Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

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Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


			Page Number
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 42)			39
Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019			41
Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019			42
Statements of Financial Position - December 31, 2021 and 2020			43
Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the Years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019			44
Statements of Cash Flows for the Years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019			45
Notes to Financial Statements - December 31, 2021			46

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Erie Indemnity Company

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of financial position of Erie Indemnity Company (the Company) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 24, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.


						Proportional Cost Allocation
Description of the Matter						For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company’s administrative services reimbursement revenue totaled $638.5 million. The Company’s primary function, as attorney-in-fact, is to perform certain services on behalf of the subscribers at the Erie Insurance Exchange (Exchange) and its insurance subsidiaries, in accordance with the Subscriber’s Agreement and the service agreements with each of the Exchange’s insurance subsidiaries. As explained in Note 2 of the financial statements, pursuant to approved service agreements, administrative services, which include costs associated with claims handling services, life insurance related operating activities, investment management, and operating overhead incurred by the Company on behalf of the Exchange and its insurance subsidiaries, are reimbursed to the Company at cost and recorded as administrative services reimbursement revenue. To determine the proportional cost allocation to each entity, the Company determines utilization statistics using numerous variables including, among others, employee count, square footage, vehicle count, and project hours. Auditing management’s proportional cost allocations was complex due to the number of costs that are included in the allocations and the judgment applied in determining the utilization statistics used to determine the proportional allocations to each entity.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit						We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Company’s proportional cost allocations process. This included, among others, testing management’s review controls over the determination of the utilization statistics and ultimate allocation of costs to the Exchange and its insurance subsidiaries. To test the Company’s proportional cost allocations, our procedures included, among others, evaluating that the costs included in the allocations are in accordance with the Subscriber’s Agreement and the service agreements with each of the Exchange’s insurance subsidiaries. We tested the completeness and accuracy of the costs subjected to allocation through testing of the reconciliation of the costs recorded in the source systems to the costs that are allocated. We evaluated the allocation of costs to the Exchange and its insurance subsidiaries with the costs allocated in prior periods.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2003.

Cleveland, OH

February 24, 2022

ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)


	2021		2020		2019
Operating revenue
Management fee revenue - policy issuance and renewal services	$	1,913,166	$	1,841,794	$	1,810,457
Management fee revenue - administrative services	58,286		59,463		57,204
Administrative services reimbursement revenue	638,483		609,435		582,010
Service agreement revenue	24,042		25,797		27,627
Total operating revenue	2,633,977		2,536,489		2,477,298

Operating expenses
Cost of operations - policy issuance and renewal services	1,677,397		1,588,897		1,537,949
Cost of operations - administrative services	638,483		609,435		582,010
Total operating expenses	2,315,880		2,198,332		2,119,959
Operating income	318,097		338,157		357,339

Investment income
Net investment income	62,177		29,753		34,059
Net realized and unrealized investment gains	4,946		6,392		6,103
Net impairment recoveries (losses) recognized in earnings	209		(3,278)		(195)

Total investment income	67,332		32,867		39,967

Interest expense, net	4,132		731		856
Other (expense) income	(4,893)		(1,778)		255
Income before income taxes	376,404		368,515		396,705
Income tax expense	78,544		75,211		79,884
Net income	$	297,860	$	293,304	$	316,821


Earnings Per Share
Net income per share
Class A common stock – basic	$	6.40	$	6.30	$	6.80
Class A common stock – diluted	$	5.69	$	5.61	$	6.06
Class B common stock – basic and diluted	$	959	$	945	$	1,020


Weighted average shares outstanding – Basic
Class A common stock	46,188,806		46,188,659		46,188,836
Class B common stock	2,542		2,542		2,542

Weighted average shares outstanding – Diluted
Class A common stock	52,307,302		52,313,360		52,319,860
Class B common stock	2,542		2,542		2,542

See accompanying notes to Financial Statements. See Note 13, "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)", for amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into the Statements of Operations.

ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY

STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019

(in thousands)


	2021		2020		2019
Net income	$	297,860	$	293,304	$	316,821

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Change in unrealized holding (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities	(17,112)		18,738		11,718
Pension and other postretirement plans	69,967		19,987		1,698
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	52,855		38,725		13,416

Comprehensive income	$	350,715	$	332,029	$	330,237

ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY

STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

At December 31, 2021 and 2020

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)


	2021		2020
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	183,702	$	161,240
Available-for-sale securities	38,396		17,697
Equity securities	0		19
Receivables from Erie Insurance Exchange and affiliates, net	479,123		494,637
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	56,206		52,561



Accrued investment income	6,303		6,146
Total current assets	763,730		732,300

Available-for-sale securities, net	907,689		910,539
Equity securities	87,743		94,071

Fixed assets, net	374,802		265,341
Agent loans, net	58,683		62,449
Deferred income taxes, net	145		12,341
Other assets	49,265		40,081
Total assets	$	2,242,057	$	2,117,122

Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Commissions payable	$	270,746	$	262,338
Agent bonuses	120,437		110,158
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	138,317		150,706
Dividends payable	51,693		48,200
Contract liability	34,935		36,917
Deferred executive compensation	12,637		17,319
Current portion of long-term borrowings	2,098		2,031
Total current liabilities	630,863		627,669

Defined benefit pension plans	130,383		164,346
Long-term borrowings	91,734		93,833
Contract liability	17,686		18,878
Deferred executive compensation	14,571		14,904

Other long-term liabilities	14,342		9,444
Total liabilities	899,579		929,074

Shareholders' equity
Class A common stock, stated value $0.0292 per share; 74,996,930 shares authorized; 68,299,200 shares issued; 46,189,068 shares outstanding	1,992		1,992
Class B common stock, convertible at a rate of 2,400 Class A shares for one Class B share, stated value $70 per share; 3,070 shares authorized; 2,542 shares issued and outstanding	178		178
Additional paid-in-capital	16,496		16,487
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(25,288)		(78,143)
Retained earnings	2,495,190		2,393,624
Total contributed capital and retained earnings	2,488,568		2,334,138
Treasury stock, at cost; 22,110,132 shares held	(1,167,828)		(1,163,670)
Deferred compensation	21,738		17,580
Total shareholders' equity	1,342,478		1,188,048
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	2,242,057	$	2,117,122

See accompanying notes to Financial Statements.

ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY

STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)


	Class A common stock		Class B common stock		Additional paid-in-capital		Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		Retained earnings		Treasury stock		Deferred compensation		Total shareholders' equity
Balance, December 31, 2018	$	1,992	$	178	$	16,459	$	(130,284)	$	2,231,417	$	(1,157,625)	$	11,535	$	973,672

Net income									316,821						316,821
Other comprehensive income							13,416								13,416
Dividends declared:
Class A $3.665 per share									(169,283)						(169,283)
Class B $549.75 per share									(1,397)						(1,397)
Net purchase of treasury stock (1)					24						0				24
Deferred compensation											(2,208)		2,208		0
Rabbi trust distribution (2)											923		(923)		0


Balance, December 31, 2019	$	1,992	$	178	$	16,483	$	(116,868)	$	2,377,558	$	(1,158,910)	$	12,820	$	1,133,253
Cumulative effect adjustment (3)									(1,075)						(1,075)
Net income									293,304						293,304
Other comprehensive income							38,725								38,725
Dividends declared:
Class A $5.93 per share									(273,902)						(273,902)
Class B $889.50 per share									(2,261)						(2,261)
Net purchase of treasury stock (1)					4						0				4
Deferred compensation											(5,465)		5,465		0
Rabbi trust distribution (2)											705		(705)		0
Balance, December 31, 2020	$	1,992	$	178	$	16,487	$	(78,143)	$	2,393,624	$	(1,163,670)	$	17,580	$	1,188,048
Net income									297,860						297,860
Other comprehensive income							52,855								52,855
Dividends declared:
Class A $4.215 per share									(194,687)						(194,687)
Class B $632.25 per share									(1,607)						(1,607)
Net purchase of treasury stock (1)					9						0				9
Deferred compensation											(5,131)		5,131		0
Rabbi trust distribution (2)											973		(973)		0

Balance, December 31, 2021	$	1,992	$	178	$	16,496	$	(25,288)	$	2,495,190	$	(1,167,828)	$	21,738	$	1,342,478

(1) Net purchases of treasury stock in 2019, 2020 and 2021 includes the repurchase of our Class A common stock in the open market that were subsequently distributed to satisfy stock based compensation awards. See Note 10, "Incentive and Deferred Compensation Plans".

(2) Distributions of our Class A shares were made from the rabbi trust to a retired director and an incentive compensation deferral plan participant in 2019, 2020 and 2021. See Note 10, "Incentive and Deferred Compensation Plans".

(3) The Cumulative effect adjustment in 2020 is related to the implementation of credit loss allowance accounting guidance effective January 1, 2020. See Note 2, "Significant Accounting Policies."

See accompanying notes to Financial Statements.

ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019

(in thousands)


	2021		2020		2019
Cash flows from operating activities
Management fee received	$	1,982,092	$	1,887,537	$	1,845,075
Administrative services reimbursements received	634,300		587,347		588,255
Service agreement revenue received	24,014		25,797		27,627
Net investment income received	45,830		35,740		36,442


Commissions paid to agents	(966,285)		(928,864)		(895,563)
Agents bonuses paid	(123,583)		(108,227)		(115,795)
Salaries and wages paid	(204,279)		(188,070)		(186,460)
Employee benefits paid	(32,836)		(33,098)		(42,728)
General operating expenses paid	(235,294)		(253,545)		(236,128)
Administrative services expenses paid	(632,530)		(598,753)		(582,528)
Income taxes paid	(84,494)		(82,576)		(72,817)
Interest paid	(4,141)		(693)		(853)
Net cash provided by operating activities	402,794		342,595		364,527

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of investments:
Available-for-sale securities	(380,017)		(396,014)		(956,818)
Equity securities	(58,191)		(79,518)		(66,760)

Other investments	(1,646)		(1,142)		(1,080)
Proceeds from investments:
Available-for-sale securities sales	150,153		101,718		687,347
Available-for-sale securities maturities/calls	184,820		118,852		303,798
Equity securities	64,118		70,405		16,109

Other investments	1,076		613		3,722
Purchase of fixed assets	(148,800)		(55,528)		(102,039)
Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets	—		15		777
Loans to agents	(6,382)		(10,098)		(17,611)
Collections on agent loans	9,379		7,472		7,921

Net cash used in investing activities	(185,490)		(243,225)		(124,634)

Cash flows from financing activities

Dividends paid to shareholders	(192,801)		(272,902)		(167,651)

Net payments on long-term borrowings	(2,041)		(1,967)		(1,920)
Net cash used in financing activities	(194,842)		(274,869)		(169,571)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	22,462		(175,499)		70,322
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	161,240		336,739		266,417
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$	183,702	$	161,240	$	336,739

Supplemental disclosure of noncash transactions
Liability incurred to purchase fixed assets	$	12,802	$	14,214	$	6,800
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$	3,447	$	4,943	$	35,483
Transfer of investments from other investments to equity securities	$	—	$	13,041	$	3,310

See accompanying notes to Financial Statements. See Note 17, "Supplementary Data on Cash Flows", for additional supplemental cash flow information.

ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Nature of Operations

Erie Indemnity Company ("Indemnity", "we", "us", "our") is a publicly held Pennsylvania business corporation that has since its incorporation in 1925 served as the attorney-in-fact for the subscribers (policyholders) at the Erie Insurance Exchange ("Exchange"). The Exchange, which also commenced business in 1925, is a Pennsylvania-domiciled 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 Exchange with respect to all claims handling and investment management services, as well as the service provider for all claims handling, life insurance, and investment management services for its insurance subsidiaries, collectively referred to as "administrative services". Acting as attorney-in-fact in these two capacities is done in accordance with a subscriber's agreement (a limited power of attorney) executed individually by each subscriber (policyholder), which appoints us as their common attorney-in-fact to transact certain business on their behalf. Pursuant to the subscriber's agreement for acting as attorney-in-fact in these two capacities, we earn a management fee calculated as a percentage of the direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange.

The policy issuance and renewal services we provide to the Exchange 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 additional commissions and bonuses to agents, which are earned by achieving targeted measures. Agent compensation comprised approximately 66% of our 2021 policy issuance and renewal expenses. The underwriting services we provide include underwriting and policy processing and comprised approximately 10% of our 2021 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 11% of our 2021 policy issuance and renewal expenses. Included in these expenses are allocations of costs for departments that support these policy issuance and renewal functions.

Our results of operations are tied to the growth and financial condition of the Exchange. If any events occurred that impaired the Exchange’s ability to grow or sustain its financial condition, including but not limited to reduced financial strength ratings, disruption in the independent agency relationships, significant catastrophe losses, or products not meeting customer demands, the Exchange could find it more difficult to retain its existing business and attract new business. A decline in the business of the Exchange almost certainly would have as a consequence a decline in the total premiums paid and a correspondingly adverse effect on the amount of the management fees we receive. We also have an exposure to a concentration of credit risk related to the unsecured receivables due from the Exchange for its management fee and cost reimbursements. See Note 15, "Concentrations of Credit Risk".

Coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic

In March 2020, the outbreak of the coronavirus ("COVID-19") was declared a global pandemic and pandemic conditions have created an inflationary environment which may impact estimated loss reserves and future premium rates of the Exchange. The uncertainty resulting from COVID-19 and subsequent resulting conditions continues to evolve and the ultimate impact and duration remain uncertain at this time. We are unable to predict the duration or extent of the business disruption or the financial impact given the ongoing development of the pandemic and its impacts on the economy and financial markets.

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of presentation

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently adopted accounting standards

We adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses" which applies to our receivable from Erie Insurance Exchange and affiliates, agent loans, and investments, on January 1, 2020. The guidance requires financial assets measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected through the use of a new forward-looking current expected credit loss model and credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities to be recognized through an allowance for credit losses.

For assets measured at amortized cost for which a current expected credit loss allowance was required, we adopted the guidance using the modified-retrospective approach. At January 1, 2020, we recorded current expected credit loss allowances related to agent loans of $0.8 million and receivables from Erie Insurance Exchange and affiliates of $0.6 million. This resulted in the recording of a cumulative effect adjustment, net of taxes, to retained earnings of $1.1 million. Our available-for-sale investments are not measured at amortized cost, and therefore do not require the use of a current expected credit loss model. Any credit losses, however, are required to be recorded as an allowance for credit losses rather than a reduction of the carrying value of the asset. For available-for-sale securities, we adopted the guidance using the prospective approach and recorded an initial allowance for credit losses of $0.6 million at March 31, 2020.

Cash and cash equivalents – Cash, money market accounts and other short-term, highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase, are considered cash and cash equivalents.

Investments

Available-for-sale securities – Fixed maturity debt securities and redeemable preferred stock are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value with unrealized investment gains and losses, net of income taxes, recognized in other comprehensive income. Available-for-sale securities with a remaining maturity of 12 months or less and any security that we intend to sell as of the reporting date are classified as current assets.

Available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position are evaluated to determine whether the impairment is a result of credit loss or other factors. 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. Securities that have experienced a decline in fair value that we do not intend to sell, and that we will not be required to sell before recovery, are evaluated to determine if the decline in fair value is credit related. Impairment resulting from a credit loss is recognized in earnings with a corresponding allowance on the balance sheet. Future recoveries of credit loss result in an adjustment to the allowance and earnings in the period the credit conditions improve. 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. If the qualitative review indicates credit impairment, the allowance for credit loss is measured as the amount that the security’s amortized cost exceeds the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and is limited to the amount that fair value is below amortized cost.

Equity securities – Equity securities primarily include non-redeemable preferred stocks and are reported at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses). Securities that we intend to sell as of the reporting date are classified as current assets.

Realized gains and losses and investment income – Realized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale and equity securities are recognized in income based upon the specific identification method and reported in net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses). Interest income is recognized as earned and includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount. Income is recognized based on the constant effective yield method, which includes periodically updated prepayment assumptions obtained from third party data sources on our prepaying securities. The effective yield for prepaying securities is

recalculated on a retrospective basis. Dividend income is recognized at the ex-dividend date. Interest and dividend income and the results of our limited partnership investments are reported as net investment income. We do not record an allowance for credit losses on accrued investment income as any amount deemed uncollectible is reversed from interest income in the period the expected payment defaults.

Deferred taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts in the financial statements, using the statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to settle or be realized. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period that includes the enactment date under the law. The need for valuation allowances on deferred tax assets are estimated based upon our assessment of the realizability of such amounts.

Fixed assets

Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Fixed assets are primarily comprised of software, which includes internally used capitalized software and development costs, as well as building and building improvements, equipment, furniture and fixtures, and leasehold improvements. Assets in use are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life except for leasehold improvements, which are depreciated over the shorter of their economic useful life or the lease term. Software is depreciated over periods ranging from 3-7 years, buildings and building improvements are depreciated over 20-45 years, equipment is depreciated over 3-10 years, and furniture and fixtures are depreciated over 7 years. We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Under these circumstances, if the fair value were less than the carrying amount of the asset, we would recognize a loss for the difference. We capitalize applicable interest charges incurred during the construction period of significant long-term building projects as part of the historical cost of the asset.

Agent loans

Agent loans, the majority of which are senior secured, are carried at unpaid principal balance net of a current expected credit loss allowance with interest recorded in investment income as earned. The allowance is estimated using available loss history and/or external loss rates based on comparable loan losses and considers current conditions and forecasted information. Changes to the allowance are recognized in earnings as adjustments to net impairment losses. The current portion of agent loans is recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets.

Other assets

Other assets primarily include limited partnership investments which are recorded using the equity method of accounting. Other assets also include operating lease assets and other long-term prepaid assets.

Agent bonus liability

Our more significant agent bonus plan is based upon an individual agency's property and casualty underwriting profitability and also includes a component for growth in agency property and casualty premiums if the agency's underwriting profitability targets for the book of business are met. The estimated liability for this agent bonus plan is based upon the performance over 36 months, and is modeled on a monthly basis using actual underwriting results for the two prior years and current year-to-date actual results and forecasted results for the remainder of the year. Our second agent bonus plan is based on an agency's one-year underwriting profitability and uses a similar model but considers actual and forecasted results for a calendar year only. At December 31 of each year, we use actual data available and record an accrual based upon the expected payment amount. These costs are included in cost of operations - policy issuance and renewal services.

Recognition of management fee revenue

We earn management fees from the Exchange under the subscriber’s agreement for services provided. Pursuant to the subscriber’s agreement, we may retain up to 25% of all direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange. The management fee rate is set at least annually by our Board of Directors. The management fee revenue is calculated by multiplying the management fee rate by the direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange and is allocated between the two performance obligations we have under the subscriber's agreement. The first performance obligation is to provide policy issuance and renewal services. The second performance obligation is acting as the attorney-in-fact with respect to the administrative services.

Management fee revenue allocated to the policy issuance and renewal services is recognized at the time of policy issuance or renewal, because it is at the time of policy issuance or renewal when the economic benefit of the service we provide (the substantially completed policy issuance or renewal service) and the control of the promised asset (the executed insurance policy) transfers to the customer.

Management fee revenue allocated to the second performance obligation relates to us acting as the attorney-in-fact on behalf of the Exchange, as well as the service provider for its insurance subsidiaries, with respect to the administrative services and is recognized over a four-year period representing the time over which the economic benefit of the services provided (i.e. management of the administrative services) transfers to the customer.

Administrative services

By virtue of 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 an attorney-in-fact. Indemnity serves as the attorney-in-fact on behalf of the Exchange with respect to its administrative services in accordance with 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. Included in these expenses are allocations of costs for departments that support these administrative functions. Common overhead expenses and certain service department costs incurred by us on behalf of the Exchange and its insurance subsidiaries are reimbursed by the proper entity based upon relevant utilization statistics (employee count, square footage, vehicle count, project hours, etc.) specifically measured to accomplish proportional allocations, which we believe are reasonable. The expenses we incur and related reimbursements we receive for administrative services are presented gross in our Statement of Operations. Reimbursements are settled on a monthly basis. The amounts incurred for these services are reimbursed to Indemnity at cost in accordance with the subscriber's agreement and the service agreements. State insurance regulations require that intercompany service agreements and any material amendments be approved in advance by the state insurance department.

Recognition of service agreement revenue

Service agreement revenue primarily consists of service charges we collect from policyholders for providing multiple payment plans on policies written by the Exchange and its property and casualty subsidiaries. Service charges, which are flat dollar charges for each installment billed beyond the first installment, are recognized as revenue when bills are rendered to the policyholder. Service agreement revenue also includes late payment and policy reinstatement fees, which are also recognized as revenue when bills are rendered to the policyholder. We also have a service agreement with the Exchange for the use of shared office space. Revenue related to this agreement is recognized at the time the space is used based on relevant utilization statistics.

Reclassification

Certain amounts previously reported in the 2020 financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes to conform to the current period’s presentation. "Federal income taxes recoverable" is now included in "Prepaid expenses and other current assets" in the Statements of Financial Position.

Note 3. Revenue

The majority of our revenue is derived from the subscriber’s agreement between us and the subscribers (policyholders) at the Exchange. Pursuant to the subscriber’s agreement, we earn a management fee calculated as a percentage, not to exceed 25%, of all direct and affiliated assumed written premiums of the Exchange. We allocate a portion of our management fee revenue, currently 25% of the direct and affiliated assumed written premiums of the Exchange, between the two performance obligations we have under the subscriber’s agreement. The first performance obligation is to provide policy issuance and renewal services to the subscribers (policyholders) at the Exchange, and the second is to act as attorney-in-fact on behalf of the Exchange, as well as the service provider for its insurance subsidiaries, with respect to all administrative services.

The transaction price, including management fee revenue and administrative service 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. 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 policyholders cancel their insurance coverage mid-term and premiums are refunded to them. The constraining estimate is determined using the expected value method, based on both historical and current information. The estimated transaction price, as reduced by the constraint, reflects consideration expected for performance of our 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.

The first performance obligation is to provide policy issuance and renewal services that result in executed insurance policies between the Exchange or one of its insurance subsidiaries and the subscriber (policyholder). The subscriber (policyholder), receives economic benefits when substantially all the policy issuance or renewal services are complete and an insurance policy is issued or renewed by the Exchange or one of its insurance subsidiaries. It is at the time of policy issuance or renewal that the allocated portion of revenue is recognized.

The Exchange, by virtue of its legal structure as a reciprocal insurer, does not have any employees or officers. Therefore, it enters into contractual relationships by and through an attorney-in-fact. Indemnity serves as the attorney-in-fact on behalf of the Exchange with respect to its administrative services in accordance with 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. Collectively, these services represent a second performance obligation under the subscriber’s agreement and the service agreements. The revenue allocated to this performance obligation is recognized over a four year period representing the time over which these services are provided. The portion of revenue not yet earned is recorded as a contract liability in the Statements of Financial Position. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, Indemnity recognized revenue of $36.9 million, $35.9 million, and $33.9 million, respectively, that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the respective periods. The administrative services expenses we incur and the related reimbursements we receive are recorded gross in the Statement of Operations.

Indemnity records a receivable from the Exchange for management fee revenue when the premium is written or assumed from affiliates by the Exchange. Indemnity collects the management fee from the Exchange when the Exchange collects the premiums from the subscribers (policyholders). As the Exchange issues policies with annual terms only, cash collections generally occur within one year.

The following table disaggregates revenue by our two performance obligations for the years ended December 31:


(in thousands)	2021		2020		2019
Management fee revenue - policy issuance and renewal services	$	1,913,166	$	1,841,794	$	1,810,457

Management fee revenue - administrative services	58,286		59,463		57,204
Administrative services reimbursement revenue	638,483		609,435		582,010
Total administrative services	$	696,769	$	668,898	$	639,214

Note 4. Earnings Per Share

Class A and Class B basic earnings per share and Class B diluted earnings per share are calculated under the two-class method. The two-class method allocates earnings to each class of stock based upon its dividend rights. Class B shares are convertible into Class A shares at a conversion ratio of 2,400 to 1. See Note 12, "Capital Stock".

Class A diluted earnings per share are calculated under the if-converted method, which reflects the conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares. Diluted earnings per share calculations include the dilutive effect of assumed issuance of stock-based awards under compensation plans that have the option to be paid in stock using the treasury stock method. See Note 10, "Incentive and Deferred Compensation Plans".

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in the basic and diluted per-share computations is presented as follows for each class of common stock:



(dollars in thousands, except per share data)						For the years ended December 31,
	2021					2020					2019
	Allocated net income (numerator)		Weighted shares (denominator)	Per- share amount		Allocated net income (numerator)		Weighted shares (denominator)	Per- share amount		Allocated net income (numerator)		Weighted shares (denominator)	Per- share amount
Class A – Basic EPS:
Income available to Class A stockholders	$	295,421	46,188,806	$	6.40	$	290,902	46,188,659	$	6.30	$	314,227	46,188,836	$	6.80
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	0		17,696	—		0		23,901	—		0		30,224	—
Assumed conversion of Class B shares	2,439		6,100,800	—		2,402		6,100,800	—		2,594		6,100,800	—
Class A – Diluted EPS:
Income available to Class A stockholders on Class A equivalent shares	$	297,860	52,307,302	$	5.69	$	293,304	52,313,360	$	5.61	$	316,821	52,319,860	$	6.06
Class B – Basic EPS:
Income available to Class B stockholders	$	2,439	2,542	$	959	$	2,402	2,542	$	945	$	2,594	2,542	$	1,020
Class B – Diluted EPS:
Income available to Class B stockholders	$	2,438	2,542	$	959	$	2,401	2,542	$	945	$	2,593	2,542	$	1,020

Note 5. Fair Value

Financial instruments carried at fair value

Our available-for-sale and equity securities are recorded at fair value, which is the price that would be received to sell the asset in an orderly transaction between willing market participants as of the measurement date.

Valuation techniques used to derive the fair value of our available-for-sale and equity securities are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs reflect our own assumptions regarding fair market value for these securities. Financial instruments are categorized based upon the following characteristics or inputs to the valuation techniques:

Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity can access at the measurement date.
Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

Estimates of fair values for our investment portfolio are obtained primarily from a nationally recognized pricing service. Our Level 1 securities are valued using an exchange traded price provided by the pricing service. Pricing service valuations for Level 2 securities include multiple verifiable, observable inputs including benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data. Pricing service valuations for Level 3 securities are based upon proprietary models and are used when observable inputs are not available or in illiquid markets.

Although virtually all of our prices are obtained from third party sources, we also perform internal pricing reviews, including evaluating the methodology and inputs used to ensure that we determine the proper classification level of the financial instrument and reviewing securities with price changes that vary significantly from current market conditions or independent price sources. Price variances are investigated and corroborated by market data and transaction volumes. We have reviewed the pricing methodologies of our pricing service as well as other observable inputs and believe that the prices adequately consider market activity in determining fair value.

In limited circumstances we adjust the price received from the pricing service when, in our judgment, a better reflection of fair value is available based upon corroborating information and our knowledge and monitoring of market conditions such as a disparity in price of comparable securities and/or non-binding broker quotes. In other circumstances, certain securities are internally priced because prices are not provided by the pricing service.

When a price from the pricing service is not available, values are determined by obtaining broker/dealer quotes and/or market comparables. When available, we obtain multiple quotes for the same security. The ultimate value for these securities is determined based upon our best estimate of fair value using corroborating market information. As of December 31, 2021, nearly all of our available-for-sale and equity securities were priced using a third party pricing service.

The following tables present our fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input as of:



	December 31, 2021

(in thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

Available-for-sale securities:



Corporate debt securities	$	573,165	$	0	$	567,909	$	5,256
Collateralized debt obligations	115,462		0		115,462		0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	89,324		0		73,596		15,728
Residential mortgage-backed securities	139,922		0		131,108		8,814
Other debt securities	23,920		0		23,920		0
U.S. Treasury	4,292		0		4,292		0
Total available-for-sale securities	946,085		0		916,287		29,798
Equity securities:
Financial services sector	71,722		1,624		68,015		2,083
Utilities sector	6,259		0		6,259		0
Energy sector	6,448		10		6,438		0
Consumer sector	3,314		0		3,314		0


Total equity securities	87,743		1,634		84,026		2,083
Total	$	1,033,828	$	1,634	$	1,000,313	$	31,881



	December 31, 2020

(in thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

Available-for-sale securities:



Corporate debt securities	$	566,425	$	1,281	$	559,319	$	5,825
Collateralized debt obligations	110,447		0		110,447		0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	120,201		0		100,739		19,462
Residential mortgage-backed securities	112,179		0		111,242		937
Other debt securities	18,984		0		18,984		0

Total available-for-sale securities	928,236		1,281		900,731		26,224
Equity securities:
Financial services sector	76,575		24,981		51,594		0
Utilities sector	8,742		3,957		4,785		0
Energy sector	2,206		676		1,530		0
Consumer sector	3,068		576		2,492		0
Communications sector	2,699		2,699		0		0
Industrial sector	800		800		0		0
Total equity securities	94,090		33,689		60,401		0
Total	$	1,022,326	$	34,970	$	961,132	$	26,224

We review the fair value hierarchy classifications each reporting period. Transfers between hierarchy levels may occur due to changes in available market observable inputs.

Level 3 Assets – Year-to-Date Change:



(in thousands)	Beginning balance at December 31, 2020		Included in earnings(1)		Included in other comprehensive income		Purchases		Sales		Transfers into Level 3(2)		Transfers out of Level 3(2)		Ending balance at December 31, 2021
Available-for-sale securities:



Corporate debt securities	$	5,825	$	34	$	68	$	5,502	$	(2,681)	$	4,290	$	(7,782)	$	5,256
Collateralized debt obligations	0		0		0		750		0		0		(750)		0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	19,462		(375)		(782)		3,073		(5,378)		11,933		(12,205)		15,728
Residential mortgage-backed securities	937		(5)		(69)		576		(2,229)		12,692		(3,088)		8,814
Other debt securities	0		0		0		2,588		(832)		0		(1,756)		0
Total available-for-sale securities	26,224		(346)		(783)		12,489		(11,120)		28,915		(25,581)		29,798
Equity securities	0		(5)		0		1,000		0		2,183		(1,095)		2,083
Total Level 3 securities	$	26,224	$	(351)	$	(783)	$	13,489	$	(11,120)	$	31,098	$	(26,676)	$	31,881

Level 3 Assets – Year-to-Date Change:



(in thousands)	Beginning balance at December 31, 2019		Included in earnings(1)		Included in other comprehensive income		Purchases		Sales		Transfers into Level 3(2)		Transfers out of Level 3(2)		Ending balance at December 31, 2020
Available-for-sale securities:



Corporate debt securities	$	8,324	$	(2)	$	(156)	$	7,180	$	(1,405)	$	10,526	$	(18,642)	$	5,825
Collateralized debt obligations	0		0		3		247		0		0		(250)		0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	3,321		(183)		913		12,281		(2,334)		39,591		(34,127)		19,462
Residential mortgage-backed securities	0		(19)		(48)		287		(1,539)		11,496		(9,240)		937

Total available-for-sale securities	11,645		(204)		712		19,995		(5,278)		61,613		(62,259)		26,224
Equity securities	0		151		0		2,836		0		0		(2,987)		0
Total Level 3 securities	$	11,645	$	(53)	$	712	$	22,831	$	(5,278)	$	61,613	$	(65,246)	$	26,224

(1) These amounts are reported as net investment income and net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) for each of the periods presented above.

(2) Transfers into and/or (out) of Level 3 are primarily attributable to the availability of market observable information and the re-evaluation of the observability of pricing inputs.

Financial instruments not carried at fair value

The following table presents the carrying values and fair values of financial instruments categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy that are recorded at carrying value as of:



	December 31, 2021				December 31, 2020
(in thousands)	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value

Agent loans (1)	$	66,368	$	68,957	$	69,212	$	73,854
Long-term borrowings (2)	94,070		103,981		96,113		113,054

*(1)*The discount rate used to calculate fair value at December 31, 2021 is reflective of a decrease in the BB+ financial yield curve.

*(2)*The discount rate used to calculate fair value at December 31, 2021 is reflective of an increase in U.S. Treasury bond yields.

Note 6. Investments

Available-for-sale securities

See Note 5, "Fair Value" for additional fair value disclosures. The following tables summarize the cost and fair value, net of credit loss allowance, of our available-for-sale securities as of:



	December 31, 2021
(in thousands)	Amortized cost		Gross unrealized gains		Gross unrealized losses		Estimated fair value



Corporate debt securities	$	565,997	$	9,663	$	2,495	$	573,165
Collateralized debt obligations	115,344		456		338		115,462
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	88,636		1,465		777		89,324
Residential mortgage-backed securities	140,217		1,007		1,302		139,922
Other debt securities	23,859		197		136		23,920
U.S. Treasury	4,226		73		7		4,292
Total available-for-sale securities, net	$	938,279	$	12,861	$	5,055	$	946,085



	December 31, 2020
(in thousands)	Amortized cost		Gross unrealized gains		Gross unrealized losses		Estimated fair value



Corporate debt securities	$	546,096	$	21,843	$	1,514	$	566,425
Collateralized debt obligations	110,121		657		331		110,447
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	115,346		5,090		235		120,201
Residential mortgage-backed securities	108,840		3,373		34		112,179
Other debt securities	18,387		606		9		18,984

Total available-for-sale securities, net	$	898,790	$	31,569	$	2,123	$	928,236

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2021, are shown below by remaining contractual term to maturity. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.



	December 31, 2021
	Amortized		Estimated
(in thousands)	cost		fair value

Due in one year or less	$	38,061	$	38,396
Due after one year through five years	409,379		414,588
Due after five years through ten years	195,937		197,733
Due after ten years	294,902		295,368
Total available-for-sale securities	$	938,279	$	946,085

The below securities have been evaluated and determined to be temporary declines in fair value for which we expect to recover our entire principal plus interest. The following tables present available-for-sale securities based on length of time in a gross unrealized loss position as of:



	December 31, 2021
	Less than 12 months				12 months or longer				Total
	Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		No. of
(dollars in thousands)	value		losses		value		losses		value		losses		holdings


Corporate debt securities	$	179,281	$	1,912	$	12,494	$	583	$	191,775	$	2,495	441
Collateralized debt obligations	64,270		278		9,370		60		73,640		338		104
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	28,001		595		917		182		28,918		777		61
Residential mortgage-backed securities	89,460		1,278		441		24		89,901		1,302		98
Other debt securities	14,576		136		0		0		14,576		136		24
U.S. Treasury	388		7		0		0		388		7		1
Total available-for-sale securities	$	375,976	$	4,206	$	23,222	$	849	$	399,198	$	5,055	729
Quality breakdown of available-for-sale securities:
Investment grade	$	330,697	$	3,801	$	17,112	$	434	$	347,809	$	4,235	366
Non-investment grade	45,279		405		6,110		415		51,389		820		363
Total available-for-sale securities	$	375,976	$	4,206	$	23,222	$	849	$	399,198	$	5,055	729



	December 31, 2020
	Less than 12 months				12 months or longer				Total
	Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		No. of
(dollars in thousands)	value		losses		value		losses		value		losses		holdings


Corporate debt securities	$	39,693	$	644	$	7,952	$	870	$	47,645	$	1,514	257
Collateralized debt obligations	50,036		232		10,899		99		60,935		331		65
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	16,582		235		0		0		16,582		235		31
Residential mortgage-backed securities	8,163		34		0		0		8,163		34		13
Other debt securities	1,019		9		0		0		1,019		9		4

Total available-for-sale securities	$	115,493	$	1,154	$	18,851	$	969	$	134,344	$	2,123	370
Quality breakdown of available-for-sale securities:
Investment grade	$	86,807	$	561	$	10,899	$	99	$	97,706	$	660	119
Non-investment grade	28,686		593		7,952		870		36,638		1,463		251
Total available-for-sale securities	$	115,493	$	1,154	$	18,851	$	969	$	134,344	$	2,123	370

Credit loss allowance on investments

The current expected credit loss allowance on agent loans was $1.0 million and $1.1 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The current expected credit loss on available-for-sale securities was less than $0.1 million and $0.2 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Net investment income

Investment income (loss), net of expenses, was generated from the following portfolios for the years ended December 31:




(in thousands)	2021		2020		2019

Available-for-sale securities	$	23,795	$	22,631	$	22,496
Equity securities	4,321		4,147		1,418
Limited partnerships (1)	31,701		(602)		660
Cash equivalents and other	3,609		5,038		10,546
Total investment income	63,426		31,214		35,120
Less: investment expenses	1,249		1,461		1,061
Investment income, net of expenses	$	62,177	$	29,753	$	34,059

*(1)*Equity in earnings (losses) of limited partnerships includes both realized gains (losses) and unrealized valuation changes. Our limited partnership investments are included in the line item "Other assets" in the Statements of Financial Position. We have made no new significant limited partnership commitments since 2006, and the balance of limited partnership investments is expected to decline over time as additional distributions are received.

Realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments were as follows for the years ended December 31:




(in thousands)	2021		2020		2019
Available-for-sale securities:

Gross realized gains	$	6,884	$	3,920	$	6,258
Gross realized losses	(1,753)		(2,585)		(1,639)
Net realized gains on available-for-sale securities	5,131		1,335		4,619



Equity securities	(186)		5,056		1,484









Miscellaneous	1		1		0




Net realized and unrealized investment gains	$	4,946	$	6,392	$	6,103

The portion of net unrealized gains and losses recognized during the reporting period related to equity securities held at the reporting date is calculated as follows for the years ended December 31:



(in thousands)	2021		2020		2019
Equity securities:
Net (losses) gains recognized during the period	$	(186)	$	5,056	$	1,484
Less: net (losses) gains recognized on securities sold	(76)		(469)		360
Net unrealized (losses) gains recognized on securities held at reporting date	$	(110)	$	5,525	$	1,124

Net impairment recoveries (losses) recognized in earnings

Upon adoption of ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, impairments on available-for-sale securities that are deemed to be credit related are recognized in earnings with a corresponding available-for-sale security allowance. All unrealized losses related to factors other than credit are recorded in other comprehensive income. Prior to January 1, 2020, we had the intent to sell all credit-impaired available-for-sale securities; therefore, the entire amount of the impairment charges was included in earnings and no impairments were recognized in other comprehensive income. See also Note 2, "Significant Accounting Policies".

Impairments on available-for-sale securities and agent loans were as follows for the years ended December 31:



(in thousands)	2021		2020		2019
Available-for-sale securities:
Intent to sell	$	(10)	$	(2,274)	$	(195)
Credit recovered (impaired)	67		(707)		—
Total available-for-sale securities	57		(2,981)		(195)
Agent loans - expected credit recoveries (losses)	152		(297)		—
Net impairment recoveries (losses) recognized in earnings	$	209	$	(3,278)	$	(195)

Note 7. Fixed Assets

The following table summarizes our fixed assets by category as of December 31:


(in thousands)	2021		2020
Software	$	259,586	$	196,139
Land, buildings, and building improvements	211,624		121,332
Equipment	42,295		37,426
Furniture and fixtures	21,694		20,998
Leasehold improvements	1,342		1,313
Projects in progress	34,569		47,277

Total fixed assets, gross	571,110		424,485
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(196,308)		(159,144)
Fixed assets, net	$	374,802	$	265,341

Software increased primarily due to internally developed software projects completed and placed in production related to providing commercial lines new product processing capabilities as well as mainframe and billing software.

On December 31, 2021, we purchased the home office properties from the Exchange at the current appraised value of $97.5 million in order to align the ownership interest of these facilities with the functions being performed at the home office campus which are mainly Indemnity's management operations. See Note 14, "Related Party". In 2020, the construction of a new office building serving as part of our principal headquarters was completed. The building was financed using a senior secured draw term loan credit facility. See Note 8, "Borrowing Arrangements". Interest capitalized during construction was $3.5 million and $3.4 million, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Projects in progress include certain computer software and software developments costs for internal use that are not yet subject to amortization.

Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets totaled $37.2 million, $21.2 million and $16.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and is included in cost of operations - policy issuance and renewal services.

Note 8. Borrowing Arrangements

Bank Line of Credit

As of December 31, 2021, we have access to a $100 million bank revolving line of credit with a $25 million letter of credit sublimit that expires on October 29, 2026. As of December 31, 2021, a total of $99.1 million remains available under the facility due to $0.9 million outstanding letters of credit, which reduces the availability for letters of credit to $24.1 million. We had no borrowings outstanding on our line of credit as of December 31, 2021. Investments with a fair value of $120.9 million were pledged as collateral on the line at December 31, 2021. The investments pledged as collateral have no trading restrictions and are reported as available-for-sale securities and cash and cash equivalents on our Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 2021. The bank requires compliance with certain covenants, which include leverage ratios and debt restrictions, for our line of credit. We are in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2021.

Term Loan Credit Facility

In 2016, we entered into a credit agreement for a $100 million senior secured draw term loan credit facility ("Credit Facility") for the acquisition of real property and construction of an office building that now serves as part of our principal headquarters. On January 1, 2019, the Credit Facility converted to a fully-amortized term loan with monthly payments of principal and interest at a fixed rate of 4.35% over a period of 28 years. Investments with a fair value of $120.3 million were pledged as collateral for the facility and are reported as available-for-sale securities and cash and cash equivalents on our Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 2021. The bank requires compliance with certain covenants, which include leverage ratios, debt restrictions and minimum net worth, for our Credit Facility. We are in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2021.

The remaining unpaid balance from the Credit Facility is reported at carrying value, net of unamortized loan origination and commitment fees, as long-term borrowings on our Statements of Financial Position. See Note 5, "Fair Value" for the estimated fair value of these borrowings.

Annual principal payments

The following table sets forth future principal and interest payments:


(in thousands)
Year		Principal payments	Interest payments		Total
2022	$	2,098	$	4,085	$	6,183
2023		2,226	3,957		6,183
2024		2,302	3,881		6,183
2025		2,448	3,735		6,183
2026		2,556	3,627		6,183
Thereafter		82,440	41,108		123,548

Note 9. Postretirement Benefits

Pension plans

Our pension plans consist of a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees and an unfunded supplemental employee retirement plan ("SERP") for certain members of executive and senior management. The pension plans provide benefits to covered individuals satisfying certain age and service requirements. The defined benefit pension plan and SERP each provide benefits through a final average earnings formula.

Although we are the sponsor of these postretirement plans and record the funded status of these plans, the Exchange and its subsidiaries reimburse us for approximately 58% of the annual benefit expense of these plans, which represents pension benefits for employees performing administrative services and their allocated share of costs for employees in departments that support the administrative functions. For our funded pension plan, amounts are settled in cash for the portion of pension costs allocated to the Exchange and its subsidiaries. For our unfunded plans, we pay the obligations when due and amounts are settled in cash between entities when there is a payout.

Cost of pension plans

Pension plan cost includes the following components:


(in thousands)
	2021		2020		2019
Service cost for benefits earned	$	53,041	$	43,492	$	33,854
Interest cost on benefit obligation	36,824		37,578		39,306
Expected return on plan assets	(50,275)		(49,411)		(47,484)
Prior service cost amortization	1,428		1,343		1,394
Net actuarial loss amortization	16,106		12,125		5,113

Pension plan cost (1)	$	57,124	$	45,127	$	32,183

(1) Pension plan costs represent the total cost before reimbursements to Indemnity from the Exchange and its subsidiaries. The components of pension plan costs other than the service cost components are included in the line item "Other (expense) income" in the Statements of Operations after reimbursements from the Exchange and its subsidiaries.

Actuarial assumptions

The following table describes the assumptions at December 31 used to measure the year-end obligations and the net periodic benefit costs for the subsequent year:


	2021		2020		2019		2018

Employee pension plan:
Discount rate	3.16	%	2.96	%	3.59	%	4.47	%
Expected return on assets	5.50		6.00		6.00		6.75
Compensation increases (1)	3.21		3.21		3.21		3.32

SERP:
Discount rate – pre-retirement/post-retirement (2)	3.11		2.86		3.59/3.09		4.47/3.97
Rate of compensation increase	5.00		5.00		5.00		5.00

(1) The rate of compensation increase for the employee plan is age-graded. An equivalent single compensation increase rate of 3.21% in 2021, 2020 and 2019 would produce similar results.

(2) In 2020, the SERP discount rate methodology was revised to utilize SERP specific cash outflows independent of the employee pension plan discount rate, eliminating a difference between pre-retirement and post-retirement rates.

The economic assumptions that have the most impact on the postretirement benefits expense are the discount rate and the long-term rate of return on plan assets. The discount rate assumption used to determine the benefit obligation for all periods presented was based upon a yield curve developed from corporate bond yield information.

The pension plan's expected long-term rate of return 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 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.

Funding policy/funded status

In 2018, we made accelerated pension contributions totaling $80 million. Following our 2018 contributions, we would not expect to make a subsequent contribution until the sum of the target normal costs for plan years beginning on and after December 31, 2017 exceeds $80 million, or earlier if a contribution is necessary to fund the plan to 100%. At that time, our funding policy will again generally be to contribute an amount equal to the greater of the target normal cost for the plan year, or the amount necessary to fund the plan to 100%. Additional contributions may be necessary or desirable due to future plan changes, our particular business or investment strategy, or pending law changes. The following table sets forth the funded status of the pension plans and the amounts recognized in the Statements of Financial Position at December 31:


(in thousands)
	2021		2020

Funded status at end of year	$	(132,411)	$	(165,098)

Pension liabilities – due within one year (1)	$	(2,028)	$	(752)
Pension liabilities – due after one year	(130,383)		(164,346)
Net amount recognized	$	(132,411)	$	(165,098)

(1) The current portion of pension liabilities is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

Benefit obligations

Benefit obligations are described in the following tables. Accumulated and projected benefit obligations represent the obligations of a pension plan for past service as of the measurement date. The accumulated benefit obligation is the present value of pension benefits earned as of the measurement date based on employee service and compensation prior to that date. It differs from the projected benefit obligation in that the accumulated benefit obligation includes no assumptions to reflect expected future compensation. The following table sets forth a reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of the projected benefit obligation, as well as the accumulated benefit obligation at December 31:


(in thousands)
	2021		2020
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	$	1,246,159	$	1,054,467
Service cost for benefits earned	53,041		43,492
Interest cost on benefit obligation	36,824		37,578
Plan amendments	4,059		—
Actuarial (gain) loss	(38,400)		134,470
Benefits paid	(29,029)		(23,848)

Projected benefit obligation, end of year	$	1,272,654	$	1,246,159

Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year	$	1,037,820	$	1,006,884

Projected benefit obligations increased $26.5 million at December 31, 2021 compared to December 31, 2020 due primarily to anticipated plan progression partially offset by actuarial gains resulting from the higher discount rate used to measure the future benefit obligations. The discount rate increased to 3.16% in 2021 from 2.96% in 2020. The plan amendments during 2021 are due to the addition of four new participants to the SERP since December 31, 2020.

Both the defined benefit plan and the SERP had projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31:


(in thousands)	Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets
	2021		2020
Projected benefit obligation	$	1,272,654	$	1,246,159

Plan assets	1,140,243		1,081,061

The SERP had accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31:


(in thousands)	Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets
	2021		2020

Accumulated benefit obligation	$	29,190	$	26,462
Plan assets	—		—

Pension assets

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of the fair value of plan assets at December 31:


(in thousands)
	2021		2020
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$	1,081,061	$	907,625
Actual gain on plan assets	86,966		195,713
Employer contributions	1,245		1,571
Benefits paid	(29,029)		(23,848)

Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$	1,140,243	$	1,081,061

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Net actuarial loss and prior service cost included in accumulated other comprehensive loss that were not yet recognized as components of net benefit costs were as follows:


(in thousands)
	2021		2020
Net actuarial loss	$	27,524	$	118,721
Prior service cost	12,201		9,570
Net amount not yet recognized	$	39,725	$	128,291

Other comprehensive income

Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income for pension plans were as follows:


(in thousands)
	2021		2020
Net actuarial gain arising during the year	$	(75,091)	$	(11,832)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	(16,106)		(12,125)
Amortization of prior service cost	(1,428)		(1,343)
Amendments (1)	4,059		—

Total recognized in other comprehensive income	$	(88,566)	$	(25,300)

(1) In 2021, there were four new SERP participants.

Asset allocation

The employee pension plan utilizes a return seeking and a liability asset matching allocation strategy. It is based upon the understanding that 1) equity investments are expected to outperform debt investments over the long-term, 2) the potential volatility of short-term returns from equities is acceptable in exchange for the larger expected long-term returns, and 3) a portfolio structured across investment styles and markets (both domestic and foreign) reduces volatility. As a result, the employee pension plan's investment portfolio utilizes a broadly diversified asset allocation across domestic and foreign equity and debt markets. The investment portfolio is composed of commingled pools and a separate account that are dedicated exclusively to the management of employee benefit plan assets.

The target and actual asset allocations for the portfolio are as follows for the years ended December 31:



	Target asset allocation			Target asset allocation		Actual asset allocation		Actual asset allocation
Asset allocation:	2021			2020		2021		2020
Equity securities:
U.S. equity securities	27	%	(1)	27	%	27	%	28	%
Non-U.S. equity securities	18		(2)	18		18		18
Total equity securities	45			45		45		46
Debt securities	54		(3)	54		54		53
Other	1		(4)	1		1		1
Total	100	%		100	%	100	%	100	%

(1) U.S. equity securities – 21% seek to achieve excess returns relative to the Russell 2000 Index. The remaining 79% of the allocation to U.S. equity securities are comprised of equity index funds that track the S&P 500.

(2) Non-U.S. equity securities – 11% are allocated to international small cap investments, while another 20% are allocated to international emerging market investments. The remaining 69% of the Non-U.S. equity securities are allocated to investments seeking to achieve excess returns relative to an international market index.

(3) Debt securities – 34% are allocated to long U.S. Treasury Strips, 66% are allocated to U.S. corporate bonds with an emphasis on long duration bonds rated A or better.

(4) Institutional money market fund.

The following tables present fair value measurements for the pension plan assets by major category and level of input as of:



	December 31, 2021
	Fair value measurements of plan assets using:
(in thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Equity securities:
U.S. equity securities	$	305,440	$	0	$	305,440	$	0
Non-U.S. equity securities	200,949		139,688		61,261		0
Total equity securities	506,389		139,688		366,701		0
Debt securities	620,337		0		620,337		0
Other	13,517		13,517		0		0
Total	$	1,140,243	$	153,205	$	987,038	$	0



	December 31, 2020
	Fair value measurements of plan assets using:
(in thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Equity securities:
U.S. equity securities	$	296,624	$	0	$	296,624	$	0
Non-U.S. equity securities	196,971		134,841		62,130		0
Total equity securities	493,595		134,841		358,754		0
Debt securities	574,910		0		574,910		0
Other	12,556		12,556		0		0
Total	$	1,081,061	$	147,397	$	933,664	$	0

Estimates of fair values of the pension plan assets are obtained primarily from the trustee and custodian of our pension plan. Our Level 1 category includes a money market mutual fund and a separate account for which the fair value is determined using an exchange traded price provided by the trustee and custodian. Our Level 2 category includes commingled pools. Estimates of fair values for securities held by our commingled pools are obtained primarily from the trustee and custodian. Trustee and custodian valuation methodologies for Level 2 securities include multiple verifiable, observable inputs including benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuers spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data.

Estimated future benefit payments

The following table sets forth amounts of benefits expected to be paid over the next 10 years from our pension plans as of:


(in thousands)
Year ending December 31,		Expected future benefit payments
2022	$	29,730
2023		33,975
2024		36,025
2025		39,813
2026		42,218
2027 - 2031		265,680

Employee savings plan

All full-time and regular part-time employees are eligible to participate in a qualified 401(k) savings plan. We match 100% of the participant contributions up to 3% of compensation and 50% of participant contributions over 3% and up to 5% of compensation. Matching contributions paid to the plan were $16.1 million in 2021, $15.8 million in 2020, and $14.9 million in 2019. The Exchange and its subsidiaries reimbursed us for approximately 59% of the matching contributions. Employees are permitted to invest the employer-matching contributions in our Class A common stock. Employees, other than executive and senior officers, may sell the shares at any time without restriction, provided they are in compliance with applicable insider trading laws; sales by executive and senior officers are subject to additional pre-clearance restrictions imposed by our insider trading policies. The plan acquires shares in the open market necessary to meet the obligations of the plan. Plan participants held 0.2 million shares of our Class A common stock at December 31, 2021 and 2020.

Note 10. Incentive and Deferred Compensation Plans

We have two incentive plans and two deferred compensation plans for our executives, senior vice presidents and other selected officers, and two deferred compensation plans for our outside directors.

Annual incentive plan

Our annual incentive plan ("AIP") is a bonus plan that pays cash to our executives, senior vice presidents and other selected officers annually. Participants can elect to defer up to 100% of the award under either the deferred compensation plan or the incentive compensation deferral plan. If the funding qualifier is met, plan participants are eligible to receive the incentive based upon attainment of corporate and individual performance measures, which can include various financial measures. The measures are established at the beginning of each year by the Executive Compensation and Development Committee of our Board of Directors ("ECDC"), with ultimate approval by the full Board of Directors. The corporate performance measures included the growth in direct written premium and statutory combined ratio of the Exchange and its property and casualty subsidiaries for all periods presented.

Long-term incentive plan

Our long-term incentive plan ("LTIP") is a performance based incentive plan designed to reward executives, senior vice presidents and other selected officers who can have a significant impact on our long-term performance and to further align the interests of such employees with those of our shareholders. The LTIP permits grants of performance shares or units, or phantom shares to be satisfied with shares of our Class A common stock or cash payment as determined by the ECDC. Participants can elect to defer up to 100% of the award under the incentive compensation deferral plan. The ECDC determines the form of the award to be granted at the beginning of each performance period, which is generally a three-year period. The number of shares of the Company's common stock authorized for grant under the LTIP is 1.5 million shares, with no one person able to receive more than 250,000 shares or the equivalent of $5 million during any one performance period. We repurchase our Class A common stock on the open market to settle stock awards under the plan. We do not issue new shares of common stock to settle stock awards. LTIP awards are considered vested at the end of each applicable performance period.

The LTIP provides the recipient the right to earn performance shares or units, or phantom stock based on the level of achievement of performance goals as defined by us. Performance measures and a peer group of property and casualty companies to be used for comparison are determined by the ECDC. The performance measures for all periods presented were the reported growth in direct written premium and statutory combined ratio of the Exchange and its property and casualty subsidiaries and return on invested assets over a three-year performance period as compared to the results of the peer group over the same period. Because the award is based upon a comparison to results of a peer group over a three-year period, the award accrual is based upon estimates of probable results for the remaining performance period. This estimate is subject to variability if our results or the results of the peer group are substantially different than the results we project.

The fair value of LTIP awards is measured at each reporting date at the current share price of our Class A common stock. A liability is recorded and compensation expense is recognized ratably over the performance period.

At December 31, 2021, the plan awards for the 2019-2021 performance period, which will be granted as a cash award were fully vested. Distributions will be made in 2022 once peer group financial information becomes available. The estimated plan award based upon the peer group information as of September 30, 2021 is $5.4 million. At December 31, 2020, the fully vested cash awards for the 2018-2020 performance period that were not deferred totaled $10.9 million and were paid to participants in June 2021. At December 31, 2019, the fully vested cash awards for the 2017-2019 performance period that were not deferred totaled $7.4 million and were paid to participants in June 2020. At December 31, 2018, the awards paid in cash for the 2016-2018 performance period were fully vested and resulted in a $8.2 million payment to plan participants in June 2019. The ECDC has determined that the plan awards for the 2020-2022 and 2021-2023 performance periods will be paid in cash.

The Exchange and its subsidiaries reimburse us for compensation costs of employees performing administrative services. Earned compensation costs are allocated to these entities and reimbursed to us in cash once the payout is made. The total compensation cost charged to operations related to these LTIP awards, net of forfeitures, was $3.0 million in 2021, $12.0 million in 2020, and $7.3 million in 2019. The related tax benefits recognized in income were $0.6 million in 2021, $2.5 million in 2020, and $1.5 million in 2019. The Exchange and its subsidiaries reimburse us for approximately 46% of the annual compensation cost of these plans. At December 31, 2021, there was $3.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost for non-vested LTIP awards related to open performance periods. Unrecognized compensation is expected to be recognized over a period of two years.

Deferred compensation plan

Our deferred compensation plan allows executives, senior vice presidents and other selected officers to elect to defer receipt of a portion of their compensation and AIP cash awards until a later date. Employer 401(k) matching contributions that are in excess of the annual contribution or compensation limits are also credited to the participant accounts for those who elected to defer receipt of some portion of their base salary. Participants select hypothetical investment funds for their deferrals which are credited with the hypothetical returns generated.

Incentive compensation deferral plan

We have an unfunded, non-qualified incentive compensation deferral plan for participants of the AIP and LTIP. Participants can elect to defer up to 100% of their annual AIP award and/or up to 100% of their LTIP award for each performance period. Deferred awards will be credited to a deferred stock account as credits denominated in Class A shares of the Company stock until retirement or other separation from service from the Company. Participants are 100% vested at date of deferral. The shares are held in a rabbi trust, which was established to hold the shares earned under both the incentive compensation deferral plan and the deferred stock compensation plan for outside directors. The rabbi trust is classified and accounted for as equity in a manner consistent with the accounting for treasury stock. Dividends received on the shares in the rabbi trust are used to purchase additional shares. Vested share credits will be paid to participants from the rabbi trust upon separation from service in approximate equal annual installments of Class A shares for a period of three years. In 2021, the rabbi trust purchased 2,570 shares of our common stock in the open market at an average price of $232.81 for $0.6 million to satisfy the liability for the 2020 AIP awards and 17,881 shares at an average price of $191.25 for $3.4 million to satisfy the liability for the 2018-2020 LTIP performance period awards deferred under the incentive compensation deferral plan. In 2020, the rabbi trust purchased 3,934 shares of our common stock in the open market at an average price of $155.92 for $0.6 million to satisfy the liability for the 2019 AIP awards and 18,126 shares at an average share price of $185.31 for $3.4 million to satisfy the liability for the 2017-2019 LTIP performance period awards deferred under the incentive compensation deferral plan. In 2019, the rabbi trust purchased 4,387 shares of our common stock in the open market at an average price of $176.34 for $0.8 million to satisfy the liability for the 2018 AIP awards deferred under the incentive compensation deferral plan.

Deferred compensation plans for outside directors

We have a deferred compensation plan for our outside directors that allows participants to defer receipt of a portion of their annual compensation until a later date. Participants select hypothetical investment funds for their deferrals which are credited with the hypothetical returns generated.

We also have a deferred stock compensation plan for our outside directors to further align the interests of directors with those of our shareholders that provides for a portion of the directors' annual compensation in shares of our Class A common stock. Each director vests in the grant 25% every three months over the course of a year. Dividends paid by us are credited to each director's account which vest immediately. We do not issue new shares of common stock to directors. Our practice is to repurchase shares of our Class A common stock in the open market to satisfy these awards, which are held in the rabbi trust.

The rabbi trust purchased 5,238 shares of our common stock on the open market at an average price of $212.41 for $1.1 million in 2021, 7,401 shares at an average price of $201.78 for $1.5 million in 2020, and 7,370 shares at an average price of $194.62 for $1.4 million in 2019 to satisfy the liability of the stock compensation plan for outside directors. The shares are distributed to the outside director from the rabbi trust upon ending board service. The total compensation charged to operations related to these awards totaled $0.8 million, $0.9 million and $1.1 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of our deferred executive compensation liability as of December 31:


(in thousands)
	2021		2020		2019

Deferred executive compensation, beginning of the year	$	32,223	$	24,616	$	26,182
Annual incentive plan awards	6,768		5,619		2,745
Long-term incentive plan awards	3,471		12,381		7,267

Employer match and hypothetical earnings on deferred compensation	3,043		2,962		2,700
Total plan awards and earnings	13,282		20,962		12,712
Total plan awards paid	(16,647)		(10,121)		(12,852)
Compensation deferred	4,765		4,668		1,579
Distributions from the deferred compensation plans	(811)		(2,081)		(797)
Forfeitures (1)	(473)		(356)		—
Funding of rabbi trust for deferred stock compensation plan for outside directors	(1,113)		(1,493)		(1,434)
Funding of rabbi trust for incentive compensation deferral plan	(4,018)		(3,972)		(774)
Deferred executive compensation, end of the year	$	27,208	$	32,223	$	24,616

(1) Forfeitures are the result of plan participants who separated from service with the Company and are recognized in the year they occur.

Equity compensation plan

We also have an equity compensation plan ("ECP") which is designed to reward key employees, as determined by the ECDC or the chief executive officer, who can have a significant impact on our long-term performance and to further align the interests of such employees with those of our shareholders. The ECP permits grants of restricted shares, restricted share units and other share based awards, to be satisfied with shares of our Class A common stock or cash. The ECDC determines the form of the award to be granted at the beginning of each performance period. The number of shares of the Company's Class A common stock authorized for grant under the ECP is 100,000 shares, with no one person able to receive more than 5,000 shares in a calendar year. We do not issue new shares of common stock to satisfy plan awards. Share awards are settled through the repurchase of our Class A common stock on the open market. Restricted share awards may be entitled to receive dividends payable during the performance period, or, if subject to performance goals, to receive dividend equivalents payable upon vesting. Dividend equivalents may provide for the crediting of interest or hypothetical reinvestment experience payable after expiration of the performance period. Vesting conditions are determined at the time the award is granted and may include continuation of employment for a specific period, satisfaction of performance goals and the defined performance period, and the satisfaction of any other terms and conditions as determined to be appropriate. The ECP expires December 31, 2022, unless earlier amended or terminated by our Board of Directors. To address the impending expiration of the ECP, on February 17, 2022, our Board of Directors approved an Amendment and Restatement of the ECP (the "Amended and Restated ECP") that would extend the expiration date of the plan to December 31, 2031, unless further amended or earlier terminated by the Board. The terms of the Amended and Restated ECP are substantially similar to the current ECP and are subject to the approval of shareholders at our 2022 Annual Meeting.

To date, all awards have been satisfied with shares of our Class A common stock. In 2021, we purchased 978 Class A shares with an average share price of $242.01 and a market value of $0.2 million to satisfy the liability for the 2018 plan year. In 2020, we purchased 1,787 Class A shares with an average share price of $165.82 and a market value of $0.3 million to satisfy the liability for the 2017 plan year. In 2019, we purchased 3,246 shares with an average share price of $132.35 and a market value of $0.4 million to satisfy the liability for the 2016 plan year. The total compensation charged to operations related to these ECP awards was $0.2 million in 2021, $0.7 million in 2020, and $0.5 million in 2019. The Exchange and its subsidiaries reimburse us for earned compensation costs of employees performing administrative services, which can fluctuate each year based on the plan participants. The Exchange and its subsidiaries reimbursed us for approximately 33%, 59%, and 49% of the awards paid in 2021, 2020, and 2019 respectively. Unearned compensation expense of $0.2 million is expected to be recognized over a period of three years.

Note 11. Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes consists of the following for the years ended December 31:


(in thousands)
	2021		2020		2019

Current income tax expense	$	80,398	$	80,373	$	76,535
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	(1,854)		(5,162)		3,349

Income tax expense	$	78,544	$	75,211	$	79,884

A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes, with amounts determined by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to pre-tax income, is as follows for the years ended December 31:


(in thousands)
	2021		2020		2019
Income tax at statutory rate	$	79,045	$	77,388	$	83,308

Tax-exempt interest	—		—		(123)


Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits	—		—		(3,088)
Other, net	(501)		(2,177)		(213)
Income tax expense	$	78,544	$	75,211	$	79,884

Temporary differences and carry-forwards, which give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities, are as follows as of December 31:


(in thousands)
	2021		2020
Deferred tax assets:
Pension and other postretirement benefits	$	21,545	$	29,065
Other employee benefits	15,273		14,544
Deferred revenue	3,963		3,872
Allowance for management fee returned on cancelled policies	3,330		3,515


Unrealized losses on investments	—		1,083
Other	3,484		2,692
Total deferred tax assets	47,595		54,771
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation	35,204		29,978
Unrealized gains on investments	8,713		7,540
Prepaid expenses	2,458		3,800






Other	1,075		1,112
Total deferred tax liabilities	47,450		42,430
Net deferred tax asset	$	145	$	12,341

If we determine that any of our deferred tax assets will not result in future tax benefits, a valuation allowance must be established for the portion of the assets that are not expected to be realized. We had no valuation allowance recorded at December 31, 2021 or 2020.

A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31 is as follows:


(in thousands)
	2021		2020		2019
Balance at the beginning of the year	$	0	$	0	$	3,088
Additions for prior year tax positions	—		—		4,631
Reductions for prior year tax positions	—		—		(7,719)
Balance at the end of the year	$	0	$	0	$	0

The uncertain tax position including $3.1 million of tax expense and $0.9 million of interest expense recorded in a prior year was settled during 2019. This settlement reduced our effective tax rate by 1.0% in 2019. The amounts recorded in a prior year resulted from the difference in measuring the tax liability at the previous tax rate and the current enacted tax rate.

Tax years ending December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 remain open to IRS examination. We are not currently under IRS audit, nor have we been notified of an upcoming IRS audit.

We are the attorney-in-fact for the subscribers (policyholders) at the Exchange, a reciprocal insurance exchange. In that capacity, we provide all services and facilities necessary to conduct the Exchange's insurance business. Indemnity and the Exchange together constitute a single insurance business. Consequently, we are not subject to state corporate income or franchise taxes in states where the Exchange conducts its business and the states collect premium tax in lieu of corporate income or franchise tax, as a result of the Exchange's remittance of premium taxes in those states.

Note 12. Capital Stock

Class A and B common stock

We have two classes of common stock: Class A which has a dividend preference and Class B which has voting power and a conversion right. Each share of Class A common stock outstanding at the time of the declaration of any dividend upon shares of Class B common stock shall be entitled to a dividend payable at the same time, at the same record date, and in an amount at least equal to 2/3 of 1.0% of any dividend declared on each share of Class B common stock. We may declare and pay a dividend in respect to Class A common stock without any requirement that any dividend be declared and paid in respect to Class B common stock. Sole shareholder voting power is vested in Class B common stock except insofar as any applicable law shall permit Class A common shareholders to vote as a class in regards to any changes in the rights, preferences, and privileges attaching to Class A common stock. Holders of Class B shares may, at their option, convert their shares into Class A shares at the rate of 2,400 Class A shares per Class B share. There were no shares of Class B common stock converted into Class A common stock in 2021, 2020 or 2019.

Stock repurchases

Our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program effective January 1, 1999 allowing the repurchase of our outstanding Class A nonvoting common stock. In 2011, our Board of Directors approved a continuation of the current stock repurchase program for a total of $150 million, with no time limitation. Treasury shares are recorded in the Statements of Financial Position at total cost based upon trade date. There were no shares repurchased under this program during 2021, 2020 or 2019. We had approximately $17.8 million of repurchase authority remaining under this program at December 31, 2021, based upon trade date.

We made stock repurchases in 2021, 2020, and 2019 outside of our publicly announced share repurchase program related to stock-based awards. See Note 10, "Incentive and Deferred Compensation Plans" for additional information.

Note 13. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") (loss) by component, including amounts reclassified to other comprehensive income ("OCI") (loss) and the related line item in the Statements of Operations where net income is presented, are as follows for the year ended December 31:


(in thousands)	2021						2020						2019
	Before Tax		Income Tax		Net		Before Tax		Income Tax		Net		Before Tax		Income Tax		Net
Investment securities:
AOCI (loss), beginning of year	$	29,384	$	6,171	$	23,213	$	5,664	$	1,189	$	4,475	$	(9,169)	$	(1,926)	$	(7,243)
OCI (loss) before reclassifications	(16,474)		(3,460)		(13,014)		22,074		4,636		17,438		19,257		4,044		15,213
Realized investment gains	(5,131)		(1,078)		(4,053)		(1,335)		(280)		(1,055)		(4,619)		(970)		(3,649)
Impairment (recoveries) losses	(57)		(12)		(45)		2,981		626		2,355		195		41		154

OCI (loss)	(21,662)		(4,550)		(17,112)		23,720		4,982		18,738		14,833		3,115		11,718
AOCI, end of year	$	7,722	$	1,621	$	6,101	$	29,384	$	6,171	$	23,213	$	5,664	$	1,189	$	4,475

Pension and other postretirement plans:
AOCI (loss), beginning of year	$	(128,300)	$	(26,944)	$	(101,356)	$	(153,600)	$	(32,257)	$	(121,343)	$	(155,749)	$	(32,708)	$	(123,041)
OCI (loss) before reclassifications	71,032		14,917		56,115		11,832		2,485		9,347		(4,085)		(858)		(3,227)
Amortization of prior service costs (1)	1,428		300		1,128		1,343		282		1,061		1,394		293		1,101
Amortization of net actuarial loss (1)	16,106		3,382		12,724		12,125		2,546		9,579		4,840		1,016		3,824
OCI	88,566		18,599		69,967		25,300		5,313		19,987		2,149		451		1,698
AOCI (loss), end of year	$	(39,734)	$	(8,345)	$	(31,389)	$	(128,300)	$	(26,944)	$	(101,356)	$	(153,600)	$	(32,257)	$	(121,343)

Total
AOCI (loss), beginning of year	$	(98,916)	$	(20,773)	$	(78,143)	$	(147,936)	$	(31,068)	$	(116,868)	$	(164,918)	$	(34,634)	$	(130,284)
Investment securities	(21,662)		(4,550)		(17,112)		23,720		4,982		18,738		14,833		3,115		11,718
Pension and other postretirement plans	88,566		18,599		69,967		25,300		5,313		19,987		2,149		451		1,698
OCI	66,904		14,049		52,855		49,020		10,295		38,725		16,982		3,566		13,416
AOCI (loss), end of year	$	(32,012)	$	(6,724)	$	(25,288)	$	(98,916)	$	(20,773)	$	(78,143)	$	(147,936)	$	(31,068)	$	(116,868)

*(1)*These components of AOCI (loss) are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 9, "Postretirement Benefits", for additional information.

Note 14. Related Party

Management fee

A management fee is charged to the Exchange for services we provide under the subscriber's agreement with subscribers at the Exchange. The fee is a percentage of direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange. This percentage rate is determined at least annually by our Board of Directors but cannot exceed 25%. The management fee rate charged the Exchange was 25% in 2021, 2020 and 2019. The Board of Directors elected to maintain the fee at 25% beginning January 1, 2022.

There is no provision in the subscriber's agreement for termination of our appointment as attorney-in-fact by the subscribers at the Exchange and the appointment is not affected by a policyholder's disability or incapacity.

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 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.

All 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 transactions affecting the members within a holding company system.

Shared facilities

We leased the home office from the Exchange until December 31, 2021, at which time we purchased the home office properties from the Exchange to align the ownership interest of these facilities with the functions being performed at the home office campus which are mainly Indemnity's management operations. See Note 7, "Fixed Assets" for additional information. Lease expense totaled $6.1 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Operating expenses, including utilities, cleaning, repairs, real estate taxes, property insurance, and leasehold improvements totaled $15.7 million in both 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $16.7 million in 2019. The Exchange and its subsidiaries reimbursed us for rent costs and related operating expenses of shared facilities used to perform administrative services, which are allocated based upon usage or square footage occupied. Reimbursements related to the use of this space totaled $4.8 million, $4.6 million, and $4.2 million in 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.

Effective July 1, 2021, the Exchange and its subsidiaries entered into a service agreement with Indemnity to use space in Indemnity-owned properties. The amount charged is based on rental rates of like property in Erie, Pennsylvania and the usage or square footage occupied. In 2021, income earned from the Exchange and its subsidiaries for the use of space totaled $0.2 million. Operating expenses including utilities, cleaning, repairs, real estate taxes, property insurance, and leasehold improvements are allocated based upon usage or square footage occupied. The home office was added to this agreement effective January 1, 2022.

Note 15. Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments could potentially expose us to concentrations of credit risk, including our unsecured receivables from the Exchange. A large majority of our revenue and receivables are from the Exchange and its affiliates. See also Note 1, "Nature of Operations". Net management fee amounts and other reimbursements due from the Exchange and its affiliates were $479.1 million and $494.6 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-13, we recorded an allowance for current expected credit losses of $0.6 million related to the receivables from the Exchange and affiliates. See also Note 2, "Significant Accounting Policies". The current expected credit loss allowance was $0.5 million and $0.6 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies

In 2020, we entered into an agreement with a bank for the establishment of a loan participation program for agent loans. The maximum amount of loans to be funded through this program is $100 million. We have committed to fund a minimum of 30% of each loan executed through this program. As of December 31, 2021, the total loans executed under this agreement totaled $25.8 million, of which our portion of the loans is $9.6 million. Additionally, we have agreed to guarantee a portion of the funding provided by the other participants in the program in the event of default. As of December 31, 2021, our maximum potential amount of future payments on the guaranteed portion is $2.9 million. All loan payments under the participation program are current as of December 31, 2021.

We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of conducting business. In accordance with current accounting standards for loss contingencies and based upon information currently known to us, we establish reserves for litigation when it is probable that a loss associated with a claim or proceeding has been incurred and the amount of the loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. When no amount within the range of loss is a better estimate than any other amount, we accrue the minimum amount of the estimable loss. To the extent that such litigation against us may have an exposure to a loss in excess of the amount we have accrued, we believe that such excess would not be material to our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Legal fees are expensed as incurred. We believe that our accruals for legal proceedings are appropriate and, individually and in the aggregate, are not expected to be material to our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

We review all litigation on an ongoing basis when making accrual and disclosure decisions. For certain legal proceedings, we cannot reasonably estimate losses or a range of loss, if any, particularly for proceedings that are in their early stages of development or where the plaintiffs seek indeterminate damages. Various factors, including, but not limited to, the outcome of potentially lengthy discovery and the resolution of important factual questions, may need to be determined before probability can be established or before a loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. If the loss contingency in question is not both probable and reasonably estimable, we do not establish an accrual and the matter will continue to be monitored for any developments that would make the loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. In the event that a legal proceeding results in a substantial judgment against, or settlement by, us, there can be no assurance that any resulting liability or financial commitment would not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Note 17. Supplementary Data on Cash Flows

A reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities as presented in the Statements of Cash Flows is as follows for the years ended December 31:


(in thousands)	2021		2020		2019

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	297,860	$	293,304	$	316,821
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	37,210		21,195		16,813
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	(1,854)		(5,162)		3,349

Lease amortization expense	11,887		13,108		13,959
Realized (gains) and impairment (recoveries) losses on investments	(2,307)		(3,114)		(5,908)

(Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets	(13)		(15)		75
Net investment (income) loss	(25,944)		5,878		543
(Decrease) increase in deferred compensation	(5,006)		7,611		(1,541)

Decrease (increase) in receivables from affiliates	15,514		(26,548)		(19,505)
Increase in accrued investment income	(157)		(713)		(170)

Decrease in prepaid pension	52,755		41,227		28,798
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets	12,161		(4,771)		(1,707)
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses	(4,823)		(14,307)		(3,627)
Increase (decrease) in commissions payable	8,408		(625)		21,390
Increase (decrease) in accrued agent bonuses	10,279		14,105		(7,409)
(Decrease) increase in contract liability	(3,176)		1,422		2,646
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	402,794	$	342,595	$	364,527

Note 18. Subsequent Events

No items were identified in this period subsequent to the financial statement date that required adjustment or additional disclosure.

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