UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FORM 10-Q
þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ___________ to ___________
Commission file number 2-39458
ERIE FAMILY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
PENNSYLVANIA | 25-1186315 | |||||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer | |||||
Identification No.) | ||||||
100 Erie Insurance Place, Erie, Pennsylvania | 16530 | |||||
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code (814) 870-2000
Not applicable
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Yes o No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrants classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 9,450,000 shares of Common Stock outstanding on April 15, 2005.
1
INDEX
ERIE FAMILY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
2
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ERIE FAMILY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
ASSETS | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Investments: |
||||||||
Fixed maturities at fair value (amortized cost
of $1,318,068 and $1,297,913, respectively) |
$ | 1,359,516 | $ | 1,366,898 | ||||
Equity
securities at fair value (cost of $59,891 and $59,426, respectively) |
65,912 | 66,375 | ||||||
Limited
partnerships (cost of $14,640 and $15,234, respectively) |
15,560 | 15,467 | ||||||
Real estate mortgage loans |
6,077 | 6,124 | ||||||
Real estate |
1,023 | 1,044 | ||||||
Policy loans |
10,854 | 10,671 | ||||||
Total investments |
1,458,942 | 1,466,579 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
22,721 | 22,446 | ||||||
Premiums receivable from policyholders |
7,315 | 7,876 | ||||||
Reinsurance recoverable |
1,797 | 2,527 | ||||||
Other receivables |
426 | 319 | ||||||
Accrued investment income |
19,305 | 16,031 | ||||||
Deferred policy acquisition costs |
118,886 | 111,409 | ||||||
Reserve credit for reinsurance ceded |
30,491 | 29,420 | ||||||
Prepaid federal income taxes |
0 | 789 | ||||||
Other assets |
5,123 | 4,044 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 1,665,006 | $ | 1,661,440 | ||||
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
3
ERIE FAMILY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Liabilities: |
||||||||
Policy Liabilities and Accruals: |
||||||||
Future life and accident and health policy benefits |
$ | 128,247 | $ | 124,016 | ||||
Policy and contract claims |
4,551 | 3,153 | ||||||
Annuity deposits |
997,869 | 984,870 | ||||||
Universal life deposits |
166,717 | 163,489 | ||||||
Supplementary contracts not
including life contingencies |
705 | 702 | ||||||
Other policyholder funds |
7,091 | 6,048 | ||||||
Federal income taxes payable |
1,472 | 0 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
40,158 | 48,066 | ||||||
Reinsurance premium due |
907 | 2,581 | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
11,531 | 10,581 | ||||||
Notes payable to Erie Indemnity Company |
40,000 | 40,000 | ||||||
Due to affiliates |
4,716 | 4,327 | ||||||
Dividends payable |
2,079 | 2,079 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
1,406,043 | 1,389,912 | ||||||
Shareholders Equity: |
||||||||
Common stock, $.40 par value per share;
authorized 15,000,000 shares; 9,450,000
shares issued and outstanding |
3,780 | 3,780 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
630 | 630 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
25,217 | 39,252 | ||||||
Retained earnings |
229,336 | 227,866 | ||||||
Total shareholders equity |
258,963 | 271,528 | ||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders equity |
$ | 1,665,006 | $ | 1,661,440 | ||||
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
4
ERIE FAMILY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||
March 31, 2005 | March 31, 2004 | |||||||
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||
Net Policy Revenue: |
||||||||
Life premiums |
$ | 13,502 | $ | 13,112 | ||||
Group life and other premiums |
906 | 867 | ||||||
Total net policy revenue |
14,408 | 13,979 | ||||||
Net investment income |
20,306 | 19,472 | ||||||
Net realized (losses) gains on investments |
( | 1,353 | ) | 2,848 | ||||
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships |
604 | 155 | ||||||
Other income |
177 | 318 | ||||||
Total revenues |
34,142 | 36,772 | ||||||
Benefits and Expenses |
||||||||
Death benefits |
3,430 | 4,904 | ||||||
Interest on annuity deposits |
11,027 | 10,910 | ||||||
Interest on universal life deposits |
1,795 | 1,736 | ||||||
Interest on surplus notes and
other affiliate interest |
712 | 717 | ||||||
Surrender and other benefits |
337 | 320 | ||||||
Increase in future life policy benefits |
3,160 | 2,247 | ||||||
Amortization of deferred policy
acquisition costs |
2,254 | 228 | ||||||
Commissions |
400 | 542 | ||||||
General expenses |
4,611 | 3,878 | ||||||
Taxes, licenses and fees |
956 | 834 | ||||||
Total benefits and expenses |
28,682 | 26,316 | ||||||
Income before income taxes |
5,460 | 10,456 | ||||||
Provision for income taxes |
1,911 | 3,940 | ||||||
Net income |
$ | 3,549 | $ | 6,516 | ||||
Net income per share |
$ | 0.38 | $ | 0.69 | ||||
Dividends declared per share |
$ | 0.22 | $ | 0.22 | ||||
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
5
ERIE FAMILY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||
March 31, 2005 | March 31, 2004 | |||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||
Net income |
$ | 3,549 | $ | 6,516 | ||||
Unrealized (losses) gains on securities: |
||||||||
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising
during period, net of offsets to shadow
deferred acquisition costs |
( | 22,945 | ) | 25,873 | ||||
Less: losses (gains) included in net income |
1,353 | ( | 2,848 | ) | ||||
Net unrealized holding (losses) gains arising
during period, net of offsets to shadow
deferred acquisition costs |
( | 21,592 | ) | 23,025 | ||||
Income tax benefit (expense) related to
unrealized (losses) gains |
7,557 | ( | 8,059 | ) | ||||
Unrealized (depreciation) appreciation of
investments, net of taxes |
( | 14,035 | ) | 14,966 | ||||
Comprehensive (loss) income |
($ | 10,486 | ) | $ | 21,482 | |||
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
6
ERIE FAMILY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||
March 31, 2005 | March 31, 2004 | |||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Premiums collected |
$ | 14,232 | $ | 10,790 | ||||
Net investment income received |
17,406 | 16,480 | ||||||
Miscellaneous income |
177 | 318 | ||||||
Benefits to policyholders |
( | 15,470 | ) | ( | 18,870 | ) | ||
Commissions paid to agents |
( | 469 | ) | ( | 1,340 | ) | ||
Salaries and wages paid |
( | 4,277 | ) | ( | 3,326 | ) | ||
General operating expenses paid |
( | 4,434 | ) | ( | 4,131 | ) | ||
Taxes, licenses and fees paid |
( | 1,416 | ) | ( | 1,291 | ) | ||
Interest paid |
( | 51 | ) | ( | 52 | ) | ||
Income taxes recovered |
0 | 19 | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
5,698 | ( | 1,403 | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Purchase of investments: |
||||||||
Fixed maturities |
( | 72,713 | ) | ( | 70,733 | ) | ||
Equity securities |
( | 464 | ) | 0 | ||||
Limited partnerships |
( | 1,390 | ) | ( | 5 | ) | ||
Sales/maturities of investments: |
||||||||
Sales of fixed maturities |
35,803 | 49,784 | ||||||
Calls/maturities of fixed maturities |
16,734 | 3,530 | ||||||
Limited partnerships |
2,592 | 800 | ||||||
Increase in collateral from securities lending |
0 | 13,733 | ||||||
Net mortgage loans |
47 | 44 | ||||||
Net policy loans |
( | 183 | ) | ( | 146 | ) | ||
Net cash used in investing activities |
( | 19,574 | ) | ( | 2,993 | ) | ||
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Annuity and supplementary
contract deposits and interest |
30,702 | 33,603 | ||||||
Annuity and supplementary
contract surrenders and withdrawals |
( | 17,700 | ) | ( | 17,966 | ) | ||
Universal life deposits and interest |
4,749 | 4,820 | ||||||
Universal life surrenders |
( | 1,521 | ) | ( | 1,807 | ) | ||
Dividends paid to shareholders |
( | 2,079 | ) | ( | 1,985 | ) | ||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
14,151 | 16,665 | ||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
275 | 12,269 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
22,446 | 91,667 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 22,721 | $ | 103,936 | ||||
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
7
ERIE FAMILY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE A BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and in conformity with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2005. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 24, 2005.
NOTE B RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain amounts previously reported in the 2004 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current periods presentation. Such reclassification did not impact earnings or total Shareholders Equity.
NOTE C EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each of the respective periods.
8
ERIE FAMILY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE D INVESTMENTS
At March 31, 2005 and 2004, marketable equity securities consist of nonredeemable preferred stock while fixed maturities consist of bonds, notes and redeemable preferred stock. Management considers all fixed maturities as available-for-sale. Management determines the appropriate classification of fixed maturities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each statement of financial position date. Available-for-sale securities are stated at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred federal income taxes, reported as a separate component of Comprehensive Income and Shareholders Equity.
The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities:
(in thousands) | Gross | Gross | ||||||||||||||
Amortized | Unrealized | Unrealized | Estimated | |||||||||||||
March 31, 2005 | Cost | Gains | Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
Fixed maturities |
||||||||||||||||
Bonds: |
||||||||||||||||
U.S. treasuries and government agencies |
$ | 55,118 | $ | 478 | $ | 449 | $ | 55,147 | ||||||||
Public utilities |
168,127 | 8,377 | 1,083 | 175,421 | ||||||||||||
U.S. banks, trusts and insurance companies |
205,760 | 7,467 | 1,952 | 211,275 | ||||||||||||
U.S. industrial and miscellaneous |
568,811 | 24,396 | 4,211 | 588,996 | ||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities |
156,229 | 2,215 | 1,738 | 156,706 | ||||||||||||
Asset-backed securities |
10,720 | 215 | 132 | 10,803 | ||||||||||||
Foreign |
146,287 | 9,343 | 1,340 | 154,290 | ||||||||||||
Total bonds |
1,311,052 | 52,491 | 10,905 | 1,352,638 | ||||||||||||
Redeemable preferred stock |
7,016 | 47 | 185 | 6,878 | ||||||||||||
Total fixed maturities |
1,318,068 | 52,538 | 11,090 | 1,359,516 | ||||||||||||
Equity securities |
||||||||||||||||
Nonredeemable preferred stock: |
||||||||||||||||
U.S. banks, trusts and insurance companies |
19,909 | 1,785 | 0 | 21,694 | ||||||||||||
U.S. industrial and miscellaneous |
18,801 | 1,771 | 1 | 20,571 | ||||||||||||
Foreign |
21,181 | 2,474 | 8 | 23,647 | ||||||||||||
Total equity securities |
59,891 | 6,030 | 9 | 65,912 | ||||||||||||
Total fixed maturities and equity securities |
$ | 1,377,959 | $ | 58,568 | $ | 11,099 | $ | 1,425,428 | ||||||||
9
ERIE FAMILY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
NOTE D INVESTMENTS (Continued)
(in thousands) | Gross | Gross | ||||||||||||||
Amortized | Unrealized | Unrealized | Estimated | |||||||||||||
December 31, 2004 | Cost | Gains | Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
Fixed maturities |
||||||||||||||||
Bonds: |
||||||||||||||||
U.S. treasuries and government agencies |
$ | 60,126 | $ | 1,048 | $ | 98 | $ | 61,076 | ||||||||
Public utilities |
160,516 | 11,313 | 219 | 171,610 | ||||||||||||
U.S. banks, trusts and insurance companies |
193,461 | 9,148 | 709 | 201,900 | ||||||||||||
U.S. industrial and miscellaneous |
566,633 | 34,721 | 976 | 600,378 | ||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities |
157,289 | 3,713 | 609 | 160,393 | ||||||||||||
Asset-backed securities |
10,946 | 348 | 77 | 11,217 | ||||||||||||
Foreign |
141,926 | 12,080 | 686 | 153,320 | ||||||||||||
Total bonds |
1,290,897 | 72,371 | 3,374 | 1,359,894 | ||||||||||||
Redeemable preferred stock |
7,016 | 94 | 106 | 7,004 | ||||||||||||
Total fixed maturities |
1,297,913 | 72,465 | 3,480 | 1,366,898 | ||||||||||||
Equity securities |
||||||||||||||||
Nonredeemable preferred stock: |
||||||||||||||||
U.S. banks, trusts and insurance companies |
19,909 | 2,078 | 2 | 21,985 | ||||||||||||
U.S. industrial and miscellaneous |
18,801 | 1,873 | 0 | 20,674 | ||||||||||||
Foreign |
20,716 | 3,000 | 0 | 23,716 | ||||||||||||
Total equity securities |
59,426 | 6,951 | 2 | 66,375 | ||||||||||||
Total fixed maturities and equity securities |
$ | 1,357,339 | $ | 79,416 | $ | 3,482 | $ | 1,433,273 | ||||||||
Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are recognized in income using the specific identification method. Investments that have declined in value below cost and for which the decline is considered to be other-than-temporary by management are written down to estimated net realizable value. The impairments are made on an individual security basis and are recorded as a component of net realized (losses) gains on investments in the Statements of Operations.
10
ERIE FAMILY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
NOTE D INVESTMENTS (Continued)
The components of net realized (losses) gains on investments as reported in the Statements of Operations are included below. Included in the first quarter of 2005 realized losses are impairment charges of $1.5 million related to a fixed maturity in the automotive industry. There were no impairment charges recorded in the first quarter of 2004.
(in thousands) | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | ||||||
March 31, 2005 | March 31, 2004 | |||||||
Fixed maturities: |
||||||||
Gross realized gains |
$ | 1,083 | $ | 2,930 | ||||
Gross realized losses |
( | 2,441 | ) | ( | 93 | ) | ||
Net realized (losses) gains |
( | 1,358 | ) | 2,837 | ||||
Equity securities: |
||||||||
Gross realized gains |
7 | 11 | ||||||
Gross realized losses |
( | 2 | ) | 0 | ||||
Net realized gains |
5 | 11 | ||||||
Net realized (losses) gains on
investments |
($ | 1,353 | ) | $ | 2,848 | |||
Fixed maturities and equity securities in a gross unrealized loss position at March 31, 2005 are as follows. Data is provided by length of time securities were in a gross unrealized loss position.
Less than 12 months | 12 months or longer | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | Fair | Unrealized | Fair | Unrealized | Fair | Unrealized | ||||||||||||||||||
Value | Losses | Value | Losses | Value | Losses | |||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S.
treasuries and government agencies |
$ | 35,491 | $ | 419 | $ | 1,968 | $ | 30 | $ | 37,459 | $ | 449 | ||||||||||||
Public utilities |
41,297 | 716 | 9,429 | 367 | 50,726 | 1,083 | ||||||||||||||||||
U.S. banks, trusts and insurance
companies |
60,653 | 1,131 | 20,125 | 821 | 80,778 | 1,952 | ||||||||||||||||||
U.S. industrial and miscellaneous |
137,976 | 3,166 | 24,007 | 1,045 | 161,983 | 4,211 | ||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities |
75,574 | 1,161 | 18,169 | 577 | 93,743 | 1,738 | ||||||||||||||||||
Asset-backed securities |
0 | 0 | 2,860 | 132 | 2,860 | 132 | ||||||||||||||||||
Foreign |
29,397 | 503 | 17,294 | 837 | 46,691 | 1,340 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total bonds |
380,388 | 7,096 | 93,852 | 3,809 | 474,240 | 10,905 | ||||||||||||||||||
Redeemable preferred stock |
4,681 | 185 | 0 | 0 | 4,681 | 185 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total fixed maturities |
385,069 | 7,281 | 93,852 | 3,809 | 478,921 | 11,090 | ||||||||||||||||||
Equity securities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nonredeemable preferred stock |
2,998 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 2,998 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total equity securities |
2,998 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 2,998 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total fixed maturities and
equity securities |
$ | 388,067 | $ | 7,290 | $ | 93,852 | $ | 3,809 | $ | 481,919 | $ | 11,099 | ||||||||||||
11
ERIE FAMILY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
NOTE D INVESTMENTS (Continued)
No investments in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2005 had experienced a decline in market value that was considered by management to be significant and other-than-temporary based on Company policy. There were no market conditions, industry characteristics or fundamental operating results of a specific issuer that suggested other-than-temporary impairment of any of these investments held at March 31, 2005.
The Company participates in a securities lending program whereby certain securities from its portfolio are loaned to other institutions for short periods of time. A fee is paid to the Company by the borrower. Company policy requires collateral equal to 102% of the fair value of the loaned securities. The Company maintains full ownership rights to the securities loaned and continues to earn interest on them. In addition, the Company has the ability to sell the securities while they are on loan. The Company has an indemnification agreement with the lending agent in the event a borrower becomes insolvent or fails to return securities. The Company shares a portion of the interest received on these short-term investments with the lending agent. Revenue received for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, related to this program totaled $10,025 and $27,821, respectively. The Company had no loaned securities at March 31, 2005 or December 31, 2004. The Company has incurred no losses on the loan program since the programs inception.
Limited partnerships at March 31, 2005 include U.S. and foreign real estate and mezzanine debt investments. Real estate limited partnerships represent 93%, while mezzanine debt limited partnerships represent 7%, of the total carrying value at March 31, 2005. These partnerships are recorded using the equity method, which is the Companys share of the carrying value of the partnership. The Company has not guaranteed any of the partnership liabilities.
The components of equity in earnings of limited partnerships as reported in the Statements of Operations are as follows:
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
(in thousands) | March 31, | |||||||
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Mezzanine Debt |
$ | 0 | $ | 20 | ||||
Real Estate |
604 | 135 | ||||||
$ | 604 | $ | 155 | |||||
NOTE E DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS (DAC) ASSET | ||||
The Company incurs significant costs in connection with acquiring new business, principally commissions and policy issue and underwriting expenses. Acquisition costs, which vary with and are primarily related to the production of new business, are deferred as an asset and amortized over the estimated lives of the policies. At each balance sheet date, the Company evaluates the value of this asset in light of historical and expected future gross premiums or profits on its insurance and annuity products. | ||||
In accordance with Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) 60, Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises, the DAC related to traditional life insurance products is amortized in proportion to expected premium revenues over the premium-paying period of related policies using assumptions consistent with those used in computing policy liability reserves. Assumptions used for a specific issue year are locked-in; therefore, amortization in subsequent years is not adjusted for changing assumptions. |
12
ERIE FAMILY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
NOTE E DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS ASSET (Continued)
In accordance with FAS 97, Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments, the DAC related to universal life products and deferred annuities is amortized in relation to the expected gross profits from projected investment, mortality and expense margins and surrender charges of the policies over a specified period. This specified period is 30 years for universal life and 20 years for deferred annuities. Both historical and anticipated investment returns, including realized gains and losses, from the investment of policyholder funds are considered in determining the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. Generally accepted accounting principles require that changes in expected future gross profits on the annuity and universal life products cause the DAC amortization rate to be revised retroactively, or unlocked, to the date of policy issuance. The cumulative change in DAC related to prior periods is recognized as a component of the current periods DAC amortization, along with DAC amortization associated with the actual gross profits of the current period. Lower actual gross profits in a period would typically result in less DAC amortization in that period, whereas higher actual gross profits would result in more amortization in the period. However, if lower gross profits were expected to continue into the future, additional amortization of the existing DAC asset may occur.
During the first quarter of 2005, the Company unlocked certain assumptions based on the results of an expense study. As a result of unlocking these expense assumptions, the DAC asset was increased and the amortization of DAC was decreased by $0.4 million. In addition, during its annual review of actual experience to assumptions used, the Company trued up certain items in the first quarter of 2005 resulting in a $0.5 million increase in the DAC amortization.
The Company periodically reviews the DAC asset to determine if it continues to be recoverable from future premiums or profits. If less than the full amount of DAC is determined to be recoverable, a portion of such costs are expensed at the time of determination. The amount of DAC considered recoverable could be reduced in the near term if the estimate of future gross premiums or profits were to be reduced. The amount of DAC amortization may be revised if any of the estimates discussed above are revised.
In accordance with FAS 97, DAC is adjusted for the impact of unrealized gains or losses on investments as if these gains or losses had been realized, with corresponding credits or charges included in accumulated other comprehensive income.
NOTE F SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company offers a range of products and services, but operates as one reportable life insurance segment. The Companys Traditional Life insurance line includes permanent life, endowment life, term life and whole life policies. The Universal Life line includes all fixed universal life products sold by the Company. Variable universal life products are not sold by the Company. The Fixed Annuities line includes fixed ordinary deferred annuities, tax advantaged deferred annuities, annuities in pay-out and structured settlements. Neither variable nor equity indexed annuity products are sold by the Company. The Group Life and Other line includes group life insurance and disability income products. The Corporate Account line includes investment income earned from surplus not specifically allocable to any one product type. Investment-related income is allocated based on the assumption that the fixed maturities and preferred stock portfolios support the insurance product lines and the limited partnership and remaining fixed maturity investments support the Corporate Account.
13
ERIE FAMILY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
NOTE F SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)
(in thousands) | Group | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Traditional | Universal | Fixed | Life & | Corporate | |||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2005 | Life | Life | Annuities | Other | Account | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Total policy revenue, net of
reinsurance |
$ | 9,995 | $ | 3,507 | $ | 0 | $ | 906 | $ | 0 | $ | 14,408 | ||||||||||||
Net investment and other
income |
1,745 | 2,304 | 14,168 | 57 | 2,813 | 21,087 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net realized losses on
investments |
( | 117 | ) | ( | 146 | ) | ( | 943 | ) | ( | 4 | ) | ( | 143 | ) | ( | 1,353 | ) | ||||||
Total revenues |
11,623 | 5,665 | 13,225 | 959 | 2,670 | 34,142 | ||||||||||||||||||
Less: Total benefits and
expenses |
10,133 | 4,651 | 13,131 | 690 | 77 | 28,682 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income before taxes |
$ | 1,490 | $ | 1,014 | $ | 94 | $ | 269 | $ | 2,593 | $ | 5,460 | ||||||||||||
Group | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Traditional | Universal | Fixed | Life & | Corporate | |||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2004 | Life | Life* | Annuities* | Other | Account | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Total policy revenue, net of
reinsurance |
$ | 9,644 | $ | 3,468 | $ | 0 | $ | 867 | $ | 0 | $ | 13,979 | ||||||||||||
Net investment and other
income |
1,669 | 2,253 | 13,724 | 45 | 2,254 | 19,945 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net realized gains on
investments |
243 | 295 | 1,986 | 7 | 317 | 2,848 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues |
11,556 | 6,016 | 15,710 | 919 | 2,571 | 36,772 | ||||||||||||||||||
Less: Total benefits and
expenses |
10,357 | 2,877 | 12,513 | 491 | 78 | 26,316 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income before taxes |
$ | 1,199 | $ | 3,139 | $ | 3,197 | $ | 428 | $ | 2,493 | $ | 10,456 | ||||||||||||
* | The March 31, 2004 universal life benefits and expenses were reduced by $1.8 million, and the fixed annuities benefits and expenses were increased by $0.1 million, for the unlocking of certain assumptions related to the amortization of the DAC. |
NOTE G REINSURANCE
The Company has entered into various reinsurance treaties for the purpose of ceding certain portions of life insurance according to established guidelines. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company from its obligations to policyholders. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. Management believes all of its reinsurance assets are collectible; therefore, no allowance has been established for uncollectible amounts.
Included in the reinsurance treaties are provisions for expense allowances to be provided to the Company by the reinsurer. These allowances are intended to help offset policy acquisition and maintenance costs incurred by the Company. The rate of reimbursement varies by plan and in some cases by reinsurer. The Company put in place a new ceded arrangement for new issues under certain of its Target Term plans
14
ERIE FAMILY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
NOTE G REINSURANCE (Continued)
as of January 1, 2005. This change did not have a material impact on the first quarter 2005 financial results nor is it expected to have a material impact on the Companys financial statements in future periods.
The Companys retention limit is $0.3 million per life for individual coverage. For its ERIE Flagship Term2 and ERIE Target Term products, the Company has first dollar quota share treaties with several unaffiliated reinsurers. The Company reinsures 50% and 90% of the ERIE Flagship Term2 and ERIE Target Term products, respectively, subject to the Companys $0.3 million retention limit. For its disability income product, the Company has a 50% quota share agreement with its reinsurer. As of March 31, 2005 and 2004, $12.6 billion and $10.0 billion, respectively, of life insurance in force was ceded to other companies. The Companys most significant reinsurance relationship is with Generali USA Reassurance Company (Generali), which reinsures a portion of the Companys life and accident and health business. At March 31, 2005 and 2004, the amount of in-force life insurance ceded to Generali totaled approximately $6.9 billion and $5.8 billion, respectively.
The effect of ceded reinsurance to the financial statement lines contained in the Statements of Operations is as follows:
(in thousands) | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | ||||||
March 31, 2005 | March 31, 2004 | |||||||
Direct policy revenue |
$ | 19,286 | $ | 18,023 | ||||
Policy revenue ceded |
( | 4,878 | ) | ( | 4,044 | ) | ||
Net policy revenue |
$ | 14,408 | $ | 13,979 | ||||
Death benefits |
$ | 5,059 | $ | 6,626 | ||||
Reinsurance recoveries |
( | 1,629 | ) | ( | 1,722 | ) | ||
Net death benefits |
$ | 3,430 | $ | 4,904 | ||||
Increases in future life policy benefits |
$ | 4,231 | $ | 3,698 | ||||
Reinsurance reserve credits |
( | 1,071 | ) | ( | 1,451 | ) | ||
Net increases in future life policy
benefits |
$ | 3,160 | $ | 2,247 | ||||
Commissions |
$ | 2,162 | $ | 2,163 | ||||
Reinsurance commission allowance |
( | 1,762 | ) | ( | 1,621 | ) | ||
Net commissions |
$ | 400 | $ | 542 | ||||
The net increase in future life policy benefits in the first quarter of 2005 includes a $0.7 million charge to earnings related to an adjustment made to correct previously recorded reinsurance reserve credits, reflecting refinements in the method used to calculate these credits.
NOTE H NOTES PAYABLE TO ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
The Company has $40 million due to Erie Indemnity Company (EIC) in the form of two surplus notes. The notes may be repaid only out of unassigned surplus of the Company. The first note, in the amount of $15 million, bears an annual interest rate of 6.45%. Interest on the note is scheduled to be paid semi-annually. The note is payable on demand on or after December 31, 2005. It is probable that EIC will allow the Company to repay this note through issuance of a new note with a later maturity date. Both principal and interest payments are subject to prior approval by the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner. Interest expense on this note totaled $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2005 and 2004.
15
ERIE FAMILY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
NOTE H NOTES PAYABLE TO ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY (Continued) | ||||
The second note was issued in 2003 for an additional $25 million. This surplus note bears an annual interest rate of 6.70% and is scheduled to be paid semi-annually. The surplus note is payable on demand on or after December 31, 2018. Both principal and interest payments are subject to prior approval by the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner. Interest expense on this note totaled $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2005 and 2004. | ||||
NOTE I SUPPLEMENTARY DATA ON CASH FLOWS | ||||
A reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities as presented in the Statements of Cash Flows is as follows: |
(in thousands) | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | ||||||
March 31, 2005 | March 31, 2004 | |||||||
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING
ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Net income |
$ | 3,549 | $ | 6,516 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
used in operating activities: |
||||||||
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs |
2,254 | 228 | ||||||
Other amortization |
232 | 246 | ||||||
Deferred federal income tax (benefit) expense |
( | 350 | ) | 1,453 | ||||
Realized losses (gains) on investments |
1,353 | ( | 2,848 | ) | ||||
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships |
( | 604 | ) | ( | 155 | ) | ||
Decrease in premium and other receivables |
454 | 204 | ||||||
Increase in accrued investment income |
( | 3,274 | ) | ( | 3,330 | ) | ||
Policy acquisition costs deferred |
( | 3,547 | ) | ( | 3,476 | ) | ||
Decrease (increase) in other assets |
2 | ( | 95 | ) | ||||
Increase in reinsurance recoverables and reserve credits |
( | 341 | ) | ( | 1,232 | ) | ||
Decrease in prepaid federal income taxes |
2,261 | 2,506 | ||||||
Increase in future policy benefits and claims |
5,629 | 3,338 | ||||||
Increase (decrease) in other policyholder funds |
1,043 | ( | 2,296 | ) | ||||
Decrease in reinsurance premium due |
( | 1,674 | ) | ( | 1,089 | ) | ||
Decrease in accounts payable and due to affiliates |
( | 1,289 | ) | ( | 1,373 | ) | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
$ | 5,698 | ( $ | 1,403 | ) | |||
NOTE J COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company has outstanding commitments to invest up to $15.2 million in limited partnerships at March 31, 2005. These commitments will be funded as required through the end of the respective investment periods, which typically span 3 to 5 years.
The Company is involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the effects, if any, of such litigation are not expected to be material to the Companys financial condition, cash flows or operations.
NOTE K STATUTORY INFORMATION
The minimum statutory capital and surplus requirements under Pennsylvania law for stock life insurance companies (Section 386 of the Pennsylvania Insurance Code) amounts to $1.65 million. The Companys total statutory capital and surplus well exceeded these minimum requirements.
Bonds having a fair value of $2.1 million at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, were on deposit with various regulatory authorities as required by law. The carrying value of these bonds are not material for separate disclosure on the Companys Statement of Financial Position and are included with fixed maturities.
16
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF FINANCIAL OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the historical financial information and related notes found on pages 3 through 16, and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 24, 2005.
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
Net income decreased to $3.5 million, or $0.38 per share, in the first quarter of 2005, compared to $6.5 million, or $0.69 per share, for the first quarter of 2004. The $3.0 million decrease in the first quarter 2005 earnings was primarily the result of a $4.2 million change in realized gains and losses on investments. Realized losses totaled $1.4 million during the first quarter of 2005, compared to realized gains of $2.8 million during the first quarter of 2004. A $2.0 million increase in DAC amortization expense in 2005 also contributed to the reduction in net income from the first quarter of 2004.
REVENUES
Analysis of Policy Revenue
Total net policy revenue increased 3.1%, to $14.4 million in the first quarter of 2005 from $14.0 million during the same period in 2004. Although total net premiums are up in 2005, new traditional policies issued declined in the first quarter of 2005 when compared to the same period in 2004. Direct new premiums on traditional life insurance policies decreased 7.4% to $2.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, from $2.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.
Analysis of Investment-related Income
Net investment income increased $0.8 million to $20.3 million in the first quarter of 2005 when compared to the same period in 2004. The increase in net investment income for the first quarter of 2005 is due in part to a moderate increase in the size of the investment portfolio and a slight improvement in yields on invested assets.
Net realized capital losses on investments were $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2005, compared to net realized capital gains of $2.8 million in the first quarter of 2004. The net realized losses for the first quarter of 2005 includes an impairment charge of $1.5 million. This impairment charge was from a fixed maturity investment in the automotive industry.
17
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF FINANCIAL OPERATIONS (Continued)
The Companys performance of its fixed maturities and preferred stock portfolios compared to market indices is presented below. Annualized returns are shown pre-tax and include investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses.
Two year period ended | ||||
March 31, 2005 | ||||
Erie Family Life Insurance Company indices: |
||||
Fixed maturities |
5.75% | |||
Preferred stock |
8.94 | |||
Other indices: |
||||
Lehman Brothers U.S. Aggregate |
3.25% |
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Analysis of Policy-related Benefits and Expenses
Net death benefits on life insurance policies decreased 30.1% in the first quarter of 2005 to $3.4 million from the first quarter of 2004. Random fluctuations in death benefits incurred are expected especially when mortality results are measured over a short period of time due to the small number of claims. These short-term fluctuations can influence quarterly or annual results without impacting long-term profitability. Management believes its underwriting philosophy and practices are sound.
The liability for future life policy benefits is computed considering various factors such as anticipated mortality, future investment yields, withdrawals and anticipated credit for reinsurance ceded. Increase in future life policy benefits net of reinsurance ceded totaled $3.2 million in the first quarter of 2005 compared to $2.2 million in the first quarter of 2004, an increase of 40.6%. This increase includes a $0.7 million charge related to an adjustment made to correct previously recorded reinsurance reserve credits, reflecting refinements in the method used to calculate these credits.
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs increased to $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2005, from $0.2 million during the same period in 2004. In accordance with FAS 97, the Company periodically evaluates certain assumptions in use to determine DAC and corresponding amortization related to its interest sensitive products. During the first quarter of 2005, the Company unlocked certain assumptions on its universal life and annuity products based on the results of an expense study. As a result of unlocking these expense assumptions, the DAC asset was increased and the amortization of DAC was decreased by $0.4 million. In addition, during its annual review of actual experience to assumptions used, the Company trued up certain items in the first quarter of 2005 resulting in a $0.5 million increase in the DAC amortization. During the first quarter of 2004, the Company unlocked assumptions relating to interest rate spreads on its interest sensitive products. As a result of unlocking these assumptions, the DAC asset was increased and the amortization of DAC was decreased by $1.7 million during the first quarter of 2004.
18
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF FINANCIAL OPERATIONS (Continued)
Analysis of Other Expenses
Direct commissions to independent agents include new and renewal commissions and production bonuses. These direct commission expenses are reported on the Statements of Operations net of commissions received from reinsurers. The reported expense is also affected by the amount of commission expenses capitalized as DAC. Commissions, which vary with and are related primarily to the production of new business, are deferrable as DAC. Most first-year and incentive commissions and some renewal commissions qualify for deferral as DAC. For the first quarter of 2005, the commission expense totaled $0.4 million, compared to $0.5 million for the first quarter of 2004. This decrease is partially attributable to the decline in annuity sales. Annuity premiums for the period ended March 31, 2005 were $19.7 million, compared to $22.7 million for the same period in 2004. Commissions and bonuses on these premiums, net of DAC, were $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
General expenses, net of DAC, increased $0.7 million from the first quarter of 2004, to $4.6 million for the first quarter of 2005. General expenses include wages and salaries, employee benefits, data processing expenses, professional fees, occupancy expenses and other office and general administrative expenses of the Company. Certain general expenses of the Company related to the acquisition and underwriting of new policies are deferred as DAC. Such expenses include medical inspection and exam fees related to new business production and salaries, wages and employee benefits of underwriting personnel. The increase in general expenses includes professional consulting fees related to the strengthening of internal accounting controls, increases in information technology costs and costs associated with the implementation of new actuarial valuation systems. In addition, in January 2005 the amount allocated to the Company for the salaries and benefits of various members of executive management of the Erie Insurance Group increased due to an increased amount of effort dedicated to Company issues.
19
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF FINANCIAL OPERATIONS (Continued)
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Investments
The Companys investment strategies provide that portfolios are structured to match the features of the life insurance and annuity products sold by the Company. Annuities and life insurance policies are long-term products; therefore, the Companys investment strategy takes a long-term perspective emphasizing investment quality, diversification and superior investment returns. The Companys investments are managed on a total return approach that focuses on current income and capital appreciation.
The Companys invested assets are sufficiently liquid to meet commitments to its policyholders. At March 31, 2005, the Companys investment portfolio consisting of cash, investment grade bonds and investment grade preferred stock, totaled more than $1.4 billion, or 84.8% of total assets. These resources provide the liquidity the Company requires to meet known and unforeseen demands on its funds.
All investments are evaluated monthly for other-than-temporary impairment loss. Some factors considered in evaluating whether or not a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary include: 1) the extent and duration to which fair value is less than cost, 2) historical operating performance and financial condition of the issuer, 3) near term prospects of the issuer and its industry, 4) specific events that occurred affecting the issuer, including a ratings downgrade, and 5) the Companys ability and intent to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in value. An investment which is deemed impaired is written down to its estimated net realizable value. For all investments except limited partnerships, the impairment charge is included as a realized loss in the Statements of Operations. For limited partnerships, the impairment charge is included as a component of equity in earnings of limited partnerships in the Statements of Operations.
If the Companys policy for determining the recognition of impaired positions were changed, the Companys Results of Operations could be significantly impacted. Management believes its investment valuation philosophy and accounting practices result in appropriate and timely measurement of value and recognition of impairment.
The Companys investments are subject to certain risks, including interest rate price risk and credit risk. The Company monitors exposure to interest rate risk through periodic reviews of asset and liability positions. Estimates of cash flows and the impact of interest rate fluctuations relating to the investment portfolio are monitored regularly. The Companys objective is to earn competitive relative returns by investing in a diverse portfolio of high-quality, liquid securities. Portfolio characteristics are analyzed regularly and market risk is actively managed through a variety of techniques. Portfolio holdings are diversified across industries, and concentrations in any one company or industry are limited by parameters established by Company management and the Board of Directors.
20
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF FINANCIAL OPERATIONS (Continued)
Reserve Liabilities
The Companys 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, the Company 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. The Company also establishes annuity and universal life reserves based on 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 the Companys long-term, fixed income investments as the underlying policy reserves are generally also of a long-term nature.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity is a measure of the Companys ability to secure enough cash to meet its contractual obligations and operating needs. Insurance premiums are collected prior to claims and benefit disbursements and these funds are invested to provide necessary cash flows in future years. The Companys major sources of cash from operations are life insurance premiums and investment income. Major cash outflows from operations are for benefits to policyholders, commissions to agents and salaries, wages and operating expenses. The net positive cash flow from operations is used to fund Company commitments and to build the investment portfolio, thereby increasing future investment returns. Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was $5.7 million. With investments and cash and cash equivalents totaling approximately $1.5 billion at March 31, 2005, the Companys liquidity position remains strong.
Annuity and universal life deposits, which do not appear as revenue on the Statement of Operations, are a source of funds. These deposits do not involve a mortality or morbidity risk and are accounted for using methods applicable to comparable interest-bearing obligations of other types of financial institutions. This method of accounting records deposits as a liability rather than as revenue. Annuity and universal life deposits were $22.6 million in the first quarter of 2005 and $25.8 million in the first quarter of 2004. The Companys ability to attract deposits depends in large part on the relative attractiveness of its products compared to other investment alternatives. Annuity deposits have slowed during recent years as the equity market has improved.
All Company commitments are met by cash flows from policy revenue, annuity and universal life deposits and investment income. Management believes its cash flow from operations and its liquid assets and marketable securities will also enable the Company to meet any foreseeable cash requirements. Also available as a source of funds to the Company is a $10 million committed line of credit with a commercial bank. The Company may use extensions of credit from the bank to fund working capital needs of the Company and for other general corporate purposes. At March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, securities held as collateral on the committed line of credit totaled $15.1 million. At March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, there were no borrowings on this line of credit.
The Companys $15 million surplus note due to EIC is payable on demand on or after December 31, 2005. It is probable that EIC will allow the Company to repay this note through issuance of a new note with a later maturity date. Interest payments on this note, totaling $0.5 million each, are paid in June and December of each year.
21
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF FINANCIAL OPERATIONS (Continued)
For a complete discussion of the fixed contractual obligations see Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 24, 2005.
FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS
Products with Interest Rate Guarantees
The Companys annuity and universal life contracts contain provisions that guarantee interest rates will not decrease below certain levels. If the interest rates earned on the Companys investments become insufficient to meet targeted interest spreads because of these minimum guarantees, profit margins on annuity and universal life deposits will decrease or in extreme situations could turn negative.
The Company revised its deferred annuity products in 2003 to lower interest rate guarantees on newly issued policies to 1.5% in all policy years. The guaranteed interest rates and approximate deposit liabilities for deferred annuity products with credited interest rates subject to change by the Company are as follows:
Initial | Current | |||||||
Policy | Guaranteed | Guaranteed | Deposit | |||||
Years | Interest Rate | Interest Rate | Liabilities | |||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
1-5 |
4.5% | 4.5% | $ | 253,691 | ||||
6-10 |
4.5 | 4.0 | 114,083 | |||||
Over 10 |
4.5 | 3.5 | 188,487 | |||||
All Years |
3.0 | 3.0 | 32,462 | |||||
All
Years |
1.5 | 1.5 | 38,685 |
The Company has some ability to restrict new deposits on its universal life and annuity contracts. New deposits can be limited to planned premium amounts under the terms of the Companys universal life contracts. Deposits are limited also by IRS guidelines. Flexible premium deferred annuity (FPDA) contracts allow the Company to limit deposits to a maximum of $25,000 per year.
Market Conditions for Competing Products
The Companys deposit-type products compete with a wide variety of investment options. Among other factors affecting the investment decisions of policyholders and potential policyholders are general investment market conditions, particularly the market interest rate environment and the performance of the equity markets. Changes in interest rates affect pricing and the relative attractiveness of interest-sensitive investment options, which bears directly on the ability of the Company to attract new policyholders and retain existing holders of annuity, universal life and certain permanent life insurance products.
Investment Risk
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk through its fixed maturities portfolio. As interest rates rise, impairment charges could be recognized in future periods. Additionally, the emerging authoritative guidance on the determination of when an investment is impaired and whether the impairment is other than temporary, could result in significant impairments being recognized in future periods.
Reinsurance
The Company put in place a new ceding arrangement for new issues under certain of its Target Term plans as of January 1, 2005. Allowances under this new arrangement are not as favorable as those under the arrangement in place through 2004. Increased reinsurance costs (reduced expense allowances) on this product will reduce the profitability of the Companys traditional life line of business. This line of business, however, is expected to remain profitable. Changes in the products, prices, or features of the Companys term product portfolio may be necessary in order to return the profitability of this portfolio to desired levels.
22
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF FINANCIAL OPERATIONS (Continued)
Financial Ratings
The combination of Company growth and declines in investment returns exposes the Company to reduced statutory surplus levels. Surplus levels are an important element of the rating process used by such agencies as A.M. Best and Standard & Poors, which are industry-accepted measures of an insurance companys financial health and ability to meet ongoing obligations to policyholders. These ratings are a factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies.
The Companys rating from A.M. Best is A (Excellent). The A (Excellent) rating continues to affirm the Companys strong financial position indicating that the Company has an excellent ability to meet its ongoing obligations to policyholders. The Company is also rated by Standard & Poors, but this rating is based solely on public information. Standard & Poors rates the Companys Api, strong. The Company also has a rating of B (Good) from Weiss Ratings, Inc. According to Weiss Ratings, the B rating indicates that the Company offers good financial security and has the resources necessary to deal with a variety of adverse conditions.
If the Company were to incur reductions in statutory surplus for an extended period of time, the ratings of the Company may be downgraded. Future downgrades in these or other ratings would reduce the competitive position of the Company by making it more difficult to attract business in the highly competitive life insurance industry. In such circumstances, the Company may need to take measures to increase surplus levels in order to maintain adequate ratings. The Company may increase surplus through a variety of means, including the issuance of additional surplus notes.
Implementation of new valuation system
In 2004, the Company implemented a new valuation system for its statutory and tax reserves on traditional products. As a result, adjustments were made to conform reserve estimates of the old system to the estimates from the new system. The Company plans to implement the new valuation system for GAAP reserving on traditional products in the second quarter of 2005. In implementing the new GAAP valuation system for traditional products, the Company is refining its GAAP reserving methods, assumptions and calculations. The impact of the refined reserving assumptions on the recorded reserves cannot be estimated at this time.
Introduction of ErieConnection®
In 2001, the Erie Insurance Group began a comprehensive program of eCommerce initiatives in support of the Erie Insurance Groups agency force and back office policy underwriting, issuance and administration for property/casualty business. The first major component of the eCommerce program (network and desktop hardware deployment) was completed during 2002.
The Erie Insurance Group has spent $180.4 million on the eCommerce program through March 2005. Target delivery dates established in 2002 have generally not been met as management has devoted increased effort to quality assurance efforts to ensure that the rollout creates only minimal business disruption.
While functional as a personal lines rating and policy administration system, ErieConnection agency interface has generally not met the Companys or agents expectations for ease of use. The Company has postponed further deployment of the system until such usability issues are resolved. Estimates of the costs to improve the agency interface for ease of use needed to facilitate future deployment and the timetable for deployment are currently being developed.
23
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Companys exposure to market risk is primarily related to fluctuations in prices and interest rates. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk resulting from changes in prices and interest rates are included in Item 7A in the Companys 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The risks associated with interest rate guarantees on the Companys universal life and annuity products are discussed in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2004 in Factors That May Affect Future Results. The information contained in the Investments section of Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Companys 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.
The Company also has exposure to credit risk through its portfolios of fixed maturity securities, preferred stock, mortgage loans, and to a lesser extent, short-term investments. This risk is defined as the potential loss in market value resulting from adverse changes in the borrowers ability to repay the debt. The Companys objective is to earn competitive returns by investing in a diversified portfolio of securities. The Company manages this risk by performing up front underwriting analysis and regular reviews by its investment staff. The fixed maturity investments are also maintained between minimum and maximum percentages of invested assets.
Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Certain forward-looking statements contained herein involve risks and uncertainties. These statements include certain discussions relating to underwriting, premium and investment income volume, business strategies, profitability and business relationships and the Companys other business activities during 2005 and beyond. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as may, will, should, could, would, expect, plan, intend, anticipate, believe, estimate, project, predict, potential and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements reflect the Companys current views about future events, are based on assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from those anticipated in those statements. Many of the factors that will determine future events or achievements are beyond our ability to control or predict.
24
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of March 31, 2005, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Companys management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act). Based on this evaluation, the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, except as described in the following paragraph, the Companys disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2005 are effective for gathering, analyzing and disclosing the information the Company is required to disclose in reports it files under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commissions rules and forms.
In its Form 10-K Annual Report for 2004, the Company reported a weakness in internal control over the information systems and processes used to record actuarially determined amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The Company has also concluded it does not have sufficient qualified actuarial resources to assure timely review and detection of errors in actuarially determined information. The Companys independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, in conjunction with their audit of the Companys 2004 financial statements, characterized this weakness as a material weakness, as defined under standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), which they have communicated to Company management and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
As reported in its 2004 Form 10-K, management developed a plan in collaboration with the Audit Committee of the Board to correct this weakness in internal control during 2005. The plan entails implementation of improved procedures and controls over systems and procedures underlying actuarial computations and balances. The plan also entails an enhanced oversight structure over actuarial functions supporting financial reporting. The plan has been reviewed with, and progress is being monitored by, Ernst & Young LLP, the Audit Committee of the Board, and Company management including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
The Company has made progress in correcting the weakness in control during the first quarter of 2005, including adding qualified actuarial resources to prepare and review actuarially determined information. In addition, the Company is in the process of installing new actuarial valuation systems that will improve the information systems used to determine the recorded actuarial amounts. Certain of these systems are expected to be functional for reporting under generally accepted accounting principles in the second quarter of 2005.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Other than the improvements made as discussed above, there have been no significant changes in the Companys internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of managements evaluation.
25
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM I. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
A civil class action lawsuit was filed in April of 2003 in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. Erie Family Life Insurance Company (Company) is the named defendant in the lawsuit. The Company issued a life insurance policy to the plaintiff. The class action Complaint alleges that the Company charged and collected annual premium for the first year, but did not provide 365 days of insurance coverage. The Complaint alleges that the policy forms and applications used by the Company do not disclose that a portion of the first premium will cover a period of time during which the Company does not provide insurance coverage.
The Complaint contains four counts. In Count I, Plaintiff alleges that the conduct of the Company violated the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. Count II of the Complaint alleges a cause of action for breach of contract. Count III alleges that the Company breached its duty of good faith and fair dealing. In Count IV of the Complaint, Plaintiff asserts a cause of action for unjust enrichment and/or restitution. The Company answered the Complaint and denied liability on all counts.
In early 2004, the parties reached an agreement to settle this lawsuit. Under the Settlement Agreement, the Company agreed to provide supplemental life insurance coverage to qualifying class members in an amount equal to 4.62% of the face value of the underlying policy for a period of 180 days. On April 30, 2004, Plaintiff filed a Motion for Preliminary Approval of Settlement Agreement. After the filing of the Motion for Preliminary Approval, Plaintiff and the Company agreed the Company would pay attorneys fees in an amount up to $150,000, and to reimburse certain litigation costs and expenses in an amount up to $15,000.
The Court preliminarily reviewed the proposed settlement. As a result of conferences with the Court, the parties engaged in further settlement negotiations. The parties entered into an Amended and Re-Stated Class Action Settlement Agreement. On March 11, 2005, Plaintiff filed a Motion for Preliminary Approval of the Amended and Re-Stated Class Action Settlement Agreement.
The Amended and Re-Stated Class Action Settlement Agreement provides qualifying class members the option of choosing the supplemental life insurance coverage, discussed above, or a cash payment. Qualifying class members who select the cash payment option shall receive a maximum of one cash payment of $10.67 for each policy, irrespective of number of purchasers and/or owners of the policy. If a qualifying class member does not submit a cash payment selection form within the timeframe set forth in the Amended and Re-Stated Class Action Settlement Agreement, the qualifying class member shall automatically receive the supplemental life insurance coverage. The Company agrees to pay attorneys fees in an amount up to $150,000, and will reimburse administrative costs and expenses in an amount up to $14,000.
It is too early to assess the probable outcome or the purported amount of damages of this civil class action lawsuit. The Company believes it has meritorious, legal and factual defenses to the lawsuit and these defenses will be vigorously pursued if a settlement is not finalized.
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
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
|
Statements of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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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.
Date: April 27, 2005 |
Erie Family Life Insurance
Company (Registrant) |
|
/s/ Jeffrey A. Ludrof (Jeffrey A. Ludrof, President & CEO) /s/ Philip A. Garcia (Philip A. Garcia, Executive Vice President & CFO) |
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