Edgar Filing: UNITED FIRE GROUP INC

(State of Incorporation)

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

Document

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017

[ ] 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)

____________________________

118 Second Avenue, S.E., Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (319) 399-5700

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 R NO o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

YES R NO o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):



Large accelerated filer R	Accelerated filer o	Non-accelerated filer o	Smaller reporting company o	Emerging growth company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES o NO R

As of May 1, 2017, 25,205,806 shares of common stock were outstanding.

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United Fire Group, Inc.

Index to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

March 31, 2017



	Page
Forward-Looking Information	1

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2017 (unaudited) and December 31, 2016	2

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (unaudited) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016	3

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited) for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017	4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016	5

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements	6

Review Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	34

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	35

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	49

Item 4. Controls and Procedures	49

Part II. Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings	50

Item 1A. Risk Factors	50

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	50

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities	50

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures	50

Item 5. Other Information	50

Item 6. Exhibits	51

Signatures	52

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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 (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)," "target(s)," "forecast(s)," "project(s)," "predict(s)," "should," "could," "may," "will continue," "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, 2016 and Part II, Item 1A "Risk Factors" of this report 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:


•	The frequency and severity of claims, including those related to catastrophe losses and the impact those claims have on our loss reserve adequacy; the occurrence of catastrophic events, including international events, significant severe weather conditions, climate change, acts of terrorism, acts of war and pandemics;


•	The adequacy of our reserves for property and casualty insurance losses and loss settlement expenses and our life insurance reserve for future policy benefits;


•	Geographic concentration risk in both property and casualty insurance and life insurance segments;


•	The potential disruption of our operations and reputation due to unauthorized data access, cyber-attacks or cyber-terrorism and other security breaches;


•	Developments in general economic conditions, domestic and global financial markets, interest rates and other-than-temporary impairment losses that could affect the performance of our investment portfolio;


•	Our ability to effectively underwrite and adequately price insured risks;


•	Changes in industry trends, an increase in competition and significant industry developments;


•	Litigation or regulatory actions that could require us to pay significant damages, fines or penalties or change the way we do business;


•	Lowering of one or more 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;


•	Governmental actions, policies and regulations, including, but not limited to, domestic health care reform, financial services regulatory reform, 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;


•	Our relationship with and the financial strength of our reinsurers; and


•	Competitive, legal, regulatory or tax changes that affect the distribution cost or demand for our products through our independent agent/agency distribution network.

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 Securities and Exchange Commission ("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)	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(unaudited)
ASSETS
Investments
Fixed maturities
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $196 in 2017 and $199 in 2016)	$	195	$	198
Available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $2,914,524 in 2017 and $2,887,505 in 2016)	2,932,188		2,898,126
Trading securities, at fair value (amortized cost $13,264 in 2017 and $13,054 in 2016)	14,971		14,390
Equity securities
Available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $67,977 in 2017 and $68,504 in 2016)	275,684		270,416
Trading securities, at fair value (cost $5,861 in 2017 and $5,434 in 2016)	6,183		5,644
Mortgage loans	3,640		3,706
Policy loans	5,396		5,366
Other long-term investments	67,024		67,639
Short-term investments	175		175
	3,305,456		3,265,660
Cash and cash equivalents	93,656		110,853
Accrued investment income	28,134		25,056
Premiums receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,056 in 2017 and $1,255 in 2016)	324,428		306,202
Deferred policy acquisition costs	165,073		164,112
Property and equipment (primarily land and buildings, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $50,222 in 2017 and $50,925 in 2016)	56,231		55,524
Reinsurance receivables and recoverables	70,057		69,413
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	3,841		3,782
Income taxes receivable	10,430		15,061
Goodwill and intangible assets	24,547		24,740
Other assets	15,132		14,355
TOTAL ASSETS	$	4,096,985	$	4,054,758
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities
Future policy benefits and losses, claims and loss settlement expenses
Property and casualty insurance	$	1,140,719	$	1,123,896
Life insurance	1,342,966		1,350,503
Unearned premiums	467,105		443,873
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	145,190		159,014
Deferred income taxes	40,620		35,588
TOTAL LIABILITIES	$	3,136,600	$	3,112,874
Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 75,000,000 shares; 25,341,552 and 25,429,769 shares issued and outstanding in 2017 and 2016, respectively	$	25	$	25
Additional paid-in capital	213,021		216,482
Retained earnings	629,891		616,322
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	117,448		109,055
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	960,385	$	941,884
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	4,096,985	$	4,054,758

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 March 31,
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)	2017			2016
Revenues
Net premiums earned	$	253,872		$	241,298
Investment income, net of investment expenses	25,035			22,224
Net realized investment gains (includes reclassifications for net unrealized investment gains on available-for-sale securities of $3,405 in 2017 and $1,646 in 2016; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)	3,954			2,055
Other income	198			108
Total revenues	$	283,059		$	265,685
Benefits, Losses and Expenses
Losses and loss settlement expenses	$	167,623		$	142,128
Increase in liability for future policy benefits	8,579			12,552
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	52,134			50,231
Other underwriting expenses (includes reclassifications for employee benefit costs of $1,352 in 2017 and $1,371 in 2016; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)	24,890			26,753
Interest on policyholders’ accounts	4,744			5,247
Total benefits, losses and expenses	$	257,970		$	236,911
Income before income taxes	$	25,089		$	28,774
Federal income tax expense (includes reclassifications of ($718) in 2017 and ($96) in 2016; previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)	5,153			6,347
Net income	$	19,936		$	22,427
Other comprehensive income
Change in net unrealized appreciation on investments	$	14,966		$	43,876
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans	—			—
Other comprehensive income , before tax and reclassification adjustments	$	14,966		$	43,876
Income tax effect	(5,238		)	(15,357		)
Other comprehensive income, after tax, before reclassification adjustments	$	9,728		$	28,519
Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment gains included in income	$	(3,405	)	$	(1,646	)
Reclassification adjustment for employee benefit costs included in expense	1,352			1,371
Total reclassification adjustments, before tax	$	(2,053	)	$	(275	)
Income tax effect	718			96
Total reclassification adjustments, after tax	$	(1,335	)	$	(179	)
Comprehensive income	$	28,329		$	50,767

Weighted average common shares outstanding	25,443,101			25,209,888
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.78		$	0.89
Diluted earnings per common share	0.77			0.88

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)



(In Thousands, Except Share Data)	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

Common stock
Balance, beginning of year	$	25
Shares repurchased (134,981 shares)	—
Shares issued for stock-based awards (46,764 shares)	—
Balance, end of period	$	25

Additional paid-in capital
Balance, beginning of year	$	216,482
Compensation expense and related tax benefit for stock-based award grants	1,044
Shares repurchased	(5,749		)
Shares issued for stock-based awards	1,244
Balance, end of period	$	213,021

Retained earnings
Balance, beginning of year	$	616,322
Net income	19,936
Dividends on common stock ($0.25 per share)	(6,367		)
Balance, end of period	$	629,891

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
Balance, beginning of year	$	109,055
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation⁽¹⁾	7,515
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans⁽²⁾	878
Balance, end of period	$	117,448

Summary of changes
Balance, beginning of year	$	941,884
Net income	19,936
All other changes in stockholders’ equity accounts	(1,435		)
Balance, end of period	$	960,385


(1)	The change in net unrealized appreciation 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)



	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands)	2017			2016
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income	$	19,936		$	22,427
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Net accretion of bond premium	3,901			3,447
Depreciation and amortization	1,165			1,626
Stock-based compensation expense	1,044			977
Net realized investment gains	(3,954		)	(2,055		)
Net cash flows from trading investments	(610		)	(129		)
Deferred income tax benefit	(134		)	322
Changes in:
Accrued investment income	(3,078		)	(1,689		)
Premiums receivable	(18,226		)	(26,245		)
Deferred policy acquisition costs	(2,238		)	(3,579		)
Reinsurance receivables	(644		)	1,782
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	(59		)	(322		)
Income taxes receivable	4,631			—
Other assets	(777		)	(1,240		)
Future policy benefits and losses, claims and loss settlement expenses	26,590			23,965
Unearned premiums	23,232			21,001
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	(12,472		)	(7,205		)
Income taxes payable	—			728
Deferred income taxes	647			(548		)
Other, net	253			2,063
Total adjustments	$	19,271		$	12,899
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	39,207		$	35,326
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investments	$	5,059		$	1,968
Proceeds from call and maturity of held-to-maturity investments	3			8
Proceeds from call and maturity of available-for-sale investments	71,613			142,629
Proceeds from short-term and other investments	1,702			789
Purchase of available-for-sale investments	(103,623		)	(124,338		)
Purchase of short-term and other investments	(1,590		)	—
Net purchases and sales of property and equipment	(1,392		)	(569		)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	$	(28,228	)	$	20,487
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Policyholders’ account balances
Deposits to investment and universal life contracts	$	20,630		$	25,145
Withdrawals from investment and universal life contracts	(37,934		)	(41,954		)
Payment of cash dividends	(6,367		)	(5,553		)
Repurchase of common stock	(5,749		)	—
Issuance of common stock	1,244			4,745
Tax impact from issuance of common stock	—			(664		)
Net cash used in financing activities	$	(28,176	)	$	(18,281	)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	(17,197	)	$	37,532
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	110,853			106,449
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	93,656		$	143,981

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 and life insurance and selling annuities through a network of independent agencies. We report our operations in two business segments: property and casualty insurance and life insurance. Our insurance company subsidiaries are licensed as a property and casualty insurer in 46 states and the District of Columbia, and as a life insurer in 37 states.

Basis of Presentation

The unaudited consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial reporting 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, including certain financial statement footnote disclosures, are not required by the rules and regulations of the SEC for interim financial reporting and have 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 and recoverables; future policy benefits and losses, claims and loss settlement expenses; and pension and postretirement benefit obligations.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Management of UFG believes the accompanying unaudited 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 unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. The review report of Ernst & Young LLP as of March 31, 2017 and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 accompanies the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 "Financial Statements."

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.

For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, we made payments for income taxes totaling $9 and $6,509, respectively. We did not receive a tax refund during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, we made no interest payments (excluding interest credited to policyholders’ accounts).

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Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs ("DAC")

Certain costs associated with underwriting new business (primarily commissions, premium taxes and variable underwriting and policy issue expenses associated with successful acquisition efforts) are deferred. The following table is a summary of the components of DAC, including the related amortization recognized for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017.




	Property & Casualty Insurance			Life Insurance			Total
Recorded asset at beginning of period	$	93,362		$	70,750		$	164,112
Underwriting costs deferred	53,084			1,288			54,372
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	(50,461		)	(1,673		)	(52,134		)
Ending unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs	$	95,985		$	70,365		$	166,350
Impact of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities	—			(1,277		)	(1,277		)
Recorded asset at March 31, 2017	$	95,985		$	69,088		$	165,073

Property and casualty insurance policy acquisition costs deferred are amortized as premium revenue is recognized. 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.

For traditional life insurance policies, DAC is amortized to income over the premium-paying period in proportion to the ratio of the expected annual premium revenue to the expected total premium revenue. Expected premium revenue and gross profits are based on the same mortality and withdrawal assumptions used in determining future policy benefits. These assumptions are not revised after policy issuance unless the recorded DAC asset is deemed to be unrecoverable from future expected profits.

For non-traditional life insurance policies, DAC is amortized over the anticipated terms in proportion to the ratio of the expected annual gross profits to the total expected gross profits. Changes in the amount or timing of expected gross profits result in adjustments to the cumulative amortization of these costs. The effect on amortization of DAC for revisions to estimated gross profits is reported in earnings in the period the estimated gross profits are revised.

The effect on DAC that results from the assumed realization of unrealized gains (losses) on investments allocated to non-traditional life insurance business is recognized with an offset to net unrealized investment appreciation as of the balance sheet date. The impact of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities decreased the DAC asset by $7,690 and $6,413 at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

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 federal income tax expense of $5,153 and $6,347 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Our effective tax rate is different than the federal statutory rate of 35.0 percent due principally to the effect of tax-exempt municipal bond interest income and non-taxable dividend 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 review, it appears not more likely than

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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 March 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016. 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.

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 years before 2009. The Internal Revenue Service is conducting a routine examination of our income tax return for the 2011 tax year.

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. The Company concluded there are no material subsequent events or transactions that have occurred after the balance sheet date through the date on which the financial statements were issued.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Accounting Standards Adopted in 2017

Share-Based Payments

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance on the accounting for share-based payments. The new guidance was issued to simplify the accounting of share-based payments, specifically in the areas of income taxes, classification on the balance sheets as liabilities or equity and classification in the cash flow statement. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those years. The Company adopted the new guidance prospectively as of January 1, 2017. The new guidance resulted in classification changes between the financing and operating section of the Statement of Cash Flow for stock based compensation expense. The adoption also resulted in a tax benefit of $130 during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Income Taxes

In December 2015, the FASB issued guidance on the balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. The new guidance eliminates the requirement to split deferred tax liabilities and assets between current and non-current in a classified balance sheet. The new guidance allows deferred tax liabilities and assets to be included in non-current accounts. The Company adopted the new guidance as of January 1, 2017. The adoption had no impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations since we do not currently report deferred taxes in classified balance sheets.

Pending Adoption of Accounting Standards

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued comprehensive new guidance on revenue recognition which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The new guidance requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard creates a five-step model that requires companies to exercise judgment when considering the terms of the contract(s) and all relevant facts and circumstances. Insurance contracts are not within the scope of this new guidance. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company will adopt the guidance as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of the new guidance will have no impact on the Company's reporting and disclosure of net premiums earned, net investment income or net realized gains and losses, as these items are not within the scope of

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this new guidance. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations with other revenue streams under this new guidance. These other revenue streams, currently reported in other income in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, are not a material amount of the Company's total revenue.

Financial Instruments

In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance updating certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The amendments in this update supersede the guidance to classify equity securities with readily determinable fair values into different categories (for example, trading or available-for-sale) and require equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income. The new guidance also simplifies the impairment process for equity investments without readily determinable fair values. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. The Company will adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 2018 and is currently evaluating the impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations and key processes. If the new guidance were adopted as of March 31, 2017, there would be a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings equal to the amount of net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities at December 31, 2016 disclosed in Note 2 "Summary of Investments," of this section. The impact to net realized gains (losses) would equal the change in net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities between March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, in the same tables.

Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Payments

In August 2016, the FASB issued an update that clarifies the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the Statement of Cash Flows. The update addresses eight existing cash flow issues by clarifying the correct classification to establish uniformity in practice. The updated guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. The Company will adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 2018 and is currently reviewing the updates to the eight existing cash flow issues. Currently, management believes that one existing cash flow issue will be impacted by these updates. Management believes the update will have no impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations but may effect the current classification of the cash flow in the Statement of Cash Flows.

Defined Benefit Retirement Plan Cost

In March 2017, the FASB issued guidance on the presentation of net periodic benefit costs of defined benefit retirement benefit plans in the Statements of Income. The new guidance requires the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit plans to be presented in the same line in the Statements of Income as other employee compensation expenses. Also, under the new guidance, the service cost component of the net periodic benefit costs will be the only portion of costs subject to be capitalized in assets. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. The Company will adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 2018 and is currently evaluating the presentation of net periodic benefit costs in its financial statements and the impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance on the accounting for leases. The new guidance requires lessees to place most leases on their balance sheets with expenses recognized on the income statement in a similar manner as previous methods. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those years. The Company will adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 2019. The Company has created an inventory of its leases and has calculated the current minimum future lease payment, which is disclosed in Note 13 "Lease Commitments" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

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Financial Instruments - Credit Losses

In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the measurement of credit losses for most financial instruments. The new guidance replaces the current incurred loss model for recognizing credit losses with an expected loss model for instruments measured at amortized cost and requires allowances to be recorded for available-for-sale debt securities rather than reduce the carrying amount. These allowances will be remeasured each reporting period. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within those years. The Company will adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 2021 and is currently evaluating the impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations and key processes.

Income Taxes - Intra-entity Transfers

In October 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the income tax treatment of intra-entity transfers. The new guidance replaces the current guidance which prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes of intra-entity transfers until the asset is sold externally. Under the new guidance, the exemption is eliminated and income taxes will be recognized on transfers of intra-entity assets. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company will adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 2019 and is currently evaluating the impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.

Goodwill

In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance which simplifies the test for goodwill impairment. The new guidance eliminates the implied fair value calculation when measuring a goodwill impairment charge. Under the new guidance, impairment charges will be based on the excess of the carrying value over fair value of goodwill. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company will adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 2020 and is currently evaluating the impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.

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NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS

Fair Value of Investments

A reconciliation of the amortized cost (cost for equity securities) to fair value of investments in held-to-maturity and available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is as follows:



March 31, 2017
Type of Investment	Cost or Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Appreciation		Gross Unrealized Depreciation		Fair Value
HELD-TO-MATURITY
Fixed maturities:
Bonds
Corporate bonds - financial services	$	150	$	—	$	—	$	150
Mortgage-backed securities	45		1		—		46
Total Held-to-Maturity Fixed Maturities	$	195	$	1	$	—	$	196
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Fixed maturities:
Bonds
U.S. Treasury	$	22,142	$	73	$	100	$	22,115
U.S. government agency	70,671		1,426		438		71,659
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
General obligations:
Midwest	133,706		1,873		1,068		134,511
Northeast	56,241		1,042		177		57,106
South	144,366		1,455		2,298		143,523
West	123,026		1,558		1,839		122,745
Special revenue:
Midwest	165,789		2,412		1,326		166,875
Northeast	72,489		558		2,323		70,724
South	258,835		2,020		5,954		254,901
West	148,390		1,701		3,717		146,374
Foreign bonds	59,295		2,076		—		61,371
Public utilities	211,412		3,987		427		214,972
Corporate bonds
Energy	103,194		2,190		193		105,191
Industrials	222,476		5,017		498		226,995
Consumer goods and services	176,581		4,089		269		180,401
Health care	75,951		2,039		37		77,953
Technology, media and telecommunications	143,113		2,562		700		144,975
Financial services	272,088		5,720		929		276,879
Mortgage-backed securities	16,366		166		250		16,282
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Government national mortgage association	156,554		1,483		2,451		155,586
Federal home loan mortgage corporation	178,052		1,886		3,453		176,485

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Federal national mortgage association	99,420		1,907		1,090		100,237
Asset-backed securities	4,367		147		186		4,328
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities	$	2,914,524	$	47,387	$	29,723	$	2,932,188
Equity securities:
Common stocks
Public utilities	$	6,394	$	14,691	$	125	$	20,960
Energy	6,514		7,828		29		14,313
Industrials	13,117		42,387		175		55,329
Consumer goods and services	10,074		15,272		64		25,282
Health care	7,763		22,065		—		29,828
Technology, media and telecommunications	6,009		9,355		59		15,305
Financial services	17,069		96,587		50		113,606
Nonredeemable preferred stocks	1,037		24		—		1,061
Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities	$	67,977	$	208,209	$	502	$	275,684
Total Available-for-Sale Securities	$	2,982,501	$	255,596	$	30,225	$	3,207,872

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December 31, 2016
Type of Investment	Cost or Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Appreciation		Gross Unrealized Depreciation		Fair Value
HELD-TO-MATURITY
Fixed maturities:
Bonds
Corporate bonds - financial services	$	150	$	—	$	—	$	150
Mortgage-backed securities	48		1		—		49
Total Held-to-Maturity Fixed Maturities	$	198	$	1	$	—	$	199
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Fixed maturities:
Bonds
U.S. Treasury	$	23,216	$	87	$	108	$	23,195
U.S. government agency	76,692		1,445		540		77,597
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
General obligations:
Midwest	143,747		1,808		1,412		144,143
Northeast	57,731		909		231		58,409
South	129,475		1,249		2,355		128,369
West	114,524		1,380		2,173		113,731
Special revenue:
Midwest	167,430		2,313		1,433		168,310
Northeast	70,202		487		2,624		68,065
South	244,225		1,753		6,791		239,187
West	134,287		1,509		4,052		131,744
Foreign bonds	62,995		2,239		—		65,234
Public utilities	212,360		3,761		447		215,674
Corporate bonds
Energy	107,084		2,195		419		108,860
Industrials	225,526		5,359		982		229,903
Consumer goods and services	178,135		3,847		295		181,687
Health care	81,211		2,063		151		83,123
Technology, media and telecommunications	143,402		2,029		819		144,612
Financial services	269,981		5,328		1,358		273,951
Mortgage-backed securities	17,288		201		241		17,248
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Government national mortgage association	145,947		1,279		2,766		144,460
Federal home loan mortgage corporation	176,226		1,638		3,406		174,458
Federal national mortgage association	101,414		1,816		1,334		101,896
Asset-backed securities	4,407		145		282		4,270
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities	$	2,887,505	$	44,840	$	34,219	$	2,898,126

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Equity securities:
Common stocks
Public utilities	$	6,394	$	13,465	$	188	$	19,671
Energy	6,514		8,555		22		15,047
Industrials	13,252		38,715		173		51,794
Consumer goods and services	10,324		13,851		58		24,117
Health care	7,763		19,657		—		27,420
Technology, media and telecommunications	5,931		9,476		38		15,369
Financial services	17,289		98,728		67		115,950
Nonredeemable preferred stocks	1,037		11		—		1,048
Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities	$	68,504	$	202,458	$	546	$	270,416
Total Available-for-Sale Securities	$	2,956,009	$	247,298	$	34,765	$	3,168,542

Maturities

The amortized cost and fair value of held-to-maturity, available-for-sale and trading fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2017, 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.



	Held-To-Maturity				Available-For-Sale				Trading
March 31, 2017	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	150	$	150	$	125,861	$	126,941	$	2,593	$	2,815
Due after one year through five years	—		—		814,770		835,999		7,213		8,396
Due after five years through 10 years	—		—		802,379		812,933		1,302		1,377
Due after 10 years	—		—		716,755		703,397		2,156		2,383
Asset-backed securities	—		—		4,367		4,328		—		—
Mortgage-backed securities	45		46		16,366		16,282		—		—
Collateralized mortgage obligations	—		—		434,026		432,308		—		—
	$	195	$	196	$	2,914,524	$	2,932,188	$	13,264	$	14,971

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Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses

Net realized gains 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 realized investment gains is as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017		2016
Net realized investment gains
Fixed maturities:
Available-for-sale	$	1,995	$	516
Trading securities
Change in fair value	371		273
Sales	57		—
Equity securities:
Available-for-sale	1,410		984
Trading securities
Change in fair value	111		93
Sales	10		—
Short-term investments	—		43
Cash equivalents	—		146
Total net realized investment gains	$	3,954	$	2,055

The proceeds and gross realized gains on the sale of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities are as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017		2016
Proceeds from sales	$	5,059	$	1,968
Gross realized gains	2,222		921

There were no sales of held-to-maturity securities during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

Our investment portfolio includes trading securities with embedded derivatives. These securities are primarily convertible securities which are recorded at fair value. Income or loss, including the change in the fair value of these trading securities, is recognized currently in earnings as a component of net realized investment gains. Our portfolio of trading securities had a fair value of $21,154 and $20,034 at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Funding Commitment

Pursuant to an agreement with one of our limited liability partnership investments, we are contractually committed through December 31, 2023 to make capital contributions upon request of the partnership. Our remaining potential contractual obligation was $6,868 at March 31, 2017.

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Unrealized Appreciation

A summary of the changes in net unrealized investment appreciation during the reporting period is as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation
Available-for-sale fixed maturities	$	7,043		$	52,556
Available-for-sale equity securities	5,795			1,359
Deferred policy acquisition costs	(1,277		)	(11,685		)
Income tax effect	(4,046		)	(14,781		)
Total change in net unrealized investment appreciation, net of tax	$	7,515		$	27,449

We continually monitor the difference between our cost basis and the estimated fair value of our investments. Our accounting policy for impairment recognition requires other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") charges to be recorded when we determine that it is more likely than not that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the fixed maturity security or that the anticipated recovery in fair value of the equity security will not occur in a reasonable amount of time. Impairment charges on investments are recorded based on the fair value of the investments at the measurement date or based on the value calculated using a discounted cash flow model. Credit-related impairments on fixed maturity securities that we do not plan to sell, and for which we are not more likely than not to be required to sell, are recognized in net income. Any non-credit related impairment is recognized as a component of other comprehensive income. Factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary include: the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been less than cost; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; our intention to hold the investment; and the likelihood that we will be required to sell the investment.

The tables on the following pages summarize our fixed maturity and equity securities that were in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The securities are presented by the length of time they have been continuously in an unrealized loss position. It is possible that we could recognize OTTI charges in future periods on securities held at March 31, 2017, if future events or information cause us to determine that a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary.

We have evaluated the near-term prospects of the issuers of our fixed maturity securities in relation to the severity and duration of the unrealized loss and determined that these losses did not warrant the recognition of an OTTI charge at March 31, 2017 or at March 31, 2016. 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.

We have evaluated the near-term prospects of the issuers of our equity securities in relation to the severity and duration of the unrealized loss and determined that these losses did not warrant the recognition of an OTTI charge at March 31, 2017 or at March 31, 2016. Our largest unrealized loss greater than 12 months on an individual equity security at March 31, 2017 was $159. We have no intention to sell any of these securities prior to a recovery in value, but will continue to monitor the fair value reported for these securities as part of our overall process to evaluate investments for OTTI recognition.

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March 31, 2017	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
Type of Investment	Number of Issues	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Depreciation		Number of Issues	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Depreciation		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Depreciation
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Fixed maturities:
Bonds
U.S. Treasury	11	$	11,779	$	100	—	$	—	$	—	$	11,779	$	100
U.S. government agency	9	33,651		438		—	—		—		33,651		438
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
General obligations
Midwest	16	32,139		1,068		—	—		—		32,139		1,068
Northeast	4	6,939		177		—	—		—		6,939		177
South	28	60,252		2,298		—	—		—		60,252		2,298
West	23	48,967		1,839		—	—		—		48,967		1,839
Special revenue
Midwest	30	51,512		1,326		—	—		—		51,512		1,326
Northeast	21	51,512		2,323		—	—		—		51,512		2,323
South	69	142,601		5,954		—	—		—		142,601		5,954
West	36	75,008		3,717		—	—		—		75,008		3,717
Public utilities	17	32,195		389		3	2,107		38		34,302		427
Corporate bonds
Energy	4	6,951		173		1	4,174		20		11,125		193
Industrials	16	26,794		297		2	4,758		201		31,552		498
Consumer goods and services	11	20,912		269		—	—		—		20,912		269
Health care	3	8,472		37		—	—		—		8,472		37
Technology, media and telecommunications	13	32,671		397		3	10,222		303		42,893		700
Financial services	24	51,512		929		—	—		—		51,512		929
Mortgage-backed securities	19	9,301		195		4	1,087		55		10,388		250
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Government national mortgage association	36	82,052		1,830		10	17,273		621		99,325		2,451
Federal home loan mortgage corporation	40	100,351		3,223		3	4,969		230		105,320		3,453
Federal national mortgage association	23	39,294		857		4	4,180		233		43,474		1,090
Asset-backed securities	—	—		—		1	2,647		186		2,647		186
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities	453	$	924,865	$	27,836	31	$	51,417	$	1,887	$	976,282	$	29,723
Equity securities:
Common stocks
Public utilities	—	$	—	$	—	3	$	183	$	125	$	183	$	125
Energy	1	190		2		1	158		27		348		29
Industrials	—	—		—		6	237		175		237		175
Consumer goods and services	1	22		1		4	269		63		291		64
Technology, media and telecommunications	8	93		16		8	22		43		115		59
Financial services	3	53		2		2	165		48		218		50
Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities	13	$	358	$	21	24	$	1,034	$	481	$	1,392	$	502
Total Available-for-Sale Securities	466	$	925,223	$	27,857	55	$	52,451	$	2,368	$	977,674	$	30,225

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December 31, 2016	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
Type of Investment	Number of Issues	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Depreciation		Number of Issues	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Depreciation		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Depreciation
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Fixed maturities:
Bonds
U.S. Treasury	9	$	10,800	$	108	—	$	—	$	—	$	10,800	$	108
U.S. government agency	10	36,593		540		—	—		—		36,593		540
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
General obligations
Midwest	27	40,545		1,412		—	—		—		40,545		1,412
Northeast	9	9,874		231		—	—		—		9,874		231
South	37	53,699		2,355		—	—		—		53,699		2,355
West	30	55,265		2,173		—	—		—		55,265		2,173
Special revenue
Midwest	41	62,937		1,433		—	—		—		62,937		1,433
Northeast	22	54,993		2,624		—	—		—		54,993		2,624
South	79	152,979		6,791		—	—		—		152,979		6,791
West	44	81,676		4,052		—	—		—		81,676		4,052
Public utilities	20	38,511		423		2	2,122		24		40,633		447
Corporate bonds
Energy	8	15,938		313		3	8,232		106		24,170		419
Industrials	24	42,854		596		3	5,641		386		48,495		982
Consumer goods and services	11	21,059		295		—	—		—		21,059		295
Health care	9	20,918		151		—	—		—		20,918		151
Technology, media and telecommunications	16	41,230		516		3	10,241		303		51,471		819
Financial services	37	75,286		1,358		—	—		—		75,286		1,358
Mortgage-backed securities	16	9,611		187		5	1,198		54		10,809		241
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Government national mortgage association	36	82,430		2,261		9	13,603		505		96,033		2,766
Federal home loan mortgage corporation	41	105,775		3,165		3	5,141		241		110,916		3,406
Federal national mortgage association	27	46,633		1,091		4	4,341		243		50,974		1,334
Asset-backed securities	1	971		29		1	2,559		253		3,530		282
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities	554	$	1,060,577	$	32,104	33	$	53,078	$	2,115	$	1,113,655	$	34,219
Equity securities:
Common stocks
Public utilities	—	$	—	$	—	3	$	120	$	188	$	120	$	188
Energy	—	—		—		1	163		22		163		22
Industrials	—	—		—		6	239		173		239		173
Consumer goods and services	3	282		55		2	15		3		297		58
Technology, media and telecommunications	7	26		5		8	33		33		59		38
Financial services	3	53		3		2	150		64		203		67
Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities	13	$	361	$	63	22	$	720	$	483	$	1,081	$	546
Total Available-for-Sale Securities	567	$	1,060,938	$	32,167	55	$	53,798	$	2,598	$	1,114,736	$	34,765

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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). 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.

Financial instruments recorded at fair value are categorized in the fair value hierarchy as follows:


•	Level 1: Valuations are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments that we have the ability to access.


•	Level 2: Valuations are based on quoted prices for similar financial instruments, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, 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.

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.

To determine the fair value of the majority of our investments, we utilize prices obtained from independent, nationally recognized pricing services. We obtain one price for each security. When the pricing services cannot provide a determination of fair value for a specific security, we obtain non-binding price quotes from broker-dealers with whom we have had several years experience and who have demonstrated knowledge of the subject security. We request and utilize one broker quote per security.

In order to determine the proper classification in the fair value hierarchy for each security where the price is obtained from an independent pricing service, we obtain and evaluate the vendors' pricing procedures and inputs used to price the security, which include unadjusted quoted market prices for identical securities, such as a New York Stock Exchange closing price, and quoted prices for identical securities in markets that are not active. For fixed maturity securities, an evaluation of interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, volatility, prepayment speeds, credit risks and default rates may also be performed. We have determined that these processes and inputs result in fair values and classifications consistent with the applicable accounting guidance on fair value measurements.

When possible, we use quoted market prices to determine the fair value of fixed maturities, equity securities, trading securities and short-term investments. When quoted market prices do not exist, we base estimates of fair value on market information obtained from independent pricing services and brokers or on valuation techniques 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. Our valuation techniques are discussed in more detail throughout this section.

The fair value of our mortgage loans is determined by modeling performed by us 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, which is a Level 3 fair value measurement.

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The fair value of our policy loans is equivalent to carrying value, which is a reasonable estimate of fair value and is classified as Level 2. We do not make policy loans for amounts in excess of the cash surrender value of the related policy. In all instances, the policy loans are fully collateralized by the related liability for future policy benefits for traditional insurance policies or by the policyholders' account balance for non-traditional policies.

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.

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.

Policy reserves are developed and recorded for deferred annuities, which is an interest-sensitive product, and income annuities. The fair value of the reserve liability for these annuity products is based upon an estimate of the discounted pretax cash flows that are forecast for the underlying business, which is a Level 3 fair value measurement. We base the discount rate on the current U.S. Treasury spot yield curve, which is then risk-adjusted for nonperformance risk and, for interest-sensitive business and market risk factors. The risk-adjusted discount rate is developed using interest rates that are available in the market and representative of the risks applicable to the underlying business.

The Company formed a rabbi trust in 2014 to fund obligations under the United Fire & Casualty Company Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan and United Fire Group Supplemental Executive Retirement and Deferral Plan (collectively, the "Executive Retirement Plans"). 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 Plans. The COLI policies invest in mutual funds, which are priced daily by independent sources. As of March 31, 2017, the cash surrender value of the COLI policies was $3,000, 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 other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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A summary of the carrying value and estimated fair value of our financial instruments at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is as follows:



	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
Assets
Investments
Fixed maturities:
Held-to-maturity securities	$	196	$	195	$	199	$	198
Available-for-sale securities	2,932,188		2,932,188		2,898,126		2,898,126
Trading securities	14,971		14,971		14,390		14,390
Equity securities:
Available-for-sale securities	275,684		275,684		270,416		270,416
Trading securities	6,183		6,183		5,644		5,644
Mortgage loans	3,817		3,640		3,895		3,706
Policy loans	5,396		5,396		5,366		5,366
Other long-term investments	67,024		67,024		67,639		67,639
Short-term investments	175		175		175		175
Cash and cash equivalents	93,656		93,656		110,853		110,853
Corporate-owned life insurance	3,000		3,000		2,592		2,592
Liabilities
Policy reserves
Annuity (accumulations) ⁽¹⁾	$	640,973	$	649,395	$	646,764	$	666,711
Annuity (benefit payments)	142,968		94,385		144,283		95,129

(1) Annuity accumulations represent deferred annuity contracts that are currently earning interest.

The following tables present the categorization for our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis in our Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:



March 31, 2017			Fair Value Measurements
Description	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Fixed maturities:
Bonds
U.S. Treasury	$	22,115	$	—	$	22,115	$	—
U.S. government agency	71,659		—		71,659		—
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
General obligations
Midwest	134,511		—		134,511		—
Northeast	57,106		—		57,106		—
South	143,523		—		143,523		—
West	122,745		—		122,745		—
Special revenue
Midwest	166,875		—		166,707		168
Northeast	70,724		—		70,724		—
South	254,901		—		254,901		—
West	146,374		—		146,374		—
Foreign bonds	61,371		—		61,371		—
Public utilities	214,972		—		214,972		—
Corporate bonds

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Energy	105,191		—		105,191		—
Industrials	226,995		—		226,995		—
Consumer goods and services	180,401		—		179,342		1,059
Health care	77,953		—		77,953		—
Technology, media and telecommunications	144,975		—		144,975		—
Financial services	276,879		—		268,444		8,435
Mortgage-backed securities	16,282		—		16,282		—
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Government national mortgage association	155,586		—		155,586		—
Federal home loan mortgage corporation	176,485		—		176,485		—
Federal national mortgage association	100,237		—		100,237		—
Asset-backed securities	4,328		—		3,872		456
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities	$	2,932,188	$	—	$	2,922,070	$	10,118
Equity securities:
Common stocks
Public utilities	$	20,960	$	20,960	$	—	$	—
Energy	14,313		14,313		—		—
Industrials	55,329		55,329		—		—
Consumer goods and services	25,282		25,282		—		—
Health care	29,828		29,828		—		—
Technology, media and telecommunications	15,305		15,305		—		—
Financial services	113,606		109,483		—		4,123
Nonredeemable preferred stocks	1,061		466		—		595
Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities	$	275,684	$	270,966	$	—	$	4,718
Total Available-for-Sale Securities	$	3,207,872	$	270,966	$	2,922,070	$	14,836
TRADING
Fixed maturities:
Corporate bonds
Industrials	$	3,761	$	—	$	3,761	$	—
Consumer goods and services	143		—		143		—
Health care	3,597		—		3,597		—
Technology, media and telecommunications	1,195		—		1,195		—
Financial services	4,567		—		4,567		—
Asset-backed securities	—		—		—		—
Redeemable preferred stocks	1,708		1,708		—		—
Equity securities:
Public utilities	621		621		—		—
Energy	231		231		—		—
Industrials	897		897		—		—

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Consumer goods and services	1,168		1,168		—		—
Health care	366		366		—		—
Financial services	220		220		—		—
Nonredeemable preferred stocks	2,680		2,680		—		—
Total Trading Securities	$	21,154	$	7,891	$	13,263	$	—
Short-Term Investments	$	175	$	175	$	—	$	—
Money Market Accounts	$	19,124	$	19,124	$	—	$	—
Corporate-Owned Life Insurance	$	3,000	$	—	$	3,000	$	—
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	$	3,251,325	$	298,156	$	2,938,333	$	14,836

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December 31, 2016			Fair Value Measurements
Description	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Fixed maturities:
Bonds
U.S. Treasury	$	23,195	$	—	$	23,195	$	—
U.S. government agency	77,597		—		77,597		—
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
General obligations
Midwest	144,143		—		144,143		—
Northeast	58,409		—		58,409		—
South	128,369		—		128,369		—
West	113,731		—		113,731		—
Special revenue
Midwest	168,310		—		168,142		168
Northeast	68,065		—		68,065		—
South	239,187		—		239,187		—
West	131,744		—		131,744		—
Foreign bonds	65,234		—		65,234		—
Public utilities	215,674		—		215,674		—
Corporate bonds
Energy	108,860		—		108,860		—
Industrials	229,903		—		229,903		—
Consumer goods and services	181,687		—		180,590		1,097
Health care	83,123		—		83,123		—
Technology, media and telecommunications	144,612		—		144,612		—
Financial services	273,951		—		265,154		8,797
Mortgage-backed securities	17,248		—		17,248		—
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Government national mortgage association	144,460		—		144,460		—
Federal home loan mortgage corporation	174,458		—		174,458		—
Federal national mortgage association	101,896		—		101,896		—
Asset-backed securities	4,270		—		3,821		449
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities	$	2,898,126	$	—	$	2,887,615	$	10,511
Equity securities:
Common stocks
Public utilities	$	19,671	$	19,671	$	—	$	—
Energy	15,047		15,047		—		—
Industrials	51,794		51,794		—		—
Consumer goods and services	24,117		24,117		—		—
Health care	27,420		27,420		—		—
Technology, media and telecommunications	15,369		15,369		—		—
Financial services	115,950		111,958		—		3,992

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Nonredeemable preferred stocks	1,048		453		—		595
Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities	$	270,416	$	265,829	$	—	$	4,587
Total Available-for-Sale Securities	$	3,168,542	$	265,829	$	2,887,615	$	15,098
TRADING
Fixed maturities:
Bonds
Corporate bonds
Industrials	$	3,919	$	—	$	3,919	$	—
Consumer goods and services	127		—		127		—
Health care	3,410		—		3,410		—
Technology, media and telecommunications	787		—		787		—
Financial services	4,842		—		4,842		—
Redeemable preferred stocks	1,305		1,305		—		—
Equity securities:
Public utilities	613		613		—		—
Energy	286		286		—		—
Industrials	877		877		—		—
Consumer goods and services	1,202		1,202		—		—
Health care	339		339		—		—
Financial services	206		206		—		—
Nonredeemable preferred stocks	2,121		2,121		—		—
Total Trading Securities	$	20,034	$	6,949	$	13,085	$	—
Short-Term Investments	$	175	$	175	$	—	$	—
Money Market Accounts	$	16,802	$	16,802	$	—	$	—
Corporate-Owned Life Insurance	$	2,592	$	—	$	2,592	$	—
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	$	3,208,145	$	289,755	$	2,903,292	$	15,098

The fair value of securities that are 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 seek 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.

At least annually, we review the methodologies and assumptions used by our valuation service providers and verify that they are reasonable and representative of the fair value of the underlying securities held in the investment portfolio. We validate the prices obtained from independent pricing services and brokers prior to their use for

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reporting purposes by evaluating their reasonableness on a monthly basis. Our validation process includes a review for unusual fluctuations. Unusual fluctuations outside of our expectations are independently corroborated with additional third-party sources that use similar valuation techniques as discussed above. In addition, we also randomly select securities and independently corroborate the valuations obtained from our third-party valuation service providers. In our opinion, the pricing obtained at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was reasonable.

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, 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 and the change in unrealized gains on both fixed maturities and equity securities. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, there were no securities transferred between Level 1 and Level 2.

Securities categorized as Level 3 include holdings in certain private placement fixed maturity and equity securities for which an active market does not currently exist. The fair value of our Level 3 private placement securities is determined by management relying on pricing received from our independent pricing services and brokers consistent with the process to estimate fair value for Level 2 securities. However, securities are categorized as Level 3 if these quotes cannot be corroborated by other market observable data due to the unobservable nature of the brokers’ valuation processes. If pricing cannot be obtained from these sources, which occurs on a limited basis, management will perform a discounted cash flow analysis, using an appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate, on the underlying security to estimate fair value. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, there were no securities transferred in or out of Level 3.

The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of our Level 3 securities for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017:



	States, municipalities and political subdivisions		Corporate bonds			Asset-backed securities		Equities			Total
Balance at January 1, 2017	$	168	$	9,894		$	449	$	4,587		$	15,098
Net unrealized gains (losses)⁽¹⁾	—		(67		)	7		—			(60		)
Purchases	—		—			—		145			145
Disposals	—		(333		)	—		(14		)	(347		)
Balance at March 31, 2017	$	168	$	9,494		$	456	$	4,718		$	14,836

(1) Unrealized gains (losses) are recorded as a component of comprehensive income.

The fixed maturities reported as disposals relate to the receipt of principal on calls or sinking fund bonds, in accordance with the indentures.

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 primarily covers liability for damage to property of, or injury to, a person or entity other than the insured. 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.

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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 take action 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 actuary, Regnier Consulting Group, Inc. ("Regnier"), 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, United Fire's internal actuary performs a detailed actuarial review of IBNR reserves. This review includes a comparison of results from the most recent analysis of reserves completed by both our internal and external actuaries. Senior management meets with our internal actuary to review, on a regular and quarterly basis, the adequacy of carried reserves based on results from this 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.

The following table provides an analysis of changes in our property and casualty losses and loss settlement expense reserves at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (net of reinsurance amounts):




	March 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
Gross liability for losses and loss settlement expenses at beginning of year	$	1,123,896		$	1,003,895
Ceded losses and loss settlement expenses	(59,794		)	(54,653		)
Net liability for losses and loss settlement expenses at beginning of year	$	1,064,102		$	949,242
Losses and loss settlement expenses incurred for claims occurring during
Current year	$	181,497		$	683,662
Prior years	(24,946		)	(31,229		)
Total incurred	$	156,551		$	652,433
Losses and loss settlement expense payments for claims occurring during
Current year	$	39,100		$	277,053
Prior years	97,803			260,520
Total paid	$	136,903		$	537,573
Net liability for losses and loss settlement expenses at end of year	$	1,083,750		$	1,064,102
Ceded loss and loss settlement expenses	56,969			59,794
Gross liability for losses and loss settlement expenses at end of year	$	1,140,719		$	1,123,896

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 dollar impact of any individual factor on the development of reserves.

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The significant drivers of the favorable reserve development in 2017 were our commercial liability and workers compensation. The favorable development is attributable to reductions in reserves for reported claims, reductions in required reserves for incurred but not reported claims, along with reductions in reserves for loss adjustment expense. Reserve reductions were more than sufficient to offset claim payments and loss adjustment expense payments. Loss adjustment expense payments continue to benefit from successful management of litigation expenses. Partially offsetting the favorable reserve development was adverse development, which primarily came from our assumed reinsurance and commercial fire lines of business. Adverse development for assumed reinsurance is primarily attributable to emergence of additional reserves for reported claims. The adverse development for commercial fire was due to the emergence of 2016 accident year paid losses.

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. Our reserving philosophy may result in favorable reserve development in future years that will decrease losses and loss settlement expenses for prior year claims in the year of adjustment. We realize that this philosophy, coupled with what we believe to be aggressive and successful claims management and loss settlement practices, has resulted in year-to-year redundancies in reserves. We believe our approach produces recorded reserves 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. Therefore, such development cannot be used to project future reserve redundancies or deficiencies.

We are not aware of any significant contingent liabilities related to environmental issues. 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.

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NOTE 5. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The components of the net periodic benefit cost for our pension and postretirement benefit plans are as follows:



	Pension Plan						Postretirement Benefit Plan
Three Months Ended March 31,	2017			2016			2017			2016

Net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	$	1,714		$	1,623		$	505		$	932
Interest cost	1,765			1,663			482			754
Expected return on plan assets	(2,412		)	(1,988		)	—			—
Amortization of prior service credit	—			—			(1,352		)	—
Amortization of net loss	890			992			461			379
Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,957		$	2,290		$	96		$	2,065

Employer Contributions

We previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 that we expected to contribute $6,400 to the pension plan in 2017. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, we contributed $1,596 to the pension plan.

NOTE 6. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Non-qualified Employee Stock Award Plan

The United Fire Group, Inc. 2008 Stock Plan (the "2008 Stock Plan") authorized the issuance of restricted and unrestricted stock awards, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, incentive stock options, and non-qualified stock options for up to 1,900,000 shares of UFG common stock to employees. In May 2014, the Registrant's shareholders approved an additional 1,500,000 shares of UFG common stock issuable at any time and from time to time pursuant to the 2008 Stock Plan, among other amendments, and renamed such plan as the United Fire Group, Inc. Stock Plan (as amended, the "Stock Plan"). At March 31, 2017, there were 997,984 authorized shares remaining available for future issuance. 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.

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. All outstanding option awards have graded vesting over 3 years or 5 years from the grant date, unless the Board of Directors authorizes acceleration of vesting. Performance stock units cliff-vest after 3 years and the certification of performance results by UFG’s Compensation Committee. 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 our common stock on the date of the grant. Restricted stock units fully vest after 3 years or 5 years from the date of issuance, unless accelerated upon the approval of the Board of Directors, at which time UFG common stock will be issued to the awardee.

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The activity in the Stock Plan is displayed in the following table:



Authorized Shares Available for Future Award Grants	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017		From Inception to March 31, 2017
Beginning balance	1,248,651		1,900,000
Additional shares authorized	—		1,500,000
Number of awards granted	(253,895	)	(2,866,461	)
Number of awards forfeited or expired	3,228		464,445
Ending balance	997,984		997,984
Number of option awards exercised	45,037		994,105
Number of unrestricted stock awards granted	—		7,325
Number of restricted stock awards vested	—		36,970

Non-qualified Non-employee Director Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan

The United Fire Group, Inc. 2005 Non-qualified Non-employee Director Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the "Director 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 March 31, 2017, we had 74,771 authorized shares available for future issuance.

The Board of Directors has the authority to determine which non-employee directors receive awards, when options and restricted stock 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 and restricted stock (other than those terms and conditions set forth in the plan) and the number of shares of common stock to be issued pursuant to an option agreement or restricted stock agreement (subject to limits set forth in the plan). The Board of Directors may also take any action it deems necessary and appropriate for the administration of the Director Plan.

The activity in the Director Plan is displayed in the following table:



Authorized Shares Available for Future Award Grants	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017	From Inception to March 31, 2017
Beginning balance	74,771	300,000
Number of awards granted	—	(249,232	)
Number of awards forfeited or expired	—	24,003
Ending balance	74,771	74,771
Number of option awards exercised	1,727	54,200
Number of restricted stock awards vested	—	31,556

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $1,044 and $976, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the stock options.

As of March 31, 2017, we had $11,297 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 2017 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.

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2017	$	3,250
2018	3,785
2019	2,718
2020	1,111
2021	393
2022	40
Total	$	11,297

NOTE 7. SEGMENT INFORMATION

We have two reportable business segments in our operations: property and casualty insurance and life insurance. The property and casualty insurance segment has six domestic locations from which it conducts its business. The life insurance segment operates from our home office in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Because all of our insurance is sold domestically, we have no revenues from foreign operations.

We evaluate the two segments on the basis of both statutory accounting principles prescribed or permitted by our states of domicile and GAAP. We analyze results based on profitability (i.e., loss ratios), expenses, and return on equity. The basis we use to determine and analyze segments and to measure segment profit or loss have not changed from that reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

We have reconciled the amounts in the following table for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 to the amounts reported in our unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, adjusting for intersegment eliminations.



	Property and Casualty Insurance			Life Insurance		Total
As of and for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Net premiums earned	$	236,444		$	17,428	$	253,872
Investment income, net of investment expenses	12,605			12,450		25,055
Net realized investment gains	2,249			1,705		3,954
Other income	—			198		198
Total reportable segment	$	251,298		$	31,781	$	283,079
Intersegment eliminations	(20		)	—		(20		)
Total revenues	$	251,278		$	31,781	$	283,059
Net income	$	18,584		$	1,352	$	19,936
Assets	$	2,497,181		$	1,599,804	$	4,096,985
Invested assets	$	1,819,221		$	1,486,235	$	3,305,456

As of and for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Net premiums earned	$	220,225		$	21,073	$	241,298
Investment income, net of investment expenses	9,409			12,852		22,261
Net realized investment gains	1,737			318		2,055
Other income	—			108		108
Total reportable segment	$	231,371		$	34,351	$	265,722
Intersegment eliminations	(37		)	—		(37		)
Total revenues	$	231,334		$	34,351	$	265,685
Net income	$	22,020		$	407	$	22,427
Assets	$	2,344,686		$	1,631,306	$	3,975,992
Invested assets	$	1,675,088		$	1,497,241	$	3,172,329

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NOTE 8. 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.

The components of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)	2017				2016
	Basic		Diluted		Basic		Diluted
Net income	$	19,936	$	19,936	$	22,427	$	22,427
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	25,443,101		25,443,101		25,209,888		25,209,888
Add dilutive effect of restricted stock unit awards	—		248,717		—		154,742
Add dilutive effect of stock options	—		162,363		—		231,807
Weighted-average common shares	25,443,101		25,854,181		25,209,888		25,596,437
Earnings per common share	$	0.78	$	0.77	$	0.89	$	0.88
Awards excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation⁽¹⁾	—		—		—		180,912


(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 have been anti-dilutive.

NOTE 9. CREDIT FACILITY

On February 2, 2016, the Company, as borrower, entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") by and among the Company, with the lenders from time to time party thereto and KeyBank National Association ("Key Bank"), as administrative agent, swingline lender and letter of credit issuer. The Credit Agreement provides for a $50,000 four-year unsecured revolving credit facility that includes a $20,000 letter of credit subfacility and a swingline subfacility in the amount up to $5,000. The Credit Agreement allows the Company to increase the aggregate amount of the commitments thereunder by up to $100,000, provided that no event of default has occurred and is continuing and certain other conditions are satisfied.

The Credit Agreement is available for the Company's general corporate purposes, including liquidity, acquisitions and working capital. All unpaid principal and accrued interest under the Credit Agreement is due and payable in full at maturity on February 2, 2020. Based on the type of loan, advances under the Credit Agreement would bear interest on either the London interbank offered rate ("LIBOR") or a base rate plus, in each case, a calculated margin amount.

The unused commitments under the Credit Agreement will be subject to a commitment fee that will be calculated at a per annum rate. The applicable margins for borrowings under the Credit Agreement and the commitment fee thereunder will be determined by reference to a pricing grid based on the Company’s issuer credit rating by A.M. Best Company, Inc.

The Credit Agreement contains customary representations, conditions to borrowing, covenants and events of default, including certain covenants that limit or restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of the Company and its

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subsidiaries to sell or transfer assets, enter into a merger or consolidate with another company, create liens, impose restrictions on subsidiary dividends, enter into sale-leaseback transactions, make investments or acquisitions, enter into certain reinsurance agreements, pay dividends during any period of default, enter into transactions with affiliates, change the nature of its business, or incur indebtedness. The Credit Agreement also includes financial covenants that require the Company to (i) maintain a minimum consolidated net worth, (ii) maintain a minimum consolidated statutory surplus and (iii) not exceed a 0.35 to 1.0 debt to total capitalization ratio.

There was no outstanding balance on the Credit Agreement at March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, we did not incur any interest expense related to either credit facility. We were in compliance with all covenants of the Credit Agreement at March 31, 2017.

NOTE 10. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

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 March 31, 2017:



				Liability for
	Net unrealized			underfunded
	appreciation			employee
	on investments			benefit costs⁽¹⁾			Total
Balance as of January 1, 2017	$	133,892		$	(24,837	)	$	109,055
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income before reclassifications	9,728			—			9,728
Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,213		)	878			(1,335		)
Balance as of March 31, 2017	$	141,407		$	(23,959	)	$	117,448

(1) Estimates and Assumptions: 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.

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Review Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders

United Fire Group, Inc.

We have reviewed the consolidated balance sheet of United Fire Group, Inc. (the "Company") as of March 31, 2017, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the consolidated statements of cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, and the consolidated statement of stockholders' equity for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of United Fire Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein) and we expressed an unqualified audit opinion on those consolidated financial statements in our report dated February 28, 2017. In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of United Fire Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2016 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.



	/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
	Ernst & Young LLP

Des Moines, Iowa

May 3, 2017

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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 results of operations and financial condition on the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements, which we have prepared in accordance with 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 our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies from December 31, 2016.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this Management's Discussion and Analysis is to provide an understanding of our results of operations and consolidated financial position. Our Management's Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes, including those in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared on the basis of 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.

OUR BUSINESS

Founded in 1946 as United Fire & Casualty Company, United Fire Group, Inc. ("UFG," the "Registrant," the "Company," "we," "us," or "our") and its consolidated insurance subsidiaries provide insurance protection for individuals and businesses through several regional offices. Our property and casualty insurance company subsidiaries are licensed in 46 states plus the District of Columbia and are represented by approximately 1,200 independent agencies. Our life insurance subsidiary is licensed in 37 states and is represented by approximately 1,400 independent agencies.

Segments

We operate two business segments, each with a wide range of products:


•	property and casualty insurance, which includes commercial lines insurance, personal lines insurance, surety bonds and assumed reinsurance; and


•	life insurance, which includes deferred and immediate annuities, universal life products and traditional life (primarily single premium whole life) insurance products.

We manage these business segments separately, as they generally do not share the same customer base, and each has different products, pricing, and expense structures.

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For the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, property and casualty insurance business accounted for approximately 93.1 percent of our net premiums earned, of which 92.6 percent was generated from commercial lines. Life insurance business accounted for approximately 6.9 percent of our net premiums earned, of which 66.6 percent was generated from traditional life insurance products.

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 three-month period ended March 31, 2017, approximately 48.8 percent of our property and casualty premiums were written in Texas, Iowa, California, Missouri and Minnesota; approximately 62.7 percent of our life insurance premiums were written in Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Nebraska.

Segment Revenue and Expense

We evaluate segment profit or loss based upon operating and investment results. Segment profit or loss described in the following sections of this Management's Discussion and Analysis is reported on a pre-tax basis. Additional segment information is presented in Part I, Item 1, Note 7 "Segment Information" to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Our primary sources of revenue are premiums and investment income. Major categories of expenses include losses and loss settlement expenses, future policy benefits, underwriting and other operating expenses and interest on policyholders' accounts.

Profit Factors

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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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS



	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands)	2017		2016		%
Revenues
Net premiums earned	$	253,872	$	241,298	5.2	%
Investment income, net of investment expenses	25,035		22,224		12.6
Net realized investment gains	3,954		2,055		92.4
Other income	198		108		83.3
Total revenues	$	283,059	$	265,685	6.5	%

Benefits, Losses and Expenses
Losses and loss settlement expenses	$	167,623	$	142,128	17.9	%
Increase in liability for future policy benefits	8,579		12,552		(31.7	)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	52,134		50,231		3.8
Other underwriting expenses	24,890		26,753		(7.0	)
Interest on policyholders' accounts	4,744		5,247		(9.6	)
Total benefits, losses and expenses	$	257,970	$	236,911	8.9	%

Income before income taxes	$	25,089	$	28,774	(12.8	)%
Federal income tax expense	5,153		6,347		(18.8	)
Net income	$	19,936	$	22,427	(11.1	)%

The following is a summary of our financial performance for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017:

Consolidated Results of Operations

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, net income was $19.9 million compared to $22.4 million for the same period of 2016. The decrease in net income was driven by an increase in losses and loss settlement expenses from a deterioration in our core loss ratio and higher catastrophe losses; partially offset by an increase in net premiums earned from organic growth and geographical expansion. Consolidated net premiums earned increased to $253.9 million compared to $241.3 million for the same period of 2016.

Losses and loss settlement expenses increased by $25.5 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016 and the net loss ratio increased by 5.7 percentage points during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016. The increase was primarily due to the deterioration in our core loss ratio. This deterioration was primarily due to an increase in losses in our commercial and personal automobile lines of business and an increase in catastrophe losses. Pre-tax catastrophe losses for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 were $9.7 million compared to $4.3 million in the same period of 2016. The increase in catastrophe losses is primarily due to hail storms in the southern United States in the month of March.

Investment income increased by $2.8 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016. The increase in the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 was primarily due to the $2.5 million increase in the change in value of our investments in limited liability partnerships as compared to the same period in 2016.

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Consolidated Financial Condition

Our stockholders' equity increased to $960.4 million at March 31, 2017, from $941.9 million at December 31, 2016. The increase was attributable to net income of $19.9 million and an increase in net unrealized investment gains of $7.5 million, net of tax, partially offset by stockholder dividends of $6.4 million and share repurchases of $5.7 million.

Net unrealized investment gains totaled $141.4 million as of March 31, 2017, an increase of $7.5 million, net of tax, or 5.6 percent, since December 31, 2016. The increase in net unrealized investment gains is the result of the increase in the fair value of our fixed maturity security and equity security portfolios.

At March 31, 2017, the book value per share of our common stock was $37.90. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, 134,981 shares of common stock were repurchased under our share repurchase program at a total cost of $5.7 million and an average share price of $42.59. Under our share repurchase program, which is scheduled to expire on August 31, 2018, we were authorized to repurchase an additional 2,803,490 shares of our common stock as of March 31, 2017.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Property and Casualty Insurance Segment Results



	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands, Except Ratios)	2017			2016
Net premiums earned	$	236,444		$	220,225
Losses and loss settlement expenses	(156,552		)	(133,137		)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	(50,461		)	(48,413		)
Other underwriting expenses	(21,259		)	(21,619		)
Underwriting gain	$	8,172		$	17,056

Investment income, net of investment expenses	12,585			9,372
Net realized investment gains	2,249			1,737
Income before income taxes	$	23,006		$	28,165

GAAP Ratios:
Net loss ratio (without catastrophes)	62.1		%	58.5		%
Catastrophes - effect on net loss ratio	4.1			2.0
Net loss ratio⁽¹⁾	66.2		%	60.5		%
Expense ratio⁽²⁾	30.3			31.8
Combined ratio⁽³⁾	96.5		%	92.3		%

(1) The 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 unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

(2) The expense ratio is calculated by dividing nondeferred 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) The combined ratio is a commonly used financial measure of property and casualty underwriting performance. A combined ratio below 100.0 percent generally indicates a profitable book of business. The combined ratio is the sum of the net loss ratio and the underwriting expense ratio.

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, our property and casualty segment reported income before taxes of $23.0 million, a decrease of $5.2 million compared to the same period of 2016. The decrease in the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 was driven by an increase in losses and loss settlement expenses from higher a deterioration in our core loss ratio and higher catastrophe losses; partially offset by an increase in net premiums earned from organic growth and geographical expansion and an increase in investment income.

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Net premiums earned increased 7.4 percent to $236.4 million in the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, compared to $220.2 million in the same period of 2016. This increase is the result of organic growth from a combination of new business writings and geographic expansion.

The combined ratio increased 4.2 percentage points to 96.5 percent, for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, compared to 92.3 percent for the same period of 2016. The increase in the combined ratio in the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, as compared to the same period of 2016, was primarily attributable to an increase in the net loss ratio. The increase in net loss ratio was primarily driven by two items, a deterioration in our core loss ratio, which added 3.6 points to the combined ratio, and an increase in catastrophe losses, which accounted for 2.1 percentage points of the increase in the GAAP combined ratio, both partially offset by a 1.5 percentage point decrease in our expense ratio.

The net loss ratio, a component of the combined ratio, increased by 5.7 percentage points to 66.2 percent in the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, as compared to the same period of 2016, due to a deterioration in our core loss ratio and higher catastrophe losses. The deterioration in our core loss ratio was primarily due to an increase in losses in our commercial and personal automobile lines of business. Pre-tax catastrophe losses totaled $9.7 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, as compared to $4.3 million in the same period of 2016. The increase in catastrophe losses is primarily due to hail storms in the southern United States in the month of March.

The expense ratio, a component of the combined ratio, was 30.3 percent for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, a 1.5 percentage point decrease as compared with the same period of 2016. The decrease in the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 was primarily due to a decrease in post-retirement benefit expenses and contingent commission expenses; partially offset by a deterioration in the profitability of the commercial and personal auto line of business that has limited the amount of underwriting expenses eligible for deferral in our deferred acquisition costs calculation.

For a detailed discussion of our consolidated investment results, refer to the "Investment Portfolio" section below.

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. This approach tends to produce, on average, prudently conservative case reserves, which we expect to result in some level of favorable development over the course of settlement.

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2017 Development

The property and casualty insurance segment experienced $24.9 million of favorable development in our net reserves for prior accident years for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017. Two lines combined to provide the majority of favorable development while two lines developed adversely. The two largest contributors to favorable development was commercial liability, with $25.7 million of favorable development, and workers' compensation with $4.0 million of favorable development, in the three-month period ended March 31, 2017. The favorable development is also attributable to reductions in reserves for reported claims and reductions in required reserves for incurred but not reported claims along with reductions in reserves for loss adjustment expense. Reserve reductions were more than sufficient to offset claim payments and loss adjustment expense payments. Loss adjustment expense payments continue to benefit from successful management of litigation expenses. The two lines that provided a partial offset to the favorable development were assumed reinsurance with $6.1 million of adverse development and commercial fire with $2.5 million of adverse development. Adverse development for assumed reinsurance is primarily attributable to the emergence of additional reserves for reported claims. The adverse development for commercial fire was due to the emergence of 2016 accident year paid losses.

2016 Development

The property and casualty insurance segment experienced $23.9 million of favorable development in our net reserves for prior accident years for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016. Two lines combined to provide the majority of the favorable development. The largest single contributor was commercial liability, with $19.8 million of favorable development, followed by workers' compensation with $5.4 million of favorable development. Both of these lines benefited from successful claims management and continued successful management of litigation expenses. The favorable development is also attributable to reductions in reserves for reported claims as well as reductions in required reserves for incurred but not reported claims. Loss reserve reductions were more than sufficient to offset claim payments. These lines were slightly offset by $6.9 million of adverse development in the commercial fire line of business which experienced an increase in paid claims.

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 March 31, 2017, our total reserves were within our actuarial estimates.

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The following table displays our net premiums earned, net losses and loss settlement expenses and net loss ratio by line of business:




Three Months Ended March 31,	2017							2016
			Net Losses							Net Losses
			and Loss							and Loss
	Net		Settlement			Net		Net		Settlement			Net
(In Thousands, Except Ratios)	Premiums		Expenses			Loss		Premiums		Expenses			Loss
Unaudited	Earned		Incurred			Ratio		Earned		Incurred			Ratio
Commercial lines
Other liability	$	74,080	$	12,050		16.3	%	$	69,334	$	33,361		48.1	%
Fire and allied lines	55,519		46,558			83.9		52,040		33,979			65.3
Automobile	57,721		61,407			106.4		49,451		42,219			85.4
Workers' compensation	24,483		16,629			67.9		24,583		11,644			47.4
Fidelity and surety	5,897		316			5.4		5,194		(53		)	(1.0	)
Miscellaneous	378		47			12.4		389		205			52.7
Total commercial lines	$	218,078	$	137,007		62.8	%	$	200,991	$	121,355		60.4	%

Personal lines
Fire and allied lines	$	10,788	$	6,645		61.6	%	$	10,718	$	6,305		58.8	%
Automobile	6,479		6,518			100.6		6,084		4,209			69.2
Miscellaneous	279		(87		)	(31.2	)	261		183			70.1
Total personal lines	$	17,546	$	13,076		74.5	%	$	17,063	$	10,697		62.7	%
Reinsurance assumed	$	820	$	6,469		NM		$	2,171	$	1,085		50.0	%
Total	$	236,444	$	156,552		66.2	%	$	220,225	$	133,137		60.5	%

NM = Not meaningful

Below are explanations regarding significant changes in the net loss ratios by line of business;

•

Other liability - The net loss ratio improved 31.8 percentage points in the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016. Several individual items, each with favorable changes, contributed to the improvement in the loss ratio: reserves for incurred but not reported claims decreased in 2017 compared to an increase in the same period of 2016; loss adjustment expense reserve reductions were greater in 2017 than in the same period of 2016; reserves for reported claims increased less in 2017 than in the same period of 2016; and loss adjustment expense payments were lower in 2017 than compared to the same period of 2016.


•	Commercial fire and allied lines - The net loss ratio deteriorated 18.6 percentage points in the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016. The change is primarily due to a larger increase in reserves for incurred but not reported claims during 2017 compared to the same period of 2016, which is attributable to an increase in first quarter catastrophe claims.

•

Commercial automobile - The net loss ratio deteriorated 21.0 percentage points in the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016. The change was due to an increase in frequency and severity of claims in 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016 due to a number of factors, including an increase in miles driven and distracted driving. We are implementing many initiatives to improve the profitability of this line of business, which include pricing increases, stricter underwriting guidelines, new analytical tools and more rigorous loss control requirements. Our expectation is that these efforts will take a few quarters before there is a decrease in the net loss ratio.

•

Workers' compensation - The net loss ratio deteriorated 20.5 percentage points in the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016. The change was primarily due to an increase in frequency of large losses over $500,000 as compared to the same period of 2016. In the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, we received four claims over $500,000 compared to one claim in the same

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period of 2016. Despite the increase, the loss ratio continues to be within our expectations for this line of business.


•	Personal automobile - The net loss ratio deteriorated 31.4 percentage points in the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016. The change is primarily attributable to an increase in paid losses combined with an increase in claim reserves in 2017 as compared to a decrease in claim reserves in the same period of 2016.


•	Reinsurance assumed - The net loss ratio deteriorated in the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016. The increase in losses is primarily attributable to the emergence of prior year losses in the programs in which we participate, which are reported on a lag basis.

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Life Insurance Segment Results



	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands)	2017		2016
Revenues
Net premiums earned	$	17,428	$	21,073
Investment income, net of investment expenses	12,450		12,852
Net realized investment gains	1,705		318
Other income	198		108
Total revenues	$	31,781	$	34,351

Benefits, Losses and Expenses
Losses and loss settlement expenses	$	11,071	$	8,991
Increase in liability for future policy benefits	8,579		12,552
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	1,673		1,818
Other underwriting expenses	3,631		5,134
Interest on policyholders' accounts	4,744		5,247
Total benefits, losses and expenses	$	29,698	$	33,742

Income before income taxes	$	2,083	$	609

Income before income taxes increased $1.5 million in the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, as compared to the same period of 2016. The increase in net income was due to an increase in net realized investment gains and a smaller increase in liability for future policy benefits. These were offset by a decrease in net premiums earned from lower sales of single premium whole life policies ("SPWL") and an increase in losses and loss settlement expenses.

Net premiums earned decreased 17.3 percent to $17.4 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, compared to $21.1 million in the same period of 2016. The decrease in net premiums earned was primarily due to lower sales of SPWL policies. Effective January 1, 2017, we began to execute our strategy to improve profitability in our life segment by implementing pricing changes and restructuring our commission structure. As expected, these changes resulted in a decrease in sales of our SPWL products.

Net investment income decreased 3.1 percent to $12.5 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, compared to $12.9 million for the same period of 2016. The decrease is primarily due to declining reinvestment interest rates and a decrease in the size of the investment portfolio.

The increase in liability for future policy benefits decreased in the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, compared to the same period of 2016, due to a decrease in sales of SPWL policies as previously mentioned.

Deferred annuity deposits decreased 24.4 percent for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016. We continue to execute our strategy to maintain profitability rather than market share in the low interest rate environment, as spreads continued to increase in 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016.

Net cash outflow related to our annuity business was $19.5 million in the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, compared to a net cash outflow of $19.7 million in the same period of 2016. We attribute this to our strategy to maintain profitability on annuity products as previously described.

For a detailed discussion of our consolidated investment results, refer to the "Investment Portfolio" section of this item.

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Investment Portfolio

Our invested assets totaled $3.3 billion at March 31, 2017, compared to $3.3 billion at December 31, 2016, an increase of $39.8 million. At March 31, 2017, fixed maturity securities and equity securities made up 89.2 percent and 8.5 percent of the value of our investment portfolio, respectively. 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 bonds and tax-exempt U.S. municipal bonds. Our overall investment strategy is to keep our cash on hand low in the current interest rate environment. If additional cash is needed, we can borrow funds available under our revolving credit facility.

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 March 31, 2017 is presented at carrying value in the following table:



	Property & Casualty Insurance Segment				Life Insurance Segment				Total
			Percent				Percent				Percent
(In Thousands, Except Ratios)			of Total				of Total				of Total
Fixed maturities ⁽¹⁾
Held-to-maturity	$	150	—	%	$	45	—	%	$	195	—	%
Available-for-sale	1,495,747		82.3		1,436,441		96.6		2,932,188		88.7
Trading securities	14,971		0.8		—		—		14,971		0.5
Equity securities
Available-for-sale	250,940		13.8		24,744		1.7		275,684		8.3
Trading securities	6,183		0.3		—		—		6,183		0.2
Mortgage loans	—		—		3,640		0.2		3,640		0.1
Policy loans	—		—		5,396		0.4		5,396		0.2
Other long-term investments	51,055		2.8		15,969		1.1		67,024		2.0
Short-term investments	175		—		—		—		175		—
Total	$	1,819,221	100.0	%	$	1,486,235	100.0	%	$	3,305,456	100.0	%

(1) Available-for-sale securities and trading fixed maturities are carried at fair value. Held-to-maturity fixed maturities are carried at amortized cost.

At both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we classified $2.9 billion, or 99.5 percent, of our fixed maturities portfolio as available-for-sale. We classify our remaining fixed maturities as held-to-maturity or trading. We record held-to-maturity securities at amortized cost. We record available-for-sale securities at fair value, with any changes in fair value recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. We record trading securities, primarily convertible redeemable preferred debt securities, at fair value, with any changes in fair value recognized in earnings.

As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we did not have direct exposure to investments in subprime mortgages or other credit enhancement vehicles.

Credit Quality

The table below shows the composition of fixed maturity securities held in our available-for-sale, held-to-maturity and trading security portfolios, by credit rating at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Information contained in the table is generally based upon the issued credit ratings provided by Moody's, unless the rating is unavailable, in which case we obtain credit ratings from Standard & Poor's.

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(In Thousands, Except Ratios)	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
Rating	Carrying Value		% of Total		Carrying Value		% of Total
AAA	$	815,501	27.7	%	$	782,329	26.9	%
AA	885,637		30.0		857,946		29.4
A	630,293		21.4		651,696		22.4
Baa/BBB	551,101		18.7		554,475		19.0
Other/Not Rated	64,822		2.2		66,268		2.3
	$	2,947,354	100.0	%	$	2,912,714	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 used to quantify our inherent interest rate risk and analyze our ability to match our invested assets to our reserve liabilities. If our invested assets and reserve liabilities have similar durations, then any change in interest rates will have an equal effect on these accounts. 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 and annuitants 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 by 12.6 percent in the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, compared with the same period of 2016. The increase in the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 was primarily due to the change in value of our investments in limited liability partnerships as compared to the same period in 2016. We are maintaining our investment philosophy of purchasing fixed income investments rated investment grade or better.

We hold certain investments in limited liability partnerships that are recorded on the equity method of accounting, with changes in value of these investments recorded in investment income. In the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, the change in value of our investments in limited liability partnerships resulted in investment income of $1.1 million as compared to a decrease in investment income of $1.4 million in the same period of 2016. This resulted in a $2.5 million increase in investment income in the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016.

Our net realized investment gains were $4.0 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, as compared with $2.1 million in the same period of 2016.

We regularly monitor the difference between our cost basis and the estimated fair value of our investments. Our accounting policy for impairment recognition requires other-than-temporary impairment charges to be recorded when we determine that it is more likely than not that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the fixed maturity security or that the anticipated recovery in fair value of the equity security will not occur in a reasonable amount of time. Impairment charges on investments are recorded based on the fair value of the investments at the measurement date. Factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary include: the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been less than cost; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; our intention to hold the investment; and the likelihood that we will be required to sell the investment.

Changes in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities do not affect net income and earnings per share but do impact comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and book value per share. We believe that any unrealized losses on our available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2017 are temporary based upon our current

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analysis of the issuers of the securities that we hold and current market conditions. It is possible that we could recognize impairment charges in future periods on securities that we own at March 31, 2017 if future events and information cause us to determine that a decline in value is other-than-temporary. However, we endeavor to invest in high quality assets to provide protection from future credit quality issues and corresponding other-than-temporary impairment write-downs. In the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no other-than-temporary impairment write-downs.

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, annuity deposits, 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, policyholder benefits under life insurance contracts, annuity withdrawals, 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 and future policyholder benefits of the underlying insurance policies, and annuity withdrawals. The majority of our assets are invested in available-for-sale fixed maturity securities.

The following table displays a summary of cash sources and uses in 2017 and 2016:



Cash Flow Summary	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands)	2017			2016
Cash provided by (used in)
Operating activities	$	39,207		$	35,326
Investing activities	(28,228		)	20,487
Financing activities	(28,176		)	(18,281		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$	(17,197	)	$	37,532

Operating Activities

Net cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $39.2 million and $35.3 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Our cash flows from operations were sufficient to meet our liquidity needs for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

Investing Activities

Cash in excess of operating requirements is generally invested in fixed maturity securities and equity securities. Fixed maturities provide regular interest payments and allow us to match the duration of our liabilities. Equity securities provide dividend income, potential dividend income growth and potential appreciation. For further

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discussion of our investments, including our philosophy and our strategy for our portfolio, see the "Investment Portfolio" section of this item.

In addition to investment income, possible sales of investments and proceeds from calls or maturities of fixed maturity securities also can provide liquidity. During the next five years, $0.9 billion, or 31.2 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 March 31, 2017, our cash and cash equivalents included $19.1 million related to these money market accounts, compared to $16.8 million at December 31, 2016.

Net cash flows used in investing activities were $28.2 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 compared to net cash flows provided of $20.5 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, we had cash inflows from scheduled and unscheduled investment maturities, redemptions, prepayments, and sales of investments of $78.4 million and $145.4 million, respectively.

Our cash outflows for investment purchases were $105.2 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, compared to $124.3 million for the same period of 2016.

Financing Activities

Net cash flows used in financing activities were $28.2 million and $18.3 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase is due to repurchases of common stock, an increase in net annuity withdrawals and a decrease in the issuance of common stock in the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, compared to the same period of 2016.

Credit Facilities

On February 2, 2016, the Company, as borrower, entered into a Credit Agreement by and among the Company, with the lenders from time to time party thereto and KeyBank National Association, as administrative agent, swingline lender and letter of credit issuer. As of March 31, 2017, there were no balances outstanding under this credit agreement. For further discussion of our credit agreement, refer to Part I, Item 1, Note 9 "Credit Facility" to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Dividends

Dividends paid to shareholders totaled $6.4 million and $5.6 million in the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, 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, however, 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.

As a holding company with no independent operations of its own, United Fire Group, Inc. relies on dividends received from its insurance company subsidiaries in order to pay dividends to its common shareholders. Dividends payable by our insurance subsidiaries are governed by the laws in 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 March 31, 2017, United Fire Group, Inc.'s sole direct insurance company subsidiary, United Fire & Casualty Company, was able to make a maximum of $63.4 million in dividend payments without prior

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regulatory approval. These restrictions will not have a material impact in meeting the cash obligations of United Fire Group, Inc.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' equity increased 2.0 percent to $960.4 million at March 31, 2017, from $941.9 million at December 31, 2016. The increase was primarily attributable to net income of $19.9 million and an increase in net unrealized investment gains of $7.5 million, net of tax, during the first three months of 2017, partially offset by shareholder dividends of $6.4 million. At March 31, 2017, the book value per share of our common stock was $37.90 compared to $37.04 at December 31, 2016.

Funding Commitments

Pursuant to an agreement with one of our limited liability partnership investments, we are contractually committed through December 31, 2023, to make capital contributions upon request of the partnership. Our remaining potential contractual obligation was $6.9 million at March 31, 2017.

MEASUREMENT OF RESULTS

Management evaluates our operations by monitoring key measures of growth and profitability. The following section provides further explanation of the key measures management uses to evaluate our results.

Catastrophe losses is a commonly used financial measure that uses the designations of the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and are reported with losses and loss settlement expense amounts net of reinsurance recoverables, unless specified otherwise. According to the ISO, a catastrophe loss is defined as a single unpredictable incident or series of closely related incidents that result in $25.0 million or more in U.S. industry-wide direct insured losses to property and that affect a significant number of insureds and insurers ("ISO catastrophe"). In addition to ISO catastrophes, we also include as catastrophes 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. Management, at times, may determine for comparison purposes that it is more meaningful to exclude extraordinary catastrophe losses and resulting litigation. The frequency and severity of catastrophic losses we experience in any year affect our results of operations and financial position. In analyzing the underwriting performance of our property and casualty insurance segment, we evaluate performance both including and excluding catastrophe losses. Portions of our catastrophe losses may be recoverable under our catastrophe reinsurance agreements. We include a discussion of the impact of catastrophes because we believe it is meaningful for investors to understand the variability in our periodic earnings.



	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands)	2017			2016
ISO catastrophes	$	9,738		$	3,938
Non-ISO catastrophes ⁽¹⁾	(13		)	405
Total catastrophes	$	9,725		$	4,343

(1) This number includes international assumed losses.

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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 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 March 31, 2017, we did not have direct exposure to investments in sub-prime mortgages or other credit-enhancement exposures.

While our primary market risk exposure is to changes in interest rates, we do have limited exposure to changes in equity prices and limited exposure to foreign currency exchange rates.

There have been no material changes in our market risk or market risk factors from what we reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

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.

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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 March 31, 2017 to be ordinary and routine and does not expect these legal proceedings to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position 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 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2017, that could have a material effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and/or liquidity and that could cause our operating results to vary significantly from period to period. The risks described in the above mentioned report 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.

The following table provides information with respect to 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 March 31, 2017:



				Total Number of Shares	Maximum Number of
	Total			Purchased as a Part of	Shares that may yet be
	Number of	Average Price		Publicly Announced	Purchased Under the
Period	Shares Purchased	Paid per Share		Plans or Programs	Plans or Programs⁽¹⁾
1/1/2017 - 1/31/2017	—	$	—	—	2,938,471
2/1/2017 - 2/28/2017	12,000	41.85		12,000	2,926,471
3/1/2017 - 3/31/2017	122,981	42.66		122,981	2,803,490
Total	134,981	$	42.59	134,981

(1) Our share repurchase program was originally announced in August 2007. In August 2016, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 1,500,000 shares of common stock through the end of August 2018. This is in addition to the 1,528,886 shares of common stock remaining under its previous authorizations. As of March 31, 2017 we remained authorized to repurchase 2,803,490 shares of common stock.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS



Exhibit number	Exhibit description	Furnished herewith	Filed herewith
10.1	Form of Stock Award Agreement (Restricted Stock Units - Performance Units) under the United Fire Group, Inc. Stock Plan*		X
31.1	Certification of Randy A. Ramlo pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.		X
31.2	Certification of Dawn M. Jaffray pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.		X
32.1	Certification of Randy A. Ramlo 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 Dawn M. Jaffray 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 March 31, 2017 formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2017 (unaudited) and December 31, 2016; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016; (iii) Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2017; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016; and (v) Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as a block of text.		X

* Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



UNITED FIRE GROUP, INC.
(Registrant)

/s/ Randy A. Ramlo		/s/ Dawn M. Jaffray
Randy A. Ramlo		Dawn M. Jaffray
President, Chief Executive Officer,		Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Director and Principal Executive Officer		Principal Accounting Officer

May 3, 2017		May 3, 2017
(Date)		(Date)