Consolidated Financial Results – Highlights:(1)

Three Months Ended June 30, 2018     Six Months Ended June 30, 2018  
Net income per diluted share(2) $ 0.01       Net income per diluted share(2) $ 1.80  
Adjusted operating income (loss)(3) per diluted share(2) $ (0.03 )   Adjusted operating income(3) per diluted share(2) $ 0.96  
Gain on sale of discontinued operations per diluted share(2) $     Gain on sale of discontinued operations per diluted share(2) $ 1.07  
Net realized investment gains per diluted share(2) $ 0.04     Net realized investment losses per diluted share(2) $ (0.23 )
GAAP combined ratio 107.9 %   GAAP combined ratio 100.9 %
      Book value per share $ 38.52  
      Return on equity(4) 6.9 %
           

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Aug. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — United Fire Group, Inc. (the “Company” or “UFG”) (Nasdaq: UFCS) today reported consolidated net income, including net realized investment gains and losses and changes in the fair value of equity securities, of $0.2 million ($0.01 per diluted share) for the three-month period ended June 30, 2018 (the “second quarter”), compared to consolidated net income of $3.0 million ($0.12 per diluted share) for the same period in 2017. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2018 (“year-to-date”), consolidated net income, including realized investment gains and losses and changes in the fair value of equity securities, was $45.9 million ($1.80 per diluted share), compared to $22.9 million ($0.89 per diluted share) for the same period in 2017.

The Company reported consolidated adjusted operating loss of $0.03 per diluted share for the second quarter, compared to consolidated adjusted operating income of $0.05 per diluted share for the same period in 2017. Year-to-date, consolidated adjusted operating income was $0.96 per diluted share compared to consolidated adjusted operating income of $0.72 per diluted share for the same period in 2017.

___________________
(1) Consolidated financial results include results from both continuing and discontinuing operations, unless otherwise noted.
(2) Per share amounts are after tax.
(3) Adjusted operating income (loss) is a commonly used non-GAAP financial measure of net income (loss) excluding realized investment gains and losses, changes in the fair value of equity securities, the one-time gain on the sale of discontinued operations and related federal income taxes. Management evaluates this measure and ratios derived from this measure and the Company provides this information to investors because we believe it better represents the normal, ongoing performance of our business. See Definitions of Non-GAAP Information and Reconciliations to Comparable GAAP Measures for a reconciliation of adjusted operating income to net income.
(4) Return on equity is calculated by dividing annualized net income by average year-to-date equity.

“We made progress improving our performance in all but one major line of business, however our performance still lags our profitability goals,” stated Randy A. Ramlo, President and Chief Executive Officer. “This improvement was somewhat muted by an increase in expenses from our continued investment in our technology projects.”

Second quarter 2018 net income from our property and casualty continuing operations was flat compared to second quarter 2017, with both periods earning $0.01 per diluted share. In both periods we experienced elevated losses, however the composition of the losses in each period is different. In the second quarter of 2018, losses were driven by an increase in severity of non-catastrophe losses as compared to the same period in 2017 which experienced catastrophe losses above our historical average. Although catastrophe experience was below our historical average for the second quarter and year-to-date 2018, our commercial auto line of business, while an improvement over comparable periods in 2017, remains below our expectations. Our commercial auto net loss ratio improved to 88.0 percent in the first half of 2018 compared to 109.6 percent in the first half of 2017. We will continue to aggressively pursue rate increases, review underperforming accounts and implement the risk control initiatives we have discussed the last few quarters to improve the performance of this line of business.

Consolidated net unrealized investment losses, net of tax, totaled $15.4 million as of June 30, 2018, a decrease of $230.2 million or 107.2 percent from December 31, 2017. The decrease in net unrealized investment gains is primarily the result of the cumulative change in accounting principles on recognizing the change in the value of equity securities in the income statement. The change in accounting principles required unrealized gains on equity securities of $191.2 million, after-tax, as of January 1, 2018, to be reclassified to retained earnings from accumulated other comprehensive income, both within shareholders equity. The remaining decrease is due to a change in the value of the fixed maturity portfolio due to an increase in interest rates in the first half of 2018.

Total consolidated assets as of June 30, 2018 were $2.9 billion, which included $2.1 billion of invested assets. The Company’s book value per share was $38.52, which is a decrease of $0.54 per share or 1.4 percent from December 31, 2017 which is primarily attributed to a decrease in net unrealized investment gains on fixed maturity securities of $39.0 million, net of tax, during the first six months of 2018, shareholder dividends of $14.7 million and share repurchases of $5.4 million, partially offset by net income of $45.9 million, which includes $27.3 million of gain on the sale of discontinued operations.

The annualized return on equity was 6.9 percent for the six-month period ended June 30, 2018 compared to 4.8 percent for the same period in 2017.

Property and Casualty Insurance Business

Our continuing operations excludes our former life insurance business, as discussed below. The net income from the  property and casualty insurance business, including net realized investment gains and losses, totaled $0.2 million ($0.01 per diluted share) for the second quarter, compared to net income of $0.1 million ($0.01 per diluted share) in the same period in 2017. Year-to-date, net income, including net realized investment gains and losses, totaled $20.5 million ($0.80 per diluted share) compared to $18.7 million ($0.73 per diluted share) in the same period in 2017.

Net premiums earned increased 4.7 percent to $256.9 million in the second quarter, compared to $245.2 million in the same period in 2017. Year-to-date net premiums earned increased 4.2 percent to $502.0 million compared to $481.7 million in the same period in 2017. The increase in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018 was due to continued organic growth from new business writings and geographical expansion.

The average renewal pricing increases for commercial lines decreased slightly from first quarter 2018, with the average increases remaining in the mid-single digits. Filed commercial lines pricing increased from first quarter 2018, with pricing varying depending on the region and size of the account. The increase in filed rates during second quarter 2018 was primarily driven by an increase in commercial auto pricing. Filed commercial auto rate increases processed during the quarter averaged in the high-single digits along with low-double digit negative rate changes for our workers compensation line of business. Personal lines filed rate and renewal pricing increased from first quarter 2018 with average percentage increases in the mid-single digits.

Reserve Development

We experienced favorable development in our net reserves for prior accident years of $10.3 million in the three-month period ended June 30, 2018, compared to favorable development of $16.3 million in the same period in 2017. Year-to-date, favorable development in our net reserves for prior accident years was $48.4 million, compared to $41.2 million in the same period in 2017. The majority of the development in the three-month period ended June 30, 2018 came from our workers compensation line of business. Year-to-date, the majority of the development came from other liability, commercial auto and workers’ compensation lines of business. Development amounts can vary significantly from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year depending on a number of factors, including the number of claims settled and the settlement terms. At June 30, 2018, our total reserves were within our actuarial estimates.

GAAP Combined Ratio

The GAAP combined ratio increased by 0.7 percentage points to 107.9 percent for the second quarter, compared to 107.2 percent in the same period in 2017. The increase in the combined ratio is primarily driven by an increase in the expense ratio offset by a decrease in the GAAP net loss ratio. The GAAP net loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses was higher in the three-month period ended June 30, 2018 when compared to the same period in 2017, primarily due to an increase in severity of commercial auto related claims reported in other lines business such as other liability and workers compensation. The GAAP net loss ratio including catastrophe losses decreased 3.3 percentage points as compared to the same period in 2017. Pre-tax catastrophe losses totaled $15.1 million ($0.47 per diluted share) for the second quarter, compared to $28.3 million ($0.72 per diluted share) for the same period in 2017.

Year-to-date the GAAP combined ratio decreased 1.1 percentage points to 100.9 percent compared to 102.0 percent. The decrease in the combined ratio is primarily driven by a decrease in the GAAP loss ratio from a decrease in both non-catastrophe losses and catastrophe losses compared to the same period in 2017. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in the expense ratio. Year-to-date, catastrophe losses totaled $18.5 million (0.57 per diluted share) for the first half of 2018, compared to $38.1 million ($0.96 per diluted share) for the same period in 2017.

Expense Ratio

The expense ratio for the second quarter was 34.3 percentage points, compared to 30.3 percentage points for the second quarter in 2017. Year-to-date the expense ratio was 34.4 percentage points, compared to 30.3 percentage points in the same period in 2017.

The increase in the expense ratio during the second quarter and year-to-date is primarily split between two items. First, we invested in our multi-year Oasis project to upgrade our technology platform to enhance core underwriting decisions, selection of risks and productivity. As we stated last quarter, the expectation is this project will add 1.0 to 2.0 percentage points annually to the expense ratio for the duration of the project. Second, the acceleration of the amortization of our deferred acquisition costs in our underperforming commercial and personal auto lines of business from lower than expected profitability in these lines as discussed in prior quarters.

Investment Income and Realized Investment Gains and Losses

The Company recognized net realized investment gains from continuing operations of $1.3 million during the second quarter, compared to net realized investment gains of $1.1 million for the same period in 2017. Year-to-date the Company recognized a net realized investment loss from continuing operations of $6.6 million, compared with a net realized investment gain of $3.3 million for the same period in 2017. The change in net realized investment gains and losses year-to-date was primarily due to the change in accounting principles on recognizing the change in the value of equity securities in the income statement. The net realized investment loss recognized in the income statement from continuing operations due to the change in value of the equity securities year-to-date was a decrease of $8.9 million.

Net investment income was $17.2 million for the second quarter, an increase of 41.6 percent, as compared to net investment income of $12.2 million for the same period in 2017. Year-to date, net investment income was $30.7 million, an increase of 24.1 percent, as compared to net investment income of $24.8 million for the same period in 2017. The increase in net investment income for the quarter and year-to-date was driven by an increase in invested assets and the change in the value of our investments in limited liability partnerships and not due to a change in our investment philosophy. The valuation of these investments in limited liability partnerships varies from period to period due to current equity market conditions, specifically related to financial institutions.

Life Insurance Business

On September 18, 2017, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell its subsidiary, United Life Insurance Company, to Kuvare US Holdings, Inc. and on March 30, 2018, the sale transaction was completed. As a result, our life insurance business is presented as discontinued operations in all periods presented in this press release.

Capital Management

During the second quarter, we declared and paid a $0.31 per share cash dividend to shareholders of record as of June 1, 2018. We have paid a quarterly dividend every quarter since March 1968. In addition, on July 24, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $3.00 per share or a total of approximately $75 million payable August 20, 2018 to shareholders of record as of August 3, 2018.

During the second quarter we did not repurchase any shares. Year-to-date, 120,372 shares were repurchased under our share repurchase program at a total cost of $5.4 million and an average share price of $44.90.

Earnings Call Access Information

An earnings call will be held at 9:00 a.m. Central Time on August 8, 2018 to allow securities analysts, shareholders and other interested parties the opportunity to hear management discuss the Company’s second quarter 2018 results.

Teleconference: Dial-in information for the call is toll-free 1-844-492-3723. The event will be archived and available for digital replay through August 22, 2018. The replay access information is toll-free 1-877-344-7529; conference ID no. 10122087.

Webcast: An audio webcast of the teleconference can be accessed at the Company’s investor relations page at http://ir.unitedfiregroup.com/event or http://services.choruscall.com/links/ufcs180808. The archived audio webcast will be available until August 22, 2018.

Transcript: A transcript of the teleconference will be available on the Company’s website soon after the completion of the teleconference.

About UFG

Founded in 1946 as United Fire & Casualty Company, UFG, through its insurance company subsidiaries, is engaged in the business of writing property and casualty insurance.

Through our subsidiaries, we are licensed as a property and casualty insurer in 46 states, plus the District of Columbia, and we are represented by approximately 1,100 independent agencies. A.M. Best Company assigns a rating of “A” (Excellent) for members of the United Fire & Casualty Group.

For more information about UFG, visit www.ufginsurance.com or contact:

Randy Patten, AVP of Finance and Investor Relations, 319-286-2537 or [email protected]

Disclosure of Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements about our operations, anticipated performance and other similar matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expected and/or projected. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our company, the industry in which we operate, and beliefs and assumptions made by management. Words such as “expect(s),” “anticipate(s),” “intends(s),” “plan(s),” “believe(s)” “continue(s),” “seek(s),” “estimate(s),” “goal(s),” “remain optimistic,” “target(s),” “forecast(s),” “project(s),” “predict(s),” “should,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “might,” “hope,” “can” and other words and terms of similar meaning or expression in connection with a discussion of future operations, financial performance or financial condition, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed in such forward-looking statements. Information concerning factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements is contained in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 28, 2018. The risks identified in our Form 10-K are representative of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from what is expressed in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release or as of the date they are made. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Definitions of Non-GAAP Information and Reconciliations to Comparable GAAP Measures

The Company prepares its public financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Management also uses certain non-GAAP measures to evaluate its operations and profitability. As further explained below, management believes that disclosure of certain non-GAAP financial measures enhances investor understanding of our financial performance. Non-GAAP financial measures disclosed in this report include: adjusted operating income and net premiums written. The Company has provided the following definitions and reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures:

Adjusted operating income: Adjusted operating income is calculated by excluding net realized investment gains and losses and the one-time gain from the sale of discontinued operations after applicable federal and state income taxes from net income. Management believes adjusted operating income is a meaningful measure for evaluating insurance company performance and a useful supplement to GAAP information. Investors and equity analysts who invest and report on the insurance industry and the Company generally focus on this metric in their analyses because it represents the results of the Company’s normal, ongoing performance.

Net Income Reconciliation
  Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) 2018   2017 Change %   2018   2017 Change %
Income Statement Data                  
Net income $ 157     $ 2,958   (94.7 )%   $ 45,916     $ 22,894   100.6 %
Less: gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax       %   27,307       NM  
Less: after-tax net realized investment gains (losses) 1,025     1,742   (41.2 )%   (6,023 )   4,312   (239.7 )%
Adjusted operating income (loss) $ (868 )   $ 1,216   (171.4 )%   $ 24,632     $ 18,582   32.6 %
Diluted Earnings Per Share Data                  
Net income (loss) $ 0.01     $ 0.12   (91.7 )%   $ 1.80     $ 0.89   102.2 %
Less: gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax       %   1.07       NM  
Less: after-tax net realized investment gains (losses) 0.04     0.07   (42.9 )%   (0.23 )   0.17   (235.3 )%
Adjusted operating income (loss) $ (0.03 )   $ 0.05   (160.0 )%   $ 0.96     $ 0.72   33.3 %
                                       

NM = Not meaningful.

Net premiums written: While not a substitute for any GAAP measure of performance, net premiums written is frequently used by industry analysts and other recognized reporting sources to facilitate comparisons of the performance of insurance companies. Net premiums written are the amount charged for insurance policy contracts issued and recognized on an annualized basis at the effective date of the policy. Management believes net premiums written are a meaningful measure for evaluating insurance company sales performance and geographical expansion efforts. Net premiums written for an insurance company consists of direct premiums written and reinsurance assumed, less reinsurance ceded. Net premiums earned is calculated on a pro rata basis over the terms of the respective policies. Unearned premium reserves are established for the portion of premiums written applicable to the unexpired term of insurance policy in force. The difference between net premiums earned and net premiums written is the change in unearned premiums and change in prepaid reinsurance premiums.

Net Premiums Earned Reconciliation
  Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
(In Thousands, Except Ratios) 2018   2017 Change %   2018   2017 Change %
Premiums:                  
Net premiums earned $ 256,853     $ 259,563   (1.0 )%   $ 515,023     $ 513,435   0.3 %
Less: change in unearned premiums (40,820 )   (35,310 ) (15.6 )%   (52,343 )   (58,542 ) 10.6 %
Less: change in prepaid reinsurance premiums 899     126   NM     1,152     185   NM  
Net premiums written $ 296,774     $ 294,747   0.7 %   $ 566,214     $ 571,792   (1.0 )%
                                       

NM = Not meaningful.

Supplemental Tables

Consolidated Financial Highlights
  Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
(In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data and Ratios) 2018   2017 Change %   2018   2017 Change %
Revenue Highlights                  
Net premiums earned:                  
P&C continuing operations $ 256,853     $ 245,222   4.7 %   $ 502,020     $ 481,666   4.2 %
Life discontinued operations     14,341   (100.0 )%   13,003     31,769   (59.1 )%
Consolidated net premiums earned 256,853     259,563   (1.0 )%   515,023     513,435   0.3 %
Net investment income:                  
P&C continuing operations 17,249     12,184   41.6 %   30,741     24,769   24.1 %
Life discontinued operations     12,426   (100.0 )%   12,663     24,876   (49.1 )%
Consolidated net investment income 17,249     24,610   (29.9 )%   43,404     49,645   (12.6 )%
Total revenues:                  
P&C continuing operations 275,399     258,487   6.5 %   526,194     509,765   3.2 %
Life discontinued operations     28,492   (100.0 )%   24,755     60,273   (58.9 )%
Total revenues 275,399     286,979   (4.0 )%   550,949     570,038   (3.3 )%
Income Statement Data                  
Net income 157     2,958   (94.7 )%   45,916     22,894   100.6 %
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax       %   27,307       NM  
After-tax net realized investment gains (losses) 1,025     1,742   (41.2 )%   (6,023 )   4,312   (239.7 )%
Adjusted operating income (loss)(1) $ (868 )   $ 1,216   (171.4 )%   $ 24,632     $ 18,582   32.6 %
                   
Diluted Earnings Per Share Data                  
Net income $ 0.01     $ 0.12   (91.7 )%   $ 1.80     $ 0.89   102.2 %
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax       %   1.07       NM  
After-tax net realized investment gains (losses) 0.04     0.07   (42.9 )%   (0.23 )   0.17   (235.3 )%
Adjusted operating income (loss)(1) $ (0.03 )   $ 0.05   (160.0 )%   $ 0.96     $ 0.72   33.3 %
Catastrophe Data                  
Pre-tax catastrophe losses $ 15,115     $ 28,336   (46.7 )%   $ 18,476     $ 38,061   (51.5 )%
Effect on after-tax earnings per share 0.47     0.72   (34.7 )%   0.57     0.96   (40.6 )%
Effect on combined ratio 5.9 %   11.6 % (49.1 )%   3.7 %   7.9 % (53.2 )%
                   
Favorable reserve development experienced on prior accident years $ 10,330     $ 16,256   (36.5 )%   $ 48,385     $ 41,202   17.4 %
                   
Combined ratio 107.9 %   107.2 % 0.7 %   100.9 %   102.0 % (1.1 )%
Return on equity           6.9 %   4.8 % 42.6 %
Cash dividends declared per share $ 0.31     $ 0.28   10.7 %   $ 0.59     $ 0.53   11.3 %
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 25,611,773     25,624,686   (0.1 )%   25,582,708     25,752,525   (0.7 )%
                               

NM = Not meaningful
(1) Adjusted operating income is a non-GAAP financial measure of net income. See Definitions of Non-GAAP Information and Reconciliations to Comparable GAAP Measures for a reconciliation of adjusted operating income to net income.

Income Statement
  Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
(In Thousands, Except Ratios) 2018   2017   2018   2017
Revenues              
Net premiums earned $ 256,853     $ 245,222     $ 502,020     $ 481,666  
Investment income, net of investment expenses 17,249     12,184     30,741     24,769  
Net realized investment gains (losses) 1,297     1,081     (6,567 )   3,330  
Total Revenues $ 275,399     $ 258,487     $ 526,194     $ 509,765  
               
Benefits, Losses and Expenses              
Losses and loss settlement expenses $ 189,146     $ 188,596     $ 333,874     $ 345,148  
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 50,810     51,398     100,449     101,859  
Other underwriting expenses 37,252     22,824     72,107     44,083  
Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses $ 277,208     $ 262,818     $ 506,430     $ 491,090  
               
Income (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations (1,809 )   (4,331 )   19,764     18,675  
Federal income tax benefit from continuing operations (1,966 )   (4,440 )   (757 )   (18 )
Net income from continuing operations $ 157     $ 109     $ 20,521     $ 18,693  
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations     2,849     (1,912 )   4,201  
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax         27,307      
Net income $ 157     $ 2,958     $ 45,916     $ 22,894  
               
GAAP combined ratio:              
Net loss ratio – excluding catastrophes 67.7 %   65.3 %   62.8 %   63.8 %
Catastrophes – effect on net loss ratio 5.9     11.6     3.7     7.9  
Net loss ratio 73.6 %   76.9 %   66.5 %   71.7 %
Expense ratio 34.3     30.3     34.4     30.3  
Combined ratio 107.9 %   107.2 %   100.9 %   102.0 %
                       

Balance Sheet
  June 30, 2018   December 31, 2017
(In Thousands)  
Invested assets – continuing operations $ 2,121,873     $ 1,888,933  
Cash – continuing operations 100,840     95,562  
Total assets:      
Continuing operations $ 2,902,176     $ 2,597,297  
Assets held for sale     1,586,134  
Total assets $ 2,902,176     $ 4,183,431  
Losses and loss settlement expenses      
Continuing operations $ 1,240,847     $ 1,224,183  
Total liabilities:      
Continuing operations $ 1,937,576     $ 1,862,923  
Liabilities held for sale     1,347,135  
Total liabilities $ 1,937,576     3,210,058  
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), after-tax $ (15,370 )   $ 214,865  
Total stockholders’ equity 964,600     973,373  
           

Discontinued Operations(1)
  Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
(In Thousands) 2018   2017   2018   2017
Revenues              
Net premiums earned $     $ 14,341     $ 13,003     $ 31,769  
Investment income, net of investment expenses     12,426     12,663     24,876  
Net realized investment gains (losses)     1,599     (1,057 )   3,304  
Other income     126     146     324  
Total Revenues $     $ 28,492     $ 24,755     $ 60,273  
               
Benefits, Losses and Expenses              
Losses and loss settlement expenses $     $ 9,102     $ 10,823     $ 20,173  
Increase in liability for future policy benefits     5,281     5,023     13,860  
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs     1,695     1,895     3,368  
Other underwriting expenses     3,377     3,864     7,008  
Interest on policyholders’ accounts     4,651     4,499     9,395  
Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses $     $ 24,106     $ 26,104     $ 53,804  
               
Income (loss) before income taxes $     $ 4,386     $ (1,349 )   $ 6,469  
Federal income tax expense     1,537     563     2,268  
Net income (loss) $     $ 2,849     $ (1,912 )   $ 4,201  
                               

(1) On September 18, 2017, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell its subsidiary, United Life Insurance Company, to Kuvare US Holdings, Inc. The sale closed on March 30, 2018. The life insurance business is presented as discontinued operations in all periods presented in this table.

Net Premiums Written by Line of Business
  Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
  2018   2017   2018   2017
(In Thousands)      
Net Premiums Written(1)              
Continuing operations:              
Commercial lines:              
Other liability(2) $ 88,846     $ 87,446     $ 167,457     $ 169,753  
Fire and allied lines(3) 64,029     60,649     122,571     119,206  
Automobile 84,010     73,287     157,039     139,951  
Workers’ compensation 26,565     30,150     51,658     58,364  
Fidelity and surety 8,235     7,731     14,012     13,772  
Miscellaneous 470     534     920     979  
Total commercial lines $ 272,155     $ 259,797     $ 513,657     $ 502,025  
               
Personal lines:              
Fire and allied lines(4) $ 11,025     $ 11,240     $ 20,008     $ 20,703  
Automobile 7,903     7,160     15,183     14,001  
Miscellaneous 337     325     627     609  
Total personal lines $ 19,265     $ 18,725     $ 35,818     $ 35,313  
Reinsurance assumed 5,354     1,886     3,734     2,686  
Total net premiums written from continuing operations 296,774     280,408     553,209     540,024  
Total net premiums written from discontinued operations     14,339     13,005     31,768  
Total $ 296,774     $ 294,747     $ 566,214     $ 571,792  
                               

(1) Net premiums written is a non-GAAP financial measure of net premiums earned. See Definitions of Non-GAAP Information and Reconciliations to Comparable GAAP Measures for a reconciliation of net premiums written to net premiums earned.
(2) Commercial lines “Other liability” is business insurance covering bodily injury and property damage arising from general business operations, accidents on the insured’s premises and products manufactured or sold.
(3) Commercial lines “Fire and allied lines” includes fire, allied lines, commercial multiple peril and inland marine.
(4) Personal lines “Fire and allied lines” includes fire, allied lines, homeowners and inland marine.

Net Premiums Earned, Losses and Loss Settlement Expenses and Loss Ratio by Line of Business
Three Months Ended June 30, 2018   2017
      Net Losses           Net Losses    
      and Loss           and Loss    
  Net   Settlement   Net   Net   Settlement   Net
(In Thousands, Except Ratios) Premiums   Expenses   Loss   Premiums   Expenses   Loss
Unaudited Earned   Incurred   Ratio   Earned   Incurred   Ratio
Commercial lines                      
Other liability $ 76,309     $ 38,503     50.5 %   $ 76,215     $ 15,554     20.4 %
Fire and allied lines 57,996     51,101     88.1     54,419     60,989     112.1  
Automobile 69,709     66,090     94.8     61,497     71,653     116.5  
Workers’ compensation 23,633     17,002     71.9     27,222     15,916     58.5  
Fidelity and surety 5,742     291     5.1     5,714     450     7.9  
Miscellaneous 428     193     45.1     537     108     20.1  
Total commercial lines $ 233,817     $ 173,180     74.1 %   $ 225,604     $ 164,670     73.0 %
                       
Personal lines                      
Fire and allied lines $ 10,396     $ 9,359     90.0 %   $ 10,782     $ 15,001     139.1 %
Automobile 7,227     6,213     86.0     6,674     8,002     119.9  
Miscellaneous 301     (167 )   (55.5 )   287     27     9.4  
Total personal lines $ 17,924     $ 15,405     85.9 %   $ 17,743     $ 23,030     129.8 %
Reinsurance assumed $ 5,112     $ 561     11.0 %   $ 1,875     $ 896     47.8 %
Total $ 256,853     $ 189,146     73.6 %   $ 245,222     $ 188,596     76.9 %
                                           

Net Premiums Earned, Losses and Loss Settlement Expenses and Loss Ratio by Line of Business
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018   2017
      Net Losses           Net Losses    
      and Loss           and Loss    
  Net   Settlement   Net   Net   Settlement   Net
(In Thousands, Except Ratios) Premiums   Expenses   Loss   Premiums   Expenses   Loss
Unaudited Earned   Incurred   Ratio   Earned   Incurred   Ratio
Commercial lines                      
Other liability $ 151,902     $ 63,806     42.0 %   $ 150,295     $ 33,343     22.2 %
Fire and allied lines 115,395     85,330     73.9     109,938     105,112     95.6  
Automobile 136,403     120,037     88.0     119,218     130,629     109.6  
Workers’ compensation 46,974     29,062     61.9     51,705     32,312     62.5  
Fidelity and surety 11,215     949     8.5     11,611     658     5.7  
Miscellaneous 853     377     44.2     915     165     18.0  
Total commercial lines $ 462,742     $ 299,561     64.7 %   $ 443,682     $ 302,219     68.1 %
                       
Personal lines                      
Fire and allied lines $ 20,834     $ 16,760     80.4 %   $ 21,570     $ 21,375     99.1 %
Automobile 14,236     11,970     84.1     13,153     14,232     108.2  
Miscellaneous 596     (272 )   (45.6 )   566     (43 )   (7.6 )
Total personal lines $ 35,666     $ 28,458     79.8 %   $ 35,289     $ 35,564     100.8 %
Reinsurance assumed $ 3,612     $ 5,855     162.1 %   $ 2,695     $ 7,365     273.3 %
Total $ 502,020     $ 333,874     66.5 %   $ 481,666     $ 345,148     71.7 %