SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
40 Wantage Avenue
Branchville, New Jersey 07890
www.selective.com
2 014 ANNUAL REPORT
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Achieving our goals.
Achieving success.
2014 GAAP FinAnciAl HiGHliGHts
($ in millions, except per share data)
2 0 1 4
2 0 1 3
% or Point
Change Better
(Worse)
Insurance Operations
Net premiums written
Net premiums earned
Underwriting gain before tax
Combined ratio
Statutory combined ratio
Investments
Net investment income before tax
Net realized gain before tax
Invested assets per dollar of stockholders’ equity
Summary Data
Total revenues
Net income
Return on average equity
Operating income (non-GAAP)
Operating return on average equity (non-GAAP)
Total assets
Stockholders’ equity
Per Share Data
Diluted net income
Operating income (non-GAAP)
Dividends
Stockholders’ equity
$1,885.3
1,852.6
78.1
95.8%
95.7%
$1,810.2
1,736.1
38.8
97.8%
97.5%
138.7
26.6
3.77
2,034.9
141.8
11.7%
124.5
10.3%
6,581.6
1,275.6
2.47
2.17
0.53
22.54
134.6
20.7
3.97
1,903.7
106.4
9.5%
93.9
8.4%
6,270.2
1,153.9
1.87
1.65
0.52
20.63
4%
7%
102%
2.0 pts
1.8 pts
3%
28%
(5)%
7%
33%
2.2 pts
33%
1.9 pts
5%
11%
32%
32%
2%
9%
Refer to Glossary of Terms attached as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K for definitions of specific measures.
GAAP: U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Operating income is reconciled to net income in the Company’s Form 10-K.
A V E R A G E A N N U A L R E T U R N Growth of a $10,000 investment (year-end 2004–2014)
Selective
S&P 500 Index
S&P Property & Casualty Index
$25,000
$20,000
$15,000
$10,000
$5,000
$0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
To our ShareholderS
2014 was an excellent year for Selective. All three of our
insurance reporting segments – Standard Commercial
Lines, Standard Personal Lines, and Excess and Surplus
(E&S) Lines – produced statutory combined ratios
under 100%. We are also extremely proud to report
that we ended the year at a 92.5% statutory combined
ratio excluding catastrophe losses, in line with our 92%
expectation based on our aggressive three-year profitability
plan – announced in 2012.
Over the past three years, we rose to meet our very public
self-imposed challenge. We implemented underwriting
improvement initiatives, restructured our workers
compensation claims handling, managed expenses,
enhanced the customer experience, and continued to
increase rates while maintaining strong retention. Credit
for these achievements is jointly due – and justly given –
to both our employees and our distribution partners.
Our vision is to deliver high-tech, high-touch insurance
solutions to our distribution partners and customers. If
we deliver on our vision, our shareholders will benefit
from consistent, high value returns on their investment –
despite challenging economic and interest rate conditions
that require strong underwriting results.
In this low-interest environment,
our leverage (3.8x invested assets to
equity) combined with profitable
underwriting is a competitive
advantage over the industry. We can
generate a 12% return on equity
(ROE) at a 94% combined ratio,
while the broad industry must
generate an 87% combined ratio for
the same return.
Our overall 2014 statutory combined
ratio, including catastrophes, was
95.7%. This strong result was due, in
part, to renewal pure price increases
of 5.6%, as well as claims and
underwriting improvements. Total
net premiums written (NPW) grew
4% to $1.9 billion, or 6% excluding
the strategic sale of our self-insured
group business renewal rights in
March of 2014.
In Standard Commercial Lines, NPW
grew 4% to $1.4 billion. This strong
performance reflects renewal pure
price increases of 5.6% and stable
retention of 82%. Earned rate for
Gregory E. Murphy
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
John J. Marchioni
President and
Chief Operating Officer
2014 exceeded loss trend and lowered the loss ratio, driving
the Standard Commercial Lines statutory combined ratio’s
improvement to 92.8%, excluding catastrophes. Our many
initiatives to improve claim outcomes lowered our overall
cost of goods sold. In addition, we continued to improve
our mix of business and to release new products into the
commercial lines marketplace.
In Standard Personal Lines, NPW were $292 million,
driven by 6.5% in renewal pure price increases. The
statutory combined ratio, excluding catastrophes, was
88.0%. Homeowners produced a statutory combined ratio
of 96.9%, and we continue to increase rate to improve
the profitability of this book, which accounts for nearly
50% of Standard Personal Lines NPW. The Automobile
line delivered a statutory combined ratio of 101.5%, an
8.6 point improvement from 2013, achieved rate above
loss trend, and improved its mix of business. In 2014,
we launched new products like The Selective EdgeSM to
attract consultative personal lines buyers who want broader
coverages and the advice independent agents provide.
Our E&S Lines business grew 16% year-on-year, ending
2014 with $152 million in NPW. New business was up
13%, as we increased our promotion of E&S products to
our retail distribution partners. We continued to improve
underwriting practices and automated key systems for
increased efficiency and ease of doing business. The E&S
statutory combined ratio, excluding catastrophes, was
97.2%, 2.0 points better than in 2013.
Our invested assets increased 5% in 2014 to $4.8 billion.
Net investment income, after tax, was $104 million. Total
after-tax yield on the portfolio was 2.2%. Our high quality
fixed income portfolio has an average “AA-” rating and a
3.7 year duration, including short-term investments. With
$3.77 of invested assets per dollar of shareholders’ equity,
our portfolio delivered 8.6 points of our 10.3% overall
operating ROE. We maintain a conservative fixed income
securities portfolio with a focus on diversification, credit
quality, and liquidity to maximize the risk adjusted yield.
We could not achieve our profitability or growth goals
without our 1,100 retail distribution partners. They are
the best in the industry and appreciate our franchise
value. We know this from annual independent third
party surveys. In 2014, our distribution partners rated
their overall satisfaction with Selective at 8.6 out of
a possible 10. Our relationship with our distribution
partners is extremely strong because we provide them with
the products and services they and our customers want.
Our unique team of expert field underwriters, or agency
management specialists (AMS), delivers our products
and services, with underwriting authority that enhances
2014 AnnuAl RepoRt
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS (CONTINUED)
our capability to write new business. Our AMSs are
a significant competitive advantage because of their
underwriting skills and their local proximity to our
retail distribution partners and customers.
In the last several years, we have focused on enhancing
the experience of our customers. This effort should
increase customer loyalty and ultimately improve
retention and profitability. Our goal is to provide our
customers with the service they want and expect in
the manner most convenient for them. That’s why we
are working to provide 24/7 access to transactional
capabilities and information. We created a web-based
portal so customers can access account information,
have consistently added functionality to our mobile
app, invested in our key systems, and distributed
surveys to customers to learn what they think and
expect. In 2015, a number of programs and initiatives
will be introduced that are geared toward providing our
customers a seamless “omni-channel” experience so we
can earn their retention through high quality service.
In 2015, the clear focus will be on profitable growth
and increasing our share of our distribution partners’
wallet. To increase production, regional small business
teams have been created with full underwriting
authority, our local presence strengthened by fine-
tuning our field model, a more aggressive marketing
plan was developed, and our E&S systems were
further automated for timely and accurate bindable
quoting. We are listening to employees, distribution
partners, and customers, and delivering the tools and
services they need to remain committed to Selective
for the long-term while increasing shareholder value.
Challenging our highly engaged employees and
aligning our resources for profitable growth will drive
our long-term success.
We are fortunate to have a strong Board with diverse
leaders who help shape our strategy and contribute
to our success. In 2014, two new talented directors
joined the Board:
John S. Scheid, principal of the Scheid Group,
LLC. Recently retired as a senior partner in the
insurance and asset management businesses at
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, John’s financial
experience and keen sense of the industry trends
will be extremely valuable to Selective; and
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
Philip H. Urban, retired president and chief
executive officer of Grange Insurance. Phil’s property
and casualty insurance experience will be very
beneficial as we forge ahead in an ever-changing
competitive marketplace.
We will greatly miss the two directors leaving the
Board in 2015, who made significant contributions
over their many years of dedicated service:
Joan M. Lamm-Tennant, who left the Board in
January after 21 years of service due to her recent
appointment as CEO-elect of a micro insurance
venture incubator. Joan always provided guidance
and support to the management team, particularly
on enterprise risk management, and led several
committees, including the Audit Committee.
A. David Brown will be retiring from the Board in
April due to our mandatory retirement age. David
joined our Board in 1996, served on and chaired
several committees, and was our Lead Independent
Director for four years.
Selective was most recently ranked as the 44th largest
property casualty group in the United States by A.M.
Best Company. In 2015, we will drive long-term success
by building on our profitable foundation and growing
new business. By hiring the best talent in the industry,
improving the experience of our customers and
distribution partners, and continuing to increase our
data and analytic capabilities, we have the key strategies
that will help us anticipate the market’s evolving
demands and ensure we remain an industry leader.
Gregory E. Murphy
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
John J. Marchioni
President and Chief Operating Officer
2 0 1 4
F I N A N C I A L S
F O R M
1 0 - K
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
(cid:58) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934(cid:3)
For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2014
or
(cid:133) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934(cid:3)
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
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
22-2168890
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
40 Wantage Avenue, Branchville, New Jersey
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
07890
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(973) 948-3000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $2 per share
Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
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.
(cid:58) Yes (cid:133) No(cid:3)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
(cid:133) Yes (cid:58) No(cid:3)
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.
(cid:58) Yes (cid:133) No(cid:3)
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).
(cid:58) Yes (cid:133) No(cid:3)
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.
(cid:58)
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 (cid:95)
Non-accelerated filer(cid:3)(cid:133)
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Accelerated filer (cid:133)
Smaller reporting company (cid:133)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
(cid:133) Yes (cid:58) No(cid:3)
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 $1,364,092,316 on June 30, 2014. As of February 13, 2015, the registrant
had outstanding 56,878,329 shares of common stock.
Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 29,
2015 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
2
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
Table of Contents
Page No.
PART I
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
Part IV
Item 15.
Business
Risk Factors
Unresolved Staff Comments
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities
Selected Financial Data
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-looking Statements
Introduction
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Financial Highlights of Results for Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
Results of Operations and Related Information by Segment
Federal Income Taxes
Financial Condition, Liquidity, Short-term Borrowings, and Capital Resources
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities, and Commitments
Ratings
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow for the Years Ended
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Controls and Procedures
Other Information
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
Stockholder Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
3
4
18
31
31
31
32
35
36
36
36
37
49
53
67
67
70
70
72
73
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
140
140
142
142
142
142
142
142
143
PART I
Item 1. Business.
Overview
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (referred to as the “Parent”) is a New Jersey holding company that was incorporated in 1977.
Our main office is located in Branchville, New Jersey and the Parent’s common stock is publicly traded on the NASDAQ
Global Select Market under the symbol “SIGI.” The Parent has ten insurance subsidiaries, nine of which are licensed by
various state departments of insurance to write specific lines of property and casualty insurance business in the standard
market. The remaining subsidiary is authorized by various state insurance departments to write property and casualty insurance
in the excess and surplus lines ("E&S") market. Our ten insurance subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the “Insurance
Subsidiaries.” The Parent and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as "we," “us,” or “our” in this document.
In 2014, we were ranked as the 44th largest property and casualty group in the United States based on 2013 net premium
written (“NPW”) in A.M. Best and Company’s (“A.M. Best”) annual list of “Top 200 U.S. Property/Casualty Writers.”
Our Insurance Subsidiaries’ ratings by major rating agency are as follows:
Rating Agency
A.M. Best
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”)
Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”)
Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”)
Financial Strength Rating
A
A-
A2
A+
Outlook
Stable
Positive
Negative
Stable
For further discussion on our ratings, please see the “Ratings” section of Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” of this Form 10-K.
We have provided a glossary of terms as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 10-K, which defines certain industry-specific and other
terms that are used in this Form 10-K.
Segments
We classify our business into four reportable segments:
• Standard Commercial Lines - comprised of insurance products and services provided in the standard marketplace to
our commercial customers, who are typically businesses, non-profit organizations, and local government agencies.
This business represents about 76% of our total insurance segments’ net premiums written.
• Standard Personal Lines - comprised of insurance products and services, including flood insurance coverage that we
write through the National Flood Insurance Program (“NFIP”), provided primarily to individuals acquiring coverage
in the standard marketplace. This business represents about 16% of our total insurance segments’ net premiums
written.
• E&S Lines - comprised of insurance products and services provided to customers who have not obtained coverage in
the standard marketplace. We currently only write commercial lines E&S coverages and this business represents about
8% of our total insurance segments’ net premiums written.
•
Investments - invests the premiums collected by our insurance segments, as well as amounts generated through our
capital management strategies, which may include the issuance of debt and equity securities.
4
These segments are different from the segments that we have previously reported, which were Standard Insurance Operations,
E&S Insurance Operations, and Investments. All prior year information contained in this Form 10-K has been restated to
reflect our revised segments. For qualitative information behind the change, as well as quantitative information regarding these
segments, such as revenue contributions and profitability measures, see Note 11. "Segment Information" in Item 8. "Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.
We derive substantially all of our income in three ways:
• Underwriting income from our three insurance segments. Underwriting income is comprised of revenues, which are
the premiums earned on our insurance products and services, less expenses. Gross premiums are direct premium
written (“DPW”) plus premiums assumed from other insurers. Gross premiums less premium ceded to reinsurers, is
net premiums written (“NPW”). NPW is recognized as revenue ratably over a policy’s term as net premiums earned
(“NPE”). Expenses related to our insurance segments fall into three main categories: (i) losses associated with
claims and various loss expenses incurred for adjusting claims (referred to as “loss and loss expenses”); (ii)
expenses related to insurance policy issuance, such as commissions to our distribution partners, premium taxes, and
other expenses incurred in issuing and maintaining policies, including employee compensation and benefits
(referred to as “underwriting expenses”); and (iii) policyholder dividends.
• Net investment income from the investment segment. We generate income from investing insurance premiums and
amounts generated through our capital management strategies. Net investment income consists primarily of interest
earned on fixed income investments, dividends earned on equity securities, and other income primarily generated
from our alternative investment portfolio.
• Net realized gains and losses on investment securities from the investments segment. Realized gains and losses
from the investment portfolios of the Insurance Subsidiaries and the Parent are typically the result of sales, calls,
and redemptions. They also include write downs from other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”).
Our income is partially offset by general corporate expenses, including interest on our debt obligations, and tax payments.
We use the combined ratio as the key measure in assessing the performance of our insurance segments. Under U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), the combined ratio is calculated by adding: (i) the loss and loss expense ratio,
which is the ratio of incurred loss and loss expense to NPE; (ii) the expense ratio, which is the ratio of underwriting expenses to
NPE; and (iii) the dividend ratio, which is the ratio of policyholder dividends to NPE. Statutory accounting principles ("SAP")
provides a calculation of the combined ratio that differs from GAAP in that the statutory expense ratio is the ratio of
underwriting expenses to NPW, not NPE. A combined ratio under 100% generally indicates an underwriting profit and a
combined ratio over 100% generally indicates an underwriting loss. The combined ratio does not reflect investment income,
federal income taxes, or other non-insurance related income or expense.
We use after-tax investment income and net realized gains or losses as the key measure in assessing the performance of our
investments segment. Our investment philosophy includes setting certain risk and return objectives for the fixed income,
equity, and other investment portfolios. We generally review our performance by comparing our returns for each of these
components of our portfolio to a weighted-average benchmark of comparable indices.
Our operations are heavily regulated by the state insurance regulators in the states in which our Insurance Subsidiaries are
organized and licensed or authorized to do business. In these states, the Insurance Subsidiaries are required to file financial
statements prepared in accordance with SAP, which are promulgated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
(“NAIC”) and adopted by the various states. Because of these state insurance regulatory requirements, we use SAP to manage
our insurance operations. The purpose of these state insurance regulations is to protect policyholders, so SAP focuses on
solvency and liquidation value unlike GAAP, which focuses on shareholder returns as a going concern. Consequently,
significant differences exist between SAP and GAAP as discussed below:
• With regard to the underwriting expense ratio: As noted above, NPE is the denominator for GAAP; whereas NPW is the
denominator for SAP.
• With regard to certain income:
• Underwriting expenses that are incremental and directly related to the successful acquisition of insurance policies are
deferred and amortized to expense over the life of an insurance policy under GAAP; whereas they are recognized
when incurred under SAP.
5
• Deferred taxes are recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Income as either a deferred tax expense or a deferred
tax benefit under GAAP; whereas they are recorded directly to surplus under SAP.
• Changes in the value of our alternative investments, which are part of our other investment portfolio on our
Consolidated Balance Sheets, are recognized in income under GAAP; whereas they are recorded directly to surplus
under SAP and only recognized in income when cash is received.
• With regard to loss and loss expense reserves:
• Under GAAP, reinsurance recoverables, net of a provision for uncollectible reinsurance, are presented as an asset on
the Consolidated Balance Sheet, whereas under SAP, this amount is netted within the liability for loss and loss
expense reserves.
• Under GAAP, for those structured settlements for which we did not obtain a release, a deposit asset and the related
loss reserve are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, whereas under SAP, the structured settlement transaction
is recorded as a paid loss.
The following table reconciles losses and loss expense reserves under SAP and GAAP at December 31 as follows:
($ in thousands)
Statutory losses and loss expense reserves
Provision for uncollectible reinsurance
Structured settlements
GAAP losses and loss expense reserves – net
Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses and loss expenses
GAAP losses and loss expense reserves – gross
2014
2013
$
$
2,892,041
6,900
6,951
2,905,892
571,978
3,477,870
2,797,459
5,100
6,372
2,808,931
540,839
3,349,770
• With regard to equity under GAAP and statutory surplus under SAP:
• The timing difference in income due to the GAAP/SAP differences in expense recognition creates a difference
between GAAP equity and SAP statutory surplus.
• Regarding unrealized gains and losses on fixed income securities:
• Under GAAP, unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale (“AFS”) fixed income securities are
recognized in equity; but they are not recognized in equity on purchased held-to-maturity (“HTM”)
securities. Unrealized gains and losses on HTM securities transferred from an AFS designation are amortized
from equity as a yield adjustment.
• Under SAP, unrealized gains and losses on fixed income securities assigned certain NAIC Security Valuation
Office ratings (specifically designations of one or two, which generally equate to investment grade bonds) are
not recognized in statutory surplus. However, unrealized losses on fixed income securities that have a
designation of three or higher are recognized as an adjustment to statutory surplus.
• Certain assets are designated under insurance regulations as “non-admitted,” including, but not limited to, certain
deferred tax assets, overdue premium receivables, furniture and equipment, and prepaid expenses. These assets are
excluded from statutory surplus under SAP, but are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets net of applicable
allowances under GAAP.
• Regarding the recognition of the liability for our defined benefit plans, under both GAAP and SAP, the liability is
recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the projected benefit obligation over the fair value of the plan assets.
However, changes in this balance not otherwise recognized in income are recognized in equity as a component of
other comprehensive income (“OCI”) under GAAP and in statutory surplus under SAP.
6
Our combined insurance segments' GAAP results for the last three completed fiscal years are shown on the following table:
($ in thousands)
Combined Insurance Segments Results
NPW
NPE
Losses and loss expenses incurred
Net underwriting expenses incurred
Policyholder dividends
Underwriting income (loss)
Ratios:
Loss and loss expense ratio
Underwriting expense ratio
Policyholder dividends ratio
GAAP combined ratio
Statutory combined ratio
2014
Year Ended December 31,
2013
2012
$
$
$
1,885,280
1,852,609
1,157,501
610,783
6,182
78,143
62.5 %
33.0
0.3
95.8 %
95.7 %
1,810,159
1,736,072
1,121,738
571,294
4,274
38,766
64.6
33.0
0.2
97.8
97.5
1,666,883
1,584,119
1,120,990
523,688
3,448
(64,007)
70.8
33.0
0.2
104.0
103.5
For revenue and profitability measures for each of our three insurance segments, see Note 11. "Segment Information" in Item 8.
"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K. We do not allocate assets to individual segments. In
addition, for analysis of our insurance segments' results, see "Results of Operations and Related Information by Segment" in
Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." of this Form 10-K.
Insurance Segments
Overview
We derive all of our insurance operations revenue from selling insurance products and services to businesses and individuals
for premium. The majority of our sales are annual insurance policies. Our most significant cost associated with the sale of
insurance policies is our loss and loss expenses.
To that end, we establish loss and loss expense reserves that are estimates of the amounts that we will need to pay in the future
for claims and related expenses for insured losses that have already occurred. Estimating reserves as of any given date involves
a considerable degree of judgment and is inherently uncertain. We regularly review our reserving techniques and our overall
amount of reserves. For disclosures concerning our unpaid loss and loss expenses, as well as a full discussion regarding our
loss reserving process, see "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" in Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations." of this Form 10-K. Additionally, for an analysis of changes in our loss
reserves over the most recent three-year period, see Note 9. "Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses" in Item 8. "Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.
As part of our risk management efforts associated with the sale of our products and services, we use reinsurance to protect our
capital resources and insure us against losses on the risks that we underwrite. We use two main reinsurance vehicles: (i) a
reinsurance pooling agreement among our Insurance Subsidiaries in which each company agrees to share in premiums and
losses based on certain specified percentages; and (ii) reinsurance contracts and arrangements with third parties that cover
various policies that we issue to our customers. For information regarding reinsurance treaties and agreements, see
"Reinsurance" in Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." of this
Form 10-K.
7
Insurance Segments Products and Services
The types of insurance we sell in our insurance segments fall into three broad categories:
• Property insurance, which generally covers the financial consequences of accidental loss of an insured’s real and/or
personal property. Property claims are generally reported and settled in a relatively short period of time.
• Casualty insurance, which generally covers the financial consequences of employee injuries in the course of
employment and bodily injury and/or property damage to a third party as a result of an insured’s negligent acts,
omissions, or legal liabilities. Casualty claims may take several years to be reported and settled.
• Flood insurance, which generally covers property losses under the Federal Government's Write Your Own ("WYO")
program of the NFIP. Flood insurance premiums and losses are 100% ceded to the NFIP.
We underwrite our business primarily through traditional insurance. The following table shows the principal types of policies
we write:
Types of Policies
Commercial Property
Commercial Automobile
General Liability (including Excess
Liability/Umbrella)
Workers Compensation
Businessowners' Policy
Bonds (Fidelity and Surety)
Homeowners
Personal Automobile
Personal Umbrella
Flood1
Category of Insurance
Property
Property/Casualty
Casualty
Casualty
Property/Casualty
Casualty
Property/Casualty
Property/Casualty
Casualty
Flood/Property
Standard Personal
Lines
E&S Lines
X
X
X
Standard Commercial
Lines
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
1Flood insurance premiums and losses are 100% ceded to the federal government’s WYO program. Certain other policies contain minimal flood or flood
related coverages.
Product Development and Pricing
Our insurance policies are contracts that specify our coverages - what we will pay to or for an insured upon a specified loss.
We develop our coverages internally and by adopting and modifying forms and statistical data licensed from third party
aggregators, notably Insurance Services Office, Inc. (“ISO”), American Association of Insurance Services, Inc. ("AAIS"), and
the National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc. ("NCCI"). Determining the price to charge for our coverages involves
consideration of many variables. At the time we underwrite and issue a policy, we do not know what our actual costs for the
policy will be in the future. To calculate and project future costs, we examine and analyze historical statistical data and factor
in expected changes in loss trends. Additionally, we have developed predictive models for certain of our Standard Commercial
and Standard Personal Lines. Predictive models analyze historical statistical data regarding our customers and their loss
experience, rank our policies, or potential policies, based on this analysis, and apply this risk data to current and future
customers to predict the likely profitability of an account. A model’s predictive capabilities are limited by the amount and
quality of the statistical data available. As a regional insurance group, our loss experience is not always statistically large
enough to analyze and project future costs. Consequently, we use ISO, AAIS, and NCCI data to supplement our proprietary
data.
8
Customers and Customer Markets
We categorize our Standard Commercial Lines customers into the following strategic business units ("SBUs"):
Percentage of Standard
Commercial Lines
Manufacturing and Wholesale
Contracting
Community and Public Services
Mercantile and Services
Bonds
Total Standard Commercial Lines
18%
34%
23%
24%
1%
100%
Includes manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors
Description
General contractors and subcontractors
Focuses on public entities, social services, golf courses, and religious institutions
Focuses on retail, office, service businesses, restaurants, and hotels
Includes fidelity and surety
We do not categorize our Standard Personal Line customers or our E&S Line customers by class.
The following are general guidelines that can be used as indicators of the size of our customers:
• The average Standard Commercial Lines account size is approximately $10,000.
• The average Standard Personal Lines account size is approximately $1,500.
• The average E&S Lines policy is approximately $3,100.
No one customer accounts for 10% or more of our insurance segments in the aggregate.
Geographic Markets
We principally sell in the following geographic markets:
• Standard Commercial Lines products and services are primarily sold in 22 states and the District of Columbia in the
Eastern and Midwestern regions of the United States.
• Standard Personal Lines products and services are primarily sold in 13 states in the Eastern and Midwestern regions of
the United States, except for the flood portion of this segment, which is sold in all 50 states and the District of
Columbia.
• E&S Lines are sold in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
We believe this geographic diversification lessens our exposure to regulatory, competitive, and catastrophic risk. The following
table lists the principal states in which we write business and the percentage of total NPW each represents for the last three
fiscal years:
% of NPW
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
New York
Maryland
Virginia
Indiana
Illinois
Georgia
North Carolina
Michigan
South Carolina
Connecticut
Other states
Total
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
22.6%
11.4
7.1
5.6
4.6
4.5
4.0
3.8
3.4
3.3
3.1
3.0
23.6
100.0%
23.1
11.5
6.9
5.7
4.7
4.8
4.5
3.5
3.2
3.4
3.0
2.9
22.8
100.0
23.3
12.0
7.6
5.7
4.9
5.0
4.9
3.1
3.1
3.5
3.0
2.7
21.2
100.0
9
We support these geographic locations from our corporate headquarters in Branchville, New Jersey, and our six regional
branches (referred to as our “Regions”). The table below lists our Regions and where they have office locations:
Region
Heartland
New Jersey
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Southern
E&S
Office Location
Carmel, Indiana
Hamilton, New Jersey
Branchville, New Jersey
Allentown, Pennsylvania and Hunt Valley, Maryland
Charlotte, North Carolina
Horsham, Pennsylvania and Scottsdale, Arizona
Distribution and Marketing
We sell and distribute our Standard Commercial and Standard Personal Lines products and services through our distribution
partners, who in the case of our standard market business are independent retail insurance agents. Independent retail insurance
agents and brokers write approximately 80% of Standard Commercial Lines insurance in the United States according to a study
released in 2014 by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America. Approximately 35% of Standard Personal Lines
insurance is sold through independent retail insurance agents, according to the same survey. We believe that independent retail
insurance agents will remain a significant force in overall insurance industry premium production because they represent more
than one insurance carrier and therefore are able to provide a wider choice of commercial lines and personal lines insurance
products and risk-based consultation to customers. We have agreements with approximately 1,100 distribution partners in the
commercial lines standard market as of December 31, 2014. Of these distribution partners, 700 of them also sell personal lines,
excluding flood. The distribution partners have approximately 2,000 office locations that sell our products to our standard
market customers. In addition, we have approximately 5,000 distribution partners selling our flood insurance products.
E&S Lines are written almost exclusively through approximately 80 wholesale general agents, who are our distribution partners
in the E&S market. We have granted contract binding authority to these partners for business that meets our prescribed
underwriting and pricing guidelines.
We pay our distribution partners commissions and other consideration for business placed with us. We seek to compensate our
distribution partners fairly and consistent with market practices. No one distribution partner is responsible for 10% or more of
our combined insurance segments' premium.
In our most recent survey of our retail distribution partners, which was conducted in 2014, we received an overall satisfaction
score of 8.6 out of 10, which, we believe, highlighted our distribution partners’ satisfaction with our Standard Commercial
Lines and Standard Personal Lines products, the ease of reporting claims, and the professionalism and effectiveness of our
employees.
As our customers rely heavily on our distribution partners, it is sometimes difficult to develop brand recognition with our
customers, who cannot always differentiate between their insurance agents and their insurance carriers. We continue to evolve
our service model, post-acquisition, with an increasing focus on the customer. While we currently offer customers a shared
experience with our distribution partners, we are moving towards a model that positions us to more directly demonstrate our
value proposition to our customers.
10
Our primary marketing strategy is to:
• Use an empowered field model to provide our retail distribution partners with resources within close geographic
proximity to their businesses and our customers. For further discussion on this, see the “Field Model and
Technology” section below.
• Develop close relationships with each distribution partner, as well as their principals and producers: (i) by soliciting
their feedback on products and services; (ii) by advising them concerning product developments; and (iii) through
interaction with them focusing on producer recruitment, sales training, enhancing customer experience, online
marketing, and distribution operations.
• Develop with each distribution partner, and then carefully monitor, annual goals regarding: (i) types and mix of
risks placed with us; (ii) amount of premium or number of policies placed with us; (iii) customer service and
retention levels; and (iv) profitability of business placed with us.
• Develop brand recognition with our customers through our marketing efforts, which include radio and television
advertising, as well as advertising at certain national and local sporting events.
Field Model and Technology
We use the service mark “High-tech x High-touch = HT2 SM” to describe our business strategy. “High-tech” refers to our
technology that we use to make it easy for our distribution partners and customers to do business with us. “High-touch” refers
to the close relationships that we have with our distribution partners and customers through our field business model.
High Tech
We leverage the use of technology in our business. We have made significant investments in information technology platforms,
integrated systems, internet-based applications, and predictive modeling initiatives. We do this to provide:
• Our distribution partners and our customers with access to accurate business information and the ability to process
certain transactions from their locations, seamlessly integrating those transactions into our systems;
• Our underwriters with targeted underwriting and pricing tools to enhance profitability while growing the business;
• Our Special Investigations Unit ("SIU") investigators access our business intelligence systems to better identify
claims with potential fraudulent activities;
• Our claims recovery and subrogation departments with the ability to expand and enhance their models through the
use of our business intelligence systems; and
• Our customers with 24/7 access to transactional capabilities and information through a web-based customer portal
and a customer mobile app.
In 2014, we received the Interface Partner Award from Applied Systems, an automated solutions provider to independent retail
insurance agents, for the seventh consecutive year. The award recognizes our leadership and innovation in our interface
advancements in download and real-time rating.
We manage our information technology projects through an Enterprise Project Management Office (“EPMO”) governance
model. The EPMO is supported by certified individuals who apply methodologies to: (i) communicate project management
standards; (ii) provide project management training and tools; (iii) manage projects; (iv) review project status and cost; and (v)
provide non-technology project management consulting services to the rest of the organization. The EPMO, which includes
senior management representatives from all major business areas, corporate functions, and information technology, meets
regularly to review all major initiatives and receives reports on the status of other projects. We believe the EPMO is an
important factor in the success of our technology implementation.
Our primary technology operations are located in Branchville, New Jersey and Glastonbury, Connecticut. We have agreements
with multiple consulting, information technology, and service providers for supplemental staffing services. Collectively, these
providers supply approximately 36% of our skilled technology capacity. We retain management oversight of all projects and
ongoing information technology production operations. We believe we would be able to manage an efficient transition to new
vendors without significant impact to our operations if we terminated an existing vendor.
11
High Touch
To support our distribution partners, we employ a field model for both underwriting and claims, with various employees in the
field, usually working from home offices near our distribution partners. We believe that we build better and stronger
relationships with our distribution partners because of the close proximity of our field employees, and the resulting direct
interaction with our distribution partners and our customers. At December 31, 2014, we had approximately 2,200 employees,
about 320 of which worked in the field, and another 850 that worked in one of our regional offices noted above.
Underwriting Process
Our underwriting process requires communication and interaction among:
• Our distribution partners, who provide front-line underwriting, our Agency Management Specialists (“AMSs”) and
Safety Management Specialists (“SMSs”), our Standard Personal Lines marketing representatives, and our
corporate and regional underwriters. Our AMSs continue to be a central focus of the field model, with
responsibility for: (i) managing the growth and profitability of their distribution partners with us; and (ii)
performing field underwriting for new Standard Commercial Lines business. In the fourth quarter of 2014, a
strategic decision was made to eliminate our field marketing specialist role, which had been a multi-purpose role
focused on Standard Personal Lines, small Standard Commercial Lines business, and technology training. This role
was replaced with dedicated Standard Personal Lines marketing representatives with the primary responsibility of
growing Standard Personal Lines, dedicated field technical coordinators responsible solely for technology
assistance and training and over a dozen additional AMSs. In addition, we broadened the scope of, and enhanced
the talent in, our small business teams. These teams were previously responsible for handling business in need of
review that was submitted through our automated underwriting platform, One & Done®. They now also handle
small accounts with low underwriting complexity, which enables our AMSs to spend more time underwriting
middle market accounts.
• Our 5,000 flood distribution partners for our Standard Personal Lines business under the NFIP's WYO program.
• Our corporate underwriting department, which develops our products, policy forms, pricing, and underwriting
guidelines in conjunction with the Regions.
• Our Regions, which establish: (i) annual premium and pricing goals in consultation with the corporate underwriting
department; (ii) new business targets for our distribution partners; and (iii) profit improvement plans for our
distribution partners.
• Our Actuarial Department, located primarily in our corporate headquarters, which assists in the determination of
rate and pricing levels, while monitoring pricing and profitability.
We have an underwriting service center (“USC”) located in Richmond, Virginia. The USC assists our distribution partners by
servicing certain Standard Personal Lines and smaller Standard Commercial Lines accounts. At the USC, many of our
employees are licensed agents who respond to customer inquiries about insurance coverage, billing transactions, and other
matters. For the convenience of using the USC and our handling of certain transactions, our distribution partners agree to
receive a slightly lower than standard commission for the premium associated with the USC. As of December 31, 2014, our
USC was servicing Standard Commercial Lines NPW of $49.6 million and Standard Personal Lines NPW of $26.3 million.
The $75.9 million total serviced by the USC represents 4% of our total NPW.
We believe that our field model has a distinct advantage in its ability to provide a wide range of front-line safety management
services focused on improving a Standard Commercial Lines insured’s safety and risk management programs and we have
obtained the service mark “Safety Management: Solutions for a safer workplace.”SM Safety management services include: (i)
risk evaluation and improvement surveys intended to evaluate potential exposures and provide solutions for mitigation; (ii)
internet-based safety management educational resources, including a large library of coverage-specific safety materials, videos
and online courses, such as defensive driving and employee educational safety courses; (iii) thermographic infrared surveys
aimed at identifying electrical hazards; and (iv) Occupational Safety and Health Administration construction and general
industry certification training. Risk improvement efforts for existing customers are designed to improve loss experience and
policyholder retention through valuable ongoing consultative service. Our safety management goal is to work with our
customers to identify and eliminate potential loss exposures.
12
Claims Management
Effective, fair, and timely claims management is one of the most important services that we provide to our customers and
distribution partners. It is also one of the critical factors in achieving underwriting profitability. We have structured our claims
organization to emphasize: (i) cost-effective delivery of claims services and control of loss and loss expenses; and (ii)
maintenance of timely and adequate claims reserves. In connection with our Standard Commercial Lines and Standard
Personal Lines, we believe that we can achieve lower claims expenses through our field model by locating claims
representatives in close proximity to our customers and distribution partners. For our E&S Line, we use external adjusters who
are situated close to claimants and work with our corporate E&S claims adjusters to manage individual claims for this segment.
We have a claims service center (“CSC”), co-located with the USC, in Richmond, Virginia. The CSC receives first notices of
loss from our customers and claimants related to our Standard Commercial Lines and Standard Personal Lines. The CSC is
designed to help: (i) reduce the claims settlement time on first- and third-party automobile property damage claims; (ii)
increase the use of body shops, glass repair shops, and car rental agencies that have contracted with us at discounted rates; (iii)
handle and settle small property claims; and (iv) investigate and negotiate auto liability claims. Upon receipt of a claim, the
CSC, as appropriate, will assign the matter to the appropriate Region or specialized area at our corporate headquarters.
Claims management specialists (“CMSs”) are responsible for investigating and resolving the majority of our standard
marketplace commercial automobile bodily injury, general liability, and property losses with low to moderate severities.
Strategically located throughout our footprint, CMSs are able to provide highly responsive customer and distribution partner
service to quickly resolve claims within their authority. We have implemented specialized claims handling as follows:
• Workers compensation claim handling is centralized in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jurisdictionally trained and aligned
medical only and lost-time adjusters manage non-complex workers compensation claims within our footprint. Claims
with high exposure and/or significant escalation risk are referred to the workers compensation strategic case
management unit.
• Property claims with high severity or technically complex losses are handled by either the Property Flex Unit or the
Large Loss Unit. Both of these groups specifically handle only higher exposure property claims. The Large Loss Unit,
which is comprised of seasoned general adjusters, handles claims above $100,000. During 2014, we established the
Property Flex Unit to: (i) handle claims between $25,000 to $100,000; and (ii) form the core of a catastrophe team.
• Liability claims with high severity or technically complex losses are handled by the Complex Claims Unit ("CCU").
The CCU specialists are primarily field based and handle losses based on injury type or with severities greater than
$250,000. Litigated matters not meeting the CCU criteria are handled within our regional offices by our litigation
teams. These teams are aligned based upon jurisdictional knowledge and technical experience.
• All asbestos and environmental claims are referred to our specialized corporate Environmental Unit, which also
handles latent claims.
This structure allows us to provide experienced adjusting to each claim category.
For all of our insurance segments, we have an SIU that investigates potential insurance fraud and abuse, and supports efforts by
regulatory bodies and trade associations to curtail the cost of fraud. The SIU adheres to uniform internal procedures to improve
detection and take action on potentially fraudulent claims. It is our practice to notify the proper authorities of SIU findings,
which we believe sends a clear message that we will not tolerate fraud against us or our customers. The SIU supervises anti-
fraud training for all claims adjusters and AMSs.
13
Insurance Operations Competition
Our insurance segments face competition from both public companies and mutual companies, which may have lower operating
costs or cost of capital than we do. Some, like us, rely on partners for the distribution of their products and services and have
competition within their distribution channel, making growth in market share difficult. Others either employ their own agents
who only represent one insurance carrier or use a combination of distribution partners, captive agents, and direct marketing.
The following provides information on the competition facing our insurance segments:
Standard Commercial Lines
The Standard Commercial Lines property and casualty insurance market is highly competitive and market share is fragmented
among many companies. We compete with two types of companies, primarily on the basis of price, coverage terms, claims
service, customer experience, safety management services, ease of technology, and financial ratings:
• Regional insurers, such as Cincinnati Financial Corporation, Erie Indemnity Company, The Hanover Insurance
Group, Inc., and United Fire Group, Inc.; and
• National insurers, such as Liberty Mutual Holding Company Inc., The Travelers Companies, Inc., The Hartford
Financial Services Group, Inc., Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, and Zurich Insurance Group, Ltd.
Standard Personal Lines
While we face competition in Standard Personal Lines, carriers have been more successful at obtaining rate increases. Our
Standard Personal Lines face competition primarily from the regional and national carriers noted above, as well as companies
such as State Farm and Allstate Corporation. In addition, we face competition from direct insurers such as GEICO and The
Progressive Corporation, which primarily offer personal auto coverage and market through a direct-to-consumer model.
E&S Lines
Our E&S Lines face competition from insurers such as Scottsdale Insurance Company, Nautilus Insurance Group, Colony
Specialty, a member of the Argo Group International Holding Ltd, Markel Corporation, Western World Insurance Group,
Century Insurance Group, a member of the Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Burlington Insurance Company, and Cincinnati
Financial Corporation. In addition, we face competition from E&S insurers who work directly with retail agencies such as
United States Liability Insurance Group.
14
Industry Comparison
A comparison of certain statutory ratios for our combined insurance segments and our industry are shown in the following
table:
Simple
Average of
All Periods
Presented
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
Insurance Operations Ratios:1
Loss and loss expense
Underwriting expense
Policyholder dividends
Statutory combined ratio
Growth in NPW
Industry Ratios:1, 2
Loss and loss expense
Underwriting expense
Policyholder dividends
Statutory combined ratio
Growth in NPW
Favorable (Unfavorable) to Industry:
Statutory combined ratio
Growth in NPW
Note: Some amounts may not foot due to rounding.
68.3
32.4
0.3
101.0
5.9
72.2
27.9
0.6
100.7
3.4
(0.3 )
2.5
62.4
33.0
0.3
95.7
4.1
69.6
27.0
0.6
97.2
3.9
1.5
0.2
64.5
32.8
0.2
97.5
8.7
67.7
28.0
0.7
96.4
4.4
(1.1)
4.3
70.7
32.6
0.2
103.5
12.2
73.7
28.2
0.6
102.5
4.4
74.6
31.7
0.4
106.7
7.0
77.9
28.0
0.6
106.5
3.3
(1.0)
7.8
(0.2)
3.7
69.3
32.0
0.3
101.6
(2.4)
72.0
28.5
0.7
101.1
0.9
(0.5)
(3.3)
1The ratios and percentages are based on SAP prescribed or permitted by state insurance departments in the states in which the Insurance Subsidiaries are
domiciled.
2Source: A.M. Best. The industry ratios for 2014 have been estimated by A.M. Best.
Insurance Regulation
Primary Oversight by the States in Which We Operate
Our insurance segments are heavily regulated. The primary public policy behind insurance regulation is the protection of
policyholders and claimants over all other constituencies, including shareholders. By virtue of the McCarran-Ferguson Act,
Congress has largely delegated insurance regulation to the various states. The primary market conduct and financial regulators
of our Insurance Subsidiaries are the departments of insurance in the states in which they are organized and are licensed. For a
discussion of the broad regulatory, administrative, and supervisory powers of the various departments of insurance, refer to the
risk factor that discusses regulation in Item 1A. “Risk Factors.” of this Form 10-K.
Our various state insurance regulators are members of the NAIC. The NAIC has codified SAP and other accounting reporting
formats and drafts model insurance laws and regulations governing insurance companies. An NAIC model only becomes law
when it is enacted in the various state legislatures. The adoption of certain NAIC model laws and regulations, however, is a key
aspect of the NAIC Financial Regulations Standards and Accreditation Program.
NAIC Monitoring Tools
Among the NAIC's various financial monitoring tools that are material to the regulators in states in which our Insurance
Subsidiaries are organized are the following:
• The Insurance Regulatory Information System (“IRIS”). IRIS identifies 13 industry financial ratios and specifies
“usual values” for each ratio. Departure from the usual values on four or more of the financial ratios can lead to
inquiries from individual state insurance departments about certain aspects of the insurer's business. Our Insurance
Subsidiaries have consistently met the majority of the IRIS ratio tests.
15
• Risk-Based Capital. Risk-based capital is measured by four major areas of risk to which property and casualty insurers
are exposed: (i) asset risk; (ii) credit risk; (iii) underwriting risk; and (iv) off-balance sheet risk. Insurers face a
steadily increasing amount of regulatory scrutiny and potential intervention as their total adjusted capital declines
below two times their "Authorized Control Level". Based on our 2014 statutory financial statements, which have been
prepared in accordance with SAP, the total adjusted capital for each of our Insurance Subsidiaries substantially
exceeded two times their Authorized Control Level at 4.5:1.
• Annual Financial Reporting Regulation (referred to as the "Model Audit Rule"). The Model Audit Rule, which is
modeled closely on the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, regulates: (i) auditor independence; (ii) corporate
governance; and (iii) internal control over financial reporting. As permitted under the Model Audit Rule, the Audit
Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Parent also serves as the audit committee of each of our
Insurance Subsidiaries.
• Own Risk Solvency Assessment ("ORSA") Model Law. ORSA requires insurers to maintain a framework for
identifying, assessing, monitoring, managing, and reporting on the “material and relevant risks” associated with the
insurers' (or insurance groups') current and future business plans. ORSA, which has been adopted by the state
insurance regulators of our Insurance Subsidiaries, requires companies to file an internal assessment of their solvency
with insurance regulators annually beginning in 2015. Although no specific capital adequacy standard is currently
articulated in ORSA, it is possible that such standard will be developed over time and may increase insurers' minimum
capital requirements, which could adversely impact our growth and return on equity.
Federal Regulation
Federal legislation and administrative policies affect the insurance industry. Among the most notable are the Terrorism Risk
Insurance Program Reauthorization Act ("TRIPRA"), the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
(“Dodd-Frank Act”), and various privacy laws that apply to us because we have personal non-public information, including the
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Drivers Privacy Protection Act, and the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act. Like all businesses, we are required to enforce the economic and trade sanctions of the
Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”). FEMA oversees the WYO Program enacted by Congress, which is currently set to
expire in August 2017. Congress sets the WYO Program's budgeting, rules, and rating parameters. The Homeowner Flood
Insurance Affordability Act enacted in 2014 repealed and modified certain provisions of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance
Act regarding premium adjustments.
In response to the financial markets crises in 2008 and 2009, the Dodd-Frank Act was enacted in 2010. This law provides for,
among other things, the following:
• The establishment of the Federal Insurance Office (“FIO”) under the United States Department of the Treasury;
• Federal Reserve oversight of financial services firms designated as systemically important; and
• Corporate governance reforms for publicly traded companies.
The FIO continues to establish itself on national and international insurance issues after having issued its initial report
regarding the modernization of insurance regulation in the United States. The report concluded that insurance regulation in the
United States is best viewed in terms of a hybrid model, in which state and federal oversight play complementary roles defined
by the strengths each brings to improving solvency and market conduct regulation. The FIO, Federal Reserve, and the NAIC
are currently looking at oversight and solvency standards as they coordinate with international regulators regarding the future
regulation of financial entities. For additional information on the potential impact of the Dodd-Frank Act, refer to the risk
factor related to legislation within Item 1A. “Risk Factors.” of this Form 10-K.
16
Investment Segment
Like many other property and casualty insurance companies, we depend on income from our investment portfolio for a
significant portion of our revenues and earnings. We are exposed to significant financial and capital markets risks, primarily
relating to interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices, and the change in market value of our alternative investment portfolio. A
decline in investment income and/or our investment portfolio asset values could occur as a result of, among other things,
decreased dividend payment rates, negative market perception of credit risk with respect to types of securities in our portfolio,
volatile interest rates, a decrease in market liquidity, a decline in the performance of the underlying collateral of our structured
securities, reduced returns on our alternative investment portfolio, or general market conditions.
Our Investment segment invests insurance premiums, as well as amounts generated through our capital management strategies,
which may include the issuance of debt and equity securities, to generate investment income and to satisfy obligations to our
customers, our shareholders, and our debt holders, among others. At December 31, 2014, our investment portfolio consisted of
the following:
Category of Investment
($ in millions)
Fixed income securities
Equity securities
Short-term investments
Other investments, including alternatives
Total
Carrying Value
$
% of Investment
Portfolio
91
4
3
2
100
4,384.3
191.4
131.9
99.2
4,806.8
$
Our investment strategy includes setting certain return and risk objectives for the fixed income, equity, and other investment
portfolios. The primary fixed income portfolio return objective is to maximize after-tax investment yield and income while
balancing risk. A secondary objective is to meet or exceed a weighted-average benchmark of public fixed income indices. The
equity portfolio strategy is designed to generate consistent dividend income and long term capital appreciation benchmarked to
the S&P 500 Index. Although yield and income generation remain the key drivers to our investment strategy, our overall
philosophy is to invest with a long-term horizon along with a predominantly “buy-and-hold” approach. The return objective of
the other investment portfolio, which includes alternative investments, is to meet or exceed the S&P 500 Index.
For further information regarding our risks associated with the overall investment portfolio, see Item 7A. “Quantitative and
Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” and Item 1A. “Risk Factors.” of this Form 10-K. For additional information about
investments, see the section entitled, “Investments,” in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations.” and Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” Note 5. of this Form 10-K.
Reports to Security Holders
We file with the SEC all required disclosures, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q,
Current Reports on Form 8-K, Proxy Statements, and other required information under Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). We provide access to these filed materials on our Internet website,
www.selective.com.
17
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Any of the following risk factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from historical or anticipated results. They
could have a significant impact on our business, liquidity, capital resources, results of operations, financial condition, and debt
ratings. These risk factors might affect, alter, or change actions that we might take in executing our long-term capital strategy,
including but not limited to, contributing capital to any or all of the Insurance Subsidiaries, issuing additional debt and/or
equity securities, repurchasing our equity securities, redeeming our fixed income securities, or increasing or decreasing
stockholders’ dividends. The following list of risk factors is not exhaustive, and others may exist.
Risks Related to Insurance Segments
The failure of our risk management strategies could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of
operations.
As an insurance provider, it is our business to take on risk from our customers. Our long term strategy includes use of above
average operational leverage, which can be measured as the NPW to our equity or policyholders surplus. We balance
operational leverage risk with a number of risk management strategies to achieve a balance of growth and profit and to reduce
our exposure that include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Being disciplined in our underwriting practices;
• Being prudent in our claims management practices, establishing adequate loss and loss expense reserves, and
placing appropriate reliance on our claims analytics;
• Continuing to develop and implement various underwriting tools and automated analytics to examine historical
statistical data regarding our customers and their loss experience to: (i) classify such policies based on that
information; (ii) apply that information to current and prospective accounts; and (iii) better predict account
profitability;
• Continuing to develop our customer experience platform as we grow in our understanding of customer
segmentation;
• Purchasing reinsurance and using catastrophe modeling;
• Being prudent in managing our investment portfolio, which supports our liabilities and underwriting strategies; and
• Being prudent in our financial planning process,which supports our underwriting strategies.
All of these strategies have inherent limitations. We cannot be certain that an unanticipated event or series of unanticipated
events will not occur and result in losses greater than we expect and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations,
liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.
Our loss and loss expense reserves may not be adequate to cover actual losses and expenses.
We are required to maintain loss and loss expense reserves for our estimated liability for losses and loss expenses associated
with reported and unreported insurance claims. Our estimates of reserve amounts are based on facts and circumstances that we
know, including our expectations of the ultimate settlement and claim administration expenses, including inflationary trends
particularly regarding medical costs, predictions of future events, trends in claims severity and frequency, and other subjective
factors relating to our insurance policies in force. There is no method for precisely estimating the ultimate liability for
settlement of claims. From time-to-time, we increase reserves if they are inadequate or reduce them if they are redundant. We
cannot be certain that the reserves we establish are adequate or will be adequate in the future. An increase in reserves: (i)
reduces net income and stockholders’ equity for the period in which the reserves are increased; and (ii) could have a material
adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.
We are subject to losses from catastrophic events.
Our results are subject to losses from natural and man-made catastrophes, including but not limited to: hurricanes, tornadoes,
windstorms, earthquakes, hail, terrorism, explosions, severe winter weather, floods and fires, some of which may be related to
climate changes. The frequency and severity of these catastrophes are inherently unpredictable. One year may be relatively free
of such events while another may have multiple events. For further discussion regarding man-made catastrophes that relate to
terrorism, see the risk factor directly below regarding the potential for significant losses from acts of terrorism.
There is widespread interest among scientists, legislators, regulators, and the public regarding the effect that greenhouse gas
emissions may have on our environment, including climate change. If greenhouse gases continue to impact our climate, it is
possible that more devastating catastrophic events could occur.
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The magnitude of catastrophe losses is determined by the severity of the event and the total amount of insured exposures in the
area affected by the event as determined by Property Claim Services®. Most of the risks underwritten by our insurance
segments are concentrated geographically in the Eastern and Midwestern regions of the United States, particularly in New
Jersey, which represented approximately 23% of our total NPW during the year ended December 31, 2014. Catastrophes in the
Eastern and Midwestern regions of the United States could adversely impact our financial results, as was the case in 2010,
2011, and 2012.
Although catastrophes can cause losses in a variety of property and casualty insurance lines, most of our historic catastrophe-
related claims have been from commercial property and homeowners coverages. In an effort to limit our exposure to
catastrophe losses, we purchase catastrophe reinsurance. Reinsurance could prove inadequate if: (i) the various modeling
software programs that we use to analyze the Insurance Subsidiaries’ risk result in an inadequate purchase of reinsurance by us;
(ii) a major catastrophe loss exceeds the reinsurance limit or the reinsurers’ financial capacity; or (iii) the frequency of
catastrophe losses results in our Insurance Subsidiaries exceeding the aggregate limits provided by the catastrophe treaty. Even
after considering our reinsurance protection, our exposure to catastrophe risks could have a material adverse effect on our
results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.
We are subject to potential significant losses from acts of terrorism.
As a Standard Commercial Lines and E&S Lines writer, we are required to participate in TRIPRA, which was extended 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. A risk exists that certain future terrorist events would not be
certified by the U.S. Secretary of Treasury and TRIPRA would not cover them and we would be required to pay in the event of
a covered loss. For example, the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing was not a certified event. Under TRIPRA, insureds with
non-workers compensation commercial policies have the option to accept or decline our terrorism coverage or negotiate with us
for other terms. In 2014, 87% of our Standard Commercial Lines non-workers compensation policyholders purchased
terrorism coverage that included nuclear, biological, chemical, and radioactive ("NBCR") events. In addition, terrorism
coverage is mandatory for all primary workers compensation policies. The TRIPRA back-stop applies to these coverages when
they are written.
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 2015, our deductible is approximately $254 million. For losses above the deductible, the federal government
will pay 85% of losses to an industry limit of $100 billion, and the insurer retains 15%. The federal share of losses will be
reduced by 1% each year to 80% by 2020. Although TRIPRA’s provisions will mitigate our loss exposure to a large-scale
terrorist attack, our deductible is substantial and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity,
financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.
TRIPRA rescinded all previously approved coverage exclusions for terrorism. Many of the states in which we write
commercial property insurance mandate that we cover fire following an act of terrorism regardless of whether the insured
specifically purchased terrorism coverage. Likewise, terrorism coverage cannot be excluded from workers compensation
policies in any state in which we write.
Personal lines of business have never been covered under TRIPRA. Homeowners policies within our Standard Personal Lines
exclude nuclear losses, but do not exclude biological or chemical losses.
Our ability to reduce our risk exposure depends on the availability and cost of reinsurance.
We transfer a portion of our underwriting risk exposure to reinsurance companies. Through our reinsurance arrangements, a
specified portion of our losses and loss expenses are assumed by the reinsurer in exchange for a specified portion of premiums.
The availability, amount, and cost of reinsurance depend on market conditions, which may vary significantly. Most of our
reinsurance contracts renew annually and may be impacted by the market conditions at the time of the renewal that are
unrelated to our specific book of business or experience. Any decrease in the amount of our reinsurance will increase our risk
of loss. Any increase in the cost of reinsurance that cannot be included in renewal price increases will reduce our earnings.
Accordingly, we may be forced to incur additional expenses for reinsurance or may not be able to obtain sufficient reinsurance
on acceptable terms. Either could adversely affect our ability to write future business or result in the assumption of more risk
with respect to those policies we issue.
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We are exposed to credit risk.
We are exposed to credit risk in several areas of our insurance segments, including from:
• Our reinsurers, who are obligated to us under our reinsurance agreements. The relatively small size of the
reinsurance market and our objective to maintain an average weighted rating of “A” by A.M. Best on our current
reinsurance programs constrains our ability to diversify this credit risk. However, some of our reinsurance credit
risk is collateralized.
• Certain life insurance companies that are obligated to our customers, as we have purchased annuities from them
under structured settlement agreements.
• Some of our distribution partners, who collect premiums from our customers and are required to remit the collected
premium to us.
• Some of our customers, who are responsible for payment of deductibles and/or premiums directly to us.
• The invested assets in our defined benefit plan, which partially serve to fund the insurance segments liability
associated with this plan. To the extent that credit risk adversely impacts the valuation and performance of the
invested assets within our defined benefit plan, the funded status of the defined benefit plan could be adversely
impacted and, as result, could increase the cost of the plan to us.
Our exposure to credit risk could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition,
financial strength, and debt ratings.
Difficult conditions in global capital markets and the economy may adversely affect our revenue and profitability and harm
our business, and these conditions may not improve in the near future.
General economic conditions in the United States and throughout the world and volatility in financial and insurance markets
may materially affect our results of operations. Concerns over such issues as the availability and cost of credit, the stability of
the United States mortgage market, weak real estate markets, high unemployment, volatile energy and commodity prices, and
geopolitical issues, may lead to declines in business and consumer confidence. Declines in business and consumer confidence
limit economic growth, which decreases insurance purchases and limits our ability to achieve price increases.
Factors such as consumer spending, business investment, government spending, the volatility and strength of the capital
markets, and inflation all affect the business and economic environment and, indirectly, the amount and profitability of our
business. Elevated unemployment, lower family income, lower corporate earnings, lower business investment, and lower
consumer spending adversely affect the demand for insurance products. In addition, we are impacted by the slow improvement
in commercial and new home construction and home ownership because 34% of DPW in our Standard Commercial Lines
business during 2014 were generated through insurance policies written to cover contractors. In addition, 35% of DPW in our
Standard Commercial Lines business during 2014 were based on payroll/sales of our underlying customers. An economic
downturn in which our customers decline in revenue or employee count can adversely affect our audit and endorsement
premium in our Standard Commercial Lines. Unfavorable economic developments could adversely affect our earnings if our
customers have less need for insurance coverage, cancel existing insurance policies, modify coverage, or choose not to renew
with us. Challenging economic conditions may impair the ability of our customers to pay premiums as they come due.
Although economic conditions have consistently improved over the last two years, many fundamental concerns still exist,
which may have a material effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.
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A downgrade or a potential downgrade in our financial strength or credit ratings could result in a loss of business and could
have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our financial strength ratings, as issued by the following Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations ("NRSROs"),
are as follows:
NRSRO
A.M. Best
Standard & Poor's
Moody’s Investor Services
Fitch Ratings
Financial Strength Rating
“A”
“A-”
“A2”
“A+”
Outlook
Stable
Positive
Negative
Stable
A significant rating downgrade, particularly from A.M. Best, would affect our ability to write new or renewal business with
customers, some of whom are required under various third party agreements to maintain insurance with a carrier that maintains
a specified minimum rating. In addition, our $30 million line of credit ("Line of Credit") requires our Insurance Subsidiaries to
maintain an A.M. Best rating of at least “A-” (one level below our current rating) and a default could lead to acceleration of any
outstanding principal. Such an event could trigger default provisions under certain of our other debt instruments and negatively
impact our ability to borrow in the future. As a result, any significant downgrade in our financial strength ratings could have a
material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.
NRSROs also rate our long-term debt creditworthiness. Credit ratings indicate the ability of debt issuers to meet debt
obligations in a timely manner and are important factors in our overall funding profile and ability to access certain types of
liquidity. Our current senior credit ratings are as follows:
NRSRO
Credit Rating
Long Term Credit Outlook
A.M. Best
Standard & Poor's
Moody’s Investor Services
Fitch Ratings
“bbb+”
“BBB-”
“Baa2”
“BBB+”
Stable
Positive
Negative
Stable
Downgrades in our credit ratings could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations in
many ways, including making it more expensive for us to access capital markets. We cannot predict possible actions NRSROs
may take regarding our ratings that could adversely affect our business or the possible actions we may take in response to any
such actions.
We have many competitors and potential competitors.
Demand for insurance is influenced by prevailing general economic conditions. The supply of insurance is related to prevailing
prices, the levels of insured losses and the levels of industry capital which, in turn, may fluctuate in response to changes in rates
of return on investments being earned in the insurance industry. In addition, pricing is influenced by the operating performance
of insurers as increased pricing may be necessary to meet return on equity objectives. As a result, the insurance industry
historically has been through cycles characterized by periods of intense price competition due to excessive underwriting
capacity and periods when shortages of capacity and poor operating performance by insurers drives favorable premium levels.
If competitors price business below technical levels, we might reduce our profit margin in order to retain our best business.
Pricing and loss trends impact our profitability. For example, assuming retention and all other factors remain constant:
• A pure price decline of approximately 1% would increase our statutory combined ratio by approximately 0.77
points;
• A 3% increase in our expected claim costs for the year would cause our loss and loss expense ratio to increase by
approximately two points; and
• A combination of the two could raise the combined ratio by approximately three points.
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We compete with regional, national, and direct-writer property and casualty insurance companies for customers, distribution
partners, and employees. Some competitors are public companies and some are mutual companies. Many competitors are
larger and may have lower operating costs or costs of capital. They may have the ability to absorb greater risk while
maintaining their financial strength ratings. Consequently, some competitors may be able to price their products more
competitively. These competitive pressures could result in increased pricing pressures on a number of our products and
services, particularly as competitors seek to win market share, and may impair our ability to maintain or increase our
profitability. Because of its relatively low cost of entry, the internet has emerged as a significant place of new competition,
both from existing competitors and new competitors. It is possible that reinsurers, who have significant knowledge of the
primary property and casualty insurance business because they reinsure it, could enter the market to diversify their operations.
New competition could cause changes in the supply or demand for insurance and adversely affect our business.
We have less loss experience data than our larger competitors.
We believe that insurance companies are competing and will continue to compete on their ability to use reliable data about their
customers and loss experience in complex analytics and predictive models to assess profitability of the risk, as well as the
potential for adverse claim development, recovery opportunities, fraudulent activities, and customer buying habits. With the
consistent expansion of computing power and the decline in its cost, we believe that data and analytics use will continue to
increase and become more complex and accurate. As a regional insurance group, the loss experience from our insurance
operations is not large enough in all circumstances to analyze and project our future costs. In addition, we have limited data
regarding our E&S business, which we assumed in 2011 and began writing directly in 2012. We use data from ISO, NCCI, and
AASI to obtain sufficient industry loss experience data. While statistically relevant, that data is not specific to the performance
of risks we have underwritten. Larger competitors, particularly national carriers, have significantly more data regarding the
performance of risks that they have underwritten. The analytics of their loss experience data may be more predictive of
profitability of their risks than our analysis using, in part, general industry loss experience. For the same reason, should
Congress repeal the McCarran-Ferguson Act, which provides an anti-trust exemption for the aggregation of loss data, and we
are unable to access data from ISO, NCCI, and AASI, we will be at a competitive disadvantage to larger insurers who have
more sufficient loss experience data on their own customers.
We depend on distribution partners.
We market and sell our insurance products through distribution partners who are not our employees. We believe that these
partners will remain a significant force in overall insurance industry premium production because they can provide customers
with a wider choice of insurance products than if they represented only one insurer. That, however, creates competition in our
distribution channel and we must market our products and services to our distribution partners before they sell them to our
mutual customers. Additionally, there has been a trend towards increased levels of consolidation of these distribution partners
in the marketplace, which increases competition among fewer distributors. Our Standard Personal Lines production is further
limited by the fact that independent retail insurance agencies only write approximately 35% of this business in the United
States. Our financial condition and results of operations are tied to the successful marketing and sales efforts of our products
by our distribution partners. In addition, under insurance laws and regulations and common law, we potentially can be held
liable for business practices or actions taken by our distribution partners.
We face risks regarding our flood business because of uncertainties regarding the NFIP.
We are the fifth largest insurance group participating in the WYO arrangement of the NFIP, which is managed by the
Mitigation Division of Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. For
WYO participation, we receive an expense allowance for policies written and a servicing fee for claims administered. Under
the program, all losses are 100% reinsured by the Federal Government. Currently, the expense allowance is 30.8% of direct
premiums written. The servicing fee is the combination of 0.9% of DPW and 1.5% of incurred losses.
The NFIP is funded by Congress and in 2012, Congress passed, and the President signed, the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance
Reform Act of 2012 (“Biggert-Waters Act”). The Biggert-Waters Act: (i) extended NFIP funding to September 30, 2017; and
(ii) moved the program to more market based rates for certain flood policyholders. FEMA implemented these rates throughout
2013, which created significant public discontent and Congressional concern over the impact of the new rates on NFIP
customers.
Consequently, Congress passed and, on March 21, 2014, the President signed into law, the Homeowner Flood Insurance
Affordability Act of 2014 (“Flood Affordability Act”). The Flood Affordability Act substantially modifies certain provisions of
the Biggert-Waters Act, including the reversal of certain rate increases resulting in premium refunds for many NFIP
policyholders that began after October 1, 2014. Additional changes are expected to occur in April 2015, such as an increase in
the Reserve Fund Assessment, implementation of an annual surcharge on all new and renewal policies, an additional deductible
option, and increases in the federal policy fee and basic rates.
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As a WYO carrier, we are required to follow certain NFIP procedures when administering flood policies and claims. Some of
these requirements may differ from our normal business practices and may present a reputational risk to our brand. Insurance
companies are regulated by states; however, the NFIP is a federal program. Consequently, we have the risk that regulatory
positions taken by the NFIP and a state regulator on the same issue may conflict.
Despite the passage of the Flood Affordability Act, the role of the NFIP program remains under scrutiny by policymakers. The
uncertainty behind the public policy debate and politics of flood insurance reform make it difficult for us to predict the future of
the NFIP and our continued participation in the program.
We are heavily regulated and changes in regulation may reduce our profitability, increase our capital requirements, and/or
limit our growth.
Our Insurance Subsidiaries are heavily regulated by extensive laws and regulations that may change on short notice. The
primary public policy behind insurance regulation is the protection of policyholders and claimants over all other constituencies,
including shareholders. Historically, and by virtue of the McCarran-Ferguson Act, our Insurance Subsidiaries are primarily
regulated by the states in which they are domiciled and licensed. State insurance regulation is generally uniform throughout the
U.S. by virtue of similar laws and regulations required by the NAIC to accredit state insurance departments so their
examinations can be given full faith and credit by other state regulators. Despite their general similarity, various provisions of
these laws and regulations vary from state to state. At any given time, there may be various legislative and regulatory proposals
in each of the 50 states and District of Columbia that, if enacted, may affect our Insurance Subsidiaries.
The broad regulatory, administrative, and supervisory powers of the various state departments of insurance include the
following:
• Related to our financial condition, review and approval of such matters as minimum capital and surplus
requirements, standards of solvency, security deposits, methods of accounting, form and content of statutory
financial statements, reserves for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses, reinsurance, payment of dividends and
other distributions to shareholders, periodic financial examinations, and annual and other report filings.
• Related to our general business, review and approval of such matters as certificates of authority and other insurance
company licenses, licensing and compensation of distribution partners, premium rates (which may not be excessive,
inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory), policy forms, policy terminations, reporting of statistical information
regarding our premiums and losses, periodic market conduct examinations, unfair trade practices, participation in
mandatory shared market mechanisms, such as assigned risk pools and reinsurance pools, participation in
mandatory state guaranty funds, and mandated continuing workers compensation coverage post-termination of
employment.
• Related to our ownership of the Insurance Subsidiaries, we are required to register as an insurance holding company
system in each state where an insurance subsidiary is domiciled and report information concerning all of our
operations that may materially affect the operations, management, or financial condition of the insurers. As an
insurance holding company, the appropriate state regulatory authority may: (i) examine us or our Insurance
Subsidiaries at any time; (ii) require disclosure or prior approval of material transactions of any of the Insurance
Subsidiaries with its affiliates; and (iii) require prior approval or notice of certain transactions, such as payment of
dividends or distributions to us.
Although Congress has largely delegated insurance regulation to the various states by virtue of the McCarran-Ferguson Act, we
are also subject to federal legislation and administrative policies, such as disclosure under the securities laws, including the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Dodd-Frank Act, TRIPRA, OFAC, and various privacy laws, including the Gramm-Leach-Bliley
Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Drivers Privacy Protection Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act,
and the policies of the Federal Trade Commission. As a result of issuing workers compensation policies, we are subject to
Mandatory Medicare Secondary Payer Reporting under the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007.
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The European Union has enacted Solvency II, which sets out new requirements on capital adequacy and risk management for
insurers, which is expected to be implemented in 2016. The strengthened regime is intended to reduce the possibility of
consumer loss or market disruption in insurance. In addition, in 2014, the International Association of Insurance Supervisors
proposed Basic Capital Standards for Global Systemically Important Insurers as well as a uniform capital framework for
internationally active insurers. Although Solvency II does not govern domestic American insurers and we do not have
international operations, we believe that development of global capital standards will influence the development of similar
standards by domestic regulators. The NAIC has recently adopted the ORSA Model Law, which requires insurers to maintain a
framework for identifying, assessing, monitoring, managing and reporting on the “material and relevant risks” associated with
the insurer's (or insurance group's) current and future business plans. ORSA, which has been adopted by the state insurance
regulators of our Insurance Subsidiaries, requires companies to file an internal assessment of their solvency with insurance
regulators annually beginning in 2015. Although no specific capital adequacy standard is currently articulated in ORSA, it is
possible that such standard will be developed over time and may increase insurers' minimum capital requirements, which could
adversely impact our growth and return on equity.
We are subject to non-governmental regulators, such as the NASDAQ Stock Market and the New York Stock Exchange where
we list our securities. Many of these regulators, to some degree, overlap with each other on various matters. They have
different regulations on the same legal issues that are subject to their individual interpretative discretion. Consequently, we
have the risk that one regulator’s position may conflict with another regulator’s position on the same issue. As compliance is
generally reviewed in hindsight, we are subject to the risk that interpretations will change over time.
We believe we are in compliance with all laws and regulations that have a material effect on our results of operations, but the
cost of complying with various, potentially conflicting laws and regulations, and changes in those laws and regulations could
have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.
We are subject to the risk that legislation will be passed that significantly changes insurance regulation and adversely
impacts our business, financial condition, and/or the results of operations.
In 2009, the Dodd-Frank Act was enacted to address the financial markets crises in 2008 and 2009 and the issues regarding the
American International Group, Inc. scandal. The Dodd-Frank Act created the FIO as part of the U.S. Department of Treasury
to advise the federal government regarding insurance issues. The Dodd-Frank Act also requires the Federal Reserve through
the Financial Services Oversight Council (“FSOC”) to supervise financial services firms designated as systemically important
financial institutions ("SIFI"). The FSOC has not designated Selective as a SIFI. The Dodd-Frank Act also included a number
of corporate governance reforms for publicly traded companies, including proxy access, say-on-pay, and other compensation
and governance issues. We anticipate that there will continue to be legislative proposals in Congress that could result in the
federal government becoming directly involved in the regulation of insurance. There are also legislative and regulatory
proposals in the various states that seek to limit the ability of carriers to properly assess insurance risk.
• Repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act. While recent proposals for McCarran-Ferguson Act repeal have been
directed primarily at health insurers, if enacted and applicable to property and casualty insurers, such repeal would
significantly reduce our ability to compete and materially affect our results of operations because we rely on the
anti-trust exemptions the law provides to obtain loss data from third party aggregators, such as ISO and NCCI, to
predict future losses. Our inability to access data from ISO and NCCI would put us at a competitive disadvantage
compared to larger insurers who have more sufficient loss experience data with their own customers.
• Healthcare reform. The enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (the “Healthcare Act”)
may have an impact on various aspects of our business, including our insurance segments. The Healthcare Act
reduces the reimbursement to healthcare providers, which may result in healthcare providers charging more to
insurers not covered under the Healthcare Act. This could increase our cost to provide workers compensation,
automobile Personal Injury Protection ("PIP") and general liability coverages, among others. In addition, we will
continue to be impacted as a business enterprise by potential tax issues and changes in employee benefits. The
Healthcare Act has been adopted, its implementation is ongoing, and we continue to monitor and assess its impact.
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• Changes in rules for Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD"). In 2013, HUD finalized a new
"Disparate Impact" regulation that may adversely impact insurers' ability to differentiate pricing for homeowners
policies using traditional risk selection analysis. Three insurance industry trade associations are challenging the
regulation in two separate Federal lawsuits, one by the American Insurance Association (“AIA”) and the National
Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (“NAMIC”) in the District of Columbia and the other by Property
Casualty Insurers Association of America (“PCI”) in Chicago. In the PCI case, the court ruled that HUD acted
arbitrarily in considering comments regarding the application of the McCarran-Ferguson Act and has remanded the
regulation back to HUD for review and reconsideration. Subsequently, the court in the AIA and NAMIC case
vacated the regulation on summary judgment. HUD has filed an appeal of this ruling. It is uncertain to what extent
the application of this regulation will impact the property and casualty industry and underwriting practices, but it
could increase litigation costs, force changes in underwriting practices, and impair our ability to write homeowners
business profitably. The outcome of the litigations and potential rulemaking cannot be predicted at this time.
• State Regulatory and Legislative Limits to Underwriting. From time-to-time, there are proposals in various states
seeking to limit the ability of insurers to use certain factors or predictive measures in the underwriting of property
and casualty risks. Among the proposed legislation and regulation have been limits on the use of insurance scores
and marketplace considerations. These proposals, if enacted, could impact underwriting pricing and results.
We expect the debate about the role of the federal government in regulating insurance to continue.
We cannot predict whether any of the above discussed proposed rules or legislation will be adopted, or what impact, if any,
such proposals or the cost of compliance with such proposals, could have on our results of operations, liquidity, financial
condition, financial strength, and debt ratings if enacted.
Class action litigation could affect our business practices and financial results.
Our industry has been the target of class action litigation, including the following areas:
• After-market parts;
• Urban homeowner insurance underwriting practices, including those related to architectural or structural features
and attempts by federal regulators to expand the Federal Housing Administration's guidelines to determine unfair
discrimination;
Investment disclosure;
• Credit scoring and predictive modeling pricing;
• Cybersecurity breaches;
•
• Managed care practices;
• Timing and discounting of personal injury protection claims payments;
• Direct repair shop utilization practices;
• Flood insurance claim practices; and
• Shareholder class action suits.
If we were to be named in such class action litigation, we could suffer reputational harm with purchasers of insurance and have
increased litigation expenses that could have a materially adverse effect on our operations or results.
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Risks Related to Our Investment Segment
The failure of our risk management strategies could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of
operations.
Our long-term strategy includes the use of above average operational leverage, which results in above average investment
leverage, or higher invested assets as a percent of our equity or policyholder surplus. Therefore, we maintain a conservative
approach to our investment portfolio management and employ a number of risk management strategies to reduce our exposure
to risk that include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Being prudent in establishing our investment policy and appropriately diversifying our investments;
• Using complex financial and investment models to analyze historic investment performance and predict future
investment performance under a variety of scenarios using asset concentration, asset volatility, asset correlation, and
systematic risk; and
• Closely monitoring investment performance, general economic and financial conditions, and other relevant factors.
All of these strategies have inherent limitations. We cannot be certain that an event or series of unanticipated events will not
occur and result in losses greater than we expect and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity,
financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.
We are exposed to interest rate and credit risk in our investment portfolio.
We are exposed to interest rate risk primarily related to the market price, and cash flow variability, associated with changes in
interest rates. A rise in interest rates may decrease the fair value of our existing fixed income investments and declines in
interest rates may result in an increase in the fair value of our existing fixed income investments. Our fixed income investment
portfolio, which currently has a duration of 3.8 years excluding short term investments, contains interest rate sensitive
instruments that may be adversely affected by changes in interest rates resulting from governmental monetary policies,
domestic and international economic and political conditions, and other factors beyond our control. A rise in interest rates
would decrease the net unrealized gain position of the investment portfolio, partially offset by our ability to earn higher rates of
return on funds reinvested in new investments. Conversely, a decline in interest rates would increase the net unrealized gain
position of the investment portfolio, partially offset by lower rates of return on new and reinvested cash in the portfolio.
Changes in interest rates have an effect on the calculated duration of certain securities in the portfolio. We seek to mitigate our
interest rate risk associated with holding fixed income investments by monitoring and maintaining the average duration of our
portfolio with a view toward achieving an adequate after-tax return without subjecting the portfolio to an unreasonable level of
interest rate risk. Although we take measures to manage the economic risks of investing in a changing interest rate
environment, we may not be able to mitigate the interest rate risk of our assets relative to our liabilities, particularly our loss
reserves. In addition, our pension and post-retirement benefit obligations include a discount rate assumption, which is an
important element of expense and/or liability measurement. Changes in the discount rate assumption could materially impact
our pension and post-retirement life valuation.
The value of our investment portfolio is subject to credit risk from the issuers and/or guarantors of the securities in the
portfolio, other counterparties in certain transactions and, for certain securities, insurers that guarantee specific issuer’s
obligations. Defaults by the issuer or an issuer’s guarantor, insurer, or other counterparties regarding any of our investments,
could reduce our net investment income and net realized investment gains or result in investment losses. We are subject to the
risk that the issuers, or guarantors, of fixed income securities we own may default on principal and interest payments due under
the terms of the securities. At December 31, 2014, our fixed income securities portfolio represented approximately
91% of our total invested assets. The occurrence of a major economic downturn, acts of corporate malfeasance, widening
credit spreads, budgetary deficits, municipal bankruptcies spurred by, among other things, pension funding issues, or other
events that adversely affect the issuers or guarantors of these securities could cause the value of our fixed income securities
portfolio and our net income to decline and the default rate of our fixed income securities portfolio to increase.
With economic uncertainty, credit quality of issuers or guarantors could be adversely affected and a ratings downgrade of the
issuers or guarantors of the securities in our portfolio could cause the value of our fixed income securities portfolio and our net
income to decrease. As our stockholders' equity is leveraged at 3.77:1 to our investment portfolio, a reduction in the value of
our investment portfolio could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and
debt ratings. Levels of write downs are impacted by our assessment of the impairment, including a review of the underlying
collateral of structured securities, and our intent and ability to hold securities that have declined in value until recovery. If we
reposition or realign portions of the portfolio so that we determine not to hold certain securities in an unrealized loss position to
recovery, we will incur an OTTI charge. For further information regarding credit and interest rate risk, see Item 7A.
“Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” of this Form 10-K.
26
Our statutory surplus may be materially affected by rating downgrades on investments held in our portfolio.
We are exposed to significant financial and capital markets risks, primarily relating to interest rates, credit spreads, equity
prices, and the change in market value of our alternative investment portfolio. A decline in both income and our investment
portfolio asset values could occur as a result of, among other things, a decrease in market liquidity, fluctuations in interest rates,
decreased dividend payment rates, negative market perception of credit risk with respect to types of securities in our portfolio, a
decline in the performance of the underlying collateral of our structured securities, reduced returns on our alternative
investment portfolio, or general market conditions. A global decline in asset values will be more amplified in our financial
condition, as our statutory surplus is leveraged at a 3.6:1 ratio to our investment portfolio.
With economic uncertainty, the credit quality and ratings of securities in our portfolio could be adversely affected. The NAIC
could potentially apply a more adverse class code on a security than was originally assigned, which could adversely affect
statutory surplus because securities with NAIC class codes three through six require securities to be marked-to-market for
statutory accounting purposes, as compared to securities with NAIC class codes of one or two that are carried at amortized cost.
Deterioration in the public debt and equity markets, the private investment marketplace, and the economy could lead to
investment losses, which may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, and debt ratings.
Like many other property and casualty insurance companies, we depend on income from our investment portfolio for a
significant portion of our revenue and earnings. Our investment portfolio is exposed to significant financial and capital market
risks, both in the U.S. and abroad, and volatile changes in general market or economic conditions could lead to a decline in the
market value of our portfolio as well as the performance of the underlying collateral of our structured securities. Concerns over
weak economic growth globally, elevated unemployment, volatile energy and commodity prices, and geopolitical issues,
among other factors, contribute to increased volatility in the financial markets, increased potential for credit downgrades, and
decreased liquidity in certain investment segments.
Our notes payable and Line of Credit are subject to certain debt-to-capitalization restrictions and net worth covenants, which
could be impacted by a significant decline in investment value. Further OTTI charges could be necessary if there is a future
significant decline in investment values. Depending on market conditions going forward, and in the event of extreme
prolonged market events, such as the global credit crisis, we could incur additional realized and unrealized losses in future
periods, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition, debt and financial strength
ratings, and our ability to access capital markets as a result of realized losses, impairments, and changes in unrealized positions.
For more information regarding market interest rate, credit, and equity price risk, see Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative
Disclosures About Market Risk.” of this Form 10-K.
There can be no assurance that the actions of the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and other governmental and
regulatory bodies will achieve their intended effect.
Over the past several years, the Federal Reserve has taken a number of actions related to interest rates and purchasing of
financial instruments intended to spur economic recovery. The Federal Reserve has recently signaled that it will be "patient in
beginning to normalize the stance of monetary policy," but continued low interest rates have an adverse effect on our
investment income as higher yielding securities mature and we reinvest the proceeds at lower yields. At the same time,
increased pressure on the price of our fixed income and equity portfolios may occur if these economic stimulus actions by the
Federal Reserve are not as effective as originally intended. These results could materially and adversely affect our results of
operations, financial condition, liquidity, and the trading price of our common stock. In the event of future material
deterioration in business conditions, we may need to raise additional capital or consider other transactions to manage our
capital position and liquidity.
In addition, our investment activities are subject to extensive laws and regulations that are administered and enforced by a
number of different governmental authorities and non-governmental self-regulatory agencies. In light of the current economic
conditions, some of these authorities have implemented, or may in the future implement, new or enhanced regulatory
requirements, such as those included in the Dodd-Frank Act, intended to restore confidence in financial institutions and reduce
the likelihood of similar economic events in the future. These authorities may seek to exercise their supervisory and
enforcement authority in new or more robust ways. Such events could affect the way we conduct our business and manage our
capital, and may require us to satisfy increased capital requirements. These developments, if they occurred, could have a
material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.
27
We are subject to the types of risks inherent in investing in private limited partnerships.
Our other investments include investments in private limited partnerships that invest in various strategies, such as secondary
private equity, private equity, energy, mezzanine debt, real estate, and distressed debt. Since these partnerships’ underlying
investments consist primarily of assets or liabilities for which there are no quoted prices in active markets for the same or
similar assets, the valuation of interests in these partnerships is subject to a higher level of subjectivity and unobservable inputs
than substantially all of our other investments and as such, is subject to greater scrutiny and reconsideration from one reporting
period to the next. As these investments are recorded under the equity method of accounting, any decreases in the valuation of
these investments would negatively impact our results of operations.
We value our investments using methodologies, estimations, and assumptions that are subject to differing interpretations.
Changes in these interpretations could result in fluctuations in the valuations of our investments that may adversely affect
our results of operations or financial condition.
Fixed income, equity, and short-term investments, which are reported at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheet,
represented the majority of our total cash and invested assets as of December 31, 2014. As required under accounting rules, we
have categorized these securities into a three-level hierarchy, based on the priority of the inputs to the respective valuation
technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
(Level 1). The next priority is to quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or
indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or in markets that are not active and other inputs that can be
derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities
(Level 2). The lowest priority in the fair value hierarchy is to unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity and
that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the exit price, including assumptions that market participants would
use in pricing the asset or liability (Level 3).
An asset or liability’s classification within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its
valuation. We generally use an independent pricing service and broker quotes to price our investment securities. At December
31, 2014, approximately 8% and 92% of these securities represented Level 1 and Level 2, respectively. However, prices
provided by an independent pricing service and independent broker quotes can vary widely even for the same security. Rapidly
changing and unprecedented credit and equity market conditions could materially impact the valuation of securities as reported
within our consolidated financial statements (“Financial Statements”) and the period-to-period changes in value could vary
significantly. Decreases in value may result in an increase in non-cash OTTI charges, which could have a material adverse
effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.
The determination of the amount of impairments taken on our investments is highly subjective and could materially impact
our results of operations or our financial position.
The determination of the amount of impairments taken on our investments is based on our periodic evaluation and assessment
of our investments and known and inherent risks associated with the various asset classes. Such evaluations and assessments
are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. Management updates its evaluations regularly and
reflects changes in impairments as such evaluations are revised. There can be no assurance that management has accurately
assessed the level of impairments taken as reflected in our Financial Statements. Furthermore, additional impairments may
need to be taken in the future. Historical trends may not be indicative of future impairments. For further information regarding
our evaluation and considerations for determining whether a security is other-than-temporarily impaired, please refer to
“Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations.” of this Form 10-K.
28
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure and Governance
We are a holding company and our ability to declare dividends to our shareholders, pay indebtedness, and enter into
affiliate transactions may be limited because our Insurance Subsidiaries are regulated.
Restrictions on the ability of the Insurance Subsidiaries to pay dividends, make loans or advances to us, or enter into
transactions with affiliates may materially affect our ability to pay dividends on our common stock or repay our indebtedness.
As of December 31, 2014, the Parent had stand-alone retained earnings of $1.3 billion. Of this amount, $1.2 billion is related
to investments in our Insurance Subsidiaries and debt. The Insurance Subsidiaries have the ability to provide for $162 million
in annual dividends to us; however, as they are regulated entities, their ability to pay dividends or make loans or advances to us
is subject to the approval or review of the insurance regulators in the states where they are domiciled. The standards for review
of such transactions are whether: (i) the terms and charges are fair and reasonable; and (ii) after the transaction, the Insurance
Subsidiary's surplus for policyholders is reasonable in relation to its outstanding liabilities and financial needs. Although
dividends and loans to us from our Insurance Subsidiaries historically have been approved, we can make no assurance that
future dividends and loans will be approved. For additional details regarding dividend restrictions, see Note 20. “Statutory
Financial Information, Capital Requirements, and Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds” in Item 8. "Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.
Because we are an insurance holding company and a New Jersey corporation, we may be less attractive to potential
acquirers and the value of our common stock could be adversely affected.
Because we are an insurance holding company that owns insurance subsidiaries, anyone who seeks to acquire 10% or more of
our stock must seek prior approval from the insurance regulators in the states in which the subsidiaries are organized and file
extensive information regarding their business operations and finances.
Provisions in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation may discourage, delay, or prevent us from being acquired,
including:
• Supermajority shareholder voting requirements to approve certain business combinations with interested
shareholders (as defined in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation) unless certain other conditions
are satisfied; and
• Supermajority shareholder voting requirements to amend the foregoing provisions in our Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation.
In addition to the requirements in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the New Jersey Shareholders’
Protection Act also prohibits us from engaging in certain business combinations with interested stockholders (as defined in the
statute), in certain instances for a five year period, and in other instances indefinitely, unless certain conditions are satisfied.
These conditions may relate to, among other things, the interested stockholder’s acquisition of stock, the approval of the
business combination by disinterested members of our Board of Directors and disinterested stockholders, and the price and
payment of the consideration proposed in the business combination. Such conditions are in addition to those requirements set
forth in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
These provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and New Jersey law could have the effect of
depriving our stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium over our common stock’s prevailing market price in the
event of a hostile takeover and may adversely affect the value of our common stock.
29
Risks Related to Our General Operations
Operational risks, including human or systems failures, are inherent in our business.
Operational risks and losses can result from, among other things, fraud, errors, failure to document transactions properly or to
obtain proper internal authorization, failure to comply with regulatory requirements, information technology failures, or
external events.
We believe that our underwriting, claims, predictive, and catastrophe modeling, as well as our business analytics and our
information technology and application systems are critical to our business. We expect our information technology and
application systems to remain an important part of our underwriting process and our ability to compete successfully. A major
defect or failure in our internal controls or information technology and application systems could: (i) result in management
distraction; (ii) harm our reputation; or (iii) increase our expenses. We believe appropriate controls and mitigation procedures
are in place to prevent significant risk of a defect in our internal controls around our information technology and application
systems, but internal controls provide only a reasonable, not absolute, assurance as to the absence of errors or irregularities and
any ineffectiveness of such controls and procedures could have a significant and negative effect on our business.
We are subject to attempted cyber-attacks and other cybersecurity risks.
The nature of our business requires that we store and use significant amounts of personally identifiable information in
electronic format that may be targeted in an attempted cybersecurity breach. In addition, our business is heavily reliant on
various information technology and application systems that may be impacted by a malicious cyber-attack. These cyber
incidents may cause lost revenues or increased expenses stemming from reputational damage and fines related to the breach of
personally identifiable information, inability to use certain systems for a period of time, loss of financial assets, remediation
and litigation costs, and increased cybersecurity protection costs. We have developed and continue to invest in a variety of
controls to prevent, detect and appropriately react to such cyber-attacks, including frequently testing our systems' security and
access controls. However, cybersecurity risks continue to become more complex and broad ranging and our internal controls
provide only a reasonable, not absolute, assurance that we will be able to protect ourselves from significant cyber-attack
incidents. By outsourcing certain business and administrative functions to third parties, we may be exposed to enhanced risk of
data security breaches. Any breach of data security could damage our reputation and/or result in monetary damages, which, in
turn, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt
ratings. Although we have not experienced a material cyber-attack, we purchase insurance coverage to specifically address
cybersecurity risks. The coverage provides protection up to $20 million above a deductible of $250,000 for various
cybersecurity risks, including privacy breach related incidents.
If we experience difficulties with outsourcing relationships, our ability to conduct our business might be negatively
impacted.
We outsource certain business and administrative functions to third parties for efficiencies and cost savings, and may do so
increasingly in the future. If we fail to develop and implement our outsourcing strategies or our third-party providers fail to
perform as anticipated, we may experience operational difficulties, increased costs, and a loss of business that may have a
material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
We are subject to a variety of modeling risks, which could have a material adverse impact on our business results.
We rely on complex financial models, such as predictive modeling, a claims fraud model, third party catastrophe models, an
enterprise risk management capital model, and modeling tools used by our investment managers, which have been developed
internally or by third parties to analyze historical loss costs and pricing, trends in claims severity and frequency, the occurrence
of catastrophe losses, investment performance, and portfolio risk. Flaws in these financial models, or faulty assumptions used
by these financial models, could lead to increased losses. We believe that statistical models alone do not provide a reliable
method of monitoring and controlling risk. Therefore, such models are tools and do not substitute for the experience or
judgment of senior management.
30
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 2. Properties.
Our main office is located in Branchville, New Jersey on a site owned by a subsidiary with approximately 114 acres and
315,000 square feet of operational space. We lease all of our other facilities. The principal office locations related to our
insurance segments are described in the “Geographic Markets” section of Item 1. “Business.” of this Form 10-K. We believe
our facilities provide adequate space for our present needs and that additional space, if needed, would be available on
reasonable terms.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
In the ordinary course of conducting business, we are named as defendants in various legal proceedings. Most of these
proceedings are claims litigation involving our Insurance Subsidiaries as either: (i) liability insurers defending or providing
indemnity for third-party claims brought against our customers; or (ii) insurers defending first-party coverage claims brought
against them. We account for such activity through the establishment of unpaid loss and loss expense reserves. We expect that
the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such ordinary course claims litigation, after consideration of provisions made for
potential losses and costs of defense, will not be material to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash
flows.
Our Insurance Subsidiaries are also from time-to-time involved 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. Our Insurance Subsidiaries are also involved from
time-to-time in individual actions in which extra-contractual damages, punitive damages, or penalties are sought, such as
claims alleging bad faith in the handling of insurance claims. We believe that we have valid defenses to these cases. We expect
that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such lawsuits, after consideration of provisions made for estimated losses, will
not be material to our consolidated financial condition. Nonetheless, given the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain
of these actions, and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time-to-time,
have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.
31
PART II
Item 5. Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities.
(a) Market Information
Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SIGI.” The following table sets forth
the high and low sales prices, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, for our common stock for each full quarterly
period within the two most recent fiscal years:
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
2014
2013
High
Low
High
Low
$
26.99
25.42
25.46
27.65
21.38
22.14
21.97
22.01
24.13
24.75
25.95
28.31
19.53
19.58
22.61
23.55
On February 13, 2015, the closing price of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market was $27.36.
(b) Holders
We had 3,612 stockholders of record as of February 13, 2015 according to the records maintained by our transfer agent.
(c) Dividends
Dividends on shares of our common stock are declared and paid at the discretion of the Board based on our results of
operations, financial condition, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, and other relevant factors. Considering our
improving profitability, in the fourth quarter of 2014, our Board of Directors approved an 8% increase in our dividend to $0.14
per share. The following table provides information on the dividends declared for each quarterly period within our two most
recent fiscal years:
Dividend Per Share
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
2014
2013
$
0.13
0.13
0.13
0.14
0.13
0.13
0.13
0.13
Our ability to receive dividends, loans, or advances from our Insurance Subsidiaries is subject to the approval or review of the
insurance regulators in the respective domiciliary states of our Insurance Subsidiaries. Such approval and review is made under
the respective domiciliary states’ insurance holding company acts, which generally require that any transaction between related
companies be fair and equitable to the insurance company and its policyholders. Although our dividends have historically been
met with regulatory approval, there is no assurance that future dividends will be approved given current market conditions. We
currently expect to continue to pay quarterly cash dividends on shares of our common stock in the future. For additional
information, see Note 20. "Statutory Financial Information, Capital Requirements, and Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers
of Funds" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.
32
(d) Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table provides information about our common stock authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans as
of December 31, 2014:
(a)
(b)
(c)
Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
Number of securities remaining
available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
column (a))
Plan Category
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
734,539 1 $
19.52
6,275,288 2
1 Weighted average remaining contractual life of options is 3.42 years.
2 Includes 764,098 shares available for issuance under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan; 2,019,296 shares available for issuance under the Stock Purchase
Plan for Independent Insurance Agencies; and 3,491,894 shares for issuance under the Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan ("Stock
Plan"). Future grants under the Stock Plan can be made, among other things, as stock options, restricted stock units, or restricted stock.
(e) Performance Graph
The following chart, produced by Research Data Group, Inc., depicts our performance for the period beginning December 31,
2009 and ending December 31, 2014, as measured by total stockholder return on our common stock compared with the total
return of the NASDAQ Composite Index and a select group of peer companies comprised of NASDAQ-listed companies in
SIC Code 6330-6339, Fire, Marine, and Casualty Insurance.
This performance graph is not incorporated into any other filing we have made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") and will not be incorporated into any future filing we may make with the SEC unless we so specifically
incorporate it by reference. This performance graph shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the
SEC unless we specifically request so or specifically incorporate it by reference in any filing we make with the SEC.
33
(f) Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
The following table provides information regarding our purchases of our common stock in the fourth quarter of 2014:
Period
October 1 – 31, 2014
$
November 1 – 30, 2014
December 1 – 31, 2014
Total
$
Total Number of
Shares Purchased1
Average Price
Paid Per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Programs
Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased Under the
Announced Programs
695 $
13,077
10,214
23,986 $
23.02
26.66
27.24
26.80
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1During the fourth quarter of 2014, 1,605 shares were purchased from employees in connection with the vesting of restricted stock units and 22,381 shares were
purchased from employees in connection with stock option exercises. These repurchases were made to satisfy tax withholding obligations and/or option costs
with respect to those employees. These shares were not purchased as part of any publicly announced program. The shares that were purchased in connection
with the vesting of restricted stock units were purchased at fair market value as defined in the Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan as
Amended and Restated Effective as of May 1, 2010. The shares purchased in connection with the option exercises were purchased at the current market prices
of our common stock on the dates the options were exercised.
34
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
Five-Year Financial Highlights1
(All presentations are in accordance with
GAAP unless noted otherwise, number of
weighted average shares and dollars in
thousands, except per share amounts)
Net premiums written
Net premiums earned
Net investment income earned
Net realized gains (losses)
Total revenues
Catastrophe losses
Underwriting income (loss)
Net income from continuing operations2
Total discontinued operations, net of tax2
Net income
Comprehensive income
Total assets
Notes payable and debentures
Stockholders’ equity
Statutory premiums to surplus ratio
Statutory combined ratio
Impact of catastrophe losses on statutory
combined ratio3
GAAP combined ratio
Invested assets per dollar of stockholders' equity
Yield on investments, before tax
Debt to capitalization ratio
Return on average equity
Non-GAAP measures4:
Operating income
Operating return on average equity
Per share data:
Net income from continuing operations2:
Basic
Diluted
Net income:
Basic
Diluted
Dividends to stockholders
Stockholders’ equity
Price range of common stock:
High
Low
Close
$
$
$
$
$
2014
1,885,280
1,852,609
138,708
26,599
2,034,861
59,971
78,143
141,827
—
141,827
136,764
6,581,550
379,297
1,275,586
1.4
95.7 %
pts
3.2
95.8 %
3.77
3.0
22.9
11.7
2013
1,810,159
1,736,072
134,643
20,732
1,903,741
47,415
38,766
107,415
(997 )
106,418
77,229
6,270,170
392,414
1,153,928
1.4
97.5
2.7
97.8
3.97
3.0
25.4
9.5
2012
1,666,883
1,584,119
131,877
8,988
1,734,102
98,608
(64,007)
37,963
—
37,963
49,709
6,794,216
307,387
1,090,592
1.6
103.5
6.2
104.0
3.97
3.1
22.0
3.5
2011
1,485,349
1,439,313
147,443
2,240
1,597,475
118,769
(103,584 )
22,683
(650 )
22,033
57,303
5,685,469
307,360
1,058,328
1.4
106.7
8.3
107.2
3.89
3.7
22.5
2.1
2010
1,390,541
1,416,598
145,708
(7,083)
1,564,621
56,465
(19,974)
70,746
(3,780)
66,966
86,450
5,178,704
262,333
1,018,041
1.3
101.6
4.0
101.4
3.86
3.8
20.5
6.8
124,538
10.3 %
93,939
8.4
32,121
3.0
21,227
2.0
75,350
7.7
2.52
2.47
2.52
2.47
0.53
22.54
27.65
21.38
27.17
1.93
1.89
1.91
1.87
0.52
0.69
0.68
0.69
0.68
0.52
0.42
0.41
0.41
0.40
0.52
1.33
1.30
1.26
1.23
0.52
20.63
19.77
19.45
18.97
28.31
19.53
27.06
20.31
16.22
19.27
18.97
12.10
17.73
18.94
14.13
18.15
56,310
57,351
Number of weighted average shares:
53,359
Basic
54,504
Diluted
1 Data for 2010 through 2011 has been restated to reflect the implementation of ASU 2010-26, Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Accounting for Costs
Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts, which was adopted on January 1, 2012.
2 In 2009, we sold our Selective HR Solutions operations. See Note 7. "Fair Value Measurements" and Note 12. "Discontinued Operations" in Item 8.
"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K for additional information.
3 The impact of catastrophe losses on the 2012 statutory combined ratio including flood claims handling fees related to Superstorm Sandy was 5.8 points.
4 Operating income and operating return on average equity are non-GAAP measures. See the Glossary of Terms attached to this Form 10-K as Exhibit 99.1 for
definitions of these items and see the “Financial Highlights of Results for Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012” section in Item 7. “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” of this Form 10-K for a reconciliation of operating income to net income.
54,095
55,221
55,638
56,810
54,880
55,933
35
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Forward-looking Statements
Certain statements in this report, including information incorporated by reference, are “forward-looking statements” as that
term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”). The PSLRA provides a safe harbor under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Exchange Act for forward-looking statements. These statements relate to our
intentions, beliefs, projections, estimations or forecasts of future events or future financial performance and involve known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause us or the industry’s actual results, levels of activity, or
performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In some cases,
forward-looking statements may be identified by use of the words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,”
“plan,” “anticipate,” “target,” “project,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “pro forma,” “seek,” “likely,” or
“continue” or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions, and we can give no assurance that such
expectations will prove to be correct. We undertake no obligation, other than as may be required under the federal securities
laws, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or
otherwise.
Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those we have projected, forecasted or estimated in forward-
looking statements are discussed in further detail in Item 1A. “Risk Factors.” of this Form 10-K. These risk factors may not be
exhaustive. We operate in a continually changing business environment, and new risk factors emerge from time-to-time. We
can neither predict such new risk factors nor can we assess the impact, if any, of such new risk factors on our businesses or the
extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or
implied in any forward-looking statements in this report. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-
looking events discussed in this report might not occur.
Introduction
We classify our business into four reportable segments:
• Standard Commercial Lines - comprised of insurance products and services provided in the standard marketplace to
our commercial customers, who 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 Standard Commercial Lines, Standard Personal Lines, and E&S
Lines, as well as amounts generated through our capital management strategies, which may include the issuance of
debt and equity securities.
This is a change from the segments that we have previously reported of Standard Insurance Operations, E&S Insurance
Operations, and Investments. All prior year information contained in this Form 10-K has been restated to reflect our revised
segments. For qualitative information behind the change, see Note 11. "Segment Information" in Item 8. "Financial Statements
and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.
Our Standard Commercial Lines and Standard Personal Lines products and services are sold through nine subsidiaries that
write commercial and personal insurance coverages, some of which write flood business through the National Flood Insurance
Program's ("NFIP") Write Your Own ("WYO") program. Our E&S Lines products and services are sold through one
subsidiary, Mesa Underwriters Specialty Insurance Company ("MUSIC"), that provides a nationally-authorized non-admitted
platform to write commercial and personal E&S business, of which we currently only write commercial coverages. Our ten
insurance subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the "Insurance Subsidiaries".
The purpose of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is to provide an understanding of the consolidated
results of operations and financial condition and known trends and uncertainties that may have a material impact in future
periods.
36
In the MD&A, we will discuss and analyze the following:
• Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates;
• Financial Highlights of Results for Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012;
• Results of Operations and Related Information by Segment;
• Federal Income Taxes;
• Financial Condition, Liquidity, Short-term Borrowings, and Capital Resources;
• Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements;
• Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities, and Commitments; and
• Ratings.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We have identified the policies and estimates described below as critical to our business operations and the understanding of
the results of our operations. Our preparation of the Financial Statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our Financial
Statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. There can be no assurance that
actual results will not differ from those estimates. Those estimates that were most critical to the preparation of the Financial
Statements involved the following: (i) reserves for losses and loss expenses; (ii) pension and post-retirement benefit plan
actuarial assumptions; (iii) other-than-temporary-impairment ("OTTI"); and (iv) reinsurance.
Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses
Significant periods of time can elapse between the occurrence of an insured loss, the reporting of the loss to the insurer, and the
insurer’s payment of that loss. To recognize liabilities for unpaid losses and loss expenses, insurers establish reserves as
balance sheet liabilities representing an estimate of amounts needed to pay reported and unreported net losses and loss
expenses. As of December 31, 2014, we had accrued $3.5 billion of gross loss and loss expense reserves compared to $3.3
billion at December 31, 2013.
The following tables provide case and incurred but not reported ("IBNR") reserves for losses and loss expenses, and
reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
As of December 31, 2014
$
($ in thousands)
General liability
Workers compensation
Commercial auto
Businessowners' policies
Commercial property
Other
Total Standard Commercial Lines
Personal automobile
Homeowners
Other
Total Standard Personal Lines
E&S Lines
Total
Losses and Loss Expense Reserves
Case
Reserves
IBNR
Reserves
Total
Reinsurance
Recoverable on
Unpaid Losses and
Loss Expenses
Net Reserves
252,294
513,069
156,538
42,249
55,519
5,969
1,025,638
99,595
23,195
26,756
149,546
31,341
960,372
727,167
221,605
51,918
7,611
6,484
1,975,157
84,348
22,987
22,881
130,216
165,972
1,212,666
1,240,236
378,143
94,167
63,130
12,453
3,000,795
183,943
46,182
49,637
279,762
197,313
138,366
232,676
19,699
7,990
16,856
2,007
417,594
68,150
5,205
43,317
116,672
37,712
1,074,300
1,007,560
358,444
86,177
46,274
10,446
2,583,201
115,793
40,977
6,320
163,090
159,601
$
1,206,525
2,271,345
3,477,870
571,978
2,905,892
37
December 31, 2013
$
($ in thousands)
General liability
Workers compensation
Commercial auto
Businessowners' policies
Commercial property
Other
Total Standard Commercial Lines
Personal automobile
Homeowners
Other
Total Standard Personal Lines
E&S Lines
Total
Losses and Loss Expense Reserves
Case
Reserves
IBNR
Reserves
Total
Reinsurance
Recoverable on
Unpaid Losses and
Loss Expenses
Net Reserves
227,307
532,087
136,543
32,225
43,831
6,980
978,973
106,377
26,201
39,155
171,733
25,575
965,095
637,738
225,387
57,636
6,143
6,115
1,898,114
89,596
27,520
23,561
140,677
134,698
1,192,402
1,169,825
361,930
89,861
49,974
13,095
2,877,087
195,973
53,721
62,716
312,410
160,273
137,854
197,934
18,847
7,915
9,702
2,975
375,227
62,663
7,254
52,157
122,074
43,538
1,054,548
971,891
343,083
81,946
40,272
10,120
2,501,860
133,310
46,467
10,559
190,336
116,735
$
1,176,281
2,173,489
3,349,770
540,839
2,808,931
How reserves are established
When a claim is reported to an Insurance Subsidiary, claims personnel establish a “case reserve” for the estimated amount of
the ultimate payment. The amount of the reserve is primarily based on a case-by-case evaluation of the type of claim involved,
the circumstances surrounding each claim, and the policy provisions relating to the type of losses. The estimate reflects the
informed judgment of such personnel based on their knowledge, experience, and general insurance reserving practices. Until
the claim is resolved, these estimates are revised as deemed appropriate by the responsible claims personnel based on
subsequent developments and periodic reviews of the case.
Using generally accepted actuarial reserving techniques, we project our estimate of ultimate losses and loss expenses at each
reporting date. Our IBNR reserve is the difference between the projected ultimate loss and loss expense incurred and the sum
of: (i) case loss and loss expense reserves; and (ii) paid loss and loss expense reserves. The actuarial techniques used are part
of a comprehensive reserving process that includes two primary components. The first component is a detailed quarterly
reserve analysis performed by our internal actuarial staff. In completing this analysis, the actuaries must gather substantially
similar data in sufficient volume to ensure statistical credibility of the data, while maintaining appropriate differentiation. This
process defines the reserving segments, to which various actuarial projection methods are applied. When applying these
methods, the actuaries are required to make numerous assumptions including, for example, the selection of loss and loss
expense development factors and the weight to be applied to each individual projection method. These methods include paid
and incurred versions for the following: loss and loss expense development, Bornhuetter-Ferguson, Berquist-Sherman, and
frequency/severity modeling (chain-ladder approach). The second component of the analysis is the projection of the expected
ultimate loss and loss expense ratio for each line of business for the current accident year. This projection is part of our
planning process wherein we review and update expected loss and loss expense ratios each quarter. This review includes actual
versus expected pricing changes, loss and loss expense trend assumptions, and updated prior period loss and loss expense ratios
from the most recent quarterly reserve analysis.
38
In addition to the quarterly reserve analysis, a range of possible IBNR reserves is estimated annually and continually
considered, among other factors, in establishing IBNR for each reporting period. Loss and loss expense trends are also
considered, which include, but are not limited to, large loss activity, asbestos and environmental claim activity, large case
reserve additions or reductions for prior accident years, and reinsurance recoverable issues. We also consider factors such as:
(i) per claim information; (ii) company and industry historical loss experience; (iii) legislative enactments, judicial decisions,
legal developments in the imposition of damages, and changes in political attitudes; and (iv) trends in general economic
conditions, including the effects of inflation. Based on the consideration of the range of possible IBNR reserves, recent loss
and loss expense trends, uncertainty associated with actuarial assumptions and other factors, IBNR is established and the
ultimate net liability for losses and loss expenses is determined. Such an assessment requires considerable judgment given that
it is frequently not possible to determine whether a change in the data is an anomaly until sometime after the event. Even if a
change is determined to be permanent, it is not always possible to reliably determine the extent of the change until sometime
later. There is no precise method for subsequently evaluating the impact of any specific factor on the adequacy of reserves
because the eventual deficiency or redundancy is affected by many factors. The changes in these estimates, resulting from the
continuous review process and the differences between estimates and ultimate payments, are reflected in the Consolidated
Statements of Income for the period in which such estimates are changed. Any changes in the liability estimate may be
material to the results of operations in future periods. In addition to our internal review, statutory regulation requires us to have
a Statement of Actuarial Opinion issued annually on our statutory reserve adequacy. We engage an independent actuary to
issue this opinion based on their independent review.
Range of reasonable reserves
We have estimated a range of reasonably possible reserves for net loss and loss expense claims to be $2,645 million to $3,061
million at December 31, 2014, which compares to $2,574 million to $2,966 million at December 31, 2013. These ranges reflect
low and high reasonable reserve estimates, which were selected primarily by considering the range of indications calculated
using generally accepted actuarial techniques. Such techniques assume that past experience, adjusted for the effects of current
developments and anticipated trends, are an appropriate basis for predicting future events. Although these ranges reflect likely
scenarios, it is possible that the final outcomes may fall above or below these amounts. The ranges do not include a provision
for potential increases or decreases associated with asbestos, environmental, and other continuous exposure claims, as
traditional actuarial techniques cannot be effectively applied to these exposures.
Our loss and loss expense reserve development over the preceding 10 years is shown on the following table, which has five
parts:
• Section I shows the estimated liability recorded at the end of each indicated year for all current and prior accident
year’s unpaid loss and loss expenses. The liability represents the estimated amount of loss and loss expenses for
unpaid claims, including IBNR reserves. In accordance with GAAP, the liability for unpaid loss and loss expenses
is recorded gross of the effects of reinsurance. An estimate of reinsurance recoverables is reported separately as an
asset. The net balance represents the estimated amount of unpaid loss and loss expenses outstanding reduced by
estimates of amounts recoverable under reinsurance contracts.
• Section II shows the re-estimated amount of the previously recorded net liability as of the end of each succeeding
year. Estimates of the liability of unpaid loss and loss expenses are increased or decreased as payments are made
and more information regarding individual claims and trends, such as overall frequency and severity patterns,
becomes known.
• Section III shows the cumulative amount of net loss and loss expenses paid relating to recorded liabilities as of the
end of each succeeding year.
• Section IV shows the re-estimated gross liability and re-estimated reinsurance recoverables through December 31,
2014.
• Section V shows the cumulative gross and net (deficiency)/redundancy representing the aggregate change in the
liability from the original balance sheet dates and the re-estimated liability through December 31, 2014.
This table does not present accident or policy year development data. Conditions and trends that have affected past reserve
development may not necessarily occur in the future. As a result, extrapolating redundancies or deficiencies based on this table
is inherently uncertain.
39
($ in millions)
2004
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
2012
2013 2014
I. Gross reserves for
unpaid losses and loss
expenses at December 31 1,835.2
2,084.0
2,288.8
2,542.5
2,641.0
2,745.8
2,830.1
3,144.9
4,068.9
3,349.8
3,477.9
Reinsurance recoverables
on unpaid losses and loss
expenses at December 31
Net reserves for unpaid
losses and loss expenses at
December 31
II. Net reserves estimate
as of:
One year later
Two years later
Three years later
Four years later
Five years later
Six years later
Seven years later
Eight years later
Nine years later
Ten years later
(218.8 )
(218.2 )
(199.7)
(227.8 )
(224.2 )
(271.6)
(313.7 )
(549.5 )
(1,409.7)
(540.9 )
(572.0 )
1,616.4
1,865.8
2,089.1
2,314.7
2,416.8
2,474.2
2,516.4
2,595.4
2,659.2
2,808.9
2,905.9
2,633.7 2,749.6
2,554.9
1,858.5 2,070.2 2,295.4 2,387.4 2,430.6 2,477.6 2,569.8
1,845.1 2,024.0 2,237.8 2,324.6 2,368.1 2,428.6 2,531.4
1,825.2 1,982.4 2,169.7 2,286.0 2,315.0 2,388.8 2,502.2
1,808.9 1,931.1 2,155.8 2,264.9 2,295.3 2,363.3
1,780.7 1,916.0 2,151.5 2,258.1 2,282.3
1,777.3 1,924.4 2,154.6 2,243.6
1,789.3 1,939.5 2,147.7
1,810.9 1,936.5
1,806.4
1,621.5
1,637.3
1,643.7
1,649.8
1,653.6
1,639.5
1,638.7
1,648.0
1,671.7
1,669.4
Cumulative net
redundancy (deficiency)
(53.0 )
59.4
152.6
167.0
173.2
191.9
153.1
93.2
104.3
59.3
III. Cumulative amount of net reserves paid through:
One year later
Two years later
Three years later
Four years later
Five years later
Six years later
Seven years later
Eight years later
Nine years later
Ten years later
422.4
729.5
942.4
1,101.0
1,189.2
1,245.4
1,294.2
1,333.8
1,361.7
1,387.1
561.3
936.7
469.4
841.3
468.6
775.0
579.4
945.5
569.9
632.7
584.5
990.8 1,003.8
966.8
1,026.9 1,080.0 1,201.6 1,238.3 1,235.8 1,248.2 1,293.6
1,174.2 1,235.2 1,388.7 1,439.5 1,409.5 1,443.4
1,267.1 1,347.0 1,513.0 1,550.3 1,533.4
1,341.8 1,426.8 1,587.7 1,631.7
1,399.6 1,481.9 1,648.1
1,438.2 1,525.5
1,469.4
592.1
572.4
964.0
IV. Re-estimated gross
liability
Re-estimated reinsurance
recoverables
2,038.8
2,190.4
2,273.9
2,483.2
2,598.7
2,652.4
2,760.2
3,110.4
4,207.2
3,349.5
(369.4 )
(384.0 )
(337.4)
(335.5 )
(355.1 )
(370.1)
(396.9 )
(608.2 )
(1,652.3)
(599.9 )
Re-estimated net liability
1,669.4
1,806.4 1,936.5 2,147.7 2,243.6 2,282.3 2,363.3 2,502.2
2,554.9 2,749.6
V. Cumulative gross
redundancy (deficiency)
(203.6 )
(106.4 )
14.9
59.3
42.3
93.4
69.9
34.5
(138.3)
0.3
Cumulative net
redundancy (deficiency)
(53.0 )
59.4
152.6
167.0
173.2
191.9
153.1
93.2
104.3
59.3
Note: Some amounts may not foot due to rounding.
40
In 2014, we experienced overall favorable loss development of approximately $59.3 million, compared to $25.5 million in both
2013 and 2012. The following table summarizes prior year development by line of business:
(Favorable)/Unfavorable Prior Year Loss and Loss Expense Development
($ in millions)
General Liability
Commercial Automobile
Workers Compensation
Businessowners' Policies
Commercial Property
Homeowners
Personal Automobile
E&S
Other
Total
2014
2013
2012
(43.9 )
(4.1 )
—
1.9
(2.1 )
(4.0 )
(10.8 )
3.7
—
(59.3 )
(20.0 )
(4.5 )
23.5
(9.5 )
(7.5 )
(2.5 )
(3.0 )
(2.0 )
—
(25.5 )
2.5
(8.5)
2.5
(9.0)
(3.5)
(9.0)
0.5
—
(1.0)
(25.5)
Major developments related to loss and loss expense reserve estimates and uncertainty
The Insurance Subsidiaries are multi-state, multi-line property and casualty insurance companies and, as such, are subject to
reserve uncertainty stemming from a variety of sources. These uncertainties are considered at each step in the process of
establishing loss and loss expense reserves. As market conditions change, certain developments may occur that increase or
decrease the amount of uncertainty. These developments include impacts within our own paid and reported loss and loss
expense experience, as well as other internal and external factors that have not yet manifested within our data, but may do so in
the future. All of these developments are considered when establishing loss and loss expense reserves, and in estimating the
range of reasonable reserves.
For the past nine years, the Insurance Subsidiaries have experienced favorable prior accident year loss and loss expense
development. Over the past three years, contributions to the favorable emergence have come from virtually all lines of
business, with the exceptions of workers compensation and E&S Lines. The greater contributions have generally come from
the longer tailed casualty lines, primarily due to their associated volume of reserves and the inherent uncertainty of the longer
claims settlement process.
A more detailed discussion of recent developments, by line of business, follows.
Standard Market General Liability Line of Business
At December 31, 2014, our general liability line of business had recorded reserves, net of reinsurance, of $1.1 billion, which
represented 37% of our total net reserves. In 2014, this line experienced favorable development of $43.9 million, which was
partially driven by lower severities in the 2010 through 2012 accident years, within both the premises and operations and
products liability coverages. In addition, accident years 2011 and 2012 continue to show lower than expected claim counts.
During 2013, this line experienced favorable development due to lower severities in accident years 2010 and prior. This was
partially offset by unfavorable development in accident years 2011 and 2012, which showed higher average severities in the
premises and operations coverage. During 2012, this line of business showed modestly unfavorable development due to
increased severities in the 2010 and 2011 accident years. The broad nature of this line of business, and the longer average time
for the claims settlement process, makes it more susceptible to changes in litigation and the tort environment. This line of
business includes excess policies that provide additional limits above underlying automobile and general liability coverages,
which is subject to catastrophic losses, and therefore influenced by the factors noted above to a greater degree.
41
Standard Market Workers Compensation Line of Business
At December 31, 2014, our workers compensation line of business recorded reserves, net of reinsurance, of $1.0 billion, which
represented 35% of our total net reserves. During 2014, this line experienced no development on prior accident years. This
represents a significant change compared to 2013, during which this line experienced unfavorable development of
approximately $23.5 million driven mainly by assisted living facility claims. Unfavorable development in 2012 was
approximately $2.5 million. During 2014, this line showed a significant reduction in reported claim counts and associated paid
and reported amounts. We believe this to be reflective of both our proactive underwriting actions in recent years, as well as
various claims initiatives that we implemented, including the centralization of our workers compensation claim handling in
Charlotte, North Carolina. Jurisdictionally trained and aligned medical only and lost-time adjusters manage non-complex
workers compensation claims within our footprint. Claims with high exposure and/or significant escalation risk are referred to
the workers compensation strategic case management unit.
While we believe these changes are already contributing to our improved loss experience, there is always risk associated with
change. Most notably, these changes in operations may inherently change paid and reported development patterns. While our
reserve analyses incorporate methods that adjust for these changes, there nevertheless remains a greater risk in the estimated
reserves.
In addition to the uncertainties associated with actuarial assumptions and methodologies described above, the workers
compensation line of business can be impacted by a variety of issues, such as the following:
Unexpected changes in medical cost inflation - Variability in our historical workers compensation medical costs, along
with uncertainty regarding future medical inflation, creates the potential for additional volatility in our reserves;
Changes in statutory workers compensation benefits - Benefit changes may be enacted that affect all outstanding
claims, regardless of having occurred in the past. Depending upon the social and political climate, these changes may
either increase or decrease associated claim costs;
Changes in utilization of the workers compensation system - These changes may be driven by economic, legislative, or
other changes. For example, higher levels of unemployment could ultimately impact both the severity and frequency
of workers compensation claims. In particular, during more difficult economic times, workers may be more likely to
use the system, and less likely to return to work. Another example is the potential impact of federal healthcare reform,
for which there are opposing views regarding the impact on workers compensation costs.
In addition, changes in the economy could impact reserves in other ways. For example, in 2014, audit and endorsement
activity resulted in additional premium of $15.7 million, and in 2013, audit and endorsement activity resulted in additional
premium of $7.4 million. As premiums earned are used as a basis for setting initial reserves on the current accident year, our
reserves could be impacted. While audit and endorsement premiums are modeled within our annual budgeting process, they
remain uncertain, and therefore provide additional variability to the resulting loss and loss expense ratio estimates.
Standard Market Commercial Automobile Line of Business
At December 31, 2014, our commercial automobile line of business had recorded reserves, net of reinsurance, of $358 million,
which represented 12% of our total net reserves. During the past three years, this line experienced favorable reserve
development. In 2014, the favorable development was $4.1 million, driven by bodily injury liability for accident years 2012
and prior. For accident years 2011 and prior, this reflects a continued trend of better than expected reported emergence in these
years. Accident year 2012 experienced favorable development due to a reduction in estimated severity, after experiencing
unfavorable development during 2013 due to higher than expected claim frequency. The favorable development for accident
years 2012 and prior was partially offset by unfavorable development in the 2013 accident year due to higher than expected
claim frequency.
Standard Market Personal Automobile Line of Business
At December 31, 2014, our personal automobile line of business had recorded reserves, net of reinsurance, of $116 million,
which represented 4% of our total net reserves. In 2014, this line experienced favorable development of $10.8 million, which
was driven by the liability coverages for accident years 2012 and prior. Our mix of business continues to shift away from New
Jersey towards other targeted states within our footprint. We continue to recalibrate our predictive models to improve the
accuracy of our rating plans. While we believe these changes will ultimately lead to improved profitability and greater
stability, they may impact paid and reported development patterns, thereby increasing the uncertainty in the reserves in the
near-term.
42
E&S Lines
At December 31, 2014, our E&S Lines had recorded reserves, net of reinsurance, of $160 million, which represented 6% of our
total net reserves. In 2014, these lines experienced unfavorable development of $3.7 million, associated with accident years
2011 through 2013. As we have limited historical loss experience in this segment, our reserve estimates are partially based on
development patterns of companies that have similar operations. Therefore, these estimates are subject to somewhat greater
uncertainty than the comparable traditional lines of business. As our own experience matures, we will continue to place greater
weight upon it, and less weight upon the surrogate patterns.
Other Lines of Business
At December 31, 2014, no other individual line of business had recorded reserves of more than $87 million, net of reinsurance.
We have not identified any recent trends that would create additional significant reserve uncertainty for these other lines of
business.
Other impacts creating additional loss and loss expense reserve uncertainty
Claims Initiative Impacts
In addition to the line of business specific issues mentioned above, our lines of business have been impacted by a number of
initiatives undertaken by our claims department that have resulted in variability, or shifts, in the average level of case reserves.
Some of these initiatives have also impacted claims settlement rates. These changes affect the data upon which the ultimate
loss and loss expense projections are made. While these changes in case reserve levels and settlement rates increase the
uncertainty in the short run, we expect the longer-term benefit will be a more refined management of the claims process.
Some of the specific actions implemented over the past several years are as follows:
•
Increased focus on reducing workers compensation medical costs through more favorable Preferred Provider
Organizations ("PPO") contracts and greater PPO penetration.
• The introduction of a Complex Claims Unit to which all significant and complex liability claims are assigned. This
unit has been staffed with personnel that have significant experience in handling and settling these types of claims.
Increased activity in the areas of fraud investigation and salvage/subrogation recoveries. These efforts have been
supported by the introduction of predictive models that allow us to better focus our efforts.
•
• The centralization of workers compensation claims handling discussed above.
Our internal reserve analyses incorporate actuarial projection methods, which make adjustments for changes in case reserve
adequacy and claims settlement rates. These methods adjust our historical loss experience to the current level of case adequacy
or settlement rate, which provides a more consistent basis for projecting future development patterns. These methods have
their own assumptions and judgments associated with them, so as with any projection method, they are not definitive in and of
themselves. Furthermore, given that the expected benefits from our claims initiatives take time to fully manifest, we do not
take full credit for the anticipated benefit in establishing our loss and loss expense reserves. These initiatives may prove more
or less beneficial than currently reflected, which will affect development in future years. Our various projection methods
provide an indication of these potential future impacts. These impacts would be greatest within our larger reserve lines of
workers compensation, general liability, and commercial automobile liability, within the more recent accident years.
Economic Inflationary Impacts
Although inflationary volatility is expected to be low in the near term, current United States monetary policy and global
economic conditions bring additional uncertainty in the long-term given the length of time required for claim settlement and the
impact of medical cost trends relating to longer-tail liability and workers compensation claims. Uncertainty regarding future
inflation or deflation creates the potential for additional volatility in our reserves for these lines of business.
Sensitivity analysis: Potential impact on reserve uncertainty due to changes in key assumptions
Our process to establish reserves includes a variety of key assumptions, including, but not limited to, the following:
• The selection of loss and loss expense development factors;
• The weight to be applied to each individual actuarial projection method;
• Projected future loss trends; and
• Expected ultimate loss and loss expense ratios for the current accident year.
43
The importance of any single assumption depends on several considerations, such as the line of business and the accident year.
If the actual experience emerges differently than the assumptions used in the process to establish reserves, changes in our
reserve estimate are possible and may be material to the results of operations in future periods. Set forth below are sensitivity
tests which highlight potential impacts to loss and loss expense reserves under different scenarios, for the major casualty lines
of business. These tests consider each assumption and line of business individually, without any consideration of correlation
between lines of business and accident years, and therefore, does not constitute an actuarial range. While the figures represent
possible impacts from variations in key assumptions as identified by management, there is no assurance that the future
emergence of our loss and loss expense experience will be consistent with either our current or alternative sets of assumptions.
While the sources of variability discussed above are generated by different underlying trends and operational changes, they
ultimately manifest themselves as changes in the expected loss and loss expense development patterns. These patterns are a
key assumption in the reserving process. In addition to the expected development patterns, the expected loss and loss expense
ratios are another key assumption in the reserving process. These expected ratios are developed via a rigorous process of
projecting recent accident years' experience to an ultimate settlement basis, and then adjusting it to the current accident year's
pricing and loss cost levels. Impact from changes in the underwriting portfolio and changes in claims handling practices are
also quantified and reflected, where appropriate. As is the case with all estimates, the ultimate loss and loss expense ratios may
differ from those currently estimated.
The sensitivities of loss and loss expense reserves to these key assumptions are illustrated below for the major casualty lines.
The first table shows the estimated impacts from changes in expected reported loss and loss expense development patterns. It
shows reserve impacts by line of business if the actual calendar year incurred amounts are greater or less than current
expectations by the selected percentages. The second table shows the estimated impacts from changes to the expected loss and
loss expense ratios for the current accident year. It shows reserve impacts by line of business if the expected loss and loss
expense ratios for the current accident year are greater or less than current expectations by the selected percentages. While the
selected percentages by line are judgmentally based, they reflect the relative contribution of the specific line of business to the
overall reserve range. Therefore, the smaller reserve lines reflect greater percentages due to their greater relative variability.
Reserve Impacts of Changes to Prior Years Expected Loss and Loss Expense Reporting Patterns
($ in millions)
General liability
Workers compensation
Commercial automobile liability
Personal automobile liability
E&S lines
Percentage
Decrease/Incr
ease
(Decrease) to Future Calendar
Year Reported
Increase to Future Calendar
Year Reported
7 % $
10 %
10 %
15 %
15 %
(75 ) $
(60 )
(30 )
(10 )
(20 )
75
60
30
10
20
Reserve Impacts of Changes to Current Year Expected Ultimate Loss and Loss Expense Ratios
($ in millions)
General liability
Workers compensation
Commercial automobile liability
Personal automobile liability
E&S lines
Percentage
Decrease/Incr
ease
(Decrease) to Current
Accident Year Expected Loss
and Loss Expense Ratio
Increase to Current Accident
Year Expected Loss and Loss
Expense Ratio
7 % $
10 %
7 %
7 %
10 %
(31 ) $
(27 )
(18 )
(7 )
(10 )
31
27
18
7
10
Note that there is some overlap between the impacts in the two tables. For example, increases in the calendar year development
would ultimately impact our view of the current accident year's loss and loss expense ratios. Nevertheless, these tables provide
perspective into the sensitivity of each of these key assumptions.
44
Asbestos and Environmental Reserves
Our general liability, excess liability, and homeowners reserves include exposure to asbestos and environmental claims. Our
exposure to environmental liability is primarily due to: (i) landfill exposures from policies written prior to the absolute
pollution endorsement in the mid 1980s; and (ii) underground storage tank leaks mainly from New Jersey homeowners policies.
These environmental claims stem primarily from insured exposures in municipal government, small non-manufacturing
commercial risks, and homeowners policies.
The total carried net losses and loss expense reserves for these claims was $23.0 million as of December 31, 2014 and $25.2
million as of December 31, 2013. The emergence of these claims is slow and highly unpredictable. For example, within our
Standard Commercial Lines book, certain landfill sites are included on the National Priorities List (“NPL”) by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (“USEPA”). Once on the NPL, the USEPA determines an appropriate remediation plan for
these sites. A landfill can remain on the NPL for many years until final approval for the removal of the site is granted from the
USEPA. The USEPA has the authority to re-open previously closed sites and return them to the NPL. We currently have
reserves for eight customers related to four sites on the NPL.
“Asbestos claims” are claims for bodily injury alleged to have occurred from exposure to asbestos-containing products. Our
primary exposure arises from insuring various distributors of asbestos-containing products, such as electrical and plumbing
materials. At December 31, 2014, asbestos claims constituted 32% of our $23.0 million net asbestos and environmental
reserves, compared to 30% of our $25.2 million net asbestos and environmental reserves at December 31, 2013.
“Environmental claims” are claims alleging bodily injury or property damage from pollution or other environmental
contaminants other than asbestos. These claims include landfills and leaking underground storage tanks. Our landfill exposure
lies largely in policies written for municipal governments, in their operation or maintenance of certain public lands. In addition
to landfill exposures, in recent years, we have experienced a relatively consistent level of reported losses in the homeowners
line of business related to claims for groundwater contamination from leaking underground heating oil storage tanks in New
Jersey. In 2007, we instituted a fuel oil system exclusion on our New Jersey homeowners policies that limits our exposure to
leaking underground storage tanks for certain customers. At that time, existing customers were offered a one-time opportunity
to buy back oil tank liability coverage. The exclusion applies to all new homeowners policies in New Jersey. These customers
are eligible for the buy-back option only if the tank meets specific eligibility criteria.
Our asbestos and environmental claims are handled in our centralized and specialized asbestos and environmental claim unit.
Case reserves for these exposures are evaluated on a claim-by-claim basis. The ability to assess potential exposure often
improves as a claim develops, including judicial determinations of coverage issues. As a result, reserves are adjusted
accordingly.
Estimating IBNR reserves for asbestos and environmental claims is difficult because of the delayed and inconsistent reporting
patterns associated with these claims. In addition, there are significant uncertainties associated with estimating critical
assumptions, such as average clean-up costs, third-party costs, potentially responsible party shares, allocation of damages,
litigation and coverage costs, and potential state and federal legislative changes. Normal historically-based actuarial
approaches cannot be applied to asbestos and environmental claims because past loss history is not indicative of future
potential loss emergence. In addition, while certain alternative models can be applied, such models can produce significantly
different results with small changes in assumptions. As a result, we do not calculate an asbestos and environmental loss range.
Historically, our asbestos and environmental claims have been significantly lower in volume, with less volatility and
uncertainty than many of our competitors in the commercial lines industry. Prior to the introduction of the absolute pollution
exclusion endorsement in the mid-1980's, we were primarily a personal lines carrier and therefore do not have broad exposure
to asbestos and environmental claims. Additionally, we are the primary insurance carrier on the majority of these exposures,
which provides more certainty in our reserve position compared to others in the insurance marketplace.
Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Plan Actuarial Assumptions
Our pension and post-retirement benefit obligations and related costs are calculated using actuarial methods, within the
framework of U.S. GAAP. Two key assumptions, the discount rate and the expected return on plan assets, are important
elements of expense and/or liability measurement. We evaluate these key assumptions annually. Other assumptions involve
demographic factors, such as retirement age, mortality, turnover, and rate of compensation increases. In the fourth quarter of
2014, the Society of Actuaries issued their updated mortality table (RP-2014), which reflects increasing life expectancies in the
United States. We adopted these mortality tables in the fourth quarter of 2014.
45
The discount rate enables us to state expected future cash flows at their present value on the measurement date. The purpose of
the discount rate is to determine the interest rates inherent in the price at which pension benefits could be effectively settled.
Our discount rate selection is based on high-quality, long-term corporate bonds. A higher discount rate reduces the present
value of benefit obligations and reduces pension expense. Conversely, a lower discount rate increases the present value of
benefit obligations and increases pension expense. We decreased our discount rate for the Retirement Income Plan for
Selective Insurance Company of America and the Supplemental Excess Retirement Plan (jointly referred to as the "Retirement
Income Plan" or the "Plan") to 4.29% for 2014, from 5.16% for 2013, reflecting lower market interest rates. We also decreased
our discount rate for the life insurance benefit provided to eligible Selective Insurance Company of America ("SICA")
employees (referred to as the "Retirement Life Plan") to 4.08% for 2014 from 4.85% for 2013.
The expected long-term rate of return on the plan assets is determined by considering the current and expected asset allocation,
as well as historical and expected returns on each plan asset class. A lower expected rate of return on pension plan assets would
increase pension expense. Our long-term expected return on the plan assets was lowered 65 basis points to 6.27% in 2014 as
compared to 6.92% in 2013. This expected return is within a reasonable range considering the lower interest rate environment,
as well as our actual 8.3% annualized return since the plan inception for all the plan assets.
At December 31, 2014, our pension and post-retirement benefit plan obligation was $337.4 million compared to $262.6 million
at December 31, 2013. Volatility in the marketplace, changes in the discount rate assumption, and further changes in mortality
assumptions could materially impact our pension and post-retirement life valuation in the future. For additional information
regarding our pension and post-retirement benefit plan obligations, see Note 15. "Retirement Plans" in Item 8. “Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.
Other-Than-Temporary Investment Impairments
When the fair value of any investment is lower than its cost/amortized cost, an assessment is made to determine if the decline is
other than temporary. We regularly review our entire investment portfolio for declines in fair value. If we believe that a
decline in the value of an available-for-sale ("AFS") security is temporary, we record the decline as an unrealized loss in
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI"). Temporary declines in the value of a held-to-maturity ("HTM")
security are not recognized in the Financial Statements. Our assessment of a decline in fair value includes judgment as to the
financial position and future prospects of the entity that issued the investment security, as well as a review of the security’s
underlying collateral for fixed income investments. Broad changes in the overall market or interest rate environment generally
will not lead to a write-down.
Fixed Income Securities and Short-Term Investments
Our evaluation for OTTI of a fixed income security or a short-term investment may include, but is not limited to, the 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;
• 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.
OTTI charges are recognized as a realized loss to the extent that they are credit related, unless we have the intent to sell the
security or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security. In those circumstances, the security is written
down to fair value with the entire amount of the writedown charged to earnings as a component of realized losses.
To determine if an impairment is other than temporary, we compare the present value of cash flows expected to be collected
with the amortized cost of fixed income securities meeting certain criteria. In addition, this analysis is 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. These impairment assessments may include, but are not limited to, discounted cash flow
analyses ("DCFs").
For structured securities, including CMBS, RMBS, ABS, and CDOs, we also consider variables such as expected default,
severity, and prepayment assumptions based on security type and vintage, taking into consideration information from credit
agencies, historical performance, and other relevant economic and performance factors.
46
In making our assessment, we perform a DCF to determine the present value of future cash flows to be generated by the
underlying collateral of the security. 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 as a “non-credit impairment.” As mentioned above, 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.
Discounted Cash Flow Assumptions
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.
If applicable, we use a conditional default rate assumption in the DCF to estimate future defaults. The conditional default rate
is the proportion of all loans outstanding in a security at the beginning of a time period that are expected to default during that
period. Our assumption of this rate takes into consideration the uncertainty of future defaults as well as whether or not these
securities have experienced significant cumulative losses or delinquencies to date.
If applicable, conditional default rate assumptions apply at the total collateral pool level held in the securitization trust.
Generally, collateral conditional default rates will “ramp-up” over time as the collateral seasons, because the performance
begins to weaken and losses begin to surface. As time passes, depending on the collateral type and vintage, losses will peak
and performance will begin to improve as weaker borrowers are removed from the pool through delinquency resolutions. In
the later years of a collateral pool’s life, performance is generally materially better as the resulting favorable selection of the
portfolio improves the overall quality and performance.
For CMBS, we also consider the net operating income (“NOI”) generated by the underlying properties. Our assumptions of the
properties’ ultimate cash flows take into consideration both an immediate reduction to the reported NOIs and decreases to
projected NOIs.
If applicable, we use a loan loss severity assumption in our DCF that is applied at the loan level of the collateral pool. The loan
loss severity assumptions represent the estimated percentage loss on the loan-to-value exposure for a particular security. For
CMBS, the loan loss severities applied are based on property type. Losses generated from the evaluations are then applied to
the entire underlying deal structure in accordance with the original service agreements.
Equity Securities
Evaluation for OTTI of an equity security 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 cost in the near
term; and
• Our expectation of when the cost of the security will be recovered.
If there is a decline in the fair value on an equity security that we do not intend to hold, or if we determine the decline is other-
than-temporary, including declines driven by market volatility for which we cannot assert will recover in the near term, we will
write down the carrying value of the investment and record the charge through earnings as a component of realized losses.
47
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.
If there is a decline in the equity method 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 cost of the investment and record the charge through earnings as a
component of realized losses.
Reinsurance
Reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses and loss expenses represent estimates of the portion of such liabilities that
will be recovered from reinsurers. Each reinsurance contract is analyzed to ensure that the transfer of risk exists to properly
record the transactions in the Financial Statements. Amounts recovered from reinsurers are recognized as assets at the same
time and in a manner consistent with the paid and unpaid losses associated with the reinsured policies. An allowance for
estimated uncollectible reinsurance is recorded based on an evaluation of balances due from reinsurers and other available
information. This allowance totaled $6.9 million at December 31, 2014 and $5.1 million at December 31, 2013. We
continually monitor developments that may impact recoverability from our reinsurers and have available to us contractually
provided remedies if necessary. For further information regarding reinsurance, see the “Reinsurance” section below and Note
8. “Reinsurance” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.
48
Financial Highlights of Results for Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 20121
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
GAAP measures:
2014
2013
Revenues
Pre-tax net investment income
Pre-tax net income
Net income
Diluted net income per share
Diluted weighted-average outstanding
shares
GAAP combined ratio
Statutory combined ratio
Return on average equity ("ROE")
Non-GAAP measures:
Operating income
Diluted operating income per share
Operating ROE
$
$
$
2,034,861
138,708
197,131
141,827
2.47
1,903,741
134,643
142,267
106,418
1.87
57,351
95.8 %
95.7 %
11.7 %
$
124,538
2.17
10.3 %
56,810
97.8
97.5
9.5
93,939
1.65
8.4
2014 vs.
2013
7 %
3
39
33
32
1
(2.0 ) pts
(1.8 )
2.2
33 %
32
1.9 pts
2012
1,734,102
131,877
37,635
37,963
0.68
55,933
104.0
103.5
3.5
32,121
0.58
3.0
2013 vs.
2012
10 %
2
278
180
175
2
(6.2 ) pts
(6.0 )
6.0
192 %
184
5.4 pts
1Refer to the Glossary of Terms attached to this Form 10-K as Exhibit 99.1 for definitions of terms used in this financial review.
The following table reconciles operating income and net income for the periods presented above:
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
Operating income
Net realized gains, net of tax
Loss on discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income
Diluted operating income per share
Diluted net realized gains per share
Diluted net loss on discontinued operations per share
Diluted net income per share
2014
2013
2012
$
$
$
$
124,538
17,289
—
141,827
2.17
0.30
—
2.47
93,939
13,476
(997 )
106,418
1.65
0.24
(0.02 )
1.87
32,121
5,842
—
37,963
0.58
0.10
—
0.68
We are currently targeting an ROE that is three points higher than our cost of capital, or 12%, excluding the impact of realized
gains and losses, which is referred to as operating return on equity. Our operating ROE and contribution by component for the
following years are as follows:
Operating Return on Average Equity
Insurance Segments
Investment Segment
Other
Total
2014
2013
2012
4.2 %
8.6 %
(2.5)%
10.3 %
2.3 %
9.0 %
(2.9 )%
8.4 %
(3.9)%
9.3 %
(2.4)%
3.0 %
49
Insurance Segments
The key metric in understanding our insurance segments’ contribution to operating ROE is the GAAP combined ratio. The
following table provides a quantitative foundation for analyzing this ratio:
All Lines
($ in thousands)
GAAP Insurance Operations Results:
Net Premiums Written ("NPW")
Net Premiums Earned ("NPE")
Less:
Losses and loss expenses incurred
Net underwriting expenses incurred
Dividends to policyholders
Underwriting income (loss)
GAAP Ratios:
Loss and loss expense ratio
Underwriting expense ratio
Dividends to policyholders ratio
Combined ratio
Statutory Ratios:
Loss and loss expense ratio
Underwriting expense ratio
Dividends to policyholders ratio
Combined ratio
2014
2013
2014
vs. 2013
2012
2013
vs. 2012
1,885,280
1,852,609
1,157,501
610,783
6,182
78,143
62.5 %
33.0
0.3
95.8
62.4
33.0
0.3
95.7 %
1,810,159
1,736,072
1,121,738
571,294
4,274
38,766
64.6
33.0
0.2
97.8
64.5
32.8
0.2
97.5
4 %
7
3
7
45
102 %
(2.1 ) pts
—
0.1
(2.0 )
(2.1 )
0.2
0.1
(1.8 ) pts
1,666,883
1,584,119
1,120,990
523,688
3,448
(64,007 )
70.8
33.0
0.2
104.0
70.7
32.6
0.2
103.5
9 %
10
—
9
24
161 %
(6.2) pts
—
—
(6.2)
(6.2)
0.2
—
(6.0) pts
Fluctuations in our GAAP combined ratio were driven by the following:
• Earned rate in excess of expected claims inflation in both 2014 and 2013. Renewal pure price increases of 5.6% in
2014, 7.6% in 2013, and 6.3% in 2012 have earned in at 6.6% in 2014 and 7.1% in 2013, both of which are above loss
inflation trends of approximately 3%. After taking into account the incremental expenses associated with the
additional premium, the net benefit to the combined ratio is approximately 2.5 points in both years.
• Favorable prior year casualty reserve development, the details of which are below:
(Favorable)/Unfavorable Prior Year Casualty Reserve Development
($ in millions)
General liability
Commercial automobile
Workers compensation
$
Businessowners' policies
Other
Total Standard Commercial Lines
Homeowners
Personal automobile
Total Standard Personal Lines
E&S
2014
2013
2012
(43.9 )
(4.0 )
—
2.5
—
(45.4 )
(0.7 )
(8.0 )
(8.7 )
5.8
(20.0)
(5.0)
23.5
(9.5)
—
(11.0)
(4.0)
(2.0)
(6.0)
2.5
2.5
(7.5 )
2.5
(8.0 )
(1.0 )
(11.5 )
(6.0 )
(0.5 )
(6.5 )
—
Total favorable prior year casualty reserve development
$
(48.3 )
$
(14.5 )
$
(18.0 )
(Favorable) impact on loss ratio
(2.6 ) pts
(0.8) pts
(1.1 ) pts
For a qualitative discussion of this reserve development, please see the related insurance segment discussions below.
50
• The March 2014 sale of the renewal rights to our $37 million SIG book of business contributed $8 million to other
income and reduced the combined ratio by 0.4 points. Although we did not solicit buyers, we decided to sell this
small and specialized book of business when the opportunity presented itself because it had significant production
outside of our standard lines footprint, and proved difficult to grow. We however, have retained our substantial
individual risk public entity book of business and continue to look for opportunities to grow it.
• Catastrophe losses, the details of which are below:
Catastrophe Losses
($ in millions)
For the Year ended December 31,
Loss and Loss Expense
Incurred
Impact on Loss and Loss
Expense Ratio
2014
2013
2012
$
60.0
47.4
98.6
3.2 pts
2.7
6.2
(Favorable)/Unfavorable
Year-Over-Year Change
0.5
(3.5)
N/A
The significant improvement in 2013 was driven by the fact that 2012 included the impact of Superstorm Sandy,
which was the single largest catastrophic event in our history. The net impact of this storm on 2012 results was as
follows:
($ in thousands)
Total Insurance Segments (Excluding Flood):
Gross losses1
Reinsurance
Net losses
Reinstatement premium
Flood:
Gross losses
Reinsurance
Net losses
Flood claims handling fees
Net impact of storm
Superstorm Sandy
2012
136,000
(89,400 )
46,600
8,577
1,039,155
(1,039,155 )
—
(15,587 )
39,590
$
$
1 Our estimated ultimate exposure decreased to $132 million in the third quarter of 2014.
• Non-catastrophe property losses, the details of which are below:
Non-Catastrophe Property Losses
($ in millions)
For the Year ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
Loss and Loss Expense
Incurred
Impact on Loss and
Loss Expense Ratio
$
287.5
226.6
229.7
15.5 pts
13.1
14.5
(Favorable)/Unfavorable
Year-Over-Year Change
2.4
(1.4 )
N/A
Investments Segment
The investment segment's operating ROE has been negatively impacted by the declining interest rate environment over the last
three years. While on a numerical basis, the impact of decreasing interest rates has been more than offset by a higher asset base
within our fixed income portfolio in 2014 and by higher alternative investment income in 2013, this segment's contribution to
ROE has been deteriorating over the past three years as the rate of investment income growth has been outpaced by the growth
in equity.
51
Outlook
In its Review & Preview report issued in February 2015, A.M. Best noted that the U.S. property and casualty industry is
expected to record its second consecutive year of underwriting profitability in 2014, although at a lower level than last year.
Their expectation is for an industry statutory combined ratio of 97.2% for the year, 0.8 points higher than last year’s 96.4%.
This expectation includes catastrophe losses of 4.4 points and overall favorable prior year reserve development of 1.9 points.
This compares with our statutory combined ratio for 2014 of 95.7%, which included 3.2 points of catastrophe losses and 2.6
points of favorable prior year casualty reserve development. In addition, A.M. Best projects a decline in investment yields,
continuing a trend that has persisted over the past five years, with yields on new investments remaining significantly lower than
those on investments that mature or are called. This is consistent with our experience, which has continued into 2014 with
bonds that we purchased having a yield of 2.0% and bonds that were called, matured, or otherwise disposed of yielding 2.3%.
A.M. Best expects the industry combined ratio to deteriorate almost 200 basis points in 2015 to 99.1%, reflecting: (i) a
reduction in rate increases; (ii) a modest catastrophe loss increase to 4.9 points, a level that is more in line with recent averages;
and (iii) reductions in the level of favorable prior year development to one point on the statutory combined ratio. They believe
the main challenges facing the industry include: (i) low returns on fixed-income investments; (ii) reserve shortfalls due to
current accident year underestimations and prior accident year unfavorable development; (iii) developing, attracting, and
maintaining underwriting talent; (iv) continuing the evolution of data analytics; and (v) addressing the uncertainties
surrounding emerging risks such as terrorism, cyber risk, and infectious diseases. Considering these, among other factors, A.M.
Best has a negative outlook on the commercial lines market and a stable outlook on the personal lines market. Additionally,
after declining in each of the past two years, A.M. Best expects investment income to increase modestly in 2015, driven by
growth in invested assets from positive cash flow as yields will continue to be challenged.
While we expect the competitive market environment to continue, we believe that we have a strong foundation for further
improvement in our underlying profitability considering:
• The size of our company and our field model that provides us with the ability to be agile and responsive to our
customer needs;
• Our reserve position that reflects the discipline we have always maintained in our reserving practices;
• Our customer-centric approach to our business with a focus on our policyholders and the service we bring to them;
• The utilization of our capabilities regarding data analytics;
• Our demonstrated ability to execute on our strategic cost reduction strategies; and
• Our deep bench of talent in the organization and our continuous cultivation of that talent.
For 2015, we expect the following:
• An ex-catastrophe combined ratio of 91%, which includes no prior year casualty reserve development;
• Four points of catastrophe losses for the year;
• After-tax investment income of approximately $105 million; and
• Weighted average shares of approximately 58 million.
On a longer-term basis, in order to achieve our goal of an operating ROE of 12%, we need to deliver a 90% ex-catastrophe
combined ratio, which is our ongoing focus.
52
Results of Operations and Related Information by Segment
Standard Commercial Lines
Our Standard Commercial Lines, which represents 76% of our combined insurance segments' NPW, sells commercial lines
insurance products and services to businesses, non-profit organizations, and local government agencies located primarily in 22
states in the Eastern and Midwestern U.S. and the District of Columbia through approximately 1,100 distribution partners in the
standard marketplace.
($ in thousands)
2014
2013
GAAP Insurance Segments Results:
2014
vs. 2013
2012
2013
vs. 2012
NPW
NPE
Less:
Loss and loss expense incurred
Net underwriting expenses incurred
Dividends to policyholders
Underwriting income (loss)
GAAP Ratios:
Loss and loss expense ratio
Underwriting expense ratio
Dividends to policyholders ratio
Combined ratio
Statutory Ratios:
Loss and loss expense ratio
Underwriting expense ratio
Dividends to policyholders ratio
Combined ratio
$
1,441,047
1,415,712
1,380,740
1,316,619
4 % $
8
1,263,738
1,225,335
870,018
478,291
6,182
61,221
$
61.5 %
33.8
0.4
95.7
61.3
33.8
0.4
95.5 %
831,261
447,228
4,274
33,856
63.1
34.0
0.3
97.4
63.1
33.7
0.3
97.1
5
7
45
81 % $
853,143
409,679
3,448
(40,935 )
(1.6 ) pts
(0.2 )
0.1
(1.7 )
(1.8 )
0.1
0.1
(1.6 ) pts
69.6 %
33.4
0.3
103.3
69.6
33.1
0.3
103.0 %
9 %
7
(3)
9
24
183 %
(6.5)
0.6
—
(5.9)
(6.5)
0.6
—
(5.9)
pts
pts
The growth in NPW and NPE from 2012 through 2014 is primarily the result of the following:
($ in millions)
Retention
Renewal pure price increases
Direct new business
For the Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
82 %
5.6
268.7
82
7.6
277.5
$
2012
82
6.2
236.1
Renewal pure price increases and strong retention have contributed to NPW growth over the past three years. In 2014, our
growth rate of 4% would have been 7% excluding the impact of the SIG renewal rights sale in the first quarter of 2014. In
addition to the items above, premium in 2012 was reduced by a reinstatement premium on our catastrophe excess of loss treaty
of $4.6 million due to the impact of Superstorm Sandy. Our 2013 NPW growth would have remained at 9% excluding this
reinstatement premium.
The GAAP loss and loss expense ratio improved by 1.6 points in 2014 compared to 2013 and by 6.5 points in 2013 compared
to 2012. Both periods experienced earned renewal pure price increases of 6.5% to 7.0%, which outpaced our loss inflation
trends, thus improving our results by approximately 2.5 points in each year. In 2014, prior year casualty reserve development
of 3.2 points further contributed to the improved results, whereas 2013 and 2012 had comparable levels of prior year casualty
reserve development at 0.8 and 0.9 points, respectively. For information on this development by line of business, see
"Financial Highlights of Results for Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012" above.
53
Additionally, lower non-catastrophe property losses and catastrophe losses contributed to the favorable results in 2013
compared to 2012. However, in 2014, we saw a deterioration in these losses compared to 2013. The following table provides
the details by year for the property losses:
($ in millions)
Non-Catastrophe Property Losses
Catastrophe Losses
For the year ended
December 31,
Losses and Loss
Expense
Incurred
Impact on
Losses and Loss
Expense Ratio
Losses and Loss
Expense
Incurred
Impact on
Losses and Loss
Expense Ratio
Total Impact on
Losses and Loss
Expense Ratio
(Favorable)/Unfa
vorable Year-
Over-Year
Change
$
2014
2013
2012
180.4
126.8
136.0
12.7 pts $
9.6
11.1
37.9
23.0
56.4
2.7 pts
1.7
4.6
15.4
11.3
15.7
4.1
(4.4)
N/A
The following is a discussion of our most significant Standard Commercial Lines of business:
General Liability
($ in thousands)
Statutory NPW
Direct new business
Retention
Renewal pure price increases
Statutory NPE
Statutory combined ratio
% of total statutory standard commercial NPW
2014
2013
2014
vs. 2013
2012
2013
vs. 2012
$
$
453,594
78,124
82 %
6.7
444,938
83.9 %
31
426,244
78,294
81
8.9
405,322
96.2
31
6 % $
—
1 pts
(2.2 )
10 %
(12.3 ) pts
387,888
66,826
81 %
6.9
373,381
102.7 %
31
10 %
17
— pts
2.0
9 %
(6.5) pts
The growth in NPW and NPE for our general liability business in 2014 and 2013 reflects renewal pure price increases and
strong retention. In 2014, renewal pure price increases and strong retention more than offset a reduction in premiums that
resulted from the sale of the SIG renewal rights. SIG NPW was approximately $17 million for the general liability line of
business in 2013. Excluding the impact of this sale, NPW growth in 2014 compared to 2013 would have been 11%.
The fluctuations in the statutory combined ratios reflect: (i) earned renewal pure price increases of 7.9% in 2014 and 2013,
exceeding our projected loss inflation trends and improving profitability by approximately 3 points in both years; and (ii)
changes in prior year development.
Prior year development can be volatile year to year and, therefore, requires a longer period of time before true trends are fully
recognized. The impact of the prior year casualty reserve development on this line was as follows:
• 2014: favorable prior year development of 9.9 points driven by lower severities in the 2010 through 2012 accident
years, within both the premises and operations and products liability coverages. In addition, accident years 2011 and
2012 continued to show lower claim counts, even as they matured.
• 2013: favorable prior year development of 4.9 points driven by lower severities in 2010 and prior accident years,
partially offset by unfavorable development in accident years 2011 and 2012, which showed higher average severities
in premises and operations coverage.
• 2012: unfavorable by 0.8 points, driven by increased severities in the 2010 and 2011 accident years. This unfavorable
development was largely offset by continued favorable development in the premises and products coverages in
accident years 2007 and 2009, which showed lower frequencies of large losses, particularly in the umbrella coverage.
54
Commercial Automobile
($ in thousands)
Statutory NPW
Direct new business
Retention
Renewal pure price increases
Statutory NPE
Statutory combined ratio
% of total statutory standard commercial NPW
2014
2013
2014
vs. 2013
2012
2013
vs. 2012
$
$
341,926
57,280
82 %
5.5
333,310
96.2 %
24
325,895
59,110
82
7.3
310,994
96.4
24
5 % $
(3 )
— pts
(1.8 )
7 % $
(0.2 ) pts
295,651
50,084
82 %
5.1
288,010
97.1 %
23
10 %
18
— pts
2.2
8 %
(0.7) pts
NPW and NPE have seen increases over the three-year time period driven by renewal pure price increases and strong retention.
The combined ratio in this line of business has been very stable over the last three years. In all three years, the combined ratio
has been impacted by renewal pure price increases that have exceeded loss inflation trends, higher property losses, and lower
favorable prior year casualty reserve development, which are outlined below:
($ in millions)
Non-Catastrophe Property Losses
Catastrophe Losses
For the year ended
December 31,
Losses and Loss
Expense
Incurred
Impact on
Losses and Loss
Expense Ratio
Losses and Loss
Expense
Incurred
Impact on
Losses and Loss
Expense Ratio
Total Impact on
Losses and Loss
Expense Ratio
(Favorable)/Unfa
vorable Year-
Over-Year
Change
$
2014
2013
2012
45.6
46.4
42.7
13.7 pts $
14.9
14.8
1.6
(0.5 )
5.4
0.5 pts
(0.2 )
1.9
14.2
14.7
16.7
(0.5)
(2.0)
N/A
Favorable prior year casualty reserve development was as follows:
• 2014: 1.2 points driven by bodily injury liability for accident years 2012 and prior, partially offset by accident year
2013 due to higher frequency of claims.
• 2013: 1.6 points driven by accident years 2006 through 2010 representing a continued trend of better than expected
reported emergence, partially offset by increased severity in accident year 2012.
• 2012: 2.6 points driven by the 2009 accident year, representing a continued trend driven by better than expected
reported emergence. This was partially offset by unfavorable development in the 2011 accident year, due to higher
frequency of claims.
Workers Compensation
($ in thousands)
Statutory NPW
Direct new business
Retention
Renewal pure price increases
Statutory NPE
Statutory combined ratio
% of total statutory standard commercial NPW
2014
2013
2014
vs. 2013
2012
2013
vs. 2012
$
$
269,130
48,613
81 %
4.8
274,585
110.1 %
19
277,135
55,063
82
7.5
267,612
120.6
20
(3 ) % $
(12 )
(1 ) pts
(2.7 )
3 % $
(10.5 ) pts
263,767
44,417
81 %
8.0
262,108
114.5 %
21
5 %
24
1 pts
(0.5)
2 %
6.1 pts
NPW decreased in 2014 compared to 2013 while it increased in 2013 compared to 2012. Excluding the impact of the sale of
the SIG renewal rights, which included $4 million of premium in 2013, the decrease in NPW in 2014 would have been 1%.
This decrease was due to reductions in new business and a focused effort to improve our hazard mix and reduce exposures on
this line.
The 2013 NPW increase was due to: (i) renewal pure price increases of 7.5%; (ii) improvements in retention; and (iii) an
increase in direct new business.
NPE increases in 2014 and 2013 were consistent with the fluctuations in NPW for their respective twelve-month periods ended
December 31st.
55
While we continue to view workers compensation in the context of an overall account, we remain very focused on improving
this competitive line of business through both underwriting and claims initiatives. We achieved earned renewal pure price
increases of 6.1% in 2014 and 8.0% in 2013, exceeding projected loss inflation trends and improving profitability by
approximately 2.5 points and 4.0 points, respectively. Additionally, we have seen improvements in claims outcomes as all
workers compensation claim handling has been centralized in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jurisdictionally trained and aligned
medical only and lost-time adjusters manage non-complex workers compensation claims within our footprint. Claims with
high exposure and/or significant escalation risk are referred to the workers compensation strategic case management unit.
While there is still more work to do, the improvement in our workers compensation combined ratio and the fact that there was
no prior year casualty reserve development in 2014 are evidence of the progress being achieved.
Prior year casualty reserve development on this line was as follows:
• 2014: no prior year development.
• 2013: unfavorable prior year development of 8.6 points driven by 2008 and prior accident years reflecting increases in
severities for medical costs. These increases largely related to case reserve adjustments to assisted living facility
claims, and our review of medical cost development over many years.
• 2012: unfavorable by 1.1 points driven by the 2011 accident year, due to an increase in the ultimate severity, partially
offset by accident years 2007 and 2008, due to a decrease in expected severity for those years.
Commercial Property
($ in thousands)
Statutory NPW
Direct new business
Retention
Renewal pure price increases
Statutory NPE
Statutory combined ratio
% of total statutory standard commercial NPW
2014
2013
2014
vs. 2013
2012
2013
vs. 2012
$
$
253,625
58,436
81 %
4.4
244,792
97.3 %
18
237,556
53,678
81
5.7
224,412
78.9
17
7 % $
9
— pts
(1.3 )
9 % $
18.4 pts
213,321
44,553
81 %
4.5
202,340
99.1 %
17
11 %
20
— pts
1.2
11 %
(20.2) pts
NPW and NPE increased in 2014 compared to 2013, as well as in 2013 compared to 2012, primarily due to: (i) renewal pure
price increases; (ii) strong retention; and (iii) growth in new business.
The fluctuations in the statutory combined ratios over the three-year period are best understood by reviewing the fluctuations in
non-catastrophe property losses and catastrophe losses. The significant increases in these losses in 2014 compared to 2013 was
primarily driven by extreme cold caused by the polar vortex that impacted our entire 22 state footprint and Midwest storms in
the first and second quarters of 2014, respectively. The significant improvement in total property losses in 2013 compared to
2012 reflects the impact of Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Quantitative information regarding these items is as follows:
($ in millions)
Non-Catastrophe Property Losses
Catastrophe Losses
For the year ended
December 31,
Losses and Loss
Expense
Incurred
Impact on
Losses and Loss
Expense Ratio
Losses and Loss
Expense
Incurred
Impact on
Losses and Loss
Expense Ratio
Total Impact on
Losses and Loss
Expense Ratio
(Favorable)/Unfa
vorable Year-
Over-Year
Change
$
2014
2013
2012
107.3
63.0
77.3
43.8 pts $
28.1
38.2
27.3
17.8
35.2
11.2 pts
8.0
17.4
55.0
36.1
55.6
18.9
(19.5)
N/A
56
Standard Personal Lines
Our Standard Personal Lines segment, which includes our flood business, represents approximately 16% of our combined
insurance segments' NPW, sells personal lines insurance products and services to individuals located primarily in 13 states
through approximately 700 distribution partners. In addition, we have approximately 5,000 distribution partners selling our
flood business.
($ in thousands)
2014
2013
GAAP Insurance Segments Results:
NPW
NPE
Less:
Losses and loss expenses incurred
Net underwriting expenses incurred
Underwriting income (loss)
GAAP Ratios:
Loss and loss expense ratio
Underwriting expense ratio
Combined ratio
Statutory Ratios:
Loss and loss expense ratio
Underwriting expense ratio
Combined ratio
$
$
292,061
296,747
197,182
83,029
16,536
66.4 %
28.0
94.4
66.3
28.2
94.5 %
297,757
294,332
206,450
79,237
8,645
70.1
27.0
97.1
69.9
27.0
96.9
2014
vs. 2013
2012
2013
vs. 2012
(2 ) % $
1
(4 )
5
91 % $
(3.7 ) pts
1.0
(2.7 )
(3.6 )
1.2
(2.4 ) pts
289,848
279,555
204,644
78,425
(3,514)
73.2 %
28.1
101.3
73.1
27.6
100.7 %
3 %
5
1
1
346 %
(3.1) pts
(1.1)
(4.2)
(3.2)
(0.6)
(3.8) pts
NPW fluctuations over the three-year periods were driven by the following:
($ in millions)
Retention
Renewal pure price increase
Direct new business premiums
2014
2013
2012
81 %
6.5
36.1
$
85 %
7.8
39.5
86 %
6.7
49.8
The decrease in 2014 NPW was mainly due to lower retention. This was the result of our strategic nonrenewal of dwelling fire
business of approximately $8.9 million and targeted nonrenewal actions on underperforming personal automobile and mono-
line homeowners business. Excluding the impact of those targeted actions, retention remains strong at 84%, which is
comparable to last year.
In addition to the items above, premium in 2012 was reduced by a reinstatement premium on our catastrophe excess of loss
treaty of $3.9 million due to the impact of Superstorm Sandy.
NPE increases in 2014 and 2013 were consistent with the fluctuations in NPW for their respective twelve-month periods ended
December 31st.
The improvement in the loss and loss expense ratio in the three-year period is primarily driven by: (i) earned renewal pure
price increases of 6.8% in 2014 and 7.6% in 2013, exceeding our projected loss inflation trends and improving profitability by
approximately 2.6 points and 3.3 points, respectively; and (ii) decreased catastrophe losses. This was partially offset by the
impact of non-catastrophe property losses and lower flood claims handling fees earned from our participation in the NFIP.
These amounts are quantified in the tables below:
($ in millions)
For the Year Ended
December 31,
Catastrophe Losses
Incurred
Impact on
Loss Ratio
(Favorable)/Unfavorable
Year-Over-Year Change
2014
2013
2012
$
57
19.3
19.8
40.5
6.5 pts
6.7
14.5
(0.2 )
(7.8 )
N/A
($ in millions)
Non-Catastrophe Property Losses
Flood Claims Handling Fees1
For the year ended
December 31,
Losses and Loss
Expense
Incurred
Impact on
Losses and Loss
Expense Ratio
Losses and Loss
Expense
Incurred
Impact on
Losses and Loss
Expense Ratio
Total Impact on
Losses and Loss
Expense Ratio
(Favorable)/Unfa
vorable Year-
Over-Year
Change
$
2014
2013
2012
90.1
87.8
78.2
30.4 pts $
29.8 pts
28.0
(3.0 )
(4.6 )
(18.3 )
(1.0 ) pts
(1.6 ) pts
(6.6 )
29.4
28.2
21.4
1.2
6.8
N/A
1 Represents amounts received from the NFIP to reimburse us for claims expenses, which are recorded as a reduction to loss and loss expenses incurred.
In addition, 2014 had favorable prior year casualty reserve development of 2.9 points, compared to favorable prior year
casualty reserve development of 2.0 points in 2013. Quantitative details regarding this favorable prior year development is as
follows:
($ in millions)
For the year ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
(Favorable)/Unfavorable Prior Year Casualty
Reserve Development
Losses and Loss
Expense Incurred
Impact on Losses and
Loss Expense Ratio
(Favorable)/Unfavorabl
e
Year-Over-Year Change
$
(8.7 )
(6.0 )
(6.5 )
(2.9 ) pts
(2.0 )
(2.3 )
(0.9)
0.3
N/A
The increase in the underwriting expense ratio in 2014 compared to 2013 was driven by higher supplemental commissions to
our distribution partners.
The improvement in the underwriting expense ratio in 2013 compared to 2012 was driven by a higher underwriting expense
allowance received from the NFIP as a result of: (i) an increase in the rate used in reimbursing WYO carriers for issuing and
servicing flood policies; and (ii) an increase in flood premiums to which the reimbursement rate is applied.
58
E&S Lines
Our E&S Lines segment, which represents 8% of our combined insurance segments' NPW, sells commercial lines insurance
products and services in all 50 states and the District of Columbia through approximately 80 distribution partners. Insurance
policies in this segment are sold to customers that typically have business risks with unique characteristics, such as the nature
of the business or its claim history, that have not obtained coverage in the standard marketplace. E&S insurers have more
flexibility in coverage terms and rates compared to standard market insurers, generally resulting in policies with higher rates
and terms and conditions that are customized for specific risks.
($ in thousands)
2014
2013
2014
vs. 2013
2012
2013
vs. 2012
GAAP Insurance Segments
Results:
NPW
NPE
Less:
$
Losses and loss expenses incurred
Net underwriting expenses incurred
Underwriting income (loss)
$
GAAP Ratios:
Loss and loss expense ratio
Underwriting expense ratio
Combined ratio
Statutory Ratios:
Loss and loss expense ratio
Underwriting expense ratio
Combined ratio
152,172
140,150
90,301
49,463
386
64.4 %
35.3
99.7
64.5
34.7
99.2 %
NPW increases in 2014 and 2013 reflect the following:
($ in millions)
Renewal pure price increases
Direct new business premiums
131,662
125,121
84,027
44,829
(3,735 )
67.2
35.8
103.0
67.2
35.7
102.9
16 % $
12
7
10
110 % $
(2.8 ) pts
(0.5 )
(3.3 )
(2.7 )
(1.0 )
(3.7 ) pts
113,297
79,229
63,203
35,584
(19,558 )
79.8 %
44.9
124.7
79.3
39.5
118.8 %
16 %
58
33
26
81 %
(12.6) pts
(9.1)
(21.7)
(12.1)
(3.8)
(15.9) pts
2014
2013
3.4 %
80.9
6.2
71.4
$
The increase in NPE in 2014 is consistent with the NPW increase, while the increase in NPE in 2013 compared to 2012 is
significantly higher because 2012 did not have a full year of earned premium due to the timing of the acquisition of the E&S
business.
The improvement in the combined ratio in 2014 was driven by a change in the mix of business, coupled with catastrophe losses
that decreased by 1.7 points. Partially offsetting these items were non-catastrophe property losses that increased by 2.5 points
and unfavorable prior year casualty reserve development. This development was $5.8 million, or 4.1 points, in 2014 compared
to $2.5 million, or 1.9 points, in 2013. The 2014 development related to updated actuarial assumptions as the book matures and
we gather more of our own experience.
The significant combined ratio improvement in 2013 compared to 2012 was driven by a change in the mix of business, a
reduction in acquisition and integration costs, and significant underwriting actions to improve profitability.
59
Reinsurance
We use reinsurance to protect our capital resources and insure us against losses on property and casualty risks that we
underwrite. We use two main reinsurance vehicles: (i) a reinsurance pooling agreement among our Insurance Subsidiaries in
which each company agrees to share in premiums and losses based on certain specified percentages; and (ii) reinsurance
contracts and arrangements with third parties that cover various policies that we issue to our customers.
Reinsurance Pooling Agreement
The primary purposes of the reinsurance pooling agreement among our Insurance Subsidiaries are the following:
• Pool or share proportionately the underwriting profit and loss results of property and casualty insurance
underwriting operations through reinsurance;
• Prevent any of our Insurance Subsidiaries from suffering undue loss;
• Reduce administration expenses; and
• Permit all of the Insurance Subsidiaries to obtain a uniform rating from A.M. Best.
The following illustrates the pooling percentages by company as of December 31, 2014:
Insurance Subsidiary
SICA
Selective Way Insurance Company ("SWIC")
Selective Insurance Company of South Carolina ("SICSC")
Selective Insurance Company of the Southeast ("SICSE")
Selective Insurance Company of New York ("SICNY")
Selective Casualty Insurance Company ("SCIC")
Selective Auto Insurance Company of New Jersey ("SAICNJ")
Mesa Underwriters Specialty Insurance Company ("MUSIC")
Selective Insurance Company of New England ("SICNE")
Selective Fire and Casualty Insurance Company ("SFCIC")
Pooling Percentage
32.0%
21.0%
9.0%
7.0%
7.0%
7.0%
6.0%
5.0%
3.0%
3.0%
Reinsurance Treaties and Arrangements
By entering into reinsurance treaties and arrangements, we are able to increase underwriting capacity and accept larger risks
and a larger number of risks without directly increasing capital or surplus. Our reinsurance consists of traditional reinsurance
and we do not purchase finite reinsurance. Under our reinsurance treaties, the reinsurer generally assumes a portion of the
losses we cede to them in exchange for a portion of the premium. Amounts not reinsured are known as retention. Reinsurance
does not legally discharge us from liability under the terms and limits of our policies, but it does make our reinsurer liable to us
for the amount of liability we cede to them. Accordingly, we have counterparty credit risk to our reinsurers. We attempt to
mitigate this credit risk by: (i) pursuing relationships with reinsurers rated “A-” or higher; or (ii) obtaining collateral to secure
reinsurance obligations. Some of our reinsurance contracts include provisions that permit us to terminate or commute the
reinsurance treaty if the reinsurer's financial condition or rating deteriorates. We consistently monitor the financial condition of
our reinsurers. We also continuously review the quality of reinsurance recoverables and reserves for uncollectible reinsurance.
For additional information regarding our counterparty credit risk with our reinsurers, see Note 8. "Reinsurance" in Item 8.
"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.
60
We have reinsurance contracts that separately cover our property and casualty insurance business. Available reinsurance can be
segregated into the following key categories:
• Property Reinsurance - includes our property excess of loss treaties purchased for protection against large
individual property losses and our Property Catastrophe treaty purchased to provide protection for the overall
property portfolio against severe catastrophic events. Facultative reinsurance is used for property risks that are in
excess of our treaty capacity.
• Casualty Reinsurance - purchased to provide protection for both individual large casualty losses and catastrophic
casualty losses involving multiple claimants or customers. Facultative reinsurance is also used for casualty risks
that are in excess of our treaty capacity.
• Terrorism Reinsurance - available as a federal backstop related to terrorism losses as provided under the TRIPRA.
For further information regarding this legislation, see Item 1A. “Risk Factors.” of this Form 10-K.
• Flood Reinsurance - as a servicing carrier in the WYO program, we receive a fee for writing flood business, for
which the related premiums and losses are 100% ceded to the federal government.
In addition to the above categories, we have entered into several reinsurance agreements with Montpelier Re Insurance Ltd. as
part of the acquisition of MUSIC. Together, these agreements provide protection for losses on policies written prior to the
December 2011 acquisition and any development on reserves established by MUSIC as of the date of acquisition. The
reinsurance recoverables under these treaties are 100% collateralized.
Property Reinsurance
The Property Catastrophe treaty, which covers both our standard market and E&S business, renewed effective January 1, 2015.
The current treaty structure remains the same, providing total coverage of $685 million in excess of $40 million. The annual
aggregate limit net of our co-participation is approximately $1.0 billion for 2015. As a result of our actions to further control
our property aggregations, our modeled results showed decreases year on year, especially for higher severity, low-probability
events. Due to this, we chose to decrease the percent of reinsurance placement in some of the catastrophe treaty layers. In
addition, we placed a separate catastrophe treaty of $35 million in excess of $5 million to cover events outside of our standard
lines footprint, in support of our growing E&S property book. We expect the overall catastrophe ceded premium for 2015 to be
slightly lower than 2014. As our need for catastrophe reinsurance increases, we seek ways to minimize credit risk inherent in a
reinsurance transaction by dealing with highly-rated reinsurance partners and purchasing collateralized reinsurance products,
particularly for high severity, low-probability events. The current program includes $196 million in collateralized limit.
We continue to assess our property catastrophe exposure aggregations, modeled results, and effects of growth on our property
portfolio, and strive to manage our exposure to individual large events balanced against the cost of reinsurance protections.
Although we model various catastrophic perils, due to our geographic spread, the risk of hurricane continues to be the most
significant natural catastrophe peril to which our portfolio is exposed. Below is a summary of the largest five actual hurricane
losses that we experienced in the past 25 years:
Hurricane Name
Superstorm Sandy
Hurricane Irene
Hurricane Hugo
Hurricane Isabel
Hurricane Floyd
Actual Gross Loss
($ in millions)
Accident
Year
132.0 1
44.7
26.4
25.1
14.5
2012
2011
1989
2003
1999
1 This amount represents reported and unreported gross losses estimated as of December 31, 2014.
61
We use the results of the Risk Management Solutions (“RMS”) and AIR Worldwide (“AIR”) models in our review of exposure
to hurricane risk. Each of these third party vendors provide two views of the modeled results as follows: (i) a long-term view
that closely relates modeled event frequency to historical hurricane activity; and (ii) a medium-term view that adjusts historical
frequencies to reflect higher expectations of hurricane activity in the North Atlantic Basin. We believe that modeled estimates
provide a range of potential outcomes and we review multiple estimates for purposes of understanding catastrophic risk. The
following table provides modeled hurricane results based on a blended view of the four models for the Insurance Subsidiaries'
combined property book as of July 2014:
Occurrence Exceedence Probability
Four-Model Blend
($ in thousands)
4.0% (1 in 25 year event)
2.0% (1 in 50 year event)
1.0% (1 in 100 year event)
0.67% (1 in 150 year event)
0.5% (1 in 200 year event)
0.4% (1 in 250 year event)
1 Losses are after tax and include applicable reinstatement premium.
2 Equity as of December 31, 2014.
Gross
Losses
$113,973
210,333
362,642
493,772
613,556
689,793
Net
Losses1
29,457
31,106
36,522
40,840
48,841
59,617
Net Losses
as a Percent of
Equity2
2%
2
3
3
4
5
Our current catastrophe reinsurance program exhausts at a 1 in 273 year return period, or events with 0.37% probability, based
on a multi-model view of hurricane risk.
The Property Excess of Loss treaty (“Property Treaty”), which covers our standard market business, was renewed on July 1,
2014 and is effective through June 30, 2015, the terms of which are consistent with the prior year treaty. The details of the
current year treaty are included in the table below.
The following is a summary of our property reinsurance treaties and arrangements covering our Insurance Subsidiaries:
PROPERTY REINSURANCE ON INSURANCE PRODUCTS
Treaty Name
Property Catastrophe
Excess of Loss
(covers all insurance
segments)
Reinsurance Coverage
$685 million above $40 million retention in four layers:
- 81% of losses in excess of $40 million up to
$100 million;
- 95% of losses in excess of $100 million up to
$225 million;
- 95% of losses in excess of $225 million up to
$475 million; and
- 85% of losses in excess of $475 million up
to $725 million.
- The treaty provides one reinstatement per layer
for the first three layers and no reinstatements
on the fourth layer. The annual aggregate limit
is $1.02 billion, net of the Insurance
Subsidiaries' co-participation.
Terrorism Coverage
All NBCR losses are excluded regardless of whether or not
they are certified under TRIPRA. Non-NBCR losses are
covered with certain limitations. Please see Item 1A. “Risk
Factors.” of this Form 10-K for discussion regarding changes
in TRIPRA.
Property Excess of Loss
(covers Standard
Commercial and Personal
Lines)
$38 million above $2 million retention covering 100% in two
layers. Losses other than TRIPRA certified losses are subject
to the following reinstatements and annual aggregate limits:
- $8 million in excess of $2 million layer
provides unlimited reinstatements; and
- $30 million in excess of $10 million layer
provides three reinstatements, $120 million in
aggregate limits.
All NBCR losses are excluded regardless of whether or not
they are certified under TRIPRA. For non-NBCR losses, the
treaty distinguishes between acts committed on behalf of
foreign persons or foreign interests ("Foreign Terrorism") and
those that are not. The treaty provides annual aggregate limits
for Foreign Terrorism (other than NBCR) acts of $24 million
for the first layer and $60 million for the second layer. Non-
certified terrorism losses (other than NBCR) are subject to the
normal limits under the treaty.
Flood
100% reinsurance by the federal government’s WYO
program.
None
62
Casualty Reinsurance
The Casualty Excess of Loss treaty (“Casualty Treaty”), which covers our standard market business, was renewed on July 1,
2014 and is effective through June 30, 2015, with substantially the same terms as the expiring treaty. The details of the current
year treaty are included in the table below.
The following is a summary of our casualty reinsurance treaties and arrangements covering our Insurance Subsidiaries:
CASUALTY REINSURANCE ON INSURANCE PRODUCTS
Treaty Name
Casualty Excess of Loss
(covers Standard
Commercial and Personal
Lines)
Reinsurance Coverage
There are six layers covering 100% of $88 million in excess
of $2 million. Losses other than terrorism losses are subject to
the following reinstatements and annual aggregate limits:
Terrorism Coverage
All NBCR losses are excluded. All other losses stemming
from the acts of terrorism are subject to the following
reinstatements and annual aggregate limits:
- $3 million in excess of $2 million layer
provides 23 reinstatements, $72 million net
annual aggregate limit;
- $3 million in excess of $2 million layer provides
four reinstatements for terrorism losses, $15 million
net annual aggregate limit;
- $7 million in excess of $5 million layer
provides four reinstatements, $35 million
annual aggregate limit;
- $9 million in excess of $12 million layer provides
two reinstatements, $27 million annual aggregate limit;
- $9 million in excess of $21 million layer provides
one reinstatement, $18 million annual aggregate limit;
- $20 million in excess of $30 million layer provides
one reinstatement, $40 million annual aggregate
limit; and
- $40 million in excess of $50 million layer provides
one reinstatement, $80 million in net annual
aggregate limit.
Montpelier Re Quota
Share and Loss
Development Cover
(covers E&S Lines)
As part of the acquisition of MUSIC we entered into several
reinsurance agreements that together provide protection for
losses on policies written prior to the acquisition and any
development on reserves established by MUSIC as of the date
of acquisition. The reinsurance recoverables under these
treaties are 100% collateralized.
- $7 million in excess of $5 million layer provides
three reinstatements for terrorism losses, $28 million
annual aggregate limit;
- $9 million in excess of $12 million layer provides
two reinstatements for terrorism losses, $27 million
annual aggregate limit;
- $9 million in excess of $21 million layer provides
one reinstatement for terrorism losses, $18 million
annual aggregate limit;
- $20 million in excess of $30 million layer provides
one reinstatement for terrorism losses, $40 million
annual aggregate limit; and
- $40 million in excess of $50 million layer provides
one reinstatement for terrorism losses, $80 million in net
annual aggregate limit.
Provides full terrorism coverage including NBCR.
We have other reinsurance treaties that we do not consider core to our reinsurance program for our Standard Commercial Lines,
such as our Surety and Fidelity Excess of Loss Reinsurance Treaty, National Workers Compensation Reinsurance Pool, which
covers business assumed from the involuntary workers compensation pool, and our Equipment Breakdown Coverage
Reinsurance Treaty. In addition, we have Property and Casualty Excess of Loss Reinsurance Treaties and a Property
Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance Treaty providing coverage for our E&S Lines.
We regularly reevaluate our overall reinsurance program and try to develop effective ways to manage transfer of risk. Our
analysis is based on a comprehensive process that includes periodic analysis of modeling results, aggregation of exposures,
exposure growth, diversification of risks, limits written, projected reinsurance costs, financial strength of reinsurers, and
projected impact on earnings, equity, and statutory surplus. We strive to balance sometimes opposing considerations of
reinsurer credit quality, price, terms, and our appetite for retaining a certain level of risk.
63
Investments
Our investment philosophy includes certain return and risk objectives for the fixed income, equity, and other investment
portfolios. Although yield and income generation remain the key drivers to our investment strategy, our overall philosophy is
to invest with a long-term horizon with predominantly a "buy-and-hold" approach. The primary fixed income portfolio return
objective is to maximize after-tax investment yield and income while balancing risk. A secondary objective is to meet or
exceed a weighted-average benchmark of public fixed income indices. The equity portfolio strategy is designed to generate
consistent dividend income and long term capital appreciation benchmarked to the S&P 500 Index. The return objective of the
other investment portfolio, which includes alternative investments, is to meet or exceed the S&P 500 Index.
Total Invested Assets
($ in thousands)
Total invested assets
Invested assets per dollar of stockholders' equity
Unrealized gain – before tax
Unrealized gain – after tax
2014
2013
Change
$
4,806,834
3.77
123,682
80,394
4,583,312
3.97
79,237
51,504
5 %
(5 )
56
56
The increase in our investment portfolio in 2014 was driven primarily by: (i) cash flows provided by operating activities of
$232.8 million, which resulted in investable cash flows of $185.7 million; and (ii) an increase in pre-tax unrealized gains of
$44.4 million. These gains were driven by increases in the market value of our fixed income securities portfolio as interest
rates decreased during 2014.
During 2014, interest rates on the 10-year U.S. Treasury Note fell by 86 basis points. The low interest rate environment
presents a challenge to us in generating after-tax return, as new purchase yields are below the average yield on bonds that are
currently maturing.
We structure our portfolio conservatively with a focus on: (i) asset diversification; (ii) investment quality; (iii) liquidity,
particularly to meet the cash obligations of our three insurance segments; (iv) consideration of taxes; and (v) preservation of
capital. We believe that we have a high quality and liquid investment portfolio. The breakdown of our investment portfolio is
as follows:
As of December 31,
U.S. government obligations
Foreign government obligations
State and municipal obligations
Corporate securities
Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”)
Asset-backed securities ("ABS")
Total fixed income securities
Equity securities
Short-term investments
Other investments
Total
2014
2013
2 %
1
32
38
14
4
91
4
3
2
100 %
4
1
28
39
15
3
90
4
4
2
100
Fixed Income Securities
We typically have a long investment time horizon, and every purchase or sale is made with the intent of maximizing risk
adjusted investment returns in the current market environment while balancing capital preservation.
64
Our fixed income securities portfolio maintained a weighted average credit rating of AA- as of December 31, 2014. The
following table presents the credit ratings of our fixed income securities portfolio:
Fixed Income Security Rating
Aaa/AAA
Aa/AA
A/A
Baa/BBB
Ba/BB or below
Total
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2013
17 %
44
25
13
1
100 %
15
45
26
13
1
100
For further details on how we manage overall credit quality and the various risks to which our portfolio is subject, see Item 7A.
“Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” of this Form 10-K.
Equity Securities
Our equities portfolio was 4% of invested assets as of both December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, while the value of this
portfolio remained relatively constant over the same time period. During 2014, this portfolio generated purchases of $186.0
million and sales of securities that had an original cost of $182.4 million.
Unrealized/Unrecognized Losses
Our net unrealized/unrecognized loss positions improved by $41.4 million, to $10.6 million as of December 31, 2014,
compared to December 31, 2013. The majority of this improvement was in our fixed income securities portfolio, reflecting
declining interest rates in the marketplace.
The following table presents information regarding our AFS fixed income securities that were in an unrealized loss position at
December 31, 2014 by contractual maturity:
Contractual Maturities
($ in thousands)
One year or less
Due after one year through five years
Due after five years through ten years
Due after ten years
Total
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Unrealized Loss
$
$
46,238
545,504
316,678
5,005
913,425
46,124
541,355
310,754
4,950
903,183
114
4,149
5,924
55
10,242
The following table presents information regarding our HTM fixed income securities that were in an unrealized/unrecognized
loss position at December 31, 2014 by contractual maturity:
Contractual Maturities
($ in thousands)
One year or less
Due after one year through five years
Total
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
$
$
198
2,251
2,449
Unrecognized/Unrealized Loss
2
16
18
196
2,235
2,431
We have reviewed the securities in the tables above in accordance with our OTTI policy as discussed previously in “Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates” of this MD&A. For qualitative information regarding our conclusions as to why these
impairments are deemed temporary, see Note 5. “Investments” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of
this Form 10-K.
65
Other Investments
As of December 31, 2014, other investments of $99.2 million represented 2% of our total invested assets. In addition to the
capital that we already invested to date, we are contractually obligated to invest up to an additional $68.4 million in our other
investments portfolio through commitments that currently expire at various dates through 2028. For descriptions of our seven
alternative investment strategies, as well as redemption, restrictions, and fund liquidations, refer to Note 5. "Investments" in
Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.
Net Investment Income
The components of net investment income earned were as follows:
($ in thousands)
Fixed income securities
Equity securities, dividend income
Short-term investments
Other investments
Investment expenses
Net investment income earned – before tax
Net investment income tax expense
Net investment income earned – after tax
Effective tax rate
Annual after-tax yield on fixed income securities
Annual after-tax yield on investment portfolio
2014
2013
2012
$
$
126,489
7,449
66
13,580
(8,876 )
138,708
34,501
104,207
24.9 %
2.2
2.2
121,582
6,140
117
15,208
(8,404 )
134,643
33,233
101,410
24.7
2.3
2.3
124,687
6,215
151
8,996
(8,172 )
131,877
31,612
100,265
24.0
2.5
2.4
The $4.1 million increase in investment income before tax in 2014, compared to the prior year, was primarily attributable to an
increase in income of $4.9 million from fixed income securities income driven by an increase in the size of this portfolio. This
increase offset the lower yield earned this year compared to last. In 2014, bonds that matured or were sold, valued at $607.2
million, had yields that averaged 2.3%, after-tax, while new purchases of $860.4 million had an average after-tax yield of 2.0%.
The $2.8 million increase in investment income before tax in 2013 compared to 2012 was primarily attributable to an increase
in income of $5.5 million from alternative investments within our investments portfolio. This increase in alternative
investment income was primarily in the energy, distressed debt, and real estate sectors. Partially offsetting this increase was a
decrease of $3.1 million from fixed income securities income mainly due to lower reinvestment yields in 2013 compared to
2012. In 2013, bonds that matured or were sold, valued at $649.7 million, had yields that averaged 2.4%, after-tax, while new
purchases of $1.1 billion had an average after-tax yield of 1.4%.
Realized Gains and Losses
Our general philosophy for sales of securities is to reduce our exposure to securities and sectors based on economic evaluations
and when the fundamentals for that security or sector have deteriorated, or to opportunistically trade out of securities to other
securities with better economic return characteristics. We typically have a long investment time horizon, and every purchase or
sale is made with the intent of maximizing risk-adjusted investment returns in the current market environment while balancing
capital preservation. Total net realized gains amounted to $26.6 million in 2014, compared to $20.7 million in 2013 and $9.0
million in 2012. These amounts included OTTI charges of $11.1 million in 2014, $5.6 million in 2013, and $4.3 million in
2012.
We regularly review our entire investment portfolio for declines in fair value. If we believe that a decline in the value of a
particular investment is other than temporary, we record it as an OTTI through realized losses in earnings for the credit-related
portion and through unrealized losses in OCI for the non-credit related portion for fixed income securities. If there is a decline
in fair value of an equity security that we do not intend to hold or if we determine the decline is other than temporary, we write
down the cost of the investment to fair value and record the charge through earnings as a component of realized losses.
For a discussion of our realized gains and losses as well as our OTTI methodology, see Note 2. “Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K. In addition, for
qualitative information regarding these charges, see Note 5. “Investments” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary
Data.” of this Form 10-K.
66
Federal Income Taxes
The following table provides information regarding federal income taxes from continuing operations:
($ in millions)
Federal income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations
Effective tax rate
2014
2013
2012
55.3
28%
36.4
25
(0.3)
(1)
The fluctuations in federal income taxes and the effective tax rates in 2014 compared to 2013 and 2012 were primarily due to
the contribution of underwriting income to total company income, as the majority of our differences from the statutory rate are
from recurring nontaxable items, such as tax-advantaged interest and dividends received deductions. Underwriting results for
2014, 2013, and 2012 were $78.1 million, $38.8 million, and ($64.0) million, respectively. The improvement in our
underwriting results was driven by lower catastrophic events in 2014 and 2013 compared to 2012, and earning renewal pure
price increases in excess of loss trends. We believe that our future effective tax rate will continue to be impacted by similar
items, assuming no significant changes to tax laws that would impact our tax-advantaged investments.
For a reconciliation of our effective tax rate to the statutory rate of 35%, see Note 14. “Federal Income Taxes” in Item 8.
“Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.
Financial Condition, Liquidity, Short-term Borrowings, and Capital Resources
Capital resources and liquidity reflect our ability to generate cash flows from business operations, borrow funds at competitive
rates, and raise new capital to meet operating and growth needs.
Liquidity
We manage liquidity with a focus on generating sufficient cash flows to meet the short-term and long-term cash requirements
of our business operations. Our cash and short-term investment position of $156 million at December 31, 2014 was comprised
of $33 million at Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (the “Parent”) and $123 million at the Insurance Subsidiaries. Short-term
investments are generally maintained in "AAA" rated money market funds approved by the National Association of Insurance
Commissioners ("NAIC"). The Parent continues to maintain a fixed income security investment portfolio containing high-
quality, highly-liquid government and corporate fixed income investments to generate additional yield. This portfolio
amounted to $50 million at December 31, 2014 compared to $56 million at December 31, 2013.
Sources of cash for the Parent have historically consisted of dividends from the Insurance Subsidiaries, borrowings under lines
of credit and loan agreements with certain Insurance Subsidiaries, and the issuance of stock and debt securities. We continue to
monitor these sources, giving consideration to our long-term liquidity and capital preservation strategies.
The following table provides quantitative data regarding all Insurance Subsidiaries' ordinary dividends paid to the Parent in
2014 for debt service, shareholder dividends, and general operating purposes. There were no extraordinary dividends paid in
2014:
2014 Dividends
($ in millions)
SICA
SWIC
SICSC
SICSE
SICNY
SICNE
SAICNJ
SCIC
SFCIC
Total
State of Domicile
Ordinary Dividends Paid
$
$
New Jersey
New Jersey
Indiana
Indiana
New York
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
67
22.0
18.2
5.0
2.0
2.5
2.0
1.0
3.0
1.8
57.5
Based on the 2014 statutory financial statements, the maximum ordinary dividends that can be paid to the Parent by the
Insurance Subsidiaries in 2015 are as follows:
Dividends
($ in millions)
SICA
SWIC
SICSC
SICSE
SICNY
SICNE
SAICNJ
MUSIC
SCIC
SFCIC
Total
State of Domicile
New Jersey
New Jersey
Indiana
Indiana
New York
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
$
$
2015
Maximum Ordinary
Dividends
62.3
32.7
14.0
10.5
8.3
4.4
8.9
7.3
9.5
4.1
162.0
Any dividends to the Parent are subject to the approval and/or review of the insurance regulators in the respective domiciliary
states and are generally payable only from earned surplus as reported in the statutory annual statements of those subsidiaries as
of the preceding December 31. Although past dividends have historically been met with regulatory approval, there is no
assurance that future dividends that may be declared will be approved. For additional information regarding dividend
restrictions, refer to Note 10. “Indebtedness” and Note 20. “Statutory Financial Information, Capital Requirements, and
Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds” in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this
Form 10-K.
In the first quarter of 2013, we issued $185 million of 5.875% Senior Notes due 2043. The Senior Notes pay interest on
February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15 of each year beginning on May 15, 2013, and on the date of maturity. The
notes are callable by us on or after February 8, 2018, at a price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and
unpaid interest. 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. For
additional information related to our outstanding debt, refer to Note 10. "Indebtedness" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.
The Parent had no private or public issuances of stock during 2014, and there were no borrowings under its $30 million line of
credit ("Line of Credit"). We have two Insurance Subsidiaries domiciled in Indiana ("Indiana Subsidiaries") that are members
of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis ("FHLBI"), SICSC and SICSE. Membership in the FHLBI provides these
subsidiaries with access to additional liquidity. The Indiana Subsidiaries' aggregate investment of $2.9 million provides them
with the ability to borrow approximately 20 times the total amount of the FHLBI common stock purchased, at comparatively
low borrowing rates. All borrowings from the FHLBI are required to be secured by certain investments. For additional
information regarding the required collateral, refer to Note 5. "Investments" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K.
The Parent's Line of Credit agreement permits collateralized borrowings by the Indiana Subsidiaries from the FHLBI so long as
the aggregate amount borrowed does not exceed 10% of the respective Indiana Subsidiary's admitted assets from the preceding
calendar year. Admitted assets amounted to $564.3 million for SICSC and $429.8 million for SICSE as of December 31, 2014,
for a borrowing capacity of approximately $99 million, of which $45 million is currently outstanding. Accordingly, the Indiana
Subsidiaries have the ability to borrow an additional $54 million before the Line of Credit borrowing limit is met, of which $46
million could be loaned to the Parent under lending agreements approved by the Indiana Department of Insurance. Similar to
the Line of Credit agreement, these lending agreements limit borrowings by the Parent from the Indiana Subsidiaries to 10% of
the admitted assets of the respective Indiana Subsidiary. In January 2015, we borrowed an additional $15 million for general
corporate purposes, bringing our FHLBI borrowing capacity to $39 million. For additional information regarding the Parent's
Line of Credit, refer to the section below entitled “Short-term Borrowings.”
68
The Insurance Subsidiaries also generate liquidity through insurance float, which is created by collecting premiums and earning
investment income before losses are paid. The period of the float can extend over many years. Our investment portfolio
consists of maturity dates that are laddered to continually provide a source of cash flows for claims payments in the ordinary
course of business. The duration of the fixed income securities portfolio including short-term investments was 3.7 years as of
December 31, 2014, while the liabilities of the Insurance Subsidiaries have a duration of 4.2 years. In addition, the Insurance
Subsidiaries purchase reinsurance coverage for protection against any significantly large claims or catastrophes that may occur
during the year.
The liquidity generated from the sources discussed above is used, among other things, to pay dividends to our shareholders.
Dividends on shares of the Parent's common stock are declared and paid at the discretion of the Board of Directors based on
our operating results, financial condition, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, and other relevant factors. In October
2014, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend, to $0.14 from $0.13 per share.
Our ability to meet our interest and principal repayment obligations on our debt, as well as our ability to continue to pay
dividends to our stockholders is dependent on liquidity at the Parent coupled with the ability of the Insurance Subsidiaries to
pay dividends, if necessary, and/or the availability of other sources of liquidity to the Parent. Our next principal repayment of
$45 million is due in 2016, with the next following principal payment due in 2034. Additionally, our January 2015 borrowing
from the FHLBI is due in July 2016. Restrictions on the ability of the Insurance Subsidiaries to declare and pay dividends,
without alternative liquidity options, could materially affect our ability to service debt and pay dividends on common stock.
Short-term Borrowings
Our Line of Credit with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Branch Banking and Trust
Company, was renewed effective September 26, 2013 with a borrowing capacity of $30 million, which can be increased to $50
million with the approval of both lending partners.
The Line of Credit provides the Parent with an additional source of short-term liquidity. The interest rate on our Line of Credit
varies and is based on, among other factors, the Parent’s debt ratings. The Line of Credit expires on September 26, 2017.
There were no balances outstanding under this Line of Credit at any time during 2014.
The Line of Credit agreement contains representations, warranties, and covenants that are customary for credit facilities of this
type, including, without limitation, financial covenants under which we are obligated to maintain a minimum consolidated net
worth, minimum combined statutory surplus, and maximum ratio of consolidated debt to total capitalization, as well as
covenants limiting our ability to: (i) merge or liquidate; (ii) incur debt or liens; (iii) dispose of assets; (iv) make certain
investments and acquisitions; and (v) engage in transactions with affiliates. As mentioned above, the Line of Credit permits
collateralized borrowings by the Indiana Subsidiaries from the FHLBI so long as the aggregate amount borrowed does not
exceed 10% of the respective Indiana Subsidiary’s admitted assets from the preceding calendar year.
The table below outlines information regarding certain of the covenants in the Line of Credit:
Consolidated net worth
Statutory surplus
Debt-to-capitalization ratio1
A.M. Best financial strength rating
1Calculated in accordance with Line of Credit agreement.
Required as of December 31, 2014
Actual as of December 31, 2014
$881 million
Not less than $750 million
Not to exceed 35%
Minimum of A-
$1.3 billion
$1.3 billion
23.2%
A
Capital Resources
Capital resources provide protection for policyholders, furnish the financial strength to support the business of underwriting
insurance risks, and facilitate continued business growth. At December 31, 2014, we had statutory surplus of $1.3 billion,
GAAP stockholders’ equity of $1.3 billion, and total debt of $379.3 million, which equates to a debt-to-capital ratio of 22.9%.
We balance our debt and equity capital to prudently minimize our overall cost of capital.
Our cash requirements include, but are not limited to, principal and interest payments on various notes payable, dividends to
stockholders, payment of claims, capital expenditures, and the payment of commitments under limited partnership and tax
credit purchase agreements, as well as other operating expenses, which include commissions to our distribution partners, labor
costs, premium taxes, general and administrative expenses, and income taxes. For further details regarding our cash
requirements, refer to the section below entitled, “Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities, and Commitments.”
69
We continually monitor our cash requirements and the amount of capital resources that we maintain at the holding company
and operating subsidiary levels. As part of our long-term capital strategy, we strive to maintain capital metrics, relative to the
macroeconomic environment, that support our targeted financial strength. Based on our analysis and market conditions, we
may take a variety of actions, including, but not limited to, contributing capital to the Insurance Subsidiaries in our insurance
segments, issuing additional debt and/or equity securities, repurchasing shares of the Parent’s common stock, and increasing
stockholders’ dividends.
Our capital management strategy is intended to protect the interests of the policyholders of the Insurance Subsidiaries and our
stockholders, while enhancing our financial strength and underwriting capacity.
Book value per share increased to $22.54 as of December 31, 2014, from $20.63 as of December 31, 2013, due to $2.51 in net
income coupled with a $0.51 benefit in the unrealized gains on our investment portfolio, driven primarily by AFS maturities.
These items were partially offset by a $0.60 increase in unrealized pension losses, and $0.53 in dividends to our stockholders.
The increase in the pension unrealized loss reflects changes to the following assumptions associated with our annual
revaluation: (i) the impact of moving to the mortality table that was approved by the Society of Actuaries in the fourth quarter
of 2014; (ii) a lower discount rate; and (iii) a lower long-term rate of return on our pension assets.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we did not have any material relationships with unconsolidated entities or
financial partnerships, such entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been
established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or for other contractually narrow or limited purposes.
As such, we are not exposed to any material financing, liquidity, market, or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in
such relationships.
Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities, and Commitments
As discussed in the “Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses” section in the "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates"
section of this MD&A, we maintain case reserves and estimates of reserves for losses and loss expense IBNR, in accordance
with industry practice. Using generally accepted actuarial reserving techniques, we project our estimate of ultimate losses and
loss expenses at each reporting date. Included within the estimate of ultimate losses and loss expenses are case reserves, which
are analyzed on a case-by-case basis by the type of claim involved, the circumstances surrounding each claim, and the policy
provisions relating to the type of losses. The difference between: (i) projected ultimate loss and loss expense reserves; and (ii)
case loss and loss expense reserves thereon are carried as the IBNR reserve. A range of possible reserves is determined
annually and considered in addition to the most recent loss trends and other factors in establishing reserves for each reporting
period. Based on the consideration of the range of possible reserves, recent loss trends and other factors, IBNR is established
and the ultimate net liability for losses and loss expenses is determined. Such an assessment requires considerable judgment
given that it is frequently not possible to determine whether a change in the data is an anomaly until sometime after the event.
Even if a change is determined to be permanent, it is not always possible to reliably determine the extent of the change until
sometime later. As a result, there is no precise method for subsequently evaluating the impact of any specific factor on the
adequacy of reserves because the eventual deficiency or redundancy is affected by many factors.
Given that the loss and loss expense reserves are estimates, as described above and in more detail under the “Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates” section of this MD&A, the payment of actual losses and loss expenses is generally not
fixed as to amount or timing. Due to this uncertainty, financial accounting standards prohibit us from discounting these
reserves to their present value. Additionally, estimated losses as of the financial statement date do not consider the impact of
estimated losses from future business. Therefore, the projected settlement of the reserves for net loss and loss expenses will
differ, perhaps significantly, from actual future payments.
The projected paid amounts in the table below by year are estimates based on past experience, adjusted for the effects of current
developments and anticipated trends, and include considerable judgment. There is no precise method for evaluating the impact
of any specific factor on the projected timing of when loss and loss expense reserves will be paid and as a result, the timing and
amounts of the actual payments will be affected by many factors. Care must be taken to avoid misinterpretation by those
unfamiliar with this information or familiar with other data commonly reported by the insurance industry.
70
Our future cash payments associated with contractual obligations pursuant to operating leases for office space and equipment,
capital leases for computer hardware and software, notes payable, interest on debt obligations, and loss and loss expenses as of
December 31, 2014 are summarized below:
Contractual Obligations
($ in millions)
Operating leases
Capital leases
Notes payable
Interest on debt obligations
Subtotal
Gross loss and loss expense payments
Ceded loss and loss expense payments
Net loss and loss expense payments
Less than
1 year
Payment Due by Period
1-3
Years
3-5
years
More than
5 years
Total
$
39.2
5.7
380.0
521.2
946.1
3,477.9
572.0
2,905.9
9.1
3.1
—
21.8
34.0
856.6
133.2
723.4
12.8
2.6
45.0
42.9
103.3
1,041.2
130.9
910.3
8.4
—
—
42.4
50.8
543.6
81.9
461.7
8.9
—
335.0
414.1
758.0
1,036.5
226.0
810.5
Total
$
3,852.0
757.4
1,013.6
512.5
1,568.5
See the “Short-term Borrowings” section above for a discussion of our syndicated Line of Credit agreement.
At December 31, 2014, we had contractual obligations that expire at various dates through 2028 that may require us to invest
up to an additional $68.4 million in alternative and other investments. There is no certainty that any such additional investment
will be required. We have issued no material guarantees on behalf of others and have no trading activities involving non-
exchange traded contracts accounted for at fair value. We have no material transactions with related parties other than those
disclosed in Note 17. “Related Party Transactions” included in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this
Form 10-K.
71
Ratings
We are rated by major rating agencies that issue opinions on our financial strength, operating performance, strategic position,
and ability to meet policyholder obligations. We believe that our ability to write insurance business is most influenced by our
rating from A.M. Best. In the second quarter of 2014, A.M. Best reaffirmed our rating of "A (Excellent)," their third highest of
13 financial strength ratings, with a “stable” outlook. The rating reflects A.M. Best's view that we have strong risk-adjusted
capitalization, disciplined underwriting focus, increasing use of predictive modeling technology, strong distribution partner
relationships, and consistently stable loss reserves. We have been rated “A” or higher by A.M. Best for the past 84 years. A
downgrade from A.M. Best to a rating below “A-” is an event of default under our Line of Credit and could affect our ability to
write new business with customers and/or distribution partners, some of whom are required (under various third-party
agreements) to maintain insurance with a carrier that maintains a specified A.M. Best minimum rating.
Ratings by other major rating agencies are as follows:
• Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") - Our “A+” rating was reaffirmed in the first quarter of 2015, citing our improved underwriting
results, solid capitalization with strong growth in shareholders' equity, and continued improvement in leverage and
interest coverage metrics. The outlook for the rating remains stable.
• Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P") - During the fourth quarter of 2014, S&P reaffirmed our financial
strength rating of “A-” and revised our outlook to positive from stable. The rating reflects S&P's view of our strong
business risk profile, strong competitive position, and very strong capital and earnings. The positive outlook for the
rating reflects S&P's view of our ongoing efforts to improve geographic and product diversification and reduce risk
concentrations in catastrophe prone areas. In addition, the positive outlook reflects S&P's expectation that we will
steadily improve our operating performance and that our capital adequacy will remain redundant at a very strong level.
• Moody's Investor Service ("Moody's") - Our "A2" financial strength rating was reaffirmed in the third quarter of 2014
by Moody's, which cited our solid regional franchise with established independent agency support, solid risk adjusted
capitalization, strong invested asset quality, and recently improving underwriting profitability. Their outlook remains
negative, reflecting Moody’s view of challenges in achieving further reductions in segment concentrations and
maintaining the pace and consistency of profitability.
Our S&P, Moody's, and Fitch financial strength and associated credit ratings affect our ability to access capital markets. The
interest rate on our Line of Credit varies and is based on, among other factors, the Parent's debt ratings. There can be no
assurance that our ratings will continue for any given period or that they will not be changed. It is possible that positive or
negative ratings actions by one or more of the rating agencies may occur in the future.
72
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Market Risk
The fair value of our assets and liabilities are subject to market risk, primarily interest rate, credit risk, and equity price risk
related to our investment portfolio as well as fluctuations in the value of our alternative investment portfolio. Our investment
portfolio is currently comprised of securities categorized as AFS and HTM. We do not hold derivative or commodity
investments. Foreign investments are made on a limited basis, and all fixed income transactions are denominated in U.S.
currency. We have minimal foreign currency fluctuation risk on certain equity securities.
Our investment philosophy includes certain return and risk objectives for the fixed income, equity, and other investment
portfolios. Although yield and income generation remain the key drivers to our investment strategy, our overall philosophy is
to invest with a long-term horizon along with predominantly a “buy-and-hold” approach. The primary fixed income portfolio
return objective is to maximize after-tax investment yield and income while balancing risk. A secondary objective is to meet or
exceed a weighted-average benchmark of public fixed income indices. The equity portfolio strategy is designed to generate
consistent dividend income and long term capital appreciation benchmarked to the S&P 500 Index. The return objective of the
other investment portfolio, which includes alternative investments, is to meet or exceed the S&P 500 Index. The allocation of
our portfolio was 91% fixed income securities, 4% equity securities, 3% short-term investments, and 2% other investments as
of December 31, 2014.
We manage our investment portfolio to mitigate risks associated with various financial market scenarios. We will, however,
take prudent risk to enhance our overall long-term results while managing a conservative, well-diversified investment portfolio
to support our underwriting activities.
Interest Rate Risk
Investment Portfolio
We invest in interest rate-sensitive securities, mainly fixed income securities. Our fixed income securities portfolio is
comprised of primarily investment grade (investments receiving S&P or an equivalent rating of BBB- or above) corporate
securities, U.S. government and agency securities, municipal obligations, and MBS. Our strategy to manage interest rate risk is
to purchase intermediate-term fixed income investments that are attractively priced in relation to perceived credit risks. Our
fixed income securities include both AFS and HTM securities. Fixed income securities that are not classified as either HTM
securities or trading securities are classified as AFS securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses
excluded from current earnings and reported as a separate component of comprehensive income. Those fixed income securities
that we have the ability and positive intent to hold to maturity are classified as HTM and carried at either: (i) amortized cost; or
(ii) market value at the date the security was transferred into the HTM category, adjusted for subsequent amortization.
Our exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to the market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in
interest rates. As our fixed income securities portfolio contains interest rate-sensitive instruments, it may be adversely affected
by changes in interest rates resulting from governmental monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political
conditions, and other factors beyond our control. A rise in interest rates will decrease the fair value of our existing fixed
income investments and a decline in interest rates will result in an increase in the fair value of our existing fixed income
investments. However, new and reinvested money used to purchase fixed income securities would benefit from rising interest
rates and would be negatively impacted by falling interest rates.
During 2014, interest rates on the 10-year U.S. Treasury Note fell by 86 basis points. This decline in interest rates
contributed to the increase in the unrealized gain position on our fixed income securities portfolio. The low interest rate
environment presents a challenge to us in generating after-tax return, as new purchase yields are below the average yield on
bonds that are currently maturing.
73
In 2014, bonds that matured, were sold or otherwise redeemed, valued at $607.2 million, had yields that averaged 2.3%, after-
tax, while new purchases of $860.4 million had an average after-tax yield of 2.0%. We seek to mitigate our interest rate risk
associated with holding fixed income investments by monitoring and maintaining the average duration of our portfolio with a
view toward achieving an adequate after-tax return without subjecting the portfolio to an unreasonable level of interest rate
risk.
The fixed income securities portfolio duration at December 31, 2014 increased from 3.6 to 3.8 years, excluding short-term
investments, compared to a year ago. The current duration is within our historical range, and is monitored and managed to
maximize yield while managing interest rate risk at an acceptable level. During 2014, we increased our purchases of highly-
rated municipal bonds, investment grade corporate bonds, and structured securities due to attractive risk adjusted return
opportunities in those sectors. Despite the relative attractiveness, the prevailing low interest rate environment resulted in the
fixed income securities portfolio after-tax return of 2.2% for 2014.
The Insurance Subsidiaries’ liability duration is approximately 4.2 years. We manage our asset liquidity with a laddered
maturity structure and an appropriate level of short-term investments to avoid liquidation of AFS fixed income securities in the
ordinary course of business.
We use an interest rate sensitivity analysis to measure the potential loss or gain in future earnings, fair values, or cash flows of
market sensitive fixed income securities. The sensitivity analysis hypothetically assumes an instant parallel 200 basis point
shift in interest rates up and down in 100 basis point increments from the date of the Financial Statements. We use fair values
to measure the potential loss. This analysis is not intended to provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market
interest rates and equity prices on our income or stockholders’ equity. Further, the calculations do not take into account any
actions we may take in response to market fluctuations.
The following table presents the sensitivity analysis of interest rate risk as of December 31, 2014:
2014
Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
1-200
-100
0
100
200
n/m
n/m
n/m
337,751
3,790
1.13 %
333,961
328,280
(5,681 )
(1.70 )%
322,668
(11,293)
(3.38)%
($ in thousands)
HTM fixed income securities
Fair value of HTM fixed income securities portfolio
Fair value change
Fair value change from base (%)
AFS fixed income securities
Fair value of AFS fixed income securities portfolio
Fair value change
$
$
Fair value change from base (%)
1
Given the low interest rate environment, an interest rate decline of 200 basis points is deemed unreasonable for certain securities in our portfolio, as the decline
would generate a zero or negative yield, therefore this interest rate decline for purposes of the sensitivity analysis is not meaningful ("n/m")
.
(7.58)%
(3.90 )%
n/m
n/m
n/m
4,221,546
155,424
3.82 %
4,066,122
3,907,358
(158,764 )
3,757,890
(308,232)
Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plan Obligation
Our pension and post-retirement benefit obligations and related costs are calculated using actuarial methods within the
framework of U.S. GAAP. The discount rate assumption is an important element of expense and/or liability measurement.
Changes in the discount rate assumption could materially impact our pension and post-retirement life valuation in the future.
The discount rate enables us to state expected future cash flows at their present value on the measurement date. The purpose of
the discount rate is to determine the interest rates inherent in the price at which pension benefits could be effectively settled.
Our discount rate selection is based on high-quality, long-term corporate bonds. A higher discount rate reduces the present
value of benefit obligations and reduces pension expense. Conversely, a lower discount rate increases the present value of
benefit obligations and increases pension expense. We decreased our discount rate for the Retirement Income Plan for
Selective Insurance Company of America and the Supplemental Excess Retirement Plan (jointly referred to as the "Retirement
Income Plan" or the "Plan") to 4.29% for 2014, from 5.16% for 2013, reflecting lower market interest rates. We also decreased
our discount rate for the Retirement Life Plan to 4.08% for 2014 from 4.85% for 2013.
For additional information regarding our pension and post-retirement benefit plan obligations, see Note 15. "Retirement Plans"
in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.
74
Credit Risk
The financial markets saw a decrease in interest rates in 2014. The overall investment portfolio grew by 5% from December
31, 2013, including a $44.4 million increase in unrealized gains to $123.7 million, at December 31, 2014. The credit quality of
our fixed income securities portfolio remained stable at “AA-” as of December 31, 2014, compared to December 31, 2013.
Exposure to non-investment grade bonds represents approximately 1% of the total fixed income securities portfolio.
The following table summarizes the fair value, net unrealized gain (loss) balances, and the weighted average credit qualities of
our AFS fixed income securities at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
($ in millions)
AFS Fixed Income Portfolio:
U.S. government obligations
Foreign government obligations
State and municipal obligations
Corporate securities
ABS
MBS
Total AFS fixed income portfolio
State and Municipal Obligations:
General obligations
Special revenue obligations
Total state and municipal obligations
Corporate Securities:
Financial
Industrials
Utilities
Consumer discretionary
Consumer staples
Healthcare
Materials
Energy
Information technology
Telecommunications services
Other
Total corporate securities
ABS:
ABS
Sub-prime ABS1
Total ABS
MBS:
CMBS
Other agency CMBS
Non-agency CMBS
RMBS
Other agency RMBS
Non-agency RMBS
Alternative-A ("Alt-A") RMBS
Total MBS
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2013
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Gain
(Loss)
Average
Credit
Quality
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Gain
Average
Credit
Quality
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
124.1
27.8
1,246.3
1,799.8
177.2
690.9
4,066.1
563.4
682.9
1,246.3
565.5
146.9
151.0
207.9
171.1
170.8
112.6
103.4
116.7
51.1
2.8
1,799.8
176.7
0.5
177.2
14.5
13.6
151.5
32.4
453.5
21.7
3.7
690.9
7.4
0.8
37.5
36.4
0.4
7.8
90.3
15.9
21.6
37.5
11.3
4.2
2.0
5.1
3.3
4.7
2.4
0.2
1.9
1.0
0.3
36.4
0.3
0.1
0.4
0.3
(0.1 )
1.4
0.8
5.1
0.2
0.1
7.8
AA+
AA-
AA
A-
AAA
AA+
AA-
AA+
AA
AA
A
A-
BBB+
A-
A-
A
BBB+
A-
A+
BBB+
AA
A-
AAA
CCC
AAA
AA+
AA+
AA+
AA+
AA+
BB+
A
AA+
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
173.4
30.6
951.6
1,734.9
140.9
684.1
3,715.5
472.0
479.6
951.6
534.1
135.1
146.5
190.6
171.9
168.5
101.2
93.7
121.2
64.7
7.4
1,734.9
140.4
0.5
140.9
30.0
9.1
132.2
55.2
411.5
41.4
4.7
684.1
10.1
0.8
5.2
27.0
0.5
(4.0 )
39.6
2.6
2.6
5.2
11.7
3.7
(0.3 )
2.7
3.0
3.1
1.4
0.9
(0.6 )
1.0
0.4
27.0
0.4
0.1
0.5
0.9
(0.3 )
(1.5 )
1.4
(5.1 )
0.6
—
(4.0 )
AA+
AA-
AA
A
AAA
AA+
AA-
AA+
AA
AA
A
A-
A-
A-
A
A
A-
A-
A+
BBB+
AA+
A
AAA
D
AAA
AA+
AA+
AA+
AA+
AA+
A-
A
AA+
1Subprime ABS includes one security whose issuer is currently expected by rating agencies to default on its obligations. We define sub-prime exposure as
exposure to direct and indirect investments in non-agency residential mortgages with average FICO® scores below 650.
75
The following table provides information regarding our HTM fixed income securities and their credit qualities at December 31,
2014 and December 31, 2013:
December 31, 2014
($ in millions)
HTM Portfolio:
Foreign government obligations
State and municipal obligations
Corporate securities
ABS
MBS
Total HTM portfolio
State and Municipal Obligations:
General obligations
Special revenue obligations
Total state and municipal obligations
Corporate Securities:
Financial
Industrials
Utilities
Total corporate securities
ABS:
ABS
Alt-A ABS
Total ABS
MBS:
Non-agency CMBS
Total MBS
Fair
Value
Carry
Value
Unrecognized
Holding Gain
Unrealized
Gain (Loss) in
AOCI
Total
Unrealized/
Unrecognized
Gain
Average
Credit
Quality
0.1
11.7
2.8
0.5
0.8
15.9
3.2
8.5
11.7
0.3
1.0
1.5
2.8
—
0.5
0.5
0.8
0.8
—
2.1
(0.3 )
(0.5 )
(0.4 )
0.9
1.0
1.1
2.1
(0.1 )
(0.2 )
—
(0.3 )
—
(0.5 )
(0.5 )
(0.4 )
(0.4 )
0.1
13.8
2.5
—
0.4
16.8
4.2
9.6
13.8
0.2
0.8
1.5
2.5
—
—
—
0.4
0.4
AA+
AA
A+
AAA
AAA
AA
AA
AA
AA
A-
A+
A+
A+
AA
AAA
AAA
AAA
AAA
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
5.4
299.1
21.4
2.9
5.2
334.0
97.8
201.3
299.1
2.2
6.7
12.5
21.4
0.6
2.3
2.9
5.2
5.2
5.3
287.4
18.6
2.4
4.4
318.1
94.6
192.8
287.4
1.9
5.7
11.0
18.6
0.6
1.8
2.4
4.4
4.4
76
December 31, 2013
($ in millions)
HTM Portfolio:
Foreign government obligations
State and municipal obligations
Corporate securities
ABS
MBS
Total HTM portfolio
State and Municipal Obligations:
General obligations
Special revenue obligations
$
$
$
Total state and municipal obligations
$
Corporate Securities:
Financial
Industrials
Utilities
Consumer discretionary
Total corporate securities
ABS:
ABS
Alt-A ABS
Total ABS
MBS:
Non-agency CMBS
Total MBS
$
$
$
$
$
$
Fair
Value
Carry
Value
Unrecognized
Holding Gain
Unrealized Gain
(Loss) in AOCI
Total
Unrealized/
Unrecognized
Gain
Average
Credit
Quality
5.6
369.8
30.3
3.4
7.9
417.0
118.5
251.3
369.8
7.3
7.8
13.2
2.0
30.3
0.9
2.5
3.4
7.9
7.9
5.4
352.2
27.8
2.8
4.7
392.9
113.1
239.1
352.2
6.8
6.8
12.2
2.0
27.8
0.9
1.9
2.8
4.7
4.7
0.2
17.6
2.5
0.6
3.2
24.1
5.4
12.2
17.6
0.5
1.0
1.0
—
2.5
—
0.6
0.6
3.2
3.2
0.1
4.0
(0.3 )
(0.6 )
(0.9 )
2.3
2.0
2.0
4.0
(0.1 )
(0.2 )
—
—
(0.3 )
—
(0.6 )
(0.6 )
(0.9 )
(0.9 )
0.3
21.6
2.2
—
2.3
26.4
7.4
14.2
21.6
0.4
0.8
1.0
—
2.2
—
—
—
2.3
2.3
AA+
AA
A
AA+
AA-
AA
AA
AA
AA
BBB+
A+
A+
AA
A
A
AAA
AA+
AA-
AA-
A portion of our AFS and HTM municipal bonds contain insurance enhancements. The following table provides information
regarding these insurance-enhanced securities as of December 31, 2014:
Insurers of Municipal Bond Securities
($ in thousands)
National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation, a subsidiary of MBIA, Inc.
Assured Guaranty
Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
Other
Total
Fair Value
Ratings
with
Insurance
Ratings
without
Insurance
$
$
151,398
117,778
45,779
6,603
321,558
AA-
AA
AA-
AA+
AA
AA-
AA-
AA-
AA-
AA-
To manage and mitigate exposure on our MBS portfolio, we perform analysis both at the time of purchase and as part of the
ongoing portfolio evaluation. This analysis includes review of loan-to-value ratios, geographic spread of the assets securing the
bond, delinquencies in payments for the underlying mortgages, gains/losses on sales, evaluations of projected cash flows, as
well as other information that aids in determination of the health of the underlying assets. We consider the overall credit
environment, economic conditions, total projected return on the investment, and overall asset allocation of the portfolio in our
decisions to purchase or sell structured securities.
77
The following table details the top 10 state exposures of the municipal bond portion of our fixed income portfolio at
December 31, 2014:
Special
Revenue
Fair
% of Total
Weighted Average
Credit Quality
State Exposures of Municipal Bonds
General Obligation
($ in thousands)
New York
Texas1
Washington
California
Florida
Arizona
Colorado
Oregon
Missouri
North Carolina
Other
Pre-refunded/escrowed to maturity bonds
Total
$
Local
15,827
57,452
36,811
17,003
—
11,768
31,427
21,216
15,673
12,949
150,666
370,792
54,357
$ 425,149
State
—
5,927
6,980
8,101
15,466
1,004
—
—
10,042
8,256
162,879
218,655
17,383
236,038
Value
131,033
115,206
120,897
57,518
91,174
47,383
84,537
59,433
66,944
51,478
57,988
45,216
52,402
20,975
47,740
26,524
47,099
21,384
43,856
22,651
332,466
646,011
800,234 1,389,681
155,715
83,975
884,209 1,545,396
9%
8%
6%
5%
4%
4%
3%
3%
3%
3%
42%
90%
10%
100%
AA+
AA+
AA
AA
AA
AA
AA-
AA+
AA+
AA
AA
AA
AA+
AA
% of Total Municipal Portfolio
27 %
15 %
58 %
100 %
1 Of the $57 million in local Texas general obligation bonds, $23 million represents investments in Texas Permanent School Fund bonds, which are considered
to have lower risk as a result of the bond guarantees program that supports these bonds.
Special revenue fixed income securities of municipalities (referred to as “special revenue bonds”) generally do not have the
“full faith and credit” backing of the municipal or state governments, as do general obligation bonds, but special revenue bonds
have a dedicated revenue stream for repayment. As such, we believe our special revenue bond portfolio is appropriate for the
current environment.
The following table provides further quantitative details on our special revenue bonds:
December 31, 2014
($ in thousands)
Essential Services:
Transportation
Water and sewer
Electric
Total essential services
Education
Special tax
Housing
Other:
Leasing
Hospital
Other
Total other
Total special revenue bonds
Fair
Value
% of Special
Revenue
Bonds
Average
Rating
$
$
226,612
167,648
119,407
513,667
157,225
81,514
17,204
1,443
9,744
19,437
30,624
800,234
28
21
15
64
20
10
2
1
1
2
4
100
AA
AA+
AA-
AA
AA
AA+
AA+
AA+
AA-
AA+
AA
AA
78
Essential Services
A large portion of our special revenue bond portfolio is, by design, invested in sectors that are conventionally deemed as
“essential services” and thus are not considered cyclical in nature. The essential services category (as reflected in the above
table) is comprised of transportation, water and sewer, and electric.
Education
The education portion of the portfolio includes school districts and higher education, including state-wide university systems.
Special Tax
This group includes special revenue bonds with a wide range of attributes. However, similar to other revenue bonds, these are
backed by a dedicated lien on a tax or other revenue repayment source.
Housing
Despite the turmoil in the housing sector, these bonds continue to be highly rated, many of them with the support of U.S.
government agencies. The need for affordable housing continues to grow, especially in light of current delinquencies and
defaults, and as such, political support for these programs remains high. These attributes, when combined, tend to mute this
sector’s cyclicality.
Based on the above attributes, we remain confident in the collectability of our special revenue bond portfolio and have not
acquired any bond insurance in the secondary market covering any of our special revenue bonds.
We continue to evaluate underlying credit quality within this portfolio and as long-term, income-oriented investors, we remain
comfortable with the credit risk in these securities.
Equity Price Risk
Our equity securities are classified as AFS. Our equity securities portfolio is exposed to risk arising from potential volatility in
equity market prices. We attempt to minimize the exposure to equity price risk by maintaining a diversified portfolio and
limiting concentrations in any one company or industry. The following table presents the hypothetical increases and decreases
in 10% increments in market value of the equity portfolio as of December 31, 2014:
($ in thousands)
(30)%
(20)%
(10)%
Fair value of AFS equity portfolio
$
Fair value change
133,980
(57,420 )
153,120
(38,280 )
172,260
(19,140 )
0 %
191,400
10%
210,540
19,140
20%
229,680
38,280
30%
248,820
57,420
Change in Equity Values in Percent
In addition to our equity securities, we invest in certain other investments that are also subject to price risk. Our other
investments primarily include alternative investments in private limited partnerships that invest in various strategies such as
private equity, energy/power generation, mezzanine debt, distressed debt, and real estate. As of December 31, 2014, other
investments represented 2% of our total invested assets and 8% of our stockholders’ equity. These investments are subject to
the risks arising from the fact that their valuation is inherently subjective. The general partner of each of these partnerships
usually reports the change in the value of the interests in the partnership on a one quarter lag because of the nature of the
underlying assets or liabilities. Since these partnerships' underlying investments consist primarily of assets or liabilities for
which there are no quoted prices in active markets for the same or similar assets, the valuation of interests in these partnerships
are subject to a higher level of subjectivity and unobservable inputs than substantially all of our other investments. Each of
these general partners is required to determine the partnerships' value by the price obtainable for the sale of the interest at the
time of determination. Valuations based on unobservable inputs are subject to greater scrutiny and reconsideration from one
reporting period to the next and therefore, may be subject to significant fluctuations, which could lead to significant decreases
from one reporting period to the next. As we record our investments in these various partnerships under the equity method of
accounting, any decreases in the valuation of these investments would negatively impact our results of operations.
For additional information regarding these alternative investment strategies, see Note 5. “Investments” in Item 8. “Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.
79
Indebtedness
(a) Long-Term Debt.
As of December 31, 2014, we had outstanding long-term debt of $379.3 million that matures as shown in the following table:
($ in thousands)
Financial liabilities
Notes payable
1.25% borrowings from FHLBI
7.25% Senior Notes
6.70% Senior Notes
5.875% Senior Notes
Total notes payable
2014
Year of
Maturity
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
2016
2034
2035
2043
$
45,000
49,896
99,401
185,000
379,297 $
45,244
59,181
114,845
185,000
404,270
The weighted average effective interest rate for our outstanding long-term debt is 5.7%. Our debt is not exposed to material
changes in interest rates because the interest rates are fixed.
Certain of the debt instruments listed above contain debt covenant provisions as outlined in Note 10. "Indebtedness", within
Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." of this Form 10-K. In addition, the 6.70% and 7.25% Senior Notes
contain standard default cross-acceleration provisions. In the event that any other debt experiences default of $10 million or
more, it would be considered an event of default under these notes.
(b) Short-Term Debt
Our Line of Credit with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Branch Banking and Trust
Company (BB&T), was renewed effective September 26, 2013 with a borrowing capacity of $30 million, which can be
increased to $50 million with the approval of both lending partners.
The Line of Credit provides the Parent with an additional source of short-term liquidity. The interest rate on our Line of Credit
varies and is based on, among other factors, the Parent’s debt ratings. The Line of Credit expires on September 26, 2017.
There were no balances outstanding under this Line of Credit at December 31, 2014 or at any time during 2014.
80
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the
“Company”) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income,
stockholders’ equity, and cash flow for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014. In connection with our
audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited financial statement schedules I to V. These consolidated
financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their
cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on
criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 26, 2015, expressed an unqualified opinion of the Company’s
internal controls over financial reporting.
/s/ KPMG LLP
New York, New York
February 26, 2015
81
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31,
($ in thousands, except share amounts)
ASSETS
Investments:
Fixed income securities, held-to-maturity – at carrying value
(fair value: $333,961 – 2014; $416,981 – 2013)
Fixed income securities, available-for-sale – at fair value
(amortized cost: $3,975,786 – 2014; $3,675,977 – 2013)
Equity securities, available-for-sale – at fair value
(cost: $159,011 – 2014; $155,350 – 2013)
Short-term investments (at cost which approximates fair value)
Other investments
Total investments (Note 5)
Cash
Interest and dividends due or accrued
Premiums receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible
accounts of: $4,137 – 2014; $4,442 – 2013
Reinsurance recoverable, net (Note 8)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums (Note 8)
Current federal income tax (Note 14)
Deferred federal income tax (Note 14)
Property and equipment – at cost, net of accumulated
depreciation and amortization of: $172,183 – 2014; $179,192 – 2013
Deferred policy acquisition costs (Note 3)
Goodwill (Note 11)
Other assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
Reserve for losses and loss expenses (Note 9)
Unearned premiums
Notes payable (Note 10)
Current federal income tax (Note 14)
Accrued salaries and benefits
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
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: 99,947,933 – 2014; 99,120,235 – 2013
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income (Note 6)
Treasury stock – at cost (shares: 43,353,181 – 2014; 43,198,622 – 2013)
Total stockholders’ equity (Note 6)
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 18 and 19)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
2014
2013
$
318,137
392,879
4,066,122
3,715,536
191,400
131,972
99,203
4,806,834
23,959
38,901
558,778
581,548
146,993
—
98,449
59,416
185,608
7,849
73,215
6,581,550
3,477,870
1,095,819
379,297
3,921
158,382
190,675
5,305,964
192,771
174,251
107,875
4,583,312
193
37,382
524,870
550,897
143,000
512
122,613
50,834
172,981
7,849
75,727
6,270,170
3,349,770
1,059,155
392,414
—
111,427
203,476
5,116,242
—
—
199,896
305,385
1,313,440
19,788
(562,923 )
1,275,586
198,240
288,182
1,202,015
24,851
(559,360)
1,153,928
$
$
$
$
$
6,581,550
6,270,170
82
Consolidated Statements of Income
December 31,
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues:
Net premiums earned
Net investment income earned
Net realized gains:
Net realized investment gains
Other-than-temporary impairments
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed income securities recognized in other
comprehensive income
Total net realized gains
Other income
Total revenues
Expenses:
Losses and loss expenses incurred
Policy acquisition costs
Interest expense
Other expenses
Total expenses
$
2014
2013
2012
1,852,609
138,708
37,703
(11,104 )
—
26,599
16,945
2,034,861
1,157,501
624,470
22,086
33,673
1,837,730
1,736,072
134,643
26,375
(5,566 )
(77 )
20,732
12,294
1,903,741
1,121,738
579,977
22,538
35,686
1,759,939
1,584,119
131,877
13,252
(1,711 )
(2,553 )
8,988
9,118
1,734,102
1,120,990
526,143
18,872
30,462
1,696,467
Income from continuing operations, before federal income tax
197,131
143,802
37,635
Federal income tax expense (benefit):
Current
Deferred
Total federal income tax expense (benefit)
28,415
26,889
55,304
24,147
12,240
36,387
5,647
(5,975 )
(328 )
Net income from continuing operations
141,827
107,415
37,963
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax of $(538) – 2013
—
(997 )
—
Net income
Earnings per share:
Basic net income from continuing operations
Basic net loss from discontinued operations
Basic net income
Diluted net income from continuing operations
Diluted net loss from discontinued operations
Diluted net income
Dividends to stockholders
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
$
$
$
$
$
$
141,827
106,418
37,963
2.52
—
2.52
2.47
—
2.47
0.53
1.93
(0.02 )
1.91
1.89
(0.02 )
1.87
0.52
0.69
—
0.69
0.68
—
0.68
0.52
83
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
December 31,
($ in thousands)
Net income
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period
Non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive income
Amount reclassified into net income:
Held-to-maturity securities
Non-credit other-than-temporary impairment
Realized gains on available for sale securities
Total unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:
Net actuarial (loss) gain
Amounts reclassified into net income:
Net actuarial loss
Prior service cost
Curtailment expense
Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans
Other comprehensive (loss) income
Comprehensive income
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
2014
141,827
$
2013
106,418
2012
37,963
47,411
—
(54,557 )
50
30,937
1,660
(844 )
1,085
(18,762 )
28,890
(1,025 )
9
(15,301 )
(70,824 )
(1,581 )
182
(6,118 )
25,080
(35,189 )
38,775
(17,268 )
1,236
—
—
(33,953 )
(5,063 )
136,764
$
2,843
6
11
41,635
(29,189 )
77,229
3,837
97
—
(13,334 )
11,746
49,709
84
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
December 31,
($ in thousands, except share amounts)
Common stock:
Beginning of year
Dividend reinvestment plan
(shares: 58,309 – 2014; 63,349 – 2013; 90,110 – 2012)
Stock purchase and compensation plans
(shares: 769,389 – 2014; 862,662 – 2013; 857,403 – 2012)
End of year
Additional paid-in capital:
Beginning of year
Dividend reinvestment plan
Stock purchase and compensation plans
End of year
Retained earnings:
Beginning of year
Net income
Dividends to stockholders ($0.53 per share – 2014; $0.52 per share – 2013 and 2012)
End of year
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Beginning of year
Other comprehensive (loss) income
End of year
Treasury stock:
Beginning of year
Acquisition of treasury stock
(shares: 154,559 – 2014; 167,846 – 2013; 194,575 – 2012)
End of year
Total stockholders’ equity
2014
2013
2012
$
198,240
196,388
194,494
117
127
180
1,539
199,896
1,725
198,240
1,714
196,388
288,182
1,306
15,897
305,385
270,654
1,396
16,132
288,182
257,370
1,419
11,865
270,654
1,202,015
141,827
(30,402 )
1,313,440
1,125,154
106,418
(29,557 )
1,202,015
1,116,319
37,963
(29,128)
1,125,154
24,851
(5,063 )
19,788
54,040
(29,189 )
24,851
42,294
11,746
54,040
(559,360 )
(555,644 )
(552,149)
(3,563 )
(562,923 )
1,275,586
$
(3,716 )
(559,360 )
1,153,928
(3,495)
(555,644)
1,090,592
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.
85
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
December 31,
($ in thousands)
Operating Activities
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Sale of renewal rights
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations
Stock-based compensation expense
Undistributed (gains) losses of equity method investments
Net realized gains
Net gain on disposal of property and equipment
Retirement income plan curtailment expense
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase in reserves for losses and loss expenses, net of reinsurance recoverables
Increase in unearned premiums, net of prepaid reinsurance
Decrease (increase) in net federal income taxes
Increase in premiums receivable
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs
(Increase) decrease in interest and dividends due or accrued
(Decrease) increase in accrued salaries and benefits
(Decrease) increase in accrued insurance expenses
(Decrease) increase in other assets and other liabilities
Net adjustments
Net cash provided by operating activities
Investing Activities
Purchase of fixed income securities, available-for-sale
Purchase of equity securities, available-for-sale
Purchase of other investments
Purchase of short-term investments
Purchase of subsidiary, net of cash acquired
Sale of subsidiary
Sale of fixed income securities, available-for-sale
Sale of short-term investments
Redemption and maturities of fixed income securities, held-to-maturity
Redemption and maturities of fixed income securities, available-for-sale
Sale of equity securities, available-for-sale
Distributions from other investments
Sale of other investments
Purchase of property and equipment
Sale of renewal rights
Net cash used in investing activities
Financing Activities
Dividends to stockholders
Acquisition of treasury stock
Net proceeds from stock purchase and compensation plans
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable, net of debt issuance costs
Repayment of borrowings
Repayment of notes payable
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
Repayment of capital lease obligations
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in cash
Cash, beginning of year
Cash, end of year
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
86
2014
2013
2012
$
141,827
106,418
37,963
45,346
(8,000 )
—
8,702
(153 )
(26,599 )
(104 )
—
97,449
32,671
31,323
(33,908 )
(12,627 )
(1,536 )
(7,182 )
(956 )
(33,490 )
90,936
232,763
(843,616 )
(186,019 )
(10,617 )
(1,410,123 )
—
—
51,002
1,452,402
73,415
482,816
208,008
20,774
—
(15,510 )
8,000
(169,468 )
(28,428 )
(3,563 )
7,283
—
(13,000 )
—
1,020
(2,841 )
(39,529 )
23,766
193
23,959
43,461
—
997
8,630
202
(20,732 )
—
16
151,037
74,086
14,834
(40,482 )
(17,458 )
(1,372 )
18,685
14,444
(16,642 )
229,706
336,124
(1,069,387 )
(118,072 )
(9,332 )
(2,056,576 )
—
1,225
20,126
2,096,805
116,584
513,804
115,782
12,039
—
(14,023 )
—
(391,025 )
(27,416 )
(3,716 )
7,119
178,435
—
(100,000 )
1,545
(1,083 )
54,884
(17 )
210
193
38,693
—
—
6,939
1,651
(8,988 )
—
—
64,763
82,764
(7,812 )
(18,094 )
(19,762 )
468
6,533
8,831
32,750
188,736
226,699
(884,911 )
(83,833 )
(12,990 )
(1,735,691 )
255
751
103,572
1,738,255
118,260
439,957
101,740
24,801
1
(12,879 )
—
(202,712 )
(26,944 )
(3,495 )
4,840
—
—
—
1,060
—
(24,539 )
(552 )
762
210
$
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
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 lines (“E&S”) property and casualty insurance products. Selective
Insurance Group, Inc. (referred to as the “Parent”) was incorporated in New Jersey in 1977 and its main offices are 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:
• Standard Commercial Lines - comprised of insurance products and services provided in the standard marketplace to
our commercial customers, who 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 Standard Commercial Lines, Standard Personal Lines, and E&S
Lines, as well as amounts generated through our capital management strategies, which may include the issuance of
debt and equity securities.
This is a change from the segments that we have previously reported of Standard Insurance Operations, E&S Insurance
Operations, and Investments. All prior year information contained in this Form 10-K has been restated to reflect our revised
segments. For qualitative information behind the change, see Note 11. "Segment Information" below.
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. 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
Certain amounts in our prior years' Financial Statements and related notes have been reclassified to conform to the 2014
presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on our net income, stockholders' equity, or cash flows.
87
(d) Investments
Fixed income securities may include bonds, redeemable preferred stocks, mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and asset-
backed securities (“ABS”). 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 MBS are amortized over the expected life of the security based on future principal
payments, and considering 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 fixed income 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. Unrealized gains and losses on fixed income securities classified as AFS, net of tax, are included in accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI").
Equity securities, which are classified as AFS, may include common stocks and non-redeemable preferred stocks, and are
carried at fair value. Dividend income on these securities is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated
Statements of Income. The associated unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, are included in AOCI. 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.
Short-term investments may include certain money market instruments, savings accounts, commercial paper, and other debt
issues purchased with a maturity of less than one year. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.
The associated income is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statement 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 Statement of Income. Included in other securities are low income housing tax
credits, which are accounted for under the proportional amortization method. The remainder of our other securities are
accounted for using the equity method. Under the proportional amortization method, our share of the investment’s performance
is recorded in our Consolidated Statement of Income as a component of “Federal income tax expense (benefit).” Under the
equity method, our share of distributed and undistributed net income is included in "Net investment income earned" on our
Consolidated Statement of Income.
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.
When the fair value of any investment is lower than its cost/amortized cost, an assessment is made to determine if the decline is
other than temporary. We regularly review our entire investment portfolio for declines in fair value. If we believe that a
decline in the value of an AFS security is temporary, we record the decline as an unrealized loss in AOCI. Temporary declines
in the value of an HTM security are not recognized in the Financial Statements. Our assessment of a decline in fair value
includes judgment as to the financial position and future prospects of the entity that issued the investment security, as well as a
review of the security’s underlying collateral for fixed income investments. Broad changes in the overall market or interest rate
environment generally will not lead to a write-down.
Fixed Income Securities and Short-Term Investments
Our evaluation for OTTI of a fixed income security or a short-term investment may include, but is not limited to, the 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;
• 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.
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OTTI charges are recognized as a realized loss to the extent that they are credit related, unless we have the intent to sell the
security or it is more-likely-than not that we will be required to sell the security. In those circumstances, the security is written
down to fair value with the entire amount of the writedown charged to earnings as a component of realized losses.
To determine if an impairment is other than temporary, we compare the present value of cash flows expected to be collected
with the amortized cost of fixed income securities meeting certain criteria. In addition, this analysis is 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. These impairment assessments may include, but are not limited to, discounted cash flow
analyses ("DCFs").
For structured securities, including commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"), residential mortgage-backed securities
("RMBS"), ABS, and collaterialized debt obligations ("CDOs"), we also consider variables such as expected default, severity,
and prepayment assumptions based on security type and vintage, taking into consideration information from credit agencies,
historical performance, and other relevant economic and performance factors.
In making our assessment, we perform a DCF to determine the present value of future cash flows to be generated by the
underlying collateral of the security. 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 as a “non-credit impairment.” As mentioned above, 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.
Discounted Cash Flow Assumptions
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.
If applicable, we use a conditional default rate assumption in the DCF to estimate future defaults. The conditional default rate
is the proportion of all loans outstanding in a security at the beginning of a time period that are expected to default during that
period. Our assumption of this rate takes into consideration the uncertainty of future defaults as well as whether or not these
securities have experienced significant cumulative losses or delinquencies to date.
If applicable, conditional default rate assumptions apply at the total collateral pool level held in the securitization trust.
Generally, collateral conditional default rates will “ramp-up” over time as the collateral seasons, because the performance
begins to weaken and losses begin to surface. As time passes, depending on the collateral type and vintage, losses will peak
and performance will begin to improve as weaker borrowers are removed from the pool through delinquency resolutions. In
the later years of a collateral pool’s life, performance is generally materially better as the resulting favorable selection of the
portfolio improves the overall quality and performance.
For CMBS, we also consider the net operating income (“NOI”) generated by the underlying properties. Our assumptions of the
properties’ ultimate cash flows take into consideration both an immediate reduction to the reported NOIs and decreases to
projected NOIs.
If applicable, we use a loan loss severity assumption in our DCF that is applied at the loan level of the collateral pool. The loan
loss severity assumptions represent the estimated percentage loss on the loan-to-value exposure for a particular security. For
CMBS, the loan loss severities applied are based on property type. Losses generated from the evaluations are then applied to
the entire underlying deal structure in accordance with the original service agreements.
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Equity Securities
Evaluation for OTTI of an equity security 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.
If there is a decline in the fair value on an equity security that we do not intend to hold, or if we determine the decline is other-
than-temporary, including declines driven by market volatility for which we cannot assert will recover in the near term, we will
write down the carrying value of the investment and record the charge through earnings as a component of realized losses.
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.
If there is a decline in the equity method 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 cost 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:
• For valuations of a large portion of our equity securities portfolio, as well as U.S. Treasury Notes held in our fixed
income securities portfolio, we receive prices 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, in conjunction with our external investment
managers, to determine the price to be used. These securities are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
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• For approximately 99% of our fixed income securities portfolio, we utilize a market approach, 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. In conjunction with our external investment portfolio managers,
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 positions traded
directly by the external investment portfolio managers to prices received from the third-party pricing services; (iii)
comparing market value fluctuations between months for reasonableness; and (iv) reviewing stale prices. If further
analysis is needed, a challenge is sent to the pricing service for review and confirmation of the price. These prices are
typically Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
• For the small portion of our fixed income securities portfolio that we cannot price using our primary or secondary
service, we typically use non-binding broker quotes. 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. For the small portion of non-public equity
securities that we hold, we typically receive prices from a third party pricing service or through statements provided
by the security issuer. In conjunction with our external investment portfolio managers, these fair value measurements
are reviewed for reasonableness. This review typically includes an analysis of price fluctuations between months with
variances over established thresholds being analyzed further. These prices are generally classified as Level 3 in the
fair value hierarchy, as the inputs cannot be corroborated by observable market data.
• 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. These securities are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
Liabilities
The techniques used to value our notes payable are as follows:
• The fair value of the 5.875% Senior Notes due February 9, 2043 is based on quoted market prices.
• The fair values of the 7.25% Senior Notes due November 15, 2034 and the 6.70% Senior Notes due November 1,
2035 are based on matrix pricing models prepared by external pricing services.
• The fair value of the 1.25% and recently repaid 2.90% borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of
Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) are estimated using a DCF based on a current borrowing rate provided by the FHLBI
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 and/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. Both the fair value of 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.
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(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 our Insurance
Subsidiaries’ domiciliary states. This collateral is typically in the form or 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 and 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
Computer hardware
Computer software
Internally developed software
Furniture and fixtures
Buildings and improvements
Years
3
3 to 5
5
10
5 to 40
We recorded depreciation expense of $12.6 million, $10.2 million, and $9.2 million for 2014, 2013, and 2012, 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
segments, consistent with our segments of Standard Commercial Lines, Standard Personal Lines, and E&S Lines. This is a
change from the insurance segments that we have previously reported. For qualitative information behind the change, see Note
11. "Segment Information" below.
There were no premium deficiencies for any of the reported years, as the sum of the anticipated losses and loss expenses,
unamortized acquisition costs, policyholder dividends, and other expenses for Standard Commercial Lines, Standard Personal
Lines, and E&S Lines did not exceed the related unearned premium and anticipated investment income. The investment yields
assumed in the premium deficiency assessment for each reporting period, which are based on our actual average investment
yield before tax as of the September 30 calculation date were 3.0% for both 2014 and 2013, and 3.1% for 2012. Deferred
policy acquisition costs amortized to expense were $364.3 million for 2014, $331.8 million for 2013, and $298.5 million for
2012.
(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 a 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.
(l) Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses
Reserves for losses and loss expenses are comprised of both case reserves and reserves for claims incurred but not yet reported
("IBNR"). Case reserves result from claims that have been reported to one or more of our ten insurance subsidiaries, which are
collectively referred to as the "Insurance Subsidiaries," and are estimated for the amount of ultimate payment. IBNR reserves
are established based on 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. In applying
generally accepted actuarial techniques, we consider a range of possible loss and loss expense reserves in establishing IBNR.
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The internal assumptions we consider in the estimation of the IBNR amounts for both asbestos and environmental and non-
environmental reserves at our reporting dates are based on: (i) an analysis of both paid and incurred loss and loss expense
development trends; (ii) an analysis of both paid and incurred claim count development trends; (iii) the exposure estimates for
reported claims; (iv) recent development on exposure estimates with respect to individual large claims and the aggregate of all
claims; (v) the rate at which new asbestos and environmental claims are being reported; and (vi) patterns of events observed by
claims personnel or reported to them by defense counsel. External factors we monitor for the estimation of IBNR for both
asbestos and environmental and non-environmental IBNR reserves 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. Adjustments to IBNR are made periodically to take into account 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 reserves for losses and loss expenses over time.
By using both individual estimates of reported claims and generally accepted actuarial reserving techniques, we estimate the
ultimate net liability for losses and loss expenses. While the ultimate actual liability may be higher or lower than reserves
established, we believe the reserves make a reasonable provision, in the aggregate, for all unpaid losses and loss expenses
incurred. Any changes in the liability estimate 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; however,
our loss and loss expense reserves include anticipated recoveries for salvage and subrogation claims.
Overall reserves are reviewed for adequacy on a periodic basis. As part of the periodic review, we consider the range of
possible loss and loss expense reserves, determined at the beginning of the year. This process assumes that past experience,
adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate basis for predicting future events.
However, there is no precise method for subsequently evaluating the impact of any specific factor on the adequacy of reserves
because the eventual deficiency or redundancy is affected by many factors. Based upon such reviews, we believe that the
estimated reserves for losses and loss expenses make a reasonable provision to cover the ultimate cost of claims. However, the
ultimate actual liability may be higher or lower than the reserve established. 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 and may be material to the results of operations in
future periods.
(m) Revenue Recognition
The Insurance Subsidiaries' net premiums written 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. The 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.
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(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 “Other expense” on the Consolidated
Statements of Income.
(p) Leases
We have various operating leases for office space and equipment. 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" as deferred rent 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 and an incurrence of an 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, but based on the employee's expected date of separation or retirement. 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, mortality, turnover, and rate of
compensation increases. In the fourth quarter of 2014, we updated our mortality assumption to reflect RP-2014, which is the
table that was most recently adopted by the U.S. Society of Actuaries.
Note 3. Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements
In October 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2010-26,
Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts
(“ASU 2010-26”). ASU 2010-26 requires that only costs that are incremental or directly related to the successful acquisition of
new or renewal insurance contracts are to be capitalized as a deferred acquisition cost. This includes, among other items, 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. We adopted this guidance on January 1, 2012, with retrospective application.
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure
Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS (“ASU 2011-04”). This guidance changes the wording used to describe the requirements
in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and disclosing information about fair value measurements to improve consistency in the
application and description of fair value between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2011-04
clarifies that the concepts of highest and best use and valuation premise in a fair value measurement are relevant only when
measuring the fair value of nonfinancial assets, and are not relevant when measuring the fair value of financial assets or
liabilities. In addition, ASU 2011-04 expands the disclosures for unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements,
requiring quantitative and qualitative information to be disclosed related to: (i) the valuation processes used; (ii) the sensitivity
of the fair value measurement to changes in unobservable inputs and the interrelationships between those unobservable inputs;
and (iii) the use of a nonfinancial asset in a way that differs from the asset’s highest and best use. ASU 2011-04 was effective
prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We have included the disclosures required by
this guidance in our notes to the Financial Statements, where appropriate.
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In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income
(“ASU 2011-05”). ASU 2011-05 requires that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single
continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This standard eliminates the
option to report OCI and its components in the statement of stockholders’ equity. ASU 2011-05 was effective, on a
retrospective basis, for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Based on an amendment issued in
December 2011, companies were not required to present separate line items on the income statement for reclassification
adjustments out of AOCI into net income, as would have been required under the initial ASU. This guidance, which is ASU
2011-12, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of
Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, was
effective concurrently with ASU 2011-05. We have included a Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income as part of the
Financial Statements to comply with the presentation required under this accounting guidance.
In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for
Impairment ("ASU 2011-08"), which simplifies the requirements to test goodwill for impairment. ASU 2011-08 permits an
entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is
less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing events and circumstances, an entity determines that it is not more likely than
not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is
unnecessary. However, if the entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the quantitative impairment test. ASU
2011-08 was effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 2011, and early adoption was permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our financial condition or results of
operation.
In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible
Assets for Impairment ("ASU 2012-02"), which reduces the cost and complexity of performing an impairment test for
indefinite-lived intangible assets. This guidance permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is
more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to
perform a quantitative impairment test. ASU 2012-02 was effective for annual and interim intangible impairment tests
performed for fiscal years beginning on, or after, September 15, 2012, and early adoption was permitted. The adoption of this
guidance did not impact our financial condition or results of operation.
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income ("ASU 2013-02"), which adds new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI"). ASU 2013-02 requires entities to disclose additional information about
reclassification adjustments, including: (i) changes in AOCI balances by component; and (ii) significant items reclassified out
of AOCI. Prospective application of ASU 2013-02 was effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years,
beginning after December 15, 2012. We have included the disclosures required by ASU 2013-02 in the notes to our Financial
Statements, as appropriate.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net
Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (a consensus of the FASB Emerging
Issues Task Force) ("ASU 2013-11"). ASU 2013-11 applies to all entities with unrecognized tax benefits that also have tax loss
or tax credit carryforwards in the same tax jurisdiction as of the reporting date. An unrecognized tax benefit is the difference
between a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and the benefit that is more likely than not sustainable under
examination. Under ASU 2013-11, an entity must net an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit,
against deferred tax assets for a net operating loss ("NOL") carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward except
when:
• An NOL carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryfoward is not available as of the reporting date under the
governing tax law to settle taxes that would result from the disallowance of the tax position; or
• The entity does not intend to use the deferred tax asset for this purpose.
If either of these conditions exist, an entity should present an unrecognized tax benefit in the financial statements as a liability
and should not net the unrecognized tax benefit with a deferred tax asset. ASU 2013-11 was effective for fiscal years, and
interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our
financial condition or results of operation.
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In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-01, Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects ("ASU
2014-01"). ASU 2014-01 applies to all reporting entities that invest in flow-through limited liability entities that manage or
invest in affordable housing projects that qualify for a low-income housing tax credit. ASU 2014-01 permits reporting entities
to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using a newly
defined "proportional amortization method" if certain conditions are met. This policy election is required to be applied
consistently to all qualifying investments, rather than a decision to be applied to individual investments. Under the
proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other
tax benefits received, and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as components of income tax
expense (benefit). When a company does not make a policy election to account for investments in qualified affordable housing
projects using the proportional amortization method, these investments are required to be accounted for as an equity method
investment or a cost method investment. ASU 2014-01 is effective for public business entities for annual periods and interim
periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption being permitted. During the third
quarter of 2014, we adopted this guidance and have made a policy election to use the proportional amortization method. The
adoption of this guidance did not materially impact our financial condition or results of operation.
Pronouncements to be effective in the future
In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide
That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (“ASU 2014-12”). ASU 2014-12 applies to
all reporting entities that grant their employees share-based payments in which the terms of the award provide that a
performance target that affects vesting could be achieved after the requisite service period. That is the case when an employee
is eligible to retire or otherwise terminate employment before the end of the period in which a performance target could be
achieved and still be eligible to vest in the award if and when the performance target is achieved. ASU 2014-12 is intended to
resolve the diverse accounting treatment of these types of awards in practice. Many reporting entities were accounting for
these types of performance targets as non-vesting conditions that affect the grant-date fair value of the award while other
entities treated these performance targets as performance conditions that do not affect the grant-date fair value of the award.
ASU 2014-12 clarifies that these types of performance targets should be treated as performance conditions that do not impact
the grant-date fair value of the award. This guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual
periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. The implementation of ASU 2014-12 will not affect us, as we are currently
recording expense consistent with the requirements of this accounting update.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going
Concern (“ASU 2014-15”). ASU 2014-15 provides guidance about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is
substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. Currently
U.S. auditing standards and federal securities law require that an auditor evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an
entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time not to exceed one year beyond the date of the
financial statements being audited. Due to lack of guidance about management’s responsibility and the differing views about
when there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, there is diversity in whether, when, and
how an entity discloses the relevant conditions and events in its footnotes. In connection with preparing financial statements
for each annual and interim reporting period, an entity's management should evaluate whether there are conditions or events,
considered in the aggregate, that raise considerable doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one
year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or within one year after the date that the financial statements are to
be issued when applicable). The amendments in ASU 2014-15 clarify the timing and content of footnote disclosures. ASU
2014-15 is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods beginning in 2017. Early
application is permitted. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to impact the Company.
96
Note 4. Statements of Cash Flow
Supplemental cash flow information for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is as follows:
($ in thousands)
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest
Federal income tax
Non-cash items:
Tax-free exchange of fixed income securities, AFS
Tax-free exchange of fixed income securities, HTM
Stock split related to equity securities, AFS
Assets acquired under capital lease arrangements
Non-cash purchase of property and equipment
2014
2013
2012
$
$
22,221
22,699
20,781
4,289
334
5,642
338
21,465
20,000
37,965
15,820
—
2,583
20
18,779
6,421
18,942
25,168
—
2,091
—
Included in "Other assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet was $6.0 million at December 31, 2014 and $7.3 million at
December 31, 2013 of cash received from the National Flood Insurance Program ("NFIP") which is restricted to pay flood
claims under the Write Your Own ("WYO") program.
Note 5. Investments
(a) Net unrealized gains on investments included in OCI by asset class were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2014,
2013, and 2012:
($ in thousands)
AFS securities:
Fixed income securities
Equity securities
Total AFS securities
HTM securities:
Fixed income securities
Total HTM securities
Total net unrealized gains
Deferred income tax expense
Net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax
$
2014
2013
2012
90,336
32,389
122,725
958
958
123,683
(43,289 )
80,394
39,559
37,421
76,980
2,257
2,257
79,237
(27,733 )
51,504
165,330
18,941
184,271
3,926
3,926
188,197
(65,869)
122,328
Increase (decrease) in net unrealized gains in OCI, net of deferred income tax
$
28,890
(70,824 )
25,080
(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, 2014
($ in thousands)
Foreign government
Obligations of state and political
subdivisions
Corporate securities
ABS
CMBS
Total HTM fixed income securities
$
Amortized
Cost
$
5,292
285,301
18,899
2,818
4,869
317,179
Net
Unrealized
Unrecognized Unrecognized
Gains
(Losses)
Carrying
Value
Holding
Gains
Holding
Losses
Fair
Value
5,339
287,372
18,626
2,363
4,437
318,137
55
11,760
2,796
460
753
15,824
—
—
—
—
—
—
5,394
299,132
21,422
2,823
5,190
333,961
47
2,071
(273 )
(455 )
(432 )
958
97
December 31, 2013
($ in thousands)
Foreign government
Obligations of state and political
subdivisions
Corporate securities
ABS
CMBS
Total HTM fixed income securities
$
Net
Unrealized
Unrecognized Unrecognized
Amortized
Cost
Gains
(Losses)
Carrying
Value
Holding
Gains
Holding
Losses
Fair
Value
$
5,292
131
5,423
168
348,109
28,174
3,413
5,634
390,622
4,013
(346 )
(655 )
(886 )
2,257
352,122
27,828
2,758
4,748
392,879
17,634
2,446
657
3,197
24,102
—
—
—
—
—
—
5,591
369,756
30,274
3,415
7,945
416,981
Unrecognized holding gains and losses of HTM securities are not reflected in the Financial Statements, as they represent fair
value fluctuations from the later of: (i) the date a security is designated as HTM; or (ii) the date that an OTTI charge is
recognized on an HTM security, through the date of the balance sheet. Our HTM securities had an average duration of 1.7
years as of December 31, 2014.
(c) The cost/amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of AFS securities were as follows:
December 31, 2014
($ in thousands)
U.S. government and government agencies
Foreign government
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Corporate securities
ABS
CMBS1
RMBS2
AFS fixed income securities
AFS equity securities
Total AFS securities
December 31, 2013
($ in thousands)
U.S. government and government agencies
Foreign government
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Corporate securities
ABS
CMBS1
RMBS2
AFS fixed income securities
AFS equity securities
Total AFS securities
Cost/
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
$
$
$
$
116,666
27,035
1,208,776
1,763,427
176,837
177,932
505,113
3,975,786
159,011
4,134,797
Cost/
Amortized
Cost
163,218
29,781
946,455
1,707,928
140,430
172,288
515,877
3,675,977
155,350
3,831,327
7,592
796
38,217
42,188
760
2,438
8,587
100,578
32,721
133,299
(128 )
—
(729 )
(5,809 )
(373 )
(777 )
(2,426 )
(10,242 )
(332 )
(10,574 )
124,130
27,831
1,246,264
1,799,806
177,224
179,593
511,274
4,066,122
191,400
4,257,522
Unrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
10,661
906
25,194
44,004
934
2,462
7,273
91,434
37,517
128,951
(504 )
(72 )
(20,025 )
(17,049 )
(468 )
(3,466 )
(10,291 )
(51,875 )
(96 )
(51,971 )
173,375
30,615
951,624
1,734,883
140,896
171,284
512,859
3,715,536
192,771
3,908,307
1 CMBS includes government guaranteed agency securities with a fair value of $13.2 million at December 31, 2014 and $30.0 million at December 31, 2013.
2 RMBS includes government guaranteed agency securities with a fair value of $32.4 million at December 31, 2014 and $55.2 million at December 31, 2013.
Unrealized gains and losses of AFS securities represent fair value fluctuations from the later of: (i) the date a security is
designated as AFS; or (ii) the date that an OTTI charge is recognized on an AFS security, through the date of the balance sheet.
These unrealized gains and losses are recorded in AOCI on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
98
(d) The following tables summarize, for all securities in a net unrealized/unrecognized loss position at December 31, 2014 and
December 31, 2013, the fair value and pre-tax net unrealized/unrecognized loss by asset class and by length of time those
securities have been in a net loss position:
December 31, 2014
($ in thousands)
AFS securities:
U.S. government and government agencies
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Corporate securities
ABS
CMBS
RMBS
Total fixed income securities
Equity securities
Subtotal
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses1
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses1
$
$
7,567
47,510
276,648
113,202
12,799
3,399
461,125
5,262
466,387
(13 )
(105 )
(1,734 )
(178 )
(34 )
(8 )
(2,072 )
(336 )
(2,408 )
10,866
64,018
153,613
15,618
59,219
138,724
442,058
—
442,058
(115 )
(624 )
(4,075 )
(195 )
(743 )
(2,418 )
(8,170 )
—
(8,170 )
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses1
Unrecognized
Gains2
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses1
Unrecognized
Gains2
$
$
$
196
—
196
466,583
(3 )
—
(3 )
(2,411 )
1
—
1
1
—
2,235
2,235
444,293
—
(455 )
(455 )
(8,625 )
—
439
439
439
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses1
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses1
($ in thousands)
HTM securities:
Obligations of states and political
subdivisions
ABS
Subtotal
Total AFS and HTM
December 31, 2013
($ in thousands)
AFS securities:
U.S. government and government agencies
$
Foreign government
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Corporate securities
ABS
CMBS
RMBS
Total fixed income securities
Equity securities
Subtotal
$
(500 )
(30 )
(19,120 )
(15,911 )
(468 )
(2,950 )
(10,031 )
(49,010 )
(96 )
(49,106 )
507
2,955
13,530
14,771
—
6,298
2,670
40,731
—
40,731
(4 )
(42 )
(905 )
(1,138 )
—
(516 )
(260 )
(2,865 )
—
(2,865 )
16,955
2,029
442,531
511,100
68,725
100,396
268,943
1,410,679
1,124
1,411,803
99
($ in thousands)
HTM securities:
Obligations of states and political
subdivisions
ABS
Subtotal
Total AFS and HTM
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses1
Unrecognized
Gains2
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses1
Unrecognized
Gains2
$
$
$
65
—
65
1,411,868
(5 )
—
(5 )
(49,111 )
5
—
5
5
441
2,490
2,931
43,662
(20 )
(655 )
(675 )
(3,540 )
14
621
635
635
1 Gross unrealized losses include non-OTTI unrealized amounts and OTTI losses recognized in AOCI. In addition, this column includes remaining unrealized
gain or loss amounts on securities that were transferred to an HTM designation in the first quarter of 2009 for those securities that are in a net
unrealized/unrecognized loss position.
2 Unrecognized holding gains represent fair value fluctuations from the later of: (i) the date a security is designated as HTM; or (ii) the date that an OTTI
charge is recognized on an HTM security.
The table below provides our net unrealized/unrecognized loss positions by impairment severity as of December 31, 2014
compared to the prior year:
($ in thousands)
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2013
Number of
Issues
% of
Market/Book
Unrealized/Unrecogniz
ed
Loss
Number of
Issues
% of
Market/Book
Unrealized/
Unrecognized
Loss
350
—
—
—
—
80% - 99% $
60% - 79%
40% - 59%
20% - 39%
0% - 19%
$
10,596
—
—
—
—
10,596
556
1
—
—
—
80% - 99% $
60% - 79%
40% - 59%
20% - 39%
0% - 19%
$
51,835
176
—
—
—
52,011
At December 31, 2014, we had 350 securities in an aggregate unrealized/unrecognized loss position of $10.6 million, compared
to 557 securities in an aggregate unrealized/unrecognized loss position of $52.0 million at December 31, 2013. This
improvement was mainly driven by a lower interest rate environment. Fixed income security pricing in the marketplace has
improved reflecting the 86 basis point decrease in the 10-year U.S. Treasury Note during 2014. At December 31, 2014, $8.2
million of the aggregate unrealized/unrecognized losses related to securities that have been in a loss position for more than 12
months, while at December 31, 2013, these losses amounted to $2.9 million. Included in the $8.2 million was one security that
experienced a rating downgrade during 2014. The impairment severity on this security deteriorated from 9% at December 31,
2013 to 13%, or $1.1 million, at December 31, 2014. Given the close proximity of amortized cost and market value, we have
concluded that this security is not other-than-temporarily impaired. Excluding this one security, the nature of the
unrealized/unrecognized losses over 12 months is interest-rate related as opposed to credit-related concerns, as evidenced by
the fact that the severity of impairment on these securities improved from an average of 6% of amortized cost at December 31,
2013 to an average of 2% of amortized cost at December 31, 2014.
For a discussion regarding the sensitivity of interest rate movements and the related impacts on the fixed income securities
portfolio, refer to Item 7A. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" of this Form 10-K.
We have reviewed the securities in the tables above in accordance with our OTTI policy, as described in Note 2. “Summary of
Significant Accounting Policies” of this Form 10-K. In addition, we do not intend to sell any securities in an
unrealized/unrecognized loss position nor do we believe we will be required to sell these securities, and therefore we have
concluded that they are temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2014. This conclusion reflects our current judgment as to the
financial position and future prospects of the entity that issued the investment security and underlying collateral. 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.
100
(e) Fixed income securities at December 31, 2014, by contractual maturity are shown below. Mortgage-backed securities
("MBS") are included in the maturity tables using the estimated average life of each security. Expected maturities may differ
from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment
penalties.
Listed below are HTM fixed income securities at December 31, 2014:
($ in thousands)
Due in one year or less
Due after one year through five years
Due after five years through 10 years
Total HTM fixed income securities
Listed below are AFS fixed income securities at December 31, 2014:
($ in thousands)
Due in one year or less
Due after one year through five years
Due after five years through 10 years
Due after 10 years
Total AFS fixed income securities
Carrying Value
Fair Value
$
$
113,266
193,983
10,888
318,137 $
Fair Value
$
$
114,795
206,188
12,978
333,961
435,190
1,961,179
1,593,287
76,466
4,066,122
(f) The following table summarizes our other investment portfolio by strategy and the remaining commitment amount
associated with each strategy:
Other Investments
($ in thousands)
Alternative Investments
Secondary private equity
Private equity
Energy/power generation
Real estate
Mezzanine financing
Distressed debt
Venture capital
Total alternative investments
Other securities
Total other investments
Carrying Value
2014
December 31,
December 31,
Remaining
2014
2013
Commitment
$
$
21,807
20,126
14,445
11,452
9,853
8,679
6,606
92,968
6,235
99,203
25,618
20,192
17,361
11,698
12,738
11,579
7,025
106,211
1,664
107,875
7,001
8,890
21,905
10,051
13,541
2,982
350
64,720
3,711
68,431
The following is a description of our alternative investment strategies:
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.
Private Equity
This strategy makes private equity investments, primarily in established large and middle market companies across diverse
industries globally.
Energy/Power Generation
This strategy invests primarily in cash flow generating assets in the coal, natural gas, power generation, and electric and gas
transmission and distribution industries.
101
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.
Real Estate
This strategy invests opportunistically in real estate in North America, Europe, and Asia via direct property ownership, joint
ventures, mortgages, and investments in equity and debt instruments.
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, commercial real estate mortgages and similar
non-U.S. securities and debt obligations. This strategy includes a fund of funds component.
Venture Capital
In general, these investments are venture capital investments 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 seven alternative investment strategies employ low or moderate levels of leverage and generally 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 2028.
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)
Investments
Total assets
Total liabilities
Partners’ capital
Income Statement Information
12 months ended September 30,
($ in millions)
Net investment income
Realized gains
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
Net income
Insurance Subsidiaries' other investments income
2014
2013
10,096
10,695
545
10,150
2014
2013
2012
226
581
1,098
1,905
13.6
406
913
382
1,701
15.2
11,020
11,727
573
11,154
226
1,015
(100)
1,141
9.0
$
$
$
102
(g) We have pledged certain AFS fixed income securities as collateral related to: (i) our outstanding borrowing of $45 million
with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis ("FHLBI"); (ii) our reinsurance obligations related to our 2011 acquisition
of our E&S book of business; and (iii) our compliance with insurance laws by placing certain securities on deposit with various
state and regulatory agencies. We retain all rights regarding all securities pledged as collateral.
The following table summarizes the market value of these securities at December 31, 2014:
($ in millions)
U.S. government and government agencies
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Corporate securities
ABS
CMBS
RMBS
Total pledged as collateral
FHLBI Collateral
$
Reinsurance
Collateral
—
5.7
5.3
1.1
—
2.3
14.4
State and
Regulatory Deposits
25.3
—
—
—
—
—
25.3
Total
33.0
5.7
5.3
1.1
2.2
53.1
100.4
7.7
—
—
—
2.2
50.8
60.7
$
(h) The components of pre-tax net investment income earned were as follows:
($ in thousands)
Fixed income securities
Equity securities, dividend income
Short-term investments
Other investments
Investment expenses
Net investment income earned
2014
2013
2012
$
$
126,489
7,449
66
13,580
(8,876)
138,708
121,582
6,140
117
15,208
(8,404 )
134,643
124,687
6,215
151
8,996
(8,172)
131,877
(i) The following tables summarize OTTI by asset type for the periods indicated:
2014
($ in thousands)
AFS fixed income securities:
RMBS
Total AFS fixed income securities
Equity securities
Total AFS securities
Other investments
OTTI losses
2013
($ in thousands)
HTM fixed income securities:
ABS
Total HTM fixed income securities
AFS fixed income securities:
RMBS
Total AFS fixed income securities
Equity securities
Total AFS securities
Other investments
OTTI losses
Gross
Included in OCI
Earnings
Recognized in
7
7
10,517
10,524
580
11,104
—
—
—
—
—
—
7
7
10,517
10,524
580
11,104
Gross
Included in OCI
Earnings
Recognized in
(44 )
(44 )
16
16
3,747
3,763
1,847
5,566
(47 )
(47 )
(30 )
(30 )
—
(30 )
—
(77 )
3
3
46
46
3,747
3,793
1,847
5,643
$
$
$
$
103
2012
($ in thousands)
AFS fixed income securities:
ABS
CMBS
RMBS
Total AFS fixed income securities
Equity securities
OTTI losses
Gross
Included in OCI
Earnings
Recognized in
$
$
98
(1,525 )
(35 )
(1,462 )
3,173
1,711
—
(2,335 )
(218 )
(2,553 )
—
(2,553 )
98
810
183
1,091
3,173
4,264
The majority of the OTTI charges in 2014, 2013, and 2012 were comprised of charges on our equity portfolio. In 2014, $9.0
million related to securities for which we had the intent to sell in relation to a change in our high-dividend yield strategy. In
2013, $2.0 million related to securities that we did not believe would recover in the near term and $1.7 million related to
securities for which we had the intent to sell. Contributing to the OTTI charges in 2013 were $1.8 million of charges that relate
to an investment in a limited liability company within our other investments portfolio that has sustained significant losses for
which we do not anticipate recovery. In 2012, $1.0 million related to securities that we did not believe would recover in the
near term and $2.2 million related to securities for which we had the intent to sell.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, credit loss impairments on fixed income securities for which a portion
of the OTTI charge was recognized in OCI, and the corresponding changes in such amounts:
($ in thousands)
Balance, beginning of year
Addition for the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was not previously recognized
Reductions for securities sold during the period
Reductions for securities for which the amount previously recognized in OCI was recognized in
earnings because of intention or potential requirement to sell before recovery of amortized cost
Reductions for securities for which the entire amount previously recognized in OCI was
recognized in earnings due to a decrease in cash flows expected
Additional increases to the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was previously
recognized
Accretion of credit loss impairments previously recognized due to an increase in cash flows
expected to be collected
Balance, end of year
2014
2013
2012
$
7,488
—
(2,044 )
—
—
—
7,477
—
—
—
—
11
$
—
5,444
—
7,488
6,602
—
—
—
—
875
—
7,477
104
(j) The components of net realized gains, excluding OTTI charges, were as follows:
$
($ in thousands)
HTM fixed income securities
Gains
Losses
AFS fixed income securities
Gains
Losses
AFS equity securities
Gains
Losses
Short-term investments
Losses
Other investments
Gains
Losses
Total other net realized investment gains
$
2014
2013
2012
2
(20)
1,945
(392)
36,871
(704)
—
1
—
37,703
195
(95)
3,340
(373)
24,776
(408)
—
—
(1,060)
26,375
194
(217)
4,452
(472)
10,901
(1,205)
(2)
1
(400)
13,252
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 $259.0 million in 2014, $135.9 million in 2013, and $205.3 million in 2012. Net
realized gains in 2014, 2013, and 2012, excluding OTTI charges, were driven by the sale of AFS equity securities due to the
rebalancing of our high-dividend yield strategy holdings within our equity portfolio. In addition, $9.2 million of the 2014 gains
on our equity portfolio related to a change in our strategy for this portfolio.
Note 6. Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income
(a)
Stockholders’ Equity
As of December 31, 2014, we had 13.3 million shares reserved for various stock compensation and purchase plans, retirement
plans, and dividend reinvestment plans. As a convenience to our employees and directors, we repurchase the Parent’s stock
from time-to-time as permitted under our stock-based compensation plans. The Parent has not had an authorized stock
repurchase program since 2009. The following table provides information regarding the purchase of the Parent’s common
stock during the 2012 through 2014 reporting periods:
($ in thousands)
Period
2014
2013
2012
Shares Purchased in Connection with Restricted
Stock Vestings and Stock Option Exercises
Cost of Shares Purchased in Connection with
Restricted Stock Vestings and Stock Option
Exercises
154,559 $
167,846
194,575
3,563
3,716
3,495
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. See Note 20. “Statutory Financial Information, Capital Requirements, and Restrictions on Dividends
and Transfers of Funds” for information regarding these dividend restrictions.
105
(b) The components of comprehensive income, both gross and net of tax, for 2014, 2013, and 2012 were as follows:
2014
($ in thousands)
Net income
Components of OCI:
Unrealized gains on investment securities:
Unrealized holding gains during the year
Amounts reclassified into net income:
HTM securities
Non-credit OTTI
Realized gains on AFS securities
Net unrealized gains
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:
Net actuarial loss
Amounts reclassified into net income:
Net actuarial loss
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans
Other comprehensive loss
Comprehensive income
2013
($ in thousands)
Net income
Components of OCI:
Unrealized losses on investment securities:
Unrealized holding losses during the period
Non-credit OTTI recognized in OCI
Amounts reclassified into net income:
HTM securities
Non-credit OTTI
Realized gains on AFS securities
Net unrealized losses
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:
Net actuarial gain
Amounts reclassified into net income:
Net actuarial loss
Prior service cost
Curtailment expense
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans
Other comprehensive loss
Comprehensive income
Gross
Tax
Net
$
197,131
55,304
141,827
72,940
(1,299 )
1,669
(28,864 )
44,446
25,529
(455)
584
(10,102)
15,556
(54,136 )
(18,947)
1,902
(52,234 )
(7,788 )
189,343
$
666
(18,281)
(2,725)
52,579
47,411
(844)
1,085
(18,762)
28,890
(35,189)
1,236
(33,953)
(5,063)
136,764
Gross
Tax
Net
$
142,267
35,849
106,418
(83,934 )
77
(1,577 )
14
(23,540 )
(108,960 )
59,654
4,374
10
16
64,054
(44,906 )
97,361
$
(29,377)
27
(552)
5
(8,239)
(38,136)
20,879
1,531
4
5
22,419
(15,717)
20,132
(54,557)
50
(1,025)
9
(15,301)
(70,824)
38,775
2,843
6
11
41,635
(29,189)
77,229
106
2012
($ in thousands)
Net income
Components of OCI:
Unrealized gains on investment securities:
Unrealized holding gains during the period
Non-credit OTTI recognized in OCI
Amounts reclassified into net income:
HTM securities
Non-credit OTTI
Realized gains on AFS securities
Net unrealized gains
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:
Net actuarial loss
Amounts reclassified into net income:
Net actuarial loss
Prior service cost
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans
Other comprehensive income
Comprehensive income
Gross
Tax
Net
$
37,635
(328)
37,963
47,594
2,554
(2,432 )
280
(9,412 )
38,584
(26,566 )
5,903
150
(20,513 )
18,071
55,706
$
16,657
894
(851)
98
(3,294)
13,504
(9,298)
2,066
53
(7,179)
6,325
5,997
30,937
1,660
(1,581)
182
(6,118)
25,080
(17,268)
3,837
97
(13,334)
11,746
49,709
(c) The balances of, and changes in, each component of AOCI (net of taxes) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as
follows:
($ in thousands)
OTTI Related
HTM Related
All Other
Investments
Subtotal
Defined Benefit
Pension and Post-
retirement Plans
Total AOCI
Net Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Investment Securities
Balance, December 31, 2012
$
OCI before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
Net current period OCI
Balance, December 31, 2013
OCI before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
Net current period OCI
Balance, December 31, 2014
$
(1,658 )
50
9
59
(1,599)
—
1,085
1,085
(514 )
2,594
(102 )
(1,025 )
(1,127 )
1,467
—
(844 )
(844 )
623
121,391
(54,455 )
(15,301 )
(69,756 )
51,635
47,411
(18,762 )
28,649
80,284
122,327
(54,507)
(16,317)
(70,824)
51,503
47,411
(18,521)
28,890
80,393
(68,287 )
38,775
2,860
41,635
(26,652 )
(35,189 )
1,236
(33,953 )
(60,605 )
54,040
(15,732)
(13,457)
(29,189)
24,851
12,222
(17,285)
(5,063)
19,788
107
The reclassifications out of AOCI are as follows:
($ in thousands)
OTTI related
Year ended December
31, 2014
Year ended
December 31, 2013
Affected Line Item in the Consolidated
Statement of Income
Amortization of non-credit OTTI losses on HTM
securities
$
Non-credit OTTI on disposed securities
HTM related
Unrealized gains and losses on HTM disposals
Amortization of net unrealized gains on HTM
securities
Realized gains and losses on AFS
Realized gains and losses on AFS disposals
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement life plans
Net actuarial loss
Prior service cost
Curtailment expense
Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement life
—
1,669
1,669
(584 )
1,085
157
(1,456 )
(1,299 )
455
(844 )
(28,864 )
(28,864 )
10,102
(18,762 )
331
1,571
1,902
—
—
—
—
—
1,902
(666 )
1,236
Net investment income earned
14
— Net realized gains
Income from continuing operations, before
federal income tax
14
(5 ) Total federal income tax expense (benefit)
9 Net income
390 Net realized investment gains
(1,967 ) Net investment income earned
(1,577 )
Income from continuing operations, before
federal income tax
552 Total federal income tax expense (benefit)
(1,025 ) Net income
(23,540 ) Net realized investment gains
(23,540 )
Income from continuing operations, before
federal income tax
8,239 Total federal income tax expense (benefit)
(15,301 ) Net income
909 Losses and loss expenses incurred
3,465 Policy acquisition costs
4,374
Income from continuing operations, before
federal income tax
7 Losses and loss expenses incurred
3 Policy acquisition costs
Income from continuing operations, before
federal income tax
10
16 Policy acquisition costs
Income from continuing operations, before
federal income tax
16
Income from continuing operations, before
federal income tax
4,400
(1,540 ) Total federal income tax expense (benefit)
2,860 Net income
Total reclassifications for the period
$
(17,285)
(13,457 ) Net income
108
Note 7. Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments as of December 31,
2014 and 2013:
($ in thousands)
Financial Assets
Fixed income securities:
HTM
AFS
Equity securities, AFS
Short-term investments
Financial Liabilities
Notes payable:
2.90% borrowings from FHLBI
1.25% borrowings from FHLBI
7.25% Senior Notes
6.70% Senior Notes
5.875% Senior Notes
Total notes payable
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2013
Carrying
Amount
Fair Value
Carrying Amount
Fair Value
$
318,137
4,066,122
191,400
131,972
333,961
4,066,122
191,400
131,972
392,879
3,715,536
192,771
174,251
416,981
3,715,536
192,771
174,251
—
45,000
49,896
99,401
185,000
379,297
—
45,244
59,181
114,845
185,000
404,270
13,000
45,000
49,916
99,498
185,000
392,414
13,319
45,259
50,887
98,247
146,298
354,010
$
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.
The following tables provide quantitative disclosures of our financial assets that were measured at fair value at December 31,
2014 and 2013:
December 31, 2014
($ in thousands)
Description
Measured on a recurring basis:
AFS:
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets/
Liabilities
(Level 1)1
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)1
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets Measured at
Fair Value 12/31/14
U.S. government and government agencies
$
Foreign government
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Corporate securities
ABS
CMBS
RMBS
Total fixed income securities
Equity securities
Total AFS securities
Short-term investments
Total assets
$
53,199
—
—
—
—
—
—
53,199
188,500
241,699
131,972
373,671
70,931
27,831
1,246,264
1,799,806
177,224
179,593
511,274
4,012,923
—
4,012,923
—
4,012,923
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,900
2,900
—
2,900
124,130
27,831
1,246,264
1,799,806
177,224
179,593
511,274
4,066,122
191,400
4,257,522
131,972
4,389,494
109
December 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurements Using
($ in thousands)
Description
Measured on a recurring basis:
AFS:
Assets Measured at
Fair Value 12/31/13
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets/
Liabilities
(Level 1)1
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)1
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
U.S. government and government agencies
$
Foreign government
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Corporate securities
ABS
CMBS
RMBS
Total fixed income securities
Equity securities
Total AFS securities
Short-term investments
Total assets
$
173,375
30,615
951,624
1,734,883
140,896
171,284
512,859
3,715,536
192,771
3,908,307
174,251
4,082,558
52,153
—
—
—
—
—
—
52,153
189,871
242,024
174,251
416,275
121,222
30,615
951,624
1,734,883
140,896
171,284
512,859
3,663,383
—
3,663,383
—
3,663,383
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,900
2,900
—
2,900
1 There were no transfers of securities between Level 1 and Level 2.
There were no changes in the fair value of securities measured using Level 3 prices during 2014. The following
table provides a summary of these changes during 2013:
2013
($ in thousands)
Government
Corporate
ABS
CMBS
Equity
Receivable for
Proceeds
Related to Sale
of Selective HR
Solutions ("Selective
HR")
Total
Fair value, December 31, 2012 $
Total net (losses) gains for the
period included in:
OCI1
Net income2,3
Purchases
Sales
Issuances
Settlements
Transfers into Level 3
Transfers out of Level 3
Fair value, December 31, 2013 $
19,789
2,946
6,068
7,162
3,607
2,705
42,277
(537 )
(76 )
—
—
—
(1,847 )
—
(17,329 )
—
(7)
—
—
—
—
(168)
—
(2,771)
—
(74 )
—
—
—
—
—
—
(5,994 )
—
772
361
—
—
—
(2,420 )
—
(5,875 )
—
3,935
—
—
—
—
—
—
(4,642 )
2,900
—
(1,480 )
—
—
—
(225 )
—
(1,000 )
—
4,089
(1,195 )
—
—
—
(4,660 )
—
(37,611 )
2,900
1 Amounts are reported in “Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period” on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
2 Amounts are reported in “Net realized gains” for realized gains and losses and “Net investment income earned” for amortization of securities on the
Consolidated Statements of Income.
3For the receivable related to the sale of Selective HR, amounts in “Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax” relate to an impairment charge and
amounts in “Other income” relate to interest accretion on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
As discussed in Note 2. "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," in this Form 10-K, the fair value of our Level 3 fixed
income securities are typically obtained through non-binding broker quotes, which we review for reasonableness. At
December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were no fixed income securities that were measured using Level 3 inputs.
However, during 2013, securities with a fair value of $32.0 million were transferred out of Level 3 due to the availability of
Level 2 pricing at December 31, 2013 that was not available previously.
110
Equity securities with a fair value of $2.9 million were measured using Level 3 inputs at December 31, 2014 and at
December 31, 2013. An equity security with a fair value of $4.6 million was transferred out of Level 3 during 2013 due to the
availability of Level 2 pricing at the date of transfer. This security was subsequently sold for an amount that approximated the
value at the transfer date. In addition, the receivable related to the sale of Selective HR was settled during 2013 and as a result
was transferred out of Level 3.
The following tables provide quantitative information regarding our financial assets and liabilities that were disclosed at fair
value at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
December 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements Using
($ in thousands)
Financial Assets
HTM:
Foreign government
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Corporate securities
ABS
CMBS
Total HTM fixed income securities
Financial Liabilities
Notes payable:
1.25% borrowings from FHLBI
7.25% Senior Notes
6.70% Senior Notes
5.875% Senior Notes
Total notes payable
December 31, 2013
($ in thousands)
Financial Assets
HTM:
Foreign government
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Corporate securities
ABS
CMBS
Total HTM fixed income securities
Financial Liabilities
Notes payable:
2.90% borrowings from FHLBI
1.25% borrowings from FHLBI
7.25% Senior Notes
6.70% Senior Notes
5.875% Senior Notes
Total notes payable
Assets/Liabilities
Disclosed at
Fair Value
12/31/2014
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical
Assets/Liabilities
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
$
$
$
5,394
299,132
21,422
2,823
5,190
333,961
45,244
59,181
114,845
185,000
404,270
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
185,000
185,000
5,394
299,132
21,422
2,823
5,190
333,961
45,244
59,181
114,845
—
219,270 $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Fair Value Measurements Using
Assets/Liabilities
Disclosed at
Fair Value
12/31/2013
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical
Assets/Liabilities
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
146,298
146,298
5,591
369,756
30,274
3,415
7,945
416,981
13,319
45,259
50,887
98,247
—
207,712
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
$
$
$
5,591
369,756
30,274
3,415
7,945
416,981
13,319
45,259
50,887
98,247
146,298
354,010
111
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 required to participate in Terrorism Risk Insurance Program
Reauthorization Act ("TRIPRA"), which was extended 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 2015, our deductible is approximately $254 million. For losses above the deductible, the federal government
will pay 85% of losses to an industry limit of $100 billion, and the insurer retains 15%. 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. 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 $6.9 million at
December 31, 2014 and $5.1 million at December 31, 2013.
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, 2014
As of December 31, 2013
Reinsurance
Balances
% of Net
Unsecured
Reinsurance
Reinsurance
Balances
% of Net
Unsecured
Reinsurance
$
581,548
146,993
(114,843 )
613,698
$
550,897
143,000
(119,732 )
574,165
172,547
76,342
2,557
251,446
362,252
79,864
78,347
55,026
51,014
25,424
13,069
59,508
362,252
28
13
—
41
59
13
13
9
8
4
2
10
59 % $
177,637
71,732
3,034
252,403
321,762
72,565
69,749
48,234
45,114
25,730
15,665
44,705
321,762
31
12
1
44
56
13
12
8
8
4
3
8
56%
($ in thousands)
Total reinsurance recoverables
Total prepaid reinsurance premiums
Less: collateral1
Net unsecured reinsurance balances
Federal and state pools2:
NFIP
NJ Unsatisfied Claim Judgment Fund
Other
Total federal and state pools
Remaining unsecured reinsurance
Hannover Ruckversicherungs AG (A.M. Best rated “A+”)
Munich Re Group (A.M. Best rated “A+”)
Swiss Re Group (A.M. Best rated “A+”)
AXIS Reinsurance Company (A.M. Best rated “A+”)
Partner Reinsurance Company of the U.S. (A.M. Best rated “A+”)
QBE Reinsurance Corporation (A.M. Best rated "A")
All other reinsurers
Total
1 Includes letters of credit, trust funds, and funds withheld.
2 Considered to have minimal risk of default.
Note: Some amounts may not foot due to rounding.
$
112
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 losses and loss expenses incurred:
($ in thousands)
Premiums written:
Direct
Assumed
Ceded
Net
Premiums earned:
Direct
Assumed
Ceded
Net
Losses and loss expenses incurred:
Direct
Assumed
Ceded
Net
2014
2013
2012
$
$
$
$
$
$
2,228,270
26,306
(369,296 )
1,885,280
2,183,258
34,653
(365,302 )
1,852,609
1,314,864
26,187
(183,550 )
1,157,501
2,133,793
43,650
(367,284 )
1,810,159
2,048,530
44,464
(356,922 )
1,736,072
1,370,293
32,678
(281,233 )
1,121,738
1,955,667
50,938
(339,722)
1,666,883
1,873,007
65,884
(354,772)
1,584,119
2,394,640
29,175
(1,302,825)
1,120,990
Direct and ceded losses and loss expenses decreased significantly in 2013, primarily due to the impact of Superstorm Sandy, for
which $1.1 billion in flood losses were ceded to the federal government in 2012.
The ceded premiums and losses related to our participation in the NFIP, under which 100% of our flood premiums, losses and
loss expenses are ceded to the NFIP, are as follows:
Ceded to NFIP ($ in thousands)
Ceded premiums written
Ceded premiums earned
Ceded losses and loss expenses incurred
2014
2013
2012
$
(237,718)
(234,224 )
(57,323 )
(236,309 )
(228,650 )
(183,142 )
(221,094)
(212,177)
(1,119,303)
113
Note 9. Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses
The table below provides a roll forward of reserves for losses and loss expenses for beginning and ending reserve balances:
($ in thousands)
Gross reserves for losses and loss expenses, at beginning of year
Less: reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses, at beginning of year
Net reserves for losses and loss expenses, at beginning of year
Incurred losses and loss expenses for claims occurring in the:
$
2014
3,349,770
540,839
2,808,931
2013
4,068,941
1,409,755
2,659,186
2012
3,144,924
549,490
2,595,434
Current year
Prior years
Total incurred losses and loss expenses
Paid losses and loss expenses for claims occurring in the:
Current year
Prior years
Total paid losses and loss expenses
Net reserves for losses and loss expenses, at end of year
Add: Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses, at end of year
Gross reserves for losses and loss expenses at end of year
$
1,216,770
(59,269 )
1,157,501
468,478
592,062
1,060,540
2,905,892
571,978
3,477,870
1,147,263
(25,525 )
1,121,738
399,559
572,434
971,993
2,808,931
540,839
3,349,770
1,146,591
(25,601)
1,120,990
424,496
632,742
1,057,238
2,659,186
1,409,755
4,068,941
The net losses and loss expense reserves increased by $97.0 million in 2014, $149.7 million in 2013, and $63.8 million in 2012.
The losses and loss expense reserves are net of anticipated recoveries for salvage and subrogation claims, which amounted to
$65.1 million for 2014, $61.0 million for 2013, and $62.2 million for 2012. The changes in the net losses and loss expense
reserves were the result of growth in exposures, particularly associated with our E&S Lines of business, anticipated loss trends,
changes in reinsurance retentions, and normal reserve changes inherent in the uncertainty in establishing reserves for losses and
loss expenses. 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 recognized.
These changes could have a material impact on the results of operations of future periods when the adjustments are made.
In 2014, we experienced overall favorable loss development of approximately $59.3 million, compared to $25.5 million in both
2013 and 2012. The following table summarizes the prior year development by line of business:
(Favorable)/Unfavorable Prior Year Development
($ in millions)
General Liability
Commercial Automobile
Workers Compensation
Businessowners' Policies
Commercial Property
Homeowners
Personal Automobile
E&S
Other
Total
2014
2013
2012
$
$
(43.9 )
(4.1 )
—
1.9
(2.1 )
(4.0 )
(10.8 )
3.7
—
(59.3 )
(20.0 )
(4.5 )
23.5
(9.5 )
(7.5 )
(2.5 )
(3.0 )
(2.0 )
—
(25.5 )
2.5
(8.5)
2.5
(9.0)
(3.5)
(9.0)
0.5
—
(1.0)
(25.5)
114
The 2014 prior year favorable development of $59.3 million includes $48.2 million of favorable casualty development and
$11.1 million of favorable property development. The property development was primarily related to a prior year reinsurance
recoverable. The favorable casualty development was largely driven by the general liability and personal automobile lines of
business. These lines have both experienced increasingly favorable development in recent years. Conversely, businessowners’
policies and our E&S Lines experienced unfavorable emergence in 2014, which was a reversal from 2013. Our workers
compensation line had no development in 2014, after experiencing unfavorable development of $23.5 million last year.
By accident year, the majority of the favorable development was attributable to accident years 2010 through 2012, although
earlier accident years also developed favorably. General liability, commercial automobile, and personal automobile all
contributed to this development, partially offset by businessowners’ liability. The general liability line of business was the
primary driver of this favorable development, which was partially driven by lower severities in the 2010 through 2012 accident
years, within both the premises and operations and products liability coverages. In addition, accident years 2011 and 2012
continue to show lower than expected claim counts. The overall favorable development for accident years 2012 and prior was
partially offset by unfavorable development in accident year 2013, which was largely attributable to commercial automobile
liability, and partially E&S casualty.
The 2013 prior year favorable development of $25.5 million includes $14.5 million of favorable casualty development and
$11.0 million of favorable property development. The property development was primarily related to favorable non-
catastrophe loss activity, mostly in the 2012 accident year. The casualty lines were driven largely by favorable development in
accident years 2006 through 2010, with lower than expected severities in general liability and commercial automobile.
Partially offsetting this favorable development was: (i) unfavorable development in our workers compensation line driven by
assisted living claims; and (ii) unfavorable development in accident year 2012 in our commercial automobile line of business
driven by higher than expected severities.
The 2012 prior year favorable development of $25.5 million includes $18.0 million of casualty development and $7.5 million
of property development. The property development was primarily related to the favorable non-catastrophe loss activity that
occurred in the first quarter of 2012 mostly in the 2011 accident year. The casualty lines were driven by favorable
development in the 2007 through 2009 accident years, partially offset by unfavorable development in accident year 2011. The
favorable development was driven by lower than expected severities in all of the major casualty lines, which represents a
consistent trend in recent years. The unfavorable development in accident year 2011 was driven by: (i) higher than expected
severities in the workers compensation and general liability lines; and (ii) higher than expected frequencies in the commercial
auto line. This was partially offset by continued favorable development in the homeowners' liability line, due to lower
expected severity for this year.
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 losses and loss expense reserves for various asbestos and environmental claims:
($ in millions)
Asbestos
Landfill sites
Leaking underground storage tanks
Total
115
2014
Gross
Net
$
$
8.8
11.5
10.4
30.7
7.3
6.6
9.1
23.0
Estimating IBNR reserves for asbestos and environmental claims is difficult because of the delayed and inconsistent reporting
patterns associated with these claims. In addition, there are significant uncertainties associated with estimating critical
assumptions, such as average clean-up costs, third-party costs, potentially responsible party shares, allocation of damages,
litigation and coverage costs, and potential state and federal legislative changes. Normal historically based actuarial
approaches cannot be applied to asbestos and environmental claims because past loss history is not indicative of future
potential asbestos and environmental losses. In addition, while certain alternative models can be applied, such models can
produce significantly different results with small changes in assumptions.
The following table provides a roll forward of gross and net asbestos and environmental incurred losses and loss expenses and
related reserves thereon:
($ in thousands)
Asbestos
Reserves for losses and loss expenses at beginning of
year
$
Incurred losses and loss expenses
Less: losses and loss expenses paid
Reserves for losses and loss expenses at the end of year $
Environmental
Reserves for losses and loss expenses at beginning of
year
$
Incurred losses and loss expenses
Less: losses and loss expenses paid
Reserves for losses and loss expenses at the end of year $
Total Asbestos and Environmental Claims
Reserves for losses and loss expenses at beginning of
year
$
Incurred losses and loss expenses
Less: losses and loss expenses paid
Reserves for losses and loss expenses at the end of year $
2014
2013
2012
Gross
Net
Gross
Net
Gross
Net
8,897
60
(206 )
8,751
23,867
107
(2,072 )
21,902
32,764
167
(2,278 )
30,653
7,518
—
(204 )
7,314
17,649
—
(1,969 )
15,680
25,167
—
(2,173 )
22,994
9,170
—
(273 )
8,897
26,405
347
(2,885 )
23,867
35,575
347
(3,158 )
32,764
7,791
—
(273 )
7,518
19,978
68
(2,397 )
17,649
27,769
68
(2,670 )
25,167
8,412
1,696
(938 )
9,170
27,600
1,363
(2,558 )
26,405
36,012
3,059
(3,496 )
35,575
6,586
2,000
(795)
7,791
21,330
1,000
(2,352 )
19,978
27,916
3,000
(3,147 )
27,769
Note 10. Indebtedness
(a) Notes Payable
(1) In the first quarter of 2013, we issued $185 million of 5.875% Senior Notes due 2043. These notes pay interest on February
15, May 15, August 15, and November 15 of each year, beginning on May 15, 2013, and at maturity. The notes are callable by
us on or after 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, which had an associated $3.3 million pre-
tax write-off for the remaining capitalized debt issuance costs on these notes. 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.
(2) In the first quarter of 2009, Selective Insurance Company of the Southeast and Selective Insurance Company of South
Carolina (“Indiana Subsidiaries”) joined and invested in the FHLBI, which provides them with access to additional liquidity.
The Indiana Subsidiaries’ aggregate investment was $2.9 million at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
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. All borrowings from FHLBI are required to be
secured by certain investments.
116
The following is a summary of the Indiana Subsidiaries’ borrowings from the FHLBI:
•
•
•
In 2011, the Indiana Subsidiaries borrowed $45 million in the aggregate from the FHLBI. The unpaid principal
amount accrues interest of 1.25%, which is paid on the 15th of every month. The principal amount is due on
December 16, 2016. These funds were loaned to the Parent for use in the acquisition of Mesa Underwriters
Specialty Insurance Company ("MUSIC") on December 31, 2011.
In 2009, the Indiana Subsidiaries borrowed $13 million in the aggregate from the FHLBI. The unpaid principal
amount accrues interest of 2.9%, which was paid on the 15th of every month. These funds were loaned to the
Parent to be used for general corporate purposes. The principal amount was paid in full on December 15, 2014.
In January 2015, the Indiana Subsidiaries borrowed $15 million in the aggregate from the FHLBI for general
corporate purposes. The unpaid principal amount accrues interest of 0.63%, which is paid on the 15th of every
month. The principal amount is due on July 22, 2016.
(3) In the fourth quarter of 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% and pay interest on May 1 and November 1 each year
commencing on May 1, 2006. Net proceeds of approximately $50 million were used to fund an irrevocable trust to provide for
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.
(4) In the fourth quarter of 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% and pay interest on May 15 and November 15 each year. 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.
(b) Short-Term Debt
Our Line of Credit was renewed effective September 26, 2013, with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative
agent, and Branch Banking and Trust Company, with a borrowing capacity of $30 million, which can be increased to $50
million with the approval of both lending partners. The Line of Credit provides the Parent with an additional source of short-
term liquidity. The interest rate on our Line of Credit varies and is based on, among other factors, the Parent’s debt ratings.
The Line of Credit expires on September 26, 2017. There have been no balances outstanding under this Line of Credit at
December 31, 2014 or at any time during 2014.
The Line of Credit agreement contains representations, warranties, and covenants that are customary for credit facilities of this
type, including, without limitation, financial covenants under which we are obligated to maintain a minimum consolidated net
worth, minimum combined statutory surplus, and 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 Line of Credit permits collateralized borrowings by the Indiana
Subsidiaries from the FHLBI so long as the aggregate amount borrowed does not exceed 10% of the respective Indiana
Subsidiary’s admitted assets from the preceding calendar year.
The table below outlines information regarding certain of the covenants in the Line of Credit:
Consolidated net worth
Statutory surplus
Debt-to-capitalization ratio1
A.M. Best financial strength rating
1 Calculated in accordance with Line of Credit agreement.
Required as of
December 31, 2014
$881 million
Not less than $750 million
Not to exceed 35%
Minimum of A-
Actual as of
December 31, 2014
$1.3 billion
$1.3 billion
23.2%
A
117
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.
Note 11. Segment Information
We classify our business into four reportable segments:
• Standard Commercial Lines - comprised of insurance products and services provided in the standard marketplace to
our commercial customers, who 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 Standard Commercial Lines, Standard Personal Lines, and E&S
Lines, as well as amounts generated through our capital management strategies, which may include the issuance of
debt and equity securities.
We revised our reporting segments to the above in 2014 because:
• The revised segments reflect the way we currently manage our business and allocate resources and therefore, our
previously-reported segment of "Standard Insurance Operations" is now "Standard Commercial Lines" and "Standard
Personal Lines." Historically, we focused our service model predominantly on our distribution partners. We now
focus our customer service model on our policyholders, the servicing of which is shared by us and our distribution
partners. This change in focus not only heightens awareness of our brand with our distribution partners, but it
increases our brand recognition with our policyholders.
• We implemented changes related to our field model as we realigned the responsibilities of certain management
positions and their related field employees. This realignment included redeploying certain field employees to focus
solely on Standard Personal Lines marketing, instead of sharing responsibilities between both Standard Personal Lines
and Standard Commercial Lines business. Our Agency Management Specialists continue to be a central focus of our
field model, with responsibility for managing the growth and profitability of their territories and underwriting new
Standard Commercial Lines accounts.
• We are in the process of implementing organizational changes that realign executive leadership roles over Standard
Personal Lines and Standard Commercial Lines.
We remain an account underwriter within Standard Commercial Lines and Standard Personal Lines, as evidenced by the fact
that we do not actively market certain mono-line business, such as workers compensation and homeowners coverages.
Our E&S Lines remain a separate segment as their customers and distribution channel have different characteristics than that of
our Standard Commercial Lines and Standard Personal Lines. In addition, our Investment segment continues to be managed
separately and distinctly from our insurance segments, therefore it continues to meet the definition of a segment for us.
All prior year information contained in this Form 10-K has been restated to reflect our revised segments.
118
The disaggregated results of our four segments are used by senior management to manage our operations. These segments are
evaluated as follows:
• Standard Commercial Lines, Standard Personal Lines, and our E&S Lines are evaluated based on statutory
underwriting results (net premiums earned, incurred losses and loss expenses, policyholders dividends, policy
acquisition costs, and other underwriting expenses), and statutory combined ratios; and
• Our Investments segment is evaluated based on after-tax net investment income and net realized gains and losses.
Our combined insurance segments are subject to certain geographic concentrations, particularly in the Northeast and Mid-
Atlantic regions of the country. In 2014, approximately 23% of net premiums written were related to insurance policies written
in New Jersey.
The goodwill balance of $7.8 million at both December 31, 2014 and 2013 relates to our Standard Commercial Lines reporting
unit.
In computing the results of each segment, we do not make adjustments for interest expense or net general corporate expenses.
While we do not fully allocate taxes to all segments, we do allocate taxes to our investments segment as we manage that
segment on after-tax results. We do not maintain separate investment portfolios for the segments and therefore, do not allocate
assets to the segments.
The following summaries present revenues from continuing operations (net investment income and net realized gains on
investments in the case of the Investments segment) and pre-tax income from continuing operations for the individual
segments:
119
$
Revenue by Segment
Years ended December 31,
($ in thousands)
Standard Commercial Lines:
Net premiums earned:
Commercial automobile
Workers compensation
General liability
Commercial property
Businessowners’ policies
Bonds
Other
Miscellaneous income
Total Standard Commercial Lines revenue
Standard Personal Lines:
Net premiums earned:
Personal automobile
Homeowners
Other
Miscellaneous income
Total Standard Personal Lines revenue
E&S Lines:
Net premiums earned:
General liability
Commercial property
Commercial automobile
Miscellaneous income
Total E&S Lines revenue
Investments:
Net investment income
Net realized investment gains
Total investment revenues
Total all segments
Other income
Total revenues from continuing operations
$
2014
2013
2012
333,310
274,585
444,938
244,792
85,788
19,288
13,011
14,747
1,430,459
151,317
134,273
11,157
1,834
298,581
96,142
38,572
5,436
17
140,167
138,708
26,599
165,307
2,034,514
347
2,034,861
310,994
267,612
405,322
224,412
77,097
19,000
12,182
10,253
1,326,872
152,005
127,991
14,336
1,948
296,280
88,761
32,054
4,306
—
125,121
134,643
20,732
155,375
1,903,648
93
1,903,741
288,010
262,108
373,381
202,340
68,462
18,891
12,143
7,003
1,232,338
152,142
113,850
13,563
1,824
281,379
59,721
17,698
1,810
—
79,229
131,877
8,988
140,865
1,733,811
291
1,734,102
120
Income from Continuing Operations before Federal Income Tax
Years ended December 31,
($ in thousands)
2014
2013
2012
Standard Commercial Lines:
Underwriting gain (loss), before federal income tax
GAAP combined ratio
Statutory combined ratio
Standard Personal Lines:
Underwriting gain (loss), before federal income tax
GAAP combined ratio
Statutory combined ratio
E&S Lines:
Underwriting gain (loss), before federal income tax
GAAP combined ratio
Statutory combined ratio
Investments:
Net investment income
Net realized investment gains
Total investment income, before federal income tax
Tax on investment income
Total investment income, after federal income tax
Reconciliation of Segment Results to Income from Continuing Operations, before
Federal Income Tax
Years ended December 31,
($ in thousands)
Underwriting gain (loss), before federal income tax
Standard Commercial Lines
Standard Personal Lines
E&S Lines
Investment income, before federal income tax
Total all segments
Interest expense
General corporate and other expenses
Income from continuing operations, before federal income tax
$
$
$
$
61,221
95.7 %
95.5 %
16,536
94.4 %
94.5 %
386
99.7 %
99.2 %
138,708
26,599
165,307
43,811
121,496
33,856
97.4
97.1
8,645
97.1%
96.9%
(3,735)
103.0
102.9
134,643
20,732
155,375
40,489
114,886
(40,935)
103.3
103.0
(3,514)
101.3%
100.7%
(19,558)
124.7
118.8
131,877
8,988
140,865
34,758
106,107
2014
2013
2012
61,221
16,536
386
165,307
243,450
(22,086 )
(24,233 )
197,131
33,856
8,645
(3,735 )
155,375
194,141
(22,538 )
(27,801 )
143,802
(40,935)
(3,514)
(19,558)
140,865
76,858
(18,872)
(20,351)
37,635
Note 12. Discontinued Operations
In the fourth quarter of 2009, we sold 100% of our interest in Selective HR for proceeds to be received over a 10-year period.
These proceeds were based on the ability of the purchaser to retain and generate new worksite lives though the independent
agents who distribute the products. In 2013, we settled the remaining receivable for an aggregate of $1.0 million, which was
received in two installments during the second quarter of 2013, in full and final settlement of the contingent purchase price. An
impairment of $1.5 million, pre tax, was recorded in the first quarter of 2013 and is included in "Loss on disposal of
discontinued operations, net of tax" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
121
Note 13. Earnings per Share
The following table provides a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings per share
("EPS"):
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
Basic EPS:
Net income available to common stockholders
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans
Diluted EPS:
Net income available to common stockholders
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
Basic EPS:
Net income from continuing operations
Net loss on disposal of discontinued operations
Net income available to common stockholders
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans
Diluted EPS:
Net income from continuing operations
Net loss on disposal of discontinued operations
Net income available to common stockholders
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
Basic EPS:
Net income available to common stockholders
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans
Diluted EPS:
Net income available to common stockholders
2014
Income
(Numerator)
Shares
(Denominator)
Per Share
Amount
$
141,827
56,310 $
2.52
—
1,041
$
141,827
57,351 $
2.47
2013
Income
(Numerator)
Shares
(Denominator)
Per Share
Amount
$
$
$
$
107,415
(997 )
106,418
55,638 $
55,638
55,638 $
1.93
(0.02)
1.91
—
1,172
107,415
(997 )
106,418
56,810 $
56,810
56,810 $
1.89
(0.02)
1.87
2012
Income
(Numerator)
Shares
(Denominator)
Per Share
Amount
$
37,963
54,880 $
0.69
—
1,053
$
37,963
55,933 $
0.68
122
Note 14. Federal Income Taxes
(a) A reconciliation of federal income tax on income at the corporate rate to the effective tax rate is as follows:
($ in thousands)
Tax at statutory rate of 35%
Tax-advantaged interest
Dividends received deduction
Other
Federal income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations
2014
2013
2012
$
$
68,996
(12,926 )
(1,121 )
355
55,304
50,331
(12,718 )
(1,174 )
(52 )
36,387
13,172
(13,285)
(1,260)
1,045
(328)
(b) The tax effects of the significant temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
($ in thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Net loss reserve discounting
Net unearned premiums
Employee benefits
Long-term incentive compensation plans
Temporary investment write-downs
Net operating loss
Alternative minimum tax and other business tax credits
Other
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred policy acquisition costs
Unrealized gains on investment securities
Other investment-related items, net
Accelerated depreciation and amortization
Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred federal income tax asset
2014
2013
$
$
84,502
66,470
33,721
13,625
3,939
2,136
7,826
8,811
221,030
63,242
43,289
5,088
10,962
122,581
98,449
87,967
64,167
19,912
12,904
7,586
2,818
17,042
10,088
222,484
59,164
31,345
618
8,744
99,871
122,613
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 have no valuation allowance recognized for federal deferred tax assets at
December 31, 2014 or 2013.
As of December 31, 2014, we had federal tax net operating loss carryforwards (“NOL”) of $6.1 million. These NOLs, which
are subject to an annual limitation of $1.9 million, will expire between 2029 and 2031 as follows:
($ in thousands)
2029
2030
2031
Total NOL carryforwards
$
Gross NOL
Tax Effected NOL
2,024
3,999
79
6,102
708
1,400
28
2,136
Our alternative minimum tax credits, which are available to offset future regular taxable income, can be carried forward for an
unlimited period of time.
Stockholders' equity reflects tax benefits related to compensation expense deductions for share-based compensation awards of
$20.2 million at December 31, 2014, $19.2 million at December 31, 2013, and $17.7 million at December 31, 2012.
We have analyzed our tax positions in all open tax years, which as of December 31, 2014 were 2011 through 2013. The IRS
recently completed a limited scope examination of the 2007 through 2010 tax years, which resulted in no material changes. We
do not have unrecognized tax expense or benefit as of December 31, 2014.
123
In addition, 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 (benefit)" on our Consolidated
Statements of Income.
Note 15. Retirement Plans
(a) Selective Insurance Retirement Savings Plan (“Retirement Savings Plan”)
SICA offers a voluntary defined contribution 401(k) plan to employees who meet eligibility requirements.
Participants can contribute 2% to 50% of their defined compensation to the Retirement Savings Plan not to exceed
limits established by the IRS. Employees age 50 or older who are contributing the maximum may make additional
contributions not to exceed the additional amount permitted by the IRS. Subject to IRS limits, the following table
presents information regarding plan terms:
SICA match
Non-elective contribution
Vesting of match/non-elective
contribution
As of January 1, 2011
100% of participant contributions up to the first 3% of
defined compensation and 50% up to the next 3%
Non-elective contributions of 4% of defined compensation
for employees not eligible to participate in the Retirement
Income Plan due to a date of hire after December 31, 2005
Immediately vested
As of April 5, 2013
100% of participant contributions up to the first 3% of
defined compensation and 50% up to the next 3%
Non-elective contributions of 4% of defined compensation
expanded to include employees impacted by the
curtailment of the Retirement Income Plan
Immediately vested
Employer contributions to the Retirement Savings Plan amounted to $13.4 million in 2014, $12.2 million in 2013,
and $8.2 million in 2012.
(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
SICA offers a nonqualified deferred compensation plan ("Deferred Compensation Plan") to a group of management
or highly compensated employees (the "Participants") as a method of recognizing and retaining such employees.
The Deferred Compensation Plan provides the Participants 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.
A Participant in the Deferred Compensation Plan may, subject to certain limitations, elect to defer compensation or
awards to be received, including up to: (i) 50% of annual base salary; (ii) 100% of annual bonus; and/or (iii) all or a
percentage of such other compensation as otherwise designated by the administrator of the Deferred Compensation
Plan.
In addition to the deferrals elected by the Participants, SICA may choose to make matching contributions to the
deferral accounts of some or all Participants to the extent a 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. SICA may also choose at any time to make discretionary
contributions to the deferral account of any Participant in our sole discretion. No discretionary contributions were
made in 2014, 2013, or 2012. SICA contributed $0.2 million in both 2014 and 2013, and a nominal amount in 2012
to the Deferred Compensation Plan.
(c) Retirement Income Plan and Retirement Life Plan
The Retirement Income Plan for Selective Insurance Company of America and the Supplemental Excess Retirement
Plan (jointly referred to as the "Retirement Income Plan" or the "Plan") is a noncontributory defined benefit plan
covering SICA employees who met each Plan's eligibility requirements prior to January 1, 2006. As of such date,
the Plan was amended to eliminate eligibility for participation by employees first hired on or after January 1, 2006.
In addition, the Plan was further amended in the first quarter of 2013 to curtail the accrual of additional benefits for
all eligible employees after March 31, 2016. This curtailment resulted in a net actuarial gain recognized in OCI of
$44.0 million on a pre-tax basis as of March 31, 2013.
124
The Retirement Income Plan was previously amended as of July 1, 2002 to provide for different calculations based
on service with SICA as of that date. Monthly benefits payable under the Retirement Income Plan at normal
retirement age are computed under the terms of those calculations. The earliest retirement age is age 55 with 10
years of service or the attainment of 70 points (age plus years of service). If a participant chooses to begin receiving
benefits before their 65th birthday, the amount of the participant's monthly benefit would be reduced in accordance
with the provisions of the plan. At retirement, participants receive monthly pension payments and may choose
among five payment options, including joint and survivor options.
The funding policy provides that payments to the pension trust shall be equal to the minimum funding requirements
of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, plus additional amounts that the Board of Directors of SICA may
approve from time to time.
The funded status of the Retirement Income Plan and Retirement Life Plan was recognized in the Consolidated
Balance Sheets for 2014 and 2013, the details of which are as follows:
December 31,
($ in thousands)
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation, beginning of year
Service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial losses (gains)
Benefits paid
Impact of curtailment
Benefit obligation, end of year
Change in Fair Value of Assets:
Fair value of assets, beginning of year
Actual return on plan assets, net of expenses
Contributions by the employer to funded plans
Contributions by the employer to unfunded plans
Benefits paid
Fair value of assets, end of year
Funded status
Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Liabilities
Net pension liability, end of year
Amounts Recognized in AOCI:
Net actuarial loss
Total
Other Information as of December 31:
Accumulated benefit obligation
Weighted-Average Liability Assumptions as of December 31:
Discount rate
Rate of compensation increase
Retirement Income Plan
2013
2014
Retirement Life Plan
2013
2014
256,404
5,920
13,126
62,935
(7,344 )
—
331,041
225,817
24,649
10,210
121
(7,344 )
253,453
302,647
7,517
12,477
(29,656 )
(6,978 )
(29,603 )
256,404
207,150
15,925
9,600
120
(6,978 )
225,817
6,201
—
298
180
(307 )
—
6,372
—
—
—
—
—
—
6,471
—
283
(224)
(329)
—
6,201
—
—
—
—
—
—
(77,588 )
(30,587 )
(6,372 )
(6,201)
(77,588 )
(77,588 )
91,758
91,758
(30,587 )
(30,587 )
39,640
39,640
326,538
250,546
4.29 %
4.00 %
5.16
4.00
(6,372 )
(6,372 )
1,480
1,480
—
4.08
—
(6,201)
(6,201)
1,363
1,363
—
4.85
—
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
125
($ in thousands)
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Amounts
Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income:
Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss
Curtailment expense
Total net periodic cost
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations
Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income:
Net actuarial loss (gain)
Reversal of amortization of net actuarial loss
Reversal of amortization of prior service cost
Curtailment expense
Total recognized in other comprehensive income
Retirement Income Plan
2013
2012
2014
Retirement Life Plan
2013
2012
2014
$
$
$
$
5,920
13,126
(15,671 )
—
1,839
—
5,214
53,956
(1,839 )
—
—
52,117
7,517
12,477
(15,755 )
10
4,294
16
8,559
(59,430 )
(4,294 )
(10 )
(16 )
(63,750 )
8,091
12,981
(14,206 )
150
5,863
—
12,879
25,906
(5,863 )
(150 )
—
19,893
—
298
—
—
63
—
361
180
(63 )
—
—
117
—
283
—
—
80
—
363
(224 )
(80 )
—
—
(304 )
—
302
—
—
40
—
342
660
(40 )
—
—
620
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other
comprehensive income
$
57,331
(55,191 )
32,772
478
59
962
The amortization of prior service cost related to the Retirement Income Plan and Retirement Life Plan is determined
using a straight-line amortization of the cost over the average remaining service period of employees expected to
receive benefits under the Plans.
The estimated net actuarial loss for the Retirement Income Plan and Retirement Life Plan that will be amortized
from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost during the 2015 fiscal year are $6.8 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
Retirement Income Plan
Retirement Life Plan
2014
2013
2012
2014
2013
2012
Weighted-Average Expense Assumptions for the years ended
December 31:
Discount rate1
Expected return on plan assets
Rate of compensation increase
5.16 %
6.92 %
4.00 %
4.66
7.40
4.00
5.16
7.75
4.00
4.85
—
—
4.42
—
—
5.16
—
—
1Discount rate for the Retirement Income Plan changed from 4.42% as of December 31, 2012 to 4.66% as of March 31, 2013 due to the
remeasurement that was performed with the curtailment of the Plan.
Our latest measurement date was December 31, 2014 and we lowered our expected return on plan assets to 6.27%,
reflecting the lower interest rate environment, coupled with our investment strategy to closer match the duration of
the assets and liabilities of the Retirement Income Plan. Our expected return is within a reasonable range
considering the lower interest rate environment, as well as our actual 8.3% annualized return achieved since plan
inception for all plan assets.
Our 2014 discount rate used to value the liability was 4.29% for the Retirement Income Plan and 4.08% for the
Retirement Life Plan. When determining the most appropriate discount rate to be used in the valuation, we consider,
among other factors, our expected payout patterns of the plans' 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.
Our 2014 mortality assumption used to value the liability was based on RP-2014, which is the mortality table that
was approved by the Society of Actuaries in the fourth quarter of 2014.
126
Plan Assets
Assets of the Retirement Income Plan are invested to ensure that principal is preserved and enhanced over time. In
addition, the Retirement Income Plan is expected to perform above average relative to comparable funds without
assuming undue risk, and to add value through active management. 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. The Retirement Income Plan's exposure to a
concentration of credit risk is limited by the diversification of investments across varied financial instruments,
including common stocks, mutual funds, non-publicly traded stocks, investments in limited partnerships, fixed
income securities, and short-term investments. Allocations to these instruments may vary from time to time. In
2015, we will continue to phase in adjustments to the asset allocation of the Retirement Income Plan
to steadily close the gap between the duration of the assets and the duration of the liabilities, provided certain
improved funding targets are achieved.
The Retirement Income 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 asset class, at December 31 were
as follows:
Long duration fixed income
Global equity
Global Asset Allocation1
Private equity1,2
Cash and short-term investments1
Total
2014
Target Ranges
Actual Percentage
2013
Actual Percentage
55%- 100%
0%- 45%
— %
— %
— %
— %
59 %
25 %
11 %
4 %
1 %
100 %
55 %
27 %
12 %
5 %
1 %
100 %
1 These asset classes do not have target ranges, as these exposures will be phased out over time as we opportunistically migrate to long duration
fixed income security strategies.
2 Includes limited partnerships.
The Retirement Income Plan had no investments in the Parent’s common stock as of December 31, 2014 or 2013.
The fair value of our Retirement Income Plan investments is generated using various valuation techniques. We
follow the methodology discussed in Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” regarding pricing and
valuation techniques, as well as the fair value hierarchy, for equity and fixed income securities and short-term
investments held in the Retirement Income Plan.
The techniques used to determine the fair value of the Retirement Income Plan’s remaining invested assets are as
follows:
• Valuations for the majority of the investment funds utilize the market approach wherein the quoted prices
in the active market for identical assets are used. These investment funds are traded in active markets at
their net asset value per share. There are no restrictions on the redemption of these investments and we
do not have any contractual obligations to further invest in any of the individual mutual funds. These
investments are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Valuations of non-publicly traded
investment funds are based upon the observable and verifiable market values of the underlying publicly
traded securities and therefore are classified as Level 2 within 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.
127
• For valuations of the investments in limited partnerships, fair value is based on the Retirement Income
Plan’s ownership interest in the reported net asset values as a practical expedient. The majority of the net
asset values are reported to us on a one quarter lag. We assess whether these reported net asset values are
indicative of market activity that has occurred since the date of their valuation by the investees: (i) by
reviewing the overall market fluctuation and whether a material impact to our investments' valuation
could have occurred; and (ii) through routine conversations with the underlying funds' general
partners/managers discussing, among other things, conditions or events having significant impacts to
their portfolio assets that have occurred subsequent to the reported date, if any. Our limited partnership
investments cannot be redeemed with the investees as our partnership agreements require our
commitment for the duration of the underlying funds’ lives. There is no active plan to sell any of our
remaining interests in the limited partnership investments; however, we may continue to entertain
potential opportunities to limit our exposure to these investments through the use of the secondary
market. These limited partnerships have been fair valued using Level 3 inputs.
The following tables provide quantitative disclosures of the Retirement Income Plan’s invested assets that are
measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
December 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements at 12/31/14 Using
($ in thousands)
Description
Long duration fixed income:
Global asset allocation fund
Extended duration fixed income
Total long duration fixed income
Global equity:
Non-U.S. equity
U.S. equity
Total global equity
Global asset allocation
Private equity (limited partnerships):
Equity long/short hedge
Private equity
Real estate
Total private equity
Cash and short-term investments:
Short-term investments
Deposit administration contracts
Total cash and short-term investments
Total invested assets
$
Assets Measured at
Fair Value
At 12/31/14
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets/
Liabilities
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
$
27,782
120,532
148,314
5,438
47,719
53,157
27,842
—
—
—
—
1,222
—
1,222
230,535
—
—
—
11,414
—
11,414
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,180
1,180
12,594
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
41
8,136
2,215
10,392
—
—
—
10,392
27,782
120,532
148,314
16,852
47,719
64,571
27,842
41
8,136
2,215
10,392
1,222
1,180
2,402
253,521
128
December 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurements at 12/31/13 Using
Assets Measured at
Fair Value
At 12/31/13
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets/
Liabilities
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
($ in thousands)
Description
Long duration fixed income:
Global asset allocation fund
Extended duration fixed income
Total long duration fixed income
Global equity:
Non-U.S. equity
U.S. equity
Total global equity
Global asset allocation
Private equity (limited partnerships):
Equity long/short hedge
Private equity
Real estate
Total private equity
Cash and short-term investments:
Short-term investments
Deposit administration contracts
$
26,984
96,920
123,904
17,548
43,112
60,660
27,257
41
9,899
2,219
12,159
963
1,023
1,986
225,966
26,984
96,920
123,904
5,574
43,112
48,686
27,257
—
—
—
—
963
—
963
200,810
—
—
—
11,974
—
11,974
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,023
1,023
12,997
Total cash and short-term investments
Total invested assets
$
The following tables provide a summary of the changes in fair value of securities using significant unobservable
inputs (Level 3):
Investments in Limited Partnerships
($ in thousands)
Fair value, beginning of year
Total gains (realized and unrealized)
included in changes in net assets
Purchases
Sales
Issuances
Settlements
Transfers into Level 3
Transfers out of Level 3
Fair value, end of year
2014
2013
$
$
12,159
1,586
334
—
—
(3,687 )
—
—
10,392
The following table outlines a summary of our alternative investment portfolio by strategy and the remaining
commitment amount associated with each strategy:
Alternative Investments
($ in thousands)
Equity long/short hedge
Private equity
Real estate
Total alternative investments
Carrying Value
December 31,
2014
December 31,
2013
2014
Remaining
Amount
$
$
41
8,136
2,215
10,392
41
9,899
2,219
12,159
—
3,019
536
3,555
129
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
41
9,899
2,219
12,159
—
—
—
12,159
12,631
2,131
560
—
—
(3,163 )
—
—
12,159
For a description of our private equity and real estate strategies, refer to Note 5. “Investments.” Our equity
long/short hedge strategy invests opportunistically in equities and equity-related instruments in companies generally
in the financial services sector. Investments within this strategy are permitted to be sold short in order to: (i)
prospectively benefit from a correction in overvalued equities; and (ii) partially hedge portfolio assets due to the
strategy’s heavy weighting toward the financial sector.
At December 31, 2014, the Retirement Income Plan had contractual obligations that expire at various dates through
2022 to further invest up to $3.6 million in alternative investments. There is no certainty that any such additional
investment will be required. The Retirement Income Plan currently receives 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 2022.
Contributions
We presently anticipate contributing $11.9 million to the Retirement Income Plan in 2015, none of which represents
minimum required contribution amounts.
Benefit Payments
($ in thousands)
Benefits Expected to be Paid in Future
Fiscal Years:
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020-2024
Retirement
Income Plan
Retirement
Life Plan
$
9,240
10,330
11,400
12,493
13,532
82,802
343
348
353
357
362
1,865
130
Note 16. Share-Based Payments
The following is a brief description of each of our share-based compensation plans:
2014 Omnibus Stock Plan
The Parent's 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan ("Stock Plan") was approved effective as of May 1, 2014 by stockholders on April 23,
2014. Under the Stock Plan, the Parent's Board of Directors' Salary and Employee Benefits Committee ("SEBC") may grant
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, in such amounts and with
such terms and conditions as it shall determine, subject to the provisions of the Stock Plan. Each award granted under the
Stock Plan (except unconditional stock grants and stock grants issued under the Parent's Non-Employee Directors'
Compensation and Deferral Plan, as amended and restated effective as of May 1, 2014) shall be evidenced by an agreement
containing such restrictions as the SEBC may, in its sole discretion, deem necessary or desirable and which are not in conflict
with the terms of the Stock Plan. The maximum exercise period for an option grant under this plan is 10 years from the date of
the grant. During 2014, we granted 4,023 RSUs and had no forfeitures under the Stock Plan. No options to purchase common
stock were granted in 2014 under the Stock Plan. As of December 31, 2014, 3,500,000 shares of the Parent's common stock
were authorized under the Stock Plan and 3,491,894 shares remained available for issuance under the Stock Plan.
For RSUs granted under the Stock Plan in 2014, dividend equivalent units ("DEUs") are earned during the vesting period. The
DEUs are reinvested in the Parent's common stock at fair value on each dividend payment date. We accrued DEUs equivalent
to 43 shares of the Parent's common stock in 2014. No shares were issued pursuant to vested DEUs in 2014. The DEUs are
subject to the same vesting period and conditions set forth in the award agreements for the related RSUs.
2005 Omnibus Stock Plan
The Parent's 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan was approved effective as of April 1, 2005 by stockholders on April 27, 2005, and was
amended and restated effective as of May 1, 2010 on April 28, 2010 ("2005 Stock Plan"). With the approval of the 2014 Stock
Plan, no further grants are available under the 2005 Stock Plan, although awards outstanding under the 2005 Stock Plan
continue in effect according to the terms thereof and any applicable award agreements. In addition, with the 2005 Stock Plan's
approval, no further grants were available under the: (i) Parent's Stock Option Plan III, as amended ("Stock Option Plan III");
(ii) Parent's Stock Option Plan for Directors, as amended ("Stock Option Plan for Directors"); or (iii) Parent's Stock
Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors, as amended ("Stock Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors"), but
awards outstanding under these plans continue in effect according to the terms of those plans and any applicable award
agreements.
Under the 2005 Stock Plan, the SEBC could grant 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. Each award granted under the 2005 Stock Plan (except unconditional stock grants and the cash component of
Director compensation) was evidenced by an agreement containing such restrictions as the SEBC, in its sole discretion, deemed
necessary or desirable and which were not in conflict with the terms of the 2005 Stock Plan. The maximum exercise period for
an option granted under this plan was 10 years from the date of the grant.
We granted, net of forfeitures, 354,357 RSUs in 2014, 376,163 RSUs in 2013, and 326,213 RSUs in 2012 under the 2005 Stock
Plan. No options to purchase common stock were granted in 2014, 2013, or 2012. As of December 31, 2014, 3,035,652 shares
of the Parent's common stock were in the reserve for the 2005 Stock Plan.
131
During the vesting period, DEUs are earned on RSUs. The DEUs are reinvested in the Parent's common stock at fair value on
each dividend payment date. We accrued DEUs equivalent to 24,010 shares of the Parent's common stock in 2014, 23,505
shares in 2013, and 32,558 shares in 2012. In addition, 30,991 shares of the Parent's common stock were issued pursuant to
vested DEUs in 2014, 39,296 shares were issued pursuant to vested DEUs in 2013, and 48,224 shares were issued pursuant to
vested DEUs in 2012. The DEUs are subject to the same vesting period and conditions set forth in the award agreements for
the related RSUs.
Cash Incentive Plan
The Parent's Cash Incentive Plan was approved effective April 1, 2005 by stockholders on April 27, 2005, and amended and
restated effective as of May 1, 2010 and May 1, 2014 (the “Cash Incentive Plan”) pursuant to stockholder approvals on April
28, 2010 and April 23, 2014, respectively. Under the Cash Incentive Plan, the SEBC may grant cash incentive units in such
amounts and with such terms and conditions as it shall determine, subject to the provisions of the Cash Incentive Plan. The
initial dollar value of these grants 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 cash incentive
units granted will be increased or decreased to reflect our performance on specified indicators as compared to targeted peer
companies. Each award granted under the Cash Incentive Plan shall be evidenced in such form as the SEBC may, in its sole
discretion, deem necessary or desirable, subject to the terms of the Cash Incentive Plan. We granted, net of forfeitures, 60,305
cash incentive units during 2014, 55,365 cash incentive units during 2013, and 46,961 cash incentive units during 2012.
Stock Option Plan III
As of December 31, 2014, there were 223,440 shares of the Parent's common stock in the reserve for Stock Option Plan III,
under which future grants ceased being available with the approval of the 2005 Stock Plan. Under Stock Option Plan III,
employees were granted qualified and nonqualified stock options, with or without SARs, and restricted or unrestricted stock:
(i) at not less than fair value on the date of grant, and (ii) subject to certain vesting restrictions determined by the SEBC.
Restricted stock awards could be subject to achievement of performance objectives as determined by the SEBC. The maximum
exercise period for an option grant under this plan was 10 years from the date of the grant.
Stock Option Plan for Directors
As of December 31, 2014, 36,000 shares of the Parent's common stock remained in the reserve for the Stock Option Plan for
Directors, under which future grants ceased being available with the approval of the 2005 Stock Plan. Non-employee directors
participated in this plan and automatically received an annual nonqualified option to purchase 6,000 shares of the Parent's
common stock at not less than fair value on the date of grant, which is typically on March 1. Options under this plan vested on
the first anniversary of the grant and must be exercised by the tenth anniversary of the grant.
Stock Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors
As of December 31, 2014, there were 94,290 shares of the Parent's common stock available for issuance pursuant to
outstanding stock option awards under the Stock Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors, under which future grants
ceased being available with the approval of the 2005 Stock Plan. Under the Stock Compensation Plan for Non-employee
Directors, directors could elect to receive a portion of their annual compensation in shares of the Parent's common stock. There
were no issuances under this plan in 2014, 2013, and 2012.
132
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
On April 29, 2009, the Parent’s stockholders approved the Parent’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2009) (“ESPP”). This plan
replaced the previous employee stock purchase savings plan under which no further purchases could be made as of July 1,
2009. Under the ESPP, there were 1,500,000 shares of the Parent's common stock authorized and 764,098 shares available for
purchase as of December 31, 2014. The ESPP is available to all employees who meet the plan's eligibility requirements. The
ESPP provides for the issuance of options to purchase shares of 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. Under the ESPP, we issued 106,832 shares to employees
during 2014, 122,951 shares during 2013, and 129,081 shares during 2012.
Agent Stock Purchase Plan
On July 27, 2010, the SEBC approved the Parent’s Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Plan for Independent Insurance
Agencies ("Agent Plan") which made immaterial amendments to the plan approved by stockholders on April 26, 2006. Under
the Agent Plan, there were 3,000,000 shares of the Parent’s common stock authorized and 2,019,296 shares available for
purchase as of December 31, 2014. The Agent Plan provides for quarterly offerings in which our independent retail insurance
agencies and wholesale general agencies, and certain eligible persons associated with the agencies, with contracts with the
Insurance Subsidiaries can 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. Under the Agent Plan, we issued 78,724 shares in 2014, 86,388
shares in 2013, and 89,723 shares in 2012, and charged to expense $0.2 million in each year, with a corresponding income tax
benefit of $0.1 million in each year.
A summary of the stock option transactions under our share-based payment plans is as follows:
Outstanding at December 31, 2013
Granted in 2014
Exercised in 2014
Forfeited or expired in 2014
Outstanding at December 31, 2014
Exercisable at December 31, 2014
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life in Years
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
($ in thousands)
19.75
—
20.41
28.09
19.52
19.52
3.42 $
3.42 $
5,695
5,695
Number
of Shares
903,439 $
—
161,940
6,960
734,539 $
734,539 $
The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $0.8 million during 2014, $1.3 million in 2013, and $0.8 million in 2012.
A summary of the RSU transactions under our share-based payment plans is as follows:
Unvested RSU awards at December 31, 2013
Granted in 2014
Vested in 2014
Forfeited in 2014
Unvested RSU awards at December 31, 2014
Number
of Shares
1,096,780 $
374,963
378,150
16,583
1,077,010 $
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
18.73
21.58
17.47
19.19
20.18
As of December 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSU awards granted under our stock
plans was $4.7 million. That expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years. The total
intrinsic value of RSUs vested was $8.5 million for 2014, $9.1 million for 2013, and $8.4 million for 2012. In connection with
the vested RSUs, the total value of the DEU shares that vested was $0.7 million in 2014, and $0.9 million during both 2013 and
2012.
133
At December 31, 2014, the liability recorded in connection with our Cash Incentive Plan was $21.9 million. The fair value of
the liability is re-measured 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 cash incentive units that, in accordance with the Cash Incentive Plan, is adjusted to reflect our performance on
specified indicators as compared to targeted peer companies. The remaining cost associated with the cash incentive units is
expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.1 years. The cash incentive unit payments made were $9.0
million in 2014, $4.7 million in 2013, and $3.0 million in 2012.
In determining expense to be recorded for stock options granted under our share-based compensation plans, the fair value of
each option award is estimated on the date of grant 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:
Risk-free interest rate
Expected term
Dividend yield
Expected volatility
2014
0.07 %
6 months
2.0 %
21 %
ESPP
2013
0.11
6 months
2.4
19
2012
0.12
6 months
2.9
24
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, and is amortized over the
requisite service period.
The weighted-average fair value of options and stock per share, including RSUs granted for the Parent's stock plans, during
2014, 2013, and 2012 is as follows:
RSUs
ESPP:
Six month option
Discount of grant date market value
Total ESPP
Agent Plan:
Discount of grant date market value
2014
2013
2012
$
21.58
21.03
17.62
1.24
3.87
5.11
2.42
0.97
3.24
4.21
2.40
1.05
2.70
3.75
1.76
Share-based compensation expense charged against net income before tax was $18.6 million for the year ended December 31,
2014 with a corresponding income tax benefit of $6.2 million. Share-based compensation expense that was charged against net
income before tax was $19.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and $13.8 million for the year ended December 31,
2012 with corresponding income tax benefits of $6.8 million and $4.8 million, respectively.
134
Note 17. 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. Rue Insurance
also places insurance for our business operations. Our relationship with Rue Insurance has existed since 1928.
The following is a summary of transactions with Rue Insurance:
• Rue Insurance placed insurance policies with the Insurance Subsidiaries. DPW associated with these policies were
$9.0 million in 2014, $8.2 million in 2013, and $7.7 million in 2012. In return, the Insurance Subsidiaries paid
standard market commissions to Rue Insurance of $1.6 million in 2014, $1.3 million in 2013, and $1.3 million in
2012 including supplemental commissions.
• Rue Insurance has placed insurance coverage for us with other insurance companies for which Rue Insurance was
paid commission pursuant to its agreements with those carriers in 2012. We paid premiums for such insurance
coverage of $0.2 million in 2012.
In 2005, we established a private foundation, The Selective 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
contributions to the Foundation in the amount of $0.8 million in 2014, and $0.4 million in both 2013 and 2012.
Note 18. 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, 2014, we had purchased such annuities with a present value of $15.0 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 and equipment. Such lease agreements, which expire at various times, are
generally renewed or replaced by similar leases. Rental expense under these leases amounted to $15.6 million in 2014, $13.2
million in 2013, and $13.1 million in 2012. We also lease computer hardware and software under capital lease agreements
expiring at various dates through 2019. See Note 2(p) for information on our accounting policy regarding leases.
In addition, certain leases for rented premises and equipment are non-cancelable, and liability for payment will continue even
though the space or equipment may no longer be in use. At December 31, 2014, the total future minimum rental commitments
under non-cancelable leases were $44.9 million and such yearly amounts are as follows:
($ in millions)
Capital Leases
Operating Leases
Total
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
After 2019
Total minimum payment required
$
$
3.1 $
1.8
0.8
—
—
—
5.7 $
9.1 $
6.9
5.9
4.7
3.7
8.9
39.2 $
12.2
8.7
6.7
4.7
3.7
8.9
44.9
(c) At December 31, 2014, we have contractual obligations that expire at various dates through 2028 to invest up to an
additional $68.4 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.
135
Note 19. 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 loss and loss expense reserves. We expect that
the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such ordinary course claims litigation, after consideration of provisions made for
potential losses and costs of defense, will not be material to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash
flows.
Our Insurance Subsidiaries are from time to time involved 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. Our Insurance Subsidiaries also are involved from
time to time in individual actions in which extra-contractual damages, punitive damages, or penalties are sought, such as claims
alleging bad faith in the handling of insurance claims. We believe that we have valid defenses to these cases. We expect that
the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such lawsuits, after consideration of provisions made for estimated losses, will not
be material to our consolidated financial condition. Nonetheless, given the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of
these actions, and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time,
have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.
Note 20. 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, 2014, the various
state insurance departments of domicile have adopted the March 2014 version of the NAIC Accounting Practices and
Procedures manual in its entirety, as a component of prescribed or permitted practices.
The following table provides statutory data for each of our Insurance Subsidiaries:
($ in millions)
SICA
Selective Way Insurance Company ("SWIC")
State of
Domicile
New Jersey
New Jersey
Unassigned
Surplus
2014
$ 338.8
201.3
Statutory Surplus
2013 2014 2013
463.4
493.0
309.2
250.3
250.3
201.3
Statutory Net Income
2014 2013
53.1
27.5
83.9
37.0
2012
29.8
10.1
Selective Insurance Company of South Carolina
Indiana
("SICSC")
Selective Insurance Company of the Southeast ("SICSE") Indiana
New York
Selective Insurance Company of New York ("SICNY")
Selective Insurance Company of New England ("SICNE") New Jersey
Selective Auto Insurance Company of New Jersey
("SAICNJ")
MUSIC
Selective Casualty Insurance Company ("SCIC")
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
83.9
59.3
54.9
5.3
18.4
(1.7 )
8.2
80.7
56.2
51.5
4.7
14.2
(6.2 )
6.1
115.1
84.9
82.6
35.4
61.3
66.8
82.7
111.9
81.8
79.3
34.9
57.0
62.3
80.5
14.0
10.5
10.3
4.4
9.1
7.3
9.6
8.2
6.0
6.9
3.1
2.5
5.2
6.6
2.8
1.6
2.7
0.6
1.5
0.9
0.2
Selective Fire and Casualty Insurance Company
("SFCIC")
New Jersey
Total
3.8
$ 772.2
3.1
35.0
35.7
720.8 1,307.8 1,256.4
4.2
190.3
3.1
122.2
0.2
50.4
136
(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, by
4.5:1 based on their 2014 statutory financial statements. The negative unassigned surplus balance for MUSIC existed prior to
our acquisition of this company in 2011. This company has not generated sufficient net income since our purchase to offset the
existing negative surplus. 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
The Parent pays dividends to stockholders from funds available at the holding company level. As of December 31, 2014, the
Parent had an aggregate of $83.0 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 $1.3 billion is predominately restricted due to the regulation associated with our Insurance
Subsidiaries. In 2015, the Insurance Subsidiaries have the ability to provide for $162.0 million in annual dividends to the
Parent; however, as regulated entities, these dividends are subject to certain restrictions as is further discussed below. The
Parent also has available to it other potential sources of liquidity, such as: (i) borrowings from our Indiana-domiciled Insurance
Subsidiaries; (ii) debt issuances; (iii) common stock issuances; and (iv) borrowings under our Line of Credit. Borrowings from
SICSE and SICSC are governed by approved intercompany lending agreements with the Parent that provide for additional
capacity of $46.4 million as of December 31, 2014, after considering that borrowings under these lending agreements are
restricted to 10% of the admitted assets of these respective 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
exceeding ordinary dividends are referred to as extraordinary dividends and require review and approval by the applicable
domiciliary insurance regulatory authority prior to payment.
137
22.0
18.2
5.0
2.0
2.5
2.0
1.0
3.0
1.8
57.5
62.3
32.7
14.0
10.5
8.3
4.4
8.9
7.3
9.5
4.1
162.0
The following table provides quantitative data regarding all Insurance Subsidiaries' dividends paid to the Parent in 2014 for
debt service, shareholder dividends, and general operating purposes:
Twelve Months ended December 31, 2014
State of Domicile
Ordinary Dividends Paid
Dividends
($ in millions)
SICA
SWIC
SICSC
SICSE
SICNY
SICNE
SAICNJ
SCIC
SFCIC
Total
New Jersey
New Jersey
Indiana
Indiana
New York
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
$
$
Based on the 2014 statutory financial statements, the maximum ordinary dividends that can be paid to the Parent by the
Insurance Subsidiaries in 2015 are as follows:
($ in millions)
State of Domicile
Maximum Ordinary Dividends
2015
SICA
SWIC
SICSC
SICSE
SICNY
SICNE
SAICNJ
MUSIC
SCIC
SFCIC
Total
New Jersey
New Jersey
Indiana
Indiana
New York
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
$
$
138
Note 21. Quarterly Financial Information
(unaudited, $ in thousands,
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
except per share data)
Net premiums earned
Net investment income earned
Net realized gains (losses)
Underwriting (loss) income
Net income from continuing
operations
Loss on disposal of discontinued
operations, net of tax
Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss)
Net income per share:
Basic
Diluted
Dividends to stockholders1
Price range of common stock:2
High
Low
2014
456,495
35,534
7,218
(5,015 )
2013
420,940
32,870
3,355
12,161
2014
463,625
36,774
4,539
10,084
2013
426,252
34,003
5,154
4,483
2014
462,639
34,292
15,231
34,437
2013
437,568
32,457
13,431
10,151
2014
469,850
32,108
(389 )
38,637
2013
451,312
35,313
(1,208 )
11,971
17,974
22,305
29,341
27,122
53,162
32,653
41,350
25,335
—
17,974
16,678
34,652
0.32
0.31
0.13
26.99
21.38
(997 )
21,308
27,881
49,189
0.38
0.38
0.13
24.13
19.53
—
29,341
26,483
55,824
0.52
0.51
0.13
25.42
22.14
—
27,122
(62,643 )
(35,521 )
—
53,162
(18,887 )
34,275
0.49
0.48
0.13
24.75
19.58
0.94
0.93
0.13
25.46
21.97
—
32,653
(2,195 )
30,458
0.59
0.57
0.13
25.95
22.61
—
41,350
(29,337 )
12,013
0.73
0.72
0.14
27.65
22.01
—
25,335
7,768
33,103
0.45
0.44
0.13
28.31
23.55
The addition of all quarters may not agree to annual amounts on the Financial Statements due to rounding.
1 See Note 20. “Statutory Financial Information, Capital Requirements, and Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds” for a discussion of dividend
restrictions.
2 These ranges of high and low prices of the Parent’s common stock, as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market, represent actual transactions. Price
quotations do not include retail markups, markdowns, and commissions. The range of high and low prices for common stock for the period beginning January
2, 2015 and ending February 13, 2015 was $25.49 to $28.08.
139
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the
effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d- 15(e) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based
on such 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, 2014. 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, transitioning from the 1992 COSO
Framework in the third quarter of 2014.
Based on its assessment, our management believes that, as of December 31, 2014, our internal control over financial reporting
is effective.
No changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act)
occurred during the fourth quarter of 2014 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal
control over financial reporting.
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.
140
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.:
We have audited Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries’ (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting
as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Selective Insurance Group, Inc.’s
management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal
Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal
control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of
internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design
and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures
that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated
Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),
the consolidated balance sheets of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and December 31,
2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flow for each
of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, and our report dated February 26, 2015 expressed an
unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
/s/ KPMG LLP
New York, New York
February 26, 2015
141
Item 9B. Other Information.
There is no other information that was required to be disclosed in a report on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of 2014 that
we did not report.
PART III
Because we will file a Proxy Statement within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014, this Annual
Report on Form 10-K omits certain information required by Part III and incorporates by reference certain information included
in the Proxy Statement.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Information about our executive officers, Directors, and all other matters required to be disclosed in Item 10. "Directors,
Executive Officers and Corporate Governance." appears under the "Executive Officers" and "Information About Proposal 1-
Election of Directors" sections of the Proxy Statement. These portions of the Proxy Statement are hereby incorporated by
reference.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Information about compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act appears under "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership
Reporting Compliance" in the "Information About Proposal 1, Election of Directors" section of the Proxy Statement and is
hereby incorporated by reference.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
Information about compensation of our named executive officers appears under "Executive Compensation" in the "Election of
Directors" section of the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference. Information about compensation of the
Board appears under "Director Compensation" in the "Information About Proposal 1 - Election of Directors" section of the
Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Information about security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management appears under "Security Ownership of
Management and Certain Beneficial Owners" in the "Information About Proposal 1- Election of Directors" section of the Proxy
Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
Information about certain relationships and related transactions, and director independence appears under “Transactions with
Related Persons” in the "Information About Proposal 1- Election of Directors" section of the Proxy Statement and is hereby
incorporated by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
Information about the fees and services of our principal accountants appears under "Audit Committee Report" and "Fees of
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" in the "Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm" section of the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.
142
PART IV
(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."
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow for the Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
(2) Financial Statement Schedules:
Form 10-K
Page
82
83
84
85
86
87
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.
Schedule I
Summary of Investments – Other than Investments in Related Parties at December 31, 2014
Schedule II
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant at December 31, 2014 and 2013 and for the years ended
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
Schedule III
Supplementary Insurance Information for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
Schedule IV
Reinsurance for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
Schedule V
Allowance for Uncollectible Premiums and Other Receivables for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013,
and 2012
(3) Exhibits:
Form 10-K
Page
146
147
150
152
153
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.
143
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
Gregory E. Murphy
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
By: /s/ Dale A. Thatcher
Dale A. Thatcher
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(principal accounting officer and principal financial officer)
February 26, 2015
February 26, 2015
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
144
By: /s/ Gregory E. Murphy
Gregory E. Murphy
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
*
Paul D. Bauer
Director
*
Annabelle G. Bexiga
Director
*
A. David Brown
Director
*
John C. Burville
Director
*
Michael J. Morrissey
Director
*
Cynthia S. Nicholson
Director
*
Ronald L. O’Kelley
Director
*
William M. Rue
Director
*
John S. Scheid
Director
*
J. Brian Thebault
Director
*
Philip H. Urban
Director
* By: /s/ Michael H. Lanza
Michael H. Lanza
Attorney-in-fact
145
February 26, 2015
February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015
February 26, 2015
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS - OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
December 31, 2014
SCHEDULE I
Types of investment
($ in thousands)
Fixed income securities:
Held-to-maturity:
Foreign government obligations
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Public utilities
All other corporate securities
Asset-backed securities
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Total fixed income securities, held-to-maturity
Available-for-sale:
U.S. government and government agencies
Foreign government obligations
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Public utilities
All other corporate securities
Asset-backed securities
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Total fixed income securities, available-for-sale
Equity securities:
Common stock:
Public utilities
Banks, trust and insurance companies
Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
Total equity securities, available-for-sale
Short-term investments
Other investments
Total investments
Amortized Cost
or Cost
Fair Value
Carrying
Amount
$
5,292
285,301
11,019
7,880
2,818
4,869
317,179
116,666
27,035
1,208,776
149,006
1,614,421
176,837
177,932
505,113
3,975,786
8,815
30,187
120,009
159,011
131,972
99,203
4,683,151
$
5,394
299,132
12,483
8,939
2,823
5,190
333,961
124,130
27,831
1,246,264
150,977
1,648,829
177,224
179,593
511,274
4,066,122
10,284
35,348
145,768
191,400
131,972
5,339
287,372
11,000
7,626
2,363
4,437
318,137
124,130
27,831
1,246,264
150,977
1,648,829
177,224
179,593
511,274
4,066,122
10,284
35,348
145,768
191,400
131,972
99,203
4,806,834
146
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
(Parent Corporation)
Balance Sheets
($ in thousands, except share amounts)
Assets:
Fixed income securities, available-for-sale – at fair value (amortized cost: $49,890 – 2014; $55,447 – 2013)
Short-term investments
Cash
Investment in subsidiaries
Current federal income tax
Deferred federal income tax
Other assets
Total assets
Liabilities:
Notes payable
Intercompany notes payable
Accrued long-term stock compensation
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
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: 99,947,933 – 2014; 99,120,235 – 2013
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Treasury stock – at cost (shares: 43,353,181 – 2014; 43,198,622 – 2013)
Total stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
SCHEDULE II
December 31,
2014
2013
50,028
16,605
16,367
1,604,162
16,848
15,781
7,268
1,727,059
334,297
88,961
21,890
6,325
451,473
55,623
15,399
193
1,493,996
28,471
15,122
9,410
1,618,214
334,414
102,721
20,828
6,323
464,286
—
—
199,896
305,385
1,313,440
19,788
(562,923 )
1,275,586
1,727,059
198,240
288,182
1,202,015
24,851
(559,360)
1,153,928
1,618,214
$
$
$
$
$
$
Information should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries in Item
8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.
147
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
(Parent Corporation)
Statements of Income
SCHEDULE II (continued)
Year ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
57,511
620
342
58,473
23,840
24,575
48,415
32,129
585
55
32,769
24,309
27,888
52,197
196,091
495
464
197,050
20,711
20,632
41,343
($ in thousands)
Revenues:
Dividends from subsidiaries
Net investment income earned
Other income
Total revenues
Expenses:
Interest expense
Other expenses
Total expenses
Income (loss) from continuing operations, before federal income tax
10,058
(19,428 )
155,707
Federal income tax benefit:
Current
Deferred
Total federal income tax benefit
(15,920 )
(646 )
(16,566 )
(22,779 )
4,835
(17,944 )
(4,602)
(9,347)
(13,949)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in undistributed income of
subsidiaries
26,624
(1,484 )
169,656
Equity in undistributed income of continuing subsidiaries, net of tax
Dividends in excess of continuing subsidiaries’ current year earnings
Net income from continuing operations
115,203
—
108,899
—
—
(131,693)
141,827
107,415
37,963
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax of $(538) - 2013
—
(997 )
—
Net income
$
141,827
106,418
37,963
Information should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries in Item
8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.
148
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
(Parent Corporation)
Statements of Cash Flows
SCHEDULE II (continued)
($ in thousands)
Operating Activities:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries, net of tax
Dividends in excess of continuing subsidiaries’ current year income
Stock-based compensation expense
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations
Net realized gains
Amortization – other
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase in accrued long-term stock compensation
Decrease (increase) in net federal income taxes
Increase (decrease) in other assets and other liabilities
Net adjustments
Net cash provided by operating activities
Investing Activities:
Purchase of fixed income securities, available-for-sale
Redemption and maturities of fixed income securities, available-for-sale
Sale of fixed income securities, available-for-sale
Purchase of short-term investments
Sale of short-term investments
Capital contribution to subsidiaries
Purchase of subsidiary, net of cash acquired
Sale of subsidiary
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Financing Activities:
Dividends to stockholders
Acquisition of treasury stock
Proceeds from notes payable, net of debt issuance costs
Net proceeds from stock purchase and compensation plans
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
Repayment of notes payable
Principal payment on borrowings from subsidiaries
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in cash
Cash, beginning of year
Cash, end of year
Year ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
141,827
106,418
37,963
(115,203 )
—
8,702
—
(2 )
1,421
1,062
10,977
1,045
(91,998 )
49,829
(18,511 )
23,210
300
(102,717 )
101,510
—
—
—
3,792
(28,428 )
(3,563 )
—
7,283
1,020
—
(13,759 )
(37,447 )
16,174
193
16,367
(108,899 )
—
8,630
997
—
4,353
6,791
(14,968 )
1,204
(101,892 )
4,526
(21,708 )
6,432
—
(241,748 )
253,136
(57,125 )
—
1,225
(59,788 )
(27,416 )
(3,716 )
178,435
7,119
1,545
(100,000 )
(722 )
55,245
(17 )
210
193
—
131,693
6,939
—
(219)
450
5,221
4,897
(7,014)
141,967
179,930
(148,604)
118,371
8,973
(106,539)
113,700
(139,122)
255
751
(152,215)
(26,944)
(3,495)
—
4,840
1,060
—
(3,688)
(28,227)
(512)
722
210
$
Information should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries in Item
8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.
149
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
Year ended December 31, 2014
SCHEDULE III
($ in thousands)
Deferred
policy
acquisition
costs
Reserve
for loss
and loss
expenses
Unearned
premiums
Net
premiums
earned
Net
investment
income1
Losses
and loss
expenses
incurred
Amortization
of deferred
policy
acquisition
costs2
Other
operating
expenses3
Net
premiums
written
Standard Commercial
Lines Segment
Standard Personal
Lines Segment
$
E&S Lines
147,285
3,000,796
734,697
1,415,712
—
870,018
295,774
188,699
1,441,047
17,495
20,828
279,761
197,313
285,777
75,345
296,747
140,150
—
—
197,182
90,301
34,851
33,670
48,178
15,793
292,061
152,172
Investments Segment
Total
—
$
185,608
—
3,477,870
—
1,095,819
—
1,852,609
165,307
165,307
—
1,157,501
—
364,295
—
252,670
—
1,885,280
1Includes “Net investment income earned” and “Net realized investment gains” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
2The total of “Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs” of $364,295 and “Other operating expenses” of $252,670 reconciles to the Consolidated
Statements of Income as follows:
Policy acquisition costs
Other income3
Other expenses3
Total
$
$
624,470
(16,598 )
9,093
616,965
3 In addition to amounts related to the Standard Commercial Lines, Standard Personal Lines, and E&S Lines, “Other income” and “Other expenses” on the
Consolidated Statements of Income includes holding company income and expense amounts of $347 and $24,580, respectively.
Year ended December 31, 2013
Deferred
policy
acquisition
costs
Reserve
for loss
and loss
expenses
Unearned
premiums
Net
premiums
earned
Net
investment
income1
Losses
and loss
expenses
incurred
Amortization
of deferred
policy
acquisition
costs2
Other
operating
expenses3
Net
premiums
written
$ 138,397
2,877,087
708,861
1,316,619
—
831,261
270,443
181,059
1,380,740
18,149
16,435
—
$ 172,981
312,411
160,272
—
3,349,770
286,969
63,325
—
1,059,155
294,332
125,121
—
1,736,072
—
—
155,375
155,375
206,450
84,027
—
1,121,738
33,097
28,288
—
331,828
46,140
16,541
—
243,740
297,757
131,662
—
1,810,159
($ in thousands)
Standard Commercial
Lines Segment
Standard Personal
Lines Segment
E&S Lines
Investments Segment
Total
1Includes “Net investment income earned” and “Net realized investment gains” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
2 The total of “Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs” of $331,828 and “Other operating expenses” of $243,740 reconciles to the Consolidated
Statements of Income as follows:
Policy acquisition costs
Other income3
Other expenses3
Total
$
$
579,977
(12,201 )
7,792
575,568
3 In addition to amounts related to the Standard Commercial Lines, Standard Personal Lines, and E&S Lines, “Other income” and “Other expenses” on the
Consolidated Statements of Income includes holding company income and expense amounts of $93 and $27,894, respectively.
150
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
Year ended December 31, 2012
SCHEDULE III (continued)
Deferred
policy
acquisition
costs
Reserve
for loss
and loss
expenses
Unearned
premiums
Net
premiums
earned
Net
investment
income1
Losses
and loss
expenses
incurred
Amortization
of deferred
policy
acquisition
costs2
Other
operating
expenses3
Net
premiums
written
$ 123,861
2,753,556
642,032
1,225,335
—
853,143
247,016
166,111
1,263,738
($ in thousands)
Standard Commercial
Lines Segment
Standard Personal
Lines Segment
E&S Lines
Investments Segment
17,690
13,972
—
1,195,082
120,303
—
4,068,941
275,886
56,788
—
974,706
279,555
79,229
—
1,584,119
—
—
140,865
140,865
204,644
63,203
—
1,120,990
33,684
17,847
—
298,547
44,741
17,737
—
228,589
289,848
113,297
—
1,666,883
Total
$ 155,523
1 Includes “Net investment income earned” and “Net realized investment gains” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
2 The total of “Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs” of $298,547 and “Other operating expenses” of $228,589 reconciles to the Consolidated
Statements of Income as follows:
Policy acquisition costs
Other income3
Other expenses3
Total
$
$
526,143
(8,827 )
9,820
527,136
3 In addition to amounts related to the Standard Commercial Lines, Standard Personal Lines, and E&S Lines, “Other income” and “Other expenses” on the
Consolidated Statements of Income includes holding company income and expense amounts of $291 and $20,642, respectively.
151
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
REINSURANCE
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
SCHEDULE IV
($ thousands)
2014
Premiums earned:
Accident and health insurance
Property and liability insurance
Total premiums earned
2013
Premiums earned:
Accident and health insurance
Property and liability insurance
Total premiums earned
2012
Premiums earned:
Accident and health insurance
Property and liability insurance
Total premiums earned
Direct Amount
Assumed From
Other
Companies
Ceded to Other
Companies
Net Amount
% of Amount
Assumed To Net
$
$
$
44
2,183,214
2,183,258
55
2,048,475
2,048,530
58
1,872,949
1,873,007
—
34,653
34,653
—
44,464
44,464
—
65,884
65,884
44
365,258
365,302
—
1,852,609
1,852,609
55
356,867
356,922
—
1,736,072
1,736,072
58
354,714
354,772
—
1,584,119
1,584,119
—
2%
2%
—
3 %
3 %
—
4 %
4 %
152
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
ALLOWANCE FOR UNCOLLECTIBLE PREMIUMS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
SCHEDULE V
($ in thousands)
Balance, January 1
Additions
Deductions
Balance, December 31
2014
2013
2012
$
$
9,542
4,617
(3,122 )
11,037
8,706
3,733
(2,897 )
9,542
7,668
4,536
(3,498)
8,706
153
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
3.1
3.2*
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
10.1+
10.1a+
10.2+
10.2a
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Selective Insurance Group, Inc., filed May 4, 2010
(incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended June 30, 2010, File No. 001-33067).
By-Laws of Selective Insurance Group, Inc., effective January 29, 2015.
Indenture, dated as of September 24, 2002, between Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and National City Bank,
as Trustee, relating to the Company's 1.6155% Senior Convertible Notes due September 24, 2032
(incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 No.
333-101489).
Indenture, dated as of November 16, 2004, between Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and Wachovia Bank,
National Association, as Trustee, relating to the Company's 7.25% Senior Notes due 2034 (incorporated by
reference herein to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 18, 2004, File
No. 000-08641).
Indenture, dated as of November 3, 2005, between Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and Wachovia Bank,
National Association, as Trustee, relating to the Company’s 6.70% Senior Notes due 2035 (incorporated by
reference herein to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 9, 2005, File
No. 000-08641).
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 16, 2004, between Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K filed November 18, 2004, File No. 000-08641).
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2005, between Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K filed November 9, 2005, File No. 000-08641).
Indenture, dated as of February 8, 2013, between Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and U.S. Bank National
Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K filed February 8, 2013, File No. 001-33067).
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 8, 2013, between Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and U.S.
Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the Company’s 5.875% Senior Notes due 2043 (incorporated
by reference herein to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 8, 2013, File
No. 001-33067).
Selective Insurance Supplemental Pension Plan, As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2005
(incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 2008, File No. 001-33067).
Amendment No. 1 to Selective Insurance Supplemental Pension Plan, As Amended and Restated Effective
January 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-
K filed March 25, 2013, File No. 001-33067).
Selective Insurance Company of America Deferred Compensation Plan (2005), As Amended and Restated
Effective as of January 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, File No. 001-33067).
Amendment No 1. to Selective Insurance Company of America Deferred Compensation Plan (2005)
(incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.2a of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 2011, File No. 001-33067).
154
Exhibit
Number
10.2b+
10.3+
10.3a+
10.4+
10.5+
10.6+
10.7+
10.8+
10.9+
10.10+
10.11+
10.12+
10.13+
10.14+
Amendment No. 2 to Selective Insurance Company of America Deferred Compensation Plan (2005), As
Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.2 of the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 25, 2013, File No. 001-33067).
Selective Insurance Stock Option Plan III (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit A to the Company’s
Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2002 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed April 1, 2002, File No. 000-
08641).
Amendment to the Selective Insurance Stock Option Plan III, effective as of July 26, 2006 (incorporated by
reference herein to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June
30, 2006, File No. 000-08641).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan, effective May 1, 2014 (incorporated by reference
herein to Appendix A-1 to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2014 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders filed April 3, 2014, File No. 000-08641).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan Director Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by
reference herein to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
31, 2014, File No. 000-08641).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference
herein to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
2014, File No. 000-08641).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan Service-Based Restricted Stock Agreement
(incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 2014 File No. 000-08641).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan Performance-Based Restricted Stock Agreement
(incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 2014, File No. 000-08641).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan Service-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement
(incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 2014 File No. 000-08641).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit
Agreement (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-
Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, File No. 000-08641).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement
(incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 2014, File No. 000-08641).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan As Amended and Restated Effective as of May 1,
2010 (incorporated by reference herein to Appendix C of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its
2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed March 25, 2010, File No. 001-33067).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference
herein to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
2006, File No. 000-08641).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement
(incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2009, File No. 001-33067).
155
Exhibit
Number
10.15+
10.16+
10.17+
10.18+
10.19+
10.20+
10.21+
10.22+
10.23+
10.24+
10.25+
10.26+
10.27
10.28+
10.29+
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan Director Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by
reference herein to Exhibit 10.9 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2005, File No. 000-08641).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by
reference herein to Exhibit 10.12 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2009, File No. 001-33067).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by
reference herein to Exhibit 10.13 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2009, File No. 001-33067).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan Automatic Director Stock Option Agreement
(incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 2 of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2005
Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed April 6, 2005, File No. 000-08641).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Non-Employee Directors’ Compensation and Deferral Plan, As Amended and
Restated Effective as of May 1, 2014 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, File No. 001-33067).
Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993, File No. 000-08641).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2009), amended and restated effective July 1,
2009 (incorporated by reference herein to Appendix A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its
2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed March 26, 2009, File No. 001-33067).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Cash Incentive Plan As Amended and Restated as of May 1, 2014
(incorporated by reference herein to Appendix B to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2014
Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed March 24, 2014, File No. 001-33067).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Cash Incentive Plan Service-Based Cash Incentive Unit Award Agreement
(incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 2014, File No. 001-33067).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Cash Incentive Plan Performance-Based Cash Incentive Unit Award
Agreement (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.9 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-
Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, File No. 001-33067).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Cash Incentive Plan Cash Incentive Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by
reference herein to Exhibit 10.14c of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2007, File No. 001-33067).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Cash Incentive Plan Cash Incentive Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by
reference herein to Exhibit 10.14d of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2007, File No. 001-33067).
Amended and Restated Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan for Independent Insurance
Agencies (2010) (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010, File No. 001-33067).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Directors (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit B
of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed March 31,
2000, File No. 000-08641).
Amendment to the Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Directors, as amended, effective as
of July 26, 2006, (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, File No. 000-08641).
156
Exhibit
Number
10.30+
10.31+
10.32+
10.33+
10.34+
10.35+
10.36
10.37
10.38+
10.39+
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Stock Compensation Plan for Nonemployee Directors, (incorporated by
reference herein to Exhibit A of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2000 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders filed March 31, 2000, File No. 000-08641).
Amendment to Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Stock Compensation Plan for Nonemployee Directors, as
amended (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.22a of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 001-33067).
Employment Agreement between Selective Insurance Company of America and Gregory E. Murphy, dated as
of December 23, 2008 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed December 30, 2008, File No. 001-33067).
Employment Agreement between Selective Insurance Company of America and Dale A. Thatcher, dated as of
December 23, 2008 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed December 30, 2008, File No. 001-33067).
Employment Agreement between Selective Insurance Company of America and Michael H. Lanza, dated as of
December 23, 2008 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.23e of the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 001-33067).
Employment Agreement between Selective Insurance Company of America and John J. Marchioni, dated as of
September 10, 2013 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed September 11, 2013, File No. 001-33067).
Credit Agreement among Selective Insurance Group, Inc., the Lenders Named Therein and Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association, as Administrative Agent, dated as of September 26, 2013 (incorporated by reference
herein to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, File No. 001-
33067).
Form of Indemnification Agreement between Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and each of its directors and
executive officers, as adopted on May 19, 2005 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.1 of the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 20, 2005, File No. 000-08641).
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by
reference herein to Exhibit 10.27 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2009, File No. 001-33067).
Amendment No. 1 to the Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation
Plan (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.27a of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2010, File No. 001-33067).
157
Exhibit
Number
*21
*23.1
*24.1
*24.2
*24.3
*24.4
*24.5
*24.6
*24.7
*24.8
*24.9
*24.10
*24.11
*31.1
*31.2
**32.1
**32.2
*99.1
Subsidiaries of Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
Consent of KPMG LLP.
Power of Attorney of Paul D. Bauer.
Power of Attorney of Annabelle G. Bexiga.
Power of Attorney of A. David Brown.
Power of Attorney of John C. Burville.
Power of Attorney of Michael J. Morrissey.
Power of Attorney of Cynthia S. Nicholson.
Power of Attorney of Ronald L. O'Kelley.
Power of Attorney of William M. Rue.
Power of Attorney of John S. Scheid.
Power of Attorney of J. Brian Thebault.
Power of Attorney of Philip H. Urban.
Certification of Chief Executive Officer in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Chief Financial Officer in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Chief Executive Officer in accordance with Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Chief Financial Officer in accordance with Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Glossary of Terms.
** 101.INS XBRL Instance Document.
** 101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
** 101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
** 101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
** 101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
** 101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
* Filed herewith.
** Furnished and not filed herewith.
+ Management compensation plan or arrangement.
158
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
SUBSIDIARIES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014
Mesa Underwriters Specialty Insurance Company
Name
Jurisdiction
in which
organized
New Jersey
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
Parent
Selective Auto Insurance Company of New Jersey
New Jersey
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
Selective Casualty Insurance Company
New Jersey
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
Selective Fire and Casualty Insurance Company
New Jersey
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
Selective Insurance Company of America
New Jersey
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
Selective Insurance Company of New England
New Jersey
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
Selective Insurance Company of New York
New York
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
Selective Insurance Company of South Carolina
Indiana
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
Selective Insurance Company of the Southeast
Indiana
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
Selective Way Insurance Company
New Jersey
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
SRM Insurance Brokerage, LLC.
New Jersey
Selective Way Insurance Company
Wantage Avenue Holding Company, Inc.
New Jersey
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
Selective Insurance Company of the Southeast
Exhibit 21
Percentage
voting
securities
owned
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
75%
25%
100%
159
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.:
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (“Selective”) on
Form S-8 (Nos. 333-195617, 333-168765, 333-125451, 333-14620, 333-147383, 333-41674, 333-10465, 333-88806, 333-
97799, 333-37501, 333-87832, and 333-31942) and Form S-3 (Nos. 333-182166, 333-160074, 333-137395, 333-136578, 333-
136024, 333-110576, 333-101489, and 333-71953) of our reports dated February 26, 2015, which appear in Selective’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Selective and
its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income,
stockholders’ equity, and cash flow for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, and all related
financial statement schedules, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014.
/s/ KPMG LLP
New York, New York
February 26, 2015
160
Exhibit 31.1
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a–14(a), as adopted pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, GREGORY E. MURPHY, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (the
“Company”), certify, that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of the Company;
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report on Form 10-K does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were
made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report on Form 10-
K, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows of
the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in
which this report is being prepared;
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to
be designed under our supervision, 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;
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered
by this report based on such evaluation; and
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual
report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control
over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over
financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons
performing the equivalent functions):
(a)
(b)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and
report financial information; and
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in
the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: February 26, 2015
By: /s/ Gregory E. Murphy
Gregory E. Murphy
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
161
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 31.2
I, DALE A. THATCHER, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (the
“Company”), certify, that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of the Company;
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report on Form 10-K does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were
made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report on Form 10-
K, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows of
the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed
under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is
being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be
designed under our supervision, 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;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by
this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the
registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting;
and
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over
financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons
performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and
report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the
registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: February 26, 2015
By: /s/ Dale A. Thatcher
Dale A. Thatcher
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
162
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 32.1
I, GREGORY E. MURPHY, the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
(the “Company”), hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002, that the annual report on Form 10-K of the Company for the period ended December 31, 2014, which this
certification accompanies, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, and the information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and
results of operations of the Company.
Date: February 26, 2015
By: /s/ Gregory E. Murphy
Gregory E. Murphy
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
163
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 32.2
I, DALE A. THATCHER, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (the
“Company”), hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002, that the annual report on Form 10-K of the Company for the period ended December 31, 2014, which this certification
accompanies, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the
information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations
of the Company.
Date: February 26, 2015
By: /s/ Dale A. Thatcher
Dale A. Thatcher
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
164
Glossary of Terms
Accident Year - accident year reporting focuses on the cost of the losses that
occurred in a given year regardless of when reported. These losses are
calculated by adding all payments that have been made for those losses
occurring in a given calendar year (regardless of the year in which they were
paid) to any current reserve that remains for losses that occurred in that given
calendar year. For example, at December 31, 2014, the losses incurred for
the 2003 accident year would be the payments made in years 2003 through
2014 relating to the losses that occurred in 2003 plus the reserve for 2003
occurrences remaining to be paid as of December 31, 2014.
Agent (Independent Retail Insurance Agent) - a distribution partner who
recommends and markets insurance to individuals and businesses; usually
represents several insurance companies. Insurance companies pay agents for
business production.
Audit Premium - premiums based on data from an insured’s records, such
as payroll data. The insured’s records are subject to periodic audit for
purposes of verifying premium amounts.
Catastrophe Loss - a severe loss, as defined by the Insurance Services
Office's Property Claims Service (PCS) unit, either natural or man-made,
usually involving, but not limited to, many risks from one occurrence such as
fire, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, windstorm, explosion, hail, severe
winter weather, and terrorism.
Combined Ratio - a measure of underwriting profitability determined by
dividing the sum of all GAAP expenses (losses, loss expenses, underwriting
expenses, and dividends to policyholders) by GAAP net premiums earned for
the period. A ratio over 100% is indicative of an underwriting loss, and a
ratio below 100% is indicative of an underwriting profit.
Contract Binding Authority - business that is written in accordance with a
well-defined underwriting strategy that clearly delineates risk eligibility,
rates, and coverages. It is generally distributed through wholesale general
agents.
Credit Risk - the risk that a financially-obligated party will default on any
type of debt by failing to make payment obligations. Examples of credit risk
include: (i) a bond issuer does not make a payment on a coupon or principal
payment when due; or (ii) a reinsurer does not pay a policy obligation.
Customers - another term for policyholders. These are the individuals or
entities that purchase our insurance products or services.
Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - represents weighted-
average common shares outstanding adjusted for the impact of dilutive
common stock equivalents, if any.
Distribution Partners - insurance consultants that we partner with in selling
our insurance products and services. Independent retail insurance agents are
our distribution partners for our standard market business and wholesale
general agents are our distribution partners for our E&S market business.
Earned Premiums - the portion of a premium that is recognized as income
based on the expired portion of the policy period. For example, a one-year
policy sold January 1 would produce just three months’ worth of “earned
premium” in the first quarter of the year.
Exhibit 99.1
Loss and Loss Expense Reserves - the amount of money an insurance
company expects to pay for claim obligations and related expenses resulting
from losses that have occurred and are covered by insurance policies it has
sold.
Operating Income - a non-GAAP measure that is comparable to net income
with the exclusion of capital gains and losses and the results of discontinued
operations. Operating income is used as an important financial measure by
us, analysts, and investors, because the realization of investment gains and
losses on sales in any given period is largely discretionary as to timing. In
addition, these realized investment gains and losses, as well as other-than-
temporary impairment charges that are included in earnings, and the results
of discontinued operations, could distort the analysis of trends.
Operating Return on Average Equity - a measurement of profitability that
reveals the amount of operating income that is generated by dividing
operating income by the average stockholders’ equity during the period.
Reinsurance - an insurance company assuming all or part of a risk
undertaken by another insurance company. Reinsurance spreads the risk
among insurance companies to reduce the impact of losses on individual
companies. Types of reinsurance include proportional, excess of loss, treaty,
and facultative.
Premiums Written - premiums written refer to premiums for all policies
sold during a specific accounting period.
Renewal Pure Price - estimated average premium change on renewal
policies (excludes exposure changes).
Retention - retention ratios measure how well an insurance company retains
business by count and is expressed as a ratio of renewed over expired
policies. Year on year retention measures retained business based on
business issued one year ago.
Risk - has the following two distinct and frequently used meanings in
insurance: (i) the chance that a claim loss will occur; or (ii) an insured or the
property covered by a policy.
Severity - the amount of damage that is (or that may be) inflicted by a loss or
catastrophe.
Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP) - accounting practices prescribed
and required by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
(“NAIC”) and state insurance departments that stress evaluation of a
company’s solvency. Insurance companies follow these practices when
preparing annual statutory statements to be submitted to the NAIC and state
insurance departments.
Statutory Combined Ratio - a measurement commonly used within the
property and casualty insurance industry to measure underwriting profit or
loss. It is a combination of the underwriting expense ratio, loss and loss
expense ratio, and dividends to policyholders ratio. The loss and loss
expense ratio and the dividends to policyholders ratio are calculated by
dividing those expenses by statutory net premiums earned while the
underwriting expense ratio is calculated by dividing underwriting expenses
by net premiums written.
Excess and Surplus Lines - functions as a supplemental market for risks
that often do not fit the underwriting criteria of standard market insurance
carriers due to loss history, complex exposure, or minimal business
experience.
Statutory Premiums to Surplus Ratio - a statutory measure of solvency
risk that is calculated by dividing the net statutory premiums written for the
year by the ending statutory surplus. For example, a ratio of 1.5:1 means
that for every dollar of surplus, the company wrote $1.50 in premiums.
Frequency - the likelihood that a loss will occur. Expressed as low
frequency (meaning the loss event is possible, but the event has rarely
happened in the past and is not likely to occur in the future), moderate
frequency (meaning the loss event has happened once in a while and can be
expected to occur sometime in the future), or high frequency (meaning the
loss event happens regularly and can be expected to occur regularly in the
future).
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) - accounting practices
used in the United States of America determined by the Financial Accounting
Standards Board. Public companies use GAAP when preparing financial
statements to be filed with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission.
Incurred But Not Reported (IBNR) Reserves - reserves for estimated
losses that have been incurred by insureds but not yet reported to the insurer.
Interest Rate Risk - exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to the
market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in interest
rates. A rise in interest rates may decrease the fair value of our existing fixed
maturity investments and declines in interest rates may result in an increase
in the fair value of our existing fixed maturity investments.
Statutory Surplus - the amount left after an insurance company’s liabilities
are subtracted from its assets. Statutory surplus is not a figure based upon
GAAP. Rather, it is based upon SAP prescribed or permitted by state and
foreign insurance regulators.
Underwriting - the insurer’s process of reviewing applications submitted for
insurance coverage, deciding whether to provide all or part of the coverage
requested, and determining the applicable premiums and terms and
conditions of coverage.
Underwriting Result - underwriting income or loss and represents
premiums earned less insurance losses and loss expenses, underwriting
expenses, and dividends to policyholders (determined on a GAAP or SAP
basis). Also referred to as the GAAP underwriting result or the statutory
underwriting result. This measure of performance is used by management
and analysts to evaluate the profitability of underwriting operations and is
not intended to replace GAAP net income.
Unearned Premiums - the portion of a premium that a company has written
but has yet to earn because a portion of the policy is unexpired. For
example, a one-year policy sold January 1 would record nine months of
unearned premium as of the end of the first quarter of the year.
Invested Assets per Dollar of Stockholders' Equity Ratio - a measure of
investment leverage calculated by dividing invested assets by stockholders'
equity.
Wholesale General Agent - a distribution partner authorized to underwrite
on behalf of a surplus lines insurer through binding authority agreements.
Insurance companies pay wholesale general agents for business production.
Loss Expenses - expenses incurred in the process of evaluating, defending,
and paying claims.
165
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Directors
Paul D. Bauer 1998
Lead Independent Director, Selective Insurance Group, Inc.;
Retired, former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Tops Markets, Inc.
Annabelle G. Bexiga 2012
Chief Operating Officer, TIAA Asset Management;
Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, TIAA-CREF
A. David Brown 1996
Retired, former Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Urban Brands, Inc.
John C. Burville, Ph.D. 2006
Retired, former Insurance Consultant to the Bermuda Government
Michael J. Morrissey 2008
President and Chief Executive Officer, International Insurance Society, Inc.
Gregory E. Murphy 1997
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
Cynthia (Cie) S. Nicholson 2009
Chief Marketing Officer, Softcard™
Ronald L. O’Kelley 2005
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Atlantic Coast Venture Investments Inc.
William M. Rue 1977
Chairman, Chas. E. Rue & Son, Inc., t/a Rue Insurance
John S. Scheid 2014
Owner, Scheid Group, LLC
J. Brian Thebault 1996
Partner, Thebault Associates
Philip H. Urban 2014
Retired, former President and Chief Executive Officer, Grange Insurance
2014 AnnuAl RepoRt
Senior Vice Presidents
Charles C. Adams 2
Regional Manager
Mid-Atlantic Region
Allen H. Anderson 2
Chief Underwriting Officer,
Personal Lines/Flood
Jeffrey F. Beck 2
Government and Regulatory Affairs
Andrew S. Becker 2
Director of Commercial Lines
Pricing and Research
Kory Jensen 2
IT Infrastructure and Operations
Jeffrey F. Kamrowski 2
Commercial Line of Business
Underwriting and Business Services Unit
Robert J. McKenna, Jr. 2
Enterprise Architecture and
Information Security
James McLain 2
Regional Manager
Southern Region
John P. Bresney 2
Enterprise Application Delivery Services
Yanina Montau-Hupka 1,2
Chief Risk Officer
Sarita G. Chakravarthi 1,2
Tax and Assistant Treasurer
Thomas M. Clark 2
Claims General Counsel
Jennifer W. DiBerardino 1,2
Investor Relations and Treasurer
Edward F. Drag, II 2
Regional Manager
New Jersey Region
Joseph Eppers 1,2
Chief Investment Officer
Brenda M. Hall 2
Chief Strategic Operations Officer
Anthony D. Harnett 1,2
Corporate Controller
Martin Hollander 1,2
Chief Audit Executive
Charles A. Musilli, III 2
Chief Underwriting Officer,
Commercial Lines
Richard R. Nenaber 2
MUSIC
Thomas S. Purnell 2
Regional Manager
Northeast Region
Erik A. Reidenbach 2
Regional Manager
Heartland Region
Vincent M. Senia 2
Director of Actuarial Reserving
1 Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
2 Selective Insurance Company of America
Officers
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
Gregory E. Murphy 1,2
President and
Chief Operating Officer
John J. Marchioni 1,2
Executive Vice Presidents
Kimberly J. Burnett 2
Chief Human Resources Officer
Douglas T. Eden 2
Commerical Lines
Gordon J. Gaudet 2
Chief Information Officer
Michael H. Lanza 1,2
General Counsel
George A. Neale 2
Chief Claims Officer
Brian C. Sarisky 2
Head of Specialty Insurance
Dale A. Thatcher 1,2
Chief Financial Officer
Ronald J. Zaleski, Sr. 1,2
Chief Actuary
2014 AnnuAl RepoRt
2014 GAAP FinAnciAl HiGHliGHts
($ in millions, except per share data)
2 0 1 4
2 0 1 3
Change Better
Insurance Operations
Net premiums written
Net premiums earned
Underwriting gain before tax
Combined ratio
Statutory combined ratio
Investments
Net investment income before tax
Net realized gain before tax
Invested assets per dollar of stockholders’ equity
Summary Data
Total revenues
Net income
Return on average equity
Operating income (non-GAAP)
Operating return on average equity (non-GAAP)
Total assets
Stockholders’ equity
Per Share Data
Diluted net income
Operating income (non-GAAP)
Dividends
Stockholders’ equity
$1,885.3
1,852.6
$1,810.2
1,736.1
78.1
95.8%
95.7%
138.7
26.6
3.77
2,034.9
141.8
11.7%
124.5
10.3%
6,581.6
1,275.6
2.47
2.17
0.53
22.54
38.8
97.8%
97.5%
134.6
20.7
3.97
1,903.7
106.4
9.5%
93.9
8.4%
6,270.2
1,153.9
1.87
1.65
0.52
20.63
% or Point
(Worse)
4%
7%
102%
2.0 pts
1.8 pts
3%
28%
(5)%
7%
33%
2.2 pts
33%
1.9 pts
5%
11%
32%
32%
2%
9%
Refer to Glossary of Terms attached as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K for definitions of specific measures.
GAAP: U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Operating income is reconciled to net income in the Company’s Form 10-K.
A V E R A G E A N N U A L R E T U R N Growth of a $10,000 investment (year-end 2004–2014)
Selective
S&P 500 Index
S&P Property & Casualty Index
$25,000
$20,000
$15,000
$10,000
$5,000
$0
Investor
InformatIon
Annual Meeting
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
40 Wantage Avenue
Branchville, New Jersey 07890
Investor Relations
Jennifer W. DiBerardino
Senior Vice President,
Investor Relations and Treasurer
Telephone (973) 948-1364
investor.relations@selective.com
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
makes available to holders of
its common stock an automatic
dividend reinvestment and stock
purchase plan.
For Information Contact:
Wells Fargo Shareowner Services
P.O. Box 64854
St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0854
Telephone (866) 877-6351
Registrar and Transfer Agent
Wells Fargo Shareowner Services
P.O. Box 64854
St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0854
Telephone (866) 877-6351
Auditors
KPMG LLP
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10154-0102
Internal Audit Department
Chief Audit Executive
Martin Hollander
internal.audit@selective.com
Executive Office
40 Wantage Avenue
Branchville, New Jersey 07890
Telephone (973) 948-3000
Shareholder Relations
Robyn P. Turner
Corporate Secretary
Telephone (973) 948-1766
shareholder.relations@selective.com
Common Stock Information
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.’s
common stock trades on the
NASDAQ Global Select Market
under the symbol: SIGI.
Form 10-K
Selective’s Form 10-K, as filed with
the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission, is provided as part of
this 2014 Annual Report.
Website
Visit us at www.selective.com
for information about Selective,
including our latest financial news.
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2014 AnnuAl RepoRt
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
40 Wantage Avenue
Branchville, New Jersey 07890
www.selective.com
2014 GAAP FinAnciAl HiGH
($ in millions, except per share data)
Insurance Operations
Net premiums written
Net premiums earned
Underwriting gain before tax
Combined ratio
Statutory combined ratio
Investments
Net investment income before tax
Net realized gain before tax
Invested assets per dollar of stockholders’ equity
Summary Data
Total revenues
Net income
Return on average equity
Operating income (non-GAAP)
Operating return on average equity (non-GAAP)
Total assets
Stockholders’ equity
Per Share Data
Diluted net income
Operating income (non-GAAP)
Dividends
Stockholders’ equity
4%
7%
102%
1.8 pts
3%
28%
(5)%
7%
33%
33%
1.9 pts
5%
11%
32%
32%
2%
9%
GAAP: U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Operating income is reconciled to net income in the Company’s Form 10-K.
A V E R A G E A N N U A L R E T U R N
S&P 500 Index
S&P Property & Casualty Index
$25,000
$20,000
$15,000
$10,000
$5,000
$0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
S
E
L
E
C
T
I
V
E
2
0
1
4
A
N
N
U
A
L
R
E
P
O
R
T
Achieving our goals.
Achieving success.