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. 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.

Discontinued Operations

We have historically reported our operations in two business segments: property and casualty insurance and life insurance. On September 18, 2017, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell its subsidiary, United Life Insurance Company, to Kuvare US Holdings, Inc. ("Kuvare"). As a result, our life insurance business, previously a separate segment, has been considered held for sale and reported as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (collectively, the "Consolidated Financial Statements"). Subsequent to the announcement of this sale, our continuing operations are now reported as one business segment. All current and prior periods reflected in this Form 10-Q have been presented as continuing and discontinued operations, unless otherwise noted. The sale is expected to close in the first half of 2018, subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approval. For more information, refer to Note 11. Discontinued Operations.

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 September 30, 2017 and for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 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 nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we made payments for income taxes for continuing operations totaling $7,648 and $24,026, respectively. We received a tax refund of $10,000 during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017. We did not receive a tax refund during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016.

For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we made no interest payments (excluding interest credited to policyholders’ accounts).

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 nine-month period ended September 30, 2017.




	Continuing Operations			Discontinued Operations
	Property & Casualty Insurance			Life Insurance			Total
Recorded asset at beginning of period	$	93,362		$	70,750		$	164,112
Underwriting costs deferred	158,960			4,192			163,152
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	(154,845		)	(5,524		)	(160,369		)
Ending unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs	$	97,477		$	69,418		$	166,895
Impact of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities	—			(3,582		)	(3,582		)
Recorded asset at September 30, 2017	$	97,477		$	65,836		$	163,313

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 $9,995 and $6,413 at September 30, 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 benefit from continuing and discontinued operations on a consolidated basis of $10,400 and a federal income tax expenses $6,904 for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 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 not that the positions will be sustained, the Company will calculate any unrecognized tax benefits and, if necessary, calculate and accrue any related interest and penalties. We did not recognize any liability for unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 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.

With regard to the sale of our life insurance subsidiary, federal income taxes will be allocated to continuing and discontinued operations in accordance with the Company’s tax allocation agreement and the terms of the definitive agreement related to the sale.

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 2014. The Internal Revenue Service is conducting routine examinations of our income tax return for the 2015 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 $62 and $546 during the three- and nine-months ended September 30, 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 Company has completed its review of revenue streams under this new guidance and concluded that the adoption of the new guidance will have no impact on the Company's reporting and disclosure of net premiums earned from insurance contracts, net investment income or net realized gains and losses, as these items are not within the scope of this new guidance. The Company's primary revenue streams from insurance contracts, investment income and net realized gains and losses, are out of scope under this new guidance. The remaining revenue streams are immaterial and not impacted by the new standard.

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. If the new guidance were adopted as of September 30, 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 September 30, 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.

Share-Based Payments

In May 2017, the FASB issued new guidance which clarifies and addresses the diversity in practice when there is a change in the terms of a share-based payment award. The updated guidance clarifies when to use modification accounting when there is a change in the terms of a share-based payment and provides three conditions where modification accounting should not be applied. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company will adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 2018 and is currently evaluating 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.

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.