Results

United Fire Group Inc.

11/06/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/06/2024 11:57

Quarterly Report for Quarter Ending September 30, 2024 (Form 10-Q)

ufcs-20240930
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024
or
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 001-34257
________________________
UNITED FIRE GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Iowa 45-2302834
(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
118 Second Avenue SE
Cedar Rapids Iowa
 		52401
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (319) 399-5700
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act of 1934:
Title of each class Trading Symbol Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.001 par value UFCS The NASDAQ Global Select Market
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. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
☐
Accelerated filer
☒
Non-accelerated filer
☐
Smaller reporting company
☐
Emerging growth company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐
No ☒
As of November 1, 2024, 25,342,114 shares of common stock were outstanding.
Table of Contents
United Fire Group, Inc.
Index to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
September 30, 2024
Page
Forward-Looking Information
1
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2024 (unaudited) and December 31, 2023
3
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (unaudited) for the three- and nine- month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
4
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (unaudited) for the three- and nine- month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
7
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
8
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
36
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
51
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
51
Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
52
Item 1A. Risk Factors
52
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
52
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
52
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
52
Item 5. Other Information
52
Item 6. Exhibits
53
Signatures
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FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This report may contain forward-looking statements about our operations, anticipated performance and other similar matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), for forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expected and/or projected. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about United Fire Group, Inc. ("UFG," the "Registrant," the "Company," "we," "us," or "our"), the industry in which we operate, and beliefs and assumptions made by management. Words such as "expect(s)," "anticipate(s)," "intend(s)," "plan(s)," "believe(s)," "continue(s)," "seek(s)," "estimate(s)," "goal(s)," "remain(s) optimistic," "target(s)," "forecast(s)," "project(s)," "predict(s)," "should," "could," "may," "will," "might," "hope," "can" and other words and terms of similar meaning or expression in connection with a discussion of future operations, financial performance or financial condition, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. See Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") for more information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.
Risks and uncertainties that may affect the actual financial condition and results of the Company include, but are not limited to, the following:
◦Our ability to effectively underwrite and adequately price insured risks;
◦Risks related to our investment portfolio that could negatively affect our profitability;
◦General macroeconomic conditions, interest rate risk, the impact of inflation and changes in governmental regulations and monetary policy;
◦Geographic concentration risk in our property and casualty insurance business;
◦The properties we insure are exposed to various natural perils that can give rise to significant claims costs;
◦Changing weather patterns and climate change add to the unpredictability, frequency and severity of catastrophe losses and may adversely affect our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition;
◦Further downgrades of the financial strength ratings of our operating subsidiaries or our issuer credit ratings and the adverse impact such action may have on our premium writings, policy retention, profitability and liquidity;
◦We may be unable to attract, retain or effectively manage the succession of key personnel;
◦The risk of not being able to predict the rising cost of insurance claims resulting from changing societal expectations that lead to increasing litigation, broader definitions of liability, broader contract interpretations, more plaintiff-friendly legal decisions and larger compensatory jury awards;
◦The potential disruption of our operations and reputation due to unauthorized data access, cyber-attacks or cyber-terrorism and other security breaches;
◦The adequacy of our reserves for property and casualty insurance losses and loss settlement expenses;
◦Our core insurance business is dependent on strong and beneficial relationships with a large network of independent insurance agents and not maintaining these relationships could result in loss of sufficient business opportunities within our expertise and stated risk appetite;
◦Competitive, legal, regulatory or tax changes that affect the distribution cost or demand for our products through our independent agent/agency distribution network;
◦Governmental actions, policies and regulations, including, but not limited to, domestic health care reform, financial services regulatory reform, and other federal stimulus relief legislation, corporate governance, new laws or regulations or court decisions interpreting existing laws and regulations or policy provisions; changes in laws, regulations and stock exchange requirements relating to corporate governance and the cost of compliance;
◦We will be at a competitive disadvantage if, over time, our competitors are more effective than us in their utilization of technology and evolving data analytics;
◦We may be unable to secure reinsurance capacity that provides necessary risk protection at a reasonable cost; and
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◦Our stock price could become more volatile and your investment could lose value.
These are representative of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from what is expressed in forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report or as of the date they are made. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
United Fire Group, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share data) September 30,
2024 		December 31,
2023
(unaudited)
ASSETS
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $1,898,841 in 2024 and $1,771,041 in 2023)
$ 1,852,791 $ 1,686,502
Equity securities at fair value (cost $0 in 2024 and $29,238 in 2023)
- 55,019
Mortgage loans (less allowance for credit loss of $45 in 2024 and $55 in 2023)
41,081 45,366
Other long-term investments 101,480 99,507
Short-term investments 100 100
Total investments 1,995,452 1,886,494
Cash and cash equivalents 197,371 102,046
Accrued investment income 16,069 15,934
Premiums receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,528 in 2024 and $1,794 in 2023)
608,883 464,791
Deferred policy acquisition costs 149,038 126,532
Property and equipment at cost (less accumulated depreciation of $73,565 in 2024 and $68,242 in 2023)
135,383 134,247
Reinsurance receivables (net of allowance for credit losses of $103 in 2024 and $97 in 2023)
250,042 223,269
Prepaid reinsurance premiums 42,013 27,682
Intangible assets 4,084 4,615
Deferred tax asset 14,399 13,621
Income taxes receivable 16,591 21,463
Other assets 116,807 123,496
TOTAL ASSETS $ 3,546,132 $ 3,144,190
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities
Losses and loss settlement expenses $ 1,794,941 $ 1,638,755
Unearned premiums 650,039 549,384
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 198,318 172,306
Long term debt 117,011 50,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 2,760,309 $ 2,410,445
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 75,000,000 shares; 25,341,248 and 25,269,842 shares issued and outstanding in 2024 and 2023, respectively
$ 25 $ 25
Additional paid-in capital 213,374 209,986
Retained earnings 593,052 574,691
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (20,628) (50,957)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 785,823 $ 733,745
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 3,546,132 $ 3,144,190
The Notes to unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
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United Fire Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands, except share and per share data) 2024 2023 2024 2023
Revenues
Net premiums earned $ 300,185 $ 259,456 $ 868,613 $ 770,221
Net investment income 24,459 16,459 58,830 40,508
Net investment gains (losses) (includes reclassifications for net unrealized investment gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities of $(1,680) and $(5,473) in 2024 and $(79) and $(771) in 2023; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss))
(1,680) (1,960) (4,111) (2,581)
Other income (loss) - - (3,200) -
Total revenues $ 322,964 $ 273,955 $ 920,132 $ 808,148
Benefits, Losses and Expenses
Losses and loss settlement expenses $ 187,148 $ 172,798 $ 568,119 $ 598,125
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 71,425 62,709 204,504 181,700
Other underwriting expenses (includes reclassifications for employee benefit costs of $0 and $0 in 2024 and $51 and $155 in 2023; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss))
36,454 29,096 103,532 88,231
Interest expense 2,481 797 4,800 2,391
Other non-underwriting expenses 481 179 1,688 1,553
Total benefits, losses and expenses $ 297,989 $ 265,579 $ 882,643 $ 872,000
Income (loss) before income taxes $ 24,975 $ 8,376 $ 37,489 $ (63,852)
Federal income tax expense (benefit) (includes reclassifications of $352 and $1,149 in 2024 and $28 and $195 in 2023; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss))
5,227 1,996 6,974 (14,544)
Net Income (loss) $ 19,748 $ 6,380 $ 30,515 $ (49,308)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on investments $ 51,745 $ (43,245) $ 33,995 $ (44,857)
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans (724) (820) (2,172) (2,460)
Foreign currency translation adjustment 853 - 865 -
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax and reclassification adjustments $ 51,874 $ (44,065) $ 32,688 $ (47,317)
Income tax effect (10,714) 9,253 (6,683) 9,937
Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax, before reclassification adjustments $ 41,160 $ (34,812) $ 26,005 $ (37,380)
Reclassification adjustment for net investment losses included in income $ 1,680 $ 79 $ 5,473 $ 771
Reclassification adjustment for employee benefit costs included in expense - 51 - 155
Total reclassification adjustments, before tax $ 1,680 $ 130 $ 5,473 $ 926
Income tax effect (352) (28) (1,149) (195)
Total reclassification adjustments, after tax $ 1,328 $ 102 $ 4,324 $ 731
Comprehensive income (loss) $ 62,236 $ (28,330) $ 60,844 $ (85,957)
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 25,912,313 25,579,334 25,884,623 25,244,502
Earnings per common share:
Basic $ 0.78 $ 0.25 $ 1.21 $ (1.95)
Diluted 0.76 0.25 1.18 (1.95)
The Notes to unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
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United Fire Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)
Common Stock
(In thousands, except share data) Shares outstanding Common stock Additional paid-in capital Retaining Earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Total
Balance January 1, 2024 25,269,842 $ 25 $ 209,986 $ 574,691 $ (50,957) $ 733,745
Net income (loss) - - - 13,502 - 13,502
Stock based compensation 23,314 - 900 - - 900
Dividends on common stock ($0.16 per share)
- - - (4,046) - (4,046)
Change in net unrealized investment gain (loss)(1)
- - - - (6,740) (6,740)
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans(2)
- - - - (572) (572)
Foreign currency translation adjustment - - - - (23) (23)
Balance March 31, 2024 25,293,156 $ 25 $ 210,886 $ 584,147 $ (58,292) $ 736,766
Net income (loss) - $ - $ - $ (2,735) $ - $ (2,735)
Stock based compensation 42,947 - 1,441 - - 1,441
Dividends on common stock ($0.16 per share)
- - - (4,053) - (4,053)
Change in net unrealized investment gain (loss)(1)
- - - - (4,287) (4,287)
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans(2)
- - - - (572) (572)
Foreign currency translation adjustment - - - - 35 35
Balance June 30, 2024 25,336,103 $ 25 $ 212,327 $ 577,359 $ (63,116) $ 726,595
Net income (loss) - $ - $ - $ 19,748 $ - $ 19,748
Shares repurchased - - - - - -
Stock based compensation 5,145 - 1,047 - - 1,047
Dividends on common stock ($0.16 per share)
- - - (4,055) - (4,055)
Change in net unrealized investment gain (loss)(1)
- - - - 42,207 42,207
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans(2)
- - - - (572) (572)
Foreign currency translation adjustment - - - - 853 853
Balance September 30, 2024 25,341,248 $ 25 $ 213,374 $ 593,052 $ (20,628) $ 785,823
(1)The change in net unrealized gain (loss) is net of reclassification adjustments and income taxes.
(2)The change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans is net of reclassification adjustments and income taxes.
The Notes to unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
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United Fire Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)
Common Stock
(In thousands, except share data) Shares outstanding Common stock Additional paid-in capital Retaining Earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Total
Balance January 1, 2023 25,210,541 $ 25 $ 207,030 $ 620,555 $ (87,496) $ 740,114
Net income (loss) - - - 694 - 694
Stock based compensation 21,012 - 980 - - 980
Dividends on common stock ($0.16 per share)
- - - (4,037) - (4,037)
Change in net unrealized investment gain (loss)(1)
- - - - 14,650 14,650
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans(2)
- - - - (607) (607)
Balance March 31, 2023 25,231,553 $ 25 $ 208,010 $ 617,213 $ (73,453) $ 751,795
Net income (loss) - $ - $ - $ (56,382) $ - $ (56,382)
Stock based compensation 31,396 - 977 - - 977
Dividends on common stock ($0.16 per share)
- - - (4,042) - (4,042)
Change in net unrealized investment gain (loss)(1)
- - - - (15,376) (15,376)
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans(2)
- - - - (606) (606)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - - - - - -
Balance June 30, 2023 25,262,949 $ 25 $ 208,987 $ 556,789 $ (89,435) $ 676,366
Net income (loss) $ - $ - $ - $ 6,380 $ - $ 6,380
Shares repurchased - - - - - -
Stock based compensation 793 - 944 - - 944
Dividends on common stock ($0.16 per share)
- - - (4,042) - (4,042)
Change in net unrealized investment gain (loss)(1)
- - - - (34,103) (34,103)
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans(2)
- - - - (607) (607)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - - - - - -
Balance September 30, 2023 25,263,742 $ 25 $ 209,931 $ 559,126 $ (124,145) $ 644,937
(1)The change in net unrealized gain (loss) is net of reclassification adjustments and income taxes.
(2)The change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans is net of reclassification adjustments and income taxes.
The Notes to unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
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United Fire Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income (loss) $ 30,515 $ (49,308)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Net accretion of bond premium 3,921 5,238
Depreciation and amortization 8,316 7,841
Stock-based compensation expense 3,798 3,124
Net investment (gains) losses 4,403 2,384
Net cash flows from equity and trading investments 56,381 116,080
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) (8,611) (11,633)
Changes in:
Accrued investment income (135) (2,789)
Premiums receivable (144,092) (109,903)
Deferred policy acquisition costs (22,506) (21,067)
Reinsurance receivables (26,773) (40,692)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums (14,331) (10,125)
Income taxes receivable 4,872 (5,051)
Other assets 7,670 (1,596)
Losses and loss settlement expenses 156,186 139,644
Unearned premiums 100,655 86,275
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 23,840 36,446
Other, net (159) 4,638
Cash from operating activities 153,435 198,814
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 183,950 $ 149,506
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investments $ 397,379 $ 48,749
Proceeds from call and maturity of available-for-sale investments 136,227 46,397
Proceeds from sale of other investments 7,613 3,482
Purchase of investments in mortgage loans - (8,137)
Purchase of investments available-for-sale (671,083) (232,216)
Purchase of other investments (4,278) (14,899)
Net purchases and sales of property and equipment (8,930) (8,037)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities $ (143,072) $ (164,661)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Debt Note Issuance $ 67,011 $ -
Issuance of common stock (410) (223)
Payment of cash dividends (12,154) (12,122)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities $ 54,447 $ (12,345)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 95,325 $ (27,500)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period 102,046 96,650
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $ 197,371 $ 69,150
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
Income taxes paid $ 10,712 $ 1,336
Interest paid $ 4,800 $ 2,391
The Notes to unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
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UNITED FIRE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share amounts or as otherwise noted)
NOTE 1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Nature of Business
United Fire Group, Inc. ("UFG," the "Registrant," the "Company," "we," "us," or "our") and its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates are engaged in the business of writing property and casualty insurance through a network of independent agencies. Our insurance company subsidiaries are licensed as property and casualty insurers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Basis of Presentation
The financial information for interim periods presented in these Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC. Certain financial information that is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, including financial statement footnote disclosures, is not required by the rules and regulations of the SEC for interim financial reporting and has been condensed or omitted.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The financial statement categories that are most dependent on management estimates and assumptions include: investments; deferred policy acquisition costs; reinsurance receivables; loss settlement expenses; and pension benefit obligations.
Management believes the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results reported for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the year. The Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed on February 29, 2024.
Segment Information
UFG has one reporting segment, which is consistent with and reflects the manner by which our Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") views and manages the business. The property and casualty insurance business profit or loss is consistent with consolidated reporting as disclosed on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. We analyze the property and casualty insurance business results based on profitability (i.e., loss ratios), expenses and return on equity. The Company's property and casualty insurance business was determined using a management approach to make decisions on operating matters, including allocating resources, assessing performance, determining which products to market and sell, determining distribution networks with insurance agents and monitoring the regulatory environment. The property and casualty insurance business products have similar economic characteristics and use a similar marketing and distribution strategy with our independent agents. We will continue to evaluate our operations on the basis of both statutory accounting principles prescribed or permitted by our states of domicile and GAAP.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, money market accounts and non-negotiable certificates of deposit with original maturities of three months or less.
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Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs ("DAC")
Deferred policy acquisition costs include commissions, premium taxes and variable underwriting and policy issue expenses, which are incremental direct costs of successful contract acquisitions. Property and casualty insurance policy acquisition costs deferred are amortized ratably as the related premium revenue is recognized. The following table is a summary of the components of DAC, including the related amortization recognized for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024.
Recorded asset at beginning of period $ 126,532
Underwriting costs deferred 227,010
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (204,504)
Recorded asset at September 30, 2024
$ 149,038
The method followed in computing DAC limits the amount of such deferred costs to their estimated realizable value. This takes into account the premium to be earned, losses and loss settlement expenses expected to be incurred and certain other costs expected to be incurred as the premium is earned.
Other Intangible Assets
Our other intangible assets, which consist of agency relationships, trade names, and state insurance licenses are being amortized using the straight-line method over periods ranging from two years to 15 years, with the exception of state insurance licenses, which are indefinite-lived and not amortized.
Contingent Liability
In July 2024, the Company identified rating errors related to umbrella and general liability products that resulted in an overcharge to certain policyholders. The Company recorded an estimated liability of $3.2 million to cover our anticipated exposure for this matter based on information available to management at this time. This amount is recorded as "Other income (loss)" in the Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income.
Corrective actions have been implemented and the Company has reached a resolution with the Iowa Insurance Division resulting in no further action and no financial impact to the Company. Our estimated liability may change as additional information becomes available and as we continue to work with regulators in other states to achieve resolution. Fines, penalties or further refunds related to the foregoing are reasonably possible, but the amount of such losses, if any, cannot be estimated at this time.
Long Term Debt
The Company issued debt through private placement transactions in the form of senior unsecured notes and surplus notes. The notes are presented as a long-term debt liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and as a financing activity in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Costs incurred in the issuance of debt are capitalized and amortized over the life of the non-cancellable period of the debt. The capitalization of such debt issuance costs are included as an offset to the long-term debt liability and the related amortization is included in interest expense.
Interest payments under the long-term debt are paid quarterly each year. The interest rate is defined in each respective note agreement. Interest is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and as interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. For more information on long-term debt refer to Note 8 "Debt."
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Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are established based on differences between the financial statement bases of assets and liabilities and the tax bases of those same assets and liabilities, using the currently enacted statutory tax rates. Deferred income tax expense is measured by the year-to-year change in the net deferred tax asset or liability, except for certain changes in deferred tax amounts that affect stockholders' equity and do not impact federal income tax expense.
We reported a consolidated federal income tax expense of $6,974 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024 compared to an income tax benefit of $14,544 during the same period of 2023. Our effective tax rate for 2024 and 2023 is different than the federal statutory rate of 21 percent, due principally to the net effect of tax-exempt municipal bond interest income.
The Company performs a quarterly review of its tax positions and makes a determination of whether it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination. If, based on this review, it appears not more likely than not that the positions will be sustained, the Company will calculate any unrecognized tax benefits and, if necessary, calculate and accrue any related interest and penalties. We did not recognize any liability for unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2024 or December 31, 2023. In addition, we have not accrued for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. However, if interest and penalties would need to be accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits, such amounts would be recognized as a component of federal income tax expense.
Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when management believes it is more likely than not that some, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. After considering all positive and negative evidence of taxable income in the carryback and carryforward periods and our tax planning strategy of holding debt securities with unrealized losses to maturity or recovery, we believe it is more likely than not that all the deferred assets will be realized. As a result, we have no valuation allowance at September 30, 2024 or December 31, 2023.
For each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we made payments for income taxes totaling $10,712 and $1,336, respectively. We did not receive a federal tax refund for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
We file a consolidated federal income tax return. We also file income tax returns in various state jurisdictions. We are no longer subject to federal or state income tax examination for tax years 2017 and prior.
Leases
The Company determines if a contract contains a lease at inception of the contract. The Company's inventory of leases consists of operating leases which are recorded as a lease obligation liability disclosed in the "Accrued expenses and other liabilities" line on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and as a lease right-of-use asset disclosed in the "Other assets" line on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The lease right-of-use asset represents the Company's right to use each underlying asset for the lease term and the lease obligation liability represents the Company's obligation over the lease term. The Company's lease obligation is recorded at the present value of the lease payments based on the term of the applied lease. Short-term leases of 12 months or less are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and lease payments are recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. For more information on leases refer to Note 10 "Leases."
Credit Losses
The Company recognizes credit losses for our available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities, reinsurance receivables, mortgage loans and premium receivables by setting up allowances which are remeasured each reporting period and recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
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For our available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities an allowance for credit losses is recorded net of available-for-sale fixed maturities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and a corresponding credit loss is recognized as a realized loss or gain in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The Company determines if an allowance for credit losses is recorded based on a number of factors including current economic conditions, management's expectations of future economic conditions and performance indicators, such as market value versus amortized cost, investment spreads widening or contracting, rating actions, payment and default history. For more information on credit losses and the allowance for credit losses for our available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities, see Note 2 "Summary of Investments."
An allowance for mortgage loan losses is established based on historical loss information of the collective pool of the Company's commercial mortgage loan investments which have similar risk characteristics. To calculate the allowance for mortgage loan losses, the Company starts with historical loan experience to predict the future expected losses and then layers on a market-linked adjustment. On a quarterly basis, quantitative credit risk metrics, including, for example, cash-flows, rent rolls and financial statements are reviewed for each loan to determine if it is performing in line with its expectations. This allowance is recorded net of mortgage loans in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and a corresponding credit loss recognized as a realized loss or gain in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. For more information on credit losses and the allowance for credit losses for our investment in mortgage loans see Note 3 "Fair Value of Financial Instruments."
For reinsurance receivables, the Company's model estimates expected credit loss by multiplying the exposure at default by both the probability of default and loss given default ("LGD"). The LGD is estimated by the rating of the reinsurer, historical relationship with UFG, existence of letters of credit and known regulation for which the Company may be held accountable. The ultimate LGD percentage is estimated after considering Moody's experience with unsecured year one bond recovery rates from 1983-2017. The allowance is recorded net of reinsurance receivables in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and through the line "Other underwriting expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Other Comprehensive Income. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had a credit loss allowance for reinsurance receivables of $103.
Rollforward of credit loss allowance for reinsurance receivables:
As of
September 30, 2024
Beginning balance, January 1, 2024
$ 97
Current-period provision for expected credit losses 6
Ending balance of the allowance for reinsurance receivables, September 30, 2024
$ 103
With respect to premiums receivable, the Company utilizes an aging method to estimate credit losses. An allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a periodic evaluation of the aging and collectability of amounts due from agents and policyholders. "Premiums receivable" are presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts and recorded through "Other underwriting expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
Subsequent Events
In the preparation of the accompanying financial statements, the Company has evaluated all material subsequent events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date through the date on which the financial statements were issued for potential recognition or disclosure in the Company's financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Adopted Pronouncements
We have not adopted any Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") in the current period nor year-to-date.
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Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The amendments in this update improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expense categories that are regularly provided to the CODM and included in each reported measure of a segment's profit or loss. In addition, the amendments enhance interim disclosure requirements that are currently required annually, clarify circumstances in which an entity can disclose multiple segment measures of profit or loss, and contain other disclosure requirements. Additionally, the amendments require that entities with a single reportable segment must now provide all the disclosures previously required under Topic 280. The amendments in this update are incremental to the current requirements of Topic 280 and do not change how a public entity identifies its operating segments, aggregates those operating segments, or applies the quantitative thresholds to determine its reportable segments. The enhanced segment disclosure requirements apply retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The significant segment expense and other segment item amounts disclosed in prior periods shall be based on the significant segment expense categories identified and disclosed in the period of adoption. The amendments in this update are effective for all public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted, and the updates must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented in the financial statements. We do not expect to early adopt this standard and are in the process of assessing its impact on our disclosures upon adoption.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The amendments in this update enhance the transparency of the income tax disclosures by expanding on the disclosures required annually. The amendments require entities to disclose in their rate reconciliation table additional categories of information about federal, state, and foreign income taxes, in addition to providing details about the reconciling items in some categories if above a quantitative threshold. Additionally, the amendments require annual disclosure of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by jurisdiction based on a quantitative threshold. The amendments in this update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis, and retrospective application is permitted. We do not expect to early adopt this standard and are in the process of assessing its impact on our disclosures upon adoption.
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NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS
Fair Value of Investments
A reconciliation of the amortized cost to fair value of investments in our available-for-sale fixed maturity portfolio, presented on a consolidated basis, as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, is provided below:
September 30, 2024
Type of Investment Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gain Gross Unrealized Loss Allowance for Credit Losses Fair Value
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Fixed maturities:
Bonds
U.S. Treasury $ 31,210 $ 422 $ 285 $ - $ 31,347
U.S. government agency 97,386 266 6,051 - 91,601
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
General obligations:
Midwest 22,123 27 24 - 22,126
Northeast 7,114 1 20 - 7,095
South 24,887 2 303 - 24,586
West 35,854 264 231 - 35,887
Special revenue:
Midwest 54,998 95 130 - 54,963
Northeast 30,469 133 260 - 30,342
South 95,356 149 1,280 - 94,225
West 53,163 99 452 - 52,810
Foreign bonds 24,065 155 720 - 23,500
Public utilities 129,472 894 6,513 - 123,853
Corporate bonds
Energy 43,392 239 1,404 - 42,227
Industrials 62,188 520 3,417 - 59,291
Consumer goods and services 115,261 987 5,725 - 110,523
Health care 43,432 172 3,736 - 39,868
Technology, media and telecommunications 89,224 533 4,704 - 85,053
Financial services 226,329 6,272 2,809 - 229,792
Mortgage-backed securities 335,311 7,263 1,919 - 340,655
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Government National Mortgage Association 139,946 375 11,568 - 128,753
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation 67,781 41 11,480 - 56,342
Federal National Mortgage Association 44,303 176 3,656 - 40,823
Asset-backed securities 125,577 1,678 126 - 127,129
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities $ 1,898,841 $ 20,763 $ 66,813 $ - $ 1,852,791
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December 31, 2023
Type of Investment Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gain Gross Unrealized Loss Allowance for Credit Losses Fair Value
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Fixed maturities:
Bonds
U.S. Treasury $ 51,211 $ 325 $ 675 $ - $ 50,861
U.S. government agency 102,540 255 8,302 - 94,493
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
General obligations:
Midwest 52,712 132 137 - 52,707
Northeast 11,422 1 43 - 11,380
South 54,560 47 400 - 54,207
West 77,874 23 471 - 77,426
Special revenue:
Midwest 101,037 302 358 - 100,981
Northeast 52,708 79 560 - 52,227
South 166,119 302 2,155 - 164,266
West 102,254 147 836 - 101,565
Foreign bonds 21,255 - 2,083 - 19,172
Public utilities 149,734 787 10,054 - 140,467
Corporate bonds
Energy 45,351 249 2,127 - 43,473
Industrials 74,760 727 4,939 - 70,548
Consumer goods and services 103,315 271 7,665 - 95,921
Health care 37,872 99 4,499 - 33,472
Technology, media and telecommunications 87,002 451 5,665 - 81,788
Financial services 152,329 743 7,381 1 145,690
Mortgage-backed securities 23,800 11 2,328 - 21,483
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Government National Mortgage Association 164,666 1,282 12,742 - 153,206
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation 84,842 20 13,177 - 71,685
Federal National Mortgage Association 50,284 33 4,664 - 45,653
Asset-backed securities 3,394 524 87 - 3,831
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities $ 1,771,041 $ 6,810 $ 91,348 $ 1 $ 1,686,502
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Maturities
The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2024, by contractual maturity, are shown in the following table. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations may be subject to prepayment risk and are therefore not categorized by contractual maturity.
Available-For-Sale
September 30, 2024 Amortized Cost Fair Value
Due in one year or less $ 95,223 $ 94,437
Due after one year through five years 342,767 340,681
Due after five years through 10 years 413,613 398,765
Due after 10 years 334,320 325,206
Asset-backed securities 125,577 127,129
Mortgage-backed securities 335,311 340,655
Collateralized mortgage obligations 252,030 225,918
$ 1,898,841 $ 1,852,791
Net Investment Gains and Losses
Net gains (losses) on disposition of investments are computed using the specific identification method and are included in the computation of net income. A summary of the components of net investment gains (losses) is as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024 2023 2024 2023
Net investment gains (losses):
Fixed maturities:
Available-for-sale $ (1,731) $ (19) $ (5,776) $ (445)
Allowance for credit losses - (125) 1 (123)
Equity securities
Net gains (losses) recognized on equity securities sold during the period - (2,085) 1,362 150
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities held at reporting date - 204 - (1,960)
Net gains (losses) recognized during the reporting period on equity securities - (1,881) 1,362 (1,810)
Mortgage loans allowance for credit losses - 1 10 (5)
Other long-term investments 51 64 292 (245)
Real estate - - - 47
Total net investment gains (losses) $ (1,680) $ (1,960) $ (4,111) $ (2,581)
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The proceeds and gross realized gains (losses) on the sale of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities are as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024 2023 2024 2023
Proceeds from sales $ 163,380 $ 4,940 $ 397,379 $ 48,749
Gross realized gains 362 - 1,859 121
Gross realized losses (2,093) 19 (7,635) 566
Funding Commitment
Pursuant to agreements with our limited liability partnership investments, we are contractually committed through July 10, 2030 to make capital contributions upon the request of certain of the partnerships. Our remaining potential contractual obligation was $24,380 at September 30, 2024.
Unrealized Gain and Loss
A summary of the changes in net unrealized investment gain (loss) during the reporting period is as follows:
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024 2023
Change in net unrealized investment gain (loss)
Available-for-sale fixed maturities $ 39,468 $ (44,087)
Income tax effect (8,288) 9,258
Total change in net unrealized investment gain (loss), net of tax $ 31,180 $ (34,829)
Credit Risk
An allowance for credit losses is recorded based on a number of factors including current economic conditions, management's expectations of future economic conditions and performance indicators, such as market value versus amortized cost, investment spreads widening or contracting, rating actions, payment and default history. These estimates of credit loss may be determined by pooling securities of similar risk characteristics, including but not limited to sector, credit rating, position in capital structure and average life. The following table contains a rollforward of the allowance for credit losses for available-for-sale fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2024.
Beginning balance, January 1, 2024 $ 1
Additions to the allowance for credit losses for which credit losses were not previously recorded -
Reductions for securities sold during the period (realized) -
Write-offs charged against the allowance -
Recoveries of amounts previously written off (1)
Ending balance, September 30, 2024
$ -
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Fixed Maturities Unrealized Loss
The following tables summarize our fixed maturity securities that were in an unrealized loss position reported on a consolidated basis at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The securities are presented by the length of time they have been continuously in an unrealized loss position. Non-credit related unrealized losses are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income and represent other market movements that are not credit related, such as interest rate changes. We have no intent to sell, and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell these securities until the fair value recovers to at least equal our cost basis or the securities mature.
September 30, 2024 Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
Type of Investment Number
of Issues 		Fair
Value 		Gross Unrealized
Loss 		Number
of Issues 		Fair
Value 		Gross Unrealized Loss Fair
Value 		Gross Unrealized Loss
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Fixed maturities:
Bonds
U.S. Treasury - $ - $ - 7 $ 14,984 $ 285 $ 14,984 $ 285
U.S. government agency - - - 23 73,449 6,051 73,449 6,051
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
General obligations
Midwest 2 2,658 2 2 3,117 22 5,775 24
Northeast - - - 1 3,463 20 3,463 20
South - - - 11 18,380 303 18,380 303
West 2 3,313 1 8 22,357 230 25,670 231
Special revenue
Midwest 5 10,957 33 11 21,577 97 32,534 130
Northeast 3 4,969 11 6 18,743 249 23,712 260
South 3 6,441 22 31 70,370 1,258 76,811 1,280
West 2 2,254 9 15 36,856 443 39,110 452
Foreign bonds 2 10,170 62 4 9,236 658 19,406 720
Public utilities - - - 44 100,064 6,513 100,064 6,513
Corporate bonds
Energy 2 1,520 9 12 30,557 1,395 32,077 1,404
Industrials 1 2,523 22 18 40,991 3,395 43,514 3,417
Consumer goods and services 1 933 5 25 64,510 5,720 65,443 5,725
Health care 2 5,236 29 9 22,563 3,707 27,799 3,736
Technology, media and telecommunications 1 994 5 26 61,896 4,699 62,890 4,704
Financial services 1 1,988 8 29 77,715 2,801 79,703 2,809
Mortgage-backed securities 11 60,221 140 49 17,234 1,779 77,455 1,919
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Government National Mortgage Association 2 4,589 17 40 66,719 11,551 71,308 11,568
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation - - - 27 51,513 11,480 51,513 11,480
Federal National Mortgage Association 1 2,367 4 20 30,005 3,652 32,372 3,656
Asset-backed securities 7 16,568 100 1 2,476 26 19,044 126
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities 48 $ 137,701 $ 479 419 $ 858,775 $ 66,334 $ 996,476 $ 66,813
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December 31, 2023 Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
Type of Investment Number
of Issues 		Fair
Value 		Gross Unrealized Loss Number
of Issues 		Fair
Value 		Gross Unrealized Loss Fair
Value 		Gross Unrealized Loss
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Fixed maturities:
Bonds
U.S. Treasury 2 $ 4,138 $ 46 6 $ 12,717 $ 629 $ 16,855 $ 675
U.S. government agency 3 10,986 14 23 71,375 8,288 82,361 8,302
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
General obligations
Midwest 11 19,534 61 3 10,737 76 30,271 137
Northeast 3 5,371 8 1 3,469 35 8,840 43
South 12 21,753 91 9 16,610 309 38,363 400
West 17 38,204 140 7 20,064 331 58,268 471
Special revenue
Midwest 17 29,535 113 11 23,375 245 52,910 358
Northeast 6 15,131 67 8 24,271 493 39,402 560
South 21 45,639 232 32 66,925 1,923 112,564 2,155
West 20 32,789 248 16 38,495 588 71,284 836
Foreign bonds - - - 9 19,172 2,083 19,172 2,083
Public utilities 4 7,151 74 48 111,793 9,980 118,944 10,054
Corporate bonds
Energy - - - 15 34,331 2,127 34,331 2,127
Industrials 1 1,210 19 21 47,462 4,920 48,672 4,939
Consumer goods and services 4 14,724 98 28 68,837 7,567 83,561 7,665
Health care 1 3,000 2 11 26,544 4,497 29,544 4,499
Technology, media and telecommunications 1 3,969 35 27 62,988 5,630 66,957 5,665
Financial services 5 14,327 223 44 112,517 7,158 126,844 7,381
Mortgage-backed securities 3 2,783 33 48 15,758 2,295 18,541 2,328
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Government National Mortgage Association 2 7,055 27 40 72,565 12,715 79,620 12,742
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation 2 2,589 22 31 66,361 13,155 68,950 13,177
Federal National Mortgage Association 2 5,454 55 20 31,460 4,609 36,914 4,664
Asset-backed securities - - - 1 2,962 87 2,962 87
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities 137 $ 285,342 $ 1,608 459 $ 960,788 $ 89,740 $ 1,246,130 $ 91,348
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Mortgage Loans
The mortgage loan portfolio consists entirely of commercial mortgage loans. The following tables present the carrying value of our commercial mortgage loans and additional information at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
Commercial Mortgage Loans
September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023
Loan-to-value Carrying Value Carrying Value
Less than 65% $ 32,610 $ 36,762
65%-75% 8,516 8,659
Total amortized cost $ 41,126 $ 45,421
Allowance for mortgage loan losses (45) (55)
Mortgage loans, net $ 41,081 $ 45,366
Commercial Mortgage Loans by Region
September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023
Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total
East North Central $ 3,231 7.9 % $ 3,245 7.1 %
Southern Atlantic 17,070 41.5 17,217 37.9
East South Central 7,326 17.8 7,526 16.6
New England 6,588 16.0 6,588 14.5
Middle Atlantic 2,090 5.1 5,979 13.2
Mountain 1,992 4.8 1,992 4.4
West North Central 2,829 6.9 2,874 6.3
Total mortgage loans at amortized cost $ 41,126 100.0 % $ 45,421 100.0 %
Commercial Mortgage Loans by Property Type
September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023
Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total
Commercial
Multifamily $ 8,406 20.5 % $ 8,507 18.7 %
Office 10,700 26.0 10,950 24.1
Industrial
9,930 24.1 9,985 22.0
Retail
10,000 24.3 10,000 22.0
Mixed use/Other
2,090 5.1 5,979 13.2
Total mortgage loans at amortized cost $ 41,126 100.0 % $ 45,421 100.0 %
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Amortized Cost Basis by Year of Origination and Credit Quality Indicator
2023 2022 2020 2019 2018 Total
Commercial mortgage loans:
Risk Rating:
1-2 internal grade $ 8,134 $ 99 5,175 $ 7,769 $ 13,361 $ 34,538
3-4 internal grade - - - - 6,588 6,588
5 internal grade - - - - - -
6 internal grade - - - - - -
7 internal grade - - - - - -
Total commercial mortgage loans $ 8,134 $ 99 $ 5,175 $ 7,769 $ 19,949 $ 41,126
Current-period write-offs - - - - - -
Current-period recoveries - - - - - -
Current-period net write-offs $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Commercial mortgage loans carrying value excludes accrued interest of $156. As of September 30, 2024, all loan receivables were current, with no delinquencies. The commercial mortgage loans originate with an initial loan-to-value ratio that provides sufficient collateral to absorb losses should a loan be required to foreclose. Mortgage loans are evaluated on a quarterly basis for impairment on an individual basis through a monitoring process and review of key credit indicators, such as economic trends, delinquency rates, property valuations, occupancy and rental rates and loan-to-value ratios. A loan is considered impaired when the Company believes it will not collect the principal and interest set forth in the contractual terms of the loan. An internal grade is assigned to each mortgage loan, with a grade of 1 being the highest and least likely for an impairment and the lowest rating of 7 being the most likely for an impairment. An allowance for mortgage loan losses is established on each loan recognizing a loss for amounts which we believe will not be collected according to the contractual terms of the respective loan agreement. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had an allowance for mortgage loan losses of $45, summarized in the following rollforward:
Beginning balance, January 1, 2024 $ 55
Current-period provision for expected credit losses
Write-off charged against the allowance, if any -
Recoveries of amounts previously written off, if any $ (10)
Ending balance, September 30, 2024
$ 45
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NOTE 3. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Current accounting guidance on fair value measurements includes the application of a fair value hierarchy that requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Our financial instruments that are recorded at fair value are categorized into a three-level hierarchy, which is based upon the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (i.e., Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (i.e., Level 3). Financial instruments recorded at fair value are categorized in the fair value hierarchy as follows:
•Level 1: Valuations are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical financial instruments in active markets that we have the ability to access at the measurement date.
•Level 2: Valuations are based on quoted prices for similar financial instruments in active markets, in markets that are not active or on inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for the full term of the financial instrument.
•Level 3: Valuations are based on pricing or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement of the financial instrument. Such inputs may reflect management's own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the financial instrument.
If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the financial instrument. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the investment. We review our fair value hierarchy categorizations on a quarterly basis at which time the classification of certain financial instruments may change if the input observations have changed. Transfers between levels, if any, are recorded as of the beginning of the reporting period.
When a determination is made to classify an asset or liability within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement. Because certain securities trade in less liquid or illiquid markets with limited or no pricing information, the determination of fair value for these securities is inherently more difficult. In addition to the unobservable inputs, Level 3 fair value investments may include observable components, which are components that are actively quoted or can be validated to market-based sources.
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The following tables present the categorization for our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
September 30, 2024 Fair Value Measurements
Description Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Fixed maturities:
Bonds
U.S. Treasury $ 31,347 $ 31,347 $ - $ -
U.S. government agency 91,601 - 91,601 -
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
General obligations
Midwest 22,126 - 22,126 -
Northeast 7,095 - 7,095 -
South 24,586 - 24,586 -
West 35,887 - 35,887 -
Special revenue
Midwest 54,963 - 54,963 -
Northeast 30,342 - 30,342 -
South 94,225 - 94,225 -
West 52,810 - 52,810 -
Foreign bonds 23,500 - 23,500 -
Public utilities 123,853 - 123,853 -
Corporate bonds
Energy 42,227 - 42,227 -
Industrials 59,291 - 59,291 -
Consumer goods and services 110,523 - 110,523 -
Health care 39,868 - 39,868 -
Technology, media and telecommunications 85,053 - 85,053 -
Financial services 229,792 - 229,792 -
Mortgage-backed securities 340,655 - 340,655 -
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Government National Mortgage Association 128,753 - 128,753 -
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation 56,342 - 56,342 -
Federal National Mortgage Association 40,823 - 40,823 -
Asset-backed securities 127,129 - 126,853 276
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities $ 1,852,791 $ 31,347 $ 1,821,168 $ 276
Short-Term Investments $ 100 $ 100 $ - $ -
Money Market Accounts $ 105,901 $ 105,901 $ - $ -
Corporate-Owned Life Insurance $ 13,135 $ - $ 13,135 $ -
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value $ 1,971,927 $ 137,348 $ 1,834,303 $ 276
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December 31, 2023 Fair Value Measurements
Description Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Fixed maturities:
Bonds
U.S. Treasury $ 50,861 $ - $ 50,861 $ -
U.S. government agency 94,493 - 94,493 -
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
General obligations
Midwest 52,707 - 52,707 -
Northeast 11,380 - 11,380 -
South 54,207 - 54,207 -
West 77,426 - 77,426 -
Special revenue
Midwest 100,981 - 100,981 -
Northeast 52,227 - 52,227 -
South 164,266 - 164,266 -
West 101,565 - 101,565 -
Foreign bonds 19,172 - 19,172 -
Public utilities 140,467 - 140,467 -
Corporate bonds
Energy 43,473 - 43,473 -
Industrials 70,548 - 70,548 -
Consumer goods and services 95,921 - 95,921 -
Health care 33,472 - 33,472 -
Technology, media and telecommunications 81,788 - 81,788 -
Financial services 145,691 - 140,799 4,892
Mortgage-backed securities 21,483 - 21,483 -
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Government National Mortgage Association 153,206 - 153,206 -
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation 71,685 - 66,862 4,823
Federal National Mortgage Association 45,653 - 45,653 -
Asset-backed securities 3,831 - 2,962 869
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities $ 1,686,503 $ - $ 1,675,919 $ 10,584
EQUITY SECURITIES
Common stocks
Public utilities $ 3,993 $ 3,993 $ - $ -
Energy 9,477 9,477 - -
Industrials 14,164 14,164 - -
Consumer goods and services 11,385 11,385 - -
Health care 2,060 2,060 - -
Technology, media and telecommunications 6,405 6,405 - -
Financial services 7,535 7,535 - -
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Total Equity Securities $ 55,019 $ 55,019 $ - $ -
Short-Term Investments $ 100 $ 100 $ - $ -
Money Market Accounts $ 20,333 $ 20,333 $ - $ -
Corporate-Owned Life Insurance $ 11,913 $ - $ 11,913 $ -
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value $ 1,773,868 $ 75,452 $ 1,687,832 $ 10,584
The Company receives updated pricing information from a third-party on a monthly basis to determine the fair value for the majority of our investments. The third party obtains pricing information from independent pricing services and brokers on a monthly basis and validates for reasonableness prior to use for reporting purposes. At least annually, we review the methodologies and assumptions used by our third-party and verify they are reasonable and representative of the fair value of the underlying securities held in the investment portfolio. In our opinion, the pricing information obtained as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was reasonable.
We use quoted market prices when available to determine the fair value of fixed maturities, equity securities and short-term investments. When quoted market prices do not exist, we base estimates of fair value on market information obtained from our third-party. Such inputs may reflect management's own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the financial instrument. The most appropriate valuation methodology is selected based on the specific characteristics of the fixed maturity, equity security or short-term investment and we consistently apply the valuation methodology to measure the security's fair value.
The fair value of securities categorized as Level 1 is based on quoted market prices that are readily and regularly available.
We use a market-based approach for valuing all of our Level 2 securities and submit them primarily to a third-party valuation service provider. Any of these securities not valued by this service provider are submitted to another third-party valuation service provider. Both service providers use a market approach to find pricing of similar financial instruments. The market inputs our service providers normally use to value our securities include the following, listed in approximate order of priority: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data including market research publications. The method and inputs for these securities classified as Level 2 are the same regardless of industry category, credit quality, duration, geographical concentration or economic characteristics. For our mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities, our service providers use additional market inputs to value these securities, including the following: new issue data, periodic payment information, monthly payment information, collateral performance and real estate analysis from third parties. Our service providers prioritize inputs based on market conditions, and not all inputs listed are available for use in the valuation process for each security on any given day.
Securities categorized as Level 3 include holdings in certain fixed maturity securities for which an active market does not currently exist. The fair value of our Level 3 securities is determined by unobservable inputs reflecting assumptions market participants would use, including assumptions about risk. There is inherent uncertainty of the fair value measurement of Level 3 securities due to the use of significant unobservable inputs. A change in significant unobservable inputs may result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement as of the reporting date.
The Company formed a rabbi trust in 2014 to fund obligations under the United Fire & Casualty Company Supplemental Executive Retirement and Deferral Plan (the "Executive Retirement Plan"). Within the rabbi trust, corporate-owned life insurance ("COLI") policies are utilized as an investment vehicle and source of funding for the Company's Executive Retirement Plan. The COLI policies invest in mutual funds, which are priced daily by independent sources. As of September 30, 2024, the cash surrender value of the COLI policies was $13,135 which is equal to the fair value measured using Level 2 inputs, based on the underlying assets of the COLI policies, and is included in the "Other assets" line in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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The fair value of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value on a recurring basis in the financial statements at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 are summarized below:
September 30, 2024
Description Fair Value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Net Asset Value
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 91,470 $ 91,470 $ - $ - $ -
Other Long Term Investments $ 101,480 $ - $ 1,277 $ - $ 100,203
Mortgage Loans $ 39,771 $ - $ - $ 39,771 $ -
Total Financial assets not accounted for at fair value $ 232,721 $ 91,470 $ 1,277 $ 39,771 $ 100,203
Long Term Debt $ 113,745 $ - $ 113,745 $ - $ -
Total Financial liabilities not accounted for at fair value $ 113,745 $ - $ 113,745 $ - $ -
December 31, 2023
Description Fair Value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Net Asset Value
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 81,713 $ 81,713 $ - $ - $ -
Other Long Term Investments $ 99,507 $ - $ 1,249 $ - $ 98,258
Mortgage Loans $ 42,632 $ - $ - $ 42,632 $ -
Total Financial assets not accounted for at fair value $ 223,852 $ 81,713 $ 1,249 $ 42,632 $ 98,258
Long Term Debt $ 38,413 $ - $ 38,413 $ - $ -
Total Financial liabilities not accounted for at fair value $ 38,413 $ - $ 38,413 $ - $ -
For cash and cash equivalents and accrued investment income, carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments.
Our other long-term investments consist primarily of our interests in limited liability partnerships that are recorded on the equity method of accounting. The fair value of the partnerships is obtained from the fund managers, which is based on the fair value of the underlying investments held in the partnerships. In management's opinion, these values represent a reasonable estimate of fair value. We have not adjusted the net asset value provided by the fund managers.
The fair value of our mortgage loans is determined by modeling performed by our third-party fund manager based on the stated principal and coupon payments provided for in the loan agreements. These cash flows are then discounted using an appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate to determine the security's fair value.
The fair value of our long-term debt is estimated using Level 2 inputs based on quoted prices for similar financial instruments. The fair value is estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis.
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For the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024, the change in our available-for-sale securities categorized as Level 1 and Level 2 is the result of investment purchases that were made using funds held in our money market accounts, disposals, funds from debt issuance proceeds, and the change in unrealized gains.
The following table provides quantitative information about our Level 3 securities at September 30, 2024:
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value at Valuation Technique(s) Unobservable inputs Range of weighted average significant unobservable inputs
September 30, 2024
Fixed Maturities asset-backed securities 276 Book Value Probability of default
0% - 100%
The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of our Level 3 securities for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024:
Corporate bonds Asset-backed securities Total
Beginning Balance - July 1, 2024 $ - $ 276 $ 276
Realized gains (losses) - - -
Net unrealized gains (losses)(1)
- - -
Ending Balance - September 30, 2024 $ - $ 276 $ 276
(1) Net unrealized gains (losses) are recorded as a component of comprehensive income in the line item "Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on investments."
During the three-month period ended September 30, 2024, there were zero securities transferred out of Level 3 due to the use of observable inputs in pricing the securities.
The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of our Level 3 securities for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024:
Corporate bonds Asset-backed securities Total
Beginning Balance - January 1, 2024 $ 4,892 $ 5,692 $ 10,584
Realized gains (losses) - - -
Net unrealized gains (losses)(1)
- (593) (593)
Transfers out (4,892) (4,823) (9,715)
Ending Balance - September 30, 2024 $ - $ 276 $ 276
(1) Net unrealized gains (losses) are recorded as a component of comprehensive income in the line item "Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on investments."
During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024, there were two securities transferred out of Level 3 due to the use of observable inputs in pricing the securities.
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NOTE 4. RESERVES FOR LOSSES AND LOSS SETTLEMENT EXPENSES
Property insurance indemnifies an insured with an interest in physical property for loss of, or damage to, such property or the loss of its income-producing abilities. Casualty insurance is primarily concerned with losses caused by injuries to persons and legal liability imposed on the insured for such injury or for damage to property of others. In most cases, casualty insurance also obligates the insurance company to provide a defense for the insured in litigation, arising out of events covered by the policy.
Liabilities for losses and loss settlement expenses reflect management's best estimates at a given point in time of what we expect to pay for claims that have been reported and those that have been incurred but not reported ("IBNR"), based on known facts, circumstances, and historical trends. Because property and casualty insurance reserves are estimates of the unpaid portions of incurred losses that have been reported to us, as well as losses that have been incurred but not reported, the establishment of appropriate reserves, including reserves for catastrophes, is an inherently uncertain and complex process. The ultimate cost of losses and related loss settlement expenses may vary materially from recorded amounts. We regularly update our reserve estimates as new information becomes available and as events unfold that may affect the resolution of unsettled claims. Changes in prior year reserve estimates, which may be material, are reported as a component of losses and loss settlement expenses incurred in the period such changes are determined.
The determination of reserves (particularly those relating to liability lines of insurance that have relatively longer lag in claim reporting) requires significant work to reasonably project expected future claim reporting and payment patterns. If, during the course of our regular monitoring of reserves, we determine that coverages previously written are incurring higher than expected losses, we will evaluate an appropriate response that may include, among other things, increasing the related reserves. Any adjustments we make to reserves are reflected in operating results in the year in which we make those adjustments. We engage an independent third-party to render an opinion as to the reasonableness of our statutory reserves annually. The actuarial opinion is filed in those states where we are licensed.
On a quarterly basis, we perform a detailed review of IBNR reserves. This review includes a comparison of results from the most recent analysis of reserves completed by both our internal and independent third-party actuaries. Senior management meets with our actuarial team to review, on a regular and quarterly basis, the adequacy of reserves based on results from the actuarial analysis. There are two fundamental types or sources of IBNR reserves. We record IBNR reserves for "normal" types of claims and also specific IBNR reserves related to unique circumstances or events. A major hurricane is an example of an event that might necessitate establishing specific IBNR reserves because an analysis of existing historical data would not provide an appropriate estimate.
We do not discount loss reserves based on the time value of money.
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The following table provides an analysis of changes in our property and casualty losses and loss settlement expense reserves at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (net of reinsurance amounts):
September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023
Gross liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at beginning of year 		$ 1,638,755 $ 1,497,274
Ceded losses and loss settlement expenses (191,640) (146,875)
Net liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at beginning of year 		$ 1,447,115 $ 1,350,399
Losses and loss settlement expenses incurred
for claims occurring during
Current year $ 568,480 $ 701,664
Prior years (361) 67,750
Total incurred $ 568,119 $ 769,414
Losses and loss settlement expense payments
for claims occurring during
Current year $ 113,707 $ 191,899
Prior years 314,090 480,800
Total paid $ 427,797 $ 672,699
Net liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at end of period 		$ 1,587,437 $ 1,447,115
Ceded losses and loss settlement expenses 207,504 191,640
Gross liability for losses and loss settlement expenses
at end of period 		$ 1,794,941 $ 1,638,755
There are a multitude of factors that can impact loss reserve development. Those factors include, but are not limited to, historical data, the potential impact of various loss reserve development factors and trends including historical loss experience, legislative enactments, judicial decisions, legal developments in imposition of damages, experience with alternative dispute resolution, results of our medical bill review process, the potential impact of salvage and subrogation and changes and trends in general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. All of these factors influence our estimates of required reserves and for long tail lines these factors can change over the course of the settlement of the claim. However, there is no precise method for evaluating the specific monetary impact of any individual factor on the development of reserves.
Generally, we base reserves for each claim on the estimated ultimate exposure for that claim. We believe that it is appropriate and reasonable to establish a best estimate for reserves within a range of reasonable estimates, especially when we are reserving for claims for bodily injury, disabilities and similar claims, for which settlements and verdicts can vary widely. We believe our approach produces reserve amounts that are reasonably consistent as to their relative position within a range of reasonable reserves from year-to-year. However, conditions and trends that have affected the reserve development for a given year do change.
Because of the type of property coverage we write, we have potential exposure to environmental pollution, mold and asbestos claims. Our underwriters are aware of these exposures and use riders or endorsements to limit exposure. We are not aware of any significant contingent liabilities related to environmental issues.
Reserve Development
The Company business experienced $3.2 million and $0.4 million of favorable reserve development in net reserves for prior accident years for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024, respectively. The favorable reserve development was driven primarily by reductions in prior year reserves as catastrophe experience
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emerged better than expected. Non-catastrophe development was neutral reflecting favorable development in commercial automobile and property lines, offset by precautionary strengthening in other liability lines of business due to continued uncertainty in future loss cost trends related to economic and social inflation.
During 2023, the Company made additional refinements to its reserve review processes and analyses, including increased segmentation on unique exposures, which resulted in deeper insights and understanding of loss experience and significant movements in reserve development across a range of commercial liability lines of business. The significant driver of the reserve strengthening was an increase in long-tailed other liability reserves primarily due to increased loss cost trends related to economic and social inflation. The commercial automobile line of business also experienced reserve strengthening in reaction to continuing loss trends in post-2020 accident years. These increases were partially offset by favorable development in workers' compensation and fire and allied lines.
NOTE 5. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
The components of the net periodic benefit cost for our pension benefit plan are as follows:
Pension Plan
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 2023
Net periodic benefit cost
Service cost $ 822 $ 954
Interest cost 2,478 2,526
Expected return on plan assets (3,635) (3,756)
Amortization of prior service credit (724) (820)
Amortization of net loss - 52
Net periodic benefit cost $ (1,059) $ (1,044)
Pension Plan
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 2023
Net periodic benefit cost
Service cost $ 2,465 $ 2,863
Interest cost 7,435 7,579
Expected return on plan assets (10,906) (11,269)
Amortization of prior service credit (2,172) (2,460)
Amortization of net loss - 155
Net periodic benefit cost $ (3,178) $ (3,131)
A portion of the service cost component of net periodic pension benefit costs is capitalized and amortized as part of deferred acquisition costs and is included in the line "Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The portion not related to the compensation and other components of net periodic pension benefit costs is included in the line "Other underwriting expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
Employer Contributions
We previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 that we are not required to make a contribution to the pension plan for 2024.
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NOTE 6. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Non-Qualified Employee Stock Award Plan
At September 30, 2024, there were 1,104,405 authorized shares remaining available for future issuance pursuant to the United Fire Group, Inc. 2021 Stock and Incentive Plan (as amended, the "Stock Plan"). The Stock Plan is administered by the Board of Directors, which determines those employees who will receive awards, when awards will be granted, and the terms and conditions of the awards. The Board of Directors may also take any action it deems necessary and appropriate for the administration of the Stock Plan. Pursuant to the Stock Plan, the Board of Directors may, at its sole discretion, grant awards to our employees, who are in positions of substantial responsibility with UFG. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, has also delegated authority to management to grant a limited number of restricted stock units in situations where the Company is seeking to recruit or retain individuals.
Options granted pursuant to the Stock Plan are granted to buy shares of UFG's common stock at the market value of the stock on the date of grant. Options granted prior to March 2017 vest and are exercisable in installments of 20.0 percent of the number of shares covered by the option award each year from the grant date, unless the Board of Directors authorizes the acceleration of vesting. Options granted after March 2017 vest and are exercisable in installments of 33.3 percent of the number of shares covered by the option award each year from the grant date, unless the Board of Directors authorizes the acceleration of vesting. To the extent not exercised, vested option awards accumulate and are exercisable by the awardee, in whole or in part, in any subsequent year included in the option period, but not later than 10 years from the grant date. Restricted and unrestricted stock awards granted pursuant to the Stock Plan are granted at the market value of UFG's common stock on the date of the grant. Restricted stock units fully vest after three years or five years from the date of grant, unless accelerated upon the approval of the Board of Directors, at which time UFG common stock will be issued to the awardee.
The activity in the Stock Plan is displayed in the following table:
Authorized Shares Available for Future Award Grants Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
From Inception to September 30, 2024
Beginning balance 1,150,834 1,900,000
Additional shares authorized - 2,150,000
Number of awards granted (395,489) (4,369,346)
Number of awards forfeited or expired 349,060 1,423,751
Ending balance 1,104,405 1,104,405
Number of option awards exercised - 1,537,336
Number of unrestricted stock awards granted - 10,090
Number of restricted stock awards vested 40,026 340,462
Non-Qualified Non-Employee Director Stock Plan
The United Fire Group, Inc. Non-Employee Director Stock Plan (formerly known as the 2005 Non-Qualified Non- Employee Director Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan) (the "Director Stock Plan") authorizes the issuance of restricted stock awards and non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of UFG's common stock to non-employee directors. At September 30, 2024, the Company had 71,410 authorized shares available for future issuance pursuant to the Director Stock Plan.
The Board of Directors has the authority to determine which non-employee directors receive awards, when restricted stock, restricted stock units and options shall be granted, the option price, the option expiration date, the date of grant, the vesting schedule of options or whether the options shall be immediately vested, the terms and conditions of options, restricted stock and restricted stock units (other than those terms and conditions set forth in the Director Stock Plan) and the number of shares of common stock to be issued pursuant to an option, restricted stock or restricted stock unit agreements (subject to limits set forth in the Director Stock Plan). The Board of Directors may also take any action it deems necessary and appropriate for the administration of the Director Stock Plan.
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The activity in the Director Stock Plan is displayed in the following table:
Authorized Shares Available for Future Award Grants Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
From Inception to September 30, 2024
Beginning balance 103,600 300,000
Additional authorization - 150,000
Number of awards granted (32,190) (418,808)
Number of awards forfeited or expired - 40,218
Ending balance 71,410 71,410
Number of option awards exercised - 152,336
Number of restricted stock awards vested 31,380 169,336
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
For the three-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $1,087 and $949, respectively.
As of September 30, 2024, we had $9,409 in stock-based compensation expense that has yet to be recognized through our results of operations. We expect this compensation to be recognized over the remainder of 2024 and subsequent years according to the table below, except with respect to awards that are accelerated by the Board of Directors, in which case we will recognize any remaining compensation expense in the period in which the awards are accelerated.
2024 $ 1,531
2025 4,498
2026 2,792
2027 588
2028 -
Total $ 9,409
NOTE 7. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share gives effect to all dilutive common shares outstanding during the reporting period. The dilutive shares we consider in our diluted earnings per share calculation relate to our outstanding stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards.
We determine the dilutive effect of our outstanding stock options using the "treasury stock" method. Under this method, we assume the exercise of all of the outstanding stock options whose exercise price is less than the weighted-average market value of our common stock during the reporting period. This method also assumes that the proceeds from the hypothetical stock option exercises are used to repurchase shares of our common stock at the weighted-average market value of the stock during the reporting period. The net of the assumed stock options exercised and assumed common shares repurchased represents the number of dilutive common shares, which we add to the denominator of the earnings per share calculation.
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The components of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
Three Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands, except share and per share data) 2024 2023
Basic Diluted Basic Diluted
Net income (loss) $ 19,748 $ 19,748 $ 6,380 $ 6,380
Weighted-average common shares outstanding 25,337,147 25,337,147 25,263,523 25,263,523
Add dilutive effect of restricted stock unit awards - 575,124 - 295,997
Add dilutive effect of stock options - 42 - 19,814
Weighted-average common shares outstanding 25,337,147 25,912,313 25,263,523 25,579,334
Earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.78 $ 0.76 $ 0.25 $ 0.25
Awards excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation(1)
- 517,500 - 837,482
(1)Outstanding awards that are not "in-the-money" are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect of including them would inherently have been anti-dilutive.
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands, except share and per share data) 2024 2023
Basic Diluted Basic Diluted
Net income (loss) $ 30,515 $ 30,515 $ (49,308) $ (49,308)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding 25,308,951 25,308,951 25,244,502 25,244,502
Add dilutive effect of restricted stock unit awards - 575,124 - -
Add dilutive effect of stock options - 548 - -
Weighted-average common shares outstanding 25,308,951 25,884,623 25,244,502 25,244,502
Earnings (loss) per common share $ 1.21 $ 1.18 $ (1.95) $ (1.95)
Awards excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation(1)
- 517,500 - 814,636
(1)Outstanding awards that are not "in-the-money" are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect of including them would inherently have been anti-dilutive.
NOTE 8. DEBT
Long Term Debt
December 2020 Private Placement
The Company executed a private placement debt transaction on December 15, 2020, by and among United Fire & Casualty Company ("UF&C"), and Federated Mutual Insurance Company, a mutual insurance company domiciled in Minnesota ("Federated Mutual"), and Federated Life Insurance Company, an insurance company domiciled in Minnesota ("Federated Life" and, together with Federated Mutual, the "Note Purchasers"). UF&C sold an aggregate principal amount of $50,000 of notes due in 2040 to the Note Purchasers. One note with a principal amount of $35,000 was issued to Federated Mutual and one note with a principal amount of $15,000 was issued to Federated Life subject to the terms of their respective notes.
Interest payments under the long-term debt will be paid quarterly on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year (each such date, an "Interest Payment Date"). The interest rate will equal the rate that corresponds to the A.M. Best Co. (or its successor's) financial strength rating for members of the United Fire &
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Casualty Pooled Group as of the applicable Interest Payment Date, as set forth in the table below. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024, interest expense totaled $2,578. Payment of interest is subject to approval by the Iowa Insurance Division.
A.M. Best Co. Financial Strength Rating Applicable Interest Rate
A+ 5.875%
A 6.375%
A- 6.875%
B++ (or lower) 7.375%
May 2024 Private Placement
On May 31, 2024, the Company completed the private placement of $70,000 aggregate principal of senior unsecured notes due May 31, 2039 (the "Notes"), to certain qualified institutional buyers pursuant to a Master Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 31, 2024, by and among the Company, Ares Management, LLC ("Ares") as the lead investor (including several affiliate investors of Ares), American Republic Insurance Company and Illinois Casualty Company. The Notes were issued in a single series, with a maturity date of May 31, 2039, and bearing interest at an annual rate of 9%. Costs incurred in the issuance of debt of $3,050 were capitalized and will be amortized over the life of the non-cancellable period of the debt. The capitalization of such debt issuance costs are included as an offset to the "Long Term Debt" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the related amortization is included in "Interest expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The interest on the Notes is payable quarterly. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024, interest expense totaled $2,161.
Credit Facilities
In December 2023, UF&C became a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines ("FHLB Des Moines"). As part of the FHLB Des Moines application process and in connection with its membership in FHLB Des Moines, UF&C entered into FHLB Des Moines' standard Advances, Pledge and Security Agreement (the "Advances Agreement"). The Advances Agreement governs the terms and conditions under which UF&C may borrow and FHLB Des Moines may make loans or advances from time to time. The Advances Agreement requires UF&C to pledge certain collateral, including the capital stock in FHLB Des Moines owned by UF&C and such other assets (including mortgage-related securities, loans, and stock in the Company) as agreed by UF&C and FHLB Des Moines in connection with any such loans or advances.
Membership in FHLB Des Moines provides the Company with access to FHLB Des Moines' product line of financial services, including funding agreements, general asset/liability management, and collateralized advances that can be used for liquidity management. As a member, the Company has an aggregate borrowing capacity of up to 20.0 percent of total assets of UF&C. As of September 30, 2024, the Company has FHLB Des Moines borrowing capacity up to $456.6 million if an immediate liquidity need would arise. The Company had no outstanding balance as of September 30, 2024 and 2023 related to these lines of credit.
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NOTE 9. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The following table shows the changes in the components of our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024:
Liability for Foreign
Net unrealized underfunded currency
gain (loss) employee translation
on investments
benefit costs(1)
adjustment Total
Balance as of June 30, 2024
(77,994) 14,866 $ 12 $ (63,116)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 40,879 (572) 853 41,160
Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 1,328 - - 1,328
Balance as of September 30, 2024
$ (35,787) $ 14,294 $ 865 $ (20,628)
(1) The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make various estimates and assumptions that affect the reporting of net periodic benefit cost, plan assets and plan obligations for each plan at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. One significant estimate relates to the calculation of the benefit obligation for each plan. We annually establish the discount rate, which is an estimate of the interest rate at which these benefits could be effectively settled, that is used to determine the present value of the respective plan's benefit obligations as of December 31.
The following table shows the changes in the components of our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024:
Liability for Foreign
Net unrealized underfunded currency
gain (loss) employee translation
on investments
benefit costs(1)
adjustment Total
Balance as of January 1, 2024
(66,967) 16,010 - $ (50,957)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 26,856 (1,716) 865 26,005
Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 4,324 - - 4,324
Balance as of September 30, 2024
$ (35,787) $ 14,294 $ 865 $ (20,628)
(1) The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make various estimates and assumptions that affect the reporting of net periodic benefit cost, plan assets and plan obligations for each plan at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. One significant estimate relates to the calculation of the benefit obligation for each plan. We annually establish the discount rate, which is an estimate of the interest rate at which these benefits could be effectively settled, that is used to determine the present value of the respective plan's benefit obligations as of December 31.
Income tax effects are released from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for unrealized gains or losses when the gains or losses are realized.
NOTE 10. LEASES
The Company has operating leases consisting of office space, vehicle leases, computer equipment, and office equipment. Lease terms and options vary in the Company's operating leases dependent upon the underlying leased asset. We exclude options to extend or terminate a lease from our recognition as part of our right-of-use assets and lease liabilities until those options are known and/or executed, as we typically do not exercise options to purchase the underlying leased asset. As of September 30, 2024, we have leases with remaining terms of one year to six years, some of which may include no options for renewal and others with options to extend the lease terms from six months to five years.
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The Company has six lease agreements under which the Company serves as the lessor. The properties are used for office space and parking. The terms of the leases vary depending on the property and range from two years to nine years, which may include options for renewal or to extend the lease terms. The Company has elected to categorize these leases based on length of the lease terms and applies an incremental borrowing rate.
The components of our operating leases were as follows for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024 2023 2024 2023
Components of lease expense:
Operating lease expense $ 2,323 $ 2,255 $ 7,076 $ 6,653
Less lessor income 145 172 436 333
Less sublease income 133 133 399 399
Net lease expense 2,045 1,950 6,241 5,921
Cash flows information related to leases:
Operating cash outflow from operating leases 2,050 1,952 6,234 5,996
There have been no allowances for credit losses recorded or write-offs against our receivables related to our lessor agreements because, due to the nature of the operating leases and history of collectability, there is no expectation of credit quality concerns.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with Part I, Item 1 "Financial Statements."
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are representative of significant judgments and uncertainties and that potentially may result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We base our discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations on the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements, which we have prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). As we prepare these Consolidated Financial Statements, we must make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Our critical accounting policies are more fully described in our Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations presented in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed on February 29, 2024. There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies from December 31, 2023.
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this Management's Discussion and Analysis is to provide an understanding of our results of operations and consolidated financial condition. Our Management's Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes, including those in Part II, Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. We also prepare financial statements for each of our insurance company subsidiaries based on statutory accounting principles and file them with insurance regulatory authorities in the states where they do business.
When we provide information on a statutory or other basis, we label it as such, otherwise all other data is presented in accordance with GAAP.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Originally founded in 1946 as United Fire & Casualty Company, United Fire Group, Inc. ("UFG," the "Company," "we," "us," or "our") and its consolidated insurance subsidiaries provide insurance protection for individuals and businesses through several regional companies. Our property and casualty insurance company subsidiaries are licensed inall 50 states and the District of Columbia and are represented by approximately 1,000 independent agencies.
Reportable Segments
Our property and casualty insurance business operates and reports as one business segment. For more information, refer to Part I, Item 1, Note 1. "Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation."
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Products and Lines of Business
Our business consists primarily of commercial lines property and casualty insurance, including surety bonds. In 2020, the Company announced its intent to withdraw as a direct writer of personal lines insurance, with the last exposures related to this business expected to lapse by 2025. As of September 30, 2024, minimal exposure from the direct personal lines of business remains.
Our core commercial products support a wide variety of customers including small business owners and middle market businesses operating in industries such as construction, services, retail trade, financial and manufacturing, along with contract surety and commercial surety bonds offered through approximately 1,000 independent property and casualty agencies. We also provide specialty and surplus lines coverage written exclusively through wholesale brokers on an admitted and non-admitted basis. Additionally, the Company offers reinsurance coverage for property and casualty insurance through traditional treaty reinsurance channels. The Company assumes premium in Lloyd's of London syndicates through a Funds at Lloyd's subsidiary. The reinsurance operation supports primarily commercial lines of business but also assumes risk in professional, financial and personal lines of insurance. We also partner with Management General Agents ("MGAs") to offer delegated underwriting programs providing niche products including marine specialty, professional liability and earthquake coverages.
We review and report our results using lines of business. The following table shows the principal types of property and casualty insurance policies we write and issue, and in which lines of business they are reported:
Direct Writer
Treaty Reinsurance(1)
Funds at Lloyd's MGAs
Commercial Lines
Other Liability x P x
Fire and allied lines x P x
Automobile x P
Workers' compensation x P
Fidelity and surety x P
Other x x
Personal Lines
Fire and allied lines * P
Automobile *
Other *
Reinsurance Assumed NP x
* Personal lines direct business was discontinued in 2020 with only a minimal number of exposures still in force due to certain regulatory non-renewal limitations.
(1) Treaty Reinsurance is split between proportional reinsurance (P) and non-proportional reinsurance (NP).
Commercial other liability - primarily business insurance covering bodily injury and property damage including construction defect, excess and surplus lines excess casualty, and standard umbrella. Proportional assumed reinsurance on these lines and professional liability coverage managed by an MGA partner.
Commercial fire and allied lines - primarily multi-peril non-liability property coverage and inland marine. Proportional assumed reinsurance on these lines and earthquake coverage managed by an MGA partner.
Commercial automobile - physical damage to an insured's vehicle, as well as liabilities to third parties. Automobile physical damage insurance covers loss or damage to vehicles from collision, vandalism, fire, theft, flood or other causes. Automobile liability insurance covers bodily injury, damage to property resulting from automobile accidents caused by the insured, uninsured or under-insured motorists and the legal costs of defending the insured against
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lawsuits. Proportional reinsurance on these lines is also included.
Workers' compensation - business coverage for employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job, including proportional assumed reinsurance for this coverage. Our workers' compensation insurance covers primarily small- to mid-sized accounts.
Fidelity and surety - contract and commercial surety bond coverage which guarantees performance and payment by our bonded principals, protects owners from failure to perform on the part of our principals, and protects material suppliers and subcontractors from nonpayment by our contractors. Proportional reinsurance on these lines is also included.
Commercial other - commercial theft coverage, boiler and machinery and ocean marine business managed by an MGA partner.
Personal fire and allied lines - proportional assumed reinsurance for homeowners multi-peril coverage.
Reinsurance assumed - primarily non-proportional assumed reinsurance and Funds at Lloyd's property and casualty syndicates.
Lloyd's Syndicates
As of January 1, 2021, the Company became a member of Lloyd's of London ("Lloyd's") through McIntyre Cedar Corporate Member LLP. As a member of Lloyd's, the Company is required to maintain capital at Lloyd's, referred to as Funds at Lloyd's ("FAL"), to support underwriting of property and casualty and reinsurance business by Syndicate 1492, Syndicate 1729, Syndicate 1969, Syndicate 1971, Syndicate 4747, Syndicate 2988, Syndicate 1699, Syndicate 5623 and Syndicate 2358.
Pooling Arrangement
All of our property and casualty insurance subsidiaries are members of an intercompany reinsurance pooling arrangement. The Company's pooling arrangement permits the participating companies to rely on the capacity of the entire pool's capital and surplus, rather than being limited to policy exposures of a size commensurate with each participant's own surplus level.
Geographic Concentration
For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024, approximately 47 percent of our property and casualty premiums were written in Texas, California, Iowa, Missouri, and Louisiana.
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands, except ratios) 2024 2023 % 2024 2023 %
Revenues
Net premiums earned $ 300,185 $ 259,456 15.7 % $ 868,613 $ 770,221 12.8 %
Investment income, net of investment expenses 24,459 16,459 48.6 58,830 40,508 45.2
Net investment gains (losses) (1,680) (1,960) 14.3 (4,111) (2,581) (59.3)
Other income (loss) - - NM (3,200) - NM
Total revenues $ 322,964 $ 273,955 17.9 % $ 920,132 $ 808,148 13.9 %
Benefits, Losses and Expenses
Losses and loss settlement expenses $ 187,148 $ 172,798 8.3 % $ 568,119 $ 598,125 (5.0) %
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 71,425 62,709 13.9 204,504 181,700 12.6
Other underwriting expenses 36,454 29,096 25.3 103,532 88,231 17.3
Interest expense 2,481 797 211.3 4,800 2,391 100.8
Other non-underwriting expenses 481 179 168.7 1,688 1,553 8.7
Total benefits, losses and expenses $ 297,989 $ 265,579 12.2 % $ 882,643 $ 872,000 1.2 %
Income (loss) before income taxes $ 24,975 $ 8,376 198.2 $ 37,489 $ (63,852) 158.7
Federal income tax expense (benefit) 5,227 1,996 161.9 6,974 (14,544) 148.0
Net income (loss) $ 19,748 $ 6,380 209.5 % $ 30,515 $ (49,308) 161.9 %
GAAP Ratios:
Net loss ratio(1)
62.3 % 66.6 % (6.5) % 65.4 % 77.7 % (15.8) %
Expense ratio(2)
35.9 35.4 1.4 35.5 35.0 1.4
Combined ratio(3)
98.2 % 102.0 % (3.7) % 100.9 % 112.7 % (10.5) %
Additional Loss Ratios:
Net loss ratio(1)
62.3 % 66.6 % (6.5) % 65.4 % 77.7 % (15.8) %
Catastrophes - effect on net loss ratio(4)
4.4 5.9 (25.4) 6.7 7.8 (14.1)
Reserve development - effect on net loss ratio(4)
- 0.2 (100.0) - 7.0 (100.0)
Underlying loss ratio(4) (Non-GAAP)
57.9 % 60.5 % (4.3) % 58.7 % 62.9 % (6.7) %
NM = Not meaningful
(1) Net loss ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of losses and loss settlement expenses by net premiums earned. We use the net loss ratio as a measure of the overall underwriting profitability of the insurance business we write and to assess the adequacy of our pricing. Our net loss ratio is meaningful in evaluating our financial results as reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) Expense ratio is calculated by dividing non-deferred underwriting expenses and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs by net premiums earned. The expense ratio measures a company's operational efficiency in producing, underwriting and administering its insurance business.
(3) Combined ratio is a commonly used financial measure of property and casualty underwriting performance. A combined ratio below 100 percent generally indicates a profitable book of business. The combined ratio is the sum of the net loss ratio and the underwriting expense ratio.
(4) Underlying loss ratio is defined as the net loss ratio less impacts of catastrophes and non-catastrophe prior year reserve development.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
For the three-month period ended September 30, 2024, net income was $19.7 million compared to net income of $6.4 million for the same period of 2023. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024, net income was $30.5 million compared to a net loss of $49.3 million for the same period of 2023. These changes from the prior year are primarily due to continued premium growth and improved underwriting and investment income.
Net premiums earned increased 15.7 percent and 12.8 percent during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same periods of 2023, led by continued growth in our core commercial and assumed reinsurance business units. For the three-month period ended September 30, 2024, the overall average increase in renewal premiums was 12.4 percent, with 1.1 percent from exposure increases and 11.2 percent from rate increases. Excluding the workers' compensation line of business, the overall average increase in renewal premiums was 13.4 percent, with 1.1 percent from exposure changes and 12.2 percent from rate increases.
Net investment income was $24.5 million for the third quarter of 2024, an increase of $8.0 million compared to the third quarter of 2023. Income from our fixed income portfolio increased by $4.2 million due to portfolio management actions and investing at higher interest rates. Income on other long-term investments resulted in an additional $4.3 million as the valuation of our investments in limited liability partnerships varies from period to period. Net investment income for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024 was $58.8 million, an increase of $18.3 million compared to the same period of 2023. The change in value of our limited liability partnerships contributed $9.3 million, higher investment yields from our fixed income portfolio increased $8.6 million, interest received on cash and cash equivalent balances increased $3.7 million and was partially offset by a $2.7 million decrease in dividends on equity securities and higher investment expenses of $1.3 million.
The Company recognized net investment losses of $1.7 million during the third quarter of 2024, compared to net investment losses of $2.0 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease of $0.3 million was due primarily to net losses on equity securities of $1.9 million in 2023 as compared to an increase of $1.7 million of net losses on the sale of fixed maturity securities in 2024. The Company recognized net investment losses of $4.1 million and $2.6 million during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase of $1.5 million was primarily due to an increase of $5.3 million related to losses on the sale of fixed maturity securities offset by an increase of $3.2 million of gains on equity securities in 2024. For a detailed discussion of our investment results, refer to the "Investment Portfolio" section below.
In July 2024, the Company identified rating errors related to umbrella and general liability products that resulted in an overcharge to certain policyholders. Corrective actions have been implemented and the Company has reached a resolution with the Iowa Insurance Division resulting in no further action and no financial impact to the Company. Our estimated liability may change as additional information becomes available and as we continue to work with regulators in other states to achieve resolution. For more information on this item, refer to Note 1 "Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation" under "Contingent Liability" subheading in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Losses and loss settlement expenses increased by 8.3 percent and decreased 5.0 percent during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2023. The increase for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024 is due to continued growth in our core commercial and assumed reinsurance business units. The decrease for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024 is primarily driven by neutral prior year reserve development in the current period compared to the unfavorable prior year reserve development in the prior period. The prior year was also impacted by elevated surety losses, which did not repeat in the current year.
The GAAP combined ratio improved by 3.8 points to 98.2 percent for the third quarter of 2024, compared to 102.0 percent for the same period in 2023. The improvement was driven by a decrease in the underlying loss ratio of 2.6 points, prior period reserve improvement of 0.2 points, catastrophe loss ratio improvement of 1.5 points, slightly offset by the underwriting expense ratio deterioration of 0.5 points. The GAAP combined ratio improved by 11.8 points to 100.9 percent for nine-month period ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. The improvement was driven by a decrease in the underlying loss ratio of 4.2 points, prior period reserve improvement
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of 7.0 points, catastrophe loss ratio improvement of 1.1 points, slightly offset with an increase in the underwriting expense ratio of 0.5 points.
The underlying loss ratio improved 2.6 and 4.2 points during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2023, reflecting strong earned rate achievement exceeding loss trends, continued underwriting discipline, and normalizing surety losses that negatively impacted 2023 results. The net loss ratio improved 4.3 and 12.3 points during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2023. Prior period reserve strengthening was neutral in the third quarter of 2024, compared to 0.2 percent in the third quarter of 2023.
Pre-tax catastrophe losses in the third quarter of 2024 added 4.4 points to the GAAP combined ratio compared to 5.9 points added to the GAAP combined ratio in the third quarter of 2023 and added 6.7 points to the GAAP combined ratio for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024 as compared to 7.8 points during the same time period in 2023. The catastrophe loss ratio was below both our five-year and 10-year historical averages for the third quarter of 2024.
The underwriting expense ratio for the third quarter of 2024 was 35.9 percent compared to 35.4 percent for the third quarter of 2023 as a result of stronger business performance during the current quarter and increased technology costs as we invest for continued growth. The underwriting expense ratio for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024 was 35.5 percent compared to 35.0 percent for the same time period for 2023.
Reserve Development
For many liability claims, significant periods of time, ranging up to several years, and for certain construction defect claims, more than a decade, may elapse between the occurrence of the loss, the reporting of the loss to us and the settlement or other disposition of the claim. As a result, loss experience in the more recent accident years for the long-tail liability coverages has limited statistical credibility in our reserving process because a relatively small proportion of losses in these accident years are reported claims and an even smaller proportion are paid losses. In addition, long-tail liability claims are more susceptible to litigation and can be significantly affected by changing contract interpretations and the legal environment. Consequently, the estimation of loss reserves for long-tail coverages is more complex and subject to a higher degree of variability. Reserves for these long-tail coverages represent a significant portion of our overall carried reserves.
When establishing reserves and monitoring reserve adequacy, we analyze historical data and consider the potential impact of various loss development factors and trends, including historical loss experience, legislative enactments, judicial decisions, legal developments in imposition of damages, experience with alternative dispute resolution, results of our medical bill review process, the potential impact of salvage and subrogation, and changes and trends in general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. All of these factors influence our estimates of required reserves, and for long-tail lines these factors can change over the course of the settlement of the claim. However, there is no precise method for evaluating the specific dollar impact of any individual factor on the development of reserves.
Our reserving philosophy is to reserve claims to their ultimate expected loss amount as soon as practicable after information about a claim becomes available.
Reserve development amounts can vary significantly from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year depending on a number of factors, including the number of claims settled and the settlement terms, and are subject to reallocation between accident years and lines of business. At September 30, 2024, our total reserves were within a reasonable range of our actuarial estimates.
2024 Development
The property and casualty insurance business experienced $3.2 million and $0.4 million of favorable reserve development in net reserves for prior accident years for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30,
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2024, respectively. The favorable reserve development was driven primarily by reductions in prior year catastrophe reserves as experience emerged better than expected. Non-catastrophe development was neutral reflecting favorable development in commercial automobile and property lines, offset by strengthening in other liability lines of business due to continued uncertainty in future loss cost trends related to economic and social inflation.
2023 Development
The property and casualty insurance business experienced $4.4 million and $59.2 million of reserve strengthening in net reserves for prior accident years for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2023, respectively. During 2023, the Company made additional advancements to its reserve review processes and analyses, including increased segmentation on unique exposures, which resulted in deeper insights and understanding of loss experience and significant movements in reserve development across a range of commercial liability lines of business. The significant driver of the reserve strengthening was an increase in long-tailed other liability reserves primarily due to increased loss cost trends related to economic and social inflation. The commercial automobile line of business also experienced reserve strengthening in reaction to continuing loss trends in post-2020 accident years. These increases were partially offset by favorable development in workers' compensation and fire and allied lines.
The following tables display our net premiums earned, net losses and loss settlement expenses and net loss ratio by line of business:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 2023
Net Losses Net Losses
and Loss and Loss
Net Settlement Net Net Settlement Net
Premiums Expenses Loss Premiums Expenses Loss
(In thousands, except ratios) Earned Incurred Ratio Earned Incurred Ratio
Commercial lines
Other liability(1)
$ 86,688 $ 68,495 79.0 % $ 78,090 $ 34,466 44.1 %
Fire and allied lines(2)
64,070 34,113 53.2 64,531 53,602 83.1
Automobile 62,489 22,214 35.5 53,929 46,186 85.6
Workers' compensation 13,959 14,630 104.8 13,366 9,616 71.9
Surety(3)
15,900 4,799 30.2 9,279 6,575 70.9
Miscellaneous 2,840 3,104 109.3 883 112 12.7
Total commercial lines $ 245,946 $ 147,355 59.9 % $ 220,078 $ 150,557 68.4 %
Personal lines
Fire and allied lines(4)
$ 2,780 $ (1,753) (63.1) % $ 1,616 $ 1,304 80.7
Automobile 332 198 NM - 49 NM
Miscellaneous 2 171 NM 5 (83) NM
Total personal lines $ 3,114 $ (1,384) (44.4) % $ 1,621 $ 1,270 78.3 %
Assumed reinsurance $ 51,125 $ 41,177 80.5 % $ 37,757 $ 20,971 55.5 %
Total $ 300,185 $ 187,148 62.3 % $ 259,456 $ 172,798 66.6 %
(1) Commercial lines "Other liability" is business insurance covering bodily injury and property damage arising from general business operations, accidents on the insured's premises and products manufactured or sold.
(2) Commercial lines "Fire and allied lines" includes fire, allied lines, commercial multiple peril and inland marine.
(3) Commercial lines "Surety" previously referred to as "Fidelity and surety."
(4) Personal lines "Fire and allied lines" includes fire, allied lines, homeowners and inland marine.
NM = Not meaningful
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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 2023
Net Losses Net Losses
and Loss and Loss
Net Settlement Net Net Settlement Net
Premiums Expenses Loss Premiums Expenses Loss
(In thousands, except ratios) Earned Incurred Ratio Earned Incurred Ratio
Commercial lines
Other liability $ 252,011 $ 200,980 79.8 % $ 237,523 $ 194,115 81.7 %
Fire and allied lines 190,123 109,293 57.5 182,805 151,539 82.9
Automobile 176,688 109,624 62.0 154,806 136,875 88.4
Workers' compensation 39,901 29,291 73.4 40,413 19,316 47.8
Surety 44,748 14,992 33.5 27,611 15,668 56.7
Miscellaneous 6,579 5,131 78.0 1,522 277 18.2
Total commercial lines $ 710,050 $ 469,311 66.1 % $ 644,680 $ 517,790 80.3 %
Personal lines
Fire and allied lines $ 10,423 $ 3,215 30.8 % $ 4,568 $ 3,631 79.5 %
Automobile 575 308 NM - (326) NM
Miscellaneous 8 193 NM 18 (148) NM
Total personal lines $ 11,006 $ 3,716 33.8 % $ 4,586 $ 3,157 68.8 %
Assumed reinsurance $ 147,557 $ 95,092 64.4 % $ 120,955 $ 77,178 63.8 %
Total $ 868,613 $ 568,119 65.4 % $ 770,221 $ 598,125 77.7 %
Below are explanations regarding significant changes in the net loss ratios by line of business:
•Other liability lines - The net loss ratio deteriorated 34.9 and improved 1.9 points in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2023. Loss emergence is within our expectations; however, prior period and 2024 accident year reserves were strengthened relative to 2023 to guard against future severity uncertainty and social inflation impacts.
•Commercial fire and allied lines- The net loss ratio improved 29.8 and 25.4 points in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2023, driven by favorable catastrophe losses in the current year and underlying loss ratio improvement driven by rate achievement in excess of trend and improving frequency and lower severity of losses.
•Commercial automobile- The net loss ratio improved 50.1 and 26.4 points in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily driven by favorable prior year development in the current year as compared to adverse development in 2023 and improvement in the underlying loss ratio driven by rate achievement in excess of trend and improving frequency.
•Workers' compensation- The net loss ratio deteriorated 32.9 and 25.6 points in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2023. The underlying loss ratio was impacted by a large loss occurring in the quarter. Prior year development was adverse in 2024 driven by a reduction in ceded reserves related to excess loss experience emerging below expectations in prior years.
•Surety- The net loss ratio improved 40.7 and 23.2 points in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2023, driven by fewer large losses than in the prior year and current year results performing in line with historical profitable levels.
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•Assumed reinsurance - The net loss ratio deteriorated 25.0 and 0.6 points in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2023, driven by several catastrophe events associated with an individual account. Prior year reserve development was neutral for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024 as compared to favorable reserve development for the corresponding period in 2023.
Financial Condition
Stockholders' equity increased to $785.8 million at September 30, 2024, from $733.7 million at December 31, 2023. The Company's book value per share was $31.01, which is an increase of $1.97 per share, or 6.8 percent, from December 31, 2023. The increase is primarily attributable to net income of $30.5 million and reduction in net unrealized losses of $31.2 million on fixed maturity securities, slightly offset with shareholder dividends of $12.2 million during the first nine months of 2024.
Investment Portfolio
Our invested assets totaled $2.0 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $1.9 billion at December 31, 2023, an increase of $109 million. During the first quarter of 2024, we liquidated the remainder of our equity securities portfolio to complete the strategic reallocation of equity securities to fixed income assets. At September 30, 2024, fixed maturity securities made up 92.9 percent of the value of our investment portfolio. Because the primary purpose of our investment portfolio is to fund future claims payments, we use a conservative investment philosophy, investing in a diversified portfolio of high-quality, intermediate-term taxable corporate bonds, taxable U.S. government and government agency bonds and tax-exempt U.S. municipal bonds. Our overall investment strategy is to stay fully invested (i.e., minimize cash balances). If additional cash is needed, we have the ability to take advances through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines ("FHLB Des Moines") facility. During the first quarter of 2024, the Company announced and entered into an investment management agreement with New England Asset Management ("NEAM") effective as of February 1, 2024, pursuant to which NEAM will provide investment management services.
Composition
We develop our investment strategies based on a number of factors, including estimated duration of reserve liabilities, short- and long-term liquidity needs, projected tax status, general economic conditions, expected rates of inflation, regulatory requirements, interest rates and credit quality of assets. We administer our investment portfolio based on investment guidelines approved by management and the investment committee of our Board of Directors that comply with applicable statutory regulations.
The composition of our investment portfolio at September 30, 2024 is presented at carrying value in the following table:
Percent
(In thousands, except ratios) Carrying Value of Total
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale(1)
$ 1,852,791 92.9 %
Mortgage loans 41,081 2.0
Other long-term investments 101,480 5.1
Short-term investments 100 -
Total $ 1,995,452 100.0 %
(1) Available-for-sale securities with fixed maturities are carried at fair value.
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we did not have direct exposure to investments in subprime mortgages or other credit enhancement vehicles.
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Credit Quality
The table below shows the composition of fixed maturity securities held in our available-for-sale security portfolios by credit rating at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. Information contained in the table is generally based upon the issued credit ratings provided by external rating agencies.
(In thousands, except ratios) September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023
Rating Carrying Value % of Total Carrying Value % of Total
AAA $ 911,539 49.2 % $ 635,023 37.7 %
AA 296,107 16.0 456,310 27.1
A 376,859 20.3 255,490 15.1
Baa/BBB 257,820 13.9 312,246 18.5
Other/Not Rated 10,466 0.6 27,433 1.6
$ 1,852,791 100.0 % $ 1,686,502 100.0 %
Duration
Our investment portfolio is invested primarily in fixed maturity securities whose fair value is susceptible to market risk, specifically interest rate changes. Duration is a measurement we use to quantify our inherent interest rate risk and analyze our ability to match our invested assets to our reserve liabilities. The primary purpose for matching invested assets and reserve liabilities is liquidity. With appropriate matching, our investments will mature when cash is needed, preventing the need to liquidate other assets prematurely. Mismatches in the duration of assets and liabilities can cause significant fluctuations in our results of operations.
Investment Results
We invest the premiums received from our policyholders in order to generate investment income, which is an important component of our revenues and profitability. The amount of investment income that we are able to generate is affected by many factors, some of which are beyond our control. Some of these factors are volatility in the financial markets, economic growth, inflation, interest rates, world political conditions, terrorist attacks or threats of terrorism, adverse events affecting other companies in our industry or the industries in which we invest and other unpredictable national or world events. Our net investment income increased in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024, compared with the same periods of 2023, primarily due to the higher yields in the fixed income portfolio, reinvestment in the fixed income portfolio, higher interest rates on short term money market and short term investments, and an increase in the value of our investments in limited liability partnerships.
Investment Results
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands) 2024 2023 Change % 2024 2023 Change %
Investment income:
Interest on fixed maturities $ 18,719 $ 14,472 29.3 % $ 49,826 $ 41,192 21.0 %
Dividends on equity securities - 639 (100.0) % 341 3,067 (88.9) %
Income on other long-term investments 5,408 1,093 394.8 % 5,789 (3,491) (265.8) %
Other 3,173 2,574 23.3 % 11,259 6,868 63.9 %
Total investment income $ 27,300 $ 18,778 45.4 % $ 67,215 $ 47,636 41.1 %
Less investment expenses 2,841 2,319 22.5 % 8,385 7,128 17.6 %
Net investment income $ 24,459 $ 16,459 48.6 % $ 58,830 $ 40,508 45.2 %
Average yields on fixed income securities pre-tax(1)
3.97 % 3.35 % 0.62 % 3.63 % 3.20 % 0.43 %
(1) Fixed income securities yield excluding net unrealized investment gains/losses and expenses
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We hold certain investments in limited liability partnerships that are recorded on the equity method of accounting, with changes in the value of these investments recorded in investment income. In the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024, the change in total value of our investments in limited liability partnerships resulted in investment gains of $5.4 million and $5.8 million, respectively, as compared to investment gains of $1.1 million and investment losses of $3.5 million in the same periods of 2023.
We had net investment losses of $1.7 million and $4.1 million during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as compared to net investment losses of $2.0 million and $2.6 million during the same periods of 2023. The losses in 2024 are driven by an investment strategy execution to increase fixed maturity yield, while the 2023 losses were driven by equity security losses.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity measures our ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet our short- and long-term cash obligations. Our cash inflows are primarily a result of the receipt of premiums, reinsurance recoveries, sales or maturities of investments, and investment income. Cash provided from these sources is used to fund the payment of losses and loss settlement expenses, the purchase of investments, operating expenses, dividends, pension plan contributions, and in recent years, common stock repurchases.
We monitor our capital adequacy to support our business on a regular basis. The future capital requirements of our business will depend on many factors, including our ability to write new business successfully and to establish premium rates and reserves at levels sufficient to cover losses. Our ability to underwrite is largely dependent upon the quality of our claims paying and financial strength ratings as evaluated by independent rating agencies. In particular, we require (1) sufficient capital to maintain our financial strength ratings, as issued by various rating agencies, at a level considered necessary by management to enable our insurance company subsidiaries to compete and (2) sufficient capital to enable our insurance company subsidiaries to meet the capital adequacy tests performed by regulatory agencies in the United States.
Cash outflows may be variable because of the uncertainty regarding settlement dates for losses. In addition, the timing and amount of individual catastrophe losses are inherently unpredictable and could increase our liquidity requirements. The timing and amount of reinsurance recoveries may be affected by reinsurer solvency and reinsurance coverage disputes.
Historically, we have generated substantial cash inflows from operations. It is our policy to invest the cash generated from operations in securities with maturities that, in the aggregate, correlate to the anticipated timing of payments for losses and loss settlement expenses. The majority of our assets are invested in available-for-sale fixed maturity securities.
The following table displays a consolidated summary of cash sources and uses for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
Cash Flow Summary Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Cash provided by (used in)
Operating activities $ 183,950 $ 149,506
Investing activities (143,072) (164,661)
Financing activities 54,447 (12,345)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents $ 95,325 $ (27,500)
Our cash flows were sufficient to meet our liquidity needs for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 and we anticipate they will be sufficient to meet our future liquidity needs for at least the next 12 months. We also have the ability to draw on our credit facility if needed.
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Operating Activities
Net cash flows from operating activities had inflows of $184.0 million and inflows of $149.5 million for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. In the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024, the net operating cash inflows were driven by premium and investment income offsetting loss and expense outflows.
Investing Activities
Cash in excess of operating requirements is generally invested in fixed maturity securities. Fixed maturity securities provide regular interest payments and allow us to match the duration of our liabilities. For further discussion of our investments, including our philosophy and strategy for our portfolio, see the "Investment Portfolio" section of this Item 2.
In addition to investment income, possible sales of investments and proceeds from calls or maturities of fixed maturity securities can also provide liquidity. During the next five years, $491.2 million, or 26.5 percent, of our fixed maturity portfolio will mature.
We invest funds required for short-term cash needs primarily in money market accounts, which are classified as cash equivalents. At September 30, 2024, our cash and cash equivalents included $105.9 million related to these money market accounts, compared to $20.3 million at December 31, 2023. The increase in money market funds is primarily due to the timing of investment sales and purchases, which resulted in a temporary increase before reinvestment into other securities.
Net cash flows used in investing activities were $143.1 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024, compared to net cash flows used in investing activities of $164.7 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023. For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we had cash inflows from scheduled and unscheduled investment maturities, redemptions, prepayments, and sales of investments of $541.2 million and $98.6 million, respectively. Our cash outflows for investment purchases were $675.4 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024, compared to $255.3 million for the same period of 2023.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows provided by financing activities were $54.4 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024, compared to $12.3 million used in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023. This increase of $66.8 million was the result of our successful completion of $70 million private placement offering of senior unsecured notes completed in the second quarter of 2024.
Credit Facilities
On December 22, 2023, UF&C became a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines ("FHLB Des Moines"). Membership allows access to loans or advances. As of September 30, 2024, there were no advances outstanding under the FHLB Des Moines agreement. For further information regarding the agreement with FHLB Des Moines, see Note 8 "Debt" contained in Part I, Item 1.
Dividends
Dividends paid to shareholders totaled $12.2 million and $12.1 million in each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Our practice has been to pay quarterly cash dividends, which we have paid every quarter since March 1968.
Payments of any future dividends and the amounts of such dividends will depend upon factors such as net income, financial condition, capital requirements, and general business conditions. We will only pay dividends if declared by our Board of Directors out of legally available funds.
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As a holding company with no independent operations of its own, we rely on dividends received from our insurance company subsidiaries in order to pay dividends to our common shareholders. Dividends payable by our insurance subsidiaries are governed by the laws of the states in which they are domiciled, and if applicable, commercially domiciled. In all cases, these state laws permit the payment of dividends only from earned surplus arising from business operations. For example, under Iowa law, the maximum dividend or distribution that may be paid within a 12-month period without prior approval of the Iowa Insurance Commissioner is generally restricted to the greater of 10 percent of statutory surplus as of the preceding December 31, or net income of the preceding calendar year on a statutory basis, not greater than earned statutory surplus. Other states in which our insurance company subsidiaries are domiciled may impose similar restrictions on dividends and distributions. Based on these restrictions, at September 30, 2024, UFG's sole direct insurance company subsidiary, UF&C, is able to make a maximum of $42.1 million in dividend payments without prior regulatory approval. We do not believe that these restrictions have a material impact in meeting the cash obligations of UFG.
Funding Commitments
Pursuant to an agreement with our limited liability partnership investments, we are contractually committed through July 10, 2030, to make capital contributions upon the request of certain of the partnerships. Our remaining potential contractual obligation was $24.4 million at September 30, 2024. These partnerships are included in our other long term investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets with a current fair value of $100.2 million, or 5.0 percent of our total invested assets, as of September 30, 2024.
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MEASUREMENT OF RESULTS
We evaluate profit or loss based upon operating and investment results. Profit or loss described in the following sections of this Management's Discussion and Analysis is reported on a pre-tax basis. Our primary sources of revenue are premiums and investment income. Major categories of expenses include losses and loss settlement expenses, underwriting and other operating expenses. Management uses metrics to provide financial statement users with a better understanding of results of operations, including net premiums written and three components of the loss ratio: underlying loss ratio, impacts of catastrophes and non-catastrophe prior period reserve development.
Net premiums written is frequently used by industry analysts and other recognized reporting sources to facilitate comparisons of the performance of insurance companies. Net premiums written is the amount charged for insurance policy contracts issued and recognized on an annualized basis at the effective date of the policy. Management believes net premiums written is a meaningful measure for evaluating insurance company sales performance and geographical expansion efforts. Net premiums written for an insurance company consists of direct premiums written and premiums assumed, less premiums ceded. Net premiums earned is calculated on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the respective policies. Unearned premium reserves are established for the portion of premiums written applicable to the unexpired terms of the insurance policies in force. The difference between net premiums earned and net premiums written is the change in unearned premiums and the change in prepaid reinsurance premiums.
Underlying loss ratio represents the net loss ratio less the impacts of catastrophes and non-catastrophe prior period reserve development. The underlying combined ratio represents the GAAP combined ratio less the impacts of catastrophes and non-catastrophe prior period reserve development. The Company believes that the underlying loss ratio and underlying combined ratio are meaningful measures to understand the underlying trends in the core business in the current accident year, removing the volatility of prior period impacts and catastrophes. Management believes separate discussions on catastrophe losses and prior period reserve development are important to understanding how the Company is managing catastrophe risk and in identifying developments in longer-tailed business.
Prior period reserve development is the increase (unfavorable) or decrease (favorable) in incurred loss and loss adjustment expense reserves at the valuation dates for losses which occurred in previous calendar years. This measure excludes development on catastrophe losses.
Catastrophe losses is an operational measure which utilizes the designations of the Insurance Services Office ("ISO") and is reported with losses and loss settlement expense amounts net of reinsurance recoverables, unless specified otherwise. In addition to ISO catastrophes, we also include those events ("non-ISO catastrophes"), which may include U.S. or international losses, that we believe are, or will be material to our operations, either in amount or in number of claims made. Catastrophes are not predictable and are unique in terms of timing and financial impact. While management estimates catastrophe losses as incurred, due to the inherently unique nature of catastrophe losses, the impact in a reporting period is inclusive of catastrophes that occurred in the reporting period, as well as development on catastrophes that may have occurred in prior periods. The following table shows the breakdown of ISO and non-ISO catastrophes for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2024 2023
ISO catastrophes $ 12,672 $ 10,749 $ 56,559 $ 56,354
Non-ISO catastrophes(1)
594 4,546 1,666 3,705
Total catastrophes $ 13,266 $ 15,295 $ 58,225 $ 60,059
(1) This number includes international assumed losses.
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We evaluate our property catastrophe exposure by considering planned portfolio growth, market conditions, business needs, portfolio aggregation, and results of third-party vendor model output. As a result of the evaluation, we may limit our exposure in regions that are prone to naturally occurring catastrophic events through a combination of geographic diversification and restrictions on the amount and location of new business production in such regions. We regularly assess our concentration of risk exposures in natural catastrophe exposed areas and consider the impacts of climate change and the unpredictability of future trends in adjusting our geographic concentrations. We have strategies and underwriting standards to manage these exposures through individual risk selection, subject to regulatory constraints. We use third-party vendor catastrophe modeling and a risk concentration management tool to monitor and control our accumulation of potential losses in natural catastrophe exposed areas, such as the Gulf Coast and East Coast. We model several perils against our exposure profile to produce a view into portfolio aggregation and property catastrophe exposure. Our staff regularly performs portfolio analysis, creating and utilizing custom model output which is used to further expand our insights into our exposure profile. We use all of these evaluations when renewing our catastrophe reinsurance programs on an annual basis.
Our profitability is influenced by many factors, including price, competition, economic conditions, investment returns, interest rates, catastrophic events and other natural disasters, man-made disasters, state regulations, court decisions, and changes in the law. To manage these risks and uncertainties, we seek to achieve consistent profitability through strong agency relationships, exceptional customer service, fair and prompt claims handling, disciplined underwriting, superior loss control services, prudent management of our investments, appropriate matching of assets and liabilities, effective use of ceded reinsurance and effective and efficient use of technology.
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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We have exposure to market risk arising from potential losses in our investment portfolio due to adverse changes in interest rates and market prices. However, we have the ability to hold fixed maturity investments to maturity. Our investment guidelines define the overall framework for managing our market and other investment risks, including accountability and controls. In addition, each of our subsidiaries has specific investment policies that delineate the investment limits and strategies that are appropriate given each entity's liquidity, surplus, product, and regulatory requirements. We respond to market risk by managing the character of investment purchases.
It is our philosophy that we do not utilize financial hedges or derivative financial instruments to manage risks, nor do we enter into any swap, forward or option contracts, but rather attempt to mitigate our exposure through active portfolio management. In addition, we place the majority of our investments in high-quality, liquid securities and limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. At September 30, 2024, we did not have direct exposure to investments in sub-prime mortgages or other credit-enhancement exposures.
Our primary market risks are exposure to changes in interest rates and we have limited exposure to foreign currency exchange rates.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure 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 Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report, were designed and functioning effectively to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. We believe that a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the control system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated our internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on this evaluation, no such change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates. We believe our operational processes, internal controls over financial reporting and disclosures, and financial reporting systems are operating effectively in the present environment.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the normal course of its business, the Company is a party to a variety of legal proceedings. While the final outcome of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes all of the proceedings pending as of September 30, 2024 to be ordinary and routine and does not expect these legal proceedings to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Our business is subject to a number of risks, including those identified in Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on February 29, 2024.
These risks are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial could also have a material effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Under our share repurchase program, first announced in August 2007, we may purchase UFG common stock from time to time on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The amount and timing of any purchases will be at our discretion and will depend upon a number of factors, including the share price, general economic and market conditions, and corporate and regulatory requirements. Our share repurchase program may be modified or discontinued at any time.
The Board of Directors reauthorized the share repurchase program in November 2022 through August 2024. There are 1,719,326 shares of common stock remaining under this authorization. There were no purchases of shares of common stock made by or on our behalf or by any "affiliated purchaser," as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act, during the three-month period ended September 30, 2024.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
None.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
Securities Trading Plans of Officers and Directors
UFG has an Insider Trading Policy applicable to all individuals, including officers and directors of UFG, who have access to nonpublic information about UFG which limits the periods during which officers and directors are allowed to trade in Company securities. UFG's Insider Trading Policy permits trading plans intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c), referred to as "Rule 10b5-1 trading plans." Under UFG's Insider Trading Policy, enactment of a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan by an officer or director requires approval by UFG's Nominating & Governance Committee, the Chief Executive Officer, or the Chief Financial Officer. During the third quarter of 2024, none of UFG's directors or officers adopted or terminated Rule 10b5-1 trading plans and none of UFG's directors or officers adopted or terminated a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement (as such terms are defined in Item 408(c) of Regulation S-K).
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit number Exhibit description Furnished herewith Filed herewith
31.1
Certification of Kevin J. Leidwinger pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
X
31.2
Certification of Eric J. Martin pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
X
32.1
Certification of Kevin J. Leidwinger pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
X
32.2
Certification of Eric J. Martin pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
X
101.1
The following financial information from United Fire Group, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 formatted in Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (Inline XBRL): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2024 (unaudited) and December 31, 2023; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (unaudited) for the three- and nine- month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023; (iii) Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (unaudited) for the three- and nine- month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023; and (v) Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as a block of text.
X
104.1
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.1)
X
*Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
UNITED FIRE GROUP, INC.
(Registrant)
/s/ Kevin J. Leidwinger /s/ Eric J. Martin
Kevin J. Leidwinger Eric J. Martin
President, Chief Executive Officer, Director and Principal Executive Officer
 		Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer
November 6, 2024 November 6, 2024
(Date) (Date)
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