Year-over-year tone shift - average net-tone change across Risk Factors and MD&A vs the prior 10-K. This filing is 0.06pp more bullish than last year's.
Why YoY instead of absolute: the LM lexicon has ~6.6× more negative words than positive (legal/risk-disclosure language is heavy on hedging), so every 10-K reads bearish on raw tone. Year-over-year change strips that bias and surfaces the actual shift in management's framing.
Tone shift by section
The two components the gauge averages: how Risk Factors and MD&A each shifted in net tone versus last year's 10-K. The headline above is their average, so a green needle over a soft section just means the other section carried it.
Risk Factors
-0.10pp
Flat
Net-tone change vs last year's 10-K.
MD&A
+0.22pp
Flat
Net-tone change vs last year's 10-K.
Per-snippet highlights
Sentence-level sentiment highlighting with category and subcategory filters is coming once the snippet-scoring pipeline lands. For now, dig into the actual section text on the Sections tab.
Language change vs prior 10-K
Risk Factors (Item 1A) - words with the biggest YoY frequency increase
Negative rising
adversely+3
failure+1
damage+1
litigation+1
threats+1
Positive rising
profitability+1
excellent+1
Risk Factors (Item 1A)
5,703 words
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Our business involves various risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to those discussed in this section. The risks and uncertainties described in the risk factors below, or any additional risk outside of those discussed below, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, cash flows, or liquidity if they were to develop into actual events. This information should be considered carefully together with the other information contained in this report and in other reports and materials we file periodically with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Our risks have been divided into the following categories:
Risks related to Erie Insurance Exchange – risks related to our dependence on our relationship with the Exchange associated with management fees, premium growth, and financial condition, as the Exchange is our sole customer and principal source of revenue
Operating risks – risks stemming from events or circumstances that directly or indirectly affect our operations, including our operations as attorney-in-fact for the subscribers at the Exchange
Market, Capital, and Liquidity risks – risks that may impact the values or results of our investment portfolio, ability to meet financial obligations or covenants, or obtain capital as necessary
Although we have organized risks generally according to these categories in the discussion below, risks may have impacts in more than one category and are included where the impact is most significant.
Language change vs prior 10-K
MD&A (Item 7) - words with the biggest YoY frequency increase
Negative rising
incident+2
lost+1
interruption+1
declined+1
downgraded+1
Positive rising
charitable+4
excellent+4
stable+2
strongest+2
strength+1
MD&A (Item 7)
10,394 words
ITEM 7. 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 Erie Indemnity Company ("Indemnity", "we", "us", "our"). This discussion should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes and all other items contained within this Annual Report on Form 10-K as these contain important information helpful in evaluating our financial condition and results of operations. This section of the Form 10-K generally discusses 2025 and 2024 results and year-to-year comparisons between 2025 and 2024. For a discussion of 2023 results and year-to-year comparisons between 2024 and 2023 refer to Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for the year ended December 31, 2024 as contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2025.
INDEX
Page Number
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
If the management fee rate retained by Indemnity is reduced or if there is a significant decrease in the amount of direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange, revenues and profitability could be materially adversely affected.
We are dependent upon management fees we retain, which represent our principal source of revenue. In accordance with the subscriber's agreement with the subscribers at the Exchange, we may retain up to 25% of all direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange. Therefore, management fee revenue from the Exchange is calculated by multiplying the management fee rate by the direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange. Accordingly, any reduction in direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange and/or the management fee rate could decrease our revenues and net income.
The management fee rate is set at least annually by our Board of Directors and may not exceed 25% of the direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange. The process of setting the management fee rate includes, but is not limited to, the evaluation of current year operating results compared to both prior year and industry estimated results for both Indemnity and the Exchange, and consideration of several factors for both entities including, but not limited to: their relative financial strength and capital position; projected revenue, expense and earnings for the subsequent year; future capital needs; as well as competitive position. The evaluation of these factors could result in a reduction to the management fee rate and our revenues and profitability could be materially adversely affected. Regulatory or other third-party action affecting the management fee rate could also materially adversely affect our revenues and profitability.
Serving as the attorney-in-fact for subscribers in the reciprocal insurance exchange structure with the Exchange being our sole customer, the growth of the Exchange could directly affect our operating revenue, which is largely generated from management fees based on the direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange. If the Exchange's ability to grow or renew policies or implement rate changes were adversely impacted, the premium revenue of the Exchange could be adversely affected, which could reduce our management fee revenue. The circumstances or events that might impair the Exchange's ability to grow include, but are not limited to, the items discussed below.
Unfavorable changes in macroeconomic conditions for any reason, including declining consumer confidence, inflation, high unemployment, lower demand for certain services, reduced personal income, and recession, among others, may lead the Exchange's customers to modify coverage, not renew policies, or even cancel policies, which could adversely affect the premium revenue of the Exchange, and consequently our management fee revenue.
The direct written premium of the Exchange is impacted by the premium rates charged for policies. The Exchange writes policies almost exclusively with annual terms, therefore, premium rate actions take 12 months to be fully recognized in written
Table of Contents
premium. The Exchange also writes certain personal auto policies with a rate locking feature. These product features generally extend the amount of time it takes for premium rate actions to be recognized related to these policies, affecting the premium revenue of the Exchange, and consequently our management fee revenue.
The Exchange faces significant competition from other regional and national insurance companies. The property and casualty insurance industry is highly competitive on the basis of product, price and service. If the Exchange's competitors offer property and casualty products with more coverage, offer lower rates, or introduce innovative services in response to evolving customer preferences, and the Exchange is unable to implement product or service improvements quickly enough to keep pace, its ability to grow and renew its business may be adversely impacted. In addition, due to the Exchange's premium concentration in the automobile and homeowners insurance markets, it may be more sensitive to trends that could affect auto and home insurance coverages and rates over time, for example changing vehicle types or usage, usage-based methods of determining premiums, ownership and driving patterns such as ride sharing or remote work, advancements in vehicle or home technology or safety features such as accident and lossprevention technologies, the development of autonomous vehicles, or residential occupancy patterns, among other factors. Innovations, including the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to support underwriting or other decisions, by competitors or other market participants may increase the level of competition in the industry. If the Exchange fails to respond to those innovations on a timely basis, its competitive position and results may be materially adversely affected.
The Exchange markets and sells its insurance products through independent, non-exclusive insurance agencies. These agencies are not obligated to sell only the Exchange's insurance products, and generally also sell products of the Exchange's competitors. If agencies do not maintain their current levels of marketing efforts, bind the Exchange to unacceptable risks, place business with competing insurers, or if the Exchange is unsuccessful in attracting or retaining agencies in its distribution system or maintaining its relationships with those agencies, the Exchange's ability to grow and renew its business may be adversely impacted. Additionally, shifting consumer behaviors toward increased digital interactions may cause the insurance industry as a whole to migrate to a delivery system other than independent agencies.
The Exchange maintains a brand recognized for customer service, which is the result of Indemnity's management of the Exchange in accordance with the subscriber's agreement. The perceived performance, actions, conduct and behaviors of employees, independent insurance agency representatives, and third-party service providers may result in reputational harm to the Exchange's brand. Specific incidents which may cause harm include but are not limited to disputes, long customer wait times, errors in processing a claim, failure to protect sensitive customer data, and negative or inaccurate social media or traditional media communications. Likewise, an inability to match or exceed the service provided by competitors, who are increasingly relying on digital delivery and enhanced distribution technology, may impede the Exchange's ability to maintain and/or grow its customer base. If an extreme catastrophic event were to occur in a heavily concentrated geographic area of subscribers (policyholders), an extraordinarily high number of claims could have the potential to strainclaims processing and affect the Exchange's ability to service its customers. If third-party service providers fail to perform as anticipated, the Exchange may experience operational difficulties, increased costs, and reputational damage. Similarly, the Exchange's brand could be tarnished by reactions to business practices, adverse financial developments, perceptions of our corporate governance, and how we address employee matters and concerns, the conduct of our employees, officers and directors, or environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, including corporate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Failure to satisfy expectations in these areas may result in negative publicity or other adverse outcomes, which could be aggravated as the expectations of consumers, regulators and other stakeholders evolve and as social media and other forms of modern communication rapidly magnify reactions. Any reputational harm to the Exchange could have the potential to impair its ability to grow and renew its business.
As the attorney-in-fact for subscribers in the reciprocal insurance exchange structure with the Exchange as our sole customer, we are dependent on the financial condition of the Exchange. If the Exchange were to fail to maintain acceptable financial strength ratings, its competitive position in the insurance industry could be adversely affected. If a rating downgrade led to customers not renewing or canceling policies, or impacted the Exchange's ability to attract new customers, the premium revenue of the Exchange could be adversely affected, which could reduce our management fee revenue. The circumstances or events that might impair the Exchange's financial condition include, but are not limited to, the items discussed below.
Financial strength ratings are an important factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies such as the Exchange. Higher ratings generally indicate greater financial stability and a stronger ability to meet ongoing obligations to policyholders. The Exchange's AM Best rating is currently A ("Excellent"). AM Best periodically reviews the Exchange's ratings and changes their rating criteria; therefore, the Exchange's current rating may not be maintained in the future. A significant downgrade in the AM Best rating could reduce the competitive position of the Exchange, making it more difficult to
Table of Contents
attract profitable business in the highly competitive property and casualty insurance market and potentially result in reduced sales of its products and lower premium revenue.
The performance of the Exchange's investment portfolio is subject to a variety of investment risks. The Exchange's investment portfolio is comprised principally of fixed income securities, equity securities and limited partnerships. The fixed income portfolio is subject to a number of risks including, but not limited to, interest rate risk, investment credit risk, sector/concentration risk and liquidity risk. The Exchange's common stock and preferred equity securities have exposure to price risk, the risk of potential loss in estimated fair value resulting from an adverse change in prices. Limited partnerships are significantly less liquid and generally involve higher degrees of price risk than publicly traded securities. Limited partnerships, like publicly traded securities, have exposure to market volatility; but unlike fixed income securities, cash flows and return expectations are less predictable. Additionally, a portion of the Exchange's common stock and limited partnership portfolios are exposed to foreign exchange rate risk, or the potential loss in estimated fair value resulting from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates. If any investments in the Exchange's investment portfolio were to suffer a substantial decrease in value, the Exchange's financial position could be materially adversely affected through increased unrealized losses or impairments. A significant decrease in the Exchange's portfolio could also put it, or its subsidiaries, at risk of failing to satisfy regulatory or rating agency minimum capital requirements.
Property and casualty insurers are subject to extensive regulatory supervision in the states in which they do business. This regulatory oversight includes, by way of example, matters relating to licensing, examination, rate setting, market conduct, policy forms, limitations on the nature and amount of certain investments, claims practices, mandated participation in involuntary markets and guaranty funds, reserve adequacy, insurer solvency, restrictions on underwriting standards, accounting standards, transactions between affiliates, risk management, cybersecurity and data privacy, and ESG practices. Such regulation and supervision are primarily for the benefit and protection of policyholders. Changes in applicable insurance laws, tax statutes, cyber, privacy, and other laws and regulations, or changes in the way regulators administer those laws, tax statutes, or regulations could adversely impact the Exchange's business, cash flows, results of operations, financial condition, or operating environment and increase its exposure to loss or put it at a competitive disadvantage, which could result in reduced sales of its products and lower premium revenue.
Property and casualty insurers face a significant risk of litigation and state and federal regulatory investigations, inquiries and actions in the ordinary course of operating their businesses, including the risk of class action lawsuits. Plaintiffs in class action and other lawsuits against the Exchange may seek large or indeterminate amounts of damages, including punitive and treble damages, the ultimate amounts of which may remain unknown for substantial periods of time.
The uncertainty of risks that emerge upon the occurrence of significant unexpected events, such as pandemics, or unexpected economic or social inflation caused by supply chain issues, changes in tariffs, societal trends, or otherwise, may cause additional challenges in the process of estimating loss and loss adjustment expense reserves or premiums to accommodate future claims and expenses. For example, the behavior of claimants and policyholders, including increased attorney involvement and third-party litigation financing, could result in higher jury awards. Furthermore, actions taken by governmental bodies, both legislative and regulatory, in reaction to significant unexpected events, and their related impacts, are hard to predict. Technology advancements, such as electric and autonomous vehicles, could impact frequency or severity of losses. The models that are used to determine appropriate premium levels, forecast future losses and expenses, estimate loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, and assess financial strength may be created or deployed in a manner that results in inaccurate predictions. Additionally, as the Exchange writes policies almost exclusively with annual terms, premium rate actions take 12 months to be fully recognized in written premium and another 12 months to earn the increased or decreased premiums in full. The Exchange also writes certain personal auto policies with a rate locking feature, which generally extends the amount of time it takes for premium rate actions to be recognized related to these policies. These risks may result in changes to the Exchange's estimated level of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves or impact the adequacy of premiums to accommodate future claims and expenses.
As insurance industry practices and legal, judicial, social and other environmental factors change, unexpected and unintended issues related to claims and coverage may emerge. In some instances, these emerging issues may not become apparent for some time after the Exchange has issued the affected insurance policies. As a result, the full extent of liability under the Exchange's insurance policies may not be known for many years after the policies are issued. These issues may adversely affect the Exchange's business by either extending coverage beyond its underwriting intent or by increasing the number or size of claims. If there were legislative action in response to a pandemic or other significant unexpected event that retroactively mandated coverage irrespective of terms, exclusions or other conditions included in policies that would otherwise preclude coverage, it could have a material impact on the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Exchange.
Table of Contents
The Exchange's insurance operations are exposed to claims arising out of catastrophes. Common natural catastrophic events in the Exchange's footprint include tropical cyclones, earthquakes, severe convective storms, and severe winter weather. Additional perils that the Exchange is exposed to through its assumed property reinsurance portfolio include wildfires, tsunamis, and floods. The frequency and severity of these catastrophes are inherently uncertain. Changing climate conditions have created additional uncertainty regarding the future trends in the frequency and severity of natural disasters. Increases in the insured value and geographic concentration of exposures, as well as the impact of inflation, may increase the severity of catastrophelosses. A single catastrophic occurrence or aggregation of multiple smaller occurrences within the geographical region of the Exchange or its assumed property reinsurance portfolio could adversely affect the financial condition of the Exchange. Man-made disasters such as terrorist attacks and riots could also cause losses from insurance claims related to the property and casualty insurance operations, which could adversely affect its financial condition.
Operating risks
If the costs of providing services to the Exchange are not controlled, our profitability could be materially adversely affected.
In accordance with the subscriber's agreement, we perform policy issuance and renewal services for the subscribers at the Exchange and we serve as the attorney-in-fact on behalf of the subscribers at the Exchange with respect to administrative services. The most significant costs we incur in providing policy issuance and renewal services are commissions, employee costs, and technology costs.
Commissions to independent agents are our largest expense. Commissions include scheduled commissions to agents based upon premiums written as well as incentive compensation, which is earned by achieving certain targeted measures. Changes to commission rates or incentive programs may result in increased future costs and lower profitability. Our agent incentive compensation includes a property and casualty underwriting profitability component. Any significant decrease in claims frequency and loss expenses could improve the profitability component, resulting in increased agent compensation costs. Our second largest expense category includes employee costs such as salaries, healthcare, pension, and other benefit costs. Regulatory developments, provider relationships, and demographic and economic factors that are beyond our control, such as inflation and increased labor market competition, are indicators that employee costs could increase, which could reduce our profitability or impact our personnel strategy. The defined benefit pension plan we offer to our employees is affected by variable factors such as the interest rate used to discount pension liabilities, asset performance, and changes in retirement patterns, which are beyond our control, and any related future cost increases could reduce our profitability.
Technological development is necessary to facilitate ease of doing business for employees, agents, and customers. Our technological developments are focused on simplifying and improving the employee, agent, and customer experiences, increasing efficiencies, redesigning products, and addressing other potentially disruptive changes in the insurance industry, including the use of artificial intelligence. As we continue to develop technology initiatives in order to remain competitive, our profitability could be negatively impacted as we invest in system development.
If we are unable to attract, develop, retain, and protect talented executives, key managers, and employees our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Our success is largely dependent upon our ability to attract and retain talented executives and other key management. Talent is defined as people with the right skills, knowledge, abilities, character, and motivation. The loss of the services and leadership of certain key officers and the failure to plan for turnover or retirement or to attract and develop talented new executives and managers could prevent us from successfully communicating, implementing, and executing business strategies. Additionally, our executives and other key management may be subject to physical or cyber threats, which if realized, could adversely affect our business operations.
Our success also depends on our ability to attract, develop, and retain a talented employee base. The inability to staff all functions of our business with employees possessing the appropriate talent could have an adverse effect on our business performance. Additionally, failure to recognize, evaluate, and respond to changing workforce trends including current labor market conditions and managing hybrid work environments, or failure to execute proactive retention and replacement strategies could also have an adverse effect on our business performance. Furthermore, failure to instill appropriate cultural expectations and behavioral norms within our employees, particularly in a hybrid work environment, could damage our reputation. Staffing appropriately talented employees for the handling of claims and servicing of customers, rendering of disciplined underwriting, and effective sales and marketing are critical to the core functions of our business. In addition, talented employees with specialized skills in actuarial, finance, human resources, law, risk management and information technology, including artificial intelligence and data analytics, are also essential to support and grow our core functions.
Table of Contents
If we are unable to effectively maintain system availability or manage technology initiatives, we may experience adverse financial consequences and/or may be unable to compete effectively.
Our business is highly dependent upon the effectiveness of our technology and information systems which support key functions of our core business operations, including processing applications and premium payments, providing customer support, performing actuarial and financial analysis, and maintaining key data. Additionally, the Exchange relies heavily on technology systems for processing claims. In order to support our business processes and strategic initiatives in a cost and resource efficient manner, we must maintain the effectiveness of existing technology systems and continue to identify and develop new, and enhance existing, technology systems. As we invest in the development of our systems, costs and completion times could exceed original estimates, and/or the project may not deliver the anticipated benefit or perform as expected. If we do not effectively and efficiently manage new technology initiatives, maintain existing systems, or attract and retain qualified information technology employees and contract personnel to support them, our ability to serve our customers and implement our strategic initiatives could be adversely impacted.
Additionally, we depend on a large amount of data to price policies appropriately, track exposures, perform financial analysis, report to regulatory bodies, and ultimately make business decisions. Should this data be inaccurate or insufficient, risk exposure may be underestimated and/or poor business decisions may be made. This may in turn lead to adverse operational or financial performance and adverse customer or investor confidence.
If we experience difficulties with technology, data or network security, including those that could result from cyber attacks, third-party relationships or cloud-based relationships, our ability to conduct our business could be adversely impacted.
In the normal course of business, we collect, use, store and where appropriate, disclose data concerning individuals and businesses. We also conduct business using third parties who may provide software, data storage, cloud-based computing and other technology services. Our systems regularly face cyber threats, which can create significant risks such as destruction of systems or data, denial or interruption of service, disruption of transaction execution, loss or exposure of customer data, theft or exposure of our intellectual property, theft of funds or disruption of other important business functions. Even with appropriate governance and controls, the use of artificial intelligence may increase our exposure to cyber threats. Our interactions with, and reliance upon, third parties, including our independent agents, expose us to increased risk related to data security, service disruptions or effectiveness of our control system, particularly as we increase our reliance on cloud-based computing and software-as-a-service from third parties to operate our business. If we experience service disruptions or need to replace essential third-party software or services, we may not be able to find a viable alternative, or alternatives may be costly and/or require significant time and resources to integrate with our systems, which could negatively impact our operations or financial results.
In addition, we are subject to numerous federal and state laws relating to the privacy and security of nonpublic personal information and other sensitive information of our customers, employees and others. The improper access, disclosure, misuse or mishandling of such information could result in legal liability, regulatory action and reputational damage. Third parties on whom we rely for certain business processing functions are also subject to these risks, and their failure to adhere to these laws and regulations could negatively impact us.
The number, complexity, and sophistication of cyber threats continue to increase over time. Rapid technological advancements can also introduce new risks related to data security and operational efficiency. As we continue to adapt our internal processes and systems to these rapidly evolving threats, we may be required to make certain judgments about additional investments in these areas that we believe will protect us from cybersecurity risks, which may not be effective. While we also maintain cyber liability insurance to mitigate the financial risk around cyber incidents, such insurance may not cover all costs associated with the consequences of information or systems being compromised, and such insurance may become prohibitively expensive to maintain. Additionally, while we have dedicated resources with security incident response capabilities, our response process may not be adequate, may fail to accurately assess the severity of an incident, may not respond quickly enough or may fail to sufficiently remediate an incident. Similarly, if our third-party service providers experience a cyber incident, they may fail to report, or timely report, the incident to us. As a result, we may suffer significant legal, reputational, or financial losses, which could adversely affect our business, cash flows, financial condition or results of operations.
If events occurred causing interruption of our operations, facilities, systems or business functions, it could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial results.
We have established business continuity and disaster recovery plans to provide for the continuation of core business operations in the event that normal business operations could not be performed due to catastrophic or other events, including pandemics and cyber attacks. While we continue to test and assess our business continuity and disaster recovery plans to validate they
Table of Contents
meet the needs of our core business operations and address multiple business interruption events, there is no assurance that core business operations could be performed upon the occurrence of such an event. Employee absence, physical premises damage, systems failures or outages could compromise our ability to perform our business functions in a timely manner, which could harm our ability to conduct business and hurt our business and customer relationships. While we also maintain business interruption insurance to mitigate the financial risk around disruptions to our core business operations, such insurance may not cover all costs associated with a disruption, and such insurance may become prohibitively expensive to maintain. Our operational resiliency is also dependent on third-party personnel, infrastructure and systems on which we rely, including cloud-based technologies and software-as-a-service applications. Our operations and those of our third parties may become vulnerable to damage or disruption due to circumstances beyond our or their control, such as from catastrophic events, power anomalies or outages, natural disasters, pandemics, supply chain interruptions, network failures, and cyber attacks. Additionally, we are dependent on internet and telecommunications access and capabilities. Our workforce is largely concentrated in Erie, Pennsylvania. If a significant event affects the labor force in this area, it could impact the policy acquisition, underwriting, claims and/or support services provided to the policyholders and/or independent agents of the Exchange. Disruptions to our workforce or our operations for any reason could result in a material adverse effect on our business, cash flows, financial condition, or results of operations.
We are subject to applicable insurance laws, tax statutes, and numerous other federal and state laws and regulations, as well as claims and legal proceedings, which, if determined unfavorably, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.
Our activities are subject to extensive regulation under federal and state laws on matters as diverse as internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls, securities regulation, data privacy and protection, cybersecurity, taxation, immigration, wage-and-hour standards and employment and labor relations. These laws and regulations are complex and evolving, and compliance with these laws requires significant resources. In some cases, these laws and regulations may increase our costs, negatively impact revenues, or impose operational limitations on our business. Further, there can be no assurance that we, our third-party service providers and our independent agents are in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations at all times. Efforts at compliance with all laws and regulations are further complicated by new and evolving regulations regarding cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and ESG matters, including DEI-related items. For example, recent changes in the U.S. regulatory environment relating to ESG matters has increased scrutiny of corporate ESG practices. Failure to effectively address current and future ESG regulatory developments and stakeholder expectations may expose our business to litigation, fines, penalties, and damage to our reputation, which, if material could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Additionally, we face a significant risk of litigation and regulatory investigations and actions in the ordinary course of operating our businesses including the risk of class action lawsuits. We are, have been, or may become subject to class actions and individual suits allegingbreach of fiduciary or other duties, including our obligations to indemnify directors and officers in connection with certain legal matters. We are also subject to litigation arising out of our general business activities such as contractual and employment relationships and claims regarding the infringement of the intellectual property of others, whether by us or our third-party service providers. Plaintiffs in class action and other lawsuits against us may seek large or indeterminate amounts of damages, including punitive and treble damages, which may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. We are also subject to various regulatory inquiries, such as information requests, subpoenas, and books and record examinations from state and federal regulators and authorities. In addition, changes in the way regulators administer applicable laws, tax statutes, or regulations could adversely impact our business, cash flows, results of operations, or financial condition.
Market, Capital, and Liquidity risks
The performance of our investment portfolio is subject to a variety of investment risks, which may in turn have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
At December 31, 2025, our investment portfolio consisted of approximately 85% fixed maturity securities, with the remaining 15% invested in equity securities and other investments.
General economic conditions, geopolitical events, fiscal, trade, and monetary policy and other factors beyond our control can adversely affect the value of our investments and the realization of net investment income or result in realized investment losses. In addition, downward economic trends also may have an adverse effect on our investment results by negatively impacting the business conditions and impairing credit for the issuers of securities held in our respective investment portfolios. This could reduce fair values of investments and generate significant unrealized losses or impairment charges which may adversely affect our financial results.
Table of Contents
The performance of the fixed maturity portfolio is subject to a number of risks including, but not limited to:
• Interest rate risk - the risk of adverse changes in the value of fixed maturity securities as a result of increases in market interest rates.
• Investment credit risk - the risk that the value of certain investments may decrease due to the deterioration in financial condition of, or the liquidity available to, one or more issuers of those securities or, in the case of structured securities, due to the deterioration of the loans or other assets that underlie the securities, which, in each case, also includes the risk of permanent loss.
• Sector/Concentration risk - the risk that the portfolio may be too heavily concentrated in the securities of one or more issuers, sectors, or industries. Events or developments that have a negative impact on any particular industry, group of related industries, or geographic region may have a greateradverse effect on our investment portfolio to the extent that the portfolio is concentrated within those issuers, sectors, or industries.
• Liquidity risk - the risk that we will not be able to convert investment securities into cash on favorable terms and on a timely basis, or that we will not be able to sell them at all, when desired. Disruptions in the financial markets or a lack of buyers for the specific securities that we are trying to sell could prevent us from liquidating securities or cause a reduction in prices to levels that are not acceptable to us.
• Reinvestment risk - the possibility that the cash flows produced by an investment will have to be reinvested at a reduced rate of return. Approximately 30% of our fixed maturity portfolio is expected to mature over the next three years.
Our equity securities have exposure to price risk. Equity markets, sectors, industries, and individual securities may also be subject to some of the same risks that affect our fixed maturity portfolio, as discussed above.
All of our fixed maturity and equity securities are subject to market volatility. To the extent that future market volatilitynegatively impacts our investments, our financial condition will be negatively impacted. We review the fixed maturity portfolio on a periodic basis to evaluate positions that are in an unrealized loss position to determine whether impairments are a result of credit loss or other factors. Inherent in management's evaluation of a security are assumptions and estimates about the operations of the issuer and its future earnings potential. As the process for determining impairments is highly subjective, changes in our assessments may have a material effect on our operating results and financial condition. See also Part II, Item 7A. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk".
Deteriorating capital and credit market conditions or a failure to accurately estimate capital needs may significantly affect our ability to meet liquidity needs and access capital.
Sufficient liquidity and capital levels are required to pay operating expenses, income taxes, and to provide the necessary resources to fund future growth opportunities, satisfy certain financial covenants, pay dividends on common stock, and repurchase common stock. Management estimates the appropriate level of capital necessary based upon current and projected results, which includes evaluating potential risks. Failure to accurately estimate our capital needs may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition until additional sources of capital can be obtained. Further, a deteriorating financial condition may create a negative perception of us by third parties, including investors, and financial institutions, which could impact our ability to access capital in the debt or equity markets. Volatility in the financial markets could also limit our ability to sell certain fixed income securities or cause such investments to sell at deep discounts.
Our primary sources of liquidity are management fee revenue and cash flows generated from our investment portfolio. In the event these traditional sources of liquidity are not available, we may have to seek additional financing. Our access to funds will depend upon a number of factors including current market conditions, the availability of credit, market liquidity, and the timing of obtaining credit ratings. In deteriorating market conditions, there can be no assurance that we will obtain additional financing, or, if available, that the cost of financing will not substantially increase and affect our overall profitability.
Transactions/Agreements with Related Parties
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, 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:
• dependence upon our relationship with the Erie Insurance Exchange ("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 impacting the timing of premium rates charged for policies;
◦ factors affecting insurance industry competition, including technological innovations;
◦ dependence upon the independent agency system; and
◦ ability to maintain our brand, including 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;
◦ litigation and regulatory actions;
◦ emergence of significant unexpected events, including pandemics, economic or social inflation, and changes in tariff policies;
◦ emerging claims and coverage issues in the industry; and
◦ severe weather conditions or other catastrophiclosses, including terrorism;
Table of Contents
• costs of providing policy issuance and renewal services to the subscribers at the Exchange under the subscriber's agreement;
• ability to attract, develop, retain, and protect talented management and employees;
• ability to ensure system availability and effectively manage technology initiatives;
• difficulties with technology, data or network security breaches, including cyber attacks;
• ability to maintain uninterrupted business operations;
• compliance with complex and evolving laws and regulations and outcome of pending and potential litigation;
• factors affecting the quality and liquidity of our investment portfolio; and
• ability to meet liquidity needs and access capital.
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 STANDARDS
See Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained within this report for a discussion of recently adopted and issued accounting standards and the impact on our consolidated financial statements if known.
OPERATING OVERVIEW
Overview
We are a Pennsylvania business corporation that since 1925 has been the managing attorney-in-fact for the subscribers (policyholders) at the Exchange, a reciprocal insurer that writes property and casualty insurance. Our primary function as attorney-in-fact is to perform policy issuance and renewal services on behalf of the subscribers at the Exchange. We also act as attorney-in-fact on behalf of the subscribers at the Exchange, as well as the service provider for the Exchange's insurance subsidiaries, with respect to all administrative services.
The Exchange is a reciprocal insurance exchange, which is an unincorporated association of individuals, partnerships, and corporations that agree to insure one another. Each applicant for insurance (a subscriber) 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.
In accordance with the subscriber's agreement for acting as attorney-in-fact in these two capacities, we retain a management fee. Management fee revenue is based upon all direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange and the management fee rate, which is not to exceed 25%. Our Board of Directors sets the management fee rate at least annually, generally in December for the following year. The process of setting the management fee rate includes, but is not limited to, the evaluation of current year operating results compared to both prior year and industry estimated results for both Indemnity and the Exchange, and consideration of several factors for both entities including, but not limited to: their relative financial strength and capital position; projected revenue, expense and earnings for the subsequent year; future capital needs; as well as competitive position. The management fee rate was set at 25% for 2025 and 2024. Based on analysis of the foregoing factors, our Board of Directors set the 2026 management fee rate again at 25%.
Our earnings are primarily driven by the management fee revenue generated for the services we provide on behalf of the subscribers at the Exchange. The policy issuance and renewal services we provide are related to the sales, underwriting, and issuance of policies. The sales related services we provide include agent compensation and certain sales and advertising support services. Agent compensation includes scheduled commissions to agents based upon premiums written as well as incentive compensation, which is earned by achieving targeted measures. Agent compensation comprised approximately 71% of our 2025 policy issuance and renewal expenses. The underwriting services we provide include underwriting and policy processing and comprised approximately 8% of our 2025 policy issuance and renewal expenses. The remaining services we provide include customer service and administrative support. We also provide information technology services that support all the functions listed above that comprised approximately 10% of our 2025 policy issuance and renewal expenses. Included in these expenses are allocations of costs for departments that support these policy issuance and renewal functions.
Consistent with its legal structure as a reciprocal insurer, the Exchange does not have any employees or officers. Therefore, it enters into contractual relationships by and through the subscribers' attorney-in-fact. Indemnity serves as the attorney-in-fact on
Table of Contents
behalf of the subscribers at the Exchange with respect to its administrative services as enumerated in the subscriber's agreement. The Exchange's insurance subsidiaries also utilize Indemnity for these services in accordance with the service agreements between each of the subsidiaries and Indemnity. Claims handling services include costs incurred in the claims process, including the adjustment, investigation, defense, recording, and payment functions. Life insurance management services include costs incurred in the management and processing of life insurance business. Investment management services are related to investment trading activity, accounting, and all other functions attributable to the investment of funds. In 2025, approximately 71% of the administrative services expenses were entirely attributable to the respective administrative functions (claims handling, life insurance management, and investment management), while the remaining 29% of these expenses were allocations of costs for departments that support these administrative functions. The expenses we incur and related reimbursements we receive for administrative services are presented gross in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The subscriber's agreement and service agreements provide for reimbursement of amounts incurred for these services to Indemnity. Reimbursements are settled at cost on a monthly basis. State insurance regulations require that intercompany service agreements and any material amendments be approved in advance by the state insurance department.
Our results of operations are tied to the growth and financial condition of the Exchange as the Exchange is our sole customer, and our earnings are largely generated from management fees based on the direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange. The Exchange generates revenue by insuring preferred and standard risks, with personal lines comprising 71% of the 2025 direct and affiliated assumed written premiums and commercial lines comprising the remaining 29%. The principal personal lines products are private passenger automobile and homeowners. The principal commercial lines products are commercial multi-peril, commercial automobile, and workers compensation.
We generate investment income from our fixed maturity and equity security portfolios. Our portfolios are managed with the objective of maximizing after-tax returns on a risk-adjusted basis. We actively evaluate the fixed maturity portfolios for securities in an unrealized loss position and record impairment write-downs on investments in instances where we have the intent to sell or it's more likely than not that we would be required to sell the security. Impairments resulting from a credit loss are recognized in earnings with a corresponding allowance on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
Information security incident
Earlier in the year, we experienced an information security incident that has since been remediated and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. As of December 31, 2025, we continue to pursue recovery of a portion of lost income due to business interruption and related expenses from our cybersecurity insurance policy.
Table of Contents
Financial Overview
Years ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
% Change
% Change
Operating income
Total investment income
Other income
Contribution to charitable foundation
Income before income taxes
Income tax expense
Net income
Net income per share - diluted
NM = not meaningful
Operating income increased in 2025 compared to 2024 as operating revenue exceeded operating expenses. Operating income is primarily comprised of management fee revenue less the cost of policy issuance and renewal services. Management fee revenue is based upon the management fee rate we charge and the direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange. The management fee rate was 25% for 2025 and 2024. The direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange increased 8.9% to $13.0 billion in 2025.
Cost of operations for policy issuance and renewal services increased 8.7% to $2.5 billion in 2025 primarily due to higher scheduled commissions driven by direct and affiliated assumed written premium growth, increased agent incentive compensation due to improvedprofitability, and increased personnel and hardware and software costs.
Management fee revenue for administrative services increased 8.3% to $74.1 million in 2025. The administrative services reimbursement revenue and corresponding cost of operations increased both total operating revenue and total operating expenses by $836.6 million in 2025, but had no net impact on operating income.
Total investment income increased $15.6 million in 2025 primarily due to an increase in net investment income.
Net income in 2025 was reduced by $80.6 million, reflecting the after-tax impact of a $100 million charitable contribution made to the Erie Insurance Foundation. See Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 15, Related Party, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional details.
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 Exchange's customers to modify coverage, not renew policies, or even cancel policies, which could adversely affect the premium revenue of the Exchange, and consequently our management fee revenue. Elevated inflation, supply chain disruptions, or changes in tariff policies could impact the Exchange's operations and our management fees. In particular, unanticipated increased inflation costs including medical cost inflation, building material cost inflation, auto repair and replacement cost inflation, and social inflation may impact adequacy of estimated loss reserves and future premium rates of the Exchange. If any of these items impacted the financial condition or operations of the Exchange, it could have an impact on our financial results. See Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources, and Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" contained within this report for a discussion of potential impacts to our operations or those of the Exchange.
Financial market volatility
Our portfolio of available-for-sale and equity security investments is subject to market volatility, especially in periods of instability in the worldwide financial markets. Net investment income is impacted by the general level of interest rates, which impact reinvested cash flow from the portfolio and business operations. Depending upon market conditions, considerable fluctuation could occur in the fair value of our investment portfolio and reported total investment income, which could have an adverse impact on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Various ongoing geopolitical events, the uncertain tariff, inflationary, and interest rate environment, and a potential economic slowdown could have a significant impact on the global financial markets with the potential for future losses and/or impairments on our investment portfolio.
Table of Contents
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The financial statements include amounts based upon estimates and assumptions that have a significant effect on reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period and related disclosures. We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if 1) it requires assumptions to be made that were uncertain at the time the estimate was made, and 2) different estimates that could have been used, or changes in the estimate that are likely to occur from period-to-period, could have a material impact on our Consolidated Statements of Operations or Financial Position.
The following presents a discussion of those accounting policies surrounding estimates that we believe are the most critical to our reported amounts and require the most subjective and complex judgment. If actual events differ significantly from the underlying assumptions, there could be material adjustments to prior estimates that could potentially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. The estimates and the estimating methods used are reviewed continually, and any adjustments considered necessary are reflected in current earnings.
Investment Valuation
Fair Value Measurements
We make estimates concerning the fair value of our investments using valuation techniques to derive the fair value of the fixed maturity and equity investments we hold. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between willing market participants at the measurement date.
Fair value measurements are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our view of market assumptions in the absence of observable market information. We utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Our investments are categorized into a three-level fair value hierarchy which assigns a Level 1 for highly observable inputs and a Level 3 to unobservable inputs. We continually assess whether or not an active market exists for all of our investments and as of each reporting date we re-evaluate their classification in the fair value hierarchy.
As of each reporting period, financial instruments recorded at fair value are classified based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The presence of at least one unobservable input that has significant impact to the fair value measurement would result in classification as a Level 3 instrument. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset, such as the relative impact on the fair value as a result of including a particular input and market conditions. While estimates of the fair values of our investment portfolio are obtained from outside pricing services, we ultimately determine whether the inputs used are observable or unobservable.
As of December 31, 2025, substantially all of the securities measured at fair value in our investment portfolio are classified as Level 2. Level 2 securities are valued using industry-standard models that consider various inputs, such as the interest rate and credit spread for the underlying financial instruments. All significant inputs are observable, or derived from observable information in the marketplace, or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. At December 31, 2025, our investments classified as Level 3 were not significant.
See Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 6, Fair Value, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained within this report for additional details on the fair value measurement of our investments.
Retirement Benefit Plan for Employees
Our primary pension plan is a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees. Although we are the sponsor of this postretirement plan and record the funded status of the plan, there are reimbursements between us and the Exchange and its insurance subsidiaries for their allocated share of pension income or cost. See Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 10, Postretirement Benefits, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained within this report for additional details on these reimbursements.
Our pension obligation is developed from actuarial estimates. Several statistical and other factors, which attempt to anticipate future events, are used in calculating the expense and liability related to the plan. Key factors include assumptions about the discount rates and expected rates of return on plan assets. We review these assumptions annually and modify them considering historical experience, current market conditions, including changes in investment returns and interest rates, and expected future trends.
Table of Contents
Accumulated and projected benefit obligations are expressed as the present value of future cash payments. We discount those cash payments based upon a yield curve developed from corporate bond yield information with maturities that correspond to the payment of benefits. Lower discount rates increase present values and subsequent year pension expense, while higher discount rates decrease present values and subsequent year pension expense. The construction of the yield curve is based upon yields of corporate bonds rated AA or equivalent quality. Target yields are developed from bonds at various maturity points and a curve is fitted to those targets. Spot rates (zero coupon bond yields) are developed from the yield curve and used to discount benefit payment amounts associated with each future year. The present value of plan benefits is calculated by applying the spot/discount rates to projected benefit cash flows. A single discount rate is then developed to produce the same present value. The cash flows from the yield curve were matched against our projected benefit payments in the pension plan, which have a duration of about 15 years. This yield curve supported the selection of a 5.72% discount rate for the projected benefit obligation at December 31, 2025 and for the 2026 pension expense. The same methodology was used to develop the 5.87% and 5.34% discount rates used to determine the projected benefit obligation for 2024 and 2023, respectively, and the pension cost (income) for 2025 and 2024, respectively. A 25 basis point decrease in the discount rate assumption, with other assumptions held constant, would increase pension cost in the following year by $4.0 million, of which our share would be approximately $1.6 million, and would increase the pension benefit obligation by $40.0 million.
Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses arise from several factors, including experience and assumption changes in the obligations and from the difference between expected returns and actual returns on plan assets. These unrecognized gains and losses are recorded in the pension plan obligation and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). These amounts are systematically recognized to net periodic pension expense in future periods, with gains decreasing and losses increasing future pension expense. If actuarial net gains or losses exceed 5% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation and the market-related value of plan assets, the excess is recognized through the net periodic pension expense equally over the estimated service period of the employee group, which is currently 13 years.
The expected long-term rate of return for the pension plan represents the average rate of return to be earned on plan assets over the period the benefits included in the benefit obligation are to be paid. To determine the expected long-term rate of return assumption, we utilized models based upon rigorous historical analysis and forward-looking views of the financial markets based upon key factors such as historical returns for the asset class' applicable indices, the correlations of the asset classes under various market conditions and consensus views on future real economic growth and inflation. The expected future return for each asset class is then combined by considering correlations between asset classes and the volatilities of each asset class to produce a reasonable range of asset return results within which our expected long-term rate of return assumption falls. The expected long-term rate of return is generally less susceptible to annual revisions as there are typically no significant changes in the asset mix. Based on the current asset allocation and a review of the key factors and expectations of future asset performance as well as the current market environment, the expected return on asset assumption will remain at 7.00% for 2026. A change of 25 basis points in the expected long-term rate of return assumption, with other assumptions held constant, would have an estimated $2.8 million impact on net pension benefit cost in the following year, of which our share would be approximately $1.1 million.
We use a four-year averaging method to determine the market-related value of plan assets, which is used to determine the expected return component of pension expense. Under this methodology, asset gains or losses that result from returns that differ from our long-term rate of return assumption are recognized in the market-related value of assets on a level basis over a four-year period. The market-related asset experience during 2025 that related to the actual investment return being different from that assumed during the prior year was a gain of $10.1 million. Recognition of this gain will be deferred and recognized over a four-year period, consistent with the market-related asset value methodology. Once factored into the market-related asset value, these experience gains and losses will be amortized over a period of 13 years, which is the remaining service period of the employee group.
We recognized net pension benefit expense of $9.6 million in 2025 primarily driven by plan progression as well as demographic assumption updates from a 2024 experience study, partially offset by a higher discount rate, compared to 2024. We expect to recognize net pension benefit expense of $18.0 million in 2026. The estimated increase from 2025 is primarily driven by anticipated plan progression and a decrease in the discount rate. Our share of the net pension benefit expense after reimbursements was $3.7 million in 2025. We expect our share of the net pension benefit expense to be approximately $7.0 million in 2026, of which expense of $14.5 million will be recorded in operating expense and income of $7.5 million will be recorded in other income.
The actuarial assumptions we used in determining our pension obligation may differ materially from actual results due to changing market and economic conditions, higher or lower withdrawal rates, or longer or shorter life spans of participants. While we believe that the assumptions used are appropriate, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may materially affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. See Item 8. "Financial Statements and
Table of Contents
Supplementary Data - Note 10, Postretirement Benefits, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained within this report for additional details on the pension plan.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management fee revenue
We have two performance obligations in the subscriber's agreement, providing policy issuance and renewal services and acting as attorney-in-fact for the subscribers at the Exchange, as well as the service provider for the Exchange's insurance subsidiaries, with respect to all administrative services. We retain management fees for acting as the attorney-in-fact for the subscribers at the Exchange in these two capacities and allocate our revenues between our performance obligations.
The management fee is calculated by multiplying all direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange by the management fee rate, which is set by our Board of Directors at least annually. The management fee rate was set at 25% for 2025 and 2024. Changes in the management fee rate can affect our revenue and net income significantly. The transaction price, including management fee revenue and administrative services reimbursement revenue, includes variable consideration and is allocated based on the estimated standalone selling prices developed using industry information and other available information for similar services. We update the transaction price and the related allocation at least annually based upon the most recent information available or more frequently if there have been significant changes in any components considered in the transaction price. Our current transaction price allocation review resulted in a minor change in the allocation between the two performance obligations in 2025 compared to 2024, which did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
The following table presents the allocation and disaggregation of revenue for our two performance obligations:
Years ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
% Change
% Change
Policy issuance and renewal services
Direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange
Management fee rate
Management fee revenue
Change in estimate for management fee returned on cancelled policies (1)
Management fee revenue - policy issuance and renewal services
Administrative services
Direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange
Management fee rate
Management fee revenue
Change in contract liability (2)
Change in estimate for management fee returned on cancelled policies (1)
Management fee revenue - administrative services
Administrative services reimbursement revenue
Total revenue from administrative services
NM = not meaningful
(1) A constraining estimate of variable consideration exists related to the potential for management fees to be returned if a policy were to be cancelled mid-term. Management fees are returned to the Exchange when policies are cancelled mid-term and unearned premiums are refunded.
(2) Management fee revenue - administrative services is recognized over time as the services are provided. See Item 8. "Financial Statements - Note 3, Revenue, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained within this report.
Table of Contents
Direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange
Direct and affiliated assumed premiums include premiums written directly by the Exchange and premiums assumed from its wholly owned property and casualty subsidiaries. Direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange increased 8.9% to $13.0 billion in 2025, from $11.9 billion in 2024, primarily driven by increased personal lines and commercial multi-peril premiums written. The year-over-year average premium per policy for all lines of business increased 9.6% at December 31, 2025 compared to 13.4% at December 31, 2024. Year-over-year policies in force for all lines of business decreased 1.1% in 2025 as a result of a decrease in new business policies written.
Premiums generated from new business decreased 17.8% to $1.5 billion in 2025. Contributing to this change was a 22.8% decrease in new business policies written, partially offset by a 6.5% increase in year-over-year average premium per policy on new business at December 31, 2025.
Premiums generated from renewal business increased 13.4% to $11.5 billion in 2025, resulting from an increase in year-over-year average premium per policy of 10.3% at December 31, 2025, as well as an increase in year-over-year policies in force of 2.4% in 2025.
The Exchange implements rate changes in order to meet loss cost expectations. In 2022 through 2024, the Exchange implemented rate increases primarily in response to inflation-driven severity trends in order to restore rate adequacy. As these cumulative rate actions have been recognized into earned premium, the Exchange implemented more moderate rate increases in 2025, reflecting alignment between pricing and underlying loss costs while continuing to monitor loss trends. As the Exchange writes policies almost exclusively with annual terms, premium rate actions take 12 months to be fully recognized in written premium and 24 months to be recognized in earned premiums. Since rate changes are realized at renewal, it takes 12 months to implement a rate change to all policyholders and another 12 months to earn the increased or decreased premiums in full. As a result, certain rate changes approved in 2024 were reflected in 2025, and a portion of the premium rate actions approved in 2025 will be reflected in 2026. Furthermore, the Exchange writes certain personal auto policies with a rate locking feature, which generally extends the amount of time it takes for premium rate actions to be recognized related to these policies. The Exchange continuously evaluates pricing and product offerings to maintain rate adequacy while meeting consumer demands.
Personal lines – Total personal lines premiums written increased 8.3% to $9.2 billion in 2025, from $8.5 billion in 2024, driven by a 9.4% increase in total personal lines year-over-year average premium per policy, partially offset by a 1.5% decrease in total personal lines policies in force.
Commercial lines – Total commercial lines premiums written increased 10.1% to $3.8 billion in 2025, from $3.4 billion in 2024, driven by a 7.7% increase in the total commercial lines year-over-year average premium per policy and a 2.2% increase in total commercial lines policies in force.
Future trends-premium revenue – Through a careful agency selection and monitoring process, the Exchange plans to continue efforts to utilize its agency force to increase market penetration in existing operating territories to contribute to future growth.
Changes in premium levels attributable to the growth in policies in force directly affect the profitability of the Exchange and have a direct bearing on our management fee revenue. Our continued focus on underwriting discipline and the maturing of pricing sophistication models support risk selection and long-term rate adequacy. In 2025, policy retention declined slightly compared to prior periods, primarily reflecting competitive market conditions. The continued growth of the Exchange's policy base is dependent upon its ability to retain existing and attract new subscribers (policyholders). A lack of new policy growth or the inability to retain existing customers could have an adverse effect on the Exchange's premium level growth, and consequently our management fee revenue.
Changes in premium levels attributable to rate changes also directly affect the profitability of the Exchange and have a direct bearing on our management fee revenue. Pricing actions contemplated or taken by the Exchange are subject to various regulatory requirements of the states in which it operates. Future premiums could be impacted by potential changes in regulation, inflationary trends, and tariff policies, among others. The pricing actions already implemented, or to be implemented, have an effect on the market competitiveness of the Exchange's insurance products. Such pricing actions, and those of the Exchange's competitors, could affect the ability of the Exchange's agents to retain and attract new business. We expect the Exchange's pricing actions in 2025 to result in an increase in direct written premiums in 2026; however, exposure reductions and/or changes in mix of business as a result of economic conditions could impact the average direct and affiliated assumed premium written by the Exchange, as customers may reduce coverages. See also Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors".
Table of Contents
Policy issuance and renewal services
Years ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
% Change
% Change
Management fee revenue - policy issuance and renewal services
Service agreement revenue
Cost of operations - policy issuance and renewal services
Operating income - policy issuance and renewal services
Policy issuance and renewal services
The management fee revenue allocated for providing policy issuance and renewal services was 24.37% and 24.40% of the direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange in 2025 and 2024, respectively. This portion of the management fee is recognized as revenue when the policy is issued or renewed because it is at that time that the services we provide are substantially complete and the executed insurance policy is transferred to the customer. The increase in management fee revenue for policy issuance and renewal services was driven by the increase in the direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange discussed previously.
Service agreement revenue
Service agreement revenue primarily consists of service charges we collect from subscribers (policyholders) for providing multiple payment plans on policies written by the Exchange and its property and casualty subsidiaries and also includes late payment and policy reinstatement fees. The service charges are fixed dollar amounts per billed installment. Service agreement revenue also includes fees received from the Exchange for the use of shared office space.
Cost of policy issuance and renewal services
Years ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
% Change
% Change
Commissions:
Total commissions
Non-commission expense:
Underwriting and policy processing
Information technology
Sales and advertising
Customer service
Administrative and other
Total non-commission expense
Total cost of operations - policy issuance and renewal services
Commissions – Commissions increased $175.6 million in 2025 compared to 2024, primarily driven by the growth in direct and affiliated assumed written premium and an increase in agent incentive compensation due to improved property and casualty underwriting profitability for the three-year period ended 2025 compared to the three-year period ended 2024.
Non-commission expense – Non-commission expense increased $25.5 million in 2025 compared to 2024. Underwriting and policy processing expense increased $4.8 million primarily due to increased postage and personnel costs, partially offset by a decrease in underwriting report costs. Information technology costs increased $24.3 million primarily due to an increase in personnel costs and hardware and software costs. Customer service costs increased $3.5 million primarily due to increased credit card processing fees and personnel costs. Administrative and other costs decreased $7.1 million primarily due to decreased professional fees and personnel costs.
Table of Contents
Personnel costs in all expense categories in 2025 were impacted by increased healthcare costs compared to 2024. Personnel costs in 2025 were also impacted by decreased incentive compensation compared to 2024. Decreases in incentive plan costs were primarily driven by lower performance metrics compared to 2024 and a decrease in company stock price during 2025 compared to an increase during 2024.
Administrative services
Years ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
% Change
% Change
Management fee revenue - administrative services
Administrative services reimbursement revenue
Total revenue allocated to administrative services
Administrative services expenses
Claims handling services
Investment management services
Life management services
Operating income - administrative services
Administrative services
The management fee revenue allocated to administrative services was 0.63% and 0.60% of the direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange in 2025 and 2024, respectively. This portion of the management fee is recognized as revenue over a four-year period representing the time over which the services are provided. We also report reimbursed costs as revenues, which are recognized monthly as services are provided. The administrative services expenses we incur and the related reimbursements we receive are recorded gross in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Cost of administrative services
Consistent with its legal structure as a reciprocal insurer, the Exchange does not have any employees or officers. Therefore, it enters into contractual relationships by and through the subscribers' attorney-in-fact. Indemnity serves as the attorney-in-fact on behalf of the subscribers at the Exchange with respect to its administrative services as enumerated in the subscriber's agreement. The Exchange's insurance subsidiaries also utilize Indemnity for these services in accordance with the service agreements between each of the subsidiaries and Indemnity. The subscriber's agreement and service agreements provide for reimbursement of amounts incurred for these services to Indemnity. Reimbursements due from the Exchange and its insurance subsidiaries are recorded as a receivable and settled at cost.
Table of Contents
Total investment income
A summary of the results of our investment operations is as follows for the years ended December 31:
(dollars in thousands)
% Change
% Change
Net investment income
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)
Net impairmentlosses recognized in earnings
Total investment income
NM = not meaningful
Net investment income
Net investment income includes interest and dividends on our fixed maturity and equity security portfolios and the results of our limited partnership investments, net of investment expenses. Net investment income increased $15.7 million in 2025, compared to 2024, primarily due to an increase in bond and cash and cash equivalent income as a result of higher average holdings and bond yields.
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)
A breakdown of our net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) is as follows for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands)
Securities sold:
Available-for-sale securities
Equity securities
Change in fair value on remaining equity securities
Miscellaneous
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)
Net impairmentlosses recognized in earnings
Net impairmentlosses of $3.3 million in 2025 primarily included both credit-related and intent to sell impairments on available-for-sale securities and current expected credit losses on other loans receivable. Impairmentlosses of $4.1 million in 2024 primarily included current expected credit losses on held-to-maturity securities and other loans receivable . See "Other assets" in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information on other loans receivable and held-to-maturity securities.
Table of Contents
Financial Condition of Erie Insurance Exchange
Serving in the capacity of attorney-in-fact for the subscribers at the Exchange, we are dependent on the growth and financial condition of the Exchange, who is our sole customer. The strength of the Exchange and its wholly owned subsidiaries is rated annually by AM Best through assessing its financial stability and ability to pay claims. The ratings are generally based upon factors relevant to policyholders and are not directed toward return to investors. On September 5, 2025, the Exchange and each of its property and casualty insurance subsidiaries were downgraded from A+ "Superior" to A "Excellent" and its financial strength rating was revised from negative to stable. The A "Excellent" rating is the third highest financial strength rating assigned to companies that have achievedexcellent overall performance when compared to the standards established by AM Best and have an excellent ability to meet obligations to policyholders over the long term. While the Exchange's policyholder surplus continues to be classified in AM Best's strongest category, the downgrade was primarily driven by the Exchange's large underwriting losses in recent years, driven by elevated weather-related events and increased severity in the auto and homeowners' segments. The stable financial strength rating reflects the expectation that the Exchange's profitability initiatives will accelerate and stabilize operating results over the near term. Furthermore, the stable outlook reflects the strongest level of balance sheet strength as assessed by AM Best.
The financial statements of the Exchange are prepared in accordance with statutory accounting principles prescribed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Financial statements prepared under statutory accounting principles focus on the solvency of the insurer and generally provide a more conservative approach than under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Statutory direct written premiums of the Exchange and its wholly owned property and casualty insurance subsidiaries grew 8.9% to $13.0 billion in 2025 from $11.9 billion in 2024. These premiums, along with investment income, are the major sources of cash that support the operations of the Exchange. Policyholders' surplus, determined under statutory accounting principles, was $10.1 billion and $9.3 billion at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The Exchange and its wholly owned property and casualty insurance subsidiaries' year-over-year policy retention ratio continues to be high at 88.4% at December 31, 2025 and 90.4% at December 31, 2024.
We have prepared our consolidated financial statements considering the financial strength of the Exchange based on its AM Best rating and strong level of surplus. See Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" for possible outcomes that could impact that determination.
Table of Contents
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Investments
Our investment portfolio is managed with the objective of maximizing after-tax returns on a risk-adjusted basis. The following table presents the carrying value of our investments as of December 31:
(dollars in thousands)
% to total
% to total
Available-for-sale securities (1)
Equity securities (2)
Agent loans (3)
Other investments (4)
Total investments
(1) This includes $44.4 million and $7.3 million of securities lent under a securities lending agreement as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
(2) This includes $20.1 million of securities lent under a securities lending agreement as of December 31, 2025.
(3) The current portion of agent loans is included in the line item "Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
(4) The current and long-term portions of other investments are included in the line items "Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net" and "Other assets, net", respectively, in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
We continually review our investment portfolio for impairment and determine whether the impairment is a result of credit loss or other factors. We analyze all positions with an emphasis on those in a significant unrealized loss position. If we have the intent to sell or it's more likely than not that we would be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis, the entire impairment is recognized in earnings. Factors considered in the evaluation of credit loss include the extent to which fair value is less than cost and fundamental factors specific to the issuer such as financial condition, changes in credit ratings, near and long-term business prospects and other factors, as well as the likelihood of recovery of the amortized cost of the security. Impairment resulting from credit loss is recognized in earnings with a corresponding allowance on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. We believe our investment valuation philosophy and accounting practices result in appropriate and timely measurement of fair value and recognition of impairment.
Available-for-sale securities
Under our investment strategy, we maintain an available-for-sale portfolio that is of high quality and well diversified within each market sector. This investment strategy also achieves a balanced maturity schedule. Our available-for-sale portfolio is managed with the goal of achieving reasonable returns while limiting exposure to risk.
Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred taxes, included in shareholders' equity. Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred taxes, totaled $1.3 million at December 31, 2025, compared to unrealized losses of $17.6 million at December 31, 2024. Our evaluation of deferred tax assets and the need for a valuation allowance included available tax planning strategies that could be implemented, if necessary, to support the realizability of deferred tax assets. We believe those tax strategies are feasible and prudent.
Table of Contents
The following table presents a breakdown of the fair value of our available-for-sale portfolio by industry sector and rating as of December 31, 2025: (1)
(in thousands)
AAA
BBB
Non-investment
grade
Fair
value
Basic materials
Communications
Consumer
Diversified
Energy
Financial
Industrial
Structured securities (2)
Technology
U.S. Treasury
Utilities
Total
(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 residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations, and asset-backed securities.
Equity securities
Equity securities primarily include nonredeemable preferred stocks and are carried at fair value in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position with all changes in unrealized gains and losses reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following table presents an analysis of the fair value of our equity securities by sector as of December 31:
(in thousands)
Financial services
Utilities
Energy
Consumer
Technology
Communications
Total
Shareholders' Equity
Postretirement benefit plans
The funded status of our postretirement benefit plans is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. At December 31, 2025, shareholders' equity amounts related to these postretirement plans decreased by $23.3 million, net of tax, of which $1.1 million primarily represents amortization of net actuarial gain and $22.2 million primarily represents the current period actuarial loss. The 2025 actuarial loss was driven primarily by the lower discount rate used to measure the future benefit obligations, partially offset by higher than expected return on plan assets. Although we are the sponsor of these postretirement plans and record the funded status of these plans, there are reimbursements between us and the Exchange and its insurance subsidiaries for their allocated share of pension income or cost. See Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 10, Postretirement Benefits, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained within this report for additional details on these reimbursements.
Table of Contents
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We continue to monitor the sufficiency of our liquidity and capital resources given the potential impact of current economic conditions, including the uncertain tariff, inflationary, and interest rate environment. While we did not see a significant impact on our sources or uses of cash in 2025, future market disruptions could occur which may affect our liquidity position. If our normal operating and investing cash activities were to become insufficient to meet future funding requirements, we believe we have sufficient access to liquidity through our cash position, diverse liquid marketable securities, and our $100 million bank revolving line of credit that does not expire until November 2029. See broader discussions of potential risks to our operations in Operating Overview and Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" contained within this report.
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 management fee revenue and income from investments. Cash provided from these sources is used primarily to fund the costs of our management operations including commissions, salaries and wages, pension plans, share repurchases, dividends to shareholders, the purchase and development of information technology, and other capital expenditures. We expect that our operating cash needs will be met by funds generated from operations. Cash in excess of our operating needs is primarily invested in investment grade fixed maturities. As part of our liquidity review, we regularly evaluate our capital needs based on current and projected results and consider the potential impacts to our liquidity, borrowing capacity, financial covenants and capital availability.
We have certain obligations and commitments to make future payments under various agreements. Cash requirements within the next twelve months include accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and other current obligations.
Our long-term cash requirements under various contractual obligations and commitments include:
• Pension – We have a funded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees and an unfunded SERP for certain members of executive and senior management. See Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 10, Postretirement Benefits, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for the funding policy and related contributions for our defined benefit pension plan, and accumulated benefit obligation for our unfunded SERP.
• Deferred compensation – We have two deferred compensation plans for our executives, senior vice presidents and other selected officers, and two deferred compensation plans for our outside directors. See Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 11, Incentive and Deferred Compensation Plans, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional details of these obligations and estimated future payments.
• Home office renovations – We have agreements with external contracting firms for renovations to office buildings that are part of our principal headquarters. Remaining commitments related to the underlying contracts total $77.5 million at December 31, 2025, of which the majority is due in the next 12 months. Additional contracts will be executed as we begin each new phase of the overall renovation projects and will be funded using our working capital. See Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 8, Fixed Assets, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional details on construction in progress costs and expected completion date.
• Other commitments – We have commitments for approximately $473 million which include agreements for various services, including information technology, support and maintenance obligations, operating leases for equipment, vehicles, and real estate, and other obligations in the ordinary course of business. We expect to make future cash payments according to the contract terms. These agreements are enforceable and legally binding and specify fixed amounts or minimum quantities to be purchased. Some agreements may contain cancellation provisions, some of which may require us to pay a termination fee. Approximately two-thirds of these commitments are due in the next 12 months. We are reimbursed from the Exchange and its insurance subsidiaries for the portion of these costs related to administrative services.
We maintain relationships and cash balances at diversified and well-capitalized financial institutions and have established processes to monitor them. We believe that our current cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to meet our current and future cash requirements.
Volatility in the financial markets presents challenges to us as we occasionally access our investment portfolio as a source of cash. Some of our fixed income investments, despite being publicly traded, may be illiquid. Additionally, if we require significant amounts of cash on short notice in excess of anticipated cash requirements, or if we are required to return cash
Table of Contents
collateral in connection with our securities lending program, we may have difficulty selling investments in a timely manner, or be forced to sell at deep discounts. We believe we have sufficient liquidity to meet our needs from sources other than the liquidation of securities.
Cash flow activities
The following table provides condensed cash flow information for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Net cash provided by operating activities was $686.7 million in 2025, compared to $611.2 million in 2024. Increased cash provided by operating activities in 2025, compared to 2024, was primarily due to an increase in management fees received of $311.1 million driven by growth in direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange and a decrease in income taxes paid of $55.9 million driven by lower taxable income compared to 2024, resulting from changes in tax legislation and increased charitable contributions. This was partially offset by increases in cash paid for agent commissions of $165.3 million driven by premium growth, and the charitable contribution to the Erie Insurance Foundation of $100 million.
Net cash used in investing activities was $439.3 million in 2025, compared to $226.9 million in 2024. Increased cash used in investing activities was primarily due to an increase in purchases, net of sales and maturities/calls, of available-for-sale securities of $226.7 million.
Net cash used in financing activities was $199.9 million in 2025, compared to $230.0 million in 2024. Decreased cash used in financing activities was primarily due to increased cash collateral received related to increased lending of securities under our securities lending program. This was partially offset by increased dividends paid to shareholders. We increased both our Class A and Class B shareholder regular quarterly dividends by 7.1% for 2025, compared to 2024.
Capital Outlook
We regularly prepare forecasts evaluating the current and future cash requirements 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.
Outside of our normal operating and investing cash activities, future funding requirements could be met through: 1) unrestricted and unpledged cash and cash equivalents, which totaled approximately $315.0 million at December 31, 2025, 2) $100 million available bank revolving line of credit, and 3) liquidation of unrestricted and unpledged assets held in our investment portfolio, including equity securities and investment grade bonds, which totaled approximately $1.1 billion at December 31, 2025. Volatility in the financial markets could impair our ability to sell certain fixed income securities or cause such securities to sell at deep discounts. Additionally, we have the ability to curtail or modify discretionary cash outlays such as those related to shareholder dividends and share repurchase activities. See Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 9, Bank Line of Credit, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information related to our bank revolving line of credit.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have entered into certain contingent obligations for guarantees. See Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information. We do not believe that these obligations will have a material current or future effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Enterprise Risk Management
The role of our Enterprise Risk Management ("ERM") function is to ensure that all significant risks are clearly identified, understood, proactively managed and consistently monitored to achieve strategic objectives for all stakeholders. Our ERM program views risk holistically across all our companies and facilitates implementation of risk responses to mitigate potential impacts. See Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" contained in this report for a list of risk factors.
Our ERM program is founded on a governance framework that includes oversight at multiple levels of our organization, including our Board of Directors and executive management. Accountability to identify, manage, and mitigate risk is
Table of Contents
embedded within all functions and areas of our business. We establish risk tolerance ranges to monitor and manage significant risks. In addition to identifying, evaluating, prioritizing, monitoring, and mitigating significant risks, our ERM process includes extreme event analyses and scenario testing. Given our defined tolerance for risk, risk model output is used to quantify the potential variability of future performance and the sufficiency of capital and liquidity levels.
TRANSACTIONS/AGREEMENTS WITH RELATED PARTIES
Board Oversight
Our Board of Directors has a broad oversight responsibility over our intercompany relationships with the Exchange. Thus, our Board of Directors may be required to make decisions or take actions that may benefit subscribers at the Exchange and the overall health of the Exchange. These actions may ultimately benefit our shareholders.
Insurance Holding Company System
Most states have enacted legislation that regulates insurance holding company systems, defined as two or more affiliated persons, one or more of which is an insurer. The Exchange has the following wholly owned property and casualty insurance subsidiaries: Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Company of New York, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, and Flagship City Insurance Company, and a wholly owned life insurance company, Erie Family Life Insurance Company. Indemnity and the Exchange, and its wholly owned subsidiaries, meet the definition of an insurance holding company system.
Transactions within a holding company system affecting the member insurers of the holding company system must be fair and reasonable and any charges or fees for services performed must be reasonable. Approval by the applicable insurance commissioner is required prior to the consummation of certain transactions affecting the members within a holding company system.
Intercompany Agreements
Subscriber's and services agreements
We serve as attorney-in-fact for the subscribers at the Exchange, a reciprocal insurance exchange. Each applicant for insurance to a reciprocal insurance exchange (a subscriber) signs a subscriber's agreement that contains an appointment of an attorney-in-fact. Through the designation of attorney-in-fact, we are required to provide policy issuance and renewal services and act as the attorney-in-fact for the subscribers at the Exchange with respect to all administrative services, as discussed previously. In accordance with the subscriber's agreement, we retain a management fee for these services calculated as a percentage of the direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange. Consistent with its legal structure as a reciprocal insurer, the Exchange does not have any employees or officers. Therefore, it enters into contractual relationships by and through the subscribers' attorney-in-fact. The Exchange's insurance subsidiaries also utilize Indemnity for all administrative services in accordance with the service agreements between each of the subsidiaries and Indemnity. The subscriber's agreement and service agreements provide for reimbursement of amounts incurred for these services to Indemnity. Reimbursements are settled at cost on a monthly basis. State insurance regulations require that intercompany service agreements and any material amendments be approved in advance by the state insurance department.
Shared facilities
The Exchange and its insurance subsidiaries have a service agreement with Indemnity to use space in Indemnity-owned properties. See Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 15, Related Party, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional details.
Cost Allocation
The allocation of costs affects our consolidated financial condition and that of the Exchange and its wholly owned insurance subsidiaries. Management's role is to determine that allocations are consistently made in accordance with the subscriber's agreement with the subscribers at the Exchange, intercompany service agreements, and applicable insurance laws and regulations. Allocation of costs under these various agreements requires judgment and interpretation by Indemnity, and such allocations are performed using a consistent methodology, which is intended to adhere to the terms and intentions of the underlying agreements.
Intercompany Receivables
We have significant receivables from the Exchange and its affiliates that result in a concentration of credit risk. These receivables include management fees due for policy issuance and renewal services performed by us under the subscriber's agreement, and certain costs we incur acting as the attorney-in-fact on behalf of the subscribers at the Exchange as well as the service provider for the Exchange's insurance subsidiaries with respect to all administrative services, as discussed previously.
Table of Contents
See Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 16, Concentrations of Credit Risk, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional details.
Other Loans Receivable
In 2023, we issued two senior secured loans totaling $13.6 million to fund a real estate development project supporting revitalization efforts in our community. Ownership in the project includes related party and unrelated investors. See Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 15, Related Party, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional details.
Erie Insurance Foundation
In 2025, we made a $100 million charitable contribution to the Erie Insurance Foundation (the "Foundation"). Certain of Indemnity's directors and employees serve as directors and officers of the Foundation. See Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 15, Related Party, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional details.
