Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
 
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended: June 30, 20172018
or
 
¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from_____________________________to_____________________________
 
Commission File Number: 001-33067
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
New Jersey 22-2168890
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
40 Wantage Avenue  
Branchville, New Jersey 07890
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(973) 948-3000
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
 
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yesx           No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yesx           No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Emerging growthSmaller reporting company o
 
Smaller reportingEmerging growth company o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).                                                              Yeso          Nox
As of July 14, 2017,20, 2018, there were 58,364,18758,835,249 shares of common stock, par value $2.00 per share, outstanding. 

 SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC. 
 Table of Contents 
  Page No.
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 Unaudited   Unaudited  
($ in thousands, except share amounts) June 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
ASSETS  
  
  
  
Investments:  
  
  
  
Fixed income securities, held-to-maturity – at carrying value (fair value: $75,540 – 2017; $105,211 – 2016) $72,514
 101,556
Fixed income securities, available-for-sale – at fair value (amortized cost: $4,923,005 – 2017; $4,753,759 – 2016) 5,018,722
 4,792,540
Equity securities, available-for-sale – at fair value (cost: $131,463 – 2017; $120,889 – 2016) 161,694
 146,753
Fixed income securities, held-to-maturity – at carrying value (fair value: $43,373 – 2018; $44,100 – 2017) $42,016
 42,129
Fixed income securities, available-for-sale – at fair value (amortized cost: $5,153,737 – 2018; $5,076,716 – 2017) 5,137,653
 5,162,522
Equity securities – at fair value (cost: $150,638 – 2018; $143,811 – 2017) 176,578
 182,705
Short-term investments (at cost which approximates fair value) 133,706
 221,701
 164,118
 165,555
Other investments 116,411
 102,397
 145,203
 132,268
Total investments (Note 4 and 6) 5,503,047

5,364,947
 5,665,568

5,685,179
Cash 8,628
 458
 4,876
 534
Restricted cash 11,604
 44,176
Interest and dividends due or accrued 40,231
 40,164
 40,978
 40,897
Premiums receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of: $6,627 – 2017; $5,980 – 2016 764,340
 681,611
Reinsurance recoverable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of: $5,200 – 2017; $5,500 – 2016 601,887
 621,537
Premiums receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of: $10,100 – 2018; $10,000 – 2017 821,173
 747,029
Reinsurance recoverable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of: $4,700 – 2018; $4,600 – 2017 544,979
 594,832
Prepaid reinsurance premiums 151,898
 146,282
 157,561
 153,493
Current federal income tax 
 2,486
 
 3,243
Deferred federal income tax 60,388
 84,840
 51,615
 31,990
Property and equipment – at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of:
$206,847 – 2017; $198,729 – 2016
 66,255
 69,576
Property and equipment – at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of:
$220,874 – 2018; $213,227 – 2017
 62,731
 63,959
Deferred policy acquisition costs 234,903
 222,564
 248,467
 235,055
Goodwill 7,849
 7,849
 7,849
 7,849
Other assets 88,778
 113,534
 88,272
 78,195
Total assets $7,528,204
 7,355,848
 $7,705,673
 7,686,431
        
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  
  
  
  
Liabilities:  
  
  
  
Reserve for losses and loss expenses (Note 8) $3,731,221
 3,691,719
Reserve for loss and loss expense (Note 8) $3,804,365
 3,771,240
Unearned premiums 1,352,068
 1,262,819
 1,436,855
 1,349,644
Long-term debt 438,894
 438,667
 439,331
 439,116
Current federal income tax 2,104
 
 5,090
 
Accrued salaries and benefits 103,177
 132,880
 85,372
 131,850
Other liabilities 248,184
 298,393
 236,505
 281,624
Total liabilities $5,875,648
 5,824,478
 $6,007,518
 5,973,474
        
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: 102,150,866 – 2017; 101,620,436 – 2016 204,302
 203,241
Issued: 102,729,946 – 2018; 102,284,564 – 2017 205,460
 204,569
Additional paid-in capital 359,982
 347,295
 381,641
 367,717
Retained earnings 1,641,820
 1,568,881
 1,779,928
 1,698,613
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 11) 24,497
 (15,950)
Treasury stock – at cost
(shares: 43,788,147 – 2017; 43,653,237 – 2016)
 (578,045) (572,097)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (Note 11) (84,517) 20,170
Treasury stock – at cost
(shares: 43,894,894 – 2018; 43,789,442 – 2017)
 (584,357) (578,112)
Total stockholders’ equity $1,652,556
 1,531,370
 $1,698,155
 1,712,957
Commitments and contingencies 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $7,528,204
 7,355,848
 $7,705,673
 7,686,431

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

SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30, Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands, except per share amounts) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
Revenues:  
  
      
  
    
Net premiums earned $568,030
 531,932
 1,128,884
 1,054,390
 $604,836
 568,030
 1,196,664
 1,128,884
Net investment income earned 41,430
 31,182
 78,849
 61,951
 45,553
 41,430
 88,784
 78,849
Net realized gains (losses):  
  
    
Net realized investment gains 2,951
 2,314
 5,381
 3,203
Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains:  
  
    
Net realized investment gains on disposals 54
 2,951
 4,785
 5,381
Other-than-temporary impairments (1,211) (559) (4,686) (4,152) (2,821) (1,211) (4,033) (4,686)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed income securities recognized in other comprehensive income (6) 10
 (6) 10
 
 (6) 
 (6)
Total net realized gains (losses) 1,734
 1,765
 689
 (939)
Unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities 1,115
 
 (12,953) 
Total net realized and unrealized (losses) gains (1,652) 1,734
 (12,201) 689
Other income 3,291
 3,868
 6,532
 4,819
 3,179
 3,291
 5,358
 6,532
Total revenues 614,485
 568,747
 1,214,954
 1,120,221
 651,916
 614,485
 1,278,605
 1,214,954
                
Expenses:  
  
      
  
    
Losses and loss expenses incurred 341,559
 298,479
 659,031
 595,623
Policy acquisition costs 196,824
 190,731
 393,052
 373,958
Loss and loss expense incurred 366,328
 341,559
 751,269
 659,031
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 122,661
 116,578
 243,754
 231,928
Other insurance expenses 80,994
 82,874
 164,234
 164,925
Interest expense 6,081
 5,620
 12,187
 11,226
 6,125
 6,081
 12,277
 12,187
Other expenses 11,092
 11,606
 24,181
 25,228
Corporate expenses 3,283
 8,464
 14,615
 20,380
Total expenses 555,556
 506,436
 1,088,451
 1,006,035
 579,391
 555,556
 1,186,149
 1,088,451
                
Income before federal income tax 58,929
 62,311
 126,503
 114,186
 72,525
 58,929
 92,456
 126,503
                
Federal income tax expense:  
  
      
  
    
Current 17,785
 18,318
 32,058
 32,402
 12,782
 17,785
 13,215
 32,058
Deferred (282) 392
 2,579
 1,151
 924
 (282) 1,497
 2,579
Total federal income tax expense 17,503
 18,710
 34,637
 33,553
 13,706
 17,503
 14,712
 34,637
                
Net income $41,426
 43,601
 91,866
 80,633
 $58,819
 41,426
 77,744
 91,866
                
Earnings per share:  
  
      
  
    
Basic net income $0.71
 0.75
 1.57
 1.40
 $1.00
 0.71
 1.32
 1.57
                
Diluted net income $0.70
 0.74
 1.55
 1.38
 $0.99
 0.70
 1.30
 1.55
                
Dividends to stockholders $0.16
 0.15
 0.32
 0.30
 $0.18
 0.16
 0.36
 0.32
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. 
 


SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30, Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net income $41,426
 43,601
 91,866
 80,633
 $58,819
 41,426
 77,744
 91,866
                
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:  
  
    
Unrealized gains on investment securities:  
  
    
Unrealized holding gains arising during period 23,326
 36,188
 40,087
 78,917
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:  
  
    
Unrealized (losses) gains on investment securities:  
  
    
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period (18,955) 23,326
 (86,353) 40,087
Non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive income 4
 (6) 4
 (6) 
 4
 
 4
Amounts reclassified into net income:                
Held-to-maturity securities (28) (12) (60) (59) (6) (28) (16) (60)
Realized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities (1,225) (1,145) (244) 609
Total unrealized gains on investment securities 22,077
 35,025
 39,787
 79,461
Realized losses (gains) on disposals of available-for-sale securities 2,267
 (1,225) 5,861
 (244)
Total unrealized (losses) gains on investment securities (16,694) 22,077
 (80,508) 39,787
                
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:  
  
      
  
    
Amounts reclassified into net income:                
Net actuarial loss 330
 985
 660
 1,971
 420
 330
 840
 660
Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans 330
 985
 660
 1,971
 420
 330
 840
 660
Other comprehensive income 22,407
 36,010
 40,447
 81,432
Comprehensive income $63,833
 79,611
 132,313
 162,065
Other comprehensive (loss) income (16,274) 22,407
 (79,668) 40,447
Comprehensive income (loss) $42,545
 63,833
 (1,924) 132,313
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
 


SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 Six Months ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands, except per share amounts) 2017 2016 2018 2017
Common stock:  
  
  
  
Beginning of year $203,241
 201,723
 $204,569
 203,241
Dividend reinvestment plan (shares: 15,419 – 2017; 20,808 – 2016) 31
 42
Stock purchase and compensation plans (shares: 515,011 – 2017; 569,034 – 2016) 1,030
 1,138
Dividend reinvestment plan (shares: 12,373 – 2018; 15,419 – 2017) 25
 31
Stock purchase and compensation plans (shares: 433,009 – 2018; 515,011 – 2017) 866
 1,030
End of period 204,302
 202,903
 205,460
 204,302
        
Additional paid-in capital:  
  
  
  
Beginning of year 347,295
 326,656
 367,717
 347,295
Dividend reinvestment plan 693
 696
 686
 693
Stock purchase and compensation plans 11,994
 12,757
 13,238
 11,994
End of period 359,982
 340,109
 381,641
 359,982
        
Retained earnings:  
  
  
  
Beginning of year 1,568,881
 1,446,192
Beginning of year, as previously reported 1,698,613
 1,568,881
Cumulative effect adjustment due to adoption of equity security guidance, net of tax (Note 2) 30,726
 
Cumulative effect adjustment due to adoption of stranded deferred tax guidance (Note 2) (5,707) 
Balance at beginning of year, as adjusted 1,723,632
 1,568,881
Net income 91,866
 80,633
 77,744
 91,866
Dividends to stockholders ($0.32 per share – 2017; $0.30 per share – 2016) (18,927) (17,583)
Dividends to stockholders ($0.36 per share – 2018; $0.32 per share – 2017) (21,448) (18,927)
End of period 1,641,820
 1,509,242
 1,779,928
 1,641,820
        
Accumulated other comprehensive income:  
  
Beginning of year (15,950) (9,425)
Other comprehensive income 40,447
 81,432
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:  
  
Beginning of year, as previously reported 20,170
 (15,950)
Cumulative effect adjustment due to adoption of equity security guidance, net of tax (Note 2) (30,726) 
Cumulative effect adjustment due to adoption of stranded deferred tax guidance (Note 2) 5,707
 
Balance at beginning of year, as adjusted (4,849) (15,950)
Other comprehensive (loss) income (79,668) 40,447
End of period 24,497
 72,007
 (84,517) 24,497
        
Treasury stock:  
  
  
  
Beginning of year (572,097) (567,105) (578,112) (572,097)
Acquisition of treasury stock (shares: 134,910 – 2017; 138,007 – 2016) (5,948) (4,419)
Acquisition of treasury stock (shares: 105,452 – 2018; 134,910 – 2017) (6,245) (5,948)
End of period (578,045) (571,524) (584,357) (578,045)
Total stockholders’ equity $1,652,556
 1,552,737
 $1,698,155
 1,652,556
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. also has authorized, but not issued, 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, without par value, of which 300,000 shares have been
designated Series A junior preferred stock, without par value.
  
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
 


SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 Six Months ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 2018 2017
Operating Activities  
  
  
  
Net income $91,866
 80,633
 $77,744
 91,866
        
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
  
  
  
Depreciation and amortization 25,409
 30,155
 21,771
 25,409
Stock-based compensation expense 8,372
 7,203
 9,636
 8,372
Undistributed (gains) losses of equity method investments (3,575) 1,677
Undistributed gains of equity method investments (1,628) (3,584)
Distributions in excess of current year income of equity method investments 1,450
 552
Loss on disposal of fixed assets 998
 
 29
 998
Net realized (gains) losses (689) 939
Net realized and unrealized losses (gains) 12,201
 (689)
        
Changes in assets and liabilities:  
  
  
  
Increase in reserve for losses and loss expenses, net of reinsurance recoverable 59,152
 41,986
Increase in reserve for loss and loss expense, net of reinsurance recoverable 82,978
 59,152
Increase in unearned premiums, net of prepaid reinsurance 83,633
 89,109
 83,143
 83,633
Decrease in net federal income taxes 7,263
 2,380
 9,887
 7,263
Increase in premiums receivable (82,729) (91,391) (74,144) (82,729)
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs (12,339) (15,395) (13,412) (12,339)
Increase in interest and dividends due or accrued (204) (1,030)
Decrease (increase) in interest and dividends due or accrued 2
 (204)
Decrease in accrued salaries and benefits (29,703) (48,603) (46,478) (29,703)
Decrease (increase) in other assets 24,953
 (3,877)
Increase in other assets (6,550) (3,862)
Decrease in other liabilities (48,684) (34,659) (64,372) (48,684)
Net cash provided by operating activities 123,723
 59,127
 92,257
 95,451
        
Investing Activities  
  
  
  
Purchase of fixed income securities, held-to-maturity 
 (4,235) (3,650) 
Purchase of fixed income securities, available-for-sale (1,194,142) (411,538) (1,331,607) (1,194,142)
Purchase of equity securities, available-for-sale (22,115) (16,796)
Purchase of equity securities (46,402) (22,115)
Purchase of other investments (22,121) (17,734) (26,032) (22,121)
Purchase of short-term investments (2,259,305) (691,496) (1,462,238) (2,259,305)
Sale of fixed income securities, available-for-sale 717,072
 22,114
 938,276
 717,072
Sale of short-term investments 2,348,892
 680,865
 1,463,726
 2,348,892
Redemption and maturities of fixed income securities, held-to-maturity 28,730
 44,615
 3,654
 28,730
Redemption and maturities of fixed income securities, available-for-sale 300,430
 264,244
 311,590
 300,430
Sale of equity securities, available-for-sale 6,289
 83,793
Sale of equity securities 43,590
 6,289
Sale of other investments 3,497
 
Distributions from other investments 9,843
 13,380
 15,927
 9,300
Purchase of property and equipment (7,047) (8,187) (6,733) (7,047)
Net cash used in investing activities (93,474) (40,975) (96,402) (94,017)
        
Financing Activities  
  
  
  
Dividends to stockholders (17,922) (16,569) (20,437) (17,922)
Acquisition of treasury stock (5,948) (4,419) (6,245) (5,948)
Net proceeds from stock purchase and compensation plans 4,045
 4,368
 3,930
 4,045
Proceeds from borrowings 64,000
 55,000
 130,000
 64,000
Repayments of borrowings (64,000) (55,000) (130,000) (64,000)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements 
 1,761
Repayments of capital lease obligations (2,254) (2,661) (1,333) (2,254)
Net cash used in financing activities (22,079) (17,520) (24,085) (22,079)
Net increase in cash 8,170
 632
Cash, beginning of year 458
 898
Cash, end of period $8,628
 1,530
Net decrease in cash and restricted cash (28,230) (20,645)
Cash and restricted cash, beginning of year 44,710
 37,405
Cash and restricted cash, end of period $16,480
 16,760
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1. Basis of Presentation
As used herein, the "Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refers to Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (the "Parent"), and its subsidiaries, except as expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires. Our interim unaudited consolidated financial statements (“Financial Statements”) have been prepared by us in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting. The preparation of the Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported financial statement balances, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions between the Parent and its subsidiaries are eliminated in consolidation.

Certain amounts in our prior years' Financial Statements and related notes have been reclassified to conform to the 2018 presentation. Specifically, we reclassified restricted cash balances related to our participation in the National Flood Insurance Program ("NFIP") from other assets in our consolidated balance sheet into a separate line item on the face of that statement. Additionally, refer to Note 2. "Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements" below for a discussion of the retroactive restatements that are included in these financial statements in relation to the adoption of new accounting pronouncements for the treatment of restricted cash and distributions from equity method investments on the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Our Financial Statements reflect all adjustments that, in our opinion, are normal, recurring, and necessary for a fair presentation of our results of operations and financial condition. Our Financial Statements cover the second quarters ended June 30, 2018 (“Second Quarter 2018”) and June 30, 2017 (“Second Quarter 2017”) and June 30, 2016 (“Second Quarter 2016”) and the six-month periods ended June 30, 2018 ("Six Months 2018") and June 30, 2017 ("Six Months 2017") and June 30, 2016 ("Six Months 2016"). The Financial Statements do not include all of the information and disclosures required by GAAP and the SEC for audited annual financial statements. Results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. Consequently, our Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162017 (“20162017 Annual ReportReport”) filed with the SEC.

NOTE 2. Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements 
In MarchJanuary 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting StandardStandards 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 on January 1, 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 $0.4 million in Second Quarter 2017 and $3.3 million in Six Months 2017 related to stock grants that have vested this year.

In recording share-based compensation expense, ASU 2016-09 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.

The standard 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 variable interest entity ("VIE") held under common control in making the primary beneficiary determination. ASU 2016-17 was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual periods. The adoption of ASU 2016-17 did not impact us, as we are not the decision maker in any of the VIEs in which we are invested.

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 investmentssecurities held in our investment portfolio 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.

We adopted ASU 2016-01 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. Our adoptionin the first quarter of this guidance will require2018 and recognized a $30.7 million cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet asopening balances of January 1, 2018 in an amount equal toaccumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") and retained earnings, which represents the after-tax net unrealized gain or loss on our equity portfolio as of year-endDecember 31, 2017. IfAdditionally, beginning in the first quarter of 2018, changes in unrealized gains or losses on this guidance had been adopted asportfolio are no longer recorded to AOCI, but are instead recognized in income through "Unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities" on our Consolidated Statements of the beginning of 2017, the cumulative-effect adjustment would have been approximately $17 millionIncome. See Note 4 (j) below for information regarding unrealized equity gains (losses) recognized in income in Second Quarter and we would have recognized additional after-tax net income of approximately $3 million or $0.05 per diluted share, reflecting the change in fair value during Six Months 2017.2018.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 requires all lessees to recognizeThere were two accounting updates that we adopted with 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 presentedtransition in the financial statements. While wefirst quarter of 2018 that related to our statements of cash flows. These accounting updates impacted our categorization of distributions from equity method investees (ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments ("ASU 2016-15")) and the presentation of restricted cash (ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash ("ASU 2016-18")). These ASUs are currently evaluating ASU 2016-02, we do not expectdiscussed below and the discussions are followed with 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 receivables. 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 evaluatingtable presenting the impact of this guidance on our financial condition and results of operations.the prior period restatements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement2016-15. As mentioned above, this ASU adds guidance on the categorization of Cash Flows (“ASU 2016-15”).distributions from equity method investees within the statement of cash flows. In accordance with this guidance, we made an accounting policy election to classify these distributions using the cumulative earnings approach. This election resulted in a restatement to operating and investing cash flows as outlined in the table below. ASU 2016-15 addsalso added or clarifiesclarified guidance on the cash flow 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)(iii) separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. ASU 2016-15 is effectiveThe updated guidance for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating thethese topics did not impact of this guidance on our statement of cash flows.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash ("ASU 2016-18").2016-18. ASU 2016-18 requires that restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents to 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 ofcontaining cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash. ASU 2016-18 is effective, with retrospective adoption, for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. We currently have restricted cash associated withrelated to our participation in the National Flood Insurance Program ("NFIP")NFIP, which we had previously reported as part of "Other assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Beginning in "Other assets." This literature will impact the presentationfirst quarter of this2018, we are reporting restricted cash in its own line item in bothon the Consolidated Balance Sheets to aid in the reconciliation of the amounts presented on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We have also restated prior year balances on the Consolidated Balance Sheets to conform to the current year presentation.

The adoption of this guidance resulted in a restatement of operating cash flows in Six Months 2017 to remove the impact of the change in restricted cash from operating activities and include the restricted cash balance in the reconciliation of beginning and ending cash balances on the Statements of Cash Flows. In addition, we have included the required reconciliation in Note 3. "Statements of Cash Flows" below.

ASU 2016-15 and ASU 2016-18 resulted in the following line item restatements within operating and investing cash flows on the Statements of Cash Flows:
  June 30, 2017
(in thousands) Prior to Adoption After Adoption
Undistributed gains of equity method investments (3,575) (3,584)
Distributions in excess of current year income of equity method investments 
 552
Decrease (increase) in other assets 24,953
 (3,862)
Net cash provided by operating activities 123,723
 95,451
     
Distributions from other investments 9,843
 9,300
Net cash used in investing activities (93,474) (94,017)

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 do not expect a materialadopted ASU 2017-04 in the first quarter of 2018 and it had no impact on our financial condition or results of operations from the adoption of this guidance.us.

In March 2017,February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07,2018-02, Compensation-Retirement Benefits:Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit CostIncome Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income ("ASU 2017-07"2018-02"). ASU 2017-07 requires2018-02 allows a one-time reclassification from AOCI to retained earnings for the stranded tax assets that an employer report a pension plan's service costwere created in AOCI from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("Tax Reform"). We adopted ASU 2018-02 in the same line item or line items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by pertinent employees duringfirst quarter of 2018 and recognized a $5.7 million cumulative-effect adjustment for the period. ASU 2017-07 also requires that other components of net benefit cost be presenteddeferred tax charge to income in the income statement separatelyfourth quarter of 2017 that was associated with net unrealized gains on our investment portfolio and pension plan resulting from the service cost component. If a separate line item or items are not used, the line item or items usedenactment of Tax Reform.

Pronouncements to be effective in the income statementfuture
In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to presentNonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2018-07"). The amendments in ASU 2018-07 expand the other componentsscope of net benefit cost must be disclosed.Topic 718 to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. ASU 2017-072018-07 is effective for annual periodsfiscal years 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 ceased accruing additional service fee costs at that time. Therefore, the application of this guidance is not anticipated to impact our financial condition, results of operations, or disclosures.
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 periods2018, and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with earlyfiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. This ASU does notWe are currently evaluating the 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. The adoption of this guidance is not anticipated to impact us, as we currently record modifications in accordance with this ASU.on our financial condition and results of operations.

NOTE 3. Statements of Cash Flows
Supplemental cash flow information was as follows:
  Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016
Cash paid during the period for:  
  
Interest $11,963
 10,986
Federal income tax 27,000
 29,000
     
Non-cash items:    
Exchange of fixed income securities, AFS 1,029
 17,702
Corporate actions related to equity securities, AFS1
 
 3,032
Assets acquired under capital lease arrangements 278
 2,999
Non-cash purchase of property and equipment 
 577
1Examples of such corporate actions include non-cash acquisitions and stock splits.
  Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2018 2017
Cash paid (refunded) during the period for:  
  
Interest $12,064
 11,963
Federal income tax 4,193
 27,000
     
Non-cash items:    
Exchange of fixed income securities, AFS 32,101
 1,029
Non-cash acquisition of fixed income securities, AFS 32
 
Assets acquired under capital lease arrangements 
 278
Non-cash purchase of property and equipment 18
 

Included in "Other assets" onThe following table provides a reconciliation of cash and restricted cash reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheets was $8.1 million at June 30, 2017 and $8.9 million at June 30, 2016that equate to the amount reported in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
($ in thousands) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Cash $4,876
 534
Restricted cash 11,604
 44,176
Total cash and restricted cash shown in the Statements of Cash Flows $16,480
 44,710

Amounts included in restricted cash represent cash received from the NFIP, which is restricted to pay flood claims under the Write Your Own ("WYO") program.Program.

NOTE 4. Investments
(a) Information regarding our held-to-maturity ("HTM") fixed income securities as of June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017 was as follows:
June 30, 2017            
June 30, 2018            
($ in thousands) 
Amortized
Cost
 
Net
 Unrealized Gains
 (Losses)
 
Carrying
Value
 
Unrecognized
 Holding
Gains
 
Unrecognized Holding
 Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Net
 Unrealized Gains
 (Losses)
 
Carrying
Value
 
Unrecognized
 Holding
Gains
 
Unrecognized Holding
 Losses
 
Fair
Value
Obligations of states and political subdivisions $53,734
 185
 53,919
 1,703
 
 55,622
 $22,490
 49
 22,539
 721
 
 23,260
Corporate securities 18,714
 (119) 18,595
 1,323
 
 19,918
 19,567
 (90) 19,477
 761
 (125) 20,113
Total HTM fixed income securities $72,448
 66
 72,514
 3,026
 
 75,540
 $42,057
 (41) 42,016
 1,482
 (125) 43,373
December 31, 2016            
December 31, 2017            
($ in thousands) 
Amortized
Cost
 
Net
 Unrealized Gains
 (Losses)
 
Carrying
Value
 
Unrecognized
 Holding
Gains
 
Unrecognized Holding
 Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Net
 Unrealized Gains
 (Losses)
 
Carrying
Value
 
Unrecognized
 Holding
Gains
 
Unrecognized Holding
 Losses
 
Fair
Value
Obligations of states and political subdivisions $77,466
 317
 77,783
 2,133
 
 79,916
 $25,154
 84
 25,238
 1,023
 
 26,261
Corporate securities 22,711
 (143) 22,568
 1,665
 (158) 24,075
 16,996
 (105) 16,891
 1,003
 (55) 17,839
Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") 1,220
 (15) 1,205
 15
 
 1,220
Total HTM fixed income securities $101,397
 159
 101,556
 3,813
 (158) 105,211
 $42,150
 (21) 42,129
 2,026
 (55) 44,100
 
Unrecognized holding gains and losses of HTM securities are not reflected in the Financial Statements, as they represent fair value fluctuations from the later of: (i) the date a security is designated as HTM; or (ii) the date that an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) charge is recognized on an HTM security, through the date of the balance sheet.


(b) Information regarding our AFS securities as of June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017 was as follows:
June 30, 2018        
($ in thousands) 
Cost/
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
AFS fixed income securities:        
U.S. government and government agencies $39,368
 291
 (763) 38,896
Foreign government 18,024
 87
 (129) 17,982
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 1,240,487
 17,622
 (4,442) 1,253,667
Corporate securities 1,630,998
 6,617
 (23,131) 1,614,484
Collateralized loan obligations and other asset-backed securities ("CLO and other ABS") 768,466
 4,948
 (1,817) 771,597
Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") 457,344
 258
 (6,009) 451,593
Residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) 999,050
 2,726
 (12,342) 989,434
Total AFS securities $5,153,737
 32,549
 (48,633) 5,137,653
June 30, 2017        
December 31, 2017        
($ in thousands) 
Cost/
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Cost/
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
AFS fixed income securities:                
U.S. government and government agencies $66,932
 1,103
 (32) 68,003
 $49,326
 647
 (233) 49,740
Foreign government 18,157
 557
 
 18,714
 18,040
 526
 (11) 18,555
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 1,360,211
 45,641
 (1,086) 1,404,766
 1,539,307
 44,245
 (582) 1,582,970
Corporate securities 1,782,993
 39,041
 (524) 1,821,510
 1,588,339
 30,891
 (1,762) 1,617,468
Collateralized loan obligations and other asset-backed securities ("CLO and other ABS") 698,594
 4,108
 (178) 702,524
CLO and other ABS 789,152
 6,508
 (202) 795,458
CMBS 277,320
 2,128
 (243) 279,205
 382,727
 1,563
 (841) 383,449
Residential mortgage-backed
securities (“RMBS”)
 718,798
 6,068
 (866) 724,000
RMBS 709,825
 6,487
 (1,430) 714,882
Total AFS fixed income securities 4,923,005
 98,646
 (2,929) 5,018,722
 5,076,716
 90,867
 (5,061) 5,162,522
AFS equity securities:                
Common stock 115,315
 30,108
 (987) 144,436
 129,696
 38,287
 (226) 167,757
Preferred stock 16,148
 1,110
 
 17,258
 14,115
 904
 (71) 14,948
Total AFS equity securities 131,463
 31,218
 (987) 161,694
 143,811
 39,191
 (297) 182,705
Total AFS securities $5,054,468
 129,864
 (3,916) 5,180,416
 $5,220,527
 130,058
 (5,358) 5,345,227

December 31, 2016        
($ in thousands) 
Cost/
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
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 OTTIother-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") charge is recognized on an AFS security, through the date of the balance sheet. These unrealized gains and losses are recorded in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" ("AOCI")AOCI on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of the first quarter of 2018, equity securities are no longer required to be included in the table above with the adoption of new accounting guidance through which unrealized gains and losses on equity securities are no longer recognized in AOCI, but are instead recognized through income. Refer to Note 2. "Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements" for additional information regarding the adoption of ASU 2016-01.
  
(c) The severity of impairment on securities in an unrealized/unrecognized loss position averaged approximately 1% of amortized cost at both June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016.2017. Quantitative information regarding unrealized losses on our AFS portfolio is provided below. Our HTM portfolio had $0.3 million of unrealized/unrecognized losses at June 30, 2018, and $0.1 million of unrealized/unrecognized losses at December 31, 2017.
June 30, 2017 Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
June 30, 2018 Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
($ in thousands) Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses1
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses1
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
1
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses1
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses1
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
1
AFS fixed income securities:  
  
  
  
      
  
  
  
    
U.S. government and government agencies $12,670
 (32) 
 
 12,670
 (32) $28,005
 (763) 
 
 28,005
 (763)
Foreign government 7,740
 (129) 
 
 7,740
 (129)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 107,387
 (1,086) 
 
 107,387
 (1,086) 342,653
 (4,316) 3,422
 (126) 346,075
 (4,442)
Corporate securities 72,991
 (517) 2,531
 (7) 75,522
 (524) 1,147,312
 (22,989) 2,762
 (142) 1,150,074
 (23,131)
CLO and other ABS 156,406
 (178) 
 
 156,406
 (178) 427,307
 (1,813) 774
 (4) 428,081
 (1,817)
CMBS 42,671
 (243) 
 
 42,671
 (243) 378,523
 (6,009) 
 
 378,523
 (6,009)
RMBS 179,293
 (860) 449
 (6) 179,742
 (866) 739,217
 (11,962) 10,895
 (380) 750,112
 (12,342)
Total AFS fixed income securities 571,418
 (2,916) 2,980
 (13) 574,398
 (2,929)
AFS equity securities:            
Common stock 18,423
 (987) 
 
 18,423
 (987)
Total AFS equity securities 18,423
 (987) 
 
 18,423
 (987)
Total AFS $589,841
 (3,903) 2,980
 (13) 592,821
 (3,916)
Total AFS securities $3,070,757
 (47,981) 17,853
 (652) 3,088,610
 (48,633)


December 31, 2016 Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
December 31, 2017 Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
($ in thousands) 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses1
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses1
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
1
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses1
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses1
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
1
AFS fixed income securities:  
  
  
  
      
  
  
  
    
U.S. government and government agencies $6,419
 (36) 
 
 6,419
 (36) $23,516
 (233) 250
 
 23,766
 (233)
Foreign government 13,075
 (16) 
 
 13,075
 (16) 1,481
 (11) 
 
 1,481
 (11)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 306,509
 (5,304) 
 
 306,509
 (5,304) 107,514
 (422) 14,139
 (160) 121,653
 (582)
Corporate securities 462,902
 (5,771) 4,913
 (89) 467,815
 (5,860) 238,326
 (1,744) 3,228
 (18) 241,554
 (1,762)
CLO and other ABS 189,795
 (354) 319
 (1) 190,114
 (355) 74,977
 (196) 1,655
 (6) 76,632
 (202)
CMBS 82,492
 (1,021) 1,645
 (7) 84,137
 (1,028) 154,267
 (773) 5,214
 (68) 159,481
 (841)
RMBS 279,480
 (2,489) 8,749
 (309) 288,229
 (2,798) 269,485
 (1,285) 11,200
 (145) 280,685
 (1,430)
Total AFS fixed income securities 1,340,672
 (14,991) 15,626
 (406) 1,356,298
 (15,397) 869,566
 (4,664) 35,686
 (397) 905,252
 (5,061)
AFS equity securities:                        
Common stock 11,271
 (305) 
 
 11,271
 (305) 4,727
 (226) 
 
 4,727
 (226)
Preferred stock 6,168
 (355) 
 
 6,168
 (355) 3,833
 (71) 
 
 3,833
 (71)
Total AFS equity securities 17,439
 (660) 
 
 17,439
 (660) 8,560
 (297) 
 
 8,560
 (297)
Total AFS $1,358,111
 (15,651) 15,626
 (406) 1,373,737
 (16,057) $878,126
 (4,961) 35,686
 (397) 913,812
 (5,358)
  1 Gross unrealized losses include non-OTTI unrealized amounts and OTTI losses recognized in AOCI. 

The increase in the less than 12 months unrealized loss position was driven by higher interest rates, with a 65-basis point increase in 2-year U.S. Treasury Note yields and a 45-basis point increase in the 10-year U.S. Treasury Note yields during Six Months 2018. We do not intend to sell any of the securities in the tables above, nor dowill we believe we will be required to sell any of these securities. We have also reviewedConsidering these factors, and in accordance with our review of these securities under our OTTI policy, as described in Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” within Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 20162017 Annual Report,, and we have concluded that they are temporarily impaired. This conclusion reflects our current judgment as to the financial position and future prospects of the entity that issued the investment security and underlying collateral.
 
(d) Fixed income securities at June 30, 20172018, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") are included in the maturity tables using the estimated average life of each security. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations, with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
Listed below are the contractual maturities of fixed income securities at June 30, 20172018:
 AFS HTM AFS HTM
($ in thousands) Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value
Due in one year or less $306,493
 34,521
 34,898
 $186,138
 8,309
 8,383
Due after one year through five years 2,095,055
 29,648
 31,498
 2,034,623
 27,160
 28,544
Due after five years through 10 years 2,379,624
 8,345
 9,144
 2,733,420
 6,547
 6,446
Due after 10 years 237,550
 
 
 183,472
 
 
Total fixed income securities $5,018,722
 72,514
 75,540
 $5,137,653
 42,016
 43,373
  
(e) We evaluate the alternative investments and tax credit investments included in our other investments portfolio to determine whether those investments are 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 lacks 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 determined that the investments in our other investment portfolio are VIEs, but that we are not the primary beneficiary and therefore, consolidation is not required.


The following table summarizes our other investment portfolio by strategy:
Other Investments June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
($ in thousands) Carrying Value Remaining Commitment 
Maximum Exposure to Loss1
 Carrying Value Remaining Commitment 
Maximum Exposure to Loss1
 Carrying Value Remaining Commitment 
Maximum Exposure to Loss1
 Carrying Value Remaining Commitment 
Maximum Exposure to Loss1
Alternative Investments  
  
          
  
        
Private equity $46,945
 76,027
 122,972
 41,135
 76,774
 117,909
 $59,681
 110,833
 170,514
 52,251
 99,026
 151,277
Private credit 29,942
 57,391
 87,333
 28,193
 40,613
 68,806
 40,916
 89,757
 130,673
 37,743
 94,959
 132,702
Real assets 20,783
 31,237
 52,020
 14,486
 22,899
 37,385
 23,430
 36,588
 60,018
 25,379
 27,014
 52,393
Total alternative investments 97,670
 164,655
 262,325
 83,814
 140,286
 224,100
 124,027
 237,178
 361,205
 115,373
 220,999
 336,372
Other securities 18,741
 
 18,741
 18,583
 3,400
 21,983
 21,176
 
 21,176
 16,895
 
 16,895
Total other investments $116,411
 164,655
 281,066
 102,397
 143,686
 246,083
 $145,203
 237,178
 382,381
 132,268
 220,999
 353,267
1The maximum exposure to loss includes both the carry 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. 


We do not have a future obligation to fund losses or debts on behalf of the investments above; 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 20172018 or 2016.2017.

For a description of our alternative investment strategies, as well as information regarding redemption, restrictions, and fund liquidations, refer to Note 5. “Investments” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2016 Annual Report.
The following table sets forth gross summarized financial information for our other investments portfolio, including the portion not owned by us. The majority of these investments are carried under the equity method of accounting. The last line of the table below reflects our share of the aggregate income or loss, which is the portion included in our Financial Statements. As the majority of these investments report results to us on a one quarter lag, the summarized financial statement information for the threethree- and six-month periods ended March 31 is included in our Second Quarter and Six Months results. This information is as follows:
Income Statement Information Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in millions) 2017
2016 2017 2016
Net investment (loss) income $(9.9)
(4.6) (62.4) 37.0
Realized gains (70.2)
193.2
 (304.3) 981.1
Net change in unrealized depreciation 1,418.5

(253.9) 1,890.0
 (1,236.5)
Net gain $1,338.4

(65.3) 1,523.3
 (218.4)
Selective’s insurance subsidiaries’ other investments gain (loss) $5.2

(0.6) 6.8
 (1.7)
Income Statement Information Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net investment loss $(6.4)
(88.0) (41.8) (62.4)
Realized gains (losses) 629.5

(69.2) 1,223.5
 (304.3)
Net change in unrealized (depreciation) appreciation (1,200.2)
1,328.5
 (738.6) 1,890.0
Net (loss) gain $(577.1)
1,171.3
 443.1
 1,523.3
Selective’s insurance subsidiaries’ alternative investments gain $1.9
 5.2
 3.5
 6.8
 
(f) 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 June 30, 20172018 to comply with insurance laws. We retain all rights regarding all securities pledged as collateral.

The following table summarizes the market value of these securities at June 30, 2017:2018:
($ in millions) FHLBI Collateral FHLBNY Collateral State and Regulatory Deposits Total FHLBI Collateral FHLBNY Collateral State and Regulatory Deposits Total
U.S. government and government agencies $3.1
 
 23.9
 27.0
 $
 
 22.3
 22.3
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 
 
 2.0
 2.0
 
 
 3.1
 3.1
CMBS 3.6
 4.8
 
 8.4
 7.2
 9.6
 
 16.8
RMBS 60.6
 51.9
 
 112.5
 58.2
 79.8
 
 138.0
Total pledged as collateral $67.3
 56.7
 25.9

149.9
 $65.4
 89.4
 25.4

180.2
 
(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-backed investments, as of June 30, 20172018 or December 31, 2016.

2017.

(h) The components of pre-tax net investment income earned were as follows:
 Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30, Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
Fixed income securities $37,668

31,753
 $74,559
 63,397
 $43,774

37,668
 $85,815
 74,559
Equity securities 1,419

2,204
 2,887
 4,434
 1,820

1,419
 3,797
 2,887
Short-term investments 377

142
 627
 301
 611

377
 1,134
 627
Other investments 5,231

(611) 6,834
 (1,677) 2,094

5,231
 3,657
 6,834
Investment expenses (3,265)
(2,306) (6,058) (4,504) (2,746)
(3,265) (5,619) (6,058)
Net investment income earned $41,430
 31,182
 $78,849
 61,951
 $45,553
 41,430
 $88,784
 78,849

(i) The following tables summarize OTTI by asset typecharges were $2.8 million and $1.2 million in Second Quarter 2018 and Second Quarter 2017, respectively, and $4.0 million and $4.7 million in Six Months 2018 and Six Months 2017, respectively. All of the OTTI charges in 2018 and a majority of the charges in 2017 were related to securities for which we had the periods indicated:
Second Quarter 2017 Gross  Included in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") Recognized in
Earnings
($ in thousands)    
AFS fixed income securities:      
U.S. government and government agencies $2
 
 2
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 239
 
 239
Corporate securities 381
 
 381
CLO and other ABS 62
 
 62
CMBS 220
 
 220
RMBS 71
 (6) 77
Total AFS fixed income securities 975
 (6) 981
AFS equity securities:      
Common stock 46
 
 46
Total AFS equity securities 46
 
 46
Other Investments 190
 
 190
Total OTTI losses $1,211
 $(6) $1,217
Second Quarter 2016 Gross  Included in OCI Recognized in
Earnings
($ in thousands)    
AFS fixed income securities:      
   Corporate securities $104
 
 104
   RMBS 98
 10
 88
Total AFS fixed income securities 202
 10
 192
AFS equity securities:      
Common stock 357
 
 357
Total AFS equity securities 357
 
 357
Total OTTI losses $559
 10
 549

Six Months 2017 Gross  Included in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") Recognized in
Earnings
($ in thousands)    
AFS fixed income securities:      
U.S. government and government agencies $31
 
 31
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 612
 
 612
Corporate securities 575
 
 575
CLO and other ABS 85
 
 85
CMBS 670
 
 670
RMBS 1,163
 (6) 1,169
Total AFS fixed income securities 3,136
 (6) 3,142
AFS equity securities:      
Common stock 1,360
 
 1,360
Total AFS equity securities 1,360
 
 1,360
Other Investments 190
 
 190
Total OTTI losses $4,686
 $(6) $4,692


Six Months 2016 Gross  Included in OCI Recognized in
Earnings
($ in thousands)    
AFS fixed income securities:      
   Corporate securities $1,077
 
 1,077
   RMBS 98
 10
 88
Total AFS fixed income securities 1,175
 10
 1,165
AFS equity securities:      
Common stock 2,974
 
 2,974
Preferred stock 3
 
 3
Total AFS equity securities 2,977
 
 2,977
Total OTTI losses $4,152
 10
 4,142

intent to sell, with each security type's charge not exceeding 1% of its fair value. For a discussion of our evaluation for OTTI, refer to Note 2. "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of our 20162017 Annual Report.


(j) Net realized and unrealized gains and losses (excluding OTTI charges) for Second Quarter and Six Months 2018 and 2017 included the following:
  Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net realized (losses) gains on the disposals of securities:        
Fixed income securities $(1,174) 2,606
 (4,509) 4,570
Equity securities 1,226
 350
 9,295
 350
Short-term investments 2
 
 (1) 
Other investments 
 (5) 
 461
Net realized gains on the disposal of securities 54
 2,951
 4,785
 5,381
OTTI charges (2,821) (1,217) (4,033) (4,692)
Net realized (losses) gains (2,767) 1,734
 752
 689
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized in income on equity securities1
 1,115
 
 (12,953) 
Total net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains $(1,652) 1,734
 $(12,201) 689
1Includes unrealized holding gains (losses) of: (i) $2.3 million in Second Quarter 2018 and $(2.7) million in Six Months 2018 on equity securities remaining in our portfolio as of June 30, 2018; and (ii) $(1.2) million in Second Quarter 2018 and $(10.3) million in Six Months 2018 on equity securities sold during the period.

(j) The components of net realized gains excluding OTTI charges,on disposals of securities for the periods indicated were as follows:
 Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30, Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
HTM fixed income securities                
Gains $44
 3
 44
 3
 $
 44
 2
 44
Losses 
 
 (1) (1) 
 
 
 (1)
AFS fixed income securities  
  
 

 

  
  
    
Gains 2,715
 365
 6,267
 985
 1,971
 2,715
 4,594
 6,267
Losses (153) (5) (1,740) (41) (3,145) (153) (9,105) (1,740)
AFS equity securities  
  
 

 

Equity securities  
  
    
Gains 1,226
 350
 9,625
 350
Losses 
 
 (330) 
Short-term investments        
Gains 350
 2,171
 350
 2,501
 2
 
 3
 2
Losses 
 (220) 
 (240) 
 
 (4) (2)
Other investments                
Gains 
 
 480
 
 
 
 
 480
Losses (5)

 (19) (4) 

(5) 
 (19)
Total net realized gains (excluding OTTI charges) $2,951

2,314
 5,381
 3,203
Total net realized gains on disposals of securities $54

2,951
 4,785
 5,381

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 $123.1 million and $88.7 millionNet realized gains in Second Quarter 2017 and Second Quarter 2016, respectively, and $723.4 million and $105.9 million in Six Months 2017 and Six Months 2016, respectively. This increase was2018 were primarily driven by opportunistic sales in our equity portfolio and higher trading volume in our fixed income securities portfolio related toportfolio. Proceeds from the recent hiringsales of new external investment managers.AFS fixed income securities were $262.9 million and $122.3 million in Second Quarter 2018 and Second Quarter 2017, respectively, and $938.3 million and $717.1 million in Six Months 2018 and Six Months 2017, respectively. Proceeds from the sales of equity securities were $2.9 million and $0.8 million in Second Quarter 2018 and Second Quarter 2017, respectively, and $43.6 million and $6.3 million in Six Months 2018 and Six Months 2017, respectively.

NOTE 5. Indebtedness
Our long-term debt balance has not changed materially since December 31, 2016.2017. However, on February 28, 2017, Selective Insurance Company of America ("SICA") borrowed $64 million inthe following short-term funds in the first quarter of 2018 from the FHLBNYFHLBNY:
On February 27, 2018, SICA borrowed $75 million at an interest rate of 0.75%1.75%. This borrowing was repaid on March 21, 2017.20, 2018; and
On March 28, 2018, SICA borrowed $55 million at an interest rate of 1.98%. This borrowing was repaid on April 18, 2018.

For detailed information on our indebtedness, see Note 10. "Indebtedness" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of our 20162017 Annual Report.

NOTE 6. Fair Value Measurements
Our financial assets are measured at fair value as disclosed on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair values of our long-term debt are provided in this footnote and the related carry values have improved since December 31, 2016, but notchanged by moreless than 5% in the aggregate.1% during Six Months 2018. For a discussion of the fair value and hierarchy of the techniques used to value our financial assets and liabilities, refer to Note 2. "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of our 20162017 Annual Report.


The following tables provide quantitative disclosures of our financial assets that were measured and recorded at fair value at June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016:2017:
June 30, 2017   Fair Value Measurements Using
June 30, 2018   Fair Value Measurements Using
($ in thousands) Assets
Measured at
Fair Value
at 6/30/2017
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets/
Liabilities (Level 1)1
 
Significant Other
 Observable
Inputs
 (Level 2)1
 
Significant Unobservable
 Inputs
 (Level 3)
 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 $68,003
 24,828
 43,175
 
 $38,896
 22,479
 16,417
 
Foreign government 18,714
 
 18,714
 
 17,982
 
 17,982
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 1,404,766
 
 1,404,766
 
 1,253,667
 
 1,253,667
 
Corporate securities 1,821,510
 
 1,821,510
 
 1,614,484
 
 1,614,484
 
CLO and other ABS 702,524
 
 702,524
 
 771,597
 
 768,408
 3,189
CMBS 279,205
 
 279,205
 
 451,593
 
 451,593
 
RMBS 724,000
 
 724,000
 
 989,434
 
 989,434
 
Total AFS fixed income securities 5,018,722
 24,828
 4,993,894
 
 5,137,653
 22,479
 5,111,985
 3,189
AFS equity securities:        
Common stock 144,436
 135,966
 
 8,470
Equity securities:        
Common stock2
 172,157
 145,038
 
 
Preferred stock 17,258
 17,258
 
 
 4,421
 4,421
 
 
Total AFS equity securities 161,694
 153,224
 
 8,470
Total AFS securities 5,180,416
 178,052
 4,993,894
 8,470
Total equity securities 176,578
 149,459
 
 
Short-term investments 133,706
 133,706
 
 
 164,118
 163,120
 998
 
Total assets measured at fair value $5,314,122
 311,758
 4,993,894

8,470
 $5,478,349
 335,058
 5,112,983

3,189
December 31, 2016   Fair Value Measurements Using
December 31, 2017   Fair Value Measurements Using
($ in thousands) Assets
Measured at
Fair Value
at 12/31/2016
 
Quoted Prices in
 Active Markets for
Identical Assets/Liabilities
(Level 1)1
 
Significant
Other Observable
Inputs
 (Level 2)1
 
Significant Unobservable
Inputs
 (Level 3)
 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
 
 $49,740
 24,652
 25,088
 
Foreign government 26,865
 
 26,865
 
 18,555
 
 18,555
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 1,379,593
 
 1,379,593
 
 1,582,970
 
 1,582,970
 
Corporate securities 1,997,753
 
 1,997,753
 
 1,617,468
 
 1,617,468
 
CLO and other ABS 528,960
 
 528,960
 
 795,458
 
 795,458
 
CMBS 256,842
 
 256,842
 
 383,449
 
 376,895
 6,554
RMBS 525,194
 
 525,194
 
 714,882
 
 714,882
 
Total AFS fixed income securities 4,792,540
 27,520
 4,765,020
 
 5,162,522
 24,652
 5,131,316
 6,554
AFS equity securities:                
Common stock 130,608
 122,932
 
 7,676
Common stock2
 167,757
 138,640
 
 5,398
Preferred stock 16,145
 16,145
 
 
 14,948
 14,948
 
 
Total AFS equity securities 146,753
 139,077
 
 7,676
 182,705
 153,588
 
 5,398
Total AFS securities 4,939,293
 166,597
 4,765,020
 7,676
 5,345,227
 178,240
 5,131,316
 11,952
Short-term investments 221,701
 221,701
 
 
 165,555
 165,555
 
 
Total assets measured at fair value $5,160,994
 388,298
 4,765,020
 7,676
 $5,510,782
 343,795
 5,131,316
 11,952
1 
There were no transfers of securities between Level 1 and Level 2.
2
Investments amounting to $27.1 million at June 30, 2018, and $23.7 million at December 31, 2017, were measured at fair value using 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.

There were no material changes in the fair value of securities measured using Level 3 inputs since December 31, 2016.prices in Six Months 2017. The following table provides a summary of Level 3 changes in Six Months 2018:

June 30, 2018     
($ in thousands)CMBS Common Stock CLO and Other ABS
Fair value, December 31, 2017$6,554
 5,398
 
Total net (losses) gains for the period included in:     
Other comprehensive income ("OCI")
 
 
Net income
 
 
Purchases
 
 3,189
Sales
 
 
Issuances
 
 
Settlements
 
 
Transfers into Level 3
 
 
Transfers out of Level 3(6,554) (5,398) 
Fair value, June 30, 2018$
 
 3,189

The following tables provide quantitative information regarding our financial assets and liabilities that were disclosed at fair value at June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017:
June 30, 2017   Fair Value Measurements Using
June 30, 2018   Fair Value Measurements Using
($ in thousands) Assets/
Liabilities
Disclosed at
Fair Value at 6/30/2017
 
Quoted Prices in
 Active Markets for
 Identical Assets/
Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 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 $55,622
 
 55,622
 
 $23,260
 
 23,260
 
Corporate securities 19,918
 
 13,960
 5,958
 20,113
 
 11,628
 8,485
Total HTM fixed income securities $75,540
 
 69,582
 5,958
 $43,373
 
 34,888
 8,485
                
Financial Liabilities  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Long-term debt:                
7.25% Senior Notes $58,690
 
 58,690
 
 $57,231
 
 57,231
 
6.70% Senior Notes 112,573
 
 112,573
 
 108,453
 
 108,453
 
5.875% Senior Notes 188,767
 188,767
 
 
 186,924
 186,924
 
 
1.61% borrowings from FHLBNY 24,521
 
 24,521
 
 23,979
 
 23,979
 
1.56% borrowings from FHLBNY 24,462
 
 24,462
 
 23,915
 
 23,915
 
3.03% borrowings from FHLBI 60,837
 
 60,837
 
 58,483
 
 58,483
 
Total long-term debt $469,850
 188,767
 281,083
 
 $458,985
 186,924
 272,061
 


December 31, 2016   Fair Value Measurements Using
December 31, 2017   Fair Value Measurements Using
($ in thousands) Assets/
Liabilities
Disclosed at
Fair Value at 12/31/2016
 
Quoted Prices in
 Active Markets for
 Identical Assets/
Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 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
 
 $26,261
 
 26,261
 
Corporate securities 24,075
 
 16,565
 7,510
 17,839
 
 12,306
 5,533
CMBS 1,220
 
 1,220
 
Total HTM fixed income securities $105,211
 
 97,701
 7,510
 $44,100
 
 38,567
 5,533
                
Financial Liabilities  
        
      
Long-term debt:                
7.25% Senior Notes $56,148
 
 56,148
 
 $61,391
 
 61,391
 
6.70% Senior Notes 108,333
 
 108,333
 
 116,597
 
 116,597
 
5.875% Senior Notes 176,860
 176,860
 
 
 186,332
 186,332
 
 
1.61% borrowings from FHLBNY 24,286
 
 24,286
 
 24,270
 
 24,270
 
1.56% borrowings from FHLBNY 24,219
 
 24,219
 
 24,210
 
 24,210
 
3.03% borrowings from FHLBI 59,313
 
 59,313
 
 60,334
 
 60,334
 
Total long-term debt $449,159
 176,860
 272,299
 
 $473,134
 186,332
 286,802
 

NOTE 7. Reinsurance
The following table contains a listing of direct, assumed, and ceded reinsurance amounts for premiums written, premiums earned, and loss and loss expenses incurred for the periods indicated. For more information concerning reinsurance, refer to
Note 8. “Reinsurance” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 20162017 Annual Report.Report.
 Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30, Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
Premiums written:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Direct $706,408
 665,862
 1,390,228
 1,312,140
 $753,363
 706,408
 $1,467,597
 1,390,228
Assumed 6,488
 7,788
 12,179
 14,108
 6,536
 6,488
 12,807
 12,179
Ceded (99,082) (95,510) (189,889) (182,749) (104,651) (99,082) (200,596) (189,889)
Net $613,814
 578,140
 1,212,518
 1,143,499
 $655,248
 613,814
 $1,279,808
 1,212,518
Premiums earned:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Direct $654,588
 612,406
 1,301,316
 1,219,067
 $696,723
 654,588
 $1,380,456
 1,301,316
Assumed 6,063
 7,171
 11,842
 13,441
 6,612
 6,063
 12,736
 11,842
Ceded (92,621) (87,645) (184,274) (178,118) (98,499) (92,621) (196,528) (184,274)
Net $568,030
 531,932
 1,128,884
 1,054,390
 $604,836
 568,030
 $1,196,664
 1,128,884
Loss and loss expense incurred:  
  
  
  
Loss and loss expenses incurred:  
  
  
  
Direct $389,550
 362,064
 731,672
 723,703
 $391,014
 389,550
 $811,930
 731,672
Assumed 7,766
 6,140
 12,203
 12,495
 2,364
 7,766
 10,368
 12,203
Ceded (55,757) (69,725) (84,844) (140,575) (27,050) (55,757) (71,029) (84,844)
Net $341,559
 298,479
 659,031
 595,623
 $366,328
 341,559
 $751,269
 659,031

Ceded premiums and losses related to our participation in the NFIP, under which 100% of our flood premiums, losses, and loss expenses are ceded to the NFIP, are as follows:
Ceded to NFIP Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30, Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
Ceded premiums written $(63,808) (63,906) (120,142) (117,154) $(66,341) (63,808) $(123,010) (120,142)
Ceded premiums earned (57,655) (56,667) (114,932) (113,481) (60,143) (57,655) (119,134) (114,932)
Ceded loss and loss expense incurred (15,140) (24,261) (21,681) (64,979)
Ceded loss and loss expenses incurred (10,261) (15,140) (25,980) (21,681)

NOTE 8. ReservesReserve for LossesLoss and Loss ExpensesExpense
The table below provides a roll forward of reservesreserve for lossesloss and loss expenses for beginning and ending reserveexpense balances:
  Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016
Gross reserves for losses and loss expenses, at beginning of year $3,691,719
 3,517,728
Less: reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses, at beginning of year 611,200
 551,019
Net reserves for losses and loss expenses, at beginning of year 3,080,519
 2,966,709
Incurred losses and loss expenses for claims occurring in the:  
  
Current year 684,877
 624,159
Prior years (25,846) (28,536)
Total incurred losses and loss expenses 659,031
 595,623
Paid losses and loss expenses for claims occurring in the:  
  
Current year 171,724
 146,849
Prior years 425,521
 402,255
Total paid losses and loss expenses 597,245
 549,104
Net reserves for losses and loss expenses, at end of period 3,142,305
 3,013,228
Add: Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses, at end of period 588,916
 576,941
Gross reserves for losses and loss expenses at end of period $3,731,221
 3,590,169
  Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2018 2017
Gross reserve for loss and loss expense, at beginning of year $3,771,240
 3,691,719
Less: reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss and loss expense, at beginning of year 585,855
 611,200
Net reserve for loss and loss expense, at beginning of year 3,185,385
 3,080,519
Incurred loss and loss expense for claims occurring in the:  
  
Current year 756,855
 684,877
Prior years (5,586) (25,846)
Total incurred loss and loss expense 751,269
 659,031
Paid loss and loss expense for claims occurring in the:  
  
Current year 214,169
 171,724
Prior years 457,441
 425,521
Total paid loss and loss expense 671,610
 597,245
Net reserve for loss and loss expense, at end of period 3,265,044
 3,142,305
Add: Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss and loss expense, at end of period 539,321
 588,916
Gross reserve for loss and loss expense at end of period $3,804,365
 3,731,221

The $72.0 million increase in current year loss and loss expense incurred illustrated in the table above was primarily driven by non-catastrophe property losses, as well as an increase in exposure due to premium growth. Non-catastrophe property losses, which increased $44.0 million, to $188.7 million, in Six Months 2018, were principally related to the early January deep freeze in our footprint states and a relatively large number of severe fire losses.

Prior year development in Six Months 2018 of $5.6 million included $12.0 million of favorable casualty development partially offset by $6.4 million of unfavorable property development. The favorable casualty development included $33.0 million of development in our workers compensation line of business, partially offset by unfavorable development of $15.0 million in our commercial automobile line of business and $6.0 million in our excess and surplus ("E&S") casualty lines.

Prior year development in Six Months 2017 of $25.8 million was primarily driven by favorable prior year casualty reserve development of $37.4 million in our general liability line of business and $15.3 million in our workers compensation line of business. This was partially offset by unfavorable casualty reserve development of $21.0 million in our commercial automobile line of business and $4.0 million in our personal automobile line of business.


Prior year development in Six Months 2016For a discussion of $28.5 million was primarily duethe trends and recent developments impacting these lines, refer to favorable casualty reserve developmentthe "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" section of $22.0 millionItem 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." in our general liability line of business and $21.0 million in our workers compensation line of business. This was partially offset by unfavorable casualty reserve development of $13.0 million in our commercial automobile line of business and $3.0 million in our E&S segment.2017 Annual Report.

NOTE 9. 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 Excess and Surplus ("E&S")&S Lines are evaluated based on statutorybefore and after-tax underwriting results (net premiums earned, incurred lossesloss and loss expenses,expense, policyholder dividends, policy acquisition costs, and other underwriting expenses), and statutory 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 net general corporate expenses; however, we do partially allocate taxes to various segments. Furthermore, weexpenses. We do not maintain separate investment portfolios for the segments and therefore, do not allocate assets to the segments.


The following summaries present revenues (net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains on investments in the case of the Investments segment) and pre-tax income for the individual segments:
Revenue by Segment Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30, Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
Standard Commercial Lines:  
  
      
  
    
Net premiums earned:  
  
      
  
    
Commercial automobile $108,316
 98,896
 215,445
 194,315
 $122,104
 108,316
 240,335
 215,445
Workers compensation 79,460
 75,251
 158,786
 151,251
 80,021
 79,460
 158,844
 158,786
General liability 141,503
 129,283
 281,487
 257,368
 153,002
 141,503
 302,831
 281,487
Commercial property 78,052
 73,591
 154,443
 143,769
 82,162
 78,052
 162,488
 154,443
Businessowners’ policies 24,989
 24,651
 49,834
 48,555
 25,829
 24,989
 51,420
 49,834
Bonds 6,986
 5,665
 13,484
 11,129
 8,335
 6,986
 16,469
 13,484
Other 4,288
 3,940
 8,529
 7,779
 4,559
 4,288
 8,989
 8,529
Miscellaneous income 3,016
 3,567
 5,876
 4,257
 2,882
 3,016
 4,708
 5,876
Total Standard Commercial Lines revenue 446,610
 414,844
 887,884
 818,423
 478,894
 446,610
 946,084
 887,884
Standard Personal Lines:                
Net premiums earned:                
Personal automobile 37,663
 35,881
 74,613
 71,661
 41,810
 37,663
 82,252
 74,613
Homeowners 32,467
 33,411
 65,167
 66,311
 32,223
 32,467
 64,424
 65,167
Other 1,542
 1,532
 3,093
 3,057
 1,644
 1,542
 3,257
 3,093
Miscellaneous income 275
 301
 656
 561
 297
 275
 649
 656
Total Standard Personal Lines revenue 71,947
 71,125
 143,529
 141,590
 75,974
 71,947
 150,582
 143,529
E&S Lines:                
Net premiums earned:                
Commercial liability 39,054
 36,940
 76,966
 73,796
Commercial property 13,710
 12,891
 27,037
 25,399
Casualty lines 39,379
 39,054
 77,919
 76,966
Property lines 13,768
 13,710
 27,436
 27,037
Miscellaneous income 
 
 
 1
 
 
 1
 
Total E&S Lines revenue 52,764
 49,831
 104,003
 99,196
 53,147
 52,764
 105,356
 104,003
Investments:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Net investment income 41,430
 31,182
 78,849
 61,951
 45,553
 41,430
 88,784
 78,849
Net realized investment gains (losses) 1,734
 1,765
 689
 (939)
Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains (1,652) 1,734
 (12,201) 689
Total Investments revenue 43,164
 32,947
 79,538
 61,012
 43,901
 43,164
 76,583
 79,538
Total revenues $614,485
 568,747
 1,214,954
 1,120,221
 $651,916
 614,485
 1,278,605
 1,214,954
Income Before and After Federal Income Tax Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Standard Commercial Lines:  
  
    
Underwriting gain, before federal income tax $41,016
 34,759
 47,820
 77,305
Underwriting gain, after federal income tax 32,403
 22,593
 37,778
 50,248
Combined ratio 91.4% 92.2
 94.9
 91.2
    

 

 

Standard Personal Lines:        
Underwriting gain (loss), before federal income tax $4,805
 (5,768) 3,299
 (662)
Underwriting gain (loss), after federal income tax 3,796
 (3,749) 2,606
 (430)
Combined ratio 93.7% 108.0
 97.8
 100.5
         
E&S Lines:        
Underwriting (loss) gain, before federal income tax $(7,789) 1,319
 (8,354) 2,889
Underwriting (loss) gain, after federal income tax (6,154) 857
 (6,600) 1,878
Combined ratio 114.7% 97.5
 107.9
 97.2
         
Investments:  
  
    
Net investment income $45,553
 41,430
 88,784
 78,849
Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains (1,652) 1,734
 (12,201) 689
Total investment income, before federal income tax 43,901
 43,164
 76,583
 79,538
Tax on investment income 7,617
 11,734
 12,843
 21,336
      Total investment income, after federal income tax
$36,284

31,430
 63,740
 58,202

Income Before Federal Income Tax Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Standard Commercial Lines:  
  
    
Underwriting gain $34,759
 40,173
 77,305
 71,105
GAAP combined ratio 92.2% 90.2
 91.2
 91.3
Statutory combined ratio 90.6
 88.6
 89.5
 89.1
    

 

 

Standard Personal Lines:        
Underwriting (loss) gain $(5,768) 6,125
 (662) 14,730
GAAP combined ratio 108.0% 91.4
 100.5
 89.6
Statutory combined ratio 105.9
 89.9
 99.8
 90.1
         
E&S Lines:        
Underwriting gain (loss) $1,319
 (2,521) 2,889
 (1,103)
GAAP combined ratio 97.5% 105.1
 97.2
 101.1
Statutory combined ratio 97.0
 102.7
 96.5
 100.6
         
Investments:  
  
    
Net investment income $41,430
 31,182
 78,849
 61,951
Net realized investment losses 1,734
 1,765
 689
 (939)
Total investment income, before federal income tax 43,164
 32,947
 79,538
 61,012
Tax on investment income 11,734
 8,275
 21,336
 14,538
      Total investment income, after federal income tax
$31,430

24,672
 58,202
 46,474
Reconciliation of Segment Results to Income
Before Federal Income Tax
 Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30, Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
Underwriting gain (loss), before federal income tax        
Underwriting gain (loss)        
Standard Commercial Lines $34,759
 40,173
 77,305
 71,105
 $41,016
 34,759
 47,820
 77,305
Standard Personal Lines (5,768) 6,125
 (662) 14,730
 4,805
 (5,768) 3,299
 (662)
E&S Lines 1,319
 (2,521) 2,889
 (1,103) (7,789) 1,319
 (8,354) 2,889
Investment income, before federal income tax 43,164
 32,947
 79,538
 61,012
Investment income 43,901
 43,164
 76,583
 79,538
Total all segments 73,474
 76,724
 159,070
 145,744
 81,933
 73,474
 119,348
 159,070
Interest expense (6,081) (5,620) (12,187) (11,226) (6,125) (6,081) (12,277) (12,187)
General corporate and other expenses (8,464) (8,793) (20,380) (20,332)
Corporate expenses (3,283) (8,464) (14,615) (20,380)
Income, before federal income tax $58,929
 62,311

126,503
 114,186
 $72,525
 58,929

92,456
 126,503

NOTE 10. Retirement Plans
SICA's primary pension plan is the Retirement Income Plan for Selective Insurance Company of America (the “Pension Plan”). SICA also sponsors the Supplemental Excess Retirement Plan (the “Excess Plan”) and a life insurance benefit plan. All plans are closed to new entrants and benefits ceased accruing under the Pension Plan and the Excess Plan after March 31, 2016. For more information concerning SICA's retirement plans, refer to Note 14. “Retirement Plans” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 20162017 Annual Report.

The following tables provide information regarding the Pension Plan:
 Pension Plan Pension Plan
 Pension Plan
Quarter ended June 30,
 Pension Plan
Six Months ended June 30,
 Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net Periodic Benefit Cost:                
Service cost $
 
 
 1,606
Interest cost 3,110
 3,101
 6,221
 6,203
 $3,095
 3,110
 6,190
 6,221
Expected return on plan assets (4,855) (3,988) (9,709) (7,976) (5,681) (4,855) (11,363) (9,709)
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss 482
 1,481
 963
 2,961
 493
 482
 987
 963
Total net periodic cost $(1,263) 594
 (2,525) 2,794
Total net periodic benefit cost1
 $(2,093) (1,263) (4,186) (2,525)
1 The components of net periodic benefit cost are included within "Loss and loss expense incurred" and "Other insurance expenses" on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 Pension Plan
 Pension Plan
Six Months ended June 30,
 Six Months ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2018 2017
Weighted-Average Expense Assumptions:        
Discount rate 4.41% 4.69% 3.78% 4.41%
Effective interest rate for calculation of service cost n/a
 4.52
Effective interest rate for calculation of interest cost 3.83
 4.02
 3.46
 3.84
Expected return on plan assets 6.24
 6.37
 6.36
 6.24
Rate of compensation increase n/a
 4.00


NOTE 11. Comprehensive Income
The components of comprehensive income, both gross and net of tax, for Second Quarter and Six Months 20172018 and 20162017 are as follows:
Second Quarter 2017      
($ in thousands) Gross Tax Net
Net income $58,929
 17,503
 41,426
Components of OCI:  
  
  
Unrealized gains on investment securities:
  
  
  
Unrealized holding gains during period 35,887
 12,561
 23,326
Non-credit portion of OTTI recognized in OCI 6
 2
 4
Amounts reclassified into net income:      
HTM securities (43) (15) (28)
Realized gains on AFS securities (1,885) (660) (1,225)
    Total unrealized gains on investment securities 33,965
 11,888
 22,077
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:  
  
  
Amounts reclassified into net income:  
  
  
Net actuarial loss 508
 178
 330
    Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans 508
 178
 330
Other comprehensive income 34,473
 12,066
 22,407
Comprehensive income $93,402
 29,569
 63,833
Second Quarter 2016      
Second Quarter 2018      
($ in thousands) Gross Tax Net
Net income $72,525
 13,706
 58,819
Components of other comprehensive loss:  
  
  
Unrealized losses on investment securities:
  
  
  
Unrealized holding losses during period (23,993) (5,038) (18,955)
Amounts reclassified into net income:      
HTM securities (8) (2) (6)
Realized losses on disposals of AFS securities 2,870
 603
 2,267
Total unrealized losses on investment securities (21,131) (4,437) (16,694)
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:  
  
  
Amounts reclassified into net income:  
  
  
Net actuarial loss 531
 111
 420
Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans 531
 111
 420
Other comprehensive loss (20,600) (4,326) (16,274)
Comprehensive income $51,925
 9,380
 42,545
      
      
Second Quarter 2017      
($ in thousands) Gross Tax Net Gross Tax Net
Net income $62,311
 18,710
 43,601
 $58,929
 17,503
 41,426
Components of OCI:  
  
  
  
  
  
Unrealized gains on investment securities:
  
  
  
  
  
  
Unrealized holding gains during period 55,675
 19,487
 36,188
 35,887
 12,561
 23,326
Non-credit portion of OTTI recognized in OCI (10) (4) (6) 6
 2
 4
Amounts reclassified into net income:            
HTM securities (19) (7) (12) (43) (15) (28)
Realized gains on AFS securities (1,762) (617) (1,145)
Realized gains on disposals of AFS securities (1,885) (660) (1,225)
Total unrealized gains on investment securities 53,884
 18,859
 35,025
 33,965
 11,888
 22,077
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:  
  
  
  
  
  
Amounts reclassified into net income:  
  
  
  
  
  
Net actuarial loss 1,517
 532
 985
 508
 178
 330
Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans 1,517
 532
 985
 508
 178
 330
Other comprehensive income 55,401
 19,391
 36,010
 34,473
 12,066
 22,407
Comprehensive income $117,712
 38,101
 79,611
 $93,402
 29,569
 63,833

Six Months 2017      
($ in thousands) Gross Tax Net
Net income $126,503
 34,637
 91,866
Components of OCI:  
  
  
Unrealized gains on investment securities:
  
  
  
Unrealized holding gains during period 61,672
 21,585
 40,087
Non-credit portion of OTTI recognized in OCI 6
 2
 4
Amounts reclassified into net income:      
HTM securities (92) (32) (60)
Realized gains on AFS securities (375) (131) (244)
    Total unrealized gains on investment securities 61,211
 21,424
 39,787
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:  
  
  
Amounts reclassified into net income:  
  
  
Net actuarial loss 1,015
 355
 660
    Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans 1,015
 355
 660
Other comprehensive income 62,226
 21,779
 40,447
Comprehensive income $188,729
 56,416
 132,313
Six Months 2016      
Six Months 2018      
($ in thousands) Gross Tax Net
Net income $92,456
 14,712
 77,744
Components of other comprehensive loss:  
  
  
Unrealized losses on investment securities:
  
  
  
Unrealized holding losses during period (109,308) (22,955) (86,353)
Amounts reclassified into net income:      
HTM securities (20) (4) (16)
Realized losses on disposals of AFS securities 7,419
 1,558
 5,861
Total unrealized losses on investment securities (101,909) (21,401) (80,508)
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:  
  
  
Amounts reclassified into net income:  
    
Net actuarial loss 1,063
 223
 840
Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans 1,063
 223
 840
Other comprehensive loss (100,846) (21,178) (79,668)
Comprehensive loss $(8,390) (6,466) (1,924)
      
      
Six Months 2017      
($ in thousands) Gross Tax Net Gross Tax Net
Net income $114,186
 33,553
 80,633
 $126,503
 34,637
 91,866
Components of OCI:  
  
  
  
    
Unrealized gains on investment securities:
  
  
  
  
    
Unrealized holding gains during period 121,412
 42,495
 78,917
 61,672
 21,585
 40,087
Non-credit portion of OTTI recognized in OCI (10) (4) (6) 6
 2
 4
Amounts reclassified into net income:            
HTM securities (91) (32) (59) (92) (32) (60)
Realized losses on AFS securities 937
 328
 609
Realized gains on disposals of AFS securities (375) (131) (244)
Total unrealized gains on investment securities 122,248
 42,787
 79,461
 61,211
 21,424
 39,787
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:  
  
  
  
  
  
Amounts reclassified into net income:  
  
  
  
    
Net actuarial loss 3,033
 1,062
 1,971
 1,015
 355
 660
Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans 3,033
 1,062
 1,971
 1,015
 355
 660
Other comprehensive income 125,281
 43,849
 81,432
 62,226
 21,779
 40,447
Comprehensive income $239,467
 77,402
 162,065
 $188,729
 56,416
 132,313

The balances of, and changes in, each component of AOCI (net of taxes) as of June 30, 20172018 were as follows:
June 30, 2017   
Defined Benefit
Pension and Post-Retirement Plans
  
June 30, 2018   
Defined Benefit
Pension and Post-Retirement Plans
  
 Net Unrealized Gain on Investment Securities Total AOCI Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities Total AOCI
($ in thousands) 
OTTI
Related
 
HTM
Related
 
All
Other
 
Investments
Subtotal
 
Defined Benefit
Pension and Post-Retirement Plans
  
OTTI
Related
 
HTM
Related
 
All
Other
 
Investments
Subtotal
 
Balance, December 31, 2016 $(150) 102
 42,170
 42,122
 (15,950)
Balance, December 31, 2017 $(59) (14) 80,648
 80,575
 (60,405) 20,170
Cumulative effect adjustments (12) (2) (12,792) (12,806) (12,213) (25,019)
Balance, December 31, 2017 as adjusted (71) (16) 67,856
 67,769
 (72,618) (4,849)
OCI before reclassifications 4
 
 40,087
 40,091
 
 40,091
 
 
 (86,353) (86,353) 
 (86,353)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI 
 (60) (244) (304) 660
 356
 
 (16) 5,861
��5,845
 840
 6,685
Net current period OCI 4
 (60) 39,843
 39,787
 660
 40,447
 
 (16) (80,492) (80,508) 840
 (79,668)
Balance, June 30, 2017 $(146) 42
 82,013
 81,909
 (57,412) 24,497
Balance, June 30, 2018 $(71) (32) (12,636) (12,739) (71,778) (84,517)


The reclassifications out of AOCI were as follows:
Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,Affected Line Item in the Unaudited Consolidated Statement of IncomeQuarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,Affected Line Item in the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income
($ in thousands)2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
HTM related                
Unrealized losses on HTM disposals17
 60
 30
 88
Net realized gains (losses)$(7) 17
 (6) 30
Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains
Amortization of net unrealized gains on HTM securities(60) (79) (122) (179)Net investment income earned(1) (60) (14) (122)Net investment income earned
(43) (19) (92) (91)Income before federal income tax(8) (43) (20) (92)Income before federal income tax
15
 7
 32
 32
Total federal income tax expense2
 15
 4
 32
Total federal income tax expense
(28) (12) (60) (59)Net income(6) (28) (16) (60)Net income
Realized (gains) losses on AFS and OTTI        
Realized (gains) losses on AFS disposals and OTTI(1,885) (1,762) (375) 937
Net realized gains (losses)
Realized losses (gains) on AFS and OTTI        
Realized losses (gains) on AFS disposals and OTTI2,870
 (1,885) 7,419
 (375)Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains
(1,885) (1,762) (375) 937
Income before federal income tax2,870
 (1,885) 7,419
 (375)Income before federal income tax
660
 617
 131
 (328)Total federal income tax expense(603) 660
 (1,558) 131
Total federal income tax expense
(1,225) (1,145) (244) 609
Net income2,267
 (1,225) 5,861
 (244)Net income
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement life plans                
Net actuarial loss111
 329
 221
 658
Losses and loss expenses incurred113
 111
 225
 221
Loss and loss expense incurred
397
 1,188
 794
 2,375
Policy acquisition costs418
 397
 838
 794
Other insurance expenses
Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement life508
 1,517
 1,015
 3,033
Income before federal income tax531
 508
 1,063
 1,015
Income before federal income tax
(178) (532) (355) (1,062)Total federal income tax expense(111) (178) (223) (355)Total federal income tax expense
330
 985
 660
 1,971
Net income420
 330
 840
 660
Net income
                
Total reclassifications for the period$(923) (172) 356
 2,521
Net income$2,681
 (923) 6,685
 356
Net income

NOTE 12. Related Party TransactionsFederal Income Taxes
BlackRock, Inc., a leading publicly traded investment management firm (“BlackRock”), has purchased(a) On December 22, 2017, Tax Reform was signed into law, which among other implications, reduced our common shares in the ordinary course of its investment business and has previously filed Schedules 13G/Astatutory corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning with the SEC. On April 10, 2017, BlackRock filed a Schedule 13G/A reporting beneficial ownership as of March 31, 2017, of 12.7% 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 Second Quarter 2017 and Six Months 2017, we incurred BlackRock-related expenses of $0.5 million and $1.0 million for services rendered, respectively. No material expenses were incurred with BlackRock in Second Quarter 2016 and Six Months 2016. Amounts payable for such services at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were $0.9 million and $0.4 million, respectively. All contracts with BlackRock were consummated in the ordinary course of business on an arm's-length basis.2018 tax year.

We have nocontinue to provide provisional amounts for loss reserve discounting because the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has not yet issued guidance with regard to the discount rates to be used under Tax Reform. For additional material transactions with related parties other than those disclosed ininformation, refer to Note 16. "Related Party Transactions" included13. "Federal Income Taxes" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of our 20162017 Annual Report.
During 2018, we will continue to monitor IRS guidance to complete the analysis of loss reserve discounting.

(b) A reconciliation of federal income tax on income at the corporate rate to the effective tax rate is as follows:
  Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Statutory tax rate 21% 35
 21
 35
Tax at statutory rate $15,231
 20,625
 19,416
 44,276
Tax-advantaged interest (1,393) (2,757) (2,904) (5,564)
Dividends received deduction (210) (625) (336) (956)
Stock-based compensation (82) (374) (2,548) (3,323)
Other 160
 634
 1,084
 204
Federal income tax expense $13,706
 17,503
 14,712
 34,637


NOTE 13. Litigation
In the ordinary course of conducting business, we are named as defendants in various legal proceedings. Most of these proceedings are claims litigation involving our ten insurance subsidiaries ("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 lossesloss 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 June 30, 2017,2018, 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.


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

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

Standard Commercial Lines;
Standard Personal Lines;
E&S Lines; and
Investments.

For further details regarding these segments, refer to Note 9. "Segment Information" in Item 1. "Financial Statements." of this Form 10-Q and Note 11. "Segment Information" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162017 ("20162017 Annual Report"Report").


Our Standard Commercial and Standard Personal Lines products and services are written through nine of our 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 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 have not obtained coverage in the standard marketplace.
The following is Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of the consolidated results of operations and financial condition, as well as known trends and uncertainties, that may have a material impact in future periods. Consequently, investors should read the MD&A in conjunction with Item 1. "Financial Statements." of this Form 10-Q and the consolidated financial statements in our 20162017 Annual Report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").Commission.
In the MD&A, we will discuss and analyze the following:
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates;
Financial Highlights of Results for the second quarters ended June 30, 2018 (“Second Quarter 2018”) and June 30, 2017 (“Second Quarter 2017”) and June 30, 2016 (“Second Quarter 2016”) and the six-month periods ended June 30, 2018 ("Six Months 2018") and June 30, 2017 ("Six Months 2017") and June 30, 2016 ("Six Months 2016");
Results of Operations and Related Information by Segment;
Federal Income Taxes;
Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources;
Ratings;
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements; and
Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities, and Commitments.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include amounts based on our informed estimates and judgments for those transactions that are not yet complete. Such estimates and judgments affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Those estimates and judgments that were most critical to the preparation of the consolidated financial statements involved the following: (i) reserves for loss and loss expenses;expense; (ii) pension and post-retirement benefit plan actuarial assumptions; (iii) investment valuation and other-than-temporary-impairments ("OTTI"); and (iv) reinsurance. These estimates and judgments require the use of assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain and, therefore, are subject to change as facts and circumstances develop. If different estimates and judgments had been applied, materially different amounts might have been reported in the financial statements. For additional information regarding our critical accounting policies, refer to pages 3736 through 4544 of our 20162017 Annual Report.Report.
 
Financial Highlights of Results for Second Quarter and Six Months 20172018 and Second Quarter and Six Months 201620171 
($ and shares in thousands, except per share amounts) Quarter ended June 30, 
Change
% or Points
 Six Months ended June 30, 
Change
% or Points
  Quarter ended June 30, 
Change
% or Points
 Six Months ended June 30, 
Change
% or Points
 
2017 2016   2017 2016  2018 2017   2018 2017 
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") measures:               
Revenues $614,485
 568,747
 8
 % $1,214,954
 1,120,221
 8
 % $651,916
 614,485
 6
% $1,278,605
 1,214,954
 5
%
After-tax net investment income 30,303
 23,525
 29
   57,754
 47,085
 23
   37,589
 30,303
 24
  73,379
 57,754
 27
 
Pre-tax net income 58,929
 62,311
 (5) 126,503
 114,186
 11
 
After-tax underwriting income 30,045
 19,702
 52
 33,784
 51,696
 (35) 
Net income before federal income tax 72,525
 58,929
 23
 92,456
 126,503
 (27) 
Net income 41,426
 43,601
 (5) 91,866
 80,633
 14
  58,819
 41,426
 42
 77,744
 91,866
 (15) 
Diluted net income per share 0.70
 0.74
 (5) 1.55
 1.38
 12
  0.99
 0.70
 41
 1.30
 1.55
 (16) 
Diluted weighted-average outstanding shares 59,222
 58,598
 1
   59,185
 58,552
 1
   59,597
 59,222
 1
  59,579
 59,185
 1
 
GAAP combined ratio 94.7% 91.8
 2.9
 pts  93.0% 92.0
 1.0
 pts 
Statutory combined ratio 93.1
 90.1
 3.0
   91.4
 90.4
 1.0
  
Combined ratio 93.7% 94.7
 (1.0)pts  96.4% 93.0
 3.4
pts 
Invested assets per dollar of stockholders' equity $3.33
 3.39
 (2) % $3.33
 3.39
 (2) % $3.34
 3.33
 
% $3.34
 3.33
 
%
After-tax yield on investments 2.2% 1.8
 0.4
 pts 2.1% 1.8
 0.3
 pts 2.7% 2.2
 0.5
pts 2.6% 2.1
 0.5
pts
Annualized return on average equity ("ROE") 10.2
 11.5
 (1.3) 11.5
 10.9
 0.6
  14.0
 10.2
 3.8
 9.1
 11.5
 (2.4) 
Non-GAAP measures:                
Operating income2
 $40,299
 42,454
 (5) % $91,418
 81,244
 13
 %
Diluted operating income per share2
 0.68
 0.72
 (6) 1.54
 1.39
 11
 
Annualized operating ROE2
 9.9% 11.2
 (1.3) pts  11.5% 11.0
 0.5
 pts 
              
Non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") operating income2
 $60,124
 40,299
 49
% $87,383
 91,418
 (4)%
Diluted non-GAAP operating income per share2
 1.01
 0.68
 49
 1.46
 1.54
 (5) 
Annualized non-GAAP operating ROE2
 14.3% 9.9
 4.4
pts  10.2% 11.5
 (1.3)pts 
1 
Refer to the Glossary of Terms attached to our 20162017 Annual Report as Exhibit 99.1 for definitions of terms used in this Form 10-Q.
2 
OperatingNon-GAAP operating income is used as an important financial measure by us, analysts, and investors, because the realization of investment gains and losses on sales of securities in any given period is largely discretionary as to timing. In addition, these net realized investment gains and losses, as well as OTTI that are charged to earnings, and the results of discontinued operations,unrealized gains and losses on equity securities, could distort the analysis of trends.


Reconciliations of net income, net income per share, and annualized ROE to non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP operating income per share, and annualized non-GAAP operating ROE, respectively, are provided in the tables below:
Reconciliation of net income to operating income Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Net income $41,426
 43,601
 91,866
 80,633
Exclude: Net realized (gains) losses (1,734) (1,765) (689) 939
Exclude: Tax on net realized (gains) losses 607
 618
 241
 (328)
Operating income $40,299
 42,454
 91,418
 81,244
Reconciliation of net income to non-GAAP operating income Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net income $58,819
 41,426
 77,744
 91,866
Net realized losses (gains) and OTTI 2,767
 (1,734) (752) (689)
Net unrealized (gains) losses recognized in income on equity securities (1,115) 
 12,953
 
Net realized (gains) losses, OTTI, and unrealized (gains) losses 1,652
 (1,734) 12,201
 (689)
Tax expense (benefit) (347) 607
 (2,562) 241
Non-GAAP operating income $60,124
 40,299
 87,383
 91,418
Reconciliation of net income per share to operating income per share Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
Diluted net income per share $0.70
 0.74
 1.55
 1.38
Exclude: Net realized (gains) losses per share (0.03) (0.03) (0.01) 0.02
Exclude: Tax on net realized (gains) losses per share 0.01
 0.01
 
 (0.01)
Diluted operating income per share $0.68
 0.72
 1.54
 1.39
Reconciliation of net income per share to non-GAAP operating income per share Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
  2018 2017 2018 2017
Diluted net income per share $0.99
 0.70
 1.30
 1.55
Net realized losses (gains) and OTTI 0.05
 (0.03) (0.01) (0.01)
Net unrealized (gains) losses recognized in income on equity securities (0.02) 
 0.21
 
Net realized (gains) losses, OTTI, and unrealized (gains) losses 0.03
 (0.03) 0.20
 (0.01)
Tax expense (benefit) (0.01) 0.01
 (0.04) 
Diluted non-GAAP operating income per share $1.01
 0.68
 1.46
 1.54
Reconciliation of annualized ROE to annualized operating ROE Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
Annualized ROE 10.2 % 11.5
 11.5
 10.9
Exclude: Net realized (gains) losses (0.4) (0.5) (0.1) 0.1
Exclude: Tax on net realized (gains) losses 0.1
 0.2
 0.1
 
Annualized operating ROE 9.9 % 11.2
 11.5
 11.0
Reconciliation of annualized ROE to annualized non-GAAP operating ROE Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
  2018 2017 2018 2017
Insurance operations 7.2 % 4.9
 4.0
 6.5
Investment income1
 9.0
 7.5
 8.6
 7.3
Other (1.9) (2.5) (2.4) (2.3)
Net realized (losses) gains and OTTI (0.7) 0.4
 0.1
 0.1
Net unrealized gains (losses) recognized in income on equity securities 0.3
 
 (1.5) 
Total net realized (losses) gains, OTTI, and unrealized gains (losses)1
 (0.4) 0.4
 (1.4) 0.1
Tax on net realized losses (gains), OTTI, and unrealized (gains) losses1
 0.1
 (0.1) 0.3
 (0.1)
Annualized ROE 14.0��% 10.2
 9.1
 11.5
         
Annualized ROE 14.0
 10.2
 9.1
 11.5
Net realized losses (gains) and OTTI 0.7
 (0.4) (0.1) (0.1)
Net unrealized (gains) losses recognized in income on equity securities (0.3) 
 1.5
 
Net realized (gains) losses, OTTI, and unrealized (gains) losses 0.4
 (0.4) 1.4
 (0.1)
Tax expense (benefit) (0.1) 0.1
 (0.3) 0.1
Annualized non-GAAP operating ROE 14.3 % 9.9
 10.2
 11.5
1 Investment segment results are the combination of "Net investment income earned," "Net realized and unrealized losses," and "Tax on net realized and unrealized losses."

After the severe winter weather losses incurred in the first quarter of 2018, our strong results in Second Quarter 2018 resulted in a 14.0% annualized ROE for Second Quarter 2018 and a 9.1% annualized ROE for Six Months 2018. The 3.8-point increase in annualized ROE in Second Quarter 2018 compared to Second Quarter 2017 was driven by: (i) an improvement in underwriting results, as the combined ratio was lower by 1.0 points in Second Quarter 2018 compared to Second Quarter 2017; (ii) an increase in investment income due to higher yields on our fixed income securities portfolio; (iii) a decrease in other expenses, as Second Quarter 2018 included a benefit related to stock compensation expense as a result of stock price fluctuations that have impacted the fair value of our liability awards; and (iv) a 1.9-point benefit from the lower corporate tax rate provided for in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("Tax Reform"). The 2.4-point decrease in annualized ROE in Six Months 2018 compared to Six Months 2017 reflects: (i) a 3.4-point increase in our combined ratio from 93.0% in Six Months 2017 to 96.4% in Six Months 2018; and (ii) the impact of net unrealized losses on equity securities in our income statement; partially offset by a 0.9-point benefit from the lower corporate tax rate provided for in Tax Reform. The combined ratio increase was primarily driven by non-catastrophe property losses that were 3.0 points higher than Six Months 2017, mostly due to the severe winter weather and a relatively large number of severe fire losses in the first quarter of 2018.

Our Second Quarter and Six Months 20172018 results continue to reflect our hard work to driveefforts to: (i) achieve renewal pure price increases at the account level within our Standard Commercial Lines segment and overall rate level increases in our Standard Personal Lines segments as well as ourand E&S segment,segments; (ii) generate new business,business; and (iii) improve the underlying profitability of our book of business through various underwriting and claims initiatives. Our net premiums written ("NPW") growth of 7% for Second Quarter 2018 and 6% infor Six Months 2017 was driven by our strong franchise value with our "ivy league" distribution partners. Over the past 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 1,800 basis points, while maintaining high retention rates. In addition, NPW growth2018 was aided by the net appointment of 46109 retail agents in 20162017 and 1066 retail agents in Six Months 2017, which is exclusive of 252018, excluding agency consolidations. Included in these net appointments were 26 agents that have beenwere appointed in our expansion states. These expansion statenew states of

Arizona and New Hampshire in 2017 and 12 agents will begin generating premium for usthat were appointed in the second half of 2017.Arizona, New Hampshire, and Colorado in Six Months 2018.

In addition to the cumulative renewal pure renewal price increases we have achieved over the past several years, we have benefited fromdriven underwriting and claims process enhancements, as well as a shift inand have improved our mix of business mix towards higher quality accounts.based on expected future profitability. For example, our workers compensation book of business, which represents approximately 20%17% of our Standard Commercial Lines business, continues to benefit from the steps we have taken in recent years to increase premium rates and improve the business mix by shifting towards lower hazard and smaller accounts from higher hazard and larger accounts. Additionally,from: (i) claims initiatives, such as having an increased focus on reducing workers compensation medical costs through more favorable Preferred Provider Organization ("PPO") contracts and greater PPO penetration, have helped improve profitability of this line. Thepenetration; and (ii) better outcomes driven by our workers compensation statutory combined ratio was a profitable 86.9%strategic case unit. In addition, we continue to work towards an improved mix of business in Six Months 2017. Our E&S segment has also seen some improvement in underwriting results as we have continued to deploy our corporate claims practices into this line, that shifts towards lower hazard and smaller operation; although we have not yet met our financial targets for this segment.accounts from higher hazard and larger accounts. For a full discussion of the claims initiatives that we have deployed, refer to the “Reserves for Loss and Loss Expenses”Expense” section within Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”Operations.” of our 20162017 Annual Report.

After-taxOur commercial automobile line of business has been unprofitable in recent years and remains a significant area of focus for both the industry and us, as we continue to drive various initiatives to improve profitability in this line of business. For Second Quarter and Six Months 2018, we recorded unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development of $7.0 million and $15.0 million, respectively, mainly for accident years 2015 through 2017. The industry-wide statutory combined ratio for 2018 is expected to average approximately 112% as the industry has been experiencing higher than expected claim frequencies largely due to increased miles driven as a result of lower unemployment, lower gasoline prices, and an increase in distracted driving. Our combined ratio was 108.8% for Second Quarter 2018 and 110.0% for Six Months 2018. We achieved renewal pure price increases on this line of 7.5% in Second Quarter 2018 and 7.4% in Six Months 2018. We expect on-going industry-wide profitability issues to drive new and renewal pricing higher for this line of business. We have also been managing our commercial automobile in-force book of business in targeted industry segments and reducing our relative exposure in higher hazard classes to improve the underlying profitability of this business.

Our E&S Lines segment also remains a focus area, with a combined ratio of 114.7% for Second Quarter 2018 and 107.9% for Six Months 2018. 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. To improve our profitability, we have increased new and renewal pricing, implemented business mix changes, and enhanced claims management practices. We expect continued pressure on NPW growth in this segment until we achieve our risk-adjusted return expectations.

Pre-tax net investment income grew 23%10% in Second Quarter 2018 and 13% in Six Months 20172018 compared to Six Months 2016,the same prior year periods, driven by higher yields on our fixed income portfolio and improved returns on our alternative investments. In 2016, we determined that a more active management approach to our investment portfolio was necessary to maximize the risk-adjusted after-tax income and total return of the portfolio in an investment environment of low interest rates, while maintaining a similar level of credit quality and duration risk.securities portfolio. We have increased our long-term target risk asset allocation and modestly increasedcontinued to diversify our exposure to non-investment graderisk assets and move towards a long-term allocation of approximately 10% of total invested assets. Risk assets, which principally include public equities, high-yield fixed income securities, private equity investments, and private credit strategies to further diversify our allocation within risk assets. Our risk assets, which include public equities, non-investment grade fixed income securities, private equity investments, and other limited partnership private investments, represented 7%7.6% of our total invested assets at June 30, 2017 and may increase to approximately 10% over time.2018.

The improvements to our underwriting profitability and the more active management of our investment portfolio contributed to our long-term goal of generatingWe generated an annualized non-GAAP operating ROE that is approximately 300 basis pointsof 14.3% in excess of our weighted average cost of capital over time. Our annualized operating ROE increasedSecond Quarter 2018 and 10.2% in Six Months 2017 to 11.5%,2018, compared to 11.0%9.9% in Second Quarter 2017 and 11.5% in Six Months 2016,2017. The 4.4-point increase in Second Quarter 2018 compared to Second Quarter 2017 was mainly due to the increase in underwriting income and investment income, mentionedas discussed above. Our annualized ROE and operating ROE contributionsThe 1.3-point decrease in Six Months 2018 compared to Six Months 2017 was mainly due to lower levels of underwriting income as discussed above, partially offset by component are as follows:an increase in investment income.
ROE Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
Insurance segments 4.9 % 7.5
 6.5 % 7.5
Investment income1
 7.5
 6.2
 7.3
 6.4
Other (2.5) (2.5) (2.3) (2.9)
Net realized gains (losses)1, net of tax at 35%
 0.3
 0.3
 
 (0.1)
Annualized ROE 10.2
 11.5
 11.5
 10.9
Exclude: Net realized gains (losses)1, net of tax at 35%
 (0.3) (0.3) 
 0.1
Annualized operating ROE 9.9 % 11.2
 11.5 % 11.0
Weighted average cost of capital, as of the prior year-end 8.5 % 8.7
 8.5 % 8.7
1 Investment segment results are the combination of "Net investment income earned" and "Net realized losses".
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               ��                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Insurance SegmentsOperations
The key metric in understanding our insurance segments’ contribution to annualized non-GAAP operating ROE is the GAAP combined ratio. The following table provides a quantitative foundation for analyzing this ratio:
All Lines Quarter ended June 30, Change % or Points Six Months ended June 30, Change % or Points  Quarter ended June 30, Change % or Points Six Months ended June 30, Change % or Points 
($ in thousands) 2017 2016    2017 2016  2018 2017   2018 2017 
GAAP Insurance Operations Results:             
Insurance Operations Results:Insurance Operations Results:            
NPW $613,814
 578,140
 6
 % $1,212,518
 1,143,499
 6
 % $655,248
 613,814
 7
% $1,279,808
 1,212,518
 6
%
Net premiums earned (“NPE”) 568,030
 531,932
 7
   1,128,884
 1,054,390
 7
   604,836
 568,030
 6
  1,196,664
 1,128,884
 6
 
Less:    
                
          
Losses and loss expenses incurred 341,559
 298,479
 14
   659,031
 595,623
 11
  
Loss and loss expense incurred 366,328
 341,559
 7
  751,269
 659,031
 14
 
Net underwriting expenses incurred 194,237
 188,058
 3
 388,494
 370,764
 5
  198,899
 194,237
 2
 398,646
 388,494
 3
 
Dividends to policyholders 1,924
 1,618
 19
   1,827
 3,271
 (44)   1,577
 1,924
 (18)  3,984
 1,827
 118
 
Underwriting gain $30,310
 43,777
 (31) % $79,532
 84,732
 (6) %
GAAP Ratios:    
            
Underwriting income $38,032
 30,310
 25
% $42,765
 79,532
 (46)%
Combined Ratios:    
          
Loss and loss expense ratio 60.2
%56.1
 4.1
 pts  58.4
%56.5
 1.9
 pts  60.5
%60.2
 0.3
pts  62.8
%58.4
 4.4
pts 
Underwriting expense ratio 34.2
 35.4
 (1.2) 34.4
 35.2
 (0.8)  32.9
 34.2
 (1.3) 33.3
 34.4
 (1.1) 
Dividends to policyholders ratio 0.3
 0.3
 
   0.2
 0.3
 (0.1)   0.3
 0.3
 
  0.3
 0.2
 0.1
 
Combined ratio 94.7
 91.8
 2.9
   93.0
 92.0
 1.0
   93.7
 94.7
 (1.0)  96.4
 93.0
 3.4
 
Statutory Ratios:    
            
Loss and loss expense ratio 60.0
 56.0
 4.0
   58.2
 56.4
 1.8
  
Underwriting expense ratio 32.8
 33.8
 (1.0) 33.0
 33.7
 (0.7) 
Dividends to policyholders ratio 0.3
 0.3
 
   0.2
 0.3
 (0.1)  
Combined ratio 93.1
%90.1
 3.0
 pts  91.4
%90.4
 1.0
 pts 

The GAAP combinedloss and loss expense ratio increased by 2.90.3 points in Second Quarter 20172018 and 1.0 pointincreased 4.4 points in Six Months 20172018 compared to the same prior year periods, last year, driven by:by the following:
 Second Quarter 2017 Second Quarter 2016  
($ in millions)Losses and Loss Expenses IncurredImpact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
  Losses and Loss
Expenses
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 Change in Ratio 
Catastrophe losses$29.3
5.2
pts $8.4
1.6
pts3.6
pts
Non-catastrophe property losses73.3
12.9
  64.3
12.1
 0.8
 
Favorable prior year casualty reserve development(14.3)(2.5)  (10.0)(1.9) (0.6) 
Total88.3
15.6
  62.7
11.8
 3.8
 
Six Months 2017 Six Months 2016 Second Quarter 2018 Second Quarter 2017  
($ in millions)Losses and Loss Expenses IncurredImpact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
  Losses and Loss
Expenses
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 Change in Ratio Loss and Loss Expense IncurredImpact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
  Loss and Loss
Expense
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 Change in Ratio 
Catastrophe losses$41.5
3.7
pts $22.8
2.2
pts1.5pts$18.7
3.1
pts $29.3
5.2
pts(2.1)pts
(Favorable) prior year casualty reserve development(4.0)(0.7) (14.3)(2.5) 1.8
 
Non-catastrophe property losses144.7
12.8
 130.8
12.4
 0.4 82.9
13.7
 73.3
12.9
 0.8
 
Favorable prior year casualty reserve development(28.7)(2.5) (27.0)(2.6) 0.1 
Total157.5
14.0
 126.6
12.0
 2.0 97.6
16.1
 88.3
15.6
 0.5
 
        
        
Six Months 2018 Six Months 2017  
($ in millions)Loss and Loss Expense IncurredImpact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
  Loss and Loss
Expense
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 Change in Ratio 
Catastrophe losses$44.8
3.7
pts $41.5
3.7
pts
pts
(Favorable) prior year casualty reserve development(12.0)(1.0) (28.7)(2.5) 1.5
 
Non-catastrophe property losses188.7
15.8
 144.7
12.8
 3.0
 
Total221.5
18.5
 157.5
14.0
 4.5
 

The Second Quarter 2017 catastrophe losses included $11.9 million of development, or 2.1 points, from prior period storms. The most significant of these were three hail storms that occurred in March 2017 that added $8.8 million, or 1.5 points, to Second Quarter 2017 losses.


Details of the favorable prior year casualty reserve development were as follows:
(Favorable)/Unfavorable Prior Year Casualty Reserve DevelopmentQuarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30, Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in millions)2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
General liability$(15.0) (11.0) (37.4) (22.0) $
 (15.0) 
 (37.4)
Commercial automobile15.0
 8.0
 21.0
 13.0
 7.0
 15.0
 15.0
 21.0
Workers compensation(15.3) (9.0) (15.3) (21.0) (17.0) (15.3) (33.0) (15.3)
Bonds(2.0) 
 (2.0) 
 
 (2.0) 
 (2.0)
Total Standard Commercial Lines(17.3) (12.0) (33.7) (30.0) (10.0) (17.3) (18.0) (33.7)
               
Homeowners1.0
 
 1.0
 
 
 1.0
 
 1.0
Personal automobile2.0
 
 4.0
 
 
 2.0
 
 4.0
Total Standard Personal Lines3.0
 
 5.0
 
 
 3.0
 
 5.0
               
E&S
 2.0
 
 3.0
 6.0
 
 6.0
 
               
Total (favorable) prior year casualty reserve development$(14.3) (10.0) (28.7) (27.0) $(4.0) (14.3) (12.0) (28.7)
               
(Favorable) impact on loss ratio(2.5)pts(1.9) (2.5) (2.6) (0.7)pts(2.5) (1.0) (2.5)

The underwriting expense ratio decreased 1.3 points and 1.1 points in Second Quarter and Six Months 2018 compared to the same prior year periods due to the following:

A 0.8-point and 0.6-point decrease in employee-related expenses in Second Quarter 2018 and Six Months 2018, respectively. These decreases included a reduction in profit-based compensation to our employees of 0.3 points in the quarter and 0.2 points in the year-to-date period.

A 0.3-point decrease in supplemental commissions to our distribution partners in both periods compared to Second Quarter 2017 and Six Months 2017.

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

Improvements in the GAAP underwriting expense ratio in Second Quarter 2017 of 1.2 points and Six Months 2017 of 0.8 points compared to the same periods last year included the following:

A 0.3-point and 0.2-point decrease in supplemental commissions to our distribution partners in Second Quarter 2017 and Six Months 2017, respectively; and

A 0.3-point and 0.4-point decrease in pension expense in Second Quarter 2017 and Six Months 2017, respectively. As our pension plan ceased accruing benefits on March 31, 2016, we extended the amortization period for the net actuarial loss from the average remaining service life of active participants to the average remaining life expectancy of plan participants. This reduced amortization, coupled with interest costs in the quarter, did not fully offset the expected return on our pension assets, thereby creating the benefit that reduced our overall expense ratio. For additional information on our pension plan, refer to Note 10. "Retirement Plans" in Item 1. "Financial Statements." of this Form 10-Q.

Investments Segment
In total, our investment segment contributed 7.8 points to our overall annualized ROE in Second Quarter 2017 and 7.3 points in Six Months 2017, compared to 6.5 points and 6.3 points in Second Quarter and Six Months 2016, respectively. These increases were driven by improved yields on our fixed income securities portfolio. Additionally, our alternative investment portfolio reported pre-tax income of $5.2 million in Second Quarter 2017 and $6.8 million in Six Months 2017 compared to pre-tax losses of $0.6 million and $1.7 million in Second Quarter and Six Months 2016, respectively, which were negatively impacted by the energy sector in the prior year.

Other
Our interest and other corporate expenses, which are primarily comprised of expensesstock compensation expense at the holding company level, reduced our overallcontributed an annualized ROE by 2.5of (1.9) points in bothSecond Quarter 2018, and (2.4) points in Six Months 2018 compared to (2.5) points in Second Quarter 2017 and Second Quarter 2016 and 2.3(2.3) points in Six Months 2017 compared to 2.9 points in Six Months 2016.2017. The year-to-datequarter-to-date variance was driven primarily by a 1.6-point decrease in stock compensation expense as a result of stock price fluctuations that have impacted the tax effectsfair value of share-based compensation, which benefited our overall annualized ROE by 0.4 pointsliability awards.

Outlook
Despite our strong financial performance in Six Months 2017. We do not expect this tax benefit2017 and expectations for 2018, the U.S. property and casualty insurance industry continues to be replicated throughoutcharacterized by an abundance of capital, intense competition, and low overall premium growth. According to A.M. Best Company's ("A.M. Best") "US Property/Casualty: 2018 Review & Preview," for 2018, rate increases are expected to remain in the remainderlow single digits for most lines of 2017. We hadbusiness. 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%. A.M. Best also estimates that property and casualty insurance industry loss and loss expense reserve adequacy peaked several years ago and has been declining since that time. In addition, changes in economic conditions, including changes in U.S. trade policies and the imposition of tariffs on imports, may lead to higher inflation and increase loss costs above expected trends, which would negatively impact our profitability and the property and casualty insurance industry profitability as a whole. Unanticipated inflation would impact both the claim payments that are made during the current year, as well as estimates of the loss and loss expense reductions and increased stability relatedreserves for claims to our share-based payment awards beginningbe settled in 2017, as we have restructuredthe future. For a further discussion, please refer to Item 1A. "Risk Factors" in our 2017 awardsAnnual Report, under the subsection entitled, "Risks Related to Our Insurance Operations."

Our long-term growth plans include: (i) building our "ivy league" distribution partnerships to be more aligned with grant date fair value expense treatment and loweredrepresentative of at least 25% of the allocation to awards that require fair value adjustments subsequent to grant date. However, the 16% increase in our stock price during Six Months 2017 has resulted in fair value adjustments to our outstanding awards during Six Months 2017 that have offset the savings associated with the structural changes made to the awards granted in 2017.

For additional information on the tax effects of share-based compensation, refer to Note 2. "Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements" in Item 1. "Financial Statements." of this Form 10-Q.


Outlook
In 2017, we continue to focus on seeking out additional growth opportunities in our insurance operations while achieving rate and working towards our profit targets. We have been able to achieve NPW growth that has exceeded the industry’s growth rate, while at the same time generating solid underwriting margins. In addition, we have about a 1.3% standard commercial linesavailable market share in the 22 states in which we operate andeach of our long-term goal is to increase this market share to approximately 3%. By offeringStandard Commercial Lines states; (ii) increasing our distribution partners superior technology solutions and customer experience, we are targeting a 12% share of the standard commercial lines business within our independent agencies,these distribution partners, which we refer to as our "share of wallet.wallet," As of June 30, 2017, our share of wallet with agencies withto 12%, which we have an established relationship was 8%. We are also seeking to increase our agency appointments over time to representtranslates into a 25%3% market share of the statesin each state in which we are fully operational, from our current 18% share. We believe our relationships with our distribution partners are amongwrite Standard Commercial Lines business; and (iii) geographic expansion. To date, we write Standard

Commercial Lines business in 25 states and the strongest in the industry and underpin our success. During Six MonthsDistrict of Columbia, which, at a 3% market share, would create a corporate Standard Commercial Lines profile of approximately $5 billion of NPW.

In 2017, we appointed 35 of the 85 new agents we are planning for this year, net of agency terminations.

Our expansion plans are well on track foropened Arizona and New Hampshire.Hampshire for Standard Commercial Lines business, and effective January 1, 2018, we started writing Standard Commercial Lines business in Colorado. We have appointed a totalan aggregate of 2538 agents in these states, with appointments in each state controlling about 25%approximately 10%-20% of that state's available commercial linesStandard Commercial Lines premium. We began quotingexpect to open New Mexico and Utah for Standard Commercial Lines business during Second Quarter 2017,and Arizona and Utah for Standard Personal Lines business by the end of 2018.

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 and present specific account-level pricing guidance to our underwriters based on expected future profitability has positioned us to achieve strong renewal pure price without negatively impacting retention. We continue to expand the use of our newest underwriting tool that provides real-time insights into how each prospective new business account compares with policies being effectivesimilar accounts already in our portfolio. We believe this tool positions us better to grow the business regardless of overall market dynamics.

As an organization, we are making significant investments focused on or after July 1, 2017. Our approachenhancing the overall customer experience in an omni-channel environment, including efforts to entering these states has been consistentobtain: (i) stronger customer engagement through multiple communication touch points, such as mobile notifications and billing alerts; (ii) a 360-degree view of our customers to provide a more integrated service experience; (iii) increased capabilities to allow customers to interact with us in a 24x7 environment in a manner of their choosing; and (iv) deeper insight into metrics regarding customer satisfaction. To that end, we have recently deployed a new customer experience desktop to our contact center employees, and are working closely with our agent franchise business model,distribution partners and primary agency management system vendors to ensure we present our customers with a seamless experience. We recognize that our customers' expectations on how they engage with us and our agents 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 is predicated aroundshould, over time, enhance the quality of our field-based underwriting, claims, and customer service.business.

In our Investments segment, weOur investment portfolio generated after-taxpre-tax net investment income of $57.8$88.8 million in Six Months 20172018, which was a 13% increase over the same period in 2017. We have generated strong investment returns while maintaining a similar level of credit quality and areduration risk on track to meetthe portfolio, as a result of active investment management and security selection, principally in our full-year guidance outlined below. Our challenge in 2017 is navigating the increased market volatility that may accompany uncertainty regarding fiscalcore fixed income portfolio. Risk assets, which principally include high-yield fixed income securities, equities, and monetary policy changes. For instance, the potential impact of limiting or eliminating tax-advantage municipal bond interest may be significant to the returnsour alternative investment portfolio, were 7.6% of our municipal bond portfolio. Likewise, a reduction in the corporate tax rate or a border-adjustment tax mayoverall portfolio as of June 30, 2018, which is consistent with year-end 2017. We have significant repercussions in the marketplace. Weighing these risks when seeking new opportunities,been gradually diversifying our portfolio, and managing the risks for existing positions and sectors in the portfolio, will be a key focus throughout the remainderlikely continue to modestly increase our risk asset allocation over time, up to approximately 10% of the year.

In summary, we are positioning ourselves for a more competitive environment with a focusour invested assets, depending on generating adequate returns for our shareholders. We are preparing ourselves for changes in a period of heightened uncertainty surrounding interest rates, tax law changes, legislative changes, and inflation. We also have a number of internal strategic initiatives in place to enhance our technological offerings to our agents while improving the overall customer experience.market conditions.

After two quarters of better than expectedSecond Quarter 2018 results, we are revisingconfirming our full-year expectations to2018 guidance, which is the following:
A statutoryGAAP combined ratio, excluding catastrophe losses, of 89.5%, an improvement of 100 basis points from our original guidance.92.0%. This assumes no additional prior year casualty reserve development;
Catastrophe losses of 3.5 points;
After-tax net investment income of $113$150 million, upwhich includes $8 million of after-tax net investment income from our original guidancealternative investments;
An overall effective tax rate of $110 million;approximately 18%, which includes an effective tax rate of 17% for net investment income, reflecting a tax rate of 5.25% for tax-advantaged municipal bonds and a tax rate of 21% for all other investments; and
Weighted average shares of 59.259.6 million.


Results of Operations and Related Information by Segment

Standard Commercial Lines Segment
 Quarter ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
  Six Months ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
  Quarter ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
  Six Months ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
 
($ in thousands) 2017 2016   2017 2016  2018 2017   2018 2017 
GAAP Insurance Operations Results:  
  
  
        
Insurance Segments Results:  
  
  
        
NPW $478,917
 449,008
 7
% $962,465
 904,071
 6
% $514,930
 478,917
 8
% $1,024,006
 962,465
 6
%
NPE 443,594
 411,277
 8
  882,008
 814,166
 8
  476,012
 443,594
 7
  941,376
 882,008
 7
 
Less:     
  
              
  
         
Losses and loss expenses incurred 252,876
 221,618
 14
  494,440
 444,968
 11
 
Loss and loss expense incurred 273,934
 252,876
 8
  567,440
 494,440
 15
 
Net underwriting expenses incurred 154,035
 147,868
 4
  308,436
 294,822
 5
  159,485
 154,035
 4
  322,132
 308,436
 4
 
Dividends to policyholders 1,924
 1,618
 19
  1,827
 3,271
 (44)  1,577
 1,924
 (18)  3,984
 1,827
 118
 
Underwriting gain $34,759
 40,173
 (13)% $77,305
 71,105
 9
%
GAAP Ratios:  
  
  
        
Underwriting income $41,016
 34,759
 18
% $47,820
 77,305
 (38)%
Combined Ratios:  
  
  
        
Loss and loss expense ratio 57.1
%53.9
 3.2
pts 56.0
%54.7
 1.3
pts 57.6
%57.1
 0.5
pts 60.3
%56.0
 4.3
pts
Underwriting expense ratio 34.7
 35.9
 (1.2)  35.0
 36.2
 (1.2)  33.5
 34.7
 (1.2)  34.2
 35.0
 (0.8) 
Dividends to policyholders ratio 0.4
 0.4
 
  0.2
 0.4
 (0.2)  0.3
 0.4
 (0.1)  0.4
 0.2
 0.2
 
Combined ratio 92.2
 90.2
 2.0
  91.2
 91.3
 (0.1)  91.4
 92.2
 (0.8)  94.9
 91.2
 3.7
 
Statutory Ratios:  
  
  
        
Loss and loss expense ratio 56.9
 53.8
 3.1
  56.0
 54.5
 1.5
 
Underwriting expense ratio 33.3
 34.4
 (1.1) 33.3
 34.2
 (0.9) 
Dividends to policyholders ratio 0.4
 0.4
 
  0.2
 0.4
 (0.2) 
Combined ratio 90.6
%88.6
 2.0
pts 89.5
%89.1
 0.4
pts

The increases in NPW in Second Quarterthe quarter and Six Months 2017 compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 2016year-to-date periods reflected in the table above were driven by: (i) direct new business; (ii) renewal pure price increases; and (iii) solidstrong retention.
 Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30, Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
Retention 83
%83
 83
%83
 84
%83
 84% 83
Renewal pure price increases 3.1
 2.6
 3.1
 2.7
 3.5
 3.1
 3.4
 3.1
Direct new business $98.0
 95.5
 $187.5
 183.2
 $101.1
 98.0
 $199.0
 187.5

The NPE increases in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 2016 were consistent with the fluctuation in NPW for the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2017 compared with the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2016.

The GAAP loss and loss expense ratio increased 3.20.5 points in Second Quarter 20172018 compared to Second Quarter 20162017 and 1.34.3 points in Six Months 20172018 compared to Six Months 2016, reflecting2017. These increases were driven by the following items, which were partially offset by underwriting improvements, claims initiatives, and earned rate that outpaced loss costs:following:

Second Quarter 2017
Second Quarter 2016

($ in millions)Losses and Loss Expenses IncurredImpact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio


Losses and Loss
Expenses
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio

Change in Ratio
Catastrophe losses$17.0
3.8
pts $3.6
0.9
pts2.9
pts
Non-catastrophe property losses48.2
10.9


41.6
10.1

0.8

Favorable prior year casualty reserve development(17.3)(3.9)

(12.0)(2.9)
(1.0)
Total47.9
10.8
  33.2
8.1
 2.7
 
Six Months 2017 Six Months 2016  Second Quarter 2018 Second Quarter 2017  
($ in millions)Losses and Loss Expenses Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
  
Losses and Loss
Expenses
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 Change in Ratio Loss and Loss Expense IncurredImpact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
  Loss and Loss
Expense
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 Change in Ratio 
Catastrophe losses$23.9
2.7
pts $15.3
1.9
pts0.8
pts$10.1
2.1
pts $17.0
3.8
pts(1.7)pts
Non-catastrophe property losses98.0
11.1
 85.2
10.5
 0.6
 57.0
12.0
 48.2
10.9
 1.1
 
Favorable prior year casualty reserve development(33.7)(3.8) (30.0)(3.7) (0.1) 
(Favorable) prior year casualty reserve development(10.0)(2.1) (17.3)(3.9) 1.8
 
Total88.2
10.0
 70.5
8.7
 1.3
 57.1
12.0
 47.9
10.8
 1.2
 
        
        
Six Months 2018 Six Months 2017  
($ in millions)Loss and Loss Expense IncurredImpact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
  Loss and Loss
Expense
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 Change in Ratio 
Catastrophe losses$29.9
3.2
pts $23.9
2.7
pts0.5
pts
Non-catastrophe property losses127.8
13.6
 98.0
11.1
 2.5
 
(Favorable) prior year casualty reserve development(18.0)(1.9) (33.7)(3.8) 1.9
 
Total139.7
14.9
 88.2
10.0
 4.9
 


For additional information regarding the favorable prior year casualty reserve development by line of business, see the "Financial Highlights of Results for Second Quarter and Six Months 20172018 and Second Quarter and Six Months 2016"2017" section above and the line of business discussions below.

The decreasesThere was a 1.2-point decrease in the GAAP underwriting expense ratio in bothSecond Quarter 2018 compared to Second Quarter 2017, and a 0.8-point decrease in the underwriting expense ratio in Six Months 2018 compared to Six Months 2017. The significant drivers of these variances were as follows:

A reduction in employee-related expenses of 0.7 points in the quarter and year-to-date periods of 1.20.5 points were primarily attributable to:year to date. These decreases included: (i) lower pension expenseprofit-based compensation to our employees of 0.3 points in the quarter and 0.40.2 points year to date; and (ii) lower medical costs of 0.3 points in the year-to-date period;quarter and (ii) lower supplemental commissions0.2 points year to date.

A reduction in profit-based compensation to our distribution partners of approximately0.3 points in the quarter and 0.2 points in both periods. In addition, labor expenses decreased as a percentage of premium as we recognized productivity gains relativeyear to the growth of our business.date.


The following is a discussion of our most significant Standard Commercial Lines of business and their respective statutory results:business:
General LiabilityGeneral Liability       General Liability       
 Quarter ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
 Six Months ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
  Quarter ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
 Six Months ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
 
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016  2018 2017 2018 2017 
Statutory NPW $158,721
 145,489
 9
% $313,858
 290,195
 8
%
NPW $170,370
 158,721
 7
% $334,879
 313,858
 7
%
Direct new business 30,012
 28,865
 4
 56,919
 54,976
 4
  29,725
 30,012
 (1) 59,442
 56,919
 4
 
Retention 84
%83
 1
pts 84
%83
 1
pts 84
%84
 
pts 84
%84
 
pts
Renewal pure price increases 2.9
 1.6
 1.3
 2.6
 1.8
 0.8
  2.4
 2.9
 (0.5) 2.5
 2.6
 (0.1) 
Statutory NPE $141,503
 129,283
 9
% $281,487
 257,368
 9
%
Statutory combined ratio 78.4
%83.5
 (5.1)pts 75.8
%83.4
 (7.6)pts
% of total statutory Standard Commercial Lines NPW 33
 32
  
 33
 32
  
 
NPE $153,002
 141,503
 8
% $302,831
 281,487
 8
%
Underwriting income 15,758
 26,769
 (41) 29,700
 61,323
 (52) 
Combined ratio 89.7
%81.1
 8.6
pts 90.2
%78.2% 12.0
pts
% of total Standard Commercial Lines NPW 33
 33
  
 33
 33
 

 
The statutory combined ratio decreaseincrease in Second Quarter and Six Months 20172018 compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 20162017 was driven primarily by: (i)by a decline in favorable prior year casualty reserve development, as illustrated in the tables below; (ii) lower supplemental commissions to our distribution partners of 0.3 points in each period; and (iii) lower pension expense of 0.3 points in the quarter and 0.5 points in the year-to-date period.table below.

Second Quarter 2017Second Quarter 2016

($ in millions)(Benefit) ExpenseImpact on
Combined Ratio

 (Benefit) ExpenseImpact on
Combined Ratio

Change
Points

Favorable prior year casualty reserve development$(15.0)(10.6)pts$(11.0)(8.5)pts(2.1)pts

Six Months 2017Six Months 2016  Second Quarter 2018Second Quarter 2017
($ in millions)(Benefit) ExpenseImpact on
Combined Ratio
  (Benefit) ExpenseImpact on
Combined Ratio
 
Change
Points
 Loss and Loss Expense IncurredImpact on
Combined Ratio

Loss and Loss Expense IncurredImpact on
Combined Ratio

Change
Points

Favorable prior year casualty reserve development$(37.4)(13.3)pts$(22.0)(8.5)pts(4.8)pts
(Favorable) prior year casualty reserve development$
pts$(15.0)(10.6)pts10.6pts
     
     
Six Months 2018Six Months 2017 
($ in millions)Loss and Loss Expense IncurredImpact on
Combined Ratio
 Loss and Loss Expense IncurredImpact on
Combined Ratio
 Change
Points
 
(Favorable) prior year casualty reserve development$
pts$(37.4)(13.3)pts13.3pts

The significant drivers of the development were as follows:

Second Quarter and Six Months 2017: Development2017 development was primarily attributable to lower claims frequencies and severities primarily in accident years 2015 and prior, particularly in the products liability and excess liability segments.

Partially offsetting the prior year casualty development is the underwriting expense ratio, which decreased by 1.9 points in Second Quarter 2018 compared to Second Quarter 2017 and by 1.5 points in Six Months 2016: Development was2018 compared to Six Months 2017, primarily attributable to lower claims frequencies and severitiesthe aforementioned items discussed in the 2012 through 2014 accident years, particularly in the products liability and excess liability segments.overall Commercial Lines Segment above.


Commercial AutomobileCommercial Automobile     Commercial Automobile       
 Quarter ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
 Six Months ended June 30, Change
% or
Points
  Quarter ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
 Six Months ended June 30, Change
% or
Points
 
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016  2018 2017 2018 2017 
Statutory NPW $119,063
 108,888
 9% $236,449
 217,096
 9%
NPW $134,082
 119,063
 13
% $263,927
 236,449
 12
%
Direct new business 20,990
 20,682
 1 39,550
 39,272
 1  25,016
 20,990
 19
 47,305
 39,550
 20
 
Retention 84
%84
 pts 84
%84
 pts 84
%84
 
pts 84
%84
 
pts
Renewal pure price increases 6.9
 4.8
 2.1 6.7
 4.9
 1.8  7.5
 6.9
 0.6
 7.4
 6.7
 0.7
 
Statutory NPE $108,316
 98,896
 10% $215,445
 194,315
 11%
Statutory combined ratio 114.1
%107.0
 7.1pts 109.9
%106.0
 3.9pts
% of total statutory Standard Commercial Lines NPW 25
 24
   25
 24
   
NPE $122,104
 108,316
 13
% $240,335
 215,445
 12
%
Underwriting loss (10,773) (17,355) (38) (24,137) (25,523) (5) 
Combined ratio 108.8
%116.0
 (7.2)pts 110.0
%111.8
 (1.8)pts
% of total Standard Commercial Lines NPW 26
 25
  
 26
 25
  
 

The increasesdecreases in the statutory combined ratio of 7.2 points in Second Quarter 2018 compared to Second Quarter 2017 and 1.8 points in Six Months 2018 compared to Six Months 2017 compared to the prior year periods were driven by:
Unfavorableby a decrease in unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development, that waspartially offset by higher by 5.7 points in Second Quarter 2017 and 3.0 points in Six Months 2017. This development was mainly due to higher casualty claim frequency, and some increases in claim severity, in accident years 2015 and 2016; and
Catastrophe losses that were higher by 0.6 points in Second Quarter 2017 and 0.3 points in Six Months 2017.

non-catastrophe property losses. Quantitative information regardingon the prior year development and catastropheproperty losses is as follows:
 Second Quarter 2017 Second Quarter 2016  
($ in millions)Losses Incurred
Impact on
Loss Ratio
  Losses Incurred
Impact on
 Loss Ratio
 Change in Ratio 
Unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development$15.0
13.8
pts $8.0
8.1
pts5.7
pts
Catastrophe losses0.9
0.8
  0.2
0.2
 0.6
 
Total15.9
14.6
  8.2
8.3
 6.3
 
Six Months 2017 Six Months 2016  Second Quarter 2018 Second Quarter 2017  
($ in millions)Losses Incurred
Impact on
Loss Ratio
 Losses Incurred
Impact on
 Loss Ratio
 Change in Ratio Loss and Loss Expense IncurredImpact on
Combined Ratio
 Loss and Loss Expense IncurredImpact on
Combined Ratio
 Change in Ratio 
Non-catastrophe property losses$19.7
16.1
pts $14.6
13.5
pts2.6
pts
Unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development$21.0
9.7
pts $13.0
6.7
pts3.0
pts7.0
5.7
 15.0
13.8
 (8.1) 
Catastrophe losses1.1
0.5
 0.3
0.2
 0.3
 0.7
0.5
 0.9
0.8
 (0.3) 
Total22.1
10.2
 13.3
6.9
 3.3
 27.4
22.3
 30.5
28.1
 (5.8) 

Workers Compensation       
  Quarter ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
  Six Months ended June 30, Change
% or
Points
 
($ in thousands) 2017 2016   2017 2016  
Statutory NPW $81,354
 79,074
 3
% $173,194
 170,386
 2
%
  Direct new business 17,269
 17,081
 1
  34,306
 34,811
 (1) 
  Retention 83
%84
 (1)pts 83
%84
 (1)pts
  Renewal pure price increases 0.5
 1.3
 (0.8)  0.6
 1.5
 (0.9) 
Statutory NPE $79,460
 75,251
 6
% $158,786
 151,251
 5
%
Statutory combined ratio 78.3
%87.7
 (9.4)pts 86.9
%84.3
 2.6
pts
% of total statutory Standard Commercial Lines NPW 17
 18
  
  18
 19
   

The variances in the statutory combined ratio in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 compared to the same prior year periods were due primarily to: (i) prior year casualty reserve development, as shown in the tables below; (ii) lower supplemental commissions to our distribution partners of 0.8 points in the quarter and 0.6 points in the year-to-date period; and (iii) lower pension expense of 0.4 points in the quarter and 0.6 points in the year-to-date period.

 Second Quarter 2017Second Quarter 2016  
($ in millions)(Benefit) ExpenseImpact on
Combined Ratio
  (Benefit) ExpenseImpact on
Combined Ratio
 
Change
Points
 
Favorable prior year casualty reserve development$(15.3)(19.3)pts$(9.0)(12.0)pts(7.3)pts
Six Months 2017Six Months 2016 Six Months 2018 Six Months 2017  
($ in millions)(Benefit) ExpenseImpact on
Combined Ratio
  (Benefit) ExpenseImpact on
Combined Ratio
 
Change
Points
 Loss and Loss Expense IncurredImpact on
Combined Ratio
 Loss and Loss Expense IncurredImpact on
Combined Ratio
 Change in Ratio 
Favorable prior year casualty reserve development$(15.3)(9.6)pts$(21.0)(13.9)pts4.3pts
Non-catastrophe property losses$40.9
17.0
pts $30.4
14.1
pts2.9
pts
Unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development15.0
6.2
 21.0
9.7
 (3.5) 
Catastrophe losses1.5
0.6
 1.1
0.5
 0.1
 
Total57.4
23.8
 52.5
24.3
 (0.5) 

The significant drivers of the development were as follows:

Second Quarter and Six Months 2018: Development was primarily due to higher claims frequencies, and to some extent severities, in accident years 2015 through 2017.

Second Quarter and Six Months 2017: Development was mainly due to higher casualty claim frequencies, and some increases in claim severities, in accident years 2015 and 2016.

In addition to the items described above, the combined ratio on this line benefited from the underwriting ratio, which was 1.1 points lower in Second Quarter 2018 compared to Second Quarter 2017 and 0.9 points lower in Six Months 2018 compared to Six Months 2017. These reductions were primarily attributable to the same items discussed in the overall Commercial Lines Segment above.


Workers Compensation       
  Quarter ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
  Six Months ended June 30, Change
% or
Points
 
($ in thousands) 2018 2017   2018 2017  
NPW $81,995
 81,354
 1
% $170,901
 173,194
 (1)%
Direct new business 16,070
 17,269
 (7)  33,418
 34,306
 (3) 
Retention 84
%83
 1
pts 84
%83
 1
pts
Renewal pure price (decreases) increases 0.3
 0.5
 (0.2)  0.1
 0.6
 (0.5) 
NPE $80,021
 79,460
 1
% $158,844
 158,786
 
%
Underwriting income 21,795
 16,738
 30
  38,221
 17,892
 114
 
Combined ratio 72.8
%78.9
 (6.1)pts 75.9
%88.7
 (12.8)pts
% of total Standard Commercial Lines NPW 16
 17
  
  17
 18
   

The decreases in the combined ratio in Second Quarter and Six Months 2018 compared to the same prior year periods were driven by favorable prior year casualty reserve development, as well as a 1.5-point reduction in the combined ratio due to lower current year loss costs in both the quarter and year-to-date periods. Favorable prior year development, which in all cases was primarily due to lower severities in accident years 2016 and prior.prior, was as follows:
 Second Quarter 2018Second Quarter 2017  
($ in millions)Loss and Loss Expense IncurredImpact on
Combined Ratio
 Loss and Loss Expense IncurredImpact on
Combined Ratio
 
Change
Points
 
(Favorable) prior year casualty reserve development$(17.0)(21.2)pts$(15.3)(19.3)pts(1.9)pts
         
         
 Six Months 2018Six Months 2017  
($ in millions)Loss and Loss Expense IncurredImpact on
Combined Ratio
 Loss and Loss Expense IncurredImpact on
Combined Ratio
 
Change
Points
 
(Favorable) prior year casualty reserve development$(33.0)(20.8)pts$(15.3)(9.6)pts(11.2)pts

Additionally, there was a 1.2-point decrease in the underwriting expense ratio in Second Quarter and Six Months 2016: Developmentof 2018 compared to Second Quarter 2017, which was primarily due to lower severities in accident years 2013 and prior.

For more information regarding the initiatives that we have undertaken regarding this line of business, referattributable to the Standard Market Workers Compensation Line of Business discussion withinsame items discussed in the Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses section of "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" of our 2016 Annual Report.overall Commercial Lines Segment above.

Commercial Property                          
 Quarter ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
 Six Months ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
  Quarter ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
 Six Months ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
 
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016  2018 2017 2018 2017 
Statutory NPW $81,971
 79,354
 3
% $162,474
 154,998
 5
%
NPW $88,376
 81,971
 8
% $173,581
 162,474
 7
%
Direct new business 19,850
 20,339
 (2) 37,163
 38,149
 (3)  19,928
 19,850
 
 39,412
 37,163
 6
 
Retention 82
%82
 
pts 82
%82
 
pts 82
%82
 
pts 82
%82
 
pts
Renewal pure price increases 1.6
 2.7
 (1.1) 2.0
 2.5
 (0.5)  3.2
 1.6
 1.6
 2.8
 2.0
 0.8
 
Statutory NPE $78,052
 73,591
 6
% $154,443
 143,769
 7
%
Statutory combined ratio 101.4
%78.2
 23.2
pts 93.7
%84.8
 8.9
pts
% of total statutory Standard Commercial Lines NPW 17
 18
  
 17
 17
   
NPE $82,162
 78,052
 5
% $162,488
 154,443
 5
%
Underwriting income (loss) 9,944
 (1,631) (710) (2,497) 9,093
 (127) 
Combined ratio 87.9
%102.1
 (14.2)pts 101.5
%94.1
 7.4
pts
% of total Standard Commercial Lines NPW 17
 17
  
 17
 17
   


The fluctuationdecrease in the statutory combined ratio in Second Quarter 2018 compared Second Quarter 2017, and the increase in the combined ratio in Six Months 2018 compared to Six Months 2017, compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 2016 waswere driven by the following:

Second Quarter 2017
Second Quarter 2016

($ in millions)(Benefit) ExpenseImpact on
Combined Ratio


(Benefit) ExpenseImpact on
Combined Ratio

Change
% or
Points

Catastrophe losses$14.4
18.5pts
$2.9
4.0pts14.5pts
Non-catastrophe property losses31.0
39.7

23.2
31.5
8.2
Total45.4
58.2  26.1
35.5 22.7 
Six Months 2017 Six Months 2016 Second Quarter 2018
Second Quarter 2017

($ in millions)(Benefit) ExpenseImpact on
Combined Ratio
 (Benefit) ExpenseImpact on
Combined Ratio
 
Change
% or
Points
 Loss and Loss Expense IncurredImpact on
Combined Ratio

Loss and Loss Expense IncurredImpact on
Combined Ratio

Change
% or
Points

Catastrophe losses$7.8
9.4pts
$14.4
18.5pts(9.1)pts
Non-catastrophe property losses$58.1
37.6pts $46.3
32.2pts5.4pts29.3
35.6
31.0
39.7
(4.1)
Total37.1
45.0 45.4
58.2 (13.2) 
      
      
Six Months 2018 Six Months 2017  
($ in millions)Loss and Loss Expense IncurredImpact on
Combined Ratio
 Loss and Loss Expense IncurredImpact on
Combined Ratio
 
Change
% or
Points
 
Catastrophe losses20.5
13.3 13.1
9.1 4.2 $22.5
13.9pts $20.5
13.3pts0.6
pts
Non-catastrophe property losses72.4
44.5 58.1
37.6 6.9
 
Total78.6
50.9 59.4
41.3 9.6 94.9
58.4 78.6
50.9 7.5
 

The increase inLower catastrophe losses in Second Quarter 2017 included $7.4 million, or 9.4 points, related to prior period storms. The most significant of these were three hail storms from March 2017 that added $5.5 million, or 7.0 points, to Second Quarter 2017 losses. The increase inand non-catastrophe property losses in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 was driven by higher fire and weather-related losses than in2018 compared to Second Quarter 2017 partially offset the severe winter weather losses that we experienced in the first quarter of 2018. On a year -date-basis, the increase in our combined ratio continues to reflect these higher property losses from the first quarter of 2018, which were principally related to the January deep freeze in our footprint states and Six Months 2016, reflecting volatility from period to period that is normally associated with our commercial property linea relatively large number of business.severe fire losses.

Standard Personal Lines Segment
 Quarter ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
   Six Months ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
  Quarter ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
   Six Months ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
 
($ in thousands) 2017 2016   2017 2016  2018 2017   2018 2017 
GAAP Insurance Operations Results:  
  
  
         
Insurance Segments Results:  
  
  
         
NPW $78,107
 75,576
 3
 % $142,803
 137,545
 4
% $83,934
 78,107
 7
 % $151,795
 142,803
 6
%
NPE 71,672
 70,824
 1
   142,873
 141,029
 1
  75,677
 71,672
 6
   149,933
 142,873
 5
 
Less:    
        
       
        
   
Losses and loss expenses incurred 54,725
 42,212
 30
   99,015
 81,907
 21
 
Loss and loss expense incurred 49,260
 54,725
 (10)   104,699
 99,015
 6
 
Net underwriting expenses incurred 22,715
 22,487
 1
 44,520
 44,392
 
  21,612
 22,715
 (5) 41,935
 44,520
 (6) 
Underwriting (loss) gain $(5,768) 6,125
 (194) % $(662) 14,730
 104
%
GAAP Ratios:    
        
   
Underwriting income (loss) $4,805
 (5,768) 183
 % $3,299
 (662) 598
%
Combined Ratios:    
        
   
Loss and loss expense ratio 76.3
%59.6
 16.7
 pts 69.3
%58.1
 11.2
pts 65.1
%76.3
 (11.2) pts 69.8
%69.3
 0.5
pts
Underwriting expense ratio 31.7
 31.8
 (0.1) 31.2
 31.5
 (0.3)  28.6
 31.7
 (3.1) 28.0
 31.2
 (3.2) 
Combined ratio 108.0
 91.4
 16.6
   100.5
 89.6
 10.9
  93.7
 108.0
 (14.3)   97.8
 100.5
 (2.7) 
Statutory Ratios:    
        
   
Loss and loss expense ratio 76.4
 59.6
 16.8
   69.3
 58.1
 11.2
 
Underwriting expense ratio 29.5
 30.3
 (0.8) 30.5
 32.0
 (1.5) 
Combined ratio 105.9
%89.9
 16.0
 pts 99.8
%90.1
 9.7
pts

The increases in NPW in Second Quarter and Six Months 20172018 compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 20162017 were due primarily to: (i) an increase in new business; (ii) renewal pure price increases; and (iii) improving retention.
 Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,  Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30, 
($ in millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016  2018 2017 2018 2017 
New business $13.2
 9.6 $24.6
 17.0  $15.9
 13.2
 $27.7
 24.6
 
Retention 84
%83 84
%82  85
%84
 85
%84
 
Renewal pure price increases 2.6
 5.2 2.7
 5.1  3.4
 2.6
 3.6
 2.7
 


The NPE increases in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 2016 were consistent with the fluctuations in NPW for the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2017 compared with the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2016.

The GAAP loss and loss expense ratio increased 16.7decreased 11.2 points in Second Quarter 20172018 compared to Second Quarter 20162017 and 11.2increased 0.5 points in Six Months 20172018 compared to Six Months 2016. The quantitative breakout2017 . Quantitative information on the drivers of these drivers werefluctuations is as follows:
 Second Quarter 2017 Second Quarter 2016  
($ in millions)Losses and Loss Expenses Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
  
Losses and Loss
Expenses
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 Change in Ratio 
Catastrophe losses$9.4
13.0
pts $2.1
3.0
pts10.0pts
Unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development3.0
4.2
  

 4.2 
Non-catastrophe property losses20.0
27.9
  18.4
25.9
 2.0 
Flood claims handling fees(0.8)(1.1)  (0.9)(1.3) 0.2 
Total31.6
44.0
  19.6
27.6
 16.4 
Second Quarter 2018 Second Quarter 2017  
($ in millions)Loss and Loss Expense Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 
Loss and Loss
Expense
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 Change in Ratio 
Non-catastrophe property losses$19.8
26.2
pts $20.0
27.9
pts(1.7)pts
Catastrophe losses5.8
7.7
 9.4
13.0
 (5.3) 
Unfavorable prior year development

 3.0
4.2
 (4.2) 
Total25.6
33.9
 32.4
45.1
 (11.2) 
        
        
Six Months 2017 Six Months 2016 Six Months 2018 Six Months 2017  
($ in millions)Losses and Loss Expenses Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 
Losses and Loss
Expenses
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 Change in Ratio Loss and Loss Expense Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 
Loss and Loss
Expense
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 Change in Ratio 
Catastrophe losses$13.3
9.3
pts $4.3
3.1
pts6.2pts$12.7
8.4
pts $13.3
9.3
pts(0.9)pts
Unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development5.0
3.5
 

 3.5 

 5.0
3.5
 (3.5) 
Non-catastrophe property losses36.4
25.4
 34.7
24.6
 0.8 45.5
30.3
 36.4
25.4
 4.9
 
Flood claims handling fees(1.4)(1.0) (2.0)(1.4) 0.4 
Total53.3
37.2
 37.0
26.3
 10.9 58.2
38.7
 54.7
38.2
 0.5
 

Lower catastrophe and non-catastrophe property losses in Second Quarter 2018 compared to Second Quarter 2017 provided some offset to the property losses we experienced in the first quarter of 2018. On a year-to-date basis, non-catastrophe property losses remain higher than last year principally related to the January 2018 deep freeze in our footprint states and a relatively large number of severe fire losses.

TheUnfavorable prior year casualty reserve development in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 was primarily driven by increased frequency and severity in the personal automobile liability line for accident year 2016.

The GAAPunderwriting expense ratio remained relatively flatdecreased 3.1 points in Second Quarter and Six Months 20172018 compared to Second Quarter 2017 and 3.2 points in Six Months 2016.2018 compared to Six Months 2017. The significant drivers of these variances were as follows:

A reduction in costs of 1.3 points in the quarter and 1.0 points year to date associated with the internally-developed software platform used in this segment of our business, which was fully amortized in the fourth quarter of 2017.
E&S Insurance Operations
A reduction in employee-related expenses of 1.0 points in the quarter and 0.8 points year to date . These decreases included: (i) lower profit-based compensation to our employees of 0.3 points in the quarter and 0.2 points year to date; and (ii) lower medical costs of 0.2 points in the quarter and 0.1 points year to date.
  Quarter ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
  Six Months ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
 
($ in thousands) 2017 2016   2017 2016  
GAAP Insurance Operations Results:  
  
  
        
NPW $56,790
 53,556
 6
% $107,250
 101,883
 5
%
NPE 52,764
 49,831
 6
  104,003
 99,195
 5
 
Less:  
  
  
   
  
  
 
Losses and loss expenses incurred 33,958
 34,649
 (2)  65,576
 68,748
 (5) 
Net underwriting expenses incurred 17,487
 17,703
 (1)  35,538
 31,550
 13
 
Underwriting gain (loss) $1,319
 (2,521) 152
% $2,889
 (1,103) 362
%
GAAP Ratios:  
  
  
   
  
  
 
Loss and loss expense ratio 64.4
%69.5
 (5.1)pts 63.0
%69.3
 (6.3)pts
Underwriting expense ratio 33.1
 35.6
 (2.5)  34.2
 31.8
 2.4
 
Combined ratio 97.5
 105.1
 (7.6)  97.2
 101.1
 (3.9) 
Statutory Ratios:  
  
  
   
  
  
 
Loss and loss expense ratio 64.3
 69.6
 (5.3)  63.2
 69.3
 (6.1) 
Underwriting expense ratio 32.7
 33.1
 (0.4)  33.3
 31.3
 2.0
 
Combined ratio 97.0
%102.7
 (5.7)pts 96.5
%100.6
 (4.1)pts

A 0.6-point reduction in commissions to our distribution partners in both the quarter and year-to-date periods, including 0.4-points related to profit-based commissions.


The increaseE&S Lines Segment
  Quarter ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
  Six Months ended June 30, 
Change
% or
Points
 
($ in thousands) 2018 2017   2018 2017  
Insurance Segments Results:  
  
  
        
NPW $56,384
 56,790
 (1)% $104,007
 107,250
 (3)%
NPE 53,147
 52,764
 1
  105,355
 104,003
 1
 
Less:  
  
  
   
  
  
 
Loss and loss expense incurred 43,134
 33,958
 27
  79,130
 65,576
 21
 
Net underwriting expenses incurred 17,802
 17,487
 2
  34,579
 35,538
 (3) 
Underwriting (loss) income $(7,789) 1,319
 (691)% $(8,354) 2,889
 (389)%
Combined Ratios:  
  
  
   
  
  
 
Loss and loss expense ratio 81.2
%64.4
 16.8
pts 75.1
%63.0
 12.1
pts
Underwriting expense ratio 33.5
 33.1
 0.4
  32.8
 34.2
 (1.4) 
Combined ratio 114.7
 97.5
 17.2
  107.9
 97.2
 10.7
 

We continue to focus on profitability drivers in our E&S operations and have been actively managing price increases. While NPW in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 comparedhas declined as a consequence of these actions, our primary focus is to Second Quarter and Six Months 2016 was due primarilybring this segment to targeted levels of profitability. Quantitative information regarding new business and price increases is as follows:
 Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30, Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
Direct new business $24.9
 25.4
 48.7
 47.9
 $20.3
 24.9
 $38.5
 48.7
Price increases 3.7
%4.3
 5.6
%4.1
Casualty new/renewal price increases 5.9
%5.8
 6.5
%8.1
 
The NPE increases in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017,2018 compared to Second Quarter and 2017 Six Months 2016,2017 were consistent with the fluctuationsfluctuation in NPW for the twelve-month period ended June 30, 20172018 compared with the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2016.2017.

The GAAP loss and loss expense ratio decreased 5.1increased 16.8 points in Second Quarter 20172018 and 6.312.1 points in Six Months 20172018 compared to the same prior year periods, reflecting underwriting improvements, claims initiatives, and earned rate that outpaced loss costs, whichdriven by the items outlined in total decreasedthe table below as well as higher current year loss costs that increased the combined ratio by approximately 2.54.7 points in both the quarter and 3.5 pointsyear-to-date periods. The unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development outlined in the year-to-date period, along with the following:table below was primarily driven by increased frequencies and severities in accident years 2015 and 2016.
 Second Quarter 2017  Second Quarter 2016   
($ in millions)Losses and Loss Expenses IncurredImpact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
  Losses and Loss
Expenses
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 Change in Ratio 
Non-catastrophe property losses$5.1
9.7pts $4.4
8.7pts1.0
pts
Catastrophe losses3.0
5.7  2.7
5.4 0.3
 
Unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development
  2.0
4.0 (4.0) 
Total8.1
15.4  9.1
18.1 (2.7) 

Six Months 2017 Six Months 2016   Second Quarter 2018 Second Quarter 2017   
($ in millions)Losses and Loss Expenses IncurredImpact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 Losses and Loss
Expenses
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 Change in Ratio Loss and Loss Expense IncurredImpact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 Loss and Loss
Expense
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 Change in Ratio 
Catastrophe losses$4.4
4.2pts $3.2
3.2pts1.0
pts
Unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development
 3.0
3.0 (3.0) $6.0
11.3pts $
pts11.3
pts
Non-catastrophe property losses10.4
10.0 10.8
10.9 (0.9) 6.1
11.5 5.1
9.7 1.8
 
Catastrophe losses2.8
5.3 3.0
5.7 (0.4) 
Total14.8
14.2 17.0
17.1 (2.9) 14.9
28.1 8.1
15.4 12.7
 
      
      
Six Months 2018 Six Months 2017   
($ in millions)Loss and Loss Expense IncurredImpact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 Loss and Loss
Expense
Incurred
Impact on
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio
 Change in Ratio 
Unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development$6.0
5.7pts $
pts5.7
pts
Non-catastrophe property losses15.4
14.6 10.4
10.0 4.6
 
Catastrophe losses2.2
2.1 4.4
4.2 (2.1) 
Total23.6
22.4 14.8
14.2 8.2
 

There was a 2.5-point1.4-point decrease in the GAAP underwriting expense ratio in Second Quarter 2017 compared to Second Quarter 2016, driven primarily by the growth in premiums earned, which has more than outpaced the increase in fixed expenses, and lower supplemental commissions to our wholesale general agents of 0.8 points. These were partially offset by a higher allocation of corporate support services to this segment.

The 2.4-point increase in the GAAP underwriting expense ratio in Six Months 20172018 compared to Six Months 20162017, which was primarily driven by a lower cash incentive plan payment0.8-point reductions in the first quarter of 2016 for employees in this segment based on 2015 underwriting resultsprofit-based compensation to both our distribution partners and a higher allocation of corporate support services to this segment in 2017.employees.


Reinsurance
We have successfully completed negotiations of our July 1, 20172018 excess of loss treaties, which provide coverage for our Standard Commercial Lines, Standard Personal Lines, and E&S Lines. The renewal of these treaties included some enhancements in terms and conditions, with the same structure as the expiring treaties as follows:

Property Excess of Loss
The property excess of loss treaty ("Property Treaty") provides $58.0 million of coverage in excess of a $2.0 million retention:
The per occurrence cap on the first and second layers is $84.0 million.
The first layer has unlimited reinstatements and a limit of $8.0 million in excess of $2.0 million.
The annual aggregate limit, for the $30.0 million in excess of $10.0 million second layer, is $120.0 million.
A third layer has a limit of $20.0 million in excess of $40.0 million, with an annual aggregate limit of approximately $75.5$75.0 million.
The Property Treaty excludes nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological ("NBCR") terrorism losses.

Casualty Excess of Loss
The casualty excess of loss treaty (“Casualty Treaty”) provides $88.0 million of coverage in excess of a $2.0 million retention:
The first through sixth layers provide coverage for 100% of up to $88.0 million in excess of a $2.0 million retention.
The Casualty Treaty includes a $25.0 million limit, per life, on our workers compensation business, which remains unchanged from the prior treaty.
The Casualty Treaty excludes NBCR terrorism losses and has annual aggregate non-NBCR terrorism limits of $208.0 million.

Investments
The primary objective of the investment portfolio is to maximize risk-adjusted after-tax net investment income and the overall total return of the portfolio, while maintaining our historica high credit quality core fixed income portfolio 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 net investment 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) June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Change % or Points  June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Change % or Points 
Total invested assets $5,503,047
 5,364,947
 3
% $5,665,568
 5,685,179
 
%
Invested assets per dollar of stockholders' equity 3.33
 3.50
 (5)
 3.34
 3.32
 1

Unrealized gain – before tax 126,014
 64,803
 94
 
Unrealized gain – after tax 81,909
 42,122
 94
 
Unrealized gain – before tax1
 9,816
 124,679
 (92) 
Unrealized gain – after tax1
 7,755
 80,575
 (90) 
1Includes unrealized gains on fixed income securities and equity securities.

The increase in investedInvested assets remained relatively unchanged at June 30, 20172018 compared to December 31, 2016 was primarily driven by operating cash flow of $123.7 million, and an increase2017. The decrease in unrealized gains of $61.2 million. The $61.2 million change in unrealized gainsduring Six Months 2018 was driven by our fixed income securities portfolio, which was favorablyunfavorably impacted by tightening credit spreads and a decrease in risk-freerising interest rates.

Fixed Income Securities
At June 30, 2017,2018, our fixed income securities portfolio represented 93%92% of our total invested assets, largely unchanged compared to December 31, 2016.2017. The effective duration and spread duration of the fixed income securities portfolio as of June 30, 20172018 was 3.74.0 years, and 4.4 years, respectively, including short-term investments. Thecompared to the Insurance Subsidiaries’ liability duration isas of December 31, 2017 of approximately 4.03.8 years. Effective duration provides an approximate measure of the portfolio's price sensitivity to a change in interest rates, while spread duration provides an approximate measure of the portfolio's price sensitivity to spread changes, which are the differences between the yields on particular debt instruments and the yields of U.S. Treasury debt securities with similar maturities. The effective and spread durationsduration of the fixed income securities portfolio areis monitored and managed to maximize yield while managing interest rate risk and credit risk respectively, at an acceptable level. Approximately 17% of our fixed income security portfolio at June 30, 2018 was invested in floating securities that are primarily indexed to the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"). We maintain a well-diversified portfolio across sectors, credit quality, and maturities that affords us ample liquidity. Every purchase or sale isPurchases and sales are 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 had a weighted average credit rating of "AA-" AA- ,” with 97% of the securities in the portfolio being investment grade quality, at both June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016.2017. Within our fixed income securities portfolio, we maintained an allocation of non-investment grade high-yield securities, which represented 3% of our fixed income securities portfolio as of both June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016.2017. The sector composition and credit quality of our major asset categories within our fixed income securities portfolio did not significantly change from December 31, 2016. However, we have recently increased our exposure to floating rate fixed income securities, which is largely reflective of our increased allocation to collateralized loan obligations ("CLO"). Floating rate securities represented approximately 17% of our fixed income securities portfolio as of June 30, 2017, compared to 13% as of December 31, 2016. The increase in floating rate instruments, which are primarily indexed to the 90-day LIBOR, will increase the sensitivity of changes to our book yield and investment income.2017.

For details regarding the credit quality of our portfolio, see Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” of our 20162017 Annual Report.

Net Investment Income
The components of net investment income earned for the indicated periods were as follows:
 Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30, Quarter ended June 30, Change
% or Points
  Six Months ended June 30,Change
% or Points
 
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
Fixed income securities $37,668
 31,753
 74,559
 63,397
 $43,774
 37,668
 16 % 85,815
 74,559
15 % 
Equity securities 1,419
 2,204
 2,887
 4,434
 1,820
 1,419
 28
 3,797
 2,887
32
 
Short-term investments 377
 142
 627
 301
 611
 377
 62
 1,134
 627
81
 
Other investments 5,231
 (611) 6,834
 (1,677) 2,094
 5,231
 (60) 3,657
 6,834
(46) 
Investment expenses (3,265) (2,306) (6,058) (4,504) (2,746) (3,265) (16) (5,619) (6,058)(7) 
Net investment income earned – before tax 41,430
 31,182
 78,849
 61,951
 45,553
 41,430
 10
 88,784
 78,849
13
 
Net investment income tax expense (11,127) (7,657) (21,095) (14,866) (7,964) (11,127) (28) (15,405) (21,095)(27) 
Net investment income earned – after tax $30,303
 23,525
 57,754
 47,085
 $37,589
 30,303
 24
 73,379
 57,754
27
 
Effective tax rate 26.9% 24.6
 26.8
 24.0
 17.5% 26.9
 (9.4)pts 17.4
 26.8
(9.4)pts
Annualized after-tax yield on fixed income securities 2.2
 2.0
 2.2
 2.0
 2.8
 2.2
 0.6
 2.7
 2.2
0.5
 
Annualized after-tax yield on investment portfolio 2.2
 1.8
 2.1
 1.8
 2.7
 2.2
 0.5
 2.6
 2.1
0.5
 

The increase in pre-tax net investment income in both Second Quarter 2017and Six Months 2018 compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 2017 was driven primarily by our fixed income securities portfolio, which benefited fromimprovedfrom improved new money reinvestment yields our increased allocation to non-investmentand repositioning of the investment grade securities as a result of active investment management and repositioning within the investment gradesecurity selection, principally in our core fixed income portfolio. In addition, with approximately 17% of our fixed income portfolio invested in floating rate securities that primarily reset based on the 90-day LIBOR, we have benefited from the 64-point rise in LIBOR in Six Months 2018. These improvements were partially offset by lower returns on our alternative investments within our other investment portfolio, increased in both periods dueprimarily related to valuation improvementsour energy-sector related investments. On an after-tax basis, we benefited from a decrease in the private equity and energy-related sectors.effective tax rate as a result of Tax Reform. See the "Federal Income Taxes" discussion below for additional information regarding the impact of this legislation.


Realized and Unrealized 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 and unrealized gains (losses)and losses for the indicated periods were as follows:
  Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Net realized gains, excluding OTTI $2.9
 2.3
 5.4
 3.2
OTTI (1.2) (0.5) (4.7) (4.1)
Total net realized gains (losses) 1.7
 1.8
 0.7
 (0.9)
  Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net realized gains on disposals, excluding OTTI $54
 2,951
 4,785
 5,381
OTTI charges (2,821) (1,217) (4,033) (4,692)
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized in income on equity securities 1,115
 
 (12,953) 
Total net realized and unrealized (losses) gains $(1,652) 1,734
 (12,201) 689
 
The increase in net realized and unrealized losses in Second Quarter 2018 compared to Second Quarter 2017 was driven by OTTI charges recognized in earnings. The increase in net realized and unrealized losses in Six Months 2018 compared to Six Months 2017 was driven by market value fluctuations on our equity portfolio, which are recorded through income due to an accounting change in the first quarter of 2018. For further discussion of our realized gains and losses, as well as our OTTI methodology,information on this accounting change, see Note 2. “Summary"Adoption of Significant Accounting Policies” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of our 2016 Annual Report. For additional information about our OTTI charges, see Note 4. "Investments"Pronouncements" in Item 1. "Financial Statements." of this Form 10-Q. For further discussion of our OTTI methodology, see Note 2. "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of our 2017 Annual Report.

Federal Income Taxes
The following table provides information regarding federal income taxes:
Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,Quarter ended June 30, Six Months ended June 30,
($ in millions)2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
Federal income tax expense$17.5
 18.7
 34.6
 33.6
$13.7
 17.5
 14.7
 34.6
Effective tax rate29.7% 30.0
 27.4
 29.4
18.9% 29.7
 15.9
 27.4

On December 22, 2017, Tax Reform was signed into law, which among other provisions, reduced our statutory corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning on January 1, 2018. The reduction in the effective tax rate in the table above differs from the statutory tax rate of 35% primarily because of tax-advantaged interest
and dividend income. The decrease in our effective tax rate infor Second Quarter and Six Months 20172018 compared to Second Quarter and Six Months 20162017 reflects: (i) the lower statutory rate; (ii) the contribution of tax-advantaged interest and dividend income in relation to overall pre-tax income this year compared to last; and (iii) an increase in the tax benefit of our share-based payment awards that are recognized through income, which was driven primarily by growth in our adoption of ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2016-09") on January 1, 2017, which 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. All excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are recognized as income tax benefit or expense in the income statement and reducedstock price.

In general, our effective tax rate by 0.6 pointsdiffers from the statutory rate principally due to the benefit of tax-advantaged interest and 2.6 points in Second Quarter and Six Months 2017, respectively. Previously, these amounts were recorded in additional paid-in capital.dividend income, which are taxed at lower rates. For further informationa reconciliation of tax expense at the statutory rate to tax expense on our adoptionConsolidated Statements of ASU 2016-09,Income, refer to Note 2. "Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements"12. "Federal Income Taxes" in Item 1. "Financial Statements." of this Form 10-Q.

We believe that ourOur future effective tax rate will continue to be impacted by similar items, assuming no significant changes to
tax laws. However, for full-year 2018, we expect an overall effective tax rate of approximately 18%, which is higher than our effective tax rate for Six Months 2018, as we expect a greater income contribution from our insurance operations for the U.S. federal income tax structure is currently under significant debate as a resultremainder of the last
Presidential election. We are unableyear compared to provide an estimatethe relative contribution during the first half of the magnitude of potential changes.year.

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, excluding restricted cash, and short-term investment position of $142$169 million at June 30, 20172018 was comprised of $21$36 million at the Parent and $121$133 million at the Insurance Subsidiaries. Short-term investments are generally maintained in "AAA" rated money market funds approved by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The Parent maintains a fixed income security investment portfolio containing high-quality, highly-liquid government and corporate fixed income securities. This portfolio amounted to $84$90 million at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, for a total of $126 million of cash and liquid investments at the Parent at June 30, 2018, compared to $74$114 million at December 31, 2016.2017. 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 balances based on various factors, including the amount and availability of dividends from our Insurance Subsidiaries, investment income, expenses, and other liquidity needs of the Parent. Our target is to hold cash and other liquid assets at the Parent sufficient to meet 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
We currently anticipate that the Insurance Subsidiaries will pay $80$100 million in total dividends to the Parent in 2018, a $20 million increase compared to $80 million paid in 2017, of which $40$50 million was paid during Six Months 2017.2018. As of June 30,December 31, 2017, our allowable ordinary maximum dividend was $199$211 million for 2017, which is a $6 million increase from December 31, 2016 due to an Indiana regulation change regarding the calculation of ordinary dividends, which impacted two of our insurance subsidiaries.2018.


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 our 20162017 Annual Report.
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 flows for claims payments in the ordinary course of business. The effective duration of the fixed income securities portfolio including short-term investments, was 3.74.0 years as of June 30, 2017,2018, while the liabilities of the Insurance Subsidiaries havehad a duration as of 4.0December 31, 2017 of 3.8 years. As protection for the capital resources of the Insurance Subsidiaries, we purchase reinsurance coverage for 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. There were no balances outstanding under the Line of Credit at June 30, 20172018 or at any time during 2017.2018.

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

The table below outlines information regarding certain of the covenants in the Line of Credit:
 Required as of June 30, 20172018Actual as of June 30, 20172018
Consolidated net worthNot less than $1.1$1.2 billion$1.7 billion
Statutory surplusNot less than $750 million$1.7 billion
Debt-to-capitalization ratio1
Not to exceed 35%21.2%20.6%
A.M. Best financial strength ratingMinimum of A-A
1 
Calculated in accordance with the Line of Credit agreement.

Several of our Insurance Subsidiaries are members of certain branches of the Federal Home Loan Bank, which provides those subsidiaries with additional access to liquidity. Membership is as follows:
BranchInsurance Subsidiary Member
Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis ("FHLBI")
Selective Insurance Company of South Carolina ("SICSC")1
Selective Insurance Company of the Southeast ("SICSE")1
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLBNY")
Selective Insurance Company of America ("SICA")
Selective Insurance Company of New York ("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 end. 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 4. "Investments" in Item 1. "Financial Statements." of this Form 10-Q. The following table provides information on the remaining capacity for Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings as of June 30, 2017 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 RequirementsAdmitted Assets Borrowing Limitation Amount Borrowed Remaining Capacity Additional Stock Requirements
 
SICSC$644.9
 $64.5
 32.0
 32.5
 1.4
$648.0
 $64.8
 32.0
 32.8
 1.4
SICSE490.7
 49.1
 28.0
 21.1
 0.9
507.5
 50.8
 28.0
 22.8
 1.0
SICA2,314.2
 231.4
 50.0
 181.4
 8.2
2,434.9
 243.5
 50.0
 193.5
 8.7
SICNY427.4
 21.4
 
 21.4
 1.0
445.8
 22.3
 
 22.3
 1.0
Total  $366.4
 110.0
 256.4
 11.5
  $381.4
 110.0
 271.4
 12.1

Short-term Borrowings
In the first quarter of 2017,Six Months 2018, SICA borrowed $64borrowed: (i) $75 million from the FHLBNY, which was repaid on March 21, 2017.20, 2018; and (ii) $55 million from the FHLBNY, which was repaid on April 18, 2018. For further
information regarding this borrowing, see Note 5. "Indebtedness" in Item 1. "Financial Statements." of this Form 10-Q.

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, 2016
 Borrowing Limitation Amount Borrowed Remaining Capacity
Admitted Assets
as of December 31, 2017
 Borrowing Limitation Amount Borrowed Remaining Capacity
As of June 30, 2017 
As of June 30, 2018
Admitted Assets
as of December 31, 2017
 Borrowing Limitation Amount Borrowed Remaining Capacity
SICSC$644.9
 $64.5
 27.0
 37.5
 
SICSE490.7
 49.1
 18.0
 31.1
507.5
 50.8
 18.0
 32.8
Total  $113.6
 45.0
 68.6
  $115.6
 45.0
 70.6

Capital Market Activities
The Parent had no private or public issuances of stock or debt instruments during Six Months 2017.2018.

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.

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 debt repayment is
repayments, each in the amount of $25 million, are due in 2021.2021, 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, which we may elect to call, in whole or in part, at any time. If we were to call and redeem these Senior Notes, we would expense the associated unamortized debt issuance costs. The balance of the unamortized debt issuance costs associated with our $185 million of Senior Notes was $4.4 million at June 30, 2018.
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 June 30, 2017,2018, we had GAAP stockholders' equity and statutory surplus of $1.7 billion. With total debt of $438.9$439.3 million, our debt-to-capital ratio was approximately 21.0%20.6% at June 30, 2017.2018.
 

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

 
We continually monitor our cash requirements and the amount of capital resources that we maintain at the holding company and operating subsidiary levels. As part of our long-term capital strategy, we strive to maintain capital metrics, relative to the macroeconomic environment, that support our targeted financial strength. Based on our analysis and market conditions, we may take a variety of actions, including, but not limited to, contributing capital to the Insurance Subsidiaries in our insurance operations, issuing additional debt and/or equity securities, calling existing debt, 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 by 7%decreased to $28.32$28.86 as of June 30, 2017,2018, from $26.42$29.28 as of December 31, 2016,2017, due to $1.55 in net income and $0.68$1.37 in unrealized gainslosses on our investment portfolio partially offset by $0.32and $0.36 in dividends to our shareholders.shareholders, partially offset by $1.30 in net income per share.

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. We have been rated “A” or higher by A.M. Best for the past 8788 years. A downgrade from A.M. Best to a rating below “A-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.

Our ratings have not changed from those reported in our "Ratings" section of Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." in our 20162017 Annual Report and continue to be as follows:
NRSRO Financial Strength Rating Outlook
A.M. Best A Stable
Moody's Investor Services ("Moody's") A2 Stable
Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") A+ Stable
Standard & Poor's Global Ratings ("S&P") A Stable

In the first quarter of 2018, Moody’s reaffirmed our "A2" rating with a "stable" outlook. In taking this action, Moody’s cited our solid risk-adjusted capitalization, strong asset quality, and underwriting profitability, as well as our good regional presence and established independent agency support.

In Second Quarter 2017,2018, Fitch reaffirmed our "A+" rating with a "stable" outlook. In taking this action, Fitch cited our strong underwriting results, solid capitalization with growth in stockholders' equity, stable leverage metrics,strong business profile, and stable interest coverage metrics.

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

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017, 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 future cash payments associated with: (i) loss and loss expense reserves; (ii) contractual obligations pursuant to operating leases for office space and equipment; and (iii) debt have not materially changed since December 31, 2016.2017. As of June 30, 2017,2018, we had contractual obligations that expire at various dates through 20302036 that may require us to invest up to $165$237.2 million in alternative and other investments. There is no certainty that any such additional investment will be required. Additionally, as of June 30, 2017,2018, we had the following contractual obligations that expire in 2019 to invest $12.0obligations: (i) $27.9 million in a non-publicly traded common stock within our AFS portfolio.equity portfolio that expire through 2023, and (ii) $16.8 million in a non-publicly traded collateralized loan obligation in our fixed income securities portfolio that expires in 2030. We expect to have the capacity to repay and/or refinance these obligations as they come due.
 
We have issued no material guarantees on behalf of others and have no trading activities involving non-exchange traded contracts accounted for at fair value. For additional details on transactions with related parties, see Note 12.16. "Related Party Transactions" in Item 1.8. "Financial Statements.Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-Q.in our 2017 Annual Report.


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
There have been no material changes in the information about market risk set forth in our 20162017 Annual Report.Report.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), as of the end of the period covered by this report. In performing this evaluation, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control Integrated Framework ("COSO Framework") in 2013. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are: (i) effective in recording, processing, summarizing, and reporting information on a timely basis that we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act; and (ii) effective in ensuring that information that we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. No

Except for internal controls over financial reporting related to the implementation of a new investment accounting platform, no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) occurred during Six Months 20172018 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Management reviewed and tested the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting related to the new investment accounting platform and concluded they were effective.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
In the ordinary course of conducting business, we are named as defendants in various legal proceedings. Most of these proceedings are claims litigation involving our Insurance Subsidiaries as either: (i) liability insurers defending or providing indemnity for third-party claims brought against our customers; or (ii) insurers defending first-party coverage claims brought against them. We account for such activity through the establishment of unpaid 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 June 30, 2017,2018, 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.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
Certain risk factors exist that can have a significant impact on our business, liquidity, capital resources, results of operations, financial condition, and debt ratings. These risk factors might affect, alter, or change actions that we might take in 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. We operate in a continually changing business environment and new risk factors emerge from time to time. Consequently, we can neither predict such new risk factors nor assess the potential future impact, if any, they might have on our business. There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A. “Risk Factors.” in our 20162017 Annual Report.Report other than as discussed below.

We face risks regarding our flood business because of uncertainties regarding the NFIP.
We are the fifth largest insurance group participating in the WYO arrangement of the NFIP, which is managed by the Mitigation Division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“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 direct premium written.  The servicing fee is the combination of 0.9% of direct premium written and 1.5% of incurred losses.

As a WYO carrier, we are required to follow certain 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.

The NFIP was authorized until July 31, 2018. On July 25, 2018, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a four-month extension authorizing the NFIP until November 30, 2018. On July 31, 2018, the U.S. Senate passed the four-month extension and President Trump signed the extension bill. There continues to be significant public policy and political debate in Congress about extension of the NFIP and solutions for flood risk throughout the country. In November 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the 21st Century Flood Reform Act, which would extend the NFIP for five years but reduce the WYO expense allowance over a three-year period by three points, from its current 30.9% to 27.9%. The bill also proposes changes in certain operational processes and provides incentives for the private flood insurance market. The U.S. Senate has yet to consider this bill. FEMA, on its own initiative however, revised the arrangement by: (i) reducing the WYO’s expense allowance by one percentage point, from 30.9% to 29.9% effective October 2018; and (ii) eliminating the provision allowing FEMA to increase a WYO’s expense allowance by one percentage point to cover additional incurred expenses.

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.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
The following table provides information regarding our purchases of our common stock in Second Quarter 20172018:
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
April 1 – 30, 2017 792
 $50.14
 
 
May 1 - 31, 2017 4,835
 51.74
 
 
June 1 - 30, 2017 1,636
 49.78
 
 
Total 7,263
 $51.12
 
 
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
April 1 – 30, 2018 461
 $60.50
 
 
May 1 - 31, 2018 1,821
 55.78
 
 
June 1 - 30, 2018 
 
 
 
Total 2,282
 $56.74
 
 

1During Second Quarter 20172018, 2,428488 shares were purchased from employees and non-employee directors in connection with the vesting of restricted stock units and 4,8351,794 shares were purchased from employees in connection with option exercises. These repurchases were made to satisfy tax withholding obligations and/or option costs with respect to those employees.individuals. These shares were not purchased as part of any publicly announced program. The shares that were purchased in connection with the vesting of restricted stock units were purchased at fair market value as defined in the Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan and the Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan As Amended and Restated Effective as of May 1, 2010.Plan. The shares purchased in connection with the option exercises were purchased at the current market prices of our common stock on the dates the options were exercised.


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.
Exhibit No.    
 Statement Re: Computation of Per Share Earnings.
 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.
** 101.INS XBRL Instance Document.
** 101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
** 101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
** 101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
** 101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
** 101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
 * Filed herewith.
** Furnished and not filed herewith.





SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
Registrant 
 
Date:August 2, 2018By: /s/ Gregory E. MurphyJuly 27, 2017
Gregory E. Murphy
 
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
  
Date:August 2, 2018By: /s/ Mark A. WilcoxJuly 27, 2017
Mark A. Wilcox
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
(principal financial officer)
 



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