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Watchlist
Account
Erie Indemnity
ERIE
#1484
Rank
$14.79 B
Marketcap
๐บ๐ธ
United States
Country
$283.01
Share price
0.32%
Change (1 day)
-28.57%
Change (1 year)
๐ฆ Insurance
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Net Assets
Annual Reports (10-K)
Erie Indemnity
Quarterly Reports (10-Q)
Financial Year FY2014 Q3
Erie Indemnity - 10-Q quarterly report FY2014 Q3
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Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended
September 30, 2014
Commission file number
0-24000
ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
PENNSYLVANIA
25-0466020
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
100 Erie Insurance Place, Erie, Pennsylvania
16530
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(814) 870-2000
(Registrant’s 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
X
No ___
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
X
No ___
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes
X
No ___
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):
Large Accelerated Filer
X
Accelerated Filer ___ Non-Accelerated Filer ___ Smaller Reporting Company ___
(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
No
X
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock as of the latest practicable date, with no par value and a stated value of $0.0292 per share, was
46,189,068
at
October 17, 2014
.
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Class B Common Stock as of the latest practicable date, with no par value and a stated value of $70 per share, was
2,542
at
October 17, 2014
.
Table of Contents
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Operations – Three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position – September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – September 30, 2014
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 6.
Exhibits
SIGNATURES
2
Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share data)
Three months ended
Nine months ended
September 30,
September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Revenues
Premiums earned
$
1,355
$
1,241
$
3,962
$
3,631
Net investment income
115
109
335
316
Net realized investment (losses) gains
(85
)
191
104
501
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
(1
)
(9
)
(1
)
(10
)
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships
34
37
111
112
Other income
8
8
24
24
Total revenues
1,426
1,577
4,535
4,574
Benefits and expenses
Insurance losses and loss expenses
935
868
3,095
2,571
Policy acquisition and underwriting expenses
341
311
987
906
Total benefits and expenses
1,276
1,179
4,082
3,477
Income from operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interest
150
398
453
1,097
Provision for income taxes
42
131
133
363
Net income
$
108
$
267
$
320
$
734
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated entity – Exchange
61
221
178
607
Net income attributable to Indemnity
$
47
$
46
$
142
$
127
Earnings Per Share
Net income attributable to Indemnity per share
Class A common stock – basic
$
1.01
$
0.98
$
3.05
$
2.71
Class A common stock – diluted
$
0.90
$
0.87
$
2.71
$
2.41
Class B common stock – basic
$
151
$
147
$
458
$
406
Class B common stock – diluted
$
151
$
147
$
457
$
406
Weighted average shares outstanding attributable to Indemnity – Basic
Class A common stock
46,189,068
46,656,911
46,267,694
46,707,971
Class B common stock
2,542
2,542
2,542
2,542
Weighted average shares outstanding attributable to Indemnity – Diluted
Class A common stock
52,387,164
52,851,250
52,465,790
52,902,310
Class B common stock
2,542
2,542
2,542
2,542
Dividends declared per share
Class A common stock
$
0.6350
$
0.5925
$
1.9050
$
1.7775
Class B common stock
$
95.2500
$
88.8750
$
285.7500
$
266.6250
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 12. "Indemnity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss," for amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 15. “Indemnity Supplemental Information,” for supplemental statements of operations information.
3
Table of Contents
ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(in millions)
Three months ended
Nine months ended
September 30,
September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Net income
$
108
$
267
$
320
$
734
Other comprehensive (loss) income
Change in unrealized holding (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax benefit (expense) of $32, $12, $(48), and $123, respectively
(59
)
(23
)
89
(229
)
Reclassification adjustment for gross (gains) losses included in net income, net of tax benefit (expense) of $1, $(12), $8, and $(5), respectively
(4
)
21
(15
)
8
Other comprehensive (loss) income
(63
)
(2
)
74
(221
)
Comprehensive income
$
45
$
265
$
394
$
513
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated entity – Exchange
(1
)
221
249
393
Total comprehensive income – Indemnity
$
46
$
44
$
145
$
120
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 12. "Indemnity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss," for supplemental statements of comprehensive income (loss) information.
4
Table of Contents
ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(dollars in millions, except per share data)
September 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
Assets
(Unaudited)
Investments – Indemnity
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
Fixed maturities (amortized cost of $551 and $518, respectively)
$
563
$
526
Equity securities (cost of $24 and $50, respectively)
25
50
Limited partnerships (cost of $107 and $123, respectively)
134
146
Other invested assets
1
1
Investments – Exchange
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
Fixed maturities (amortized cost of $8,435 and $7,801, respectively)
8,902
8,162
Equity securities (cost of $853 and $778, respectively)
917
819
Trading securities, at fair value (cost of $2,237 and $2,198, respectively)
3,125
3,202
Limited partnerships (cost of $757 and $790, respectively)
939
940
Other invested assets
20
20
Total investments
14,626
13,866
Cash and cash equivalents (Exchange portion of $334 and $403, respectively)
379
452
Premiums receivable from policyholders – Exchange
1,323
1,167
Reinsurance recoverable – Exchange
165
172
Deferred income taxes – Indemnity
2
2
Deferred acquisition costs – Exchange
603
566
Other assets (Exchange portion of $366 and $337, respectively)
480
451
Total assets
$
17,578
$
16,676
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities
Indemnity liabilities
Other liabilities
$
482
$
476
Exchange liabilities
Losses and loss expense reserves
3,933
3,747
Life policy and deposit contract reserves
1,801
1,758
Unearned premiums
2,896
2,598
Deferred income taxes
465
450
Other liabilities
165
97
Total liabilities
9,742
9,126
Indemnity shareholders’ equity
Class A common stock, stated value $0.0292 per share; 74,996,930 shares authorized; 68,299,200 shares issued; 46,189,068 and 46,461,125 shares outstanding, respectively
2
2
Class B common stock, convertible at a rate of 2,400 Class A shares for one Class B share, stated value $70 per share; 3,070 shares authorized; 2,542 shares issued and outstanding
0
0
Additional paid-in-capital
16
16
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(56
)
(59
)
Retained earnings
1,955
1,902
Total contributed capital and retained earnings
1,917
1,861
Treasury stock, at cost, 22,110,132 and 21,838,075 shares, respectively
(1,146
)
(1,127
)
Total Indemnity shareholders’ equity
771
734
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated entity – Exchange
7,065
6,816
Total equity
7,836
7,550
Total liabilities, shareholders’ equity, and noncontrolling interest
$
17,578
$
16,676
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 15. “Indemnity Supplemental Information,” for supplemental consolidating statements of financial position information.
5
Table of Contents
ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(in millions)
Nine months ended
September 30,
2014
2013
Cash flows from operating activities
Premiums collected
$
4,106
$
3,780
Net investment income received
362
337
Limited partnership distributions
95
125
Service agreement fee received
23
23
Commissions and bonuses paid to agents
(576
)
(521
)
Losses paid
(2,438
)
(2,039
)
Loss expenses paid
(378
)
(343
)
Other underwriting and acquisition costs paid
(519
)
(465
)
Income taxes paid
(126
)
(208
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
549
689
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of investments:
Fixed maturities
(1,825
)
(2,157
)
Preferred stock
(382
)
(94
)
Common stock
(766
)
(1,021
)
Limited partnerships
(82
)
(66
)
Sales/maturities of investments:
Fixed maturity sales
490
716
Fixed maturity calls/maturities
685
881
Preferred stock
331
84
Common stock
944
1,057
Sale of and returns on limited partnerships
100
125
Net purchase of property and equipment
(29
)
(24
)
Net collections on agent loans
2
1
Net distributions on life policy loans
(1
)
0
Net cash used in investing activities
(533
)
(498
)
Cash flows from financing activities
Annuity deposits and interest
66
68
Annuity surrenders and withdrawals
(62
)
(58
)
Universal life deposits and interest
25
20
Universal life surrenders
(9
)
(8
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(20
)
(22
)
Dividends paid to shareholders
(89
)
(56
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(89
)
(56
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(73
)
135
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
452
400
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
379
$
535
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 15. “Indemnity Supplemental Information,” for supplemental cash flow information.
6
Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Note 1. Nature of Operations
Erie Indemnity Company (“Indemnity”) is a publicly held Pennsylvania business corporation that has been the managing attorney-in-fact for the subscribers (policyholders) at the Erie Insurance Exchange (“Exchange”) since 1925. The Exchange is a subscriber-owned, Pennsylvania-domiciled reciprocal insurer that writes property and casualty insurance.
Indemnity’s primary function is to perform certain services for the Exchange relating to the sales, underwriting and issuance of policies on behalf of the Exchange. This is done in accordance with a subscriber’s agreement (a limited power of attorney) executed by each subscriber (policyholder), which appoints Indemnity as their common attorney-in-fact to transact business on their behalf and to manage the affairs of the Exchange. Pursuant to the subscriber’s agreement and for its services as attorney-in-fact, Indemnity earns a management fee calculated as a percentage of the direct premiums written by the Exchange and the other members of the Property and Casualty Group (defined below), which are assumed by the Exchange under an intercompany pooling arrangement.
Indemnity has the power to direct the activities of the Exchange that most significantly impact the Exchange’s economic performance by acting as the common attorney-in-fact and decision maker for the subscribers (policyholders) at the Exchange.
The Exchange, together with its wholly owned subsidiaries, Erie Insurance Company (“EIC”), Erie Insurance Company of New York (“ENY”), Erie Insurance Property and Casualty Company (“EPC”), and Flagship City Insurance Company (“Flagship”), operate as a property and casualty insurer and are collectively referred to as the “Property and Casualty Group”. The Property and Casualty Group operates in
11
Midwestern, Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern states and the District of Columbia.
Erie Family Life Insurance Company (“EFL”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Exchange, operates as a life insurer that underwrites and sells individual and group life insurance policies and fixed annuities.
Indemnity expects to begin writing personal passenger automobile, home insurance, personal excess liability insurance, and life insurance and annuity products in Kentucky for the Erie Insurance Group in the fourth quarter of 2014.
All property and casualty and life insurance operations are owned by the Exchange and Indemnity functions solely as the management company.
The consolidated financial statements of Erie Indemnity Company reflect the results of Indemnity and its variable interest entity, the Exchange, which we refer to collectively as the “Erie Insurance Group” (“we,” “us,” “our”).
“Indemnity shareholder interest” refers to the interest in Erie Indemnity Company owned by the Class A and Class B shareholders. “Noncontrolling interest” refers to the interest in the Erie Insurance Exchange held for the subscribers (policyholders).
Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of Indemnity together with its affiliate companies in which Indemnity holds a majority voting or economic interest.
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods have been included. Operating results for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended
December 31, 2014
. The accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2013
as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
February 27, 2014
.
7
Table of Contents
Principles of consolidation
We consolidate the Exchange as a variable interest entity for which Indemnity is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The required presentation of noncontrolling interests is reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Noncontrolling interests represent the ownership interests of the Exchange, all of which are held by parties other than Indemnity (i.e. the Exchange’s subscribers (policyholders)). Noncontrolling interests also include the Exchange subscribers’ ownership interest in EFL.
Presentation of assets and liabilities
– While the assets of the Exchange are presented separately in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, the Exchange’s assets can only be used to satisfy the Exchange’s liabilities or for other unrestricted activities. Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810,
Consolidation,
does not require separate presentation of the Exchange’s assets; however, because the shareholders of Indemnity have no rights to the assets of the Exchange and, conversely, the Exchange has no rights to the assets of Indemnity, we have presented the invested assets of the Exchange separately on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position along with the remaining consolidated assets reflecting the Exchange’s portion parenthetically. Liabilities are required under ASC 810,
Consolidation,
to be presented separately for the Exchange on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as the Exchange’s creditors do not have recourse to the general credit of Indemnity.
Rights of shareholders of Indemnity and subscribers (policyholders) of the Exchange
– The shareholders of Indemnity, through the management fee, have a controlling financial interest in the Exchange; however, they have no other rights to or obligations arising from assets and liabilities of the Exchange. The shareholders of Indemnity own its equity but have no rights or interest in the Exchange’s (noncontrolling interest) income or equity. The noncontrolling interest equity represents the Exchange’s equity held for the interest of its subscribers (policyholders), who have no rights or interest in the Indemnity shareholder interest income or equity.
All intercompany assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses between Indemnity and the Exchange have been eliminated in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Pending accounting pronouncements
In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-01,
Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects
. This guidance permits reporting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Generally, investors in qualified affordable housing project investments expect to receive substantially all of their return through the receipt of tax credits and other tax benefits. ASU No. 2014-01 allows for the recording of the investment performance net of taxes as a component of income tax expense to more fairly represent the economics of the investments and provide users with a better understanding of the returns from such investments. The qualifications to make this accounting election were also made less restrictive. ASU No. 2014-01 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. While we are currently evaluating whether to make the accounting election and whether the election would be made for early adoption, such election is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09,
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
. ASU No. 2014-09 clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and provides a common revenue standard for GAAP. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Insurance contracts are not within the scope of this guidance. ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is not permitted. We do not expect the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 related to the management fee and service agreement revenue to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
8
Table of Contents
Note 3. Indemnity
Earnings Per Share
Class A and Class B basic earnings per share and Class B diluted earnings per share are calculated under the two-class method. The two-class method allocates earnings to each class of stock based upon its dividend rights. Class B shares are convertible into Class A shares at a conversion ratio of
2,400
to 1. See Note 11. “Indemnity Capital Stock”.
Class A diluted earnings per share are calculated under the if-converted method, which reflects the conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares. Diluted earnings per share calculations include the effect of any potential common shares. Potential common shares include outstanding vested and not yet vested awards related to our outside directors’ stock compensation plan and any employee stock based awards.
A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in the basic and diluted per-share computations is presented as follows for each class of Indemnity common stock:
Indemnity Shareholder Interest
(dollars in millions, except per share data)
Three months ended September 30,
2014
2013
Allocated net income (numerator)
Weighted shares (denominator)
Per-share amount
Allocated net income (numerator)
Weighted shares (denominator)
Per-share amount
Class A – Basic EPS:
Income available to Class A stockholders
$
47
46,189,068
$
1.01
$
46
46,656,911
$
0.98
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards
0
97,296
—
0
93,539
—
Assumed conversion of Class B shares
0
6,100,800
—
0
6,100,800
—
Class A – Diluted EPS:
Income available to Class A stockholders on Class A equivalent shares
$
47
52,387,164
$
0.90
$
46
52,851,250
$
0.87
Class B – Basic and diluted EPS:
Income available to Class B stockholders
$
0
2,542
$
151
$
0
2,542
$
147
Indemnity Shareholder Interest
(dollars in millions, except per share data)
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013
Allocated net income (numerator)
Weighted shares (denominator)
Per-share amount
Allocated net income (numerator)
Weighted shares (denominator)
Per-share amount
Class A – Basic EPS:
Income available to Class A stockholders
$
141
46,267,694
$
3.05
$
126
46,707,971
$
2.71
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards
0
97,296
—
0
93,539
—
Assumed conversion of Class B shares
1
6,100,800
—
1
6,100,800
—
Class A – Diluted EPS:
Income available to Class A stockholders on Class A equivalent shares
$
142
52,465,790
$
2.71
$
127
52,902,310
$
2.41
Class B – Basic EPS:
Income available to Class B stockholders
$
1
2,542
$
458
$
1
2,542
$
406
Class B – Diluted EPS:
Income available to Class B stockholders
$
1
2,542
$
457
$
1
2,542
$
406
9
Table of Contents
Note 4. Variable Interest Entity
Erie Insurance Exchange
The Exchange is a reciprocal insurance exchange domiciled in Pennsylvania, for which Indemnity serves as attorney-in-fact. Indemnity holds a variable interest in the Exchange due to the absence of decision-making capabilities by the equity owners (subscribers/policyholders) of the Exchange and due to the significance of the management fee the Exchange pays to Indemnity as its decision maker. As a result, Indemnity is deemed to have a controlling financial interest in the Exchange and is considered to be its primary beneficiary.
Consolidation of the Exchange’s financial results is required given the significance of the management fee to the Exchange and because Indemnity has the power to direct the activities of the Exchange that most significantly impact the Exchange’s economic performance. The Exchange’s anticipated economic performance is the product of its underwriting results combined with its investment results. The fees paid to Indemnity under the subscriber’s agreement impact the anticipated economic performance attributable to the Exchange’s results. Indemnity earns a management fee from the Exchange for the services it provides as attorney-in-fact. Indemnity’s management fee revenues are based upon all premiums written or assumed by the Exchange. Indemnity’s Board of Directors determines the management fee rate to be paid by the Exchange to Indemnity. This rate cannot exceed
25%
of the direct and assumed written premiums of the Exchange, as defined by the subscriber’s agreement signed by each policyholder. Management fee revenues and management fee expenses are eliminated upon consolidation.
The shareholders of Indemnity have no rights to the assets of the Exchange and no obligations arising from the liabilities of the Exchange. Indemnity has no obligation related to any underwriting and/or investment losses experienced by the Exchange. Indemnity would, however, be adversely impacted if the Exchange incurred significant underwriting and/or investment losses. If the surplus of the Exchange were to decline significantly from its current level, its financial strength ratings could be reduced and, as a consequence, the Exchange could find it more difficult to retain its existing business and attract new business. A decline in the business of the Exchange would have an adverse effect on the amount of the management fees Indemnity receives. In addition, a decline in the surplus of the Exchange from its current level may impact the management fee rate received by Indemnity. Indemnity also has an exposure to a concentration of credit risk related to the unsecured receivables due from the Exchange for its management fee. If any of these events occurred, Indemnity’s financial position, financial performance, and/or cash flows could be adversely impacted.
All property and casualty and life insurance operations are owned by the Exchange, and Indemnity functions solely as the management company.
Indemnity has not provided financial or other support to the Exchange for any of the reporting periods presented. At
September 30, 2014
, there are no explicit or implicit arrangements that would require Indemnity to provide future financial support to the Exchange. Indemnity is not liable if the Exchange was to be in violation of its debt covenants or was unable to meet its obligation for unfunded commitments to limited partnerships.
10
Table of Contents
Note 5. Segment Information
Our reportable segments include management operations, property and casualty insurance operations, life insurance operations, and investment operations. Accounting policies for segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. See Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2013
as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
February 27, 2014
. Assets are not allocated to the segments, but rather, are reviewed in total for purposes of decision-making. No single customer or agent provides 10% or more of revenues.
Management operations
Our management operations segment consists of Indemnity serving as attorney-in-fact for the Exchange. Indemnity operates in this capacity solely for the Exchange. We evaluate profitability of our management operations segment principally on the gross margin from management operations. Indemnity earns a management fee from the Exchange for providing sales, underwriting, and policy issuance services. Management fee revenue, which is eliminated upon consolidation, is calculated as a percentage not to exceed
25%
of all the direct premiums written by the Exchange and the other members of the Property and Casualty Group, which are assumed by the Exchange under an intercompany pooling arrangement. The Property and Casualty Group issues policies with annual terms only. Management fees are recorded upon policy issuance or renewal, as substantially all of the services required to be performed by Indemnity have been satisfied at that time. Certain activities are performed and related costs are incurred by us subsequent to policy issuance in connection with the services provided to the Exchange; however, these activities are inconsequential and perfunctory. Although these management fee revenues and expenses are eliminated upon consolidation, the amount of the fee directly impacts the allocation of our consolidated net income between the noncontrolling interest, which bears the management fee expense and represents the interests of the Exchange subscribers (policyholders), and Indemnity’s interest, which earns the management fee revenue and represents the Indemnity shareholder interest in net income.
Property and casualty insurance operations
Our property and casualty insurance operations segment includes personal and commercial lines. Personal lines consist primarily of personal auto and homeowners and are marketed to individuals. Commercial lines consist primarily of commercial multi-peril, commercial auto, and workers compensation and are marketed to small- and medium-sized businesses. Our property and casualty policies are sold by independent agents. Our property and casualty insurance underwriting operations are conducted through the Exchange and its subsidiaries and include assumed voluntary reinsurance from nonaffiliated domestic and foreign sources, assumed involuntary, and ceded reinsurance business. The Exchange exited the assumed voluntary reinsurance business effective December 31, 2003, and therefore unaffiliated assumed voluntary reinsurance includes only run-off activity of the previously assumed voluntary reinsurance business. We evaluate profitability of the property and casualty insurance operations principally based upon net underwriting results represented by the combined ratio.
Life insurance operations
Our life insurance operations segment includes traditional and universal life insurance products and fixed annuities marketed to individuals using the same independent agency force utilized by our property and casualty insurance operations. We evaluate profitability of the life insurance segment principally based upon segment net income, including investments, which for segment purposes are reflected in the investment operations segment. At the same time, we recognize that investment-related income is integral to the evaluation of the life insurance segment because of the long duration of life products. For the
third
quarters of
2014
and
2013
, investment activities on life insurance related assets generated revenues of
$26 million
resulting in EFL reporting income before income taxes of
$10 million
for both periods, before intercompany eliminations. For the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
and
September 30, 2013
, investment activities on life insurance related assets generated revenues of
$79 million
and
$78 million
, respectively, resulting in EFL reporting income before income taxes of
$33 million
and
$34 million
, respectively, before intercompany eliminations.
Investment operations
The investment operations segment includes returns from our fixed maturity, equity security and limited partnership investment portfolios to support our underwriting business. The Indemnity and Exchange portfolios are managed with the objective of maximizing after-tax returns on a risk-adjusted basis, while the EFL portfolio is managed to be closely aligned to its liabilities and to maintain a sufficient yield to meet profitability targets. Management actively evaluates the portfolios for impairments. We record impairment writedowns on investments in instances where the fair value of the investment is substantially below cost, and we conclude that the decline in fair value is other-than-temporary. Investment related income for the life operations is included in the investment segment results.
11
Table of Contents
The following tables summarize the components of the Consolidated Statements of Operations by reportable business segment:
Erie Insurance Group
(in millions)
Three months ended September 30, 2014
Management
operations
Property
and casualty
insurance
operations
Life
insurance
operations
Investment
operations
Eliminations
Consolidated
Premiums earned/life policy revenue
$
1,333
$
22
$
0
$
1,355
Net investment income
$
118
(3
)
115
Net realized investment losses
(85
)
(85
)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
(1
)
(1
)
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships
34
34
Management fee revenue
$
362
(362
)
—
Service agreement and other revenue
8
0
8
Total revenues
370
1,333
22
66
(365
)
1,426
Cost of management operations
308
(308
)
—
Insurance losses and loss expenses
908
28
(1
)
935
Policy acquisition and underwriting expenses
387
10
(56
)
341
Total benefits and expenses
308
1,295
38
—
(365
)
1,276
Income (loss) before income taxes
62
38
(16
)
66
—
150
Provision for income taxes
22
13
(5
)
12
—
42
Net income (loss)
$
40
$
25
$
(11
)
$
54
$
—
$
108
Erie Insurance Group
(in millions)
Three months ended September 30, 2013
Management
operations
Property
and casualty
insurance
operations
Life
insurance
operations
Investment
operations
Eliminations
Consolidated
Premiums earned/life policy revenue
$
1,221
$
21
$
(1
)
$
1,241
Net investment income
$
111
(2
)
109
Net realized investment gains
191
191
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
(9
)
(9
)
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships
37
37
Management fee revenue
$
333
(333
)
—
Service agreement and other revenue
8
0
8
Total revenues
341
1,221
21
330
(336
)
1,577
Cost of management operations
281
(281
)
—
Insurance losses and loss expenses
841
28
(1
)
868
Policy acquisition and underwriting expenses
356
9
(54
)
311
Total benefits and expenses
281
1,197
37
—
(336
)
1,179
Income (loss) before income taxes
60
24
(16
)
330
—
398
Provision for income taxes
21
8
(5
)
107
—
131
Net income (loss)
$
39
$
16
$
(11
)
$
223
$
—
$
267
12
Table of Contents
Erie Insurance Group
(in millions)
Nine months ended September 30, 2014
Management
operations
Property
and casualty
insurance
operations
Life
insurance
operations
Investment
operations
Eliminations
Consolidated
Premiums earned/life policy revenue
$
3,899
$
64
$
(1
)
$
3,962
Net investment income
$
346
(11
)
335
Net realized investment gains
104
104
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
(1
)
(1
)
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships
111
111
Management fee revenue
$
1,047
(1,047
)
—
Service agreement and other revenue
23
1
24
Total revenues
1,070
3,899
65
560
(1,059
)
4,535
Cost of management operations
882
(882
)
—
Insurance losses and loss expenses
3,016
83
(4
)
3,095
Policy acquisition and underwriting expenses
1,132
28
(173
)
987
Total benefits and expenses
882
4,148
111
—
(1,059
)
4,082
Income (loss) before income taxes
188
(249
)
(46
)
560
—
453
Provision for income taxes
66
(87
)
(16
)
170
—
133
Net income (loss)
$
122
$
(162
)
$
(30
)
$
390
$
—
$
320
Erie Insurance Group
(in millions)
Nine months ended September 30, 2013
Management operations
Property
and casualty
insurance
operations
Life insurance operations
Investment operations
Eliminations
Consolidated
Premiums earned/life policy revenue
$
3,573
$
60
$
(2
)
$
3,631
Net investment income
$
324
(8
)
316
Net realized investment gains
501
501
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
(10
)
(10
)
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships
112
112
Management fee revenue
$
965
(965
)
—
Service agreement and other revenue
23
1
24
Total revenues
988
3,573
61
927
(975
)
4,574
Cost of management operations
820
(820
)
—
Insurance losses and loss expenses
2,495
80
(4
)
2,571
Policy acquisition and underwriting expenses
1,032
25
(151
)
906
Total benefits and expenses
820
3,527
105
—
(975
)
3,477
Income (loss) before income taxes
168
46
(44
)
927
—
1,097
Provision for income taxes
59
16
(15
)
303
—
363
Net income (loss)
$
109
$
30
$
(29
)
$
624
$
—
$
734
13
Table of Contents
Note 6. Fair Value
Our available-for-sale and trading securities are recorded at fair value, which is the price that would be received to sell the asset in an orderly transaction between willing market participants as of the measurement date.
Valuation techniques used to derive the fair value of our available-for-sale and trading securities are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs reflect our own assumptions regarding fair market value for these securities. Although the majority of our prices are obtained from third party sources, we also perform an internal pricing review for securities with low trading volumes under current market conditions. Financial instruments are categorized based upon the following characteristics or inputs to the valuation techniques:
•
Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity can access at the measurement date.
•
Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
•
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
Estimates of fair values for our investment portfolio are obtained primarily from a nationally recognized pricing service. Our Level 1 category includes those securities valued using an exchange traded price provided by the pricing service. The methodologies used by the pricing service that support a Level 2 classification of a financial instrument include multiple verifiable, observable inputs including benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data. Pricing service valuations for Level 3 securities are based upon proprietary models and are used when observable inputs are not available or in illiquid markets.
In limited circumstances we adjust the price received from the pricing service when, in our judgment, a better reflection of fair value is available based upon corroborating information and our knowledge and monitoring of market conditions such as a disparity in price of comparable securities and/or non-binding broker quotes. In other circumstances, certain securities are internally priced because prices are not provided by the pricing service.
We perform continuous reviews of the prices obtained from the pricing service. This includes evaluating the methodology and inputs used by the pricing service to ensure that we determine the proper classification level of the financial instrument. Price variances, including large periodic changes, are investigated and corroborated by market data. We have reviewed the pricing methodologies of our pricing service as well as other observable inputs, such as data, and transaction volumes and believe that their prices adequately consider market activity in determining fair value. Our review process continues to evolve based upon accounting guidance and requirements.
When a price from the pricing service is not available, values are determined by obtaining broker/dealer quotes and/or market comparables. When available, we obtain multiple quotes for the same security. The ultimate value for these securities is determined based upon our best estimate of fair value using corroborating market information. Our evaluation includes the consideration of benchmark yields, reported trades, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data.
For certain securities in an illiquid market, there may be no prices available from a pricing service and no comparable market quotes available. In these situations, we value the security using an internally-developed, risk-adjusted discounted cash flow model.
14
Table of Contents
The following table represents our consolidated fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input at
September 30, 2014
:
Erie Insurance Group
September 30, 2014
Fair value measurements using:
(in millions)
Total
Quoted prices in
active markets for identical assets
Level 1
Observable inputs
Level 2
Unobservable inputs
Level 3
Indemnity
Available-for-sale securities:
States & political subdivisions
$
231
$
0
$
231
$
0
Corporate debt securities
242
0
241
1
Residential mortgage-backed securities
10
0
10
0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
49
0
46
3
Collateralized debt obligations
24
0
24
0
Other debt securities
7
0
7
0
Total fixed maturities
563
0
559
4
Nonredeemable preferred stock
12
2
10
0
Common stock
13
13
0
0
Total available-for-sale securities
588
15
569
4
Other investments
(1)
19
0
0
19
Total – Indemnity
$
607
$
15
$
569
$
23
Exchange
Available-for-sale securities:
U.S. treasury
$
6
$
0
$
6
$
0
Government sponsored enterprises
4
0
4
0
States & political subdivisions
1,483
0
1,483
0
Foreign government securities
15
0
15
0
Corporate debt securities
7,161
0
7,090
71
Residential mortgage-backed securities
119
0
119
0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
33
0
33
0
Collateralized debt obligations
11
0
11
0
Other debt securities
70
0
68
2
Total fixed maturities
8,902
0
8,829
73
Nonredeemable preferred stock
720
334
378
8
Common stock
197
197
0
0
Total available-for-sale securities
9,819
531
9,207
81
Trading securities:
Common stock
3,125
3,110
0
15
Total trading securities
3,125
3,110
0
15
Other investments
(1)
103
0
0
103
Total – Exchange
$
13,047
$
3,641
$
9,207
$
199
Total – Erie Insurance Group
$
13,654
$
3,656
$
9,776
$
222
(1)
Other investments measured at fair value represent
four
real estate funds included on the balance sheet as limited partnership investments that are reported under the fair value option. These investments can never be redeemed with the funds. Instead, distributions are received when liquidation of the underlying assets of the funds occur. It is estimated that the underlying assets will generally be liquidated between
5
and
10
years from the inception of the funds. The fair value of these investments is based on the net asset value (NAV) information provided by the general partner. Fair value is based on our proportionate share of the NAV based on the most recent partners' capital statements received from the general partners, which is generally one quarter prior to our balance sheet date. These values are then analyzed to determine if they represent the NAV at our balance sheet date, with adjustment being made where appropriate. We consider observable market data and perform a review validating the appropriateness of the NAV at each balance sheet date. It is likely that all of the investments will be redeemed at a future date for an amount different than the NAV of our ownership interest in partners' capital as of
September 30, 2014
. During the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
, Indemnity made
no
contributions and received distributions totaling
$2.6 million
, and the Exchange made
no
contributions and received distributions totaling
$9.7 million
for these investments. As of
September 30, 2014
, the amount of unfunded commitments related to the investments was
$0.9 million
for Indemnity and
$2.8 million
for the Exchange.
15
Table of Contents
Level 3 Assets – Quarterly Change:
Erie Insurance Group
(in millions)
Beginning balance at June 30, 2014
Included in
earnings
(1)
Included
in other comprehensive
income
Purchases
Sales
Transfers
in and (out) of
Level 3
(2)
Ending balance at September 30, 2014
Indemnity
Available-for-sale securities:
Corporate debt securities
$
1
$
0
$
0
$
0
$
0
$
0
$
1
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
0
0
0
3
0
0
3
Collateralized debt obligations
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total fixed maturities
1
0
0
3
0
0
4
Total available-for-sale securities
1
0
0
3
0
0
4
Other investments
18
1
0
0
0
0
19
Total Level 3 assets – Indemnity
$
19
$
1
$
0
$
3
$
0
$
0
$
23
Exchange
Available-for-sale securities:
Corporate debt securities
$
25
$
0
$
(1
)
$
25
$
(1
)
$
23
$
71
Collateralized debt obligations
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Other debt securities
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
Total fixed maturities
25
0
(1
)
25
(1
)
25
73
Nonredeemable preferred stock
1
0
0
0
0
7
8
Total available-for-sale securities
26
0
(1
)
25
(1
)
32
81
Trading securities:
Common stock
15
0
0
0
0
0
15
Total trading securities
15
0
0
0
0
0
15
Other investments
102
4
0
0
(3
)
0
103
Total Level 3 assets – Exchange
$
143
$
4
$
(1
)
$
25
$
(4
)
$
32
$
199
Total Level 3 assets – Erie Insurance Group
$
162
$
5
$
(1
)
$
28
$
(4
)
$
32
$
222
(1)
These amounts are reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. There is $
5 million
included in equity in earnings of limited partnerships for the three months ended
September 30, 2014
on Level 3 securities.
(2)
Transfers in and out of Level 3 are attributable to changes in the availability of market observable information for individual securities within the respective categories. Transfers in and out of levels are recognized at the start of the period.
We review the fair value hierarchy classifications each reporting period. Transfers between hierarchy levels may occur due to changes in the available market observable inputs. Transfers in and out of level classifications are reported as having occurred at the beginning of the quarter in which the transfers occurred.
For Indemnity, there were
no
transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 or between Level 2 and Level 3 for the three months ended
September 30, 2014
.
For the Exchange, there were
no
Level 1 to Level 2 transfers, and Level 2 to Level 1 transfers totaled
$25 million
due to trading activity levels for
three
preferred stock holdings for the three months ended
September 30, 2014
. Level 2 to Level 3 transfers totaled
$43 million
for
seven
fixed maturity holdings and
one
preferred stock holding due to the use of unobservable inputs to determine the fair value. Level 3 to Level 2 transfers totaled
$11 million
for
one
fixed maturity holding due to the use of observable inputs to determine the fair value at
September 30, 2014
.
16
Table of Contents
Level 3 Assets – Year-to-Date Change:
Erie Insurance Group
(in millions)
Beginning balance at December 31, 2013
Included in
earnings
(1)
Included
in other comprehensive
income
Purchases
Sales
Transfers
in and (out) of
Level 3
(2)
Ending balance at September 30, 2014
Indemnity
Available-for-sale securities:
Corporate debt securities
$
1
$
0
$
0
$
0
$
0
$
0
$
1
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
0
0
0
3
0
0
3
Collateralized debt obligations
1
0
0
0
(1
)
0
0
Total fixed maturities
2
0
0
3
(1
)
0
4
Total available-for-sale securities
2
0
0
3
(1
)
0
4
Other investments
18
3
0
0
(2
)
0
19
Total Level 3 assets – Indemnity
$
20
$
3
$
0
$
3
$
(3
)
$
0
$
23
Exchange
Available-for-sale securities:
Corporate debt securities
$
26
$
0
$
(1
)
$
25
$
(2
)
$
23
$
71
Collateralized debt obligations
5
1
(1
)
0
(3
)
(2
)
0
Other debt securities
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
Total fixed maturities
31
1
(2
)
25
(5
)
23
73
Nonredeemable preferred stock
0
0
0
1
0
7
8
Total available-for-sale securities
31
1
(2
)
26
(5
)
30
81
Trading securities:
Common stock
15
0
0
0
0
0
15
Total trading securities
15
0
0
0
0
0
15
Other investments
98
15
0
0
(10
)
0
103
Total Level 3 assets – Exchange
$
144
$
16
$
(2
)
$
26
$
(15
)
$
30
$
199
Total Level 3 assets – Erie Insurance Group
$
164
$
19
$
(2
)
$
29
$
(18
)
$
30
$
222
(1)
These amounts are reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. There is
$1 million
included in net realized investment gains (losses) and
$18 million
included in equity in earnings of limited partnerships for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
on Level 3 securities.
(2)
Transfers in and out of Level 3 are attributable to changes in the availability of market observable information for individual securities within the respective categories. Transfers in and out of levels are recognized at the start of the period.
For Indemnity, there were
no
transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 or between Level 2 and Level 3 for the nine months ended
September 30, 2014
.
For the Exchange, Level 1 to Level 2 transfers totaled
$14 million
due to trading activity levels for
two
preferred stock holdings, and Level 2 to Level 1 transfers totaled
$25 million
due to trading activity levels for
three
preferred stock holdings for the nine months ended
September 30, 2014
. Level 2 to Level 3 transfers totaled
$43 million
for
seven
fixed maturity holdings and
one
preferred stock holding due to the use of unobservable inputs to determine the fair value. Level 3 to Level 2 transfers totaled
$13 million
for
two
fixed maturity holdings due to the use of observable inputs to determine the fair value at
September 30, 2014
.
17
Table of Contents
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Unobservable Inputs
Erie Insurance Group
September 30, 2014
(dollars in millions)
Fair
value
Valuation techniques
Unobservable input
Range
Weighted
average
Indemnity
Corporate debt securities
$
1
Market approach
Non-binding broker quote
(4)
111
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
3
Market approach
Non-binding broker quote
(4)
100
Other investments
(3)
19
Total Level 3 assets – Indemnity
$
23
Exchange
Corporate debt securities
$
71
Market approach
Non-binding broker quote
(4)
90-121
105
Comparable transaction EBITDA multiples
(1)
8.0 - 12.1x
8.0x
Comparable security yield
(1)
6%
Other debt securities
2
Market approach
Non-binding broker quote
(4)
100
Nonredeemable preferred stock
8
Market approach
Held at cost
(2)
Non-binding broker quote
(4)
89
Common stock
15
Market approach
Comparable transaction EBITDA multiples
(1)
8.0 - 12.1x
8.0x
Discount for lack of marketability
5 - 30%
10%
Other investments
(3)
103
Total Level 3 assets – Exchange
$
199
Total Level 3 assets – Erie Insurance Group
$
222
(1)
Common stock investments and Corporate debt securities – The unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of direct private equity common stock investments and certain corporate debt securities are comparable private transaction earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”) multiples, the average EBITDA multiple for comparable publicly traded companies and the amount of discount applied to the price due to the illiquidity of the securities being valued. Significant changes in any of those inputs in isolation could result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement.
(2)
Nonredeemable preferred stock - Represents a private security where cost was determined to be the best estimate of fair value.
(3)
Other investments – Other investments represent certain limited partnerships that are recorded at fair value and are based upon net asset value (NAV) provided by the general partner where the unobservable inputs are not reasonably available to us.
(4)
When a non-binding broker quote was the only input available, it was considered unobservable.
Securities valued using unobservable inputs shown above totaled
$222 million
at
September 30, 2014
. In total, Level 3 assets represent less than
1.6%
of the total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the Erie Insurance Group.
18
Table of Contents
The following table represents our consolidated fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input at
December 31, 2013
:
Erie Insurance Group
December 31, 2013
Fair value measurements using:
(in millions)
Total
Quoted prices in
active markets for
identical assets
Level 1
Observable
inputs
Level 2
Unobservable
inputs
Level 3
Indemnity
Available-for-sale securities:
States & political subdivisions
$
243
$
0
$
243
$
0
Corporate debt securities
282
0
281
1
Collateralized debt obligations
1
0
0
1
Total fixed maturities
526
0
524
2
Nonredeemable preferred stock
25
2
23
0
Common stock
25
25
0
0
Total available-for-sale securities
576
27
547
2
Other investments
(1)
18
0
0
18
Total – Indemnity
$
594
$
27
$
547
$
20
Exchange
Available-for-sale securities:
U.S. government & agencies
$
172
$
0
$
172
$
0
States & political subdivisions
1,470
0
1,470
0
Foreign government securities
15
0
15
0
Corporate debt securities
6,211
0
6,185
26
Residential mortgage-backed securities
156
0
156
0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
47
0
47
0
Collateralized debt obligations
16
0
11
5
Other debt securities
75
0
75
0
Total fixed maturities
8,162
0
8,131
31
Nonredeemable preferred stock
621
242
379
0
Common stock
198
198
0
0
Total available-for-sale securities
8,981
440
8,510
31
Trading securities:
Common stock
3,202
3,187
0
15
Total trading securities
3,202
3,187
0
15
Other investments
(1)
98
0
0
98
Total – Exchange
$
12,281
$
3,627
$
8,510
$
144
Total – Erie Insurance Group
$
12,875
$
3,654
$
9,057
$
164
(1)
Other investments measured at fair value represent
four
real estate funds included on the balance sheet as limited partnership investments that are reported under the fair value option. These investments can never be redeemed with the funds. Instead, distributions are received when liquidation of the underlying assets of the funds occur. It is estimated that the underlying assets will generally be liquidated between
5
and
10
years from the inception of the funds. The fair value of these investments is based on the net asset value (NAV) information provided by the general partner. Fair value is based on our proportionate share of the NAV based on the most recent partners' capital statements received from the general partners, which is generally one quarter prior to our balance sheet date. These values are then analyzed to determine if they represent the NAV at our balance sheet date, with adjustment being made where appropriate. We consider observable market data and perform a review validating the appropriateness of the NAV at each balance sheet date. It is likely that all of the investments will be redeemed at a future date for an amount different than the NAV of our ownership interest in partners' capital as of
December 31, 2013
. During the year ended
December 31, 2013
, Indemnity made
no
contributions and received distributions totaling
$2.4 million
, and the Exchange made
no
contributions and received distributions totaling
$21.7 million
for these investments. As of
December 31, 2013
, the amount of unfunded commitments related to the investments was
$1.5 million
for Indemnity and
$4.5 million
for the Exchange.
19
Table of Contents
Level 3 Assets – Quarterly Change:
Erie Insurance Group
(in millions)
Beginning balance at June 30, 2013
Included in
earnings
(1)
Included
in other
comprehensive
income
Purchases
Sales
Transfers
in and (out) of
Level 3
(2)
Ending balance at September 30, 2013
Indemnity
Available-for-sale securities:
Corporate debt securities
$
1
$
0
$
0
$
0
$
0
$
0
$
1
Collateralized debt obligations
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Total fixed maturities
2
0
0
0
0
0
2
Total available-for-sale securities
2
0
0
0
0
0
2
Other investments
20
0
0
0
(1
)
0
19
Total Level 3 assets – Indemnity
$
22
$
0
$
0
$
0
$
(1
)
$
0
$
21
Exchange
Available-for-sale securities:
Corporate debt securities
$
33
$
0
$
0
$
0
$
0
$
(7
)
$
26
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
4
0
0
0
0
(4
)
0
Collateralized debt obligations
12
0
0
0
(3
)
0
9
Total fixed maturities
49
0
0
0
(3
)
(11
)
35
Nonredeemable preferred stock
7
0
(3
)
0
(4
)
0
0
Total available-for-sale securities
56
0
(3
)
0
(7
)
(11
)
35
Trading securities:
Common stock
7
3
0
4
0
0
14
Total trading securities
7
3
0
4
0
0
14
Other investments
113
3
0
0
(16
)
0
100
Total Level 3 assets – Exchange
$
176
$
6
$
(3
)
$
4
$
(23
)
$
(11
)
$
149
Total Level 3 assets – Erie Insurance Group
$
198
$
6
$
(3
)
$
4
$
(24
)
$
(11
)
$
170
(1)
These amounts are reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. There is $
3 million
included in net realized investment gains (losses) and $
3 million
included in equity in earnings of limited partnerships for the three months ended
September 30, 2013
on Level 3 securities.
(2)
Transfers in and out of Level 3 are attributable to changes in the availability of market observable information for individual securities within the respective categories. Transfers in and out of levels are recognized at the start of the period.
We review the fair value hierarchy classifications each reporting period. Transfers between hierarchy levels may occur due to changes in the available market observable inputs. Transfers in and out of level classifications are reported as having occurred at the beginning of the quarter in which the transfers occurred.
For Indemnity, there were
no
transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 or between Level 2 and Level 3 for the three months ended
September 30, 2013
.
For the Exchange, there were
no
transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 or from Level 2 to Level 3 for the three months ended
September 30, 2013
. Level 3 to Level 2 transfers totaled
$11 million
for
two
fixed maturity holdings. These transfers out of Level 3 were primarily the result of using observable market data to determine the fair value at
September 30, 2013
.
20
Table of Contents
Level 3 Assets – Year-to-Date Change:
Erie Insurance Group
(in millions)
Beginning balance at December 31, 2012
Included in
earnings
(1)
Included
in other
comprehensive
income
Purchases
Sales
Transfers
in and (out) of
Level 3
(2)
Ending balance at September 30, 2013
Indemnity
Available-for-sale securities:
Corporate debt securities
$
1
$
0
$
0
$
0
$
0
$
0
$
1
Collateralized debt obligations
3
0
0
0
(2
)
0
1
Total fixed maturities
4
0
0
0
(2
)
0
2
Total available-for-sale securities
4
0
0
0
(2
)
0
2
Other investments
19
1
0
0
(1
)
0
19
Total Level 3 assets – Indemnity
$
23
$
1
$
0
$
0
$
(3
)
$
0
$
21
Exchange
Available-for-sale securities:
Corporate debt securities
$
43
$
0
$
0
$
1
$
(3
)
$
(15
)
$
26
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
0
0
0
0
(1
)
1
0
Collateralized debt obligations
16
2
0
0
(10
)
1
9
Total fixed maturities
59
2
0
1
(14
)
(13
)
35
Nonredeemable preferred stock
0
2
(1
)
4
(10
)
5
0
Total available-for-sale securities
59
4
(1
)
5
(24
)
(8
)
35
Trading securities:
Common stock
15
0
0
4
(5
)
0
14
Total trading securities
15
0
0
4
(5
)
0
14
Other investments
109
9
0
0
(18
)
0
100
Total Level 3 assets – Exchange
$
183
$
13
$
(1
)
$
9
$
(47
)
$
(8
)
$
149
Total Level 3 assets – Erie Insurance Group
$
206
$
14
$
(1
)
$
9
$
(50
)
$
(8
)
$
170
(1)
These amounts are reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. There is
$4 million
of losses included in net realized investment (losses) and
$10 million
included in equity in earnings of limited partnerships for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2013
on Level 3 securities.
(2)
Transfers in and out of Level 3 are attributable to changes in the availability of market observable information for individual securities within the respective categories. Transfers in and out of levels are recognized at the start of the period.
For Indemnity, there were
no
Level 1 to Level 2 transfers for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2013
. Level 2 to Level 1 transfers totaled
$1 million
, due to trading activity levels related to
one
preferred stock holding, and there were
no
transfers between Levels 2 and 3.
For the Exchange, Level 1 to Level 2 transfers totaled
$6 million
and Level 2 to Level 1 transfers totaled
$51 million
due to trading activity levels related to
one
preferred stock holding and
five
preferred stock holdings, respectively, for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2013
. Level 2 to Level 3 transfers totaled
$39 million
for
seven
fixed maturity holdings and
one
preferred stock holding, and Level 3 to Level 2 transfers totaled
$47 million
for
six
fixed maturity holdings. These transfers in and out of Level 3 were primarily the result of using non-binding and binding broker quotes, respectively, to determine the fair value at
September 30, 2013
.
21
Table of Contents
The following table presents our consolidated fair value measurements on a recurring basis by pricing source at
September 30, 2014
:
Erie Insurance Group
(in millions)
September 30, 2014
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Indemnity
Fixed maturities:
Priced via pricing services
$
557
$
0
$
557
$
0
Priced via market comparables/broker quotes
(1)
6
0
2
4
Priced via internal modeling
0
0
0
0
Total fixed maturities
563
0
559
4
Nonredeemable preferred stock:
Priced via pricing services
10
2
8
0
Priced via market comparables/broker quotes
(1)
2
0
2
0
Total nonredeemable preferred stock
12
2
10
0
Common stock:
Priced via pricing services
13
13
0
0
Total common stock
13
13
0
0
Other investments:
Priced via unobservable inputs
(2)
19
0
0
19
Total other investments
19
0
0
19
Total – Indemnity
$
607
$
15
$
569
$
23
Exchange
Fixed maturities:
Priced via pricing services
$
8,763
$
0
$
8,763
$
0
Priced via market comparables/broker quotes
(1)
132
0
66
66
Priced via internal modeling
7
0
0
7
Total fixed maturities
8,902
0
8,829
73
Nonredeemable preferred stock:
Priced via pricing services
697
334
363
0
Priced via market comparables/broker quotes
(1)
22
0
15
7
Priced via internal modeling
1
0
0
1
Total nonredeemable preferred stock
720
334
378
8
Common stock:
Priced via pricing services
3,307
3,307
0
0
Priced via internal modeling
15
0
0
15
Total common stock
3,322
3,307
0
15
Other investments:
Priced via unobservable inputs
(2)
103
0
0
103
Total other investments
103
0
0
103
Total – Exchange
$
13,047
$
3,641
$
9,207
$
199
Total – Erie Insurance Group
$
13,654
$
3,656
$
9,776
$
222
(1)
When a non-binding broker quote was the only price available, the security was classified as Level 3.
(2)
Other investments measured at fair value represent real estate funds included on the balance sheet as limited partnership investments that are reported under the fair value option. The fair value of these investments is based on the net asset value (NAV) information provided by the general partner.
There were
no
assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
.
22
Table of Contents
Note 7. Investments
Available-for-sale securities
The following table summarizes the cost and fair value of our available-for-sale securities at
September 30, 2014
:
Erie Insurance Group
September 30, 2014
(in millions)
Amortized
cost
Gross unrealized gains
Gross unrealized losses
Estimated fair value
Indemnity
Available-for-sale securities:
States & political subdivisions
$
219
$
12
$
0
$
231
Corporate debt securities
241
2
1
242
Residential mortgage-backed securities
10
0
0
10
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
50
0
1
49
Collateralized debt obligations
24
0
0
24
Other debt securities
7
0
0
7
Total fixed maturities
551
14
2
563
Nonredeemable preferred stock
11
1
0
12
Common stock
13
0
0
13
Total available-for-sale securities – Indemnity
$
575
$
15
$
2
$
588
Exchange
Available-for-sale securities:
U.S. treasury
$
6
$
0
$
0
$
6
Government sponsored enterprises
3
1
0
4
States & political subdivisions
1,400
84
1
1,483
Foreign government securities
15
0
0
15
Corporate debt securities
6,788
399
26
7,161
Residential mortgage-backed securities
117
3
1
119
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
31
2
0
33
Collateralized debt obligations
6
5
0
11
Other debt securities
69
2
1
70
Total fixed maturities
8,435
496
29
8,902
Nonredeemable preferred stock
657
66
3
720
Common stock
196
2
1
197
Total available-for-sale securities – Exchange
$
9,288
$
564
$
33
$
9,819
Total available-for-sale securities – Erie Insurance Group
$
9,863
$
579
$
35
$
10,407
23
Table of Contents
The following table summarizes the cost and fair value of our available-for-sale securities at
December 31, 2013
:
Erie Insurance Group
December 31, 2013
(in millions)
Amortized
cost
Gross unrealized gains
Gross unrealized losses
Estimated fair value
Indemnity
Available-for-sale securities:
States & political subdivisions
$
237
$
7
$
1
$
243
Corporate debt securities
280
2
0
282
Collateralized debt obligations
1
0
0
1
Total fixed maturities
518
9
1
526
Nonredeemable preferred stock
24
2
1
25
Common stock
26
0
1
25
Total available-for-sale securities – Indemnity
$
568
$
11
$
3
$
576
Exchange
Available-for-sale securities:
U.S. government & agencies
$
171
$
1
$
0
$
172
States & political subdivisions
1,430
55
15
1,470
Foreign government securities
15
0
0
15
Corporate debt securities
5,902
354
45
6,211
Residential mortgage-backed securities
157
3
4
156
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
45
2
0
47
Collateralized debt obligations
8
8
0
16
Other debt securities
73
3
1
75
Total fixed maturities
7,801
426
65
8,162
Nonredeemable preferred stock
577
55
11
621
Common stock
201
0
3
198
Total available-for-sale securities – Exchange
$
8,579
$
481
$
79
$
8,981
Total available-for-sale securities – Erie Insurance Group
$
9,147
$
492
$
82
$
9,557
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities at
September 30, 2014
are shown below by remaining contractual term to maturity. Mortgage-backed securities are allocated based upon their stated maturity dates. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
Erie Insurance Group
September 30, 2014
(in millions)
Amortized
Estimated
cost
fair value
Indemnity
Due in one year or less
$
61
$
61
Due after one year through five years
237
239
Due after five years through ten years
146
151
Due after ten years
107
112
Total fixed maturities – Indemnity
$
551
$
563
Exchange
Due in one year or less
$
380
$
387
Due after one year through five years
3,236
3,419
Due after five years through ten years
3,262
3,417
Due after ten years
1,557
1,679
Total fixed maturities – Exchange
$
8,435
$
8,902
Total fixed maturities – Erie Insurance Group
$
8,986
$
9,465
24
Table of Contents
Available-for-sale securities in a gross unrealized loss position at
September 30, 2014
are as follows. Data is provided by length of time for securities in a gross unrealized loss position.
Erie Insurance Group
September 30, 2014
(dollars in millions)
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
Total
Indemnity
Fair
value
Unrealized losses
Fair
value
Unrealized losses
Fair
value
Unrealized losses
No. of holdings
Available-for-sale securities:
States & political subdivisions
$
0
$
0
$
8
$
0
$
8
$
0
3
Corporate debt securities
89
1
0
0
89
1
262
Residential mortgage-backed securities
7
0
0
0
7
0
4
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
42
1
0
0
42
1
23
Collateralized debt obligations
17
0
0
0
17
0
6
Other debt securities
5
0
0
0
5
0
2
Total fixed maturities
160
2
8
0
168
2
300
Common stock
0
0
13
0
13
0
1
Total available-for-sale securities – Indemnity
$
160
$
2
$
21
$
0
$
181
$
2
301
Quality breakdown of fixed maturities:
Investment grade
$
97
$
1
$
8
$
0
$
105
$
1
46
Non-investment grade
63
1
0
0
63
1
254
Total fixed maturities – Indemnity
$
160
$
2
$
8
$
0
$
168
$
2
300
Exchange
Available-for-sale securities:
U.S. treasury
$
1
$
0
$
0
$
0
$
1
$
0
3
States & political subdivisions
45
0
64
1
109
1
25
Foreign government securities
0
0
5
0
5
0
1
Corporate debt securities
1,190
20
205
6
1,395
26
730
Residential mortgage-backed securities
15
0
27
1
42
1
8
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
Other debt securities
13
0
7
1
20
1
4
Total fixed maturities
1,265
20
308
9
1,573
29
772
Nonredeemable preferred stock
102
2
33
1
135
3
20
Common stock
0
0
131
1
131
1
2
Total available-for-sale securities – Exchange
$
1,367
$
22
$
472
$
11
$
1,839
$
33
794
Quality breakdown of fixed maturities:
Investment grade
$
790
$
8
$
294
$
7
$
1,084
$
15
203
Non-investment grade
475
12
14
2
489
14
569
Total fixed maturities – Exchange
$
1,265
$
20
$
308
$
9
$
1,573
$
29
772
The above securities for Indemnity and the Exchange have been evaluated and determined to be temporary impairments for which we expect to recover our entire principal plus interest. The primary components of this analysis include a general review of market conditions and financial performance of the issuer along with the extent and duration at which fair value is less than cost. Any securities that we intend to sell or will more likely than not be required to sell before recovery are included in other-than-temporary impairments with the impairment charges recognized in earnings.
25
Table of Contents
Available-for-sale securities in a gross unrealized loss position at
December 31, 2013
are as follows. Data is provided by length of time for securities in a gross unrealized loss position.
Erie Insurance Group
December 31, 2013
(dollars in millions)
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
Total
Indemnity
Fair
value
Unrealized
losses
Fair
value
Unrealized
losses
Fair
value
Unrealized
losses
No. of
holdings
Available-for-sale securities:
States & political subdivisions
$
58
$
1
$
0
$
0
$
58
$
1
21
Corporate debt securities
54
0
10
0
64
0
11
Total fixed maturities
112
1
10
0
122
1
32
Nonredeemable preferred stock
5
1
3
0
8
1
4
Common stock
12
1
13
0
25
1
2
Total available-for-sale securities – Indemnity
$
129
$
3
$
26
$
0
$
155
$
3
38
Quality breakdown of fixed maturities:
Investment grade
$
112
$
1
$
10
$
0
$
122
$
1
32
Non-investment grade
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total fixed maturities – Indemnity
$
112
$
1
$
10
$
0
$
122
$
1
32
Exchange
Available-for-sale securities:
U.S. government & agencies
$
1
$
0
$
0
$
0
$
1
$
0
2
States & political subdivisions
408
13
18
2
426
15
100
Foreign government securities
5
0
0
0
5
0
1
Corporate debt securities
1,251
43
36
2
1,287
45
237
Residential mortgage-backed securities
71
4
8
0
79
4
12
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
5
0
0
0
5
0
1
Other debt securities
30
1
0
0
30
1
5
Total fixed maturities
1,771
61
62
4
1,833
65
358
Nonredeemable preferred stock
182
10
13
1
195
11
27
Common stock
97
3
101
0
198
3
3
Total available-for-sale securities – Exchange
$
2,050
$
74
$
176
$
5
$
2,226
$
79
388
Quality breakdown of fixed maturities:
Investment grade
$
1,707
$
57
$
62
$
4
$
1,769
$
61
344
Non-investment grade
64
4
0
0
64
4
14
Total fixed maturities – Exchange
$
1,771
$
61
$
62
$
4
$
1,833
$
65
358
The above securities for Indemnity and the Exchange have been evaluated and determined to be temporary impairments for which we expect to recover our entire principal plus interest. The primary components of this analysis include a general review of market conditions and financial performance of the issuer along with the extent and duration at which fair value is less than cost. Any securities that we intend to sell or will more likely than not be required to sell before recovery are included in other-than-temporary impairments with the impairment charges recognized in earnings.
26
Table of Contents
Net investment income
Interest and dividend income are recognized as earned and recorded to net investment income. Investment income, net of expenses, was generated from the following portfolios:
Erie Insurance Group
(in millions)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Indemnity
Fixed maturities
$
4
$
3
$
10
$
9
Equity securities
0
1
1
2
Cash equivalents and other
0
0
1
1
Total investment income
4
4
12
12
Less: investment expenses
0
0
0
1
Investment income, net of expenses – Indemnity
$
4
$
4
$
12
$
11
Exchange
Fixed maturities
$
90
$
83
$
261
$
249
Equity securities
30
29
89
80
Cash equivalents and other
0
1
1
1
Total investment income
120
113
351
330
Less: investment expenses
9
8
28
25
Investment income, net of expenses – Exchange
$
111
$
105
$
323
$
305
Investment income, net of expenses – Erie Insurance Group
$
115
$
109
$
335
$
316
27
Table of Contents
Realized investment gains (losses)
Realized gains and losses on sales of securities are recognized in income based upon the specific identification method. Realized gains (losses) on investments were as follows:
Erie Insurance Group
(in millions)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Indemnity
Available-for-sale securities:
Fixed maturities:
Gross realized gains
$
0
$
1
$
0
$
1
Gross realized losses
0
0
0
0
Net realized gains
0
1
0
1
Equity securities:
Gross realized gains
0
0
1
0
Gross realized losses
0
0
0
0
Net realized gains
0
0
1
0
Net realized investment gains – Indemnity
$
0
$
1
$
1
$
1
Exchange
Available-for-sale securities:
Fixed maturities:
Gross realized gains
$
8
$
4
$
18
$
26
Gross realized losses
(2
)
(20
)
(3
)
(25
)
Net realized gains (losses)
6
(16
)
15
1
Equity securities:
Gross realized gains
0
0
10
4
Gross realized losses
0
(9
)
(2
)
(9
)
Net realized gains (losses)
0
(9
)
8
(5
)
Trading securities:
Common stock:
Gross realized gains
89
90
211
246
Gross realized losses
(5
)
(8
)
(15
)
(23
)
(Decreases) increases in fair value
(1)
(175
)
133
(116
)
281
Net realized (losses) gains
(91
)
215
80
504
Net realized investment (losses) gains – Exchange
$
(85
)
$
190
$
103
$
500
Net realized investment (losses) gains – Erie Insurance Group
$
(85
)
$
191
$
104
$
501
(1)
The fair value on our common stock portfolio is based upon exchange traded prices provided by a nationally recognized pricing service.
28
Table of Contents
Net impairment losses
The components of other-than-temporary impairments on investments are included below:
(in millions)
Erie Insurance Group
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Indemnity
Fixed maturities
$
0
$
0
$
0
$
0
Equity securities
0
0
0
0
Total other-than-temporary impairments
0
0
0
0
Portion recognized in other comprehensive income
0
0
0
0
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings – Indemnity
$
0
$
0
$
0
$
0
Exchange
Fixed maturities
$
(1
)
$
(1
)
$
(1
)
$
(2
)
Equity securities
0
(8
)
0
(8
)
Total other-than-temporary impairments
(1
)
(9
)
(1
)
(10
)
Portion recognized in other comprehensive income
0
0
0
0
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings – Exchange
$
(1
)
$
(9
)
$
(1
)
$
(10
)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings – Erie Insurance Group
$
(1
)
$
(9
)
$
(1
)
$
(10
)
In considering if fixed maturity securities were credit-impaired, some of the factors considered include: potential for the default of interest and/or principal, level of subordination, collateral of the issue, compliance with financial covenants, credit ratings and industry conditions. We have the intent to sell all credit-impaired fixed maturity securities, therefore the entire amount of the impairment charges were included in earnings and no non-credit impairments were recognized in other comprehensive income.
Limited partnerships
Limited partnership investments, excluding certain real estate limited partnerships recorded at fair value, are generally reported on a one-quarter lag, therefore our year-to-date limited partnership results through
September 30, 2014
are comprised of partnership financial results for the fourth quarter of 2013 and first six months of 2014. Given the lag in reporting, our limited partnership results do not reflect the market conditions of the
third
quarter of
2014
. Cash contributions made to and distributions received from the partnerships are recorded in the period in which the transaction occurs.
Amounts included in equity in earnings of limited partnerships by method of accounting are included below:
(in millions)
Erie Insurance Group
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Indemnity
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships accounted for under the equity method
$
3
$
5
$
10
$
12
Change in fair value of limited partnerships accounted for under the fair value option
1
0
3
1
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships – Indemnity
$
4
$
5
$
13
$
13
Exchange
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships accounted for under the equity method
$
26
$
29
$
83
$
89
Change in fair value of limited partnerships accounted for under the fair value option
4
3
15
10
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships – Exchange
$
30
$
32
$
98
$
99
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships – Erie Insurance Group
$
34
$
37
$
111
$
112
29
Table of Contents
We have provided summarized financial information in the following tables for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
and for the year ended
December 31, 2013
. Amounts provided in the tables are presented using the latest available financial statements received from the partnerships for the respective periods. Limited partnership financial information has been presented based upon the investment percentage in the partnerships for the Erie Insurance Group consistent with how management evaluates the investments.
As these investments are generally reported on a one-quarter lag, our limited partnership results through
September 30, 2014
include partnership financial results for the fourth quarter of 2013 and the first two quarters of 2014.
Erie Insurance Group
As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014
(dollars in millions)
Investment percentage in limited partnerships
Number of
partnerships
Asset
recorded
Income (loss)
recognized
due to valuation
adjustments by
the partnerships
Income
(1oss)
recorded
Indemnity
Private equity:
Less than 10%
24
$
37
$
(4
)
$
5
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
3
18
3
0
Greater than 50%
0
0
0
0
Total private equity
27
55
(1
)
5
Mezzanine debt:
Less than 10%
11
11
0
2
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
3
5
0
0
Greater than 50%
1
0
0
0
Total mezzanine debt
15
16
0
2
Real estate:
Less than 10%
11
43
4
1
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
3
14
2
(1
)
Greater than 50%
2
6
0
1
Total real estate
16
63
6
1
Total limited partnerships – Indemnity
58
$
134
$
5
$
8
Exchange
Private equity:
Less than 10%
43
$
371
$
(3
)
$
34
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
3
76
14
2
Greater than 50%
0
0
0
0
Total private equity
46
447
11
36
Mezzanine debt:
Less than 10%
21
114
(1
)
13
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
4
24
(2
)
3
Greater than 50%
3
29
1
2
Total mezzanine debt
28
167
(2
)
18
Real estate:
Less than 10%
21
220
15
12
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
6
80
5
1
Greater than 50%
2
25
(15
)
17
Total real estate
29
325
5
30
Total limited partnerships – Exchange
103
$
939
$
14
$
84
Total limited partnerships – Erie Insurance Group
$
1,073
$
19
$
92
Per the limited partnership financial statements, total partnership assets were
$45 billion
and total partnership liabilities were
$5 billion
at
September 30, 2014
(as recorded in the
June 30, 2014
limited partnership financial statements). For the
nine months
period comparable to that presented in the preceding table (fourth quarter of 2013 and first two quarters of 2014), total partnership valuation adjustment losses were
$0.3 billion
and total partnership net income was
$6 billion
.
30
Table of Contents
As these investments are generally reported on a one-quarter lag, our limited partnership results through
December 31, 2013
include partnership financial results for the fourth quarter of
2012
and the first three quarters of
2013
.
Erie Insurance Group
As of and for the year ended December 31, 2013
(dollars in millions)
Investment percentage in limited partnerships
Number of
partnerships
Asset
recorded
Income (loss)
recognized
due to valuation
adjustments by
the partnerships
Income
(1oss)
recorded
Indemnity
Private equity:
Less than 10%
26
$
46
$
(6
)
$
9
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
3
16
3
0
Greater than 50%
0
0
0
0
Total private equity
29
62
(3
)
9
Mezzanine debt:
Less than 10%
11
14
0
1
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
3
6
0
2
Greater than 50%
1
0
0
0
Total mezzanine debt
15
20
0
3
Real estate:
Less than 10%
12
44
0
5
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
3
14
(1
)
4
Greater than 50%
2
6
1
4
Total real estate
17
64
0
13
Total limited partnerships – Indemnity
61
$
146
$
(3
)
$
25
Exchange
Private equity:
Less than 10%
44
$
396
$
(24
)
$
79
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
3
67
13
2
Greater than 50%
0
0
0
0
Total private equity
47
463
(11
)
81
Mezzanine debt:
Less than 10%
19
117
1
13
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
4
23
(3
)
7
Greater than 50%
3
32
1
3
Total mezzanine debt
26
172
(1
)
23
Real estate:
Less than 10%
22
211
(10
)
34
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
6
71
(2
)
10
Greater than 50%
2
23
(1
)
16
Total real estate
30
305
(13
)
60
Total limited partnerships – Exchange
103
$
940
$
(25
)
$
164
Total limited partnerships – Erie Insurance Group
$
1,086
$
(28
)
$
189
Per the limited partnership financial statements, total partnership assets were
$50 billion
and total partnership liabilities were
$5 billion
at
December 31, 2013
(as recorded in the
September 30, 2013
limited partnership financial statements). For the twelve month period comparable to that presented in the preceding table (fourth quarter of
2012
and first three quarters of
2013
), total partnership valuation adjustment gains were
$2 billion
and total partnership net income was
$7 billion
.
See also Note 14. “Commitments and Contingencies,” for investment commitments related to limited partnerships.
31
Table of Contents
Note 8. Bank Line of Credit
As of
September 30, 2014
, Indemnity has access to a
$100 million
bank revolving line of credit with a
$25 million
letter of credit sublimit that expires on
November 3, 2018
. As of
September 30, 2014
, a total of
$98.2 million
remains available under the facility due to
$1.8 million
outstanding letters of credit, which reduce the availability for letters of credit to
$23.2 million
. Indemnity had
no
borrowings outstanding on its line of credit as of
September 30, 2014
. Bonds with a fair value of
$112 million
were pledged as collateral on the line at
September 30, 2014
.
As of
September 30, 2014
, the Exchange has access to a
$300 million
bank revolving line of credit with a
$25 million
letter of credit sublimit that expires on
October 25, 2018
. As of
September 30, 2014
, a total of
$298.9 million
remains available under the facility due to
$1.1 million
outstanding letters of credit, which reduce the availability for letters of credit to
$23.9 million
. The Exchange had
no
borrowings outstanding on its line of credit as of
September 30, 2014
. Bonds with a fair value of
$329 million
were pledged as collateral on the line at
September 30, 2014
.
Both lines have securities pledged as collateral that have no trading restrictions and are reported as available-for-sale fixed maturities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of
September 30, 2014
. The banks require compliance with certain covenants, which include leverage ratios for Indemnity’s line of credit and statutory surplus and risk based capital ratios for the Exchange’s line of credit. We are in compliance with all covenants at
September 30, 2014
.
Note 9. Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
At
September 30, 2014
, we recorded a net deferred tax liability of
$463 million
on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Of this amount,
$2 million
is a net deferred tax asset attributable to Indemnity and
$465 million
is a net deferred tax liability attributable to the Exchange. There was
no
deferred tax valuation allowance recorded at
September 30, 2014
. Our effective tax rate is calculated after consideration of permanent differences related to our investment revenues. Given that these amounts represent over
98%
of the total permanent differences, the effective tax rate is approximately
35%
for both Indemnity and the Exchange when the investment related permanent differences are excluded.
32
Table of Contents
Note 10. Postretirement Benefits
Pension plans
Our pension plans consist of a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees and an unfunded supplemental employee retirement plan for certain members of executive and senior management of the Erie Insurance Group. The gross liability for postretirement benefits is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as part of other liabilities. A portion of annual expenses related to our postretirement benefit plans is allocated to related entities within the Erie Insurance Group. Although Indemnity is the sponsor of these postretirement plans and records the funded status of these plans, the Exchange and EFL reimburse Indemnity for approximately
56%
of the annual benefit expense of these plans, which represents pension benefits for Indemnity employees performing claims and EFL functions.
A
$15 million
contribution was made to the defined benefit pension plan in the first quarter of 2014. An additional
$8 million
contribution was made to the plan in the third quarter of 2014.
Prior to 2003, the employee pension plan purchased annuities from EFL for certain plan participants that were receiving benefit payments under the pension plan. These are nonparticipating annuity contracts under which EFL has unconditionally contracted to provide specified benefits to beneficiaries; however, the pension plan remains the primary obligor to the beneficiaries and a contingent liability,
$25 million
at
September 30, 2014
, exists in the event EFL does not honor the annuity contracts.
The cost of our pension plans are as follows:
Erie Insurance Group
(in millions)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Service cost for benefits earned
$
6
$
7
$
17
$
20
Interest cost on benefits obligation
7
6
21
19
Expected return on plan assets
(8
)
(8
)
(24
)
(23
)
Prior service cost amortization
0
0
1
1
Net actuarial loss amortization
2
4
5
11
Pension plan cost
(1)
$
7
$
9
$
20
$
28
(1)
Pension plan costs represent the total cost for the Erie Insurance Group before reimbursements to Indemnity from the Exchange and EFL.
Note 11. Indemnity Capital Stock
Class A and B common stock
Holders of Class B shares may, at their option, convert their shares into Class A shares at the rate of
2,400
Class A shares per Class B share. There were
no
conversions of Class B shares to Class A shares during the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
and the year ended
December 31, 2013
. There is no provision for conversion of Class A shares to Class B shares, and, Class B shares surrendered for conversion cannot be reissued.
Stock repurchase program
In
October 2011
, our Board of Directors approved a continuation of the current stock repurchase program for a total of
$150 million
, with no time limitation. Indemnity had approximately
$18 million
of repurchase authority remaining under this program at
September 30, 2014
.
33
Table of Contents
Note 12. Indemnity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Changes in Indemnity's accumulated other comprehensive loss by component attributable to the Indemnity shareholder interest is presented as follows for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
:
Indemnity Shareholder Interest
(in millions)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
Postretirement plans
(2)
Total
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
6
$
(65
)
$
(59
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax
4
0
4
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(1)
(1
)
0
(1
)
Net current period other comprehensive income, net of tax
3
0
3
Balance at September 30, 2014
$
9
$
(65
)
$
(56
)
(1)
See the following table for details about these reclassifications.
(2)
There are no amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss related to postretirement plan items during interim periods.
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and the related affected line item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations where net income is presented are as follows for the
three and nine
months ended
September 30, 2014
:
Erie Insurance Group
Three months ended
Nine months ended
September 30, 2014
September 30, 2014
(in millions)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(1)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Net realized investment gains
$
6
$
24
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
(1
)
(1
)
Income from operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interest
5
23
Provision for income taxes
1
8
Net income
4
15
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated entity – Exchange
4
14
Net income attributable to Indemnity
$
0
$
1
Amortization of postretirement plan items
(2)
:
Net income attributable to Indemnity
$
0
$
0
Net income attributable to Indemnity
$
0
$
1
(1)
Positive amounts indicate net income, while negative amounts indicate net loss.
(2)
There are no amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss related to postretirement plan items during interim periods.
34
Table of Contents
Note 13. Indemnity Shareholders’ Equity and Noncontrolling Interest
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of Indemnity's shareholders’ equity and the noncontrolling interest is presented as follows for the year ended
December 31, 2013
and for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
:
Erie Insurance Group
(in millions, except per share data)
Indemnity
shareholder
interest
Exchange
noncontrolling
interest
Erie
Insurance
Group
Balance at December 31, 2012
$
642
$
6,149
$
6,791
Net income
163
885
1,048
Change in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
74
(218
)
(144
)
Net purchase of treasury stock
(32
)
—
(32
)
Dividends declared:
Class A $2.4125 per share
(112
)
—
(112
)
Class B $361.875 per share
(1
)
—
(1
)
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
734
$
6,816
$
7,550
Net income
142
178
320
Change in other comprehensive income, net of tax
3
71
74
Net purchase of treasury stock
(19
)
—
(19
)
Dividends declared:
Class A $1.905 per share
(88
)
—
(88
)
Class B $285.75 per share
(1
)
—
(1
)
Balance at September 30, 2014
$
771
$
7,065
$
7,836
Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies
Indemnity has contractual commitments to invest up to
$25 million
related to its limited partnership investments at
September 30, 2014
. These commitments are split among private equity securities of
$11 million
, mezzanine debt securities of
$9 million
, and real estate activities of
$5 million
. These commitments will be funded as required by the partnership agreements.
The Exchange, including EFL, has contractual commitments to invest up to
$454 million
related to its limited partnership investments at
September 30, 2014
. These commitments are split among private equity securities of
$151 million
, mezzanine debt securities of
$194 million
, and real estate activities of
$109 million
. These commitments will be funded as required by the partnership agreements.
We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of conducting business. In accordance with current accounting standards for loss contingencies and based upon information currently known to us, we establish reserves for litigation when it is probable that a loss associated with a claim or proceeding has been incurred and the amount of the loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. When no amount within the range of loss is a better estimate than any other amount, we accrue the minimum amount of the estimable loss. To the extent that such litigation against us may have an exposure to a loss in excess of the amount we have accrued, we believe that such excess would not be material to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Legal fees are expensed as incurred. We believe that our accruals for legal proceedings are appropriate and, individually and in the aggregate, are not expected to be material to our consolidated financial condition, operations, or cash flows.
We review all litigation on an ongoing basis when making accrual and disclosure decisions. For certain legal proceedings, we cannot reasonably estimate losses or a range of loss, if any, particularly for proceedings that are in their early stages of development or where the plaintiffs seek indeterminate damages. Various factors, including, but not limited to, the outcome of potentially lengthy discovery and the resolution of important factual questions, may need to be determined before probability can be established or before a loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. If the loss contingency in question is not both probable and reasonably estimable, we do not establish an accrual and the matter will continue to be monitored for any developments that would make the loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. In the event that a legal proceeding results in a substantial judgment against, or settlement by, us, there can be no assurance that any resulting liability or financial commitment would not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of the Indemnity shareholder interest or the consolidated financial statements of Erie Indemnity Company.
35
Table of Contents
We are subject to escheatment laws and regulations requiring the identification, reporting and payment to the state of unclaimed or abandoned funds of our policyholders, annuitants, claimants and shareholders. We are also subject to audit and examination for compliance with these requirements.
In August 2012, we were notified that we would be subject to an audit of our compliance with the unclaimed property laws of a number of jurisdictions both within and outside our operating territory. The audit commenced in April 2013 and is ongoing. Additionally, EFL has been named in a lawsuit filed by the State Treasurer of West Virginia. The Complaint alleges that EFL has failed to comply with the West Virginia Uniform Unclaimed Property Act. EFL filed a motion to dismiss and a favorable decision was rendered in December 2013 with the Court dismissing the Complaint with prejudice. The State Treasurer appealed the dismissal of the lawsuit in January 2014.
It is probable that ongoing inquiries, audits, and other regulatory activity will result in the payment of additional death claims and escheatment of funds, as well as possible fines. EFL will incur expenses to identify death claims, confirm that benefits are due and notify the beneficiaries. At this time, we are not able to reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss related to this issue due to the early stage of development.
Note 15.
Indemnity Supplemental Information
Consolidating Statement of Financial Position
Erie Insurance Group
At September 30, 2014
(in millions)
Indemnity
shareholder
interest
Exchange
noncontrolling
interest
Reclassifications
and
eliminations
Erie
Insurance
Group
Assets
Investments
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
Fixed maturities
$
563
$
8,902
$
—
$
9,465
Equity securities
25
917
—
942
Trading securities, at fair value
—
3,125
—
3,125
Limited partnerships
134
939
—
1,073
Other invested assets
1
20
—
21
Total investments
723
13,903
—
14,626
Cash and cash equivalents
45
334
—
379
Premiums receivable from policyholders
—
1,323
—
1,323
Reinsurance recoverable
—
165
—
165
Deferred income tax asset
2
0
—
2
Deferred acquisition costs
—
603
—
603
Other assets
114
366
—
480
Receivables from the Exchange and other affiliates
343
—
(343
)
—
Note receivable from EFL
25
—
(25
)
—
Total assets
$
1,252
$
16,694
$
(368
)
$
17,578
Liabilities
Losses and loss expense reserves
$
—
$
3,933
$
—
$
3,933
Life policy and deposit contract reserves
—
1,801
—
1,801
Unearned premiums
—
2,896
—
2,896
Deferred income tax liability
0
465
—
465
Other liabilities
481
534
(368
)
647
Total liabilities
481
9,629
(368
)
9,742
Shareholders’ equity and noncontrolling interest
Total Indemnity shareholders’ equity
771
—
—
771
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated entity – Exchange
—
7,065
—
7,065
Total equity
771
7,065
—
7,836
Total liabilities, shareholders’ equity, and noncontrolling interest
$
1,252
$
16,694
$
(368
)
$
17,578
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Table of Contents
Consolidating Statement of Financial Position
Erie Insurance Group
At December 31, 2013
(in millions)
Indemnity
shareholder
interest
Exchange
noncontrolling
interest
Reclassifications
and
eliminations
Erie
Insurance
Group
Assets
Investments
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
Fixed maturities
$
526
$
8,162
$
—
$
8,688
Equity securities
50
819
—
869
Trading securities, at fair value
—
3,202
—
3,202
Limited partnerships
146
940
—
1,086
Other invested assets
1
20
—
21
Total investments
723
13,143
—
13,866
Cash and cash equivalents
49
403
—
452
Premiums receivable from policyholders
—
1,167
—
1,167
Reinsurance recoverable
—
172
—
172
Deferred income tax asset
2
0
—
2
Deferred acquisition costs
—
566
—
566
Other assets
114
337
—
451
Receivables from the Exchange and other affiliates
300
—
(300
)
—
Note receivable from EFL
25
—
(25
)
—
Total assets
$
1,213
$
15,788
$
(325
)
$
16,676
Liabilities
Losses and loss expense reserves
$
—
$
3,747
$
—
$
3,747
Life policy and deposit contract reserves
—
1,758
—
1,758
Unearned premiums
—
2,598
—
2,598
Deferred income tax liability
0
450
—
450
Other liabilities
479
419
(325
)
573
Total liabilities
479
8,972
(325
)
9,126
Shareholders’ equity and noncontrolling interest
Total Indemnity shareholders’ equity
734
—
—
734
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated entity – Exchange
—
6,816
—
6,816
Total equity
734
6,816
—
7,550
Total liabilities, shareholders’ equity, and noncontrolling interest
$
1,213
$
15,788
$
(325
)
$
16,676
Receivables from the Exchange and EFL and concentrations of credit risk
– Financial instruments could potentially expose Indemnity to concentrations of credit risk, including unsecured receivables from the Exchange. A majority of Indemnity’s revenue and receivables are from the Exchange and affiliates. See also Note 4, “Variable Interest Entity.”
Management fees and expense allocation amounts due from the Exchange were
$340 million
and
$296 million
at
September 30, 2014
and
December 31, 2013
, respectively. The receivable from EFL for expense allocations and interest on the surplus note totaled
$3 million
and
$4 million
at
September 30, 2014
and
December 31, 2013
, respectively.
Note receivable from EFL
– Indemnity is due
$25 million
from EFL in the form of a surplus note that was issued in 2003. The note may be repaid only out of unassigned surplus of EFL. Both principal and interest payments are subject to prior approval by the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner. The note bears an annual interest rate of
6.7%
and will be payable on demand on or after December 31, 2018, with interest scheduled to be paid semi-annually, subject to prior approval by the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner. For each of the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
and
2013
, Indemnity recognized interest income on the note of
$1.3 million
.
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Table of Contents
Income attributable to Indemnity shareholder interest
Indemnity Shareholder Interest
(
in millions)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Management operations:
Management fee revenue, net
$
362
$
333
$
1,047
$
965
Service agreement revenue
8
8
23
23
Total revenue from management operations
370
341
1,070
988
Cost of management operations
308
281
882
820
Income from management operations before taxes
62
60
188
168
Investment operations:
Net investment income
4
4
12
11
Net realized gains on investments
0
1
1
1
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
0
0
0
0
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships
4
5
13
13
Income from investment operations before taxes
8
10
26
25
Income from operations before income taxes
70
70
214
193
Provision for income taxes
23
24
72
66
Net income attributable to Indemnity
$
47
$
46
$
142
$
127
Indemnity’s components of direct cash flows as included in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Indemnity Shareholder Interest
(in millions)
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013
Management fee received
$
1,011
$
933
Service agreement fee received
23
23
Net investment income received
16
16
Limited partnership distributions
12
18
Decrease in reimbursements collected from affiliates
(7
)
(8
)
Commissions and bonuses paid to agents
(576
)
(521
)
Salaries and wages paid
(116
)
(110
)
Pension contribution and employee benefits paid
(42
)
(33
)
General operating expenses paid
(140
)
(124
)
Income taxes paid
(70
)
(62
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
111
132
Net cash used in investing activities
(6
)
(33
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(109
)
(78
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(4
)
21
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
49
12
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
45
$
33
Note 16.
Subsequent Events
No items were identified in the period subsequent to the financial statement date that required adjustment or disclosure.
38
Table of Contents
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion of financial condition and results of operations highlights significant factors influencing the Erie Insurance Group (“we,” “us,” “our”). This discussion should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements and the related notes thereto included in Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and with Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for the year ended
December 31, 2013
, as contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
February 27, 2014
.
INDEX
Page Number
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
39
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
40
Operating Overview
41
Results of Operations
47
Management Operations
47
Property and Casualty Insurance Operations
49
Life Insurance Operations
53
Investment Operations
54
Financial Condition
57
Investments
57
Liabilities
61
Impact of Inflation
62
Liquidity and Capital Resources
62
Critical Accounting Estimates
65
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:
Statements contained herein that are not historical fact are forward-looking statements and, as such, are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ, perhaps materially, from those discussed herein. Forward-looking statements relate to future trends, events or results and 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 forward-looking statements are discussions relating to premium and investment income, expenses, operating results, agency relationships, and compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements. Forward-looking 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, in addition to those set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, that could cause actual results and future events to differ from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements include the following:
Risk factors related to the Erie Indemnity Company (“Indemnity”) shareholder interest:
•
dependence upon Indemnity’s relationship with the Exchange and the management fee under the agreement with the subscribers at the Exchange;
•
costs of providing services to the Exchange under the subscriber’s agreement;
•
ability to attract and retain talented management and employees;
•
ability to maintain uninterrupted business operations;
•
factors affecting the quality and liquidity of Indemnity’s investment portfolio;
•
credit risk from the Exchange;
•
Indemnity’s ability to meet liquidity needs and access capital; and
•
outcome of pending and potential litigation against Indemnity.
39
Table of Contents
Risk factors related to the non-controlling interest owned by the Erie Insurance Exchange (“Exchange”), which includes the Property and Casualty Group and Erie Family Life Insurance Company:
•
general business and economic conditions;
•
dependence upon the independent agency system;
•
ability to maintain our reputation for customer service;
•
factors affecting insurance industry competition;
•
changes in government regulation of the insurance industry;
•
premium rates and reserves must be established from forecasts of ultimate costs;
•
emerging claims, coverage issues in the industry, and changes in reserve estimates related to the property and casualty business;
•
changes in reserve estimates related to the life business;
•
severe weather conditions or other catastrophic losses, including terrorism;
•
the Exchange’s ability to acquire reinsurance coverage and collectability from reinsurers;
•
factors affecting the quality and liquidity of the Exchange’s investment portfolio;
•
the Exchange’s ability to meet liquidity needs and access capital;
•
the Exchange’s ability to maintain an acceptable financial strength rating;
•
outcome of pending and potential litigation against the Exchange; and
•
dependence upon the service provided by Indemnity.
A forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and reflects our analysis only as of that date. We undertake 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.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Item 1. “Financial Statements - Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies,” contained within this report for a discussion of adopted and/or pending accounting pronouncements, none of which are expected to have a material impact on our future financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
40
Table of Contents
OPERATING OVERVIEW
Overview
The Erie Insurance Group represents the consolidated results of Indemnity and the results of its variable interest entity, the Exchange. The Erie Insurance Group operates predominantly as a property and casualty insurer through its regional insurance carriers that write a broad range of personal and commercial coverages. Our property and casualty insurance companies include the Exchange and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Erie Insurance Company (“EIC”), Erie Insurance Company of New York (“ENY”), Erie Insurance Property and Casualty Company (“EPC”), and Flagship City Insurance Company (“Flagship”). These entities operate collectively as the “Property and Casualty Group.” The Erie Insurance Group also operates as a life insurer through the Exchange’s wholly owned subsidiary, Erie Family Life Insurance Company (“EFL”), which underwrites and sells individual and group life insurance policies and fixed annuities.
The Exchange is a reciprocal insurance exchange organized under Article X of Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law of 1921 under which individuals, partnerships, and corporations are authorized to exchange reciprocal or inter-insurance contracts with each other, or with individuals, partnerships, and corporations of other states and countries, providing indemnity among themselves from any loss which may be insured against under any provision of the insurance laws except life insurance. Each applicant for insurance to the Exchange signs a subscriber’s agreement, which contains an appointment of Indemnity as their attorney-in-fact to transact the business of the Exchange on their behalf.
Pursuant to the subscriber’s agreement and for its services as attorney-in-fact, Indemnity earns a management fee calculated as a percentage of the direct premiums written by the Exchange and the other members of the Property and Casualty Group, which are assumed by the Exchange under an intercompany pooling arrangement.
The Indemnity shareholder interest includes Indemnity’s equity and income, but not the equity or income of the Exchange. The Exchange’s equity, which is comprised of its retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income, is held for the interest of its subscribers (policyholders) and meets the definition of a noncontrolling interest, which is reflected as such in our consolidated financial statements.
“Indemnity shareholder interest” refers to the interest in Erie Indemnity Company owned by the Class A and Class B shareholders. “Noncontrolling interest” refers to the interest in the Erie Insurance Exchange held for the interest of the subscribers (policyholders).
The Indemnity shareholder interest in income comprises:
•
a management fee of up to
25%
of all property and casualty insurance premiums written or assumed by the Exchange, less the costs associated with the sales, underwriting, and issuance of these policies;
•
net investment income and results on investments that belong to Indemnity; and
•
other income and expenses, including income taxes, that are the responsibility of Indemnity.
The Exchange’s or the noncontrolling interest in income comprises:
•
a
100%
interest in the net underwriting results of the property and casualty insurance operations;
•
a
100%
interest in the net earnings of EFL's life insurance operations;
•
net investment income and results on investments that belong to the Exchange and its subsidiaries; and
•
other income and expenses, including income taxes, that are the responsibility of the Exchange and its subsidiaries.
41
Table of Contents
Results of the Erie Insurance Group’s Operations by Interest (Unaudited)
The following tables represent a breakdown of the composition of the income attributable to the Indemnity shareholder interest and the income attributable to the noncontrolling interest (Exchange). For purposes of this discussion, EFL’s investments are included in the life insurance operations.
Three months ended September 30,
Indemnity
shareholder interest
Noncontrolling interest (Exchange)
Eliminations of
related party
transactions
Erie Insurance Group
(in millions)
Three months ended September 30,
Three months ended September 30,
Three months ended September 30,
Three months ended September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
Management operations:
Management fee revenue, net
$
362
$
333
$
—
$
—
$
(362
)
$
(333
)
$
—
$
—
Service agreement revenue
8
8
—
—
—
—
8
8
Total revenue from management operations
370
341
—
—
(362
)
(333
)
8
8
Cost of management operations
308
281
—
—
(308
)
(281
)
—
—
Income from management operations before taxes
62
60
—
—
(54
)
(52
)
8
8
Property and casualty insurance
operations:
Net premiums earned
—
—
1,333
1,221
—
—
1,333
1,221
Losses and loss expenses
—
—
908
841
(1
)
(1
)
907
840
Policy acquisition and underwriting expenses
—
—
387
356
(56
)
(54
)
331
302
Income from property and casualty insurance operations before taxes
—
—
38
24
57
55
95
79
Life insurance operations:
(1)
Total revenue
—
—
48
47
0
(1
)
48
46
Total benefits and expenses
—
—
38
37
0
0
38
37
Income from life insurance operations before taxes
—
—
10
10
0
(1
)
10
9
Investment operations:
(1)
Net investment income
4
4
90
83
(3
)
(2
)
91
85
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
0
1
(88
)
188
—
—
(88
)
189
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
0
0
0
(9
)
—
—
0
(9
)
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships
4
5
30
32
—
—
34
37
Income from investment operations before taxes
8
10
32
294
(3
)
(2
)
37
302
Income from operations before
income taxes and noncontrolling
interest
70
70
80
328
—
—
150
398
Provision for income taxes
23
24
19
107
—
—
42
131
Net income
$
47
$
46
$
61
$
221
$
—
$
—
$
108
$
267
(1)
Earnings on life insurance related invested assets are integral to the evaluation of the life insurance operations because of the long duration of life products. On that basis, for presentation purposes, the life insurance operations in the table above include life insurance related investment results. However, the life insurance investment results are included in the investment operations segment discussion as part of the Exchange’s investment results.
Net income in the
third
quarter of
2014
was primarily impacted by lower earnings from our investment operations, offset somewhat by improved results from our property and casualty insurance operations, compared to the
third
quarter of
2013
.
Our investment operations generated realized losses in the
third
quarter of
2014
compared to realized gains in the
third
quarter of
2013
, primarily due to decreases in fair value of common stocks compared to increases in fair value of common stocks during the
third
quarter of
2013
, offset somewhat by a decrease in impairment losses and an increase in net investment income.
Losses from the Exchange’s property and casualty insurance operations increased in the
third
quarter of
2014
due to a few large commercial property claims combined with less favorable development on prior accident year loss reserves, offset somewhat by a decrease in catastrophe losses. The Exchange’s property and casualty insurance operations experienced a
9.2%
increase in earned premium in the
third
quarter of
2014
, driven by increases in policies in force and the average premium per policy.
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Table of Contents
Nine months ended September 30,
Indemnity
shareholder interest
Noncontrolling interest (Exchange)
Eliminations of
related party
transactions
Erie Insurance Group
(in millions)
Nine months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
Management operations:
Management fee revenue, net
$
1,047
$
965
$
—
$
—
$
(1,047
)
$
(965
)
$
—
$
—
Service agreement revenue
23
23
—
—
—
—
23
23
Total revenue from management operations
1,070
988
—
—
(1,047
)
(965
)
23
23
Cost of management operations
882
820
—
—
(882
)
(820
)
—
—
Income from management operations before taxes
188
168
—
—
(165
)
(145
)
23
23
Property and casualty insurance
operations:
Net premiums earned
—
—
3,899
3,573
—
—
3,899
3,573
Losses and loss expenses
—
—
3,016
2,495
(4
)
(4
)
3,012
2,491
Policy acquisition and underwriting expenses
—
—
1,132
1,032
(173
)
(151
)
959
881
(Loss) income from property and casualty insurance operations before taxes
—
—
(249
)
46
177
155
(72
)
201
Life insurance operations:
(1)
Total revenue
—
—
144
139
(1
)
(2
)
143
137
Total benefits and expenses
—
—
111
105
0
0
111
105
Income from life insurance operations before taxes
—
—
33
34
(1
)
(2
)
32
32
Investment operations:
(1)
Net investment income
12
11
263
243
(11
)
(8
)
264
246
Net realized gains on investments
1
1
95
492
—
—
96
493
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
0
0
0
(9
)
—
—
0
(9
)
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships
13
13
97
98
—
—
110
111
Income from investment operations before taxes
26
25
455
824
(11
)
(8
)
470
841
Income from operations before
income taxes and noncontrolling
interest
214
193
239
904
—
—
453
1,097
Provision for income taxes
72
66
61
297
—
—
133
363
Net income
$
142
$
127
$
178
$
607
$
—
$
—
$
320
$
734
(1)
Earnings on life insurance related invested assets are integral to the evaluation of the life insurance operations because of the long duration of life products. On that basis, for presentation purposes, the life insurance operations in the table above include life insurance related investment results. However, the life insurance investment results are included in the investment operations segment discussion as part of the Exchange’s investment results.
Net income in the first
nine months
of
2014
was primarily impacted by lower earnings from our investment operations
and losses experienced in our property and casualty insurance operations, compared to gains in the first
nine months
of
2013
.
Our investment operations generated lower levels of net realized gains on investments during the first
nine months
of
2014
, primarily due to decreases in fair value of common stocks compared to increases in fair value of common stocks in the first
nine months
of
2013
, offset somewhat by an increase in net investment income and a decrease in impairment losses.
Losses from the Exchange’s property and casualty insurance operations increased in the first
nine months
of
2014
due to a higher volume of non-catastrophe weather related claims and an increase in catastrophe losses. The Exchange’s property and casualty insurance operations experienced a
9.2%
increase in earned premium in the first
nine months
of
2014
, driven by increases in policies in force and the average premium per policy.
43
Table of Contents
Reconciliation of Operating Income to Net Income (Unaudited)
We disclose operating income, a non-GAAP financial measure, to enhance our investors’ understanding of our performance related to the Indemnity shareholder interest. Our method of calculating this measure may differ from those used by other companies, and therefore comparability may be limited.
Indemnity defines operating income as net income excluding realized capital gains and losses, impairment losses and related federal income taxes.
Indemnity uses operating income to evaluate the results of its operations. It reveals trends that may be obscured by the net effects of realized capital gains and losses including impairment losses. Realized capital gains and losses, including impairment losses, may vary significantly between periods and are generally driven by business decisions and economic developments such as capital market conditions which are not related to our ongoing operations. We are aware that the price to earnings multiple commonly used by investors as a forward-looking valuation technique uses operating income as the denominator. Operating income should not be considered as a substitute for net income prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and does not reflect Indemnity’s overall profitability.
The following table reconciles operating income and net income for the Indemnity shareholder interest:
Indemnity Shareholder Interest
(in millions, except per share data)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
Operating income attributable to Indemnity
$
47
$
45
$
141
$
126
Net realized gains and impairments on investments
0
1
1
1
Income tax expense
0
0
0
0
Realized gains and impairments, net of income taxes
0
1
1
1
Net income attributable to Indemnity
$
47
$
46
$
142
$
127
Per Indemnity Class A common share-diluted:
Operating income attributable to Indemnity
$
0.90
$
0.86
$
2.70
$
2.40
Net realized gains and impairments on investments
0.00
0.01
0.02
0.01
Income tax expense
0.00
0.00
(0.01
)
0.00
Realized gains and impairments, net of income taxes
0.00
0.01
0.01
0.01
Net income attributable to Indemnity
$
0.90
$
0.87
$
2.71
$
2.41
Summary of Results – Indemnity Shareholder Interest
Three months ended September 30,
Net income attributable to Indemnity Class A per share-diluted was
$0.90
per share in the
third
quarter of
2014
, compared to
$0.87
per share in the
third
quarter of
2013
.
Operating income attributable to Indemnity Class A per share-diluted (excluding net realized gains or losses, impairments on investments, and related taxes) was
$0.90
per share in the
third
quarter of
2014
, compared to
$0.86
per share in the
third
quarter of
2013
.
Nine months ended September 30,
Net income attributable to Indemnity Class A per share-diluted was
$2.71
per share for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
, compared to
$2.41
per share for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2013
.
Operating income attributable to Indemnity Class A per share-diluted (excluding net realized gains or losses, impairments on investments, and related taxes) was
$2.70
per share for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
, compared to
$2.40
per share for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2013
.
44
Table of Contents
Operating Segments
Our reportable segments include management operations, property and casualty insurance operations, life insurance operations and investment operations.
Management operations
Management operations generate internal management fee revenue, which accrues to the Indemnity shareholder interest, as Indemnity provides services relating to the sales, underwriting, and issuance of policies on behalf of the Exchange. Management fee revenue is based upon all premiums written or assumed by the Exchange and the management fee rate, which is not to exceed
25%
. Our Board of Directors establishes the management fee rate at least annually, generally in December for the following year, and considers factors such as the relative financial strength of Indemnity and the Exchange and projected revenue streams. The management fee rate was set at
25%
for both
2014
and
2013
. Management fee revenue is eliminated upon consolidation.
Property and casualty insurance operations
The property and casualty insurance business is driven by premium growth, the combined ratio, and investment returns. The property and casualty insurance industry is cyclical, with periods of rising premium rates and shortages of underwriting capacity followed by periods of substantial price competition and excess capacity. The cyclical nature of the insurance industry has a direct impact on the direct written premium of the Property and Casualty Group.
The property and casualty insurance operation’s premium growth strategy focuses on growth by expansion of existing operations including a careful agency selection process and increased market penetration in existing operating territories. Expanding the size of our existing agency force of
over
2,200
independent agencies, with
nearly
10,900
licensed property and casualty representatives, will contribute to future growth as new agents build their books of business with the Property and Casualty Group.
Geographic expansion is also a component of the Property and Casualty Group's premium growth strategy. The Property and Casualty Group expects to begin writing personal passenger automobile, home insurance, and personal excess liability insurance in Kentucky for the Erie Insurance Group in the fourth quarter of 2014.
The property and casualty insurance operations insure preferred and standard risks while maintaining a disciplined underwriting approach. Based upon direct written premium in
2013
,
44%
of our premiums were derived from personal auto,
26%
from homeowners and
29%
from commercial lines.
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Ohio
made up
75%
of the property and casualty lines insurance business
2013
direct written premium.
Members of the Property and Casualty Group pool their underwriting results under an intercompany pooling agreement. Under the pooling agreement, the Exchange retains a
94.5%
interest in the net underwriting results of the Property and Casualty Group, while EIC retains a
5.0%
interest, and ENY retains a
0.5%
interest.
The key measure of underwriting profitability traditionally used in the property and casualty insurance industry is the combined ratio, which is expressed as a percentage. It is the sum of the ratio of losses and loss expenses to premiums earned (loss ratio) plus the ratio of policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses to premiums earned (expense ratio). When the combined ratio is less than 100%, underwriting results are generally considered profitable; when the combined ratio is greater than 100%, underwriting results are generally considered unprofitable.
Factors affecting losses and loss expenses include the frequency and severity of losses, the nature and severity of catastrophic losses, the quality of risks underwritten, and underlying claims and settlement expenses.
Investments held by the Property and Casualty Group are reported in the investment operations segment, separate from the underwriting business.
Life insurance operations
EFL generates revenues through the sale of its individual and group life insurance policies and fixed annuities. These products provide our property and casualty agency force an opportunity to cross-sell both personal and commercial accounts. EFL’s profitability depends principally on the ability to develop, price, and distribute insurance products, attract and retain deposit funds, generate investment returns, and manage expenses. Other drivers include mortality and morbidity experience, persistency experience to enable the recovery of acquisition costs, maintenance of interest spreads over the amounts credited to deposit funds, and the maintenance of strong ratings from rating agencies. EFL expects to begin writing life insurance and annuity products in Kentucky for the Erie Insurance Group in the fourth quarter of 2014.
45
Table of Contents
Earnings on life insurance related invested assets are integral to the evaluation of the life insurance operations because of the long duration of life products. On that basis, for presentation purposes, the life insurance operations segment discussion includes the life insurance related investment results. However, also for presentation purposes, the segment footnote and the investment operations segment discussion include the life insurance investment results as part of the Exchange’s investment results.
Investment operations
We generate revenues from our fixed maturity, equity security, and limited partnership investment portfolios to support our underwriting business. The Indemnity and Exchange portfolios are managed with the objective of maximizing after-tax returns on a risk-adjusted basis, while the EFL portfolio is managed to be closely aligned to its liabilities and to maintain a sufficient yield to meet profitability targets. Management actively evaluates the portfolios for impairments. We record impairment writedowns on investments in instances where the fair value of the investment is substantially below cost, and we conclude that the decline in fair value is other-than-temporary, which includes consideration for intent to sell.
General Conditions and Trends Affecting Our Business
Economic conditions
Unfavorable changes in economic conditions, including declining consumer confidence, inflation, high unemployment, and the threat of recession, among others, may lead the Property and Casualty Group’s customers to modify coverage, not renew policies, or even cancel policies, which could adversely affect the premium revenue of the Property and Casualty Group, and consequently Indemnity’s management fee. These conditions could also impair the ability of customers to pay premiums when due, and as a result, the Property and Casualty Group’s bad debt write-offs could increase. Our key challenge is to generate profitable revenue growth in a highly competitive market that continues to experience the effects of uncertain economic conditions.
Financial market volatility
Our portfolio of fixed income, preferred and common stocks, and limited partnerships are subject to market volatility especially in periods of instability in the worldwide financial markets. Over time, net investment income could also be impacted by volatility and by the general level of interest rates, which impact reinvested cash flow from the portfolio and business operations. Depending upon market conditions, which are unpredictable and remain uncertain, considerable fluctuation could exist in our reported total investment income, which could have an adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
46
Table of Contents
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The information that follows is presented on a segment basis prior to eliminations.
Management Operations
Indemnity earns management fee revenue from providing services relating to the sales, underwriting, and issuance of policies on behalf of the Exchange as a result of its attorney-in-fact relationship, which is eliminated upon consolidation. A summary of the results of our management operations is as follows:
Indemnity Shareholder Interest
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)
2014
2013
% Change
2014
2013
% Change
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
Management fee revenue, net
$
362
$
333
8.8
%
$
1,047
$
965
8.5
%
Service agreement revenue
8
8
NM
23
23
NM
Total revenue from management operations
370
341
8.5
1,070
988
8.3
Cost of management operations
308
281
10.0
882
820
7.7
Income from management operations – Indemnity
(1)
$
62
$
60
1.3
%
$
188
$
168
11.2
%
Gross margin
16.5
%
17.7
%
(1.2
)
pts.
17.5
%
17.1
%
0.4
pts.
(1)
The Indemnity shareholder interest retains 100% of the income from the management operations.
Management fee revenue
Management fee revenue is based upon all premiums written or assumed by the Exchange and the management fee rate, which is determined by our Board of Directors at least annually. Management fee revenue is calculated by multiplying the management fee rate by the direct premiums written by the Exchange and the other members of the Property and Casualty Group, which are assumed by the Exchange under an intercompany pooling agreement. The following table presents the calculation of management fee revenue:
Indemnity Shareholder Interest
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)
2014
2013
% Change
2014
2013
% Change
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
Property and Casualty Group direct written premium
$
1,449
$
1,332
8.8
%
$
4,202
$
3,873
8.5
%
Management fee rate
25
%
25
%
25
%
25
%
Management fee revenue, gross
363
333
8.8
1,051
968
8.5
Change in allowance for management fee returned on cancelled policies
(1)
(1
)
0
NM
(4
)
(3
)
NM
Management fee revenue, net of allowance
$
362
$
333
8.8
%
$
1,047
$
965
8.5
%
NM = not meaningful
(1)
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 increased
$29 million
, or
8.8%
, in the
third
quarter of
2014
, and
$82 million
, or
8.5%
, in the first
nine months
of
2014
, compared to the same respective periods in
2013
. Direct written premium of the Property and Casualty Group increased
8.8%
in the
third
quarter of
2014
and
8.5%
in the first
nine months
of
2014
, compared to the same respective periods in
2013
, due to a
4.5%
increase in policies in force and a
4.1%
increase in the year-over-year average premium per policy for all lines of business. The year-over-year policy retention ratio was
90.5%
at
September 30, 2014
,
90.6%
at
December 31, 2013
, and
90.7%
at
September 30, 2013
. See the “Property and Casualty Insurance Operations” segment that follows for a complete discussion of property and casualty direct written premium, which has a direct bearing on Indemnity’s management fee.
The management fee rate was set at
25%
, the maximum rate, for both
2014
and
2013
. Changes in the management fee rate can affect the Indemnity shareholder interest's revenue and net income from this segment significantly.
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Table of Contents
Service agreement revenue
Service agreement revenue includes service charges Indemnity collects from policyholders for providing extended payment terms on policies written by the Property and Casualty Group and late payment and policy reinstatement fees. The service charges are fixed dollar amounts per billed installment. Service agreement revenue totaled
$8 million
in both the
third
quarters of
2014
and
2013
, and
$23 million
in both the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
and
2013
. The consistency in the service fee revenue compared to the growth in policies in force reflects the continued shift in policies to the monthly direct debit payment plan, which does not incur service charges, and the no-fee single payment plan, which offers a premium discount. The shift to these plans is driven by the consumers’ desire to avoid paying service charges and to take advantage of the discount in pricing offered for paid-in-full policies.
Cost of management operations
Indemnity Shareholder Interest
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
(in millions)
2014
2013
% Change
2014
2013
% Change
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
Commissions:
Total commissions
$
208
$
187
11.5
%
$
587
$
538
9.3
%
Non-commission expense:
Sales and advertising
$
15
$
15
NM
$
45
$
44
1.3
Underwriting and policy processing
31
29
5.0
95
89
6.4
Information technology
32
28
14.2
91
81
12.4
Customer service
7
6
NM
20
17
16.0
Administrative and other
15
16
NM
44
51
(12.5
)
Total non-commission expense
100
94
7.1
295
282
4.5
Total cost of management operations
$
308
$
281
10.0
%
$
882
$
820
7.7
%
Commissions
– Commissions increased
$21 million
in the
third
quarter of
2014
and
$49 million
for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
, compared to the same respective periods in
2013
. These increases were primarily a result of the
8.8%
and
8.5%
, respectively, increase in direct written premiums of the Property and Casualty Group. In the
third
quarter and first
nine months
of
2014
, commission growth outpaced direct premium written growth primarily due to an increase in agent incentive costs.
Non-commission expense
– Non-commission expense increased
$6 million
in the
third
quarter of
2014
, compared to the
third
quarter of
2013
. Sales and advertising costs remained flat compared to the
third
quarter of
2013
. Underwriting and policy processing costs increased
$2 million
due to the increased cost of underwriting reports and increased postage and printing costs. Information technology costs increased
$4 million
, which included $2 million of personnel costs and $2 million of professional fees. Customer service costs increased
$1 million
due to credit card processing fees. Administrative and other expenses decreased
$1 million
due to a decrease in personnel costs, primarily from decreased employee incentive plan costs related to underwriting performance and decreased pension costs.
Non-commission expense increased
$13 million
in the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
, compared to the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2013
. Sales and advertising costs increased
$1 million
due to advertising costs. Underwriting and policy processing costs increased
$6 million
due to the increased cost of underwriting reports, postage expense and personnel costs. Information technology costs increased
$10 million
, which included $5 million in professional fees, $3 million in personnel costs, and $2 million in hardware costs. Customer service costs increased
$3 million
due to an increase of $2 million in credit card processing fees and $1 million in personnel costs. Administrative and other expenses decreased
$7 million
due to a $5 million decrease in personnel costs, primarily from decreased employee incentive plan costs related to underwriting performance and decreased pension costs, and a $2 million decrease in professional fees.
Gross margin
The gross margin in the
third
quarter of
2014
was
16.5%
, compared to
17.7%
in the
third
quarter of
2013
, and was
17.5%
for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
, compared to
17.1%
for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2013
.
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Table of Contents
Property and Casualty Insurance Operations
The Property and Casualty Group operates in
11
Midwestern, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeastern states and the District of Columbia and primarily writes private passenger automobile, homeowners, commercial multi-peril, commercial automobile, and workers compensation lines of insurance. A summary of the results of our property and casualty insurance operations is as follows:
Property and Casualty Group
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)
2014
2013
% Change
2014
2013
% Change
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
Premiums:
Direct written premium
$
1,449
$
1,332
8.8
%
$
4,202
$
3,873
8.5
%
Reinsurance premium – assumed and ceded
(5
)
(7
)
NM
(21
)
(23
)
10.6
Net written premium
1,444
1,325
9.0
4,181
3,850
8.6
Change in unearned premium
(111
)
(104
)
(6.5
)
(282
)
(277
)
(1.6
)
Net premiums earned
1,333
1,221
9.2
3,899
3,573
9.2
Losses and loss expenses:
Current accident year, excluding catastrophe losses
888
815
8.8
2,681
2,372
13.0
Current accident year catastrophe losses
51
70
NM
388
142
NM
Prior accident years, including prior year catastrophe losses
(31
)
(44
)
29.9
(53
)
(19
)
NM
Losses and loss expenses
908
841
7.9
3,016
2,495
20.9
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses
387
356
8.7
1,132
1,032
9.7
Total losses and expenses
1,295
1,197
8.1
4,148
3,527
17.6
Underwriting income (loss) – Exchange
(1)
$
38
$
24
62.4
%
$
(249
)
$
46
NM
%
Loss and loss expense ratios:
Current accident year loss ratio, excluding catastrophe losses
66.6
%
66.8
%
(0.2
)
pts.
68.7
%
66.3
%
2.4
pts.
Current accident year catastrophe loss ratio
3.8
5.7
(1.9
)
10.0
4.0
6.0
Prior accident year loss ratio, including prior year catastrophe losses
(2.3
)
(3.6
)
1.3
(1.4
)
(0.5
)
(0.9
)
Total loss and loss expense ratio
68.1
68.9
(0.8
)
77.3
69.8
7.5
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expense ratio
29.0
29.2
(0.2
)
29.0
28.9
0.1
Combined ratio
97.1
%
98.1
%
(1.0
)
pts.
106.3
%
98.7
%
7.6
pts.
NM = not meaningful
(1)
The Exchange retains 100% of the income from the property and casualty insurance operations.
We measure profit or loss from our property and casualty insurance segment based upon its underwriting results, which are represented by net premiums earned less losses and loss expenses and policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses on a pre-tax basis. The loss and loss expense ratio and combined ratio are key performance indicators that we use to assess business trends and to make comparisons to industry results. The investment results related to our property and casualty insurance operations are included in our investment operations segment discussion.
Premiums
Direct written premium
– Direct written premium of the Property and Casualty Group increased
8.8%
to
$1.4 billion
in the
third
quarter of
2014
, from
$1.3 billion
in the
third
quarter of
2013
, driven by an increase in policies in force and increases in average premium per policy. Year-over-year policies in force for all lines of business increased by
4.5%
in the
third
quarter of
2014
as the result of continuing strong policyholder retention and an increase in new policies written, compared to an increase of
4.7%
in the
third
quarter of
2013
. The year-over-year average premium per policy for all lines of business increased
4.1%
at
September 30, 2014
, compared to
4.7%
at
September 30, 2013
.
Premiums generated from new business increased
8.8%
to
$189 million
in the
third
quarter of
2014
, compared to an increase of
21.8%
in the
third
quarter of
2013
. Underlying the trend in new business premiums was a
5.6%
increase in new business
49
Table of Contents
policies written in the
third
quarter of
2014
, compared to
19.4%
in the
third
quarter of
2013
, while the year-over-year average premium per policy on new business increased
1.9%
at
September 30, 2014
, compared to
3.3%
at
September 30, 2013
.
Premiums generated from renewal business increased
8.8%
to
$1.3 billion
in the
third
quarter of
2014
, compared to an increase of
8.0%
to
$1.2 billion
in the
third
quarter of
2013
. Underlying the trend in renewal business premiums were increases in average premium per policy and steady policy retention ratios. The renewal business year-over-year average premium per policy increased
4.4%
at
September 30, 2014
, compared to
5.0%
at
September 30, 2013
. The Property and Casualty Group’s year-over-year policy retention ratio was
90.5%
at
September 30, 2014
,
90.6%
at
December 31, 2013
, and
90.7%
at
September 30, 2013
.
Personal lines
– Total personal lines premiums written increased
8.2%
to
$1.1 billion
in the
third
quarter of
2014
, from
$984 million
in the
third
quarter of
2013
, driven by an increase of
4.4%
in the total personal lines policies in force and an increase of
3.6%
in the total personal lines year-over-year average premium per policy.
New business premiums written on personal lines increased
7.1%
in the
third
quarter of
2014
, compared to
28.4%
in the
third
quarter of
2013
, driven by increases in new business policies written seen across all major personal lines of business and average premium per policy. Personal lines new business policies written increased
5.3%
in the
third
quarter of
2014
, compared to
21.1%
in the
third
quarter of
2013
, while the year-over-year average premium per policy on personal lines new business increased
3.2%
at
September 30, 2014
, compared to
5.2%
at
September 30, 2013
.
•
Private passenger auto new business premiums written increased
8.7%
in the
third
quarter of
2014
, compared to
32.3%
in the
third
quarter of
2013
. New business policies written for private passenger auto increased
6.2%
in the
third
quarter of
2014
, compared to
27.1%
in the
third
quarter of
2013
, while the new business year-over-year average premium per policy for private passenger auto increased
3.5%
at
September 30, 2014
, compared to
3.3%
at
September 30, 2013
.
•
Homeowners new business premiums written increased
3.2%
in the
third
quarter of
2014
, compared to
22.9%
in the
third
quarter of
2013
. New business policies written for homeowners increased
0.9%
in the
third
quarter of
2014
, compared to an increase of
16.3%
in the
third
quarter of
2013
. The new business year-over-year average premium per policy for homeowners increased
3.7%
at
September 30, 2014
, compared to
7.2%
at
September 30, 2013
.
Renewal premiums written on personal lines increased
8.3%
in the
third
quarter of
2014
, compared to
6.7%
in the
third
quarter of
2013
, driven by increases in average premium per policy and steady policy retention ratios. The year-over-year average premium per policy on personal lines renewal business increased
3.7%
at
September 30, 2014
, compared to
3.9%
at
September 30, 2013
. The personal lines year-over-year policy retention ratio was
91.0%
at
September 30, 2014
,
91.2%
at
December 31, 2013
, and
91.3%
at
September 30, 2013
.
•
Private passenger auto renewal premiums written increased
6.6%
in the
third
quarter of
2014
, compared to
4.1%
in the
third
quarter of
2013
. The year-over-year average premium per policy on private passenger auto renewal business increased
1.8%
at
September 30, 2014
, compared to
1.6%
at
September 30, 2013
. The private passenger auto year-over-year policy retention ratio was
91.8%
at
September 30, 2014
, and
92.1%
at
December 31, 2013
and
September 30, 2013
.
•
Homeowners renewal premiums written increased
10.9%
in the
third
quarter of
2014
, compared to
11.0%
in the
third
quarter of
2013
. The year-over-year average premium per policy on homeowners renewal business increased
7.3%
at
September 30, 2014
, compared to
8.6%
at
September 30, 2013
. The homeowners year-over-year policyholder retention ratio was
89.9%
at
September 30, 2014
,
90.1%
at
December 31, 2013
, and
90.3%
at
September 30, 2013
.
Commercial lines
– Total commercial lines premiums written increased
10.6%
to
$385 million
in the
third
quarter of
2014
, from
$348 million
in the
third
quarter of
2013
, driven by a
4.6%
increase in the total commercial lines policies in force and a
5.2%
increase in the total commercial lines year-over-year average premium per policy.
New business premiums written on commercial lines increased
12.4%
in the
third
quarter of
2014
, compared to an increase of
9.8%
in the
third
quarter of
2013
, driven by increases in new business policies written seen across all major commercial lines of business and average premium per policy. Commercial lines new business policies written increased
7.7%
in the
third
quarter of
2014
, compared to an increase of
10.2%
in the
third
quarter of
2013
, while the year-over-year average premium per policy on commercial lines new business increased
0.9%
at
September 30, 2014
, compared to an increase of
5.9%
at
September 30, 2013
.
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Table of Contents
Renewal premiums for commercial lines increased
10.2%
in the
third
quarter of
2014
, compared to an increase of
12.0%
in the
third
quarter of
2013
, driven by increases in average premium per policy and steady policy retention ratios. The combined impact of these increases was seen primarily in the commercial multi-peril, commercial auto and workers compensation lines of business. The year-over-year average premium per policy on commercial lines renewal business increased
5.9%
at
September 30, 2014
, compared to
6.9%
at
September 30, 2013
. The year-over-year policy retention ratio for commercial lines was
86.7%
at
September 30, 2014
and
December 31, 2013
, and
86.5%
at
September 30, 2013
.
Future trends — premium revenue
– We plan to continue our efforts to grow Property and Casualty Group premiums and improve our competitive position in the marketplace. Expanding the size of our agency force through a careful agency selection process and increased market penetration in our existing operating territories will contribute to future growth as existing and new agents build their books of business with the Property and Casualty Group. At
September 30, 2014
, we had
over
2,200
agencies with
nearly
10,900
licensed property and casualty representatives. The Property and Casualty Group expects to begin writing personal passenger automobile, home insurance, and personal excess liability insurance in Kentucky for the Erie Insurance Group in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Changes in premium levels attributable to the growth in policies in force and rate changes directly affect the profitability of the Property and Casualty Group and have a direct bearing on Indemnity’s management fee. Our continued focus on underwriting discipline and the maturing of our pricing sophistication models have contributed to the Property and Casualty Group’s growth in new policies in force, steady policy retention ratios, and increased average premium per policy.
Losses and loss expenses
Current accident year, excluding catastrophe losses
– The current accident year loss and loss expense ratio for all lines of business, excluding catastrophe losses, was
66.6%
in the
third
quarter of
2014
, compared to
66.8%
in the
third
quarter of
2013
, and was
68.7%
for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
, compared to
66.3%
for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2013
. The higher ratio for the first
nine months
of
2014
was driven primarily by a higher volume of non-catastrophe weather related claims resulting from more severe winter weather experienced in the first quarter and a few large commercial property claims, compared to the first
nine months
of
2013
.
Current accident year catastrophe losses
– Catastrophic events, destructive weather patterns, or changes in climate conditions are an inherent risk of the property and casualty insurance business and can have a material impact on our property and casualty insurance underwriting results. In addressing this risk, we employ what we believe are reasonable underwriting standards and monitor our exposure by geographic region. The Property and Casualty Group’s definition of catastrophes includes those weather-related or other loss events that we consider significant to our geographic footprint which, individually or in the aggregate, may not reach the level of a national catastrophe as defined by the Property Claim Service (“PCS”). The Property and Casualty Group maintains property catastrophe reinsurance coverage from unaffiliated reinsurers to mitigate future potential catastrophe loss exposures and no longer participates in the voluntary assumed reinsurance business, which lowers the variability of the Property and Casualty Group’s underwriting results.
Catastrophe losses for the current accident year, as defined by the Property and Casualty Group, totaled
$51 million
in the
third
quarter of
2014
, compared to
$70 million
in the
third
quarter of
2013
, and contributed
3.8
points and
5.7
points, respectively, to the loss ratios. For the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
, catastrophe losses for the current accident year totaled
$388 million
, compared to
$142 million
for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2013
, and contributed
10.0
points and
4.0
points, respectively, to the loss ratios. For the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
, catastrophe losses primarily resulted from many smaller events across our footprint and one large hail event in Pennsylvania.
Prior accident years, including prior accident year catastrophe losses
– The following table provides a breakout of our property and casualty insurance operation’s prior year loss reserve development, including prior accident year catastrophe loss reserves, by type of business:
Property and Casualty Group
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
(in millions)
2014
2013
2014
2013
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
Direct business, including reserves for catastrophe losses and salvage and subrogation
$
(35
)
$
(45
)
$
(62
)
$
(16
)
Assumed reinsurance business
2
2
12
5
Ceded reinsurance business
2
(1
)
(3
)
(8
)
Total prior year loss development
$
(31
)
$
(44
)
$
(53
)
$
(19
)
Negative amounts represent a redundancy (decrease in reserves), while positive amounts represent a deficiency (increase in reserves).
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Table of Contents
Direct business, including reserves for catastrophe losses and salvage and subrogation –
In the
third
quarter of
2014
, the Property and Casualty Group experienced favorable development on direct prior accident year loss reserves of
$35 million
that improved the combined ratio by
2.6
points, compared to favorable development of
$45 million
in the
third
quarter of
2013
that contributed
3.7
points to the combined ratio. For the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
, favorable development of direct prior accident year loss reserves totaled
$62 million
and improved the combined ratio by
1.6
points, compared to favorable development of
$16 million
that contributed
0.5
points for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2013
.
The favorable development in the first
nine months
of
2014
was primarily due to the workers compensation, commercial multi-peril and personal auto lines of business, offset somewhat by adverse development in the commercial auto line of business. In the first
nine months
of
2013
, the favorable development was primarily related to the homeowners and personal auto lines of business.
Assumed reinsurance –
The Property and Casualty Group experienced adverse development on prior accident year loss reserves for its assumed reinsurance business totaling
$2 million
in the
third
quarter of
2014
and
2013
. In the first
nine months
of
2014
, adverse development on prior accident year loss reserves for the assumed reinsurance business totaled
$12 million
, compared to adverse development of
$5 million
in the first
nine months
of
2013
.
Ceded reinsurance –
The Property and Casualty Group’s ceded reinsurance reserve recoveries decreased by
$2 million
in the
third
quarter of
2014
and increased by
$1 million
in the
third
quarter of
2013
, and increased by
$3 million
and
$8 million
in the first
nine months
of
2014
and
2013
, respectively. An increase in ceded recoveries is reflected as favorable loss development as it represents an increase in recoveries resulting from adverse development on our direct loss reserves, while a decrease in ceded recoveries is reflected as adverse loss development as it represents a decrease in recoveries resulting from favorable development on our direct loss reserves. In the first
nine months
of
2014
, the increase in ceded recoveries was primarily due to adverse development related to the commercial multi-peril line of business, whereas the increase in the first
nine months
of
2013
was primarily due to adverse development related to the pre-1986 automobile massive injury claims and in the commercial multi-peril and business catastrophe liability lines of business.
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses
– Our policy acquisition and other underwriting expense ratio decreased
0.2
points to
29.0%
in the
third
quarter of
2014
, from
29.2%
in the
third
quarter of
2013
, and increased
0.1
points to
29.0%
for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
, from
28.9%
for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2013
. The management fee rate was
25%
for the periods ended
September 30, 2014
and
2013
.
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Table of Contents
Life Insurance Operations
EFL is a Pennsylvania-domiciled life insurance company which underwrites and sells individual and group life insurance policies and fixed annuities and operates in
10
states and the District of Columbia. EFL expects to begin writing life insurance and annuity products in Kentucky for the Erie Insurance Group in the fourth quarter of 2014. A summary of the results of our life insurance operations is as follows:
Erie Family Life Insurance Company
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
(in millions)
2014
2013
% Change
2014
2013
% Change
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
Individual and group life premiums, gross
$
31
$
30
6.3
%
$
93
$
90
4.9
%
Reinsurance premiums – ceded
(9
)
(9
)
NM
(29
)
(30
)
2.1
Individual and group life premiums, net
22
21
11.1
64
60
8.4
Other revenue
0
0
NM
1
1
NM
Total net policy revenue
22
21
10.7
65
61
8.4
Net investment income
24
24
NM
71
70
1.5
Net realized gains on investments
3
2
49.1
8
8
NM
Impairment losses recognized in earnings
(1
)
0
NM
(1
)
(1
)
NM
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships
0
0
NM
1
1
NM
Total revenues
48
47
7.9
144
139
4.5
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves
28
28
1.2
83
80
4.0
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
4
3
6.3
10
9
5.4
Other operating expenses
6
6
NM
18
16
13.2
Total benefits and expenses
38
37
3.1
111
105
5.5
Income before taxes – Exchange
(1)
$
10
$
10
NM
%
$
33
$
34
NM
%
NM = not meaningful
(1)
The Exchange retains 100% of the income from the life insurance operations.
Policy revenue
Gross policy revenues increased
6.3%
to
$31 million
in the
third
quarter
2014
, from
$30 million
in the
third
quarter of
2013
. EFL uses, and has used, a variety of reinsurance programs to reduce claims volatility and for other financial benefits. While the amount of risk that EFL retains can vary based upon the type of policy issued and the year it was issued, EFL generally does not retain more than $1 million of risk on any individual life. Ceded reinsurance premiums totaled
$9 million
in both the
third
quarters of
2014
and
2013
. For the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
, compared to
2013
, gross policy revenues totaled
$93 million
and
$90 million
, respectively, while ceded reinsurance premiums totaled
$29 million
and
$30 million
for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
and
2013
, respectively.
Annuity and universal life premiums that are recorded as deposits totaled
$18 million
and
$13 million
in the
third
quarters of
2014
and
2013
, respectively, and
$50 million
and
$45 million
for the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
and
2013
, respectively, and therefore are not reflected in individual and group life premiums in the table above.
Investment revenue
EFL's investment revenue remained relatively flat in the
third
quarter and first
nine months
of
2014
, compared to the
third
quarter and first
nine months
of
2013
. See the “Investment Operations” segment discussion that follows for further information.
Benefits and expenses
In the
third
quarter and first
nine months
of
2014
, total benefits and expenses were primarily impacted by an increase in death benefits and future life policy benefits, offset somewhat by a decrease in interest expense on annuity deposits compared to the
third
quarter and first
nine months
of
2013
.
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Table of Contents
Investment Operations
The investment results related to our life insurance operations are included in the investment operations segment discussion as part of the Exchange’s investment results. A summary of the results of our investment operations is as follows:
Erie Insurance Group
(in millions)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013
% Change
2014
2013
% Change
Indemnity
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
Net investment income
$
4
$
4
NM
%
$
12
$
11
10.5
%
Net realized gains on investments
0
1
NM
1
1
NM
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
0
0
NM
0
0
NM
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships
4
5
(37.1
)
13
13
NM
Net revenue from investment operations – Indemnity
$
8
$
10
(22.8
)
%
$
26
$
25
5.0
%
Exchange
Net investment income
$
114
$
107
6.3
%
$
334
$
313
6.6
%
Net realized (losses) gains on investments
(85
)
190
NM
103
500
(79.5
)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
(1
)
(9
)
(90.4
)
(1
)
(10
)
(87.7
)
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships
30
32
(4.4
)
98
99
(0.5
)
Net revenue from investment operations – Exchange
(1)
$
58
$
320
(81.7
)
%
$
534
$
902
(40.9
)
%
NM = not meaningful
(1)
The Exchange’s investment results for the
third
quarters of
2014
and
2013
include net investment revenues from EFL’s operations of
$26 million
for both periods. The Exchange’s investment results for the first nine months of
2014
and
2013
include net investment revenues from EFL’s operations of
$79 million
and
$78 million
, respectively
Net investment income
Net investment income primarily includes interest and dividends on our fixed maturity and equity security portfolios net of investment expenses. Indemnity’s net investment income was unchanged in the third quarter of 2014, compared to the third quarter of 2013, while the Exchange’s net investment income increased $7 million. Indemnity's net investment income increased $1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013, while the Exchange's net investment income increased $21 million. The increase in net investment income for Indemnity was primarily due to higher invested balances, while the increases for the Exchange were primarily due to higher invested balances which more than offset lower investment yields.
Net realized gains on investments
Net realized gains and losses on investments include the changes in fair value of common stocks designated as trading securities, and gains and losses resulting from the actual sales of all security categories. Indemnity generated net realized gains of $0.1 million in the third quarter of 2014, compared to gains of $1 million in the third quarter of 2013, while the Exchange generated net realized losses of $85 million in the third quarter of 2014, compared to gains of $190 million in the third quarter of 2013. Indemnity generated net realized gains of $1 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, while the Exchange generated net realized gains of $103 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to gains of $500 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
Net realized gains for Indemnity during these periods primarily represented modest gains from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities. Net realized losses for the Exchange in the third quarter of 2014 were primarily due to decreases in fair value of common stocks compared to increases in fair value during the third quarter of 2013 reflecting the market conditions experienced during the periods. Similarly, net realized gains for the Exchange decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 primarily due to decreases in fair value of common stocks compared to increases in fair value of common stocks during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
Net impairment losses recorded in earnings for Indemnity were less than $0.1 million for the third quarter of 2014, and $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to net impairment losses of $0.2 million in the third quarter of 2013, and $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Net impairment losses recorded in earnings for the Exchange were $1 million for both the third quarter of 2014 and the nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to net impairment losses of $9 million for the third quarter of 2013, and $10 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The impairment activity in 2013 for the Exchange was primarily due to an equity security in an unrealized loss position that we
54
Table of Contents
intended to sell prior to an expected recovery of fair value to cost. As a result an impairment charge was recorded in earnings during the third quarter of 2013.
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships
Indemnity’s equity in earnings of limited partnerships decreased $1 million in the third quarter of 2014, compared to the third quarter of 2013, while the Exchange’s equity in earnings of limited partnerships decreased $2 million. Indemnity's equity in earnings of limited partnerships was unchanged for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013, while the Exchange's equity in earnings of limited partnerships decreased $1 million. The decrease in earnings for both Indemnity and the Exchange during the third quarter of 2014 was due to lower earnings from mezzanine debt investments. The decrease in earnings for the Exchange during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was due to lower earnings from mezzanine debt investments partially offset by modest increases in earnings from private equity and real estate investments.
A breakdown of our net realized gains (losses) on investments is as follows:
Erie Insurance Group
(in millions)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Indemnity
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
Securities sold:
Fixed maturities
$
0
$
1
$
0
$
1
Equity securities
0
0
1
0
Total net realized gains – Indemnity
(1)
$
0
$
1
$
1
$
1
Exchange
Securities sold:
Fixed maturities
$
6
$
(16
)
$
15
$
1
Equity securities
0
(9
)
8
(5
)
Common stock equity securities
84
82
196
223
Common stock (decreases) increases in fair value
(2)
(175
)
133
(116
)
281
Total net realized gains – Exchange
(1) (3)
$
(85
)
$
190
$
103
$
500
(1)
See Item 1. “Financial Statements – Note 7. Investments,” contained within this report for additional disclosures regarding net realized gains (losses) on investments.
(2)
The fair value on our common stock portfolio is based upon exchange traded prices provided by a nationally recognized pricing service.
(3)
The Exchange’s results for the
third
quarter of
2014
and
2013
include net realized gains from EFL’s operations of
$3 million
and
$2 million
, respectively. The Exchange’s results for the first nine months of
2014
and
2013
include net realized gains from EFL’s operations of
$8 million
for both periods.
The components of equity in earnings (losses) of limited partnerships are as follows:
Erie Insurance Group
(in millions)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Indemnity
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
Private equity
$
0
$
0
$
4
$
2
Mezzanine debt
1
2
2
3
Real estate
3
3
7
8
Total equity in earnings of limited partnerships – Indemnity
$
4
$
5
$
13
$
13
Exchange
Private equity
$
14
$
14
$
47
$
46
Mezzanine debt
5
7
16
19
Real estate
11
11
35
34
Total equity in earnings of limited partnerships – Exchange
(1)
$
30
$
32
$
98
$
99
(1)
The Exchange’s results for the
third
quarter of
2014
and
2013
include equity in earnings of limited partnerships from EFL's operations of $0.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively. The Exchange’s results for the first nine months of
2014
and
2013
include equity in earnings of limited partnerships from EFL's operations of $1 million for both periods.
55
Table of Contents
Limited partnership earnings pertain to investments in U.S. and foreign private equity, mezzanine debt, and real estate partnerships. Valuation adjustments are recorded to reflect the changes in fair value of the underlying investments held by the limited partnerships. These adjustments are recorded as a component of equity in earnings of limited partnerships in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Limited partnership earnings tend to be cyclical based upon market conditions, the age of the partnership, and the nature of the investments. Generally, limited partnership earnings are recorded on a quarter lag from financial statements we receive from our general partners. As a consequence, earnings from limited partnerships reported at
September 30, 2014
reflect investment valuation changes resulting from the financial markets and the economy in the fourth quarter of 2013 and first two quarters of
2014
.
56
Table of Contents
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Investments
We generate revenues from our fixed maturity, equity security, and limited partnership investment portfolios to support our underwriting business. The Indemnity and Exchange portfolios are managed with the objective of maximizing after-tax returns on a risk-adjusted basis, while the EFL portfolio is managed to be closely aligned to its liabilities and to maintain a sufficient yield to meet profitability targets. Management actively evaluates the portfolios for impairments. We record impairment writedowns on investments in instances where the fair value of the investment is substantially below cost, and we conclude that the decline in fair value is other-than-temporary, which includes consideration for intent to sell.
Distribution of investments
Erie Insurance Group
Carrying value at
Carrying value at
(in millions)
September 30, 2014
% to total
December 31, 2013
% to total
Indemnity
(Unaudited)
Fixed maturities
$
563
78
%
$
526
73
%
Equity securities:
Preferred stock
12
2
25
3
Common stock
13
2
25
3
Limited partnerships:
Private equity
55
7
62
9
Mezzanine debt
16
2
20
3
Real estate
63
9
64
9
Real estate mortgage loans
1
0
1
0
Total investments – Indemnity
$
723
100
%
$
723
100
%
Exchange
Fixed maturities
$
8,902
64
%
$
8,162
62
%
Equity securities:
Preferred stock
720
5
621
5
Common stock
3,322
24
3,400
26
Limited partnerships:
Private equity
447
3
463
4
Mezzanine debt
167
1
172
1
Real estate
325
3
305
2
Life policy loans
18
0
17
0
Real estate mortgage loans
2
0
3
0
Total investments – Exchange
$
13,903
100
%
$
13,143
100
%
Total investments – Erie Insurance Group
$
14,626
$
13,866
We continually review our investment portfolio 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 the fair value is below cost and the amount the fair value is below cost.
We individually analyze all positions with emphasis on those that have, in management’s opinion, declined significantly below cost. In compliance with impairment guidance for debt securities, we perform further analysis to determine if a credit-related impairment has occurred. Some of the factors considered in determining whether a debt security is credit impaired include potential for the default of interest and/or principal, level of subordination, collateral of the issue, compliance with financial covenants, credit ratings and industry conditions. We have the intent to sell all credit-impaired debt securities, therefore the entire amount of the impairment charges are included in earnings and no impairments are recorded in other comprehensive income. For available-for-sale equity securities, a charge is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for positions that have experienced other-than-temporary impairments. (See the “Investment Operations” section contained within this report for further information.) Management believes its investment valuation philosophy and accounting practices result in appropriate and timely measurement of value and recognition of impairment.
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Table of Contents
Fixed maturities
Under our investment strategy, we maintain a fixed maturity portfolio that is of high quality and well diversified within each market sector. This investment strategy also achieves a balanced maturity schedule. Our fixed maturity portfolio is managed with the goal of achieving reasonable returns while limiting exposure to risk. Our municipal bond portfolio accounts for
$231 million
, or
41%
, of the total fixed maturity portfolio for Indemnity and
$1.5 billion
, or
17%
, of the fixed maturity portfolio for the Exchange at
September 30, 2014
. The overall credit rating of the municipal portfolio without consideration of the underlying insurance is AA.
Fixed maturities classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred taxes, included in shareholders’ equity. Indemnity’s net unrealized gains on fixed maturities, net of deferred taxes, amounted to $8 million at
September 30, 2014
, compared to $5 million at
December 31, 2013
. At
September 30, 2014
, the Exchange had net unrealized gains on fixed maturities of $304 million, compared to $234 million at
December 31, 2013
.
The following table presents a breakdown of the fair value of our fixed maturity portfolio by sector and rating for Indemnity and the Exchange, respectively:
Erie Insurance Group
(1)
At September 30, 2014
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
Industry Sector
AAA
AA
A
BBB
Non- investment
grade
Fair
value
Indemnity
Basic materials
$
0
$
0
$
3
$
3
$
4
$
10
Communications
0
0
0
15
8
23
Consumer
0
0
10
16
25
51
Energy
0
0
0
9
9
18
Financial
0
8
46
40
7
101
Government-municipal
104
98
28
1
0
231
Industrial
0
0
1
5
8
14
Structured securities
(2)
28
25
20
17
1
91
Technology
0
0
0
4
3
7
Utilities
0
0
9
7
1
17
Total – Indemnity
$
132
$
131
$
117
$
117
$
66
$
563
Exchange
Basic materials
$
0
$
0
$
59
$
199
$
71
$
329
Communications
0
0
237
328
89
654
Consumer
0
35
347
736
176
1,294
Diversified
0
0
14
0
2
16
Energy
7
67
131
463
85
753
Financial
1
157
998
1,653
173
2,982
Foreign government
0
10
5
0
0
15
Government-municipal
424
852
182
25
0
1,483
Government sponsored entity
0
4
0
0
0
4
Industrial
0
11
69
277
59
416
Structured securities
(2)
46
130
32
25
0
233
Technology
0
33
61
90
22
206
U.S. Treasury
0
6
0
0
0
6
Utilities
0
3
137
342
29
511
Total – Exchange
$
478
$
1,308
$
2,272
$
4,138
$
706
$
8,902
(1)
Ratings are supplied by S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch. The table is based upon the lowest rating for each security.
(2)
Structured securities include asset-backed securities, collateral, lease and debt obligations, commercial mortgage-backed securities, and residential mortgage-backed securities.
58
Table of Contents
Equity securities
Our equity securities consist of common stock and nonredeemable preferred stock. Investment characteristics of common stock and non-redeemable preferred stock differ from one another. Our nonredeemable preferred stock portfolio provides a source of current income that is competitive with investment-grade bonds.
The following table presents an analysis of the fair value of our preferred and common stock securities by sector for Indemnity and Exchange, respectively:
Erie Insurance Group
Fair value at:
(in millions)
September 30, 2014
December 31, 2013
(Unaudited)
Industry sector
Preferred
stock
Common
stock
Preferred
stock
Common
stock
Indemnity
Communications
$
1
$
0
$
1
$
0
Diversified
0
0
3
0
Financial
7
0
16
0
Funds
(1)
0
13
0
25
Utilities
4
0
5
0
Total – Indemnity
$
12
$
13
$
25
$
25
Exchange
Basic materials
$
0
$
78
$
0
$
86
Communications
6
281
6
352
Consumer
16
947
6
968
Diversified
0
18
2
14
Energy
0
219
0
205
Financial
595
579
518
538
Funds
(1)
0
436
0
479
Government
0
0
2
0
Industrial
0
443
0
457
Technology
1
260
0
240
Utilities
102
61
87
61
Total – Exchange
$
720
$
3,322
$
621
$
3,400
(1)
Includes certain exchange traded funds with underlying holdings of fixed maturity securities totaling
$13 million
for Indemnity and
$197 million
for the Exchange at
September 30, 2014
, and
$25 million
for Indemnity and
$198 million
for the Exchange at
December 31, 2013
. These securities meet the criteria of a common stock under U.S. GAAP, and are included on the balance sheet as available-for-sale equity securities. Remaining common stock investments are classified as trading securities.
Equity securities classified as available-for-sale include preferred and certain common stock securities, and are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position with all changes in unrealized gains and losses reflected in other comprehensive income. The unrealized gain on equity securities classified as available-for-sale, net of deferred taxes, for Indemnity was $0.6 million at
September 30, 2014
, compared to an unrealized loss of less than $0.1 million at
December 31, 2013
. The net unrealized gain on equity securities classified as available-for-sale for the Exchange was $41 million at
September 30, 2014
, compared to an unrealized gain of $26 million at
December 31, 2013
.
Our common stocks classified as trading securities are measured at fair value with all changes in unrealized gains and losses reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
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Limited partnerships
In the
third
quarter of
2014
, investments in limited partnerships decreased for Indemnity and were nearly unchanged for the Exchange from the investment levels at
December 31, 2013
. Changes in partnership values are a function of contributions and distributions, adjusted for market value changes in the underlying investments. The decrease in limited partnership investments for Indemnity was due to net distributions received from the partnerships which were partially offset by partnership earnings. Indemnity has made no new limited partnership commitments since 2006, and the balance of its limited partnership investments is expected to decline over time as additional distributions are received. The results from our limited partnerships are based upon financial statements received from our general partners, which are generally received on a quarter lag. As a result, the market values and earnings recorded during the
third
quarter of
2014
reflect the partnership activity experienced in the
second quarter
of
2014
.
The components of limited partnership investments are as follows:
Erie Insurance Group
(in millions)
At September 30, 2014
At December 31, 2013
Indemnity
(Unaudited)
Private equity
$
55
$
62
Mezzanine debt
16
20
Real estate
63
64
Total limited partnerships – Indemnity
$
134
$
146
Exchange
Private equity
$
447
$
463
Mezzanine debt
167
172
Real estate
325
305
Total limited partnerships – Exchange
$
939
$
940
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Liabilities
Property and casualty losses and loss expense reserves
Loss reserves are established to account for the estimated ultimate costs of losses and loss expenses for claims that have been reported but not yet settled and claims that have been incurred but not reported. While 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, these reserves are, by their nature, only estimates and cannot be established with absolute certainty.
The factors which may potentially cause the greatest variation between current reserve estimates and the actual future paid amounts include unforeseen changes in statutory or case law altering the amounts to be paid on existing claim obligations, new medical procedures and/or drugs with costs significantly different from those seen in the past, inflation, and claims patterns on current business that differ significantly from historical claims patterns.
Losses and loss expense reserves are presented on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position on a gross basis. The following table represents the direct and assumed losses and loss expense reserves by major line of business for our property and casualty insurance operations. The reinsurance recoverable amount represents the related ceded amounts which results in the net liability attributable to the Property and Casualty Group.
Property and Casualty Group
(in millions)
At September 30, 2014
At December 31, 2013
(Unaudited)
Gross reserve liability
(1)
:
Personal auto
$
1,232
$
1,217
Automobile massive injury
334
345
Homeowners
327
271
Workers compensation
635
604
Workers compensation massive injury
86
94
Commercial auto
384
371
Commercial multi-peril
665
587
All other lines of business
181
170
Assumed reinsurance
89
88
Gross reserves
3,933
3,747
Less: reinsurance recoverable
146
156
Net reserve liability — Exchange
$
3,787
$
3,591
(1)
Loss reserves are set at estimated ultimate costs, except for workers compensation loss reserves which have been discounted using an interest rate of
2.5%
. This discounting reduced unpaid losses and loss expenses by
$87 million
at
September 30, 2014
and
$85 million
at
December 31, 2013
.
The reserves that have the greatest potential for variation are the massive injury lifetime medical claim reserves. The Property and Casualty Group is currently reserving for
243
claimants requiring lifetime medical care, of which
95
involve massive injuries. The reserve carried by the Property and Casualty Group for the massive injury claimants, which includes automobile massive injury and workers compensation massive injury reserves, totaled
$280 million
at
September 30, 2014
, which is net of
$140 million
of anticipated reinsurance recoverables, compared to
$291 million
at
December 31, 2013
, which is net of
$148 million
of anticipated reinsurance recoverables.
Life insurance reserves
EFL’s primary commitment is its obligation to pay future policy benefits under the terms of its life insurance and annuity contracts. To meet these future obligations, EFL establishes life insurance reserves based upon the type of policy, the age, gender, and risk class of the insured, and the number of years the policy has been in force. EFL also establishes annuity and universal life reserves based upon the amount of policyholder deposits (less applicable insurance and expense charges) plus interest earned on those deposits. Life insurance and annuity reserves are supported primarily by EFL’s long-term, fixed income investments as the underlying policy reserves are generally also of a long-term nature.
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IMPACT OF INFLATION
Property and casualty insurance premiums are established before losses occur and before loss expenses are incurred, and therefore, before the extent to which inflation may impact such costs is known. Consequently, in establishing premium rates, we attempt to anticipate the potential impact of inflation, including medical cost inflation, construction and auto repair cost inflation and tort issues. Medical costs are a broad element of inflation that impacts personal and commercial auto, general liability, workers compensation, and commercial multi-peril lines of insurance written by the Property and Casualty Group. Inflation assumptions take the form of explicit numerical values in the survival ratio, individual claim, and massive injury lifetime medical reserving methods. Inflation assumptions are implicitly derived through the selection of applicable loss development patterns for all other reserving methods. Occasionally, unusual aberrations in loss development patterns are caused by external and internal factors such as changes in claim reporting, settlement patterns, unusually large losses, process changes, legal or regulatory changes, and other influences. In these instances, analyses of alternate development factor selections are performed to evaluate the effect of these factors and actuarial judgment is applied to make appropriate assumptions needed to develop a best estimate of ultimate losses.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Sources and Uses of Cash
Liquidity is a measure of a company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet the short- and long-term cash requirements of its business operations and growth needs. Our liquidity requirements have been met primarily by funds generated from premiums collected and income from investments. Our insurance operations provide liquidity in that premiums are collected in advance of paying losses under the policies purchased with those premiums. Cash outflows for the property and casualty insurance business are generally variable since settlement dates for liabilities for unpaid losses and the potential for large losses, whether individual or in the aggregate, cannot be predicted with absolute certainty. Accordingly, after satisfying our operating cash requirements, excess cash flows are used to build our investment operation’s portfolios in order to increase future investment income, which then may be used as a source of liquidity if cash from our insurance operations would not be sufficient to meet our obligations. Cash provided from these sources is used primarily to fund losses and policyholder benefits, fund the costs of our management operations including commissions, salaries and wages, pension plans, share repurchases, dividends to shareholders, and the purchase and development of information technology. We expect that our operating cash needs will be met by funds generated from operations.
Volatility in the financial markets presents challenges to us as we do occasionally access our investment portfolio as a source of cash. Some of our fixed income investments, despite being publicly traded, are illiquid. Volatility in these markets could impair our ability to sell certain of our fixed income securities or cause such securities to sell at deep discounts. Additionally, our limited partnership investments are significantly less liquid. We believe we have sufficient liquidity to meet our needs from other sources even if market volatility persists throughout
2014
.
Cash flow activities — Erie Insurance Group
The following table provides condensed consolidated cash flow information for the
nine months
ended
September 30
:
(in millions)
Erie Insurance Group
2014
2013
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
549
$
689
Net cash used in investing activities
(533
)
(498
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(89
)
(56
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
$
(73
)
$
135
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled
$549 million
and
$689 million
for the first
nine months
of
2014
and
2013
, respectively. Decreased cash from operating activities for the first
nine months
of
2014
was driven primarily by increases in losses paid and loss expenses paid, commissions and bonuses paid to agents, and other underwriting and acquisition costs, combined with a decrease in limited partnership distributions received. Somewhat offsetting this decrease in cash provided was an increase in premiums collected by the Exchange, driven by the increase in premiums written, and an increase in net investment income received, combined with a decrease in income taxes paid, compared to the first
nine months
of
2013
.
At
September 30, 2014
, we recorded a net deferred tax asset of
$2 million
attributable to Indemnity and a net deferred tax liability of
$465 million
attributable to the Exchange. There was no deferred tax valuation allowance recorded at
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September 30, 2014
. In the first quarter of 2014, Indemnity received a tax refund of $1 million related to the 2006-2009 Internal Revenue Audit. Our capital gain and loss strategies take into consideration our ability to offset gains and losses in future periods, carry-back of capital loss opportunities to the three preceding years, and capital loss carry-forward opportunities to apply against future capital gains over the next five years.
Net cash used in investing activities totaled
$533 million
and
$498 million
for the first
nine months
of
2014
and
2013
, respectively. Investing activities in the first
nine months
of
2014
primarily included an increase in certain preferred stock purchases and limited partnership contributions, combined with decreased cash generated from fixed maturity, common stock and limited partnership sales and maturities, offset somewhat by a decrease in fixed maturity and common stock purchases combined with increased cash generated from preferred stock sales, compared to the first
nine months
of
2013
. At
September 30, 2014
, we had contractual commitments to invest up to
$479 million
related to our limited partnership investments to be funded as required by the partnerships’ agreements. Of this amount, the total remaining commitment to fund limited partnerships that invest in private equity securities was
$162 million
, mezzanine debt securities was
$203 million
, and real estate activities was
$114 million
.
For a discussion of net cash used in financing activities, see the following section “Cash flow activities — Indemnity,” for the primary drivers of the financing cash flows related to the Indemnity shareholder interest.
Cash flow activities — Indemnity
The following table is a summary of cash flows for Indemnity for the
nine months
ended
September 30
:
(in millions)
Indemnity Shareholder Interest
2014
2013
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
111
$
132
Net cash used in investing activities
(6
)
(33
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(109
)
(78
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
$
(4
)
$
21
See Item 1. “Financial Statements - Note 15. Indemnity Supplemental Information,” contained within this report for more detail on Indemnity’s cash flows.
Net cash provided by Indemnity’s operating activities totaled
$111 million
for the first
nine months
of
2014
, compared to
$132 million
for the first
nine months
of
2013
. Decreased cash from operating activities for the first
nine months
of
2014
was primarily due to increases in commissions and bonuses paid to agents, general operating expenses, and employee wage and benefit costs. Somewhat offsetting this decrease in cash was an increase in management fee revenue received compared to the first
nine months
of
2013
. Management fee revenues were higher reflecting the increase in the premiums written or assumed by the Exchange. Cash paid for agent commissions and bonuses increased to
$576 million
in the first
nine months
of
2014
, compared to
$521 million
for the first
nine months
of
2013
, as a result of an increase in cash paid for scheduled commissions and bonus awards. Indemnity made a
$15 million
contribution to its pension plan in the
first quarter of 2014
and an additional $8 million contribution during the third quarter of 2014, compared to
$17 million
in the
first quarter of 2013
. Indemnity’s policy for funding its pension plan is generally to contribute an amount equal to the greater of the IRS minimum required contribution or the target normal cost for the year plus interest to the date the contribution is made. Indemnity is generally reimbursed approximately
56%
of the net periodic benefit cost of the pension plan from its affiliates, which represents pension benefits for Indemnity employees performing claims and EFL functions.
At
September 30, 2014
, Indemnity recorded a net deferred tax asset of
$2 million
. There was no deferred tax valuation allowance recorded at
September 30, 2014
. In the first quarter of 2014, Indemnity received a tax refund of $1 million related to the 2006-2009 Internal Revenue Audit.
Net cash used in Indemnity’s investing activities totaled
$6 million
for the first
nine months
of
2014
, compared to
$33 million
for the first
nine months
of
2013
. Indemnity’s first
nine months
of
2014
investing activities primarily included increased cash generated from the fixed maturity and equity security sales, somewhat offset by an increase in purchases of fixed maturities combined with decreased cash generated from fixed maturity calls, compared to the first
nine months
of
2013
. Also impacting Indemnity's future investing activities are limited partnership commitments, which totaled
$25 million
at
September 30, 2014
, and will be funded as required by the partnerships’ agreements. Of this amount, the total remaining commitment to fund limited partnerships that invest in private equity securities was
$11 million
, mezzanine debt securities was
$9 million
, and real estate activities was
$5 million
.
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Net cash used in Indemnity’s financing activities totaled
$109 million
for the first
nine months
of
2014
, compared to
$78 million
for the first
nine months
of
2013
. The increase in cash used in financing activities for the first
nine months
of
2014
was driven by an increase in the cash outlay for dividends paid to shareholders and share repurchases. Dividends paid to shareholders totaled
$89 million
for the first
nine months
of
2014
, compared to
$56 million
dividends paid for the first
nine months
of
2013
. Normally, the regular quarterly dividend declared by the Board at its December meeting of the previous year is paid in January, as it was in 2014. In 2013 however, the payment of the regular dividend normally made in January was accelerated and paid in December 2012, due to the potential significant increases in tax rates on 2013 dividend income pending at the time of declaration. Additionally, Indemnity increased both its Class A and Class B shareholder quarterly dividends by
7.2%
for
2014
, compared to
2013
. There are no regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends to Indemnity’s shareholders.
Indemnity repurchased
1,217
shares of its Class A nonvoting common stock in conjunction with its stock repurchase program at a total cost of
$0.1 million
, based upon settlement date, in the
third
quarter of
2014
. During the first
nine months
of
2014
, shares repurchased under this program totaled
276,390
at a total cost of
$19.5 million
. In the first
nine months
of
2013
, shares repurchased under this program totaled
296,896
at a total cost of
$21.5 million
. In
October 2011
, our Board of Directors approved a continuation of the current stock repurchase program for a total of
$150 million
with no time limitation. This repurchase authority includes, and is not in addition to, any unspent amounts remaining under the prior authorization. Indemnity had approximately
$18 million
of repurchase authority remaining under this program at
September 30, 2014
, based upon trade date.
Additionally, in January 2014, we repurchased 2,800 shares of our outstanding Class A nonvoting common stock outside of our publicly announced share repurchase program at a total cost of $201,411, or $71.93 per share, for the vesting of stock-based awards for executive management. These shares were delivered to executive management in January 2014.
In May 2014, we repurchased 7,227 shares of our outstanding Class A nonvoting common stock outside of our publicly announced share repurchase program at a total cost of $552,503, or $76.45 per share, for the vesting of stock-based awards for a former outside director. These shares were delivered in May 2014.
In May and June 2014, we repurchased 54,371 shares of our outstanding Class A nonvoting common stock outside of our publicly announced share repurchase program at a total cost of $4,143,544, or $76.21 per share, for the vesting of stock-based awards in conjunction with our long-term incentive plan. These shares were delivered to plan participants in June 2014.
In January and June 2013, Indemnity purchased 444 and 3,033 shares, respectively, of our outstanding Class A nonvoting common stock outside of our publicly announced share repurchase program at a total cost of $30,927, or $69.65 per share, and $224,527 or $74.03 per share, to settle payments due to a retired executive under our long-term incentive plan. These shares were delivered to the plan participant in January and July 2013, respectively.
Capital Outlook
We regularly prepare forecasts evaluating the current and future cash requirements of Indemnity and the Exchange for both normal and extreme risk events. Should an extreme risk event result in a cash requirement exceeding normal cash flows, we have the ability to meet our future funding requirements through various alternatives available to us.
Indemnity
Outside of Indemnity’s normal operating and investing cash activities, future funding requirements could be met through: 1) Indemnity’s cash and cash equivalents, which total approximately
$45 million
at
September 30, 2014
, 2) a
$100 million
bank revolving line of credit held by Indemnity, and 3) liquidation of assets held in Indemnity’s investment portfolio, including common stock, preferred stock, and investment grade bonds which totaled approximately
$410 million
at
September 30, 2014
. Volatility in the financial markets could impair Indemnity’s ability to sell certain of its fixed income securities or cause such securities to sell at deep discounts. Additionally, Indemnity has the ability to curtail or modify discretionary cash outlays such as those related to shareholder dividends and share repurchase activities.
As of
September 30, 2014
, Indemnity has access to a
$100 million
bank revolving line of credit with a
$25 million
letter of credit sublimit that expires on
November 3, 2018
. As of
September 30, 2014
, a total of
$98.2 million
remains available under the facility due to
$1.8 million
outstanding letters of credit, which reduce the availability for letters of credit to
$23.2 million
. Indemnity had
no
borrowings outstanding on its line of credit as of
September 30, 2014
. Bonds with a fair value of
$112 million
were pledged as collateral on the line at
September 30, 2014
. These securities have no trading 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 leverage ratios for Indemnity. Indemnity was in compliance with its bank covenants at
September 30, 2014
.
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Exchange
Outside of the Exchange’s normal operating and investing cash activities, future funding requirements could be met through: 1) the Exchange’s cash and cash equivalents, which total approximately
$334 million
at
September 30, 2014
, 2) a
$300 million
bank revolving line of credit held by the Exchange, and 3) liquidation of assets held in the Exchange’s investment portfolio, including common stock, preferred stock, and investment grade bonds which totaled approximately
$11.9 billion
at
September 30, 2014
. Volatility in the financial markets could impair the Exchange’s ability to sell certain of its fixed income securities or cause such securities to sell at deep discounts.
As of
September 30, 2014
, the Exchange has access to a
$300 million
bank revolving line of credit with a
$25 million
letter of credit sublimit that expires on
October 25, 2018
. As of
September 30, 2014
, a total of
$298.9 million
remains available under the facility due to
$1.1 million
outstanding letters of credit, which reduce the availability for letters of credit to
$23.9 million
. The Exchange had
no
borrowings outstanding on its line of credit as of
September 30, 2014
. Bonds with a fair value of
$329 million
were pledged as collateral on the line at
September 30, 2014
. These securities have no trading 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 statutory surplus and risk based capital ratios for the Exchange. The Exchange was in compliance with its bank covenants at
September 30, 2014
.
Indemnity has no rights to the assets, capital, or line of credit of the Exchange and, conversely, the Exchange has no rights to the assets, capital, or line of credit of Indemnity. We believe we have the funding sources available to us to support our cash flow requirements in
2014
.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Off-balance sheet arrangements include those with unconsolidated entities that may have a material current or future effect on our financial condition or results of operations, including material variable interests in unconsolidated entities that conduct certain activities. We have no material off-balance sheet obligations or guarantees, other than limited partnership investment commitments.
Surplus Notes
Indemnity holds a surplus note for
$25 million
from EFL that is payable on demand on or after
December 31, 2018
; however, no principal or interest payments may be made without prior approval of the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner. Interest payments are scheduled to be paid semi-annually. For the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
and
2013
, Indemnity recognized interest income on the note of
$1.3 million
.
The Exchange holds a surplus note for
$20 million
from EFL that is payable on demand on or after
December 31, 2025
; however, no principal or interest payments may be made without prior approval of the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner. Interest payments are scheduled to be paid semi-annually. For the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
and
2013
, the Exchange recognized interest income on the note of
$0.9 million
.
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 the property and casualty insurance losses and loss expense reserves, life insurance and annuity policy reserves, investment valuation, deferred acquisition costs related to life insurance and investment-type contracts, deferred taxes, and retirement benefit plans for employees. 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. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” for the year ended
December 31, 2013
of our Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
February 27, 2014
. See Item 1. “Financial Statements - Note 6. Fair Value,” contained within this report for additional information on our valuation of investments.
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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, interest rates, and other risk exposures for the year ended
December 31, 2013
are included in Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
February 27, 2014
.
There have been no material changes that impact our portfolio or reshape our periodic investment reviews of asset allocations during the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
. For a recent discussion of conditions surrounding our investment portfolio, see the “Operating Overview,” “Investment Operations,” and “Financial Condition, Investments” discussions contained in Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” contained within this report.
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 there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the
nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
State Court Lawsuit Against Erie Indemnity Company
Erie Indemnity Company (“Indemnity”) was named as a defendant in a complaint filed on August 1, 2012 by alleged subscribers of the Erie Insurance Exchange (the “Exchange”) in the Court of Common Pleas Civil Division of Fayette County, Pennsylvania captioned
Erie Insurance Exchange, an unincorporated association, by Joseph S. Sullivan and Anita Sullivan, Patricia R. Beltz, and Jenna L. DeBord, trustees ad litem v. Erie Indemnity Co.
(the “
Sullivan
” lawsuit).
As subsequently amended, the complaint alleges that, beginning on September 1, 1997, Indemnity retained “Service Charges” (installment fees) and “Added Service Charges” (late fees and policy reinstatement charges) on policies written by the Exchange and its insurance subsidiaries, which allegedly should have been paid to the Exchange, in the amount of approximately $308 million. In addition to their claim for monetary relief on behalf of the Exchange, the plaintiffs seek an accounting of all so-called intercompany transactions between Indemnity and the Exchange from 1996 to date. Plaintiffs allege that Indemnity breached its contractual, fiduciary, and equitable duties by retaining Service Charges and Added Service Charges that should have been retained by the Exchange. Plaintiffs bring these same claims under three separate derivative-type theories. First, plaintiffs purport to bring suit as members of the Exchange on behalf of the Exchange. Second, plaintiffs purport to bring suit as trustees
ad litem
on behalf of the Exchange. Third, plaintiffs purport to bring suit on behalf of the Exchange pursuant to Rule 1506 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, which allows shareholders to bring suit derivatively on behalf of a corporation or similar entity.
Indemnity filed a motion in the state court in November 2012 seeking dismissal of the lawsuit. On December 19, 2013, the court granted Indemnity’s motion in part, holding that the Pennsylvania Insurance Holding Company Act “provides the [Pennsylvania Insurance] Department with special competence to address the subject matter of plaintiff’s claims” and referring “all issues” in the
Sullivan
lawsuit to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (the “Department”) for “its views and any determination.” The court stayed all further proceedings and reserved decision on all other grounds for dismissal raised by Indemnity. Plaintiffs sought reconsideration of the court’s order, and on January 13, 2014, the court entered a revised order affirming its prior order and clarifying that the Department “shall decide any and all issues within its jurisdiction.” On January 30, 2014, Plaintiffs asked the court to certify its order to permit an immediate appeal to the Superior Court and to stay any proceedings in the Department pending completion of any appeal. On February 18, 2014, the court issued an order denying Plaintiffs’ motion. On March 20, 2014, Plaintiffs filed a petition for review with the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. Indemnity filed an answer to the petition on April 3, 2014. On May 5, 2014, the Superior Court denied Plaintiffs’ petition for review.
The
Sullivan
matter is currently proceeding before the Department and has been assigned to an Administrative Judge for determination. The parties agreed that an evidentiary hearing was not required and they entered into a stipulated record. The record in the Department is now closed and the Administrative Judge has entered a scheduling order requiring briefing to be completed by December 19, 2014. Oral argument before the Administrative Judge is scheduled for January 6, 2015.
Indemnity believes that it has meritorious legal and factual defenses and intends to vigorously defend against all allegations and requests for relief.
Federal Court Lawsuit Against Directors
On February 6, 2013, a lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania,
captioned Erie Insurance Exchange, an unincorporated association, by members Patricia R. Beltz, Joseph S. Sullivan and Anita Sullivan, and Patricia R. Beltz, on behalf of herself and others similarly situate v. Richard L. Stover; J. Ralph Borneman, Jr; Terrence W. Cavanaugh; Jonathan Hirt Hagen; Susan Hirt Hagen; Thomas B. Hagen; C. Scott Hartz; Claude C. Lilly, III; Lucian L. Morrison; Thomas W. Palmer; Martin P. Sheffield; Elizabeth H. Vorsheck; and Robert C. Wilburn
(the “
Beltz
” lawsuit), by alleged policyholders of the Exchange who are also the plaintiffs in the
Sullivan
lawsuit. The individuals named as defendants in the
Beltz
lawsuit were the then-current Directors of Indemnity.
As subsequently amended, the
Beltz
lawsuit asserts many of the same allegations and claims for monetary relief as in the
Sullivan
lawsuit. Plaintiffs purport to sue on behalf of all policyholders of the Exchange, or, alternatively, on behalf of the Exchange itself. Indemnity filed a motion to intervene as a Party Defendant in the
Beltz
lawsuit in July 2013, and the Directors filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit in August 2013. On February 10, 2014, the court entered an order granting Indemnity’s motion to intervene and permitting Indemnity to join the Directors’ motion to dismiss; granting in part the Directors’ motion to dismiss; referring the matter to the Department to decide any and all issues within its jurisdiction; denying all other relief sought in the Directors’ motion as moot; and dismissing the case without prejudice. To avoid duplicative proceedings and
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expedite the Department’s review, the Parties have stipulated that only the
Sullivan
action will proceed before the Department and any final and non-appealable determinations made by the Department in the
Sullivan
action will be applied to the
Beltz
action. On March 7, 2014, Plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Indemnity filed a motion to dismiss the appeal on April 3, 2014. The Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has not yet rendered a decision on either Plaintiffs’ appeal or Indemnity’s motion to dismiss the appeal.
Indemnity believes that it has meritorious legal and factual defenses and intends to vigorously defend against all allegations and requests for relief in the
Beltz
lawsuit. The Directors have also advised Indemnity that they intend to vigorously defend against the claims in the
Beltz
lawsuit and have sought indemnification and advancement of expenses from the Company in connection with the
Beltz
lawsuit.
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, 2013
as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
February 27, 2014
.
ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table summarizes Indemnity’s Class A common stock repurchased each month, based upon trade date, during the quarter ended
September 30, 2014
:
(dollars in millions, except per
share data)
Period
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
Average
Price Paid Per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Program
Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares that May
Yet be Purchased Under the Program
July 1 – 31, 2014
0
$
0.00
0
$18
August 1 – 31, 2014
0
0.00
0
18
September 1 – 30, 2014
0
0.00
0
18
Total
0
0
In
October 2011
, our Board of Directors approved a continuation of the current stock repurchase program, authorizing repurchases for a total of
$150 million
with no time limitation. This repurchase authority included, and was not in addition to, any unspent amounts remaining under the prior authorization.
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ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibit
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.
32
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
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Table of Contents
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:
October 30, 2014
By:
/s/ Terrence W. Cavanaugh
Terrence W. Cavanaugh, President & CEO
By:
/s/ Marcia A. Dall
Marcia A. Dall, Executive Vice President & CFO
70