ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY 10-Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PERSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008
Commission file number 0-24000
ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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PENNSYLVANIA
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25-0466020 |
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(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.) |
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100 Erie Insurance Place, Erie, Pennsylvania
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16530 |
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(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code) |
(814) 870-2785
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Not applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of
the Securities Act.
Yes þ No o
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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer,
a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer þ
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Accelerated filer o
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Non-accelerated filer o
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Smaller reporting company o |
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(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No þ
The number of shares outstanding of the registrants Class A Common Stock as of the latest
practicable date, with no par value and a stated value of $.0292 per share, was 51,801,612 at April
23, 2008.
The number of shares outstanding of the registrants Class B Common Stock as of the latest
practicable date, with no par value and a stated value of $70 per share, was 2,551 at April 23,
2008.
The common stock is the only class of stock the registrant is presently authorized to issue.
INDEX
ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
2
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(dollars in thousands, except share data)
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March 31, |
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December 31, |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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(Unaudited) |
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Assets |
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Investments |
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Available-for-sale securities, at fair value: |
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Fixed maturities (amortized cost of $659,870 and $702,488,
respectively) |
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$ |
659,470 |
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$ |
703,406 |
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Equity securities (cost of $112,322 and $204,005, respectively) |
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107,967 |
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218,270 |
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Trading securities, at fair value (cost of $107,125) |
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110,664 |
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0 |
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Limited partnerships (cost of $239,001 and $235,886, respectively) |
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290,508 |
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292,503 |
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Real estate mortgage loans |
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4,511 |
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4,556 |
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Total investments |
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1,173,120 |
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1,218,735 |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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31,201 |
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31,070 |
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Accrued investment income |
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10,085 |
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9,713 |
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Premiums receivable from policyholders |
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241,098 |
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243,612 |
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Federal income taxes recoverable |
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0 |
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1,451 |
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Reinsurance recoverable from Erie Insurance Exchange on unpaid
losses and loss adjustment expenses |
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825,345 |
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833,554 |
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Ceded unearned premiums to Erie Insurance Exchange |
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113,400 |
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110,524 |
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Note receivable from Erie Family Life Insurance |
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25,000 |
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25,000 |
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Other receivables due from Erie Insurance Exchange and affiliates |
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230,607 |
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208,752 |
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Reinsurance recoverable from non-affiliates |
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2,439 |
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2,323 |
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Deferred policy acquisition costs |
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15,919 |
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16,129 |
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Equity in Erie Family Life Insurance |
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58,977 |
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59,046 |
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Securities lending collateral |
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31,505 |
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30,370 |
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Pension plan asset |
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31,284 |
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32,460 |
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Other assets |
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60,976 |
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55,884 |
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Total assets |
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$ |
2,850,956 |
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$ |
2,878,623 |
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See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except share data)
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March 31, |
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December 31, |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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(Unaudited) |
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Liabilities and shareholders equity |
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Liabilities |
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Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses |
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$ |
1,017,054 |
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$ |
1,026,531 |
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Unearned premiums |
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417,298 |
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421,263 |
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Commissions payable and accrued |
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126,799 |
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122,473 |
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Agent bonuses |
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17,939 |
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94,458 |
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Securities lending collateral |
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31,505 |
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30,370 |
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Bank line of credit |
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75,000 |
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0 |
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Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
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68,931 |
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41,057 |
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Deferred executive compensation |
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21,836 |
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23,499 |
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Federal income taxes payable |
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16,986 |
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0 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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8,611 |
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14,598 |
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Dividends payable |
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23,107 |
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23,637 |
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Employee benefit obligations |
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29,930 |
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29,458 |
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Total liabilities |
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1,854,996 |
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1,827,344 |
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Shareholders Equity |
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Capital stock: |
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Class A common, stated value $.0292 per share; authorized
74,996,930 shares; issued 68,277,600 shares; 52,134,286 and
53,338,937 shares outstanding, respectively |
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1,991 |
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1,991 |
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Class B common, convertible at a rate of 2,400 Class A
shares for one Class B share, stated value $70 per share;
and 2,551 shares authorized, issued and outstanding |
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179 |
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179 |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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7,830 |
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7,830 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income |
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(2,453 |
) |
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10,048 |
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Retained earnings, before cumulative effect adjustment |
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1,747,044 |
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1,740,174 |
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Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, net of tax |
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11,191 |
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0 |
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Retained earnings, after cumulative effect adjustment |
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1,758,235 |
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1,740,174 |
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Total contributed capital and retained earnings |
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1,765,782 |
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1,760,222 |
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Treasury stock, at cost, 16,143,314 and 14,938,663 shares,
respectively |
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(769,822 |
) |
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(708,943 |
) |
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Total shareholders equity |
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995,960 |
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1,051,279 |
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Total liabilities and shareholders equity |
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$ |
2,850,956 |
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$ |
2,878,623 |
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See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
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Three months ended March 31, |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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Operating revenue |
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Management fee revenue, net |
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$ |
216,971 |
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$ |
216,020 |
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Premiums earned |
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51,926 |
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51,974 |
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Service agreement revenue |
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7,391 |
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7,418 |
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Total operating revenue |
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276,288 |
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275,412 |
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Operating expenses |
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Cost of management operations |
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181,119 |
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179,886 |
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Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred |
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33,760 |
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32,234 |
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Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses |
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11,999 |
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11,995 |
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Total operating expenses |
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226,878 |
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224,115 |
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Investment (loss) income unaffiliated |
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Investment income, net of expenses |
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11,672 |
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13,978 |
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Net realized (losses) gains on investments |
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(24,579 |
) |
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1,890 |
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Equity in earnings of limited partnerships |
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7,978 |
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12,518 |
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Total investment (loss) income unaffiliated |
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(4,929 |
) |
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28,386 |
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Income before income taxes and equity in (losses)
earnings of Erie Family Life Insurance |
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44,481 |
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79,683 |
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Provision for income taxes |
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14,251 |
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24,592 |
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Equity in (losses) earnings of Erie Family Life Insurance, net of tax |
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(253 |
) |
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|
1,270 |
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Net income |
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$ |
29,977 |
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$ |
56,361 |
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Net income per share |
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Class A common stock basic |
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$ |
0.57 |
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$ |
0.97 |
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Class A common stock diluted |
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0.51 |
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0.88 |
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Class B common stock basic and diluted |
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84.57 |
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149.01 |
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Weighted average shares outstanding basic |
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Class A common stock |
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52,827,878 |
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|
57,691,289 |
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Class B common stock |
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2,551 |
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|
2,573 |
|
Weighted average shares outstanding diluted |
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Class A common stock |
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58,965,265 |
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63,906,458 |
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Class B common stock |
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2,551 |
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2,573 |
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Dividends declared per share |
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Class A common stock |
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$ |
0.44 |
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$ |
0.40 |
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Class B common stock |
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66.00 |
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|
60.00 |
|
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
5
ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(dollars in thousands)
|
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|
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|
Three months ended March 31, |
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|
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2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Accumulated
other comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance,
beginning of period |
|
$ |
10,048 |
|
|
$ |
5,422 |
|
Adjustment
to opening balance, net of tax* |
|
|
(11,190 |
) |
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|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted
balance, beginning of period |
|
|
(1,142 |
) |
|
|
5,422 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross unrealized (losses) gains arising during period |
|
|
(12,904 |
) |
|
|
3,794 |
|
Less:
reclassification adjustment for gross realized losses (gains) included in net income |
|
|
10,888 |
|
|
|
(1,890 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in comprehensive income, before tax |
|
|
(2,016 |
) |
|
|
1,904 |
|
Income tax
benefit (expense) related to items of other
comprehensive income |
|
|
705 |
|
|
|
(666 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in other comprehensive income, net of tax |
|
|
(1,311 |
) |
|
|
1,238 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end
of period |
|
$ |
(2,453 |
) |
|
$ |
6,660 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
29,977 |
|
|
$ |
56,361 |
|
Net change
in Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
(1,311 |
) |
|
|
1,238 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income |
|
$ |
28,666 |
|
|
$ |
57,599 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
* |
|
Unrealized gains related to common stocks were reclassified to retained earnings upon the adoption
of the fair value option in accordance with SFAS No. 159. See Note 6 for further discussion. |
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
6
ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(dollars in thousands)
|
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|
|
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|
Three months ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management fee received |
|
$ |
193,955 |
|
|
$ |
223,952 |
|
Service agreement fee received |
|
|
6,991 |
|
|
|
7,818 |
|
Premiums collected |
|
|
50,359 |
|
|
|
50,165 |
|
Settlement of commutation received from Exchange |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
6,782 |
|
Net investment income received |
|
|
12,634 |
|
|
|
13,577 |
|
Limited partnership distributions |
|
|
29,616 |
|
|
|
15,776 |
|
Salaries and wages paid |
|
|
(25,551 |
) |
|
|
(27,831 |
) |
Employee benefits paid |
|
|
(5,858 |
) |
|
|
(9,759 |
) |
Commissions paid to agents |
|
|
(96,444 |
) |
|
|
(95,142 |
) |
Agent bonuses paid |
|
|
(94,399 |
) |
|
|
(91,403 |
) |
General operating expenses paid |
|
|
(30,737 |
) |
|
|
(26,827 |
) |
Losses paid |
|
|
(29,404 |
) |
|
|
(29,023 |
) |
Loss adjustment expenses paid |
|
|
(5,560 |
) |
|
|
(6,198 |
) |
Other underwriting and acquisition costs paid |
|
|
(16,880 |
) |
|
|
(16,985 |
) |
Income taxes (paid) recovered |
|
|
(2,475 |
) |
|
|
1,077 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities |
|
|
(13,753 |
) |
|
|
15,979 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of investments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturities |
|
|
(25,523 |
) |
|
|
(62,421 |
) |
Preferred stock |
|
|
(12,972 |
) |
|
|
(9,101 |
) |
Common stock |
|
|
(26,475 |
) |
|
|
(14,280 |
) |
Limited partnerships |
|
|
(18,480 |
) |
|
|
(24,131 |
) |
Sales/maturities of investments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturity sales |
|
|
50,207 |
|
|
|
31,504 |
|
Fixed maturity calls/maturities |
|
|
13,656 |
|
|
|
25,992 |
|
Preferred stock |
|
|
7,692 |
|
|
|
4,531 |
|
Common stock |
|
|
12,795 |
|
|
|
18,736 |
|
Return on limited partnerships |
|
|
1,238 |
|
|
|
2,849 |
|
Purchase of property and equipment |
|
|
(3,605 |
) |
|
|
(753 |
) |
Net distributions of agent loans |
|
|
(1,049 |
) |
|
|
(231 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(2,516 |
) |
|
|
(27,305 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from bank line of credit |
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of treasury stock |
|
|
(34,962 |
) |
|
|
(15,072 |
) |
Dividends paid to shareholders |
|
|
(23,638 |
) |
|
|
(23,265 |
) |
Increase in collateral from securities lending |
|
|
1,135 |
|
|
|
3,721 |
|
Redemption of securities lending collateral |
|
|
(1,135 |
) |
|
|
(3,721 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
|
|
16,400 |
|
|
|
(38,337 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
131 |
|
|
|
(49,663 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
|
|
31,070 |
|
|
|
60,241 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
|
$ |
31,201 |
|
|
$ |
10,578 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
7
ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1 BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements, which include the accounts of Erie
Indemnity Company and our wholly owned property/casualty insurance subsidiaries, Erie Insurance
Company (EIC), Erie Insurance Company of New York (EINY) and Erie Insurance Property and Casualty
Company (EIPC), have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States of America for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q
and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and
footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for complete financial
statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring
accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for
the three-month period ended March 31, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may
be expected for the year ending December 31, 2008. For further information, refer to the
consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2008.
Erie Insurance Exchange (Exchange), for whom we serve as attorney-in-fact, and its
property/casualty subsidiary, Flagship City Insurance Company, our three insurance subsidiaries,
EIC, EICNY and EIPC and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (EFL) operate collectively as the Erie
Insurance Group (Group).
NOTE 2 RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In 2007, The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
(SFAS 159). SFAS 159 gave us the irrevocable option to report selected financial assets and
liabilities at fair value. SFAS 159 also established presentation and disclosure requirements
designed to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different measurement bases for
similar types of assets and liabilities. We adopted the fair value option for our common stock
portfolio as of January 1, 2008 because it better reflects the way we manage our common stock
portfolio under a total return approach. These assets were formerly accounted for as
available-for-sale under SFAS 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity
Securities, with changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income. Beginning January
1, 2008 all changes in fair value of our common stock are recognized in earnings as they occur. The
adoption of SFAS 159 required the unrealized gains and losses on these securities at January 1,
2008 to be included in a cumulative effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings. The net
impact of the cumulative effect adjustment for our common stock portfolio on January 1, 2008
increased retained earnings and reduced other comprehensive income by $11.2 million, net of tax.
See also Note 6 herein.
In 2006, SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements, was issued and provides guidance for using fair
value to measure assets and liabilities as well as enhances disclosures about fair value
measurements. The standard applies whenever other standards require, or permit, assets or
liabilities to be measured at fair value. The standard did not expand the use of fair value in any
new circumstances and thus, did not have an impact on our financial position, results of operations
or cash flows. The statement established a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the observable
and unobservable inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels.
Quantitative and qualitative disclosures will focus on the inputs used to measure fair value for
these measurements and the effects of these measurements in the financial statements. We
implemented this standard during the first quarter of 2008 and have provided the required
disclosures concerning inputs used to measure fair value in Note 6 herein.
8
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 3 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Available-for-sale securities
Fixed maturity and preferred stock securities are classified as available-for-sale and are reported
at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of related tax effects, on fixed
maturities and preferred stock are charged or credited directly to shareholders equity as
accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.
Realized gains and losses on sales of fixed maturity and preferred stock securities are recognized
in income based upon the specific identification method. Interest and dividend income are
recognized as earned.
Fixed income and preferred stock securities are evaluated quarterly for other-than-temporary
impairment loss. Some factors considered in evaluating whether or not a decline in fair value is
other-than-temporary include:
|
|
|
the extent and duration to which fair value is less than cost; |
|
|
|
|
historical operating performance and financial condition of the issuer; |
|
|
|
|
short and long-term prospects of the issuer and its industry based on analysts
recommendations; |
|
|
|
|
specific events that occurred affecting the issuer, including a ratings downgrade; and |
|
|
|
|
our ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow
for a recovery in value. |
An investment that is deemed impaired is written down to its estimated fair value. Impairment
charges are included in net realized (losses) gains in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Trading securities
Common stock securities were classified from available-for-sale at December 31, 2007 to trading in
the first quarter of 2008 with our adoption of SFAS 159. Common stock securities are reported at
fair value. As of January 1, 2008, unrealized gains and losses on these securities are included in
net realized (losses) gains in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Realized gains and
losses on sales of common stock are recognized in income based upon the specific identification
method. Dividend income is recognized as earned.
NOTE 4 RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain amounts previously reported in the 2007 financial statements have been reclassified to
conform to the current periods presentation. Such reclassifications only affected the statements
of cash flows.
NOTE 5 EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings per share are calculated under the two-class method, which allocates earnings to each
class of stock based on its dividend rights. Class B shares are convertible into Class A shares at
a conversion ratio of 2,400 to 1. Class A diluted earnings per share are calculated under the
if-converted method which reflects the conversion of Class B shares and the effect of potentially
dilutive outstanding employee stock-based awards under the long-term incentive plan and awards not
yet vested related to the outside directors stock compensation plan.
9
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 5 EARNINGS PER SHARE (Continued)
A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in the basic and diluted per-share
computations is presented below for each class of common stock:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
|
Allocated |
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
Allocated |
|
Weighted |
|
|
(dollars in thousands, |
|
net income |
|
shares |
|
Per-share |
|
net income |
|
shares |
|
Per-share |
except per share data) |
|
(numerator) |
|
(denominator) |
|
amount |
|
(numerator) |
|
(denominator) |
|
amount |
|
|
|
Class A Basic EPS: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income available to Class A
stockholders |
|
$ |
29,761 |
|
|
|
52,827,878 |
|
|
$ |
0.57 |
|
|
$ |
55,978 |
|
|
|
57,691,289 |
|
|
$ |
0.97 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dilutive effect of stock awards |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
14,987 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
39,969 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumed conversion of Class B
shares |
|
|
216 |
|
|
|
6,122,400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
383 |
|
|
|
6,175,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A Diluted EPS: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income available to Class A
stockholders on
Class A equivalent shares |
|
$ |
29,977 |
|
|
|
58,965,265 |
|
|
$ |
0.51 |
|
|
$ |
56,361 |
|
|
|
63,906,458 |
|
|
$ |
0.88 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class B Basic and diluted EPS: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income available to Class B
stockholders |
|
$ |
216 |
|
|
|
2,551 |
|
|
$ |
84.57 |
|
|
$ |
383 |
|
|
|
2,573 |
|
|
$ |
149.01 |
|
|
|
|
Included in the restricted stock awards not yet vested are awards of 12,535 and 37,716 for the
first quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively, related to our pre-2004 long-term incentive plan for
executive and senior management. Awards not yet vested related to the outside directors stock
compensation plan were 2,452 and 2,253 for the first quarters of 2008 and 2007, respectively.
NOTE 6 FAIR VALUE
Fair Value Measurement (SFAS 157)
SFAS 157 provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities and enhances
disclosures about fair value measurement (see Note 2). The standard describes three levels of
inputs that may be used to measure fair value which are provided below.
Valuation techniques used to derive fair value of our available-for-sale and trading securities are
based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from
independent sources. Unobservable inputs reflect our own assumptions regarding exit market pricing
for these securities. These techniques provide the inputs for the following fair value hierarchy:
|
|
|
Level 1
|
|
Unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Such prices are obtained from third-party nationally recognized pricing services. |
10
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 6 FAIR VALUE (Continued)
|
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for
the asset. These would include observable broker or dealer quotes. |
|
|
|
Level 3
|
|
Inputs are unobservable for the security. Fair values are determined using comparable securities or valuations received from various broker or dealer quotes. |
We value our municipal securities, mortgage backed securities,
asset-backed securities, collateralized-mortgage-obligation securities, foreign and domestic corporate
bonds and redeemable preferred stock with Level 2 inputs provided by third party nationally recognized
pricing services. A certain amount of these holdings may also be valued using Level 3 inputs. For Level 3 fixed maturities fair
values are generally determined by outside brokers or dealers. Examples of Level 3 fixed maturities may
include certain private redeemable preferred stock and bond securities, collateralized debt and loan obligations, and
credit linked notes.
For our holdings in publicly traded common and nonredeemable
preferred stocks Level 1 inputs from third party
nationally recognized pricing services are used to determine fair value. Instances exist when current market quotes in
active markets are unavailable for certain nonredeemable preferred stocks. In these instances, we receive estimated fair
values from the pricing services that provide fair values for our fixed maturity holdings; these are included as
Level 2 inputs. We also hold a small number of private nonredeemable preferred stock securities and due to the
unobservable inputs regarding these securities valuations are obtained from various brokers or dealers and are classified as
Level 3 inputs.
The following table represents the fair value measurements on a recurring basis for our invested assets by major category
and level of input as required by SFAS 157:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
Fair value measurements using: |
(dollars in thousands) |
|
Total |
|
Level 1 |
|
Level 2 |
|
Level 3 |
|
Available-for-sale securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturities |
|
$ |
659,470 |
|
|
$ |
10,359 |
|
|
$ |
638,565 |
|
|
$ |
10,546 |
|
Preferred stock |
|
|
107,967 |
|
|
|
64,623 |
|
|
|
36,477 |
|
|
|
6,867 |
|
Trading securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock |
|
|
110,664 |
|
|
|
110,643 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
878,101 |
|
|
$ |
185,625 |
|
|
$ |
675,042 |
|
|
$ |
17,434 |
|
|
|
|
The following table provides a reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
for securities using Level 3 inputs:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value measurements using Level 3 instruments only |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Gains and Losses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning |
|
|
|
|
|
Included |
|
|
|
|
|
Transfer |
|
|
|
|
balance at |
|
|
|
|
|
in other |
|
|
|
|
|
in and |
|
Ending |
|
|
December 31, |
|
Included |
|
comprehensive |
|
Purchases |
|
(out) of |
|
balance at |
(dollars in thousands) |
|
2007 |
|
in earnings |
|
income |
|
and sales |
|
Level 3 |
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
Available-for-sale
securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturities |
|
$ |
10,941 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
(166 |
) |
|
$ |
(229 |
) |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
10,546 |
|
Preferred stock |
|
|
5,858 |
|
|
|
(452 |
) |
|
|
(539 |
) |
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
6,867 |
|
Trading securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock |
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
16,820 |
|
|
$ |
(452 |
) |
|
$ |
(705 |
) |
|
$ |
1,771 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
17,434 |
|
|
|
|
Transfers in and out of Level 3 would be attributable to changes in the ability to observe
significant inputs in determining fair value exit pricing. As noted in the table above, at March
31, 2008, no transfers were made in or out of Level 3 inputs during the quarter.
11
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 6 FAIR VALUE (Continued)
For the period ended March 31, 2008 realized losses included in earnings totaled $0.5 million and
are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income. There were no unrealized gains or losses
included in earnings at March 31, 2008 on Level 3 securities.
We have no assets that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the three months ended March 31, 2008.
Fair Value Option (SFAS 159)
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS 159 for our common stock portfolio (See Note
2). The following table represents the December 31, 2007 carrying value of these assets, the
transition adjustment booked to retained earnings and the carrying value as of January 1, 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative effect |
|
|
January 1, 2008 |
|
|
|
December 31, 2007 |
|
|
adjustment to |
|
|
fair value |
|
|
|
(carrying value |
|
|
January 1, 2008 |
|
|
(carrying value |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
prior to adoption) |
|
|
retained earnings |
|
|
after adoption) |
|
Common stock |
|
$ |
108,090 |
|
|
$ |
17,216 |
|
|
$ |
108,090 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,025 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying value, net of
deferred tax
adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
11,191 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The decrease in fair value for the first quarter of 2008, of $13.7 million was reported in realized
(losses) gains on investments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
12
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 7 INVESTMENTS
Fixed maturities and equity securities
Fixed maturities consist of bonds, notes and redeemable preferred stock. Equity securities include
nonredeemable preferred stock at March 31, 2008 and common and preferred stock at December 31,
2007. The following tables summarize the cost and fair value of our available-for-sale securities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross |
|
Gross |
|
|
|
|
Amortized |
|
unrealized |
|
unrealized |
|
Estimated |
(dollars in thousands) |
|
cost |
|
gains |
|
losses |
|
fair value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Available-for-sale securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. treasuries and government agencies |
|
$ |
3,803 |
|
|
$ |
405 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
4,208 |
|
Foreign government |
|
|
1,997 |
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
2,049 |
|
Municipal securities |
|
|
244,874 |
|
|
|
2,751 |
|
|
|
762 |
|
|
|
246,863 |
|
U.S. corporate debt |
|
|
291,073 |
|
|
|
5,900 |
|
|
|
7,171 |
|
|
|
289,802 |
|
Foreign corporate debt |
|
|
80,133 |
|
|
|
2,041 |
|
|
|
2,209 |
|
|
|
79,965 |
|
Mortgage-backed securities |
|
|
9,700 |
|
|
|
563 |
|
|
|
157 |
|
|
|
10,106 |
|
Asset-backed securities |
|
|
13,932 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
1,883 |
|
|
|
12,049 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total bonds |
|
|
645,512 |
|
|
|
11,712 |
|
|
|
12,182 |
|
|
|
645,042 |
|
Redeemable preferred stock |
|
|
14,358 |
|
|
|
317 |
|
|
|
247 |
|
|
|
14,428 |
|
|
|
|
Total fixed maturities |
|
$ |
659,870 |
|
|
$ |
12,029 |
|
|
$ |
12,429 |
|
|
$ |
659,470 |
|
|
|
|
Equity securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. nonredeemable preferred stock |
|
$ |
107,192 |
|
|
$ |
1,302 |
|
|
$ |
5,511 |
|
|
$ |
102,983 |
|
Foreign nonredeemable preferred stock |
|
|
5,130 |
|
|
|
134 |
|
|
|
280 |
|
|
|
4,984 |
|
|
|
|
Total equity securities |
|
$ |
112,322 |
|
|
$ |
1,436 |
|
|
$ |
5,791 |
|
|
$ |
107,967 |
|
|
|
|
Total available-for-sale securities |
|
$ |
772,192 |
|
|
$ |
13,465 |
|
|
$ |
18,220 |
|
|
$ |
767,437 |
|
|
|
|
13
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 7 INVESTMENTS (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross |
|
Gross |
|
|
|
|
Amortized |
|
unrealized |
|
unrealized |
|
Estimated |
(dollars in thousands) |
|
cost |
|
gains |
|
losses |
|
fair value |
|
|
|
Fixed maturities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. treasuries and government agencies |
|
$ |
4,406 |
|
|
$ |
272 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
4,678 |
|
Municipal securities |
|
|
247,412 |
|
|
|
2,314 |
|
|
|
358 |
|
|
|
249,368 |
|
U.S. corporate debt |
|
|
324,218 |
|
|
|
5,231 |
|
|
|
5,921 |
|
|
|
323,528 |
|
Foreign corporate debt |
|
|
83,335 |
|
|
|
2,175 |
|
|
|
1,106 |
|
|
|
84,404 |
|
Mortgage-backed securities |
|
|
11,565 |
|
|
|
602 |
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
12,129 |
|
Asset-backed securities |
|
|
16,329 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
2,189 |
|
|
|
14,140 |
|
|
|
|
Total bonds |
|
|
687,265 |
|
|
|
10,594 |
|
|
|
9,612 |
|
|
|
688,247 |
|
Redeemable preferred stock |
|
|
15,223 |
|
|
|
614 |
|
|
|
678 |
|
|
|
15,159 |
|
|
|
|
Total fixed maturities |
|
$ |
702,488 |
|
|
$ |
11,208 |
|
|
$ |
10,290 |
|
|
$ |
703,406 |
|
|
|
|
Equity securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. common stock |
|
$ |
66,449 |
|
|
$ |
12,754 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
79,203 |
|
Foreign common stock |
|
|
24,408 |
|
|
|
4,549 |
|
|
|
70 |
|
|
|
28,887 |
|
U.S. nonredeemable preferred stock |
|
|
108,018 |
|
|
|
1,978 |
|
|
|
4,960 |
|
|
|
105,036 |
|
Foreign nonredeemable preferred stock |
|
|
5,130 |
|
|
|
250 |
|
|
|
236 |
|
|
|
5,144 |
|
|
|
|
Total equity securities |
|
$ |
204,005 |
|
|
$ |
19,531 |
|
|
$ |
5,266 |
|
|
$ |
218,270 |
|
|
|
|
When a decline in the value of an investment is considered to be other-than-temporary by
management, the investment is written down to fair value. Investment impairments are evaluated on
an individual security basis. Adjustments to the carrying value of marketable preferred equity
securities and fixed maturities that are considered impaired are recorded as realized losses in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Trading securities
Trading securities consist of our common stock portfolio. With the adoption of SFAS 159 as of
January 1, 2008, any unrealized gains or losses on these securities are recorded as realized gains
and losses in our Statement of Operations. See also Note 6 for further discussion.
The following table summarizes the cost and fair value of our common stock at March 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross |
|
Gross |
|
|
|
|
Amortized |
|
unrealized |
|
unrealized |
|
Estimated |
(dollars in thousands) |
|
cost |
|
gains |
|
losses |
|
fair value |
|
|
|
Trading securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. common stock |
|
$ |
77,654 |
|
|
$ |
8,492 |
|
|
$ |
5,326 |
|
|
$ |
80,820 |
|
Foreign common stock |
|
|
29,471 |
|
|
|
2,714 |
|
|
|
2,341 |
|
|
|
29,844 |
|
|
|
|
Total trading securities |
|
$ |
107,125 |
|
|
$ |
11,206 |
|
|
$ |
7,667 |
|
|
$ |
110,664 |
|
|
|
|
14
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 7 INVESTMENTS (Continued)
The components of net realized losses and gains on investments as reported in the Consolidated
Statements of Operations are included below. Impairment charges for the three months ended March
31, 2008 include securities primarily in the banking and financial services industries.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Available-for-sale securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross realized gains |
|
$ |
1,294 |
|
|
$ |
316 |
|
Gross realized losses |
|
|
(138 |
) |
|
|
(109 |
) |
Impairment charges |
|
|
(5,950 |
) |
|
|
(246 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net realized losses |
|
|
(4,794 |
) |
|
|
(39 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross realized gains |
|
|
414 |
|
|
|
3,333 |
|
Gross realized losses |
|
|
(2,334 |
) |
|
|
(997 |
) |
Impairment charges |
|
|
(6,004 |
) |
|
|
(407 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net realized (losses) gains |
|
|
(7,924 |
) |
|
|
1,929 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trading securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross realized gains |
|
|
1,979 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Gross realized losses |
|
|
(1,777 |
) |
|
|
0 |
|
Valuation adjustments |
|
|
(13,691 |
) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net realized losses |
|
|
(13,489 |
) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Limited partnerships: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross realized gains |
|
|
3,541 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Gross realized losses |
|
|
(1,913 |
) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net realized gains |
|
|
1,628 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net realized (losses) gains on investments |
|
$ |
(24,579 |
) |
|
$ |
1,890 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 7 INVESTMENTS (Continued)
Limited partnerships
For the three months ended March 31, 2008 our equity in earnings from these partnerships as
reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations totaled 17.9% of our pre-tax income. While we
do not exert significant influence over any of these partnerships, because we account for them
under the equity method of accounting, we are providing summarized financial information in the
following tables as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007. Amounts provided in the recorded by
partnerships section of the table are presented using the latest available financial statements
received from the partnerships.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recorded by Erie Indemnity Company |
|
|
as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
recognized |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
due to |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
valuation |
|
Net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
adjustments |
|
income |
Investment percentage in partnership |
|
Number of |
|
Asset |
|
by the |
|
(loss) |
for Erie Insurance Group |
|
partnerships |
|
recorded |
|
partnerships |
|
recorded |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
Private equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 10% |
|
|
27 |
|
|
$ |
81,962 |
|
|
$ |
(1,545 |
) |
|
$ |
5,527 |
|
Greater than or equal to 10% but less
than 50% |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
6,131 |
|
|
|
(1,035 |
) |
|
|
1,131 |
|
Greater than or equal to 50% |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
4,285 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
Total private equity |
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
92,378 |
|
|
|
(2,580 |
) |
|
|
6,658 |
|
Mezzanine debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 10% |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
33,532 |
|
|
|
642 |
|
|
|
359 |
|
Greater than or equal to 10% but less
than 50% |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
12,182 |
|
|
|
383 |
|
|
|
(139 |
) |
Greater than or equal to 50% |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
3,841 |
|
|
|
(132 |
) |
|
|
174 |
|
|
Total mezzanine debt |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
49,555 |
|
|
|
893 |
|
|
|
394 |
|
Real estate: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 10% |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
96,292 |
|
|
|
(1,585 |
) |
|
|
3,627 |
|
Greater than or equal to 10% but less
than 50% |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
31,107 |
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
421 |
|
Greater than or equal to 50% |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
21,176 |
|
|
|
(516 |
) |
|
|
614 |
|
|
Total real estate |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
148,575 |
|
|
|
(2,049 |
) |
|
|
4,662 |
|
|
Total limited partnerships |
|
|
85 |
|
|
$ |
290,508 |
|
|
$ |
(3,736 |
) |
|
$ |
11,714 |
|
|
16
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED
NOTE 7 INVESTMENTS (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recorded by Partnerships |
|
|
as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
recognized |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
due to |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
valuation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
adjustments |
|
|
|
|
Investment percentage of partnership |
|
Total |
|
Total |
|
by the |
|
|
|
|
for Erie Insurance Group |
|
assets |
|
liabilities |
|
partnerships |
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
Private equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 10% |
|
$ |
22,012,263 |
|
|
$ |
459,104 |
|
|
$ |
1,394,936 |
|
|
$ |
1,933,812 |
|
Greater than or equal to 10% but
less than 50% |
|
|
403,056 |
|
|
|
2,057 |
|
|
|
38,594 |
|
|
|
8,626 |
|
Greater than or equal to 50% |
|
|
10,666 |
|
|
|
165 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
Total private equity |
|
|
22,425,985 |
|
|
|
461,326 |
|
|
|
1,433,530 |
|
|
|
1,942,438 |
|
Mezzanine debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 10% |
|
|
4,990,285 |
|
|
|
1,513,451 |
|
|
|
(34,904 |
) |
|
|
458,319 |
|
Greater than or equal to 10% but
less than 50% |
|
|
487,154 |
|
|
|
163,647 |
|
|
|
(27,908 |
) |
|
|
88,791 |
|
Greater than or equal to 50% |
|
|
25,851 |
|
|
|
8,859 |
|
|
|
89 |
|
|
|
5,545 |
|
|
Total mezzanine debt |
|
|
5,503,290 |
|
|
|
1,685,957 |
|
|
|
(62,723 |
) |
|
|
552,655 |
|
Real estate: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 10% |
|
|
17,992,981 |
|
|
|
7,816,780 |
|
|
|
94,386 |
|
|
|
985,888 |
|
Greater than or equal to 10% but
less than 50% |
|
|
1,105,586 |
|
|
|
395,436 |
|
|
|
(4,890 |
) |
|
|
87,837 |
|
Greater than or equal to 50% |
|
|
252,042 |
|
|
|
138,154 |
|
|
|
6,367 |
|
|
|
642 |
|
|
Total real estate |
|
|
19,350,609 |
|
|
|
8,350,370 |
|
|
|
95,863 |
|
|
|
1,074,367 |
|
|
Total limited partnerships |
|
$ |
47,279,884 |
|
|
$ |
10,497,653 |
|
|
$ |
1,466,670 |
|
|
$ |
3,569,460 |
|
|
17
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 7 INVESTMENTS (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recorded by Erie Indemnity Company |
|
|
as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
recognized |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
due to valuation |
|
|
Investment percentage in partnership |
|
Number of |
|
Asset |
|
adjustments |
|
Net income |
for Erie Insurance Group |
|
partnerships |
|
recorded |
|
by the partnerships |
|
(loss) recorded |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Private equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 10% |
|
|
35 |
|
|
$ |
92,077 |
|
|
$ |
7,468 |
|
|
$ |
12,541 |
|
Greater than or equal to 10% but less
than 50% |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
10,708 |
|
|
|
1,449 |
|
|
|
1,566 |
|
Greater than or equal to 50% |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
3,831 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
(76 |
) |
|
Total private equity |
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
106,616 |
|
|
|
8,917 |
|
|
|
14,031 |
|
Mezzanine debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 10% |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
30,841 |
|
|
|
109 |
|
|
|
3,446 |
|
Greater than or equal to 10% but less
than 50% |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
10,493 |
|
|
|
(1,396 |
) |
|
|
3,243 |
|
Greater than or equal to 50% |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
3,533 |
|
|
|
207 |
|
|
|
926 |
|
|
Total mezzanine debt |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
44,867 |
|
|
|
(1,080 |
) |
|
|
7,615 |
|
Real estate: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 10% |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
88,426 |
|
|
|
8,841 |
|
|
|
14,246 |
|
Greater than or equal to 10% but less
than 50% |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
29,707 |
|
|
|
3,357 |
|
|
|
1,293 |
|
Greater than or equal to 50% |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
22,887 |
|
|
|
2,387 |
|
|
|
83 |
|
|
Total real estate |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
141,020 |
|
|
|
14,585 |
|
|
|
15,622 |
|
|
Total limited partnerships |
|
|
95 |
|
|
$ |
292,503 |
|
|
$ |
22,422 |
|
|
$ |
37,268 |
|
|
18
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 7 INVESTMENTS (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recorded by Partnerships |
|
|
as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
recognized |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
due to valuation |
|
|
Investment percentage of partnership |
|
Total |
|
Total |
|
adjustments |
|
Net income |
for Erie Insurance Group |
|
assets |
|
liabilities |
|
by the partnerships |
|
(loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Private equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 10% |
|
$ |
24,802,587 |
|
|
$ |
558,874 |
|
|
$ |
303,611 |
|
|
$ |
2,836,059 |
|
Greater than or equal to 10% but
less than 50% |
|
|
416,487 |
|
|
|
2,232 |
|
|
|
65,969 |
|
|
|
3,836 |
|
Greater than or equal to 50% |
|
|
10,349 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
(229 |
) |
|
Total private equity |
|
|
25,229,423 |
|
|
|
561,131 |
|
|
|
369,580 |
|
|
|
2,839,666 |
|
Mezzanine debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 10% |
|
|
4,284,587 |
|
|
|
366,896 |
|
|
|
(95,681 |
) |
|
|
470,929 |
|
Greater than or equal to 10% but
less than 50% |
|
|
434,269 |
|
|
|
159,209 |
|
|
|
(34,872 |
) |
|
|
84,384 |
|
Greater than or equal to 50% |
|
|
204,909 |
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
|
3,855 |
|
|
|
32,947 |
|
|
Total mezzanine debt |
|
|
4,923,765 |
|
|
|
526,338 |
|
|
|
(126,698 |
) |
|
|
588,260 |
|
Real estate: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 10% |
|
|
23,626,981 |
|
|
|
14,153,607 |
|
|
|
766,150 |
|
|
|
629,172 |
|
Greater than or equal to 10% but
less than 50% |
|
|
1,106,697 |
|
|
|
401,752 |
|
|
|
15,824 |
|
|
|
49,592 |
|
Greater than or equal to 50% |
|
|
260,058 |
|
|
|
140,389 |
|
|
|
9,234 |
|
|
|
2,108 |
|
|
Total real estate |
|
|
24,993,736 |
|
|
|
14,695,748 |
|
|
|
791,208 |
|
|
|
680,872 |
|
|
Total limited partnerships |
|
$ |
55,146,924 |
|
|
$ |
15,783,217 |
|
|
$ |
1,034,090 |
|
|
$ |
4,108,798 |
|
|
During the first quarter of 2008, we sold 10 private equity limited partnerships in the secondary
market. Proceeds from these sales totaled $18.0 million from which we recognized $1.6 million in
realized gains. The proceeds received from the sales will help to fund the remaining commitments
of existing limited partnerships.
See also Note 13 for investment commitments related to limited partnerships.
Securities lending program
To generate additional investment revenue we participate in a program whereby marketable securities from our investment portfolio are lent to
independent brokers or dealers based on, among other things, their creditworthiness, in exchange
for collateral initially equal to 102% of the value of the securities on loan and is thereafter
maintained at a minimum of 100% of the fair value of the securities loaned. The fair value of the
securities on loan to each borrower is monitored daily by the third-party custodian and the
borrower is required to deliver additional collateral if the fair value of the collateral falls
below 100% of the fair value of the securities on loan.
We had loaned securities included as part of our invested assets with a fair value of $30.4 million
and $29.4 million at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. We have incurred no losses
on the securities lending program since the programs inception.
Cash equivalents are principally comprised of investments in bank money market funds and
approximate fair value.
19
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 7 INVESTMENTS (Continued)
Bank line of credit
As of March 31, 2008 we have available a $75 million line of credit with a bank that expires on
December 31, 2008. Borrowings on this line of credit were $75 million at March 31, 2008. Interest
is charged on this line at the Federal Funds Rate (currently at 2.25%) plus 50 basis points. Bonds with
a value of $100.5 million are held as collateral on the line at March 31, 2008. These securities
have no restrictions and are reported as available-for-sale fixed maturities in the Consolidated
Statements of Financial Position. The bank requires compliance with certain covenants which
include minimum net worth and leverage ratios. We are in compliance with all of these covenants at March
31, 2008.
NOTE 8 SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION OF EFL
EFL is an affiliated Pennsylvania-domiciled life insurance company operating in 10 states and the
District of Columbia. We own 21.6% of EFLs outstanding common shares and account for this
investment using the equity method of accounting. The remaining 78.4% of EFL is owned by Erie
Insurance Exchange.
The following represents unaudited condensed financial statement information for EFL on a GAAP
basis:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, |
(dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
Revenues |
|
$ |
26,658 |
|
|
$ |
40,575 |
|
Benefits and expenses |
|
|
29,376 |
|
|
|
32,105 |
|
(Loss) income before income taxes |
|
|
(2,718 |
)* |
|
|
8,470 |
|
Net (loss) income |
|
|
(1,645 |
) |
|
|
6,315 |
|
Comprehensive (loss) income |
|
|
(708 |
) |
|
|
8,680 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
In the first quarter of 2008, EFL recognized impairment charges of $14.9 million on fixed
maturities and equity securities, primarily in the banking and finance industries. No impairment
charges were recognized in the first quarter 2007. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of |
|
|
March 31, |
|
December 31, |
(dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
Investments |
|
$ |
1,493,030 |
|
|
$ |
1,511,319 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
1,749,080 |
|
|
|
1,744,704 |
|
Liabilities |
|
|
1,476,401 |
|
|
|
1,471,317 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
|
|
(528 |
) |
|
|
(1,465 |
) |
Total shareholders equity |
|
|
272,679 |
|
|
|
273,387 |
|
20
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 9 POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
The liabilities for the plans described in this note are presented in total for all employees of
the Group. The gross liability for the pension plans is presented in the Consolidated Statements
of Financial Position as employee benefit obligations. A portion of annual expenses related to the
pension plans is allocated to related entities within the Group.
We offer a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan that covers substantially all employees.
This is the largest benefit plan we offer. We also offer an unfunded supplemental retirement plan
for certain members of the Erie Insurance Group retirement plan for employees (SERP) for executive
and senior management. The components of net periodic benefit cost for our pension benefits are:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Service cost |
|
$ |
3,102 |
|
|
$ |
3,575 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
4,509 |
|
|
|
4,175 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
(6,042 |
) |
|
|
(5,100 |
) |
Amortization of prior service cost |
|
|
108 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
Amortization of actuarial loss |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
350 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost |
|
$ |
1,679 |
|
|
$ |
3,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The decrease in the net periodic benefit cost of the pension plans is primarily due to change in
discount rate to 6.62% for 2008 compared to 6.25% in 2007. Additionally, contributions made in the
second quarter of 2007 have increased the asset market value and as a result, the expected returns
on such assets have increased in 2008.
NOTE 10 NOTE RECEIVABLE FROM ERIE FAMILY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
We are due $25 million from EFL in the form of a surplus note. The note may be repaid only out of
unassigned surplus of EFL and repayment is subject to prior approval by the Pennsylvania Insurance
Commissioner. The note bears an annual interest rate of 6.70% and is payable on demand on or after
December 31, 2018. EFL accrued interest, payable semi-annually to us, of $0.4 million in each of
the first quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.
NOTE 11 STATUTORY INFORMATION
Cash and securities with carrying value of $6.3 million were deposited by our property/casualty
insurance subsidiaries with regulatory authorities under statutory requirements at March 31, 2008
and December 31, 2007.
21
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 12 SUPPLEMENTARY DATA ON CASH FLOWS
A reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities as presented in the
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
29,977 |
|
|
$ |
56,361 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
9,073 |
|
|
|
7,902 |
|
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit |
|
|
(6,681 |
) |
|
|
9,070 |
|
Realized loss (gain) on investments |
|
|
24,579 |
|
|
|
(1,890 |
) |
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships |
|
|
(7,978 |
) |
|
|
(12,518 |
) |
Net amortization of bond premium |
|
|
406 |
|
|
|
545 |
|
Undistributed losses (earnings) of Erie Family Life Insurance |
|
|
272 |
|
|
|
(1,366 |
) |
Decrease in deferred compensation |
|
|
(1,663 |
) |
|
|
(5,901 |
) |
Limited partnership distributions |
|
|
29,616 |
|
|
|
15,776 |
|
(Increase) decrease in receivables and reinsurance
recoverable from the Exchange and affiliates |
|
|
(13,046 |
) |
|
|
42,772 |
|
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets |
|
|
(8,124 |
) |
|
|
(17,553 |
) |
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses |
|
|
19,777 |
|
|
|
22,685 |
|
Decrease in accrued agent bonuses |
|
|
(76,519 |
) |
|
|
(69,910 |
) |
Decrease in loss reserves |
|
|
(9,477 |
) |
|
|
(24,661 |
) |
Decrease in unearned premiums |
|
|
(3,965 |
) |
|
|
(5,333 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities |
|
$ |
(13,753 |
) |
|
$ |
15,979 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE 13 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
We have contractual commitments to invest up to $129.0 million of additional funds in limited
partnership investments at March 31, 2008. These commitments will be funded as required by the
partnerships agreements through 2012. At March 31, 2008, the total commitment to fund limited
partnerships that invest in private equity securities is $53.3 million, real estate activities is
$47.8 million and mezzanine debt securities is $27.9 million. We expect to have sufficient cash
flows not only from operations but also from cash inflows (distributions) from existing limited
partnership investments, which have typically been strong in our experience, to meet these
partnership commitments.
We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, the
effects, if any, of such litigation are not expected to be material to our consolidated financial
condition, cash flows or operations.
22
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 14 VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITY
Erie Insurance Exchange (Exchange) is a reciprocal insurance company, domiciled in Pennsylvania, for which we serve as
attorney-in-fact. We hold a variable interest in the Exchange, however, we are not the primary
beneficiary as defined under Financial Accounting Standards Interpretation 46, Consolidation of
Variable Interest Entities. We have a significant interest in the financial condition of the
Exchange because net management fee revenues are based on the direct written premiums of the
Exchange and the other members of the Property and Casualty Group.
The selected financial data below is derived from the Exchanges financial statements prepared in
accordance with Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP) required by the National Association of
Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual, as modified to include
prescribed practices of the Insurance Department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In the
opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, considered
necessary for a fair presentation, have been included. The condensed financial data set forth below
represents the Exchanges share of underwriting results after accounting for intercompany pooling
transactions.
Erie Insurance Exchange
Condensed statutory statements of operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums earned |
|
$ |
887,492 |
|
|
$ |
889,551 |
|
Losses, loss adjustment expenses and
other underwriting expenses* |
|
|
821,418 |
|
|
|
794,427 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net underwriting income |
|
|
66,074 |
|
|
|
95,124 |
|
Total investment income** |
|
|
30,229 |
|
|
|
136,646 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income before federal income tax |
|
|
96,303 |
|
|
|
231,770 |
|
Federal income tax expense |
|
|
60,800 |
|
|
|
71,992 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
35,503 |
|
|
$ |
159,778 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Includes management fees paid or accrued as payable to the Company. |
|
** |
|
In the first quarter of 2008, the Exchange recognized impairment charges of $104.9
million on fixed maturities and equity securities, primarily in the banking and finance
industry sectors. Impairment charges in the first quarter 2007 were $6.0 million. |
Erie Insurance Exchange
Condensed statutory statements of financial position
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturities |
|
$ |
4,255,507 |
|
|
$ |
4,353,977 |
|
Equity securities |
|
|
2,878,432 |
|
|
|
3,016,607 |
|
Alternative investments |
|
|
1,374,751 |
|
|
|
1,389,224 |
|
Other invested assets |
|
|
302,559 |
|
|
|
168,189 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total invested assets |
|
|
8,811,249 |
|
|
|
8,927,997 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
1,142,810 |
|
|
|
1,033,852 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
9,954,059 |
|
|
$ |
9,961,849 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves |
|
$ |
3,400,175 |
|
|
$ |
3,418,221 |
|
Unearned premium reserves |
|
|
1,426,199 |
|
|
|
1,430,328 |
|
Accrued liabilities |
|
|
406,574 |
|
|
|
345,776 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
5,232,948 |
|
|
|
5,194,325 |
|
Total policyholders surplus |
|
|
4,721,111 |
|
|
|
4,767,524 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and policyholders surplus |
|
$ |
9,954,059 |
|
|
$ |
9,961,849 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 14 VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITY (Continued)
Erie Insurance Exchange
Condensed statutory statements of cash flows
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums collected net of reinsurance |
|
$ |
869,975 |
|
|
$ |
881,697 |
|
Losses and loss adjustment expenses paid |
|
|
(518,634 |
) |
|
|
(498,225 |
) |
Management fee and expenses paid |
|
|
(318,634 |
) |
|
|
(343,701 |
) |
Net investment income received |
|
|
142,339 |
|
|
|
100,354 |
|
Federal income taxes and other expenses paid |
|
|
(7,063 |
) |
|
|
(38,388 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
167,983 |
|
|
|
101,737 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(15,801 |
) |
|
|
(73,835 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
|
|
1,010 |
|
|
|
(15,785 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
153,192 |
|
|
|
12,117 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period |
|
|
98,712 |
|
|
|
85,784 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period |
|
$ |
251,904 |
|
|
$ |
97,901 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE 15 SEGMENT INFORMATION
We operate our business as three reportable segments management operations, insurance
underwriting operations and investment operations. Accounting policies for segments are the same
as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies Note 3 of our Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on February 27, 2008. The management fee revenues received from the property/casualty insurance
subsidiaries are not eliminated in the segment detail that follows as management bases its
decisions on the segment presentation. Summarized financial information for our operating segments
is presented as follows:
24
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 15 SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management fee revenue |
|
$ |
229,599 |
|
|
$ |
228,645 |
|
Service agreement revenue |
|
|
7,391 |
|
|
|
7,418 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenue |
|
|
236,990 |
|
|
|
236,063 |
|
Cost of management operations |
|
|
191,660 |
|
|
|
190,385 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
$ |
45,330 |
|
|
$ |
45,678 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income from management operations |
|
$ |
30,807 |
|
|
$ |
31,581 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance underwriting operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums earned: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Personal lines |
|
$ |
36,420 |
|
|
$ |
35,800 |
|
Commercial lines |
|
|
15,433 |
|
|
|
16,220 |
|
Reinsurance nonaffiliates |
|
|
73 |
|
|
|
(46 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total premiums earned |
|
|
51,926 |
|
|
|
51,974 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Losses and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Personal lines |
|
|
32,192 |
|
|
|
30,831 |
|
Commercial lines |
|
|
14,971 |
|
|
|
14,867 |
|
Reinsurance nonaffiliates |
|
|
683 |
|
|
|
657 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total losses and expenses |
|
|
47,846 |
|
|
|
46,355 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
$ |
4,080 |
|
|
$ |
5,619 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income from insurance underwriting operations |
|
$ |
2,773 |
|
|
$ |
3,885 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment income, net of expenses |
|
$ |
11,672 |
|
|
$ |
13,978 |
|
Net realized (losses) gains on investments |
|
|
(24,579 |
) |
|
|
1,890 |
|
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships |
|
|
7,978 |
|
|
|
12,518 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total investment (loss) income-unaffiliated |
|
$ |
(4,929 |
) |
|
$ |
28,386 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income from investment operations |
|
$ |
(3,350 |
) |
|
$ |
19,625 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity in (losses) earnings of EFL, net of tax |
|
$ |
(253 |
) |
|
$ |
1,270 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 15 SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)
Reconciliation of reportable segment revenues and operating expenses to the Consolidated Statements
of Operations is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment revenues, excluding investment operations |
|
$ |
288,916 |
|
|
$ |
288,037 |
|
Elimination of intersegment management fee revenues |
|
|
(12,628 |
) |
|
|
(12,625 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues |
|
$ |
276,288 |
|
|
$ |
275,412 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment operating expenses |
|
$ |
239,506 |
|
|
$ |
236,740 |
|
Elimination of intersegment management fee revenue |
|
|
(12,628 |
) |
|
|
(12,625 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
$ |
226,878 |
|
|
$ |
224,115 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The intersegment revenues and expenses that are eliminated in the Consolidated Statements of
Operations relate to our property/casualty insurance subsidiaries 5.5% share of the intersegment
management fees paid to us.
The growth rate of policies in force, policy retention (the percentage of policyholders eligible
for renewals who have renewed their policies measured on a twelve-month rolling basis) and average
premium per policy trends directly impact our management operations and insurance underwriting
operating segments. Below is a summary of each major line of business for the Property and Casualty
Group.
Growth rates of policies in force for Property and Casualty Group insurance operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Private |
|
12-mth. |
|
|
|
|
|
12-mth. |
|
All Other |
|
12-mth. |
|
Total |
|
12-mth. |
|
|
Passenger |
|
growth |
|
|
|
|
|
growth |
|
Personal |
|
growth |
|
Personal |
|
growth |
Date |
|
Auto |
|
rate |
|
Homeowners |
|
rate |
|
Lines |
|
rate |
|
Lines |
|
rate |
12/31/2006 |
|
|
1,633,882 |
|
|
|
(0.4 |
)% |
|
|
1,377,965 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
% |
|
|
301,497 |
|
|
|
5.2 |
% |
|
|
3,313,344 |
|
|
|
1.0 |
% |
03/31/2007 |
|
|
1,635,714 |
|
|
|
0.0 |
|
|
|
1,384,856 |
|
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
|
305,591 |
|
|
|
5.4 |
|
|
|
3,326,161 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
|
06/30/2007 |
|
|
1,644,561 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
1,398,034 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
|
311,761 |
|
|
|
5.9 |
|
|
|
3,354,356 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
09/30/2007 |
|
|
1,649,801 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
1,408,114 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
|
316,786 |
|
|
|
6.2 |
|
|
|
3,374,701 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
|
12/31/2007 |
|
|
1,651,234 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
1,413,712 |
|
|
|
2.6 |
|
|
|
321,431 |
|
|
|
6.6 |
|
|
|
3,386,377 |
|
|
|
2.2 |
|
03/31/2008 |
|
|
1,655,869 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
1,420,250 |
|
|
|
2.6 |
|
|
|
325,926 |
|
|
|
6.7 |
|
|
|
3,402,045 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12-mth. |
|
CML* |
|
12-mth. |
|
|
|
|
|
12-mth. |
|
All Other |
|
12-mth. |
|
Total |
|
12-mth. |
|
|
CML* |
|
growth |
|
Multi- |
|
growth |
|
Workers |
|
growth |
|
CML* |
|
growth |
|
CML* |
|
growth |
Date |
|
Auto |
|
rate |
|
Peril |
|
rate |
|
Comp. |
|
rate |
|
Lines |
|
rate |
|
Lines |
|
rate |
12/31/2006 |
|
|
119,801 |
|
|
|
0.9 |
% |
|
|
218,542 |
|
|
|
2.4 |
% |
|
|
53,923 |
|
|
|
(4.1 |
)% |
|
|
92,687 |
|
|
|
2.7 |
% |
|
|
484,953 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
% |
03/31/2007 |
|
|
119,907 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
219,300 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
|
53,498 |
|
|
|
(3.2 |
) |
|
|
92,857 |
|
|
|
2.8 |
|
|
|
485,562 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
06/30/2007 |
|
|
121,587 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
223,670 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
53,955 |
|
|
|
(1.7 |
) |
|
|
94,612 |
|
|
|
3.3 |
|
|
|
493,824 |
|
|
|
2.2 |
|
09/30/2007 |
|
|
122,154 |
|
|
|
2.2 |
|
|
|
226,302 |
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
|
|
54,341 |
|
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
|
|
96,167 |
|
|
|
3.8 |
|
|
|
498,964 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
12/31/2007 |
|
|
122,558 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
|
228,214 |
|
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
|
54,720 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
96,464 |
|
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
501,956 |
|
|
|
3.5 |
|
03/31/2008 |
|
|
122,882 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
|
229,577 |
|
|
|
4.7 |
|
|
|
54,927 |
|
|
|
2.7 |
|
|
|
96,511 |
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
|
|
503,897 |
|
|
|
3.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date |
|
Total All Lines |
|
12-mth. growth rate |
12/31/2006 |
|
|
3,798,297 |
|
|
|
1.0 |
% |
03/31/2007 |
|
|
3,811,723 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
|
06/30/2007 |
|
|
3,848,180 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
|
09/30/2007 |
|
|
3,873,665 |
|
|
|
2.1 |
|
12/31/2007 |
|
|
3,888,333 |
|
|
|
2.4 |
|
03/31/2008 |
|
|
3,905,942 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
26
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 15 SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)
Policy retention trends for Property and Casualty Group insurance operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Private |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Passenger |
|
CML* |
|
|
|
|
|
CML* |
|
Workers |
|
All Other |
|
Total |
Date |
|
Auto |
|
Auto |
|
Homeowners |
|
Multi-Peril |
|
Comp. |
|
Lines |
|
All Lines |
12/31/2006 |
|
|
90.8 |
% |
|
|
87.7 |
% |
|
|
89.4 |
% |
|
|
86.0 |
% |
|
|
85.7 |
% |
|
|
87.1 |
% |
|
|
89.5 |
% |
03/31/2007 |
|
|
91.0 |
|
|
|
88.0 |
|
|
|
89.7 |
|
|
|
86.1 |
|
|
|
86.2 |
|
|
|
87.2 |
|
|
|
89.7 |
|
06/30/2007 |
|
|
91.1 |
|
|
|
88.1 |
|
|
|
89.9 |
|
|
|
86.0 |
|
|
|
86.3 |
|
|
|
87.6 |
|
|
|
89.9 |
|
09/30/2007 |
|
|
91.3 |
|
|
|
88.2 |
|
|
|
90.1 |
|
|
|
86.1 |
|
|
|
86.8 |
|
|
|
87.5 |
|
|
|
90.0 |
|
12/31/2007 |
|
|
91.5 |
|
|
|
88.2 |
|
|
|
90.3 |
|
|
|
86.0 |
|
|
|
86.8 |
|
|
|
87.8 |
|
|
|
90.2 |
|
03/31/2008 |
|
|
91.6 |
|
|
|
88.4 |
|
|
|
90.5 |
|
|
|
86.5 |
|
|
|
87.6 |
|
|
|
87.9 |
|
|
|
90.4 |
|
Average premium per policy trends for Property and Casualty Group insurance operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Private |
|
12-mth. |
|
|
|
|
|
12-mth. |
|
All Other |
|
12-mth. |
|
Total |
|
12-mth. |
|
|
Passenger |
|
percent |
|
|
|
|
|
percent |
|
Personal |
|
percent |
|
Personal |
|
percent |
Date |
|
Auto |
|
change |
|
Homeowners |
|
change |
|
Lines |
|
change |
|
Lines |
|
change |
12/31/2006
|
|
$ |
1,110 |
|
|
|
(5.5 |
)% |
|
$ |
526 |
|
|
|
(3.1 |
)% |
|
$ |
349 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
% |
|
$ |
797 |
|
|
|
(5.2 |
)% |
03/31/2007
|
|
|
1,100 |
|
|
|
(5.3 |
) |
|
|
524 |
|
|
|
(2.8 |
) |
|
|
349 |
|
|
|
0.0 |
|
|
|
791 |
|
|
|
(4.9 |
) |
06/30/2007
|
|
|
1,094 |
|
|
|
(4.0 |
) |
|
|
520 |
|
|
|
(2.8 |
) |
|
|
351 |
|
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
786 |
|
|
|
(3.9 |
) |
09/30/2007
|
|
|
1,093 |
|
|
|
(2.6 |
) |
|
|
519 |
|
|
|
(2.1 |
) |
|
|
352 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
783 |
|
|
|
(2.9 |
) |
12/31/2007
|
|
|
1,092 |
|
|
|
(1.6 |
) |
|
|
518 |
|
|
|
(1.5 |
) |
|
|
353 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
782 |
|
|
|
(1.9 |
) |
03/31/2008
|
|
|
1,091 |
|
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
|
|
518 |
|
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
|
|
354 |
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
|
781 |
|
|
|
(1.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12-mth. |
|
|
|
|
|
12-mth. |
|
All Other |
|
12-mth. |
|
Total |
|
12-mth. |
|
Total |
|
12-mth. |
|
|
|
CML* |
|
percent |
|
Workers |
|
percent |
|
CML* |
|
percent |
|
CML* |
|
percent |
|
All |
|
percent |
|
Date |
|
Auto |
|
change |
|
Comp. |
|
change |
|
Lines |
|
change |
|
Lines |
|
change |
|
Lines |
|
change |
|
12/31/2006
|
|
$ |
2,687 |
|
|
|
(3.4 |
)% |
|
$ |
5,985 |
|
|
|
(3.7 |
)% |
|
$ |
1,657 |
|
|
|
(2.8 |
)% |
|
$ |
2,393 |
|
|
|
(4.3 |
)% |
|
$ |
1,001 |
|
|
|
(4.8 |
)% |
03/31/2007
|
|
|
2,664 |
|
|
|
(4.1 |
) |
|
|
5,914 |
|
|
|
(5.7 |
) |
|
|
1,641 |
|
|
|
(4.0 |
) |
|
|
2,365 |
|
|
|
(5.4 |
) |
|
|
991 |
|
|
|
(5.1 |
) |
06/30/2007
|
|
|
2,627 |
|
|
|
(3.8 |
) |
|
|
5,901 |
|
|
|
(3.9 |
) |
|
|
1,616 |
|
|
|
(3.6 |
) |
|
|
2,333 |
|
|
|
(4.5 |
) |
|
|
984 |
|
|
|
(4.1 |
) |
09/30/2007
|
|
|
2,600 |
|
|
|
(3.9 |
) |
|
|
5,780 |
|
|
|
(4.4 |
) |
|
|
1,592 |
|
|
|
(4.6 |
) |
|
|
2,295 |
|
|
|
(5.0 |
) |
|
|
978 |
|
|
|
(3.3 |
) |
12/31/2007
|
|
|
2,577 |
|
|
|
(4.1 |
) |
|
|
5,602 |
|
|
|
(6.4 |
) |
|
|
1,581 |
|
|
|
(4.6 |
) |
|
|
2,262 |
|
|
|
(5.5 |
) |
|
|
973 |
|
|
|
(2.8 |
) |
03/31/2008
|
|
|
2,568 |
|
|
|
(3.6 |
) |
|
|
5,453 |
|
|
|
(7.8 |
) |
|
|
1,576 |
|
|
|
(4.0 |
) |
|
|
2,240 |
|
|
|
(5.3 |
) |
|
|
969 |
|
|
|
(2.2 |
) |
27
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
The following information should be read in conjunction with the historical financial information
and the notes thereto included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in the Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on February 27, 2008. The following discussion of financial results focuses heavily on
our three primary segments: management operations, insurance underwriting operations and investment
operations consistent with the presentation in Item 1, Note 15 in the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements. That presentation, which management uses internally to monitor and evaluate
results, is an alternative presentation of our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Certain statements contained herein are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section
27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Forward-looking statements are not in the present or past tense and can generally be identified by
the use of words such as anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, intend, likely, plan,
project, seek, should, target, will, and other expressions that indicate future trends
and events. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements and assumptions on
which such statements are based that are related to our plans, strategies, objectives,
expectations, intentions and adequacy of resources. Examples of such statements are discussions
relating to management fee revenue, cost of management operations, underwriting, premium and
investment income volumes, and agency appointments. Such statements are not guarantees of future
performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual
outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such
forward-looking statements. Among the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and
future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking
statements are the following: factors affecting the property/casualty and life insurance industries
generally, including price competition, legislative and regulatory developments, government
regulation of the insurance industry including approval of rate increases, the size, frequency and
severity of claims, natural disasters, exposure to environmental claims, fluctuations in interest
rates, inflation and general business conditions; the geographic concentration of our business as a
result of being a regional company; the accuracy of our pricing and loss reserving methodologies;
changes in driving habits; our ability to maintain our business operations including our
information technology system; our dependence on the independent agency system; the quality and
liquidity of our investment portfolio; our dependence on our relationship with Erie Insurance
Exchange; and the other risks and uncertainties discussed or indicated in all documents filed by
the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those described in Part I, Item
1A. Risk Factors of the 2007 Form 10-K, which information is incorporated by reference, updated by
Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors of this Form 10-Q. A forward-looking statement speaks only as of
the date on which it is made and reflects the Companys analysis only as of that date. The Company
undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a
result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, or otherwise.
NATURE OF ORGANIZATION
The following organizational chart depicts the organization of the various entities of the Erie
Insurance Group:
28
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Continued)
We serve as the attorney-in-fact for the policyholders of Erie Insurance Exchange (Exchange), a
reciprocal insurance exchange, and operate predominantly as a provider of certain management
services to the Exchange. We also own subsidiaries that are property and casualty insurers. The
Exchange and its property/casualty insurance subsidiary, Flagship City Insurance Company, and our
three property/casualty insurance subsidiaries, Erie Insurance Company (EIC), Erie Insurance
Company of New York (EINY) and Erie Insurance Property and Casualty Company (EIPC), (collectively,
the Property and Casualty Group) underwrite personal and commercial lines property and casualty
insurance exclusively through nearly 2,000 independent agencies comprising over 8,500 licensed
independent agents. The entities within the Property and Casualty Group pool their underwriting
results. The financial position and results of operations of the Exchange are not consolidated
with ours. We, together with the Property and Casualty Group and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (EFL), operate collectively as the
Erie Insurance Group.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recently adopted accounting
pronouncements.
OVERVIEW
The financial information presented herein reflects our management operations from serving as
attorney-in-fact for the Exchange, our insurance underwriting results from our wholly-owned
subsidiaries (EIC, EINY and EIPC) and our investment operations. The bases of calculations used for
segment data are described in more detail in Item 1, Note 15 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Segment Results
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, |
(dollars in thousands, except per share data) |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
% Change |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
Income from management operations |
|
$ |
45,330 |
|
|
$ |
45,678 |
|
|
|
(0.8 |
)% |
Underwriting income |
|
|
4,080 |
|
|
|
5,619 |
|
|
|
(27.4 |
) |
Net revenue from investment operations |
|
|
(5,201 |
) |
|
|
29,752 |
|
|
NM |
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
|
44,209 |
|
|
|
81,049 |
|
|
|
(45.5 |
) |
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
14,232 |
|
|
|
24,688 |
|
|
|
(42.4 |
) |
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
29,977 |
|
|
$ |
56,361 |
|
|
|
(46.8 |
) |
|
|
|
Net income per share diluted |
|
$ |
0.51 |
|
|
$ |
0.88 |
|
|
|
(42.4 |
)% |
|
|
|
NM = not meaningful
KEY POINTS
|
|
|
Decrease in net income per share-diluted in the first quarter of 2008 was impacted by
net realized losses on investments due to $13.7 million of changes in fair value on our common
stock as a result of adopting SFAS 159 and $11.9 million of impairment charges. |
|
|
|
|
Gross margins from management operations decreased to 19.1% in the first quarter of 2008
from 19.4% in the first quarter of 2007. |
|
|
|
|
GAAP combined ratios of the insurance underwriting operations increased to 92.1% in the
first quarter of 2008 from 89.2% in the first quarter of 2007. |
29
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS (Continued)
The property/casualty insurance industry is in a strong financial position, however, it continues
to be faced with the negative indications of a generally softening underwriting cycle and an
unsteady economy. The industry is forecasting overall premium rate reductions and continued
increases in the combined ratio in 2008. The cyclical nature of the insurance industry has a direct
impact on our income from management operations as our management fee revenues are based on the
direct written premiums of the Property and Casualty Group and the management fee rate we charge.
Our management fee revenue reflected minimal growth of 0.4%, as direct written premiums of the
Property and Casualty Group were flat in the first quarter of 2008 compared to the first quarter of
2007.
Cost of management operations increased 0.7% to $191.7 million in the first quarter of 2008 driven
by an increase in personnel costs. Our estimate for growth in non-commission operating costs is
about 9% for 2008 as we plan to invest significantly in information technology during the second
half of the year.
The insurance underwriting operations continued to experience favorable development of prior
accident year loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, the extent of which was not as great as
the first quarter of 2007. We had a slight increase in catastrophe losses in the first quarter of
2008 compared to the first quarter of 2007.
Concerns persist surrounding the credit markets and more specifically the financial services
industry. We continue to evaluate potential other-than-temporary impairments on our bond and
preferred stock portfolios. The impairment charges we recognized in the first quarter of 2008 of
$11.9 million were the result of writedowns in value due to continued declines in fair value and credit deterioration on certain of our bonds and
preferred stock in the financial services industry sector. The majority of the impairments relate to securities that are performing in line with anticipated
or contractual cash flows.
Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted SFAS 159 for our common stock portfolio. As a result of
adopting this standard, all changes in the fair value of our common stock are now reflected in our
Consolidated Statements of Operations. We recognized $13.7 million of unrealized losses on common
stocks in the first quarter of 2008.
ANALYSIS OF BUSINESS SEGMENTS
Management Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, |
(dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
% Change |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
Management fee revenue |
|
$ |
229,599 |
|
|
$ |
228,645 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
% |
Service agreement revenue |
|
|
7,391 |
|
|
|
7,418 |
|
|
|
(0.4 |
) |
|
|
|
Total revenue from management operations |
|
|
236,990 |
|
|
|
236,063 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
Cost of management operations |
|
|
191,660 |
|
|
|
190,385 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
|
Income from management operations |
|
$ |
45,330 |
|
|
$ |
45,678 |
|
|
|
(0.8 |
)% |
|
|
|
Gross margin |
|
|
19.1 |
% |
|
|
19.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
KEY POINTS
|
|
|
The management fee rate was 25% in the first quarters of 2008 and 2007. |
|
|
|
|
Direct written premiums of the Property and Casualty Group were flat in the first
quarter of 2008 compared to the first quarter of 2007. |
|
|
|
Year-over-year policies in force grew 2.5%, or 94,219 policies, to 3,905,942 at
March 31, 2008 compared to year-over-year growth of 50,223 policies in the first quarter of 2007. |
|
|
|
|
Year-over-year average premium per policy was $969 and $991 at March 31, 2008 and
2007, respectively, a decrease of 2.2%. |
30
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS (Continued)
|
|
|
During the first quarter of 2008, premium rate changes resulted in a $9.0 million
decrease in written premiums. |
|
|
|
Service agreement revenue continued to reflect the shift to the no-fee single payment
plan as a result of a discount in pricing offered for paid-in-full policies. |
|
|
|
|
Commission costs decreased 0.8% and costs other than commissions increased 4.0% in the
first quarter. |
|
|
|
Estimates for agent bonuses and other incentives decreased $2.9 million, offset by a
$1.3 million increase in scheduled rate commissions compared to the first quarter of
2007. |
|
|
|
|
Personnel costs increased 9.0% to $37.0 million in the first quarter of 2008
compared to $33.9 million in the first quarter of 2007 primarily as a result of
increases in the management incentive plan and executive severance costs. |
Management fee revenue
The following table presents the direct written premium of the Property and
Casualty Group, shown by
major line of business, and the calculation of our management fee revenue.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, |
(dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
% Change |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
Private passenger auto |
|
$ |
436,999 |
|
|
$ |
434,705 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
% |
Homeowners |
|
|
151,137 |
|
|
|
148,371 |
|
|
|
1.9 |
|
Commercial multi-peril |
|
|
114,975 |
|
|
|
115,054 |
|
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
Workers compensation |
|
|
84,857 |
|
|
|
91,905 |
|
|
|
(7.7 |
) |
Commercial auto |
|
|
82,870 |
|
|
|
83,166 |
|
|
|
(0.4 |
) |
All other lines of business |
|
|
47,558 |
|
|
|
44,977 |
|
|
|
5.7 |
|
|
|
|
Property and Casualty Group direct written premiums |
|
$ |
918,396 |
|
|
$ |
918,178 |
|
|
|
0.0 |
% |
Management fee rate |
|
|
25.00 |
% |
|
|
25.00 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management fee revenue, gross |
|
$ |
229,599 |
|
|
$ |
229,545 |
|
|
|
0.0 |
% |
Change in allowance for management fee returned
on cancelled policies* |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
(900 |
) |
|
NM |
|
|
|
Management fee revenue, net of allowance |
|
$ |
229,599 |
|
|
$ |
228,645 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
% |
|
|
|
NM = not meaningful
|
|
|
* |
|
Management fees are returned to the Exchange when policies are cancelled mid-term and unearned
premiums are refunded. We record an estimated allowance for management fees returned on mid-term
policy cancellations. |
Management fee revenue is based upon the management fee rate, determined by our Board of Directors,
and the direct written premiums of the Property and Casualty Group. The management fee rate was set
at 25%, the maximum rate, for both 2008 and 2007. In the first quarter of 2008, there was no change
in the allowance for management fees returned on cancelled policies as the rate of cancellations
remained fairly consistent. The policy retention ratio improved slightly for all lines of business
to 90.4% at March 31, 2008 from 90.2% at December 31, 2007. In the first quarter of 2007, although
mid-term cancellations of policies for the Property and Casualty Group continued to trend downward,
the seasonal effects on the unearned premium reserve resulted in an increase in the allowance for
management fees returned on cancelled policies in 2007.
31
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS (Continued)
Direct written premiums of the Property and Casualty Group were $918.4 million in the first quarter
of 2008 reflecting reductions in average premium offset by an increase in policies in force. Total
year-over-year policies in force increased by 2.5% to 3,905,942 at March 31, 2008. Growth in
policies in force is the result of continuing improvements in policyholder retention and increased new policies sold. The
year-over-year average premium per policy declined 2.2% to $969 at March 31, 2008 from $991 at
March 31, 2007. The impact of these rate decreases is seen primarily in the renewal premiums.
We continuously evaluate pricing and estimate that those pricing actions approved, filed and
contemplated for filing could reduce the direct written premiums of the Property and Casualty Group
by approximately $23.2 million during 2008, of which approximately $9.0 million occurred in the
first quarter of 2008. The most significant rate reductions effective in 2008 are in workers
compensation in Pennsylvania and homeowners in Maryland. Segmented pricing in auto and home, where
we offer lower prices to better risks, has accelerated the decline in average premium per policy.
Premiums generated from new business increased 3.3% to $94.5 million from $91.5 million in the
first quarter of 2008 as compared to 2007. Underlying the trend in new business premiums is an increase in new business policies in force of 4.8% to 463,478
at March 31, 2008 from 442,313 at March 31, 2007, while the year-over-year average premium per
policy on new business increased 3.4% to $872 at March 31, 2008 from $843 at March 31, 2007.
Premiums generated from renewal business decreased 0.3% to $823.9 million from $826.7 million at
March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Renewal policies in force increased 2.2% to 3,442,464 from
3,369,410, while the year-over-year average premium per policy on renewal business decreased 2.8%
to $982 from $1,011 for the same respective periods in 2008 and 2007.
Personal lines Despite overall increases in the average premium per policy and policies
in force, the Property and Casualty Groups personal lines new business premiums written
decreased 0.4% to $58.6 million in the first quarter of 2008. Homeowners new business premiums written decreased 6.8% primarily in the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Ohio. The year-over-year average premium per policy on
personal lines new business increased 0.8% to $689 at March 31, 2008 from $684 at March 31,
2007. Personal lines new policies in force increased 3.1% to 377,529 at March 31, 2008
compared to March 31, 2007 and decreased 0.4% from December 2007.
Private passenger auto new premiums written increased 2.1% to $38.2 million during the first
quarter of 2008 driven by a 6.0% increase in new business policies in force to 158,380. The
private passenger auto new business year-over-year average premium per policy decreased 0.1%
to $1,026 at March 31, 2008. An incentive program that was implemented in July 2006 to
stimulate policy growth has contributed to the increase in new business policies in force.
Under the program, eligible agents receive a $50 bonus on each new private passenger auto
policy. This program is scheduled to run through June 30, 2008. Homeowners new business
premium decreased to $15.9 million in the first quarter of 2008 from $17.0 million in the
first quarter of 2007. Homeowners new policies in force decreased 0.8% to 167,052, while the
year-over-year average premium per policy on homeowners new business decreased 0.4%.
Renewal premiums written on personal lines policies increased during the first quarter of
2008 to $556.4 million from $549.4 million, or 1.3%.The impact of rate reductions was offset
by improving policy retention ratio trends. The year-over-year average premium per policy on
personal lines renewal business decreased 1.5% to $792 at March 31, 2008 from $804 at March
31, 2007. The policy retention ratio for private passenger auto improved to 91.6% at March
31, 2008, from 91.5% at December 31, 2007 and 91.0% at March 31, 2007.
Commercial lines - The commercial lines new business premiums written increased 9.8% to
$35.7 million in the first quarter of 2008 from $32.5 million in the first quarter of 2007.
Commercial lines new policies in force increased 12.8% to 85,949 at March 31, 2008, while
the average premium per policy on commercial lines increased 4.1%. Factors contributing to
the increase in new commercial lines premiums written in 2008 include more proactive
communications between us and our commercial agents, continued refinement and enhancements
to our quote processing systems and our use of more refined pricing based on predictive
modeling. The increase in the average premium per policy on
commercial lines new business resulted from certain commercial multi-peril pricing actions
that increased rates.
32
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS (Continued)
Renewal premiums for commercial lines decreased 3.5% to $267.5 million from $277.3 million
in the first three months of 2008 compared to 2007. While renewal policies in force
increased 2.1% to 417,948 at March 31, 2008, the year-over-year average premium per policy
on commercial lines renewal business declined 5.9% due primarily to the workers compensation
and commercial multi-peril line of business trends.
Future trends premium revenue We are continuing our efforts to grow premiums and
improve our competitive position in the marketplace. Our new policy growth was influenced somewhat by the timing of our annual
sales contests for our independent agents. These contests are intended to generate
policy sales through various annual promotional incentives and recognition awards.
These spring annual sales contests in 2008 did not begin until April,
nearly one month later than their start date in 2007. Thus the spring
contests had less of an impact on the
number of policies placed in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to the first quarter of 2007. Also contributing to our
current and future growth is the continued expansion of our agency force as new agents build
up their books of business with the Property and Casualty Group. We
appointed 46 new
agencies in the first three months of 2008, for a total of 1,990 agencies at March 31, 2008.
We expect to meet our goal of appointing 140 new agencies in 2008. In 2007, we appointed 214
new agencies. As previously announced, with West Virginias workers compensation system
transitioning to an open-market system in July 2008, the Property and Casualty Group is
preparing to begin writing workers compensation business in West Virginia in 2008 once that
occurs.
Service agreement revenue
Service agreement revenue includes service charges we collect from policyholders for providing
extended payment terms on policies written by the Property and Casualty Group. The service charges
are fixed dollar amounts per billed installment. Gross service agreement revenue amounted to $7.0
million for the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2007. Effective March 1, 2008, we introduced late
payment and policy reinstatement fees where permitted on policyholder accounts that are past due or
lapsed in coverage due to non-payment of premiums. Service agreement revenue is expected to
increase $4.5 million in 2008 as a result of these new fees. This estimate is based on current
policyholder late payment patterns, which may be influenced by these fees, and therefore could
reduce this estimate once fully implemented.
Cost of management operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, |
(in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
% Change |
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
Commissions |
|
$ |
129,758 |
|
|
$ |
130,849 |
|
|
|
(0.8 |
)% |
|
|
|
Personnel costs |
|
|
36,975 |
|
|
|
33,913 |
|
|
|
9.0 |
|
Survey and underwriting costs |
|
|
5,915 |
|
|
|
6,285 |
|
|
|
(5.9 |
) |
Sales and policy issuance costs |
|
|
5,594 |
|
|
|
5,233 |
|
|
|
6.9 |
|
All other operating costs |
|
|
13,418 |
|
|
|
14,105 |
|
|
|
(4.9 |
) |
|
|
|
Non-commission expense |
|
|
61,902 |
|
|
|
59,536 |
|
|
|
4.0 |
|
|
|
|
Total cost of management operations |
|
$ |
191,660 |
|
|
$ |
190,385 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
% |
|
|
|
KEY POINTS
|
|
|
Included in the $1.1 million decrease in commissions are: |
|
|
|
a decrease in the estimate for agent bonuses of $2.6 million in the first quarter of
2008, offset by |
|
|
|
|
an increase in normal and accelerated rate commissions of $1.3 million, or 1.2% to
$109.8 million, in the first quarter of 2008 driven by an increase in certain workers
compensation commission rates and higher accelerated commissions due to more newly
appointed agents, and |
33
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS (Continued)
|
|
|
an increase in promotional incentives of $0.7 million for a contest that began in
October 2007. |
|
|
|
Driving the 9.0% increase in personnel costs in the first quarter of 2008 compared to
2007 is an increase of $1.8 million in the estimate of management incentive plan expense
coupled with a $1.1 million charge for executive severance costs. Excluding the severance
charge, personnel costs rose 5.7%. |
|
|
|
|
All other operating costs decreased 4.9% driven by a $1.4 million decrease in
professional fees. |
Commissions Commissions to independent agents, which are the largest component of the cost of
management operations, include scheduled commissions earned by independent agents on premiums
written, accelerated commissions and agent bonuses and are outlined in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, |
(in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
% Change |
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
Scheduled rate commissions |
|
$ |
108,824 |
|
|
$ |
107,963 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
% |
Accelerated rate commissions |
|
|
970 |
|
|
|
513 |
|
|
|
89.1 |
|
Agent bonuses |
|
|
17,774 |
|
|
|
21,328 |
|
|
|
(16.7 |
) |
Promotional incentives |
|
|
761 |
|
|
|
93 |
|
|
NM |
$50 private passenger auto bonus |
|
|
1,429 |
|
|
|
1,452 |
|
|
|
(1.6 |
) |
Change in commissions allowance for mid-term
policy cancellations |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
(500 |
) |
|
NM |
|
|
|
Total commissions |
|
$ |
129,758 |
|
|
$ |
130,849 |
|
|
|
(0.8 |
)% |
|
|
|
NM = not meaningful
Scheduled and accelerated rate commissions The direct written premiums of the Property and
Casualty Group remained flat in the first quarter of 2008 compared to the first quarter of
2007. The increase in scheduled rate commissions is reflective of an increase in certain
workers compensation commission rates which became effective August 1, 2007 in certain
states, and added $0.6 million of commission expense in the first quarter of 2008.
Accelerated rate commissions are offered under specific circumstances to certain
newly-recruited agents for their initial three years of operations. Accelerated rate
commissions increased during the first quarter of 2008 as expected given the additional new
agency appointments in recent years as part of our growth strategy. We appointed 65 new
agencies in 2005, 139 in 2006 and 214 in 2007. In the first quarter of 2008 we appointed
another 46 new agencies and expect to appoint a total of 140 for the year. As new agency
appointments continue, accelerated commissions are expected to increase.
Agent bonuses Agent bonuses are based predominantly on an individual agencys
property/casualty underwriting profitability over a three-year period. There is also a
growth component to the bonus, paid only if the agency is profitable. The estimate for the
bonus is modeled on a monthly basis using the two prior years actual underwriting data by
agency combined with the current year-to-date actual data. The decrease in the estimate for
agent bonuses in the first quarter of 2008 reflects a reduction in our estimate of the
profitability component of the bonus. The agent bonus award is estimated at almost $70
million for 2008. Of this estimate, $67.5 million represents the profitability component and
$2.5 million represents the growth component.
$50 personal auto bonus In July 2006, an incentive program was implemented that is
scheduled to run through June 30, 2008 that pays a $50 bonus to agents for each qualifying
new private passenger auto policy issued. The cost of this program for the first three
months of 2008 was $1.4 million. These incentive program costs are expected to approximate
$2.8 million for 2008.
34
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS (Continued)
Other costs of management operations The cost of management operations excluding commission
costs increased 4.0% for the first quarter of 2008. Personnel costs, which are the second largest
component in the cost of management operations, increased 9.0%, or $3.1 million in the first
quarter of 2008. Expense for our management incentive plans increased $1.8
million primarily due to changes in market value on our estimated number of shares to be paid under
the long-term incentive plan along with an increase in the estimates for performance improvements
against targets as compared to the peer group of companies. The first quarter of 2008 also includes
a $1.1 million charge for severance costs for an executive officer who resigned during the quarter.
Salaries and wages increased $0.2 million as a result of a 5.7% increase in average pay rates
offset by lower staffing levels. All other operating costs decreased 4.9% primarily due to a $1.4
million decrease in professional fees.
Future trends cost of management operations The competitive position of the Property and
Casualty Group is based on many factors including price considerations, service levels, ease of
doing business, product features and billing arrangements, among others. Pricing of Property and
Casualty Group policies is directly affected by the cost structure of the Property and Casualty
Group and the underlying costs of sales, underwriting and policy issuance activities performed by
the Company for the Property and Casualty Group. Our estimate for growth in non-commission
operating expenses for the year 2008 is 9%. While efforts will continue to manage controllable
expenses, such as salaries and wages, much of the increase will be expended on information
technology initiatives in 2008 as we begin the replacement of our
policy administration systems in the second half of the year.
Insurance Underwriting Operations
Our insurance underwriting operations originate through direct business of our property/casualty
insurance subsidiaries but net underwriting results are a product of the intercompany reinsurance
pooling agreement between our subsidiaries and the Erie Insurance Exchange.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, |
(in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
% Change |
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
Premiums earned |
|
$ |
51,926 |
|
|
$ |
51,974 |
|
|
|
(0.1 |
)% |
|
|
|
Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred |
|
|
33,760 |
|
|
|
32,234 |
|
|
|
4.7 |
|
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses |
|
|
14,086 |
|
|
|
14,121 |
|
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
|
Total losses and expenses |
|
|
47,846 |
|
|
|
46,355 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
|
Underwriting income |
|
$ |
4,080 |
|
|
$ |
5,619 |
|
|
|
(27.4 |
)% |
|
|
|
KEY POINTS
|
|
|
Earned premiums declined slightly in the first quarter of 2008 reflecting the trend of
rate decreases. |
|
|
|
|
Development of prior accident year loss reserves continued to be favorable improving
the loss ratio 5.3 points, or $2.7 million, in the first quarter 2008 compared to an
improvement of 10.3 points for the first quarter of 2007. This development is reflective
of improved severity trends. |
|
|
|
|
Catastrophe losses contributed 1.6 points and 0.5 points to the GAAP combined ratio in
the first quarters of 2008 and 2007, respectively. |
35
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, |
Profitability Measures |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
Erie Indemnity Company GAAP loss and LAE ratio* |
|
|
65.0 |
% |
|
|
62.0 |
% |
Erie Indemnity Company GAAP combined ratio* |
|
|
92.1 |
|
|
|
89.2 |
|
P&C Group statutory combined ratio |
|
|
93.0 |
|
|
|
89.6 |
|
P&C Group adjusted statutory combined ratio** |
|
|
88.9 |
|
|
|
85.5 |
|
Direct business: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Personal lines adjusted statutory combined ratio |
|
|
85.3 |
|
|
|
81.8 |
|
Commercial lines adjusted statutory combined ratio |
|
|
91.7 |
|
|
|
88.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prior accident year reserve development redundancy |
|
|
(5.3 |
) |
|
|
(10.3 |
) |
Prior year salvage and subrogation recoveries collected |
|
|
(3.3 |
) |
|
|
(3.1 |
) |
|
|
|
Total loss ratio points from prior accident years |
|
|
(8.6 |
)% |
|
|
(13.4 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
The GAAP loss and LAE ratio and the combined ratio, expressed as a percentage, is the ratio of
losses, loss adjustment, acquisition and other underwriting expenses incurred to earned premiums
for our property/casualty insurance subsidiaries. Our GAAP combined ratios are different than the
results of the Property and Casualty Group due to certain GAAP adjustments. |
|
** |
|
The adjusted statutory combined ratio removes the profit margin on the management fee we earn
from the Property and Casualty Group. |
Development of direct loss reserves
Our 5.5% share of the Property and Casualty Groups favorable development of prior accident year
losses, after removing the effects of salvage and subrogation recoveries, was $2.7 million and $5.4
million, and improved the loss ratio by 5.3 points and 10.3 points in the first quarters of 2008
and 2007, respectively. The favorable development in both 2008 and 2007 is primarily the result of
sustained improved severity trends on automobile bodily injury and on uninsured/underinsured
motorist (UM/UIM) bodily injury. Overall, loss costs for private passenger auto have remained
relatively flat, with the exception of bodily injury costs, which have increased. The first quarter
of 2007 reflects results from claims initiatives and changes in the way these claims were
settled in Pennsylvania.
Catastrophe losses
Our share of catastrophe losses, as defined by the Property and Casualty Group, amounted to $0.8
million and $0.3 million in the first quarters of 2008 and 2007, respectively. Catastrophes in the
first quarter of 2008 included wind, rain and hail storms in the states of Virginia, Tennessee and
Pennsylvania. Catastrophe losses contributed 1.6 points and 0.5 points to the GAAP combined
ratio in the first quarters of 2008 and 2007, respectively. Underwriting losses are seasonally
higher in the second and fourth quarters and as a consequence, our combined ratio generally
increases as the year progresses. In the first quarter of 2008, our share of the reduction to
incurred but not reported reserves related to seasonality adjustments was $3.5 million, compared to
$3.3 million in the first quarter of 2007.
36
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS (Continued)
Investment Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, |
(in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
% Change |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
$ |
11,672 |
|
|
$ |
13,978 |
|
|
|
(16.5 |
)% |
Net realized (losses) gains on investments |
|
|
(24,579 |
) |
|
|
1,890 |
|
|
NM |
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships |
|
|
7,978 |
|
|
|
12,518 |
|
|
|
(36.3 |
) |
Equity in (losses) earnings of EFL |
|
|
(272 |
) |
|
|
1,366 |
|
|
NM |
|
|
|
Net (loss) revenue from investment operations |
|
$ |
(5,201 |
) |
|
$ |
29,752 |
|
|
NM |
|
|
|
NM = not meaningful
KEY POINTS
|
|
|
Net investment income decreased 16.5% for the quarter due to lower invested asset
balances as a result of our continued share repurchase activity. |
|
|
|
|
Net realized losses on investments include $11.9 million of impairment charges in the
first quarter of 2008, and $13.7 million of unrealized losses on common equity securities
recognized as a result of adopting SFAS 159. Impairment charges were $0.7 million in the
first quarter of 2007. |
|
|
|
|
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships decreased $4.5 million in the first quarter
of 2008 as a result of a general slow-down in the real estate market. |
Net realized gains and losses on investments included impairment charges of $11.9 million on fixed
maturities and preferred stock in the first quarter of 2008. Included in these amounts were
impairment charges on preferred stock of $6.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008.
Impairment charges on fixed maturities totaled $5.9 million for the three months ended March 31,
2008. Impairment charges were taken on securities in the financial services industry sector due to
continued declines in fair value and credit deterioration that occurred in the first quarter of 2008. We
adopted SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (SFAS 159)
as of January 1, 2008. We elected to report common stock at fair value, with changes in value
reported in earnings. The adoption of SFAS 159 resulted in an increase to January 1, 2008 retained
earnings of $11.2 million ($17.2 million pretax). In the first quarter of 2008, valuation losses on
common stock that were reported in earnings were $13.7 million. See Note 6 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements for additional information.
Private equity and mezzanine debt limited partnerships generated earnings of $5.4 million and $6.0
million for the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Real estate limited
partnerships generated earnings of $2.6 million and $6.5 million in the first quarters of 2008 and
2007, respectively. Although we have no direct exposure, the reduced valuation adjustments recorded
by our real estate limited partnerships are the result of a general slow-down in the real estate
market, primarily due to the subprime mortgage situation.
37
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS (Continued)
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Investments
Our investment strategy takes a long-term perspective emphasizing investment quality,
diversification and superior investment returns. Investments are managed on a total return approach
that focuses on current income and capital appreciation. Our investment strategy also provides for
liquidity to meet our short- and long-term commitments. At March 31, 2008, our investment
portfolio of investment-grade bonds and preferred stock, common stock and cash and cash equivalents
represents $862 million, or 30.2%, of total assets.
Our investments are subject to certain risks, including interest rate and price risk. Our exposure
to interest rates is concentrated in our fixed maturities portfolio. The fixed maturities portfolio
comprises 56.2% and 63.2% of invested assets at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.
We calculate the duration and convexity of the fixed maturities portfolio each month to measure the
price sensitivity of the portfolio to interest rate changes. Duration measures the relative
sensitivity of the fair value of an investment to changes in interest rates. Convexity measures the
rate of change of duration with respect to changes in interest rates. These factors are analyzed
monthly to ensure that both the duration and convexity remain in the targeted ranges established by
management.
We continually review the fixed maturity and preferred stock portfolios to evaluate positions that
might incur other-than-temporary declines in value. For all investment holdings, general economic
conditions and/or conditions specifically affecting the underlying issuer or its industry,
including downgrades by the major rating agencies, are considered in evaluating impairment in
value. In addition to specific factors, other factors considered in our review of investment
valuation are the length of time and amount the fair value is below cost.
For fixed maturity and preferred stock investments, we individually analyze all positions with
emphasis on those that have, in managements opinion, declined significantly below cost. We
consider market conditions, industry characteristics and the fundamental operating results of the
issuer to determine if the decline is due to changes in interest rates, changes relating to a
decline in credit quality, or other issues affecting the investment. A charge is recorded in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations for positions that have experienced other-than-temporary
impairments due to credit quality or other factors, or for which it is not our intent or ability to
hold the position until recovery has occurred. (See Analysis of Investment Operations section
herein.)
If our policy for determining the recognition of impaired positions were different, our
Consolidated Results of Operations could be significantly impacted. Management believes its
investment valuation philosophy and accounting practices result in appropriate and timely
measurement of value and recognition of impairment.
We adopted SFAS 157 Fair Value Measurement during the first quarter of 2008. This standard did
not require us to make any changes to our valuation methods. Furthermore, our use of Level 3 or
Unobservable inputs accounted for less than 2% of our available-for-sale and trading securities
at March 31, 2008.
Fixed maturities
We continue to monitor the municipal bond market and the effect of recent downgrades by rating
agencies specific to certain municipal bond insurers. Our municipal bond portfolio accounts for
$246.9 million, or 37.4%, of the total fixed maturity portfolio. Insurance enhanced municipal
bonds total 81.7% of the total municipal bond portfolio. This insurance guarantees the payment of
principal and interest on a bond if the issuer defaults. Our municipal bond portfolio is highly
rated and includes all investment grade holdings (BBB or higher). The overall credit quality
rating of our municipal bond portfolio is AA. The overall credit quality rating of our municipal
bond portfolio giving no effect to insurance is AA-.
Approximately 4.2%, or $27.7 million, of our fixed maturities portfolio is invested in structured
products. Our structured product portfolio is highly rated with an average rating of A+ or higher.
We continually monitor these investments for material declines in quality and
value.
38
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Trading securities
Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted SFAS 159 for our common stock portfolio. As a result of
adopting this standard, all changes in value for our common stock previously recorded through other
comprehensive income on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position are now reflected in
realized gains and losses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. A
one-time cumulative-effect adjustment of $11.2 million, net of tax, was recorded as an increase to
retained earnings with an offsetting reduction to other comprehensive income on January 1, 2008.
Property/casualty loss reserves
Loss reserves are established to account for the estimated ultimate costs of loss and loss
adjustment expenses for claims that have been reported but not yet settled and claims that have
been incurred but not reported.
Among the factors that may potentially cause the greatest variation between current reserve estimates and
the actual future paid amounts are: unforeseen changes in statutory or case law altering the
amounts to be paid on existing claim obligations, new medical procedures and/or drugs whose cost is
significantly different from that seen in the past, and claims patterns on current business that
differ significantly from historical claims patterns.
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves are presented in our Consolidated Statements of Financial
Position on a gross basis for EIC, EINY, and EIPC. Our property/casualty insurance subsidiaries
wrote about 16% of the direct property/casualty premiums of the Property and Casualty Group during
the first three months of 2008. Under the terms of the Property and Casualty Groups quota share
and intercompany pooling arrangement, a significant portion of these reserve liabilities are
recoverable. Recoverable amounts are reflected as an asset in our Consolidated Statements of
Financial Position. The direct and assumed loss and loss adjustment expense reserves by major line
of business and the related amount recoverable under the intercompany pooling arrangement are
presented as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of |
|
|
March 31, |
|
December 31, |
(in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
Gross reserve liability: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Private passenger auto |
|
$ |
307,445 |
|
|
$ |
321,320 |
|
Pre-1986 automobile catastrophic injury |
|
|
194,482 |
|
|
|
192,764 |
|
Homeowners |
|
|
29,251 |
|
|
|
28,506 |
|
Workers compensation |
|
|
151,172 |
|
|
|
146,402 |
|
Workers compensation catastrophic injury |
|
|
103,478 |
|
|
|
108,589 |
|
Commercial auto |
|
|
75,392 |
|
|
|
79,848 |
|
Commercial multi-peril |
|
|
77,818 |
|
|
|
75,169 |
|
All other lines of business |
|
|
78,016 |
|
|
|
73,933 |
|
|
|
|
Gross reserves |
|
|
1,017,054 |
|
|
|
1,026,531 |
|
Reinsurance recoverables |
|
|
826,146 |
|
|
|
834,453 |
|
|
|
|
Net reserve liability |
|
$ |
190,908 |
|
|
$ |
192,078 |
|
|
|
|
The reserves that have the greatest potential for variation are the catastrophic injury liability
reserves. There are currently about 300 claimants requiring lifetime medical care, of which less
than 150 involve catastrophic injuries. The reserve carried by the Property and Casualty Group for
the catastrophic injury claimants, which is our best estimate of this liability at this time, was
$542.2 million at March 31, 2008, which is net of $176.6 million of anticipated reinsurance
recoverables. Our property/casualty subsidiaries share of the net catastrophic injury liability
reserves is $29.8 million at March 31, 2008.
39
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS (Continued)
Off-balance sheet arrangements
There are no off-balance sheet obligations related to the variable interest we have in the
Exchange. Any liabilities between the Exchange and us are recorded in our Consolidated Statements
of Financial Position. We have no other material off-balance
sheet obligations or guarantees, other than the limited partnership investment commitments
discussed in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity is a measure of an entitys ability to secure enough cash to meet its contractual
obligations and operating needs. We have historically generated sufficient net positive cash flow
from our operations to fund our commitments and build the investment portfolio. We also maintain
liquidity in our investment portfolio in the form of readily marketable fixed maturities, equity
securities and short-term investments.
Our primary sources of cash flows from operations are generated from our net management revenues
and by collecting and investing in premiums from new and renewal business in advance of paying
claims. Management fees from the Exchange represented 80% of our total revenues for the first
quarter of 2008. Cash outflows are variable because settlement dates for claim payments vary and
cannot be predicted with absolute certainty. While volatility in claims payments could be
significant for the Property and Casualty Group, the effect on us of this volatility is mitigated
by the intercompany reinsurance pooling arrangement. The cash flow requirements for claims have not
historically been significant to our liquidity. Historically, about 50% of losses and loss
adjustment expenses included in the reserve are paid out in the subsequent 12-month period and
approximately 89% is paid out within a five year period. Such payments are reduced by recoveries
under the intercompany reinsurance pooling agreement.
Net cash used in our operating activities was $13.8 million in the first quarter of 2008. In the
first quarter of 2007, we generated net positive cash flows from operating activities of $16.0
million. Despite management fee revenues being consistent with the first quarter of 2007 levels,
cash received from management fees in the first quarter 2008 were lower than in the first quarter
2007 due to cash settlement practices. Cash paid in the first three months of 2008 for agent
bonuses was $94.4 million, of which $94.1 million was accrued at December 31, 2007.
We borrowed $75.0 million on our new line of credit in the first quarter of 2008 for certain
intercompany cash settlement needs. Interest on this line is charged based on the Federal Funds Rate
(currently 2.25%) plus 50 basis points. This
amount is expected to be repaid by December 2008.
During the first quarter of 2008, we repurchased 1,204,651 shares of our outstanding Class A common
stock in conjunction with the continuation of our stock repurchase plan that was authorized in
February 2006. The shares were purchased at a total cost of $60.9 million of which $29.5 million
occurred on March 31, 2008 which will be settled in cash in April. In April 2008 our Board of directors authorized an additional $100 million of repurchases under this plan through June 30, 2009. (See Part II of Item 2. Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities.)
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
We make estimates and assumptions that have a significant effect on the amounts and disclosures
reported in the financial statements. The most significant estimates relate to valuation of
investments, reserves for property/casualty insurance unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
and retirement benefits. While management believes its estimates are appropriate, the ultimate
amounts may differ from estimates provided. Our most critical accounting estimates are described
in Item 7, Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. There have been no
significant changes to the policies surrounding these estimates since that time.
40
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS (Continued)
FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS
Financial condition of the Exchange
We have a direct interest in the financial condition of the Exchange because management fee
revenues are based on the direct written premiums of the Exchange and the other members of the
Property and Casualty Group. Additionally, we participate in the underwriting results of the
Exchange through the pooling arrangement in which our insurance subsidiaries have 5.5%
participation. A concentration of credit risk exists related to the unsecured receivables due from
the Exchange for certain fees, costs and reimbursements.
To the extent that the Exchange incurs underwriting losses or investment losses resulting from
declines in the value of its marketable securities, the Exchanges policyholders surplus would be
adversely affected. If the surplus of the Exchange were to decline significantly from its current
level, the Property and Casualty Group could find it more difficult to retain its existing business
and attract new business. A decline in the business of the Property and Casualty Group would have
an adverse effect on the amount of the management fees we receive and the underwriting results of
the Property and Casualty Group. In addition, a significant decline in the surplus of the Exchange
from its current level would make it more likely that the management fee rate would be reduced. At
March 31, 2008, the Exchange had $4.7 billion in statutory surplus and a premium to surplus ratio
of less than 1 to 1. We believe the Exchanges capital levels are very strong.
Additional information, including condensed statutory financial statements of the Exchange, is
presented in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein.
Insurance premium rate actions
The changes in premium rates of the Property and Casualty Group directly affect direct written
premium levels and underwriting profitability of the Property and Casualty Group, the Exchange and
us, and also have a direct bearing on management fees. Rate reductions have been implemented and
continue to be sought in 2008 by the Property and Casualty Group. Pricing actions contemplated or
taken by the Property and Casualty Group are subject to various regulatory requirements of the
states in which these insurers operate. The pricing actions already implemented, or to be
implemented through 2008, will also have an effect on the market competitiveness of the Property
and Casualty Groups insurance products. Such pricing actions, and those of competitors, could
affect the ability of our agents to sell and/or renew business. Management estimates that pricing
actions approved, filed and awaiting approval or contemplated through 2008, will reduce premiums
for the Property and Casualty Group by $14.2 million through the remainder of the year for a total
of $23.2 million in 2008. Given our experience and the potential turn in the market, we continue to project rate increases of about 2% to 3% overall that will affect our 2009 pricing.
The Property and Casualty Group continues refining its pricing segmentation model for the private
passenger auto and homeowners lines of business. The refined rating plans include significantly
more pricing segments than the former plans, providing us greater flexibility in pricing for
policyholders with varying degrees of risk. Refining pricing segmentation should enable us to
provide more competitive rates to policyholders with varying risk characteristics, as risks can be
more accurately priced over time. The continued introduction of new pricing variables could impact
retention of existing policyholders and could affect the Property and Casualty Groups ability to
attract new policyholders. These outcomes will then impact the Property and Casualty Groups
premium dollars and ultimately our management fee revenue.
Policy growth
Premium levels attributable to growth in policies in force of the Property and Casualty Group
directly affect the profitability of our management operations. The continued focus on underwriting
discipline and maturing of our pricing segmentation model has contributed to growth in new policies
in force and improved retention ratios. The continued growth of the policy base of the Property and
Casualty Group is dependent upon its ability to retain existing and attract new policyholders. A
lack of new policy growth or the inability to retain existing customers could have an adverse
effect on the growth of premium levels for the Property and Casualty Group and, consequently,
lower management fees for us.
41
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS (Continued)
Catastrophe losses
The Property and Casualty Group conducts business in 11 states and the District of Columbia,
primarily in the mid-Atlantic, mid-western and southeastern portions of the United States. A
substantial portion of the business is private passenger and commercial automobile, homeowners and
other commercial lines of business in Ohio, Maryland, Virginia and particularly, Pennsylvania. As a
result, a single catastrophe occurrence or destructive weather pattern could have a material
adverse affect on the results of operations and surplus position of the members of the Property and
Casualty Group. Common catastrophic events include severe winter storms, hurricanes, earthquakes,
tornadoes, wind and hail storms. In its homeowners line of insurance, the Property and Casualty
Group is particularly exposed to an Atlantic hurricane, which might strike the states of North
Carolina, Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. The Property and Casualty Group maintains
catastrophe occurrence reinsurance coverage to mitigate the future potential catastrophe loss
exposure.
Incurred but not reported (IBNR) losses
The Property and Casualty Group is exposed to new claims on previously closed files and to larger
than historical settlements on pending and unreported claims. We are exposed to increased losses
by virtue of our 5.5% participation in the intercompany reinsurance pooling agreement with the
Exchange. We exercise professional diligence to establish reserves at the end of each period that
are fully reflective of the ultimate value of all claims incurred. However, these reserves are, by
their nature, only estimates and cannot be established with absolute certainty.
The reserve that has the greatest potential for variation is the catastrophic injury liability
reserve. The workers compensation product and the automobile no-fault law in Pennsylvania from
1975 until 1985 provided for unlimited medical benefits. The estimation of ultimate liabilities
for these claims is subject to significant judgment due to variations in claimant health and
mortality over time. Actual experience, different than that assumed, could have a significant
impact on the reserve estimates.
Market volatility
With the adoption of SFAS 159 as of January 1, 2008, all changes to unrealized gains and losses on
the common stock portfolio are recognized in investment income as net realized gains or losses in
the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fair value of the common stock portfolio is subject
to fluctuation from period to period resulting from changes in prices. Depending upon market
conditions, this could cause considerable fluctuation in reported total investment income in 2008
and beyond. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the adoption of
SFAS 159.
Information technology development
During 2008, we are carrying out a broad program of initiatives to enhance the functionality of our
legacy processing and agency interface systems aimed at improving the ease of doing business,
enhancing agent and employee productivity and access to information. We are also continuing in 2008
a program to evaluate policy administration system replacement alternatives which we initiated in
2007. In the second half of 2008 we anticipate information technology expense of about $10 million related to the
start of major upgrades to our information technology systems. As this development progresses, amounts could be materially different than our initial estimates.
42
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our exposure to market risk is primarily related to fluctuations in prices and interest rates.
Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk resulting from changes in prices and
interest rates are included in Item 7A. in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no
material changes in such risks or our periodic reviews of asset and liability positions during the
three months ended March 31, 2008. The information contained in the investments section of
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is
incorporated herein by reference.
Our objective is to earn competitive returns by investing in a diversified portfolio of securities.
We are exposed to credit risk through our portfolios of fixed maturity securities, nonredeemable
preferred stock, mortgage loans and to a lesser extent short-term investments. This risk is defined
as the potential loss in fair value resulting from adverse changes in the borrowers ability to
repay the debt. We manage this risk by performing up front underwriting analysis and ongoing
reviews of credit quality by position and for the fixed maturity portfolio in total. We do not
hedge credit risk inherent in our fixed maturity investments.
Our investment portfolio is diversified with 96.5% of the fixed income portfolio rated investment
grade (BBB or higher). Approximately 4.2% of our fixed income portfolio is invested in structured
products which include mortgage-backed securities, collateralized debt/loan obligations,
asset-backed and credit-linked notes. Our structured product portfolio has an average rating of A+
or higher. We believe we have no direct exposure to the subprime residential mortgage market
through investments in structured products.
We have significant receivables from the Exchange, which are subject to credit risk. Our results
are directly related to the financial strength of the Exchange. Credit risks related to the
receivables from the Exchange are evaluated periodically by management. Similar to our investment
portfolio, the Exchange maintains 77.2% of its bond portfolio rated investment grade.
Approximately 10.0% of the Exchanges bond portfolio is invested in structured products with an
average rating of AA or higher.
43
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We carried out an evaluation, with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures
(pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of
the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Our
management evaluated, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, any change in our internal control over financial reporting and determined that there has
been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31,
2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal
control over financial reporting.
44
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our annual report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Approximate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dollar Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Number of |
|
|
of Shares that |
|
|
|
Total Number |
|
|
Average |
|
|
Shares Purchased |
|
|
May Yet Be |
|
|
|
of Shares |
|
|
Price Paid |
|
|
as Part of Publicly |
|
|
Purchased |
|
Period |
|
Purchased |
|
|
Per Share |
|
|
Announced Plan |
|
|
Under the Plan |
|
January 1 31, 2008 |
|
|
432,970 |
|
|
$ |
50.66 |
|
|
|
432,970 |
|
|
|
|
|
February 1 29, 2008 |
|
|
220,613 |
|
|
|
50.29 |
|
|
|
220,613 |
|
|
|
|
|
March 1 31, 2008 |
|
|
551,068 |
|
|
|
50.54 |
|
|
|
551,068 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
1,204,651 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,204,651 |
|
|
$ |
131,100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Included in the $131.1 million above is a continuation of the stock repurchase program for an
additional $100 million approved by our Board of Directors in April 2008, authorizing repurchases
through June 30, 2009.
45
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION (Continued)
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
Number |
|
Description of Exhibit |
|
|
|
10.1*
|
|
Severance Agreement dated February 28, 2008, by and between Erie Indemnity Company and
Thomas B. Morgan |
|
|
|
31.1
|
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
31.2
|
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
31
|
|
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Such exhibit is incorporated by reference to the like titled exhibit in the Registrants Form
8-K/A that was filed with the Commission on March 3, 2008. |
46
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Erie Indemnity Company
|
|
|
(Registrant)
|
|
Date: April 30, 2008 |
/s/ John J. Brinling, Jr.
|
|
|
John J. Brinling, Jr., President & CEO |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Philip A. Garcia
|
|
|
Philip A. Garcia, Executive Vice President & CFO |
|
47