Erie Indemnity : Reports Second Quarter 2020 Results

ERIE, Pa., July 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Erie Indemnity Company (NASDAQ: ERIE) today announced financial results for the quarter and six months ending June 30, 2020.  Net income was $82.0 million, or $1.57 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2020, compared to $87.8 million, or $1.68 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2019.  Net income was $141.3 million, or $2.70 per diluted share, in the first six months of 2020, compared to $163.1 million, or $3.12 per diluted share, in the first six months of 2019.

The significant disruption to the economy and financial markets resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic that began in the first quarter of 2020 continues to evolve and the pandemic's ultimate impact and duration remain highly uncertain at this time. The Exchange experienced declines in new business in the second quarter of 2020 due to business disruptions and recessionary conditions which impacted our management fee revenue.  The financial markets partially recovered in the second quarter of 2020, improving our investment results compared the first quarter of 2020.

2Q and First Half 2020
(in thousands)	2Q'20			2Q'19				1H'20			1H'19
Operating income	$	91,189		$	96,610			$	176,880		$	182,732
Investment income	11,553			9,652				2,358			19,447
Interest expense and other income, net	260			224				629			626
Income before income taxes	102,482			106,038				178,609			201,553
Income tax expense	20,505			18,284				37,306			38,488
Net income	$	81,977		$	87,754			$	141,303		$	163,065

 

2Q 2020 Highlights

Operating income before taxes decreased $5.4 million, or 5.6 percent, in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the second quarter of 2019.

• Management fee revenue - policy issuance and renewal services increased $3.3 million, or 0.7 percent, in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the second quarter of 2019.
• Management fee revenue - administrative services increased $0.6 million, or 4.4 percent, in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the second quarter of 2019.
• Cost of operations - policy issuance and renewal services
• Commissions increased $5.2 million in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the second quarter of 2019, primarily driven by increases in agent incentive compensation.  The estimated agent incentive payouts at June 30, 2020 are based on actual underwriting results for the two prior years and current year-to-date actual results and forecasted results for the remainder of 2020.  Therefore, fluctuations in the current quarter underwriting results can impact the estimated incentive payout on a quarter-to-quarter basis. The Exchange experienced a significant decrease in automobile claims frequency beginning in March 2020 that continued through the second quarter of 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic which improved the agent profitability component of the agent incentive bonus.
• Non-commission expense increased $3.6 million in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the second quarter of 2019.  Information technology costs increased $2.3 million driven by increases in hardware and software costs primarily to support remote work capabilities for our employees and professional fees.  Sales and advertising costs increased $1.6 million primarily driven by a new program to support agent charitable giving in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Personnel costs in all categories increased slightly as increases in salaries and wages resulting from higher vacation accruals were partially offset by lower medical expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Income from investments before taxes totaled $11.6 million in the second quarter of 2020 compared to $9.7 million in the second quarter of 2019.  Net realized gains on investments were $6.5 million in the second quarter of 2020 compared to $1.3 million in the second quarter of 2019 reflecting a partial financial market recovery.  Net investment income was $7.4 million in the second quarter of 2020 compared to $8.0 million in the second quarter of 2019.  Losses from limited partnerships were $2.3 million in the second quarter of 2020 compared to earnings of $0.4 million in the second quarter of 2019.

First Half 2020 Highlights

Operating income before taxes decreased $5.9 million, or 3.2 percent, in the first six months of 2020 compared to the first six months of 2019.

• Management fee revenue - policy issuance and renewal services increased $16.0 million, or 1.8 percent, in the first six months of 2020 compared to the first six months of 2019.
• Management fee revenue - administrative services increased $1.4 million, or 5.1 percent, in the first six months of 2020 compared to the first six months of 2019.
• Cost of operations - policy issuance and renewal services
• Commissions increased $14.2 million in the first six months of 2020 compared to the first six months of 2019, primarily driven by increases in agent incentive compensation. The increase was also driven by the growth in direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange of 1.9 percent in the first six months of 2020. 
• Non-commission expense increased $8.6 million in the first six months of 2020 compared to the first six months of 2019.  Information technology costs increased $5.3 million primarily due to increases in hardware and software costs, professional fees, and personnel costs.  Underwriting and policy processing expense increased $2.8 million primarily due to increased personnel costs.  Sales and advertising costs increased $2.0 million primarily driven by personnel costs and a new program to support agent charitable giving in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Administrative and other costs decreased $2.4 million primarily driven by the change in the company stock price, which experienced a lower increase during the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.  Increased personnel costs in all categories included higher vacation accruals as employees took less vacation in the first six months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Income from investments before taxes totaled $2.4 million in the first six months of 2020 compared to of $19.4 million in the first six months of 2019.  Net investment income was $15.7 million in the first six months of 2020 compared to $16.5 million in the first six months of 2019. Net realized losses were $4.3 million in the first six months of 2020 compared to net realized gains of $3.8 million in the first six months of 2019 driven by decreases in the fair value of equity securities due to significant financial market volatility resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.  Net impairment losses of $3.1 million in the first six months of 2020 were also driven by the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the financial markets.  Losses from limited partnerships were $6.0 million in the first six months of 2020 compared to losses of $0.7 million in the first six months of 2019.

Webcast Information
Indemnity has scheduled a pre-recorded audio broadcast on the Web for 10:00 AM ET on July 31, 2020.  Investors may access the pre-recorded audio broadcast by logging on to www.erieinsurance.com.

Erie Insurance Group
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 11^th largest homeowners insurer and 12^th largest automobile insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written and the 16^th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net premium written.  The Group, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, has nearly 6 million policies in force and operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Erie Insurance Group is a FORTUNE 500 company.

News releases and more information about Erie Insurance Group are available at www.erieinsurance.com.

"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, 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:

• potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the growth and financial condition of the Erie Insurance Exchange ("Exchange");
• potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations, the business operations of our customers and/or independent agents, or our third-party vendor operations;
• dependence upon our relationship with the Exchange and the management fee under the agreement with the subscribers at the Exchange;
• dependence upon our relationship with the Exchange and the growth of the Exchange, including:
• general business and economic conditions;
• factors affecting insurance industry competition;
• dependence upon the independent agency system; and
• ability to maintain our reputation for customer service;
• dependence upon our relationship with the Exchange and the financial condition of the Exchange, including:
• the Exchange's ability to maintain acceptable financial strength ratings;
• factors affecting the quality and liquidity of the Exchange's investment portfolio;
• changes in government regulation of the insurance industry;
• emerging claims and coverage issues in the industry; and
• severe weather conditions or other catastrophic losses, including terrorism;
• costs of providing policy issuance and renewal services to the Exchange under the subscriber's agreement;
• ability to attract and retain talented management and employees;
• ability to ensure system availability and effectively manage technology initiatives;
• difficulties with technology or data security breaches, including cyber attacks;
• ability to maintain uninterrupted business operations;
• factors affecting the quality and liquidity of our investment portfolio;
• our ability to meet liquidity needs and access capital; and
• outcome of pending and potential litigation.

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.

Erie Indemnity Company
Statements of Operations
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
		Three months ended June 30,								Six months ended June 30,
		2020				2019				2020				2019
		(Unaudited)								(Unaudited)
Operating revenue
Management fee revenue - policy issuance and renewal services, net		$	483,795			$	480,513			$	927,545			$	911,496
Management fee revenue - administrative services, net		14,813				14,195				29,584				28,146
Administrative services reimbursement revenue		151,965				146,095				303,519				288,575
Service agreement revenue		6,446				6,907				13,108				13,599
Total operating revenue		657,019				647,710				1,273,756				1,241,816
Operating expenses
Cost of operations - policy issuance and renewal services		413,865				405,005				793,357				770,509
Cost of operations - administrative services		151,965				146,095				303,519				288,575
Total operating expenses		565,830				551,100				1,096,876				1,059,084
Operating income		91,189				96,610				176,880				182,732
Investment income
Net investment income		7,373				8,030				15,742				16,547
Net realized investment gains (losses)		6,526				1,302				(4,280)				3,805
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings		(17)				(84)				(3,070)				(162)
Equity in (losses) earnings of limited partnerships		(2,329)				404				(6,034)				(743)
Total investment income		11,553				9,652				2,358				19,447
Interest expense, net		2				272				5				721
Other (expense) income		(258)				48				(624)				95
Income before income taxes		102,482				106,038				178,609				201,553
Income tax expense		20,505				18,284				37,306				38,488
Net income		$	81,977			$	87,754			$	141,303			$	163,065
Net income per share
Class A common stock – basic		$	1.76			$	1.88			$	3.03			$	3.50
Class A common stock – diluted		$	1.57			$	1.68			$	2.70			$	3.12
Class B common stock – basic and diluted		$	264			$	283			$	455			$	525
Weighted average shares outstanding – Basic
Class A common stock		46,187,808				46,188,994				46,188,299				46,188,668
Class B common stock		2,542				2,542				2,542				2,542
Weighted average shares outstanding – Diluted
Class A common stock		52,302,981				52,314,700				52,313,667				52,313,371
Class B common stock		2,542				2,542				2,542				2,542
Dividends declared per share
Class A common stock		$	0.965			$	0.90			$	1.93			$	1.80
Class B common stock		$	144.75			$	135.00			$	289.50			$	270.00

 

Erie Indemnity Company
Statements of Financial Position
(in thousands)
		June 30, 2020				December 31, 2019
		(Unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	257,738			$	336,739
Available-for-sale securities		27,409				32,810
Equity securities		1,416				2,381
Receivables from Erie Insurance Exchange and affiliates, net		506,690				468,636
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		60,668				44,943
Federal income taxes recoverable		0				462
Accrued investment income		5,317				5,433
Total current assets		859,238				891,404
Available-for-sale securities, net		777,416				697,891
Equity securities		73,973				64,752
Limited partnership investments		15,463				26,775
Fixed assets, net		246,572				221,379
Agent loans, net		58,602				60,978
Deferred income taxes, net		18,895				17,186
Other assets		32,702				35,875
Total assets		$	2,082,861			$	2,016,240
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Commissions payable		$	282,436			$	262,963
Agent bonuses		60,264				96,053
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		137,745				134,957
Dividends payable		44,940				44,940
Contract liability		36,625				35,938
Deferred executive compensation		9,674				10,882
Federal income taxes payable		15,441				0
Current portion of long-term borrowings		1,998				1,979
Total current liabilities		589,123				587,712
Defined benefit pension plans		161,458				145,659
Long-term borrowings		94,849				95,842
Contract liability		18,826				18,435
Deferred executive compensation		9,571				13,734
Other long-term liabilities		14,895				21,605
Total liabilities		888,722				882,987
Shareholders' equity		1,194,139				1,133,253
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		$	2,082,861			$	2,016,240

 

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SOURCE Erie Indemnity Company