure and/or significant escalation risk are referred to the workers compensation strategic case management unit.

•
Low severity/high volume property claims are handled by the CSC. Certain complex claims that do not involve structural damage (i.e. employee dishonesty and equipment breakdown losses) are handled by a small group of specialists in the CSC.

•
The Large Loss Unit ("LLU") handles complex property claims, typically those in excess of $100,000.

•
All asbestos and environmental claims are referred to our specialized corporate Environmental Unit, which also handles other latent claims.

•
The Construction Defect Unit unit handles larger, complex construction defect claims.

This structure allows us to provide experienced adjusting to each claim category.

All insurance operations are supported by the SIU that investigates potential insurance fraud and abuse, and supports efforts by regulatory bodies and trade associations to curtail the cost of fraud. We have developed a proprietary SIU fraud detection model that identifies the potential fraud cases early on in the life of the claim. The SIU adheres to uniform internal procedures to improve detection and take action on potentially fraudulent claims. It is our practice to notify the proper authorities of SIU findings, which we believe sends a clear message that we will not tolerate fraud against us or our customers. The SIU supervises anti-fraud training for all claims adjusters and AMSs.

Insurance Operations Competition
Our insurance operations face competition from public, private, and mutual insurance companies, which may have lower operating costs and/or lower cost of capital than we do. Some, like us, rely on partners for the distribution of their products and services and have competition within their distribution channel, making growth in market share difficult. Other insurance carriers either employ their own agents who only represent them or use a combination of distribution partners, captive agents, and direct marketing. The following provides information on the competition facing our insurance operations:


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Standard Commercial Lines
The Standard Commercial Lines property and casualty insurance market is highly competitive and market share is fragmented among many companies. We compete with two types of companies, primarily on the basis of price, coverage terms, claims service, customer experience, safety management services, ease of technology usage, and financial ratings:

•
Regional insurers, such as Cincinnati Financial Corporation, Erie Indemnity Company, The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., and United Fire Group, Inc.; and

•
National insurers, such as The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., Liberty Mutual Holding Company Inc., Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, Chubb Limited, The Travelers Companies, Inc., and Zurich Insurance Group, Ltd.

Standard Personal Lines
Our Standard Personal Lines face competition primarily from the regional and national carriers noted above, as well as companies such as State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and Allstate Corporation. In addition, we face competition from direct insurers such as The Government Employees Insurance Company and The Progressive Corporation, which primarily offer personal auto coverage and market through a direct-to-consumer model.

E&S Lines
Our E&S Lines face competition from the E&S subsidiaries of the regional and national carriers named above, as well as the following companies:

•
Nautilus Insurance Group, a member of W. R. Berkley Company;
•
Colony Specialty, a member of the Argo Group International Holding Ltd;
•
Western World Insurance Group, a member of the Validus Group;
•
Century Insurance Group, a member of the Meadowbrook Insurance Group;
•
The Burlington Insurance Company, a member of IFG Companies;
•
United States Liability Insurance Group, a member of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.; and
•
Markel Corporation.

Other
In addition, both existing competitors and new industry participants are developing new platforms that are leveraging technology and the Internet to provide a low cost "direct to the customer" model. New competitors emerging under this digital platform include, but are not limited to, Lemonade, Attune, and Metromile. Many of these new entrants have significant financial backing. Further, reinsurers have entered certain primary property and casualty insurance markets to diversity their operations and compete with us.

Insurance Regulation
 
Primary Oversight by the States in Which We Operate
Our insurance operations are heavily regulated. The primary public policy behind insurance regulation is the protection of policyholders and claimants over all other constituencies, including shareholders. By virtue of the McCarran-Ferguson Act, Congress has largely delegated insurance regulation to the various states. The primary market conduct and financial regulators of our Insurance Subsidiaries are the departments of insurance in the states in which they are organized and are licensed. The types of activities that are regulated by the states include:
•
Pricing and underwriting practices;
•
Claims practices;
•
Exiting geographic markets and/or canceling or non-renewing policies;
•
Assessments for guaranty funds and second-injury funds and other mandatory assigned risks and reinsurance;
•
The types, quality and concentration of investments we make; and
•
Dividends from our Insurance Subsidiaries to the Parent.

For additional discussion of the broad regulatory, administrative, and supervisory powers of the various departments of insurance, refer to the risk factor that discusses regulation in Item 1A. “Risk Factors.” of this Form 10-K.

Our various state insurance regulators are members of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"). The NAIC has codified statutory accounting principles ("SAP") and other accounting reporting formats and drafts model insurance laws and regulations governing insurance companies. An NAIC model only becomes law when it is enacted in the various state

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legislatures or promulgated as a regulation by the state insurance department. The adoption of certain NAIC model laws and regulations, however, is a key aspect of the NAIC Financial Regulations Standards and Accreditation Program.

NAIC Monitoring Tools
Among the NAIC's various financial monitoring tools that are material to the regulators in states in which our Insurance Subsidiaries are organized are the following:

•
The Insurance Regulatory Information System (“IRIS”). IRIS identifies 13 industry financial ratios and specifies “usual values” for each ratio. Departure from the usual values on four or more of the financial ratios can lead to inquiries from individual state insurance departments about certain aspects of the insurer's business. Our Insurance Subsidiaries have consistently met the majority of the IRIS ratio tests.

•
Risk-Based Capital. Risk-based capital is measured by four major areas of risk to which property and casualty insurers are exposed: (i) asset risk; (ii) credit risk; (iii) underwriting risk; and (iv) off-balance sheet risk. Insurers face a steadily increasing amount of regulatory scrutiny and potential intervention as their total adjusted capital declines below two times their "Authorized Control Level". Based on our 2017 statutory financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with SAP, the total adjusted capital for each of our Insurance Subsidiaries substantially exceeded two times their Authorized Control Level.

•
Annual Financial Reporting Regulation (referred to as the "Model Audit Rule"). The Model Audit Rule, which is modeled closely on the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended ("Sarbanes-Oxley Act"), regulates: (i) auditor independence; (ii) corporate governance; and (iii) internal control over financial reporting. As permitted under the Model Audit Rule, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Parent also serves as the audit committee of each of our Insurance Subsidiaries.

•
Own Risk and Solvency Assessment ("ORSA"). ORSA requires insurers to maintain a framework for identifying, assessing, monitoring, managing, and reporting on the “material and relevant risks” associated with the insurers' (or insurance groups') current and future business plans. ORSA, which has been adopted by the state insurance regulators of our Insurance Subsidiaries, requires companies to file an internal assessment of their solvency with insurance regulators annually. Although no specific capital adequacy standard is currently articulated in ORSA, it is possible that such standard will be developed over time and may increase insurers' minimum capital requirements, which could adversely impact our growth and return on equity.    

In addition to the formal regulation above, we are subject to capital adequacy monitoring by rating agencies, for example, Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio ("BCAR"). BCAR, which was developed by A.M. Best, examines an insurer's leverage, underwriting activities, and financial performance.

Federal Regulation
Notable federal legislation and administrative policies that affect the insurance industry are:
•
The Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act ("TRIPRA");
•
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”); and
•
Various privacy laws that apply to us because we have personal non-public information, including the:
◦
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act;
◦
Fair Credit Reporting Act;
◦
Drivers Privacy Protection Act; and
◦
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

Like all businesses, we are required to enforce the economic and trade sanctions of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”).

The Mitigation Division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency ("FEMA") oversees the WYO Program of the NFIP, which was enacted by Congress. Under the program, we receive an expense allowance for flood policies written and a servicing fee for flood claims administered, and all losses are 100% reinsured by the Federal Government.  Congress sets the WYO Program's budgeting, rules, and rating parameters.  Two significant pieces of legislation that impact the WYO Program are the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 ("Biggert-Waters Act") and the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 ("Flood Affordability Act"). The Biggert-Waters Act: (i) extended the NFIP funding to September 30, 2017; and (ii) moved the program to more market based rates for certain flood policies. The Flood Affordability Act repealed and modified certain provisions in the Biggert-Waters Act regarding premium adjustments.  The NFIP has received multiple short-term extensions and currently expires on March 23, 2018.

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In response to the financial markets crises in 2008 and 2009, the Dodd-Frank Act was enacted in 2010. This law provided for, among other things, the following:

•
The establishment of the Federal Insurance Office (“FIO”) under the United States Department of the Treasury;
•
Federal Reserve oversight of financial services firms designated as systemically important; and
•
Corporate governance reforms for publicly traded companies.

The FIO, the Federal Reserve, state regulators, and other regulatory bodies have been developing models for capital standards, negotiated a covered agreement with the European Union that, among other things, impacted reinsurance collateral, and have been gathering data as required under the Dodd-Frank Act. Changes to the Dodd-Frank Act and FIO are expected as the Trump Administration and the Republican Congress seek opportunities to pare down the Dodd-Frank Act and its regulations. Legislation has passed the House that would limit the scope of the Dodd-Frank Act but has yet to be considered by the Senate. The Trump Administration, though, continues to seek regulatory limitations. For additional information on the potential impact of the Dodd-Frank Act, refer to the risk factor related to this legislation within Item 1A. “Risk Factors.” of this Form 10-K.

International Regulation
We believe that development of global capital standards will influence the development of similar standards by domestic regulators. Notable international developments include the following:

•
In 2014, the International Association of Insurance Supervisors proposed Basic Capital Standards for Global Systemically Important Insurers as well as a uniform capital framework for internationally active insurers; and

•
The European Union enacted Solvency II, which sets out new requirements on capital adequacy and risk management for insurers operating in Europe, which was implemented in 2016.

For additional information on the potential impact of international regulation on our business, refer to the risk factor related to regulation within Item 1A. “Risk Factors.” of this Form 10-K.

Investment Segment
Our Investment segment invests the cash we collect from our insurance policies prior to the payment of claims, as well as amounts generated through our capital management strategies, which may include the issuance of debt and equity securities, to generate investment income and to satisfy obligations to our customers, our shareholders, and our debt holders, among others. At December 31, 2017, our investment portfolio consisted of the following:
Category of Investment
 
 

 
 
($ in millions, except invested assets per dollar of stockholders' equity)
 
Carrying Value
 
% of Investment
Portfolio
Fixed income securities
 
$
5,204.6

 
92
Equity securities
 
182.7

 
3
Short-term investments
 
165.6

 
3
Other investments, including alternatives
 
132.3

 
2
Total
 
$
5,685.2

 
100
Invested assets per dollar of stockholders' equity
 
$
3.32

 
 
 
Our investment philosophy includes certain return and risk objectives for the fixed income, equity, and other investment portfolios. After-tax yield and income generation are key objectives of our investment strategy, although we also focus on the total return of the portfolio. In 2016, we determined that a more active management approach to our fixed income portfolio was appropriate to maximize the risk-adjusted after-tax income and total return of the portfolio, while maintaining a similar level of credit quality and duration risk. To execute on this revised approach, we hired several new investment managers who were on-boarded in the fourth quarter of 2016. Since then, through active security selection, we have increased the book yield of our fixed income portfolio, which resulted in a higher level of net investment income in 2017, while maintaining the overall credit quality and duration of the portfolio. In addition, we have continued to diversify and have modestly increased our exposure to risk assets to 8% while moving towards a long-term target risk allocation of approximately 10% of total invested assets. Risk assets principally include public equities, high-yield fixed income securities, and private assets. Our core investment philosophy has not changed. We remain focused on diversification, capital preservation, investment quality, and liquidity to meet our needs and obligations.


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For further information regarding our risks associated with the overall investment portfolio, see Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” and Item 1A. “Risk Factors.” of this Form 10-K. For additional information about investments, see the section entitled, “Investments,” in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” and Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” Note 5. of this Form 10-K.
 
Enterprise Risk Management
As a property and casualty holding company, our Insurance Subsidiaries are in the business of assuming risk. We categorize our major risks into the following five broad categories:
•
Asset risk, which stems primarily from our investment portfolio and reinsurance recoverables and includes credit and market risk;
•
Underwriting risk, which is the risk that the insured losses are higher than our expectations, including losses from inadequate loss reserves, larger than expected non-catastrophe current accident year losses and catastrophe losses;
•
Liquidity risk, which is the risk we will be unable to meet contractual obligations as they become due because we are unable to liquidate assets or obtain adequate funding without incurring unacceptable losses;
•
Emerging risks, which are new and known but evolving risks that may have a significant impact on our financial strength, reputation, or long-term strategy; and
•
Other risks, including a broad range of operational risks that can be difficult to quantify, such as legal, regulatory, reputational and strategic risks as well as the risk of fraud, human failure and failure of controls and systems.

Our internal control framework operates with the three lines of defense model. The first line of defense consists of individual functions that deliberately assume risks and own and manage our risk on a day-to-day and business operational basis. The second line of defense is responsible for risk oversight and also supports the first line to understand and manage risk. A dedicated risk team led by the Chief Risk Officer is responsible for this second line and reports to the Chief Financial Officer. The third line of defense is our Internal Audit team, which provides independent, objective assurance as to the assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of our internal control environment. It also coordinates risk-based audits and compliance reviews and other specific initiatives to evaluate and address risk within targeted areas of our business.

We use Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) as part of our governance and control process to take an entity-wide view of our major risks and their impact. Our ERM framework is designed to identify, measure, report, and monitor our major risks and develop appropriate responses to support successful execution of our business strategy.
 
Our Board oversees our enterprise risk management process and sets our overall risk appetite, while the Executive Risk Committee is responsible for the holistic evaluation and supervision of our aggregated risk profile and determination of future risk management actions in support of overall risk appetite.  In addition to the Board’s oversight of the overall risk and the ERM process, various committees of the Board oversee risks specific to their areas of supervision and report their activities and findings to the full Board. The Executive Risk Committee uses various management committees for detailed analysis and management of specific major risks.  The Executive Risk Committee primarily consists of the Chief Executive Officer, his direct reports and key operational leaders, each of whom is responsible for management of risk in his or her respective area, and the Chief Risk Officer. 

In addition to the various committees and the governance process over ERM, we believe that high-quality and effective ERM is best achieved when it is a shared cultural value throughout the organization. We consider ERM to be a key process that is the responsibility of every employee. We have developed and use tools and processes that we believe support a culture of risk management and create a robust framework of ERM within our organization. In addition, our compensation policies and practices, as well as our governance framework, including our Board's leadership structure, are designed to support our overall risk appetite and strategy. We believe that our ERM processes and practices help us to identify potential events that may affect us, quantify, evaluate and manage the risks to which we are exposed, and provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of our objectives.
We rely on quantitative and qualitative tools to identify, prioritize, and manage our major risks including proprietary and third-party computer modeling as well as various other analyses. The Executive Risk Committee meets at least quarterly and reviews and discusses various aspects and the interrelation of Selective’s major risks, including, but not limited to, capital modeling results, capital adequacy, risk metrics, emerging risks, and sensitivity analysis.  Consistent with the requirements of state insurance regulators, our Insurance Subsidiaries annually file their ORSA report, which is an internal assessment of our Insurance Subsidiaries' solvency. The Chief Risk Officer develops the report in coordination with members of the Executive Risk Committee, and the report is provided to the Board. The Chief Risk Officer reports on the Executive Risk Committee's activities, analyses, and findings to the Board or the appropriate Board Committee, and provides a quarterly update on certain risk metrics.

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We believe that our risk governance structure facilitates strong risk dialogue across all levels and disciplines of the organization and promotes robust risk management practices. All of our strategies and controls, however, have inherent limitations. We cannot be certain that an event or series of unanticipated events will not occur and result in losses greater than we expect and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings. An investor should carefully consider the risks and all of the other information included in Item 1A. “Risk Factors.”, Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.", and Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.

Reports to Security Holders
 
We file with the SEC all required disclosures, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, Proxy Statements, and other required information under Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). We provide access to these filed materials on our Internet website, www.Selective.com.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.
 
Any of the following risk factors could: (i) significantly impact our business, liquidity, capital resources, results of operations, financial condition, and debt ratings; and (ii) cause our actual results to differ materially from historical or anticipated results. These non-exhaustive risk factors might affect, alter, or change our actions executing our long-term capital strategy, including, but not limited to, contributing capital to any or all of the Insurance Subsidiaries, issuing additional debt and/or equity securities, repurchasing our equity securities, redeeming our fixed income securities, or increasing or decreasing stockholders’ dividends.

Risks Related to our Insurance Operations
  
We are subject to losses from catastrophic events.
Our results are subject to losses from natural and man-made catastrophes, including, but not limited to: hurricanes, tornadoes, windstorms, earthquakes, hail, terrorism, including cyber-attacks, explosions, severe winter weather, floods, and fires, some of which may be related to climate changes. The frequency and severity of these catastrophes are inherently unpredictable. One year may be relatively free of such events while another may have multiple events. For further discussion regarding man-made catastrophes that relate to terrorism, see the risk factor directly below regarding the potential for significant losses from acts of terrorism.
 
There is widespread interest among scientists, legislators, regulators, and the public regarding the effect that greenhouse gas emissions may have on our environment, including climate change. If greenhouse gasses continue to impact our climate, it is possible that more devastating catastrophic events could occur.

The magnitude of catastrophe losses is determined by the severity of the event and the total amount of insured exposures in the area affected by the event as determined by ISO's Property Claim Services unit. Most of the risks underwritten by our insurance operations are concentrated geographically in the Eastern and Midwestern regions of the country. In 2017, approximately 20% of NPW were related to insurance policies written in New Jersey. Catastrophes in the Eastern and Midwestern regions of the U.S. could adversely impact our financial results, as was the case in 2010, 2011, and 2012.
 
Although catastrophes can cause losses in a variety of property and casualty insurance lines, most of our historical catastrophe-related claims have been from commercial property and homeowners coverages. In an effort to limit our exposure to catastrophe losses, we purchase catastrophe reinsurance. Catastrophe reinsurance could prove inadequate if: (i) the various modeling software programs that we use to analyze the Insurance Subsidiaries’ risk result in an inadequate purchase of reinsurance by us; (ii) a major catastrophe loss exceeds the reinsurance limit or the reinsurers’ financial capacity; or (iii) the frequency of catastrophe losses results in our Insurance Subsidiaries exceeding the aggregate limits provided by the catastrophe reinsurance treaty. Even after considering our reinsurance protection, our exposure to catastrophe risks could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.
 
Our loss and loss expense reserves may not be adequate to cover actual losses and expenses.
We are required to maintain loss and loss expense reserves for our estimated liability for loss and loss expense associated with reported and unreported insurance claims. Our estimates of reserve amounts are based on facts and circumstances that we know, including our expectations of the ultimate settlement and claim administration expenses, trends in claims severity and frequency, including inflationary trends particularly regarding medical costs, predictions of future events, and other subjective factors relating to our insurance policies in force. There is no method for precisely estimating the ultimate liability for

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settlement of claims. We cannot be certain that the reserves we establish are adequate or will be adequate in the future. From time-to-time, we increase reserves if they are inadequate or reduce them if they are redundant. An increase in reserves: (i) reduces net income and stockholders’ equity for the period in which the reserves are increased; and (ii) could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.

We are subject to potentially significant losses from acts of terrorism.
As a Standard Commercial Lines and E&S Lines writer, we are required to participate in TRIPRA, which was extended by Congress to December 31, 2020. TRIPRA requires private insurers and the U.S. government to share the risk of loss on future acts of terrorism certified by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. Under TRIPRA, insureds with non-workers compensation commercial policies have the option to accept or decline our terrorism coverage or negotiate with us for other terms. In 2017, 90% of our Standard Commercial Lines non-workers compensation policyholders purchased terrorism coverage that included nuclear, biological, chemical, and radioactive ("NBCR") events. Terrorism coverage is mandatory for all primary workers compensation policies, so the TRIPRA back-stop applies to these policies. A risk exists that, if the U.S. Secretary of Treasury does not certify certain future terrorist events, we would be required to pay related covered losses without TRIPRA's risk sharing benefits. Examples of this potential risk are the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the 2015 shootings in San Bernardino, California, neither of which were certified as terrorism events.
 
Under TRIPRA, each participating insurer is responsible for paying a deductible of specified losses before federal assistance is available. This deductible is based on a percentage of the prior year’s applicable Standard Commercial Lines and E&S Lines premiums. In 2018, our deductible is $323 million. For losses above the deductible, the federal government will pay 82% of losses to an industry limit of $100 billion, and the insurer retains 18%. The federal share of losses will be reduced by 1% each year to 80% by 2020. Although TRIPRA’s provisions will mitigate our loss exposure to a large-scale terrorist attack, our deductible is substantial and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.

TRIPRA rescinded all previously approved coverage exclusions for terrorism. Many of the states in which we write commercial property insurance mandate that we cover fire following an act of terrorism regardless of whether the insured specifically purchased terrorism coverage. Likewise, terrorism coverage cannot be excluded from workers compensation policies in any state in which we write.

Personal lines of business have never been covered under TRIPRA. Homeowners policies within our Standard Personal Lines exclude nuclear losses, but do not exclude biological or chemical losses.
 
Our ability to reduce our risk exposure depends on the availability and cost of reinsurance.
We transfer a portion of our underwriting risk exposure to reinsurance companies. Through our reinsurance arrangements, a specified portion of our loss and loss expense are assumed by the reinsurer in exchange for a specified portion of premiums. The availability, amount, and cost of reinsurance depend on market conditions, which may vary significantly. Most of our reinsurance contracts renew annually and may be impacted by the market conditions at the time of the renewal that are unrelated to our specific book of business or experience. Any decrease in the amount of our reinsurance will increase our risk of loss. Any increase in the cost of reinsurance that cannot be included in renewal price increases will reduce our earnings. Accordingly, we may be forced to incur additional expenses for reinsurance or may not be able to obtain sufficient reinsurance on acceptable terms. Either could adversely affect our ability to write future business or result in the assumption of more risk with respect to those policies we issue.
  
We are exposed to credit risk.  
We are exposed to credit risk in several areas of our insurance operations, including from:
 
•
Our reinsurers, who are obligated to us under our reinsurance agreements. Amounts recoverable from our reinsurers can increase quickly and significantly during periods of high catastrophe loss activity, so our credit risk related to our reinsurance relationships can increase significantly and will fluctuate over time. In addition, our reinsurers often rely on their own reinsurance programs, or retrocessions, as part of managing their exposure to large losses. Given the relatively small size of the global reinsurance community, the inability of our reinsurers to collect on their retrocession program, or their inability to reinstate their coverage after a large loss, may impair their ability to pay us for the amounts we cede to them. Accordingly, we have direct and indirect counterparty credit risk from our reinsurers. We attempt to mitigate this credit risk by: (i) pursuing relationships with reinsurers rated “A-” or higher by A.M. Best; and/or (ii) obtaining collateral to secure reinsurance obligations.

•
Certain life insurance companies if they fail to fulfill their obligations to those customers for whom we have purchased annuities under structured settlement agreements.

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•
Some of our distribution partners, who collect premiums due us from our customers.

•
Some of our customers, who are responsible for payment of premiums and/or deductibles directly to us.

•
The invested assets in our defined benefit plan, which partially serve to fund our liability associated with this plan. To the extent that credit risk adversely impacts the valuation and performance of the invested assets within our defined benefit plan, the funded status of the defined benefit plan could be adversely impacted and, as result, could increase the cost of the plan to us.

Our exposure to credit risk could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.

Difficult conditions in global capital markets and the economy may adversely affect our revenue and profitability and harm our business, and these conditions may not improve in the near future.
General economic conditions in the U.S. and throughout the world and volatility in financial and insurance markets may materially affect our results of operations. Factors such as business and consumer confidence, unemployment levels, consumer spending, business investment, government spending, the volatility and strength of the capital markets, and inflation all affect the business and economic environment and, indirectly, the amount and profitability of our business. During 2017, 33% of DPW in our Standard Commercial Lines business was based on payroll/sales of our underlying customers. An economic downturn in which our customers experience declines in revenue or employee count could adversely affect our audit and endorsement premium in our Standard Commercial Lines.

Unfavorable economic developments could adversely affect our earnings if our customers have less need for insurance coverage, cancel existing insurance policies, modify coverage, or choose not to renew with us. Challenging economic conditions may impair the ability of our customers to pay premiums as they come due. Adverse economic conditions may have a material effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.
 
A downgrade or a potential downgrade in our financial strength or credit ratings could result in a loss of business and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
A significant financial strength rating downgrade, particularly from A.M. Best, would affect our ability to write new or renewal business with customers, some of whom are required under various third party agreements to maintain insurance with a carrier with a specified minimum rating. In addition, our $30 million line of credit ("Line of Credit") requires our Insurance Subsidiaries to maintain an A.M. Best rating of at least “A-” (one level below our current rating) and a default could lead to acceleration of any outstanding principal. Such an event could trigger default provisions under certain of our other debt instruments and negatively impact our ability to borrow in the future. As a result, any significant downgrade in our financial strength ratings could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings. Refer to Item 1. "Business" for our current financial strength ratings.
 
Nationally recognized statistical rating organizations ("NRSROs") also rate our long-term debt creditworthiness. Credit ratings indicate the ability of debt issuers to meet debt obligations in a timely manner and are important factors in our overall funding profile and ability to access certain types of liquidity. Our current senior credit ratings are as follows:
NRSRO
 
Credit Rating
 
Long Term Credit Outlook
A.M. Best
 
bbb+
 
Stable
S&P
 
BBB
 
Stable
Moody’s
 
Baa2
 
Stable
Fitch
 
BBB+
 
Stable
 
Downgrades in our credit ratings could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations in many ways, including making it more expensive for us to access capital markets. We cannot predict possible actions NRSROs may take regarding our ratings that could adversely affect our business or the possible actions we may take in response to any such actions.


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We have many competitors and potential competitors.
Demand for insurance is influenced by prevailing general economic conditions. The supply of insurance is related to prevailing prices, insured loss levels, and industry capital levels that may fluctuate in response to changing rates of return on insurance industry investments. Pricing also is influenced by the operating performance of insurers, who may increase pricing to meet return on equity objectives. As a result, the insurance industry has had historical cycles characterized by periods of intense price competition due to excessive underwriting capacity and periods of favorable pricing driven by shortages of capacity and poor insurer operating performance. If competitors price business below technical levels, we might find it necessary to reduce our profit margin to retain our best business.
 
Pricing and loss trends impact our profitability. For example, assuming retention and all other factors remain constant:

•
A pure price decline of approximately 1% would increase our combined ratio by approximately 0.75 points;
•
A 3% increase in our expected claim costs for the current accident year would cause our loss and loss expense ratio to increase by approximately 1.75 points;
•
A combination of the two could raise the combined ratio by approximately 2.5 points.
 
In addition, loss trends impacting current accident year results are likely to impact our reserves for prior accident years. For example, medical inflation can have a significant impact on the reserves of long-tail lines such as workers compensation and general liability. A 3% increase in our reserves would cause our loss and loss expense ratio to increase by approximately 4 points.

We compete with regional, national, and direct-writer property and casualty insurance companies for customers, distribution partners, and employees. Some competitors are public companies and some are mutual companies. Many competitors are larger and may have lower operating costs, lower cost of capital, or the ability to absorb greater risk while maintaining their financial strength ratings. Consequently, some competitors may be able to price their products more competitively. These competitive pressures could result in increased pricing pressures on a number of our products and services, particularly as competitors seek to win market share, and may limit our ability to maintain or increase our profitability. Because of its relatively low cost of entry, the internet has emerged as a significant place of new competition, both from existing competitors and new competitors. New competitors emerging under this digital platform include, but are not limited to, Lemonade and Attune. Reinsurers also have entered certain primary property and casualty insurance markets to diversify their operations and compete with us. Further new competition could cause changes in the supply or demand for insurance and adversely affect our business.
 
We have less loss experience data than our larger competitors.
Insurers rely on their ability to access reliable data about their customers and loss experience to build complex analytics and predictive models to assess the profitability of risks, as well as the potential for adverse claim development, recovery opportunities, fraudulent activities, and customer buying habits. The use of data science and analytics will continue to increase and become more complex and accurate. The loss experience from our insurance operations may not be large or granular enough in all circumstances to analyze and project our future costs. In addition, we have more limited experience data related to our E&S business, which we purchased in 2011. We use data from ISO, AAIS, and NCCI to obtain industry loss experience to supplement our own data. While statistically relevant, that data is not specific to the performance of risks we have underwritten. Larger competitors, particularly national carriers, have a significantly larger volume of data regarding the performance of risks that they have underwritten. The analytics of their loss experience data may be more predictive of profitability of their risks than our analysis using, in part, general industry loss experience. For the same reason, should Congress repeal the McCarran-Ferguson Act, which provides an anti-trust exemption for the aggregation of loss data, and we are unable to access data from ISO, AAIS, and NCCI, we will be at a competitive disadvantage to larger insurers who have more loss experience data on their own customers and may not need aggregated industry loss data.
 
We depend on distribution partners.
We market and sell our insurance products through distribution partners who are not our employees. We believe that these partners will remain a significant force in overall insurance industry premium production because they can provide customers with a wider choice of insurance products than if they represented only one insurer. However, changes impacting our distribution channel may present challenges and risks to our strategy, including the following:

•
The availability of products from multiple markets creates competition in our distribution channel and we must market our products and services to our distribution partners before they sell them to our mutual customers.

•
Growth in our market share is dependent in part on growth in the market share controlled by our distribution partners. The independent retail insurance agencies control approximately 83% of Standard Commercial Lines

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business but only 36% of Standard Personal Lines business in the U.S. This, in turn, limits our Standard Personal Lines market opportunity. In addition, in the last several years, both existing and new industry participants have been focusing on developing new platforms that are leveraging technology and the internet to provide a low cost "direct to the customer" distribution model. These efforts may impact the overall market share controlled by our distribution partners and make it more difficult for us to grow or require us to establish relationships with more distribution partners.

•
There has been a trend towards increased consolidation within our distribution channel, which increases competition among fewer distributors and increases the influence each distribution partner has on our business. Currently, no one distribution partner is responsible for 10% or more of our combined insurance operations' premium.

Our financial condition and results of operations are tied to the successful marketing and sales efforts of our products by our distribution partners. In addition, under insurance laws and regulations and common law, we potentially can be held liable for business practices or actions taken by our distribution partners.

Expansion of our insurance offerings and geographic footprint may create additional risks
Part of our growth strategy includes careful geographic and product expansion. In 2017, we established a Southwest Region when we expanded our Standard Commercial Lines writings into Arizona. We also expanded our Standard Commercial Lines business into New Hampshire in 2017 and on January 1, 2018 we began writing in Colorado. We expect to continue to diversify our book of business through geographic and product expansion. Although diversification of our business is beneficial to our competitive position and long-term results, it exposes us to increased and different risks. Among such increased risks are catastrophic natural risks to which we previously only had limited exposure due to our narrower geographic footprint. These new risks could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.

We are heavily regulated and changes in regulation may reduce our profitability, increase our capital requirements, and/or limit our growth. 
Our Insurance Subsidiaries are heavily regulated by extensive laws and regulations that may change on short notice. The primary public policy behind insurance regulation is the protection of policyholders and claimants over all other constituencies, including shareholders. Historically by virtue of the McCarran-Ferguson Act, our Insurance Subsidiaries are primarily regulated by the states in which they are domiciled and licensed. State insurance regulation is generally uniform throughout the U.S. by virtue of similar laws and regulations required by the NAIC to accredit state insurance departments so their examinations can be given full faith and credit by other state regulators. Despite their general similarity, various provisions of these laws and regulations vary from state to state. At any given time, there may be various legislative and regulatory proposals in each of the 50 states and District of Columbia that, if enacted, may affect our Insurance Subsidiaries. The types of activities that are regulated by the states include:
•
Pricing and underwriting practices;
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Claims practices;
•
Exiting geographic markets and/or canceling or non-renewing policies;
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Assessments for guaranty funds and second-injury funds and other mandatory assigned risks and reinsurance;
•
The types, quality and concentration of investments we make;
•
Dividends from our Insurance Subsidiaries to the Parent; and
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The acquisition of 10% or more of the stock of a company such as Selective, which is an insurance holding company that owns insurance subsidiaries.


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The broad regulatory, administrative, and supervisory powers of the various state departments of insurance include the following:
 
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Related to our financial condition, review and approval of such matters as minimum capital and surplus requirements, standards of solvency, security deposits, methods of accounting, form and content of statutory financial statements, reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, reinsurance, payment of dividends and other distributions to shareholders, periodic financial examinations, and annual and other report filings.

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Related to our general business, review and approval of such matters as certificates of authority and other insurance company licenses, licensing and compensation of distribution partners, premium rates (which may not be excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory), policy forms, policy terminations, reporting of statistical information regarding our premiums and losses, periodic market conduct examinations, unfair trade practices, participation in mandatory shared market mechanisms, such as assigned risk pools and reinsurance pools, participation in mandatory state guaranty funds, and mandated continuing workers compensation coverage post-termination of employment.

•
Related to our ownership of the Insurance Subsidiaries, we are required to register as an insurance holding company system in each state where an insurance subsidiary is domiciled and report information concerning all of our operations that may materially affect the operations, management, or financial condition of the insurers. As an insurance holding company, the appropriate state regulatory authority may: (i) examine our Insurance Subsidiaries or us at any time; (ii) require disclosure or prior approval of material transactions of any of the Insurance Subsidiaries with its affiliates; and (iii) require prior approval or notice of certain transactions, such as payment of dividends or distributions to us.

Although Congress has largely delegated insurance regulation to the various states by virtue of the McCarran-Ferguson Act, we are also subject to federal legislation and administrative policies, such as disclosure under the securities laws, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Dodd-Frank Act, TRIPRA, OFAC, and various privacy laws, including the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Drivers Privacy Protection Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and the policies of the Federal Trade Commission. As a result of issuing workers compensation policies, we are subject to Mandatory Medicare Secondary Payer Reporting under the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007. If Congress were to enact laws affecting the oversight of insurer solvency but state regulators remain responsible for rate approval, it is possible that we could be subject to a conflicting and inconsistent regulatory framework that could effect our profitability and capital adequacy.

The European Union enacted Solvency II, which was implemented in 2016 and sets out new requirements for capital adequacy and risk management for insurers operating in Europe.  The strengthened regime is intended to reduce the possibility of consumer loss or market disruption in insurance.  In addition, in 2014, the International Association of Insurance Supervisors proposed Basic Capital Standards for Global Systemically Important Insurers as well as a uniform capital framework for internationally active insurers. Although Solvency II does not govern domestic American insurers, and we do not have international operations, we believe that development of global capital standards will influence the development of similar standards by domestic regulators. The NAIC requires insurers to maintain a framework for identifying, assessing, monitoring, managing, and reporting on the “material and relevant risks” associated with the insurer's (or insurance group's) current and future business plans. ORSA requires companies to file an internal assessment of their solvency with insurance regulators annually. Although no specific capital adequacy standard is currently articulated in ORSA, it is possible that such a standard will be developed over time and may increase insurers' minimum capital requirements, which could adversely impact our growth and return on equity.    
  
We are subject to non-governmental regulators, such as the NASDAQ Stock Market and the New York Stock Exchange where we list our securities. Many of these regulators, to some degree, overlap with each other on various matters. They have different regulations on the same legal issues that are subject to their individual interpretative discretion. Consequently, we have the risk that one regulator’s position may conflict with another regulator’s position on the same issue. As compliance is generally reviewed in hindsight, we are subject to the risk that interpretations will change over time.

We believe we are in compliance with all laws and regulations that have a material effect on our results of operations, but the cost of complying with various, potentially conflicting laws and regulations, and changes in those laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.


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Class action litigation could affect our business practices and financial results.
Our industry has been the target of class action litigation, including the following areas: 

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Urban homeowner insurance underwriting practices, including those related to architectural or structural features and attempts by federal regulators to expand the Federal Housing Administration's guidelines to determine unfair discrimination;
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Credit scoring and predictive modeling pricing;
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Cybersecurity breaches;
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Investment disclosure;
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Managed care practices;
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Prompt and appropriate payment of personal injury protection claims;
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Direct repair shop utilization practices;
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The use of after-market replacement parts;
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Flood insurance claim practices; and
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Shareholder class action suits.

If we were to be named in such class action litigation, we could suffer reputational harm with purchasers of insurance and have increased litigation expenses that could have a materially adverse effect on our operations or results.

Risks Related to Our Investment Segment
  
We are exposed to interest rate risk in our investment portfolio. 
We are exposed to interest rate risk primarily related to the market price, and cash flow variability, associated with changes in interest rates. Recent economic data points to increased U.S. and global economic growth, continued low levels of unemployment and signs of rising wages, which compounded with the potential for the pro-growth benefits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("Tax Reform") and the potential for higher federal budget deficits, has recently led to rising U.S. interest rates. A rise in interest rates may decrease the fair value of our existing fixed income investments and declines in interest rates may result in an increase in the fair value of our existing fixed income investments. Our fixed income securities portfolio, which currently has an effective duration of 3.8 years contains interest rate sensitive instruments that may be adversely affected by changes in interest rates resulting from governmental monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions, and other factors beyond our control. A rise in interest rates would decrease the net unrealized gain position of the investment portfolio, partially offset by our ability to earn higher rates of return on funds reinvested in new investments. Conversely, a decline in interest rates would increase the net unrealized gain position of the investment portfolio, partially offset by lower rates of return on new and reinvested cash in the portfolio. Changes in interest rates have an effect on the calculated duration of certain securities in the portfolio. We seek to mitigate our interest rate risk associated with holding fixed income investments by monitoring and maintaining the average duration of our portfolio with a view toward achieving an adequate after-tax return without subjecting the portfolio to an unreasonable level of interest rate risk. This may include investing in floating rate securities, which currently represent 18% of our fixed income portfolio, and other shorter duration securities that exhibit low effective duration and interest rate risk, but expose the portfolio to other risks, including the risk of a change in credit spreads, liquidity spreads, and other factors that may adversely impact the value of the portfolio. Although we take measures to manage the economic risks of investing in a changing interest rate environment, we may not be able to mitigate the interest rate risk of our assets relative to our liabilities, particularly our loss reserves. In addition, our pension and post-retirement benefit obligations include a discount rate assumption, which is an important element of expense and/or liability measurement. Changes in the discount rate assumption could materially impact our pension and post-retirement life valuation.
 
We are exposed to credit risk in our investment portfolio.
The value of our investment portfolio is subject to credit risk from the issuers and/or guarantors of the securities in the portfolio, other counterparties in certain transactions and, for certain securities, insurers that guarantee specific issuer’s obligations. Defaults by the issuer or an issuer’s guarantor, insurer, or other counterparties regarding any of our investments, could reduce our net investment income and net realized investment gains or result in investment losses. We are subject to the risk that the issuers, or guarantors, of fixed income securities we own may default on principal and interest payments due under the terms of the securities. In addition, changes in the financial market environment and sentiment regarding the broad economy may impact the credit spreads demanded by fixed income investors, which in turn may negatively impact the fair market value of our fixed income securities. At December 31, 2017, our fixed income securities portfolio represented approximately 92% of our total invested assets, of which approximately 97% were investment grade and 3% were below investment grade rated, resulting in an average credit rating of AA- of the fixed income securities portfolio. Our spread duration, which is reflective of the sensitivity of our fixed income portfolio to changes in credit spread is currently 4.6 years. Over time, our exposure to below investment grade securities and other credit sensitive risk assets may fluctuate as we continue

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to diversify the portfolio and take advantage of opportunities to add or reduce risk commensurate with our risk-taking capacity and market conditions. The occurrence of a major economic downturn, acts of corporate malfeasance, widening credit spreads, budgetary deficits, municipal bankruptcies spurred by, among other things, pension funding issues, or other events that adversely affect the issuers or guarantors of these securities could cause the value of our fixed income securities portfolio and our net income to decline and the default rate of our fixed income securities portfolio to increase.
 
With economic uncertainty, the credit quality of issuers or guarantors could be adversely affected and a ratings downgrade of the issuers or guarantors of the securities in our portfolio could cause the value of our fixed income securities portfolio and our net income to decrease. As our stockholders' equity is leveraged at 3.32:1 to our investment portfolio, a reduction in the value of our investment portfolio could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and debt ratings. Levels of write-downs are impacted by our assessment of the impairment, including a review of the underlying collateral of structured securities, and our intent and ability to hold securities that have declined in value until recovery. If we reposition or realign portions of the portfolio so that we determine not to hold certain securities in an unrealized loss position to recovery, we will incur an OTTI charge. For further information regarding credit and interest rate risk, see Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” of this Form 10-K.

Our statutory surplus may be materially affected by rating downgrades on investments held in our portfolio.
We are exposed to significant financial and capital markets risks, primarily relating to interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices, and the change in market value of our alternative investment portfolio. A decline in both income and our investment portfolio asset values could occur as a result of, among other things, a decrease in market liquidity, fluctuations in interest rates, decreased dividend payment rates, negative market perception of credit risk with respect to types of securities in our portfolio, a decline in the performance of the underlying collateral of our structured securities, reduced returns on our alternative investment portfolio, or general market conditions. A global decline in asset values will be more amplified in our financial condition, as our statutory surplus is leveraged at a 3.2:1 ratio to our investment portfolio.
 
With economic uncertainty, the credit quality and ratings of securities in our portfolio could be adversely affected. The NAIC could potentially apply a more adverse class code on a security than was originally assigned, which could adversely affect statutory surplus because securities with NAIC class codes three through six require securities to be marked-to-market for statutory accounting purposes, as compared to securities with NAIC class codes of one or two that are carried at amortized cost.

We are subject to the types of risks inherent in investing in private limited partnerships.
Our other investments include investments in private limited partnerships that invest in various strategies, such as private equity, private credit, and real assets. Since these partnerships’ underlying investments consist primarily of assets or liabilities for which there are no quoted prices in active markets for the same or similar assets, the valuation of interests in these partnerships is subject to a higher level of subjectivity and unobservable inputs than substantially all of our other investments and as such, is subject to greater scrutiny and reconsideration from one reporting period to the next. As these investments are recorded under the equity method of accounting, any decreases in the valuation of these investments would negatively impact our results of operations. We currently expect to increase our allocation to these investments, which may result in additional variability in our net investment income.
 
We value our investments using methodologies, estimations, and assumptions that are subject to differing interpretations. Changes in these interpretations could result in fluctuations in the valuations of our investments that may adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.
Fixed income, equity, and short-term investments, which are reported at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, represented the majority of our total cash and invested assets as of December 31, 2017. As required under accounting rules, we have categorized these securities into a three-level hierarchy, based on the priority of the inputs to the respective valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1). The next priority is to quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or in markets that are not active and other inputs that can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities (Level 2). The lowest priority in the fair value hierarchy is to unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity and that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the exit price, including assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (Level 3).
 
An asset or liability’s classification within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its valuation. We generally use an independent pricing service and broker quotes to price our investment securities. At December 31, 2017, approximately 6% and 93% of these securities represented Level 1 and Level 2, respectively. However, prices provided by independent pricing services and brokers can vary widely even for the same security. Rapidly changing and unprecedented credit and equity market conditions could materially impact the valuation of securities as reported within our

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consolidated financial statements (“Financial Statements”) and the period-to-period changes in value could vary significantly. Decreases in value may result in an increase in non-cash OTTI charges, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.
 
The determination of the amount of impairments taken on our investments is highly subjective and could materially impact our results of operations or our financial position.
The determination of the amount of impairments taken on our investments is based on our periodic evaluation and assessment of our investments and known and inherent risks associated with the various asset classes. Such evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. Management updates its evaluations regularly and reflects changes in impairments as such evaluations are revised. There can be no assurance that management has accurately assessed the level of impairments taken as reflected in our Financial Statements. Furthermore, additional impairments may need to be taken in the future. It is possible that interest rates, which are at historic lows, will increase which will result in a reduction in net unrealized gains and may result in net unrealized losses associated with declines in value strictly related to such interest rate movements. It is possible that this could result in realized losses if we sell such securities or possibly more OTTI if we determine we do not have the ability and intent to hold those securities until they recover in value. In addition, we recently hired several new investment managers and expect them to take a more active approach to managing our fixed income securities portfolio. As a result, we expect our OTTI to increase in coming periods based on an increase in securities that we may intend to sell despite being in an unrealized loss position. Historical trends may not be indicative of future impairments. For further information regarding our evaluation and considerations for determining whether a security is other-than-temporarily impaired, please refer to “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” of this Form 10-K.

Changes in tax law could adversely affect our investments results.
Amendments to the tax laws and regulations of U.S. federal, state, and local governments may adversely impact us. Our investment portfolio benefits from tax exemptions and certain other tax laws, including, non-exhaustively those governing dividends received deductions, and tax-advantaged municipal bond interest. Future federal and/or state tax law changes could lessen or eliminate some or all of these favorable tax advantages, negatively impact the value of our investment portfolio, and materially and adversely impact our results of operations. In addition, the elimination of the state and local tax deduction (the "SALT deduction") for U.S. taxpayers filing Federal income tax returns could have negative consequences to the financial strength of issuers of state and local municipal securities of which we have invested in, which could reduce the value of our investment portfolio, and materially and adversely impact our results of operations. The elimination of the SALT deduction, as well as the lower $750,000 mortgage cap on the deductibility of mortgage interest for U.S. taxpayers, could reduce the value of residential real estate, which could have negative financial consequences to various classes of investments that we have invested in, such as residential mortgage backed securities, and other asset classes backed by mortgages or real estate, and this could reduce the value of our investment portfolio, and materially and adversely impact our results of operations.

Uncertainty regarding domestic and international political developments and their impact on the economy could lead to investment losses, which may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, and debt ratings.
As a property and casualty insurance holding company, we depend on income from our investment portfolio for a significant portion of our revenue and earnings. Our investment portfolio is exposed to significant financial and capital market risks, both in the U.S. and abroad. Volatile changes in general market or economic conditions could lead to a decline in the market value of our portfolio as well as the performance of the underlying collateral of our structured securities. The current political climate has created more uncertainty about U.S. domestic and foreign policy that may elevate the volatility of the financial markets and adversely impact our investment portfolio.
 
Our notes payable and line of credit are subject to certain debt-to-capitalization restrictions and net worth covenants that a significant decline in investment value could impact. Significant future declines in investment value also could require further OTTI charges. Depending on future market conditions, such as an extreme prolonged market event like the global credit crisis, we could incur additional realized and unrealized losses in future periods that could adversely impact our results of operations, financial condition, debt and financial strength ratings, and our ability to access capital markets.

For more information regarding market interest rate, credit, and equity price risk, see Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” of this Form 10-K.


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Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure and Governance
 
We are a holding company and our ability to declare dividends to our shareholders, pay indebtedness, and enter into affiliate transactions may be limited because our Insurance Subsidiaries are regulated.
Restrictions on the ability of the Insurance Subsidiaries to pay dividends, make loans or advances to us, or enter into transactions with affiliates may materially affect our ability to pay dividends on our common stock or repay our indebtedness.
 
As of December 31, 2017, the Parent had retained earnings of $1.7 billion. Of this amount, $1.6 billion was related to investments in our Insurance Subsidiaries. The Insurance Subsidiaries have the ability to provide for $211 million in ordinary annual dividends to us in 2018 under applicable state regulation; however, as they are regulated entities, their ability to pay dividends or make loans or advances to us is subject to the approval or review of the insurance regulators in the states where they are domiciled. The standards for review of such transactions are whether: (i) the terms and charges are fair and reasonable; and (ii) after the transaction, the Insurance Subsidiary's surplus for policyholders is reasonable in relation to its outstanding liabilities and financial needs. Although dividends and loans to us from our Insurance Subsidiaries historically have been approved, we can make no assurance that future dividends and loans will be approved. For additional details regarding dividend restrictions, see Note 19. “Statutory Financial Information, Capital Requirements, and Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds” in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.
 
Because we are an insurance holding company and a New Jersey corporation, we may be less attractive to potential acquirers and the value of our common stock could be adversely affected.
Because we are an insurance holding company that owns insurance subsidiaries, anyone who seeks to acquire 10% or more of our stock must seek prior approval from the insurance regulators in the states in which the subsidiaries are organized and file extensive information regarding their business operations and finances.
 
Provisions in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation may discourage, delay, or prevent us from being acquired, including:
•
Supermajority shareholder voting requirements to approve certain business combinations with interested shareholders (as defined in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation) unless certain other conditions are satisfied; and
•
Supermajority shareholder voting requirements to amend the foregoing provisions in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

In addition to the requirements in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the New Jersey Shareholders’ Protection Act also prohibits us from engaging in certain business combinations with interested stockholders (as defined in the statute), in certain instances for a five-year period, and in other instances indefinitely, unless certain conditions are satisfied. These conditions may relate to, among other things, the interested stockholder’s acquisition of stock, the approval of the business combination by disinterested members of our Board of Directors and disinterested stockholders, and the price and payment of the consideration proposed in the business combination. Such conditions are in addition to those requirements set forth in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

These provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and New Jersey law could have the effect of depriving our stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium over our common stock’s prevailing market price in the event of a hostile takeover and may adversely affect the value of our common stock.

Risks Related to Evolving Legislation

We face risks regarding our flood business because of uncertainties regarding the NFIP.
We are the fifth largest insurance group in the WYO arrangement of the NFIP, which is managed by the Mitigation Division of FEMA in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  Under the arrangement, we receive an expense allowance for policies written and a servicing fee for claims administered, and all losses are 100% reinsured by the Federal Government.  The current expense allowance is 30.9% of DPW. The servicing fee is the combination of 0.9% of DPW and 1.5% of incurred losses.
 
As a WYO carrier, we are required to follow NFIP procedures in the administration of flood policies and claims.  Some of these requirements may differ from our normal business practices and may present a reputational risk to our brand.  While insurance companies are regulated by the states and the NFIP requires WYO carriers to be licensed in the states in which they operate, the NFIP is a federal program and WYO carriers are fiscal agents of the U.S. Government and must follow the NFIP's directives.  Consequently, we have the risk that directives from the NFIP and a state regulator on the same issue may conflict.


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There has been significant public policy and political debate regarding the NFIP and its outstanding debt, including the NFIP's purchase of reinsurance.  Prior to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, in the third quarter of 2017, the NFIP had accumulated debt totaling approximately $25 billion. Losses from the 2017 storms are estimated to total approximately $16 billion and, together with its previously accumulated debt, likely would exceed the NFIP’s total borrowing authority. In response, Congress passed legislation that forgave $16 billion of NFIP debt and allowed recent flood claims to be paid within the program’s $25 billion debt level. In November 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the 21st Century Flood Reform Act, which would extend the NFIP for 5 years, but reduce the WYO reimbursement rate by 3 points from its current 30.9% to 27.9% over a three-year period. The bill also proposes changes in certain operational processes and provides incentives for the private flood markets. The U.S. Senate has yet to consider this bill. While Congress continues to debate a comprehensive reform package, the NFIP has received multiple short-term extensions and is currently authorized through March 23, 2018. We expect the program will continue to operate under a series of short-term extensions, but it may also experience a periodic lapse as it becomes encumbered by other budgetary issues.

Our flood business could be impacted by:  (i) a lapse in program authorization; (ii) any mandate for primary insurance carriers to provide flood insurance; or (iii) private writers becoming more prevalent in the marketplace.  The uncertainty created by the public policy debate and politics of flood insurance reform make it difficult for us to predict the future of the NFIP and our continued participation in the program.

We are subject to risk that enacted legislation might significantly change insurance regulation and adversely impacts our business, financial condition, and/or the results of operations.  
We cannot predict what federal and state rules or legislation will be proposed and adopted, or what impact, if any, such proposals or the cost of compliance with such proposals, could have on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.

In 2009, Congress passed the Dodd-Frank Act to address corporate governance and control issues identified in the financial crises in 2008 and 2009 and the non-insurance subsidiaries of American International Group, Inc. One of the key Dodd-Frank Act provisions created the FIO as part of the U.S. Department of Treasury to advise the federal government on insurance issues. Another Dodd-Frank Act provision requires the Federal Reserve, through the Financial Services Oversight Council (“FSOC”), to supervise financial service firms designated as systemically important financial institutions ("SIFI"). We are not and do not expect to be designated as a SIFI. Included among Dodd-Frank's corporate governance reforms for public companies were proxy access, say-on-pay, and other compensation and governance issues. A number of Dodd-Frank reform bills have been introduced, but it is uncertain whether any proposal will pass into law.

In general, the Trump Administration and the current Republican majority favor less federal involvement in insurance. Legislative proposals, however, could involve the federal government directly in regulating the business of insurance. President Trump and the Republican congressional majority favor the repeal of the Affordable Care Act ("ACA"). Repeal of the ACA presents some legal and practical challenges. Some reform proposals include a provision to permit sales of insurance across state lines, which is not permitted under current federal law without approval of the respective state insurance regulators. Some ACA reforms call for the elimination of the anti-trust exemptions for health insurers under the McCarran-Ferguson Act. While we are not a health insurer, we and our property and casualty competitors operate under anti-trust exemptions that permit the aggregation of claims and other data in numbers actuarially and statistically sufficient to price insurance. If the MFA were repealed for the property and casualty industry, we would have to seek a business practices exemption from the Department of Justice to share information with other insurers. We cannot predict the impact such a legislative event could have on our product and services supplier relationships, results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.

Legislative and regulatory proposals in various states sometimes seek to limit the ability of insurers to assess insurance risk, including limiting or prohibiting the use of certain factors or predictive measures in property and casualty underwriting such as insurance scores and marketplace considerations. These proposals, if enacted, could impact underwriting pricing and results of operations.

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Risks Related to Our General Operations
 
The failure of our risk management strategies could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.  
As an insurance provider, it is our business to take on risk from our customers. Our long-term strategy includes the use of above average operational leverage, which can be measured as the ratio of NPW to our equity or policyholders surplus. We balance operational leverage risk with a number of risk management strategies within our insurance operations to achieve a balance of growth and profit and to reduce our exposure. These strategies include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Being disciplined in our underwriting practices;
•
Being prudent in our claims management practices, establishing adequate loss and loss expense reserves, and placing appropriate reliance on our claims analytics;
•
Continuing to develop and implement various underwriting tools and automated analytics to examine historical statistical data regarding our customers and their loss experience to: (i) classify such policies based on that information; (ii) apply that information to current and prospective accounts; and (iii) better predict account profitability;
•
Continuing to develop our customer experience platform as we grow in our understanding of customer segmentation;
•
Purchasing reinsurance and using catastrophe modeling; and
•
Being prudent in our financial planning process, which supports our underwriting strategies.

We also maintain a conservative approach to our investment portfolio management and employ risk management strategies that include, but are not limited to:
•
Being prudent in establishing our investment policy and appropriately diversifying our investments, which supports our liabilities and underwriting strategies;
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Using models to analyze historical investment performance and predict future investment performance under a variety of scenarios using asset concentration, asset volatility, asset correlation, and systematic risk; and
•
Closely monitoring investment performance, general economic and financial conditions, and other relevant factors.

All of these strategies have inherent limitations. We cannot be certain that an event or series of unanticipated events will not occur and result in losses greater than we expect and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.

Operational risks, including human or systems failures, are inherent in our business.
Operational risks and losses can result from, among other things, fraud, errors, failure to document transactions properly or to obtain proper internal authorization, failure to comply with regulatory requirements, information technology failures, or external events.
 
Our predictive models for underwriting, claims, and catastrophe losses, as well as our business analytics and our information technology and application systems are critical to our business. We expect our information technology and application systems to remain an important part of our underwriting process and our ability to compete successfully. A major defect or failure in our internal controls or information technology and application systems could: (i) result in management distraction; (ii) harm our reputation; or (iii) increase our expenses. We believe appropriate controls and mitigation procedures are in place to prevent significant risk of a defect in our internal controls around our information technology and application systems, but internal controls provide only a reasonable, not absolute, assurance as to the absence of errors or irregularities and any ineffectiveness of such controls and procedures could have a significant and negative effect on our business.


28



Rapid development of new technologies may result in an unexpected impact on our business and insurance industry overall.
Development of new technologies continues to impact all aspects of business and individuals’ lives at rapid speed.  Often such developments are positive and gradually improve standards of living and speed of communications, and allow for the development of more efficient processes.  The rapid development of new technologies, however, also presents challenges and risks.  Examples of such emerging risks include, but are not limited to:
•
Change in exposures and claims frequency and/or severity due to unanticipated consequences of new technologies and their use.  For example, technologies have been developed and are being tested for autonomous self-driving automobiles.  It is unclear and we cannot predict the corresponding impact to automobile claims.  It is possible that these technological developments will affect the profitability and demand for automobile insurance.
•
Changes in how insurance products are marketed and purchased due to the availability of new technologies and changes in customer expectations.  For example, comparative rating technologies, which are widely used inpersonal lines insurance, facilitate the process of efficiently generating quotes from multiple insurance companies.  This technology makes differentiation based upon factors other than pricing more difficult and has increased price comparisons, resulting in a higher level of quote activity with a lower percentage of quotes becoming new business written.  These trends may continue to accelerate and may affect other lines of business, which could put pressure on our future profitability and growth.
•
New technologies may require the development of new insurance products without the support of sufficient historical claims data for us to continue to compete effectively for our distribution partners' business and customers.    

We depend on key personnel.
To a large extent, our business' success depends on our ability to attract and retain key employees. Competition to attract and retain key personnel is intense. While we have employment agreements with certain key managers, all of our employees are at-will employees and we cannot ensure that we will be able to attract and retain key personnel. As of December 31, 2017, our workforce had an average age of approximately 47 and approximately 18% of our workforce was retirement eligible, which we define as including individuals who are 55 years of age and have 10 or more years of service.
 
We are subject to a variety of modeling risks, which could have a material adverse impact on our business results.
We rely on complex financial models, such as predictive underwriting models, a claims fraud model, third party catastrophe models, an enterprise risk management capital model, and modeling tools used by our investment managers, which have been developed internally or by third parties to analyze historical loss costs and pricing, trends in claims severity and frequency, the occurrence of catastrophe losses, investment performance, and portfolio risk. Flaws in these financial models, or faulty assumptions used by these financial models, could lead to increased losses. We believe that statistical models alone do not provide a reliable method for monitoring and controlling risk. Therefore, such models are tools and do not substitute for the experience or judgment of senior management.

We are subject to attempted cyber-attacks and other cybersecurity risks.
Our business heavily relies on various information technology and application systems that are connected to, or may be accessed from, the Internet and may be impacted by a malicious cyber-attack. Our systems also contain confidential and proprietary information regarding our operations, our employees, our agents, and our customers and their employees and property, including personally identifiable information. A malicious cyber-attack on our systems or those of our vendors may interrupt our ability to operate and impact our results of operations. We have, and expect to continue to, develop and invest in a variety of controls to prevent, detect, and appropriately react to cyber-attacks, including frequently testing our systems' security and access controls. Cyber-attacks continue to become more complex and broad-ranging, and our internal controls provide only a reasonable, not absolute, assurance that we will be able to protect ourselves from significant cyber-attack incidents. By outsourcing certain business and administrative functions to third parties, we may be exposed to enhanced risk of data security breaches. Any breach of our systems or data security could damage our reputation and/or result in monetary damages that, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings. Although we have not experienced a material cyber-attack, it is possible that it might occur. We have insurance coverage for certain cybersecurity risks, including privacy breach incidents, that provides protection up to $20 million above a deductible of $1 million. In addition, within our Standard Commercial Lines segment, we offer cyber-related insurance products for which we have mitigated the majority of the related risk through protection under our reinsurance treaties.


29



Given the increased number of identity thefts from cyber-attacks, federal and state policymakers have, and will likely continue to propose increased regulation of the protection of personally identifiable information and appropriate protocols after a related cybersecurity breach. The New York Department of Financial Services recently adopted a cyber protection and reporting regulation for financial services companies with which we are complying. The NAIC also has adopted a model regulation based upon the New York regulation, and we expect other states to consider adoption of the NAIC model in 2018. Compliance with these regulations and efforts to address continually developing cybersecurity risks may result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.

Changes in tax law could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We are subject to the tax laws and regulations of U.S. federal, state, and local governments, and their amendment could adversely impact us. For example, the U.S. tax code was recently amended to reduce the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective for the 2018 tax year. As a result, our deferred tax assets were reduced and we were required to recognize a reduction of a previously-recognized federal tax benefit in the fourth quarter of 2017, when enacted. Potential future tax rule changes may increase or decrease our actual tax expense and could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

If we experience difficulties with outsourcing relationships, our ability to conduct our business might be negatively impacted. 
We currently outsource certain business and administrative functions to third parties for expediency, efficiency and economies of scale and this outsourcing may increase in the future. If we or our third-party partners falter in the development, implementation, or execution of our outsourcing strategies, we may experience operational difficulties, increased costs, and customer losses that may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. We have supplemental staffing service agreements with multiple consulting, information technology, and service providers that supply approximately 47% of our skilled technology capacity. These resources are principally based in the U.S., although some of the resources are foreign. The impact of the recently-enacted U.S. tax reform on the availability and cost of these services is still uncertain.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
 
None.

Item 2. Properties.
 
Our main office is located in Branchville, New Jersey on a site owned by a subsidiary with approximately 114 acres and 315,000 square feet of operational space. We lease all of our other facilities. The principal office locations related to our insurance operations are described in the “Geographic Markets” section of Item 1. “Business.” of this Form 10-K. We believe our facilities provide adequate space for our present needs and that additional space, if needed, would be available on reasonable terms.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
 
In the ordinary course of conducting business, we are named as defendants in various legal proceedings. Most of these proceedings are claims litigation involving our Insurance Subsidiaries as either: (i) liability insurers defending or providing indemnity for third-party claims brought against our customers; or (ii) insurers defending first-party coverage claims brought against them. We account for such activity through the establishment of unpaid losses and loss expense reserves. We expect that any potential ultimate liability in such ordinary course claims litigation will not be material to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows after consideration of provisions made for potential losses and costs of defense.
 
From time to time, our Insurance Subsidiaries also are named as defendants in other legal actions, some of which assert claims for substantial amounts. These actions include, among others, putative class actions seeking certification of a state or national class. Such putative class actions have alleged, for example, improper reimbursement of medical providers paid under workers compensation and personal and commercial automobile insurance policies. Similarly, our Insurance Subsidiaries are also named from time-to-time in individual actions seeking extra-contractual damages, punitive damages, or penalties, some of which allege bad faith in the handling of insurance claims. We believe that we have valid defenses to these cases. We expect that any potential ultimate liability in any such lawsuit will not be material to our consolidated financial condition, after consideration of provisions made for estimated losses. Nonetheless, given the inherent unpredictability of litigation and the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these actions, an adverse outcome in certain matters could possibly have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.


30



As of December 31, 2017, we do not believe the Company or any of the Insurance Subsidiaries was a defendant in any legal action that could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

PART II

Item 5. Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
 
(a) Market Information
Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SIGI.” The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, for our common stock for each full quarterly period within the two most recent fiscal years:
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
High
 
Low
 
High
 
Low
First quarter
 
$
49.05

 
38.50

 
36.92

 
29.27

Second quarter
 
53.75

 
44.65

 
38.67

 
33.60

Third quarter
 
54.05

 
46.28

 
41.30

 
35.90

Fourth quarter
 
62.40

 
53.55

 
44.00

 
34.95

 
On February 9, 2018, the closing price of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market was $57.10.
 
(b) Holders
We had 3,197 stockholders of record as of February 9, 2018 according to the records maintained by our transfer agent.

(c) Dividends
Dividends on shares of our common stock are declared and paid at the discretion of the Board based on our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, and other relevant factors. On October 25, 2017, the Board of Directors approved a 13% increase in our dividend to $0.18 per share. In addition, on February 1, 2018, the Board of Directors declared a $0.18 per share quarterly cash dividend on common stock that is payable March 1, 2018, to stockholders of record as of February 15, 2018. The following table provides information on the dividends declared for each quarterly period within our two most recent fiscal years:
Dividend Per Share
 
2017
 
2016
First quarter
 
$
0.16

 
0.15

Second quarter
 
0.16

 
0.15

Third quarter
 
0.16

 
0.15

Fourth quarter
 
0.18

 
0.16

 
Our ability to receive dividends, loans, or advances from our Insurance Subsidiaries is subject to the approval and/or review of the insurance regulators in the respective domiciliary states of our Insurance Subsidiaries. Such approval and/or review is made under the respective domiciliary states’ insurance holding company acts, which generally require that any transaction between related companies be fair and equitable to the insurance company and its policyholders. Although our dividends have historically been met with regulatory approval, there is no assurance that future dividends will be approved given current market conditions. We currently expect to continue to pay quarterly cash dividends on shares of our common stock in the future. For additional information, see Note 19. "Statutory Financial Information, Capital Requirements, and Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.
 

31



(d) Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table provides information about our common stock authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2017:
 
 
(a)
 
(b)
 
(c)
Plan Category
 
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
 
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
 
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
 
229,864

1 
$
15.38

 
4,833,993

2 

1 Weighted average remaining contractual life of options is 1.50 years.
2 Includes 499,629 shares available for issuance under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2009); 1,817,493 shares available for issuance under the Stock Purchase Plan for Independent Insurance Agencies; and 2,516,871 shares for issuance under the Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan ("Stock Plan"). Future grants under the Stock Plan can be made, among other things, as stock options, restricted stock units, or restricted stock.
 
(e) Performance Graph
The following chart, produced by Research Data Group, Inc., depicts our performance for the period beginning December 31, 2012 and ending December 31, 2017, as measured by total stockholder return on our common stock compared with the total return of the NASDAQ Composite Index and a select group of peer companies comprised of NASDAQ-listed companies in SIC Code 6330-6339, Fire, Marine, and Casualty Insurance.
a5yrcumultotalreturn.jpg

This performance graph is not incorporated into any other filing we have made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and will not be incorporated into any future filing we may make with the SEC unless we so specifically incorporate it by reference. This performance graph shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC unless we specifically request so or specifically incorporate it by reference in any filing we make with the SEC.


32



(f) Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
The following table provides information regarding our purchases of our common stock in the fourth quarter of 2017:
 
Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased1
 
Average Price Paid Per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Announced Programs
October 1 – 31, 2017
 
193

 
$
54.95

 
—

 
—

November 1 – 30, 2017
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

December 1 – 31, 2017
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total
 
193

 
$
54.95

 
—

 
—


1During the fourth quarter of 2017, 193 shares were purchased from employees in connection with the vesting of restricted stock units. These repurchases were made to satisfy tax withholding obligations with respect to those employees. These shares were not purchased as part of any publicly announced program. The shares were purchased at fair market value as defined in the Stock Plan.
 

33




Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
 
Five-Year Financial Highlights
(All presentations are in accordance with GAAP unless noted otherwise, number of weighted average shares and dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
2017
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net premiums written
 
$
2,370,641

 
 
 
2,237,288

 
2,069,904

 
1,885,280

 
1,810,159

Net premiums earned
 
2,291,027

 
 
 
2,149,572

 
1,989,909

 
1,852,609

 
1,736,072

Net investment income earned
 
161,882

 
 
 
130,754

 
121,316

 
138,708

 
134,643

Net realized gains (losses)
 
6,359

 
 
 
(4,937
)
 
13,171

 
26,599

 
20,732

Total revenues
 
2,469,984

 
 
 
2,284,270

 
2,131,852

 
2,034,861

 
1,903,741

Catastrophe losses
 
67,299

 
 
 
59,735

 
59,055

 
59,971

 
47,415

Underwriting income
 
154,336

 
 
 
151,933

 
149,029

 
78,143

 
38,766

Net income
 
168,826

 
 
 
158,495

 
165,861

 
141,827

 
106,418

Comprehensive income
 
204,946

 
 
 
151,970

 
136,648

 
136,764

 
77,229

Total assets
 
7,686,431

 
 
 
7,355,848

 
6,904,433

 
6,574,942

 
6,262,585

Short-term debt
 
—

 
 
 
—

 
60,000

 
—

 
13,000

Long-term debt
 
439,116

 
 
 
438,667

 
328,192

 
372,689

 
371,829

Stockholders’ equity
 
1,712,957

 
 
 
1,531,370

 
1,398,041

 
1,275,586

 
1,153,928

Statutory premiums to surplus ratio
 
1.4

 
 
 
1.4

 
1.5

 
1.4

 
1.4

Combined ratio
 
93.3

 
%
 
92.9

 
92.5

 
95.8

 
97.8

Impact of catastrophe losses on combined ratio
 
2.9

 
pts
 
2.8

 
3.0

 
3.2

 
2.7

Invested assets per dollar of stockholders' equity
 
$
3.32

 
 
 
3.50

 
3.64

 
3.77

 
3.97

Yield on investments, before tax
 
2.9

 
%
 
2.5

 
2.5

 
3.0

 
3.0

Debt to capitalization ratio
 
20.4

 
 
 
22.3

 
21.7

 
22.6

 
25.0

Return on average equity
 
10.4

 
 
 
10.8

 
12.4

 
11.7

 
9.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Per share data:
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income from continuing operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
2.89

 
 
 
2.74

 
2.90

 
2.52

 
1.93

Diluted
 
2.84

 
 
 
2.70

 
2.85

 
2.47

 
1.89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income:
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
 
$
2.89

 
 
 
2.74

 
2.90

 
2.52

 
1.91

Diluted
 
2.84

 
 
 
2.70

 
2.85

 
2.47

 
1.87

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends to stockholders
 
$
0.66

 
 
 
0.61

 
0.57

 
0.53

 
0.52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity
 
29.28

 
 
 
26.42

 
24.37

 
22.54

 
20.63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Price range of common stock:
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

High
 
62.40

 
 
 
44.00

 
37.91

 
27.65

 
28.31

Low
 
38.50

 
 
 
29.27

 
25.49

 
21.38

 
19.53

Close
 
58.70

 
 
 
43.05

 
33.58

 
27.17

 
27.06

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of weighted average shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
 
58,458

 
 
 
57,889

 
57,212

 
56,310

 
55,638

Diluted
 
59,357

 
 
 
58,747

 
58,156

 
57,351

 
56,810






34



Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Forward-looking Statements
Certain statements in this report, including information incorporated by reference, are “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”). The PSLRA provides a safe harbor under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Exchange Act for forward-looking statements. These statements relate to our intentions, beliefs, projections, estimations or forecasts of future events or future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause us or the industry’s actual results, levels of activity, or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements may be identified by use of the words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “target,” “project,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “pro forma,” “seek,” “likely,” or “continue” or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions, and we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We undertake no obligation, other than as may be required under the federal securities laws, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
 
Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those we have projected, forecasted or estimated in forward-looking statements are discussed in further detail in Item 1A. “Risk Factors.” of this Form 10-K. These risk factors may not be exhaustive. We operate in a continually changing business environment, and new risk factors emerge from time-to-time. We can neither predict such new risk factors nor can we assess the impact, if any, of such new risk factors on our businesses or the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements in this report. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this report might not occur.

Introduction
We classify our business into four reportable segments, which are as follows:
•
Standard Commercial Lines - comprised of insurance products and services provided in the standard marketplace to our commercial enterprises, which are typically businesses, non-profit organizations, and local government agencies.

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

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

•
Investments - invests the premiums collected by our insurance operations, as well as amounts generated through our capital management strategies, which may include the issuance of debt and equity securities.

Our Standard Commercial and Standard Personal Lines products and services are written through our nine insurance subsidiaries, some of which write flood business through the Write Your Own ("WYO") program of the National Flood Insurance Program ("NFIP"). Our E&S Lines products and services are written through one subsidiary, Mesa Underwriters Specialty Insurance Company ("MUSIC"). This subsidiary provides us with a nationally-authorized non-admitted platform to offer insurance products and services to customers who generally cannot obtain coverage in the standard marketplace.

Our ten insurance subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the "Insurance Subsidiaries."

The following is Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of the consolidated results of operations and financial condition, as well as known trends and uncertainties, that may have a material impact in future periods.
In the MD&A, we will discuss and analyze the following:
•
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates;
•
Financial Highlights of Results for Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015;
•
Results of Operations and Related Information by Segment;
•
Federal Income Taxes;
•
Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources;
•
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements;
•
Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities, and Commitments; and
•
Ratings.

35




Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We have identified the policies and estimates described below as critical to our business operations and the understanding of the results of our operations. Our preparation of the Financial Statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our Financial Statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates. Those estimates that were most critical to the preparation of the Financial Statements involved the following: (i) reserves for loss and loss expense; (ii) pension and post-retirement benefit plan actuarial assumptions; (iii) investment valuation and other-than-temporary-impairments (“OTTI”); and (iv) reinsurance.

Reserves for Loss and Loss Expense
Significant periods of time can elapse between the occurrence of an insured loss, the reporting of the loss to the insurer, and the insurer’s payment of that loss. To recognize liabilities for unpaid loss and loss expense, insurers establish reserves as balance sheet liabilities representing an estimate of amounts needed to pay reported and unreported net loss and loss expense. We had accrued $3.8 billion of gross loss and loss expense reserves and $3.2 billion of net loss and loss expense reserves at December 31, 2017. At December 31, 2016, these gross and net reserves were $3.7 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively.

The following tables provide case and incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) reserves for loss and loss expenses, and reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss and loss expense as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:  
As of December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and Loss Expense Reserves
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
Case
Reserves
 
IBNR
Reserves
 
Total
 
Reinsurance Recoverable on Unpaid Loss and Loss Expense
 
Net Reserves
General liability
 
$
260,605

 
1,046,261

 
1,306,866

 
175,276

 
1,131,590

Workers compensation
 
427,955

 
756,609

 
1,184,564

 
218,024

 
966,540

Commercial automobile
 
200,409

 
291,681

 
492,090

 
16,745

 
475,345

Businessowners' policies
 
31,758

 
58,522

 
90,280

 
3,926

 
86,354

Commercial property
 
64,192

 
13,420

 
77,612

 
24,387

 
53,225

Other
 
5,018

 
8,787

 
13,805

 
2,287

 
11,518

Total Standard Commercial Lines
 
989,937

 
2,175,280

 
3,165,217

 
440,645

 
2,724,572

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal automobile
 
76,895

 
73,356

 
150,251

 
53,129

 
97,122

Homeowners
 
15,477

 
18,763

 
34,240

 
999

 
33,241

Other
 
51,646

 
27,029

 
78,675

 
69,333

 
9,342

Total Standard Personal Lines
 
144,018

 
119,148

 
263,166

 
123,461

 
139,705

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Casualty lines1
 
53,764

 
273,607

 
327,371

 
21,360

 
306,011

Property lines2
 
6,586

 
8,900

 
15,486

 
389

 
15,097

Total E&S Lines
 
60,350

 
282,507

 
342,857

 
21,749

 
321,108

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
1,194,305

 
2,576,935

 
3,771,240

 
585,855

 
3,185,385

1Includes general liability (95% of net reserves) and commercial auto liability coverages (5% of net reserves).
2Includes commercial property (90% of net reserves) and commercial auto property coverages (10% of net reserves).

36



December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and Loss Expense Reserves
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
Case
Reserves
 
IBNR
Reserves
 
Total
 
Reinsurance Recoverable on Unpaid Loss and Loss Expense
 
Net Reserves
General liability
 
$
235,329

 
1,053,400

 
1,288,729

 
179,997

 
1,108,732

Workers compensation
 
463,523

 
745,590

 
1,209,113

 
223,327

 
985,786

Commercial auto
 
170,380

 
259,861

 
430,241

 
17,373

 
412,868

Businessowners' policies
 
40,018

 
56,894

 
96,912

 
7,012

 
89,900

Commercial property
 
50,757

 
7,910

 
58,667

 
13,615

 
45,052

Other
 
5,243

 
9,647

 
14,890

 
2,613

 
12,277

Total Standard Commercial Lines
 
965,250

 
2,133,302

 
3,098,552

 
443,937

 
2,654,615

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal automobile
 
78,512

 
72,435

 
150,947

 
55,223

 
95,724

Homeowners
 
24,779

 
19,845

 
44,624

 
3,206

 
41,418

Other
 
64,314

 
26,198

 
90,512

 
82,625

 
7,887

Total Standard Personal Lines
 
167,605

 
118,478

 
286,083

 
141,054

 
145,029

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Casualty lines1
 
50,337

 
241,473

 
291,810

 
25,741

 
266,069

Property lines2
 
8,253

 
7,021

 
15,274

 
468

 
14,806

E&S Lines
 
58,590

 
248,494

 
307,084

 
26,209

 
280,875

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
1,191,445

 
2,500,274

 
3,691,719

 
611,200

 
3,080,519

1Includes general liability (97% of net reserves) and commercial auto liability coverages (3% of net reserves).
2Includes commercial property (93% of net reserves) and commercial auto property coverages (7% of net reserves).

How reserves are established
Each quarter, our internal actuaries prepare a comprehensive loss and loss expense reserve analysis. This analysis uses standard actuarial projection techniques, applied to our own loss and loss expense experience, to produce updated ultimate loss and loss expense estimates. In addition, other non-standard approaches may be considered. The results of the reserve analysis are then discussed with management in order to determine if any changes are required to the estimated ultimate loss and loss expense reserves. In addition to the actuarial loss and loss expense projections, management also considers other information and factors. Other considerations include internal impacts such as changes to our underwriting and claims practices, as well as external impacts, such as economic, legal, judicial and social trends. Upon considering all of this information, management makes a decision regarding changes to the reserve estimates.
 
The actuarial reserve analysis is the foundation of the quarterly reserve review process. Using generally accepted actuarial reserving techniques, we project our estimate of ultimate loss and loss expense at each reporting date. Our IBNR reserve is the difference between the projected ultimate loss and loss expense incurred and the sum of: (i) case loss and loss expense reserves; and (ii) paid loss and loss expense. The actuarial techniques used in determining ultimate losses are part of a comprehensive reserving process that includes two primary components. The first component is a detailed quarterly reserve analysis performed by our internal actuarial staff. In completing this analysis, the actuaries must gather substantially similar data in sufficient volume to ensure statistical credibility of the data, while maintaining appropriate differentiation. This process defines the reserving segments, to which various actuarial projection methods are applied. When applying these methods, the actuaries are required to make numerous assumptions including, for example, the selection of loss and loss expense development factors and the weight to be applied to each individual projection method. These methods include paid and incurred versions of the following methods: aggregate loss and loss expense development, Bornhuetter-Ferguson, Berquist-Sherman, and frequency/severity modeling (via a development approach). The second component of the analysis is the projection of the expected ultimate loss and loss expense ratio for each line of business for the current accident year. This projection is part of our planning process wherein we review and update expected loss and loss expense ratios each quarter. This review includes actual versus expected pricing changes, loss and loss expense trend assumptions, and updated prior period loss and loss expense ratios from the most recent quarterly reserve analysis. Actual claims counts and severities are also considered relative to initial expectations.
 

37



In addition to the quarterly reserve analysis, a range of possible IBNR reserves is estimated annually and continually considered, among other factors, in establishing IBNR for each reporting period. Loss and loss expense trends are also considered, which include, but are not limited to, large loss activity, asbestos and environmental claim activity, large case reserve additions or reductions for prior accident years, and reinsurance recoverable issues. We also consider factors such as: (i) per claim information; (ii) company and industry historical loss experience; (iii) legislative enactments, judicial decisions, legal developments, and changes in political attitudes; and (iv) trends in general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. Based upon our quarterly reserve analysis, our annual reserve range, and other relevant factors and considerations, IBNR is established and the ultimate net liability for loss and loss expense is determined. Such an assessment requires considerable judgment given that it is frequently not possible to determine whether a change in the data is an anomaly until sometime after the event. Even if a change is determined to be permanent, it is not always possible to reliably determine the extent of the change until sometime later. There is no precise method for subsequently evaluating the impact of any specific factor on the adequacy of reserves because the eventual deficiency or redundancy is affected by many factors. The changes in these estimates, resulting from the continuous review process and the differences between estimates and ultimate payments, are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the period in which such estimates are changed. Any changes in the liability estimate may be material to the results of operations in future periods. In addition to our internal review, statutory regulation requires us to have a Statement of Actuarial Opinion issued annually on our statutory reserve adequacy. We engage an external consulting actuary to issue this opinion based on their independent review.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
Range of reasonable reserves
We have estimated a range of reasonably possible reserves for net loss and loss expense claims to be $2,899 million to $3,361 million at December 31, 2017, which compares to $2,780 million to $3,237 million at December 31, 2016. These ranges reflect low and high reasonable reserve estimates, which were selected primarily by considering the range of indications calculated using generally accepted actuarial techniques. Such techniques assume that past experience, adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, are an appropriate basis for predicting future events. Although these reflect ranges of reasonable estimates, it is possible that the final outcomes may fall above or below these amounts. The ranges do not include a provision for potential increases or decreases associated with asbestos, environmental, and certain other continuous exposure claims, as traditional actuarial techniques cannot be effectively applied to these exposures.

Major developments related to loss and loss expense reserve estimates and uncertainty
The Insurance Subsidiaries are multi-state, multi-line property and casualty insurance companies and, as such, are subject to reserve uncertainty stemming from a variety of sources. These uncertainties are considered at each step in the process of establishing loss and loss expense reserves. As market conditions change, certain developments may occur that increase or decrease the amount of uncertainty. These developments include impacts within our own paid and reported loss and loss expense experience, as well as other internal and external factors that have not yet manifested within our data, but may do so in the future. All of these developments are considered when establishing loss and loss expense reserves, and in estimating the range of reasonable reserves.

Changes in Reserve Estimates (Loss Development)
Each quarter a reserve review produces updated reserve estimates for the current and prior accident years, which in turn leads to changes in the booked reserves, favorably, or unfavorably. In 2017, we experienced overall net favorable loss development of $39.2 million, compared to $65.8 million in 2016, and $69.0 million in 2015. The following table summarizes prior year development by line of business:
(Favorable)/Unfavorable Prior Year Loss and Loss Expense Development
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
General liability
 
$
(48.3
)
 
(45.0
)
 
(51.0
)
Workers compensation
 
(52.3
)
 
(56.0
)
 
(37.0
)
Commercial automobile
 
35.6

 
25.3

 
2.4

Businessowners' policies
 
1.9

 
1.8

 
2.2

Commercial property
 
8.7

 
0.3

 
(3.0
)
Personal automobile
 
6.7

 
1.0

 
0.4

Homeowners
 
0.4

 
1.7

 
1.5

E&S casualty lines
 
10.0

 
6.0

 
16.0

Other
 
(1.9
)
 
(0.9
)
 
(0.5
)
Total
 
$
(39.2
)
 
(65.8
)
 
(69.0
)

38





A detailed discussion of recent reserve developments, by line of business, follows.

Standard Market General Liability Line of Business
At December 31, 2017, our general liability line of business had recorded reserves, net of reinsurance, of $1.1 billion, which represented 36% of our total net reserves. In 2017, this line experienced favorable development of $48.3 million, attributable to lower than expected frequencies and severities, mainly in accident years 2016 and prior.

During 2016, this line experienced favorable development of $45.0 million, attributable mainly to lower than anticipated claims severities in accident years 2008 through 2013 and 2015.

By its nature, this line presents a diverse set of exposures, and therefore can be influenced by a variety of factors. In recent years, the line has been favorably impacted by decreasing frequencies and relatively benign severity trends. As the economy continues to improve it is possible that these trends will be affected. Our actuarial department actively monitors these trends within our reserve review data, and holds frequent discussions with claims, to identify any potential shifts in these trends.
 
Standard Market Workers Compensation Line of Business
At December 31, 2017, our workers compensation line of business recorded reserves, net of reinsurance, of $966.5 million, which represented 30% of our total net reserves. During 2017, this line experienced favorable development of $52.3 million driven by accident years 2016 and prior. During 2016, this line experienced favorable development of $56.0 million driven by accident years 2014 and prior. During 2017, this line again showed lower loss emergence than expected, due, in part, to: (i) lower medical inflation than originally anticipated; (ii) our proactive underwriting actions in recent years; and (iii) various significant claims initiatives that we have implemented.

While we believe these changes are significant drivers of our improved loss experience, there is always risk associated with change. Most notably, these changes in operations may inherently change paid and reported development patterns. While our reserve analyses incorporate methods that adjust for these changes, there nevertheless remains a greater risk in the estimated reserves.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
In addition to the uncertainties associated with actuarial assumptions and methodologies described above, the workers compensation line of business can be impacted by a variety of issues, such as the following:

Unexpected changes in medical cost inflation - The industry is currently experiencing a period of lower claim cost inflation. Changes in our historical workers compensation medical costs, along with uncertainty regarding future medical inflation, creates the potential for additional variability in our reserves;

Changes in statutory workers compensation benefits - Benefit changes may be enacted that affect all outstanding claims, regardless of having occurred in the past. Depending upon the social and political climate, these changes may either increase or decrease associated claim costs;

Changes in utilization of the workers compensation system - These changes may be driven by economic, legislative, or other changes. For example, this includes increased use of pharmaceuticals and more complex medical procedures.
 
Audit premium and endorsement premium may also introduce uncertainty into our reserves, since earned premiums are used as a basis to set initial reserves. Over recent years, this activity has been fairly consistent. In 2017, audit and endorsement activity resulted in additional premium of $18.2 million, and in 2016 it resulted in additional premium of $22.6 million.
 
Standard Market Commercial Automobile Line of Business
At December 31, 2017, our commercial automobile line of business had recorded reserves, net of reinsurance, of $475 million, which represented 15% of our total net reserves. In 2017, this line experienced unfavorable development of $35.6 million, which was mainly driven by increases in accident years 2012 through 2016, due to higher than expected frequency and severity.

In 2016, this line experienced unfavorable development of $25.3 million, which was mainly driven by higher severity in accident year 2014 and higher frequency and severity in 2015.

For the industry, the commercial automobile line has experienced unfavorable trends in recent years, in both its casualty and property coverages. We believe the increased frequencies are largely due to increased miles driven as a result of lower

39



unemployment and lower gasoline prices, as well as an increase in distracted driving. Rising severities may be the result of the increasing complexity of vehicles and the technology they incorporate, which results in increased repair costs.

We are currently taking actions to improve the profitability of this line of business, including:

•
Taking meaningful rate and underwriting actions on our renewal portfolio. We will continue to leverage our predictive modeling and analytical capabilities to provide more granular insights as to where best to focus our actions.
•
Aggressively managing new business pricing and hazard mix, co-underwriting selected higher hazard classes by the field and home office, providing better recognition of risk drivers and improved pricing.
•
Reducing premium leakage by improving the quality of our rating information. This includes validating application information using third party data and obtaining more detailed driver information.
•
Exploring new tools to score drivers to underwrite more effectively and align rate with exposure.

Standard Market Personal Automobile Line of Business
At December 31, 2017, our personal automobile line of business had recorded reserves, net of reinsurance, of $97 million, which represented 3% of our total net reserves. In 2017, this line experienced unfavorable development of $6.7 million mainly attributable to an increase in accident years 2011 through 2016. This line experienced unfavorable prior year development of $1.0 million in 2016.

Some of the drivers affecting the commercial automobile line are also affecting this line. Increased usage and vehicle repair costs, coupled with social trends such as distracted driving, are likely causes of increased frequencies and rising severities. We continue to recalibrate our predictive models, as well as refine our underwriting and pricing approaches. While we believe these changes will ultimately lead to improved profitability and greater stability, they may impact paid and reported development patterns, thereby increasing the uncertainty in the reserves in the near-term.

E&S Casualty Lines of Business
At December 31, 2017, our E&S casualty lines of business had recorded reserves, net of reinsurance, of $306 million, which represented 10% of our total net reserves. In 2017, this line experienced unfavorable development of $10.0 million, mostly associated with accident years 2014 and 2015. In 2016, this line experienced unfavorable development of $6.0 million, mostly associated with accident year 2014. Since we have limited historical loss experience in this segment, our reserve estimates are subject to somewhat greater uncertainty than the comparable Standard Commercial and Personal Line segments. In addition, by its nature, the composition of this book changes over time, which may impact development patterns.

While E&S results have improved over recent years, they still have not reached our target return. In order to improve outcomes, we have taken the following actions related to E&S casualty claims:

•
Over the course of late 2015 and early 2016, our E&S claims handling function was aligned with our standard operations claims function. E&S claims were migrated from the business unit in Scottsdale, Arizona, to the appropriate regional claims operation. Complex claims are referred to the corporate Complex Claims Unit ("CCU") for specialized handling.
•
Claims have been segregated into “litigated” versus “non-litigated.” Separate claim handling teams have been created, with the required skill sets, to appropriately handle these two types of claims.
•
We implemented the following expense improvement initiatives regarding outside adjusters and legal counsel:
◦
Maximized use of staff counsel, increasing staff where necessary to support claims volume;
◦
Utilized staff coverage attorney for coverage reviews;
◦
Heightened focus on legal budgeting and expense management;
◦
Required panel counsel firms to use our electronic legal billing and budgeting system to better manage budgets and expenses associated with litigation; and
◦
Implemented a panel counsel review process.

We believe that the actions above will not only lead to earlier identification of severe claims, but also earlier claims resolutions with improved outcomes. With that said, changes in claims operations can result in changes to claims reserving and settlement patterns. Over time, we expect these patterns to stabilize, but in the near term these operational changes increase the uncertainty in reserve estimates.
 

40



Other impacts creating additional loss and loss expense reserve uncertainty

Claims Initiative Impacts
In addition to the line of business specific issues mentioned above, our lines of business have been impacted by a number of initiatives undertaken by our Claims Department that have resulted in variability, or shifts, in the average level of case reserves. Some of these initiatives have also impacted claims settlement rates. These changes affect the data upon which the ultimate loss and loss expense projections are made. While these changes in case reserve levels and settlement rates increase the uncertainty in the short run, we expect the longer-term benefit will be a more refined management of the claims process.

Some of the specific actions implemented over the past several years, in addition to those regarding E&S as discussed above, are as follows:
•
Increased focus on reducing workers compensation medical costs through more favorable Preferred Provider Organization ("PPO") contracts and greater PPO penetration.
•
A more comprehensive approach for handling workers compensation claims, with an emphasis towards improving recovery times, allowing for earlier “return-to-work.” This involves elevated and proactive case management in the areas of medical, pharmaceutical, and physical therapy treatments.
•
The continued use of our CCU, to which all significant and complex liability claims are assigned. This unit has been staffed with personnel that have significant experience in handling and settling these types of claims.
•
The strategic realignment of our CMS model to handle property claims under $5,000.
•
The continued use of our Property Claims Specialists ("PCS") and our Property Large Loss Unit ("LLU"). Our PCSs handle claims between $5,000 and $100,000, while the LLU handles claims above $100,000. Both groups form the core of our catastrophe response team. During 2016, we began increasing the number of property claims specialists to respond to property claims with higher severity and/or complexity. This provides us with more staff to respond to claim volume, including the fluctuations that result from catastrophes, while ensuring we have the highest level of property expertise available to apply to our more complex claims.
•
Continued efforts in the areas of fraud investigation and salvage/subrogation recoveries. These efforts have been supported by the introduction of predictive models that allow us to better focus our efforts.

Our internal reserve analyses incorporate certain actuarial projection methods, which make adjustments for changes in case reserve adequacy and claims settlement rates. These methods adjust our historical loss experience to the current level of case adequacy or settlement rate, which provides a more consistent basis for projecting future development patterns. These methods have their own assumptions and judgments associated with them, so as with any projection method, they are not definitive in and of themselves. Furthermore, given that the expected benefits from our claims initiatives take time to fully manifest, we do not take full credit for the anticipated benefit in establishing our loss and loss expense reserves. These initiatives may prove more or less beneficial than currently reflected, which will affect development in future years. Our various projection methods provide an indication of these potential future impacts. These impacts would be greatest within our larger reserve lines of workers compensation, general liability, and commercial automobile liability, within the more recent accident years.

Economic Inflationary Impacts
Current United States monetary policy and global economic conditions bring additional uncertainty in the long-term given the length of time required for claim settlement and the impact of medical cost trends relating to longer-tail liability and workers compensation claims. In addition, recent economic data points to increased U.S. and global economic growth, continued low levels of unemployment and signs of rising wages, which compounded with the potential for the pro-growth benefits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("Tax Reform") and the potential for higher Federal budget deficits, has recently led to rising U.S. interest rates and may result in a higher level of inflation in 2018 and beyond. Uncertainty regarding future inflation or deflation creates the potential for additional volatility in our reserves for these lines of business.
 
Sensitivity analysis: Potential impact on reserve uncertainty due to changes in key assumptions
Our process to establish reserves includes a variety of key assumptions, including, but not limited to, the following:
•
The selection of loss and loss expense development factors;
•
The weight to be applied to each individual actuarial projection method;
•
Projected future loss trends; and
•
Expected claim frequencies, severities and ultimate loss and loss expense ratios for the current accident year.


41



The importance of any single assumption depends on several considerations, such as the line of business and the accident year. If the actual experience emerges differently than the assumptions used in the process to establish reserves, changes in our reserve estimate are possible and may be material to the results of operations in future periods. Set forth below are sensitivity tests that highlight potential impacts to loss and loss expense reserves under different scenarios, for the major casualty lines of business. These tests consider each assumption and line of business individually, without any consideration of correlation between lines of business and accident years. Therefore, the results in the tables below do not constitute an actuarial range. While the figures represent possible impacts from variations in key assumptions as identified by management, there is no assurance that the future emergence of our loss and loss expense experience will be consistent with either our current or alternative sets of assumptions.

While the sources of variability discussed above are generated by different internal and external trends and operational changes, they ultimately manifest themselves as changes in the expected loss and loss expense development patterns. These patterns are a key assumption in the reserving process. In addition to the expected development patterns, the expected loss and loss expense ratios are another key assumption in the reserving process. These expected ratios are developed through a rigorous process of projecting recent accident years' experience to an ultimate settlement basis, and then adjusting it to the current accident year's pricing and loss cost levels. Impact from changes in the underwriting portfolio and changes in claims handling practices are also quantified and reflected, where appropriate. As is the case with all estimates, the ultimate loss and loss expense ratios may differ from those currently estimated.

The sensitivities of loss and loss expense reserves to these key assumptions are illustrated below for the major casualty lines. The first table shows the estimated impacts from changes in expected reported loss and loss expense development patterns. It shows reserve impacts by line of business if the actual calendar year incurred amounts are greater or less than current expectations by the selected percentages. While the selected percentages by line are judgmental, they are based upon the reserve range analysis, as well as the actual historical reserve development for the line of business. The second table shows the estimated impacts from changes to the expected loss and loss expense ratios for the current accident year. It shows reserve impacts by line of business if the expected loss and loss expense ratios for the current accident year are greater or less than current expectations by the selected percentages.
Reserve Impacts of Changes to Expected Loss and Loss Expense Reporting Patterns
($ in millions)
 
Percentage Decrease/Increase
 
(Decrease) to Future Calendar Year Reported
 
Increase to Future Calendar Year Reported
General liability
 
7
%
 
$
(80
)
 
$
80

Workers compensation
 
10

 
(70
)
 
70

Commercial automobile liability
 
12

 
(50
)
 
50

Personal automobile liability
 
15

 
(10
)
 
10

E&S casualty lines
 
10

 
(35
)
 
35

Reserve Impacts of Changes to Current Year Expected Ultimate Loss and Loss Expense Ratios
($ in millions)
 
Percentage Decrease/Increase
 
(Decrease) to Current Accident Year Expected Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 
Increase to Current Accident Year Expected Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
General liability
 
10
pts
$
(60
)
 
$
60

Workers compensation
 
10
 
(35
)
 
35

Commercial automobile liability
 
10
 
(35
)
 
35

Personal automobile liability
 
10
 
(10
)
 
10

E&S casualty lines
 
10
 
(15
)
 
15


Note that there is some overlap between the impacts in the two tables. For example, increases in the calendar year development would ultimately impact our view of the current accident year's loss and loss expense ratios. Nevertheless, these tables provide perspective into the sensitivity of each of these key assumptions.

Asbestos and Environmental Reserves
Our general liability, excess liability, and homeowners reserves include exposure to asbestos and environmental claims. Our exposure to environmental liability is primarily due to: (i) landfill exposures from policies written prior to the absolute pollution endorsement in the mid 1980s; and (ii) underground storage tank leaks mainly from New Jersey homeowners policies. These environmental claims stem primarily from insured exposures in municipal government, small non-manufacturing commercial risks, and homeowners policies.


42



The total carried net losses and loss expense reserves for these claims were $21.2 million as of December 31, 2017 and $22.7 million as of December 31, 2016. The emergence of these claims occurs over an extended period and is highly unpredictable. For example, within our Standard Commercial Lines book, certain landfill sites are included on the National Priorities List (“NPL”) by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“USEPA”). Once on the NPL, the USEPA determines an appropriate remediation plan for these sites. A landfill can remain on the NPL for many years until final approval for the removal of the site is granted from the USEPA. The USEPA has the authority to re-open previously closed sites and return them to the NPL. We currently have reserves for seven customers related to four sites on the NPL.

“Asbestos claims” are claims for bodily injury alleged to have occurred from exposure to asbestos-containing products. Our primary exposure arises from insuring various distributors of asbestos-containing products, such as electrical and plumbing materials. At December 31, 2017, asbestos claims constituted 30% of our $21.2 million net asbestos and environmental reserves, compared to 29% of our $22.7 million net asbestos and environmental reserves at December 31, 2016.
 
“Environmental claims” are claims alleging bodily injury or property damage from pollution or other environmental contaminants other than asbestos. These claims include landfills and leaking underground storage tanks. Our landfill exposure lies largely in policies written for municipal governments, in their operation or maintenance of certain public lands. In addition to landfill exposures, in recent years, we have experienced a relatively consistent level of reported losses in the homeowners line of business related to claims for groundwater contamination from leaking underground heating oil storage tanks in New Jersey. In 2007, we instituted a fuel oil system exclusion on our New Jersey homeowners policies that limits our exposure to leaking underground storage tanks for certain customers. At that time, existing customers were offered a one-time opportunity to buy back oil tank liability coverage.  The exclusion applies to all new homeowners policies in New Jersey. These customers are eligible for the buy-back option only if the tank meets specific eligibility criteria. 
 
Our asbestos and environmental claims are handled in our centralized and specialized asbestos and environmental claim unit. Case reserves for these exposures are evaluated on a claim-by-claim basis. The ability to assess potential exposure often improves as a claim develops, including judicial determinations of coverage issues. As a result, reserves are adjusted accordingly.
 
Estimating IBNR reserves for asbestos and environmental claims is difficult because of the delayed and inconsistent reporting patterns associated with these claims. In addition, there are significant uncertainties associated with estimating critical assumptions, such as average clean-up costs, third-party costs, potentially responsible party shares, allocation of damages, litigation and coverage costs, and potential state and federal legislative changes. Normal historically-based actuarial approaches cannot be applied to asbestos and environmental claims because past loss history is not indicative of future potential loss emergence. In addition, while certain alternative models can be applied, such models can produce significantly different results with small changes in assumptions. As a result, we do not calculate an asbestos and environmental loss range. Historically, our asbestos and environmental claims have been significantly lower in volume, with less volatility and uncertainty than many of our competitors in the Standard Commercial Lines industry. Prior to the introduction of the absolute pollution exclusion endorsement in the mid-1980's, we were primarily a Standard Personal Lines carrier and therefore do not have broad exposure to asbestos and environmental claims. Additionally, we are the primary insurance carrier on the majority of these exposures, which provides more certainty in our reserve position compared to others in the insurance marketplace.

Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Plan Actuarial Assumptions
Our pension and post-retirement benefit obligations and related costs are calculated using actuarial methods, within the framework of U.S. GAAP. Two key assumptions, the discount rate and the expected return on plan assets, are important elements of expense and/or liability measurement. We evaluate these key assumptions annually. Other assumptions involve demographic factors, such as retirement age and mortality.
The discount rate enables us to state expected future cash flows at their present value on the measurement date. The purpose of the discount rate is to determine the interest rates inherent in the price at which pension benefits could be effectively settled. Our discount rate selection is based on high-quality, long-term corporate bonds. A higher discount rate reduces the present value of benefit obligations. Conversely, a lower discount rate increases the present value of benefit obligations. Our discount rate decreased 63 basis points, to 3.78%, as of December 31, 2017 compared to 4.41% as of December 31, 2016. For additional information regarding our discount rate selection, refer to Note 14. “Retirement Plans” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.

The expected long-term rate of return on the plan assets is determined by considering the current and expected asset allocation, as well as historical and expected returns on each plan asset class. A lower expected rate of return on pension plan assets would increase pension expense. Our long-term expected return on plan assets increased 12 basis points, to 6.36%, as of

43



December 31, 2017 compared to 6.24% as of December 31, 2016, reflecting a higher allocation to equity securities in the portfolio.

At December 31, 2017, our pension and post-retirement benefit plan obligation was $381.0 million compared to $346.0 million at December 31, 2016. Plan assets were $363.7 million and $316.5 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Volatility in the marketplace, coupled with changes in the discount rate assumption, could materially impact our pension and post-retirement life valuation in the future. For additional information regarding our pension and post-retirement benefit plan obligations, see Note 14. “Retirement Plans” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.

Investment Valuation and OTTI
Investment Valuation
The fair value of our investment portfolio is defined under accounting guidance as the exit price or the amount that would be: (i) received to sell an asset; or (ii) paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. When determining an exit price we must, when available, rely upon observable market data. Our available-for-sale ("AFS") portfolio is carried at fair value and the related unrealized gains or losses are reflected in stockholders' equity, net of tax. For both our AFS and held-to-maturity ("HTM") portfolios, fair value is a key factor in the evaluation of a security for OTTI.

We have categorized our investment portfolio, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).

The fair value of approximately 99% of our investment portfolio is classified as either Level 1 or Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Fair value measurements in Level 1 represent quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Fair value measurements in Level 2 represent prices determined using observable data from similar securities that have traded in the marketplace, typically using matrix pricing. The fair value of our Level 2 securities are determined by external pricing services. We have evaluated the pricing methodology used for these Level 2 prices and have determined that the inputs used are observable. For additional information regarding the valuation techniques used, refer to item (e) of Note 2. "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" within Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Annual Report.

Less than 1% of our investment portfolio is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Fair value measurements in Level 3 are based on unobservable market inputs because the related securities are not traded on a public market. For additional information regarding the valuation techniques used for our Level 3 securities, refer to item (e) of Note 2. "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" within Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Annual Report.

OTTI
Our investment portfolio is subject to market declines below amortized cost that may be other than temporary and therefore may result in the recognition of OTTI losses. Factors considered in the determination of whether or not a decline is other than temporary require significant judgment and include, but are not limited to, the financial condition of the issuer, the expected near-term and long-term prospects of the issuer, and our evaluation of the projected cash flow stream from the security. For additional information regarding our OTTI process and OTTI charges recorded, see item (d) of Note 2. "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" and item (j) of Note 5. "Investments" within Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Annual Report, respectively.

Reinsurance
Reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid loss and loss expense represent estimates of the portion of such liabilities that will be recovered from reinsurers. Each reinsurance contract is analyzed to ensure that the transfer of risk exists to properly record the transactions in the Financial Statements. Amounts recovered from reinsurers are recognized as assets at the same time and in a manner consistent with the paid and unpaid losses associated with the reinsured policies. An allowance for estimated uncollectible reinsurance is recorded based on an evaluation of balances due from reinsurers and other available information. This allowance totaled $4.6 million at December 31, 2017 and $5.5 million at December 31, 2016. We continually monitor developments that may impact recoverability from our reinsurers and have available to us contractually provided remedies if necessary. For further information regarding reinsurance, see the “Reinsurance” section below and Note 8. “Reinsurance” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.


44




Financial Highlights of Results for Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 20151
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017 vs.
2016
 
 
 
 
 
2016 vs.
2015
 
 
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
2015
 
 
 
Revenues
 
$
2,469,984

 
2,284,270

 
8

 
%
 
$
2,131,852

 
7

 
%
After-tax net investment income
 
118,520

 
98,405

 
20

 
 
 
93,836

 
5

 
 
After-tax underwriting income
 
100,318

 
98,756

 
2

 
 
 
96,869

 
2

 
 
Net income before federal income tax
 
261,968

 
219,955

 
19

 
 
 
232,692

 
(5
)
 
 
Net income
 
168,826

 
158,495

 
7

 
 
 
165,861

 
(4
)
 
 
Diluted net income per share
 
$
2.84

 
2.70

 
5

 
 
 
$
2.85

 
(5
)
 
 
Diluted weighted-average outstanding shares
 
59,357

 
58,747

 
1

 
 
 
58,156

 
1

 
 
Combined ratio
 
93.3

%
92.9

 
0.4

 
pts
 
92.5

%
0.4

 
pts
Invested assets per dollar of stockholders' equity
 
$
3.32

 
3.50

 
(5
)
 
%
 
$
3.64

 
(4
)
 
%
After-tax yield on investments
 
2.1

%
1.9

 
0.2

 
pts
 
1.9

%
—

 
pts
Return on average equity ("ROE")
 
10.4

 
10.8

 
(0.4
)
 
 
 
12.4

 
(1.6
)
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
Non-GAAP operating income
 
$
184,898

 
161,704

 
14

 
%
 
$
157,300

 
3

 
%
Diluted non-GAAP operating income per share
 
3.11

 
2.75

 
13

 
 
 
2.70

 
2

 
 
Non-GAAP operating ROE
 
11.4

%
11.0

 
0.4

 
pts
 
11.8

%
(0.8
)
 
pts
1Refer to the Glossary of Terms attached to this Form 10-K as Exhibit 99.1 for definitions of terms used in this financial review.

Reconciliations of net income, net income per share, and ROE to non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP operating income per share, and non-GAAP operating ROE, respectively, are provided in the tables below:
Reconciliation of net income to non-GAAP operating income
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Net income
 
$
168,826

 
158,495

 
165,861

Exclude: Net realized (gains) losses
 
(6,359
)
 
4,937

 
(13,171
)
Exclude: Tax on net realized gains (losses)
 
2,226

 
(1,728
)
 
4,610

Exclude: Tax reform impact
 
20,205

 
—

 
—

Non-GAAP operating income
 
$
184,898

 
161,704

 
157,300

Reconciliation of net income per share to non-GAAP operating income per share
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Diluted net income per share
 
$
2.84

 
2.70

 
2.85

Exclude: Net realized (gains) losses per share
 
(0.11
)
 
0.08

 
(0.23
)
Exclude: Tax on net realized gains (losses) per share
 
0.04

 
(0.03
)
 
0.08

Exclude: Tax reform impact per share
 
0.34

 
—

 
—

Diluted non-GAAP operating income per share
 
$
3.11

 
2.75

 
2.70

Reconciliation of ROE to non-GAAP operating ROE
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Insurance operations
 
6.2
 %
 
6.7

 
7.3

Investment income
 
7.3

 
6.7

 
7.0

Other
 
(2.1
)
 
(2.4
)
 
(2.5
)
Net realized gains (losses)
 
0.4

 
(0.3
)
 
1.0

Tax on net realized (gains) losses
 
(0.2
)
 
0.1

 
(0.4
)
Tax reform impact
 
(1.2
)
 
—

 
—

ROE
 
10.4

 
10.8

 
12.4

Exclude: Net realized (gains) losses
 
(0.4
)
 
0.3

 
(1.0
)
Exclude: Tax on net realized gains (losses)
 
0.2

 
(0.1
)
 
0.4

Exclude: Tax reform impact

 
1.2

 
—

 
—

Non-GAAP operating ROE
 
11.4
 %
 
11.0

 
11.8



45



We delivered strong financial results in 2017 with net income of $168.8 million, up 7% from 2016, and non-GAAP operating income of $184.9 million, up 14% from 2016. We generated a 10.4% ROE in 2017 and an 11.4% non-GAAP operating ROE, our key measure of long term financial success, with our non-GAAP operating ROE increasing 40 basis points from 11.0% in 2016. Our strong financial results were driven by a record level of after-tax underwriting income, despite the record level of insured global catastrophe losses in 2017 and a relatively weak overall commercial lines pricing environment, and a record level of after-tax net investment income, despite the continued low interest rate environment. Our record level of after-tax underwriting income reflect our efforts to: (i) drive renewal pure price increases at the account level within our Standard Commercial and Standard Personal Lines segments as well as our E&S segment; (ii) generate new business and grow our net premiums written; and (iii) improve the underlying profitability of our book of business through various underwriting and claims initiatives. Our NPW growth of 6% in 2017 and 8% in 2016 was driven by our strong franchise value with our "ivy league" distribution partners. In addition, for more than eight years our Standard Commercial Lines renewal pure price increases have cumulatively outperformed the Willis Towers Watson Commercial Lines Pricing (or CLIPs) survey by approximately 2,100 basis points, while maintaining high retention rates, which has helped improve underlying results. Additionally, in 2017, we appointed 102 retail agents, which is exclusive of 26 agents that have been appointed in our new states of Arizona and New Hampshire, as we continue to seek ways to increase our market share.

In addition to the cumulative renewal pure price increases we have achieved over the past several years, we have driven underwriting and claims process enhancements, and we have improved our mix of business based on expected future profitability. For example, our workers compensation book of business, which represents approximately 17% of our Standard Commercial Lines business, continues to benefit from the steps we have taken in recent years to increase premium rates on this line, despite the fact that pricing was flat in 2017. Additionally, this line has benefited from: (i) an improved business mix that is shifting towards lower hazard and smaller accounts from higher hazard and larger accounts; (ii) claims initiatives, such as reducing workers compensation medical costs through more favorable PPO contracts and greater PPO penetration; and (iii) lower inflationary trends for this long-tail line. For a full discussion of the claims initiatives that we have deployed, refer to the “Reserves for Loss and Loss Expenses” section within Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Our commercial and personal automobile lines of business have been unprofitable in recent years and remain areas of focus as we are taking steps to improve profitability in these lines of business. In 2017, we recorded unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development and increases to our current year loss costs for these lines. We will continue to seek to actively implement renewal pure price increases in these lines, which have averaged 6.7% in 2017 for commercial auto and 4.1% for personal auto, to improve the level of profitability of these lines of business, which have not met our risk adjusted return expectations in recent years. We have also been managing our commercial auto in-force book of business in targeted industry segments and we have been reducing exposures to higher hazard commercial auto classes to improve the underlying profitability of this business.

Our E&S segment also remains a focus area, with a combined ratio of 103.0% for 2017. We face a competitive environment in this segment, and our pricing and underwriting initiatives aimed at improving profitability have resulted in a decline in new business volume. Our focus in E&S is on improving profitability, rather than premium volume or growth, and we expect continued volatility in net premiums written in this segment until the E&S segment meets our risk adjusted return expectations.

After-tax net investment income grew 20% in 2017 and 5% in 2016. The improvements in 2017 and 2016 were driven by a higher fixed income book yield and improved returns on our alternative investments. We have continued to diversify and modestly increase our exposure to risk assets and move towards a long-term target allocation of approximately 10% of total invested assets. Risk assets, which principally include public equities, high-yield fixed income securities, and private assets, represented 8% of our total invested assets at December 31, 2017.

We generated a non-GAAP operating ROE of 11.4% in 2017, which is in line with our long-term goal of generating a non-GAAP operating ROE that is 300 basis points in excess of our weighted average cost of capital. Our long-term financial target for 2017 was 11.5%, based on an estimated weighted average cost of capital of 8.5%. Our non-GAAP operating ROE was 11.0% for 2016, compared to our target of 11.7%, which was based on our weighted average cost of capital of 8.7%. Underwriting profitability, coupled with the performance of our investment portfolio, contributed to this achievement.


46



Insurance Operations
The key metric in understanding our insurance operations’ contribution to ROE is the GAAP combined ratio. The following table provides a quantitative foundation for analyzing this ratio:
All Lines
 
 
 
 

 
2017
vs. 2016
 
 

 
2016
vs. 2015
 
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
Insurance Operations Results:
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Net premiums written ("NPW")
 
$
2,370,641

 
2,237,288

 
6

%
$
2,069,904

 
8

%
Net premiums earned ("NPE")
 
2,291,027

 
2,149,572

 
7

 
1,989,909

 
8

 
Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Loss and loss expense incurred
 
1,345,074

 
1,234,797

 
9

 
1,148,541

 
8

 
Net underwriting expenses incurred
 
786,983

 
759,194

 
4

 
686,120

 
11

 
Dividends to policyholders
 
4,634

 
3,648

 
27

 
6,219

 
(41
)
 
Underwriting income
 
$
154,336

 
151,933

 
2

%
$
149,029

 
2

%
Combined Ratios:
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Loss and loss expense ratio
 
58.7

%
57.4

 
1.3

pts
57.7

%
(0.3
)
pts
Underwriting expense ratio
 
34.4

 
35.3

 
(0.9
)
 
34.5

 
0.8

 
Dividends to policyholders ratio
 
0.2

 
0.2

 
—

 
0.3

 
(0.1
)
 
Combined ratio
 
93.3

 
92.9

 
0.4

 
92.5

 
0.4

 

Increases in our combined ratio were driven by: (i) lower levels of net favorable prior year casualty loss development; (ii) a slightly higher level of catastrophe losses; and (iii) a slightly higher level of non-catastrophe property losses. These items were offset in part in 2017 by a lower underwriting expense ratio. The details of these items are provided below:

•
Net favorable prior year casualty reserve development:
(Favorable)/Unfavorable Prior Year Casualty Reserve Development
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
General liability
$
(48.3
)
 
(45.0
)
 
(51.0
)
 
Commercial automobile
36.0

 
25.0

 
3.0

 
Workers compensation
(52.3
)
 
(56.0
)
 
(37.0
)
 
Businessowners' policies
—

 
0.5

 
4.0

 
Other
(2.0
)
 
(2.0
)
 
—

 
   Total Standard Commercial Lines
(66.6
)
 
(77.5
)
 
(81.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Homeowners
1.0

 
1.5

 
(2.0
)
 
Personal automobile
7.0

 
1.0

 
—

 
   Total Standard Personal Lines
8.0

 
2.5

 
(2.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
E&S casualty lines
10.0

 
6.0

 
16.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total favorable prior year casualty reserve development
$
(48.6
)
 
(69.0
)
 
(67.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Favorable) impact on loss ratio
(2.1
)
pts
(3.2
)
 
(3.4
)
 

For a qualitative discussion of this reserve development, please see the related insurance segment discussions below.

•
Catastrophe losses:
Catastrophe Losses
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
(Favorable)/Unfavorable Year-Over-Year Change
For the Year ended December 31,
 
Loss and Loss Expense Incurred
Impact on Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 
2017
 
$
67.3

2.9

pts
0.1

2016
 
59.7

2.8

 
(0.2
)
2015
 
59.1

3.0

 
(0.2
)


47



•
Non-catastrophe property losses:
Non-Catastrophe Property Losses
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
(Favorable)/Unfavorable Year-Over-Year Change
For the Year ended December 31,
 
Loss and Loss Expense Incurred
Impact on Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 
2017
 
$
303.7

13.3

pts
0.3

2016
 
279.2

13.0

 
(0.3
)
2015
 
265.4

13.3

 
(2.2
)

The deterioration in the loss and loss expense ratio in 2017 was partially offset by improvement in the underwriting expense ratio of 0.9 points in 2017. This improvement was driven by:

•
A 0.5-point decrease in commissions to our distribution partners in 2017 due to lower supplemental commission expense, as well as lower base commissions that were driven by targeted actions we took in late 2016 on our homeowners book of business;

•
A 0.4-point decrease in labor expenses as a percentage of premium in 2017, as we recognized productivity gains from the growth of our business; and

•
A 0.3-point decrease in pension expense in 2017 reflecting expected returns on pension plan assets that have outpaced expenses in the current year periods. For additional information on our pension plan, refer to Note 14. "Retirement Plans" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.

•
Partially offsetting these improvements was an increase of 0.3 points of other expense items.

The 0.8-point increase in the 2016 underwriting expense ratio compared to 2015 was driven by 0.7 points of higher supplemental commissions to our distribution partners as a result of improved underwriting profitability, as well as increased compensation paid to our employees, partially offset by reduced pension costs driven in part by the curtailment of our pension plan in the first quarter of 2016.

Investments Segment
The ROE contribution from investment income has increased in 2017 compared to 2016 reflecting higher yields on our core fixed income portfolio, coupled with a higher asset base driven by cash flows from operations that were 16% of NPW for the year. In addition, our alternative investment portfolio generated $8.3 million in after-tax income in 2017 compared to $2.0 million in 2016.

Net realized gains/losses, which is another component of our investment segments' results, experienced volatility in its contribution to ROE in 2015 through 2017. For qualitative information regarding these fluctuations, which include OTTI charges and investment sales that are largely discretionary as to timing, refer to Note 5. "Investments" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.

Other
The reduction to ROE from "other" in the "Reconciliation of ROE to non-GAAP operating ROE" table above is primarily related to share-based compensation expense at the holding company level. This component of ROE improved marginally in 2017, reflecting a 0.3-point benefit from a change in accounting treatment that requires certain share-based compensation tax benefits to be recorded through income beginning in 2017, coupled with a change in our share-based compensation agreements that began with our 2017 awards. We restructured our newly-issued stock compensation awards to be more aligned with grant date fair value expense treatment and lowered the allocation to awards that require fair value adjustments subsequent to grant date. However, the 36% increase in our stock price during 2017 has resulted in fair value adjustments to our outstanding awards that have increased our share-based compensation expense and offset the savings associated with the structural changes.


48



Outlook
We continue to execute successfully on several important objectives that have set the table for our performance in 2018, including: (i) achieving Standard Commercial Lines renewal pure price increases of 2.9% for full-year 2017 and 2.8% in January 2018; (ii) improving renewal underwriting quality while maintaining strong and stable retention; (iii) targeting underwriting actions in our E&S Lines to improve profitability in this segment; and (iv) achieving strong investment results with after-tax new money rates of 2.1% and strong operating cash flow that was 16% of NPW in 2017. All of these achievements will help drive our future financial performance in 2018 and beyond.

Despite our strong financial performance in 2017 and expectations for 2018, the U.S. property and casualty insurance industry continues to be characterized by an abundance of capital, intense competition and low overall premium growth. According to A.M. Best's "US Property/Casualty: 2018 Review & Preview," for 2018, rate increases are expected to remain in the low single digits for most lines of business. A.M. Best is estimating an overall statutory combined ratio for the industry for 2018 of 100.0% and an estimated after-tax return on surplus of 5.8%. In addition, A.M. Best estimates that property and casualty loss and loss adjustment expense reserve adequacy peaked several years ago and reserve adequacy has been declining since.

Our long-term growth plans include: (i) increasing the Standard Commercial Lines market share held by our "ivy league" distribution partners to at least 25%; (ii) increasing our share of the business within these distribution partners, which we refer to as our "share of wallet," to 12%; and (iii) geographic expansion. To date, we write Standard Commercial Lines business in 25 states and the District of Columbia, which at a 3% market share, would create a corporate Standard Commercial Lines profile in excess of $4 billion of net premiums written.

Effective July 1, 2017, we opened Arizona and New Hampshire for Standard Commercial Lines business. We have appointed a total of 26 agents in these states, with appointments in each state controlling in excess of 20% of that state's available Standard Commercial Lines premium. During 2017, we generated $9.1 million of premium volume in these new markets. On January 1, 2018 we opened Standard Commercial Lines business in Colorado, and we expect to open New Mexico and Utah by the end of 2018. We also expect to open Arizona and Utah for Standard Personal Lines business in the future.

Investing in the development and implementation of leading technologies to enhance our underwriting is integral to our overall strategy. The ability to segment our business on a granular basis allows us to present the right price for a given risk. In 2017, we deployed a new underwriting tool that provides real-time insights into how each piece of new business compares with similar accounts already in our portfolio. We believe this tool positions us better to grow the business regardless of overall market dynamics. It also demonstrates our commitment to developing and implementing a best-in-class technology platform that enhances our decision making capabilities.

As an organization, we are making significant investments that are focused on enhancing the overall customer experience in an omni-channel environment. To that end, we have recently deployed a new customer experience desktop to our contact center employees and we are also working closely with our distribution partners to ensure we present our customers with a seamless experience. We recognize that our customers' expectations on how they engage with us are rapidly evolving and we continue to strive towards providing best-in-class customer service in a 24-hour, 365-day environment. Our goals in this area are centered around leveraging technology to improve customer retention rates, which should, over time, enhance the quality of our business.

Our investment portfolio generated after-tax net investment income of $119 million in 2017, which was a 20% increase over 2016. We have generated strong investment returns despite low interest rates, while maintaining a similar level of credit quality and duration risk on the portfolio. Risk assets, which principally include high-yield fixed income securities, equities, and our alternative investment portfolio, are up modestly to 8% from 7% last year end. We have been gradually diversifying our portfolio, and will likely continue to modestly increase our risk asset allocation over time up to approximately 10% of our invested assets, depending on market conditions.

Our 2018 results will be favorably impacted by Tax Reform, which we expect to lower our effective tax rate by 10 percentage points, to approximately 18% going forward, including 17% from net investment income and approximately 21% for all other items. This effective rate will fluctuate depending on the investment portfolio's allocation to tax-advantaged municipal securities, which will continue to be taxed at 5.25%. We expect this benefit to assist us in achieving our long-term goal of generating non-GAAP operating ROE that is approximately 300 basis points in excess of our weighted average cost of capital over time.


49



Our achievements in 2017, coupled with the impact of Tax Reform, will help drive our future financial performance in 2018 and beyond.

In January 2018, we experienced an estimated $63 million of insured property losses which were approximately $30 million in excess of our property loss expectations for the month of January. Refer to Note 21. "Subsequent Events" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K for additional information.
 
For 2018, we expect to generate the following results:

•
A GAAP combined ratio, excluding catastrophe losses, of approximately 91.0%. This assumes no prior year casualty reserve development;
•
Catastrophe losses of 3.5 points;
•
After-tax net investment income of $144 million, which includes $10 million of after-tax net investment income from our alternative investments;
•
An overall effective tax rate of approximately 18%, which includes an effective tax rate of 17% for net investment income, inclusive of tax-advantaged municipal securities' tax rate of 5.25%, and approximately 21% for all other items; and
•
Weighted average shares outstanding of 59.6 million.

Our weighted average cost of capital has increased from 8.5% in 2017 to 9.0% in 2018, driven principally by a higher estimated cost of equity, and as such our long-term financial target of generating a non-GAAP operating ROE of 300 basis points above our weighted average cost of capital, has increased our financial target to 12.0% for 2018.


Results of Operations and Related Information by Segment

Standard Commercial Lines Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
vs. 2016
 
 
 
2016
vs. 2015
 
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
Insurance Segments Results:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
NPW
 
$
1,858,735

 
1,745,782

 
6

%
$
1,596,965

 
9

%
NPE
 
1,788,499

 
1,665,483

 
7

 
1,529,442

 
9

 
Less:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Loss and loss expense incurred
 
1,008,150

 
913,506

 
10

 
819,573

 
11

 
Net underwriting expenses incurred
 
626,201

 
601,894

 
4

 
539,154

 
12

 
Dividends to policyholders
 
4,634

 
3,648

 
27

 
6,219

 
(41
)
 
Underwriting income
 
$
149,514

 
146,435

 
2

%
$
164,496

 
(11
)
%
Combined Ratios:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Loss and loss expense ratio
 
56.3

%
54.8

 
1.5

pts
53.6

%
1.2

pts
Underwriting expense ratio
 
35.0

 
36.2

 
(1.2
)
 
35.2

 
1.0

 
Dividends to policyholders ratio
 
0.3

 
0.2

 
0.1

 
0.4

 
(0.2
)
 
Combined ratio
 
91.6

 
91.2

 
0.4

 
89.2

 
2.0

 

For the past three years, growth in this segment of our business has reflected: (i) renewal pure price increases; (ii) new business growth; and (iii) stable retention. Quantitative information on these drivers is as follows:
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
($ in millions)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
Retention
 
83

%
83

 
83

 
Renewal pure price increases on NPW
 
2.9

 
2.6

 
3.0

 
Direct new business
 
$
368.2

 
357.6

 
339.6

 

50




Increases in the loss and loss expense ratio over the three-year period were driven by lower favorable prior year casualty reserve development coupled with higher property losses, as displayed in the tables below. For quantitative information on the prior year development by line of business, see "Financial Highlights of Results for Years Ended December 2017, 2016, and 2015" above and for qualitative information about the significant drivers of this development, see the line of business discussions below.

($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
 (Favorable) Prior Year Casualty Reserve Development
 
 
Unfavorable/(Favorable)
Year-Over-Year Change
For the year ended December 31,
 
Losses and Loss Expense Incurred
 
Impact on Losses and Loss Expense Ratio
 
 
2017
 
$
(66.6
)
 
(3.7
)
 
pts
1.0

2016
 
(77.5
)
 
(4.7
)
 
 
0.6

2015
 
(81.0
)
 
(5.3
)
 
 
(2.1
)


($ in millions)
Non-Catastrophe Property Losses
 
Catastrophe Losses
 
 
For the year ended December 31,
Losses and Loss Expense Incurred
 
Impact on Losses and Loss Expense Ratio
 
Losses and Loss Expense Incurred
 
Impact on Losses and Loss Expense Ratio
 
Total Impact on Losses and Loss Expense Ratio
 
Unfavorable/(Favorable) Year-Over-Year Change
2017
$
204.9

 
11.5

pts
$
40.0

 
2.2

pts
13.7

 
0.6

2016
182.4

 
11.0

 
35.0

 
2.1

 
13.1

 
0.8

2015
154.7

 
10.1

 
34.1

 
2.2

 
12.3

 
(3.1
)

The increase in the loss and loss expense ratio in 2017 was partially offset by a 1.2-point decrease in the underwriting expense ratio in 2017 compared to 2016. The expense improvement drivers in this segment of our business are similar to those driving our overall insurance results as described in the financial highlights section above and include:

•
A 0.3-point decrease in supplemental commissions to our distribution partners;

•
A 0.4-point decrease in labor expenses reflecting productivity gains from the growth of our business, including our geographic expansion efforts; and

•
A 0.3-point decrease in pension expense due to the extension of the amortization period over which we are recognizing the net actuarial loss on our pension plan.

There was an increase of 1.0 point in the underwriting expense ratio in 2016 compared to 2015. This increase was primarily attributable to higher supplemental commission expense to our distribution partners of 0.9 points.

The following is a discussion of our most significant Standard Commercial Lines of business:
General Liability
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
vs. 2016
 
2015
 
2016
vs. 2015
 
NPW
 
$
594,816

 
553,579

 
7

%
$
505,891

 
9

%
  Direct new business
 
110,069

 
105,961

 
4

 
99,938

 
6

 
  Retention
 
83

%
83

 
—

pts
83

%
—

pts
  Renewal pure price increases
 
2.6

 
1.8

 
0.8

 
2.7

 
(0.9
)
 
NPE
 
$
569,217

 
527,859

 
8

%
$
483,291

 
9

%
Underwriting income
 
98,229

 
79,120

 
24

 
86,015

 
(8
)
 
Combined ratio
 
82.7

 
85.0

 
(2.3
)
 
82.2

 
2.8

 
% of total standard commercial NPW
 
32

 
32

 
 

 
32

 
 

 
Growth in 2017 and 2016 premium was primarily due to direct new business as outlined in the table above, coupled with strong retention and renewal pure price increases.


51



The combined ratio decreased in 2017 by 2.3 points driven by: (i) a decrease in supplemental commission to our distribution partners of 0.4 points; (ii) a decrease in pension expense of 0.3 points; and (iii) a decrease in current year loss costs of approximately 0.4 points. Favorable prior year development was consistent with 2016 at 8.5 points.

The combined ratio increased in 2016 compared to 2015 by 2.8 points driven by a reduction in favorable prior year development. The impact of the prior year casualty reserve development on this line was as follows:

•
2017: favorable prior year development of 8.5 points attributable to decreases in accident years 2016 and prior, driven by lower than expected frequencies and severities.

•
2016: favorable prior year development of 8.5 points attributable to accident years 2008 through 2013 and 2015. This was primarily driven by lower than anticipated claims severities.

•
2015: favorable prior year development of 10.6 points attributable to accident years 2013 and prior. This was primarily driven by severities that continued to develop lower than expected, within both the premises and operations and products liability coverages. In addition, the reduction in frequencies exhibited in recent accident years continued into accident year 2015.

Commercial Automobile
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
vs. 2016
 
 
 
2016
vs. 2015
 
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
NPW
 
$
465,621

 
422,013

 
10

%
$
376,064

 
12

%
  Direct new business
 
78,869

 
77,255

 
2

 
70,556

 
9

 
  Retention
 
84

%
84

 
—

pts
83

%
1

pts
  Renewal pure price increases
 
6.7

 
4.9

 
1.8

 
3.8

 
1.1

 
NPE
 
$
442,818

 
398,942

 
11

%
$
358,909

 
11

%
Underwriting loss
 
(65,267
)
 
(43,163
)
 
(51
)
 
(7,794
)
 
(454
)
 
Combined ratio
 
114.7

 
110.8

 
3.9

 
102.2

 
8.6

 
% of total standard commercial NPW
 
25

 
24

 
 

 
24

 
 

 

For the past three years, growth in this line of business has reflected: (i) renewal pure price increases; (ii) new business growth; and (iii) stable retention.

The 3.9-point increase in the combined ratio in 2017 compared to 2016 was primarily driven by a 5.4-point increase in the loss and loss expense ratio, which was attributable to the following: (i) an increase in the current year loss reserve estimate of 4.6 points reflecting higher casualty claim frequency; and (ii) unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development that increased the combined ratio by 1.8 points compared to last year. The increase in the loss and loss expense ratio was partially offset by a 1.3-point decrease in the underwriting expense ratio.

The 8.6-point increase in the combined ratio in 2016 compared to 2015 was driven by: (i) unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development that increased the combined ratio by 5.5 points compared to 2015; (ii) an increase in the current year loss reserve estimate of 2.1 points reflecting higher casualty claim frequency; and (iii) higher property losses of 1.0 point.

Prior year casualty reserve development was as follows:

•
2017: Unfavorable development of 8.1 points, which was driven primarily by increases in accident years 2012 through 2016, due to higher than expected frequency and severity.

•
2016: Unfavorable development of 6.3 points, which was driven primarily by bodily injury liability for accident years 2014 and 2015. The unfavorable development in accident year 2014 was driven by higher than expected severity, whereas accident year 2015 was driven by higher than expected frequency and severity.

•
2015: Unfavorable development of 0.8 points, which was driven by bodily injury liability for accident years 2013 and 2014. This was partially offset by favorable development in accident years 2010 and 2011. The unfavorable development in accident years 2013 and 2014 was driven by severities that were greater than expected.


52



Workers Compensation
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
vs. 2016
 
 
 
2016
vs. 2015
 
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
NPW
 
$
323,263

 
319,807

 
1

%
$
299,686

 
7

%
  Direct new business
 
66,616

 
67,102

 
(1
)
 
68,971

 
(3
)
 
  Retention
 
84

%
84

 
—

pts
83

%
1

pts
  Renewal pure price increases
 
—

 
1.2

 
(1.2
)
 
2.6

 
(1.4
)
 
NPE
 
$
317,982

 
308,233

 
3

%
$
290,075

 
6

%
Underwriting income
 
61,693

 
56,118

 
10

 
33,399

 
68

 
Combined ratio
 
80.6

 
81.8

 
(1.2
)
 
88.5

 
(6.7
)
 
% of total standard commercial NPW
 
17

 
18

 
 

 
19

 
 
 

NPW increases in the last three years were due to strong retention and new business. The NPW increases in 2016 compared to 2015 were also driven by renewal pure price increases.

The improvement in the combined ratio was attributable to the loss and loss expense ratio, which decreased 0.9 points in 2017 driven by lower current year loss costs, which was partially offset by lower favorable prior year development. Additionally, the expense ratio improved by 1.2-points, consistent with the improvement in overall Standard Commercial Lines discussed above.

The 2016 combined ratio decrease compared to 2015 was due primarily to a favorable prior year casualty development, which for all years is outlined in the table below.

($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
 (Favorable) Prior Year Casualty Reserve Development
 
 
Unfavorable/(Favorable)
Year-Over-Year Change
For the year ended December 31,
 
Losses and Loss Expense Incurred
 
Impact on Losses and Loss Expense Ratio
 
 
2017
 
$
(52.3
)
 
(16.4
)
 
pts
1.8

2016
 
(56.0
)
 
(18.2
)
 
 
(5.4
)
2015
 
(37.0
)
 
(12.8
)
 
 
12.8


The favorable development in this line is due, in part, to lower medical inflation than originally anticipated, as well as the various claims initiatives that we have implemented.

Commercial Property
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
vs. 2016
 
 
 
2016
vs. 2015
 
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
NPW
 
$
322,343

 
308,140

 
5

%
$
282,731

 
9

%
  Direct new business
 
73,951

 
74,901

 
(1
)
 
72,118

 
4

 
  Retention
 
82

%
82

 
—

pts
82

%
—

pts
  Renewal pure price increases
 
1.7

 
2.4

 
(0.7
)
 
2.8

 
(0.4
)
 
NPE
 
$
311,932

 
293,438

 
6

%
$
269,022

 
9

%
Underwriting income
 
31,976

 
42,270

 
(24
)
 
47,674

 
(11
)
 
Combined ratio
 
89.7

 
85.6

 
4.1

 
82.3

 
3.3

 
% of total standard commercial NPW
 
17

 
18

 
 

 
18

 
 

 

Our commercial property business has experienced profitable results during the three-year period in the table above despite a competitive pricing environment. Although the table below reflects higher severities for our property losses, our results have benefited from generally benign catastrophe loss activity in our geographic footprint. We believe pricing will strengthen as a result of the level of industry-wide catastrophic events.


53



Quantitative information regarding property losses is as follows:
($ in millions)
Non-Catastrophe Property Losses
 
Catastrophe Losses
 
 
 
Unfavorable/(Favorable) Year-Over-Year Change
For the year ended December 31,
Losses and Loss Expense Incurred
 
Impact on Losses and Loss Expense Ratio
 
Losses and Loss Expense Incurred
 
Impact on Losses and Loss Expense Ratio
 
Total Impact on Losses and Loss Expense Ratio
 
2017
$
109.5

 
35.1
pts
$
34.2

 
11.0
pts
46.1

 
5.3

2016
95.9

 
32.7
 
23.7

 
8.1
 
40.8

 
2.1

2015
78.4

 
29.1
 
25.8

 
9.6
 
38.7

 
(16.3
)

Standard Personal Lines Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
vs. 2016
 
 
 
2016
vs. 2015
 
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
Insurance Segments Results:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
NPW
 
$
296,775

 
281,822

 
5

%
$
283,926

 
(1
)
%
NPE
 
289,701

 
280,607

 
3

 
288,134

 
(3
)
 
Less:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Loss and loss expense incurred
 
189,294

 
177,749

 
6

 
200,237

 
(11
)
 
Net underwriting expenses incurred
 
89,303

 
90,439

 
(1
)
 
86,561

 
5

 
Underwriting income
 
$
11,104

 
12,419

 
(11
)
%
$
1,336

 
830

%
Combined Ratios:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Loss and loss expense ratio
 
65.4

%
63.3

 
2.1

pts
69.5

%
(6.2
)
pts
Underwriting expense ratio
 
30.8

 
32.3

 
(1.5
)
 
30.0

 
2.3

 
Combined ratio
 
96.2

 
95.6

 
0.6

 
99.5

 
(3.9
)
 

NPW in this segment increased 5% in 2017 compared to 2016 as shown in the table above. As illustrated in the table below, the increase in 2017 was primarily due to increases in new business and improving retention. In 2016, NPW decreased compared to 2015 reflecting the highly competitive market.
($ in millions)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
Retention
 
84

%
82

 
82

 
Renewal pure price increases on NPW
 
3.0

 
4.8

 
5.8

 
Direct new business premiums
 
$
50.9

 
39.7

 
32.9

 

The loss and loss expense ratio increased 2.1 points in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily driven by unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development. Despite the unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development in 2016 as compared to 2015, the overall combined ratio improved almost 4 points primarily as a result of improved property results. The details of the prior year casualty reserve development, catastrophe losses and non-catastrophe property losses for all of the years presented were as follows:
($ in millions)
Non-Catastrophe Property Losses
 
Catastrophe Losses
 
 
For the year ended December 31,
Losses and Loss Expense Incurred
 
Impact on Losses and Loss Expense Ratio
 
Losses and Loss Expense Incurred
 
Impact on Losses and Loss Expense Ratio
 
Total Impact on Losses and Loss Expense Ratio
 
(Favorable)/Unfavorable Year-Over-Year Change
2017
$
76.2

 
26.3

pts
$
16.1

 
5.6

pts
31.9

 
—

2016
71.2

 
25.4

 
18.2

 
6.5

 
31.9

 
(5.9
)
2015
87.2

 
30.3

 
21.7

 
7.5

 
37.8

 
0.9


($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
 (Favorable)/Unfavorable Prior Year Casualty Reserve Development
 
 
Unfavorable
Year-Over-Year Change
For the year ended December 31,
 
Losses and Loss Expense Incurred
 
Impact on Losses and Loss Expense Ratio
 
 
2017
 
$
8.0

 
2.8

 
pts
1.9

2016
 
2.5

 
0.9

 
 
1.6

2015
 
(2.0
)
 
(0.7
)
 
 
2.2



54



The prior year development in both 2017 and 2016 primarily related to our personal automobile book of business.

The underwriting expense ratio decreased in 2017 compared to 2016 reflecting: (i) targeted actions taken on our homeowners book of business that drove a 0.7-point decrease in direct commissions for this segment; (ii) a decrease in supplemental commissions to our distribution partners of 0.2 points; and (iii) a reduction in pension expense of 0.3 points.

The increase in the underwriting expense ratio in 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily driven by increased costs related to: (i) capital improvements of 0.8 points; (ii) underwriting expenses from third-party data vendors of 0.4 points; and (iii) supplemental commission expense to our distribution partners of 0.3 points.

E&S Lines Segment
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
vs. 2016
 
2015
 
2016
vs. 2015
 
Insurance Segments Results:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
NPW
 
$
215,131

 
209,684

 
3

%
$
189,013

 
11

%
NPE
 
212,827

 
203,482

 
5

 
172,333

 
18

 
Less:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Loss and loss expense incurred
 
147,630

 
143,542

 
3

 
128,731

 
12

 
Net underwriting expenses incurred
 
71,479

 
66,861

 
7

 
60,405

 
11

 
Underwriting loss
 
$
(6,282
)
 
(6,921
)
 
9

%
$
(16,803
)
 
59

%
Combined Ratios:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Loss and loss expense ratio
 
69.4

%
70.5

 
(1.1
)
pts
74.7

%
(4.2
)
pts
Underwriting expense ratio
 
33.6

 
32.9

 
0.7

 
35.1

 
(2.2
)
 
Combined ratio
 
103.0

 
103.4

 
(0.4
)
 
109.8

 
(6.4
)
 

We continue to focus on profitability drivers in our E&S operations and have been actively managing price increases during the past two years. While the NPW growth rate has declined as a consequence of these actions, our primary focus is on bringing this segment to targeted levels of profitability. Quantitative information is as follows:
($ in millions)
 
2017
 
2016
2015
Overall new/renewal price increases
 
5.0

%
4.9

2.9

Direct new business premiums
 
$
90.5

 
100.0

99.6


The loss and loss expense ratio improvement in 2017 compared to 2016 is primarily attributable to a decrease in current year loss costs reflecting our underwriting and claims improvement initiatives, including generating earned rate that is sufficient to outpace loss costs. The 2016 improvement compared to 2015 was primarily due to lower unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development.

Quantitative information pertaining to our property losses and prior year development are as follows:
($ in millions)
Non-Catastrophe Property Losses
 
Catastrophe Losses
 
 
For the year ended December 31,
Losses and Loss Expense Incurred
 
Impact on Losses and Loss Expense Ratio
 
Losses and Loss Expense Incurred
 
Impact on Losses and Loss Expense Ratio
 
Total Impact on Losses and Loss Expense Ratio
 
Unfavorable Year-Over-Year Change
2017
$
22.6

 
10.6

pts
$
11.2

 
5.3

pts
15.9

 
0.1

2016
25.6

 
12.6

 
6.5

 
3.2

 
15.8

 
0.2

2015
23.6

 
13.7

 
3.2

 
1.9

 
15.6

 
1.5


($ in millions)
 
Unfavorable Prior Year Casualty Reserve Development
 
 
Unfavorable/(Favorable)
Year-Over-Year
Change
For the year ended December 31,
 
Losses and Loss Expense Incurred
 
Impact on Losses and Loss Expense Ratio
 
 
2017
 
$
10.0

 
4.7

 
pts
1.8

2016
 
6.0

 
2.9

 
 
(6.4
)
2015
 
16.0

 
9.3

 
 
5.2



55



Unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development for 2017 was $10 million, driven by increases in claims severities in accident years 2014 and 2015. Unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development for 2016 was $6 million, driven by increases in claims severity in accident year 2014.

The underwriting expense ratio improvement in 2017 compared to 2016 was primarily due to a 0.8-point increase in the allocation of corporate services to this segment in 2017. The improvement in the underwriting expense ratio in 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily driven by a 1.6-point reduction year over year from the annual cash incentive plan payment for employees in this segment based on 2015 underwriting results.

Reinsurance
We use reinsurance to protect our capital resources and insure us against losses on property and casualty risks that we underwrite. We use two main reinsurance vehicles: (i) a reinsurance pooling agreement among our Insurance Subsidiaries through which each company agrees to share in premiums and losses based on certain specified percentages; and (ii) reinsurance contracts and arrangements with third parties that cover various policies that we issue to our customers.
Reinsurance Pooling Agreement
The primary purposes of the reinsurance pooling agreement among our Insurance Subsidiaries are the following:
 
•
Pool or share proportionately the underwriting profit and loss results of property and casualty insurance underwriting operations through reinsurance;

•
Prevent any of our Insurance Subsidiaries from suffering undue loss;

•
Reduce administration expenses; and

•
Permit all of the Insurance Subsidiaries to obtain a uniform rating from A.M. Best.

The following illustrates the pooling percentages by Insurance Subsidiary as of December 31, 2017:
Insurance Subsidiary
 
Pooling Percentage
Selective Insurance Company of America ("SICA")
 
32.0%
Selective Way Insurance Company ("SWIC")
 
21.0%
Selective Insurance Company of South Carolina ("SICSC")
 
9.0%
Selective Insurance Company of the Southeast ("SICSE")
 
7.0%
Selective Insurance Company of New York ("SICNY")
 
7.0%
Selective Casualty Insurance Company ("SCIC")
 
7.0%
Selective Auto Insurance Company of New Jersey ("SAICNJ")
 
6.0%
Mesa Underwriters Specialty Insurance Company ("MUSIC")
 
5.0%
Selective Insurance Company of New England ("SICNE")
 
3.0%
Selective Fire and Casualty Insurance Company ("SFCIC")
 
3.0%
 
Reinsurance Treaties and Arrangements
By entering into reinsurance treaties and arrangements, we are able to increase our underwriting capacity and accept larger individual risks and a larger aggregation of risks without directly increasing our capital or surplus. Our reinsurance program principally consists of traditional reinsurance. Under our reinsurance treaties, the reinsurer generally assumes a portion of the losses we cede to them in exchange for a portion of the premium. Amounts not reinsured below an attachment point are known as retention. Reinsurance does not legally discharge us from liability under the terms and limits of our policies, but it does make our reinsurer liable to us for the amount of liability we cede to them. In addition, our reinsurers often rely on their own reinsurance programs, or retrocession, as part of managing their exposure to large losses. Given the relatively small size of the global reinsurance community, the inability of our reinsurers to collect on their retrocession program may impair their ability to pay us for the amounts we cede to them. Accordingly, we have direct and indirect counterparty credit risk from our reinsurers. We attempt to mitigate this credit risk by: (i) pursuing relationships with reinsurers rated “A-” or higher by A.M. Best; and/or (ii) obtaining collateral to secure reinsurance obligations. Some of our reinsurance contracts include provisions that permit us to terminate or commute the reinsurance treaty if the reinsurer's financial condition or rating deteriorates or otherwise require our reinsurers to post collateral. We monitor the financial condition of our reinsurers and we review the quality of reinsurance recoverables and reserves for uncollectible reinsurance. For additional information regarding our counterparty credit risk with our reinsurers, see Note 8. "Reinsurance" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.

56




We have reinsurance contracts that separately cover our property and casualty insurance business. Available reinsurance can be segregated into the following key categories:

•
Property Reinsurance - includes our property excess of loss treaties purchased for protection against large individual property losses and our property catastrophe treaties purchased to provide protection for the overall property portfolio against severe catastrophic events. Facultative reinsurance is used for property risks that are in excess of our treaty capacity.

•
Casualty Reinsurance - purchased to provide protection for both individual large casualty losses and catastrophic casualty losses involving multiple claimants or customers. Facultative reinsurance is also used for casualty risks that are in excess of our treaty capacity.

•
Terrorism Reinsurance - in addition to protection built into our property and casualty reinsurance treaties, terrorism protection is available as a federal backstop related to terrorism losses as provided under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (“TRIPRA”). For further information regarding this legislation, see Item 1A. “Risk Factors.” of this Form 10-K.

•
Flood Reinsurance - as a servicing carrier in the WYO Program, we receive a fee for writing flood business, for which the related premiums and losses are 100% ceded to the federal government.

In addition to the above categories, we have entered into several reinsurance agreements with Montpelier Re Insurance Ltd., now part of SOMPO Holdings, Inc., as part of the acquisition of MUSIC in December 2011. Together, these agreements provide protection for losses on policies written prior to the acquisition and any development on reserves established by MUSIC as of the date of acquisition. The reinsurance recoverables under these treaties are collateralized.

Property Reinsurance
The property catastrophe treaty, which covers both our standard market and E&S business, was renewed effective January 2018. An additional $50 million layer was placed at the top of the program, bringing the total program's coverage to $735 million in excess of $40 million. The annual aggregate limit net of our co-participation is approximately $1.1 billion for 2018. We also renewed the separate catastrophe treaty of $35 million in excess of $5 million that covers events outside of our historical standard lines footprint, in support of our growing E&S property book and geographic expansion into Arizona, New Hampshire, and Colorado. Overall catastrophe ceded premium for 2018 increased due to some hardening of the reinsurance market and the purchase of the additional $50 million layer. On a risk-adjusted basis, the expiring layers saw a very modest increase in price.

As our need for catastrophe reinsurance increases, we seek ways to minimize credit risk inherent in a reinsurance transaction by dealing with highly-rated reinsurance partners and purchasing collateralized reinsurance products, particularly for high severity, low-probability events. The current reinsurance program includes $224 million in collateralized limit, primarily in the top layers of the catastrophe program. 

We continue to assess our property catastrophe exposure aggregations, modeled results, and effects of growth on our property portfolio, and strive to manage our exposure to individual large events balanced against the cost of reinsurance protections.

Although we model various catastrophic perils, due to our geographic spread, the risk of hurricane continues to be the most significant natural catastrophe peril to which our portfolio is exposed. Below is a summary of the largest five actual hurricane losses that we experienced in the past 25 years:
($ in millions)
 
Actual Gross Loss
 
Net Loss2
 
Accident
Year
Hurricane Name
 
 
 
Superstorm Sandy
 
125.5 1
 
45.6
 
2012
Hurricane Irene
 
44.9
 
40.2
 
2011
Hurricane Hugo
 
26.4
 
3.0
 
1989
Hurricane Isabel
 
25.1
 
15.7
 
2003
Hurricane Floyd
 
14.5
 
14.5
 
1999
 1 This amount represents reported and unreported gross losses estimated as of December 31, 2017.
 2 Net loss does not include reinstatement premiums, taxes, or flood claims handling fees.


57



We use the results of the Risk Management Solutions and AIR Worldwide models in our review of exposure to hurricane risk. Each of these third party vendors provide two views of the modeled results as follows: (i) a long-term view that closely relates modeled event frequency to historical hurricane activity; and (ii) a medium-term view that adjusts historical frequencies to reflect expectations of hurricane activity in the near future. We believe that modeled estimates provide a range of potential outcomes and we review multiple estimates for purposes of understanding our catastrophic risk. The following table provides modeled hurricane results based on a blended view of the four models for the Insurance Subsidiaries' combined property book as of July 2017:
Occurrence Exceedence Probability
 
Four-Model Blend
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
Losses1
 
Net
Losses2
 
Net Losses
as a Percent of
Equity3
4.0% (1 in 25 year event)
 
$139,419
 
36,229
 
2%
2.0% (1 in 50 year event)
 
251,195
 
40,431
 
2
1.0% (1 in 100 year event)
 
436,963
 
47,750
 
3
0.67% (1 in 150 year event)
 
586,317
 
57,892
 
3
0.5% (1 in 200 year event)
 
710,461
 
62,863
 
4
0.4% (1 in 250 year event)
 
791,029
 
82,601
 
5
0.2% (1 in 500 year event)
 
1,170,133
 
374,353
 
22
1 Include assumptions for certain un-modeled costs, such as the impact of loss expenses, residual market assessments, and automobile-related losses, which collectively increase our gross losses by an estimated 13%.
2 Losses are after a 21% Federal income tax benefit and include applicable reinstatement premiums.
3 Equity as of December 31, 2017.
 
Our current catastrophe reinsurance program exhausts at approximately 1 in 250 year return period, or events with 0.4% probability, based on a multi-model view of hurricane risk. Our actual gross and net losses incurred from U.S. landfalling hurricanes will vary, perhaps materially, from our estimated modeled losses.

The property excess of loss treaty, which covers both our standard market and E&S business, was renewed on July 1, 2017 with the top layer renewed on January 1, 2018. The major terms of these treaties are consistent with the prior year.

The following is a summary of our property reinsurance treaties and arrangements covering our Insurance Subsidiaries:
PROPERTY REINSURANCE ON INSURANCE PRODUCTS
Treaty Name
 
Reinsurance Coverage
 
Terrorism Coverage
Property Catastrophe Excess of Loss
(covers all insurance operations)
 
$735 million above $40 million retention treaty in five layers:
 
All nuclear, biological, chemical, and radioactive ("NBCR") losses are excluded regardless of whether or not they are certified under TRIPRA. Non-NBCR losses are covered to the same extent as non-terrorism losses. Please see Item 1A. “Risk Factors.” of this Form 10-K for discussion regarding TRIPRA.
 
- 80% of losses in excess of $40 million up to
$100 million;
 
 
- 95% of losses in excess of $100 million up to
$225 million;
 
 
- 95% of losses in excess of $225 million up to
$475 million; and
 
 
- 90% of losses in excess of $475 million up
to $725 million.
 
 
- 90% of losses in excess of $725 million up
to $775 million.
 
 
- The treaty provides various reinstatement provisions depending on the layer. The annual aggregate limit is $1.1 billion, net of the Insurance Subsidiaries' co-participation.



 
 
In addition, our $35 million above $5 million retention treaty covers 85% of losses outside of our standard lines historical footprint states and has an annual aggregate limit of $30 million, net of the Insurance Subsidiaries' co-participation. This layer was purchased primarily to protect the growth of our E&S property book but also provides coverage for our Standard Lines expansion states.
 
Property Excess of Loss
(covers all insurance operations)
 
$58 million above $2 million retention covering 100% in three layers. Losses other than TRIPRA certified losses are subject to the following reinstatements and annual aggregate limits:
 
All NBCR losses are excluded regardless of whether or not they are certified under TRIPRA.  For non-NBCR losses, the treaty distinguishes between acts committed on behalf of foreign persons or foreign interests ("Foreign Terrorism") and those that are not.  The treaty provides annual aggregate limits for Foreign Terrorism (other than NBCR) acts of $24 million for the first layer and $60 million for the second layer and for the third layer approximately $35 million in annual aggregate limits. Non-foreign terrorism losses (other than NBCR) are covered to the same extent as non-terrorism losses.
- $8 million in excess of $2 million layer
provides unlimited reinstatements;
- $30 million in excess of $10 million layer
provides three reinstatements, $120 million in
aggregate limits; and
 
- $20 million in excess of $40 million layer
provides approximately $75 million in aggregate limits.
 
Flood
 
100% reinsurance by the federal government’s WYO Program.
 
None

58



 
Casualty Reinsurance
The casualty excess of loss treaty, which covers both our standard market and E&S business, was renewed on July 1, 2017 and is effective through June 30, 2018, with substantially the same terms as the expiring treaty.

The following is a summary of our casualty reinsurance treaties and arrangements covering our Insurance Subsidiaries:
CASUALTY REINSURANCE ON INSURANCE PRODUCTS
Treaty Name
 
Reinsurance Coverage
 
Terrorism Coverage
Casualty Excess of Loss
(covers all insurance operations)
 
There are six layers covering 100% of $88 million in excess of $2 million. Losses other than terrorism losses are subject to the following reinstatements and annual aggregate limits:
 
All NBCR losses are excluded. All other losses stemming from the acts of terrorism are subject to the following reinstatements and annual aggregate limits:
 
- $3 million in excess of $2 million layer
with $78 million annual aggregate limit;
 
 
- $3 million in excess of $2 million layer with
$15 million net annual terrorism aggregate limit;
 
 
- $7 million in excess of $5 million layer
with $35 million annual aggregate limit;
 
 
- $7 million in excess of $5 million layer with
$28 million net annual terrorism aggregate limit;
 
 
- $9 million in excess of $12 million layer
with $27 million annual aggregate limit;
 
 
- $9 million in excess of $12 million layer with
$27 million net annual terrorism aggregate limit;
 
 
- $9 million in excess of $21 million layer
with $18 million annual aggregate limit;
 
 
- $9 million in excess of $21 million layer with
$18 million net annual terrorism aggregate limit;
 
 
- $20 million in excess of $30 million layer
with $40 million annual aggregate limit;
 
 
- $20 million in excess of $30 million layer with
$40 million net annual terrorism aggregate limit;
 
 
- $40 million in excess of $50 million layer
with $80 million annual aggregate limit;
 
 
- $40 million in excess of $50 million layer with
$80 million net annual terrorism aggregate limit;
 
 
 
 
 
 
Montpelier Re Quota Share and Loss Development Cover
(covers E&S Lines)
 
As part of the acquisition of MUSIC we entered into several reinsurance agreements that together provide protection for losses on policies written prior to the acquisition and any development on reserves established by MUSIC as of the date of acquisition.  The reinsurance recoverables under these treaties are 100% collateralized. Montpelier Re was acquired by Endurance Specialty on December 29, 2015. On March 28, 2017, Endurance Specialty was acquired by SOMPO Holdings, Inc.
 
Provides full terrorism coverage including NBCR.

We have other reinsurance treaties that we do not consider core to our reinsurance program, such as our Surety and Fidelity Excess of Loss Reinsurance Treaty, National Workers Compensation Reinsurance Pool Quota Share, which covers business assumed from the involuntary workers compensation pool, our Equipment Breakdown Coverage Reinsurance Treaty, and our Data Compromise Reinsurance Treaty.

We regularly reevaluate our overall reinsurance program and try to develop effective ways to manage the transfer of risk. Our analysis is based on a comprehensive process that includes periodic analysis of modeling results, aggregation of exposures, exposure growth, diversification of risks, limits written, projected reinsurance costs, financial strength of reinsurers, and projected impact on earnings, equity, and statutory surplus. We strive to balance sometimes opposing considerations of reinsurer credit quality, price, terms, and our appetite for retaining a certain level of risk.

Investments Segment
The primary objective of the investment portfolio is to maximize after-tax income and total return of the portfolio, while maintaining credit quality and managing our duration risk profile. Our investment philosophy includes certain return and risk objectives for the fixed income, equity, and other investment portfolios. After-tax yield and income generation are key drivers to our investment strategy, which we believe will be obtained through more active management of the portfolio.

Total Invested Assets
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
Total invested assets
 
$
5,685,179

 
5,364,947

 
6
 %
Invested assets per dollar of stockholders' equity
 
3.32

 
3.50

 
(5
)
Unrealized gain – before tax
 
124,679

 
64,803

 
92

Unrealized gain – after tax
 
80,575

 
42,122

 
91


The increase in our investment portfolio at December 31, 2017 compared with year-end 2016 was primarily driven by operating cash flow of $370.7 million, $51.1 million of which was used to fund shareholder dividends and capital expenditures in the aggregate. The $59.9 million change in unrealized gains was comprised of $46.8 million from our fixed income securities and $13.0 million from our equity portfolio.


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We seek to structure our portfolio conservatively with a focus on: (i) asset diversification; (ii) investment quality; (iii) liquidity, particularly to meet the cash obligations of our insurance operations; (iv) consideration of taxes; and (v) preservation of capital. We have a high quality and liquid investment portfolio. The breakdown of our investment portfolio is as follows:
As of December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
U.S. government obligations
 
1
%
2
Foreign government obligations
 
—
 
1
State and municipal obligations
 
29
 
27
Corporate securities1
 
28
 
37
Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”)
 
20
 
15
Collateralized loan obligations ("CLO") and other asset-backed securities ("ABS")
 
14
 
10
Total fixed income securities
 
92
 
92
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
3
 
2
Preferred stock1
 
—
 
—
Total equity securities
 
3
 
2
Short-term investments
 
3
 
4
Other investments
 
2
 
2
Total
 
100
%
100
1Includes $75.8 million of preferred stock within corporate securities and $15.0 million of preferred stock within equity securities. In aggregate, these account for approximately 1% of invested assets at December 31, 2017.

Fixed Income Securities
The effective duration of the fixed income securities portfolio as of December 31, 2017 was 3.8 years, compared to the Insurance Subsidiaries’ liability duration of approximately 3.8 years. The current duration of the fixed income securities portfolio is within our historical range, and is monitored and managed to maximize yield while managing interest rate risk at an acceptable level. We maintain a well-diversified portfolio across sectors, credit quality, and maturities that affords us ample liquidity. Every purchase or sale is made with the intent of maximizing risk-adjusted investment returns in the current market environment while balancing capital preservation. Over time, we may seek to increase or decrease the duration and overall credit quality of the portfolio based on market conditions.

Our fixed income securities portfolio maintained a weighted average credit rating of AA- as of December 31, 2017 with 97% of the securities within the portfolio being investment grade quality at both December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. For further details on how we manage overall credit quality and the various risks to which our portfolio is subject, see Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” of this Form 10-K.

Unrealized/Unrecognized Losses
HTM fixed income securities were in an unrealized/unrecognized loss position of $0.1 million at December 31, 2017. AFS fixed income securities that were in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2017 by contractual maturity are shown below. MBS are included in the maturity tables using the estimated average life of each security. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
Contractual Maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale ("AFS") fixed income securities:
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized Loss
One year or less
 
$
66,353

 
66,217

 
(136
)
Due after one year through five years
 
353,822

 
351,951

 
(1,871
)
Due after five years through ten years
 
469,452

 
466,530

 
(2,922
)
Due after ten years
 
20,686

 
20,554

 
(132
)
Total
 
$
910,313

 
905,252

 
(5,061
)
 
We have reviewed securities in an unrealized/unrecognized loss position in accordance with our OTTI policy as discussed in Note 2. "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K. For qualitative information regarding our conclusions as to why these impairments are deemed temporary, see Note 5. “Investments” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.


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Net Investment Income
The components of net investment income earned were as follows: 
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Fixed income securities
 
$
153,230

 
129,306

 
123,230

Equity securities
 
6,442

 
7,368

 
9,161

Short-term investments
 
1,526

 
686

 
112

Other investments
 
12,871

 
2,940

 
(1,890
)
Investment expenses
 
(12,187
)
 
(9,546
)
 
(9,297
)
Net investment income earned – before tax
 
161,882

 
130,754

 
121,316

Net investment income tax expense
 
43,362

 
32,349

 
27,480

Net investment income earned – after tax
 
$
118,520

 
98,405

 
93,836

Effective tax rate
 
26.8
%
 
24.7

 
22.7

Annual after-tax yield on fixed income securities
 
2.2

 
2.0

 
2.1

Annual after-tax yield on investment portfolio
 
2.1

 
1.9

 
1.9


Net investment income before tax increased $31.1 million in 2017 compared to 2016, driven by higher yields on our core fixed income securities portfolio, coupled with a higher asset base from operating cash flows that were 16% of net premiums written. In addition, our alternative income portfolio generated higher returns this year as compared to last.

The $9.4 million increase in net investment income before tax in 2016, compared to 2015, was primarily attributable to increases in fixed income securities of $6.1 million and in other investment income of $4.8 million. Returns on fixed income securities increased due to a higher asset base, with a modest increase to taxable asset classes, while improved returns on our energy-related and private equity limited partnerships drove the increase in income on our other investment portfolio.

The effective tax rate on our investment portfolio applicable to net investment income has increased approximately 200 basis points per year in the three-year period presented above. This has been driven by a modest increase to taxable asset classes recently coupled with higher returns on our alternative investment portfolio, which is taxed at 35%. As a result of Tax Reform, we anticipate a reduction in the effective rate on net investment income to approximately 17%, inclusive of tax-advantaged municipal securities' tax rate of 5.25% and approximately 21% for all other items, beginning with the 2018 tax year, although the actual effective tax rate will be impacted by our allocation to tax-advantaged municipal securities. See the "Federal Income Taxes" discussion below for additional information regarding the impact of this legislation.

Realized Gains and Losses
Our general philosophy for sales of securities is to reduce our exposure to securities and sectors based on economic evaluations
and when the fundamentals for that security or sector have deteriorated, or to opportunistically trade out of securities to other
securities with better economic return characteristics. Net realized gains (losses) for the indicated periods were as follows:
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Net realized gains, excluding OTTI
 
$
11,204

 
3,562

 
31,537

OTTI
 
(4,845
)
 
(8,499
)
 
(18,366
)
Total net realized gains (losses)
 
$
6,359

 
(4,937
)
 
13,171


We regularly review our entire investment portfolio for declines in fair value. If we believe that a decline in the value of a particular investment is other than temporary, which would typically be for reasons other than changes in fair values attributable to interest rate movements, we record it as an OTTI through realized losses in earnings for the credit-related portion and through unrealized losses in other comprehensive income for the non-credit related portion for fixed income securities. If there is a decline in fair value of an equity security that we do not intend to hold or if we determine the decline is other than temporary, we write down the cost of the investment to fair value and record the charge through earnings as a component of realized losses.

For additional information regarding our realized gains and losses as well as our OTTI methodology, see Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and Note 5. "Investments" in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.

As a result of a change in accounting guidance that became effective on January 1, 2018, realized gains and losses now include the change in market value of our equity securities, which are now recognized in earnings, rather than in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). If this guidance were effective in 2017, realized gains would have included $13.0 million from

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this fluctuation on a pre-tax basis. For additional information regarding this change in accounting guidance, see Note 3. "Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements."

Federal Income Taxes
The following table provides information regarding federal income taxes.
($ in millions)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Federal income tax expense
 
$
93.1

 
61.5

 
66.8

Exclude: Tax reform impact
 
20.2

 
—

 
—

Federal income tax expense, excluding tax reform impact
 
72.9

 
61.5

 
66.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effective tax rate
 
35.6
%
 
27.9

 
28.7

Effective tax rate without tax reform impact
 
27.8

 
27.9

 
28.7

 
On December 22, 2017, Tax Reform was signed into law, which among other provisions, will reduce our statutory corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning with our 2018 tax year. We revalued our deferred tax inventory as of December 31, 2017 in consideration of this reduction, which resulted in a $20.2 million charge to federal income tax expense as our net deferred tax assets have become less valuable given the decrease in the tax rate. Excluding the impact of this charge, our effective tax rate for 2017 was 27.8%, which is consistent with the other years presented in the table above. In general, our effective tax rate differs from the statutory tax rate of 35% primarily because of tax-advantaged interest and dividend income. The contribution of this tax-advantaged income to overall pre-tax income remained relatively stable in 2015 through 2016 and, as a result, there is not a significant variance in our overall effective tax rate during these periods.

As a result of Tax Reform, we anticipate a reduction in our effective rate to approximately 18% going forward, including 17% for net investment income and approximately 21% for all other items. Included in the investment effective tax rate is the tax-advantaged municipal securities' tax rate of 5.25% and 13.125% for dividends on U.S. public equity securities.

See Note 13. “Federal Income Taxes” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K for further information regarding the following: (i) the implementation of Tax Reform; (ii) a reconciliation of our effective tax rate to the statutory rate of 35%; and (iii) details regarding our net deferred tax assets.
 
Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources
Capital resources and liquidity reflect our ability to generate cash flows from business operations, borrow funds at competitive rates, and raise new capital to meet operating and growth needs.
 
Liquidity
We manage liquidity with a focus on generating sufficient cash flows to meet the short-term and long-term cash requirements of our business operations. Our cash and short-term investment position of $166 million at December 31, 2017 was comprised of $25 million at Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (the “Parent”) and $141 million at the Insurance Subsidiaries. Short-term investments are generally maintained in "AAA" rated money market funds approved by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"). The Parent maintains an investment portfolio containing high-quality, highly-liquid government and corporate fixed income securities. This portfolio amounted to $90 million at December 31, 2017, compared to $74 million at December 31, 2016. In total, we had $114 million of cash and investments at the Parent at December 31, 2017 compared to $92 million at December 31, 2016. We expect to continue to increase the level of cash and invested assets at the Parent over time, although there will be fluctuations in these cash and invested asset balances, based on factors including the amount and availability of dividends from our Insurance Subsidiaries, investment income, expenses and other needs of the Parent. Our target is to increase the cash and liquidity at the Parent to two years of its expected annual needs.
Sources of Liquidity
Sources of cash for the Parent have historically consisted of dividends from the Insurance Subsidiaries, the investment portfolio discussed above, borrowings under lines of credit and loan agreements with certain Insurance Subsidiaries, and the issuance of stock and debt securities. We continue to monitor these sources, giving consideration to our long-term liquidity and capital preservation strategies.

Insurance Subsidiary Dividends
The Insurance Subsidiaries paid $80 million in dividends to the Parent in 2017. As of December 31, 2017, our allowable ordinary maximum dividend is $211 million for 2018.


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Any dividends to the Parent are subject to the approval and/or review of the insurance regulators in the respective Insurance Subsidiaries' domiciliary states and are generally payable only from earned surplus as reported in the statutory annual statements of those subsidiaries as of the preceding December 31. Although past dividends have historically been met with regulatory approval, there is no assurance that future dividends that may be declared will be approved. For additional information regarding dividend restrictions, refer to Note 19. “Statutory Financial Information, Capital Requirements, and Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form
10-K.

The Insurance Subsidiaries generate liquidity through insurance float, which is created by collecting premiums and earning investment income before losses are paid. The period of the float can extend over many years. Our investment portfolio consists of maturity dates that continually provide a source of cash flow for claims payments in the ordinary course of business. The effective duration of the fixed income securities portfolio, as well as the liabilities of the Insurance Subsidiaries, was 3.8 years as of December 31, 2017. As protection for the capital resources at the Insurance Subsidiaries, we purchase reinsurance coverage for any significantly large claims or catastrophes that may occur during the year.

Line of Credit
The Parent's line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Branch Banking and Trust Company (BB&T) (referred to as our "Line of Credit"), was renewed effective December 1, 2015 with a borrowing capacity of $30 million, which can be increased to $50 million with the approval of both lending partners. This Line of Credit expires on December 1, 2020 and has an interest rate which varies and is based on, among other factors, the Parent's debt ratings.

For information regarding the Line of Credit agreement and corresponding representations, warranties, and covenants, refer to Note 10. “Indebtedness” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.

Several of our Insurance Subsidiaries are members of certain branches of the Federal Home Loan Bank, which provides those subsidiaries with additional access to short-term and/or long-term liquidity. Membership is as follows:
Branch
Insurance Subsidiary Member
Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis ("FHLBI")
SICSC1
SICSE1
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLBNY")
SICA
SICNY
1These subsidiaries are jointly referred to as the "Indiana Subsidiaries" as they are domiciled in Indiana.
The Line of Credit permits aggregate borrowings from the FHLBI and the FHLBNY up to 10% of the respective member company’s admitted assets for the previous year. Additionally, as SICNY is domiciled in New York, this company's borrowings from the FHLBNY are limited to the lower of 5% of admitted assets for the most recently completed fiscal quarter or 10% of admitted assets for the previous year end.

All borrowings from both the FHLBI and the FHLBNY are required to be secured by investments pledged as collateral. For additional information regarding collateral outstanding, refer to Note 5. "Investments" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.

The following table provides information on the remaining capacity for Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings based on these restrictions, as well as the amount of additional stock that would need to be purchased to allow these member companies to borrow their remaining capacity:
($ in millions)
Admitted Assets
 
Borrowing Limitation
 
Amount Borrowed
 
Remaining Capacity
 
Additional Stock Requirements
As of December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
SICSC
$
648.0

 
$
64.8

 
32.0

 
32.8

 
1.4

SICSE
507.5

 
50.8

 
28.0

 
22.8

 
1.0

SICA
2,434.9

 
243.5

 
50.0

 
193.5

 
8.7

SICNY
442.5

 
22.1

 
—

 
22.1

 
1.0

Total
 
 
$
381.2

 
110.0

 
271.2

 
12.1



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Intercompany Loan Agreements
The Parent has lending agreements with the Indiana Subsidiaries that have been approved by the Indiana Department of Insurance, which provide additional liquidity to the Parent. Similar to the Line of Credit agreement, these lending agreements limit borrowings by the Parent from the Indiana Subsidiaries to 10% of the admitted assets of the respective Indiana Subsidiary. The following table provides information on the Parent’s borrowings and remaining borrowing capacity from the Indiana Subsidiaries:
($ in millions)
Admitted Assets
as of December 31, 2017
 
Borrowing Limitation
 
Amount Borrowed
 
Remaining Capacity
As of December 31, 2017
 
 
 
SICSC
$
648.0

 
$
64.8

 
27.0

 
37.8

SICSE
507.5

 
50.8

 
18.0

 
32.8

Total
 
 
$
115.6

 
45.0

 
70.6


Short-term Borrowings
There were no balances outstanding under the Line of Credit at December 31, 2017 or at any time during 2017. During 2017, SICA borrowed an aggregate of $84 million from the FHLBNY, which was subject to the borrowing limitations outlined above. This amount has already matured and has been paid.

For additional information regarding other borrowings, see Note 10. "Indebtedness" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.

Capital Market Activities
The Parent had no private or public issuances of stock or debt instruments during 2017.

Uses of Liquidity
The liquidity generated from the sources discussed above is used, among other things, to pay dividends to our shareholders. Dividends on shares of the Parent's common stock are declared and paid at the discretion of the Board of Directors based on our operating results, financial condition, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, and other relevant factors. In October 2017, our Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend, to $0.18 from $0.16 per share.

Our ability to meet our interest and principal repayment obligations on our debt, as well as our ability to continue to pay dividends to our stockholders, is dependent on liquidity at the Parent coupled with the ability of the Insurance Subsidiaries to pay dividends, if necessary, and/or the availability of other sources of liquidity to the Parent. Our next two principal repayments, each in the amount of $25 million, are due in 2021, with the next following principal payment due in 2026. We have $185 million of Senior Notes due February 9, 2043 that became callable on February 8, 2018. We may elect to call these Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after February 8, 2018. If we were to call and redeem these Senior Notes we would write-off the associated unamortized debt issuance costs. The balance of the unamortized debt issuance costs associated with our $185 million of Senior Notes was $4.6 million at December 31, 2017.

Restrictions on the ability of the Insurance Subsidiaries to declare and pay dividends, without alternative liquidity options, could materially affect our ability to service debt and pay dividends on common stock.

Capital Resources
Capital resources provide protection for policyholders, furnish the financial strength to support the business of underwriting insurance risks, and facilitate continued business growth. At December 31, 2017, we had GAAP stockholders’ equity and statutory surplus of $1.7 billion. With total debt of $439 million, our debt-to-capital ratio was approximately 20%.
 
Our cash requirements include, but are not limited to, principal and interest payments on various notes payable, dividends to stockholders, payment of claims, payment of commitments under limited partnership agreements and capital expenditures, as well as other operating expenses, which include commissions to our distribution partners, labor costs, premium taxes, general and administrative expenses, and income taxes. For further details regarding our cash requirements, refer to the section below entitled, “Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities, and Commitments.”

We continually monitor our cash requirements and the amount of capital resources that we maintain at the holding company and operating subsidiary levels. As part of our long-term capital strategy, we strive to maintain capital metrics, relative to the macroeconomic environment, that support our targeted financial strength. Based on our analysis and market conditions, we may take a variety of actions, including, but not limited to, contributing capital to the Insurance Subsidiaries in our insurance

64



operations, issuing additional debt and/or equity securities, repurchasing shares of the Parent’s common stock, and increasing stockholders’ dividends.
 
Our capital management strategy is intended to protect the interests of the policyholders of the Insurance Subsidiaries and our stockholders, while enhancing our financial strength and underwriting capacity.
 
Book value per share increased to $29.28 as of December 31, 2017, from $26.42 as of December 31, 2016, primarily due to $2.84 in net income per share and a $0.66 per share increase in unrealized gains related to our investment portfolio. These increases were partially offset by $0.66 paid in dividends per share to our shareholders.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we did not have any material relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or for other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As such, we are not exposed to any material financing, liquidity, market, or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.

Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities, and Commitments
Our contractual obligations include required payments under capital and operating leases, debt obligations, and reserves for loss and loss expenses. As discussed in the “Reserves for Loss and Loss Expense” section in the "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" section of this MD&A, we maintain case reserves and estimates of reserves for loss and loss expense IBNR, in accordance with industry practice. Using generally accepted actuarial reserving techniques, we project our estimate of ultimate loss and loss expense at each reporting date.
 
Given that the losses and loss expense reserves are estimates, as described in detail under the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” section of this MD&A, the payment of actual loss and loss expense is generally not fixed as to amount or timing. Due to this uncertainty, financial accounting standards prohibit us from discounting these reserves to their present value. Additionally, estimated losses as of the financial statement date do not consider the impact of estimated losses from future business. Therefore, the projected settlement of the reserves for net loss and loss expense will differ, perhaps significantly, from actual future payments.
 
The projected paid amounts in the table below by year are estimates based on past experience, adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, and include considerable judgment. There is no precise method for evaluating the impact of any specific factor on the projected timing of when loss and loss expense reserves will be paid and as a result, the timing and amounts of the actual payments will be affected by many factors. Care must be taken to avoid misinterpretation by those unfamiliar with this information or familiar with other data commonly reported by the insurance industry.

Our future cash payments associated with contractual obligations pursuant to operating and capital leases, debt, interest on debt obligations, and loss and loss expense as of December 31, 2017 are summarized below:
Contractual Obligations
 
Payment Due by Period
 
 
 
 
Less than
1 year
 
1-3
years
 
3-5
years
 
More than
5 years
($ in millions)
 
Total
 
 
 
 
Operating leases
 
$
31.9

 
10.0

 
13.5

 
5.8

 
2.6

Capital leases
 
2.4

 
2.3

 
0.1

 
—

 
—

Notes payable
 
445.0

 
—

 
—

 
50.0

 
395.0

Interest on debt obligations
 
476.6

 
23.8

 
47.7

 
46.6

 
358.5

Subtotal
 
955.9

 
36.1

 
61.3

 
102.4

 
756.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross losses and loss expense payments
 
3,771.2

 
1,005.7

 
1,155.3

 
568.4

 
1,041.8

Ceded losses and loss expense payments
 
585.8

 
174.0

 
134.5

 
71.4

 
205.9

Net losses and loss expense payments
 
3,185.4

 
831.7

 
1,020.8

 
497.0

 
835.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
4,141.3

 
867.8

 
1,082.1

 
599.4

 
1,592.0

 
See the “Short-term Borrowings” section above for a discussion of our syndicated Line of Credit agreement.

Certain of our notes payable in table above contain cross-default provisions, the details are which are included in Note 10. "Indebtedness" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." in this Form 10-K.
 

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At December 31, 2017, we had contractual obligations that expire at various dates through 2032 that may require us to invest up to an additional $221 million in alternative and other investments. There is no certainty that any such additional investment will be required. We have issued no material guarantees on behalf of others and have no trading activities involving non-exchange traded contracts accounted for at fair value. We have no material transactions with related parties other than those disclosed in Note 16. “Related Party Transactions” included in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.

Additionally, as of December 31, 2017, we had contractual obligations that expire in 2023 to invest $16.3 million in a non-publicly traded common stock within our available-for-sale portfolio. We expect to have the capacity to repay and/or refinance these obligations as they come due.

Ratings
We are rated by major rating agencies that issue opinions on our financial strength, operating performance, strategic position, and ability to meet policyholder obligations. We believe that our ability to write insurance business is most influenced by our rating from A.M. Best. In the third quarter of 2017, A.M. Best reaffirmed our rating of "A (Excellent)," their third highest of 13 financial strength ratings with a "stable" outlook. The rating reflects A.M. Best's view that we have an excellent level of risk-adjusted capitalization, strong operating performance, and high policy retention across our standard lines of business. We have been rated "A" or higher by A.M. Best for the past 87 years. A downgrade from A.M. Best to a rating below “A-” is an event of default under our Line of Credit and could affect our ability to write new business with customers and/or distribution partners, some of whom are required (under various third-party agreements) to maintain insurance with a carrier that maintains a specified A.M. Best minimum rating.

Ratings by other major rating agencies are as follows:

•
Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") - Our "A+" Rating was reaffirmed in the second quarter of 2017 with a "stable" outlook by Fitch. In taking this action, Fitch cited our strong financial performance and capitalization with growth in stockholders' equity, as well as a strong competitive position and diversified underwriting.

•
S&P Global Ratings ("S&P") - Our "A" rating was reaffirmed in the fourth quarter of 2017 with a "stable" outlook by S&P. In taking this action, S&P cited our strong business risk profile and strong financial risk profile, built on our strong competitive position and very strong capital and earnings. In addition, our stable outlook reflects S&P's expectation that we will sustain our strong competitive position and operating performance.

•
Moody's Investor Service ("Moody's") - Our "A2" financial strength rating with a "stable" outlook was reaffirmed in the second quarter of 2017 by Moody's. In taking this action, Moody's cited our solid regional franchise with established independent agency support, solid risk adjusted capitalization, strong invested asset quality, and good underwriting profitability.

Our S&P, Moody's, and Fitch financial strength and associated credit ratings affect our ability to access capital markets.  The interest rate on our Line of Credit varies and is based on, among other factors, the Parent's debt ratings. There can be no assurance that our ratings will continue for any given period or that they will not be changed.  It is possible that positive or negative ratings actions by one or more of the rating agencies may occur in the future.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
 
Market Risk
The fair value of our assets and liabilities are subject to market risk, primarily interest rate, credit risk, and equity price risk related to our investment portfolio as well as fluctuations in the value of our alternative investment portfolio. The allocation of our portfolio was 92% fixed income securities, 3% equity securities, 3% short-term investments, and 2% other investments as of December 31, 2017. We do not hold derivative or commodity investments. Foreign investments are made on a limited basis, and all fixed income transactions are denominated in U.S. currency. We have minimal foreign currency fluctuation risk. For a discussion of our investment objective and philosophy, see the "Investments" section of Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." of this Form 10-K.
 
We manage our investment portfolio to mitigate risks associated with various financial market scenarios. We will, however, take prudent risk to enhance our overall long-term results while managing a conservative, well-diversified investment portfolio to support our underwriting activities.
 

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Interest Rate Risk

Investment Portfolio
We invest in interest rate-sensitive securities, mainly fixed income securities. Our fixed income securities portfolio is comprised of primarily investment grade (investments receiving S&P or an equivalent rating of BBB- or above) corporate securities, U.S. government and agency securities, municipal obligations, CLO and other ABS, and MBS. Our strategy to manage interest rate risk is to purchase intermediate-term fixed income investments that are attractively priced in relation to perceived credit risks.
 
Our exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to the market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in interest rates. As our fixed income securities portfolio contains interest rate-sensitive instruments, it may be adversely affected by changes in interest rates resulting from governmental monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions, and other factors beyond our control. Recent economic data points to increased U.S. and global economic growth, continued low levels of unemployment and signs of rising wages, which compounded with the potential for the pro-growth benefits of Tax Reform and the potential for higher Federal budget deficits, has recently led to rising U.S. interest rates. A rise in interest rates will decrease the fair value of our existing fixed income investments and a decline in interest rates will result in an increase in the fair value of our existing fixed income investments. However, new and reinvested money used to purchase fixed income securities would benefit from rising interest rates and would be negatively impacted by falling interest rates.

We seek to mitigate our interest rate risk associated with holding fixed income investments by monitoring and maintaining the effective duration of our portfolio with a view toward achieving an adequate after-tax return without subjecting the portfolio to an unreasonable level of interest rate risk. The effective duration of the fixed income securities portfolio at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was 3.8 years. The current duration is within our historical range, and is monitored and managed to maximize yield while managing interest rate risk at an acceptable level.  The Insurance Subsidiaries’ liability duration is approximately 3.8 years.
 
We use an interest rate sensitivity analysis to measure the potential loss or gain in future earnings, fair values, or cash flows of market sensitive fixed income securities. The sensitivity analysis hypothetically assumes an instant parallel 200 basis point shift in interest rates up and down in 100 basis point increments from the date of the Financial Statements. We use fair values to measure the potential loss. This analysis is not intended to provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates and equity prices on our income or stockholders’ equity. Further, the calculations do not take into account any actions we may take in response to market fluctuations, and do not take into account changes to credit spreads, liquidity spreads, and other risk factors which may also impact the value of the fixed income portfolio.
 
The following table presents the sensitivity analysis of interest rate risk as of December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
2017
Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
($ in thousands)
 
 
-200
 
-100
 
0
 
100
 
200
HTM fixed income securities
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fair value of HTM fixed income securities portfolio
 
$
46,202

 
45,231

 
44,100

 
43,021

 
41,988

Fair value change
 
 
2,102

 
1,131

 
 

 
(1,079
)
 
(2,112
)
Fair value change from base (%)
 
 
4.77
%
 
2.56
%
 
 

 
(2.45
)%
 
(4.79
)%
AFS fixed income securities
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fair value of AFS fixed income securities portfolio
 
$
5,526,150

 
5,357,189

 
5,162,522

 
4,962,328

 
4,763,513

Fair value change
 
 
363,628

 
194,667

 
 

 
(200,194
)
 
(399,009
)
Fair value change from base (%)
 
 
7.04
%
 
3.77
%
 
 

 
(3.88
)%
 
(7.73
)%
 
Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plan Obligation
Our pension and post-retirement benefit obligations and related costs are calculated using actuarial methods within the framework of U.S. GAAP. The discount rate assumption is an important element of expense and liability measurement. Changes in the discount rate assumption could materially impact our pension and post-retirement life valuation in the future. For additional information regarding our discount rate selection, refer to Note 14. "Retirement Plans" in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.


67



Credit Risk
Our most significant credit risk is within our fixed income security portfolio, which had an overall credit quality of “AA-” as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Exposure to non-investment grade bonds represented approximately 3% of the total fixed income securities portfolio at both December 31, 2017 and 2016.

The following table summarizes the fair value, carry value, net unrealized/unrecognized gain (loss) balances, and the weighted average credit qualities of our fixed income securities at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
December 31, 2017
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Fair
Value
 
Carry
Value
 

Unrealized/
Unrecognized
Gain (Loss)
 
Weighted Average
Credit
Quality
U.S. government obligations
 
$
49.7

 
49.7

 
0.4

 
AAA
Foreign government obligations
 
18.6

 
18.6

 
0.5

 
A
State and municipal obligations
 
1,609.2

 
1,608.2

 
44.8

 
AA
Corporate securities
 
1,635.3

 
1,634.4

 
30.0

 
BBB+
CLO and Other ABS
 
795.5

 
795.5

 
6.3

 
AA
CMBS
 
383.4

 
383.4

 
0.7

 
AA+
RMBS
 
714.9

 
714.9

 
5.1

 
AA+
Total fixed income portfolio
 
$
5,206.6

 
5,204.7

 
87.8

 
AA-

December 31, 2016
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Fair
Value
 
Carry
Value
 

Unrealized/
Unrecognized
Gain (Loss)
 
Weighted Average
Credit
Quality
U.S. government obligations
 
$
77.3

 
77.3

 
2.2

 
AAA
Foreign government obligations
 
26.9

 
26.9

 
0.3

 
A
State and municipal obligations
 
1,459.5

 
1,457.4

 
15.7

 
AA
Corporate securities
 
2,021.8

 
2,020.3

 
22.6

 
A-
CLO and Other ABS
 
529.0

 
529.0

 
1.1

 
AA+
CMBS
 
258.0

 
258.0

 
0.5

 
AAA
RMBS
 
525.2

 
525.2

 
0.2

 
AA+
  Total fixed income portfolio
 
$
4,897.7

 
4,894.1

 
42.6

 
AA-

State and Municipal Obligations
The following table details the top 10 state exposures of the municipal bond portion of our fixed income portfolio at December 31, 2017:
State Exposures of Municipal Bonds
 
General Obligation
 
Special
Revenue
 
Fair
Value
 
 
 
Weighted Average
Credit Quality
($ in thousands)
 
Local
 
State
 
 
 
% of Total
 
New York
 
$
22,477

 
—

 
127,128

 
149,605

 
9%
 
AA-
California
 
27,997

 
14,718

 
101,178

 
143,893

 
9%
 
AA-
Texas1
 
42,544

 
18,573

 
61,696

 
122,813

 
8%
 
AA
New Jersey
 
—

 
—

 
76,668

 
76,668

 
5%
 
A
Washington
 
20,187

 
12,814

 
38,882

 
71,883

 
4%
 
AA
Pennsylvania
 
—

 
16,467

 
55,371

 
71,838

 
4%
 
A+
Florida
 
5,290

 
8,953

 
51,067

 
65,310

 
4%
 
AA
Arizona
 
11,139

 
—

 
53,379

 
64,518

 
4%
 
AA
Massachusetts
 
—

 
906

 
51,465

 
52,371

 
3%
 
AA
Ohio
 
5,672

 
5,263

 
30,700

 
41,635

 
3%
 
AA-
Other
 
160,698

 
58,517

 
434,564

 
653,779

 
41%
 
AA
 
 
296,004

 
136,211

 
1,082,098

 
1,514,313

 
94%
 
AA-
Pre-refunded/escrowed to maturity bonds
 
23,073

 
18,581

 
53,264

 
94,918

 
6%
 
AA
Total
 
$
319,077

 
154,792

 
1,135,362

 
1,609,231

 
100%
 
AA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
% of Total Municipal Portfolio
 
20
%
 
10
%
 
70
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
 
1 Of the $42.5 million in local Texas general obligation bonds, $23.9 million represents investments in Texas Permanent School Fund bonds, which are considered to have lower risk as a result of the bond guarantee programs that support these bonds.


68



Special revenue fixed income securities of municipalities (referred to as “special revenue bonds”) generally do not have the “full faith and credit” backing of the municipal or state governments, as do general obligation bonds, but special revenue bonds have a dedicated revenue stream for repayment. For our special revenue bonds, 81% of the dedicated revenue stream is comprised of the following: (i) essential services (46%), which is comprised of transportation, water and sewer, and electric; (ii) education (11%), which includes school districts and higher education, including state-wide university systems; and (iii) special tax (24%), which are backed by a dedicated lien on a tax or other revenue repayment source. As such, we believe our special revenue bond portfolio is appropriate for the current environment.
 
Corporate Securities
For investment-grade corporate bonds, we address the risk of an individual issuers' default by maintaining a diverse portfolio of holdings. The primary risk related to non-investment grade corporate bonds is credit risk. A weak financial profile can lead to rating downgrades from the credit rating agencies, which can put further downward pressure on bond prices. Valuations on these bonds are related more directly to underlying operating performance than to general interest rates. Our holdings of non-investment grade corporate bonds represent less than 3% of our overall investment portfolio.

The tables below provide details on our corporate bond holdings at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
December 31, 2017
 
Fair
Value
 
Carry
Value
 

Unrealized/
Unrecognized
Gain (Loss)
 
Weighted Average
Credit
Quality
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
Investment grade
 
$
1,505.0

 
1,504.1

 
27.5

 
A-
Non-investment grade
 
130.3

 
130.3

 
2.5

 
B
Total corporate securities
 
$
1,635.3

 
1,634.4

 
30.0

 
BBB+
December 31, 2016
 
Fair
Value
 
Carry
Value
 

Unrealized/
Unrecognized
Gain (Loss)
 
Weighted Average
Credit
Quality
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
Investment grade
 
$
1,892.4

 
1,890.9

 
21.0

 
A-
Non-investment grade
 
129.4

 
129.4

 
1.6

 
B+
Total corporate securities
 
$
2,021.8

 
2,020.3

 
22.6

 
A-


CLO and Other ABS Portfolio
For CLO and other ABS, the primary risk is credit risk. We manage this risk by evaluating a number of factors, including the structuring of the deal, the credit quality of underlying loans or assets, the composition of the underlying portfolio, and the track record and capabilities of the portfolio manager. Key performance metrics, including over collateralization, interest coverage, and cash flows, are monitored on an on-going basis. We consider the overall credit environment, economic conditions, total projected return on the investment, and overall asset allocation of the portfolio in our decisions to purchase or sell CLO and other ABS.

The tables below provide details on our CLO and other ABS holdings at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
December 31, 2017
 
Fair
Value
 
Carry
Value
 

Unrealized/
Unrecognized
Gain (Loss)
 
Weighted Average
Credit
Quality
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
Investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLO
 
$
572.5

 
572.5

 
2.1

 
AA+
Other ABS
 
202.2

 
202.2

 
2.9

 
AA-
Total investment grade
 
774.7

 
774.7

 
5.0

 
AA+
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLO
 
20.8

 
20.8

 
1.3

 
BB-
Other ABS
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—
Total non-investment grade
 
20.8

 
20.8

 
1.3

 
BB-
Total CLO and other ABS
 
$
795.5

 
795.5

 
6.3

 
AA

69



December 31, 2016
 
Fair
Value
 
Carry
Value
 

Unrealized/
Unrecognized
Gain (Loss)
 
Weighted Average
Credit
Quality
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
Investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLO
 
$
341.9

 
341.9

 
0.1

 
AAA
Other ABS
 
170.2

 
170.2

 
0.2

 
AA+
Total investment grade
 
512.1

 
512.1

 
0.3

 
AA+
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLO
 
16.9

 
16.9

 
0.8

 
BB-
Other ABS
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—
Total non-investment grade
 
16.9

 
16.9

 
0.8

 
BB-
Total CLO and other ABS
 
$
529.0

 
529.0

 
1.1

 
AA+

MBS Portfolio
To manage and mitigate exposure on our MBS portfolio (CMBS and RMBS), we perform analysis both at the time of purchase and as part of the ongoing portfolio evaluation. This analysis includes review of loan-to-value ratios, geographic spread of the assets securing the bond, delinquencies in payments for the underlying mortgages, gains/losses on sales, evaluations of projected cash flows, as well as other information that aids in determination of the health of the underlying assets. We consider the overall credit environment, economic conditions, total projected return on the investment, and overall asset allocation of the portfolio in our decisions to purchase or sell MBS.

Equity Price Risk
Our equity securities portfolio is exposed to risk arising from potential volatility in equity market prices. We attempt to minimize the exposure to equity price risk by maintaining a diversified portfolio and limiting concentrations in any one company or industry. The following table presents the hypothetical increases and decreases in 10% increments in market value of the equity portfolio as of December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
Change in Equity Values in Percent
($ in thousands)
 
(30)%
 
(20)%
 
(10)%
 
0%
 
10%
 
20%
 
30%
Fair value of AFS equity portfolio
 
$
127,893

 
146,164

 
164,434

 
182,705

 
200,976

 
219,246

 
237,517

Fair value change
 
(54,812
)
 
(36,541
)
 
(18,271
)
 
 

 
18,271

 
36,541

 
54,812

 
In addition to our equity securities, we invest in certain other investments that are also subject to price risk. Our other investments primarily include alternative investments in private limited partnerships that invest in various strategies such as private equity, energy/power generation, middle market lending, mezzanine debt, distressed debt, and real estate. As of December 31, 2017, other investments represented 2% of our total invested assets and 8% of our stockholders’ equity. These investments are subject to the risks arising from the fact that their valuation is inherently subjective. The general partner of each of these partnerships usually reports the change in the value of the interests in the partnership on a one quarter lag because of the nature of the underlying assets or liabilities. Since these partnerships' underlying investments consist primarily of assets or liabilities for which there are no quoted prices in active markets for the same or similar assets, the valuation of interests in these partnerships are subject to a higher level of subjectivity and unobservable inputs than substantially all of our other investments. Each of these general partners is required to determine the partnerships' value by the price obtainable for the sale of the interest at the time of determination. Valuations based on unobservable inputs are subject to greater scrutiny and reconsideration from one reporting period to the next and therefore, may be subject to significant fluctuations, which could lead to significant decreases from one reporting period to the next. As we record our investments in these various partnerships under the equity method of accounting, any decreases in the valuation of these investments would negatively impact our results of operations. For additional information regarding these alternative investment strategies, see Note 5. “Investments” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.

In addition to the above, we have a defined benefit pension plan with $363.1 million in invested assets as of December 31, 2017, of which approximately 60% was invested in assets subject to equity price risk. The value of these invested assets is an important element of expense and liability measurement for our pension plan. For additional information regarding the fair value of our pension assets, refer to Note 14. "Retirement Plans" in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K



70



Indebtedness
(a) Long-Term Debt
As of December 31, 2017, we had outstanding long-term debt of $439.1 million that matures as shown in the following table: 
 
 
 
 
2017
($ in thousands)
 
Year of
Maturity
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
Financial liabilities
 
 
 
 

 
 

Long-term debt
 
 
 
 

 
 

1.61% Borrowings from FHLBNY
 
2021
 
$
25,000

 
24,270

1.56% Borrowings from FHLBNY
 
2021
 
25,000

 
24,210

3.03% Borrowings from FHLBI
 
2026
 
60,000

 
60,334

7.25% Senior Notes
 
2034
 
49,904

 
61,391

6.70% Senior Notes
 
2035
 
99,446

 
116,597

5.875% Senior Notes
 
2043
 
185,000

 
186,332

Subtotal
 
 
 
444,350

 
473,134

Unamortized debt issuance costs
 
 
 
(5,234
)
 
 
Total notes payable
 
 
 
$
439,116

 
 
 
The weighted average effective interest rate for our outstanding long-term debt was 5.3% at December 31, 2017. Our debt is not exposed to material changes in interest rates because the interest rates are fixed. Our $185 million of Senior Notes due 2043 became callable on February 8, 2018. We may elect to call these Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after February 8, 2018. If we were to call and redeem these Senior Notes we would write-off the associated unamortized debt issuance costs. The balance of the unamortized debt issuance costs associated with our $185 million of Senior Notes was $4.6 million at December 31, 2017.

Refer to Note 10. "Indebtedness", within Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K for discussion on debt covenant provisions.
 
(b) Short-Term Debt
Our Line of Credit with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Branch Banking and Trust Company (BB&T), was renewed effective December 1, 2015 with a borrowing capacity of $30 million, which can be increased to $50 million with the approval of both lending partners.

The Line of Credit provides the Parent with an additional source of short-term liquidity. The interest rate on our Line of Credit varies and is based on, among other factors, the Parent’s debt ratings. The Line of Credit expires on December 1, 2020. There were no balances outstanding under this Line of Credit or the previous credit facility at December 31, 2017 or at any time during 2017.


71




Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively, the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited financial statement schedules I to V. Also in our opinion, the related consolidated financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB"), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 19, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements financial statement schedules based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risk of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 1964.

New York, New York
February 19, 2018 


72




Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 

 
 

December 31,
 
 

 
 

($ in thousands, except share amounts)
 
2017
 
2016
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

Investments:
 
 

 
 

Fixed income securities, held-to-maturity – at carrying value
(fair value:  $44,100 – 2017; $105,211 – 2016)
 
$
42,129

 
101,556

Fixed income securities, available-for-sale – at fair value
(amortized cost:  $5,076,716 – 2017; $4,753,759 – 2016)
 
5,162,522

 
4,792,540

Equity securities, available-for-sale – at fair value
(cost:  $143,811 – 2017; $120,889 – 2016)
 
182,705

 
146,753

Short-term investments (at cost which approximates fair value)
 
165,555

 
221,701

Other investments
 
132,268

 
102,397

Total investments (Notes 5 and 7)
 
5,685,179

 
5,364,947

Cash
 
534

 
458

Interest and dividends due or accrued
 
40,897

 
40,164

Premiums receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible
accounts of:  $10,000 – 2017; $5,980 – 2016
 
747,029

 
681,611

Reinsurance recoverable, net of allowance for uncollectible
accounts of: $4,600 – 2017; $5,500 – 2016 (Note 8)
 
594,832

 
621,537

Prepaid reinsurance premiums (Note 8)
 
153,493

 
146,282

Current federal income tax (Note 13)
 
3,243

 
2,486

Deferred federal income tax (Note 13)
 
31,990

 
84,840

Property and equipment – at cost, net of accumulated
depreciation and amortization of:  $213,227 – 2017; $198,729 – 2016
 
63,959

 
69,576

Deferred policy acquisition costs (Note 2)
 
235,055

 
222,564

Goodwill (Note 11)
 
7,849

 
7,849

Other assets
 
122,371

 
113,534

Total assets
 
$
7,686,431

 
7,355,848

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 

 
 

Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Reserve for loss and loss expense (Note 9)
 
$
3,771,240

 
3,691,719

Unearned premiums
 
1,349,644

 
1,262,819

Long-term debt (Note 10)
 
439,116

 
438,667

Accrued salaries and benefits
 
131,850

 
132,880

Other liabilities
 
281,624

 
298,393

Total liabilities
 
$
5,973,474

 
5,824,478

 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
 

Preferred stock of $0 par value per share:
 
 

 
 

  Authorized shares 5,000,000; no shares issued or outstanding
 
$
—

 
—

Common stock of $2 par value per share:
 
 
 
 
  Authorized shares 360,000,000
 
 
 
 
  Issued:  102,284,564 – 2017; 101,620,436 – 2016
 
204,569

 
203,241

Additional paid-in capital
 
367,717

 
347,295

Retained earnings
 
1,698,613

 
1,568,881

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 6)
 
20,170

 
(15,950
)
Treasury stock – at cost (shares:  43,789,442 – 2017; 43,653,237 – 2016)
 
(578,112
)
 
(572,097
)
Total stockholders’ equity
 
1,712,957

 
1,531,370

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 17 and 18)
 


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
7,686,431

 
7,355,848

 See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

73




Consolidated Statements of Income
 
 

 
 

 
 

December 31,
 
 

 
 

 
 

($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Revenues:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net premiums earned
 
$
2,291,027

 
2,149,572

 
1,989,909

Net investment income earned
 
161,882

 
130,754

 
121,316

Net realized gains (losses):
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net realized investment gains
 
11,204

 
3,562

 
31,537

Other-than-temporary impairments
 
(4,809
)
 
(8,509
)
 
(18,366
)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed income securities recognized in other comprehensive income
 
(36
)
 
10

 
—

Total net realized gains (losses)
 
6,359

 
(4,937
)
 
13,171

Other income
 
10,716

 
8,881

 
7,456

Total revenues
 
2,469,984

 
2,284,270

 
2,131,852

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Loss and loss expense incurred
 
1,345,074

 
1,234,797

 
1,148,541

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
 
469,236

 
450,328

 
399,436

Other insurance expenses
 
333,097

 
321,395

 
300,359

Interest expense
 
24,354

 
22,771

 
22,428

Corporate expenses
 
36,255

 
35,024

 
28,396

Total expenses
 
2,208,016

 
2,064,315

 
1,899,160

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before federal income tax
 
261,968

 
219,955

 
232,692

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal income tax expense:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Current
 
62,184

 
48,581

 
45,347

Deferred
 
30,958

 
12,879

 
21,484

Total federal income tax expense
 
93,142

 
61,460

 
66,831

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
168,826

 
158,495

 
165,861

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic net income
 
$
2.89

 
2.74

 
2.90

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted net income
 
$
2.84

 
2.70

 
2.85

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends to stockholders
 
$
0.66

 
0.61

 
0.57

 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



74




Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Net income
 
$
168,826

 
158,495

 
165,861

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during year
 
43,015

 
(5,977
)
 
(26,143
)
Non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive income
 
23

 
(6
)
 
—

  Amounts reclassified into net income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Held-to-maturity securities
 
(116
)
 
(92
)
 
(377
)
Non-credit other-than-temporary impairments
 
68

 
138

 
232

Realized (gains) losses on available for sale securities
 
(4,537
)
 
3,064

 
(9,110
)
Total unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities
 
38,453

 
(2,873
)
 
(35,398
)
 
 
 
 

 
 
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial (loss) gain
 
(3,700
)
 
(7,852
)
 
1,585

Amounts reclassified into net income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial loss
 
1,367

 
4,200

 
4,600

  Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans
 
(2,333
)
 
(3,652
)
 
6,185

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
36,120

 
(6,525
)
 
(29,213
)
Comprehensive income
 
$
204,946

 
151,970

 
136,648

            
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


75




Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
 
 

 
 

 
 

December 31,
 
 

 
 

 
 

($ in thousands, except share amounts)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Common stock:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Beginning of year
 
$
203,241

 
201,723

 
199,896

Dividend reinvestment plan
(shares:  28,607 – 2017; 38,741 – 2016; 50,013 – 2015)
 
57

 
77

 
100

Stock purchase and compensation plans
(shares:  635,521 – 2017; 720,323 – 2016; 863,426 – 2015)
 
1,271

 
1,441

 
1,727

End of year
 
204,569

 
203,241

 
201,723

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional paid-in capital:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Beginning of year
 
347,295

 
326,656

 
305,385

Dividend reinvestment plan
 
1,395

 
1,389

 
1,374

Stock purchase and compensation plans
 
19,027

 
19,250

 
19,897

End of year
 
367,717

 
347,295

 
326,656

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retained earnings:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Beginning of year
 
1,568,881

 
1,446,192

 
1,313,440

Net income
 
168,826

 
158,495

 
165,861

Dividends to stockholders
($0.66 per share –  2017; $0.61 per share – 2016; $0.57 per share – 2015)
 
(39,094
)
 
(35,806
)
 
(33,109
)
End of year
 
1,698,613

 
1,568,881

 
1,446,192

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 

 
 

 
 

Beginning of year
 
(15,950
)
 
(9,425
)
 
19,788

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
36,120

 
(6,525
)
 
(29,213
)
End of year
 
20,170

 
(15,950
)
 
(9,425
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Treasury stock:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Beginning of year
 
(572,097
)
 
(567,105
)
 
(562,923
)
Acquisition of treasury stock
(shares:  136,205 – 2017; 152,595 – 2016; 147,461 – 2015)
 
(6,015
)
 
(4,992
)
 
(4,182
)
End of year
 
(578,112
)
 
(572,097
)
 
(567,105
)
Total stockholders’ equity
 
$
1,712,957

 
1,531,370

 
1,398,041


Selective Insurance Group, Inc. also has authorized, but not issued, 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, without par value, of which 300,000 shares have been designated Series A junior preferred stock, without par value.
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
 

 
 

 
 

December 31,
 
 

 
 

 
 

($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Operating Activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
168,826

 
158,495

 
165,861

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

 
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
 
52,100

 
61,671

 
59,688

Stock-based compensation expense
 
12,089

 
10,449

 
8,973

Undistributed (gains) losses of equity method investments
 
(6,393
)
 
(2,316
)
 
1,889

Net realized (gains) losses
 
(6,359
)
 
4,937

 
(13,171
)
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
 
998

 
—

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Increase in reserves for loss and loss expense, net of reinsurance recoverables
 
106,226

 
114,422

 
59,438

Increase in unearned premiums, net of prepaid reinsurance
 
79,614

 
87,716

 
79,995

Decrease in net federal income taxes
 
30,918

 
11,150

 
25,004

Increase in premiums receivable
 
(65,418
)
 
(66,447
)
 
(56,386
)
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs
 
(12,491
)
 
(9,405
)
 
(27,551
)
(Increase) decrease in interest and dividends due or accrued
 
(1,088
)
 
(1,473
)
 
407

(Decrease) increase in accrued salaries and benefits
 
(5,714
)
 
(46,536
)
 
11,392

Increase in other assets
 
(9,872
)
 
(30,071
)
 
(11,523
)
Increase in other liabilities
 
27,297

 
9,191

 
77,564

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
370,733

 
301,783

 
381,580

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing Activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Purchase of fixed income securities, held-to-maturity
 
—

 
(4,235
)
 
(3,316
)
Purchase of fixed income securities, available-for-sale
 
(2,130,362
)
 
(1,982,023
)
 
(1,041,916
)
Purchase of equity securities, available-for-sale
 
(61,931
)
 
(35,490
)
 
(195,720
)
Purchase of other investments
 
(55,830
)
 
(66,164
)
 
(12,170
)
Purchase of short-term investments
 
(4,280,553
)
 
(3,499,380
)
 
(1,602,327
)
Sale of fixed income securities, available-for-sale
 
1,197,920

 
926,470

 
61,571

Sale of short-term investments
 
4,338,318

 
3,470,022

 
1,539,480

Redemption and maturities of fixed income securities, held-to-maturity
 
58,832

 
102,868

 
106,621

Redemption and maturities of fixed income securities, available-for-sale
 
555,216

 
641,524

 
567,445

Sale of equity securities, available-for-sale
 
37,960

 
119,617

 
172,561

Distributions from other investments
 
23,426

 
26,837

 
32,457

Purchase of property and equipment
 
(14,071
)
 
(18,147
)
 
(16,229
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(331,075
)
 
(318,101
)
 
(391,543
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financing Activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Dividends to stockholders
 
(37,045
)
 
(33,758
)
 
(31,052
)
Acquisition of treasury stock
 
(6,015
)
 
(4,992
)
 
(4,182
)
Net proceeds from stock purchase and compensation plans
 
7,599

 
7,811

 
10,089

Proceeds from borrowings
 
84,000

 
165,000

 
15,000

Repayment of borrowings
 
(84,000
)
 
(115,000
)
 
—

Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
 
—

 
1,819

 
1,736

Repayment of capital lease obligations
 
(4,121
)
 
(5,002
)
 
(4,689
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
 
(39,582
)
 
15,878

 
(13,098
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
 
76

 
(440
)
 
(23,061
)
Cash, beginning of year
 
458

 
898

 
23,959

Cash, end of year
 
$
534

 
458

 
898


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1. Organization
Selective Insurance Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, (collectively referred to as “we,” “us,” or “our”) offers standard commercial, standard personal, and excess and surplus ("E&S") lines property and casualty insurance products. Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (referred to as the “Parent”) was incorporated in New Jersey in 1977 and its corporate headquarters is located in Branchville, New Jersey. The Parent’s common stock is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SIGI.” We have provided a glossary of terms as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 10-K, which defines certain industry-specific and other terms that are used in this Form 10-K.
 
We classify our business into four reportable segments, which are as follows:
•
Standard Commercial Lines - comprised of insurance products and services provided in the standard marketplace to commercial enterprises, which are typically businesses, non-profit organizations, and local government agencies.

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

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

•
Investments - invests the premiums collected by our insurance operations, as well as amounts generated through our capital management strategies, which may include the issuance of debt and equity securities.

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements (“Financial Statements”) include the accounts of the Parent and its subsidiaries, and have been prepared in conformity with: (i) U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"); and (ii) the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
 
(b) Use of Estimates
The preparation of our Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported financial statement balances, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
(c) Reclassifications
In 2017, we reclassified certain line items within our Consolidated Statements of Income to enhance the ability to analyze our expenses. Specifically, we reclassified our insurance underwriting expenses into amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses. These expenses were previously included in policy acquisition costs and other expenses. In addition, all expenses of the Parent, which were previously included in other expenses, are now separately identifiable as corporate expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. All prior periods presented in this Form 10-K have been reclassified to reflect this change.
 
(d) Investments
Fixed income securities may include investment grade and below investment grade rated bonds, redeemable preferred stocks, non-redeemable preferred stocks with certain debt-like characteristics, mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), collateralized loan obligations ("CLO"), and other asset-backed securities (“ABS”). MBS, CLO, and other ABS are jointly referred to as structured securities. Fixed income securities classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) are reported at fair value. Those fixed income securities that we have the ability and positive intent to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity (“HTM”) and are carried at either: (i) amortized cost; or (ii) market value at the date of transfer into the HTM category, adjusted for subsequent amortization. The amortized cost of fixed income securities is adjusted for the amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts over the expected life of the security using the effective yield method. Premiums and discounts arising from the purchase of structured securities are amortized over the expected life of the security based on future principal payments, giving additional consideration to prepayments. These prepayments are estimated based on historical and projected cash flows. Prepayment assumptions are reviewed quarterly and adjusted to reflect actual prepayments and changes in expectations. Future amortization of any premium and/or discount is adjusted to reflect the revised assumptions. Interest income, as well as amortization and accretion, is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statements of Income. The amortized cost of a fixed income security is written down to fair value when a decline in value is considered to

78



be other than temporary. See the discussion below on realized investment gains and losses for a description of the accounting for impairments. After-tax unrealized gains and losses on: (i) fixed income securities classified as AFS; and (ii) fixed income securities that were transferred into an HTM designation from an AFS designation, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI").

Equity securities, which are classified as AFS, may include common and non-redeemable preferred stocks. These securities are carried at fair value and the related dividend income is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statements of Income. The cost of equity securities is written down to fair value when a decline in value is considered to be other than temporary. See the discussion below on realized investment gains and losses for a description of the accounting for impairments. After-tax unrealized gains and losses are included in AOCI.

Short-term investments may include certain money market instruments, savings accounts, commercial paper, and debt issues purchased with a maturity of less than one year. We also enter into reverse repurchase agreements that are included in short-term investments. These loans are fully collateralized with high quality, readily marketable instruments at a minimum of 102% of the loan principal. At maturity, we receive principal and interest income on these agreements. All short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. The associated income is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Other investments may include alternative investments and other securities. Alternative investments are accounted for using the equity method. Our share of distributed and undistributed net income from alternative investments is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statements of Income. Other securities are primarily comprised of tax credit investments. Low income housing tax credits are accounted for under the proportional amortization method and all other tax credits are accounted for using the equity method. Under the proportional amortization method, our share of the investment’s performance is recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Income as a component of “Federal income tax expense.” Under the equity method, our share of distributed and undistributed net income is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statements of Income. For federal income tax credits accounted for under the equity method, we use the deferral method for recognizing the benefit of the tax credit with the related deferred revenue being recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Income as a component of "Federal income tax expense" proportionately over the life of the investment.

We evaluate the alternative investments and tax credit investments included in our other investments portfolio to determine whether those investments are variable interest entities ("VIEs") and if so, whether consolidation is required. A VIE is an entity that either has equity investors that lack certain essential characteristics of a controlling financial interest or lack sufficient funds to finance its own activities without financial support provided by other entities. We consider several significant factors in determining if our investments are VIEs and if we are the primary beneficiary, including whether we have: (i) the power to direct activities of the VIE; (ii) the ability to remove the decision maker of the VIE; (iii) the ability to participate in making decisions that are significant to the VIE; and (iv) the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. We have reviewed our alternative and tax credit investments and have concluded that they are VIEs, but that we are not the primary beneficiary and therefore, consolidation is not required.

Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the cost of the specific investments sold and are credited or charged to income. Included in realized gains and losses are the other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") charges recognized in earnings, which are discussed below.

On a quarterly basis, we review our investment portfolio for impairments that are other than temporary. Interest-related unrealized losses typically do not result in other-than-temporary impairments. The following provides information on this analysis for our fixed income securities and short-term investments, equity securities, and other investments.

Fixed Income Securities and Short-Term Investments
We review securities that are in an unrealized loss position to determine: (i) if we have the intent to sell the security; (ii) if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery; and (iii) if the decline is other than temporary. Broad changes in the overall market or interest rate environment generally will not lead to a write down. If we determine that we have either the intent or requirement to sell the security, we write down its amortized cost to its fair value through a charge to earnings as a component of realized losses. If we do not have either the intent or requirement to sell the security, our evaluation for OTTI may include, but is not limited to, evaluation of the following factors:

•
Whether the decline appears to be issuer or industry specific;
•
The degree to which the issuer is current or in arrears in making principal and interest payments on the fixed income security;

79



•
The issuer’s current financial condition and ability to make future scheduled principal and interest payments on a timely basis;
•
Evaluation of projected cash flows;
•
Buy/hold/sell recommendations published by outside investment advisors and analysts; and
•
Relevant rating history, analysis, and guidance provided by rating agencies and analysts.

Non-redeemable preferred stocks that are classified as fixed income securities are evaluated under this OTTI method unless the security is below investment grade, at which time it is evaluated under the equity securities OTTI model discussed below.

To determine if an impairment is other than temporary, we perform assessments that may include, but are not limited to, a discounted cash flow analysis ("DCF") to determine the security's present value of future cash flows. This analysis is also performed on all previously-impaired debt securities that continue to be held by us and all structured securities that were not of high credit quality at the date of purchase. Any shortfall in the expected present value of the future cash flows, based on the DCF, from the amortized cost basis of a security is considered a “credit impairment,” with the remaining decline in fair value of a security considered a “non-credit impairment.” Credit impairments are charged to earnings as a component of realized losses, while non-credit impairments are recorded to Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") as a component of unrealized losses.

The discount rate we use in a DCF is the effective interest rate implicit in the security at the date of acquisition for those structured securities that were not of high credit quality at acquisition. For all other securities, we use a discount rate that equals the current yield, excluding the impact of previous OTTI charges, used to accrete the beneficial interest. DCFs may include, but are not necessarily limited to: (i) generating cash flows for each tranche considering tranche-specific data, market data, and other pertinent information, such as the historical performance of the underlying collateral, including net operating income generated by underlying properties, conditional default rate assumptions, loan loss severity assumptions, consensus projections, prepayment projections, and actual pool and collateral information; (ii) identifying applicable benchmark yields; and (iii) applying market-based tranche specific spreads to determine an appropriate yield by incorporating collateral performance, tranche-level attributes, trades, bids, and offers.
  
Equity Securities
We review securities that are in an unrealized loss position to determine: (i) if we do not intend to hold the security to its forecasted recovery; or (ii) if the decline is other than temporary, which includes declines driven by market volatility for which we cannot assert the security will recover in the near term. If we determine either that we do not intend to hold a security, or the decline is other than temporary, we write down the security's cost to its fair value through a charge to earnings as a component of realized losses. If we intend to hold the security, our evaluation for OTTI may include, but is not limited to, an evaluation of the following factors:

•
Whether the decline appears to be issuer or industry specific;
•
The relationship of market prices per share to book value per share at the date of acquisition and date of evaluation;
•
The price-earnings ratio at the time of acquisition and date of evaluation;
•
The financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, including any specific events that may influence the issuer's operations, coupled with our intention to hold the securities in the near-term;
•
The recent income or loss of the issuer;
•
The independent auditors' report on the issuer's recent financial statements;
•
The dividend policy of the issuer at the date of acquisition and the date of evaluation;
•
Buy/hold/sell recommendations or price projections published by outside investment advisors;
•
Rating agency announcements;
•
The length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been, or is expected to be, less than its cost in the near term; and
•
Our expectation of when the cost of the security will be recovered.
 
Other Investments
Our evaluation for OTTI of an other investment (i.e., an alternative investment) may include, but is not limited to, conversations with the management of the alternative investment concerning the following:
•
The current investment strategy;
•
Changes made or future changes to be made to the investment strategy;
•
Emerging issues that may affect the success of the strategy; and
•
The appropriateness of the valuation methodology used regarding the underlying investments.


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If there is a decline in the fair value of an other investment that we do not intend to hold, or if we determine the decline is other than temporary, we write down the carry value of the investment and record the charge through earnings as a component of realized losses.

(e) Fair Values of Financial Instruments

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

The techniques used to value our financial assets are as follows:

Level 1 Pricing
Security Type
Methodology
Equity Securities; U.S. Treasury Notes
Equity and U.S. Treasury Note prices are received from an independent pricing service that are based on observable market transactions. We validate these prices against a second external pricing service, and if established market value comparison thresholds are breached, further analysis is performed to determine the price to be used.
Short-Term Investments
Short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Given the liquid nature of our short-term investments, we generally validate their fair value by way of active trades within approximately one week of the financial statement close.

Level 2 Pricing
We utilize a market approach for our Level 2 securities, using primarily matrix pricing models prepared by external pricing services. Matrix pricing models use mathematical techniques to value debt securities by relying on the securities' relationship to other benchmark quoted securities, and not relying exclusively on quoted prices for specific securities, as the specific securities are not always frequently traded. As a matter of policy, we consistently use one pricing service as our primary source and secondary pricing services if prices are not available from the primary pricing service. Fixed income securities portfolio pricing is reviewed for reasonableness in the following ways: (i) comparing our pricing to other third-party pricing services as well as benchmark indexed pricing; (ii) comparing fair value fluctuations between months for reasonableness; and (iii) reviewing stale prices. If further analysis is needed, a challenge is sent to the pricing service for review and confirmation of the price.

Further information on our Level 2 asset pricing is included in the following table:
Security Type
Methodology
Corporate Securities including preferred stocks classified as Fixed Income Securities, and U.S. Government and Government Agencies
Evaluations include obtaining relevant trade data, benchmark quotes and spreads and incorporating this information into either spread-based or price-based evaluations as determined by the observed market data. Spread-based evaluations include: (i) creating a range of spreads for relevant maturities of each issuer based on the new issue market, secondary trading, and dealer quotes; and (ii) incorporating option adjusted spreads for issues that have early redemption features. Based on the findings in (i) and (ii) above, final spreads are derived and added to benchmark curves. Price-based evaluations include matching each issue to its best-known market maker and contacting firms that transact in these securities.
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions

Evaluations are based on yield curves that are developed based on factors such as: (i) benchmarks to issues with interest rates near prevailing market rates; (ii) established trading spreads over widely-accepted market benchmarks; (iii) yields on new issues; and (iv) market information from third-party sources such as reportable trades, broker-dealers, or issuers.  
Structured Securities (including CLO and other ABS, Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities ("CMBS"), Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities ("RMBS"))

Evaluations are based on a DCF, including: (i) generating cash flows for each tranche considering tranche-specific data, market data, and other pertinent information, such as historical performance of the underlying collateral, including net operating income generated by the underlying properties, conditional default rate assumptions, loan loss severity assumptions, consensus projections, prepayment projections, and actual pool and loan level collateral information; (ii) identifying applicable benchmark yields; and (iii) applying market-based tranche-specific spreads to determine an appropriate yield by incorporating collateral performance, tranche-level attributes, trades, bids, and offers.
Foreign Government

Evaluations are performed using a DCF model and by incorporating observed market yields of benchmarks as inputs, adjusting for varied maturities.

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Level 3 Pricing
Less than 1% of our portfolio cannot be priced using our primary or secondary pricing service. At times, we may use non-binding broker quotes to value some of these securities. These prices are from various broker/dealers that use bid or ask prices, or benchmarks to indices, in measuring the fair value of a security. We review these fair value measurements for reasonableness. This review typically includes an analysis of price fluctuations between months with variances over established thresholds being analyzed further.

Further information on our current Level 3 asset pricing is included in the following table:
Security Type
Methodology
Corporate Securities
These tax credit investments are priced internally using spread-based evaluations.
Equity Securities
These non-publicly traded stocks are valued by the issuer and reviewed internally.

Liabilities
The techniques used to value our notes payable are as follows:

Level 1 Pricing
Security Type
Methodology
5.875% Senior Notes
Based on the quoted market prices.

Level 2 Pricing
Security Type
Methodology
7.25% Senior Notes; 6.70% Senior Notes
Based on matrix pricing models prepared by external pricing services.
Borrowings from Federal Home Loan Banks
Evaluations are performed using a DCF model based on current borrowing rates provided by the Federal Home Loan Banks that are consistent with the remaining term of the borrowing.

See Note 7. “Fair Value Measurements” for a summary table of the fair value and related carrying amounts of financial instruments.

(f) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts on our premiums receivable. This allowance is based on historical write-off percentages adjusted for the effects of current and anticipated trends. An account is charged off when we believe it is probable that we will not collect a receivable. In making this determination, we consider information obtained from our efforts to collect amounts due directly or through collection agencies.
 
(g) Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation consists of all share-based payment transactions in which an entity acquires goods or services by issuing (or offering to issue) its shares, share units, share options, or other equity instruments. The cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions are recognized in the Financial Statements based on the fair value of both equity and liability awards. The fair value is measured at grant date for equity awards, whereas the fair value for liability awards are remeasured at each reporting period. The fair value of both equity and liability awards is recognized over the requisite service period. The requisite service period is typically the lesser of the vesting period or the period of time from the grant date to the date of retirement eligibility. The expense recognized for share-based awards, which, in some cases, contain performance criteria, is based on the number of shares or units expected to be issued at the end of the performance period. We repurchase the Parent’s stock from our employees in connection with tax withholding obligations, as permitted under our stock-based compensation plans. This activity is disclosed in our Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity.

(h) Reinsurance
Reinsurance recoverables represent estimates of amounts that will be recovered from reinsurers under our various treaties. Generally, amounts recoverable from reinsurers are recognized as assets at the same time and in a manner consistent with the paid and unpaid losses associated with the reinsured policies. We require collateral to secure reinsurance recoverables primarily from our reinsurance carriers that are not authorized, otherwise approved, or certified to do business in one or more of our ten insurance subsidiaries' domiciliary states. Our ten insurance subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the

82



"Insurance Subsidiaries." This collateral is typically in the form of a letter of credit or cash. An allowance for estimated uncollectible reinsurance is recorded based on an evaluation of balances due from reinsurers and other available information, such as each reinsurers' credit rating from A.M. Best Company ("A.M. Best") or Standard & Poor's Rating Services ("S&P"). We charge off reinsurance recoverables on paid losses when it becomes probable that we will not collect the balance.
 
(i) Property and Equipment
Property and equipment used in operations, including certain costs incurred to develop or obtain computer software for internal use, are capitalized and carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The following estimated useful lives can be considered as general guidelines:
Asset Category
 
Years
Computer hardware
 
3
Computer software
 
3 to 5
Internally developed software
 
5 to 10
Software licenses
 
3 to 5
Furniture and fixtures
 
10
Buildings and improvements
 
5 to 40

We recorded depreciation expense of $17.8 million, $17.4 million, and $16.4 million for 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

(j) Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Deferred policy acquisition costs are limited to costs directly related to the successful acquisition of insurance contracts.  Costs meeting this definition typically include, among other things, sales commissions paid to our distribution partners, premium taxes, and the portion of employee salaries and benefits directly related to time spent on acquired contracts.  These costs are deferred and amortized over the life of the contracts.

Accounting guidance requires a premium deficiency analysis to be performed at the level an entity acquires, services, and measures the profitability of its insurance contracts. We currently perform three premium deficiency analyses for our insurance operations, consistent with our reportable segments of Standard Commercial Lines, Standard Personal Lines, and E&S Lines. A combined ratio of over 100% does not necessarily indicate a premium deficiency, as any year's combined ratio includes a portion of underwriting expenses that are expensed at policy inception and therefore are not covered by the remaining unearned premium. In addition, investment income is not contemplated in the combined ratio calculation.

There were no premium deficiencies for any of the reported years, as the sum of the anticipated loss and loss expense, unamortized acquisition costs, policyholder dividends, and other expenses for each segment did not exceed that segment’s related unearned premium and anticipated investment income. The investment yields assumed in the premium deficiency assessment for each reporting period, which were based on our actual average investment yield before tax as of the September 30 calculation date, were 2.9% for 2017, 2.4% for 2016, and 2.5% for 2015.
 
(k) Goodwill
Goodwill results from business acquisitions where the cost of assets and liabilities acquired exceeds the fair value of those assets and liabilities. A quantitative goodwill impairment analysis is performed if our quarterly qualitative analysis indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Goodwill is allocated to the reporting units for purposes of these analyses. Based on our analysis at December 31, 2017, goodwill was not impaired.
 
(l) Reserves for Loss and Loss Expense
Reserves for loss and loss expense are comprised of both case reserves on individual claims and reserves for claims incurred but not reported ("IBNR"). Case reserves result from claims that have been reported to one or more of our Insurance Subsidiaries, and are estimated at the amount of the expected ultimate payment.  IBNR reserves are established at more aggregated levels than case basis reserves, and in addition to reserves on claims that have been incurred but not reported, they include provisions for future emergence on known claims, as well as reopened claims. IBNR reserves are established based on the results of the Insurance Subsidiaries’ internal reserve analysis, supplemented with other internal and external information.

The internal reserve analysis is performed quarterly, and relies upon generally accepted actuarial techniques.  Such techniques assume that past experience, adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, are an appropriate basis for predicting future events. Our analyses rely upon historical paid and case loss and loss expense experience organized by line of business, accident year, and maturity (i.e., “triangles”). Standard actuarial projection methods are applied to this history,

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producing a set of estimated ultimate loss and loss expenses. Ultimate loss and loss expenses are selected from the various methods, considering the strengths and weaknesses of the methods as they apply to the specific line and accident year.

Certain types of exposures do not lend themselves to standard actuarial methods. Examples of these are:

•
Certain property catastrophe events may be low in frequency and high in severity. These events may affect many insureds simultaneously. Due to the unique nature of these events, ultimate liabilities are estimated for each event, based on surveys of our portfolio of exposures, in conjunction with individual claims estimates. While generally short-tailed, the liabilities associated with these events are subject to a higher degree of uncertainty. We maintain significant reinsurance protection that greatly limits the impact that these extreme events have on net loss and loss expenses.

•
Some insured events may span multiple years and trigger multiple policies, as in the case of asbestos and environmental claims, where the injury is deemed to occur over an extended period of time. These types of losses often do not lend themselves to traditional actuarial methods. Where we deem appropriate, our experience may be analyzed without differentiating by accident year, using alternative methods and metrics. In these cases, the associated selected ultimate loss and loss expenses are then allocated to the applicable accident years for reporting.

•
Another example of non-standard methods relate to loss expenses that cannot be attributed to a specific claim (referred to as “unallocated loss expenses”). These expenses are first allocated to line of business, and alternative projection methods are then applied to estimate expenses by calendar year, which are then allocated back to the applicable accident years for reporting.

The selected ultimate losses and loss adjustment expenses are translated into indicated IBNR reserves, which are then compared to the recorded IBNR reserves. Management's judgment is applied in determining any required adjustments and the resulting adjustments are then recorded and assigned or allocated to accident year using the results of the actuarial analysis.

While the reserve analysis is the primary basis for determining the recorded IBNR reserves, other internal and external factors are considered. Internal factors include: (i) supplemental data regarding claims reporting and settlement trends; (ii) exposure estimates for reported claims, along with recent development on those estimates with respect to individual large claims and the aggregate of all claims; (iii) the rate at which new large or complex claims are being reported; and (iv) additional trends observed by claims personnel or reported to them by defense counsel.  External factors considered include: (i) legislative enactments; (ii) judicial decisions; (iii) legal developments in the determination of liability and the imposition of damages; and (iv) trends in general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation.

Loss reserves are estimates, and as such, we also consider a range of possible loss and loss expense reserve estimates.  This range is determined at the beginning of each year, using prior year-end data, and reflects the fact that there is no single precise method for estimating the required reserves, due to the many factors that may influence the amounts ultimately paid.  Considering the reserve range along with all of the items described above, as well as current market conditions, IBNR estimates are then established and recorded.

The combination of the IBNR estimates along with the case reserve estimates on individual claims results in our total reserves for loss and loss expense.  These reserves are expected to be sufficient for settling losses and loss reserve obligations under our policies on unpaid claims, including changes in the volume of business written, claims frequency and severity, the mix of business, claims processing, and other items that management expects to affect our ultimate settlement of loss and loss expense. However, the ultimate claim settlements may be higher or lower than reserves established. As our experience emerges and other information develops, we revise our reserve estimates accordingly. The changes in these estimates, resulting from the continuous review process and the differences between estimates and ultimate payments, are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the period in which such estimates are changed. The associated impacts may be material to the results of operations in future periods.

We do not discount to present value that portion of our losses and loss expense reserves expected to be paid in future periods.

Our loss and loss expense reserves implicitly include anticipated recoveries for salvage and subrogation claims.

Claims are counted at the occurrence, line of business, and policy level.  For example, if a single occurrence (e.g. an auto accident) leads to a claim under an auto and an associated umbrella policy, they are each counted separately.  Conversely, multiple claimants under the same occurrence/line/policy would contribute only a single count.  The claim counts provided are

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on a reported basis.  A claim is considered reported when a reserve is established or payment is made. Therefore, claims closed without payment are included in the count as long as there was an associated case reserve at some point in its life cycle.

We also write a small amount of assumed reinsurance.  Currently, this business is limited to our share of certain involuntary pools.  Since the associated claims are not processed by us, they are not captured within our claims system. Therefore, the claim counts reported exclude this business.

(m) Revenue Recognition
The Insurance Subsidiaries' net premiums written (“NPW”) include direct insurance policy writings, plus reinsurance assumed and estimates of premiums earned but unbilled on the workers compensation and general liability lines of insurance, less reinsurance ceded. The estimated premium on the workers compensation and general liability lines is referred to as audit premium. We estimate this premium, as it is anticipated to be either billed or returned on policies subsequent to expiration based on exposure levels (i.e. payroll or sales). Audit premium is based on historical trends adjusted for the uncertainty of future economic conditions. Economic instability could ultimately impact our estimates and assumptions, and changes in our estimate may be material to the results of operations in future periods. Premiums written are recognized as revenue over the period that coverage is provided using the semi-monthly pro-rata method. Unearned premiums and prepaid reinsurance premiums represent that portion of premiums written that are applicable to the unexpired terms of policies in force.
 
(n) Dividends to Policyholders
We establish reserves for dividends to policyholders on certain policies, most significantly workers compensation policies. These dividends are based on the policyholders' loss experience. Dividend reserves are established based on past experience, adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends. The expense for these dividends is recognized over a period that begins at policy inception and ends with the payment of the dividend. We do not issue policies that entitle the policyholder to participate in the earnings or surplus of our Insurance Subsidiaries.

(o) Federal Income Tax
We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Current federal income taxes are recognized for the estimated taxes payable or refundable on tax returns for the current year. Deferred federal income taxes arise from the recognition of temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. We consider all evidence, both positive and negative, with respect to our federal tax loss carryback availability, expected levels of pre-tax financial statement income, and federal taxable income, when evaluating whether the temporary differences will be realized. In projecting future taxable income, we begin with budgeted pre-tax income adjusted for estimated non-taxable items. The assumptions about future taxable income require significant judgment and are consistent with the plans and estimates we use to manage our businesses. A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. A liability for uncertain tax positions is recorded when it is more likely than not that a tax position will not be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period of enactment. If we were to be levied interest and penalties by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), the interest would be recognized as “Interest expense” and the penalties would be recognized as either “Other insurance expenses” or "Corporate expenses" on the Consolidated Statements of Income depending on the nature of what caused the occurrence of such an item.

For information regarding the impact of the the recent tax reform, refer to Note 13. "Federal Income Taxes" of this Form 10-K.
 
(p) Leases
We have various operating leases for office space, equipment, and fleet vehicles. Rental expense for such leases is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. If a lease has a fixed and determinable escalation clause, or periods of rent holidays, the difference between rental expense and rent paid is included in "Other liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In addition, we have various capital leases for computer hardware and software. These leases are accounted for as an acquisition of an asset with a corresponding obligation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term.
 
(q) Pension
Our pension and post-retirement life benefit obligations and related costs are calculated using actuarial methods, within the framework of GAAP. Our pension benefit obligation is determined as the actuarial present value of the vested benefits to which the employee is currently entitled, based on the average life expectancy of the employee. Our funding policy provides that payments to our pension trust shall be equal to the minimum funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, plus additional amounts that the Board of Directors of Selective Insurance Company of America (“SICA”) may approve from time to time.

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Two key assumptions, the discount rate and the expected return on plan assets, are important elements of expense and/or liability measurement. We evaluate these key assumptions annually unless facts indicate that a more frequent review is required. The discount rate enables us to state expected future cash flows at their present value on the measurement date. The purpose of the discount rate is to determine the interest rates inherent in the price at which pension benefits could be effectively settled. Our discount rate selection is based on high-quality, long-term corporate bonds. To determine the expected long-term rate of return on the plan assets, we consider the current and expected asset allocation, as well as historical and expected returns on each plan asset class. Other assumptions involve demographic factors such as retirement age and mortality.
 
Note 3. Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions. We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2017, which resulted in the following impacts on our consolidated financial statements:
Consolidated Statements of Income
The new standard requires that the tax effects of share-based compensation be recognized in the income tax provision as discrete items outside of the annual estimated expected tax rate. In addition, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies should be recognized as income tax benefit or expense in the income statement. Previously, these amounts were recorded in additional paid-in capital. In addition, in calculating potential common shares used to determine diluted earnings per share, GAAP requires us to use the treasury stock method. The new standard requires that assumed proceeds under the treasury stock method be modified to exclude the amount of excess tax benefits that would have been recognized in additional paid-in capital. These changes were adopted on a prospective basis. As a result of adoption, we recognized an income tax benefit in the Consolidated Statements of Income of $4.3 million in 2017 related to stock grants that have vested this year.

In recording share-based compensation expense, the standard allows companies to make a policy election as to whether they will include an estimate of awards expected to be forfeited or whether they will account for forfeitures as they occur. We have elected to include an estimate of forfeitures in the computation of our share-based compensation expense. As this treatment is consistent with previous guidance, this election had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
ASU 2016-09 requires that excess tax benefits from share-based awards be reported as operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Previously, these cash flows were included in financing activities. We elected to apply this change on a prospective basis; therefore, no changes have been made to the prior periods disclosed in this report.

ASU 2016-09 also requires that employee taxes paid when an employer withholds shares for tax-withholding purposes be reported as financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. This requirement has no impact to us as we have historically reported these cash flows as part of financing activities.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-17, Consolidation: Interests Held through Related Parties That Are under Common Control ("ASU 2016-17"). ASU 2016-17 changes how a decision maker considers indirect interests in a VIE held under common control in making the primary beneficiary determination. We adopted ASU 2016-17 in the first quarter of 2017. This adoption did not impact us, as we are not the decision maker in any of the VIEs in which we invest.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs: Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities ("ASU 2017-08"). ASU 2017-08 revises the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium, requiring the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. Under current GAAP, entities generally amortize the premium as an adjustment of yield over the contractual life of the instrument. ASU 2017-08 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. We adopted this guidance in the fourth quarter of 2017 and the adoption did not impact us as we amortize premium on these callable debt securities to the earliest call date.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting ("ASU 2017-09"). ASU 2017-09 provides clarification about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award would require the application of modification accounting. ASU 2017-09 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We adopted this guidance in the fourth quarter of 2017 and the adoption did not impact us, as we currently record modifications in accordance with this ASU.


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Pronouncements to be effective in the future
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”). ASU 2016-01 provides guidance to improve certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. Specifically the guidance: (i) requires equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings; (ii) simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment; (iii) eliminates the requirement to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost; (iv) requires the use of the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; and (v) clarifies that the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to an available-for-sale ("AFS") security should be evaluated with other deferred tax assets.

ASU 2016-01 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. Our adoption of this guidance will require a cumulative-effect adjustment between AOCI and retained earnings on the balance sheet for approximately $25 million, which represents the after-tax unrealized gain on our equity securities portfolio as of December 31, 2017. On a pre-tax basis, the unrealized gain on our equity securities portfolio increased $13 million during 2017 and, had this literature been in effect, we would have recognized additional after-tax net income of approximately $10 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, assuming a 21% corporate tax rate.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 requires all lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset, measured at the present value of the future minimum lease payments, at the lease commencement date. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim reporting periods within that fiscal year, with early adoption permitted. ASU 2016-02 requires the application of a modified retrospective approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. While we are currently evaluating ASU 2016-02, we do not expect a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations from the adoption of this guidance.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (“ASU 2016-13”).  ASU 2016-13 will change the way entities recognize impairment of financial assets by requiring immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of many financial assets, including, among others, held-to-maturity debt securities, trade receivables, and reinsurance recoverables. ASU 2016-13 requires a valuation allowance to be calculated on these financial assets and that they be presented on the financial statements net of the valuation allowance. The valuation allowance is a measurement of expected losses that is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount.  This methodology is referred to as the current expected credit loss model. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our financial condition and results of operations.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 adds or clarifies guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows, including, but not limited to: (i) debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; (ii) proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies; (iii) distributions received from equity method investees; and (iv) separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. ASU 2016-15 is effective, with retrospective adoption, for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We anticipate that the adoption of this guidance in 2018 will result in an increase to our 2017 and 2016 operating cash flows of approximately $2 million and $3 million, respectively, reflecting adjustments for distributions received from equity method investees.


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In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash ("ASU 2016-18"). ASU 2016-18, requires that restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents in the reconciliation of beginning and ending cash on the statements of cash flows. This update also requires a reconciliation of the statement of the cash flows to the balance sheet if the balance sheet includes more than one line item containing cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash. We currently have restricted cash associated with our participation in the National Flood Insurance Program ("NFIP") within "Other assets" on our consolidating balance sheets. This restricted cash amounted to $44.2 million, $36.9 million, and $11.9 million on December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. ASU 2016-18 is effective, with retrospective adoption, for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. We anticipate that the adoption of this guidance in 2018 will result in increases to operating cash flows of $7 million and $25 million for 2017 and 2016, respectively. The restricted cash balance will also be included in the reconciliation of beginning and ending cash balances.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 eliminates the second step of the two part goodwill impairment test, which required entities to determine the fair value of individual assets and liabilities of a reporting unit to measure the goodwill impairment. Under the new guidance, a goodwill impairment is calculated as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The amendments in this update should be applied on a prospective basis for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We intend to adopt this guidance in 2018, but do not expect it to impact our financial condition or results of operations.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost ("ASU 2017-07"). ASU 2017-07 requires that an employer report a pension plan's service cost in the same line item or line items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by pertinent employees during the period. ASU 2017-07 also requires that other components of net benefit cost be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component. If a separate line item or items are not used, the line item or items used in the income statement to present the other components of net benefit cost must be disclosed. ASU 2017-07 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted at the beginning of an annual period. As our pension plan was frozen as of March 2016, we have ceased accruing additional service fee costs since that time. Therefore, the application of this guidance is not anticipated to impact our financial condition, results of operations, or disclosures.

Note 4. Statements of Cash Flows
Supplemental cash flow information for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 is as follows:
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest
 
$
23,905

 
22,098

 
21,892

Federal income tax
 
62,000

 
46,405

 
39,500

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-cash items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exchange of fixed income securities, AFS
 
22,511

 
23,579

 
36,792

Exchange of fixed income securities, HTM
 
—

 
—

 
15,257

Corporate actions related to equity securities, AFS1
 
4,725

 
3,263

 
4,239

Assets acquired under capital lease arrangements
 
278

 
3,151

 
6,760

Non-cash purchase of property and equipment
 
—

 
78

 
—

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

Included in "Other assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet was $44.2 million at December 31, 2017 and $36.9 million at December 31, 2016 of cash received from the NFIP, which is restricted to pay flood claims under the Write Your Own Program.


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Note 5. Investments
(a) Net unrealized gains on investments included in OCI by asset class were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015: 
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
AFS securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed income securities
 
$
85,806

 
38,781

 
55,689

Equity securities
 
38,894

 
25,864

 
13,235

Total AFS securities
 
124,700

 
64,645

 
68,924

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HTM securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed income securities
 
(21
)
 
159

 
300

Total HTM securities
 
(21
)
 
159

 
300

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total net unrealized gains
 
124,679

 
64,804

 
69,224

Deferred income tax
 
(44,103
)
 
(22,681
)
 
(24,228
)
Net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax
 
80,576

 
42,123

 
44,996

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in net unrealized gains in OCI, net of deferred income tax
 
$
38,453

 
(2,873
)
 
(35,398
)
 
(b) The amortized cost, net unrealized gains and losses, carrying value, unrecognized holding gains and losses, and fair value of HTM fixed income securities were as follows: 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized
 
 
 
Unrecognized
 
Unrecognized
 
 
 
 
Amortized
 
Gains
 
Carrying
 
Holding
 
Holding
 
Fair
($ in thousands)
 
Cost
 
(Losses)
 
Value
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
$
25,154

 
84

 
25,238

 
1,023

 
—

 
26,261

Corporate securities
 
16,996

 
(105
)
 
16,891

 
1,003

 
(55
)
 
17,839

Total HTM fixed income securities
 
$
42,150

 
(21
)
 
42,129

 
2,026

 
(55
)
 
44,100

 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized
 
 
 
Unrecognized
 
Unrecognized
 
 
 
 
Amortized
 
Gains
 
Carrying
 
Holding
 
Holding
 
Fair
($ in thousands)
 
Cost
 
(Losses)
 
Value
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
77,466

 
317

 
77,783

 
2,133

 
—

 
79,916

Corporate securities
 
22,711

 
(143
)
 
22,568

 
1,665

 
(158
)
 
24,075

CMBS
 
1,220

 
(15
)
 
1,205

 
15

 
—

 
1,220

Total HTM fixed income securities
 
$
101,397

 
159

 
101,556

 
3,813

 
(158
)
 
105,211


Unrecognized holding gains and losses of HTM securities are not reflected in the Financial Statements, as they represent fair value fluctuations from the later of: (i) the date a security is designated as HTM either through purchase or transfer from AFS; or (ii) the date that an OTTI charge is recognized on an HTM security, through the date of the balance sheet.
 

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(c) The cost/amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of AFS securities were as follows:
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost/
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
($ in thousands)
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
AFS fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and government agencies
 
$
49,326

 
647

 
(233
)
 
49,740

Foreign government
 
18,040

 
526

 
(11
)
 
18,555

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
1,539,307

 
44,245

 
(582
)
 
1,582,970

Corporate securities
 
1,588,339

 
30,891

 
(1,762
)
 
1,617,468

CLO and other ABS
 
789,152

 
6,508

 
(202
)
 
795,458

CMBS
 
382,727

 
1,563

 
(841
)
 
383,449

RMBS
 
709,825

 
6,487

 
(1,430
)
 
714,882

Total AFS fixed income securities
 
5,076,716

 
90,867

 
(5,061
)
 
5,162,522

AFS equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
129,696

 
38,287

 
(226
)
 
167,757

Preferred stock
 
14,115

 
904

 
(71
)
 
14,948

Total AFS equity securities
 
143,811

 
39,191

 
(297
)
 
182,705

Total AFS securities
 
$
5,220,527

 
130,058

 
(5,358
)
 
5,345,227

 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost/
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
($ in thousands)
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
AFS fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and government agencies
 
$
75,139

 
2,230

 
(36
)
 
77,333

Foreign government
 
26,559

 
322

 
(16
)
 
26,865

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
1,366,287

 
18,610

 
(5,304
)
 
1,379,593

Corporate securities
 
1,976,556

 
27,057

 
(5,860
)
 
1,997,753

CLO and other ABS
 
527,876

 
1,439

 
(355
)
 
528,960

CMBS
 
256,356

 
1,514

 
(1,028
)
 
256,842

RMBS
 
524,986

 
3,006

 
(2,798
)
 
525,194

Total AFS fixed income securities
 
4,753,759

 
54,178

 
(15,397
)
 
4,792,540

AFS equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
104,663

 
26,250

 
(305
)
 
130,608

Preferred stock
 
16,226

 
274

 
(355
)
 
16,145

Total AFS equity securities
 
120,889

 
26,524

 
(660
)
 
146,753

Total AFS securities
 
$
4,874,648

 
80,702

 
(16,057
)
 
4,939,293



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


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(d) The severity of impairment on the securities in an unrealized/unrecognized loss position averaged 1% of amortized cost at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Quantitative information regarding unrealized losses on our AFS portfolio is provided below. Our HTM portfolio had $0.1 million in unrealized/unrecognized losses at December 31, 2017 and no unrealized/unrecognized losses at December 31, 2016.
December 31, 2017
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
($ in thousands)
 
Fair 
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
AFS fixed income securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
U.S. government and government agencies
 
$
23,516


(233
)

250


—

 
23,766

 
(233
)
Foreign government
 
1,481

 
(11
)
 
—

 
—

 
1,481

 
(11
)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
107,514

 
(422
)
 
14,139

 
(160
)
 
121,653

 
(582
)
Corporate securities
 
238,326

 
(1,744
)
 
3,228

 
(18
)
 
241,554

 
(1,762
)
CLO and other ABS
 
74,977

 
(196
)
 
1,655

 
(6
)
 
76,632

 
(202
)
CMBS
 
154,267

 
(773
)
 
5,214

 
(68
)
 
159,481

 
(841
)
RMBS
 
269,485

 
(1,285
)
 
11,200

 
(145
)
 
280,685

 
(1,430
)
Total AFS fixed income securities
 
869,566

 
(4,664
)
 
35,686

 
(397
)
 
905,252

 
(5,061
)
AFS equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
4,727

 
(226
)
 
—

 
—

 
4,727

 
(226
)
Preferred stock
 
3,833

 
(71
)
 
—

 
—

 
3,833

 
(71
)
Total AFS equity securities
 
8,560

 
(297
)
 
—

 
—

 
8,560

 
(297
)
Total AFS securities
 
$
878,126

 
(4,961
)
 
35,686

 
(397
)
 
913,812

 
(5,358
)
December 31, 2016
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
($ in thousands)
 
Fair 
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
AFS fixed income securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
U.S. government and government agencies
 
$
6,419

 
(36
)
 
—

 
—

 
$
6,419

 
$
(36
)
Foreign government
 
13,075

 
(16
)
 
—

 
—

 
13,075

 
(16
)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
306,509

 
(5,304
)
 
—

 
—

 
306,509

 
(5,304
)
Corporate securities
 
462,902

 
(5,771
)
 
4,913

 
(89
)
 
467,815

 
(5,860
)
CLO and other ABS
 
189,795

 
(354
)
 
319

 
(1
)
 
190,114

 
(355
)
CMBS
 
82,492

 
(1,021
)
 
1,645

 
(7
)
 
84,137

 
(1,028
)
RMBS
 
279,480

 
(2,489
)
 
8,749

 
(309
)
 
288,229

 
(2,798
)
       Total AFS fixed income securities
 
1,340,672

 
(14,991
)
 
15,626

 
(406
)
 
1,356,298

 
(15,397
)
AFS equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
11,271

 
(305
)
 
—

 
—

 
11,271

 
(305
)
Preferred stock
 
6,168

 
(355
)
 
—

 
—

 
6,168

 
(355
)
    Total AFS equity securities
 
17,439

 
(660
)
 
—

 
—

 
17,439

 
(660
)
Total AFS securities
 
$
1,358,111

 
(15,651
)
 
15,626

 
(406
)
 
$
1,373,737

 
$
(16,057
)

We do not intend to sell any of the securities in the tables above, nor do we believe we will be required to sell any of these securities. Additionally, we have reviewed these securities in accordance with our OTTI policy, as described in Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of this Form 10-K and have concluded that they are temporarily impaired. This conclusion reflects our current judgment as to the financial position and future prospects of the entity that issued the security and underlying collateral. If our judgment about an individual security changes in the future, we may ultimately record a credit loss after having originally concluded that one did not exist, which could have a material impact on our net income and financial position in future periods. 

(e) Fixed income securities at December 31, 2017, by contractual maturity are shown below. MBS are included in the maturity tables using the estimated average life of each security. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 

91



Listed below are the contractual maturities of fixed income securities at December 31, 2017:
 
 
AFS
 
HTM
($ in thousands)
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
Due in one year or less
 
$
315,857

 
10,997

 
11,168

Due after one year through five years
 
2,099,529

 
23,035

 
24,235

Due after five years through 10 years
 
2,510,294

 
8,097

 
8,697

Due after 10 years
 
236,842

 
—

 
—

Total fixed income securities
 
$
5,162,522

 
42,129

 
44,100

 
(f) The following table summarizes our other investment portfolio by strategy:
Other Investments
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
($ in thousands)
 
Carrying
Value
 
Remaining
Commitment
 
Maximum
Exposure to Loss1
 
Carrying
Value
 
Remaining
Commitment
 
Maximum
Exposure to Loss1
Alternative Investments
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Private equity
 
$
52,251

 
99,026

 
151,277

 
41,135

 
76,774

 
117,909

Private credit
 
37,743

 
94,959

 
132,702

 
28,193

 
40,613

 
68,806

Real assets
 
25,379

 
27,014

 
52,393

 
14,486

 
22,899

 
37,385

Total alternative investments
 
115,373

 
220,999

 
336,372

 
83,814

 
140,286

 
224,100

Other securities2
 
16,895

 
—

 
16,895

 
18,583

 
3,400

 
21,983

Total other investments
 
$
132,268

 
220,999

 
353,267

 
102,397

 
143,686

 
246,083

1The maximum exposure to loss includes both the carrying value of these investments and the related unfunded commitments. In addition, tax credits that have been previously recognized in Other securities are subject to the risk of recapture, which we do not consider significant. 
2 Other securities primarily consists of tax credit investments.

We have reviewed various investments included in the table above and have concluded that they are VIEs, but that we are not the primary beneficiary and therefore, consolidation is not required. We do not have a future obligation to fund losses or debts on behalf of these investments; however, we are contractually committed to make additional investments up to the remaining commitment outlined above. We have not provided any non-contractual financial support at any time during 2017 or 2016.

The following is a description of our alternative investment strategies:

Our private equity strategy includes the following:

•
Primary Private Equity: This strategy makes private equity investments, primarily in established large and middle market companies across diverse industries globally.

•
Secondary Private Equity: This strategy purchases seasoned private equity funds from investors desiring liquidity prior to normal fund termination. Investments are made across all sectors of the private equity market, including leveraged buyouts ("LBO"), venture capital, distressed securities, mezzanine financing, real estate, and infrastructure.

•
Venture Capital: In general, these investments are made principally by investing in equity securities of privately-held corporations, for long-term capital appreciation. This strategy makes private equity investments in growth equity and buyout partnerships.

Our private credit strategy includes the following:

•
Middle Market Lending: This strategy provides privately negotiated loans to U.S. middle market companies. Typically, these are floating rate, senior secured loans diversified across industries. Loans can be made to private equity sponsor-backed companies or non-sponsored companies to finance LBOs, recapitalizations, and acquisitions.

•
Mezzanine Financing: This strategy provides privately negotiated fixed income securities, generally with an equity component, to LBO firms and private and publicly traded large, mid, and small-cap companies to finance LBOs, recapitalizations, and acquisitions.

•
Distressed Debt: This strategy makes direct and indirect investments in debt and equity securities of companies that are experiencing financial and/or operational distress. Investments include buying indebtedness of bankrupt or financially troubled companies, small balance loan portfolios, special situations and capital structure arbitrage trades,

92



commercial real estate mortgages, and similar non-U.S. securities and debt obligations.

Our real assets strategy includes the following:

•
Energy & Power Generation: This strategy makes energy and power generation investments in cash flow generating infrastructure assets. Energy investments are made in a variety of industries including oil, natural gas, and coal. These investments are diversified across the energy supply chain and include assets in the exploration and production, pipeline, and refining sectors. Power generation includes investments in: (i) conventional power, such as natural gas and oil; (ii) renewable power, such as wind and solar; and (iii) electric transmission and distribution.

•
Real Estate: This strategy invests in real estate in North America, Europe, and Asia via direct property ownership, joint ventures, mortgages, and investments in equity and debt instruments.

Our alternative investment strategies generally employ low or moderate levels of leverage and use hedging only to reduce foreign exchange or interest rate volatility. At this time, our alternative investment strategies do not include hedge funds. We cannot redeem our investments with the general partners of these investments; however, occasionally these partnerships can be traded on the secondary market. Once liquidation is triggered by clauses within the limited partnership agreements or at the funds’ stated end date, we will receive our final allocation of capital and any earned appreciation of the underlying investments, assuming we have not divested ourselves of our partnership interests prior to that time. We currently receive distributions from these alternative investments through the realization of the underlying investments in the limited partnerships. We anticipate that the general partners of these alternative investments will liquidate their underlying investment portfolios through 2032.

The following tables set forth summarized financial information for our other investments portfolio, including the portion not owned by us. The investments are carried under the equity method of accounting. The last line in the income statement information table below reflects our share of the aggregate income, which is the portion included in our Financial Statements. As the majority of these investments report results to us on a one quarter lag, the summarized financial statement information is as of, and for the 12-month period ended, September 30: 
Balance Sheet Information
 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
2017
 
2016
Investments
 
$
21,046

 
11,244

Total assets
 
22,357

 
12,075

Total liabilities
 
4,767

 
1,802

Total partners’ capital
 
17,590

 
10,273

Income Statement Information
 
 
 
 
 
 
12 months ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Net investment (loss) income
 
$
(143
)
 
(44
)
 
129

Realized gains
 
325

 
1,374

 
1,187

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
 
2,894

 
(719
)
 
(1,364
)
Net income
 
$
3,076

 
611

 
(48
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance Subsidiaries' alternative investments income (loss)
 
12.7

 
3.1

 
(1.9
)
 
(g) We did not have exposure to any credit concentration risk of a single issuer greater than 10% of our stockholders' equity, other than certain U.S. government agencies, as of December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

(h) We have pledged certain AFS fixed income securities as collateral related to our relationships with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis ("FHLBI") and the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLBNY"). In addition, certain securities were on deposit with various state and regulatory agencies at December 31, 2017 to comply with insurance laws. We retain all rights regarding securities pledged as collateral.

93




The following table summarizes the market value of these securities at December 31, 2017:
($ in millions)
 
 FHLBI Collateral
 
FHLBNY Collateral
 
State and Regulatory Deposits
 
Total
U.S. government and government agencies
 
$
3.0

 
—

 
22.6

 
25.6

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
—

 
—

 
3.1

 
3.1

CMBS
 
6.2

 
14.1

 
—

 
20.3

RMBS
 
56.3

 
59.6

 
—

 
115.9

Total pledged as collateral
 
$
65.5

 
73.7

 
25.7

 
164.9


(i) The components of pre-tax net investment income earned were as follows:
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Fixed income securities
 
$
153,230

 
129,306

 
123,230

Equity securities
 
6,442

 
7,368

 
9,161

Short-term investments
 
1,526

 
686

 
112

Other investments
 
12,871

 
2,940

 
(1,890
)
Investment expenses
 
(12,187
)
 
(9,546
)
 
(9,297
)
Net investment income earned
 
$
161,882

 
130,754

 
121,316


(j) The following tables summarize OTTI by asset type for the periods indicated:
2017
 
 
 
 
 
Recognized in
Earnings
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
 
Included in OCI
 
AFS fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and government agencies
 
$
36

 
—

 
36

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
612

 
—

 
612

Corporate securities
 
587

 
—

 
587

CLO and other ABS
 
96

 
—

 
96

CMBS
 
670

 
—

 
670

RMBS
 
1,183

 
(36
)
 
1,219

Total AFS fixed income securities
 
3,184

 
(36
)
 
3,220

AFS equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
1,435

 
—

 
1,435

Total AFS equity securities
 
1,435

 
—

 
1,435

Other investments
 
$
190

 
—

 
190

Total OTTI losses
 
$
4,809

 
(36
)
 
4,845

2016
 
 
 
 
 
Recognized in
Earnings
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
 
Included in OCI
 
AFS fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisons
 
$
2,797

 
—

 
2,797

Corporate securities
 
1,880

 
—

 
1,880

CLO and other ABS
 
19

 
—

 
19

CMBS
 
220

 
—

 
220

RMBS
 
275

 
10

 
265

Total AFS fixed income securities
 
5,191

 
10

 
5,181

AFS equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
3,316

 
—

 
3,316

Preferred stock
 
2

 
—

 
2

Total AFS equity securities
 
3,318

 
—

 
3,318

Total OTTI losses
 
$
8,509

 
10

 
8,499


94



2015
 
 
 
 
 
Recognized in
Earnings
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
 
Included in OCI
 
AFS fixed income securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate securities
 
$
2,188

 
—

 
2,188

RMBS
 
1

 
—

 
1

Total AFS fixed income securities
 
2,189

 
—

 
2,189

AFS equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
15,996

 
—

 
15,996

Preferred stock
 
181

 
—

 
181

Total AFS equity securities
 
16,177

 
—

 
16,177

Total OTTI losses
 
$
18,366

 
—

 
18,366

 
The majority of the OTTI charges in both 2017 and 2016 were on securities for which we had the intent to sell to facilitate our fixed income strategy change to more actively manage the portfolio to maximize after-tax income and total return, while maintaining a similar level of credit quality and duration risk. Charges in 2015 related to equity securities for which we had the intent to sell in relation to our high-dividend yield strategy, with the remaining charges relating to securities that we did not believe would recover in the near term.

(k) The components of net realized gains, excluding OTTI charges, were as follows:
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
HTM fixed income securities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Gains
 
$
44

 
3

 
5

Losses
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
AFS fixed income securities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Gains
 
10,193

 
7,741

 
4,515

Losses
 
(3,292
)
 
(11,411
)
 
(312
)
AFS equity securities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Gains
 
5,829

 
8,108

 
29,168

Losses
 
(1,200
)
 
(864
)
 
(1,347
)
Short-term investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains
 
2

 
—

 
—

Losses
 
(6
)
 
(13
)
 
—

Other investments
 
 

 
 

 
 

Gains
 
494

 
3

 
162

Losses
 
(859
)
 
(4
)
 
(653
)
Total net realized investment gains
 
$
11,204

 
3,562

 
31,537


Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the cost of the specific investments sold. Proceeds from the sale of AFS securities were $1,235.9 million in 2017, $1,046.1 million in 2016, and $234.1 million in 2015.

Net realized gains in the table above were driven by the following:

•
2017: A higher trading volume in our fixed income securities portfolio related to a more active external investment management approach and opportunistic sales in our equity portfolio.
•
2016: A repositioning of our equity portfolio partially offset by net losses in our AFS fixed income portfolio related to the change in our strategy to more actively manage this portfolio.
•
2015: A change in our dividend strategy from a quantitative, model-driven stock selection strategy to a fundamentally-based stock selection approach that incorporates an assessment of the sustainability and growth rate of a company's dividends and future cash flow.

95




Note 6. Comprehensive Income
(a) The components of comprehensive income, both gross and net of tax, for 2017, 2016, and 2015 were as follows:
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
 
Tax
 
Net
Net income
 
$
261,968

 
93,142

 
168,826

Components of OCI:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized holding gains during the year
 
66,894

 
23,879

 
43,015

Non-credit portion of OTTI recognized in OCI
 
36

 
13

 
23

Amounts reclassified into net income:
 
 
 
 
 


HTM securities
 
(179
)
 
(63
)
 
(116
)
Non-credit OTTI
 
104

 
36

 
68

Realized gains on AFS securities
 
(6,979
)
 
(2,442
)
 
(4,537
)
Net unrealized gains
 
59,876

 
21,423

 
38,453

Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net actuarial loss
 
(4,684
)
 
(984
)
 
(3,700
)
Amounts reclassified into net income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net actuarial loss
 
2,102

 
735

 
1,367

Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans
 
(2,582
)
 
(249
)
 
(2,333
)
Other comprehensive income
 
57,294

 
21,174

 
36,120

Comprehensive income
 
$
319,262

 
114,316

 
204,946

 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
 
Tax
 
Net
Net income
 
$
219,955

 
61,460

 
158,495

Components of OCI:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized (losses) gains on investment securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized holding losses during the year
 
(9,195
)
 
(3,218
)
 
(5,977
)
Non-credit portion of OTTI recognized in OCI
 
(10
)
 
(4
)
 
(6
)
Amounts reclassified into net income:
 
 
 
 
 


HTM securities
 
(141
)
 
(49
)
 
(92
)
Non-credit OTTI
 
213

 
75

 
138

Realized losses on AFS securities
 
4,713

 
1,649

 
3,064

Net unrealized losses
 
(4,420
)
 
(1,547
)
 
(2,873
)
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net actuarial loss
 
(12,079
)
 
(4,227
)
 
(7,852
)
Amounts reclassified into net income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net actuarial loss
 
6,462

 
2,262

 
4,200

Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans
 
(5,617
)
 
(1,965
)
 
(3,652
)
Other comprehensive loss
 
(10,037
)
 
(3,512
)

(6,525
)
Comprehensive income
 
$
209,918

 
57,948

 
151,970


96



2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
 
Tax
 
Net
Net income
 
$
232,692

 
66,831

 
165,861

Components of OCI:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized (losses) gains on investment securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized holding losses during the year
 
(40,221
)
 
(14,078
)
 
(26,143
)
Amounts reclassified into net income:
 
 
 
 
 


HTM securities
 
(580
)
 
(203
)
 
(377
)
Non-credit OTTI
 
357

 
125

 
232

Realized gains on AFS securities
 
(14,016
)
 
(4,906
)
 
(9,110
)
Net unrealized losses
 
(54,460
)
 
(19,062
)
 
(35,398
)
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net actuarial gain
 
2,438

 
853

 
1,585

Amounts reclassified into net income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net actuarial loss
 
7,077

 
2,477

 
4,600

Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans
 
9,515

 
3,330

 
6,185

Other comprehensive loss
 
(44,945
)
 
(15,732
)
 
(29,213
)
Comprehensive income
 
$
187,747

 
51,099

 
136,648


(b) The balances of, and changes in, each component of AOCI (net of taxes) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
 
 
Net Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Investment Securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
OTTI Related
 
HTM Related
 
All Other
 
Investments Subtotal
 
Defined Benefit Pension and Post- retirement Plans
 
Total AOCI
Balance, December 31, 2015
 
$
(282
)
 
194

 
45,083

 
44,995

 
(54,420
)
 
(9,425
)
OCI before reclassifications
 
(6
)
 
—

 
(5,977
)
 
(5,983
)
 
(7,852
)
 
(13,835
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
 
138

 
(92
)
 
3,064

 
3,110

 
4,200

 
7,310

Net current period OCI
 
132

 
(92
)
 
(2,913
)
 
(2,873
)
 
(3,652
)
 
(6,525
)
Balance, December 31, 2016
 
(150
)
 
102

 
42,170

 
42,122

 
(58,072
)

(15,950
)
OCI before reclassifications
 
23

 
—

 
43,015

 
43,038

 
(3,700
)
 
39,338

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
 
68

 
(116
)
 
(4,537
)
 
(4,585
)
 
1,367

 
(3,218
)
Net current period OCI
 
91

 
(116
)
 
38,478

 
38,453

 
(2,333
)
 
36,120

Balance, December 31, 2017
 
$
(59
)
 
(14
)
 
80,648

 
80,575

 
(60,405
)
 
20,170

 

97




The reclassifications out of AOCI are as follows:
($ in thousands)
 
Year ended December 31, 2017
 
Year ended December 31, 2016
 
Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Income
OTTI related
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Non-credit OTTI on disposed securities
 
$
104

 
213

 
Net realized gains (losses)
 
 
104

 
213

 
Income before federal income tax
 
 
(36
)
 
(75
)
 
Total federal income tax expense
 
 
68

 
138

 
Net income
HTM related
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized losses on HTM disposals
 
32

 
169

 
Net realized gains (losses)
Amortization of net unrealized gains on HTM securities
 
(211
)
 
(310
)
 
Net investment income earned
 
 
(179
)
 
(141
)
 
Income before federal income tax
 
 
63

 
49

 
Total federal income tax expense
 
 
(116
)
 
(92
)
 
Net income
Realized (losses) gains on AFS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized (losses) gains on AFS disposals
 
(6,979
)
 
4,713

 
Net realized gains (losses)
 
 
(6,979
)
 
4,713

 
Income before federal income tax
 
 
2,442

 
(1,649
)
 
Total federal income tax expense
 
 
(4,537
)
 
3,064

 
Net income
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement life plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial loss
 
450

 
1,486

 
Loss and loss expense incurred
 
 
1,652

 
4,976

 
Other insurance expenses
Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement life
 
2,102

 
6,462

 
Income before federal income tax
 
 
(735
)
 
(2,262
)
 
Total federal income tax expense
 
 
1,367

 
4,200

 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
(3,218
)
 
7,310

 
Net income

Note 7. Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
($ in thousands)
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
Financial Assets
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed income securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

HTM
 
$
42,129

 
44,100

 
101,556

 
105,211

AFS
 
5,162,522

 
5,162,522

 
4,792,540

 
4,792,540

Equity securities, AFS
 
182,705

 
182,705

 
146,753

 
146,753

Short-term investments
 
165,555

 
165,555

 
221,701

 
221,701

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.25% Senior Notes
 
49,904

 
61,391

 
49,901

 
56,148

6.70% Senior Notes
 
99,446

 
116,597

 
99,430

 
108,333

5.875% Senior Notes
 
185,000

 
186,332

 
185,000

 
176,860

1.61% Borrowings from FHLBNY
 
25,000

 
24,270

 
25,000

 
24,286

1.56% Borrowings from FHLBNY
 
25,000

 
24,210

 
25,000

 
24,219

3.03% Borrowings from FHLBI
 
60,000

 
60,334

 
60,000

 
59,313

   Subtotal long-term debt
 
444,350

 
473,134

 
444,331

 
449,159

   Unamortized debt issuance costs
 
(5,234
)
 
 
 
(5,664
)
 
 
Total long-term debt
 
$
439,116

 


 
438,667

 



For discussion regarding the fair value techniques of our financial instruments, refer to Note 2. "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in this Form 10-K.


98



The following tables provide quantitative disclosures of our financial assets that were measured and recorded at fair value at December 31, 2017 and 2016:
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
($ in thousands)
 
Assets Measured at Fair Value
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/ Liabilities
(Level 1)1
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)1
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 (Level 3)
Description
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Measured on a recurring basis:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

AFS fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and government agencies
 
$
49,740

 
24,652

 
25,088

 
—

Foreign government
 
18,555

 
—

 
18,555

 
—

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
1,582,970

 
—

 
1,582,970

 
—

Corporate securities
 
1,617,468

 
—

 
1,617,468

 
—

CLO and other ABS
 
795,458

 
—

 
795,458

 
—

CMBS
 
383,449

 
—

 
376,895

 
6,554

RMBS
 
714,882

 
—

 
714,882

 
—

Total AFS fixed income securities
 
5,162,522

 
24,652

 
5,131,316

 
6,554

AFS equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock2
 
167,757

 
138,640

 
—

 
5,398

Preferred stock
 
14,948

 
14,948

 
—

 
—

Total AFS equity securities
 
182,705

 
153,588

 
—

 
5,398

Total AFS securities
 
5,345,227

 
178,240

 
5,131,316

 
11,952

Short-term investments
 
165,555

 
165,555

 
—

 
—

Total assets measured at fair value
 
$
5,510,782

 
343,795

 
5,131,316

 
11,952

 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
($ in thousands)
 
Assets Measured at Fair Value
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/ Liabilities
(Level 1)1
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)1
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 (Level 3)
Description
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Measured on a recurring basis:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

AFS fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and government agencies
 
$
77,333

 
27,520

 
49,813

 
—

Foreign government
 
26,865

 
—

 
26,865

 
—

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
1,379,593

 
—

 
1,379,593

 
—

Corporate securities
 
1,997,753

 
—

 
1,997,753

 
—

CLO and other ABS
 
528,960

 
—

 
528,960

 
—

CMBS
 
256,842

 
—

 
256,842

 
—

RMBS
 
525,194

 
—

 
525,194

 
—

Total AFS fixed income securities
 
4,792,540

 
27,520

 
4,765,020

 
—

AFS equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
130,608

 
122,932

 
—

 
7,676

Preferred stock
 
16,145

 
16,145

 
—

 
—

Total AFS equity securities
 
146,753

 
139,077

 
—

 
7,676

Total AFS securities
 
4,939,293

 
166,597

 
4,765,020

 
7,676

Short-term investments
 
221,701

 
221,701

 
—

 
—

Total assets measured at fair value
 
$
5,160,994

 
388,298

 
4,765,020

 
7,676

1 There were no transfers of securities between Level 1 and Level 2.
2 In accordance with ASU 2015-07, investments amounting to $23.7 million at December 31, 2017, respectively, were measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its practical expedient) and have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to total assets measured at fair value.


99



The following table provides a summary of the changes in the fair value of securities measured using Level 3 inputs and related quantitative information during 2017:
2017
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
CMBS
 
Common Stock
Fair value, December 31, 2016
 
$
—

 
7,676

Total net (losses) gains for the period included in:
 
 

 
 
OCI
 
4

 
—

Net income
 
—

 
—

Purchases
 
6,550

 
3,780

Sales
 
—

 
(3,958
)
Issuances
 
—

 
—

Settlements
 
—

 
—

Transfers into Level 3
 
—

 
—

Transfers out of Level 3
 
—

 
(2,100
)
Fair value, December 31, 2017
 
$
6,554

 
$
5,398


The following tables provide quantitative information regarding our financial assets and liabilities that were not measured, but were disclosed at fair value at December 31, 2017 and 2016:
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
($ in thousands)
 
Assets/Liabilities Disclosed at
Fair Value
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Financial Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HTM:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
$
26,261

 
—

 
26,261

 
—

Corporate securities
 
17,839

 
—

 
12,306

 
5,533

Total HTM fixed income securities
 
$
44,100

 
—

 
38,567

 
5,533

Financial Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.25% Senior Notes
 
$
61,391

 
—

 
61,391

 
—

6.70% Senior Notes
 
116,597

 
—

 
116,597

 
—

5.875% Senior Notes
 
186,332

 
186,332

 
—

 
—

1.61% Borrowings from FHLBNY
 
24,270

 
—

 
24,270

 
—

1.56% Borrowings from FHLBNY
 
24,210

 
—

 
24,210

 
—

3.03% Borrowings from FHLBI
 
60,334

 
—

 
60,334

 
—

Total long-term debt
 
$
473,134

 
186,332

 
286,802

 
—


100



December 31, 2016
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
($ in thousands)
 
Assets/Liabilities Disclosed at
Fair Value
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Financial Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HTM:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
$
79,916

 
—

 
79,916

 
—

Corporate securities
 
24,075

 
—

 
16,565

 
7,510

CMBS
 
1,220

 
—

 
1,220

 
—

Total HTM fixed income securities
 
$
105,211

 
—

 
97,701

 
7,510

Financial Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.25% Senior Notes
 
$
56,148

 
—

 
56,148

 
—

6.70% Senior Notes
 
108,333

 
—

 
108,333

 
—

5.875% Senior Notes
 
176,860

 
176,860

 
—

 
—

1.61% Borrowings from FHLBNY
 
24,286

 
—

 
24,286

 
—

1.56% Borrowings from FHLBNY
 
24,219

 
—

 
24,219

 
—

3.03% Borrowings from FHLBI
 
59,313

 
—

 
59,313

 
—

Total long-term debt
 
$
449,159

 
176,860

 
272,299

 
—


Note 8. Reinsurance
Our Financial Statements reflect the effects of assumed and ceded reinsurance transactions. Assumed reinsurance refers to the acceptance of certain insurance risks that other insurance entities have underwritten. Ceded reinsurance involves transferring certain insurance risks (along with the related written and earned premiums) that we have underwritten to other insurance companies that agree to share these risks. The primary purpose of ceded reinsurance is to protect the Insurance Subsidiaries from potential losses in excess of the amount that we are prepared to accept. Our major treaties covering property, property catastrophe, and casualty business are excess of loss contracts. In addition, we have an intercompany quota share pooling arrangement and other minor quota share treaties.
 
As a Standard Commercial Lines and E&S Lines writer, we are subject to the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act ("TRIPRA"), which was extended by Congress to December 31, 2020. TRIPRA requires private insurers and the United States government to share the risk of loss on future acts of terrorism certified by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. Under TRIPRA, each participating insurer is responsible for paying a deductible of specified losses before federal assistance is available. This deductible is based on a percentage of the prior year’s applicable Standard Commercial Lines and E&S Lines premiums. In 2018, our deductible is approximately $323 million. For losses above the deductible, the federal government will pay 82% of losses to an industry limit of $100 billion, and the insurer retains 18%. The federal share of losses will be reduced by 1% each year to 80% by 2020.

The Insurance Subsidiaries remain liable to policyholders to the extent that any reinsurer becomes unable to meet their contractual obligations. In addition to this direct counterparty credit risk, we have indirect counterparty credit risk as our reinsurers often enter into their own reinsurance programs, or retrocessions, as part of managing their exposure to large losses. We evaluate and monitor the financial condition of our reinsurers under voluntary reinsurance arrangements to minimize our exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. On an ongoing basis, we review amounts outstanding, length of collection period, changes in reinsurer credit ratings, and other relevant factors to determine collectability of reinsurance recoverables. The allowance for uncollectible reinsurance recoverables was $4.6 million at December 31, 2017 and $5.5 million at December 31, 2016.


101



The following table represents our total reinsurance balances segregated by reinsurer to depict our concentration of risk throughout our reinsurance portfolio:
 
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
As of December 31, 2016
($ in thousands)
 
Reinsurance Balances
 
% of Reinsurance Balance
 
Reinsurance Balances
 
% of Reinsurance Balance
Total reinsurance recoverables
 
$
594,832

 
 

 
$
621,537

 
 

Total prepaid reinsurance premiums
 
153,493

 
 

 
146,282

 
 

Total reinsurance balance
 
748,325

 
 

 
767,819

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal and state pools1:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

NFIP
 
204,161

 
27
%
 
211,181

 
27
%
New Jersey Unsatisfied Claim Judgment Fund
 
62,947

 
9

 
65,574

 
9

Other
 
3,634

 
—

 
3,227

 
—

Total federal and state pools
 
270,742

 
36

 
279,982

 
36

Remaining reinsurance balance
 
$
477,583

 
64

 
$
487,837

 
64

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Munich Re Group (A.M. Best rated "A+")
 
$
117,460

 
16

 
$
119,520

 
16

Hannover Ruckversicherungs AG (A.M. Best rated "A+")
 
101,652

 
14

 
106,298

 
13

AXIS Reinsurance Company (A.M. Best rated "A+")
 
62,396

 
8

 
59,737

 
8

Swiss Re Group (A.M. Best rated "A+")
 
40,772

 
5

 
50,494

 
7

Partner Reinsurance Company of the U.S. (A.M. Best rated “A”)
 
16,925

 
2

 
21,125

 
3

All other reinsurers
 
138,378

 
19

 
130,663

 
17

   Total reinsurers
 
477,583

 
64
%
 
487,837

 
64
%
Less: collateral2
 
(122,413
)
 
 
 
(113,763
)
 
 
   Reinsurers, net of collateral
 
$
355,170

 
 
 
$
374,074

 
 
 1 Considered to have minimal risk of default.
2 Includes letters of credit, trust funds, and funds held against reinsurance recoverables.

Under our reinsurance arrangements, which are prospective in nature, reinsurance premiums ceded are recorded as prepaid reinsurance and amortized over the remaining contract period in proportion to the reinsurance protection provided, or recorded periodically, as per the terms of the contract, in a direct relationship to the gross premium recording. Reinsurance recoveries are recognized as gross losses are incurred.
 
The following table contains a listing of direct, assumed, and ceded reinsurance amounts for premiums written, premiums earned, and loss and loss expense incurred:
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Premiums written:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Direct
 
$
2,733,459

 
2,577,259

 
2,403,519

Assumed
 
26,685

 
28,779

 
23,848

Ceded
 
(389,503
)
 
(368,750
)
 
(357,463
)
Net
 
$
2,370,641

 
2,237,288

 
2,069,904

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums earned:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Direct
 
$
2,647,488

 
2,484,715

 
2,330,267

Assumed
 
25,831

 
28,214

 
23,209

Ceded
 
(382,292
)
 
(363,357
)
 
(363,567
)
Net
 
$
2,291,027

 
2,149,572

 
1,989,909

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss and loss expense incurred:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Direct
 
$
1,570,678

 
1,560,356

 
1,274,872

Assumed
 
17,588

 
22,708

 
16,996

Ceded
 
(243,192
)
 
(348,267
)
 
(143,327
)
Net
 
$
1,345,074

 
1,234,797

 
1,148,541

 

102



The ceded premiums and losses related to our participation in the NFIP, under which 100% of our flood premiums, and loss and loss expense are ceded to the NFIP, are as follows:
Ceded to NFIP ($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Ceded premiums written
 
$
(241,345
)
 
(232,245
)
 
(228,907
)
Ceded premiums earned
 
(235,088
)
 
(227,882
)
 
(233,940
)
Ceded loss and loss expense incurred
 
(160,922
)
 
(239,891
)
 
(62,078
)

Note 9. Reserve for Loss and Loss Expense
(a) The table below provides a roll forward of reserves for loss and loss expense for beginning and ending reserve balances:
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Gross reserves for loss and loss expense, at beginning of year
 
$
3,691,719

 
3,517,728

 
3,477,870

Less: reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss and loss expense, at beginning of year
 
611,200

 
551,019

 
571,978

Net reserves for loss and loss expense, at beginning of year
 
3,080,519

 
2,966,709

 
2,905,892

Incurred loss and loss expense for claims occurring in the:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Current year
 
1,384,266

 
1,300,565

 
1,217,550

Prior years
 
(39,192
)
 
(65,768
)
 
(69,009
)
Total incurred loss and loss expense
 
1,345,074

 
1,234,797

 
1,148,541

Paid loss and loss expense for claims occurring in the:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Current year
 
497,486

 
450,811

 
446,550

Prior years
 
742,722

 
670,176

 
641,174

Total paid loss and loss expense
 
1,240,208

 
1,120,987

 
1,087,724

Net reserves for loss and loss expense, at end of year
 
3,185,385

 
3,080,519

 
2,966,709

Add: Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss and loss expense, at end of year
 
585,855

 
611,200

 
551,019

Gross reserves for loss and loss expense at end of year
 
$
3,771,240

 
3,691,719

 
3,517,728


Our net loss and loss expense reserves increased by $104.9 million in 2017, $113.8 million in 2016, and $60.8 million in 2015. The loss and loss expense reserves are net of anticipated recoveries for salvage and subrogation claims, which amounted to $64.8 million for 2017, $64.9 million for 2016, and $62.1 million for 2015. The changes in the net loss and loss expense reserves were the result of growth in exposures, anticipated loss trends, payments of claims, and normal reserve changes inherent in the uncertainty in establishing reserves for loss and loss expense. As additional information is collected in the loss settlement process, reserves are adjusted accordingly. These adjustments are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the period in which such adjustments are identified. These changes could have a material impact on the results of operations of future periods when the adjustments are made.

In 2017, we experienced overall net favorable prior year loss development of $39.2 million, compared to $65.8 million in 2016 and $69.0 million in 2015. The following table summarizes the prior year development by line of business:
(Favorable)/Unfavorable Prior Year Development
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
General Liability
 
$
(48.3
)
 
(45.0
)
 
(51.0
)
Commercial Automobile
 
35.6

 
25.3

 
2.4

Workers Compensation
 
(52.3
)
 
(56.0
)
 
(37.0
)
Businessowners' Policies
 
1.9

 
1.8

 
2.2

Commercial Property
 
8.7

 
0.3

 
(3.0
)
Homeowners
 
0.4

 
1.7

 
1.5

Personal Automobile
 
6.7

 
1.0

 
0.4

E&S Casualty Lines
 
10.0

 
6.0

 
16.0

Other
 
(1.9
)
 
(0.9
)
 
(0.5
)
Total
 
$
(39.2
)
 
(65.8
)
 
(69.0
)

The Insurance Subsidiaries had $39.2 million of favorable prior accident year development during 2017, which included $48.6 million of net favorable casualty development and $9.4 million of unfavorable property development. The net favorable casualty reserve development was largely driven by the workers compensation and general liability lines of business, including products liability and excess liability. Partially offsetting this net favorable development was $36.0 million of unfavorable casualty development in the commercial auto line of business. In addition, our E&S casualty lines experienced unfavorable development of $10.0 million in 2017.

103




The majority of the 2017 net favorable development was attributable to accident years 2016 and prior, driven by the general liability and workers compensation lines of business. This net favorable development was partially offset by unfavorable development in accident years 2015 and 2016 attributable to our commercial auto and E&S casualty lines of business. The unfavorable development in our commercial auto line of business was driven primarily by bodily injury liability for accident years 2012 through 2016, driven by higher than expected frequency and severity.

The Insurance Subsidiaries had $65.8 million of favorable prior accident year development during 2016, which included $69.0 million of net favorable casualty development and $3.2 million of unfavorable property development. The net favorable casualty reserve development was largely driven by the workers compensation and general liability lines of business, including products liability and excess liability. Partially offsetting this net favorable development was $25.0 million of unfavorable casualty development in the commercial automobile line of business. In addition, our E&S casualty lines experienced unfavorable development of $6.0 million in 2016.

The majority of the 2016 net favorable development was attributable to accident years 2013 and prior, driven by the workers compensation and general liability lines of business. This net favorable development was partially offset by unfavorable development in accident years 2014 and 2015 attributable to our commercial auto and E&S casualty lines of business. The unfavorable development in our commercial auto line of business was driven primarily by bodily injury liability for accident years 2014 and 2015. The unfavorable development in accident year 2014 was driven by higher than expected severity, whereas accident year 2015 was driven by higher than expected frequency and severity.

The Insurance Subsidiaries had $69.0 million of favorable prior accident year development during 2015, which included $67.0 million of net favorable casualty development and $2.0 million of favorable property development. The net favorable casualty reserve development was largely driven by the workers compensation and general liability lines of business. Our E&S casualty lines experienced unfavorable development of $16.0 million in 2015.

The majority of the 2015 net favorable development was attributable to accident years 2009 through 2013, driven by the workers compensation and general liability lines of business. This net favorable development was partially offset by unfavorable development in accident years 2012 through 2014 attributable to our E&S casualty lines of business.

(b) Reserves established for liability insurance include exposure to asbestos and environmental claims. These claims have arisen primarily from insured exposures in municipal government, small non-manufacturing commercial risk, and homeowners policies. The emergence of these claims is slow and highly unpredictable. There are significant uncertainties in estimating our exposure to asbestos and environmental claims (for both case and IBNR reserves) resulting from lack of relevant historical data, the delayed and inconsistent reporting patterns associated with these claims, and uncertainty as to the number and identity of claimants and complex legal and coverage issues. Legal issues that arise in asbestos and environmental cases include federal or state venue, choice of law, causation, admissibility of evidence, allocation of damages and contribution among joint defendants, successor and predecessor liability, and whether direct action against insurers can be maintained. Coverage issues that arise in asbestos and environmental cases include the interpretation and application of policy exclusions, the determination and calculation of policy limits, the determination of the ultimate amount of a loss, the extent to which a loss is covered by a policy, if at all, the obligation of an insurer to defend a claim, and the extent to which a party can prove the existence of coverage. Courts have reached different and sometimes inconsistent conclusions on these legal and coverage issues. We do not discount to present value that portion of our losses and loss expense reserves expected to be paid in future periods.
 
The following table details our loss and loss expense reserves for various asbestos and environmental claims:
 
 
2017
($ in millions)
 
Gross
 
Net
Asbestos
 
$
7.6

 
6.3

Landfill sites
 
12.4

 
7.7

Underground storage tanks
 
8.4

 
7.2

Total
 
$
28.4

 
21.2

 
Reserves for asbestos and environmental claims are highly uncertain. There are significant uncertainties associated with estimating critical assumptions, such as average clean-up costs, third-party costs, potentially responsible party shares, allocation of damages, litigation and coverage costs, and potential state and federal legislative changes. Estimating IBNR is challenging because of the delayed and inconsistent reporting patterns associated with these claims. Traditional actuarial approaches cannot be applied because past loss history is not necessarily indicative of future behavior. While certain alternative projection models

104



can be applied, such models can produce significantly different results with small changes in assumptions. As a result, reserves for asbestos and environmental require a high degree of judgment. Because of the significant uncertainty in the estimate, we do not calculate an asbestos and environmental loss range.

Historically, our asbestos and environmental claims have been significantly lower in volume than many other standard commercial lines carriers since, prior to the introduction of the absolute pollution exclusion endorsement in the mid-1980’s, we were primarily a Standard Personal Lines carrier and therefore do not have broad exposure to asbestos and environmental claims. Additionally, we are the primary insurance carrier on the majority of these exposures, which provides more certainty in our reserve position compared to other insurance carriers.

The following table provides a roll forward of gross and net asbestos and environmental incurred loss and loss expense and related reserves thereon:
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Net
Asbestos
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Reserves for loss and loss expense at beginning of year
 
$
7,847

 
6,615

 
8,024

 
6,793

 
8,751

 
7,314

Incurred loss and loss expense
 
—

 
—

 
77

 
77

 
(428
)
 
(77
)
Less: loss and loss expense paid
 
(270
)
 
(269
)
 
(254
)
 
(255
)
 
(299
)
 
(444
)
Reserves for loss and loss expense at the end of year
 
$
7,577

 
6,346

 
7,847

 
6,615

 
8,024

 
6,793

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Reserves for loss and loss expense at beginning of year
 
$
22,115

 
16,101

 
22,387

 
16,368

 
21,902

 
15,680

Incurred loss and loss expense
 
126

 
—

 
1,406

 
1,303

 
3,396

 
3,397

Less: loss and loss expense paid
 
(1,403
)
 
(1,235
)
 
(1,678
)
 
(1,570
)
 
(2,911
)
 
(2,709
)
Reserves for loss and loss expense at the end of year
 
$
20,838

 
14,866

 
22,115

 
16,101

 
22,387

 
16,368

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Asbestos and Environmental Claims
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Reserves for loss and loss expense at beginning of year
 
$
29,962

 
22,716

 
30,411

 
23,161

 
30,653

 
22,994

Incurred loss and loss expense
 
126

 
—

 
1,483

 
1,380

 
2,968

 
3,320

Less: loss and loss expense paid
 
(1,673
)
 
(1,504
)
 
(1,932
)
 
(1,825
)
 
(3,210
)
 
(3,153
)
Reserves for loss and loss expense at the end of year
 
$
28,415

 
21,212

 
29,962

 
22,716

 
30,411

 
23,161


(c) The following is information about incurred and paid claims development as of December 31, 2017, net of reinsurance, as well as cumulative claim frequency and the total of IBNR liabilities. During the experience period, we implemented a series of claims-related initiatives and claims management changes. These initiatives focused on claims handling and reserving, medical claims costs, and loss adjustment expenses. As a result of these initiatives, several historical patterns have changed and may no longer be appropriate to use as the sole basis for projections.

All Lines
(in thousands, except for claim counts)
 
 
Incurred Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
 
As of
December 31, 2017
Accident Year
Unaudited
 
 
IBNR
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
 
2008
$
957,247

988,584

990,931

964,862

947,306

936,975

927,958

931,785

926,017

923,978

 
41,791

85,338

2009
 
920,143

941,972

916,691

883,590

870,057

869,927

857,960

853,401

848,413

 
41,937

85,575

2010
 
 
950,114

973,742

977,959

956,600

943,118

922,404

915,131

907,074

 
50,293

94,258

2011
 
 
 
1,042,576

1,061,667

1,062,233

1,056,107

1,033,518

1,023,726

1,019,351

 
63,891

104,500

2012
 
 
 
 
1,065,437

1,071,290

1,020,655

998,028

973,089

973,644

 
77,542

103,745

2013
 
 
 
 
 
1,044,142

1,062,045

1,047,230

1,021,007

1,002,316

 
116,449

90,755

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,107,513

1,133,798

1,146,990

1,124,014

 
171,913

94,375

2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,114,081

1,130,513

1,144,830

 
256,758

92,891

2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,188,608

1,203,634

 
416,010

92,191

2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,270,110

 
634,863

88,941

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

10,417,364

 
 
 

105



All Lines
(in thousands)
Cumulative Paid Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
Accident Year
Unaudited
 
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2008
$
286,314

489,633

609,851

690,016

764,196

798,996

819,280

839,392

853,769

860,745

2009
 
277,275

442,417

540,982

634,902

695,249

736,100

760,589

775,885

784,713

2010
 
 
328,826

509,910

625,229

704,895

773,536

803,773

823,770

835,532

2011
 
 
 
391,944

585,867

692,730

782,655

852,202

901,801

924,111

2012
 
 
 
 
378,067

555,819

651,544

743,742

810,135

856,195

2013
 
 
 
 
 
335,956

518,872

644,475

748,758

833,823

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
405,898

614,075

736,154

855,959

2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
376,641

581,203

725,385

2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
387,272

617,958

2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
433,440

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

7,727,861

 
 
 
 
 
All outstanding liabilities before 2008, net of reinsurance
 
352,192

 
 
 
 
Liabilities for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
 
3,041,694

General Liability
(in thousands, except for claim counts)
 
 
Incurred Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
 
As of
December 31, 2017
Accident Year
Unaudited
 
 
IBNR
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
 
2008
$
250,239

243,755

243,536

234,770

233,712

224,236

219,551

221,640

221,203

219,617

 
14,326

13,769

2009

237,913

241,625

233,530

223,146

212,947

211,243

206,387

205,741

201,568

 
17,629

13,841

2010


215,208

228,680

242,499

237,154

222,328

211,619

208,968

202,394

 
18,403

12,672

2011



227,769

228,720

239,480

230,785

217,256

211,196

212,011

 
25,729

11,579

2012




238,979

245,561

215,083

194,144

175,305

175,268

 
27,702

9,922

2013





250,609

251,421

239,776

225,709

210,785

 
53,014

10,226

2014






244,312

249,946

257,132

239,333

 
80,168

10,391

2015







254,720

245,710

246,990

 
124,639

9,987

2016








277,214

272,048

 
178,904

9,617

2017









293,747

 
249,085

8,194

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

2,273,761

 
 
 
General Liability
(in thousands)
Cumulative Paid Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
Accident Year
Unaudited
 
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2008
$
16,397

45,595

82,421

113,088

151,055

166,394

176,873

186,896

194,257

198,360

2009

14,346

37,143

64,970

103,213

130,554

151,920

166,767

176,316

180,621

2010


15,726

46,201

80,018

113,050

143,360

161,487

172,394

178,179

2011



13,924

42,692

73,643

102,978

135,377

159,768

170,525

2012




13,030

35,241

56,580

89,008

109,448

130,866

2013





12,789

35,113

72,127

104,587

139,114

2014






14,901

46,825

79,972

121,969

2015







14,665

39,978

78,668

2016








15,684

46,549

2017









17,366

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

1,262,217

 
 
 
 
 
All outstanding liabilities before 2008, net of reinsurance
 
80,514

 
 
 
 
Liabilities for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
 
1,092,058


106



Workers Compensation
(in thousands, except for claim counts)
 
 
Incurred Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
 
As of
December 31, 2017
Accident Year
Unaudited
 
 
IBNR
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
 
2008
$
219,616

243,186

255,810

250,423

241,921

245,993

244,100

243,512

238,836

238,218

 
25,993

14,401

2009

197,504

215,946

213,036

210,109

210,756

216,992

212,536

208,611

208,142

 
22,575

12,217

2010


198,371

214,469

212,815

211,030

214,916

212,448

208,155

204,423

 
28,964

12,184

2011



205,238

218,973

214,743

215,114

210,591

205,708

200,674

 
32,881

11,845

2012




203,864

208,036

199,360

195,197

188,596

187,359

 
36,233

11,605

2013





199,794

194,318

187,658

173,160

166,662

 
34,776

11,366

2014






199,346

187,065

182,579

172,515

 
42,869

10,482

2015







193,729

194,639

183,604

 
42,287

10,530

2016








196,774

184,946

 
70,424

10,509

2017









195,202

 
112,086

10,182

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

1,941,745

 
 
 
Workers Compensation
(in thousands)
Cumulative Paid Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
Accident Year
Unaudited
 
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2008
$
39,628

100,678

139,144

158,083

171,403

180,556

188,206

191,265

195,962

198,512

2009

37,885

87,299

117,019

133,116

145,417

154,726

160,529

164,336

167,894

2010


46,795

93,281

122,442

137,184

149,086

153,795

158,078

162,796

2011



42,941

90,836

118,847

134,646

139,232

149,269

154,320

2012




40,911

86,909

108,211

122,755

132,052

139,477

2013





36,829

74,568

96,376

109,739

118,669

2014






35,924

78,944

100,876

113,626

2015







33,857

77,320

98,195

2016








34,525

78,531

2017









40,375

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

1,272,395

 
 
 
 
 
All outstanding liabilities before 2008, net of reinsurance
 
247,121

 
 
 
 
Liabilities for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
 
916,471

Commercial Automobile
(in thousands, except for claim counts)
 
 
Incurred Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
 
As of
December 31, 2017
Accident Year
Unaudited
 
 
IBNR
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
 
2008
$
196,370

195,823

190,349

187,100

187,417

182,785

180,902

183,736

183,618

183,151

 
736

24,129

2009

199,541

191,079

182,724

169,858

166,682

162,911

161,251

161,923

161,300

 
897

24,652

2010


187,562

189,305

187,778

181,923

179,854

172,969

173,157

173,471

 
1,491

25,301

2011



174,006

183,044

182,325

178,421

172,617

174,882

174,514

 
2,937

25,272

2012




179,551

191,947

183,527

184,289

184,367

186,128

 
3,880

23,889

2013





188,289

205,282

209,197

207,994

210,410

 
8,258

25,392

2014






200,534

212,725

216,824

219,925

 
19,053

27,338

2015







220,994

240,958

253,074

 
36,137

28,818

2016








255,187

274,367

 
71,303

30,480

2017









301,274

 
132,814

30,187

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

2,137,614

 
 
 

107



Commercial Automobile
(in thousands)
Cumulative Paid Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
Accident Year
Unaudited
 
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2008
$
69,053

104,711

130,857

151,741

166,487

173,795

175,244

180,779

181,779

181,979

2009

63,126

94,406

113,697

137,564

149,949

155,560

158,303

159,723

160,013

2010


68,098

99,254

128,015

146,913

163,513

167,227

169,100

169,793

2011



69,849

99,196

121,576

142,507

157,291

166,082

170,000

2012




73,316

105,371

127,235

148,669

168,114

176,656

2013





76,469

109,893

140,015

169,850

189,626

2014






80,810

117,169

148,884

180,701

2015







91,347

132,260

175,866

2016








106,022

155,720

2017









117,287

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

1,677,641

 
 
 
 
 
All outstanding liabilities before 2008, net of reinsurance
 
4,158

 
 
 
 
Liabilities for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
 
464,131

Businessowners' Policies
(in thousands, except for claim counts)
 
 
Incurred Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
 
As of
December 31, 2017
Accident Year
Unaudited
 
 
IBNR
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
 
2008
$
39,660

38,986

39,334

32,974

30,250

29,793

31,066

31,340

30,967

31,065

 
192

3,258

2009

48,535

51,762

46,645

43,828

43,553

44,938

44,299

44,273

43,933

 
272

3,474

2010


53,669

49,285

42,408

39,915

40,899

40,581

41,239

41,197

 
697

3,917

2011



54,469

57,083

51,047

58,242

59,256

58,966

58,456

 
1,080

4,959

2012




54,342

48,029

46,303

44,172

44,077

43,747

 
756

5,540

2013





49,617

42,618

41,005

40,624

41,369

 
3,192

3,479

2014






55,962

60,949

62,548

59,806

 
5,952

4,054

2015







52,871

53,768

57,245

 
10,256

3,913

2016








52,335

53,792

 
11,938

3,757

2017









46,624

 
15,252

3,462

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

477,234

 
 
 
Businessowners' Policies
(in thousands)
Cumulative Paid Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
Accident Year
Unaudited
 
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2008
$
15,019

21,765

24,449

25,738

28,026

28,660

28,589

29,778

30,873

30,873

2009

18,915

29,612

32,689

36,073

40,052

42,895

43,358

43,448

43,547

2010


20,821

28,131

31,027

34,705

37,819

38,900

40,279

40,395

2011



27,884

37,362

41,011

46,444

52,114

55,856

57,045

2012




22,199

31,833

35,089

37,215

38,766

40,627

2013





17,412

26,592

30,845

34,760

37,993

2014






28,914

40,584

44,911

49,460

2015







24,189

36,014

42,710

2016








24,655

36,848

2017









21,865

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

401,363

 
 
 
 
 
All outstanding liabilities before 2008, net of reinsurance
 
7,292

 
 
 
 
Liabilities for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
 
83,163


108



Commercial Property
(in thousands, except for claim counts)
 
 
Incurred Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
 
As of
December 31, 2017
Accident Year
Unaudited
 
 
IBNR
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
 
2008
$
97,578

102,860

101,436

101,470

101,265

101,702

101,043

100,881

101,043

101,054

 
2

7,604

2009

82,619

82,124

82,025

82,014

80,774

80,455

80,558

80,545

80,416

 
4

7,009

2010


105,647

96,851

97,386

96,127

95,530

95,363

95,178

95,155

 
5

7,667

2011



136,954

131,667

130,942

131,282

131,353

131,113

131,049

 
4

9,036

2012




118,464

114,224

115,375

116,658

117,102

117,170

 
24

8,514

2013





88,101

90,639

90,103

90,005

90,436

 
42

5,709

2014






141,192

136,249

136,820

138,751

 
126

6,512

2015







110,270

109,513

111,750

 
261

6,398

2016








121,927

126,185

 
804

6,686

2017









138,773

 
8,794

6,358

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

1,130,739

 
 
 
Commercial Property
(in thousands)
Cumulative Paid Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
Accident Year
Unaudited
 
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2008
$
68,211

98,921

100,465

99,288

100,213

100,752

100,908

100,868

101,034

101,032

2009

59,933

78,695

80,433

80,894

80,251

80,352

80,529

80,509

80,405

2010


69,543

91,918

94,602

95,111

95,270

95,147

95,156

95,150

2011



94,538

127,580

129,579

130,681

131,060

131,115

131,089

2012




81,528

108,834

111,503

114,699

116,291

116,625

2013





60,244

87,874

90,446

90,350

90,840

2014






101,131

132,909

136,634

137,883

2015







79,048

106,182

109,829

2016








83,966

118,789

2017









99,047

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

1,080,689

 
 
 
 
 
All outstanding liabilities before 2008, net of reinsurance
 
250

 
 
 
 
Liabilities for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
 
50,300

Personal Automobile
(in thousands, except for claim counts)
 
 
Incurred Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
 
As of
December 31, 2017
Accident Year
Unaudited
 
 
IBNR
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
 
2008
$
100,311

106,999

106,842

103,934

100,213

99,912

99,686

99,255

99,116

99,270

 
191

16,042

2009

93,808

103,319

105,033

103,908

104,734

103,866

103,393

103,412

103,348

 
191

17,346

2010


103,340

110,075

112,346

109,515

107,490

107,405

107,224

107,054

 
222

20,822

2011



113,232

116,164

113,686

112,993

114,241

113,830

113,988

 
284

22,700

2012




113,771

114,921

109,832

109,324

110,294

110,300

 
728

22,332

2013





108,417

109,620

106,225

106,703

107,759

 
851

22,371

2014






102,250

109,325

106,757

107,452

 
2,554

22,499

2015







96,387

99,698

100,214

 
6,541

20,840

2016








92,727

98,032

 
11,651

19,747

2017









101,880

 
22,284

19,818

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

1,049,297

 
 
 

109



Personal Automobile
(in thousands)
Cumulative Paid Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
Accident Year
Unaudited
 
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2008
$
50,396

73,194

84,715

91,834

95,932

97,723

98,174

98,604

98,668

98,810

2009

51,039

71,911

86,431

96,229

100,566

102,187

102,322

102,437

103,009

2010


58,786

82,490

95,300

101,540

104,061

105,849

106,453

106,733

2011



61,323

82,102

93,878

105,068

111,085

112,732

113,551

2012




63,704

82,729

94,842

102,977

107,890

109,355

2013





61,384

80,861

92,637

100,528

105,131

2014






62,519

83,739

92,589

99,173

2015







58,725

76,470

87,163

2016








57,961

76,823

2017









62,854

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

962,602

 
 
 
 
 
All outstanding liabilities before 2008, net of reinsurance
 
5,862

 
 
 
 
Liabilities for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
 
92,557

Homeowners
(in thousands, except for claim counts)
 
 
Incurred Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
 
As of
December 31, 2017
Accident Year
Unaudited
 
 
IBNR
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
 
2008
$
41,224

41,747

39,342

39,203

38,062

38,410

38,111

38,042

38,045

38,038

 
56

5,139

2009

47,636

44,511

42,609

40,313

61,927

40,400

40,465

40,457

40,451

 
73

5,633

2010


68,373

67,525

63,285

97,761

62,462

62,402

62,339

62,392

 
84

9,131

2011



103,804

98,211

82,744

94,167

94,543

94,183

94,378

 
159

15,106

2012




87,260

82,745

86,560

86,667

86,271

86,330

 
180

16,936

2013





73,670

72,528

71,494

72,145

71,714

 
284

7,747

2014






80,111

82,461

83,637

83,844

 
1,146

8,762

2015







76,637

76,400

76,559

 
2,744

7,724

2016








60,105

60,931

 
2,067

6,820

2017









59,167

 
5,315

6,651

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

673,804

 
 
 
Homeowners
(in thousands)
Cumulative Paid Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
Accident Year
Unaudited
 
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2008
$
21,277

33,535

36,271

37,086

37,763

37,837

37,933

37,939

37,930

37,928

2009

28,299

36,965

38,078

39,342

39,731

39,819

39,907

40,189

40,269

2010


43,699

58,638

60,295

61,106

62,155

62,227

62,241

62,272

2011



71,668

89,963

91,718

92,185

93,312

93,720

94,007

2012




69,056

79,584

82,720

84,250

85,196

85,562

2013





50,664

65,528

67,838

69,775

71,776

2014






61,561

76,007

79,751

81,664

2015







52,589

70,078

72,202

2016








42,252

57,333

2017









45,466

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

648,479

 
 
 
 
 
All outstanding liabilities before 2008, net of reinsurance
 
5,403

 
 
 
 
Liabilities for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
 
30,728


110



E&S Casualty Lines
(in thousands, except for claim counts)
 
 
 
Incurred Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
 
As of
December 31, 2017
Accident Year
Unaudited
 
 
IBNR
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
 
2008
$
92

169

146

119

52

(162
)
119

 
—

35

2009
885

1,053

938

728

710

96

737

 
—

274

2010
3,294

4,106

3,369

4,299

3,831

3,055

4,932

 
—

804

2011
8,127

7,102

9,853

12,207

10,273

9,652

10,228

 
361

1,316

2012


42,367

42,621

43,175

46,149

46,165

45,988

 
7,313

2,006

2013




55,468

60,309

67,099

69,112

67,647

 
15,326

2,219

2014




55,316

63,505

69,929

71,719

 
18,224

1,987

2015





75,498

76,432

82,404

 
32,909

2,606

2016






94,451

96,416

 
65,489

2,454

2017







91,438

 
79,354

1,760

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

471,628

 
 
 
E&S Casualty Lines
(in thousands)
 
Cumulative Paid Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
Accident
Year
Unaudited
 
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2008
$
—

24

70

80

79

92

97

2009
—

198

431

605

626

709

737

2010
—

1,218

2,570

3,574

4,078

4,513

4,610

2011
—

806

3,200

6,445

9,954

9,912

10,256

2012


3,722

7,914

16,430

25,064

32,343

36,278

2013




2,715

9,470

21,980

35,200

46,108

2014




2,353

12,234

25,571

43,877

2015






3,036

13,057

29,389

2016








3,720

16,195

2017










5,057

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

192,604

 
 
All outstanding liabilities before 2008, net of reinsurance
 
—

 
 
Liabilities for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
 
279,023


In 2011, the Parent purchased Mesa Underwriters Specialty Insurance Company ("MUSIC"), a wholly-owned E&S Lines subsidiary of Montpelier Re Holdings, Ltd. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the Parent acquired net loss and loss adjustment reserves amounting to approximately $15 million. All development on this acquired business was fully reinsured as of the acquisition date.
 

111



(d) The reconciliation of the net incurred and paid claims development tables to the liability for loss and loss adjustment expenses in the consolidated statement of financial position is as follows:
(in thousands)
December 31, 2017
Net outstanding liabilities:
 
Standard Commercial Lines
 
General liability
1,092,058

Workers compensation
916,471

Commercial automobile
464,131

Businessowners' policies
83,163

Commercial property
50,300

Other Standard Commercial Lines
10,560

Total Standard Commercial Lines net outstanding liabilities
2,616,683

 
 
Standard Personal Lines
 
Personal automobile
92,557

Homeowners
30,728

Other Standard Personal Lines
9,184

Total Standard Personal Lines net outstanding liabilities
132,469

 
 
E&S Lines
 
Casualty lines
279,023

Property lines
13,519

Total E&S Lines net outstanding liabilities
292,542

 
 
Total liabilities for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
3,041,694

 
 
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims:
 
Standard Commercial Lines
 
General liability
175,276

Workers compensation
218,024

Commercial automobile
16,745

Businessowners' policies
3,926

Commercial property
24,387

Other Standard Commercial Lines
2,287

Total Standard Commercial Lines reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss
440,645

 
 
Standard Personal Lines
 
Personal automobile
53,129

Homeowners
999

Other Standard Personal Lines
69,333

Total Standard Personal Lines reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss
123,461

 
 
E&S Lines
 
Casualty lines
21,360

Property lines
389

Total E&S Lines reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss
21,749

 
 
Total reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss
585,855

 
 
Unallocated loss adjustment expenses
143,691

 
 
Total gross liability for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses
3,771,240



112



(e) The table below reflects the historical average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age. For example, the general liability line of business averages payout of 6.6% of its ultimate losses in the first year, 12.5% in the second year, and so forth. The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2017:
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance
Years
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
General liability
6.6%
12.5
15.4
16.7
14.9
10.1
6.0
4.6
2.2
1.3
Workers compensation
20.2
23.9
13.6
8.3
5.0
3.9
2.8
2.0
1.8
1.9
Commercial automobile
38.2
17.4
14.0
12.8
9.0
4.1
1.6
1.4
0.7
0.1
Businessowners’ policies
46.6
20.8
8.1
7.5
7.5
4.1
2.0
1.6
0.1
1.1
Commercial property
70.5
25.6
2.7
0.7
0.4
0.1
—
—
—
—
Personal automobile
56.1
18.9
10.7
7.4
4.2
1.5
0.4
0.1
0.2
—
Homeowners
71.1
21.0
3.3
2.1
1.6
0.1
—
0.2
0.2
0.1
E&S Lines - casualty
4.5
12.5
18.2
20.4
15.5
8.3
4.0
 
 
 

Note 10. Indebtedness
The table below provides a summary of our outstanding debt at December 31, 2017 and 2016:
Outstanding Debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
Carry Value
($ in thousands)
 
Issuance Date
 
Maturity Date
 
Interest Rate
 
Original Amount
 
Debt Discount and Unamortized Issuance Costs
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) FHLBI
 
12/16/2016
 
12/16/2026
 
3.03
%
 
$
60,000

 
—

 
60,000

 
60,000

(2) FHLBNY
 
8/15/2016
 
8/16/2021
 
1.56
%
 
25,000

 
—

 
25,000

 
25,000

(2) FHLBNY
 
7/21/2016
 
7/21/2021
 
1.61
%
 
25,000

 
—

 
25,000

 
25,000

(3) Senior Notes
 
2/8/2013
 
2/9/2043
 
5.875
%
 
185,000

 
(4,570
)
 
180,430

 
180,068

(4) Senior Notes
 
11/3/2005
 
11/1/2035
 
6.70
%
 
100,000

 
(989
)
 
99,011

 
98,952

(5) Senior Notes
 
11/16/2004
 
11/15/2034
 
7.25
%
 
50,000

 
(325
)
 
49,675

 
49,647

Total long-term debt
 

 

 


 
$
445,000

 
(5,884
)
 
439,116

 
438,667


Short-term Debt
Selective Insurance Company of America ("SICA") borrowed: (i) $64 million in short-term funds from the FHLBNY on February 28, 2017 at an interest rate of 0.75%, which it repaid on March 21, 2017; and (ii) $20 million in short-term funds from the FHLBNY on November 8, 2017 at an interest rate of 1.29%, which it repaid on November 15, 2017.

The Parent's line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Branch Banking and Trust Company (BB&T) (referred to as our "Line of Credit"), was renewed effective December 1, 2015, with a borrowing capacity of $30 million, which can be increased to $50 million with the approval of both lending partners. Our Line of Credit expires on December 1, 2020, and has an interest rate, which varies and is based on, among other factors, the Parent’s debt ratings. There were no balances outstanding under our Line of Credit at December 31, 2017 or at any time during 2017.
 
Our Line of Credit agreement contains representations, warranties, and covenants that are customary for credit facilities of this type, including, without limitation, financial covenants under which we are obligated to maintain a minimum consolidated net worth, minimum combined statutory surplus, maximum ratio of consolidated debt to total capitalization, and covenants limiting our ability to: (i) merge or liquidate; (ii) incur debt or liens; (iii) dispose of assets; (iv) make investments and acquisitions; and (v) engage in transactions with affiliates.

The table below outlines information regarding certain of the covenants in the Line of Credit:
 
 
Required as of
 
Actual as of
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2017
Consolidated net worth
 
Not less than $1.2 billion
 
$1.7 billion
Statutory surplus
 
Not less than $750 million
 
$1.7 billion
Debt-to-capitalization ratio1
 
Not to exceed 35%
 
20.5%
A.M. Best financial strength rating
 
Minimum of A-
 
A
1 Calculated in accordance with the Line of Credit agreement.
 

113



In addition to the above requirements, the Line of Credit agreement contains a cross-default provision that provides that the Line of Credit will be in default if we fail to comply with any condition, covenant, or agreement (including payment of principal and interest when due on any debt with an aggregate principal amount of at least $20 million), which causes or permits the acceleration of principal. Additionally, the Line of Credit limits borrowings from the FHLBI and the FHLBNY to 10% of the respective member company's admitted assets for the previous year.

Long-term Debt
(1) In the first quarter of 2009, Selective Insurance Company of South Carolina ("SICSC") and Selective Insurance Company of the Southeast ("SICSE"), which are collectively referred to as the "Indiana Subsidiaries" as they are domiciled in Indiana, joined, and invested in, the FHLBI, which provides them with access to additional liquidity. The Indiana Subsidiaries’ aggregate investment in the FHLBI was $2.8 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Our investment provides us the ability to borrow approximately 20 times the total amount of the FHLBI common stock purchased with additional collateral, at comparatively low borrowing rates. The proceeds from the FHLBI borrowing on December 16, 2016 of $60 million were used to repay a $45 million borrowing from the FHLBI that was outstanding at the time, with the remaining $15 million used for general corporate purposes. All borrowings from the FHLBI require security. For information on investments that are pledged as collateral for these borrowings, see Note 5. "Investments" above.

(2) In the fourth quarter of 2015, SICA and Selective Insurance Company of New York ("SICNY") joined, and invested in, the FHLBNY, which provides them with access to additional liquidity. The aggregate investment for both subsidiaries was $2.6 million at December 31, 2017 and $2.8 million at December 31, 2016. Our investment provides us the ability to borrow approximately 20 times the total amount of the FHLBNY common stock purchased with additional collateral, at comparatively low borrowing rates. In 2016, SICA borrowed the following amounts from the FHLBNY: (i) $25 million in August 2016 at an interest rate of 1.56%, which is due on August 16, 2021; and (ii) $25 million from the FHLBNY at an interest rate of 1.61%, which is due on July 21, 2021.

All borrowings from the FHLBNY require security. For information on investments that are pledged as collateral for these borrowings, see Note 5. "Investments" above.

(3) In February 2013, we issued $185 million of 5.875% Senior Notes due 2043. The notes became callable by us on February 8, 2018, at a price equal to 100% of their principal outstanding amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption. A portion of the proceeds from this debt issuance was used to fully redeem the $100 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.5% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2066. Of the remaining net proceeds, $57.1 million was used to make capital contributions to the Insurance Subsidiaries, while the balance was used for general corporate purposes. There are no financial debt covenants to which we are required to comply in regards to these Senior Notes.

(4) In November 2005, we issued $100 million of 6.70% Senior Notes due 2035. These notes were issued at a discount of $0.7 million resulting in an effective yield of 6.754%. Net proceeds of approximately $50 million were used to fund an irrevocable trust that subsequently funded certain payment obligations in respect of our outstanding debt. The remainder of the proceeds was used for general corporate purposes. The agreements covering these notes contain a standard default cross-acceleration provision that provides the 6.70% Senior Notes will enter a state of default upon the failure to pay principal when due or upon any event or condition that results in an acceleration of principal of any other debt instrument in excess of $10 million that we have outstanding concurrently with the 6.70% Senior Notes. There are no financial debt covenants to which we are required to comply in regards to these notes.

(5) In November 2004, we issued $50 million of 7.25% Senior Notes due 2034. These notes were issued at a discount of $0.1 million, resulting in an effective yield of 7.27%. We contributed $25 million of the bond proceeds to the Insurance Subsidiaries as capital. The remainder of the proceeds was used for general corporate purposes. The agreements covering these notes contain a standard default cross-acceleration provision that provides the 7.25% Senior Notes will enter a state of default upon the failure to pay principal when due or upon any event or condition that results in an acceleration of principal of any other debt instrument in excess of $10 million that we have outstanding concurrently with the 7.25% Senior Notes. There are no financial debt covenants to which we are required to comply in regards to these notes.

114




Note 11. Segment Information
The disaggregated results of our four reportable segments are used by senior management to manage our operations. These reportable segments are evaluated as follows:

•
Our Standard Commercial Lines, Standard Personal Lines, and E&S Lines are evaluated based on before and after-tax underwriting results (net premiums earned, incurred loss and loss expense, policyholders dividends, policy acquisition costs, and other underwriting expenses), and combined ratios.

•
Our Investments segment is evaluated based on after-tax net investment income and net realized gains and losses.

In computing the results of each segment, we do not make adjustments for interest expense or corporate expenses. We do not maintain separate investment portfolios for the segments and therefore, do not allocate assets to the segments.

Our combined insurance operations are subject to certain geographic concentrations, particularly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the country. In 2017, approximately 20% of NPW were related to insurance policies written in New Jersey.
 
The goodwill balance of $7.8 million at both December 31, 2017 and 2016 relates to our Standard Commercial Lines reporting unit.
  
The following summaries present revenues (net investment income and net realized gains on investments in the case of the Investments segment) and pre-tax income for the individual segments:
Revenue by Segment
 
Years ended December 31,
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Standard Commercial Lines:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net premiums earned:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial automobile
 
$
442,818

 
398,942

 
358,909

Workers compensation
 
317,982

 
308,233

 
290,075

General liability
 
569,217

 
527,859

 
483,291

Commercial property
 
311,932

 
293,438

 
269,022

Businessowners’ policies
 
100,266

 
97,754

 
93,428

Bonds
 
29,086

 
23,227

 
20,350

Other
 
17,198

 
16,030

 
14,367

Miscellaneous income
 
9,488

 
7,782

 
6,343

Total Standard Commercial Lines revenue
 
1,797,987

 
1,673,265

 
1,535,785

Standard Personal Lines:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal automobile
 
153,147

 
142,876

 
146,784

Homeowners
 
129,699

 
130,973

 
134,382

Other
 
6,855

 
6,758

 
6,968

Miscellaneous income
 
1,228

 
1,098

 
1,113

Total Standard Personal Lines revenue
 
290,929

 
281,705

 
289,247

E&S Lines:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Casualty lines
 
157,366

 
151,638

 
126,064

Property lines
 
55,461

 
51,844

 
46,269

Miscellaneous income
 
—

 
1

 
—

Total E&S Lines revenue
 
212,827

 
203,483

 
172,333

Investments:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net investment income
 
161,882

 
130,754

 
121,316

Net realized investment gains (losses)
 
6,359

 
(4,937
)
 
13,171

Total Investments revenues
 
168,241

 
125,817

 
134,487

Total revenues
 
$
2,469,984

 
2,284,270

 
2,131,852


115



Income Before Federal Income Tax
 
Years ended December 31,
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Standard Commercial Lines:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Underwriting gain, before federal income tax
 
$
149,514

 
146,435

 
164,496

Underwriting gain, after federal income tax
 
97,184

 
95,183

 
106,923

Combined ratio
 
91.6
%
 
91.2
%
 
89.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Standard Personal Lines:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting gain, before federal income tax
 
11,104

 
12,419

 
1,336

Underwriting gain, after federal income tax
 
7,217

 
8,072

 
868

Combined ratio
 
96.2
%
 
95.6
%
 
99.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
E&S Lines:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting loss, before federal income tax
 
(6,282
)
 
(6,921
)
 
(16,803
)
Underwriting loss, after federal income tax
 
(4,083
)
 
(4,499
)
 
(10,922
)
Combined ratio
 
103.0
%
 
103.4
%
 
109.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net investment income
 
$
161,882

 
130,754

 
121,316

Net realized investment gains (losses)
 
6,359

 
(4,937
)
 
13,171

Total investment income, before federal income tax
 
168,241

 
125,817

 
134,487

Tax on investment income
 
45,588

 
30,621

 
32,090

Total investment income, after federal income tax
 
$
122,653

 
95,196

 
102,397

Reconciliation of Segment Results to Income Before Federal Income Tax
 
Years ended December 31,
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Underwriting gain (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Standard Commercial Lines
 
$
149,514

 
146,435

 
164,496

     Standard Personal Lines
 
11,104

 
12,419

 
1,336

     E&S Lines
 
(6,282
)
 
(6,921
)
 
(16,803
)
Investment income
 
168,241

 
125,817

 
134,487

Total all segments
 
322,577

 
277,750

 
283,516

Interest expense
 
(24,354
)
 
(22,771
)
 
(22,428
)
Corporate expenses
 
(36,255
)
 
(35,024
)
 
(28,396
)
Income, before federal income tax
 
$
261,968

 
219,955

 
232,692


Note 12. Earnings per Share
The following table provides a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS"):
2017
 
Income
 
Shares
 
Per Share
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
(Numerator)
 
(Denominator)
 
Amount
Basic EPS:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
168,826

 
58,458

 
$
2.89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Stock compensation plans
 
—

 
899

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted EPS:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
168,826

 
59,357

 
$
2.84


116



2016
 
Income
 
Shares
 
Per Share
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
(Numerator)
 
(Denominator)
 
Amount
Basic EPS:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
158,495

 
57,889

 
$
2.74

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Stock compensation plans
 
—

 
858

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted EPS:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
158,495

 
58,747

 
$
2.70

2015
 
Income
 
Shares
 
Per Share
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
(Numerator)
 
(Denominator)
 
Amount
Basic EPS:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
165,861

 
57,212

 
$
2.90

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Stock compensation plans
 
—

 
944

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted EPS:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
165,861

 
58,156

 
$
2.85

 
Note 13. Federal Income Taxes
(a) On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("Tax Reform") was signed into law, which among other implications, will reduce our statutory corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning with our 2018 tax year. We revalued our deferred tax inventory as of December 31, 2017 in anticipation of this reduction, which resulted in a $20.2 million charge to income as illustrated in the rate reconciliation table below. This charge included a $5.7 million benefit related to net unrealized gains on our investment portfolio and pension plan, which were originally recorded through AOCI.

Our accounting for the impact of Tax Reform on our deferred tax assets and liabilities is complete with the exception of amounts related to loss reserve discounting. Prior to Tax Reform, we had elected to use our own loss reserve payment patterns in determining the factors that we use in our discounting calculation. Under Tax Reform, this election has been eliminated and we are required to use an industry experience approach that includes a discount rate based on a corporate bond yield curve for which the IRS has not yet issued any guidance. Considering this, we have recorded a $7.5 million provisional increase to our deferred tax asset that is based on the industry experience approach under the tax law that existed prior to Tax Reform. We believe this is a reasonable estimate for the elimination of the company experience method election. We have not estimated a provisional amount based on the revised Tax Reform industry experience approach. Based on a Tax Reform transition rule that allows for this type of change in accounting method to be amortized into expense over an eight-year period beginning in 2018, we have established an offsetting deferred tax liability of $7.5 million as of December 31, 2017. During 2018, we will obtain, prepare, and analyze the necessary information to complete the accounting for loss reserve discounting.

(b) A reconciliation of federal income tax on income at the corporate rate to the effective tax rate is as follows:
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Tax at statutory rate of 35%
 
$
91,689

 
76,984

 
81,442

Tax-advantaged interest
 
(11,510
)
 
(12,126
)
 
(13,164
)
Dividends received deduction
 
(1,961
)
 
(1,114
)
 
(1,817
)
Stock based compensation
 
(4,281
)
 
—

 
—

Tax reform rate change
 
20,205

 
—

 
—

Other
 
(1,000
)
 
(2,284
)
 
370

Federal income tax expense from continuing operations
 
$
93,142

 
61,460

 
66,831


In addition to the impact of Tax Reform discussed above, our rate reconciliation for 2017 was also impacted by the $4.3 million impact of new accounting literature requiring that the tax effects of share-based compensation be recognized in the income tax provision. Previously, these amounts were recorded in additional paid-in capital. See Note 3. "Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements" for additional information regarding this literature change.


117



(c) The tax effects of the significant temporary differences that gave rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
Deferred tax assets:
 
 

 
 

Net loss reserve discounting
 
$
38,771

 
70,065

Net unearned premiums
 
50,267

 
78,201

Employee benefits
 
8,606

 
17,881

Long-term incentive compensation plans
 
12,221

 
17,750

Temporary investment write-downs
 
1,044

 
2,475

Other investment related items, net
 
—

 
1,484

Net operating loss
 
54

 
771

Other
 
5,784

 
8,344

Total deferred tax assets
 
116,747

 
196,971

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Deferred policy acquisition costs
 
47,484

 
75,310

Unrealized gains on investment securities
 
26,183

 
22,681

Other investment-related items, net
 
2,500

 
—

Accelerated depreciation and amortization
 
8,590

 
14,140

Total deferred tax liabilities
 
84,757

 
112,131

Net deferred federal income tax asset
 
$
31,990

 
84,840

 
Net deferred federal income tax assets decreased by $52.9 million during 2017. As mentioned above, net deferred federal income tax assets were reduced by $20.2 million in relation to Tax Reform. In addition to this charge, net deferred assets decreased by $21.4 million resulting from additional unrealized gains generated during the year on our investment portfolio.

After considering all evidence, both positive and negative, with respect to our federal tax loss carryback availability, expected levels of pre-tax financial statement income, and federal taxable income, we believe it is more likely than not that the existing deductible temporary differences will reverse during periods in which we generate net federal taxable income or have adequate federal carryback availability. As a result, we had no valuation allowance recognized for federal deferred tax assets at December 31, 2017 or 2016.

As of December 31, 2017, we had federal tax net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards of $0.3 million. These NOLs, which are subject to an annual limitation of $1.9 million, will expire between 2030 and 2031.

Stockholders' equity reflects tax benefits related to compensation expense deductions for share-based compensation awards of $23.8 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and $22.0 million at December 31, 2015. As mentioned above, beginning in 2017, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies on share-based payment awards are recognized as income tax expense or benefit on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
We have analyzed our tax positions in all open tax years, which as of December 31, 2017 were 2014 through 2016, and we believe our tax positions will more likely than not be sustained upon examination, including related appeals or litigation. In the event we had a tax position that did not meet the more likely than not criteria, any tax, interest, and penalties incurred related to such a position would be reflected in "Total federal income tax expense" on our Consolidated Statements of Income. We are not currently under a federal income tax audit for any tax year.
 
Note 14. Retirement Plans
(a) Selective Insurance Retirement Savings Plan (“Retirement Savings Plan”)
SICA offers a voluntary defined contribution 401(k) plan, which is available to most of our employees and is a tax-qualified retirement plan subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA").  Expense recorded for this plan was $15.8 million in 2017, $15.0 million in 2016, and $14.1 million in 2015.
 

118



(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
SICA offers a nonqualified deferred compensation plan ("Deferred Compensation Plan") to a group of management or highly compensated employees as a method of recognizing and retaining such employees. The Deferred Compensation Plan provides these employees the opportunity to elect to defer receipt of specified portions of compensation and to have such deferred amounts deemed to be invested in specified investment options. In addition to the employee deferrals, SICA may choose to make matching contributions to some or all of the participants in this plan to the extent the participant did not receive the maximum matching or non-elective contributions permissible under the Retirement Savings Plan due to limitations under the Internal Revenue Code or the Retirement Savings Plan. Expense recorded for these contributions was $0.2 million in 2017, $0.3 million in 2016, and $0.2 million in 2015.

(c) Retirement Income Plan and Retirement Life Plan
SICA's primary pension plan is the Retirement Income Plan for Selective Insurance Company of America (the "Pension Plan"). This qualified, noncontributory defined benefit plan is closed to new entrants and existing participants ceased accruing benefits after March 31, 2016.

In addition to the Pension Plan, SICA also sponsors the Supplemental Excess Retirement Plan (the "Excess Plan") and a life insurance benefit plan (the "Retirement Life Plan"). Both of these plans are closed to new entrants and participants in the Excess Plan ceased accruing benefits after March 31, 2016. The Retirement Life Plan does not accrue benefits and this plan applies only to retirees who terminated employment with SICA on or before March 31, 2009. These are both unfunded plans with benefit obligations as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 of $10.1 million and $9.1 million, respectively, for the Excess Plan and $6.4 million and $6.3 million, respectively, for the Retirement Life Plan. Expense recorded for the Excess Plan was $0.4 million in 2017, $0.5 million in 2016, and $0.8 million in 2015. Expense recorded for the Retirement Life Plan was $0.3 million in 2017, 2016, and 2015.

The following tables provide details on the Pension Plan for 2017 and 2016:
December 31,
 
Pension Plan
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
Change in Benefit Obligation:
 
 

 
 

Benefit obligation, beginning of year
 
$
330,588

 
310,308

Service cost
 
—

 
1,647

Interest cost
 
12,490

 
12,336

Actuarial losses
 
31,158

 
15,086

Benefits paid
 
(9,825
)
 
(8,789
)
Benefit obligation, end of year
 
$
364,411

 
330,588

 
 
 
 
 
Change in Fair Value of Assets:
 
 

 
 

Fair value of assets, beginning of year
 
$
316,515

 
249,700

Actual return on plan assets, net of expenses
 
46,983

 
21,079

Contributions by the employer to funded plans
 
10,000

 
54,525

Benefits paid
 
(9,825
)
 
(8,789
)
Fair value of assets, end of year
 
$
363,673

 
316,515

 
 
 
 
 
Funded status
 
$
(738
)
 
(14,073
)
Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
 
 

 
 

Liabilities
 
$
(738
)
 
(14,073
)
Net pension liability, end of year
 
$
(738
)
 
(14,073
)
Amounts Recognized in AOCI:
 
 

 
 

Net actuarial loss
 
$
87,438

 
85,845

Total
 
$
87,438

 
85,845

Other Information as of December 31:
 
 

 
 

Accumulated benefit obligation
 
$
364,411

 
330,588

Weighted-Average Liability Assumptions as of December 31:
 
 

 
 
Discount rate
 
3.78
%
 
4.41


119



 
 
Pension Plan
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Service cost
 
$
—

 
1,647

 
7,215

Interest cost
 
12,490

 
12,336

 
13,668

Expected return on plan assets
 
(19,419
)
 
(17,309
)
 
(15,969
)
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss
 
2,001

 
6,299

 
6,831

Total net periodic cost
 
$
(4,928
)
 
2,973

 
11,745

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net actuarial loss (gain)
 
$
3,594

 
11,316

 
(1,425
)
Reversal of amortization of net actuarial loss
 
(2,001
)
 
(6,299
)
 
(6,831
)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income
 
$
1,593

 
5,017

 
(8,256
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income
 
$
(3,335
)
 
7,990

 
3,489


The estimated net actuarial loss for the Pension Plan that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost during the 2018 fiscal year is $2.0 million.

 
 
Pension Plan
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Weighted-Average Expense Assumptions for the years ended December 31:
 
 

 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
4.41
%
 
4.69
 
4.29
Expected return on plan assets
 
6.24

 
6.37
 
6.27
Rate of compensation increase1
 
—

 
—
 
4.00
1This assumption was 4.00% through March 31, 2016, the date after which benefits ceased accruing for all participants of the Pension Plan.

Our latest measurement date was December 31, 2017, at which time we increased our expected return on plan assets to 6.36%, reflecting a higher allocation to equity securities in the portfolio.
 
When determining the most appropriate discount rate to be used in the valuation, we consider, among other factors, our expected payout patterns of the Pension Plan's obligations as well as our investment strategy and we ultimately select the rate that we believe best represents our estimate of the inherent interest rate at which our pension and post-retirement life benefits can be effectively settled. Effective January 1, 2016, the approach used to calculate the service and interest components of net periodic benefit cost for benefit plans was changed to provide a more precise measurement of service and interest costs.  Prior to 2016, we calculated these service and interest components utilizing a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period.  Beginning in 2016, we elected to utilize an approach that discounts the individual expected cash flows using the applicable spot rates derived from the yield curve over the projected cash flow period. We have accounted for this change prospectively as a change in accounting estimate. The weighted average discount rate used to determine 2018 interest cost is 3.46%.

Plan Assets
Assets of the Pension Plan are invested to adequately support the liability associated with the Pension Plan's defined benefit obligation. Our return objective is to exceed the returns of the plan's policy benchmark, which is the return the plan would have earned if the assets were invested according to the target asset class weightings and earned index returns shown below. In 2018, we will continue to phase in adjustments to the asset allocation to steadily close the gap between the duration of the assets and the duration of the liabilities, provided certain improved funding targets are achieved. Over time, the target and actual asset allocations may change based on the funded status of the Pension Plan and market return expectations.
    

120



The Pension Plan’s equity investments may not contain investments in any one security greater than 8% of the portfolio value without notification to our management investment committee, nor have more than 5% of the outstanding shares of any one corporation or other entity. The use of derivative instruments is permitted under certain circumstances, but shall not be used for unrelated speculative hedging or to apply leverage to portfolio positions. Within the alternative investments portfolio, some leverage is permitted as defined and limited by the partnership agreements.
 
The plan’s target ranges, as well as the actual weighted average asset allocation by strategy, at December 31 were as follows: 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Target Percentage2
 
Actual Percentage
 
Actual Percentage
Return seeking assets1
 
20% - 60%

 
58
%
 
50
%
Liability hedging assets
 
40% - 80%

 
42
%
 
50
%
Total
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
1Includes limited partnerships.
2Target percent allocations may change over time based on the funded status of the plan and market return expectations.

The Pension Plan had no investments in the Parent’s common stock as of December 31, 2017 or 2016.

The techniques used to determine the fair value of the Pension Plan's invested assets that appear on the following page are as follows:
•
The long-duration fixed income mutual funds utilize a market approach wherein the quoted prices in the active market for identical assets are used.  All of the mutual funds are traded in active markets at their net asset value per share.  These investments are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
•
The investments in global equity collective investment funds utilize a market approach wherein the published prices in the active market for identical assets are used. These investments are traded at their net asset value per share. There are no restrictions as to the redemption of these investments nor do we have any contractual obligations for further investment. These investments are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
•
The investments in private equity limited partnerships are valued utilizing net asset value as a practical expedient for fair value.  These investments are not classified in the fair value hierarchy.
•
The investments in other private equity securities are non-publicly traded stocks and are valued by the issuer and reviewed internally. These investments are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
•
Short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.  Given that these investments are listed on active exchanges, coupled with their liquid nature, these investments are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
•
The deposit administration contract is carried at cost, which approximates fair value.  Given the liquid nature of the underlying investments in overnight cash deposits and other short-term duration products, we have determined that a correlation exists between the deposit administration contract and other short-term investments, such as money market funds.  As such, this investment is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

For discussion regarding the levels within the fair value hierarchy, see Note 2. "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies."

In addition, refer to Note 5. "Investments" for discussion regarding the limited partnership investment strategies, excluding the middle market lending strategy, as these investments are not part of the Pension Plan. The hedge fund strategy is part of the overall private asset strategy and is only included in the Pension Plan assets. The Pension Plan invests in hedge funds with diversified exposure to a number of underlying systematic strategies that include arbitrage, macro-oriented and equity related strategies. These positions are expected to improve the risk-adjusted return of the portfolio given their lower volatility profile than public equities with returns that are generally uncorrelated to traditional asset classes over a complete market cycle.


121



The following tables provide quantitative disclosures of the Pension Plan’s invested assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

December 31, 2017
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at 12/31/17 Using
($ in thousands)
 
Assets Measured at Fair Value At 12/31/17
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/ Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Description
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Return seeking assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-duration fixed income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Global asset allocation fund
 
$
41,309

 
41,309

 
—

 
—

Global equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-U.S. equity
 
67,989

 
67,989

 
—

 
—

U.S. equity
 
66,353

 
66,353

 
—

 
—

   Total global equity
 
134,342

 
134,342

 
—

 
—

Private assets:
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Limited partnerships (at net asset value)1:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real assets
 
16,305

 
—

 
—

 
—

Private equity
 
1,096

 
—

 
—

 
—

Private credit
 
460

 
—

 
—

 
—

Hedge fund
 
15,192

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total limited partnerships
 
33,053

 
—

 
—

 
—

Other private assets
 
980

 
—

 
—

 
980

   Total private assets
 
34,033

 
—

 
—

 
980

Total return seeking assets
 
209,684

 
175,651

 
—

 
980

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liability hedging assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-duration fixed income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Extended duration fixed income
 
146,837

 
146,837

 
—

 
—

Cash and short-term investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term investments
 
4,939

 
4,939

 
—

 
—

   Deposit administration contracts
 
1,615

 
—

 
1,615

 
—

   Total cash and short-term investments
 
6,554

 
4,939

 
1,615

 
—

Total liability hedging assets
 
153,391

 
151,776

 
1,615

 
—

   Total invested assets
 
$
363,075

 
$
327,427

 
$
1,615

 
$
980



122



December 31, 2016
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at 12/31/16 Using
($ in thousands)
 
Assets Measured at Fair Value At 12/31/16
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/ Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Description
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Return seeking assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-duration fixed income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Global asset allocation fund
 
$
37,878

 
37,878

 
—

 
—

Global equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-U.S. equity
 
48,836

 
48,836

 
—

 
—

U.S. equity
 
55,073

 
55,073

 
—

 
—

   Total global equity
 
103,909

 
103,909

 
—

 
—

Private assets (limited partnerships, at net asset value)1:
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Real assets
 
15,466

 
—

 
—

 
—

Private equity
 
1,615

 
—

 
—

 
—

Private credit
 
1,108

 
—

 
—

 
—

   Total private assets
 
18,189

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total return seeking assets
 
159,976

 
141,787

 
—

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liability hedging assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-duration fixed income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Extended duration fixed income
 
131,457

 
131,457

 
—

 
—

Cash and short-term investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term investments
 
23,722

 
23,722

 
—

 
—

   Deposit administration contracts
 
1,832

 
—

 
1,832

 
—

   Total cash and short-term investments
 
25,554

 
23,722

 
1,832

 
—

Total liability hedging assets
 
157,011

 
155,179

 
1,832

 
—

   Total invested assets
 
$
316,987

 
$
296,966

 
$
1,832

 
$
—

1In accordance with ASU 2015-07, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its practical expedient) have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to total Pension Plan invested assets.

Contributions
We presently do not anticipate contributing to the Pension Plan in 2018, as we have no minimum required contribution amounts.
 
Benefit Payments
($ in thousands)
 
Pension Plan
Benefits Expected to be Paid in Future
 
 

Fiscal Years:
 
 

2018
 
$
12,913

2019
 
12,936

2020
 
13,987

2021
 
15,093

2022
 
16,128

2023-2027
 
94,542


123




Note 15. Share-Based Payments

Active Plans
As of December 31, 2017, the following four plans were available for the issuance of share-based payment awards:
•
The 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan (the "Stock Plan");
•
The Cash Incentive Plan, amended and restated effective as of May 1, 2014 (the "Cash Plan");
•
The Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2009) ("ESPP"); and
•
The Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Plan for Independent Insurance Agencies (the "Agent Plan").

The following table provides information regarding the approval of these plans:
Plan
Approvals
Stock Plan
Approved effective as of May 1, 2014 by stockholders on April 23, 2014.
Cash Plan
Approved effective April 1, 2005 by stockholders on April 27, 2005.
Most recently amended and restated plan was approved effective May 1, 2014 by stockholders on April 23, 2014.
ESPP
Approved by stockholders on April 29, 2009 effective July 1, 2009.
Agent Plan
Approved by stockholders on April 26, 2006.
Most recently amended and restated plan was approved on December 13, 2016 by the Parent's Board of Directors' Salary and Employee Benefits Committee. The amendment was effective February 1, 2017.

The types of awards that can be issued under each of these plans are as follows:
Plan
Types of Share-Based Payments Issued
Stock Plan
Qualified and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), stock grants, and other awards valued in whole or in part by reference to the Parent's common stock. The maximum exercise period for an option grant under this plan is 10 years from the date of the grant. Dividend equivalent units ("DEUs") are earned during the vesting period on RSU grants. The DEUs are reinvested in the Parent's common stock at fair value on each dividend payment date. The requisite service period for grants to employees under this plan is the lesser of: (i) the stated vested date, which is typically three years from issuance; or (ii) the date the employee becomes eligible to retire.
Cash Plan
Cash incentive units (“CIUs”). The initial dollar value of each CIU will be adjusted to reflect the percentage increase or decrease in the total shareholder return on the Parent's common stock over a specified performance period. In addition, for certain grants, the number of CIUs granted will be increased or decreased to reflect our performance on specified performance indicators as compared to targeted peer companies. The requisite service period for grants under this plan is the lesser of: (i) the stated vested date, which is typically three years from issuance; or (ii) the date the employee becomes eligible to retire.
ESPP
Enables employees to purchase shares of the Parent’s common stock. The purchase price is the lower of: (i) 85% of the closing market price at the time the option is granted; or (ii) 85% of the closing price at the time the option is exercised. Shares are generally issued on June 30 and December 31 of each year.
Agent Plan
Quarterly offerings to purchase the Parent's common stock at a 10% discount with a one year restricted period during which the shares purchased cannot be sold or transferred. Only our independent retail insurance agencies and wholesale general agencies, and certain eligible persons associated with the agencies, are eligible to participate in this plan.

Shares authorized and available for issuance as of December 31, 2017 are as follows:
As of December 31, 2017
Authorized
Available for Issuance
Awards Outstanding
Stock Plan
3,500,000

2,516,871

882,490

ESPP
1,500,000

499,629

—

Agent Plan
3,000,000

1,817,493

—



124



Retired Plans
The following plans are closed for the issuance of new awards, although awards outstanding continue in effect according to the terms of the applicable award agreements:
December 31, 2017
Types of Share-Based Payments Issued
Reserve Shares
Awards Outstanding1
Plan
2005 Omnibus Stock Plan ("2005 Stock Plan")
Qualified and nonqualified stock options, SARs, restricted stock, RSUs, phantom stock, stock bonuses, and other awards in such amounts and with such terms and conditions as it determined, subject to the provisions of the 2005 Stock Plan. The maximum exercise period for an option grant under this plan is 10 years from the date of the grant. DEUs are earned during the vesting period on RSU grants. The DEUs are reinvested in the Parent's common stock at fair value on each dividend payment date.
2,202,532

277,132

Parent's Stock Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors ("Directors Stock Compensation Plan")
Directors could elect to receive a portion of their annual compensation in shares of the Parent's common stock.
66,506

66,506

1 Awards outstanding under the 2005 Stock Plan consisted of 47,268 RSUs and 229,864 stock options.

RSU Transactions
A summary of the RSU transactions under our share-based payment plans is as follows:
 
 
Number
of Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Unvested RSU awards at December 31, 2016
 
916,640

 
$
26.20

Granted in 2017
 
321,928

 
42.66

Vested in 2017
 
(360,702
)
 
22.78

Forfeited in 2017
 
(12,279
)
 
32.09

Unvested RSU awards at December 31, 2017
 
865,587

 
$
33.66


As of December 31, 2017, total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSU awards granted under our stock plans was $8.0 million. That expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years. The total intrinsic value of RSUs vested was $16.0 million for 2017, $12.6 million for 2016, and $10.3 million for 2015. In connection with vested RSUs, the total value of the DEU shares that vested was $0.9 million during 2017 and $0.7 million in 2016 and 2015.

Option Transactions
A summary of the stock option transactions under our share-based payment plans is as follows:
 
 
Number
of Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life in Years
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
($ in thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2016
 
355,391

 
$
16.87

 
 
 
 

Granted in 2017
 
—

 
—

 
 
 
 

Exercised in 2017
 
(120,496
)
 
19.39

 
 
 
 

Forfeited or expired in 2017
 
(5,031
)
 
24.54

 
 
 
 

Outstanding at December 31, 2017
 
229,864

 
$
15.38

 
1.50
 
$
9,958

Exercisable at December 31, 2017
 
229,864

 
$
15.38

 
1.50
 
$
9,958

 
The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $4.0 million in 2017, $2.3 million in 2016, and $2.2 million in 2015.  
 
CIU Transactions
The liability recorded in connection with our Cash Plan was $37.0 million at December 31, 2017 and $32.0 million at December 31, 2016. The remaining cost associated with the CIUs is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.9 years. The CIU payments made were $14.2 million in 2017, $14.3 million in 2016, and $10.2 million in 2015.  


125



ESPP and Agent Plan Transactions
A summary of ESPP and Agent Plan share issuances is as follows:
 
2017
2016
2015
ESPP Issuances
75,093

88,432

100,944

Agent Plan Issuances
49,794

69,867

82,142


Fair Value Measurements
The grant date fair value of RSUs is based on the market price of our common stock on the grant date, adjusted for the present value of our expected dividend payments. The expense recognized for share-based awards is based on the number of shares or units expected to be issued at the end of the performance period and the grant date fair value.

The grant date fair value of each option award is estimated using the Black Scholes option valuation model ("Black Scholes"). The following are the significant assumptions used in applying Black Scholes: (i) the risk-free interest rate, which is the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with an equal remaining term; (ii) the expected term, which is based on historical experience of similar awards; (iii) the dividend yield, which is determined by dividing the expected per share dividend during the coming year by the grant date stock price; and (iv) the expected volatility, which is based on the volatility of the Parent's stock price over a historical period comparable to the expected term. In applying Black Scholes, we use the weighted average assumptions illustrated in the following table:
 
 
ESPP
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Risk-free interest rate
 
1.07
%
 
0.47
 
0.10
Expected term
 
6 months

 
6 months
 
6 months
Dividend yield
 
1.3
%
 
1.7
 
2.0
Expected volatility
 
24
%
 
31
 
20

The weighted-average fair value of options and stock per share, including RSUs granted for the Parent's stock plans, during 2017, 2016, and 2015 was as follows:
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
RSUs
 
$
42.66

 
32.53

 
25.22

ESPP:
 
 

 
 

 
 
Six month option
 
2.73

 
2.63

 
1.26

Discount of grant date market value
 
7.06

 
5.23

 
4.16

Total ESPP
 
9.79

 
7.86

 
5.42

Agent Plan:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Discount of grant date market value
 
5.04

 
3.79

 
2.94


The fair value of the CIU liability is remeasured at each reporting period through the settlement date of the awards, which is three years from the date of grant based on an amount expected to be paid. A Monte Carlo simulation is performed to approximate the projected fair value of the CIUs that, in accordance with the Cash Plan, is adjusted to reflect our performance on specified indicators as compared to targeted peer companies.

Expense Recognition
The following table provides share-based compensation expense in 2017, 2016, and 2015:
($ in millions)
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Share-based compensation expense, pre-tax
$
31.2

 
30.3

 
23.8

Income tax benefit, including the benefit related to stock grants that have vested during the year
(15.0
)
 
(10.3
)
 
(8.0
)
Share-based compensation expense, after-tax
$
16.2

 
20.0

 
15.8


126




Note 16. Related Party Transactions
William M. Rue, a Director of the Parent, is Chairman of, and owns more than 10% of the equity of, Chas. E. Rue & Son, Inc., t/a Rue Insurance, a general independent retail insurance agency ("Rue Insurance"). Rue Insurance is an appointed distribution partner of the Insurance Subsidiaries on terms and conditions similar to those of our other distribution partners, which includes the right to participate in the Agent Plan. Mr. Rue’s son is President, and an employee, of Rue Insurance and Mr. Rue’s daughter is an employee of Rue Insurance. Our relationship with Rue Insurance has existed since 1928.

Rue Insurance placed insurance policies with the Insurance Subsidiaries for its customers and itself. Direct premiums written associated with these policies were $11.1 million in 2017, $10.4 million in 2016, and $9.6 million in 2015. In return, the Insurance Subsidiaries paid standard market commissions, including supplemental commissions, to Rue Insurance of $2.3 million in 2017, $2.1 million in 2016, and $1.7 million in 2015. Amounts due to Rue Insurance at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $0.6 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

In 2005, we established a private foundation, now named The Selective Insurance Group Foundation (the "Foundation"), under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Board of Directors of the Foundation is comprised of some of the Parent's officers. We made less than $0.1 million of contributions and no contributions to the Foundation in 2017 and 2016, respectively. We made contributions to the Foundation in the amount of $1.0 million in 2015.

BlackRock, Inc., a leading publicly traded investment management firm (“BlackRock”), has purchased our common shares in the ordinary course of its investment business and has previously filed Schedules 13G/A with the SEC. On January 19, 2018, BlackRock filed a Schedule 13G/A reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2017, of 12.8% of our common stock. In connection with purchasing our common shares, BlackRock filed the necessary filings with insurance regulatory authorities. On the basis of those filings, BlackRock is deemed not to be a controlling person for the purposes of applicable insurance law.

We are required to disclose related party information for our transactions with BlackRock. BlackRock is highly regulated, serves its clients as a fiduciary, and has a diverse platform of active (alpha) and index (beta) investment strategies across asset classes that enables it to tailor investment outcomes and asset allocation solutions for clients. BlackRock also offers the BlackRock Solutions® investment and risk management technology platform, Aladdin®, risk analytics, advisory, and technology services and solutions to a broad base of institutional and wealth management investors. In 2017 and 2016, we incurred expenses related to BlackRock of $2.0 million and $0.4 million, respectively, for services rendered. Amounts payable for such services at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively. All contracts with BlackRock were consummated in the ordinary course of business on an arm's-length basis.

Note 17. Commitments and Contingencies
(a) We purchase annuities from life insurance companies to fulfill obligations under claim settlements that provide for periodic future payments to claimants. As of December 31, 2017, we had purchased such annuities with a present value of $18.5 million for settlement of claims on a structured basis for which we are contingently liable. To our knowledge, there are no material defaults from any of the issuers of such annuities.

(b) We have various operating leases for office space, equipment, and fleet vehicles. Such lease agreements, which expire at various times, are generally renewed or replaced by similar leases. Rental expense under these leases amounted to $10.8 million in 2017, $12.3 million in 2016, and $11.7 million in 2015. We also lease computer hardware and software under capital lease agreements expiring at various dates through 2019. See item (p) of Note 2. "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in this Form 10-K for information on our accounting policy regarding leases.
 

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In addition, certain of these leases are non-cancelable, and liability for payment will continue even though the leased asset may no longer be in use. At December 31, 2017, the total future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable leases were as follows:
($ in millions)
 
Capital Leases
Operating Leases
Total
2018
 
$
2.3

10.0

12.3

2019
 
0.1

7.5

7.6

2020
 
—

6.0

6.0

2021
 
—

3.7

3.7

2022
 
—

2.1

2.1

After 2022
 
—

2.6

2.6

Total minimum payment required
 
$
2.4

31.9

34.3

 
(c) As of December 31, 2017, we had contractual obligations that expire at various dates through 2032 to invest up to an additional $221 million in alternative and other investments. There is no certainty that any such additional investment will be required. For additional information regarding these investments, see item (f) of Note 5. "Investments" in this Form 10-K. In addition, as of December 31, 2017, we had contractual obligations that expire in 2023 to invest $16.3 million in a non-publicly traded common stock within our available-for-sale portfolio. We expect to have the capacity to repay and/or refinance these obligations as they become due.
 
Note 18. Litigation
In the ordinary course of conducting business, we are named as defendants in various legal proceedings. Most of these proceedings are claims litigation involving our Insurance Subsidiaries as either: (i) liability insurers defending or providing indemnity for third-party claims brought against our customers; or (ii) insurers defending first-party coverage claims brought against them. We account for such activity through the establishment of unpaid losses and loss expense reserves. We expect that any potential ultimate liability in such ordinary course claims litigation will not be material to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows after consideration of provisions made for potential losses and costs of defense.
 
From time to time, our Insurance Subsidiaries also are named as defendants in other legal actions, some of which assert claims for substantial amounts. These actions include, among others, putative class actions seeking certification of a state or national class. Such putative class actions have alleged, for example, improper reimbursement of medical providers paid under workers compensation and personal and commercial automobile insurance policies. Similarly, our Insurance Subsidiaries are also named from time-to-time in individual actions seeking extra-contractual damages, punitive damages, or penalties, some of which allege bad faith in the handling of insurance claims. We believe that we have valid defenses to these cases. We expect that any potential ultimate liability in any such lawsuit will not be material to our consolidated financial condition, after consideration of provisions made for estimated losses. Nonetheless, given the inherent unpredictability of litigation and the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these actions, an adverse outcome in certain matters could possibly have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.

As of December 31, 2017, we do not believe the Company was involved in any legal action that could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Note 19. Statutory Financial Information, Capital Requirements, and Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds
(a) Statutory Financial Information
The Insurance Subsidiaries prepare their statutory financial statements in accordance with accounting principles prescribed or permitted by the various state insurance departments of domicile. Prescribed statutory accounting principles include state laws, regulations, and general administrative rules, as well as a variety of publications of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC"). Permitted statutory accounting principles encompass all accounting principles that are not prescribed; such principles differ from state to state, may differ from company to company within a state and may change in the future. The Insurance Subsidiaries do not utilize any permitted statutory accounting principles that materially affect the determination of statutory surplus, statutory net income, or risk-based capital (“RBC”). As of December 31, 2017, the various state insurance departments of domicile have adopted the March 2017 version of the NAIC Accounting Practices and Procedures manual in its entirety, as a component of prescribed or permitted practices.


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The following table provides statutory data for each of our Insurance Subsidiaries:
 
 
State of Domicile
 
Unassigned Surplus
 
Statutory Surplus
 
Statutory Net Income
($ in millions)
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
SICA
 
New Jersey
 
$
455.5

 
414.4

 
609.7

 
568.6

 
84.6

 
72.2

 
69.6

Selective Way Insurance Company ("SWIC")
 
New Jersey
 
276.1

 
260.5

 
325.1

 
309.5

 
43.6

 
41.2

 
42.3

SICSC
 
Indiana
 
112.9

 
110.6

 
144.1

 
141.9

 
17.9

 
17.4

 
15.9

SICSE
 
Indiana
 
86.2

 
83.5

 
111.8

 
109.1

 
14.7

 
13.4

 
12.1

SICNY
 
New York
 
78.8

 
74.1

 
106.5

 
101.8

 
13.4

 
12.9

 
12.7

Selective Insurance Company of New England ("SICNE")
 
New Jersey
 
16.1

 
13.6

 
46.3

 
43.7

 
6.3

 
5.9

 
5.5

Selective Auto Insurance Company of New Jersey ("SAICNJ")
 
New Jersey
 
42.1

 
36.9

 
84.9

 
79.8

 
11.4

 
11.5

 
10.8

MUSIC
 
New Jersey
 
21.4

 
16.7

 
89.9

 
85.2

 
10.3

 
9.7

 
9.5

Selective Casualty Insurance Company ("SCIC")
 
New Jersey
 
34.5

 
26.6

 
109.0

 
101.0

 
13.4

 
12.6

 
12.1

Selective Fire and Casualty Insurance Company ("SFCIC")
 
New Jersey
 
13.7

 
11.3

 
45.6

 
43.2

 
5.6

 
5.5

 
5.3

Total
 
 
 
$
1,137.3

 
1,048.2

 
1,672.9

 
1,583.8

 
221.2

 
202.3

 
195.8


(b) Capital Requirements
The Insurance Subsidiaries are required to maintain certain minimum amounts of statutory surplus to satisfy the requirements of their various state insurance departments of domicile. RBC requirements for property and casualty insurance companies are designed to assess capital adequacy and to raise the level of protection that statutory surplus provides for policyholders. The Insurance Subsidiaries' combined total adjusted capital exceeded the authorized control level RBC, as defined by the NAIC based on their 2017 statutory financial statements. In addition to statutory capital requirements, we are impacted by various rating agency requirements related to certain rating levels. These required capital levels may be more than statutory requirements.

(c) Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds
Our ability to declare and pay dividends on the Parent's common stock is dependent on liquidity at the Parent coupled with the ability of the Insurance Subsidiaries to declare and pay dividends, if necessary, and/or the availability of other sources of liquidity to the Parent. As of December 31, 2017, the Parent had an aggregate of $114.5 million in investments and cash available to fund future dividends and interest payments. These amounts are not subject to any regulatory restrictions other than standard state insolvency restrictions, whereas our consolidated retained earnings of $1.7 billion is predominately restricted due to the regulation associated with our Insurance Subsidiaries. In 2018, the Insurance Subsidiaries have the ability to provide for $211.0 million in annual dividends to the Parent; however, as regulated entities, these dividends are subject to certain restrictions, which are further discussed below. The Parent also has available to it other potential sources of liquidity, such as: (i) borrowings from our Indiana Subsidiaries; (ii) debt issuances; (iii) common stock issuances; and (iv) borrowings under our Line of Credit. Borrowings from our Indiana Subsidiaries are governed by approved intercompany lending agreements with the Parent that provide for additional capacity of $70.5 million as of December 31, 2017, based on restrictions in these agreements that limit borrowings to 10% of the admitted assets of the Indiana Subsidiaries. For additional restrictions on the Parent's debt, see Note 10. "Indebtedness" in this Form 10-K.

Insurance Subsidiaries Dividend Restrictions
As noted above, the restriction on our net assets and retained earnings is predominantly driven by our Insurance Subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends to the Parent under applicable law and regulations. Under the insurance laws of the domiciliary states of the Insurance Subsidiaries, New Jersey, Indiana, and New York, an insurer can potentially make an ordinary dividend payment if its statutory surplus following such dividend is reasonable in relation to its outstanding liabilities, is adequate to its financial needs, and the dividend does not exceed the insurer's unassigned surplus. In general, New Jersey defines an ordinary dividend as a dividend whose fair market value, together with other dividends made within the preceding 12 months, is less than the greater of 10% of the insurer's statutory surplus as of the preceding December 31, or the insurer's net income (excluding capital gains) for the 12-month period ending on the preceding December 31. Indiana's ordinary dividend calculation is consistent with New Jersey's, except that it does not exclude capital gains from net income. In general, New York defines an ordinary dividend as a dividend whose fair market value, together with other dividends made within the preceding 12 months, is less than the lesser of 10% of the insurer's statutory surplus, or 100% of adjusted net investment income.

New Jersey and Indiana require notice of the declaration of any ordinary dividend distribution. During the notice period, the relevant state regulatory authority may disallow all or part of the proposed dividend if it determines that the dividend is not appropriate given the above considerations. New York does not require notice of ordinary dividends. Dividend payments

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exceeding ordinary dividends are referred to as extraordinary dividends and require review and approval by the applicable domiciliary insurance regulatory authority prior to payment.
 
The following table provides quantitative data regarding all Insurance Subsidiaries' dividends paid to the Parent in 2017 for debt service, shareholder dividends, and general operating purposes:
Dividends
 
 
 
Twelve Months ended December 31, 2017
($ in millions)
 
State of Domicile
 
Ordinary Dividends Paid
SICA
 
New Jersey
 
$
28.0

SWIC
 
New Jersey
 
19.0

SICSC
 
Indiana
 
10.0

SICSE
 
Indiana
 
7.5

SICNY
 
New York
 
4.5

SICNE
 
New Jersey
 
2.0

SAICNJ
 
New Jersey
 
2.5

MUSIC
 
New Jersey
 
2.1

SCIC
 
New Jersey
 
3.0

SFCIC
 
New Jersey
 
1.5

Total
 
 
 
$
80.1


Based on the 2017 statutory financial statements, the maximum ordinary dividends that can be paid to the Parent by the Insurance Subsidiaries in 2018 are as follows:
 
 
 
 
2018
($ in millions)
 
State of Domicile
 
Maximum Ordinary Dividends
SICA
 
New Jersey
 
$
77.6

SWIC
 
New Jersey
 
43.3

SICSC
 
Indiana
 
17.9

SICSE
 
Indiana
 
14.7

SICNY
 
New York
 
10.7

SICNE
 
New Jersey
 
6.2

SAICNJ
 
New Jersey
 
11.3

MUSIC
 
New Jersey
 
10.3

SCIC
 
New Jersey
 
13.4

SFCIC
 
New Jersey
 
5.6

Total
 
 
 
$
211.0


Note 20. Quarterly Financial Information
(unaudited, $ in thousands,
 
First Quarter
 
Second Quarter
 
Third Quarter
 
Fourth Quarter
except per share data)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017 1
 
2016
Net premiums earned
 
$
560,854

 
522,458

 
568,030

 
531,932

 
572,055

 
542,429

 
590,088

 
552,753

Net investment income earned
 
37,419

 
30,769

 
41,430

 
31,182

 
40,446

 
33,375

 
42,587

 
35,428

Net realized (losses) gains
 
(1,045
)
 
(2,704
)
 
1,734

 
1,765

 
6,798

 
3,688

 
(1,128
)
 
(7,686
)
Other income
 
3,241

 
951

 
3,291

 
3,868

 
1,994

 
2,199

 
2,190

 
1,863

Total revenues
 
600,469

 
551,474

 
614,485

 
568,747

 
621,293

 
581,691

 
633,737

 
582,358

Income before federal income taxes
 
67,574

 
51,875

 
58,929

 
62,311

 
67,315

 
55,443

 
68,150

 
50,326

Net income
 
50,440

 
37,032

 
41,426

 
43,601

 
46,718

 
38,502

 
30,242

 
39,360

Net income per share:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
 
0.87

 
0.64

 
0.71

 
0.75

 
0.80

 
0.66

 
0.52

 
0.68

Diluted
 
0.85

 
0.63

 
0.70

 
0.74

 
0.79

 
0.66

 
0.51

 
0.67

1 Results for the fourth quarter of 2017 include the impact of the $20.2 million write off of deferred tax assets required with the implementation of Tax Reform. See Note 13. "Federal Income Taxes" above for additional information.

The addition of all quarters may not agree to annual amounts on the Financial Statements due to rounding.



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Note 21. Subsequent Events
Subsequent to year-end and through the end of January 2018, our insurance operations experienced significant insured property losses, principally due to the deep freeze that impacted our footprint states during the month, the Property Claims Services ("PCS") named winter storm that occurred between January 3 and January 6, and a relatively large number of severe fire losses. For January 2018, non-catastrophe property losses amounted to $47 million and catastrophe losses, which we define as only those losses specifically attributable to a named PCS catastrophe, totaled $16 million. In total, the $63 million of insured property losses were approximately $30 million in excess of our property loss expectations for the month of January.
 

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
 
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are: (i) effective in recording, processing, summarizing, and reporting information on a timely basis that we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act; and (ii) effective in ensuring that information that we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, a company's principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Board, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:
 
•
Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;
•
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and
•
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework ("COSO Framework") in 2013.
 
Based on this assessment, our management believes that, as of December 31, 2017, our internal control over financial reporting is effective.
 
Except for internal controls over financial reporting related to the October 1, 2017 implementation of a new billing system, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.  Management reviewed and tested the effectiveness of the internal controls over financial reporting related to the implementation of the new billing system and concluded they were effective.

Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Our independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG, LLP, has issued their attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting which is set forth below.
 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.:
 
We have audited Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries’ (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Selective Insurance Group, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and our report dated February 19, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.


 
/s/ KPMG LLP
New York, New York
February 19, 2018


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Item 9B. Other Information.
There is no other information that was required to be disclosed in a report on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of 2017 that we did not report.

PART III
Because we will file a Proxy Statement within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017, this Annual Report on Form 10-K omits certain information required by Part III and incorporates by reference certain information included in the Proxy Statement.
 
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Information about our executive officers, Directors, and all other matters required to be disclosed in Item 10. "Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance." appears under the "Executive Officers" and "Information About Proposal 1 - Election of Directors" sections of the Proxy Statement. These portions of the Proxy Statement are hereby incorporated by reference.
 
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Information about compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act appears under "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the "Information About Proposal 1 - Election of Directors" section of the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.
Information about compensation of our named executive officers appears under "Executive Compensation" in the "Information About Proposal 1 - Election of Directors" section of the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference. Information about compensation of the Board appears under "Director Compensation" in the "Information About Proposal 1 - Election of Directors" section of the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Information about security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management appears under "Security Ownership of Management and Certain Beneficial Owners" in the "Information About Proposal 1 - Election of Directors" section of the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.
 
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
Information about certain relationships and related transactions, and director independence appears under “Transactions with Related Persons” in the "Information About Proposal 1 - Election of Directors" section of the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
Information about the fees and services of our principal accountants appears under "Audit Committee Report" and "Fees of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" in the "Information About Proposal 4 - Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" section of the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.
 

134




PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
 
(1) Financial Statements:
 
The Financial Statements listed below are included in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
 
 
Form 10-K
 
Page
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
(2) Financial Statement Schedules:
 
The financial statement schedules, with Independent Auditors' Report thereon, required to be filed are listed below by page number as filed in this report. All other schedules are omitted as the information required is inapplicable, immaterial, or the information is presented in the Financial Statements or related notes.
 
 
 
Form 10-K
 
 
Page
Schedule I
Summary of Investments – Other than Investments in Related Parties at December 31, 2017
 
 
 
Schedule II
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant at December 31, 2017 and 2016 and for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
 
 
Schedule III
Supplementary Insurance Information for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
 
 
Schedule IV
Reinsurance for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
 
 
Schedule V
Allowance for Uncollectible Premiums and Other Receivables for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
(3) Exhibits:
 
The exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed in the Exhibit Index, which is incorporated by reference and immediately precedes the exhibits filed with or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K.
 

135




SCHEDULE I
 
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS - OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
December 31, 2017
 
Types of investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
Amortized Cost or Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
Fixed income securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Held-to-maturity:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
$
25,154

 
26,261

 
25,238

Public utilities
 
7,466

 
7,956

 
7,443

All other corporate securities
 
9,530

 
9,883

 
9,448

Total fixed income securities, held-to-maturity
 
42,150

 
44,100

 
42,129

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale:
 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. government and government agencies
 
49,326

 
49,740

 
49,740

Foreign government
 
18,040

 
18,555

 
18,555

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
1,539,307

 
1,582,970

 
1,582,970

Public utilities
 
50,071

 
51,035

 
51,035

All other corporate securities
 
1,538,268

 
1,566,433

 
1,566,433

Collateralized loan obligation securities and other asset-backed securities
 
789,152

 
795,458

 
795,458

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
382,727

 
383,449

 
383,449

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
709,825

 
714,882

 
714,882

Total fixed income securities, available-for-sale
 
5,076,716

 
5,162,522

 
5,162,522

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Common stock:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Public utilities
 
5,957

 
6,156

 
6,156

Banks, trusts and insurance companies
 
34,301

 
40,510

 
40,510

Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
 
89,438

 
121,091

 
121,091

Total common stock, available-for-sale
 
129,696

 
167,757

 
167,757

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Banks, trusts and insurance companies
 
14,115

 
14,948

 
14,948

Total preferred stock, available-for-sale
 
14,115

 
14,948

 
14,948

            Total equity securities, available-for-sale
 
143,811

 
182,705

 
182,705

Short-term investments
 
165,555

 
165,555

 
165,555

Other investments
 
132,268

 
 

 
132,268

Total investments
 
$
5,560,500

 
 

 
5,685,179


See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.

136



 
SCHEDULE II
 
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
(Parent Corporation)
Balance Sheets

 
 
December 31,
($ in thousands, except share amounts)
 
2017
 
2016
Assets:
 
 

 
 

Fixed income securities, available-for-sale – at fair value (amortized cost: $89,799 – 2017; $73,471 – 2016)
 
$
89,872

 
73,509

Short-term investments
 
24,080

 
17,777

Cash
 
534

 
458

Investment in subsidiaries
 
2,013,304

 
1,845,410

Current federal income tax
 
22,266

 
19,766

Deferred federal income tax
 
13,239

 
19,562

Other assets
 
871

 
840

   Total assets
 
$
2,164,166

 
1,977,322

  
 
 

 
 

Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Long-term debt
 
$
329,116

 
328,667

Intercompany notes payable
 
78,443

 
79,324

Accrued long-term stock compensation
 
37,017

 
32,029

Other liabilities
 
6,633

 
5,932

   Total liabilities
 
$
451,209

 
445,952

 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ Equity:
 
 

 
 

Preferred stock at $0 par value per share:
 
 

 
 

   Authorized shares 5,000,000; no shares issued or outstanding
 
$
—

 
—

Common stock of $2 par value per share:
 
 

 
 

Authorized shares:  360,000,000
 
 
 
 
Issued: 102,284,564 – 2017; 101,620,436 – 2016
 
204,569

 
203,241

Additional paid-in capital
 
367,717

 
347,295

Retained earnings
 
1,698,613

 
1,568,881

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
20,170

 
(15,950
)
Treasury stock – at cost (shares: 43,789,442 – 2017; 43,653,237 – 2016)
 
(578,112
)
 
(572,097
)
   Total stockholders’ equity
 
1,712,957

 
1,531,370

   Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
2,164,166

 
1,977,322

 
See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Information should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Both items are in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.

137




SCHEDULE II (continued)
 
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
(Parent Corporation)
Statements of Income
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Revenues:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Dividends from subsidiaries
 
$
80,096

 
61,014

 
57,752

Net investment income earned
 
2,044

 
1,259

 
852

Net realized losses
 
(15
)
 
(220
)
 
—

   Total revenues
 
82,125

 
62,053

 
58,604

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest expense
 
24,721

 
24,030

 
24,057

Other expenses
 
36,251

 
35,020

 
28,393

   Total expenses
 
60,972

 
59,050

 
52,450

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Income before federal income tax
 
21,153

 
3,003

 
6,154

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal income tax (benefit) expense:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Current
 
(22,187
)
 
(17,924
)
 
(16,609
)
Deferred
 
6,311

 
(2,143
)
 
(1,603
)
   Total federal income tax benefit
 
(15,876
)
 
(20,067
)
 
(18,212
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
 
37,029

 
23,070

 
24,366

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries, net of tax
 
131,797

 
135,425

 
141,495

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
168,826

 
158,495

 
165,861

 
See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Information should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Both items are in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.

 

138



SCHEDULE II (continued)

SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
(Parent Corporation)
Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
Year ended December 31,
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Operating Activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
168,826

 
158,495

 
165,861

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

 
 

 
 

Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries, net of tax
 
(131,797
)
 
(135,425
)
 
(141,495
)
Stock-based compensation expense
 
12,089

 
10,449

 
8,973

Net realized losses
 
15

 
220

 
—

Amortization – other
 
678

 
648

 
740

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Increase in accrued long-term stock compensation
 
4,988

 
5,564

 
4,575

Decrease (increase) in net federal income taxes
 
3,811

 
(3,612
)
 
(3,052
)
Decrease in other assets
 
(60
)
 
(202
)
 
(12
)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
 
714

 
80

 
(202
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
59,264

 
36,217

 
35,388

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing Activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Purchase of fixed income securities, available-for-sale
 
(58,832
)
 
(45,789
)
 
(33,717
)
Redemption and maturities of fixed income securities, available-for-sale
 
10,465

 
14,983

 
21,578

Sale of fixed income securities, available-for-sale
 
31,819

 
18,768

 
—

Purchase of short-term investments
 
(185,590
)
 
(119,501
)
 
(106,933
)
Sale of short-term investments
 
179,292

 
130,841

 
94,422

Net cash used in investing activities
 
(22,846
)
 
(698
)
 
(24,650
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financing Activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Dividends to stockholders
 
(37,045
)
 
(33,758
)
 
(31,052
)
Acquisition of treasury stock
 
(6,015
)
 
(4,992
)
 
(4,182
)
Net proceeds from stock purchase and compensation plans
 
7,599

 
7,811

 
10,089

Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
 
—

 
1,819

 
1,736

Principal payment on borrowings from subsidiaries
 
(881
)
 
(6,839
)
 
(2,798
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(36,342
)
 
(35,959
)
 
(26,207
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash
 
76

 
(440
)
 
(15,469
)
Cash, beginning of year
 
458

 
898

 
16,367

Cash, end of year
 
$
534

 
458

 
898


See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Information should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Both items are in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.


139




SCHEDULE III
 
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
Year ended December 31, 2017
($ in thousands)
 
Deferred
policy
acquisition costs
 
Reserve
for loss
and loss expense
 
Unearned premiums
 
Net
premiums earned
 
Net
investment income1
 
Loss
and loss
expense incurred
 
Amortization
of deferred
policy
acquisition costs
 
Other
operating expenses2
 
Net
premiums written
Standard Commercial Lines Segment
 
$
193,408

 
3,165,217

 
956,173

 
1,788,499

 
—

 
1,008,150

 
387,552

 
243,283

 
1,858,735

Standard Personal Lines Segment
 
16,952

 
263,166

 
295,435

 
289,701

 
—

 
189,294

 
32,542

 
56,761

 
296,775

E&S Lines Segment
 
24,695

 
342,857

 
98,036

 
212,827

 
—

 
147,630

 
49,142

 
22,337

 
215,131

Investments Segment
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
168,241

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total
 
$
235,055

 
3,771,240

 
1,349,644

 
2,291,027

 
168,241

 
1,345,074

 
469,236

 
322,381

 
2,370,641


1 Includes “Net investment income earned” and “Net realized investment gains” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
2 “Other operating expenses” of $322,381 reconciles to the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows:
Other insurance expenses
$
333,097

Other income
(10,716
)
Total
$
322,381


See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.
 
 Year ended December 31, 2016
($ in thousands)
 
Deferred
policy
acquisition costs
 
Reserve
for loss
and loss expense
 
Unearned premiums
 
Net
premiums earned
 
Net
investment income1
 
Loss
and loss
expense incurred
 
Amortization
of deferred
policy
acquisition costs
 
Other
operating expenses2
 
Net
premiums written
Standard Commercial Lines Segment
 
$
181,193

 
3,098,554

 
884,976

 
1,665,483

 
—

 
913,506

 
367,813

 
237,729

 
1,745,782

Standard Personal Lines Segment
 
16,664

 
286,081

 
282,111

 
280,607

 
—

 
177,749

 
34,105

 
56,334

 
281,822

E&S Lines Segment
 
24,707

 
307,084

 
95,732

 
203,482

 
—

 
143,542

 
48,410

 
18,451

 
209,684

Investments Segment
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
125,817

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total
 
$
222,564

 
3,691,719

 
1,262,819

 
2,149,572

 
125,817

 
1,234,797

 
450,328

 
312,514

 
2,237,288


1 Includes “Net investment income earned” and “Net realized investment gains” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
2 “Other operating expenses” of $312,514 reconciles to the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows:
Other insurance expenses
$
321,395

Other income
(8,881
)
Total
$
312,514


See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K. 

140



SCHEDULE III (continued)

SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
Year ended December 31, 2015
 
($ in thousands)
 
Deferred
policy
acquisition costs
 
Reserve
for loss and loss expense
 
Unearned premiums
 
Net
premiums earned
 
Net
investment income1
 
Loss
and loss
expense incurred
 
Amortization
of deferred
policy
acquisition costs
 
Other
operating expenses2
 
Net
premiums written
Standard Commercial Lines Segment
 
$
171,476

 
2,998,749

 
803,648

 
1,529,442

 
—

 
819,573

 
323,754

 
221,619

 
1,596,965

Standard Personal Lines Segment
 
17,258

 
265,054

 
276,533

 
288,134

 
—

 
200,237

 
33,638

 
52,923

 
283,926

E&S Lines Segment
 
24,425

 
253,925

 
89,529

 
172,333

 
—

 
128,731

 
42,044

 
18,361

 
189,013

Investments Segment
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
134,487

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total
 
$
213,159

 
3,517,728

 
1,169,710

 
1,989,909

 
134,487

 
1,148,541

 
399,436

 
292,903

 
2,069,904


1 Includes “Net investment income earned” and “Net realized investment gains” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
2 “Other operating expenses” of $292,903 reconciles to the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows:
Other insurance expenses
$
300,359

Other income
(7,456
)
Total
$
292,903


See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.


141




 
SCHEDULE IV
 
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
REINSURANCE
Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
($ thousands)
 
Direct Amount
 
Assumed from Other Companies
 
Ceded to Other Companies
 
Net Amount
 
% of Amount Assumed to Net
2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Premiums earned:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Accident and health insurance
 
$
24

 
—

 
24

 
—

 
—

Property and liability insurance
 
2,647,464

 
25,831

 
382,268

 
2,291,027

 
1
%
Total premiums earned
 
2,647,488

 
25,831

 
382,292

 
2,291,027

 
1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Premiums earned:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Accident and health insurance
 
$
32

 
—

 
—

 
32

 
—

Property and liability insurance
 
2,484,683

 
28,214

 
363,357

 
2,149,540

 
1
%
Total premiums earned
 
2,484,715

 
28,214

 
363,357

 
2,149,572

 
1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Premiums earned:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Accident and health insurance
 
$
37

 
—

 
37

 
—

 
—

Property and liability insurance
 
2,330,230

 
23,209

 
363,530

 
1,989,909

 
1
%
Total premiums earned
 
2,330,267

 
23,209

 
363,567

 
1,989,909

 
1
%

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.


 
SCHEDULE V
 
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
ALLOWANCE FOR UNCOLLECTIBLE PREMIUMS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Balance, January 1
 
$
11,480

 
10,122

 
11,037

Additions
 
6,414

 
4,669

 
3,604

Deductions
 
(3,294
)
 
(3,311
)
 
(4,519
)
Balance, December 31
 
$
14,600

 
11,480

 
10,122


See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.


142




EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit
 
 
Number
 
 
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Selective Insurance Group, Inc., filed May 4, 2010 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
By-Laws of Selective Insurance Group, Inc., effective July 29, 2015 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
Indenture, dated as of September 24, 2002, between Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and National City Bank, as Trustee, relating to the Company's 1.6155% Senior Convertible Notes due September 24, 2032 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 No. 333-101489).
 
 
 
 
Indenture, dated as of November 16, 2004, between Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee, relating to the Company's 7.25% Senior Notes due 2034 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 18, 2004, File No. 000-08641).
 
 
 
 
Indenture, dated as of November 3, 2005, between Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee, relating to the Company’s 6.70% Senior Notes due 2035 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 9, 2005, File No. 000-08641).
 
 
 
 
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 16, 2004, between Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 18, 2004, File No. 000-08641).
 
 
 
 
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2005, between Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 9, 2005, File No. 000-08641).
 
 
 
 
Indenture, dated as of February 8, 2013, between Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 8, 2013, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 8, 2013, between Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the Company’s 5.875% Senior Notes due 2043 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 8, 2013, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Supplemental Pension Plan, As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
Amendment No. 1 to Selective Insurance Supplemental Pension Plan, As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 25, 2013, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Company of America Deferred Compensation Plan (2005), As Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
Amendment No 1. to Selective Insurance Company of America Deferred Compensation Plan (2005) (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.2a of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, File No. 001-33067).

143



Exhibit
 
 
Number
 
 
 
Amendment No. 2 to Selective Insurance Company of America Deferred Compensation Plan (2005), As Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 25, 2013, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan, effective May 1, 2014 (incorporated by reference herein to Appendix A-1 to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed April 3, 2014, File No. 000-08641).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan Director Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, File No. 000-08641).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, File No. 000-08641).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan Service-Based Restricted Stock Agreement (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 File No. 000-08641).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan Performance-Based Restricted Stock Agreement (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, File No. 000-08641).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan Service-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 File No. 000-08641).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, File No. 000-08641).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, File No. 000-08641).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan As Amended and Restated Effective as of May 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference herein to Appendix C of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed March 25, 2010, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, File No. 000-08641).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan Director Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.9 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, File No. 000-08641).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.12 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, File No. 001-33067).

144



Exhibit
 
 
Number
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.13 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan Automatic Director Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 2 of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed April 6, 2005, File No. 000-08641).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Non-Employee Directors’ Compensation and Deferral Plan, As Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2017 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, File No. 000-08641).
 
 
 
10.19+
 
Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993, File No. 000-08641) (paper filed).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2009), amended and restated effective July 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference herein to Appendix A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed March 26, 2009, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Cash Incentive Plan As Amended and Restated as of May 1, 2014 (incorporated by reference herein to Appendix B to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed March 24, 2014, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Cash Incentive Plan Service-Based Cash Incentive Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Cash Incentive Plan Performance-Based Cash Incentive Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.9 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Cash Incentive Plan Cash Incentive Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.14c of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Cash Incentive Plan Cash Incentive Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.14d of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
Amended and Restated Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan for Independent Insurance Agencies (2010), Amended and Restated as of February 1, 2017 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.26 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, File No. 000-08641).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Directors (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit B of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed March 31, 2000, File No. 000-08641).
 
 
 
 
Amendment to the Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Directors, as amended, effective as of July 26, 2006, (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, File No. 000-08641).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Stock Compensation Plan for Nonemployee Directors, (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit A of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed March 31, 2000, File No. 000-08641).

145



Exhibit
Number
 
 
 
Amendment to Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Stock Compensation Plan for Nonemployee Directors, as amended (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.22a of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
Employment Agreement between Selective Insurance Company of America and Gregory E. Murphy, dated as of December 23, 2008 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 30, 2008, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
Employment Agreement between Selective Insurance Company of America and Michael H. Lanza, dated as of December 23, 2008 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.23e of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
Employment Agreement between Selective Insurance Company of America and John J. Marchioni, dated as of September 10, 2013 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 11, 2013, File No. 001-33067).

 
 
 
 
Employment Agreement between Selective Insurance Company of America and Mark A. Wilcox, dated as of October 28, 2016 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 31, 2016, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
Credit Agreement among Selective Insurance Group, Inc., the Lenders Named Therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, dated as of December 1, 2015 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.35 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
Form of Indemnification Agreement between Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and each of its directors and executive officers, as adopted on May 19, 2005 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 20, 2005, File No. 000-08641).
 
 
 
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.27 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, File No. 001-33067).
 
 
 
 
Amendment No. 1 to the Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.27a of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, File No. 001-33067).

146





Exhibit
 
 
Number
 
 
 
Subsidiaries of Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
 
 
 
 
Consent of KPMG LLP.
 
 
 
 
Power of Attorney of Paul D. Bauer.
 
 
 
 
Power of Attorney of A. David Brown.
 
 
 
 
Power of Attorney of John C. Burville.
 
 
 
 
Power of Attorney of Robert Kelly Doherty.
 
 
 
 
Power of Attorney of Thomas A. McCarthy.
 
 
 
 
Power of Attorney of Michael J. Morrissey.
 
 
 
 
Power of Attorney of Cynthia S. Nicholson.
 
 
 
 
Power of Attorney of Ronald L. O'Kelley.
 
 
 
 
Power of Attorney of William M. Rue.
 
 
 
 
Power of Attorney of John S. Scheid.
 
 
 
 
Power of Attorney of J. Brian Thebault.
 
 
 
 
Power of Attorney of Philip H. Urban.
 
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer in accordance with Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer in accordance with Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
Glossary of Terms.
** 101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.
** 101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
** 101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
** 101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
** 101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
** 101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

* Filed herewith.
** Furnished and not filed herewith.
+ Management compensation plan or arrangement.

147



SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
 
 
 
By: /s/ Gregory E. Murphy
 
February 19, 2018
Gregory E. Murphy
 
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
By: /s/ Mark A. Wilcox
 
February 19, 2018
Mark A. Wilcox
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
(principal financial officer)
 
 
 
 
By: /s/ Anthony D. Harnett
 
February 19, 2018
Anthony D. Harnett
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
 
(principal accounting officer)
 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

148



By:  /s/ Gregory E. Murphy
 
February 19, 2018
Gregory E. Murphy
 
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
*
 
February 19, 2018
Paul D. Bauer
 
Director
 
 
 
*
 
February 19, 2018
A. David Brown
 
Director
 
 
 
*
 
February 19, 2018
John C. Burville
 
Director
 
 
 
*
 
February 19, 2018
Robert Kelly Doherty
 
Director
 
 
 
*
 
February 19, 2018
Thomas A. McCarthy
 
Director
 
 
 
*
 
February 19, 2018
Michael J. Morrissey
 
Director
 
 
 
*
 
February 19, 2018
Cynthia S. Nicholson
 
Director
 
 
 
*
 
February 19, 2018
Ronald L. O’Kelley
 
Director
 
*
 
February 19, 2018
William M. Rue
 
Director
 
 
 
*
 
February 19, 2018
John S. Scheid
 
Director
 
 
 
 
*
 
February 19, 2018
J. Brian Thebault
 
Director
 
 
 
*
 
February 19, 2018
Philip H. Urban
 
Director
 
 
 
* By: /s/ Michael H. Lanza
 
February 19, 2018
Michael H. Lanza
 
Attorney-in-fact
 

149