Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements ("Financial Statements") include the accounts of the Parent and its subsidiaries, and have been prepared in conformity with: (i) U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"); and (ii) the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

(b) Use of Estimates

The preparation of our Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported financial statement balances, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Certain amounts in our prior years' Financial Statements and related notes have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on our net income, stockholders' equity, or cash flows.

(d) Investments

Fixed income securities may include bonds, redeemable preferred stocks, mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”). Fixed income securities classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) are reported at fair value. Those fixed income securities that we have the ability and positive intent to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity (“HTM”) and are carried at either: (i) amortized cost; or (ii) market value at the date of transfer into the HTM category, adjusted for subsequent amortization. The amortized cost of fixed income securities is adjusted for the amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts over the expected life of the security using the effective yield method. Premiums and discounts arising from the purchase of MBS are amortized over the expected life of the security based on future principal payments, and considering prepayments. These prepayments are estimated based on historical and projected cash flows. Prepayment assumptions are reviewed quarterly and adjusted to reflect actual prepayments and changes in expectations. Future amortization of any premium and/or discount is adjusted to reflect the revised assumptions. Interest income, as well as amortization and accretion, is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statements of Income. The amortized cost of fixed income securities is written down to fair value when a decline in value is considered to be other than temporary. See the discussion below on realized investment gains and losses for a description of the accounting for impairments. Unrealized gains and losses on fixed income securities classified as AFS, net of tax, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI").

Equity securities, which are classified as AFS, may include common stocks and non-redeemable preferred stocks, and are carried at fair value. Dividend income on these securities is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statements of Income. The associated unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, are included in AOCI. The cost of equity securities is written down to fair value when a decline in value is considered to be other than temporary. See the discussion below on realized investment gains and losses for a description of the accounting for impairments.

Short-term investments may include certain money market instruments, savings accounts, commercial paper, and other debt issues purchased with a maturity of less than one year. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. The associated income is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statement of Income.

Other investments may include alternative investments and other securities. Alternative investments are accounted for using the equity method. Our share of distributed and undistributed net income from alternative investments is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statement of Income. Included in other securities are low income housing tax credits, which are accounted for under the proportional amortization method. The remainder of our other securities are accounted for using the equity method. Under the proportional amortization method, our share of the investment’s performance is recorded in our Consolidated Statement of Income as a component of “Federal income tax expense (benefit).” Under the equity method, our share of distributed and undistributed net income is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statement of Income.

Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the cost of the specific investments sold and are credited or charged to income. Included in realized gains and losses are the other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") charges recognized in earnings, which are discussed below.

When the fair value of any investment is lower than its cost/amortized cost, an assessment is made to determine if the decline is other than temporary. We regularly review our entire investment portfolio for declines in fair value. If we believe that a decline in the value of an AFS security is temporary, we record the decline as an unrealized loss in AOCI. Temporary declines in the value of an HTM security are not recognized in the Financial Statements. Our assessment of a decline in fair value includes judgment as to the financial position and future prospects of the entity that issued the investment security, as well as a review of the security’s underlying collateral for fixed income investments. Broad changes in the overall market or interest rate environment generally will not lead to a write-down.

Fixed Income Securities and Short-Term Investments

Our evaluation for OTTI of a fixed income security or a short-term investment may include, but is not limited to, the evaluation of the following factors:


•	Whether the decline appears to be issuer or industry specific;


•	The degree to which the issuer is current or in arrears in making principal and interest payments on the fixed income security;


•	The issuer’s current financial condition and ability to make future scheduled principal and interest payments on a timely basis;


•	Evaluation of projected cash flows;


•	Buy/hold/sell recommendations published by outside investment advisors and analysts; and


•	Relevant rating history, analysis, and guidance provided by rating agencies and analysts.

OTTI charges are recognized as a realized loss to the extent that they are credit related, unless we have the intent to sell the security or it is more-likely-than not that we will be required to sell the security. In those circumstances, the security is written down to fair value with the entire amount of the writedown charged to earnings as a component of realized losses.

To determine if an impairment is other than temporary, we compare the present value of cash flows expected to be collected with the amortized cost of fixed income securities meeting certain criteria. In addition, this analysis is performed on all previously-impaired debt securities that continue to be held by us and all structured securities that were not of high-credit quality at the date of purchase. These impairment assessments may include, but are not limited to, discounted cash flow analyses ("DCFs").

For structured securities, including commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"), residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS"), ABS, and collaterialized debt obligations ("CDOs"), we also consider variables such as expected default, severity, and prepayment assumptions based on security type and vintage, taking into consideration information from credit agencies, historical performance, and other relevant economic and performance factors.

In making our assessment, we perform a DCF to determine the present value of future cash flows to be generated by the underlying collateral of the security. Any shortfall in the expected present value of the future cash flows, based on the DCF, from the amortized cost basis of a security is considered a “credit impairment,” with the remaining decline in fair value of a security considered as a “non-credit impairment.” As mentioned above, credit impairments are charged to earnings as a component of realized losses, while non-credit impairments are recorded to Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") as a component of unrealized losses.

Discounted Cash Flow Assumptions

The discount rate we use in a DCF is the effective interest rate implicit in the security at the date of acquisition for those structured securities that were not of high-credit quality at acquisition. For all other securities, we use a discount rate that equals the current yield, excluding the impact of previous OTTI charges, used to accrete the beneficial interest.

If applicable, we use a conditional default rate assumption in the DCF to estimate future defaults. The conditional default rate is the proportion of all loans outstanding in a security at the beginning of a time period that are expected to default during that period. Our assumption of this rate takes into consideration the uncertainty of future defaults as well as whether or not these securities have experienced significant cumulative losses or delinquencies to date.

If applicable, conditional default rate assumptions apply at the total collateral pool level held in the securitization trust. Generally, collateral conditional default rates will “ramp-up” over time as the collateral seasons, because the performance begins to weaken and losses begin to surface. As time passes, depending on the collateral type and vintage, losses will peak and performance will begin to improve as weaker borrowers are removed from the pool through delinquency resolutions. In the later years of a collateral pool’s life, performance is generally materially better as the resulting favorable selection of the portfolio improves the overall quality and performance.

For CMBS, we also consider the net operating income (“NOI”) generated by the underlying properties. Our assumptions of the properties’ ultimate cash flows take into consideration both an immediate reduction to the reported NOIs and decreases to projected NOIs.

If applicable, we use a loan loss severity assumption in our DCF that is applied at the loan level of the collateral pool. The loan loss severity assumptions represent the estimated percentage loss on the loan-to-value exposure for a particular security. For CMBS, the loan loss severities applied are based on property type. Losses generated from the evaluations are then applied to the entire underlying deal structure in accordance with the original service agreements.

Equity Securities

Evaluation for OTTI of an equity security may include, but is not limited to, an evaluation of the following factors:


•	Whether the decline appears to be issuer or industry specific;


•	The relationship of market prices per share to book value per share at the date of acquisition and date of evaluation;


•	The price-earnings ratio at the time of acquisition and date of evaluation;


•	The financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, including any specific events that may influence the issuer's operations, coupled with our intention to hold the securities in the near-term;


•	The recent income or loss of the issuer;


•	The independent auditors' report on the issuer's recent financial statements;


•	The dividend policy of the issuer at the date of acquisition and the date of evaluation;


•	Buy/hold/sell recommendations or price projections published by outside investment advisors;


•	Rating agency announcements;


•	The length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been, or is expected to be, less than its cost in the near term; and


•	Our expectation of when the cost of the security will be recovered.

If there is a decline in the fair value on an equity security that we do not intend to hold, or if we determine the decline is other-than-temporary, including declines driven by market volatility for which we cannot assert will recover in the near term, we will write down the carrying value of the investment and record the charge through earnings as a component of realized losses.

Other Investments

Our evaluation for OTTI of an other investment (i.e., an alternative investment) may include, but is not limited to, conversations with the management of the alternative investment concerning the following:


•	The current investment strategy;


•	Changes made or future changes to be made to the investment strategy;


•	Emerging issues that may affect the success of the strategy; and


•	The appropriateness of the valuation methodology used regarding the underlying investments.

If there is a decline in the equity method value of an other investment that we do not intend to hold, or if we determine the decline is other than temporary, we write down the cost of the investment and record the charge through earnings as a component of realized losses.

(e) Fair Values of Financial Instruments

Assets

The fair values of our investments are generated using various valuation techniques and are placed into the fair value hierarchy considering the following: (i) the highest priority is given to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1); (ii) the next highest priority is given to quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets in markets that are not active and other inputs that can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets (Level 2); and (iii) the lowest priority is given to unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity and that reflect our assumptions about the exit price, including assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset (Level 3). An asset’s classification within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its valuation. Transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy are recognized at the end of the reporting period.

The techniques used to value our financial assets are as follows:

•

For valuations of a large portion of our equity securities portfolio, as well as U.S. Treasury Notes held in our fixed income securities portfolio, we receive prices from an independent pricing service that are based on observable market transactions. We validate these prices against a second external pricing service, and if established market value comparison thresholds are breached, further analysis is performed, in conjunction with our external investment managers, to determine the price to be used. These securities are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

•

For approximately 99% of our fixed income securities portfolio, we utilize a market approach, using primarily matrix pricing models prepared by external pricing services. Matrix pricing models use mathematical techniques to value debt securities by relying on the securities relationship to other benchmark quoted securities, and not relying exclusively on quoted prices for specific securities, as the specific securities are not always frequently traded. As a matter of policy, we consistently use one pricing service as our primary source and secondary pricing services if prices are not available from the primary pricing service. In conjunction with our external investment portfolio managers, fixed income securities portfolio pricing is reviewed for reasonableness in the following ways: (i) comparing our pricing to other third-party pricing services as well as benchmark indexed pricing; (ii) comparing positions traded directly by the external investment portfolio managers to prices received from the third-party pricing services; (iii) comparing market value fluctuations between months for reasonableness; and (iv) reviewing stale prices. If further analysis is needed, a challenge is sent to the pricing service for review and confirmation of the price. These prices are typically Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

•

For the small portion of our fixed income securities portfolio that we cannot price using our primary or secondary service, we typically use non-binding broker quotes. These prices are from various broker/dealers that use bid or ask prices, or benchmarks to indices, in measuring the fair value of a security. For the small portion of non-public equity securities that we hold, we typically receive prices from a third party pricing service or through statements provided by the security issuer. In conjunction with our external investment portfolio managers, these fair value measurements are reviewed for reasonableness. This review typically includes an analysis of price fluctuations between months with variances over established thresholds being analyzed further. These prices are generally classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, as the inputs cannot be corroborated by observable market data.


•	Short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Given the liquid nature of our short-term investments, we generally validate their fair value by way of active trades within approximately one week of the financial statement close. These securities are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

Liabilities

The techniques used to value our notes payable are as follows:


•	The fair value of the 5.875% Senior Notes due February 9, 2043 is based on quoted market prices.


•	The fair values of the 7.25% Senior Notes due November 15, 2034 and the 6.70% Senior Notes due November 1, 2035 are based on matrix pricing models prepared by external pricing services.


•	The fair value of the 1.25% and recently repaid 2.90% borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) are estimated using a DCF based on a current borrowing rate provided by the FHLBI consistent with the remaining term of the borrowing.

See Note 7. “Fair Value Measurements” for a summary table of the fair value and related carrying amounts of financial instruments.

(f) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts on our premiums receivable. This allowance is based on historical write-off percentages adjusted for the effects of current and anticipated trends. An account is charged off when we believe it is probable that we will not collect a receivable. In making this determination, we consider information obtained from our efforts to collect amounts due directly and/or through collection agencies.

(g) Share-Based Compensation

Share-based compensation consists of all share-based payment transactions in which an entity acquires goods or services by issuing (or offering to issue) its shares, share units, share options, or other equity instruments. The cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions are recognized in the Financial Statements based on the fair value of both equity and liability awards. The fair value is measured at grant date for equity awards, whereas the fair value for liability awards are remeasured at each reporting period. Both the fair value of equity and liability awards is recognized over the requisite service period. The requisite service period is typically the lesser of the vesting period or the period of time from the grant date to the date of retirement eligibility. The expense recognized for share-based awards, which, in some cases, contain performance criteria, is based on the number of shares or units expected to be issued at the end of the performance period.

(h) Reinsurance

Reinsurance recoverables represent estimates of amounts that will be recovered from reinsurers under our various treaties. Generally, amounts recoverable from reinsurers are recognized as assets at the same time and in a manner consistent with the paid and unpaid losses associated with the reinsured policies. We require collateral to secure reinsurance recoverables primarily from our reinsurance carriers that are not authorized, otherwise approved, or certified to do business in our Insurance Subsidiaries’ domiciliary states. This collateral is typically in the form or a letter of credit or cash. An allowance for estimated uncollectible reinsurance is recorded based on an evaluation of balances due from reinsurers and other available information, such as each reinsurers' credit rating from A.M. Best and Company ("A.M. Best") or Standard & Poor's Rating Services ("S&P"). We charge off reinsurance recoverables on paid losses when it becomes probable that we will not collect the balance.

(i) Property and Equipment

Property and equipment used in operations, including certain costs incurred to develop or obtain computer software for internal use, are capitalized and carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The following estimated useful lives can be considered as general guidelines:



Asset Category		Years
Computer hardware		3
Computer software		3 to 5
Internally developed software		5
Furniture and fixtures		10
Buildings and improvements		5 to 40

We recorded depreciation expense of $12.6 million, $10.2 million, and $9.2 million for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

(j) Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Deferred policy acquisition costs are limited to costs directly related to the successful acquisition of insurance contracts. Costs meeting this definition typically include, among other things, sales commissions paid to our distribution partners, premium taxes, and the portion of employee salaries and benefits directly related to time spent on acquired contracts. These costs are deferred and amortized over the life of the contracts.

Accounting guidance requires a premium deficiency analysis to be performed at the level an entity acquires, services, and measures the profitability of its insurance contracts. We currently perform three premium deficiency analyses for our insurance segments, consistent with our segments of Standard Commercial Lines, Standard Personal Lines, and E&S Lines. This is a change from the insurance segments that we have previously reported. For qualitative information behind the change, see Note 11. "Segment Information" below.

There were no premium deficiencies for any of the reported years, as the sum of the anticipated losses and loss expenses, unamortized acquisition costs, policyholder dividends, and other expenses for Standard Commercial Lines, Standard Personal Lines, and E&S Lines did not exceed the related unearned premium and anticipated investment income. The investment yields assumed in the premium deficiency assessment for each reporting period, which are based on our actual average investment yield before tax as of the September 30 calculation date were 3.0% for both 2014 and 2013, and 3.1% for 2012. Deferred policy acquisition costs amortized to expense were $364.3 million for 2014, $331.8 million for 2013, and $298.5 million for 2012.

(k) Goodwill

Goodwill results from business acquisitions where the cost of assets and liabilities acquired exceeds the fair value of those assets and liabilities. A quantitative goodwill impairment analysis is performed if a quarterly qualitative analysis indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Goodwill is allocated to the reporting units for purposes of these analyses.

(l) Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses

Reserves for losses and loss expenses are comprised of both case reserves and reserves for claims incurred but not yet reported ("IBNR"). Case reserves result from claims that have been reported to one or more of our ten insurance subsidiaries, which are collectively referred to as the "Insurance Subsidiaries," and are estimated for the amount of ultimate payment. IBNR reserves are established based on generally accepted actuarial techniques. Such techniques assume that past experience, adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, are an appropriate basis for predicting future events. In applying generally accepted actuarial techniques, we consider a range of possible loss and loss expense reserves in establishing IBNR.

The internal assumptions we consider in the estimation of the IBNR amounts for both asbestos and environmental and non-environmental reserves at our reporting dates are based on: (i) an analysis of both paid and incurred loss and loss expense development trends; (ii) an analysis of both paid and incurred claim count development trends; (iii) the exposure estimates for reported claims; (iv) recent development on exposure estimates with respect to individual large claims and the aggregate of all claims; (v) the rate at which new asbestos and environmental claims are being reported; and (vi) patterns of events observed by claims personnel or reported to them by defense counsel. External factors we monitor for the estimation of IBNR for both asbestos and environmental and non-environmental IBNR reserves include: (i) legislative enactments; (ii) judicial decisions; (iii) legal developments in the determination of liability and the imposition of damages; and (iv) trends in general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. Adjustments to IBNR are made periodically to take into account changes in the volume of business written, claims frequency and severity, the mix of business, claims processing, and other items that management expects to affect our reserves for losses and loss expenses over time.

By using both individual estimates of reported claims and generally accepted actuarial reserving techniques, we estimate the ultimate net liability for losses and loss expenses. While the ultimate actual liability may be higher or lower than reserves established, we believe the reserves make a reasonable provision, in the aggregate, for all unpaid losses and loss expenses incurred. Any changes in the liability estimate may be material to the results of operations in future periods. We do not discount to present value that portion of our losses and loss expense reserves expected to be paid in future periods; however, our loss and loss expense reserves include anticipated recoveries for salvage and subrogation claims.

Overall reserves are reviewed for adequacy on a periodic basis. As part of the periodic review, we consider the range of possible loss and loss expense reserves, determined at the beginning of the year. This process assumes that past experience, adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate basis for predicting future events. However, there is no precise method for subsequently evaluating the impact of any specific factor on the adequacy of reserves because the eventual deficiency or redundancy is affected by many factors. Based upon such reviews, we believe that the estimated reserves for losses and loss expenses make a reasonable provision to cover the ultimate cost of claims. However, the ultimate actual liability may be higher or lower than the reserve established. The changes in these estimates, resulting from the continuous review process and the differences between estimates and ultimate payments, are reflected in the consolidated statements of income for the period in which such estimates are changed and may be material to the results of operations in future periods.

(m) Revenue Recognition

The Insurance Subsidiaries' net premiums written include direct insurance policy writings, plus reinsurance assumed and estimates of premiums earned but unbilled on the workers compensation and general liability lines of insurance, less reinsurance ceded. The estimated premium on the workers compensation and general liability lines is referred to as audit premium. We estimate this premium, as it is anticipated to be either billed or returned on policies subsequent to expiration based on exposure levels (i.e. payroll or sales). Audit premium is based on historical trends adjusted for the uncertainty of future economic conditions. Economic instability could ultimately impact our estimates and assumptions, and changes in our estimate may be material to the results of operations in future periods. Premiums written are recognized as revenue over the period that coverage is provided using the semi-monthly pro-rata method. Unearned premiums and prepaid reinsurance premiums represent that portion of premiums written that are applicable to the unexpired terms of policies in force.

(n) Dividends to Policyholders

We establish reserves for dividends to policyholders on certain policies, most significantly workers compensation policies. These dividends are based on the policyholders' loss experience. The dividend reserves are established based on past experience, adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends. The expense for these dividends is recognized over a period that begins at policy inception and ends with the payment of the dividend. We do not issue policies that entitle the policyholder to participate in the earnings or surplus of our Insurance Subsidiaries.

(o) Federal Income Tax

We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Current federal income taxes are recognized for the estimated taxes payable or refundable on tax returns for the current year. Deferred federal income taxes arise from the recognition of temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. We consider all evidence, both positive and negative, with respect to our federal tax loss carryback availability, expected levels of pre-tax financial statement income, and federal taxable income, when evaluating whether the temporary differences will be realized. In projecting future taxable income, we begin with budgeted pre-tax income adjusted for estimated non-taxable items. The assumptions about future taxable income require significant judgment and are consistent with the plans and estimates we use to manage our businesses. A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. A liability for uncertain tax positions is recorded when it is more likely than not that a tax position will not be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period of enactment. If we were to be levied interest and penalties by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) the interest would be recognized as “Interest expense” and the penalties would be recognized as “Other expense” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

(p) Leases

We have various operating leases for office space and equipment. Rental expense for such leases is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. If a lease has a fixed and determinable escalation clause, or periods of rent holidays, the difference between rental expense and rent paid is included in "Other liabilities" as deferred rent in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In addition, we have various capital leases for computer hardware and software. These leases are accounted for as an acquisition of an asset and an incurrence of an obligation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term.

(q) Pension

Our pension and post-retirement life benefit obligations and related costs are calculated using actuarial methods, within the framework of GAAP. Our pension benefit obligation is determined as the actuarial present value of the vested benefits to which the employee is currently entitled, but based on the employee's expected date of separation or retirement. Two key assumptions, the discount rate and the expected return on plan assets, are important elements of expense and/or liability measurement. We evaluate these key assumptions annually unless facts indicate that a more frequent review is required. The discount rate enables us to state expected future cash flows at their present value on the measurement date. The purpose of the discount rate is to determine the interest rates inherent in the price at which pension benefits could be effectively settled. Our discount rate selection is based on high-quality, long-term corporate bonds. To determine the expected long-term rate of return on the plan assets, we consider the current and expected asset allocation, as well as historical and expected returns on each plan asset class. Other assumptions involve demographic factors such as retirement age, mortality, turnover, and rate of compensation increases. In the fourth quarter of 2014, we updated our mortality assumption to reflect RP-2014, which is the table that was most recently adopted by the U.S. Society of Actuaries.