UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
 
FORM 10-K/A
(Amendment No. 1)
(Mark One)
 
ý ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2017
or
 
¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from_______________________to_______________________

Commission file number 001-33067 
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
New Jersey
 
22-2168890
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
40 Wantage Avenue, Branchville, New Jersey
 
07890
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
 
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
 
(973) 948-3000
 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $2 per share
 
NASDAQ Global Select Market
 
 
 
5.875% Senior Notes due February 9, 2043
 
New York Stock Exchange
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:      None
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
ý Yes      ¨ No
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
¨ Yes      ý No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
ý Yes      ¨ No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
ý Yes      ¨ No


1




Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
ý
                                                    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer  ¨   (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company ¨
Emerging growth company ¨
 
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standard provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
¨ Yes      ý No 

The aggregate market value of the voting company common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, was $2,859,898,742 on June 30, 2017 . As of February 9, 2018 , the registrant had outstanding 58,717,701 shares of common stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 2, 2018 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

 



2




Explanatory Note

This Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A (“Amendment No. 1”) amends Selective Insurance Group, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2018 (the “Original Filing” and the “Original Filing Date”).

This Amendment No. 1 is being filed to provide revised versions of KPMG LLP’s (“KPMG”) report on the consolidated financial statements of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) included in Part II, Item 8 of the Original Filing and KPMG’s report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting included in Part II, Item 9A of the Original Filing. KPMG’s report on the Company’s consolidated financial statements was revised for wording that KPMG inadvertently included in its original report related to the financial statement schedules. The report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was revised to add section titles and a statement regarding independence that KPMG inadvertently omitted in its original report.

The changes to the filed copies of the reports of KPMG do not affect KPMG’s unqualified opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Original Filing and Amendment No. 1, or KPMG’s unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. Pursuant to Rule 12b-15 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, we have included the entire text of Part II, Items 8 and 9A in this Amendment No. 1.

Item 15 has been included herein to reflect a new consent of KPMG and new Section 302 and Section 906 certifications. No other changes were made to the Original Filing. This amendment speaks as of the Original Filing Date, and does not reflect events that may have occurred subsequent to the Original Filing Date.





3




 
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
 
 
Table of Contents
 
 
 
Page No.
PART II
 
 
Item 8.
 
 
 
    December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015

 
 
    December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015

 
 
    December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015

 
 
    December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015

 
Item 9A.
 
 
 
PART IV
 
 
Item 15.

4





PART II

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

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 , and the related notes and financial statement schedules I to V (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 , based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 19, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

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

New York, New York
February 19, 2018 


5





Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 

 
 

December 31,
 
 

 
 

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

 
 

Investments:
 
 

 
 

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

 
101,556

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

 
4,792,540

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

 
146,753

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

 
221,701

Other investments
 
132,268

 
102,397

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

 
5,364,947

Cash
 
534

 
458

Interest and dividends due or accrued
 
40,897

 
40,164

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

 
681,611

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

 
621,537

Prepaid reinsurance premiums (Note 8)
 
153,493

 
146,282

Current federal income tax (Note 13)
 
3,243

 
2,486

Deferred federal income tax (Note 13)
 
31,990

 
84,840

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

 
69,576

Deferred policy acquisition costs (Note 2)
 
235,055

 
222,564

Goodwill (Note 11)
 
7,849

 
7,849

Other assets
 
122,371

 
113,534

Total assets
 
$
7,686,431

 
7,355,848

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 

 
 

Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

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

 
3,691,719

Unearned premiums
 
1,349,644

 
1,262,819

Long-term debt (Note 10)
 
439,116

 
438,667

Accrued salaries and benefits
 
131,850

 
132,880

Other liabilities
 
281,624

 
298,393

Total liabilities
 
$
5,973,474

 
5,824,478

 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
 

Preferred stock of $0 par value per share:
 
 

 
 

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

 

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

 
203,241

Additional paid-in capital
 
367,717

 
347,295

Retained earnings
 
1,698,613

 
1,568,881

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

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

 
1,531,370

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 17 and 18)
 


 


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

 
7,355,848

  See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

6





Consolidated Statements of Income
 
 

 
 

 
 

December 31,
 
 

 
 

 
 

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

 
 

 
 

Net premiums earned
 
$
2,291,027

 
2,149,572

 
1,989,909

Net investment income earned
 
161,882

 
130,754

 
121,316

Net realized gains (losses):
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net realized investment gains
 
11,204

 
3,562

 
31,537

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

 

Total net realized gains (losses)
 
6,359

 
(4,937
)
 
13,171

Other income
 
10,716

 
8,881

 
7,456

Total revenues
 
2,469,984

 
2,284,270

 
2,131,852

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Loss and loss expense incurred
 
1,345,074

 
1,234,797

 
1,148,541

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
 
469,236

 
450,328

 
399,436

Other insurance expenses
 
333,097

 
321,395

 
300,359

Interest expense
 
24,354

 
22,771

 
22,428

Corporate expenses
 
36,255

 
35,024

 
28,396

Total expenses
 
2,208,016

 
2,064,315

 
1,899,160

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before federal income tax
 
261,968

 
219,955

 
232,692

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal income tax expense:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Current
 
62,184

 
48,581

 
45,347

Deferred
 
30,958

 
12,879

 
21,484

Total federal income tax expense
 
93,142

 
61,460

 
66,831

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
168,826

 
158,495

 
165,861

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic net income
 
$
2.89

 
2.74

 
2.90

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted net income
 
$
2.84

 
2.70

 
2.85

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends to stockholders
 
$
0.66

 
0.61

 
0.57

 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



7





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

 
158,495

 
165,861

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

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

 
(6
)
 

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

 
138

 
232

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

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

 
(2,873
)
 
(35,398
)
 
 
 
 

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

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

 
4,200

 
4,600

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

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
36,120

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

 
151,970

 
136,648

            
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


8





Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
 
 

 
 

 
 

December 31,
 
 

 
 

 
 

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

 
 

 
 

Beginning of year
 
$
203,241

 
201,723

 
199,896

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

 
77

 
100

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

 
1,441

 
1,727

End of year
 
204,569

 
203,241

 
201,723

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional paid-in capital:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Beginning of year
 
347,295

 
326,656

 
305,385

Dividend reinvestment plan
 
1,395

 
1,389

 
1,374

Stock purchase and compensation plans
 
19,027

 
19,250

 
19,897

End of year
 
367,717

 
347,295

 
326,656

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retained earnings:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Beginning of year
 
1,568,881

 
1,446,192

 
1,313,440

Net income
 
168,826

 
158,495

 
165,861

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

 
1,568,881

 
1,446,192

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 

 
 

 
 

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

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
36,120

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

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

 
 

 
 

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

 
1,531,370

 
1,398,041


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


9




Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
 

 
 

 
 

December 31,
 
 

 
 

 
 

($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Operating Activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
168,826

 
158,495

 
165,861

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

 
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
 
52,100

 
61,671

 
59,688

Stock-based compensation expense
 
12,089

 
10,449

 
8,973

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

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

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

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

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

 
114,422

 
59,438

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

 
87,716

 
79,995

Decrease in net federal income taxes
 
30,918

 
11,150

 
25,004

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

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

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

 
9,191

 
77,564

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
370,733

 
301,783

 
381,580

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing Activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Purchase of fixed income securities, held-to-maturity
 

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

 
926,470

 
61,571

Sale of short-term investments
 
4,338,318

 
3,470,022

 
1,539,480

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

 
102,868

 
106,621

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

 
641,524

 
567,445

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

 
119,617

 
172,561

Distributions from other investments
 
23,426

 
26,837

 
32,457

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

 
 

 
 

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

 
7,811

 
10,089

Proceeds from borrowings
 
84,000

 
165,000

 
15,000

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

Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
 

 
1,819

 
1,736

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

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

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

 
898

 
23,959

Cash, end of year
 
$
534

 
458

 
898


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

10




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

(e) Fair Values of Financial Instruments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


19




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

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

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

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

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


20




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

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

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

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

 
 

 
 

Interest
 
$
23,905

 
22,098

 
21,892

Federal income tax
 
62,000

 
46,405

 
39,500

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

 
23,579

 
36,792

Exchange of fixed income securities, HTM
 

 

 
15,257

Corporate actions related to equity securities, AFS 1
 
4,725

 
3,263

 
4,239

Assets acquired under capital lease arrangements
 
278

 
3,151

 
6,760

Non-cash purchase of property and equipment
 

 
78

 

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

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


21




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

 
 

 
 

Fixed income securities
 
$
85,806

 
38,781

 
55,689

Equity securities
 
38,894

 
25,864

 
13,235

Total AFS securities
 
124,700

 
64,645

 
68,924

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HTM securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed income securities
 
(21
)
 
159

 
300

Total HTM securities
 
(21
)
 
159

 
300

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total net unrealized gains
 
124,679

 
64,804

 
69,224

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

 
42,123

 
44,996

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

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

 
84

 
25,238

 
1,023

 

 
26,261

Corporate securities
 
16,996

 
(105
)
 
16,891

 
1,003

 
(55
)
 
17,839

Total HTM fixed income securities
 
$
42,150

 
(21
)
 
42,129

 
2,026

 
(55
)
 
44,100

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

 
317

 
77,783

 
2,133

 

 
79,916

Corporate securities
 
22,711

 
(143
)
 
22,568

 
1,665

 
(158
)
 
24,075

CMBS
 
1,220

 
(15
)
 
1,205

 
15

 

 
1,220

Total HTM fixed income securities
 
$
101,397

 
159

 
101,556

 
3,813

 
(158
)
 
105,211


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

22




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

 
647

 
(233
)
 
49,740

Foreign government
 
18,040

 
526

 
(11
)
 
18,555

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
1,539,307

 
44,245

 
(582
)
 
1,582,970

Corporate securities
 
1,588,339

 
30,891

 
(1,762
)
 
1,617,468

CLO and other ABS
 
789,152

 
6,508

 
(202
)
 
795,458

CMBS
 
382,727

 
1,563

 
(841
)
 
383,449

RMBS
 
709,825

 
6,487

 
(1,430
)
 
714,882

Total AFS fixed income securities
 
5,076,716

 
90,867

 
(5,061
)
 
5,162,522

AFS equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
129,696

 
38,287

 
(226
)
 
167,757

Preferred stock
 
14,115

 
904

 
(71
)
 
14,948

Total AFS equity securities
 
143,811

 
39,191

 
(297
)
 
182,705

Total AFS securities
 
$
5,220,527

 
130,058

 
(5,358
)
 
5,345,227

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

 
2,230

 
(36
)
 
77,333

Foreign government
 
26,559

 
322

 
(16
)
 
26,865

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
1,366,287

 
18,610

 
(5,304
)
 
1,379,593

Corporate securities
 
1,976,556

 
27,057

 
(5,860
)
 
1,997,753

CLO and other ABS
 
527,876

 
1,439

 
(355
)
 
528,960

CMBS
 
256,356

 
1,514

 
(1,028
)
 
256,842

RMBS
 
524,986

 
3,006

 
(2,798
)
 
525,194

Total AFS fixed income securities
 
4,753,759

 
54,178

 
(15,397
)
 
4,792,540

AFS equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
104,663

 
26,250

 
(305
)
 
130,608

Preferred stock
 
16,226

 
274

 
(355
)
 
16,145

Total AFS equity securities
 
120,889

 
26,524

 
(660
)
 
146,753

Total AFS securities
 
$
4,874,648

 
80,702

 
(16,057
)
 
4,939,293



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


23




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

 
 

 
 

 
 

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


(233
)

250



 
23,766

 
(233
)
Foreign government
 
1,481

 
(11
)
 

 

 
1,481

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

 
(422
)
 
14,139

 
(160
)
 
121,653

 
(582
)
Corporate securities
 
238,326

 
(1,744
)
 
3,228

 
(18
)
 
241,554

 
(1,762
)
CLO and other ABS
 
74,977

 
(196
)
 
1,655

 
(6
)
 
76,632

 
(202
)
CMBS
 
154,267

 
(773
)
 
5,214

 
(68
)
 
159,481

 
(841
)
RMBS
 
269,485

 
(1,285
)
 
11,200

 
(145
)
 
280,685

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

 
(4,664
)
 
35,686

 
(397
)
 
905,252

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

 
(226
)
 

 

 
4,727

 
(226
)
Preferred stock
 
3,833

 
(71
)
 

 

 
3,833

 
(71
)
Total AFS equity securities
 
8,560

 
(297
)
 

 

 
8,560

 
(297
)
Total AFS securities
 
$
878,126

 
(4,961
)
 
35,686

 
(397
)
 
913,812

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

 
 

 
 

 
 

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

 
(36
)
 

 

 
$
6,419

 
$
(36
)
Foreign government
 
13,075

 
(16
)
 

 

 
13,075

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

 
(5,304
)
 

 

 
306,509

 
(5,304
)
Corporate securities
 
462,902

 
(5,771
)
 
4,913

 
(89
)
 
467,815

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

 
(354
)
 
319

 
(1
)
 
190,114

 
(355
)
CMBS
 
82,492

 
(1,021
)
 
1,645

 
(7
)
 
84,137

 
(1,028
)
RMBS
 
279,480

 
(2,489
)
 
8,749

 
(309
)
 
288,229

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

 
(14,991
)
 
15,626

 
(406
)
 
1,356,298

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

 
(305
)
 

 

 
11,271

 
(305
)
Preferred stock
 
6,168

 
(355
)
 

 

 
6,168

 
(355
)
    Total AFS equity securities
 
17,439

 
(660
)
 

 

 
17,439

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

 
(15,651
)
 
15,626

 
(406
)
 
$
1,373,737

 
$
(16,057
)

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

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

24




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

 
10,997

 
11,168

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

 
23,035

 
24,235

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

 
8,097

 
8,697

Due after 10 years
 
236,842

 

 

Total fixed income securities
 
$
5,162,522

 
42,129

 
44,100

 
(f) The following table summarizes our other investment portfolio by strategy:
Other Investments
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
($ in thousands)
 
Carrying
Value
 
Remaining
Commitment
 
Maximum
Exposure to Loss 1
 
Carrying
Value
 
Remaining
Commitment
 
Maximum
Exposure to Loss
1
Alternative Investments
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Private equity
 
$
52,251

 
99,026

 
151,277

 
41,135

 
76,774

 
117,909

Private credit
 
37,743

 
94,959

 
132,702

 
28,193

 
40,613

 
68,806

Real assets
 
25,379

 
27,014

 
52,393

 
14,486

 
22,899

 
37,385

Total alternative investments
 
115,373

 
220,999

 
336,372

 
83,814

 
140,286

 
224,100

Other securities 2
 
16,895

 

 
16,895

 
18,583

 
3,400

 
21,983

Total other investments
 
$
132,268

 
220,999

 
353,267

 
102,397

 
143,686

 
246,083

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

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

The following is a description of our alternative investment strategies:

Our private equity strategy includes the following:

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

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

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

Our private credit strategy includes the following:

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

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

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

25




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

Our real assets strategy includes the following:

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

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

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

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

 
11,244

Total assets
 
22,357

 
12,075

Total liabilities
 
4,767

 
1,802

Total partners’ capital
 
17,590

 
10,273

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

Realized gains
 
325

 
1,374

 
1,187

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
 
2,894

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

 
611

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

 
3.1

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

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

26





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

 

 
22.6

 
25.6

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 

 

 
3.1

 
3.1

CMBS
 
6.2

 
14.1

 

 
20.3

RMBS
 
56.3

 
59.6

 

 
115.9

Total pledged as collateral
 
$
65.5

 
73.7

 
25.7

 
164.9


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

 
129,306

 
123,230

Equity securities
 
6,442

 
7,368

 
9,161

Short-term investments
 
1,526

 
686

 
112

Other investments
 
12,871

 
2,940

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

 
130,754

 
121,316


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

 

 
36

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
612

 

 
612

Corporate securities
 
587

 

 
587

CLO and other ABS
 
96

 

 
96

CMBS
 
670

 

 
670

RMBS
 
1,183

 
(36
)
 
1,219

Total AFS fixed income securities
 
3,184

 
(36
)
 
3,220

AFS equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
1,435

 

 
1,435

Total AFS equity securities
 
1,435

 

 
1,435

Other investments
 
$
190

 

 
190

Total OTTI losses
 
$
4,809

 
(36
)
 
4,845

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

 

 
2,797

Corporate securities
 
1,880

 

 
1,880

CLO and other ABS
 
19

 

 
19

CMBS
 
220

 

 
220

RMBS
 
275

 
10

 
265

Total AFS fixed income securities
 
5,191

 
10

 
5,181

AFS equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
3,316

 

 
3,316

Preferred stock
 
2

 

 
2

Total AFS equity securities
 
3,318

 

 
3,318

Total OTTI losses
 
$
8,509

 
10

 
8,499


27




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

 
 

 
 

Corporate securities
 
$
2,188

 

 
2,188

RMBS
 
1

 

 
1

Total AFS fixed income securities
 
2,189

 

 
2,189

AFS equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
15,996

 

 
15,996

Preferred stock
 
181

 

 
181

Total AFS equity securities
 
16,177

 

 
16,177

Total OTTI losses
 
$
18,366

 

 
18,366

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

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

 
 

 
 

Gains
 
$
44

 
3

 
5

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

 
 

 
 

Gains
 
10,193

 
7,741

 
4,515

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

 
 

 
 

Gains
 
5,829

 
8,108

 
29,168

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

 

 

Losses
 
(6
)
 
(13
)
 

Other investments
 
 

 
 

 
 

Gains
 
494

 
3

 
162

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

 
3,562

 
31,537


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

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

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

28





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

 
93,142

 
168,826

Components of OCI:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities :
 
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized holding gains during the year
 
66,894

 
23,879

 
43,015

Non-credit portion of OTTI recognized in OCI
 
36

 
13

 
23

Amounts reclassified into net income:
 
 
 
 
 


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

 
36

 
68

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

 
21,423

 
38,453

Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

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

 
 

 
 

Net actuarial loss
 
2,102

 
735

 
1,367

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

 
21,174

 
36,120

Comprehensive income
 
$
319,262

 
114,316

 
204,946

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

 
61,460

 
158,495

Components of OCI:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized (losses) gains on investment securities :
 
 

 
 

 
 

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


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

 
75

 
138

Realized losses on AFS securities
 
4,713

 
1,649

 
3,064

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

 
 

 
 

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

 
 

 
 

Net actuarial loss
 
6,462

 
2,262

 
4,200

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

(6,525
)
Comprehensive income
 
$
209,918

 
57,948

 
151,970


29




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

 
66,831

 
165,861

Components of OCI:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized (losses) gains on investment securities :
 
 

 
 

 
 

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


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

 
125

 
232

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

 
 

 
 

Net actuarial gain
 
2,438

 
853

 
1,585

Amounts reclassified into net income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net actuarial loss
 
7,077

 
2,477

 
4,600

Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans
 
9,515

 
3,330

 
6,185

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

 
51,099

 
136,648


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

 
45,083

 
44,995

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

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

 
(92
)
 
3,064

 
3,110

 
4,200

 
7,310

Net current period OCI
 
132

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

 
42,170

 
42,122

 
(58,072
)

(15,950
)
OCI before reclassifications
 
23

 

 
43,015

 
43,038

 
(3,700
)
 
39,338

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
 
68

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

 
(3,218
)
Net current period OCI
 
91

 
(116
)
 
38,478

 
38,453

 
(2,333
)
 
36,120

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

 
80,575

 
(60,405
)
 
20,170

 

30





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

 
213

 
Net realized gains (losses)
 
 
104

 
213

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

 
138

 
Net income
HTM related
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized losses on HTM disposals
 
32

 
169

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

 
49

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

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

 
Income before federal income tax
 
 
2,442

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

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

 
1,486

 
Loss and loss expense incurred
 
 
1,652

 
4,976

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

 
6,462

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

 
4,200

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

 
Net income

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

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed income securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

HTM
 
$
42,129

 
44,100

 
101,556

 
105,211

AFS
 
5,162,522

 
5,162,522

 
4,792,540

 
4,792,540

Equity securities, AFS
 
182,705

 
182,705

 
146,753

 
146,753

Short-term investments
 
165,555

 
165,555

 
221,701

 
221,701

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

 
61,391

 
49,901

 
56,148

6.70% Senior Notes
 
99,446

 
116,597

 
99,430

 
108,333

5.875% Senior Notes
 
185,000

 
186,332

 
185,000

 
176,860

1.61% Borrowings from FHLBNY
 
25,000

 
24,270

 
25,000

 
24,286

1.56% Borrowings from FHLBNY
 
25,000

 
24,210

 
25,000

 
24,219

3.03% Borrowings from FHLBI
 
60,000

 
60,334

 
60,000

 
59,313

   Subtotal long-term debt
 
444,350

 
473,134

 
444,331

 
449,159

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

 


 
438,667

 



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


31




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

 
 

 
 

 
 

Measured on a recurring basis:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

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

 
24,652

 
25,088

 

Foreign government
 
18,555

 

 
18,555

 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
1,582,970

 

 
1,582,970

 

Corporate securities
 
1,617,468

 

 
1,617,468

 

CLO and other ABS
 
795,458

 

 
795,458

 

CMBS
 
383,449

 

 
376,895

 
6,554

RMBS
 
714,882

 

 
714,882

 

Total AFS fixed income securities
 
5,162,522

 
24,652

 
5,131,316

 
6,554

AFS equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock 2
 
167,757

 
138,640

 

 
5,398

Preferred stock
 
14,948

 
14,948

 

 

Total AFS equity securities
 
182,705

 
153,588

 

 
5,398

Total AFS securities
 
5,345,227

 
178,240

 
5,131,316

 
11,952

Short-term investments
 
165,555

 
165,555

 

 

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

 
343,795

 
5,131,316

 
11,952

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

 
 

 
 

 
 

Measured on a recurring basis:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

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

 
27,520

 
49,813

 

Foreign government
 
26,865

 

 
26,865

 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
1,379,593

 

 
1,379,593

 

Corporate securities
 
1,997,753

 

 
1,997,753

 

CLO and other ABS
 
528,960

 

 
528,960

 

CMBS
 
256,842

 

 
256,842

 

RMBS
 
525,194

 

 
525,194

 

Total AFS fixed income securities
 
4,792,540

 
27,520

 
4,765,020

 

AFS equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
130,608

 
122,932

 

 
7,676

Preferred stock
 
16,145

 
16,145

 

 

Total AFS equity securities
 
146,753

 
139,077

 

 
7,676

Total AFS securities
 
4,939,293

 
166,597

 
4,765,020

 
7,676

Short-term investments
 
221,701

 
221,701

 

 

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

 
388,298

 
4,765,020

 
7,676

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


32




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

 
7,676

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

 
 
OCI
 
4

 

Net income
 

 

Purchases
 
6,550

 
3,780

Sales
 

 
(3,958
)
Issuances
 

 

Settlements
 

 

Transfers into Level 3
 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 

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

 
$
5,398


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

 

 
26,261

 

Corporate securities
 
17,839

 

 
12,306

 
5,533

Total HTM fixed income securities
 
$
44,100

 

 
38,567

 
5,533

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

 

 
61,391

 

6.70% Senior Notes
 
116,597

 

 
116,597

 

5.875% Senior Notes
 
186,332

 
186,332

 

 

1.61% Borrowings from FHLBNY
 
24,270

 

 
24,270

 

1.56% Borrowings from FHLBNY
 
24,210

 

 
24,210

 

3.03% Borrowings from FHLBI
 
60,334

 

 
60,334

 

Total long-term debt
 
$
473,134

 
186,332

 
286,802

 


33




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

 

 
79,916

 

Corporate securities
 
24,075

 

 
16,565

 
7,510

CMBS
 
1,220

 

 
1,220

 

Total HTM fixed income securities
 
$
105,211

 

 
97,701

 
7,510

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

 

 
56,148

 

6.70% Senior Notes
 
108,333

 

 
108,333

 

5.875% Senior Notes
 
176,860

 
176,860

 

 

1.61% Borrowings from FHLBNY
 
24,286

 

 
24,286

 

1.56% Borrowings from FHLBNY
 
24,219

 

 
24,219

 

3.03% Borrowings from FHLBI
 
59,313

 

 
59,313

 

Total long-term debt
 
$
449,159

 
176,860

 
272,299

 


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

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


34




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

 
 

 
$
621,537

 
 

Total prepaid reinsurance premiums
 
153,493

 
 

 
146,282

 
 

Total reinsurance balance
 
748,325

 
 

 
767,819

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal and state pools 1 :
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

NFIP
 
204,161

 
27
%
 
211,181

 
27
%
New Jersey Unsatisfied Claim Judgment Fund
 
62,947

 
9

 
65,574

 
9

Other
 
3,634

 

 
3,227

 

Total federal and state pools
 
270,742

 
36

 
279,982

 
36

Remaining reinsurance balance
 
$
477,583

 
64

 
$
487,837

 
64

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

 
16

 
$
119,520

 
16

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

 
14

 
106,298

 
13

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

 
8

 
59,737

 
8

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

 
5

 
50,494

 
7

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

 
2

 
21,125

 
3

All other reinsurers
 
138,378

 
19

 
130,663

 
17

   Total reinsurers
 
477,583

 
64
%
 
487,837

 
64
%
Less: collateral 2
 
(122,413
)
 
 
 
(113,763
)
 
 
   Reinsurers, net of collateral
 
$
355,170

 
 
 
$
374,074

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

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

 
 

 
 

Direct
 
$
2,733,459

 
2,577,259

 
2,403,519

Assumed
 
26,685

 
28,779

 
23,848

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

 
2,237,288

 
2,069,904

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums earned:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Direct
 
$
2,647,488

 
2,484,715

 
2,330,267

Assumed
 
25,831

 
28,214

 
23,209

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

 
2,149,572

 
1,989,909

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss and loss expense incurred:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Direct
 
$
1,570,678

 
1,560,356

 
1,274,872

Assumed
 
17,588

 
22,708

 
16,996

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

 
1,234,797

 
1,148,541

 

35




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

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

 
3,517,728

 
3,477,870

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

 
551,019

 
571,978

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

 
2,966,709

 
2,905,892

Incurred loss and loss expense for claims occurring in the:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Current year
 
1,384,266

 
1,300,565

 
1,217,550

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

 
1,234,797

 
1,148,541

Paid loss and loss expense for claims occurring in the:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Current year
 
497,486

 
450,811

 
446,550

Prior years
 
742,722

 
670,176

 
641,174

Total paid loss and loss expense
 
1,240,208

 
1,120,987

 
1,087,724

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

 
3,080,519

 
2,966,709

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

 
611,200

 
551,019

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

 
3,691,719

 
3,517,728


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

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

 
25.3

 
2.4

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

 
1.8

 
2.2

Commercial Property
 
8.7

 
0.3

 
(3.0
)
Homeowners
 
0.4

 
1.7

 
1.5

Personal Automobile
 
6.7

 
1.0

 
0.4

E&S Casualty Lines
 
10.0

 
6.0

 
16.0

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

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

36





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

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

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

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

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

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

 
6.3

Landfill sites
 
12.4

 
7.7

Underground storage tanks
 
8.4

 
7.2

Total
 
$
28.4

 
21.2

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

37




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

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

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

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

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

 
6,615

 
8,024

 
6,793

 
8,751

 
7,314

Incurred loss and loss expense
 

 

 
77

 
77

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

 
6,346

 
7,847

 
6,615

 
8,024

 
6,793

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

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

 
16,101

 
22,387

 
16,368

 
21,902

 
15,680

Incurred loss and loss expense
 
126

 

 
1,406

 
1,303

 
3,396

 
3,397

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

 
14,866

 
22,115

 
16,101

 
22,387

 
16,368

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Asbestos and Environmental Claims
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

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

 
22,716

 
30,411

 
23,161

 
30,653

 
22,994

Incurred loss and loss expense
 
126

 

 
1,483

 
1,380

 
2,968

 
3,320

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

 
21,212

 
29,962

 
22,716

 
30,411

 
23,161


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

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

988,584

990,931

964,862

947,306

936,975

927,958

931,785

926,017

923,978

 
41,791

85,338

2009
 
920,143

941,972

916,691

883,590

870,057

869,927

857,960

853,401

848,413

 
41,937

85,575

2010
 
 
950,114

973,742

977,959

956,600

943,118

922,404

915,131

907,074

 
50,293

94,258

2011
 
 
 
1,042,576

1,061,667

1,062,233

1,056,107

1,033,518

1,023,726

1,019,351

 
63,891

104,500

2012
 
 
 
 
1,065,437

1,071,290

1,020,655

998,028

973,089

973,644

 
77,542

103,745

2013
 
 
 
 
 
1,044,142

1,062,045

1,047,230

1,021,007

1,002,316

 
116,449

90,755

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,107,513

1,133,798

1,146,990

1,124,014

 
171,913

94,375

2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,114,081

1,130,513

1,144,830

 
256,758

92,891

2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,188,608

1,203,634

 
416,010

92,191

2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,270,110

 
634,863

88,941

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

10,417,364

 
 
 

38




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

489,633

609,851

690,016

764,196

798,996

819,280

839,392

853,769

860,745

2009
 
277,275

442,417

540,982

634,902

695,249

736,100

760,589

775,885

784,713

2010
 
 
328,826

509,910

625,229

704,895

773,536

803,773

823,770

835,532

2011
 
 
 
391,944

585,867

692,730

782,655

852,202

901,801

924,111

2012
 
 
 
 
378,067

555,819

651,544

743,742

810,135

856,195

2013
 
 
 
 
 
335,956

518,872

644,475

748,758

833,823

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
405,898

614,075

736,154

855,959

2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
376,641

581,203

725,385

2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
387,272

617,958

2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
433,440

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

7,727,861

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

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

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

243,755

243,536

234,770

233,712

224,236

219,551

221,640

221,203

219,617

 
14,326

13,769

2009

237,913

241,625

233,530

223,146

212,947

211,243

206,387

205,741

201,568

 
17,629

13,841

2010


215,208

228,680

242,499

237,154

222,328

211,619

208,968

202,394

 
18,403

12,672

2011



227,769

228,720

239,480

230,785

217,256

211,196

212,011

 
25,729

11,579

2012




238,979

245,561

215,083

194,144

175,305

175,268

 
27,702

9,922

2013





250,609

251,421

239,776

225,709

210,785

 
53,014

10,226

2014






244,312

249,946

257,132

239,333

 
80,168

10,391

2015







254,720

245,710

246,990

 
124,639

9,987

2016








277,214

272,048

 
178,904

9,617

2017









293,747

 
249,085

8,194

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

2,273,761

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

45,595

82,421

113,088

151,055

166,394

176,873

186,896

194,257

198,360

2009

14,346

37,143

64,970

103,213

130,554

151,920

166,767

176,316

180,621

2010


15,726

46,201

80,018

113,050

143,360

161,487

172,394

178,179

2011



13,924

42,692

73,643

102,978

135,377

159,768

170,525

2012




13,030

35,241

56,580

89,008

109,448

130,866

2013





12,789

35,113

72,127

104,587

139,114

2014






14,901

46,825

79,972

121,969

2015







14,665

39,978

78,668

2016








15,684

46,549

2017









17,366

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

1,262,217

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

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


39




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

243,186

255,810

250,423

241,921

245,993

244,100

243,512

238,836

238,218

 
25,993

14,401

2009

197,504

215,946

213,036

210,109

210,756

216,992

212,536

208,611

208,142

 
22,575

12,217

2010


198,371

214,469

212,815

211,030

214,916

212,448

208,155

204,423

 
28,964

12,184

2011



205,238

218,973

214,743

215,114

210,591

205,708

200,674

 
32,881

11,845

2012




203,864

208,036

199,360

195,197

188,596

187,359

 
36,233

11,605

2013





199,794

194,318

187,658

173,160

166,662

 
34,776

11,366

2014






199,346

187,065

182,579

172,515

 
42,869

10,482

2015







193,729

194,639

183,604

 
42,287

10,530

2016








196,774

184,946

 
70,424

10,509

2017









195,202

 
112,086

10,182

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

1,941,745

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

100,678

139,144

158,083

171,403

180,556

188,206

191,265

195,962

198,512

2009

37,885

87,299

117,019

133,116

145,417

154,726

160,529

164,336

167,894

2010


46,795

93,281

122,442

137,184

149,086

153,795

158,078

162,796

2011



42,941

90,836

118,847

134,646

139,232

149,269

154,320

2012




40,911

86,909

108,211

122,755

132,052

139,477

2013





36,829

74,568

96,376

109,739

118,669

2014






35,924

78,944

100,876

113,626

2015







33,857

77,320

98,195

2016








34,525

78,531

2017









40,375

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

1,272,395

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

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

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

195,823

190,349

187,100

187,417

182,785

180,902

183,736

183,618

183,151

 
736

24,129

2009

199,541

191,079

182,724

169,858

166,682

162,911

161,251

161,923

161,300

 
897

24,652

2010


187,562

189,305

187,778

181,923

179,854

172,969

173,157

173,471

 
1,491

25,301

2011



174,006

183,044

182,325

178,421

172,617

174,882

174,514

 
2,937

25,272

2012




179,551

191,947

183,527

184,289

184,367

186,128

 
3,880

23,889

2013





188,289

205,282

209,197

207,994

210,410

 
8,258

25,392

2014






200,534

212,725

216,824

219,925

 
19,053

27,338

2015







220,994

240,958

253,074

 
36,137

28,818

2016








255,187

274,367

 
71,303

30,480

2017









301,274

 
132,814

30,187

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

2,137,614

 
 
 

40




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

104,711

130,857

151,741

166,487

173,795

175,244

180,779

181,779

181,979

2009

63,126

94,406

113,697

137,564

149,949

155,560

158,303

159,723

160,013

2010


68,098

99,254

128,015

146,913

163,513

167,227

169,100

169,793

2011



69,849

99,196

121,576

142,507

157,291

166,082

170,000

2012




73,316

105,371

127,235

148,669

168,114

176,656

2013





76,469

109,893

140,015

169,850

189,626

2014






80,810

117,169

148,884

180,701

2015







91,347

132,260

175,866

2016








106,022

155,720

2017









117,287

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

1,677,641

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

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

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

38,986

39,334

32,974

30,250

29,793

31,066

31,340

30,967

31,065

 
192

3,258

2009

48,535

51,762

46,645

43,828

43,553

44,938

44,299

44,273

43,933

 
272

3,474

2010


53,669

49,285

42,408

39,915

40,899

40,581

41,239

41,197

 
697

3,917

2011



54,469

57,083

51,047

58,242

59,256

58,966

58,456

 
1,080

4,959

2012




54,342

48,029

46,303

44,172

44,077

43,747

 
756

5,540

2013





49,617

42,618

41,005

40,624

41,369

 
3,192

3,479

2014






55,962

60,949

62,548

59,806

 
5,952

4,054

2015







52,871

53,768

57,245

 
10,256

3,913

2016








52,335

53,792

 
11,938

3,757

2017









46,624

 
15,252

3,462

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

477,234

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

21,765

24,449

25,738

28,026

28,660

28,589

29,778

30,873

30,873

2009

18,915

29,612

32,689

36,073

40,052

42,895

43,358

43,448

43,547

2010


20,821

28,131

31,027

34,705

37,819

38,900

40,279

40,395

2011



27,884

37,362

41,011

46,444

52,114

55,856

57,045

2012




22,199

31,833

35,089

37,215

38,766

40,627

2013





17,412

26,592

30,845

34,760

37,993

2014






28,914

40,584

44,911

49,460

2015







24,189

36,014

42,710

2016








24,655

36,848

2017









21,865

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

401,363

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

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


41




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

102,860

101,436

101,470

101,265

101,702

101,043

100,881

101,043

101,054

 
2

7,604

2009

82,619

82,124

82,025

82,014

80,774

80,455

80,558

80,545

80,416

 
4

7,009

2010


105,647

96,851

97,386

96,127

95,530

95,363

95,178

95,155

 
5

7,667

2011



136,954

131,667

130,942

131,282

131,353

131,113

131,049

 
4

9,036

2012




118,464

114,224

115,375

116,658

117,102

117,170

 
24

8,514

2013





88,101

90,639

90,103

90,005

90,436

 
42

5,709

2014






141,192

136,249

136,820

138,751

 
126

6,512

2015







110,270

109,513

111,750

 
261

6,398

2016








121,927

126,185

 
804

6,686

2017









138,773

 
8,794

6,358

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

1,130,739

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

98,921

100,465

99,288

100,213

100,752

100,908

100,868

101,034

101,032

2009

59,933

78,695

80,433

80,894

80,251

80,352

80,529

80,509

80,405

2010


69,543

91,918

94,602

95,111

95,270

95,147

95,156

95,150

2011



94,538

127,580

129,579

130,681

131,060

131,115

131,089

2012




81,528

108,834

111,503

114,699

116,291

116,625

2013





60,244

87,874

90,446

90,350

90,840

2014






101,131

132,909

136,634

137,883

2015







79,048

106,182

109,829

2016








83,966

118,789

2017









99,047

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

1,080,689

 
 
 
 
 
All outstanding liabilities before 2008, net of reinsurance
 
250

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

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

106,999

106,842

103,934

100,213

99,912

99,686

99,255

99,116

99,270

 
191

16,042

2009

93,808

103,319

105,033

103,908

104,734

103,866

103,393

103,412

103,348

 
191

17,346

2010


103,340

110,075

112,346

109,515

107,490

107,405

107,224

107,054

 
222

20,822

2011



113,232

116,164

113,686

112,993

114,241

113,830

113,988

 
284

22,700

2012




113,771

114,921

109,832

109,324

110,294

110,300

 
728

22,332

2013





108,417

109,620

106,225

106,703

107,759

 
851

22,371

2014






102,250

109,325

106,757

107,452

 
2,554

22,499

2015







96,387

99,698

100,214

 
6,541

20,840

2016








92,727

98,032

 
11,651

19,747

2017









101,880

 
22,284

19,818

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

1,049,297

 
 
 

42




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

73,194

84,715

91,834

95,932

97,723

98,174

98,604

98,668

98,810

2009

51,039

71,911

86,431

96,229

100,566

102,187

102,322

102,437

103,009

2010


58,786

82,490

95,300

101,540

104,061

105,849

106,453

106,733

2011



61,323

82,102

93,878

105,068

111,085

112,732

113,551

2012




63,704

82,729

94,842

102,977

107,890

109,355

2013





61,384

80,861

92,637

100,528

105,131

2014






62,519

83,739

92,589

99,173

2015







58,725

76,470

87,163

2016








57,961

76,823

2017









62,854

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

962,602

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

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

Homeowners
(in thousands, except for claim counts)
 
 
Incurred Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
 
As of
December 31, 2017
Accident Year
Unaudited
 
 
IBNR
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
 
2008
$
41,224

41,747

39,342

39,203

38,062

38,410

38,111

38,042

38,045

38,038

 
56

5,139

2009

47,636

44,511

42,609

40,313

61,927

40,400

40,465

40,457

40,451

 
73

5,633

2010


68,373

67,525

63,285

97,761

62,462

62,402

62,339

62,392

 
84

9,131

2011



103,804

98,211

82,744

94,167

94,543

94,183

94,378

 
159

15,106

2012




87,260

82,745

86,560

86,667

86,271

86,330

 
180

16,936

2013





73,670

72,528

71,494

72,145

71,714

 
284

7,747

2014






80,111

82,461

83,637

83,844

 
1,146

8,762

2015







76,637

76,400

76,559

 
2,744

7,724

2016








60,105

60,931

 
2,067

6,820

2017









59,167

 
5,315

6,651

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

673,804

 
 
 
Homeowners
(in thousands)
Cumulative Paid Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
Accident Year
Unaudited
 
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2008
$
21,277

33,535

36,271

37,086

37,763

37,837

37,933

37,939

37,930

37,928

2009

28,299

36,965

38,078

39,342

39,731

39,819

39,907

40,189

40,269

2010


43,699

58,638

60,295

61,106

62,155

62,227

62,241

62,272

2011



71,668

89,963

91,718

92,185

93,312

93,720

94,007

2012




69,056

79,584

82,720

84,250

85,196

85,562

2013





50,664

65,528

67,838

69,775

71,776

2014






61,561

76,007

79,751

81,664

2015







52,589

70,078

72,202

2016








42,252

57,333

2017









45,466

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

648,479

 
 
 
 
 
All outstanding liabilities before 2008, net of reinsurance
 
5,403

 
 
 
 
Liabilities for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
 
30,728


43




E&S Casualty Lines
(in thousands, except for claim counts)
 
 
 
Incurred Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
 
As of
December 31, 2017
Accident Year
Unaudited
 
 
IBNR
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
 
2008
$
92

169

146

119

52

(162
)
119

 

35

2009
885

1,053

938

728

710

96

737

 

274

2010
3,294

4,106

3,369

4,299

3,831

3,055

4,932

 

804

2011
8,127

7,102

9,853

12,207

10,273

9,652

10,228

 
361

1,316

2012


42,367

42,621

43,175

46,149

46,165

45,988

 
7,313

2,006

2013




55,468

60,309

67,099

69,112

67,647

 
15,326

2,219

2014




55,316

63,505

69,929

71,719

 
18,224

1,987

2015





75,498

76,432

82,404

 
32,909

2,606

2016






94,451

96,416

 
65,489

2,454

2017







91,438

 
79,354

1,760

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

471,628

 
 
 
E&S Casualty Lines
(in thousands)
 
Cumulative Paid Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
Accident
Year
Unaudited
 
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2008
$

24

70

80

79

92

97

2009

198

431

605

626

709

737

2010

1,218

2,570

3,574

4,078

4,513

4,610

2011

806

3,200

6,445

9,954

9,912

10,256

2012


3,722

7,914

16,430

25,064

32,343

36,278

2013




2,715

9,470

21,980

35,200

46,108

2014




2,353

12,234

25,571

43,877

2015






3,036

13,057

29,389

2016








3,720

16,195

2017










5,057

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

192,604

 
 
All outstanding liabilities before 2008, net of reinsurance
 

 
 
Liabilities for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
 
279,023


In 2011, the Parent purchased Mesa Underwriters Specialty Insurance Company ("MUSIC"), a wholly-owned E&S Lines subsidiary of Montpelier Re Holdings, Ltd. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the Parent acquired net loss and loss adjustment reserves amounting to approximately $15 million . All development on this acquired business was fully reinsured as of the acquisition date.
 

44




(d) The reconciliation of the net incurred and paid claims development tables to the liability for loss and loss adjustment expenses in the consolidated statement of financial position is as follows:
(in thousands)
December 31, 2017
Net outstanding liabilities:
 
Standard Commercial Lines
 
General liability
1,092,058

Workers compensation
916,471

Commercial automobile
464,131

Businessowners' policies
83,163

Commercial property
50,300

Other Standard Commercial Lines
10,560

Total Standard Commercial Lines net outstanding liabilities
2,616,683

 
 
Standard Personal Lines
 
Personal automobile
92,557

Homeowners
30,728

Other Standard Personal Lines
9,184

Total Standard Personal Lines net outstanding liabilities
132,469

 
 
E&S Lines
 
Casualty lines
279,023

Property lines
13,519

Total E&S Lines net outstanding liabilities
292,542

 
 
Total liabilities for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
3,041,694

 
 
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims:
 
Standard Commercial Lines
 
General liability
175,276

Workers compensation
218,024

Commercial automobile
16,745

Businessowners' policies
3,926

Commercial property
24,387

Other Standard Commercial Lines
2,287

Total Standard Commercial Lines reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss
440,645

 
 
Standard Personal Lines
 
Personal automobile
53,129

Homeowners
999

Other Standard Personal Lines
69,333

Total Standard Personal Lines reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss
123,461

 
 
E&S Lines
 
Casualty lines
21,360

Property lines
389

Total E&S Lines reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss
21,749

 
 
Total reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss
585,855

 
 
Unallocated loss adjustment expenses
143,691

 
 
Total gross liability for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses
3,771,240



45




(e) The table below reflects the historical average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age. For example, the general liability line of business averages payout of 6.6% of its ultimate losses in the first year, 12.5% in the second year, and so forth. The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2017 :
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance
Years
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
General liability
6.6%
12.5
15.4
16.7
14.9
10.1
6.0
4.6
2.2
1.3
Workers compensation
20.2
23.9
13.6
8.3
5.0
3.9
2.8
2.0
1.8
1.9
Commercial automobile
38.2
17.4
14.0
12.8
9.0
4.1
1.6
1.4
0.7
0.1
Businessowners’ policies
46.6
20.8
8.1
7.5
7.5
4.1
2.0
1.6
0.1
1.1
Commercial property
70.5
25.6
2.7
0.7
0.4
0.1
Personal automobile
56.1
18.9
10.7
7.4
4.2
1.5
0.4
0.1
0.2
Homeowners
71.1
21.0
3.3
2.1
1.6
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.1
E&S Lines - casualty
4.5
12.5
18.2
20.4
15.5
8.3
4.0
 
 
 

Note 10. Indebtedness
The table below provides a summary of our outstanding debt at December 31, 2017 and 2016:
Outstanding Debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
Carry Value
($ in thousands)
 
Issuance Date
 
Maturity Date
 
Interest Rate
 
Original Amount
 
Debt Discount and Unamortized Issuance Costs
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) FHLBI
 
12/16/2016
 
12/16/2026
 
3.03
%
 
$
60,000

 

 
60,000

 
60,000

(2) FHLBNY
 
8/15/2016
 
8/16/2021
 
1.56
%
 
25,000

 

 
25,000

 
25,000

(2) FHLBNY
 
7/21/2016
 
7/21/2021
 
1.61
%
 
25,000

 

 
25,000

 
25,000

(3) Senior Notes
 
2/8/2013
 
2/9/2043
 
5.875
%
 
185,000

 
(4,570
)
 
180,430

 
180,068

(4) Senior Notes
 
11/3/2005
 
11/1/2035
 
6.70
%
 
100,000

 
(989
)
 
99,011

 
98,952

(5) Senior Notes
 
11/16/2004
 
11/15/2034
 
7.25
%
 
50,000

 
(325
)
 
49,675

 
49,647

Total long-term debt
 

 

 


 
$
445,000

 
(5,884
)
 
439,116

 
438,667


Short-term Debt
Selective Insurance Company of America ("SICA") borrowed: (i) $64 million in short-term funds from the FHLBNY on February 28, 2017 at an interest rate of 0.75% , which it repaid on March 21, 2017; and (ii) $20 million in short-term funds from the FHLBNY on November 8, 2017 at an interest rate of 1.29% , which it repaid on November 15, 2017.

The Parent's line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Branch Banking and Trust Company (BB&T) (referred to as our "Line of Credit"), was renewed effective December 1, 2015 , with a borrowing capacity of $30 million , which can be increased to $50 million with the approval of both lending partners. Our Line of Credit expires on December 1, 2020, and has an interest rate, which varies and is based on, among other factors, the Parent’s debt ratings. There were no balances outstanding under our Line of Credit at December 31, 2017 or at any time during 2017 .
 
Our Line of Credit agreement contains representations, warranties, and covenants that are customary for credit facilities of this type, including, without limitation, financial covenants under which we are obligated to maintain a minimum consolidated net worth, minimum combined statutory surplus, maximum ratio of consolidated debt to total capitalization, and covenants limiting our ability to: (i) merge or liquidate; (ii) incur debt or liens; (iii) dispose of assets; (iv) make investments and acquisitions; and (v) engage in transactions with affiliates.

The table below outlines information regarding certain of the covenants in the Line of Credit:
 
 
Required as of
 
Actual as of
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2017
Consolidated net worth
 
Not less than $1.2 billion
 
$1.7 billion
Statutory surplus
 
Not less than $750 million
 
$1.7 billion
Debt-to-capitalization ratio 1
 
Not to exceed 35%
 
20.5%
A.M. Best financial strength rating
 
Minimum of A-
 
A
1 Calculated in accordance with the Line of Credit agreement.
 

46




In addition to the above requirements, the Line of Credit agreement contains a cross-default provision that provides that the Line of Credit will be in default if we fail to comply with any condition, covenant, or agreement (including payment of principal and interest when due on any debt with an aggregate principal amount of at least $20 million ), which causes or permits the acceleration of principal. Additionally, the Line of Credit limits borrowings from the FHLBI and the FHLBNY to 10% of the respective member company's admitted assets for the previous year.

Long-term Debt
(1) In the first quarter of 2009, Selective Insurance Company of South Carolina ("SICSC") and Selective Insurance Company of the Southeast ("SICSE"), which are collectively referred to as the "Indiana Subsidiaries" as they are domiciled in Indiana, joined, and invested in, the FHLBI, which provides them with access to additional liquidity. The Indiana Subsidiaries’ aggregate investment in the FHLBI was $2.8 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . Our investment provides us the ability to borrow approximately 20 times the total amount of the FHLBI common stock purchased with additional collateral, at comparatively low borrowing rates. The proceeds from the FHLBI borrowing on December 16, 2016 of $60 million were used to repay a $45 million borrowing from the FHLBI that was outstanding at the time, with the remaining $15 million used for general corporate purposes. All borrowings from the FHLBI require security. For information on investments that are pledged as collateral for these borrowings, see Note 5. "Investments" above.

(2) In the fourth quarter of 2015, SICA and Selective Insurance Company of New York ("SICNY") joined, and invested in, the FHLBNY, which provides them with access to additional liquidity. The aggregate investment for both subsidiaries was $2.6 million at December 31, 2017 and $2.8 million at December 31, 2016 . Our investment provides us the ability to borrow approximately 20 times the total amount of the FHLBNY common stock purchased with additional collateral, at comparatively low borrowing rates. In 2016, SICA borrowed the following amounts from the FHLBNY: (i) $25 million in August 2016 at an interest rate of 1.56% , which is due on August 16, 2021; and (ii) $25 million from the FHLBNY at an interest rate of 1.61% , which is due on July 21, 2021.

All borrowings from the FHLBNY require security. For information on investments that are pledged as collateral for these borrowings, see Note 5. "Investments" above.

(3) In February 2013, we issued $185 million of 5.875% Senior Notes due 2043. The notes became callable by us on February 8, 2018, at a price equal to 100% of their principal outstanding amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption. A portion of the proceeds from this debt issuance was used to fully redeem the $100 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.5% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2066. Of the remaining net proceeds, $57.1 million was used to make capital contributions to the Insurance Subsidiaries, while the balance was used for general corporate purposes. There are no financial debt covenants to which we are required to comply in regards to these Senior Notes.

(4) In November 2005, we issued $100 million of 6.70% Senior Notes due 2035 . These notes were issued at a discount of $0.7 million resulting in an effective yield of 6.754% . Net proceeds of approximately $50 million were used to fund an irrevocable trust that subsequently funded certain payment obligations in respect of our outstanding debt. The remainder of the proceeds was used for general corporate purposes. The agreements covering these notes contain a standard default cross-acceleration provision that provides the 6.70% Senior Notes will enter a state of default upon the failure to pay principal when due or upon any event or condition that results in an acceleration of principal of any other debt instrument in excess of $10 million that we have outstanding concurrently with the 6.70% Senior Notes. There are no financial debt covenants to which we are required to comply in regards to these notes.

(5) In November 2004, we issued $50 million of 7.25% Senior Notes due 2034 . These notes were issued at a discount of $0.1 million , resulting in an effective yield of 7.27% . We contributed $25 million of the bond proceeds to the Insurance Subsidiaries as capital. The remainder of the proceeds was used for general corporate purposes. The agreements covering these notes contain a standard default cross-acceleration provision that provides the 7.25% Senior Notes will enter a state of default upon the failure to pay principal when due or upon any event or condition that results in an acceleration of principal of any other debt instrument in excess of $10 million that we have outstanding concurrently with the 7.25% Senior Notes. There are no financial debt covenants to which we are required to comply in regards to these notes.

47





Note 11. Segment Information
The disaggregated results of our four reportable segments are used by senior management to manage our operations. These reportable segments are evaluated as follows:

Our Standard Commercial Lines, Standard Personal Lines, and E&S Lines are evaluated based on before and after-tax underwriting results (net premiums earned, incurred loss and loss expense, policyholders dividends, policy acquisition costs, and other underwriting expenses), and combined ratios.

Our Investments segment is evaluated based on after-tax net investment income and net realized gains and losses.

In computing the results of each segment, we do not make adjustments for interest expense or corporate expenses. We do not maintain separate investment portfolios for the segments and therefore, do not allocate assets to the segments.

Our combined insurance operations are subject to certain geographic concentrations, particularly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the country. In 2017 , approximately 20% of NPW were related to insurance policies written in New Jersey.
 
The goodwill balance of $7.8 million at both December 31, 2017 and 2016 relates to our Standard Commercial Lines reporting unit.
  
The following summaries present revenues (net investment income and net realized gains on investments in the case of the Investments segment) and pre-tax income for the individual segments:
Revenue by Segment
 
Years ended December 31,
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Standard Commercial Lines:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net premiums earned:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial automobile
 
$
442,818

 
398,942

 
358,909

Workers compensation
 
317,982

 
308,233

 
290,075

General liability
 
569,217

 
527,859

 
483,291

Commercial property
 
311,932

 
293,438

 
269,022

Businessowners’ policies
 
100,266

 
97,754

 
93,428

Bonds
 
29,086

 
23,227

 
20,350

Other
 
17,198

 
16,030

 
14,367

Miscellaneous income
 
9,488

 
7,782

 
6,343

Total Standard Commercial Lines revenue
 
1,797,987

 
1,673,265

 
1,535,785

Standard Personal Lines:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal automobile
 
153,147

 
142,876

 
146,784

Homeowners
 
129,699

 
130,973

 
134,382

Other
 
6,855

 
6,758

 
6,968

Miscellaneous income
 
1,228

 
1,098

 
1,113

Total Standard Personal Lines revenue
 
290,929

 
281,705

 
289,247

E&S Lines:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Casualty lines
 
157,366

 
151,638

 
126,064

Property lines
 
55,461

 
51,844

 
46,269

Miscellaneous income
 

 
1

 

Total E&S Lines revenue
 
212,827

 
203,483

 
172,333

Investments:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net investment income
 
161,882

 
130,754

 
121,316

Net realized investment gains (losses)
 
6,359

 
(4,937
)
 
13,171

Total Investments revenues
 
168,241

 
125,817

 
134,487

Total revenues
 
$
2,469,984

 
2,284,270

 
2,131,852


48




Income Before Federal Income Tax
 
Years ended December 31,
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Standard Commercial Lines:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Underwriting gain, before federal income tax
 
$
149,514

 
146,435

 
164,496

Underwriting gain, after federal income tax
 
97,184

 
95,183

 
106,923

Combined ratio
 
91.6
%
 
91.2
%
 
89.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Standard Personal Lines:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting gain, before federal income tax
 
11,104

 
12,419

 
1,336

Underwriting gain, after federal income tax
 
7,217

 
8,072

 
868

Combined ratio
 
96.2
%
 
95.6
%
 
99.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
E&S Lines:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting loss, before federal income tax
 
(6,282
)
 
(6,921
)
 
(16,803
)
Underwriting loss, after federal income tax
 
(4,083
)
 
(4,499
)
 
(10,922
)
Combined ratio
 
103.0
%
 
103.4
%
 
109.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net investment income
 
$
161,882

 
130,754

 
121,316

Net realized investment gains (losses)
 
6,359

 
(4,937
)
 
13,171

Total investment income, before federal income tax
 
168,241

 
125,817

 
134,487

Tax on investment income
 
45,588

 
30,621

 
32,090

Total investment income, after federal income tax
 
$
122,653

 
95,196

 
102,397

Reconciliation of Segment Results to Income Before Federal Income Tax
 
Years ended December 31,
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Underwriting gain (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Standard Commercial Lines
 
$
149,514

 
146,435

 
164,496

     Standard Personal Lines
 
11,104

 
12,419

 
1,336

     E&S Lines
 
(6,282
)
 
(6,921
)
 
(16,803
)
Investment income
 
168,241

 
125,817

 
134,487

Total all segments
 
322,577

 
277,750

 
283,516

Interest expense
 
(24,354
)
 
(22,771
)
 
(22,428
)
Corporate expenses
 
(36,255
)
 
(35,024
)
 
(28,396
)
Income, before federal income tax
 
$
261,968

 
219,955

 
232,692


Note 12. Earnings per Share
The following table provides a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS"):
2017
 
Income
 
Shares
 
Per Share
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
(Numerator)
 
(Denominator)
 
Amount
Basic EPS:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
168,826

 
58,458

 
$
2.89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Stock compensation plans
 

 
899

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted EPS:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
168,826

 
59,357

 
$
2.84


49




2016
 
Income
 
Shares
 
Per Share
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
(Numerator)
 
(Denominator)
 
Amount
Basic EPS:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
158,495

 
57,889

 
$
2.74

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Stock compensation plans
 

 
858

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted EPS:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
158,495

 
58,747

 
$
2.70

2015
 
Income
 
Shares
 
Per Share
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
(Numerator)
 
(Denominator)
 
Amount
Basic EPS:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
165,861

 
57,212

 
$
2.90

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Stock compensation plans
 

 
944

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted EPS:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
165,861

 
58,156

 
$
2.85

 
Note 13. Federal Income Taxes
(a) On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("Tax Reform") was signed into law, which among other implications, will reduce our statutory corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning with our 2018 tax year. We revalued our deferred tax inventory as of December 31, 2017 in anticipation of this reduction, which resulted in a $20.2 million charge to income as illustrated in the rate reconciliation table below. This charge included a $5.7 million benefit related to net unrealized gains on our investment portfolio and pension plan, which were originally recorded through AOCI.

Our accounting for the impact of Tax Reform on our deferred tax assets and liabilities is complete with the exception of amounts related to loss reserve discounting. Prior to Tax Reform, we had elected to use our own loss reserve payment patterns in determining the factors that we use in our discounting calculation. Under Tax Reform, this election has been eliminated and we are required to use an industry experience approach that includes a discount rate based on a corporate bond yield curve for which the IRS has not yet issued any guidance. Considering this, we have recorded a $7.5 million provisional increase to our deferred tax asset that is based on the industry experience approach under the tax law that existed prior to Tax Reform. We believe this is a reasonable estimate for the elimination of the company experience method election. We have not estimated a provisional amount based on the revised Tax Reform industry experience approach. Based on a Tax Reform transition rule that allows for this type of change in accounting method to be amortized into expense over an eight-year period beginning in 2018, we have established an offsetting deferred tax liability of $7.5 million as of December 31, 2017. During 2018, we will obtain, prepare, and analyze the necessary information to complete the accounting for loss reserve discounting.

(b) A reconciliation of federal income tax on income at the corporate rate to the effective tax rate is as follows:
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Tax at statutory rate of 35%
 
$
91,689

 
76,984

 
81,442

Tax-advantaged interest
 
(11,510
)
 
(12,126
)
 
(13,164
)
Dividends received deduction
 
(1,961
)
 
(1,114
)
 
(1,817
)
Stock based compensation
 
(4,281
)
 

 

Tax reform rate change
 
20,205

 

 

Other
 
(1,000
)
 
(2,284
)
 
370

Federal income tax expense from continuing operations
 
$
93,142

 
61,460

 
66,831


In addition to the impact of Tax Reform discussed above, our rate reconciliation for 2017 was also impacted by the $4.3 million impact of new accounting literature requiring that the tax effects of share-based compensation be recognized in the income tax provision. Previously, these amounts were recorded in additional paid-in capital. See Note 3. "Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements" for additional information regarding this literature change.


50




(c) The tax effects of the significant temporary differences that gave rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
Deferred tax assets:
 
 

 
 

Net loss reserve discounting
 
$
38,771

 
70,065

Net unearned premiums
 
50,267

 
78,201

Employee benefits
 
8,606

 
17,881

Long-term incentive compensation plans
 
12,221

 
17,750

Temporary investment write-downs
 
1,044

 
2,475

Other investment related items, net
 

 
1,484

Net operating loss
 
54

 
771

Other
 
5,784

 
8,344

Total deferred tax assets
 
116,747

 
196,971

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Deferred policy acquisition costs
 
47,484

 
75,310

Unrealized gains on investment securities
 
26,183

 
22,681

Other investment-related items, net
 
2,500

 

Accelerated depreciation and amortization
 
8,590

 
14,140

Total deferred tax liabilities
 
84,757

 
112,131

Net deferred federal income tax asset
 
$
31,990

 
84,840

 
Net deferred federal income tax assets decreased by $52.9 million during 2017. As mentioned above, net deferred federal income tax assets were reduced by $20.2 million in relation to Tax Reform. In addition to this charge, net deferred assets decreased by $21.4 million resulting from additional unrealized gains generated during the year on our investment portfolio.

After considering all evidence, both positive and negative, with respect to our federal tax loss carryback availability, expected levels of pre-tax financial statement income, and federal taxable income, we believe it is more likely than not that the existing deductible temporary differences will reverse during periods in which we generate net federal taxable income or have adequate federal carryback availability. As a result, we had no valuation allowance recognized for federal deferred tax assets at December 31, 2017 or 2016 .

As of December 31, 2017 , we had federal tax net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards of $0.3 million . These NOLs, which are subject to an annual limitation of $1.9 million , will expire between 2030 and 2031.

Stockholders' equity reflects tax benefits related to compensation expense deductions for share-based compensation awards of $23.8 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , and $22.0 million at December 31, 2015 . As mentioned above, beginning in 2017, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies on share-based payment awards are recognized as income tax expense or benefit on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
We have analyzed our tax positions in all open tax years, which as of December 31, 2017 were 2014 through 2016 , and we believe our tax positions will more likely than not be sustained upon examination, including related appeals or litigation. In the event we had a tax position that did not meet the more likely than not criteria, any tax, interest, and penalties incurred related to such a position would be reflected in "Total federal income tax expense" on our Consolidated Statements of Income. We are not currently under a federal income tax audit for any tax year.
 
Note 14. Retirement Plans
(a) Selective Insurance Retirement Savings Plan (“Retirement Savings Plan”)
SICA offers a voluntary defined contribution 401(k) plan, which is available to most of our employees and is a tax-qualified retirement plan subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA").  Expense recorded for this plan was $15.8 million in 2017 , $15.0 million in 2016 , and $14.1 million in 2015 .
 

51




(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
SICA offers a nonqualified deferred compensation plan ("Deferred Compensation Plan") to a group of management or highly compensated employees as a method of recognizing and retaining such employees. The Deferred Compensation Plan provides these employees the opportunity to elect to defer receipt of specified portions of compensation and to have such deferred amounts deemed to be invested in specified investment options. In addition to the employee deferrals, SICA may choose to make matching contributions to some or all of the participants in this plan to the extent the participant did not receive the maximum matching or non-elective contributions permissible under the Retirement Savings Plan due to limitations under the Internal Revenue Code or the Retirement Savings Plan. Expense recorded for these contributions was $0.2 million in 2017 , $0.3 million in 2016 , and $0.2 million in 2015 .

(c) Retirement Income Plan and Retirement Life Plan
SICA's primary pension plan is the Retirement Income Plan for Selective Insurance Company of America (the "Pension Plan"). This qualified, noncontributory defined benefit plan is closed to new entrants and existing participants ceased accruing benefits after March 31, 2016 .

In addition to the Pension Plan, SICA also sponsors the Supplemental Excess Retirement Plan (the "Excess Plan") and a life insurance benefit plan (the "Retirement Life Plan"). Both of these plans are closed to new entrants and participants in the Excess Plan ceased accruing benefits after March 31, 2016 . The Retirement Life Plan does not accrue benefits and this plan applies only to retirees who terminated employment with SICA on or before March 31, 2009. These are both unfunded plans with benefit obligations as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 of $10.1 million and $9.1 million , respectively, for the Excess Plan and $6.4 million and $6.3 million , respectively, for the Retirement Life Plan. Expense recorded for the Excess Plan was $0.4 million in 2017 , $0.5 million in 2016 , and $0.8 million in 2015 . Expense recorded for the Retirement Life Plan was $0.3 million in 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 .

The following tables provide details on the Pension Plan for 2017 and 2016 :
December 31,
 
Pension Plan
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
Change in Benefit Obligation:
 
 

 
 

Benefit obligation, beginning of year
 
$
330,588

 
310,308

Service cost
 

 
1,647

Interest cost
 
12,490

 
12,336

Actuarial losses
 
31,158

 
15,086

Benefits paid
 
(9,825
)
 
(8,789
)
Benefit obligation, end of year
 
$
364,411

 
330,588

 
 
 
 
 
Change in Fair Value of Assets:
 
 

 
 

Fair value of assets, beginning of year
 
$
316,515

 
249,700

Actual return on plan assets, net of expenses
 
46,983

 
21,079

Contributions by the employer to funded plans
 
10,000

 
54,525

Benefits paid
 
(9,825
)
 
(8,789
)
Fair value of assets, end of year
 
$
363,673

 
316,515

 
 
 
 
 
Funded status
 
$
(738
)
 
(14,073
)
Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
 
 

 
 

Liabilities
 
$
(738
)
 
(14,073
)
Net pension liability, end of year
 
$
(738
)
 
(14,073
)
Amounts Recognized in AOCI:
 
 

 
 

Net actuarial loss
 
$
87,438

 
85,845

Total
 
$
87,438

 
85,845

Other Information as of December 31:
 
 

 
 

Accumulated benefit obligation
 
$
364,411

 
330,588

Weighted-Average Liability Assumptions as of December 31:
 
 

 
 
Discount rate
 
3.78
%
 
4.41


52




 
 
Pension Plan
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Service cost
 
$

 
1,647

 
7,215

Interest cost
 
12,490

 
12,336

 
13,668

Expected return on plan assets
 
(19,419
)
 
(17,309
)
 
(15,969
)
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss
 
2,001

 
6,299

 
6,831

Total net periodic cost
 
$
(4,928
)
 
2,973

 
11,745

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net actuarial loss (gain)
 
$
3,594

 
11,316

 
(1,425
)
Reversal of amortization of net actuarial loss
 
(2,001
)
 
(6,299
)
 
(6,831
)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income
 
$
1,593

 
5,017

 
(8,256
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income
 
$
(3,335
)
 
7,990

 
3,489


The estimated net actuarial loss for the Pension Plan that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost during the 2018 fiscal year is $2.0 million .

 
 
Pension Plan
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Weighted-Average Expense Assumptions for the years ended December 31:
 
 

 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
4.41
%
 
4.69
 
4.29
Expected return on plan assets
 
6.24

 
6.37
 
6.27
Rate of compensation increase 1
 

 
 
4.00
1 This assumption was 4.00% through March 31, 2016, the date after which benefits ceased accruing for all participants of the Pension Plan.

Our latest measurement date was December 31, 2017 , at which time we increased our expected return on plan assets to 6.36% , reflecting a higher allocation to equity securities in the portfolio.
 
When determining the most appropriate discount rate to be used in the valuation, we consider, among other factors, our expected payout patterns of the Pension Plan's obligations as well as our investment strategy and we ultimately select the rate that we believe best represents our estimate of the inherent interest rate at which our pension and post-retirement life benefits can be effectively settled. Effective January 1, 2016, the approach used to calculate the service and interest components of net periodic benefit cost for benefit plans was changed to provide a more precise measurement of service and interest costs.  Prior to 2016, we calculated these service and interest components utilizing a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period.  Beginning in 2016, we elected to utilize an approach that discounts the individual expected cash flows using the applicable spot rates derived from the yield curve over the projected cash flow period. We have accounted for this change prospectively as a change in accounting estimate. The weighted average discount rate used to determine 2018 interest cost is 3.46% .

Plan Assets
Assets of the Pension Plan are invested to adequately support the liability associated with the Pension Plan's defined benefit obligation. Our return objective is to exceed the returns of the plan's policy benchmark, which is the return the plan would have earned if the assets were invested according to the target asset class weightings and earned index returns shown below. In 2018, we will continue to phase in adjustments to the asset allocation to steadily close the gap between the duration of the assets and the duration of the liabilities, provided certain improved funding targets are achieved. Over time, the target and actual asset allocations may change based on the funded status of the Pension Plan and market return expectations.
    

53




The Pension Plan’s equity investments may not contain investments in any one security greater than 8% of the portfolio value without notification to our management investment committee, nor have more than 5% of the outstanding shares of any one corporation or other entity. The use of derivative instruments is permitted under certain circumstances, but shall not be used for unrelated speculative hedging or to apply leverage to portfolio positions. Within the alternative investments portfolio, some leverage is permitted as defined and limited by the partnership agreements.
 
The plan’s target ranges, as well as the actual weighted average asset allocation by strategy, at December 31 were as follows: 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Target Percentage 2
 
Actual Percentage
 
Actual Percentage
Return seeking assets 1
 
20% - 60%

 
58
%
 
50
%
Liability hedging assets
 
40% - 80%

 
42
%
 
50
%
Total
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
1 Includes limited partnerships.
2 Target percent allocations may change over time based on the funded status of the plan and market return expectations.

The Pension Plan had no investments in the Parent’s common stock as of December 31, 2017 or 2016 .

The techniques used to determine the fair value of the Pension Plan's invested assets that appear on the following page are as follows:
The long-duration fixed income mutual funds utilize a market approach wherein the quoted prices in the active market for identical assets are used.  All of the mutual funds are traded in active markets at their net asset value per share.  These investments are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
The investments in global equity collective investment funds utilize a market approach wherein the published prices in the active market for identical assets are used. These investments are traded at their net asset value per share. There are no restrictions as to the redemption of these investments nor do we have any contractual obligations for further investment. These investments are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
The investments in private equity limited partnerships are valued utilizing net asset value as a practical expedient for fair value.  These investments are not classified in the fair value hierarchy.
The investments in other private equity securities are non-publicly traded stocks and are valued by the issuer and reviewed internally. These investments are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.  Given that these investments are listed on active exchanges, coupled with their liquid nature, these investments are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
The deposit administration contract is carried at cost, which approximates fair value.  Given the liquid nature of the underlying investments in overnight cash deposits and other short-term duration products, we have determined that a correlation exists between the deposit administration contract and other short-term investments, such as money market funds.  As such, this investment is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

For discussion regarding the levels within the fair value hierarchy, see Note 2. "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies."

In addition, refer to Note 5. "Investments" for discussion regarding the limited partnership investment strategies, excluding the middle market lending strategy, as these investments are not part of the Pension Plan. The hedge fund strategy is part of the overall private asset strategy and is only included in the Pension Plan assets. The Pension Plan invests in hedge funds with diversified exposure to a number of underlying systematic strategies that include arbitrage, macro-oriented and equity related strategies. These positions are expected to improve the risk-adjusted return of the portfolio given their lower volatility profile than public equities with returns that are generally uncorrelated to traditional asset classes over a complete market cycle.


54




The following tables provide quantitative disclosures of the Pension Plan’s invested assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

December 31, 2017
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at 12/31/17 Using
($ in thousands)
 
Assets Measured at Fair Value At 12/31/17
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/ Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Description
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Return seeking assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-duration fixed income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Global asset allocation fund
 
$
41,309

 
41,309

 

 

Global equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-U.S. equity
 
67,989

 
67,989

 

 

U.S. equity
 
66,353

 
66,353

 

 

   Total global equity
 
134,342

 
134,342

 

 

Private assets:
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Limited partnerships (at net asset value) 1 :
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real assets
 
16,305

 

 

 

Private equity
 
1,096

 

 

 

Private credit
 
460

 

 

 

Hedge fund
 
15,192

 

 

 

Total limited partnerships
 
33,053

 

 

 

Other private assets
 
980

 

 

 
980

   Total private assets
 
34,033

 

 

 
980

Total return seeking assets
 
209,684

 
175,651

 

 
980

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liability hedging assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-duration fixed income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Extended duration fixed income
 
146,837

 
146,837

 

 

Cash and short-term investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term investments
 
4,939

 
4,939

 

 

   Deposit administration contracts
 
1,615

 

 
1,615

 

   Total cash and short-term investments
 
6,554

 
4,939

 
1,615

 

Total liability hedging assets
 
153,391

 
151,776

 
1,615

 

   Total invested assets
 
$
363,075

 
$
327,427

 
$
1,615

 
$
980



55




December 31, 2016
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at 12/31/16 Using
($ in thousands)
 
Assets Measured at Fair Value At 12/31/16
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/ Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Description
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Return seeking assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-duration fixed income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Global asset allocation fund
 
$
37,878

 
37,878

 

 

Global equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-U.S. equity
 
48,836

 
48,836

 

 

U.S. equity
 
55,073

 
55,073

 

 

   Total global equity
 
103,909

 
103,909

 

 

Private assets (limited partnerships, at net asset value) 1 :
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Real assets
 
15,466

 

 

 

Private equity
 
1,615

 

 

 

Private credit
 
1,108

 

 

 

   Total private assets
 
18,189

 

 

 

Total return seeking assets
 
159,976

 
141,787

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liability hedging assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-duration fixed income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Extended duration fixed income
 
131,457

 
131,457

 

 

Cash and short-term investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term investments
 
23,722

 
23,722

 

 

   Deposit administration contracts
 
1,832

 

 
1,832

 

   Total cash and short-term investments
 
25,554

 
23,722

 
1,832

 

Total liability hedging assets
 
157,011

 
155,179

 
1,832

 

   Total invested assets
 
$
316,987

 
$
296,966

 
$
1,832

 
$

1 In accordance with ASU 2015-07, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its practical expedient) have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to total Pension Plan invested assets.

Contributions
We presently do not anticipate contributing to the Pension Plan in 2018 , as we have no minimum required contribution amounts.
 
Benefit Payments
($ in thousands)
 
Pension Plan
Benefits Expected to be Paid in Future
 
 

Fiscal Years:
 
 

2018
 
$
12,913

2019
 
12,936

2020
 
13,987

2021
 
15,093

2022
 
16,128

2023-2027
 
94,542


56





Note 15. Share-Based Payments

Active Plans
As of December 31, 2017 , the following four plans were available for the issuance of share-based payment awards:
The 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan (the "Stock Plan");
The Cash Incentive Plan, amended and restated effective as of May 1, 2014 (the "Cash Plan");
The Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2009) ("ESPP"); and
The Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Plan for Independent Insurance Agencies (the "Agent Plan").

The following table provides information regarding the approval of these plans:
Plan
Approvals
Stock Plan
Approved effective as of May 1, 2014 by stockholders on April 23, 2014.
Cash Plan
Approved effective April 1, 2005 by stockholders on April 27, 2005.
Most recently amended and restated plan was approved effective May 1, 2014 by stockholders on April 23, 2014.
ESPP
Approved by stockholders on April 29, 2009 effective July 1, 2009.
Agent Plan
Approved by stockholders on April 26, 2006.
Most recently amended and restated plan was approved on December 13, 2016 by the Parent's Board of Directors' Salary and Employee Benefits Committee. The amendment was effective February 1, 2017.

The types of awards that can be issued under each of these plans are as follows:
Plan
Types of Share-Based Payments Issued
Stock Plan
Qualified and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), stock grants, and other awards valued in whole or in part by reference to the Parent's common stock. The maximum exercise period for an option grant under this plan is 10 years from the date of the grant. Dividend equivalent units ("DEUs") are earned during the vesting period on RSU grants. The DEUs are reinvested in the Parent's common stock at fair value on each dividend payment date. The requisite service period for grants to employees under this plan is the lesser of: (i) the stated vested date, which is typically three years from issuance; or (ii) the date the employee becomes eligible to retire.
Cash Plan
Cash incentive units (“CIUs”). The initial dollar value of each CIU will be adjusted to reflect the percentage increase or decrease in the total shareholder return on the Parent's common stock over a specified performance period. In addition, for certain grants, the number of CIUs granted will be increased or decreased to reflect our performance on specified performance indicators as compared to targeted peer companies. The requisite service period for grants under this plan is the lesser of: (i) the stated vested date, which is typically three years from issuance; or (ii) the date the employee becomes eligible to retire.
ESPP
Enables employees to purchase shares of the Parent’s common stock. The purchase price is the lower of: (i) 85% of the closing market price at the time the option is granted; or (ii) 85% of the closing price at the time the option is exercised. Shares are generally issued on June 30 and December 31 of each year.
Agent Plan
Quarterly offerings to purchase the Parent's common stock at a 10% discount with a one year restricted period during which the shares purchased cannot be sold or transferred. Only our independent retail insurance agencies and wholesale general agencies, and certain eligible persons associated with the agencies, are eligible to participate in this plan.

Shares authorized and available for issuance as of December 31, 2017 are as follows:
As of December 31, 2017
Authorized
Available for Issuance
Awards Outstanding
Stock Plan
3,500,000

2,516,871

882,490

ESPP
1,500,000

499,629


Agent Plan
3,000,000

1,817,493




57




Retired Plans
The following plans are closed for the issuance of new awards, although awards outstanding continue in effect according to the terms of the applicable award agreements:
December 31, 2017
Types of Share-Based Payments Issued
Reserve Shares
Awards Outstanding 1
Plan
2005 Omnibus Stock Plan ("2005 Stock Plan")
Qualified and nonqualified stock options, SARs, restricted stock, RSUs, phantom stock, stock bonuses, and other awards in such amounts and with such terms and conditions as it determined, subject to the provisions of the 2005 Stock Plan. The maximum exercise period for an option grant under this plan is 10 years from the date of the grant. DEUs are earned during the vesting period on RSU grants. The DEUs are reinvested in the Parent's common stock at fair value on each dividend payment date.
2,202,532

277,132

Parent's Stock Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors ("Directors Stock Compensation Plan")
Directors could elect to receive a portion of their annual compensation in shares of the Parent's common stock.
66,506

66,506

1 Awards outstanding under the 2005 Stock Plan consisted of 47,268 RSUs and 229,864 stock options.

RSU Transactions
A summary of the RSU transactions under our share-based payment plans is as follows:
 
 
Number
of Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Unvested RSU awards at December 31, 2016
 
916,640

 
$
26.20

Granted in 2017
 
321,928

 
42.66

Vested in 2017
 
(360,702
)
 
22.78

Forfeited in 2017
 
(12,279
)
 
32.09

Unvested RSU awards at December 31, 2017
 
865,587

 
$
33.66


As of December 31, 2017 , total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSU awards granted under our stock plans was $8.0 million . That expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years . The total intrinsic value of RSUs vested was $16.0 million for 2017 , $12.6 million for 2016 , and $10.3 million for 2015 . In connection with vested RSUs, the total value of the DEU shares that vested was $0.9 million during 2017 and $0.7 million in 2016 and 2015 .

Option Transactions
A summary of the stock option transactions under our share-based payment plans is as follows:
 
 
Number
of Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life in Years
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
($ in thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2016
 
355,391

 
$
16.87

 
 
 
 

Granted in 2017
 

 

 
 
 
 

Exercised in 2017
 
(120,496
)
 
19.39

 
 
 
 

Forfeited or expired in 2017
 
(5,031
)
 
24.54

 
 
 
 

Outstanding at December 31, 2017
 
229,864

 
$
15.38

 
1.50
 
$
9,958

Exercisable at December 31, 2017
 
229,864

 
$
15.38

 
1.50
 
$
9,958

 
The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $4.0 million in 2017 , $2.3 million in 2016 , and $2.2 million in 2015 .  
 
CIU Transactions
The liability recorded in connection with our Cash Plan was $37.0 million at December 31, 2017 and $32.0 million at December 31, 2016 . The remaining cost associated with the CIUs is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.9 years . The CIU payments made were $14.2 million in 2017 , $14.3 million in 2016 , and $10.2 million in 2015 .  


58




ESPP and Agent Plan Transactions
A summary of ESPP and Agent Plan share issuances is as follows:
 
2017
2016
2015
ESPP Issuances
75,093

88,432

100,944

Agent Plan Issuances
49,794

69,867

82,142


Fair Value Measurements
The grant date fair value of RSUs is based on the market price of our common stock on the grant date, adjusted for the present value of our expected dividend payments. The expense recognized for share-based awards is based on the number of shares or units expected to be issued at the end of the performance period and the grant date fair value.

The grant date fair value of each option award is estimated using the Black Scholes option valuation model ("Black Scholes"). The following are the significant assumptions used in applying Black Scholes: (i) the risk-free interest rate, which is the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with an equal remaining term; (ii) the expected term, which is based on historical experience of similar awards; (iii) the dividend yield, which is determined by dividing the expected per share dividend during the coming year by the grant date stock price; and (iv) the expected volatility, which is based on the volatility of the Parent's stock price over a historical period comparable to the expected term. In applying Black Scholes, we use the weighted average assumptions illustrated in the following table:
 
 
ESPP
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Risk-free interest rate
 
1.07
%
 
0.47
 
0.10
Expected term
 
6 months

 
6 months
 
6 months
Dividend yield
 
1.3
%
 
1.7
 
2.0
Expected volatility
 
24
%
 
31
 
20

The weighted-average fair value of options and stock per share, including RSUs granted for the Parent's stock plans, during 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 was as follows:
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
RSUs
 
$
42.66

 
32.53

 
25.22

ESPP:
 
 

 
 

 
 
Six month option
 
2.73

 
2.63

 
1.26

Discount of grant date market value
 
7.06

 
5.23

 
4.16

Total ESPP
 
9.79

 
7.86

 
5.42

Agent Plan:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Discount of grant date market value
 
5.04

 
3.79

 
2.94


The fair value of the CIU liability is remeasured at each reporting period through the settlement date of the awards, which is three years from the date of grant based on an amount expected to be paid. A Monte Carlo simulation is performed to approximate the projected fair value of the CIUs that, in accordance with the Cash Plan, is adjusted to reflect our performance on specified indicators as compared to targeted peer companies.

Expense Recognition
The following table provides share-based compensation expense in 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 :
($ in millions)
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Share-based compensation expense, pre-tax
$
31.2

 
30.3

 
23.8

Income tax benefit, including the benefit related to stock grants that have vested during the year
(15.0
)
 
(10.3
)
 
(8.0
)
Share-based compensation expense, after-tax
$
16.2

 
20.0

 
15.8


59





Note 16. Related Party Transactions
William M. Rue, a Director of the Parent, is Chairman of, and owns more than 10% of the equity of, Chas. E. Rue & Son, Inc., t/a Rue Insurance, a general independent retail insurance agency ("Rue Insurance"). Rue Insurance is an appointed distribution partner of the Insurance Subsidiaries on terms and conditions similar to those of our other distribution partners, which includes the right to participate in the Agent Plan. Mr. Rue’s son is President, and an employee, of Rue Insurance and Mr. Rue’s daughter is an employee of Rue Insurance. Our relationship with Rue Insurance has existed since 1928.

Rue Insurance placed insurance policies with the Insurance Subsidiaries for its customers and itself. Direct premiums written associated with these policies were $11.1 million in 2017 , $10.4 million in 2016 , and $9.6 million in 2015 . In return, the Insurance Subsidiaries paid standard market commissions, including supplemental commissions, to Rue Insurance of $2.3 million in 2017 , $2.1 million in 2016 , and $1.7 million in 2015 . Amounts due to Rue Insurance at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $0.6 million and $0.7 million , respectively.

In 2005, we established a private foundation, now named The Selective Insurance Group Foundation (the "Foundation"), under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Board of Directors of the Foundation is comprised of some of the Parent's officers. We made less than $0.1 million of contributions and no contributions to the Foundation in 2017 and 2016 , respectively. We made contributions to the Foundation in the amount of $1.0 million in 2015 .

BlackRock, Inc., a leading publicly traded investment management firm (“BlackRock”), has purchased our common shares in the ordinary course of its investment business and has previously filed Schedules 13G/A with the SEC. On January 19, 2018, BlackRock filed a Schedule 13G/A reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2017, of 12.8% of our common stock. In connection with purchasing our common shares, BlackRock filed the necessary filings with insurance regulatory authorities. On the basis of those filings, BlackRock is deemed not to be a controlling person for the purposes of applicable insurance law.

We are required to disclose related party information for our transactions with BlackRock. BlackRock is highly regulated, serves its clients as a fiduciary, and has a diverse platform of active (alpha) and index (beta) investment strategies across asset classes that enables it to tailor investment outcomes and asset allocation solutions for clients. BlackRock also offers the BlackRock Solutions ® investment and risk management technology platform, Aladdin ® , risk analytics, advisory, and technology services and solutions to a broad base of institutional and wealth management investors. In 2017 and 2016, we incurred expenses related to BlackRock of $2.0 million and $0.4 million , respectively, for services rendered. Amounts payable for such services at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were $0.5 million and $0.4 million , respectively. All contracts with BlackRock were consummated in the ordinary course of business on an arm's-length basis.

Note 17. Commitments and Contingencies
(a) We purchase annuities from life insurance companies to fulfill obligations under claim settlements that provide for periodic future payments to claimants. As of December 31, 2017 , we had purchased such annuities with a present value of $18.5 million for settlement of claims on a structured basis for which we are contingently liable. To our knowledge, there are no material defaults from any of the issuers of such annuities.

(b) We have various operating leases for office space, equipment, and fleet vehicles. Such lease agreements, which expire at various times, are generally renewed or replaced by similar leases. Rental expense under these leases amounted to $10.8 million in 2017 , $12.3 million in 2016 , and $11.7 million in 2015 . We also lease computer hardware and software under capital lease agreements expiring at various dates through 2019 . See item (p) of Note 2. "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in this Form 10-K for information on our accounting policy regarding leases.
 

60




In addition, certain of these leases are non-cancelable, and liability for payment will continue even though the leased asset may no longer be in use. At December 31, 2017 , the total future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable leases were as follows:
($ in millions)
 
Capital Leases
Operating Leases
Total
2018
 
$
2.3

10.0

12.3

2019
 
0.1

7.5

7.6

2020
 

6.0

6.0

2021
 

3.7

3.7

2022
 

2.1

2.1

After 2022
 

2.6

2.6

Total minimum payment required
 
$
2.4

31.9

34.3

 
(c) As of December 31, 2017 , we had contractual obligations that expire at various dates through 2032 to invest up to an additional $221 million in alternative and other investments. There is no certainty that any such additional investment will be required. For additional information regarding these investments, see item (f) of Note 5. "Investments" in this Form 10-K. In addition, as of December 31, 2017 , we had contractual obligations that expire in 2023 to invest $16.3 million in a non-publicly traded common stock within our available-for-sale portfolio. We expect to have the capacity to repay and/or refinance these obligations as they become due.
 
Note 18. Litigation
In the ordinary course of conducting business, we are named as defendants in various legal proceedings. Most of these proceedings are claims litigation involving our Insurance Subsidiaries as either: (i) liability insurers defending or providing indemnity for third-party claims brought against our customers; or (ii) insurers defending first-party coverage claims brought against them. We account for such activity through the establishment of unpaid losses and loss expense reserves. We expect that any potential ultimate liability in such ordinary course claims litigation will not be material to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows after consideration of provisions made for potential losses and costs of defense.
 
From time to time, our Insurance Subsidiaries also are named as defendants in other legal actions, some of which assert claims for substantial amounts. These actions include, among others, putative class actions seeking certification of a state or national class. Such putative class actions have alleged, for example, improper reimbursement of medical providers paid under workers compensation and personal and commercial automobile insurance policies. Similarly, our Insurance Subsidiaries are also named from time-to-time in individual actions seeking extra-contractual damages, punitive damages, or penalties, some of which allege bad faith in the handling of insurance claims. We believe that we have valid defenses to these cases. We expect that any potential ultimate liability in any such lawsuit will not be material to our consolidated financial condition, after consideration of provisions made for estimated losses. Nonetheless, given the inherent unpredictability of litigation and the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these actions, an adverse outcome in certain matters could possibly have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.

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

Note 19. Statutory Financial Information, Capital Requirements, and Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds
(a) Statutory Financial Information
The Insurance Subsidiaries prepare their statutory financial statements in accordance with accounting principles prescribed or permitted by the various state insurance departments of domicile. Prescribed statutory accounting principles include state laws, regulations, and general administrative rules, as well as a variety of publications of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC"). Permitted statutory accounting principles encompass all accounting principles that are not prescribed; such principles differ from state to state, may differ from company to company within a state and may change in the future. The Insurance Subsidiaries do not utilize any permitted statutory accounting principles that materially affect the determination of statutory surplus, statutory net income, or risk-based capital (“RBC”). As of December 31, 2017 , the various state insurance departments of domicile have adopted the March 2017 version of the NAIC Accounting Practices and Procedures manual in its entirety, as a component of prescribed or permitted practices.


61




The following table provides statutory data for each of our Insurance Subsidiaries:
 
 
State of Domicile
 
Unassigned Surplus
 
Statutory Surplus
 
Statutory Net Income
($ in millions)
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
SICA
 
New Jersey
 
$
455.5

 
414.4

 
609.7

 
568.6

 
84.6

 
72.2

 
69.6

Selective Way Insurance Company ("SWIC")
 
New Jersey
 
276.1

 
260.5

 
325.1

 
309.5

 
43.6

 
41.2

 
42.3

SICSC
 
Indiana
 
112.9

 
110.6

 
144.1

 
141.9

 
17.9

 
17.4

 
15.9

SICSE
 
Indiana
 
86.2

 
83.5

 
111.8

 
109.1

 
14.7

 
13.4

 
12.1

SICNY
 
New York
 
78.8

 
74.1

 
106.5

 
101.8

 
13.4

 
12.9

 
12.7

Selective Insurance Company of New England ("SICNE")
 
New Jersey
 
16.1

 
13.6

 
46.3

 
43.7

 
6.3

 
5.9

 
5.5

Selective Auto Insurance Company of New Jersey ("SAICNJ")
 
New Jersey
 
42.1

 
36.9

 
84.9

 
79.8

 
11.4

 
11.5

 
10.8

MUSIC
 
New Jersey
 
21.4

 
16.7

 
89.9

 
85.2

 
10.3

 
9.7

 
9.5

Selective Casualty Insurance Company ("SCIC")
 
New Jersey
 
34.5

 
26.6

 
109.0

 
101.0

 
13.4

 
12.6

 
12.1

Selective Fire and Casualty Insurance Company ("SFCIC")
 
New Jersey
 
13.7

 
11.3

 
45.6

 
43.2

 
5.6

 
5.5

 
5.3

Total
 
 
 
$
1,137.3

 
1,048.2

 
1,672.9

 
1,583.8

 
221.2

 
202.3

 
195.8


(b) Capital Requirements
The Insurance Subsidiaries are required to maintain certain minimum amounts of statutory surplus to satisfy the requirements of their various state insurance departments of domicile. RBC requirements for property and casualty insurance companies are designed to assess capital adequacy and to raise the level of protection that statutory surplus provides for policyholders. The Insurance Subsidiaries' combined total adjusted capital exceeded the authorized control level RBC, as defined by the NAIC based on their 2017 statutory financial statements. In addition to statutory capital requirements, we are impacted by various rating agency requirements related to certain rating levels. These required capital levels may be more than statutory requirements.

(c) Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds
Our ability to declare and pay dividends on the Parent's common stock is dependent on liquidity at the Parent coupled with the ability of the Insurance Subsidiaries to declare and pay dividends, if necessary, and/or the availability of other sources of liquidity to the Parent. As of December 31, 2017 , the Parent had an aggregate of $114.5 million in investments and cash available to fund future dividends and interest payments. These amounts are not subject to any regulatory restrictions other than standard state insolvency restrictions, whereas our consolidated retained earnings of $1.7 billion is predominately restricted due to the regulation associated with our Insurance Subsidiaries. In 2018 , the Insurance Subsidiaries have the ability to provide for $211.0 million in annual dividends to the Parent; however, as regulated entities, these dividends are subject to certain restrictions, which are further discussed below. The Parent also has available to it other potential sources of liquidity, such as: (i) borrowings from our Indiana Subsidiaries; (ii) debt issuances; (iii) common stock issuances; and (iv) borrowings under our Line of Credit. Borrowings from our Indiana Subsidiaries are governed by approved intercompany lending agreements with the Parent that provide for additional capacity of $70.5 million as of December 31, 2017 , based on restrictions in these agreements that limit borrowings to 10% of the admitted assets of the Indiana Subsidiaries. For additional restrictions on the Parent's debt, see Note 10. "Indebtedness" in this Form 10-K.

Insurance Subsidiaries Dividend Restrictions
As noted above, the restriction on our net assets and retained earnings is predominantly driven by our Insurance Subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends to the Parent under applicable law and regulations. Under the insurance laws of the domiciliary states of the Insurance Subsidiaries, New Jersey, Indiana, and New York, an insurer can potentially make an ordinary dividend payment if its statutory surplus following such dividend is reasonable in relation to its outstanding liabilities, is adequate to its financial needs, and the dividend does not exceed the insurer's unassigned surplus. In general, New Jersey defines an ordinary dividend as a dividend whose fair market value, together with other dividends made within the preceding 12 months, is less than the greater of 10% of the insurer's statutory surplus as of the preceding December 31, or the insurer's net income (excluding capital gains) for the 12-month period ending on the preceding December 31 . Indiana's ordinary dividend calculation is consistent with New Jersey's, except that it does not exclude capital gains from net income. In general, New York defines an ordinary dividend as a dividend whose fair market value, together with other dividends made within the preceding 12 months, is less than the lesser of 10% of the insurer's statutory surplus, or 100% of adjusted net investment income.

New Jersey and Indiana require notice of the declaration of any ordinary dividend distribution. During the notice period, the relevant state regulatory authority may disallow all or part of the proposed dividend if it determines that the dividend is not appropriate given the above considerations. New York does not require notice of ordinary dividends. Dividend payments

62




exceeding ordinary dividends are referred to as extraordinary dividends and require review and approval by the applicable domiciliary insurance regulatory authority prior to payment.
 
The following table provides quantitative data regarding all Insurance Subsidiaries' dividends paid to the Parent in 2017 for debt service, shareholder dividends, and general operating purposes:
Dividends
 
 
 
Twelve Months ended December 31, 2017
($ in millions)
 
State of Domicile
 
Ordinary Dividends Paid
SICA
 
New Jersey
 
$
28.0

SWIC
 
New Jersey
 
19.0

SICSC
 
Indiana
 
10.0

SICSE
 
Indiana
 
7.5

SICNY
 
New York
 
4.5

SICNE
 
New Jersey
 
2.0

SAICNJ
 
New Jersey
 
2.5

MUSIC
 
New Jersey
 
2.1

SCIC
 
New Jersey
 
3.0

SFCIC
 
New Jersey
 
1.5

Total
 
 
 
$
80.1


Based on the 2017 statutory financial statements, the maximum ordinary dividends that can be paid to the Parent by the Insurance Subsidiaries in 2018 are as follows:
 
 
 
 
2018
($ in millions)
 
State of Domicile
 
Maximum Ordinary Dividends
SICA
 
New Jersey
 
$
77.6

SWIC
 
New Jersey
 
43.3

SICSC
 
Indiana
 
17.9

SICSE
 
Indiana
 
14.7

SICNY
 
New York
 
10.7

SICNE
 
New Jersey
 
6.2

SAICNJ
 
New Jersey
 
11.3

MUSIC
 
New Jersey
 
10.3

SCIC
 
New Jersey
 
13.4

SFCIC
 
New Jersey
 
5.6

Total
 
 
 
$
211.0


Note 20. Quarterly Financial Information
(unaudited, $ in thousands,
 
First Quarter
 
Second Quarter
 
Third Quarter
 
Fourth Quarter
except per share data)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017 1
 
2016
Net premiums earned
 
$
560,854

 
522,458

 
568,030

 
531,932

 
572,055

 
542,429

 
590,088

 
552,753

Net investment income earned
 
37,419

 
30,769

 
41,430

 
31,182

 
40,446

 
33,375

 
42,587

 
35,428

Net realized (losses) gains
 
(1,045
)
 
(2,704
)
 
1,734

 
1,765

 
6,798

 
3,688

 
(1,128
)
 
(7,686
)
Other income
 
3,241

 
951

 
3,291

 
3,868

 
1,994

 
2,199

 
2,190

 
1,863

Total revenues
 
600,469

 
551,474

 
614,485

 
568,747

 
621,293

 
581,691

 
633,737

 
582,358

Income before federal income taxes
 
67,574

 
51,875

 
58,929

 
62,311

 
67,315

 
55,443

 
68,150

 
50,326

Net income
 
50,440

 
37,032

 
41,426

 
43,601

 
46,718

 
38,502

 
30,242

 
39,360

Net income per share:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
 
0.87

 
0.64

 
0.71

 
0.75

 
0.80

 
0.66

 
0.52

 
0.68

Diluted
 
0.85

 
0.63

 
0.70

 
0.74

 
0.79

 
0.66

 
0.51

 
0.67

1 Results for the fourth quarter of 2017 include the impact of the $20.2 million write off of deferred tax assets required with the implementation of Tax Reform. See Note 13. "Federal Income Taxes" above for additional information.

The addition of all quarters may not agree to annual amounts on the Financial Statements due to rounding.



63





Note 21. Subsequent Events
Subsequent to year-end and through the end of January 2018, our insurance operations experienced significant insured property losses, principally due to the deep freeze that impacted our footprint states during the month, the Property Claims Services ("PCS") named winter storm that occurred between January 3 and January 6, and a relatively large number of severe fire losses. For January 2018, non-catastrophe property losses amounted to $47 million and catastrophe losses, which we define as only those losses specifically attributable to a named PCS catastrophe, totaled $16 million . In total, the $63 million of insured property losses were approximately $30 million in excess of our property loss expectations for the month of January.
 

64




Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are: (i) effective in recording, processing, summarizing, and reporting information on a timely basis that we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act; and (ii) effective in ensuring that information that we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, a company's principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Board, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:
 
Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 . In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework ("COSO Framework") in 2013.
 
Based on this assessment, our management believes that, as of December 31, 2017 , our internal control over financial reporting is effective.
 
Except for internal controls over financial reporting related to the October 1, 2017 implementation of a new billing system, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.  Management reviewed and tested the effectiveness of the internal controls over financial reporting related to the implementation of the new billing system and concluded they were effective.

Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Our independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG, LLP, has issued their attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting which is set forth below.
 

65




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.:
 
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 , based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 , based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 , and the related notes and financial statement schedules I to V (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 19, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting . Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


/s/ KPMG LLP

New York, New York
February 19, 2018


66





PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
 
(1) Financial Statements:
 
The Financial Statements listed below are included in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
 
 
Page
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
(2) Financial Statement Schedules:
 
The financial statement schedules, with Independent Auditors' Report thereon, required to be filed are listed below by page number as filed in this report. All other schedules are omitted as the information required is inapplicable, immaterial, or the information is presented in the Financial Statements or related notes.
 
 
 
Page
Schedule I
Summary of Investments – Other than Investments in Related Parties at December 31, 2017
 
 
 
Schedule II
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant at December 31, 2017 and 2016 and for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
 
 
Schedule III
Supplementary Insurance Information for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
 
 
Schedule IV
Reinsurance for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
 
 
Schedule V
Allowance for Uncollectible Premiums and Other Receivables for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
(3) Exhibits:
 
The exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed in the Exhibit Index, which is incorporated by reference and immediately precedes the exhibits filed with or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K/A.
 

67





SCHEDULE I
 
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS - OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
December 31, 2017
 
Types of investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
Amortized Cost or Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
Fixed income securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Held-to-maturity:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
$
25,154

 
26,261

 
25,238

Public utilities
 
7,466

 
7,956

 
7,443

All other corporate securities
 
9,530

 
9,883

 
9,448

Total fixed income securities, held-to-maturity
 
42,150

 
44,100

 
42,129

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale:
 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. government and government agencies
 
49,326

 
49,740

 
49,740

Foreign government
 
18,040

 
18,555

 
18,555

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
1,539,307

 
1,582,970

 
1,582,970

Public utilities
 
50,071

 
51,035

 
51,035

All other corporate securities
 
1,538,268

 
1,566,433

 
1,566,433

Collateralized loan obligation securities and other asset-backed securities
 
789,152

 
795,458

 
795,458

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
382,727

 
383,449

 
383,449

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
709,825

 
714,882

 
714,882

Total fixed income securities, available-for-sale
 
5,076,716

 
5,162,522

 
5,162,522

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Common stock:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Public utilities
 
5,957

 
6,156

 
6,156

Banks, trusts and insurance companies
 
34,301

 
40,510

 
40,510

Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
 
89,438

 
121,091

 
121,091

Total common stock, available-for-sale
 
129,696

 
167,757

 
167,757

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Banks, trusts and insurance companies
 
14,115

 
14,948

 
14,948

Total preferred stock, available-for-sale
 
14,115

 
14,948

 
14,948

            Total equity securities, available-for-sale
 
143,811

 
182,705

 
182,705

Short-term investments
 
165,555

 
165,555

 
165,555

Other investments
 
132,268

 
 

 
132,268

Total investments
 
$
5,560,500

 
 

 
5,685,179


See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.

68




 
SCHEDULE II
 
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
(Parent Corporation)
Balance Sheets

 
 
December 31,
($ in thousands, except share amounts)
 
2017
 
2016
Assets:
 
 

 
 

Fixed income securities, available-for-sale – at fair value (amortized cost: $89,799 – 2017; $73,471 – 2016)
 
$
89,872

 
73,509

Short-term investments
 
24,080

 
17,777

Cash
 
534

 
458

Investment in subsidiaries
 
2,013,304

 
1,845,410

Current federal income tax
 
22,266

 
19,766

Deferred federal income tax
 
13,239

 
19,562

Other assets
 
871

 
840

   Total assets
 
$
2,164,166

 
1,977,322

  
 
 

 
 

Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Long-term debt
 
$
329,116

 
328,667

Intercompany notes payable
 
78,443

 
79,324

Accrued long-term stock compensation
 
37,017

 
32,029

Other liabilities
 
6,633

 
5,932

   Total liabilities
 
$
451,209

 
445,952

 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ Equity:
 
 

 
 

Preferred stock at $0 par value per share:
 
 

 
 

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

 

Common stock of $2 par value per share:
 
 

 
 

Authorized shares:  360,000,000
 
 
 
 
Issued: 102,284,564 – 2017; 101,620,436 – 2016
 
204,569

 
203,241

Additional paid-in capital
 
367,717

 
347,295

Retained earnings
 
1,698,613

 
1,568,881

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
20,170

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

 
1,531,370

   Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
2,164,166

 
1,977,322

 
See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Information should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Both items are in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.

69





SCHEDULE II (continued)
 
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
(Parent Corporation)
Statements of Income
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Revenues:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Dividends from subsidiaries
 
$
80,096

 
61,014

 
57,752

Net investment income earned
 
2,044

 
1,259

 
852

Net realized losses
 
(15
)
 
(220
)
 

   Total revenues
 
82,125

 
62,053

 
58,604

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest expense
 
24,721

 
24,030

 
24,057

Other expenses
 
36,251

 
35,020

 
28,393

   Total expenses
 
60,972

 
59,050

 
52,450

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Income before federal income tax
 
21,153

 
3,003

 
6,154

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal income tax (benefit) expense:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Current
 
(22,187
)
 
(17,924
)
 
(16,609
)
Deferred
 
6,311

 
(2,143
)
 
(1,603
)
   Total federal income tax benefit
 
(15,876
)
 
(20,067
)
 
(18,212
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
 
37,029

 
23,070

 
24,366

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries, net of tax
 
131,797

 
135,425

 
141,495

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
168,826

 
158,495

 
165,861

 
See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Information should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Both items are in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.

 

70




SCHEDULE II (continued)

SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
(Parent Corporation)
Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
Year ended December 31,
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Operating Activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
168,826

 
158,495

 
165,861

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

 
 

 
 

Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries, net of tax
 
(131,797
)
 
(135,425
)
 
(141,495
)
Stock-based compensation expense
 
12,089

 
10,449

 
8,973

Net realized losses
 
15

 
220

 

Amortization – other
 
678

 
648

 
740

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Increase in accrued long-term stock compensation
 
4,988

 
5,564

 
4,575

Decrease (increase) in net federal income taxes
 
3,811

 
(3,612
)
 
(3,052
)
Decrease in other assets
 
(60
)
 
(202
)
 
(12
)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
 
714

 
80

 
(202
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
59,264

 
36,217

 
35,388

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing Activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Purchase of fixed income securities, available-for-sale
 
(58,832
)
 
(45,789
)
 
(33,717
)
Redemption and maturities of fixed income securities, available-for-sale
 
10,465

 
14,983

 
21,578

Sale of fixed income securities, available-for-sale
 
31,819

 
18,768

 

Purchase of short-term investments
 
(185,590
)
 
(119,501
)
 
(106,933
)
Sale of short-term investments
 
179,292

 
130,841

 
94,422

Net cash used in investing activities
 
(22,846
)
 
(698
)
 
(24,650
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financing Activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

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

 
7,811

 
10,089

Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
 

 
1,819

 
1,736

Principal payment on borrowings from subsidiaries
 
(881
)
 
(6,839
)
 
(2,798
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(36,342
)
 
(35,959
)
 
(26,207
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash
 
76

 
(440
)
 
(15,469
)
Cash, beginning of year
 
458

 
898

 
16,367

Cash, end of year
 
$
534

 
458

 
898


See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Information should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Both items are in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.


71





SCHEDULE III
 
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
Year ended December 31, 2017
($ in thousands)
 
Deferred
policy
acquisition costs
 
Reserve
for loss
and loss expense
 
Unearned premiums
 
Net
premiums earned
 
Net
investment income 1
 
Loss
and loss
expense incurred
 
Amortization
of deferred
policy
acquisition costs
 
Other
operating expenses 2
 
Net
premiums written
Standard Commercial Lines Segment
 
$
193,408

 
3,165,217

 
956,173

 
1,788,499

 

 
1,008,150

 
387,552

 
243,283

 
1,858,735

Standard Personal Lines Segment
 
16,952

 
263,166

 
295,435

 
289,701

 

 
189,294

 
32,542

 
56,761

 
296,775

E&S Lines Segment
 
24,695

 
342,857

 
98,036

 
212,827

 

 
147,630

 
49,142

 
22,337

 
215,131

Investments Segment
 

 

 

 

 
168,241

 

 

 

 

Total
 
$
235,055

 
3,771,240

 
1,349,644

 
2,291,027

 
168,241

 
1,345,074

 
469,236

 
322,381

 
2,370,641


1 Includes “Net investment income earned” and “Net realized investment gains” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
2 “Other operating expenses” of $322,381 reconciles to the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows:
Other insurance expenses
$
333,097

Other income
(10,716
)
Total
$
322,381


See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.
 
 Year ended December 31, 2016
($ in thousands)
 
Deferred
policy
acquisition costs
 
Reserve
for loss
and loss expense
 
Unearned premiums
 
Net
premiums earned
 
Net
investment income 1
 
Loss
and loss
expense incurred
 
Amortization
of deferred
policy
acquisition costs
 
Other
operating expenses 2
 
Net
premiums written
Standard Commercial Lines Segment
 
$
181,193

 
3,098,554

 
884,976

 
1,665,483

 

 
913,506

 
367,813

 
237,729

 
1,745,782

Standard Personal Lines Segment
 
16,664

 
286,081

 
282,111

 
280,607

 

 
177,749

 
34,105

 
56,334

 
281,822

E&S Lines Segment
 
24,707

 
307,084

 
95,732

 
203,482

 

 
143,542

 
48,410

 
18,451

 
209,684

Investments Segment
 

 

 

 

 
125,817

 

 

 

 

Total
 
$
222,564

 
3,691,719

 
1,262,819

 
2,149,572

 
125,817

 
1,234,797

 
450,328

 
312,514

 
2,237,288


1 Includes “Net investment income earned” and “Net realized investment gains” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
2 “Other operating expenses” of $312,514 reconciles to the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows:
Other insurance expenses
$
321,395

Other income
(8,881
)
Total
$
312,514


See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.  

72




SCHEDULE III (continued)

SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
Year ended December 31, 2015
 
($ in thousands)
 
Deferred
policy
acquisition costs
 
Reserve
for loss and loss expense
 
Unearned premiums
 
Net
premiums earned
 
Net
investment income 1
 
Loss
and loss
expense incurred
 
Amortization
of deferred
policy
acquisition costs
 
Other
operating expenses 2
 
Net
premiums written
Standard Commercial Lines Segment
 
$
171,476

 
2,998,749

 
803,648

 
1,529,442

 

 
819,573

 
323,754

 
221,619

 
1,596,965

Standard Personal Lines Segment
 
17,258

 
265,054

 
276,533

 
288,134

 

 
200,237

 
33,638

 
52,923

 
283,926

E&S Lines Segment
 
24,425

 
253,925

 
89,529

 
172,333

 

 
128,731

 
42,044

 
18,361

 
189,013

Investments Segment
 

 

 

 

 
134,487

 

 

 

 

Total
 
$
213,159

 
3,517,728

 
1,169,710

 
1,989,909

 
134,487

 
1,148,541

 
399,436

 
292,903

 
2,069,904


1 Includes “Net investment income earned” and “Net realized investment gains” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
2 “Other operating expenses” of $292,903 reconciles to the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows:
Other insurance expenses
$
300,359

Other income
(7,456
)
Total
$
292,903


See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.


73





 
SCHEDULE IV
 
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
REINSURANCE
Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
($ thousands)
 
Direct Amount
 
Assumed from Other Companies
 
Ceded to Other Companies
 
Net Amount
 
% of Amount Assumed to Net
2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Premiums earned:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Accident and health insurance
 
$
24

 

 
24

 

 

Property and liability insurance
 
2,647,464

 
25,831

 
382,268

 
2,291,027

 
1
%
Total premiums earned
 
2,647,488

 
25,831

 
382,292

 
2,291,027

 
1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Premiums earned:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Accident and health insurance
 
$
32

 

 

 
32

 

Property and liability insurance
 
2,484,683

 
28,214

 
363,357

 
2,149,540

 
1
%
Total premiums earned
 
2,484,715

 
28,214

 
363,357

 
2,149,572

 
1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Premiums earned:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Accident and health insurance
 
$
37

 

 
37

 

 

Property and liability insurance
 
2,330,230

 
23,209

 
363,530

 
1,989,909

 
1
%
Total premiums earned
 
2,330,267

 
23,209

 
363,567

 
1,989,909

 
1
%

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.


 
SCHEDULE V
 
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
ALLOWANCE FOR UNCOLLECTIBLE PREMIUMS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
 
($ in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Balance, January 1
 
$
11,480

 
10,122

 
11,037

Additions
 
6,414

 
4,669

 
3,604

Deductions
 
(3,294
)
 
(3,311
)
 
(4,519
)
Balance, December 31
 
$
14,600

 
11,480

 
10,122


See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.


74





EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
 
 
Number
 
 
 
Consent of KPMG LLP.
 
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer in accordance with Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer in accordance with Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
Glossary of Terms.
* 101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.
* 101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
* 101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
* 101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
* 101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
* 101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

* Filed herewith.
** Furnished and not filed herewith.


75




SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
 
 
 
By: /s/ Gregory E. Murphy
 
February 23, 2018
Gregory E. Murphy
 
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
By: /s/ Mark A. Wilcox
 
February 23, 2018
Mark A. Wilcox
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
(principal financial officer)
 
 
 
 
By: /s/ Anthony D. Harnett
 
February 23, 2018
Anthony D. Harnett
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
 
(principal accounting officer)
 


76
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