2021
ANNUAL REPORT
EmployErs Holdings, inc.
employers.com
cerity.com
A Note from the Chair
2021 was a significant transition year
for the Company and the changes have
been impactful. On April 1 our new CEO
hit the ground running utilizing her own
in-depth knowledge of the workers’
compensation industry and strong
leadership team to identify cost savings,
expand our market appetite, refresh the
organizational culture, and highlight areas
of the Company that could benefit from
additional talent. The result of this effort
has made the Company well-positioned
for continued success, and along with the
other directors, I am confident in the new
leadership team. EMPLOYERS’ future
has never been brighter.
2021 EMPLOYERS ANNUAL REPORT
TO OUR
STOCKHOLDERS
Company Summary
Employers Holdings, Inc., is the only mono-line workers’ compensation
insurance provider with a national footprint. Our deep expertise in the
workers’ compensation product line sets us apart from our competition
and allows us to identify and respond quickly and effectively to changing
market conditions that are unique to this line of business. We serve our
customers wherever and whenever they want to purchase workers’ com-
pensation by supporting all distribution channels. Traditional independent
agents, payroll providers, aggregators, digital agents, partner insurance
companies, and affinity groups can access our product via our online
portal or by utilizing our best-in-class API. Small businesses that are
Katherine H. Antonello
President & CEO
seeking a direct online experience can purchase through Cerity, our
direct-to-consumer digital company. While we focus on small businesses
with low hazard operations, we also support specialty markets with
unique opportunities for profit and growth.
2021 Overview
2021 was a very successful year for EMPLOYERS. Our primary goal for
the Company in 2021 was to fully capitalize on the upcoming labor market
improvement, while continuing to maintain underwriting discipline and
actively manage our expenses. We are happy to report that we achieved
that goal, as demonstrated in this letter.
In addition, we reached the following milestones during 2021:
Our ending policies in-force were 111,350, the highest in our history.
Our fourth quarter 2021 net earned premium of $156 million was the
highest level we have experienced since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Our ending Stockholders’ Equity and Policyholder Surplus levels were
$1.2 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, the highest in our history.
Our adjusted book value per share of $45.67 was the highest
in our history.
Michael J. McSally
Chair of the Board
Financial Highlights(1)
($ in-million, except share and per share amounts) Year Ended December 31
Gross insurance premiums written
Net insurance premiums earned
Net investment income
Net income
Net income per diluted share
Adjusted net income
Adjusted net income per diluted share
Return on equity
Adjusted return on equity
2021
$589.7
$574.4
2020
$580.1
$615.3
72.7
76.3
$119.3
$4.17
$67.9
$2.37
9.8%
5.5%
$119.8
$3.97
$93.5
$3.10
10.1%
7.6%
CHANGE
2%
(7)%
(5)%
(0)%
5%
(27)%
(24)%
(0.3) pts
(2.1) pts
Ending Stockholders’ equity including the Deferred Gain
$1,327.5
$1,338.2
(1)%
Ending common shares outstanding
27,741,400 sh
28,564,798 sh
(823,398) sh
(1) A Glossary of Financial Measures and reconciliation tables of GAAP to non-GAAP measures follow this letter.
Underwriting Activities
Our gross premiums written in 2021 were up 2% versus
We continued our underwriting discipline and observed
those of a year ago. During the first half of 2021,
consistent declines in frequency for lost time claims
pandemic-related shutdowns negatively impacted
throughout the year. As a result, we maintained our
our premium writings but, during the second half of
2021 accident year loss and LAE ratio on voluntary
the year, our gross written premiums were up 15%
business at 63.5%, down from 64.3% for 2020.
year-over-year. This strong rebound resulted from: (i)
In addition, we reduced our loss reserves for prior
our appetite expansion into new markets within our
accident years by $38 million, which primarily related
established low hazard groups, residential janitorial
to nearly every accident year 2017 and prior.
and several artisan contracting classes; (ii) continued
strong new business writings; and (iii) an increase in
Our underwriting and general and administrative
audit premium recognition. The workers’ compensation
expenses decreased 12% to $160 million, largely the
rate environment remained competitive throughout
result of targeted fixed expense savings, such as
2021, but we continued to maintain our strong
professional fees, as well as employee reductions and
underwriting standards and our commitment to
departures. Our reduced expense base, coupled with
adequate pricing which appropriately reflects our
the recent growth in written premium, means that we
costs and the level of risk.
enter 2022 with a significantly lower expense ratio.
We expect premium to continue to grow as employment
levels increase and wages rise, and these trends
should result in continued improvement in our expense
ratio in future periods.
2021 EMPLOYERS ANNUAL REPORT
Investing Activities
Our investment portfolio is structured to support our
non-profit organization that encourages investors to
need for: (i) optimizing our risk-adjusted total return;
use responsible and sustainable investment practices
(ii) providing adequate liquidity; (iii) facilitating financial
to enhance returns and better manage risk.
strength and stability; and (iv) ensuring regulatory
and legal compliance.
To minimize interest rate risk, our fixed income portfolio
is weighted toward short-term and intermediate-term
As of December 31, 2021, the fair value of our
bonds, with an average duration of 3.4 at December
investment portfolio was more than $2.7 billion, or
31, 2021; however, our investment strategy balances
2.3 times our ending stockholders’ equity. Our $2.3
consideration of duration, yield, and credit risk. We
billion portfolio of fixed income investments provides
also have a $400 million portfolio of equity securities
us with a steady source of income and liquidity and
and other investments. We strive to limit our exposure
is managed by investment professionals that are
to equity price risk by diversifying our public holdings
signatories to the United Nations Principles for
across several industry sectors and by investing in
Responsible Investment Group, an independent
private equity limited partnerships.
Our investment portfolio was allocated as follows at December 31, 2021:
Asset AllocAtion
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Corporates
State & Munis
RMBS
Equi(cid:31)es
Bank Loans
CMBS & ABS
All Other
12/31/2019
12/31/2020
12/31/2021
Our fixed maturities at December 31, 2021 had a weighted average credit rating of A+ and a duration of 3.4
Our net investment income was $73 million for the
ending book yield on our invested assets was 3.0%
year, a decrease of 5%, which was primarily due to
at December 31, 2021.
lower average bond yields. The average pre-tax
!!!"#$%&'(#)*"+'$
!
Financial Strength and Capital Management
Our ending stockholders’ equity was more than
per share, each increased by 5%, 4% and 9%,
$1.2 billion, the highest level in our history, despite our
respectively. Net after tax unrealized losses from our
returning $72 million to stockholders in 2021 in the
fixed maturity investments of $51 million unfavorably
form of regular dividends and stock repurchases.
impacted our ending book value per share and book
value per share including the Deferred Gain in 2021.
Our book value per share, book value per share
including the Deferred Gain, and adjusted book value
Per shAre Amounts
The following illustrates our growth book
value per share in recent years:
Book value per share
2021
$43.73
Book value per share including the Deferred Gain $47.85
Adjusted book value per share
$45.67
December 31,
Percent Change (1)
2020
$42.46
$46.85
$42.82
2019
$37.18
$41.55
$39.47
2021
5%
4%
9%
2020
17%
15%
11%
(1) Represents the year-over-year change in book value per share after taking into account dividends declared during such periods.
Our Cerity operating segment, which offers direct-
to-consumer digital workers’ compensation insurance
solutions, continues to successfully grow its business
within its targeted low-hazard groups. Cerity’s written
premium increased to more than $1.5 million in 2021,
from just $0.3 million in 2020, and is off to a very
strong start in 2022. We are confident that Cerity’s
unique online experience will attract an untapped
segment of our target market, and we expect
increased momentum through strategic opportunities
and partnerships that are currently being developed
and are already underway.
“
Cerity’s written premium
increased to more than
$1.5 million in 2021”
Current Events
While the world is now emerging from the impact of
a two-year pandemic, other uncertainties like the
war in Ukraine and the impact of inflation have arisen.
It is important to note that the Company has completed
a review of its contracts and privacy risk assessments
and has found no direct exposure to vendors in
Russia or Ukraine. We will remain vigilant and monitor
the situation as it continues to unfold.
With regard to inflation, the workers’ compensation
industry is better prepared than in the past to combat
the impact of medical inflation should it arise. Over
the last decade, states have implemented physician
fee schedules, hospital inpatient and outpatient fee
schedules, prescription drug formularies, and other
protections to control medical costs. These measures
will continue to be highly effective. Additionally, since
payroll is the exposure base of workers’ compensation,
wage inflation serves to increase premium and can
also serve to partially offset the impact of medical
inflation on claim costs.
“With regard to inflation, the
workers’ compensation industry
is better prepared than in the
past to combat the impact of
medical inflation should it arise”
2021 EMPLOYERS ANNUAL REPORT
“
Our strategic plan
is, and has always
been, focused on
being a strong and
adaptive mono-line
insurer”
Looking Forward
Our strategic plan is, and has always been, focused on
being a strong and adaptive mono-line insurer with the
ability to prosper through all economic cycles. While
none of us could have predicted the events of the past
two years, 2021 served as an excellent example of the
strength and resolve of EMPLOYERS and our staff.
Our primary goal for the Company in 2022 is to achieve greater economies of scale by growing the top line for
both EMPLOYERS and Cerity while maintaining the underwriting and expense discipline we achieved in 2021.
Our long-term goal is to grow the adjusted book value per share of the Company as we believe this metric most
closely correlates with long term growth in the share price. Our balance sheet and capital position are very strong
and are highly supportive of these key initiatives.
As a specialist in small business workers’ compensation, we are extremely well-positioned to react to the favorable
trends we are seeing and remain confident in our continued success.
Respectfully submitted,
Katherine H. Antonello
President and CEO
Michael J. McSally
Chair of the Board
Employers Holdings, Inc.
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021
Financial Supplement
February 16, 2022
Within this report we present the following measures, each of which are “Non-GAAP
financial measures.” A reconciliation of these measures to the Company’s most directly
comparable GAAP financial measures is included herein. Management believes that
these Non-GAAP measures are important to the Company’s investors, analysts
and other interested parties who benefit from having an objective and consistent
basis for comparison with other companies within our industry. Management further
believes that these measures are more relevant than comparable GAAP measures in
evaluating our financial performance.
Table of Contents
1
2
3
Consolidated Financial Highlights
Summary Consolidated Balance Sheets
Summary Consolidated Income Statements
4-7
Net Income Before Income Taxes by Segment
8
9
10
11
12
13
13
Return on Equity
Roll-forward of Unpaid Losses and LAE
Consolidated Investment Portfolio
Book Value Per Share
Earnings Per Share
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Description of Reportable Segments
Selected financial highlights:
Selected financial highlights:
Selected financial highlights:
Gross premiums written
Gross premiums written
Gross premiums written
Net premiums written
Net premiums written
Net premiums written
Net premiums earned
Net premiums earned
Net premiums earned
Net investment income
Net investment income
Net investment income
Net income before impact of the LPT(1)
Net income before impact of the LPT(1)
Net income before impact of the LPT(1)
Adjusted net income(1)
Adjusted net income(1)
Adjusted net income(1)
Net income before income taxes
Net income before income taxes
Net income before income taxes
Net income
Net income
Net income
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income
Total assets
Total assets
Total assets
Stockholders' equity
Stockholders' equity
Stockholders' equity
Stockholders' equity including the Deferred Gain(2)
Stockholders' equity including the Deferred Gain(2)
Stockholders' equity including the Deferred Gain(2)
Adjusted stockholders' equity(2)
Adjusted stockholders' equity(2)
Adjusted stockholders' equity(2)
Annualized adjusted return on stockholders' equity(3)
Annualized adjusted return on stockholders' equity(3)
Annualized adjusted return on stockholders' equity(3)
Amounts per share:
Amounts per share:
Amounts per share:
Cash dividends declared per share
Cash dividends declared per share
Cash dividends declared per share
Earnings per diluted share(4)
Earnings per diluted share(4)
Earnings per diluted share(4)
Earnings per diluted share before impact of the LPT(4)
Earnings per diluted share before impact of the LPT(4)
Earnings per diluted share before impact of the LPT(4)
Adjusted earnings per diluted share(4)
Adjusted earnings per diluted share(4)
Adjusted earnings per diluted share(4)
Book value per share(2)
Book value per share(2)
Book value per share(2)
Book value per share including the Deferred Gain(2)
Book value per share including the Deferred Gain(2)
Book value per share including the Deferred Gain(2)
Adjusted book value per share(2)
Adjusted book value per share(2)
Adjusted book value per share(2)
Financial information by Segment(5):
Financial information by Segment(5):
Financial information by Segment(5):
Net income (loss) before income taxes:
Net income (loss) before income taxes:
Net income (loss) before income taxes:
Employers
Employers
Employers
Cerity
Cerity
Cerity
Corporate and Other
Corporate and Other
Corporate and Other
EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
Consolidated Financial Highlights (unaudited)
Consolidated Financial Highlights (unaudited)
Consolidated Financial Highlights (unaudited)
$ in millions, except per share amounts
$ in millions, except per share amounts
$ in millions, except per share amounts
Three Months Ended
Three Months Ended
Three Months Ended
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
Years Ended
December 31,
Years Ended
Years Ended
December 31,
December 31,
2021
2021
2021
2020
2020
2020
% change
% change
% change
2021
2021
2021
2020
2020
2020
% change
% change
% change
$ 142.0
$ 142.0
$ 142.0
140.4
140.4
140.4
156.4
156.4
156.4
17.7
17.7
17.7
49.5
49.5
49.5
29.8
29.8
29.8
68.4
68.4
68.4
54.8
54.8
54.8
37.0
37.0
37.0
$ 123.9
122.9
151.5
18.0
59.5
42.8
80.4
64.0
67.4
$ 123.9
$ 123.9
122.9
122.9
151.5
151.5
18.0
18.0
59.5
59.5
42.8
42.8
80.4
80.4
64.0
64.0
67.4
67.4
15 %
14
3
(2)
(17)
(30)
(15)
(14)
(45)
15 %
15 %
14
14
3
3
(2)
(2)
(17)
(17)
(30)
(30)
(15)
(15)
(14)
(14)
(45)
(45)
9.5 %
9.5 %
9.5 %
14.2 %
14.2 %
14.2 %
(33)
(33)
(33)
%
%
%
$ 589.7
$ 589.7
$ 589.7
583.1
583.1
583.1
574.4
574.4
574.4
72.7
72.7
72.7
107.8
107.8
107.8
67.9
67.9
67.9
147.0
147.0
147.0
119.3
119.3
119.3
64.8
64.8
64.8
3,783.2
3,783.2
1,213.1
1,213.1
1,327.5
1,327.5
1,266.9
1,266.9
5.5 %
5.5 %
$ 580.1
$ 580.1
$ 580.1
574.9
574.9
574.9
615.3
615.3
615.3
76.3
76.3
76.3
107.9
107.9
107.9
93.5
93.5
93.5
147.7
147.7
147.7
119.8
119.8
119.8
169.6
169.6
169.6
3,922.6
3,922.6
3,922.6
1,212.8
1,212.8
1,212.8
1,338.2
1,338.2
1,338.2
1,223.1
1,223.1
1,223.1
7.6 %
7.6 %
7.6 %
3,783.2
1,213.1
1,327.5
1,266.9
5.5 %
$
$
0.25
$
1.94
1.76
1.06
$
0.25
0.25
1.94
1.94
1.76
1.76
1.06
1.06
$
$
0.25
2.19
2.04
1.46
0.25
0.25
2.19
2.19
2.04
2.04
1.46
1.46
$
— %
(11)
(14)
(27)
— %
— %
(11)
(11)
(14)
(14)
(27)
(27)
$
1.00
$
4.17
3.77
2.37
43.73
47.85
45.67
1.00
1.00
$
4.17
4.17
3.77
3.77
2.37
2.37
43.73
43.73
47.85
47.85
45.67
45.67
$
$
1.00
3.97
3.57
3.10
42.46
46.85
42.82
1.00
1.00
3.97
3.97
3.57
3.57
3.10
3.10
42.46
42.46
46.85
46.85
42.82
42.82
$
$
69.7
$
(2.4)
1.1
69.7
$
69.7
(2.4)
(2.4)
1.1
1.1
$
$
(16)
83.4
(3.6)
0.6
83.4
83.4
(3.6)
(3.6)
0.6
0.6
%
(16)
(16)
33
83 %
33
33
83 %
83 %
%
%
$ 161.3
$ 164.0
$ 161.3
$ 161.3
(9.6)
(4.7)
(9.6)
(9.6)
(4.7)
(4.7)
$ 164.0
$ 164.0
(13.5)
(2.8)
(13.5)
(13.5)
(2.8)
(2.8)
2 %
1
(7)
(5)
—
(27)
—
—
(62)
(4)
—
(1)
4
(28)
2 %
2 %
1
1
(7)
(7)
(5)
(5)
—
—
(27)
(27)
—
—
—
—
(62)
(62)
(4)
(4)
—
—
(1)
(1)
4
4
(28)
(28)
— %
5
6
(24)
3
2
7
— %
— %
5
5
6
6
(24)
(24)
3
3
2
2
7
7
(2) %
29
(68)
(2) %
(2) %
29
29
(68)
(68)
1
1
1
(1) See Page 3 for calculations and Page 13 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
(2) See Page 11 for calculations and Page 13 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
(3) See Page 8 for calculations and Page 13 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
(4) See Page 12 for calculations and Page 13 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
(5) See Pages 4-7 for details and Page 13 for a description of our reportable segments.
(1) See Page 3 for calculations and Page 13 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
(1) See Page 3 for calculations and Page 13 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
(2) See Page 11 for calculations and Page 13 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
(2) See Page 11 for calculations and Page 13 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
(3) See Page 8 for calculations and Page 13 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
(3) See Page 8 for calculations and Page 13 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
(4) See Page 12 for calculations and Page 13 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
(4) See Page 12 for calculations and Page 13 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
(5) See Pages 4-7 for details and Page 13 for a description of our reportable segments.
(5) See Pages 4-7 for details and Page 13 for a description of our reportable segments.
1
EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
Summary Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
$ in millions, except per share amounts
December 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
ASSETS
Available for sale:
Investments, cash and cash equivalents
Accrued investment income
Premiums receivable, net
Reinsurance recoverable, net of allowance, on paid and unpaid losses and LAE
Deferred policy acquisition costs
Contingent commission receivable—LPT Agreement
Other assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES
Unpaid losses and LAE
Unearned premiums
Commissions and premium taxes payable
Deferred Gain
FHLB Advances (1)
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock and additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net
Treasury stock, at cost
Total stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Stockholders' equity including the Deferred Gain (2)
Adjusted stockholders' equity (2)
Book value per share (2)
Book value per share including the Deferred Gain (2)
Adjusted book value per share (2)
(1) FHLB = Federal Home Loan Bank
(2) See Page 11 for calculations and Page 13 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2,811.3 $
14.5
244.7
483.8
43.7
13.9
171.3
3,783.2 $
1,981.2 $
304.7
42.1
114.4
—
127.7
2,570.1 $
411.3 $
1,338.5
60.6
(597.3)
1,213.1
3,783.2 $
1,327.5 $
1,266.9
43.73 $
47.85
45.67
2,917.8
15.3
232.1
504.2
43.2
13.4
196.6
3,922.6
2,069.4
299.1
43.0
125.4
20.0
152.9
2,709.8
404.9
1,247.9
115.1
(555.1)
1,212.8
3,922.6
1,338.2
1,223.1
42.46
46.85
42.82
2
2
EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
Summary Consolidated Income Statements (unaudited)
$ in millions
Revenues:
Net premiums earned
Net investment income
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments(1)
Other income
Total revenues
Expenses:
Losses and LAE incurred
Commission expense
Underwriting and general and administrative expenses
Interest and financing expenses
Other expenses
Total expenses
Net income before income taxes
Income tax expense
Net income
Unrealized AFS investment gains (losses) arising during the period, net of tax(2)
Reclassification adjustment for realized AFS investment gains in net income, net of tax(2)
Total Comprehensive income
Net income
Amortization of the Deferred Gain - losses
Amortization of the Deferred Gain - contingent commission
LPT reserve adjustment
LPT contingent commission adjustments
Net income before impact of the LPT Agreement(3)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments
Non-recurring severance costs and asset impairment charges
Income tax expense related to items excluded from Net income
Adjusted net income(3)
Three Months Ended
December 31,
Years Ended
December 31,
2021
2020
2021
2020
$
$
$
$
$
156.4 $
17.7
25.0
0.7
199.8
(70.7)
(21.4)
(39.2)
(0.1)
—
(131.4)
68.4
(13.6)
54.8
(17.4)
(0.4)
37.0 $
54.8 $
(1.7)
(0.5)
(2.6)
(0.5)
49.5 $
(25.0)
—
5.3
29.8 $
151.5 $
18.0
21.3
0.3
191.1
(47.9)
(18.9)
(43.4)
(0.4)
(0.1)
(110.7)
80.4
(16.4)
64.0
5.3
(1.9)
67.4 $
64.0 $
(2.6)
(0.5)
(1.2)
(0.2)
59.5 $
(21.3)
0.1
4.5
42.8 $
574.4 $
72.7
54.6
1.4
703.1
(315.2)
(76.1)
(160.2)
(0.5)
(4.1)
(556.1)
147.0
(27.7)
119.3
(51.3)
(3.2)
64.8 $
119.3 $
(6.7)
(1.7)
(2.6)
(0.5)
107.8 $
(54.6)
4.1
10.6
67.9 $
615.3
76.3
19.0
0.8
711.4
(302.4)
(78.8)
(181.3)
(0.4)
(0.8)
(563.7)
147.7
(27.9)
119.8
53.4
(3.6)
169.6
119.8
(8.7)
(1.8)
(1.2)
(0.2)
107.9
(19.0)
0.8
3.8
93.5
(1) Includes unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities and other invested assets of $23.6 million and $17.8 million for the three months ended December 31 2021 and 2020, respectively, and
$34.9 million and $(6.3) million for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively
(2) AFS = Available for Sale securities.
(3) See Page 13 regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
3
3
EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
Net Income Before Income Taxes by Segment(1) (unaudited)
$ in millions
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Gross premiums written
Net premiums written
Net premiums earned
Net investment income
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Other income
Total revenues
Losses and LAE incurred
Commission expense
Underwriting expenses
General and administrative expenses
Interest and financing expenses
Other expenses
Total expenses
Net income (loss) before income taxes
Underwriting income (loss)
Loss and LAE expense ratio:
Current year
Prior years
Loss and LAE ratio
Commission expense ratio
Underwriting expense ratio
Combined ratio
n/m - not meaningful
(1) See Page 13 for a description of our reportable segments.
Employers
Cerity
Corporate
and Other
Consolidated
$
$
588.2
581.6
(in millions)
1.5 $
1.5
A
B
C
D
573.7
69.3
54.5
1.4
698.9
(326.2)
(76.1)
(131.2)
—
—
(4.1)
(537.6)
$
161.3
$
0.7
2.8
0.3
—
3.8
(0.5)
—
(12.9)
—
—
—
(13.4)
(9.6) $
A+B+C+D $
40.2
$
(12.7)
— $
—
—
0.6
(0.2)
—
0.4
11.5
—
—
(16.1)
(0.5)
—
(5.1)
(4.7) $
589.7
583.1
574.4
72.7
54.6
1.4
703.1
(315.2)
(76.1)
(144.1)
(16.1)
(0.5)
(4.1)
(556.1)
147.0
63.8 %
(6.9)
56.9
13.3
22.9
93.1 %
n/m
—
n/m
n/m
n/m
n/m
4
4
EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
Net Income Before Income Taxes by Segment(1) (unaudited)
$ in millions
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Gross premiums written
Net premiums written
Net premiums earned
Net investment income
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Other income
Total revenues
Losses and LAE incurred
Commission expense
Underwriting expenses
General and administrative expenses
Interest and financing expenses
Other expenses
Total expenses
Net income (loss) before income taxes
Underwriting income (loss)
Loss and LAE expense ratio:
Current year
Prior years
Loss and LAE ratio
Commission expense ratio
Underwriting expense ratio
Combined ratio
n/m - not meaningful
(1) See Page 13 for a description of our reportable segments.
A
B
C
D
Employers
Cerity
Corporate
and Other
Consolidated
$
$
579.8
574.6
(in millions)
0.3 $
0.3
615.1
72.1
20.9
0.8
708.9
(314.2)
(78.8)
(151.1)
—
(0.1)
(0.7)
(544.9)
$
164.0
$
0.2
3.1
—
—
3.3
(0.1)
—
(16.6)
—
—
(0.1)
(16.8)
(13.5) $
— $
—
—
1.1
(1.9)
—
(0.8)
11.9
—
—
(13.6)
(0.3)
—
(2.0)
(2.8) $
580.1
574.9
615.3
76.3
19.0
0.8
711.4
(302.4)
(78.8)
(167.7)
(13.6)
(0.4)
(0.8)
(563.7)
147.7
A+B+C+D $
71.0
$
(16.5)
64.3 %
(13.2)
51.1
12.8
24.6
88.5 %
n/m
—
n/m
n/m
n/m
n/m
5
5
EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
Net Income Before Income Taxes by Segment(1) (unaudited)
$ in millions
Three Months Ended December 31, 2021
Gross premiums written
Net premiums written
Net premiums earned
Net investment income
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments
Other income
Total revenues
Losses and LAE incurred
Commission expense
Underwriting expenses
General and administrative expenses
Interest and financing expenses
Other expenses
Total expenses
Net income (loss) before income taxes
Underwriting income (loss)
Loss and LAE expense ratio:
Current year
Prior years
Loss and LAE ratio
Commission expense ratio
Underwriting expense ratio
Combined ratio
n/m - not meaningful
(1) See Page 13 for a description of our reportable segments.
Employers
Cerity
Corporate
and Other
Consolidated
$
$
141.5
139.9
(in millions)
0.5 $
0.5
A
B
C
D
156.1
16.7
24.8
0.7
198.3
(75.9)
(21.4)
(31.3)
—
—
—
(128.6)
$
69.7
$
0.3
0.7
0.1
—
1.1
(0.2)
—
(3.3)
—
—
—
(3.5)
(2.4) $
A+B+C+D $
27.5
$
(3.2)
— $
—
—
0.3
0.1
—
0.4
5.4
—
—
(4.6)
(0.1)
—
0.7
1.1 $
142.0
140.4
156.4
17.7
25.0
0.7
199.8
(70.7)
(21.4)
(34.6)
(4.6)
(0.1)
—
(131.4)
68.4
64.2 %
(15.6)
48.6
13.7
20.1
82.4 %
n/m
—
n/m
n/m
n/m
n/m
6
6
EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
Net Income Before Income Taxes by Segment(1) (unaudited)
$ in millions
Three Months Ended December 31, 2020
Gross premiums written
Net premiums written
Net premiums earned
Net investment income
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments
Other income
Total revenues
Losses and LAE incurred
Commission expense
Underwriting expenses
General and administrative expenses
Interest and financing expenses
Other expenses
Total expenses
Net income (loss) before income taxes
Underwriting income (loss)
Loss and LAE expense ratio:
Current year
Prior years
Loss and LAE ratio
Commission expense ratio
Underwriting expense ratio
Combined ratio
n/m - not meaningful
(1) See Page 13 for a description of our reportable segments.
Employers
Cerity
Corporate
and Other
Consolidated
$
$
123.7
122.7
(in millions)
0.2 $
0.2
A
B
C
D
151.4
17.2
20.8
0.3
189.7
(52.4)
(18.9)
(34.9)
—
(0.1)
—
(106.3)
$
83.4
$
0.1
0.6
0.5
—
1.2
—
—
(4.7)
—
—
(0.1)
(4.8)
(3.6) $
A+B+C+D $
45.2
$
(4.6)
— $
—
—
0.2
—
—
0.2
4.5
—
—
(3.8)
(0.3)
—
0.4
0.6 $
123.9
122.9
151.5
18.0
21.3
0.3
191.1
(47.9)
(18.9)
(39.6)
(3.8)
(0.4)
(0.1)
(110.7)
80.4
60.8 %
(26.2)
34.6
12.5
23.1
70.2 %
n/m
—
n/m
n/m
n/m
n/m
7
7
EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
Return on Equity (unaudited)
$ in millions
Net income
Impact of the LPT Agreement
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments
Non-recurring severance costs and asset impairment charges
Income tax expense related to items excluded from Net income
Adjusted net income(1)
Stockholders' equity - end of period
Stockholders' equity - beginning of period
Average stockholders' equity
Stockholders' equity - end of period
Deferred Gain - end of period
Accumulated other comprehensive income, before taxes - end of period
Income tax related to accumulated other comprehensive income - end of period
Adjusted stockholders' equity - end of period
Adjusted stockholders' equity - beginning of period
Average adjusted stockholders' equity(1)
Return on stockholders' equity
Annualized return on stockholders' equity
Adjusted return on stockholders' equity(1)
Annualized adjusted return on stockholders' equity(1)
(1) See Page 13 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
Three Months Ended
December 31,
2021
2020
Years Ended
December 31,
2021
2020
A
$
54.8
$
64.0
$
119.3
$
(5.3)
(25.0)
—
5.3
(4.5)
(21.3)
0.1
4.5
B
$
29.8
$
42.8
$
(11.5)
(54.6)
4.1
10.6
67.9
$
$
1,213.1
$
1,212.8
$
1,213.1
$
1,189.9
1,167.4
1,212.8
C
$
1,201.5
$
1,190.1
$
1,213.0
$
119.8
(11.9)
(19.0)
0.8
3.8
93.5
1,212.8
1,165.8
1,189.3
$
1,213.1
$
1,212.8
$
1,213.1
$
1,212.8
114.4
(76.7)
16.1
1,266.9
1,230.7
125.4
(145.7)
30.6
1,223.1
1,185.4
114.4
(76.7)
16.1
1,266.9
1,223.1
D
$
1,248.8
$
1,204.3
$
1,245.0
$
125.4
(145.7)
30.6
1,223.1
1,237.6
1,230.4
A / C
B / D
4.6 %
18.2
5.4 %
21.5
9.8 %
10.1 %
2.4
9.5
3.6
14.2
5.5
7.6
8
8
EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
Roll-forward of Unpaid Losses and LAE (unaudited)
$ in millions
Three Months Ended
December 31,
Years Ended
December 31,
2021
2020
2021
2020
Unpaid losses and LAE at beginning of period
Less reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and LAE
Net unpaid losses and LAE at beginning of period
$
2,002.1 $
478.4
1,523.7
2,141.4 $
513.7
1,627.7
2,069.4 $
497.0
1,572.4
2,192.8
532.5
1,660.3
Losses and LAE incurred:
Current year
Prior years - voluntary business
Prior years - involuntary business
Total losses incurred
Losses and LAE paid:
Current year
Prior years
Total paid losses
Net unpaid losses and LAE at end of period
Reinsurance recoverable, excluding CECL allowance, on unpaid losses and LAE
Unpaid losses and LAE at end of period
$
100.3
(23.0)
(1.2)
76.1
34.0
61.5
95.5
1,504.3
476.9
1,981.2 $
92.1
(38.7)
(1.0)
52.4
32.9
74.8
107.7
1,572.4
497.0
2,069.4 $
366.5
(38.0)
(1.8)
326.7
76.6
318.2
394.8
1,504.3
476.9
1,981.2 $
395.9
(80.2)
(1.4)
314.3
83.6
318.6
402.2
1,572.4
497.0
2,069.4
Total losses and LAE shown in the above table exclude amortization of the Deferred Gain, LPT Reserve Adjustments, and LPT Contingent Commission Adjustments, which
totaled $5.3 million and $4.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $11.5 million and $11.9 million for the year ended December
31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
9
9
EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
Consolidated Investment Portfolio (unaudited)
$ in millions
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Fair Value
%
Fair Value
%
$
$
$
$
2,266.1 $
218.2
34.1
10.5
75.1
0.2
2,604.2 $
66.5 $
413.8
1,035.1
406.9
68.6
85.5
189.7
2,266.1 $
76.6 $
126.2
4.3
—
—
—
207.1 $
1.6 $
22.3
45.2
7.2
(0.1)
(0.1)
0.5
76.6 $
2,479.2
215.2
36.2
26.6
160.4
0.2
2,917.8
81.4
482.7
1,046.4
563.4
42.6
83.6
179.1
2,479.2
2,342.7
344.4
38.4
10.5
75.1
0.2
2,811.3
68.1
436.1
1,080.3
414.1
68.5
85.4
190.2
2,342.7
83 % $
12
1
—
3
—
100 % $
3 % $
19
46
18
3
4
8
100 % $
3.0 %
A+
3.4
Investment Positions:
Fixed maturity securities
Equity securities
Other invested assets
Short-term investments
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
Total investments and cash
Breakout of Fixed Maturity Securities:
U.S. Treasuries and Agencies
States and Municipalities
Corporate Securities
Mortgage-Backed Securities
Asset-Backed Securities
Collateralized loan obligations
Bank loans and other
Total fixed maturity securities
Weighted average ending book yield
Average credit quality (S&P)
Duration
85 %
7
1
1
5
—
100 %
3 %
19
42
23
2
3
7
100 %
3.0 %
A+
3.2
10
10
EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
Book Value Per Share (unaudited)
$ in millions, except per share amounts
Numerators:
Stockholders' equity
Deferred Gain
Stockholders' equity including the Deferred Gain(1)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, before taxes
Income taxes related to accumulated other comprehensive income, before taxes
Adjusted stockholders' equity(1)
Denominator (shares outstanding)
Book value per share(1)
Book value per share including the Deferred Gain(1)
Adjusted book value per share(1)
Cash dividends declared per share
YTD Change in:(2)
Book value per share
Book value per share including the Deferred Gain
Adjusted book value per share
(1) See Page 13 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
(2) Reflects the change per share after taking into account dividends declared in the period.
December 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
A
$
B
C
$
1,213.1
114.4
1,327.5
(76.7)
16.1
1,266.9
D
27,741,400
A / D $
B / D
C / D
43.73
47.85
45.67
$
1.00
5.3 %
4.3
9.0
$
$
$
$
1,212.8
125.4
1,338.2
(145.7)
30.6
1,223.1
28,564,798
42.46
46.85
42.82
1.00
16.9 %
15.2
11.0
11
11
EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
Earnings Per Share (unaudited)
$ in millions, except per share amounts
Numerators:
Net income
Impact of the LPT Agreement
Net income before impact of the LPT (1)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments
Non-recurring severance costs and asset impairment charges
Income tax expense related to items excluded from Net income
Adjusted net income (1)
Denominators:
Average common shares outstanding (basic)
Average common shares outstanding (diluted)
Earnings per share:
Basic
Diluted
Earnings per share before impact of the LPT:(1)
Basic
Diluted
Adjusted earnings per share:(1)
Basic
Diluted
(1) See Page 13 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
Three Months Ended
December 31,
Years Ended
December 31,
2021
2020
2021
2020
A
$
B
$
C
$
54.8 $
(5.3)
49.5 $
(25.0)
—
5.3
29.8 $
64.0 $
(4.5)
59.5 $
(21.3)
0.1
4.5
42.8 $
119.3 $
(11.5)
107.8 $
(54.6)
4.1
10.6
67.9 $
119.8
(11.9)
107.9
(19.0)
0.8
3.8
93.5
D
E
27,931,565
28,178,237
28,931,963
29,227,878
28,289,118
28,600,993
29,912,063
30,204,864
A / D $
A / E
1.96 $
1.94
2.21 $
2.19
4.22 $
4.17
B / D $
B / E
1.77 $
1.76
2.06 $
2.04
3.81 $
3.77
C / D $
C / E
1.07 $
1.06
1.48 $
1.46
2.40 $
2.37
4.01
3.97
3.61
3.57
3.13
3.10
12
12
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Within this earnings release we present the following measures, each of which are "non-GAAP financial measures." A reconciliation of these measures to the Company's most
directly comparable GAAP financial measures is included herein. Management believes that these non-GAAP measures are important to the Company's investors, analysts
and other interested parties who benefit from having an objective and consistent basis for comparison with other companies within our industry. Management further believes
that these measures are more relevant than comparable GAAP measures in evaluating our financial performance.
The LPT Agreement is a non-recurring transaction that does not result in ongoing cash benefits to the Company. Management believes that providing non-GAAP measures
that exclude the effects of the LPT Agreement (amortization of deferred reinsurance gain, adjustments to LPT Agreement ceded reserves and adjustments to contingent
commission receivable) is useful in providing investors, analysts and other interested parties a meaningful understanding of the Company's ongoing underwriting performance.
Deferred reinsurance gain (Deferred Gain) reflects the unamortized gain from the LPT Agreement. This gain has been deferred and is being amortized using the recovery
method, whereby the amortization is determined by the proportion of actual reinsurance recoveries to total estimated recoveries, except for the contingent profit commission,
which is being amortized through June 30, 2024. Amortization is reflected in losses and LAE incurred.
Adjusted net income (see Page 3 for calculations) is net income excluding the effects of the LPT Agreement, and net realized and unrealized gains and losses on
investments (net of tax), and any miscellaneous non-recurring transactions (net of tax). Management believes that providing this non-GAAP measures is helpful to investors,
analysts and other interested parties in identifying trends in the Company's operating performance because such items have limited significance to its ongoing operations or
can be impacted by both discretionary and other economic factors and may not represent operating trends.
Stockholders' equity including the Deferred Gain (see Page 11 for calculations) is stockholders' equity including the Deferred Gain. Management believes that
providing this non-GAAP measure is useful in providing investors, analysts and other interested parties a meaningful measure of the Company's total underwriting capital.
Adjusted stockholders' equity (see Page 11 for calculations) is stockholders' equity including the Deferred Gain, less accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax).
Management believes that providing this non-GAAP measure is useful to investors, analysts and other interested parties since it serves as the denominator to the Company's
adjusted return on stockholders' equity metric.
Return on stockholders' equity and Adjusted return on stockholders' equity (see Page 8 for calculations). Management believes that these profitability measures are widely
used by our investors, analysts and other interested parties.
Book value per share, Book value per share including the Deferred Gain, and Adjusted book value per share (see Page 11 for calculations). Management believes
that these valuation measures are widely used by our investors, analysts and other interested parties.
Net income before impact of the LPT (see Page 3 for calculations). Management believes that these performance and underwriting measures are widely used by our investors,
analysts and other interested parties.
Description of Reportable Segments
The Company has determined that it has two reportable segments: Employers and Cerity. Each of these segments represents a separate and distinct underwriting platform
through which the Company conducts insurance business.
The nature and composition of each reportable segment and its Corporate and Other activities are as follows:
16
• The Employers segment is defined as traditional business offered through the EMPLOYERS brand name through its agents, including business originated from its
strategic partnerships and alliances;
• The Cerity segment is defined as business offered under the Cerity brand name, which includes the Company's direct-to-customer business; and
• Corporate and Other activities consist of those holding company expenses that are not considered to be underwriting in nature, the financial impact of the LPT
agreement and legacy (pre-acquisition) business assumed and ceded by Cerity Insurance Company. These expenses are not considered to be part of a reportable
segment and are not otherwise allocated to a reportable segment.
13
17
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-K
! ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934"
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021
OR
# TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934"
For the transition period from ____ to ____
Commission file number: 001-33245
EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
04-3850065
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
10375 Professional Circle
Reno, Nevada 89521
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
(888) 682-6671
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Title of each class
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Trading Symbol(s)
EIG
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ! No #
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
Yes # No !
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ! No #
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to
Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to submit such files). Yes ! No #
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "non-accelerated filer," "smaller
reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer
R
Accelerated filer
#
Non-accelerated filer
#
Smaller reporting company #
Emerging growth company #
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. #
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its
internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C.7262(b)) by the registered public
accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. !
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes # No !
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2021 was
$858,824,115.
As of February 17, 2022, there were 27,729,463 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference in
Items 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of this report.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
No.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS .......................................................................................................................
NOTE REGARDING RELIANCE ON STATEMENTS IN OUR CONTRACTS .......................................................
PART 1
Item 1 Business ...........................................................................................................................................................
Item 1A Risk Factors .....................................................................................................................................................
Item 1B Unresolved Staff Comments ............................................................................................................................
Item 2 Properties .........................................................................................................................................................
Item 3 Legal Proceedings ...........................................................................................................................................
Item 4 Mine Safety Disclosures ..................................................................................................................................
PART II
Item 5 Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities .........................................................................................................................................................
Item 6 Reserved ..........................................................................................................................................................
Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial Condition and Results of Operations ....
Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ........................................................................
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ...............................................................................................
Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure .........................
Item 9A Controls and Procedures ..................................................................................................................................
Item 9B Other Information ............................................................................................................................................
Item 9C Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections ............................................................
PART III
Item 10 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance ..............................................................................
Item 11 Executive Compensation .................................................................................................................................
Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters .......
Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence ................................................
Item 14 Principal Accountant Fees and Services ..........................................................................................................
Item 15 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules ...................................................................................................
Item 16 Form 10-K Summary .......................................................................................................................................
PART IV
SIGNATURES
4
4
5
18
27
27
27
27
28
29
30
48
51
91
91
92
92
93
94
94
95
95
96
103
104
3
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Unless otherwise indicated, all references to "we," "us," "our," the "Company" or similar terms refer to Employers Holdings,
Inc., together with its subsidiaries. In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company and its management discuss and make
statements based on currently available information regarding their intentions, beliefs, current expectations, and projections of,
among other things, the Company's future performance, including the effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic,
business growth, retention rates, loss costs, claim trends and the impact of key business initiatives, future technologies and
planned investments. Certain of these statements may constitute "forward-looking" statements as that term is defined in the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not
relate strictly to historical or current facts and are often identified by words such as "may," "will," "could," "would," "should,"
"expect," "plan," "anticipate," "target," "project," "intend," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "pro forma," "seek,"
"likely," or "continue," or other comparable terminology and their negatives. The Company and its management caution
investors that such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Risks and uncertainties are inherent in
the Company's future performance. Factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those
indicated by such forward-looking statements include, among other things, those discussed or identified from time to time in
the Company's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risks detailed in Item 1A,
"Risk Factors." Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or
revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
NOTE REGARDING RELIANCE ON STATEMENTS IN OUR CONTRACTS
The agreements included or incorporated by reference as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain
representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties were
made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and:
• were not intended to be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the
parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate;
• may have been qualified in such agreement by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the
negotiation of the applicable agreement;
• may apply contract standards of "materiality" that are different from "materiality" under the applicable securities laws;
and
• were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the
agreement.
Notwithstanding the inclusion of the foregoing cautionary statements, we acknowledge that we are responsible for considering
whether additional specific disclosures of material information regarding material contractual provisions are required to make
the statements in this report not misleading.
4
Item 1. Business
General
PART I
Employers Holdings, Inc. (EHI) is a holding company, which was incorporated in Nevada in 2005, with subsidiaries that are
specialty providers of workers' compensation insurance and services focused on select, small businesses engaged in low-to-
medium hazard industries. We operate throughout the United States, with the exception of four states that are served exclusively
by their state funds. We offer insurance through Employers Insurance Company of Nevada, Employers Compensation Insurance
Company, Employers Preferred Insurance Company, Employers Assurance Company and Cerity Insurance Company, each of
which have been assigned an A.M. Best Company (A.M. Best) financial strength rating of "A-" (Excellent), which is the 4th
highest of 13 A.M. Best ratings.
Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, amendments to those
reports, and Proxy Statements for our Annual Meetings of Stockholders are available free of charge on our website at
www.employers.com as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Our
website also provides access to reports filed by our directors, executive officers and certain significant stockholders pursuant to
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In addition, our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business
Conduct and Ethics, Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, and charters for the Audit, Board Governance and
Nominating, Executive, Finance, Human Capital Management and Compensation, and Risk Management, Technology and
Innovation committees of our Board of Directors are available on our website. Copies of these documents may also be obtained
free of charge by written request to Investor Relations, 10375 Professional Circle, Reno, Nevada 89521-4802. The SEC also
maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains the information that we file electronically with the SEC.
Property and Casualty Insurance in General
A widely-used measure of relative underwriting performance for an insurance company is the combined ratio. Combined ratio
is calculated by adding: (i) the ratio of losses and loss adjustment expense (LAE) to earned premiums (known as the "loss and
LAE ratio"); (ii) the ratio of commission expenses to earned premiums (known as the "commission expense ratio"); and (iii) the
ratio of underwriting and general and administrative expenses to earned premiums (known as the "underwriting expense ratio"),
with each component determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). A combined ratio
under 100% indicates that an insurance company is generating an underwriting profit. A combined ratio over 100% indicates
that an insurance company is generating an underwriting loss.
An insurance company’s calendar year loss experience includes loss and LAE movements recognized during any given
calendar year regardless of the year in which the underlying insured event actually occurred. An insurance company’s accident
year loss experience includes only those loss and LAE movements recognized during the year in which the underlying insured
event actually occurred.
In insurance and reinsurance operations, "float" arises when premiums are received before losses and other expenses are paid,
an interval that may extend over many years. During that time, the insurer has the opportunity to invest the money, thereby
earning investment income and generating investment gains and losses.
Insurance companies operating at a GAAP combined ratio of greater than 100% can be profitable when investment income and
net investment gains are taken into account. The length of time between receiving premiums and paying out losses and other
expenses, commonly referred to as the "tail," can significantly affect how profitable float can be. Long-tail losses, such as
workers' compensation, pay out over longer periods of time which provides us the opportunity to generate significant
investment earnings from float.
Underwriting income or loss is determined by deducting losses and LAE, commission expenses, and underwriting and general
and administrative expenses from net premiums earned.
Significant Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on our Business
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a reduction in business activity, widespread unemployment, supply chain interruptions,
and overall economic instability. All states, including California where we generated 45% of our in-force premiums as of
December 31, 2021, have, in recent times imposed various restrictions on business operations and social gatherings. Certain
classes of business that we insure, especially those related to the restaurant and hospitality industries, continue to be affected by
these restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Further, the impact of inflation on our business and the broader economy, which may be exacerbated by the economic recovery
from the COVID-19 pandemic, may also impact our results of operations and financial condition.
5
New Business Premium Production and Ending Policies In-Force
While new business premium production did not meet our expectations during the first half of 2021, we remain encouraged by
the consistent rebound we have experienced since then. For 2021, our new business premiums written were $145.2 million
versus $133.3 million in 2020 and $199.8 million in 2019.
We ended the year with a record number of policies in-force, which demonstrates that our policyholders have endured the
pandemic and small businesses are actively shopping for workers' compensation coverage. As a result, our new business
premium has increased. This growth resulted in part from our appetite expansion efforts which, for 2021, included landscaping,
residential janitorial and HVAC maintenance classes.
As vaccination efforts continue and labor market shortages improve, we remain optimistic that rising payrolls will bring further
improvement to our top line. In support of this anticipated recovery, we have continued to pursue and advance the significant
investments that we have made in delivering a superior customer experience for our independent and digital agents.
Reduction in Underwriting Expenses
Our underwriting expenses in 2021 decreased by 14%, or $23.6 million, from our underwriting expenses in 2020. The 2021
decreases in underwriting expenses resulted from planned expense reductions and employee reductions and departures, which
reduced our fixed expenses such as professional fees and compensation, as well as reductions in variable expenses, such as
premium taxes and assessments and bad debt expenses, resulting from the decrease in premiums earned.
Fluctuations in Investment Income and Investment Gains and Losses on Fixed Maturity Investments
Our net investment income declined in 2020 and in 2021 in part due to declines in average market interest rates that occurred
during those periods. Should interest rates remain at or fall below those historic levels, we would expect to experience future
reductions in our net investment income as proceeds from sales, maturities and paydowns of our fixed maturity investments are
reinvested into lower-yielding securities. Conversely, should market interest rates increase above those historic levels, we
would expect to experience future increases our net investment income as proceeds from sales, maturities and paydowns of our
fixed maturity investments are reinvested into higher-yielding securities.
We experienced $69.0 million of pretax net unrealized investment losses on our fixed maturity investments during 2021, which
resulted from an increase in market interest rates from December 31, 2020 to December 31, 2021. Subsequent increases in
market interest rates have led to further net unrealized investment losses on our fixed maturity investments through the date of
the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Conversely, we experienced $99.9 million and $63.1 million of pretax net
unrealized investment gains on our fixed maturity investments during 2019 and 2020, respectively, which resulted from
decreases in market interest rates from December 31, 2018 to December 31, 2019 and from December 31, 2019 to
December 31, 2020.
Our Strategy
Business Strategy
Our strategy is to pursue profitable growth opportunities across market cycles and maximize total investment returns within the
constraints of prudent portfolio management. We pursue profitable growth opportunities by focusing on disciplined
underwriting and claims management, utilizing medical provider networks designed to produce superior medical and indemnity
outcomes, establishing and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with independent insurance agencies, and developing
important alternative distribution channels. We believe that developing and implementing new technologies and capabilities
will fundamentally transform and enhance the digital experience of our customers, including: (i) continued investments in new
technology, data analytics, and process improvement capabilities focused on improving the agent experience and enhancing
agent efficiency; and (ii) the further development of digital insurance solutions, including direct-to-customer workers'
compensation coverage. We also continue to execute a number of ongoing business initiatives, including: achieving internal and
customer-facing business process excellence; diversifying our risk exposure across geographic markets; and utilizing a multi-
company pricing platform and territory-specific pricing.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy
We are committed to delivering value to our shareholders while being conscientious of Environmental, Social, and Governance
concerns.
Environmental concerns include, among other things, dealing with the current climate crisis as well as environmental
sustainability. Social concerns include, among other things, diversity, inclusion, human rights and labor standards. Governance
concerns include, among other things, Board of Director and management composition, employee relations, executive and
employee compensation, bribery and corruption, and cyber risks, including data protection and privacy.
The Board Governance and Nominating Committee of our Board of Directors periodically reviews our ESG programs,
including receiving periodic updates from our management responsible for such activities.
6
The following highlights several of our most significant ESG concerns and opportunities and outlines our strategy with regard
to each:
I. Environmental
Investment Portfolio - While we oversee all our investment activities, we employ several independent investment managers
(Investment Managers). Our Investment Managers follow our written investment guidelines, which are approved by the Finance
Committee of our Board of Directors. Our asset allocation is reevaluated by management and reviewed by the Finance
Committee of the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. We also utilize our Investment Managers' investment advisory
services to assist us in developing a tailored set of portfolio targets and objectives.
Our Investment Managers actively monitor the ability of our bond issuers to repay their obligations, remain competitive, and
maintain a strong financial position. Environmental, Social, and Governance criteria are significant components of those
considerations.
Each of our Investment Managers are signatories to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment Group, an
independent non-profit organization that encourages investors to use responsible and sustainable investment practices to
enhance returns and better manage risks.
Over the past several years, we have also acknowledged California’s Climate Risk Carbon Initiative and have altered our
investment strategy to avoid owning investments that could be in direct conflict with that initiative. This initiative was designed
to provide the public with information relating to potential climate change-related financial risks faced by California insurance
companies resulting from exposure to fossil fuel-based investments.
Natural Catastrophe Exposure - We purchase a significant amount of catastrophe reinsurance annually, and the models used to
develop its potential exposure to natural catastrophes consider the potential effects of climate change. We believe that our
largest exposure to natural catastrophes is currently U.S. earthquake risk.
We believe, based on the most recent catastrophe modeling software, that with our current reinsurance protection we could
withstand a greater than 1 in 1,000 year U.S. earthquake occurrence.
II. Social
Human Capital - We believe that our employees are among our most important resources and they are critical to our continued
success, good name and reputation. Our strategy is to attract and retain responsible, talented and experienced individuals
through various initiatives that promote inclusion, diversity and fair pay. Through these initiatives, we seek to create an
inclusive and engaged work community, minimize employee turnover, and improve recruitment.
The work environment we create and the way our employees treat and interact with one another affects job satisfaction and the
way we perform our jobs. We respect the privacy and dignity of all individuals and recognize that our employees want and
deserve a workplace where they are respected and appreciated. All employees must contribute to the creation and maintenance
of such an environment.
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, color,
religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identification, medical
condition, genetic information, disability, veteran status, and/or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy extends to
all areas of employment, including recruitment, selection and placement, compensation, promotion and transfer, disciplinary
measures, demotion, layoffs and terminations, testing and training, working conditions, awards and benefits, and all other
employment-related actions.
We require our employees to follow specific rules of professional conduct that will protect the interests and safety of all
employees and the organization. Employees and our Board of Directors are required to familiarize themselves with our
comprehensive Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Policy and must remain in compliance with periodic training thereon,
which is designed to assist them in conducting business in a legal, professional and ethical manner.
We strive to provide a safe work environment for our employees and will take reasonable steps to prevent unsafe situations and
injuries. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in March 2020 we closed our buildings to our employees and the general
public and have since remained in work-from-home mode. We believe that our business can remain fully functional, and can
continue to provide uninterrupted service to our policyholders and claimants, while our employees continue to work-from-
home.
The Human Capital Management and Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors provides advice and oversight of our
policies and strategies in relation to culture and human capital management, including diversity, equity and inclusion.
We had 608 full-time employees at December 31, 2021 and our principal executive offices are located at 10375 Professional
Circle in Reno, Nevada.
7
III. Governance
Board and Management Composition and Conduct - Our Annual Proxy Statements and Annual Reports on Form 10-K provide
details regarding the composition of our Board of Directors and our management. As previously mentioned, the Human Capital
Management and Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors provides advice, direction and oversight of the
Company's policies and strategies in relation to culture and human capital management, including with regard to diversity,
equity and inclusion, and is directly responsible for the Company's compensation plans, policies, programs and practices
applicable to the chief executive officer and other executive officers, including the Company's executive compensation plans,
employee benefit plans, and incentive-compensation and equity-based plans.
All members of our Board of Directors are independent, with the exception of our CEO Katherine Antonello. Our Board of
Directors’ Committee Charters, Corporate Governance Guidelines, Related Person Transactions Policy and Procedures, Code of
Business Conduct and Ethics, and Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers are posted on the Company's website at
www.employers.com.
Information Security and Cybersecurity - Our operations rely on the secure processing, storage, and transmission of personal,
confidential, and other information. Our business, including our ability to adequately price products and services, establish
reserves, provide an effective and secure service to our customers and report our financial results in a timely and accurate
manner, depends significantly on the integrity, availability, and timeliness of the data we maintain, as well as the data held by
third party service providers.
In an effort to ensure the privacy, confidentiality, and integrity of this data, we continually enhance our cyber and other
information security in order to remain secure against emerging threats, as well as increase our ability to detect, and recover
from, a cyber-attack or unauthorized access.
Our Risk Management, Technology and Innovation Committee of the Board of Directors reviews and advises on our: (i)
information security and data privacy risks, including the assessment, analysis and mitigation of related risks; and (ii)
cybersecurity strategy, including: identification and assessment of internal and external cybersecurity risks; protection against
cyber security risks; detection, response and mitigation of negative effects from cyber-attacks.
Equity Capital Strategy
We believe that we have a strong equity capital position. Our equity capital strategy is focused on supporting our business
operations by maintaining equity capital levels commensurate with our desired ratings from independent rating agencies,
satisfying regulatory constraints and legal requirements, and sustaining a level of financial flexibility to prudently manage our
business through insurance and economic cycles while allowing us to take advantage of investment opportunities, including
acquisitions of insurance and insurance-related entities, as and when they arise.
We also believe in returning equity capital not needed for these purposes to our stockholders through regular quarterly
dividends and, when feasible, common stock repurchases. During the three-year period ending December 31, 2021, we paid
dividends on our common stock totaling $87.8 million and we repurchased a total of $209.1 million of our common stock. Any
future returns of equity capital to our stockholders are dependent on a variety of factors, including our financial position,
holding company liquidity, share price, corporate and regulatory requirements, and any other factors that our Board of Directors
deems relevant.
Description of Business
We are a specialty provider of workers' compensation insurance focused on select small businesses in low to medium hazard
industries. We employ a disciplined, conservative underwriting approach designed to individually select specific types of
businesses, predominantly those in the lowest four of the seven workers' compensation insurance industry-defined hazard
groups, that we believe will have fewer and less costly claims relative to other businesses in the same hazard groups. Workers'
compensation is provided under a statutory system wherein most employers are required to provide coverage for their
employees' medical, disability, vocational rehabilitation, and/or death benefit costs for work-related injuries or illnesses. We
provide workers' compensation insurance throughout the United States, with a concentration in California, where 45% of our
in-force premiums is generated.
In 1999, the Nevada State Industrial Insurance System (the Fund) entered into a retroactive 100% quota share reinsurance
agreement (LPT Agreement) through a loss portfolio transfer transaction with third party reinsurers. The LPT Agreement
commenced on June 30, 1999 and will remain in effect until all claims under the covered policies have closed, the LPT
Agreement is commuted or terminated, upon the mutual agreement of the parties, or the reinsurers' aggregate maximum limit of
liability is exhausted, whichever occurs first. The LPT Agreement does not provide for any additional termination terms. On
January 1, 2000, we assumed all of the assets, liabilities and operations of the Fund, including the Fund's rights and obligations
associated with the LPT Agreement.
We account for the LPT Agreement as retroactive reinsurance. Upon entry into the LPT Agreement, an initial deferred
8
reinsurance gain (Deferred Gain) was recorded as a liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We are entitled to receive a
contingent profit commission under the LPT Agreement. The contingent profit commission is estimated based on both actual
paid results to date and projections of expected paid losses under the LPT Agreement.
We had total assets of $3.8 billion and $3.9 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The following table highlights
key results of our operations for the last three years.
Net premiums written ................................................................................... $
Total revenues ..............................................................................................
Net income ...................................................................................................
Our insurance subsidiaries are domiciled in the following states:
2021
Years Ended December 31,
2020
(in millions)
2019
583.1 $
703.1
119.3
574.9 $
711.4
119.8
691.5
835.9
157.1
Employers Insurance Company of Nevada (EICN) .................................................................
Employers Compensation Insurance Company (ECIC) ...........................................................
Employers Preferred Insurance Company (EPIC) ...................................................................
Employers Assurance Company (EAC) ...................................................................................
Cerity Insurance Company (CIC) ............................................................................................
Products and Services
State of Domicile
Nevada
California
Florida
Florida
New York
Workers' compensation provides insurance coverage for the statutorily prescribed benefits that employers are required to
provide to their employees who may be injured or suffer illness in the course of employment. The level of benefits varies by
state, the nature and severity of the injury or disease, and the wages of the injured worker. Each state has a statutory, regulatory,
and adjudicatory system that sets the amount of wage replacement to be paid, determines the level of medical care required to
be provided, establishes the degree of permanent impairment, and specifies the options in selecting healthcare providers. These
state laws generally require two types of benefits for injured employees: (a) medical benefits, including expenses related to the
diagnosis and treatment of an injury, disease, or both, as well as any required rehabilitation, and (b) indemnity payments, which
consist of temporary wage replacement, permanent disability payments, and death benefits to surviving family members.
Disciplined Underwriting
Our strategy is to focus on disciplined underwriting and continually pursue profitable growth opportunities across market cycles
when presented. We carefully monitor market trends to assess business opportunities that we expect will meet our pricing and
risk standards. We price our policies based on the specific risks associated with each potential insured rather than solely on the
industry class in which a potential insured is classified. Our disciplined underwriting approach, workers' compensation
specialization, expertise in underwriting small businesses, and data-driven strategies are critical elements of our culture, which
we believe allow us to offer competitive prices, while diversifying our risks.
We execute our underwriting processes through automated systems and experienced underwriters with specific knowledge of
the local markets in which we operate. We have developed automated underwriting templates for specific classes of business
that produce faster quotes when certain underwriting criteria are met. Our underwriting guidelines consider many factors, such
as type of business, nature of operations, and risk exposures, and are designed to minimize or prevent underwriting of certain
classes of business that we view as being unattractive.
Loss Control Services
Our online loss control services and employee safety tips assist policyholders in evaluating the safety risks of their business and
identify cost-effective methods to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses, which can improve their productivity and long term
profitability. These services include: (i) hazard analysis and control to evaluate operations and make recommendations for
hazard control; (ii) management and supervisory education programs to assist in reinforcing best health and safety practices;
and (iii) employee safety presentations and training.
Premium Audit
We conduct premium audits on substantially all of our policyholders annually upon the policy expiration or termination.
Premium audits allow us to comply with applicable state and reporting bureau requirements and to verify that policyholders
have accurately reported their payroll and employee job classifications. We also selectively perform audit reviews and/or update
renewal payroll on policies in certain classes of business or if unusual claims are filed or concerns are raised regarding
projected annual payrolls, which could result in substantial variances at final audit. These variances, which can be significant,
9
may result in adjustments to our written and earned premiums, as well as our net losses and LAE, in the periods in which they
become known.
Claims and Medical Case Management
The role of our claims department is to actively and efficiently investigate, evaluate, and pay claims, and to aid injured workers
in returning to work in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. We have implemented rigorous claims guidelines and
control procedures in our claims units and have claims operations throughout the markets we serve. We also provide medical
case management services for those claims that we determine will benefit from such involvement.
We utilize an outcome-based medical network that incorporates predictive analytics to identify medical providers who achieve
superior clinical outcomes for our injured workers that allows us to optimize our provider network and enhance the quality of
care. We have also implemented a proactive pharmacy benefit management program that, along with our outcome-based
medical network, focuses on reducing claims costs and accelerating injured workers' return to work. We have an Injured
Employee Hotline that allows employees who are injured at work to receive professional nurse consultation by phone when
reporting the claim. This service has proven to reduce overall claims costs and is intended to ensure the injured worker receives
appropriate and timely medical care.
In addition to our medical networks, we work closely with local vendors, including attorneys, medical professionals, pharmacy
benefits managers, and investigators, to bring local expertise to our reported claims. We pay special attention to reducing costs
and have established discounting arrangements with the aforementioned service providers. We use preferred provider
organizations, bill review services, and utilization management to closely monitor medical costs. We actively investigate and
pursue all types of fraud. We have implemented a medical provider fraud tool that allows us to identify suspicious medical
billing and activity within our claims. We also aggressively pursue all subrogation recoveries to mitigate claims costs.
Subrogation rights are based upon state and federal laws, as well as the insurance policies we issue. Our fraud and subrogation
efforts are handled through dedicated units.
We have implemented a claim triage predictive model nationally that provides us with early identification of those claims likely
to develop into large losses. Leveraging this information, we ensure the right resources and strategies are brought to bear on
those claims early in the process.
Our claims department also provides claims management services for those claims incurred by the Fund, which were assumed
by EICN and are subject to the LPT Agreement with dates of injury prior to July 1, 1995. Additional information regarding the
LPT Agreement is set forth under "–Reinsurance–LPT Agreement." We receive a management fee from the third party
reinsurers equal to 7% of the loss payments on these claims.
Reportable Segments
We have two reportable segments: Employers and Cerity. Each of these segments represents a separate and distinct
underwriting platform through which we conduct our insurance business. This presentation allows the reader, as well as our
chief operating decision makers, to objectively analyze the business originated through each of our underwriting platforms.
The nature and composition of each reportable segment and our Corporate and Other activities are as follows:
The Employers segment represents the traditional business offered under our EMPLOYERS brand name through our agents,
including business originated from our strategic partnerships and alliances.
The Cerity segment represents the business offered under our Cerity brand name, which includes our direct-to-customer
business.
Corporate and Other activities consist of those holding company expenses that are not considered to be underwriting in nature,
the financial impact of the LPT agreement, and legacy business assumed and ceded by Cerity Insurance Company. These
expenses are not considered to be part of a reportable segment and are not otherwise allocated to a reportable segment.
Information Technology
Core Operating Systems
We believe we have a cost-effective and scalable information technology infrastructure that complements our geographic reach
and business model. We continue to invest in technology to automate business processes and advanced data and analytics
capabilities that will enable us to reduce our operating costs over the long-term and set a foundation for our future needs. Our
technology saves our independent agents, brokers, and policyholders considerable time and maintains our competitiveness in
our target markets.
10
Development and Implementation of New Technologies and Capabilities
We believe that our ongoing plan to develop and implement new technologies and capabilities will fundamentally transform
and enhance the digital experience of our customers, including: (i) further investments in new technologies, data analytics, and
process improvement capabilities focused on improving the agent experience and enhancing agent efficiency; and (ii) further
development of Cerity, which offers digital insurance solutions, including direct-to-customer workers' compensation coverage.
We believe that these technological and intellectual capabilities will support our future growth initiatives, provide direct access
to workers' compensation insurance to those customers seeking an online experience, provide us with greater pricing precision
and flexibility, and promote long-term value creation. As part of our continued technology and process improvement initiatives,
we implemented a new comprehensive claims system in 2021, which we believe has enhanced and streamlined our claims
handling processes and has positioned us for further improvement.
The development and implementation of these technologies and capabilities has increased our underwriting expenses and
underwriting expense ratios in recent years. However, in future periods we expect that these additional expenses will, over time,
be more than offset by anticipated new premium writings, improved loss ratios, and operational efficiency gains.
Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery
We maintain business continuity and disaster recovery plans for our critical business functions, including the restoration of
information technology infrastructure and applications. We utilize business impact analyses to predict potential consequences of
business disruptions, driving creation of our business continuity plans. Additionally, we utilize multi-zone data centers that act
as production facilities and as disaster recovery sites for each other.
Cyber Security and Privacy
Our operations rely on the secure processing, storage, and transmission of personal, confidential, and other information. Our
business, including our ability to adequately price products and services, establish reserves, provide an effective and secure
service to our customers and report our financial results in a timely and accurate manner, depends significantly on the integrity,
availability, and timeliness of the data we maintain, as well as the data held by third party service providers.
In an effort to ensure the privacy, confidentiality, and integrity of this data, we continually enhance our cyber and other
information security in order to remain secure against emerging threats, as well as increase our ability to detect, and recover
from, a cyber-attack or unauthorized access.
Workers' Compensation Premiums
The workers' compensation insurance industry classifies risks into seven hazard groups, as defined by the National Council on
Compensation Insurance (NCCI), based on the expected extreme loss per claim, with businesses in the first or lowest group
having the lowest expected extreme loss per claim.
We target select small businesses engaged in low to medium hazard industries. Our historical loss experience has been more
favorable for lower industry-defined hazard groups than for higher hazard groups. Further, we believe it is generally less costly
to service and manage the risks associated with these lower hazard groups. Our underwriters use their local market expertise
and disciplined underwriting to select specific types of businesses and risks within the classes of business we underwrite that
allow us to generate loss ratios that are better than the industry average.
Our total in-force premiums were $571.4 million, $577.9 million and $664.6 million as of December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019,
respectively. In-force premiums represent the estimated annual premium on all policies that are active and in-force at that date.
More specifically, in-force premiums include policy endorsements but excludes final audit premium. We focus on in-force
premium because it represents premium that is available for renewal in the future.
The following table sets forth our in-force premiums by hazard group and as a percentage of our total in-force premiums as of
December 31:
11
Hazard
Group
2021
Percentage
of 2021 Total
Percentage
of 2020 Total
(in millions, except percentages)
2020
2019
Percentage
of 2019 Total
A .................................. $
B ..................................
C ..................................
D ..................................
E ..................................
F ...................................
G ..................................
Total ............................. $
125.6
162.8
173.0
92.1
15.1
2.3
0.5
571.4
22.0 % $
28.5
30.3
16.1
2.6
0.4
0.1
100.0 % $
138.1
161.6
170.4
92.1
12.8
2.3
0.6
577.9
23.9 % $
28.0
29.5
15.9
2.2
0.4
0.1
100.0 % $
185.4
175.9
183.2
103.4
14.1
2.0
0.6
664.6
27.9 %
26.5
27.6
15.6
2.1
0.3
<0.1
100.0 %
In-force premiums for our top ten employer classifications as of December 31, 2021, and as a percentage of our total in-force
premiums as of December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 were as follows:
Employer Classifications
Restaurants and Other Eating Places ...................... $
Traveler Accommodation .......................................
Automobile Dealers ................................................
Automotive Repair and Maintenance .....................
Offices of Physicians ..............................................
Real Estate Management ........................................
Services to Buildings and Dwellings .....................
Schools ...................................................................
Other Store Retailers ..............................................
Wholesale Stores ....................................................
Total ........................................................................ $
2021
In-force
Premiums
Percentage
of Total
2020
Percentage
of Total
2019
Percentage
of Total
(in millions, except percentages)
120.4
41.8
25.9
24.1
21.0
18.9
17.9
17.1
15.1
14.8
317.0
21.1 %
7.3
4.5
4.2
3.7
3.3
3.1
3.0
2.6
2.6
55.4 %
23.4 %
7.4
5.0
4.5
3.7
3.6
2.5
2.9
2.8
2.6
58.4 %
24.7 %
7.8
4.4
3.7
2.9
3.2
1.0
2.3
2.4
2.3
54.7 %
We provide workers' compensation insurance throughout the United States, with the exception of four states that are served
exclusively by their state funds. Our business is concentrated in California, which makes the results of our operations more
dependent on the trends that are unique to that state and that may differ from national trends. State and federal legislation and
regulation, court decisions, local competition, economic and employment trends, and workers' compensation medical cost
trends can materially impact our financial results.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, our policyholders had average annual in-force premiums of $5,131 and $5,584,
respectively. We are not dependent on any single policyholder and the loss of any single policyholder would not have a material
adverse effect on our business.
The following table shows our in-force premiums and number of policies in-force for each of our largest states and all other
states combined as of December 31:
State
2021
In-force
Premiums
Policies
In-force
2020
In-force
Premiums
Policies
In-force
(dollars in millions)
2019
In-force
Premiums
Policies
In-force
California .................................. $
Florida ......................................
New York ..................................
Other (43 states and D.C.) ........
Total .......................................... $
258.4
41.1
24.5
247.4
571.4
40,704 $
7,989
7,307
55,350
111,350 $
262.0
37.9
26.7
251.3
577.9
39,610 $
6,898
6,657
50,341
103,506 $
329.8
36.3
31.7
266.8
664.6
43,079
5,822
5,679
44,104
98,684
From 2019 through 2021, our total in-force premiums decreased 14.0% while the number of policies in-force increased 12.8%.
During the same period, our in-force premiums and policy count in California decreased 21.6% and 5.5%, respectively,
reflecting, in all periods, our efforts to continue to diversify and grow our business in new and profitable markets and,
beginning in 2020, the impact of various restrictions on business operations and social gatherings throughout the state of
12
California. We cannot be certain how these trends will ultimately impact our future consolidated financial position and results
of operations.
Our premiums are generally a function of the applicable premium rate, the amount of the insured's payroll, and if applicable, a
factor reflecting the insured's historical loss experience (experience modification factor). Premium rates vary by state according
to the nature of the employees' duties and the business of the employer. The premium is computed by applying the applicable
premium rate to each class of the insured's payroll after it has been appropriately classified. Total policy premium is determined
after applying an experience modification factor and a further adjustment, known as a schedule rating adjustment, and other
adjustments, which may be made in certain circumstances, to increase or decrease the policy premium. Schedule rating
adjustments are made based on individual risk characteristics of the insured and subject to maximum amounts as established in
our premium rate filings.
Our premium rates are based upon actuarial analyses for each state in which we do business, except in administered pricing
states, where premium rates are set by state insurance regulators and are adjusted periodically.
The insurance industry is highly competitive, and there is significant competition in the national workers' compensation
industry that is based on price, commissions and quality of services. We compete with other specialty workers' compensation
carriers, state funds, multi-line insurance companies, professional employer organizations, self-insurance funds, and state
insurance pools.
Losses and LAE Reserves and Loss Development
We are directly liable for losses and LAE under the terms of the insurance policies our insurance subsidiaries write. Significant
time can elapse between the occurrence of an insured loss, the reporting of the loss to us, and our payment of that loss. Loss
reserves are reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheets under the line item caption "Unpaid losses and loss adjustment
expenses." Estimating reserves is a complex process that involves a considerable degree of judgment by management and is
inherently uncertain. Loss reserve estimates represent a significant risk to our business, which we attempt to mitigate by
frequently and routinely reviewing loss cost trends.
For a detailed description of our reserves, the judgments, key assumptions and actuarial methodologies that we use to estimate
our reserves, see "Item 7 –Management's Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial Condition and Results of
Operations –Critical Accounting Policies –Reserves for Losses and LAE" and Note 9 in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Reinsurance
Reinsurance is a transaction between insurance companies in which an original insurer, or ceding company, remits a portion of
its premiums to a reinsurer, or assuming company, as payment for the reinsurer assuming a portion of the risk. Excess of loss
reinsurance may be written in layers, in which a reinsurer or group of reinsurers accepts a band of coverage in excess of a
specified amount, or retention, and up to a specified amount. The ceding company retains any liability exceeding the coverage
limits of the reinsurance program. The ceding company also bears the risk of a reinsurer's unwillingness or inability to pay.
Consistent with general industry practices, we purchase excess of loss reinsurance to protect us against the impact of large
individual, irregularly occurring losses, and aggregate catastrophic losses from natural perils and terrorism, excluding nuclear,
biological, chemical, and radiological events. Such reinsurance reduces the magnitude of such losses on our net income and the
capital of our insurance subsidiaries.
Excess of Loss Reinsurance
Our current reinsurance program applies to all covered losses occurring between 12:01 a.m. July 1, 2021 and 12:01 a.m. July 1,
2022 and consists of one treaty covering excess of loss and catastrophic loss events in four layers of coverage. Our reinsurance
coverage is $190.0 million in excess of our $10.0 million retention on a per occurrence basis, subject to certain exclusions. The
coverage under our annual reinsurance programs that ended each of July 1, 2021 and 2020 was $190.0 million in excess of our
$10.0 million retention on a per occurrence basis. We are solely responsible for any losses we suffer above $200.0 million
except those covered by the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2019 (TRIPRA of 2019). See "—
Terrorism Risk Insurance Program." Covered losses that occur prior to expiration or cancellation of the applicable reinsurance
agreement continue to be obligations of the subscribing reinsurers, subject to the other conditions in the agreement. The
subscribing reinsurers may terminate the agreement only for our breach of the obligations of the agreement. We are responsible
for the losses if the subscribing reinsurer cannot or refuses to pay.
The agreement includes certain exclusions for which our subscribing reinsurers are not liable for losses. These exclusions
include but are not limited to losses arising from the following: reinsurance assumed by us under pooling arrangements;
financial guarantee and insolvency; certain nuclear risks; liability as a member, subscriber, or reinsurer of any pool, syndicate,
or association, but not assigned risk plans; liability arising from participation or membership in any insolvency fund; loss or
damage caused by war other than acts of terrorism or civil commotion; workers' compensation business covering persons
13
employed in Minnesota; and any loss or damage caused by any act of terrorism involving biological, chemical, nuclear, or
radioactive pollution or contamination. Our underwriting guidelines generally require that insured risks fall within the coverage
provided in the reinsurance program. Executive review and approval would be required if we were to write risks outside the
reinsurance program.
The agreement provides that we, or any subscribing reinsurer, may request commutation of any outstanding claim or claims 10
years after the effective date of termination or expiration of the agreements and provides a mechanism for the parties to achieve
valuation for commutation. We may require a special commutation of the percentage share of any loss in the reinsurance
program of any subscribing reinsurer that is in runoff.
We believe that our reinsurance program meets our current needs and that we are sufficiently capitalized.
LPT Agreement
In 1999, the Fund entered into a retroactive 100% quota share reinsurance agreement through a loss portfolio transfer
transaction with third party reinsurers. The LPT Agreement commenced on June 30, 1999 and will remain in effect until all
claims under the covered policies have closed, the agreement is commuted or terminated upon the mutual agreement of the
parties, or the reinsurers' aggregate maximum limit of liability is exhausted, whichever occurs earlier. The LPT Agreement does
not provide for any additional termination terms. On January 1, 2000, EICN assumed all of the assets, liabilities and operations
of the Fund, including the Fund's rights and obligations associated with the LPT Agreement.
Under the LPT Agreement, the Fund initially ceded $1.5 billion in liabilities for the incurred but unpaid losses and LAE related
to claims incurred prior to July 1, 1995, for consideration of $775.0 million in cash. The LPT Agreement, which ceded to the
reinsurers substantially all of the Fund's outstanding losses as of June 30, 1999 for claims with original dates of injury prior to
July 1, 1995, provides coverage for losses up to $2.0 billion, excluding losses for burial and transportation expenses. The
estimated remaining liabilities subject to the LPT Agreement were approximately $328.7 million and $353.5 million, as of
December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively (See Note 10 in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements). Losses and
LAE paid with respect to the LPT Agreement totaled approximately $838.8 million and $818.9 million through December 31,
2021 and 2020, respectively.
The reinsurers agreed to assume responsibilities for the claims at the benefit levels which existed in June 1999. The LPT
Agreement required each reinsurer to place assets supporting the payment of claims by them in a trust that requires collateral be
held at a specified level. The level must not be less than the outstanding reserve for losses and a loss expense allowance equal to
7% of estimated paid losses discounted at a rate of 6%. If the assets held in trust fall below this threshold, we may require the
reinsurers to contribute additional assets to maintain the required minimum level of collateral. The value of these assets as of
December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $432.5 million and $369.1 million, respectively.
The reinsurers currently party to the LPT Agreement are Chubb Bermuda Insurance Limited, XL Re Limited, and National
Indemnity Company. The contract provides that during the term of the agreement all reinsurers need to maintain an A.M. Best
financial strength rating of not less than "A-" (Excellent). Currently, each of the reinsurers that are a party to the LPT
Agreement has a rating that satisfies this requirement.
We account for the LPT Agreement as retroactive reinsurance. Upon entry into the LPT Agreement, an initial deferred
reinsurance gain was recorded as a liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as Deferred Gain. We are also entitled to
receive a contingent profit commission under the LPT Agreement. The contingent profit commission is estimated based on both
actual paid results to date and projections of expected paid losses under the LPT Agreement through June 30, 2024. As of
December 31, 2021, our estimate of the ultimate expected contingent profit commission was $69.3 million, of which $55.4
million has been settled.
Recoverability of Reinsurance
Reinsurance holds the assuming reinsurer liable to the ceding company to the extent of the reinsurance; however, it does not
discharge the ceding company from its primary liability to its policyholders in the event the reinsurer cannot or refuses to pay
its obligations under such reinsurance. We monitor the financial strength of our reinsurers and do not believe that we are
currently exposed to any material credit risk as substantially all of our reinsurance is recoverable from large, well-capitalized
reinsurance companies with A.M. Best financial strength ratings of "A-" (Excellent), or better. At December 31, 2021, $1.8
million was held as collateral by cash or letters of credit for our reinsurance recoverables and an additional $432.5 million was
held in trust accounts for our benefit in support of reinsurance recoverables related to the LPT Agreement.
We review the aging of our reinsurance recoverables on a quarterly basis and no material amounts due from our reinsurers have
been written-off as uncollectible since our inception in 2000. At December 31, 2021, we had no reinsurance recoverables on
paid losses that were greater than 90 days overdue.
14
Terrorism Risk Insurance Program
The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 (2002 Act) was initially enacted in November 2002, modified and extended in 2005,
2007, 2015, and most recently in 2019. Now known as the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2019
(TRIPRA of 2019), the program is designed to allow the insurance industry and the federal government to share losses from
declared terrorist events according to a specific formula, and is in effect until December 31, 2027.
The workers' compensation laws of the various states generally do not permit the exclusion of coverage for losses arising from
terrorism or nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological attacks. In addition, we are not able to limit our losses arising from
any one catastrophe or from any one claimant. Our reinsurance policies exclude coverage for losses arising out of nuclear,
biological, chemical, or radiological attacks. Under TRIPRA of 2019, federal protection may be provided to the insurance
industry for certain acts of foreign and domestic terrorism, including nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological attacks.
The impacts of any future terrorist acts are unpredictable, and the ultimate impact on our insurance subsidiaries, if any, of losses
from any future terrorist acts will depend upon their nature, extent, location, and timing. We monitor the geographic
concentration of our policyholders to help mitigate the risk of loss from terrorist acts.
Investments
Our investment portfolio is structured to support our need for: (i) optimizing our risk-adjusted total return; (ii) providing
adequate liquidity; (iii) facilitating financial strength and stability; and (iv) ensuring regulatory and legal compliance.
As of December 31, 2021, the total carrying value of our investment portfolio was more than $2.7 billion. These investments
provide a steady source of income, which may fluctuate with changes in interest rates and our current investment strategies.
While we oversee all of our investment activities, we employ independent investment managers (Investment Managers). Our
Investment Managers follow our written investment guidelines, which are approved by the Finance Committee of the Board of
Directors. Our asset allocation is reevaluated by management and reviewed by the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors
on a quarterly basis. We also utilize our Investment Managers' investment advisory services to assist us in developing a tailored
set of portfolio targets and objectives.
Our Investment Managers monitor the ability of our bond issuers to repay their obligations, remain competitive, and maintain a
strong financial position. Environmental, Social and Governance criteria are components of those considerations. Each of our
Investment Managers are signatories to the Principles for Responsible Investment Group, an independent non-profit
organization that encourages investors to use responsible and sustainable investment practices to enhance returns and better
manage risks.
Over the past several years, we have also acknowledged California's Carbon Initiative and have altered our investment strategy
to avoid owning investments that could be in direct conflict with that initiative. For example, during 2019 and 2020, we sold a
modest portfolio of oil and natural gas limited partnership interests in support of this initiative.
Additional information regarding our investment portfolio, including our approach to managing investment risk, is set forth
under "Item 7 –Management's Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial Condition and Results of Operations –
Liquidity and Capital Resources –Investments" and "Item 7A –Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk."
Marketing and Distribution
We market our workers' compensation insurance products through independent local, regional, and national agents and brokers,
through alternative distribution channels, including our largest partner ADP, Inc. (ADP), and national, regional, and local trade
groups and associations, and direct-to-customer.
Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers
We establish and maintain strong, long-term relationships with independent insurance agencies that actively market our
products and services. We offer ease of doing business, provide responsive service, and pay competitive commissions. Our sales
representatives and underwriters work closely with independent agencies to market and underwrite our business. This results in
enhanced understanding of the businesses and risks we underwrite and the needs of prospective customers. We do not delegate
underwriting authority to agents or brokers. We are not dependent on any one agency and the loss of any one agency would not
be material to our operations.
We had approximately 2,828 independent agencies that marketed and sold our insurance products at December 31, 2021.
Independent agencies generated 71.8%, 72.8%, and 75.1% of in-force premiums at December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019,
respectively, and our largest agency generated two percent or less of our in-force premiums at each of December 31, 2021,
2020, and 2019.
15
Alternative Distribution Channels
We have developed and continue to add to important distribution channels for our products and services that serve as an
alternative to our strong independent agency distribution channel. These alternative distribution channels utilize partnerships
and alliances with entities such as payroll companies, health care and property and casualty insurers, and digital agents for
which we provide workers' compensation insurance coverage. Our workers' compensation insurance products are jointly offered
and marketed with and through our partners and alliances.
Alternative distribution channels generated 28.2%, 27.2%, and 24.9% of our in-force premiums as of December 31, 2021, 2020,
and 2019, respectively. We believe that the bundling of payroll-related products and services through these relationships
contributes to higher retention rates than business generated by our independent agents. These relationships also allow us to
access new customers that we may not have access to through our independent agent distribution channel. We continue to
actively seek new partnerships and alliances.
A significant concentration of our business is being generated by ADP. ADP is the largest payroll services provider in the
United States servicing small and medium-sized businesses. As part of its services, ADP sells our workers' compensation
insurance product along with its payroll and accounting services through its insurance agency and field sales staff primarily to
small businesses. ADP generated 13.1%, 12.9%, and 11.7% of our in-force premiums as of December 31, 2021, 2020, and
2019, respectively. The majority of this business is written through ADP's small business unit, which has accounts of 1 to 50
employees. Our relationship with ADP is non-exclusive; however, we believe that we are a key partner for ADP in our selected
markets and classes of business.
The digital distribution channel utilizes proprietary application programming interfaces (APIs) to submit, quote and bind
applications for workers' compensation insurance. Digital agents generated 3.5%, 4.5%, and 4.0% of our in-force premiums as
of December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. We continue to actively seek new digital distribution partnerships and
expect our current partnerships to continue their growth in this channel.
Direct-to-Customer
To address the changing buying behaviors of small and micro-businesses, we launched Cerity, which offers digital insurance
solutions, including direct-to-customer workers' compensation coverage. Cerity is based in Austin, Texas and began offering
workers' compensation insurance in the first quarter of 2019. Cerity focuses on classes of business where we believe that
customers prefer an online experience.
Competition and Market Conditions
The insurance industry is highly competitive, and there is significant competition in the national workers' compensation
industry that is based on price and quality of services. We compete with other specialty workers' compensation carriers, state
agencies, multi-line insurance companies, professional employer organizations, self-insurance funds, and state insurance pools.
Many of our competitors are significantly larger, more widely known, and/or possess considerably greater financial resources.
Our primary competitors are AmTrust Financial Services, Inc., Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, The Hartford
Financial Services Group, Inc., ICW Group, and Travelers Insurance Group Holdings, Inc.
Regulation
State Insurance Regulation
Insurance companies are subject to regulation and supervision by the insurance regulator in the state in which they are
domiciled and, to a lesser extent, other states in which they conduct business. These state agencies have broad regulatory,
supervisory, and administrative powers, including, among other things, the power to grant and revoke licenses to transact
business, license agencies, set the standards of solvency to be met and maintained, determine the nature of, and limitations on,
investments and dividends, approve policy forms and rates in some states, periodically examine financial statements, determine
the form and content of required financial statements, set the rates that we may charge in some states, and periodically examine
market conduct.
Detailed annual and quarterly financial statements, prepared in accordance with statutory accounting principles (SAP), and
other reports are required to be filed with the insurance regulator in each of the states in which we are licensed to transact
business. The California Department of Insurance (California DOI), Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (Florida OIR),
Nevada Division of Insurance (Nevada DOI), and New York Department of Financial Services (New York DFS) periodically
examine the statutory financial statements of their respective domiciliary insurance companies. In 2020, the California DOI, the
Nevada DOI, the Florida OIR, and the New York DFS successfully completed financial examinations for ECIC, EICN, EPIC
and EAC, and CIC, respectively.
Many states have laws and regulations that limit an insurer's ability to withdraw from a particular market. For example, states
may limit an insurer's ability to cancel or not renew policies. Furthermore, certain states prohibit an insurer from withdrawing
16
one or more lines of business from the state, except pursuant to a plan that is approved by the state insurance regulator. The
state insurance regulator may disapprove a plan that may lead to market disruption. We are subject to laws and regulations of
this type, and these laws and regulations may restrict our ability to exit unprofitable markets.
Holding Company Regulation. Nearly all states have ena cted legislation that regulates insurance holding company systems.
Each insurance company in a holding company system is required to register with the insurance regulator of its state of
domicile and furnish information concerning the operations of companies within the holding company system that may
materially affect the operations, management or financial condition of the insurers within the system. All transactions within a
holding company system affecting an insurer must have fair and reasonable terms, the charges or fees for services performed
must be reasonable, the insurer's total statutory surplus following any transaction must be both reasonable in relation to its
outstanding liabilities and adequate for its needs, and are subject to other standards and requirements established by law and
regulation. Notice to state insurance regulators is required prior to the consummation of certain affiliated and other transactions
involving our insurance subsidiaries and such transactions may be disapproved by the state insurance regulators.
Pursuant to applicable insurance holding company laws, ECIC is required to register with the California DOI, EPIC and EAC
are required to register with the Florida OIR, EICN is required to register with the Nevada DOI, and CIC is required to register
with the New York DFS. Additionally, EPIC, EAC and CIC are commercially domiciled in California and are required to
register with the California DOI. Under these laws, the respective state insurance regulators may, in addition to performing
financial examinations, require disclosure of material transactions, and require prior notice for, or approval of, certain
transactions.
Change of Control. Our insurance subsidiaries are domiciled in California, Florida, Nevada, and New York. The insurance laws
of these states generally require that any person seeking to acquire control of a domestic insurance company must obtain the
prior approval of the state's insurance commissioner. In California, Nevada, and New York, "control" is presumed to exist
through the direct or indirect ownership of 10% or more of the voting securities of a domestic insurance company or of any
entity that controls a domestic insurance company. In Florida, "control" is generally presumed to exist through the direct or
indirect ownership of 5% or more of the voting securities of a domestic insurance company or of any entity that controls a
domestic insurance company. In addition, insurance laws in many states in which we are licensed require pre-notification to the
state's insurance commissioner of a change in control of a non-domestic insurance company licensed in those states.
Statutory Accounting and Solvency Regulations. State insurance regulators closely monitor the financial condition of insurance
companies reflected in financial statements based on SAP and can impose significant financial and operating restrictions on an
insurance company that becomes financially impaired under SAP guidelines. State insurance regulators can generally impose
restrictions or conditions on the activities of a financially impaired insurance company, including: the transfer or disposition of
assets; the withdrawal of funds from bank accounts; payment of dividends or other distributions; the extension of credit or the
advancement of loans; and investments of funds, including business acquisitions or combinations.
Financial, Dividend, and Investment Restrictions. State laws require insurance companies to maintain minimum levels of
surplus and place limits on the amount of premiums a company may write based on the amount of that company's surplus.
These limitations may restrict the rate at which our insurance operations can grow.
State laws also require insurance companies to establish reserves for payments of policyholder liabilities and impose
restrictions on the kinds of assets in which insurance companies may invest. These restrictions may require us to invest in assets
more conservatively than we would if we were not subject to state restrictions and may prevent us from obtaining as high a
return on our assets as we might otherwise be able to realize absent the restrictions.
The ability of EHI to pay dividends on common stock, repurchase common stock, and to pay other expenses will be dependent
to a significant extent upon the ability of our insurance subsidiaries (EICN, ECIC, EPIC, EAC, and CIC) to pay dividends to
their immediate holding company, Employers Group, Inc. (EGI) and Cerity Group, Inc. (CGI) and, in turn, the ability of EGI
and CGI to pay dividends to EHI. Additional information regarding financial, dividend, and investment restrictions is set forth
in Note 15 in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Insurance Assessments. All of the states where our insurance subsidiaries are licensed to transact business require property and
casualty insurers doing business within the state to pay various insurance assessments. We accrue a liability for estimated
insurance assessments as direct premiums are written, losses are recorded, or as other events occur in accordance with various
states' laws and regulations, and defer these costs and recognize them as an expense as the related premiums are earned. Various
mechanisms exist in some of these states for assessed insurance companies to recover certain assessments. Additional
information regarding insurance assessments is set forth in Note 12 in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Pooling Arrangements. As a condition to conducting business in some states, insurance companies are required to participate
in mandatory workers' compensation shared market mechanisms, or pooling arrangements, which provide workers'
compensation insurance coverage to private businesses that are otherwise unable to obtain coverage.
17
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The NAIC is a group formed by state insurance regulators to
discuss issues and formulate policy with respect to regulation, reporting, and accounting of and by U.S. insurance companies.
Although the NAIC has no legislative authority and insurance companies are at all times subject to the laws of their respective
domiciliary states and other states in which they conduct business, the NAIC is influential in determining the form in which
insurance laws are enacted. Model Insurance Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines (Model Laws) have been promulgated by the
NAIC as a minimum standard by which state regulatory systems and regulations are measured. Adoption of state laws that
provide for substantially similar regulations to those described in the Model Laws is a requirement for accreditation of state
insurance regulatory agencies by the NAIC.
Under the Model Laws, insurers are required to maintain minimum levels of capital based on their investments and operations.
These risk-based capital (RBC) requirements provide a standard by which regulators can assess the adequacy of an insurance
company's capital and surplus relative to its operations. An insurance company must maintain capital and surplus of at least
200% of the RBC computed by the NAIC's RBC model, known as the "Authorized Control Level" of RBC. At December 31,
2021, each of our insurance subsidiaries had total adjusted capital in excess of the minimum RBC requirements.
The key financial ratios of the NAIC's Insurance Regulatory Information System (IRIS) were developed to assist state
regulators in overseeing the financial condition of insurance companies. These ratios are reviewed by financial examiners of the
NAIC and state insurance regulators for the purposes of detecting financial distress and preventing insolvency and to select
those companies that merit highest priority in the allocation of the regulators' resources. IRIS identifies 13 key financial ratios
and specifies a "usual range" for each. Departure from the usual ranges on four or more of the ratios can lead to inquiries from
individual state insurance regulators as to certain aspects of an insurer's business. None of our insurance subsidiaries is
currently subject to any action by any state regulator with respect to IRIS ratios.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Investing in our common stock involves risks. In evaluating our company, you should carefully consider the risks described
below, together with all the information included or incorporated by reference in this report. The risks facing our company
include, but are not limited to, those described below. Additional risks that we are not presently aware of or that we currently
believe are immaterial may also impair our business operations. The occurrence of one or more of these events could
significantly and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and stock price, and you
could lose all or part of your investment.
Operational and Strategic Risks
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly affected the global and U.S. economies and financial markets, and
may further disrupt our operations and the operations of our insureds, agents, and third parties upon which we rely.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a reduction in business activity, widespread unemployment, supply chain interruptions,
and overall economic instability. Certain classes of business that we insure, especially those related to the restaurant and
hospitality industries, continue to be affected by restrictions related to the pandemic. Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to our
business could be widespread and material, including, but not limited to, the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
employees contracting COVID-19;
service level disruptions to our agents and insureds;
business disruption to independent insurance agents and brokers and/or our partners that market and sell our insurance
products;
business disruptions to third parties that we outsource certain business functions to and upon whose technology we
rely;
reductions in our insureds' payrolls upon which our premiums are based;
temporary or permanent closures of the businesses that we insure;
continued government mandates and/or legislative changes, including premium grace periods and presumed COVID-
19 compensability for all or certain occupational groups;
changes in the nature of compensable claims, including the potential for increases in frequency and/or severity of
claims;
significant volatility in financial markets that could materially affect our investment portfolio valuations and returns;
and
increased credit risk.
The impact of inflation on our business and the broader economy, which may be exacerbated by the economic recovery from
the COVID-19 pandemic, may also impact our results of operations and financial condition. While vaccination efforts continue
and most businesses have now reopened, the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including any increases in infection
rates, new variants and renewed governmental action to slow the spread of COVID-19, cannot be estimated at this time.
18
If we fail to price our insurance policies sufficiently, our business competitiveness, financial condition, and results of
operations could be materially adversely affected.
Premiums are based on the particular class of business and our estimates of expected losses and LAE and other expenses related
to the policies we underwrite. We analyze many factors when pricing a policy, including the policyholder's prior loss history
and industry classification. Inaccurate information regarding a policyholder's past claims experience or inaccurate estimates of
expected losses and LAE could put us at risk for mispricing our policies, which could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, and results of operations. For example, when initiating coverage on a policyholder, we must rely
on the information provided by the policyholder, agent, or the policyholder's previous insurer(s) to properly estimate future
claims expense. In order to set premium rates accurately, we must utilize an appropriate pricing model that correctly assesses
risks based on their individual characteristics and takes into account actual and projected industry characteristics.
Intense competition and the fact that we write only a single line of insurance could adversely affect our ability to sell policies
at rates that we deem adequate.
The market for workers' compensation insurance products is highly competitive. Competition in our business is based on many
factors, including premiums charged, services provided, ease of doing business, financial ratings assigned by independent rating
agencies, speed of claims payments, reputation, policyholder dividends, perceived financial strength, and general experience. In
some cases, our competitors offer lower priced products than we do. If our competitors offer more competitive prices,
policyholder dividends, or payment plans, services or commissions to independent agents, brokers, and other distributors, we
could lose market share, have to reduce our premium rates, or increase commission rates, which could adversely affect our
profitability. We compete with regional and national insurance companies, professional employer organizations, third-party
administrators, self-insured employers, and state insurance funds. Our main competitors vary from state to state, but are usually
those companies that offer a full range of services in underwriting, loss control, and claims. We compete on the basis of the
services that we offer to our policyholders and on ease of doing business rather than solely on price.
Many of our competitors are significantly larger and possess greater financial, marketing, and management resources than we
do. Some of our competitors benefit financially by not being subject to federal income tax. Intense competitive pressure on
prices can result from the actions of even a single large competitor. Competitors with more surplus than us have the potential to
expand in our markets more quickly than we can and invest more heavily in new technologies. Greater financial resources also
permit an insurer to gain market share through more competitive pricing, even if that pricing results in reduced underwriting
margins or an underwriting loss.
Many of our competitors are multi-line carriers that can price the workers' compensation insurance they offer at a loss in order
to obtain other lines of business at a profit. This creates a competitive disadvantage for us, as we only offer a single line of
insurance. For example, a business may find it more efficient or less expensive to purchase multiple lines of commercial
insurance coverage from a single carrier. Additionally, we primarily target small businesses, which may be more significantly
and disproportionately impacted by a downturn in economic conditions such as those created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The property and casualty insurance industry is cyclical in nature and is characterized by periods of so-called "soft" market
conditions, in which premium rates are stable or falling in relation to the associated loss costs, insurance is readily available,
and insurers' profits decline, and by periods of so-called "hard" market conditions, in which rates rise in relation to the
associated loss costs, insurance may be more difficult to find, and insurers' profits increase. According to the Insurance
Information Institute, since 1970, the property and casualty insurance industry experienced hard market conditions from 1975
to 1978, 1984 to 1987, and 2001 to 2004. Although the financial performance of an individual insurance company is dependent
on its own specific business characteristics, the profitability of most workers' compensation insurance companies generally
tends to follow this cyclical market pattern. We believe the workers' compensation industry currently has excess underwriting
capacity resulting in lower rate levels and smaller profit margins. We continue to experience price competition in our target
markets.
Because of cyclicality in the workers' compensation market, due in large part to competition, capacity, and general economic
factors, we cannot predict the timing or duration of changes in the market cycle. This cyclical pattern has in the past and could
in the future adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. If we are unable to compete effectively, our
business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Our concentration in California ties our performance to the business, economic, demographic, natural perils, competitive,
legislative and regulatory conditions in that state.
Our business is concentrated in California, where we generated 45% of our in-force premiums as of December 31, 2021.
Accordingly, the loss environment and unfavorable business, economic, demographic, natural perils, competitive, and
regulatory conditions in California, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, could negatively impact our business.
Many California businesses are dependent on tourism revenues, which are, in turn, dependent on a robust economy. A downturn
in the national economy or the economy of California, or any other event that causes deterioration in tourism, could adversely
19
impact small businesses, such as restaurants, that we have targeted as customers. The insolvency of a significant number of
small businesses could also have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. California is also
exposed to climate and environmental changes, natural perils such as earthquakes and wildfires. In addition, California could be
more adversely impacted by pandemics and terrorist acts than most other states due to population density. Additionally, the
workers' compensation industry has seen a higher level of claims litigation in California, which could expose us beyond the
liabilities currently expected and included on our financial statements. Because of the concentration of our business in
California, we may be exposed to losses and business, economic, and regulatory risks or risk from natural perils that are greater
than the risks associated with companies with greater geographic diversification.
Single-payer healthcare proposals have been considered in California at various times in the past. Proposals of this nature have
typically involved the establishment of a comprehensive, universal single-payer health care coverage program for the benefit of
all residents of that state. Under a single-payer system, universal healthcare could potentially cover all injuries, including those
that occur in the workplace, which could limit or otherwise eliminate the offering and administration of workers’ compensation
insurance coverage by private insurance companies. If any such proposal were to be enacted in the future, it could negatively
impact our financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on independent insurance agents, brokers and select distribution partners.
We market and sell the majority of our insurance products through independent, non-exclusive insurance agents and brokers.
These agents and brokers are not obligated to promote our products and can and do sell our competitors' products. In addition,
these agents and brokers may find it easier to promote the broader range of programs of some of our competitors than to
promote our single-line workers' compensation insurance products. Additionally, any disruptions to or changes in the
distribution of our insurance products, including Cerity's direct-to-customer workers' compensation insurance offerings or other
potential market disruptions, could negatively impact the relationship between us and our independent agents and brokers. The
loss or disruption of business from a number of our independent agents and brokers, or the failure or inability of these agents
and brokers to successfully market our insurance products including disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, could have
a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
ADP, our largest distribution partner, generated 13.1% of our total in-force premiums as of December 31, 2021. Our agreement
with ADP is not exclusive. The termination of this agreement, our failure to maintain a good relationship with ADP, or its
failure to successfully market our products may materially reduce our revenues and could have a material adverse effect on our
results of operations. In addition, we are subject to the risk that ADP may face financial difficulties, reputational issues, or
problems with respect to its own products and services, any of which may lead to decreased sales of our products and services.
Significant industry consolidation among agencies, partners (not limited to ADP), or new entrants to the workers' compensation
marketplace could impact our business opportunities and revenues.
We are also subject to credit risk with respect to certain of our insurance agents, brokers and select distribution partners,
including ADP, as they collect insurance premiums on our behalf. Any failure to remit such premiums to us or to remit such
amounts on a timely basis could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
We rely on statistical data models and analytics that leverage internal and external data.
We use models to help make decisions related to, among other things, underwriting, pricing, claims management, reserving,
capital allocation, and investments. These models incorporate various assumptions and forecasts that are subject to the inherent
limitations of any statistical analysis and, as a result, the historical internal and industry data and assumptions used in the
models may not accurately reflect the future. As a result, actual results may differ materially from expectations and our results
of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
As our industry becomes increasingly reliant on data analytics to improve pricing and be more targeted in marketing, our
competitors may have better information or be more efficient in leveraging analytics than we are, which could put us at a
competitive disadvantage.
If we are unable to obtain reinsurance or collect on ceded reinsurance, our ability to write new policies and to renew
existing policies could be adversely affected and our financial condition and results of operations could be materially
adversely affected.
At December 31, 2021, we had $483.8 million of reinsurance recoverables for paid and unpaid losses and LAE, of which $7.5
million was due to us on paid claims.
We purchase reinsurance to protect us against the costs of severe claims and catastrophic events, including natural perils, and
acts of terrorism, excluding nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological events. On July 1, 2021, we entered into a new
reinsurance program that is effective through June 30, 2022. The reinsurance program consists of one treaty covering excess of
20
loss and catastrophic loss events in four layers of coverage. Our reinsurance coverage is $190.0 million in excess of our $10.0
million retention on a per occurrence basis, subject to certain exclusions.
The availability, amount, and cost of reinsurance depend on market conditions and our loss experience and may vary
significantly. We cannot be certain that our reinsurance agreements will be renewed or replaced prior to their expiration with
terms satisfactory to us. If we are unable to renew or replace our reinsurance agreements with terms satisfactory to us, our net
liability on individual risks could increase and we would have greater exposure to large and catastrophic losses, which could
have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, we are subject to credit risk with respect to our reinsurers, and they may refuse to pay or delay payment of losses
we cede to them. We remain liable to our policyholders even if we are unable to make recoveries that we believe we are entitled
to under our reinsurance contracts. Losses may not be recovered from our reinsurers until claims are paid and, in the case of
long-term workers' compensation cases, the creditworthiness of our reinsurers may change before we can recover amounts that
we are entitled to. The inability of any of our reinsurers to meet their financial obligations could have a material adverse effect
on our financial condition and results of operations.
We obtained reinsurance covering the losses incurred prior to July 1, 1995, and we could be liable for some or all of those
losses if the coverage provided by the LPT Agreement proves inadequate or we fail to collect from the reinsurers that are a
party to such transaction.
On January 1, 2000, EICN assumed all of the assets, liabilities, and operations of the Fund, including losses incurred by the
Fund prior to such date. EICN also assumed the Fund's rights and obligations associated with the LPT Agreement that the Fund
entered into with third party reinsurers with respect to its losses incurred prior to July 1, 1995. See "Item 1 -Business -
Reinsurance -LPT Agreement." The reinsurers under the LPT Agreement agreed to assume responsibility for the claims at the
benefit levels which existed in June 1999. Accordingly, if the Nevada legislature were to increase the benefits payable for the
pre-July 1, 1995 claims, we would be responsible for the increased benefit costs to the extent of the legislative increase.
We could be liable for some or all of those ceded losses if the coverage provided by the LPT Agreement proves inadequate or
we fail to collect from the reinsurers that are a party to such transaction. As of December 31, 2021, the estimated remaining
liabilities subject to the LPT Agreement were $328.7 million. If we are unable to collect on these reinsurance recoverables, our
financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
The LPT Agreement requires each reinsurer to place assets supporting the payment of claims by them in individual trusts that
require that collateral be held at a specified level. The collateralization level must not be less than the outstanding reserve for
losses and a loss expense allowance equal to 7% of estimated paid losses discounted at a rate of 6%. If the assets held in trust
fall below this threshold, we can require the reinsurers to contribute additional assets to maintain the required minimum level.
The value of these assets at December 31, 2021 was $432.5 million. If the value of the collateral in the trusts drops below the
required minimum level and the reinsurers are unable to contribute additional assets, we could be responsible for substituting a
new reinsurer or paying those claims without the benefit of reinsurance. One of the reinsurers has collateralized its obligations
under the LPT Agreement by placing shares of stock of a publicly held corporation in a trust. The other reinsurers have placed
U.S. treasury and fixed maturity securities in trusts to collateralize their obligations to us. The value of this collateral is subject
to market fluctuations.
The LPT Agreement provides us with the ability to commute any contract with the reinsurers to the LPT Agreement if the credit
rating of any such reinsurer were to fall below "A-" (Excellent) as determined by A.M. Best.
Financial Risks
We focus on small businesses, and those businesses may be severely and disproportionately impacted by the downturn in
economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a reduction in business activity, widespread unemployment, supply chain interruptions,
and overall economic instability. Certain classes of our business that we insure, especially those related to restaurant and
hospitality industries, continue to be affected. Restaurants and Other Eating Places is currently our largest class of business, and
at December 31, 2021, represented 21% of our in-force premiums.
While vaccination efforts are underway and most businesses have now reopened, the continued impact of the COVID-19
pandemic, including any increases in infection rates, new variants and renewed governmental action to slow the spread of
COVID-19, cannot be estimated at this time. Likewise, we cannot estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the
intermediate or long-term operating models of the classes of business we insure.
A downgrade in our financial strength rating could reduce the amount of business that we are able to write or result in the
termination of certain of our agreements with our strategic partners.
Rating agencies rate insurance companies based on financial strength as an indication of an ability to pay claims. Our insurance
subsidiaries are currently assigned a group financial strength rating of "A-" (Excellent), by A.M. Best, which is the rating
21
agency that we believe has the most influence on our business. This rating is assigned to companies that, in the opinion of A.M.
Best, have demonstrated an excellent overall performance when compared to industry standards. A.M. Best considers "A-"
(Excellent) rated companies to have an excellent ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders. This rating does not
refer to our ability to meet non-insurance obligations.
The financial strength ratings of A.M. Best and other rating agencies are subject to periodic review using, among other things,
proprietary capital adequacy models, and are subject to revision or withdrawal at any time. Insurers' financial strength ratings
are directed toward the concerns of policyholders and insurance agents and are not intended for the protection of investors or as
a recommendation to buy, hold, or sell securities. Our competitive position relative to other companies is determined in part by
our financial strength rating. A reduction in our A.M. Best rating could adversely affect the amount of business we could write,
as well as our relationships with independent agents and brokers and our principal distribution partners, reinsurers, and other
business partners.
A.M. Best may increase the frequency and scope of its reviews, and request additional information from the companies that it
rates, including additional information regarding the valuation of investment securities held. We cannot predict what actions
rating agencies may take, or what actions we may take in response to the actions of rating agencies.
Our liability for losses and LAE is based on estimates and may be inadequate to cover our actual losses and expenses.
We establish and maintain reserves for our estimated losses and LAE. The loss reserves on our financial statements represent an
estimate of amounts needed to pay and administer claims with respect to insured claims that have occurred, including claims
that have occurred but have not yet been reported to us. Loss reserves are estimates of the ultimate cost of individual claims
based on actuarial estimation techniques, are inherently uncertain, and do not represent an exact measure of liability.
Additionally, any changes to our claims management and/or actuarial reserving processes could introduce volatility in our
estimates of losses and LAE. Any changes in these estimates could be material and could have an adverse effect on our results
of operations and financial condition during the period the changes are made.
Several factors contribute to the inherent uncertainty in establishing estimated losses, including the length of time to settle long-
term, severe cases, the long-term health implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, claim cost inflation (deflation) trends, current
and future economic conditions, and uncertainties in the long-term outcome of legislative reforms. Judgment is required in
applying actuarial techniques to determine the relevance of historical payment and claim settlement patterns under current facts
and circumstances. In certain states, we have a relatively short operating history and must rely on a combination of industry
experience and our specific experience regarding claims emergence and payment patterns, medical cost inflation, and claim cost
trends, adjusted for future anticipated changes in claims-related and economic trends, as well as regulatory and legislative
changes, to establish our best estimate of reserves for losses and LAE. As we receive new information and update our
assumptions over time regarding the ultimate liability, our loss reserves may prove to be inadequate to cover our actual losses,
and we have in the past made, and may in the future make, adjustments to our reserves based on a number of factors.
We are a holding company with no direct operations. We depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to us to
meet our obligations and capital management objectives, and our insurance subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends to us is
restricted by law.
EHI is a holding company that transacts substantially all of its business through its operating subsidiaries. Its primary assets are
the shares of stock of our insurance subsidiaries. The ability of EHI to meet its operating and financing cash needs and capital
management objectives depends on the surplus and earnings of our subsidiaries, and upon the ability of our insurance
subsidiaries to pay dividends to EGI and CGI and, in turn, the ability of EGI and CGI to pay dividends to EHI.
Payments of dividends by our insurance subsidiaries are restricted by state insurance laws, including laws establishing
minimum solvency and liquidity thresholds. As a result, we may not be able to receive dividends from these subsidiaries and we
may not receive dividends in the amounts necessary to meet our holding company obligations. Further, if we were to experience
a diminution in dividend payments from these subsidiaries in the future, we may not be able to continue to pay dividends to our
stockholders and/or repurchase shares of common stock.
Acts of terrorism and natural, or man-made catastrophes or other disruptive events could materially adversely impact our
financial condition and results of operations.
Under our workers' compensation policies and applicable laws in the states in which we operate, we are required to provide
workers' compensation benefits for losses arising from acts of terrorism. The impact of any terrorist act is unpredictable, and the
ultimate impact on us would depend upon the nature, extent, location, and timing of such an act. We would be particularly
adversely affected by a terrorist act affecting any metropolitan area where our policyholders have a large concentration of
workers.
Notwithstanding the protection provided by the reinsurance we have purchased and any protection provided by the 2002 Act, or
its extension, TRIPRA of 2019, the risk of severe losses to us from acts of terrorism has not been eliminated because our excess
22
of loss reinsurance treaty program contains various sub-limits and exclusions limiting our reinsurers' obligation to cover losses
caused by acts of terrorism. Our excess of loss reinsurance treaties do not protect against nuclear, biological, chemical, or
radiological events. If such an event were to impact one or more of the businesses we insure, we would be entirely responsible
for any workers' compensation claims arising out of such event, subject to the terms of the 2002 Act and TRIPRA of 2019 and
could suffer substantial losses as a result.
Our operations also expose us to claims arising out of natural or man-made catastrophes because we may be required to pay
benefits to workers who are injured in the workplace as a result of a catastrophe. Catastrophes can be caused by various
unpredictable events, either natural or man-made. Any catastrophe occurring in the communities in which we operate or that
have significant impacts on one or more of our targeted classes of business could expose us to potentially substantial losses and,
accordingly, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Acts of terrorism, natural or man-made catastrophes or other disruptive events, including social unrest, can also affect our
business due to resulting temporary or permanent closures of our insured’s businesses, even if there are no claims arising from
such event.
Regulatory and Legal Risks
The insurance business is subject to extensive regulation and legislative changes, which impact the manner in which we
operate our business.
Our insurance business is subject to extensive regulation by the applicable state agencies in the jurisdictions in which we
operate, most significantly by the insurance regulators in California, Florida, Nevada, and New York, the states in which our
insurance subsidiaries are domiciled. Changes in laws and regulations could have a significant negative impact on our business.
More generally, insurance regulators have broad regulatory powers designed to protect policyholders and claimants, and not
stockholders or other investors.
Regulations vary from state to state, but typically address or include:
standards of solvency, including RBC measurements;
restrictions on the nature, quality, and concentration of investments;
restrictions on the types of terms that we can include in the insurance policies we offer;
requirements for the handling and reporting of claims and procedures for adjusting claims;
restrictions on the way rates are developed and premiums are determined;
the manner in which agents may be appointed;
establishment of liabilities for unearned premiums, unpaid losses and LAE;
limitations on our ability to transact business with affiliates;
environmental, social and governance-related requirements;
•
•
•
• mandates that may affect wage replacement and medical care benefits paid under the workers' compensation system;
•
•
•
•
•
•
• mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures involving our insurance subsidiaries;
•
•
•
•
licensing requirements and approvals that affect our ability to do business;
applicable privacy laws;
cyber-security laws and regulations;
potential assessments for the settlement of covered claims under insurance policies issued by impaired, insolvent, or
failed insurance companies or other assessments imposed by regulatory agencies; and
the amount of dividends that our insurance subsidiaries may pay to EGI and CGI and, in turn, the ability of EGI and
CGI to pay dividends to EHI.
•
Workers' compensation insurance is statutorily provided for in all of the states in which we do business. State laws and
regulations specify the form and content of policy coverage and the rights and benefits that are available to injured workers,
their representatives, and medical providers. Additionally, any retrospective change in regulatory required benefits could
materially increase the benefits costs that we would be responsible for to the extent of the legislative increase.
Legislation and regulation impact our ability to investigate fraud and other abuses of the workers' compensation system in the
states in which we do business. Our relationships with medical providers are also impacted by legislation and regulation,
including penalties for failure to make timely payments.
Federal legislation typically does not directly impact our workers' compensation business, but our business can be indirectly
affected by changes in healthcare, occupational safety and health, and tax and financial regulations. Since healthcare costs are
the largest component of our loss costs, we may be impacted by changes in healthcare legislation, which could affect healthcare
costs and delivery in the future. There is also the possibility of federal regulation of insurance.
This extensive regulation of our business may affect the cost or demand for our products and may limit our ability to obtain rate
increases or to take other actions that we might desire to maintain our profitability. In addition, we may be unable to maintain
23
all required approvals or comply fully with applicable laws and regulations, or the relevant governmental authority's
interpretation of such laws and regulations. If that were to occur, we might lose our ability to conduct business in certain
jurisdictions. Further, changes in the level of regulation of the insurance industry or changes in laws or regulations or
interpretations by regulatory authorities could impact our operations, require us to bear additional costs of compliance, and
impact our profitability.
Government mandates and legislative changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including re-enacting mandated premium
refunds or credits, extended premium grace periods, and presumed COVID-19 compensability for all or certain occupational
groups, have impacted and could continue to impact our operational processes and financial results. For example, premium
grace periods could significantly increase our bad debt expenses and decrease our liquidity. Similarly, prolonged declines in our
insureds' payrolls, upon which our premiums are based, could significantly decrease our premium volume and increase our
expense ratio. Furthermore, the presumption of COVID-19 compensability for all or certain occupational groups and the long-
term health implications from the COVID-19 pandemic could significantly increase the frequency and severity of our
compensable claims and increase our losses and LAE.
Single-payer healthcare proposals have been considered by the U.S. Government and certain states, including California, at
various times in the past. Proposals of this nature have typically involved the establishment of a comprehensive, universal
single-payer health care coverage program for the benefit of all residents of a particular jurisdiction. Under a single-payer
system, universal healthcare could potentially cover all injuries, including those that occur in the workplace, which could limit
or otherwise eliminate the offering and administration of workers’ compensation insurance coverage by private insurance
companies. If any such proposal were to be enacted in the future, it could negatively impact our financial condition and results
of operations.
Administrative proceedings, legal actions, or judicial decisions involving our insurance subsidiaries could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our insurance subsidiaries are involved in various administrative proceedings and legal actions in the normal course of their
business and could be impacted by adverse judicial decisions. Our subsidiaries have responded to such actions and intend to
defend these claims. These claims or decisions concern issues including eligibility for workers' compensation insurance
coverage or benefits, the extent of injuries, wage determinations, disability ratings, and bad faith and extra-contractual liability.
Adverse decisions in administrative proceedings, legal actions, or judicial decisions could require us to pay significant amounts
in the aggregate or to change the manner in which we administer claims, which could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Assessments and other surcharges for guaranty funds, second injury funds, and other mandatory pooling arrangements
may reduce our profitability.
All states require insurance companies licensed to do business in their state to bear a portion of the unfunded obligations of
insolvent insurance companies. These obligations are funded by assessments that can be expected to continue in the future in
the states in which we operate. Many states also have laws that establish second injury funds to provide compensation to injured
employees for aggravation of a prior condition or injury, which are funded by either assessments based on paid losses or
premium. In addition, as a condition to the ability to conduct business in some states, insurance companies are required to
participate in mandatory workers' compensation shared market mechanisms or pooling arrangements, which provide workers'
compensation insurance coverage from private insurers. The effect of these assessments and mandatory shared market
mechanisms or changes in them could reduce our profitability in any given period or limit our ability to grow our business.
State insurance laws, certain provisions of our charter documents, and Nevada corporation law could prevent or delay a
change in control that could be beneficial to us and our stockholders.
Our insurance subsidiaries are domiciled in California, Florida, Nevada, and New York. The insurance laws of these states
generally require that any person seeking to acquire control of a domestic insurance company obtain the prior approval of the
state's insurance commissioner. In California, Nevada, and New York, "control" is presumed to exist through the direct or
indirect ownership of 10% or more of the voting securities of a domestic insurance company or of any entity that controls a
domestic insurance company. In Florida, "control" is generally presumed to exist through the direct or indirect ownership of 5%
or more of the voting securities of a domestic insurance company or of any entity that controls a domestic insurance company.
In addition, insurance laws in many states in which we are licensed require pre-notification to the state's insurance
commissioner of a change in control of a non-domestic insurance company licensed in those states. Because we have insurance
subsidiaries domiciled in California, Florida, Nevada, and New York, any transaction that would constitute a change in control
of us would generally require the party attempting to acquire control to obtain the prior approval of the insurance
commissioners of these states and may require pre-notification of the change of control in these or other states in which we are
licensed to transact business. The time required to obtain these approvals may result in a material delay of, or deter, any such
transaction. These laws may discourage potential acquisition proposals or tender offers, and may delay, deter, or prevent a
change of control, even if the acquisition proposal or tender offer is favorable to our stockholders.
24
Provisions of our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws could discourage, delay, or
prevent a merger, acquisition, or other change in control of us, even if our stockholders might consider such a change in control
to be favorable. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for stockholders to elect
Directors and take other corporate actions. In particular, our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and
restated by-laws currently include provisions:
•
•
•
•
eliminating the ability of our stockholders to call special meetings of stockholders;
permitting our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock in one or more series;
imposing advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our Board of Directors and/or for proposing
matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at the stockholder meetings; and
prohibiting stockholder action by written consent, thereby limiting stockholder action to that taken at an annual or
special meeting of our stockholders.
These provisions may make it difficult for stockholders to replace Directors and could have the effect of discouraging a future
takeover attempt that is not approved by our Board of Directors, but which stockholders might consider favorable. Additionally,
these provisions could limit the price that investors are willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock.
General Risk Factors
We may be unable to realize our investment objectives, and economic conditions in the financial markets could lead to
investment losses.
Investment income is an important component of our revenue and net income. Our investment portfolio is managed by
independent asset managers that operate under investment guidelines approved by the Finance Committee of the Board of
Directors. Although these guidelines stress diversification and capital preservation, our investments are subject to a variety of
risks that are beyond our control, including risks related to general economic conditions, interest rate fluctuations or prolonged
periods of low interest rates, and market volatility. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental
fiscal and monetary policies and domestic and international economic and political conditions. These and other factors affect
the capital markets and, consequently, the value of our investment portfolio.
We are exposed to significant financial risks related to the capital markets, including the risk of potential economic loss
principally arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments. The major components of market risk
affecting us are credit risk, interest rate risk, equity price risk and effects of inflation. For more information regarding market
risk, see "Item 7A–Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk."
The future outlook for our investment income is dependent on the direction of interest rates, maturity schedules, and cash
available for investment. Should market interest rates remain at current levels, we expect to experience further reductions in our
investment income as proceeds from sales, maturities and paydowns of our fixed maturity investments are reinvested into
lower-yielding securities until such time that market interest rates return to levels at or in excess of the book yield of our fixed
maturity investments. In addition, the fair value of our fixed maturity securities that are available-for-sale (AFS) fluctuate with
changes in interest rates and credit risk assumptions, which cause fluctuations in our stockholders' equity, net income and
comprehensive income. Any significant decline in our investment income or the value of our investments as a result of changes
in interest rates, deterioration in the credit of companies or municipalities in which we have invested, decreased dividend
payments, general market conditions, or events that have an adverse impact on any particular industry or geographic region in
which we hold significant investments could have an adverse effect on our net income and, as a result, on our stockholders'
equity and policyholder surplus.
The valuation of our investments, including the determination of the amount of charges and impairments, includes estimates
and assumptions and could result in changes to investment valuations. Our determinations, including the use of valuation
models, pricing services and other techniques, can have a material effect on the valuation of our investments which may
adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We regularly review the valuation of our portfolio of fixed maturity investments, including the identification of other-than-
temporary declines in fair value and current expected credit losses (CECL). The determination of the amount of impairments
and/or credit losses recognized on our investments is based on our periodic evaluation and assessment of our investments and
known and inherent risks associated with the various asset classes. There can be no assurance that we have accurately
determined the level of impairments and/or credit losses reflected on our financial statements and additional provisions may
need to be recognized in the future. Further, historical trends may not be indicative of future impairments and/or credit losses.
We may require additional capital in the future, which may not be available to us or may be available only on unfavorable
terms.
Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including state regulatory requirements, our ability to write new
business successfully, and to establish premium rates and reserves at levels sufficient to cover losses. If we have to raise
25
additional capital, equity or debt financing may not be available on terms that are favorable to us. In the case of equity
financings, there could be dilution to our stockholders and the securities may have rights, preferences, and privileges senior to
our common stock. In the case of debt financings, we may be subject to covenants that restrict our ability to freely operate our
business. If we cannot obtain adequate capital on favorable terms or at all, we may be unable to implement our future growth or
operating plans and our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
The capital and credit markets continue to experience volatility and disruption that could negatively affect market liquidity.
These conditions have, at times, produced downward pressure on stock prices and limited the availability of credit for certain
issuers without regard to those issuers' underlying financial strength. In addition, we could be forced to delay raising capital or
be unable to raise capital on favorable terms, or at all, which could decrease our profitability, significantly reduce our financial
flexibility, and cause rating agencies to reevaluate our financial strength ratings.
Our business is largely dependent on the efforts of our executives and other key employees because of their industry and
technical expertise, knowledge of our markets, and relationships with the independent agents and brokers and partners that
sell our products.
Our success depends in substantial part upon our ability to attract and retain qualified executive officers, experienced
underwriting and claims personnel, and other skilled employees who are knowledgeable about our business. The current
success of our business is dependent in significant part on the efforts of our executive officers. Many of our regional and local
executives are also important to our operations because of their industry expertise, knowledge of our markets, and relationships
with the independent agents and brokers who sell our products. The current labor market tightness, including impacts from the
“Great Resignation,” may lead to increased staffing expenses and/or increased turnover rates among key personnel. As a result,
our operations may be disrupted and/or our financial performance and results of operations may be adversely affected. Further,
if we were to lose the services of members of our management team or key regional or local employees, we may be unable to
find replacements satisfactory to us and our business, which could disrupt our operations and adversely impact our financial
performance and results of operations.
We rely on our information technology and telecommunication systems, including those of third parties that we outsource
certain business functions to, and the failure of these systems or cyber-attacks on these systems could materially and
adversely affect our business.
Our business is highly dependent upon the successful and uninterrupted functioning of our information technology and
telecommunications systems. We rely on these systems to process and generate new and renewal business, provide customer
service, administer and make payments on claims, facilitate collections, and automatically underwrite and administer the
policies we write. The failure of a key third party or any of our systems could interrupt our operations or materially impact our
ability to evaluate and write new business. We outsource certain business functions to third parties and our information
technology and telecommunications systems interface with and depend on third-party systems, which may expose us to
increased risk related to data and information security. Additionally, we could experience service disruptions if demand for such
services exceeds capacity or such third-party systems fail or experience interruptions. Any administrative or technical controls
and other preventative actions we take or require such service providers to take to reduce the risk of cyber-attacks or system
failures may be insufficient to prevent such attacks or other security breaches. Cyber-attacks resulting in a breach of security
could jeopardize the privacy, confidentiality, and integrity of our data or our customers' data, which could harm our reputation
and expose us to potential liability.
Certain events outside of our control, including cyber-attacks, natural catastrophes, or other failures or outages to information
technology and telecommunications systems that we rely on, could render our systems inoperable such that we would be unable
to service our agents, insureds, and injured workers, generate and service direct-to-customer business, or meet certain
regulatory requirements. If such an event were to occur, there is no guarantee that our existing business continuity plans would
be sufficient to restore our systems or secure our data within a reasonable time-frame and, our business, financial condition, and
results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
A failure to effectively maintain, enhance and modernize our information technology systems, effectively develop and deploy
new technologies, and execute new business initiatives, could adversely affect our business.
Our success depends on our ability to maintain effective information technology systems, to enhance those systems to better
support our business in an efficient and cost-effective manner, and to develop new technologies and capabilities in pursuit of
our long-term strategy. We have multiple initiatives that are focused on developing new technologies and capabilities and
enhancing our information technology infrastructure. Some technology development and new business initiatives are long-term
in nature, may negatively impact our expense ratios as we invest in the projects, may cost more than anticipated to complete, or
may not be completed. Additionally, these initiatives may be more time-consuming than anticipated, may not deliver the
expected benefits upon completion, and/or may need to be replaced or become obsolete more quickly than expected, all of
which could result in accelerated recognition of expenses. If we fail to successfully execute on new business initiatives, fail to
maintain or enhance our existing information technology systems, or if we were to experience failure in developing and
26
implementing new technologies, our relationships, ability to do business with our clients and/or our competitive position may
be adversely affected. We could also experience other adverse consequences, including additional costs or write-offs of
capitalized costs, unfavorable underwriting and reserving decisions, internal control deficiencies, and information security
breaches resulting in loss or inappropriate disclosure of data.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2. Properties
As of February 1, 2022, we leased 132,788 square feet of office space in 5 states, including our principal executive offices
located in Reno, Nevada. As a result of the effectiveness of our work-from-home transition, in 2021 we reduced our real estate
footprint by closing and vacating certain of our offices located in California, North Carolina and Wisconsin. Whereas we
believe that our existing office space is adequate for our current needs, we will continue to evaluate our office needs and may
further reduce our real estate footprint in the future.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we are involved in pending and threatened litigation in the normal course of business in which claims for
monetary damages are asserted and/or insurance or reinsurance coverage is disputed.
Expected or actual reductions in our reinsurance recoveries due to reinsurance coverage disputes (as opposed to a reinsurer's
inability to pay) are not recorded as an uncollectible reinsurance recoverable. Rather, they are factored into the determination
of, and are reflected in, our net loss and LAE reserves.
In the opinion of management, the ultimate liability, if any, arising from such pending or threatened litigation is not expected to
have a material effect on our result of operations, liquidity, or financial position.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
27
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
Market Information, Holders, and Stockholder Dividends
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol "EIG." There were 765 registered
holders of record as of February 17, 2022.
We currently expect that quarterly cash dividends will continue to be declared and paid to our stockholders in the future;
however, any determination to declare and pay additional or future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors
and will be dependent upon:
•
•
•
•
•
•
the surplus and earnings of our insurance subsidiaries and their ability to pay dividends and/or other statutorily
permissible payments to their parent;
our results of operations and cash flows;
our financial position and capital requirements;
general business conditions;
any legal, tax, regulatory, and/or contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends; and
any other factors our Board of Directors deems relevant.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
We have repurchased shares of our common stock during each of the periods presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
However, any determination as to whether we will continue to repurchase shares of our common stock in the future will be at
the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be dependent upon:
•
•
•
•
•
•
the surplus and earnings of our insurance subsidiaries and their ability to pay dividends and/or other statutorily
permissible payments to their parent;
our results of operations and cash flows;
our financial position and capital requirements;
general business and social economic conditions;
any legal, tax, regulatory, and/or contractual restrictions on repurchases of our common stock; and
any other factors our Board of Directors deems relevant.
The following table provides information with respect to the Company's repurchases of its common stock during the quarter
ended December 31, 2021:
Period
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
Average
Price Paid
Per Share(1)
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Publicly
Announced
Program
Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares that
May Yet be
Purchased
Under the
Program(2)
(in millions)
October 1 – October 31, 2021
November 1 – November 30, 2021
December 1 – December 31, 2021
Total
— $
144,971
78,591
223,562 $
—
39.42
40.01
39.63
— $
144,971
78,591
223,562
36.7
31.0
27.9
(1)
(2)
Includes fees and commissions paid on stock repurchases.
On July 21, 2021, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase authorization for repurchases of up to $50.0 million of
the Company's common stock from July 27, 2021 through December 31, 2022 (the 2021 Program). The 2021 Program replaces the
2018 Program, which expired on June 30, 2021. The 2021 Program provides that shares may be purchased at prevailing market
prices through a variety of methods, including open market or private transactions, in accordance with applicable laws and
regulations and as determined by management. The timing and actual number of shares that may be repurchased will depend on a
variety of factors, including the share price, corporate and regulatory requirements, and other market and economic conditions.
Repurchases under the 2021 Program may be commenced, modified, or suspended from time to time without prior notice, and the
program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
28
Performance Graph
The following information compares the cumulative total return on $100 invested in the common stock of EHI, ticker symbol
EIG, for the period commencing at the close of market on December 31, 2016 and ending on December 31, 2021 with the
cumulative total return on $100 invested in each of the Standard and Poor's (S&P) 500 Index (S&P 500) and the Standard and
Poor's 500 Property-Casualty Insurance Index (S&P P&C Insurance Index). The calculation of cumulative total return assumes
the reinvestment of dividends. The following graph and related information shall not be deemed to be "soliciting material" or to
be "filed" with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any filing pursuant to the Securities Act of
1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into such
filing.
Employers Holdings, Inc.
Cumulative Total Return Performance
Employers Holdings, Inc. .............. $
S&P 500 .........................................
S&P 500 P&C Insurance Index .....
Period Ending
12/31/2017 12/31/2018 12/31/2019 12/31/2020 12/31/2021
116.63
233.41
187.31
109.56 $
116.49
116.64
111.30 $
153.17
146.82
88.43 $
181.35
157.04
113.73 $
121.83
122.39
Item 6. [Reserved]
29
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with
the consolidated financial statements, the accompanying notes thereto, and the financial statement schedules included in Item 8
and Item 15 of this report. In addition to historical information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements
that are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors described in Item 1A of this report. Our actual results in future
periods may differ from those referred to herein due to a number of factors, including the risks described in the sections entitled
"Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements" elsewhere in this report.
Overview
We are a Nevada holding company. Through our insurance subsidiaries, we provide workers' compensation insurance coverage
to select, small businesses in low to medium hazard industries. Workers' compensation insurance is provided under a statutory
system wherein most employers are required to provide coverage for their employees' medical, disability, vocational
rehabilitation, and/or death benefit costs for work-related injuries or illnesses. We provide workers' compensation insurance
throughout the United States, with a concentration in California, where 45% of our in-force premiums are generated. Our
revenues are primarily comprised of net premiums earned, net investment income, and net realized and unrealized gains on
investments.
We target small businesses, as we believe that this market is traditionally characterized by fewer competitors, more attractive
pricing, and stronger persistency when compared to the U.S. workers' compensation insurance industry in general. We believe
we are able to price our policies at levels that are competitive and profitable over the long-term given our expertise in
underwriting and claims handling in this market segment. Our underwriting approach is to consistently underwrite small
business accounts at appropriate and competitive prices without sacrificing long-term profitability and stability for short-term
top-line revenue growth.
The insurance industry is highly competitive, and there is significant competition in the national workers' compensation
industry that is based on price, commissions and quality of services. We compete with other specialty workers' compensation
carriers, state funds, multi-line insurance companies, professional employer organizations, self-insurance funds, and state
insurance pools.
COVID-19 Impacts
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a reduction in business activity, widespread unemployment, supply chain interruptions,
and overall economic instability. All states, including California, where we generated 45% of our in-force premiums as of
December 31, 2021, have, in recent times, imposed various restrictions on business operations and social gatherings. Certain
classes of business that we insure, especially those related to the restaurant and hospitality industries, continue to be affected by
these restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, employee shortages and inflationary pressures may exacerbate
and prolong the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these businesses. The impact of these disruptions and the
extent of their potential impacts on our future results of operations will be dictated by the length of time that such disruptions
continue, which will depend on the currently unknown duration and severity of the impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic
and its variants.
While new business premium production did not meet our expectations during the first half of 2021, our renewal business
remained strong throughout 2021. However, we remain encouraged by the consistent rebound we have experienced since then.
We ended the year with a record number of policies in-force, which demonstrates that our policyholders have endured the
pandemic and small businesses are actively shopping for workers' compensation coverage. As vaccination efforts continue and
labor market shortages improve, we remain confident that rising payrolls will bring further improvement to our top line. In
support of this anticipated recovery, we have continued to pursue and advance the significant investments that we have made in
delivering a superior customer experience for our independent and digital agents.
We continually review and adjust to changes in our policyholders' payrolls, economic conditions, and seasonality, as experience
develops or new information becomes known. Any such adjustments are included in our current operations and are made
periodically through mid-term endorsements and/or premium audits. We increased our final audit premium accruals by
$12.3 million, for the year ended December 31, 2021, as our payroll exposure improved with the labor market strengthening.
We have largely remained in work-from-home mode since we closed our buildings to employees and the general public in
March 2020, and we remain fully functional while working in this manner.
Despite widespread reopening of businesses and ongoing vaccination efforts, the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,
including any increases in infection rates, new variants and renewed governmental action to slow the spread of COVID-19,
cannot be estimated at this time. Additional information regarding risks and uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic to
our business, financial condition, and results of operations are set forth in Part I, Item 1A of this report.
30
Results of Operations
Our results of operations for the three year period ending December 31, 2021 are as follows:
2021
Years Ended December 31,
2020
(in millions)
2019
Gross premiums written .................................................................................... $
Net premiums written ....................................................................................... $
Net premiums earned ........................................................................................ $
Net investment income .....................................................................................
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments ............................................
Other income ....................................................................................................
Total revenues ...................................................................................................
Losses and LAE ................................................................................................
Commission expense ........................................................................................
Underwriting and general and administrative expenses ...................................
Interest and financing expenses ........................................................................
Other expenses ..................................................................................................
Total expenses ...................................................................................................
Net income before income taxes ......................................................................
Income tax expense ..........................................................................................
Net income ........................................................................................................ $
Overview
589.7 $
583.1 $
574.4 $
72.7
54.6
1.4
703.1
315.2
76.1
160.2
0.5
4.1
556.1
147.0
27.7
119.3 $
580.1 $
574.9 $
615.3 $
76.3
19.0
0.8
711.4
302.4
78.8
181.3
0.4
0.8
563.7
147.7
27.9
119.8 $
696.9
691.5
695.8
88.1
51.1
0.9
835.9
365.9
88.1
187.5
0.6
—
642.1
193.8
36.7
157.1
Our net income was $119.3 million, $119.8 million, and $157.1 million in 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. The key factors
that affected our financial performance during those years included:
• Net premiums earned decreased 6.6% in 2021 and 11.6% in 2020, each compared to the previous year;
• Losses and LAE increased 4.2% in 2021 and decreased 17.4% in 2020, each compared to the previous year;
• Underwriting and general and administrative expenses decreased 11.6% in 2021 and 3.3% in 2020, each compared to
the previous year;
• Net investment income decreased 4.7% in 2021 and 13.4% in 2020, each compared to the previous year; and
• Net realized and unrealized gains on investments were $54.6 million, $19.0 million, and $51.1 million in 2021, 2020,
and 2019, respectively.
Summary of Consolidated Financial Results
Gross Premiums Written
Gross premiums written were $589.7 million, $580.1 million, and $696.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,
and 2019, respectively. The period over period changes in gross premiums earned during 2021, 2020 and 2019 were primarily
related to our Employers segment. See –Summary of Financial Results by Segment –Employers.
Net Premiums Written
Net premiums written are gross premiums written less reinsurance premiums ceded.
Net Premiums Earned
Net premiums earned are primarily a function of the amount and timing of net premiums previously written.
Net Investment Income and Net Realized and Unrealized Gains on Investments
We invest in fixed maturity securities, equity securities, other invested assets, short-term investments, and cash equivalents. Net
investment income includes interest and dividends earned on our invested assets and amortization of premiums and discounts
on our fixed maturity securities, less bank service charges and custodial and portfolio management fees. We have established a
high quality/short duration bias in our investment portfolio.
31
Net investment income was $72.7 million, $76.3 million, and $88.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and
2019, respectively. The decrease in 2021 was primarily due to lower interest rates impacting bond yields. The decrease in 2020
was primarily due to lower bond yields and a sharp increase in the amortization of bond premiums associated with our
residential mortgage-backed securities, which was caused by an acceleration of near-term mortgage loan prepayment speed
assumptions during the year. The average pre-tax ending book yield on our invested assets was 3.0%, 3.0%, and 3.3% at
December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
Realized and certain unrealized gains and losses on our investments are reported separately from our net investment income.
Realized gains and losses on investments include the gain or loss on a security at the time of sale compared to its original or
adjusted cost (equity securities) or amortized cost (fixed maturity securities). Realized losses are also recognized for changes in
our CECL allowance or when securities are written down as a result of an other-than-temporary impairment. Changes in fair
value of equity securities and other invested assets are also included in Net realized and unrealized gains on investments on our
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments were $54.6 million, $19.0 million, and $51.1 million for the years ended
December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments in 2021 included $45.6 million of net realized and unrealized gains on equity
securities, $4.1 million of net realized gains on fixed maturity securities and short-term investments, and $4.9 million of
unrealized gains on other invested assets. The net investment gains on our equity securities were largely consistent with the
performance of U.S. equity markets. The net investment gains on our fixed maturity securities were largely the result of
decreases in market interest rates. The net investment gains on our fixed maturity securities also increased by $0.5 million,
related to the change in allowance for CECL. Net realized and unrealized gains on investments in 2020 included $15.8 million
of net realized and unrealized gains on equity securities, $4.5 million of net realized gains on fixed maturity securities and
short-term investments, and $1.3 million of unrealized losses on other invested assets. The net investments gains on our equity
securities were largely consistent with the performance of U.S. equity markets. The net investment gains on our fixed maturity
securities were primarily the result of decreases in market interest rates. The net investment gains on our fixed maturity
securities were reduced by a $0.7 million allowance for CECL. Net realized and unrealized losses on investments in 2019
included $46.5 million of net realized and unrealized gains on equity securities, $3.9 million of net realized gains on fixed
maturity securities and $0.7 million of unrealized gains on other invested assets. The net investment gains on our equity
securities were largely consistent with the performance of U.S. equity markets. The net investment gains on our fixed maturity
securities were primarily related to sales associated with a reallocation of our investment portfolio. Additional information
regarding our Investments is set forth under "–Liquidity and Capital Resources–Investments" and Note 5 in the Notes to our
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other Income
Other income consists of net gains and losses on fixed assets, non-investment interest, installment fee revenue, and other
miscellaneous income.
Losses and LAE
Losses and LAE represents our largest expense item and includes claim payments made, amortization of the Deferred Gain,
LPT Reserve Adjustments, LPT Contingent Commission Adjustments, estimates for future claim payments and changes in
those estimates for current and prior periods, and costs associated with investigating, defending, and adjusting claims. The
quality of our financial reporting depends in large part on accurately predicting our losses and LAE, which are inherently
uncertain as they are estimates of the ultimate cost of individual claims based on actuarial estimation techniques.
Our indemnity claims frequency (the number of claims expressed as a percentage of payroll) decreased in 2021 and 2020, as
compared to previous years. However, we recognized the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the potential for
further expansions or permanent extensions of presumed compensability of COVID-19 in certain jurisdictions. These trends
and considerations are reflected in our current accident year loss estimate. Total claims costs have also been reduced by cost
savings associated with increased claims settlement activity that continued through 2021. We believe our current accident year
loss estimate is adequate; however, ultimate losses will not be known with any certainty for many years. We assume that
increasing medical and indemnity cost trends will continue to impact our long-term claims costs, which may be offset by rate
increases. Additional information regarding our reserves for losses and LAE is set forth under "–Critical Accounting Policies –
Reserves for Losses and LAE." See also, "–Summary of Financial Results by Segment –Employers."
Commission Expenses
Commission expenses include direct commissions to our agents and brokers, including our partnerships and alliances, for the
premiums that they produce for us, as well as incentive payments, other marketing costs, and fees. See "–Summary of Financial
Results by Segment –Employers."
32
Underwriting and General and Administrative Expenses
Underwriting expenses represent those costs that we incur to underwrite and maintain the insurance policies we issue,
excluding commissions. Direct underwriting expenses, such as premium taxes, policyholder dividends, and those expenses that
vary directly with the production of new or renewal business, are recognized as the associated premiums are earned. Indirect
underwriting expenses, such as the operating expenses of each of the Company's subsidiaries, do not vary directly with the
production of new or renewal business and are recognized as incurred.
General and administrative expenses of the holding company are excluded in determining the underwriting expense ratios of
our reportable segments.
Interest and Financing Expenses
Interest and financing expenses include credit facility fees and interest, letter of credit fees, finance lease interest, and other
financing fees.
Other Expenses
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recorded $3.1 million of employee severance costs resulting from a 2021
reduction-in-force. This action was taken to better align our expenses with current revenues. Additionally, during the year ended
December 31, 2021, we wrote off $1.0 million of previously capitalized costs relating to information technologies identified as
no longer being utilized. This charge was the result of our continual evaluation of ongoing technology initiatives. In 2020, as a
result of the effectiveness of our work-from-home transition, we reduced our real estate footprint and closed and vacated
various office locations and, accordingly, we recorded charges of $0.8 million related to the abandonment of certain operating
leases.
Income Tax Expense
On January 1, 2000, EICN assumed the assets, liabilities, and operations of the Fund pursuant to legislation passed in the 1999
Nevada Legislature (the Privatization). Prior to the Privatization, the Fund was part of the State of Nevada and therefore was
not subject to federal income tax. Accordingly, our pre-Privatization loss and LAE reserve adjustments, LPT Reserve
Adjustments and Deferred Gain amortization impact our net income but do not change our taxable income.
Income tax expense was $27.7 million, $27.9 million, and $36.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and
2019, respectively, representing effective tax rates of 18.8%, 18.9%, and 18.9% for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,
and 2019, respectively.
Tax-advantaged investment income, LPT Reserve Adjustments, LPT Contingent Commission Adjustments, Deferred Gain
amortization and certain other adjustments reduced our income tax expense computed at a statutory rate of 21% by $3.3
million, $3.1 million, and $4.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
For additional information regarding our income tax expense see Note 8 in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
33
Summary of Financial Results by Segment
EMPLOYERS
The components of Employers' net income before income taxes are set forth in the following table:
2021
Years Ended December 31,
2020
($ in millions)
2019
Gross premiums written .................................................................................... $
Net premiums written ....................................................................................... $
Net premiums earned ........................................................................................ $
Net investment income .....................................................................................
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments ............................................
Other income ....................................................................................................
Total revenues ...................................................................................................
Losses and LAE ................................................................................................
Commission expense ........................................................................................
Underwriting expenses .....................................................................................
Interest and financing expenses ........................................................................
Other expenses ..................................................................................................
Total expenses ...................................................................................................
$
$
$
588.2
581.6
573.7
69.3
54.5
1.4
698.9
326.2
76.1
131.2
—
4.1
537.6
$
$
$
579.8
574.6
615.1
72.1
20.9
0.8
708.9
314.2
78.8
151.1
0.1
0.7
544.9
696.8
691.4
695.8
84.1
47.7
0.9
828.5
378.6
88.1
153.2
0.6
—
620.5
Net income before income taxes ...................................................................... $
161.3
$
164.0
$
208.0
Underwriting income ........................................................................................ $
40.2
$
71.0
$
75.9
Combined ratio .................................................................................................
Underwriting Results
93.1 %
88.5 %
89.1 %
Gross Premiums Written
Gross premiums written were $588.2 million, $579.8 million, and $696.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,
and 2019, respectively. The increase in 2021 primarily resulted from our appetite expansion effort, continued strong new
business writings, particularly in California, and further audit premium recognition. Despite the increases we experienced in
2021, decreases in average rates and policy sizes in many of the states in which we do business further impacted our gross
premiums written. We increased our final audit accruals by $12.3 million during the year, as payroll exposure improved with
the labor market strengthening. We have experienced increases in new business submissions, quotes and binds in the majority
of the states in which we operate, including California where increases have occurred since the second quarter of 2021.
Whereas our in-force policies have increased throughout 2021, our in-force premiums have only begun to increase since May of
2021. In addition, our retention rate has remained strong throughout 2021.
The decrease in 2020 was primarily driven by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including higher levels of
unemployment and declines in payrolls for many of our insureds, upon which our premiums are based, particularly in our
restaurant and hospitality classes. In 2020, we reduced our final audit accruals from approximately $35.0 million to zero to
reflect our estimate of the exposure adjustments on our in-force policies that we expect have resulted and would result from the
impact of economic contraction.
Net Premiums Written
Net premiums written were $581.6 million, $574.6 million, and $691.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,
and 2019, respectively, which included $6.6 million, $5.2 million, and $5.4 million of reinsurance premiums ceded,
respectively.
Net Premiums Earned
Net premiums earned were $573.7 million, $615.1 million, and $695.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020,
and 2019, respectively.
34
The following table shows the percentage change in Employers' in-force premiums, policy count, average policy size, and
payroll exposure upon which our premiums are based as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, overall, for California,
where 45% of our premiums were generated, and for all other states, excluding California:
Percentage Change
2021 Over 2020
Percentage Change
2020 Over 2019
In-force premiums ..............................................
In-force policy count ..........................................
Average in-force policy size ...............................
In-force payroll exposure ...................................
Losses and LAE, Commission Expenses, and Underwriting Expenses
Overall California
(1.4) %
2.8
(4.0)
10.6
(1.3) %
6.7
(7.5)
7.4
All Other
States
Overall California
(20.6) %
(8.1)
(13.6)
(10.6)
(13.1) %
4.8
(17.0)
(0.1)
(1.3) %
9.1
(9.5)
5.8
All Other
States
(5.7) %
14.7
(17.8)
5.8
The following table presents calendar year combined ratios for our Employers segment.
Years Ended December 31,
2020
2021
2019
Loss and LAE ratio ...........................................................................................
Commission expense ratio ................................................................................
Underwriting expense ratio ..............................................................................
Combined ratio .................................................................................................
56.9 %
13.3
22.9
93.1 %
51.1 %
12.8
24.6
88.5 %
54.4 %
12.7
22.0
89.1 %
Loss and LAE Ratio. We analyze our loss and LAE ratios on both a calendar year and accident year basis.
The calendar year loss and LAE ratio is calculated by dividing the losses and LAE recorded during the calendar year, regardless
of when the underlying insured event occurred, by the net premiums earned during that calendar year. The calendar year loss
and LAE ratio includes changes made during the calendar year in reserves for losses and LAE established for insured events
occurring in the current and prior years. The calendar year loss and LAE ratio for a particular year will not change in future
periods.
The accident year loss and LAE ratio is calculated by dividing cumulative losses and LAE for reported events that occurred
during a particular year by the net premiums earned for that year. The accident year loss and LAE ratio for a particular year can
decrease or increase when recalculated in subsequent periods as the reserves established for insured events occurring during
that year develop favorably or unfavorably. The accident year loss and LAE ratio is based on our statutory financial statements
and is not derived from our GAAP financial information.
We analyze our calendar year loss and LAE ratio to measure our profitability in a particular year and to evaluate the adequacy
of our premium rates charged in a particular year to cover expected losses and LAE from all periods, including development
(whether favorable or unfavorable) of reserves established in prior periods. In contrast, we analyze our accident year loss and
LAE ratios to evaluate our underwriting performance and the adequacy of the premium rates we charged in a particular year in
relation to ultimate losses and LAE from insured events occurring during that year. The loss and LAE ratios provided in this
report are on a calendar year basis, except where they are expressly identified as accident year loss and LAE ratios.
The table below reflects prior accident year loss and LAE reserve adjustments and the impact to loss ratio.
Losses and LAE .................................................................................................................. $ 326.2
Prior accident year favorable development, net ..................................................................
39.8
Current accident year losses and LAE ................................................................................ $ 366.0
2021
2019
Years Ended December 31,
2020
($ in millions)
$ 314.2
81.6
$ 395.8
$ 378.6
77.5
$ 456.1
65.6 %
Current accident year loss and LAE ratio ...........................................................................
As part of our continued technology and process improvements initiative, we implemented a new comprehensive claims system
during 2021, which we believe has enhanced and streamlined our claims handling processes and has positioned us for further
improvement.
64.3 %
63.8 %
The increase in our total losses and LAE from 2020 to 2021 was primarily due to less favorable prior loss reserve development
recognized in 2021, partially offset by lower earned premium in 2021. Net favorable year loss development recognized in 2021
totaled $39.8 million versus $81.6 million recognized in 2020. The decrease in our total losses and LAE from 2019 to 2020 was
primarily due to higher earned premium in 2019, as well as a greater amount of net favorable prior year loss reserve
35
development recognized during 2020. Net favorable prior year accident loss reserve development recognized in 2020 totaled
$81.6 million versus $77.5 million recognized in 2019.
The net favorable development recognized in 2021 was primarily the result of observed favorable paid loss cost trends
predominantly related to accident years 2017 and prior, due primarily to decreasing medical costs and defense and cost
containment, partially offset by: (i) $10.0 million of unfavorable development related to accident year 2019, which is reflective
of more weight being placed on now sufficiently seasoned loss trends and patterns originating in part from business written in
our newer territories; and (ii) $8.0 million of unfavorable loss development associated with two catastrophic non-COVID
claims in accident year 2020.
The net favorable development recognized in 2020 was primarily the result of observed favorable paid loss cost trends
predominantly related to accident years 2018 and prior, due primarily to decreasing medical costs, partially offset by $13.3
million of adverse development on accident year 2019 due, in part, to an inability to fully execute our claims initiatives to
reduce loss costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The net favorable development recognized in 2019 was primarily the result of observed favorable paid loss cost trends
predominantly related to accident years 2018 and prior, due primarily to decreasing medical costs and accelerated claims
settlements.
The decreases in our current accident year loss and LAE ratios from 2019 to 2021 was primarily due to continued declines in
indemnity claim frequency. In addition, our current accident year loss and LAE ratios continue to reflect the impact of key
business initiatives, including: an emphasis on the accelerated settlement of open claims; diversifying our risk exposure across
geographic markets; and leveraging data-driven strategies to target, underwrite, and price profitable classes of business across
all of our markets.
We continue to believe that the economic conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, including the potential for a
short-term increase in inflation, introduced an increased risk of latent claims reporting and/or medical inflation, particularly for
the more recent prior accident years. As a result, since the first quarter of 2020, we have limited the recognition of observed
favorable development for accident years subsequent to 2010.
Commission Expense Ratio. The commission expense ratio was 13.3%, 12.8%, and 12.7%, and our commission expenses were
$76.1 million, $78.8 million, and $88.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. The
increase in the commission expense ratio for 2021 was primarily the result of increased commissions on new business writings,
which are subject to a higher commission rate. The increase in the commission expense ratio for 2020 was primarily the result
of a higher concentration of alternative distribution channels, which is subject to a higher commission rate, and increased
commission expense on new business writings.
Underwriting Expense Ratio. The underwriting expense ratio was 22.9%, 24.6%, and 22.0%, and our underwriting expenses
were $131.2 million, $151.1 million, and $153.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, compensation-related expenses decreased $11.2 million, bad debt expenses
decreased $5.2 million, and premium taxes and assessments decreased $4.9 million, each compared to 2020. The 2021
decreases in underwriting expenses resulted from planned expense reductions and employee reductions and departures, which
reduced our fixed expenses such as compensation and professional fees, as well as reductions in variable expenses, such as
premium taxes and assessments and bad debt expenses, both resulting from the decrease in premiums earned. Additionally, bad
debt decreased as a result of significant reductions in audit premium exposure and premium taxes and assessments were further
reduced as a result of finalizing prior assessments that were subject to open years. During the year ended December 31, 2020,
professional fees decreased $3.6 million and travel expenses decreased $2.0 million, partially offset by an increase in
depreciation and amortization of $3.2 million, each compared to 2019.
Underwriting Income
Underwriting income for our Employers segment was $40.2 million, $71.0 million, and $75.9 million for the years ended
December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Underwriting income or loss is determined by deducting losses and LAE,
commission expense, and underwriting expenses from net premiums earned.
Non-Underwriting Income and Expenses
For a further discussion of non-underwriting related income and expenses, including Net Investment Income and Net Realized
and Unrealized Gains on Investments, Other Income, Interest and Financing Expenses, and Other Expenses, see "–Results of
Operations –Summary of Consolidated Financial Results."
36
CERITY
The components of Cerity's net loss before income taxes are set forth in the following table:
2021
Years Ended December 31,
2020
(in millions)
2019
Gross premiums written .................................................................................... $
Net premiums written ....................................................................................... $
Net premiums earned ........................................................................................ $
Net investment income .....................................................................................
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments ............................................
Other income ....................................................................................................
Total revenues ...................................................................................................
Losses and LAE ................................................................................................
Underwriting expenses .....................................................................................
Other expenses ..................................................................................................
Total expenses ...................................................................................................
1.5 $
1.5 $
0.7 $
2.8
0.3
—
3.8
0.5
12.9
—
13.4
0.3 $
0.3 $
0.2 $
3.1
—
—
3.3
0.1
16.6
0.1
16.8
Net loss before income taxes ............................................................................ $
(9.6) $
(13.5) $
Underwriting loss ............................................................................................. $
(12.7) $
(16.5) $
Combined ratio .................................................................................................
n/m - not meaningful
n/m
n/m
0.1
0.1
—
0.3
0.1
—
0.4
—
16.0
—
16.0
(15.6)
(16.0)
n/m
Underwriting Results
Gross Premiums Written and Net Premiums Written
Gross premiums written and net premiums written were $1.5 million, $0.3 million and $0.1 million for the years ended
December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Net premiums earned were $0.7 million, $0.2 million and less than $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020
and 2019, respectively.
Underwriting Expenses
Underwriting expenses for our Cerity segment were $12.9 million, $16.6 million, and $16.0 million for the years ended
December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2021, our compensation-related
expense decreased $3.3 million as compared to 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2020, professional fees increased
$2.4 million, partially offset by a decrease in depreciation and amortization of $0.8 million and a decrease in compensation-
related expenses of $0.7 million, each as compared to 2019.
The 2021 decreases in compensation expenses resulted primarily from employee reductions and departures.
Underwriting Loss
Underwriting losses for our Cerity segment were $12.7 million, $16.5 million, and $16.0 million for the years ended
December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Underwriting income or loss is determined by deducting losses and LAE,
commission expense, and underwriting expenses from net premiums earned.
Non-Underwriting Income and Expenses
For a further discussion of non-underwriting related income and expenses, including Net Investment Income and Net Realized
and Unrealized Gains on Investments, Other Income, and Other Expenses, see "–Results of Operations –Summary of
Consolidated Financial Results Consolidated."
37
CORPORATE AND OTHER
The components of Corporate and Other's net income (loss) before income taxes are set forth in the following table:
2021
Years Ended December 31,
2020
(in millions)
2019
Net investment income ..................................................................................... $
Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments ...............................
Total revenues ...................................................................................................
0.6 $
(0.2)
0.4
1.1 $
(1.9)
(0.8)
Losses and LAE - LPT .....................................................................................
General and administrative expenses ...............................................................
Interest and financing expenses ........................................................................
Total expenses ...................................................................................................
(11.5)
16.1
0.5
5.1
(11.9)
13.6
0.3
2.0
Net income (loss) before income taxes ............................................................. $
(4.7) $
(2.8) $
Losses and LAE - LPT
3.7
3.3
7.0
(12.7)
18.3
—
5.6
1.4
The table below reflects the impact of the LPT on Losses and LAE, which are recorded as a reduction to Losses and LAE
incurred on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
2021
Years Ended December 31,
2020
(in millions)
2019
Amortization of the Deferred Gain related to losses ................................................. $
Amortization of the Deferred Gain related to contingent commission ......................
Impact of LPT Reserve Adjustments(1) ......................................................................
Impact of LPT Contingent Commission Adjustments(2) ............................................
Total impact of the LPT ............................................................................................. $
6.7 $
1.7
2.6
0.5
11.5 $
8.7 $
1.8
1.2
0.2
11.9 $
8.9
1.8
1.8
0.2
12.7
(1) LPT Reserve Adjustments result in a cumulative adjustment to the Deferred Gain, which is recognized in losses and LAE incurred on
our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, such that the Deferred Gain reflects the balance that would have existed had
the revised reserves been recognized at the inception of the LPT Agreement. (See Note 2 in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial
Statements.)
(2) LPT Contingent Commission Adjustments result in a cumulative adjustment to the Deferred Gain, which is recognized in losses and
LAE incurred on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, such that the Deferred Gain reflects the balance that would
have existed had the revised contingent profit commission been recognized at the inception of the LPT Agreement. (See Note 2 in the
Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.)
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses primarily consist of compensation related expenses, professional fees, and other corporate
expenses at the holding company level. General and administrative expenses were $16.1 million, $13.6 million, and $18.3
million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2021, our
compensation-related expenses increased $2.3 million, as compared to 2020. The increase in compensation expenses during the
year end December 31, 2021 related primarily to the April 1, 2021 retirement of Douglas D. Dirks, our former President and
Chief Executive Officer, and reflected: (i) an acceleration of certain of Mr. Dirks' outstanding share-based awards pursuant to
the retirement provisions of such awards; and (ii) additional vesting of certain of Mr. Dirks' outstanding share-based awards.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, our compensation-related expenses decreased $3.2 million, due primarily to lower
incentive compensation accruals, and our professional fees decreased $0.9 million, each as compared to 2019.
Non-Underwriting Income and Expenses
For a further discussion of non-underwriting related income and expenses, including Net Investment Income, Net Realized and
Unrealized Gains and Losses on Investments, and Interest and Financing Expenses, see "–Results of Operations –Summary of
Consolidated Financial Results."
38
Liquidity and Capital Resources
COVID-19 Considerations
The pandemic's disruptions on the U.S. economy, our current operations and our investment portfolio have, at times, been
significant. Nonetheless we believe that the liquidity available to our holding company and its operating subsidiaries remains
adequate and we do not currently foresee a need to: (i) suspend ordinary dividends, or forgo repurchases of our common stock;
(ii) seek a capital infusion; or (iii) seek any material non-investment asset sales. Furthermore, the holding company has no
outstanding debt obligations and its operating subsidiaries have no interest-bearing debt obligations.
Holding Company Liquidity
We are a holding company and our ability to fund our operations is contingent upon existing capital and the ability of our
subsidiaries to pay dividends up to the holding company. Payment of dividends by our insurance subsidiaries is restricted by
state insurance laws and regulations, including laws establishing minimum solvency and liquidity thresholds. We require cash
to pay stockholder dividends, repurchase common stock, provide additional surplus to our insurance subsidiaries, and fund our
operating expenses.
Our insurance subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends to their parent is based on reported capital, surplus, and dividends paid
within the prior 12 months. For 2022, EICN cannot pay any dividends through March 22, 2022 and can pay $9.7 million
thereafter, without prior regulatory approval; EPIC cannot pay any dividends through June 18, 2022, and can pay $24.0 million
thereafter, without prior regulatory approval; EAC cannot pay any dividends through June 30, 2022, and can pay $23.2 million
thereafter, without prior regulatory approval; and CIC cannot pay dividends through August 30, 2022, without prior regulatory
approval, and $2.7 million thereafter.
On January 14, 2022, ECIC received regulatory approval from the California DOI to pay an extraordinary distribution, in the
amount of $120.0 million, to its parent company, EGI. This distribution was approved by ECIC’s Board of Directors on
November 12, 2021 and it was paid to EGI on February 15, 2022. As a result of this distribution, ECIC cannot pay dividends
through February 15, 2023, without prior regulatory approval.
Total cash and investments at the holding company were $39.9 million at December 31, 2021, consisting of $4.8 million of cash
and cash equivalents, $10.1 million of fixed maturity securities, and $25.0 million of equity securities.
On December 15, 2020, EHI entered into a Credit Agreement (the Credit Agreement) with a syndicate of financial institutions.
The Credit Agreement provides EHI with a $75.0 million three-year revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the Credit
Agreement may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, EHI has the
option to request an increase of the credit available under the facility, up to a maximum facility amount of $125.0 million,
subject to the consent of lenders and the satisfaction of certain conditions. EHI borrowed and subsequently repaid $27.0 million
under the Credit Agreement during the year ended December 31, 2021. EHI had no outstanding advances under the Credit
Agreement at December 31, 2021.
The interest rates applicable to loans under the Credit Agreement are generally based on a base rate plus a specified margin,
ranging from 0.25% to 1.25%, or the Eurodollar rate (which will convert to an alternative reference rate once LIBOR is
discontinued) plus a specified margin, ranging from 1.25% to 2.25%. Total interest paid during the year ended December 31,
2021 was $0.3 million.
The Credit Agreement contains covenants that require us to maintain: (i) a minimum consolidated net worth of no less than
70% of our stockholders’ equity as of September 30, 2020, plus 50% of our aggregate net income thereafter; and (ii) a debt to
total capitalization ratio of no more than 35%, in each case as determined in accordance with the Credit Agreement.
Operating Subsidiaries' Liquidity
The primary sources of cash for our operating subsidiaries, which include our insurance and other operating subsidiaries, are
premium collections, investment income, sales and maturities of investments, proceeds from FHLB advances, and reinsurance
recoveries. The primary uses of cash for our operating subsidiaries are payments of losses and LAE, commission expenses,
underwriting and general and administrative expenses, ceded reinsurance, repayments of FHLB advances, investment purchases
and dividends paid to their parent.
Total cash and investments held by our operating subsidiaries was $2,771.4 million at December 31, 2021, consisting of $70.5
million of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, $2,332.6 million of fixed maturity securities, $319.4 million of equity
securities, $10.5 million of short-term investments, and $38.4 million of other invested assets. Sources of immediate and
unencumbered liquidity at our operating subsidiaries as of December 31, 2021 consisted of $71.2 million of cash and cash
equivalents, $296.0 million of publicly-traded equity securities whose proceeds are available within three business days, $880.7
million of highly liquid fixed maturity securities whose proceeds are available within three business days, and $10.5 million of
39
short-term investments whose proceeds are available within three business days. We believe that our subsidiaries' liquidity
needs over the next 24 months will be met with cash from operations, investment income, and maturing investments.
EICN, ECIC, EPIC, and EAC are members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLB). Membership allows our
subsidiaries access to collateralized advances, which may be used to support and enhance liquidity management. The amount of
advances that may be taken is dependent on statutory admitted assets on a per company basis.
During the second quarter of 2020, the FHLB announced its Zero Interest Recovery Advance Program (the FHLB Advance
Program). The FHLB Advance Program is a zero percent interest, six-month or one-year credit product that members can use to
provide immediate relief to property owners, businesses, and other customers struggling with the financial impacts of the
COVID-19 pandemic. Each member was allocated up to $10.0 million in advances under the FHLB Advance Program.
On May 11, 2020, our insurance subsidiaries received a total of $35.0 million of advances under the FHLB Advance Program.
The advances were secured by collateral previously pledged to the FHLB by our insurance subsidiaries in support of our
existing collateralized advance facility, which has been reduced by the amount of these outstanding advances. Our insurance
subsidiaries repaid $15.0 million on November 4, 2020, $5.0 million on March 31, 2021, and $15.0 million on May 4, 2021. As
of December 31, 2021, we have no outstanding advances.
FHLB membership also allows our insurance subsidiaries access to Letter of Credit Agreements and on March 9, 2018, ECIC,
EPIC, and EAC entered into Letter of Credit Agreements with the FHLB. On January 26, 2021, we chose to amend our existing
Letter of Credit Agreements among the FHLB and EPIC to decrease its respective credit amount. On August 13, 2021, we
chose to amend our existing Letter of Credit Agreements among the FHLB, ECIC and EAC to decrease their respective credit
amounts. The amended Letter of Credit Agreements are between the FHLB and each of EAC, in the amount of $25.0 million,
ECIC, in the amount of $35.0 million, and EPIC, in the amount of $10.0 million. The amended Letter of Credit Agreements will
expire March 31, 2022. The Letter of Credit Agreements may only be used to satisfy, in whole or in part, insurance deposit
requirements with the State of California and are fully secured with eligible collateral at all times (See Note 11 in the Notes to
our Consolidated Financial Statements).
We purchase reinsurance to protect us against the costs of severe claims and catastrophic events, including pandemics. On July
1, 2021, we entered into a new reinsurance program that is effective through June 30, 2022. The reinsurance program consists
of one treaty covering excess of loss and catastrophic loss events in four layers of coverage. Our reinsurance coverage is $190.0
million in excess of our $10.0 million retention on a per occurrence basis, subject to certain exclusions. We believe that our
reinsurance program meets our needs and that we are sufficiently capitalized. We further believe that we will not trigger a
recovery under our current excess of loss reinsurance program in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our insurance subsidiaries are required by law to maintain a certain minimum level of surplus on a statutory basis. Surplus is
calculated by subtracting total liabilities from total admitted assets. The amount of capital in our insurance subsidiaries is
maintained relative to standardized capital adequacy measures such as risk-based capital (RBC), as established by the National
Association of Insurance Commissioners. The RBC standard was designed to provide a measure by which regulators can assess
the adequacy of an insurance company's capital and surplus relative to its operations. An insurance company must maintain
capital and surplus of at least 200% of RBC. Each of our insurance subsidiaries had total adjusted capital in excess of the
minimum RBC requirements that correspond to any level of regulatory action at December 31, 2021.
Various state laws and regulations require us to hold investment securities or letters of credit on deposit with certain states in
which we do business. Securities having a fair value of $861.4 million and $768.7 million were on deposit at each of
December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These laws and regulations govern both the amount and types of investment
securities that are eligible for deposit. Additionally, standby letters of credit from the FHLB have been issued in lieu of $70.0
million and $275.0 million of securities on deposit at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Certain reinsurance contracts require company funds to be held in trust for the benefit of the ceding reinsurer to secure the
outstanding liabilities we assumed. The fair value of fixed maturity securities held in trust for the benefit of our ceding
reinsurers was $3.1 million and $3.2 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Sources of Liquidity
We monitor the cash flows of each of our subsidiaries individually, as well as collectively as a consolidated group. We use trend
and variance analyses to project future cash needs, making adjustments to our forecasts as appropriate.
40
The table below shows our net cash flows. For additional information regarding our cash flows, see Item 8, Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows.
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities ........................................................................................ $
Investing activities .........................................................................................
Financing activities ........................................................................................
(Decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash .................. $
Operating Activities
2021
Years Ended December 31,
2020
(in millions)
2019
10.8 $
(1.7)
(94.4)
(85.3) $
33.0 $
84.3
(111.9)
5.4 $
122.5
49.2
(118.5)
53.2
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2021 included net premiums received of $568.0 million and investment income
received of $82.0 million. These operating cash inflows were partially offset by net claims payments of $394.6 million,
underwriting and general and administrative expenses paid of $141.0 million, commissions paid of $74.8 million, and federal
income taxes paid of $28.2 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2020 included net premiums received of $624.6 million and investment income
received of $87.2 million. These operating cash inflows were partially offset by net claims payments of $402.6 million,
underwriting and general and administrative expenses paid of $171.3 million, commissions paid of $85.7 million, and federal
income taxes paid of $18.5 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2019 included net premiums received of $746.2 million, investment income
received of $98.5 million, and cash received of $19.1 million for the LPT Contingent Commission. These operating cash
inflows were partially offset by net claims payments of $403.3 million, underwriting and general and administrative expenses
paid of $184.8 million, commissions paid of $95.1 million, and federal income taxes paid of $37.8 million.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities in 2021 was primarily related to the investment of premiums received and reinvestment of
funds from investment sales, maturities, redemptions, and interest income. These investing cash outflows were largely offset by
sales, maturities, and redemptions of investments whose proceeds were used to fund claims payments, underwriting and general
and administrative expenses, stockholder dividend payments, and common stock repurchases.
Net cash provided by investing activities in 2020 was primarily related to sales, maturities, and redemptions of investments
whose proceeds were used to fund claims payments, underwriting and general and administrative expenses, stockholder
dividend payments, and common stock repurchases, partially offset by the investment of premiums received and reinvestment
of funds from investment sales, maturities, redemptions, and interest income.
Net cash provided by investing activities in 2019 was primarily related to sales, maturities, and redemptions of investments
whose proceeds were used to fund the acquisition of CIC, claims payments, underwriting and general and administrative
expenses, stockholder dividend payments, debt repayment, and common stock repurchases, partially offset by the investment of
premiums received and reinvestment of funds from investment sales, maturities, redemptions, and interest income.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities in 2021 included common stock repurchases and stockholder dividend payments and
repayments of FHLB advances. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we borrowed and subsequently repaid $27.0 million
under the Credit Agreement.
Net cash used in financing activities in 2020 included common stock repurchases and stockholder dividend payments, partially
offset by net cash received from the FHLB Advance Program.
Net cash used in financing activities in 2019 included common stock repurchases, the redemption of notes payable, and
stockholder dividend payments.
Dividends. We paid $29.0 million, $30.5 million, and $28.3 million in dividends to our stockholders in 2021, 2020, and 2019,
respectively. The declaration and payment of future dividends to common stockholders will be at the discretion of our Board of
Directors and will depend upon many factors, including our financial position, capital requirements of our operating
subsidiaries, legal and regulatory requirements, and any other factors our Board of Directors deems relevant. On February 15,
2022, the Board of Directors declared a $0.25 dividend per share, payable March 15, 2022, to stockholders of record on
March 1, 2022.
41
Repurchases of Common Stock. We repurchased $42.2 million, $99.8 million and $67.1 million of our common stock in 2021,
2020, and 2019, respectively. On July 21, 2021, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase authorization for
repurchases of up to $50.0 million of our common stock from July 27, 2021 through December 31, 2022 (the 2021 Program).
The 2021 Program replaces the 2018 Program, which expired on June 30, 2021. Future repurchases of our common stock will
be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon many factors, including our financial position, capital
requirements of our operating subsidiaries, general business and social economic conditions, legal, tax, regulatory, and/or
contractual restrictions, and any other factors our Board of Directors deems relevant. As of December 31, 2021, we had a
remaining common stock repurchase authorization of $27.9 million. See Item 5, Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2021, the capital resources available to us consisted of $1,213.1 million of stockholders' equity and the
$114.4 million Deferred Gain.
Stockholders' Equity. The following table summarizes our beginning and ending stockholders' equity balance and the changes
thereto for each of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019:
Beginning Balance ............................................................................................ $
Stock-based obligations .....................................................................................
Stock options exercised .....................................................................................
Shares withheld to satisfy minimum tax withholdings for certain stock-
based obligations ...........................................................................................
Acquisition of common stock ...........................................................................
Dividends declared ............................................................................................
Net income for the year .....................................................................................
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of taxes ...............
Ending Balance ................................................................................................. $
2021
December 31,
2020
(in millions)
2019
1,212.8 $
9.1
1.1
(3.8)
(42.2)
(28.7)
119.3
(54.5)
1,213.1 $
1,165.8 $
9.7
0.9
(2.7)
(99.8)
(30.8)
119.8
49.8
1,212.8 $
1,018.2
10.1
0.7
(3.2)
(67.1)
(28.9)
157.1
79.0
1,165.8
Deferred Gain. The Deferred Gain, which totaled $114.4 million and $125.4 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020,
respectively, reflects the unamortized gain from the LPT Agreement. See Note 2 in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Other than operating expenses, current and long-term cash requirements include the following contractual obligations and
commitments as of December 31, 2021.
Leases
We have entered into lease arrangements for certain equipment and facilities. As of December 31, 2021, we had lease payment
obligations of $17.1 million, with $3.4 million payable within 12 months.
Other Purchase Obligations
We have other purchase obligations that primarily consist of non-cancellable obligations to acquire capital assets, commitments
for information technology and related services, software acquisition and license commitments and other legally binding
agreements to purchase services that are to be used in our operations. As of December 31, 2021, we had other purchase
obligations of $21.7 million, with $5.5 million payable within 12 months.
Unfunded Investment Commitments
We have investments in private equity limited partnerships that require capital distributions to fund the investments and can be
called at any time deemed necessary. As of December 31, 2021, we had unfunded investment commitments of $46.4 million.
Unpaid Losses and LAE reserves
We have unpaid losses and LAE reserves payment patterns that are computed based on historical information. Our calculation
of loss and LAE reserve payments by period is subject to the same uncertainties associated with determining the level of
reserves and to the additional uncertainties arising from the difficulty of predicting when claims (including claims that have not
yet been reported to us) will be paid. Actual payments of losses and LAE by period will vary, perhaps materially, to the extent
that current estimates of losses and LAE reserves vary from actual ultimate claims amounts due to variations between expected
and actual payout patterns. As of December 31, 2021, we had unpaid losses and LAE reserve payments of $1,981.2 million,
42
with $309.6 million payable within 12 months. For a discussion of our reserving process, see ''–Critical Accounting Policies–
Reserves for Losses and LAE.''
The unpaid losses and LAE reserves payments are gross of reinsurance recoverables for unpaid losses. As of December 31,
2021, we had reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses and LAE of $476.9 million, with recoveries of $31.0 million within 12
months.
Investments
Our investment portfolio is structured to support our need for: (i) optimizing our risk-adjusted total return; (ii) providing
adequate liquidity; (iii) facilitating financial strength and stability; and (iv) ensuring regulatory and legal compliance. These
investments provide a steady source of income, which may fluctuate with changes in interest rates and our current investment
strategies.
Our Investment Managers follow our written investment guidelines, which are approved by the Finance Committee of the
Board of Directors. Our asset allocation is reevaluated by management and reviewed by the Finance Committee of the Board of
Directors on a quarterly basis. We also utilize our Investment Managers' investment advisory services to assist us in developing
a tailored set of portfolio targets and objectives.
As of December 31, 2021, our investment portfolio consisted of 86% fixed maturity securities. We strive to limit the interest
rate risk associated with fixed maturity investments by managing the duration of these securities. Our fixed maturity securities
(excluding cash and cash equivalents) had a duration of 3.4 at December 31, 2021. To minimize interest rate risk, our portfolio
is weighted toward short-term and intermediate-term bonds; however, our investment strategy balances consideration of
duration, yield, and credit risk. Our investment guidelines require that the minimum weighted average quality of our fixed
maturity securities portfolio be "A+," using ratings assigned by S&P or an equivalent rating assigned by another nationally
recognized statistical rating agency. Our fixed maturity securities portfolio had a weighted average quality of "A+" as of
December 31, 2021. Other securities within fixed maturity securities consist of bank loans, which are classified as AFS and are
reported at fair value.
Our investment portfolio also contains equity securities. We strive to limit the exposure to equity price risk associated with
publicly traded equity securities by diversifying our holdings across several industry sectors. These equity securities had a fair
value of $338.8 million at December 31, 2021, which represented 12% of our investment portfolio at that time. We also have a
$5.6 million investment in FHLB stock which we record at cost. We receive periodic dividends from the FHLB for this
investment, when declared, which can vary from period to period.
Our Other invested assets made up 1% of our investment portfolio at December 31, 2021 and include private equity limited
partnerships. Our investments in private equity limited partnerships totaled $38.4 million at December 31, 2021 and are
generally not redeemable by the investees and cannot be sold without prior approval of the general partner. These investments
have a fund term of 10 to 12 years, subject to two or three one-year extensions at the general partner's discretion. We expect to
receive distributions of proceeds from dividends and interest from fund investments, as well as from the disposition of a fund
investment or portion thereof, from time-to-time during the full course of the fund term. As of December 31, 2021, we had
unfunded commitments to these private equity limited partnerships totaling $46.4 million.
We believe that our current asset allocation meets our strategy to preserve capital for claims and policy liabilities and to provide
sufficient capital resources to support and grow our ongoing insurance operations.
43
The following table shows the estimated fair value, the percentage of the fair value to total invested assets, and the average
ending book yield (each based on the book value of each category of invested assets) as of December 31, 2021.
Category
Estimated Fair
Value
Book Yield
U.S. Treasuries ..................................................................... $
U.S. Agencies .......................................................................
States and municipalities ......................................................
Corporate securities .............................................................
Residential mortgaged-backed securities .............................
Commercial mortgaged-backed securities ...........................
Asset-backed securities ........................................................
Collateralized loan obligations ............................................
Foreign government securities .............................................
Other securities ....................................................................
Equity securities ...................................................................
Short-term investments ........................................................
Total investments at fair value ............................................. $
Weighted average ending yield ............................................
Percentage of
Total
(in millions, except percentages)
65.7
2.4
436.1
1,080.3
321.8
92.3
68.5
85.4
12.5
177.7
338.8
10.5
2,692.0
2.4 %
0.1
16.2
40.1
12.0
3.4
2.5
3.2
0.5
6.6
12.6
0.4
100.0 %
1.8 %
2.9
2.7
3.3
2.3
3.2
3.7
1.9
2.9
3.6
2.2
0.8
3.0 %
The following table shows the percentage of total estimated fair value of our fixed maturity securities as of December 31, 2021
by credit rating category, using the lower of the ratings assigned by Moody's Investors Service or S&P.
Rating
"AAA" .....................................................................................................................................................
"AA" ........................................................................................................................................................
"A" ..........................................................................................................................................................
"BBB" .....................................................................................................................................................
Below Investment Grade .........................................................................................................................
Total ........................................................................................................................................................
Percentage of Total
Estimated Fair Value
6.9 %
35.3
31.3
15.2
11.3
100.0 %
Investments that we currently own could be subject to default by the issuer. We regularly assess individual securities as part of
our ongoing portfolio management, including the identification of credit related losses. Our assessment includes reviewing the
extent of declines in fair value of investments below amortized cost, historical and projected financial performance and near-
term prospects of the issuer, the outlook for industry sectors, credit rating, and macro-economic changes, including those
caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We also make a determination as to whether it is more likely than not that we will be
required to sell the security before its fair value recovers to above cost, or maturity.
In addition to recognizing realized gains and losses upon the disposition of an investment security, we also recognize: (i) in
2021 and 2020, realized gains or losses on AFS debt securities for changes in CECL; or (ii) prior to 2020, realized losses when
securities are written down as a result of other-than-temporary impairment. We recognized $0.2 million and $0.7 million of
CECL on AFS debt securities during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. The decrease of $0.5 million in 2021 was
due to price recoveries and reductions in allowance from disposals. We recognized no other-than-temporary impairments on
fixed maturity securities during the year ended December 31, 2019. The remaining fixed maturity securities whose total fair
value was less than amortized cost at December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, were those in which we had no intent, need or
requirement to sell at an amount less than their amortized cost.
For additional information regarding our investments, including the cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross
unrealized losses, and estimated fair value of our investments, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity
securities by contractual maturity, and net realized and unrealized gains on investments, see Note 5 in the Notes to our
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires both the use of estimates and judgment, relative to
the application of appropriate accounting policies, which include the recognition of premium revenue, recoverability of deferred
44
income taxes, and valuation of investments. Our accounting policies are described in Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial
Statements, however, we believe that the following matters are particularly important to understand our financial statements
because changes in these estimates or changes in the assumptions used to make them could have a material impact on our
results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.
Reserves for Losses and LAE
Accounting for workers' compensation insurance requires us to estimate the liability for the expected ultimate cost of unpaid
losses and LAE (loss reserves) as of a balance sheet date. Loss reserve estimates are inherently uncertain because the ultimate
amount we pay for many of the claims we have incurred as of the balance sheet date will not be known for many years. Our
estimate of loss reserves is intended to equal the difference between the expected ultimate losses and LAE of all claims that
have occurred as of a balance sheet date and amounts already paid. We establish loss reserves based on our own analysis of
emerging claims experience and environmental conditions in our markets and review of the results of various actuarial
projections. Our aggregate carried loss reserves is the sum of our reserves for each accident year and represents our best
estimate of outstanding loss reserves.
The amount by which estimated losses in the aggregate differ from those previously estimated for a specific time period is
known as reserve "development." Reserve development is unfavorable when losses ultimately settle for more than the amount
estimated or subsequent estimates indicate a basis for reserve increases, causing the previously estimated loss reserves to be
''deficient.'' Reserve development is favorable when estimates of ultimate losses indicate a decrease in established reserves,
causing the previously estimated loss reserves to be ''redundant.'' Development is reflected in our operating results through an
adjustment to incurred losses and LAE during the period in which it is recognized.
Although claims for which reserves are established may not be paid for several years or more, we do not discount loss reserves
in our financial statements for the time value of money, in accordance with GAAP.
The three main components of our loss reserves are case reserves, incurred but not reported (IBNR) loss reserves, and LAE
reserves.
When claims are reported to us, we establish individual estimates of the ultimate cost of each claim (case reserves). These case
reserves are continually monitored and revised in response to new information and for amounts paid.
In addition to case reserves, we establish a provision for IBNR. IBNR is an actuarial estimate comprised of the following: (a)
future payments on claims that are incurred but have not yet been reported to us; (b) a reserve for the additional development on
claims that have been reported to us; and (c) a provision for additional payments on closed claims that might reopen. IBNR
reserves apply to the entire body of claims arising from a specific time period, rather than a specific claim. Most of our IBNR
reserves relate to estimated future claim payments on recorded open claims.
LAE reserves are our estimate of future expense payments to manage, investigate, administer, and settle claims that have
occurred, and include legal expenses. LAE reserves are established in the aggregate, rather than on a claim-by-claim basis. LAE
reserves are categorized between defense and cost containment, and adjusting and other.
We cede a portion of our obligations for losses and LAE to unaffiliated reinsurers. The amount of reinsurance that will be
recoverable on our losses and LAE includes both the reinsurance recoverable from our excess of loss reinsurance contracts, as
well as reinsurance recoverable under the terms of the LPT Agreement.
Our loss reserves (gross and net of reinsurance), including the main components of such reserves, were as follows:
Case reserves ................................................................................................................................. $
IBNR .............................................................................................................................................
LAE reserves .................................................................................................................................
Gross unpaid losses and LAE reserves .........................................................................................
Less reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and LAE, excluding CECL allowance ...............
Net unpaid losses and LAE reserves ............................................................................................. $
As of December 31,
2020
2021
(in millions)
900.2 $
818.7
262.3
1,981.2
476.9
1,504.3 $
928.3
861.7
279.4
2,069.4
497.0
1,572.4
We use actuarial methods to analyze and estimate the aggregate amount of loss reserves. Management considers the results of
various actuarial methods and their underlying assumptions, among other factors, in establishing loss reserves.
Judgment is required in the actuarial estimation of loss reserves, including the selection of various actuarial methodologies to
project the ultimate cost of claims. Specifically, judgment is required in the following areas: the selection of parameters utilized
in the various methodologies; the use of industry data and other benchmarks; and the weighting of differing reserve indications
45
resulting from alternative methods and assumptions. The adequacy of our ultimate loss reserves is inherently uncertain and
represents a significant risk to our business. We attempt to mitigate this risk through our claims management processes and by
monitoring and reacting to statistics relating to the cost and duration of claims.
We compile and aggregate our claims data by grouping the claims according to the accident year in which the claim occurred
when analyzing claim payment and emergence patterns and trends over time. Additionally, we aggregate and analyze claims
data by claim type, benefits type, and by state, territory within state, or groups of states in which we do business.
Our Internal Actuary prepared reserve estimates for all accident years using our own historical claims data, industry data and
many of the generally accepted actuarial methodologies for estimating loss reserves, such as paid loss development methods,
incurred loss development methods, and Bornhuetter-Ferguson methods. These methods vary in their responsiveness to
different information, characteristics, and dynamics in the data, and the results assist the actuary in considering these
characteristics and dynamics in the historical data. The methods employed for each segment of claims data, and the relative
weight accorded to each method, vary depending on the nature of the claims segment and on the age of the claims.
Each actuarial methodology requires the selection and application of various parameters and assumptions. The key parameters
and assumptions include: the future payment and emergence patterns of our aggregate claims data; the magnitude and changes
in claim settlement activity; the effects of legislative benefit changes and/or judicial decisions; and trends in the frequency and
severity of claims.
Management, along with our Internal Actuary, separately analyzed LAE and estimated unpaid LAE. These analyses rely
primarily on examining the relationship between historical aggregate paid LAE and the volume of claims activity for the
corresponding periods. The portion of unpaid LAE that will be recoverable from reinsurers is estimated based on the
contractual reinsurance terms.
The ranges of estimates of loss reserves produced by our Internal Actuary are intended to represent the range in which it is most
likely that the ultimate losses will fall. These ranges are narrower than the range of indications produced by the individual
methods applied because it is not likely that the high or low result will emerge for every claim segment and accident year. Each
actuary's point estimate of loss reserves for each claim segment is based on a judgmental selection from within the range of
results indicated by the different actuarial methods.
Management formally establishes loss reserves for financial statement purposes on a quarterly basis. In doing so, we make
reference to the most current analyses of our Internal Actuary, including a review of the assumptions and the results of the
various actuarial methods used. Our Internal Actuary conducted comprehensive studies in the second and fourth quarters. On
the alternate quarters, our Internal Actuary updates the results of the preceding quarter's studies for actual claim payment and
case reserve activity.
The aggregate carried reserve calculated by management represents our best estimate of our outstanding unpaid losses and
LAE. In establishing management's best estimate of unpaid losses and LAE at December 31 for the last three years,
management and our Internal Actuary reviewed and considered the following: (a) our Internal Actuary's assumptions, point
estimates, and ranges; and (b) the inherent uncertainty of workers' compensation loss reserves. Management did not quantify a
specific loss reserve increment for each uncertainty, but rather established an overall provision that represented management's
best estimate of loss reserves in light of the historical data, actuarial assumptions, point estimate and range, and current facts
and circumstances.
The table below provides the actuarial range of loss reserves, net of reinsurance, that management considered when selecting its
best estimate and our carried reserves.
Low end of actuarial range ............................................................................................................ $
Carried reserves .............................................................................................................................
High end of actuarial range ...........................................................................................................
As of December 31,
2020
2021
(in millions)
1,351.3 $
1,504.3
1,687.1
1,392.3
1,572.4
1,734.1
As of December 31, 2021, California and Nevada loss reserves represented approximately 70% of our total loss reserves on our
Consolidated Balance Sheet.
In California, our recent loss experience from 2012 through 2019, indicates a slight downward trend in medical severity and a
slight upward trend in indemnity severity. The reduction in medical severity can be attributed to a number of factors including
California Senate Bill 863 (SB 863), which was enacted in 2012 and largely became effective in 2013/2014. Among the more
significant changes, SB 863 introduced independent medical review (IMR) into the dispute resolution process and filing fees
for medical liens. On the indemnity side, various provisions of SB 863 resulted in an overall increase in certain benefits. Our
indemnity claims frequency (the number of claims expressed as a percentage of payroll) has decreased year-over-year for the
46
past four years. Aside from the impact of recent regulatory changes, we believe our increased emphasis on claims settlements,
as well as our various underwriting initiatives, have contributed to more favorable trends in our California results.
In Nevada, we have compiled a lengthy history of workers' compensation claims payment patterns based on the business of the
Fund and EICN, but the emergence and payment of claims in recent years has been more favorable than in the long-term history
in Nevada with the Fund. The expected patterns of claim payments and emergence used in the projection of our ultimate claim
payments are based on both long and short-term historical data. In recent evaluations, claim patterns have continued to emerge
in a manner consistent with short-term historical data. Consequently, our selection of claim projection patterns has relied more
heavily on patterns observed in recent years.
Our insurance subsidiaries have been operating in a period characterized by changing environmental conditions in our major
markets, entry into new markets, and operational changes. During periods characterized by such changes, at each evaluation,
the actuaries and management must make judgments as to the relative weight to accord to long-term historical company data,
more recent company data, and external data. We also consider the impact of environmental and operational changes and other
factors when selecting the methods used to project ultimate losses and LAE, the parameters to incorporate in those methods,
and the relative weights applied to those methods.
An internal initiative that began in 2014 emphasizes the settlement of open claims. This initiative has actively driven a
significant increase in claims settlement activity and has primarily affected accident years 2009 and forward. This settlement
activity has been recognized in the actuarial analysis using a methodology that adjusts the data and loss development patterns to
account for an increase in settlements arising from this initiative.
Approximately 56% of our claims payments during the three years ended December 31, 2021 related to medical care for injured
workers. The utilization and cost of medical services in the future is a significant source of uncertainty in the establishment of
loss reserves for workers' compensation. Our loss reserves are established based on reviewing the results of actuarial methods,
most of which do not contain explicit medical claim cost inflation rates; however, because medical care may be provided to an
injured worker over many years, and in some cases decades, the pace of medical claim cost inflation can have a significant
impact on our ultimate claim payments. For example, if the rate of medical claim cost inflation increases by 1% above the
inflation rate that is implicitly included in the loss reserves at December 31, 2021, we estimate that future medical costs over
the lifetime of current claims would increase by approximately $67.5 million on a net-of-reinsurance basis.
Our reserve estimates reflect expected increases in the costs of contested claims, but do not assume any losses resulting from
significant new legal liability theories. Our reserve estimates also assume that there will not be significant future changes in the
regulatory and legislative environment. In the event of significant new legal liability theories or new regulation or legislation,
we will attempt to quantify its impact on our business.
If the actual loss reserves were at the high or the low end of the actuarial range, the impact on our financial results would have
been as follows:
Increase (decrease) in reserves (1)
At low end of range .................................................................................................................... $
At high end of range ...................................................................................................................
Increase (decrease) in stockholders' equity and net income
December 31,
2021
2020
(in millions)
(153.0) $
182.8
(180.1)
161.7
At low end of range .................................................................................................................... $
At high end of range ...................................................................................................................
142.3
(127.7)
(1) The range of actuarial indications captures the range of reasonable estimates and is asymmetrical (e.g. not based on a normal distribution).
120.9 $
(144.4)
Actual losses are affected by a more complex combination of forces and dynamics than any one model or actuarial
methodology can represent, and each methodology is an approximation of these complex forces and dynamics. None of the
methods are designed or intended to produce an indication that is systematically higher or lower than the other methods. At any
given evaluation date, some of the actuarial projection methods produce indications outside the actuary's selected range.
Accordingly, we believe that the range of potential outcomes is considerably wider than the actuarially estimated range of the
most likely outcomes. We have no basis for anticipating whether actual future payments of losses and LAE may be either
greater than or less than the loss reserves currently on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
47
Additionally, any adjustment to the estimated ceded reserves under the LPT Agreement results in a cumulative adjustment to
the Deferred Gain, which is also included in losses and LAE incurred in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive
Income, so that the Deferred Gain reflects the balance that would have existed had the revised reserves been recognized at the
inception of the LPT Agreement. The table below provides the actuarial range of estimated liabilities for gross loss reserves
under the LPT Agreement and our carried reserves.
Low end of actuarial range ............................................................................................................................ $
LPT carried reserves .....................................................................................................................................
High end of actuarial range ...........................................................................................................................
286.3
328.7
366.5
As of December 31,
2021
(in millions)
Reinsurance Recoverables
Reinsurance recoverables represent: (a) amounts currently due from reinsurers on paid losses and LAE; (b) amounts
recoverable from reinsurers on estimates of reported losses; and (c) amounts recoverable from reinsurers on actuarial estimates
of IBNR for losses and LAE. These recoverables are based on our current estimates of the underlying loss reserves, and are
reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheets separately as assets, as reinsurance does not relieve us of our legal liability to
policyholders. We bear credit risk with respect to the reinsurers, which could be significant in the future, considering that some
of the loss reserves remain outstanding for an extended period of time. Reinsurers may refuse or fail to pay losses that we cede
to them, or they might delay payment. We are required to pay losses even if a reinsurer refuses or fails to meet its obligations
under the applicable reinsurance agreement. We continually monitor the financial condition and financial strength ratings of our
reinsurers. No material amounts due from reinsurers have been written-off as uncollectible since our inception in 2000, and in
assessing future default, we evaluate the allowance for CECL under the ratings based method using the A.M. Best Average
Cumulative Net Impairment Rates. Reinsurer ratings are also assessed through this process.
Under the LPT Agreement, the Fund initially ceded $1.5 billion in liabilities for the incurred but unpaid losses and LAE related
to claims incurred prior to July 1, 1995 for consideration of $775.0 million in cash. The estimated remaining liabilities subject
to the LPT Agreement were $328.7 million as of December 31, 2021. Losses and LAE paid with respect to the LPT Agreement
totaled $838.8 million at December 31, 2021. We account for the LPT Agreement as retroactive reinsurance. Entry into the LPT
Agreement resulted in a deferred reinsurance gain that was recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as a liability. The
Deferred Gain is being amortized using the recovery method, whereby the amortization is determined by the proportion of
actual reinsurance recoveries to total estimated recoveries through the life of the LPT Agreement, and the amortization is
reflected in losses and LAE. Changes in estimates of the reserves ceded under the LPT Agreement may significantly impact the
Deferred Gain on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and losses and LAE on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive
Income.
Additionally, we are entitled to receive a contingent profit commission under the LPT Agreement. The contingent profit
commission is an amount based on the favorable difference between actual paid losses and LAE and expected paid losses and
LAE as established in the LPT Agreement. The calculation of actual amounts paid versus expected amounts is determined every
five years beginning June 30, 2004 for the first twenty-five years of the agreement. We are paid 30% of the favorable difference
between the actual and expected losses and LAE paid at each calculation point. Each quarter, management records its best
estimate of the estimated ultimate contingent profit commission through June 30, 2024, which is impacted by estimates for
ceded losses and LAE. The Deferred Gain related to the contingent profit commission is amortized using the recovery method,
whereby the amortization is determined by the proportion of actual reinsurance recoveries to total estimated recoveries over the
life of the contingent profit commission, or through June 30, 2024, and is recorded in losses and LAE incurred in the
accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Changes in estimates of the reserves ceded under the LPT
Agreement may significantly impact the Contingent commission receivable–LPT Agreement and the Deferred Gain on our
Consolidated Balance Sheets and losses and LAE on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
New Accounting Standards
See Note 3 in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of all recently issued and recently adopted
accounting standards.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk is the risk of potential economic loss principally arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial
instruments. The major components of market risk affecting us are credit risk, interest rate risk, and equity price risk.
48
Credit Risk
Our fixed maturity securities, equity securities, other invested assets and cash equivalents are exposed to credit risk, which we
attempt to manage through issuer and industry diversification. Our investment guidelines include limitations on the minimum
rating of fixed maturity securities and concentrations of a single issuer.
We also bear credit risk with respect to the reinsurers, which can be significant considering that some loss reserves remain
outstanding for an extended period of time. We are required to pay losses even if a reinsurer refuses or fails to meet its
obligations to us under the applicable reinsurance agreement(s). We continually monitor the financial condition and financial
strength ratings of our reinsurers. Additionally, we bear credit risk with respect to premiums receivable, which is generally
diversified due to the large number of entities comprising our policyholder base and their dispersion across many different
industries and geographies.
The economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the credit risk associated with certain of our
investment holdings, reinsurance recoverables and premiums receivable. As a result, we recorded $0.2 million of allowance for
CECL during the year ended December 31, 2021. See Note 6 in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Interest Rate Risk
Investments
The fair value of our fixed maturity portfolio is exposed to interest rate risk, which is the risk of a decline in fair value resulting
from changes in prevailing interest rates, which we strive to limit by managing duration. Our fixed maturity investments
(excluding cash and cash equivalents) had a duration of 3.4 at December 31, 2021. To minimize interest rate risk, our portfolio
is weighted toward short-term and intermediate-term bonds; however, our investment strategy balances consideration of
duration, yield and credit risk. We continually monitor the changes in interest rates and the impact on our liquidity and ability to
meet our obligations.
Sensitivity Analysis
The fair values or cash flows of market sensitive instruments are subject to potential losses in future earnings resulting from
changes in interest rates and other market conditions. Our sensitivity analysis applies a hypothetical parallel shift in market
rates and reflects what we believe are reasonably possible near-term changes in those rates (covering a period of time going
forward up to one year from the date of the consolidated financial statements). Actual results may differ from the hypothetical
change in market rates assumed in this disclosure. This sensitivity analysis does not reflect the results of any action that we may
take to mitigate such hypothetical losses in fair value.
We use fair values to measure our potential loss in this model, which includes fixed maturity securities and short-term
investments. For invested assets, we use modified duration modeling to calculate changes in fair values. Durations on invested
assets are adjusted for call, put, and interest rate reset features. Invested asset portfolio durations are calculated on a market
value weighted basis, excluding accrued investment income, using holdings as of December 31, 2021. The estimated changes in
fair values on our fixed maturity securities and short-term investments, which had an aggregate value of $2,353.2 million as of
December 31, 2021, based on specific changes in interest rates are as follows:
Hypothetical Changes in Interest Rates
Estimated Pre-tax Increase
(Decrease) in Fair Value
(in millions, except percentages)
(252.3)
(168.9)
(84.2)
41.3
82.2
300 basis point rise .............................................................................................................. $
200 basis point rise ..............................................................................................................
100 basis point rise ..............................................................................................................
50 basis point decline ..........................................................................................................
100 basis point decline ........................................................................................................
The most significant assessment of the effects of hypothetical changes in interest rates on investment income would be based on
GAAP guidance related to "Accounting for Nonrefundable Fees and Costs Associated with Originating or Acquiring Loans and
Initial Direct Costs of Leases," which requires amortization adjustments for mortgage-backed securities. The rates at which the
mortgages underlying mortgage-backed securities are prepaid, and therefore the average life of mortgage-backed securities, can
vary depending on changes in interest rates (for example, mortgages are prepaid faster and the average life of mortgage-backed
securities falls when interest rates decline). Adjustments for changes in amortization are based on revised average life
assumptions and would have an impact on investment income if a significant portion of our commercial and residential
mortgage-backed securities were purchased at significant discounts or premiums to par value. As of December 31, 2021, the par
value of our commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities holdings was $394.6 million, and the amortized cost was
103.1% of par value. Since a majority of our mortgage-backed securities were purchased at a premium or discount that is
significant as a percentage of par, an adjustment could have a significant effect on investment income. The commercial and
(10.7) %
(7.2)
(3.6)
1.8
3.5
49
residential mortgage-backed securities portion of the portfolio totaled 15.4% of total investments as of December 31, 2021.
Agency-backed residential mortgage pass-throughs totaled $284.3 million, or 88.4%, of the residential mortgage-backed
securities portion of the portfolio as of December 31, 2021.
Equity Price Risk
Equity price risk is the risk that we may incur losses in the fair value of the equity securities we hold in our investment
portfolio. Adverse changes in the market prices of the equity securities we hold in our investment portfolio would result in
decreases in the fair value of our total assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and in net realized and unrealized gains and
losses on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Economic and market disruptions caused by the COVID-19
pandemic have resulted in volatility in the fair value of our equity securities. We minimize our exposure to equity price risk by
investing primarily in the equity securities of mid-to-large capitalization issuers and by diversifying our equity holdings across
several industry sectors.
The table below shows the sensitivity of our equity securities at fair value to price changes as of December 31, 2021:
10% Fair
Value
Decrease
Pre-tax
Impact on
Total
Equity
Securities
10% Fair
Value
Increase
Pre-tax
Impact on
Total
Equity
Securities
Cost
Fair Value
212.6 $
338.8 $
304.9 $
(33.9) $
372.7 $
33.9
(in millions)
Equity securities .............................. $
Effects of Inflation
The COVID-19 pandemic has created increased uncertainty about the path of the U.S. economy, consumer behavior, and
workplace norms in the years ahead. Recent supply and demand shocks and dramatic changes in fiscal policy may lead to
higher levels of inflation in future periods.
Higher levels of inflation could significantly impact our financial statements and results of operations. Our estimates for losses
and LAE include assumptions about the timing of closure and future payment of claims and claims handling expenses, such as
medical treatments and litigation costs. To the extent inflation causes these costs to increase above established reserves, we will
be required to increase those reserves for losses and LAE, reducing our earnings in the period in which the deficiency is
identified.
Inflation is incorporated in the reserving process through projections supported by historical loss emergence. Additionally, we
consider an estimate of increased costs in determining the adequacy of our rates, particularly as it relates to medical and
hospital trends where historical loss trends have exceeded general inflation rates.
Higher levels of wage inflation can specifically impact the payrolls of our insureds, which is the basis for the premiums we
charge, as well as amount of future indemnity losses we may incur.
Higher levels of inflation could also impact our operating expenses and, in the case of wage inflation, could impact our payroll
expenses.
Fluctuations in rates of inflation also influence interest rates, which in turn impact the market value of our investment portfolio,
particularly our fixed maturity investments, and yields on new investments.
50
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting ..................................................................
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting .....................
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 42) .................................................................
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 ....................................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 ..
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for each of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 .......
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 .....................
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements .....................................................................................................................
Page
52
53
54
56
58
59
60
62
The following Financial Statement Schedules are filed in Item 15 of Part IV of this report:
Financial Statement Schedules:
Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant ...........................................................................................
Schedule VI. Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations ......................................
97
100
Pursuant to Rule 7-05 of Regulation S-X, Financial Statement Schedules I, III, IV, and V have been omitted as the
information to be set forth therein is included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
51
MANAGEMENT'S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management of Employers Holdings, Inc. and its Subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) is responsible for establishing and
maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting and for the assessment of the effectiveness of internal control
over financial reporting. As defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, internal control over financial reporting is a
process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, and
effected by the Company's Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles (GAAP).
The Company's internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that: (a) pertain to the maintenance of
records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Company's assets; (b)
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in
accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with
authorizations of its management and Board of Directors; and (c) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the
financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements.
Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of 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).
Based on this assessment, management did not identify any material weaknesses in the internal control over financial reporting
and management has concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31,
2021.
The Company's independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, has independently assessed the
effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. A copy of their report is included in Item 8 of this
report.
February 24, 2022
52
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Employers Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Employers Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries' 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) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Employers Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries'
(the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021,
based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated
statements of comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2021, and the related notes and financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15 and our report dated
February 24, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Annual
Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting based on our audit. 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 audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all
material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material
weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and
performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures
that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
San Francisco, California
February 24, 2022
53
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Employers Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Employers Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) as
of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes and financial statement
schedules listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements"). In our opinion, the
consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at 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 included
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 consolidated 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.
54
Description of
the Matter
Valuation of reserve for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
At December 31, 2021, the liability for incurred but not reported (IBNR) reserves represented a material
portion of the $1,982.4 million of unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses (LAE) reserves. As explained in
Notes 2 and 9 to the consolidated financial statements, the liability for unpaid losses and LAE represents
management's best estimate of the ultimate net cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred for the
applicable periods, less payments made. The estimated reserves include the accumulation of estimates for all
claims reported prior to the balance sheet date, estimates of claims incurred but not reported, and estimates
of expenses for investigating and adjusting all incurred and unadjusted claims. IBNR reserves include an
estimate for claims that are incurred but not yet reported, expected development on reported claims and for
additional payments on closed claims. There is significant uncertainty inherent in determining management’s
best estimate of the ultimate loss settlement cost which is used to determine the incurred but not reported
claim reserves. In particular, the estimate is sensitive to the selection and weighting of actuarial methods and
management’s selection of parameters and assumptions including, the pattern with which aggregate data will
be paid or emerge over time, claim settlement activity, claims cost inflation rates, and claim frequencies.
Auditing management’s best estimate of IBNR reserves was complex due to the highly judgmental nature of
the assumptions used in the valuation process. The significant judgement was primarily due to the sensitivity
of management’s estimate to the selection of assumptions including the pattern with which aggregate data
will be paid or emerge over time and claims cost inflation rates, which had a significant effect on the
valuation of IBNR reserves.
How We
Addressed the
Matter in Our
Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of the Company’s
controls over the process for estimating IBNR reserves. This included, among other procedures, testing
management review controls in place over the review and approval of methods and assumptions used in
estimating IBNR reserves.
To test IBNR reserves, our audit procedures included, among others, testing the completeness and accuracy
of the data used in the calculation by testing reconciliations of the underlying claims and policyholder data
recorded in the source systems to the actuarial reserving calculations, and comparing a sample of incurred
and paid claims to source documentation. With the assistance of EY actuarial specialists, we evaluated the
Company’s selection and weighting of actuarial methods by comparing the weightings used in the current
estimate to those used in prior periods and those used in the industry for the specific types of insurance. To
evaluate the significant assumptions used by management, we compared the assumptions to current and
historical claims trends and to current industry benchmarks. We also compared management’s recorded
reserves to a range of reasonable reserves estimates calculated independently by our EY actuarial specialists.
Additionally, we performed a hindsight analysis of the prior period estimates using subsequent claims
development.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2002
San Francisco, California
February 24, 2022
55
Employers Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of December 31,
2020
2021
(in millions, except share data)
Assets
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities at fair value (amortized cost $2,266.1 at December 31, 2021 and
$2,333.6 at December 31, 2020, net of CECL allowance of $0.2 and $0.7 at
December 31, 2021 and at December 31, 2020) ................................................................... $
2,342.7 $
2,479.2
Equity securities at fair value (cost $212.6 at December 31, 2021 and $112.4 at
December 31, 2020) ..............................................................................................................
Equity securities at cost .........................................................................................................
Other invested assets (cost $34.1 at December 31, 2021 and $36.8 at December 31, 2020) .....
Short-term investments at fair value (amortized cost $10.5 at December 31, 2021 and $26.5
at December 31, 2020) ..........................................................................................................
Total investments .............................................................................................................................
Cash and cash equivalents ...............................................................................................................
Restricted cash and cash equivalents ...............................................................................................
Accrued investment income ............................................................................................................
Premiums receivable (less CECL allowance of $10.3 at December 31, 2021 and $10.8 at
December 31, 2020) ..............................................................................................................
Reinsurance recoverable for:
Paid losses ...................................................................................................................................
Unpaid losses (less CECL allowance of $0.6 at December 31, 2021 and $0.4 at
December 31, 2020 ) .............................................................................................................
Deferred policy acquisition costs ....................................................................................................
Property and equipment, net ............................................................................................................
Operating lease right-of-use assets ..................................................................................................
Intangible assets, net .......................................................................................................................
Goodwill ..........................................................................................................................................
Contingent commission receivable–LPT Agreement ......................................................................
Cloud computing arrangements ......................................................................................................
Other assets .....................................................................................................................................
Total assets ...................................................................................................................................... $
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Claims and policy liabilities:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses ................................................................................... $
Unearned premiums ........................................................................................................................
Commissions and premium taxes payable ......................................................................................
Accounts payable and accrued expenses .........................................................................................
Deferred income taxes, net ..............................................................................................................
Deferred reinsurance gain—LPT Agreement ..................................................................................
FHLB advances ...............................................................................................................................
Non-cancellable obligations ............................................................................................................
Operating lease liability ..................................................................................................................
Other liabilities ................................................................................................................................
Total liabilities ................................................................................................................................. $
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 57,690,254 and
57,413,806 shares issued and 27,741,400 and 28,564,798 shares outstanding at
December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively .......................................................................... $
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; none issued ...........................
Additional paid-in capital ...........................................................................................................
56
338.8
5.6
38.4
10.5
2,736.0
75.1
0.2
14.5
208.5
6.7
36.2
26.6
2,757.2
160.4
0.2
15.3
244.7
232.1
7.5
7.6
476.3
43.7
14.7
14.2
13.6
36.2
13.9
43.9
48.7
3,783.2 $
1,981.2 $
304.7
42.1
24.1
7.7
114.4
—
21.7
16.6
57.6
2,570.1 $
496.6
43.2
19.1
17.4
13.6
36.2
13.4
50.2
60.1
3,922.6
2,069.4
299.1
43.0
22.9
15.5
125.4
20.0
24.1
19.9
70.5
2,709.8
0.6 $
—
410.7
0.6
—
404.3
Employers Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Retained earnings ........................................................................................................................
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax ...............................................................
Treasury stock, at cost (29,948,854 shares at December 31, 2021 and 28,849,008 shares at
December 31, 2020) ..............................................................................................................
Total stockholders' equity ................................................................................................................
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity ......................................................................................... $
As of December 31,
2020
2021
(in millions, except share data)
1,247.9
115.1
1,338.5
60.6
(597.3)
1,213.1
3,783.2 $
(555.1)
1,212.8
3,922.6
See accompanying notes.
57
Employers Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Years Ended December 31,
2021
2019
2020
(in millions, except per share data)
Revenues
Net premiums earned .................................................................................................. $
Net investment income ................................................................................................
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments .......................................................
Other income ...............................................................................................................
Total revenues ..............................................................................................................
Expenses
Losses and loss adjustment expenses ..........................................................................
Commission expense ...................................................................................................
Underwriting and general and administrative expenses ..............................................
Interest and financing expenses ...................................................................................
Other expenses ............................................................................................................
Total expenses .............................................................................................................
574.4 $
72.7
54.6
1.4
703.1
615.3 $
76.3
19.0
0.8
711.4
315.2
76.1
160.2
0.5
4.1
556.1
302.4
78.8
181.3
0.4
0.8
563.7
Net income before income taxes .................................................................................
Income tax expense .....................................................................................................
Net income .................................................................................................................. $
147.0
27.7
119.3 $
147.7
27.9
119.8 $
695.8
88.1
51.1
0.9
835.9
365.9
88.1
187.5
0.6
—
642.1
193.8
36.7
157.1
Comprehensive income
Unrealized AFS investment gains (losses) during the period, net of tax (expense)
benefit of $13.6, $(14.2), and $(21.8) for the years ended December 31, 2021,
2020, and 2019, respectively ................................................................................. $
Reclassification adjustment for realized AFS investment gains in net income, net
of tax expense of $0.9, $0.9, and $0.8 for the years ended December 31, 2021,
2020, and 2019, respectively .................................................................................
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax ...........................................................
Total comprehensive income ....................................................................................... $
(51.3) $
53.4 $
82.1
(3.2)
(54.5)
64.8 $
(3.6)
49.8
169.6 $
(3.1)
79.0
236.1
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments before impairments ...................... $
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments ....................................................... $
54.6 $
54.6 $
19.0 $
19.0 $
51.1
51.1
Earnings per common share (Note 18):
Basic ........................................................................................................................ $
Diluted .................................................................................................................... $
Cash dividends declared per common share and eligible equity plan holders ............ $
4.22 $
4.17 $
1.00 $
4.01 $
3.97 $
1.00 $
4.89
4.83
0.88
See accompanying notes.
58
Employers Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
Common Stock
Shares
Amount
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income,
Net of Tax
Retained
Earnings
Treasury
Stock, at
Cost
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
(in millions, except share data)
Balance, January 1, 2019 ...................................... 56,975,675 $
—
Stock-based obligations (Note 14) .......................
31,630
Stock options exercised ........................................
Vesting of restricted and performance stock
units, net of shares withheld to satisfy
minimum tax withholding (Note 14) ....................
177,065
—
—
Acquisition of common stock (Note 13) ..............
Dividends declared ...............................................
Net income for the year ........................................
Reclassification adjustment for adoption of
ASU No. 2016-01 .................................................
Change in net unrealized losses on
investments, net of taxes of $(21.0) ......................
Balance, December 31, 2019 ................................ 57,184,370 $
—
Balance, January 1, 2020 ...................................... 57,184,370 $
—
Stock-based obligations (Note 14) .......................
40,800
Stock options exercised ........................................
Vesting of restricted and performance stock
units, net of shares withheld to satisfy
minimum tax withholding (Note 14) ....................
Acquisition of common stock (Note 13) ..............
Dividends declared ...............................................
Net income for the year ........................................
Change in net unrealized gains on investments,
net of taxes of $(13.3) ...........................................
Balance, December 31, 2020 ................................ 57,413,806 $
188,636
—
—
Balance, January 1, 2021 ...................................... 57,413,806 $
—
Stock-based obligations (Note 14) .......................
48,051
Stock options exercised ........................................
Vesting of restricted and performance stock
units, net of shares withheld to satisfy
minimum tax withholding (Note 14) ....................
Acquisition of common stock (Note 13) ..............
Dividends declared ...............................................
Net income for the year ........................................
Change in net unrealized gains on investments,
net of taxes of $14.5 .............................................
Balance, December 31, 2021 ................................ 57,690,254 $
228,397
—
—
0.6 $
—
—
388.8 $
10.1
0.7
1,030.7 $
—
—
(13.7) $
—
—
(388.2) $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
0.6 $
0.6 $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
0.6 $
0.6 $
—
—
—
—
—
—
(3.2)
—
—
—
—
—
—
(28.9)
157.1
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(67.1)
—
—
—
—
396.4 $
—
1,158.8 $
79.0
65.3 $
—
(455.3) $
396.4 $
9.7
0.9
1,158.8 $
—
—
65.3 $
—
—
(455.3) $
—
—
(2.7)
—
—
—
—
—
(30.8)
119.8
—
—
—
—
—
(99.8)
—
—
—
404.3 $
—
1,247.9 $
49.8
115.1 $
—
(555.1) $
404.3 $
9.1
1.1
1,247.9 $
—
—
115.1 $
—
—
(555.1) $
—
—
(3.8)
—
—
—
—
—
(28.7)
119.3
—
—
—
—
—
(42.2)
—
—
1,018.2
10.1
0.7
(3.2)
(67.1)
(28.9)
157.1
—
79.0
1,165.8
1,165.8
9.7
0.9
(2.7)
(99.8)
(30.8)
119.8
49.8
1,212.8
1,212.8
9.1
1.1
(3.8)
(42.2)
(28.7)
119.3
—
0.6 $
—
410.7 $
—
1,338.5 $
(54.5)
60.6 $
—
(597.3) $
(54.5)
1,213.1
See accompanying notes.
59
Employers Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Operating activities
Net income .................................................................................................................... $
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization ................................................................................
Stock-based compensation ......................................................................................
Amortization of cloud computing arrangements .....................................................
Amortization of premium on investments, net ........................................................
Allowance for expected credit losses ......................................................................
Deferred income tax expense ..................................................................................
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments ..................................................
Asset impairment charges .......................................................................................
Change in operating assets and liabilities: ..............................................................
Premiums receivable ...........................................................................................
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses ...........................................
Cloud computing arrangements ..........................................................................
Operating lease right-of-use-assets .....................................................................
Current federal income taxes ..............................................................................
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses ......................................................
Unearned premiums ............................................................................................
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities ..................................
Deferred reinsurance gain–LPT Agreement .......................................................
Contingent commission receivable–LPT Agreement .........................................
Operating lease liabilities ...................................................................................
Non-cancellable obligations ...............................................................................
Other ...................................................................................................................
Net cash provided by operating activities .........................................................................
Investing activities
Purchases of fixed maturity securities ..........................................................................
Purchases of equity securities .......................................................................................
Purchases of short-term investments ............................................................................
Purchases of other invested assets ................................................................................
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity securities ............................................................
Proceeds from sale of equity securities ........................................................................
Proceeds from maturities and redemptions of fixed maturity securities ......................
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments ....................................................
Net change in unsettled investment purchases and sales ..............................................
Capital expenditures and other .....................................................................................
Purchase of Cerity Insurance Company, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired ...
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities ..........................................................
Financing activities
Acquisition of common stock .......................................................................................
Cash transactions related to stock-based compensation ...............................................
Dividends paid to stockholders and eligible equity plan holders .................................
Proceeds from FHLB advances ....................................................................................
Repayments on FHLB advances ...................................................................................
Proceeds from line of credit advances ..........................................................................
Repayments on line of credit advances and notes payable ...........................................
Payments on finance leases ..........................................................................................
Net cash used in financing activities .................................................................................
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash .............................
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the beginning of the period ......................
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the end of the period ................................. $
Non-cash transactions
Financed property and equipment purchases .................................................................... $
Non-cash exchange of private preferred shares for common stock ..................................
60
2021
Years Ended December 31,
2020
(in millions)
2019
119.3 $
119.8 $
7.4
9.1
14.2
8.5
(0.3)
6.7
(54.6)
1.0
(12.1)
20.2
(7.9)
3.2
(7.9)
(88.2)
5.6
(2.5)
(11.0)
(0.5)
(3.3)
(2.4)
6.3
10.8
(516.6)
(199.5)
(12.5)
(17.3)
206.7
135.9
373.5
28.3
3.4
(3.6)
—
(1.7)
8.2
9.7
9.0
9.8
6.6
(13.4)
(19.0)
0.8
47.4
35.1
(25.6)
(2.3)
22.0
(123.4)
(38.0)
(4.0)
(11.7)
(0.2)
2.1
1.1
(1.0)
33.0
(645.6)
(179.5)
(135.9)
(8.3)
349.5
243.4
359.2
110.6
(3.6)
(5.5)
—
84.3
(42.6)
(2.7)
(29.0)
—
(20.0)
27.0
(27.0)
(0.1)
(94.4)
(85.3)
160.6
75.3 $
(99.4)
(1.8)
(30.5)
35.0
(15.0)
—
—
(0.2)
(111.9)
5.4
155.2
160.6 $
157.1
9.0
10.1
5.3
8.7
(2.1)
6.0
(51.1)
—
49.5
20.4
(12.9)
(15.9)
(7.4)
(63.4)
0.8
(8.1)
(12.5)
18.8
17.8
4.2
(11.8)
122.5
(359.0)
(240.8)
—
(28.4)
163.0
232.4
309.9
25.0
(24.7)
(12.1)
(16.1)
49.2
(67.5)
(2.5)
(28.3)
—
—
—
(20.0)
(0.2)
(118.5)
53.2
102.0
155.2
0.3 $
20.0
0.1 $
—
0.7
—
The following table presents our cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash by category within the Consolidated Balance
Sheets:
As of
December 31,
2021
As of
December 31,
2020
(in millions)
75.1 $
0.2
75.3 $
160.4
0.2
160.6
Cash and cash equivalents ...................................................................................................... $
Restricted cash and cash equivalents supporting reinsurance obligations ..............................
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash ..................................................................... $
See accompanying notes.
61
Employers Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021
1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Operations
Nature of Operations and Organization
Employers Holdings, Inc. (EHI) is a Nevada holding company. Through its wholly owned insurance subsidiaries, Employers
Insurance Company of Nevada (EICN), Employers Compensation Insurance Company (ECIC), Employers Preferred Insurance
Company (EPIC), Employers Assurance Company (EAC), and Cerity Insurance Company (CIC), EHI is engaged in the
commercial property and casualty insurance industry, specializing in workers' compensation products and services. Unless
otherwise indicated, all references to the "Company" refer to EHI, together with its subsidiaries.
In 1999, the Nevada State Industrial Insurance System (the Fund) entered into a 100% quota share reinsurance agreement (the
LPT Agreement) through a loss portfolio transfer transaction with third party reinsurers. The LPT Agreement commenced on
June 30, 1999 and will remain in effect until: (i) all claims under the covered policies have closed; (ii) the LPT Agreement is
commuted or terminated upon the mutual agreement of the parties; or (iii) the reinsurers' aggregate maximum limit of liability
is exhausted, whichever occurs first. The LPT Agreement does not provide for any additional termination terms. On January 1,
2000, EICN assumed all of the assets, liabilities and operations of the Fund, including the Fund's rights and obligations
associated with the LPT Agreement. See Notes 2 and 10.
The Company accounts for the LPT Agreement as retroactive reinsurance. Upon entry into the LPT Agreement, an initial
deferred reinsurance gain (the Deferred Gain) was recorded as a liability on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The
Company is entitled to receive a contingent profit commission under the LPT Agreement. The contingent profit commission is
estimated based on both actual paid results to date and projections of expected paid losses under the LPT Agreement and is
recorded as an asset on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles (GAAP). All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Company operates through two reportable segments: Employers and Cerity. Each of the segments represents a separate and
distinct underwriting platform through which the Company conducts insurance business. This presentation allows the reader, as
well as the Company's chief operating decision makers, to objectively analyze the business originated through each of the
Company's underwriting platforms. Detailed financial information about the Company's operating segments is presented in
Note 19.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. As
a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. The most significant areas that require management judgment are the
estimate of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (LAE), evaluation of reinsurance recoverables, recognition of premium
revenue, recoverability of deferred income taxes, and valuation of investments.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period information has been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Acquisition
On July 31, 2019, the Company acquired (the Acquisition) PartnerRe Insurance Company of New York (PRNY) from Partner
Reinsurance Company of the U.S. (PRUS). The purchase price was equal to the sum of: (i) $47.6 million, the amount of
statutory capital and surplus of PRNY at closing; and (ii) $5.8 million. The Company funded the Acquisition with cash on hand.
As a result of the purchase, the Company acquired $37.3 million of cash and cash equivalents, $10.3 million of fixed maturity
securities, $5.8 million of intangible assets (comprised of state licenses), $6.8 million of other assets, $6.8 million of other
liabilities, and $48.3 million of gross loss and LAE reserves, which were offset by $48.3 million of reinsurance recoverables,
resulting in no net loss and LAE reserves. The Company did not acquire any employees or ongoing business operations
pursuant to the Acquisition.
Pursuant to the purchase agreement, all liabilities and obligations of PRNY existing as of the closing date, whether known or
unknown, will be indemnified by PRUS. In addition, PartnerRe Ltd., the parent company of PRUS, has provided the Company
62
with a guaranty that unconditionally, absolutely and irrevocably guarantees the full and prompt payment and performance by
PRUS of all of its obligations, liabilities and indemnities under the purchase agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby. If PRUS and PartnerRe Ltd. were to fail to honor their obligations to the Company under the purchase agreement, all
or a portion of the remaining gross loss and LAE reserves acquired by the Company pursuant to the Acquisition would become
the Company's responsibility.
Subsequent to completing the Acquisition, PRNY was renamed CIC.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all liquid investments with maturities of less than three months, as measured from the date of purchase,
to be cash equivalents.
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
Restricted cash and cash equivalents represent cash and cash equivalents held in trust in order to secure certain of the
Company's obligations and, accordingly, are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020 the
Company held $3.1 million and $3.2 million, respectively, in cash and investments in trust for reinsurance obligations, of which
$0.2 million, represented restricted cash and cash equivalents for each year.
Short-Term Investments
The Company considers all liquid investments with maturities of between three and twelve months, as measured from the date
of purchase, to be short-term investments.
Investment Securities
The Company's investments in fixed maturity securities and short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale (AFS)
and are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of
stockholders' equity, net of deferred taxes, in Accumulated other comprehensive income on the Company's Consolidated
Balance Sheets.
The Company's investments in equity securities at fair value are not classified as AFS and changes in fair value are included in
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The
Company's investment in FHLB stock is presented within Equity securities at cost on the Company's Consolidated Balance
Sheets.
The Company's investments in other invested assets are reported at either net asset value or fair value and changes in the value
of these investments are included in Net realized and unrealized gains on investments on the Company's Consolidated
Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Beginning in 2020, with the adoption of ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), the Company's
investments in fixed maturity securities are presented net of an allowance for current expected credit losses (CECL). The
Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, the security before
recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria is met, the security's amortized cost basis is written down to its fair
value. For AFS debt securities that do not meet either criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has
resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is
less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related
to the security, among other factors. The changes in the Company's allowance for CECL on investments are included in Net
realized and unrealized gains on investments on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (see Note
6).
Prior to adoption of ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), the determination of an other-than-
temporary decline for fixed maturity securities and other invested assets included, in addition to other relevant factors, a
presumption that if the market value was below cost by a significant amount for a period of time, a bifurcation of the write-
down may be necessary based on the portion of the loss that was deemed to be a "credit loss", which was considered a realized
loss, and the portion that was deemed to be an "other than credit loss", which was considered to be an unrealized loss. If
management had the intent to sell the security or more likely than not would be required to sell the security before its
anticipated recovery, the investment was written down to its fair value and the entire impairment was recorded as a realized loss
in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. If management did not have the intent to sell or would
not be required to sell the security but did not expect to recover the amortized cost or cost basis of the security, the amount of
the other-than-temporary impairment was bifurcated (see Note 5).
63
Investment income consists primarily of interest and dividends generated by investment securities. Interest is recorded as
earned on an accrual basis and dividends are recorded as earned at the ex-dividend date. Interest income on mortgage-backed
and asset-backed securities is determined using the effective-yield method based on estimated principal repayments. Mortgage-
backed securities are adjusted for the effects of changes in prepayment assumptions on the related accretion of discount or
amortization of premium of such securities using the retrospective method.
Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on a specific-identification basis.
Recognition of Revenue and Expense
Revenue Recognition
Premiums written are recognized as revenues, net of any applicable underlying reinsurance coverage, and recognized as earned,
over the period of the contract in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided. At the end of the policy term,
payroll-based premium audits are performed on substantially all policyholder accounts to determine the actual amount of net
premiums earned for that policy year. Earned but unbilled premiums include estimated future audit premiums based on the
Company's historical experience. These estimates are subject to changes in policyholders' payrolls, economic conditions, and
seasonality, and are continually reviewed and adjusted as experience develops or new information becomes known. Any such
adjustments are included in current operations; however, they are partially offset by the resulting changes in losses and LAE,
commission expenses, and premium taxes. The Company's premiums receivable on its Consolidated Balance Sheets included
$13.8 million and $2.3 million of additional premiums expected to be received from policyholders for premium audits at
December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The Company establishes an allowance for CECL (see Note 6) on its premiums receivable through a charge included in
underwriting and general and administrative expenses in its Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. This
allowance for CECL is determined based on estimates (collectability and historical payment patterns) and assumptions to
project future experience. After all collection efforts have been exhausted, the Company reduces the allowance for CECL for
write-offs of premiums receivable that have been deemed uncollectible. The Company's allowance for CECL was $10.3 million
and $10.8 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company had write offs of $2.5 million, $6.8 million, and
$10.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Policy acquisition costs, those costs that relate directly to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts,
including underwriting, policy issuance and processing, medical and inspection, sales force contract selling and commissions
are deferred and amortized as the related premiums are earned. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs for the years
ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, was $92.2 million, $97.5 million, and $107.7 million, respectively.
If the sum of a policy's expected losses and LAE and deferred policy acquisition costs exceeds the related unearned premiums
and projected investment income, a premium deficiency is determined to exist. In this event, deferred policy acquisition costs
are immediately expensed to the extent necessary to eliminate the premium deficiency. If the premium deficiency exceeds
deferred acquisition costs, a liability is accrued for the excess deficiency. There were no premium deficiency adjustments
recognized during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019.
Unpaid Loss and LAE Reserves
Unpaid loss and LAE reserves represent management's best estimate of the ultimate net cost of all reported and unreported
losses incurred for the applicable periods, less payments made. The estimated reserves for losses and LAE include the
accumulation of estimates for all claims reported prior to the balance sheet date, estimates of claims incurred but not reported,
and estimates of expenses for investigating and adjusting all incurred and unadjusted claims (based on projections of relevant
historical data). Amounts reported are subject to the impact of future changes in economic, regulatory and social conditions.
Management believes that, subject to the inherent variability in any such estimate, the reserves are within a reasonable and
acceptable range of adequacy. Estimates for claims prior to the balance sheet date are continually monitored and reviewed, and
as settlements are made or reserves adjusted, the differences are reported in current operations. Salvage and subrogation
recoveries are estimated based on a review of the level of historical salvage and subrogation recoveries.
Reinsurance
In the ordinary course of business, the Company purchases excess of loss reinsurance in order to protect it against the impact of
large and/or catastrophic losses. Additionally, the Company is a party to the LPT Agreement (see Note 10). These reinsurance
arrangements reduce the Company's exposure to such losses since its reinsurers are liable to the Company to the extent of the
reinsurance protection provided. However, the Company remains liable for all losses it incurs to the extent that any reinsurer is
unable or unwilling to make timely payments under its reinsurance agreements.
64
Balances due from reinsurers on unpaid losses, including an estimate of such recoverables related to reserves for incurred but
not reported losses, are reported as reinsurance recoverables on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Reinsurance
recoverables on paid losses represent amounts currently due from reinsurers. Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses
represent amounts that will be collectible from reinsurers once the losses are paid. Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses
and LAE amounted to $476.3 million and $496.6 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Beginning in 2020, with the adoption of ASU 2016-13, the Company's reinsurance recoverables are presented net of an
allowance for CECL. The changes in the Company's allowance for CECL are included in underwriting and general and
administrative expenses on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (see Note 6). This allowance for
CECL is determined based on historical information, financial strength of reinsurers, collateralization amounts and ratings to
determine the appropriateness of the allowance.
Ceded reinsurance premiums are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the underlying
premiums, and are reported as reductions to arrive at net premiums written and earned.
Ceded losses and LAE are also accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued
and the terms of the relevant reinsurance agreement, and are recorded as reductions to losses and LAE incurred.
Pursuant to the LPT Agreement, LAE is deemed to be 7% of total losses paid and is payable to the Company as compensation
for management of the claims under the LPT Agreement. The Deferred Gain is amortized using the recovery method, whereby
the amortization is determined by the proportion of actual reinsurance recoveries to total estimated recoveries through the life
of the LPT Agreement, and is recorded in losses and LAE incurred in the Company's Consolidated Statements of
Comprehensive Income. Any adjustment to the estimated loss and LAE reserves ceded under the LPT Agreement results in a
cumulative adjustment to the Deferred Gain, which is also recognized in losses and LAE incurred in the Company's
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, such that the Deferred Gain reflects the balance that would have existed
had the revised reserves been recognized at the inception of the LPT Agreement (LPT Reserve Adjustment).
Additionally, the Company is entitled to receive a contingent profit commission under the LPT Agreement. The contingent
profit commission is equal to 30% of the favorable difference between actual paid losses and LAE and expected paid losses and
LAE as established in the LPT Agreement based on losses paid through June 30, 2024. The contingent profit commission is
paid every five years beginning June 30, 2004 for the first 25 years of the agreement. The Company could be required to return
any previously received contingent profit commission, plus interest, in the event of unfavorable differences through June 30,
2024. The Company records an estimate of contingent profit commission on its Consolidated Balance Sheets as Contingent
commission receivable–LPT Agreement and a corresponding liability is recorded as Deferred reinsurance gain–LPT
Agreement. The Contingent commission receivable–LPT Agreement is reduced as amounts are received from participating
reinsurers. In 2019, the Company received $19.1 million in cash related to the contingent profit commission. The Deferred
reinsurance gain–LPT Agreement is amortized using the recovery method. The amortization of the contingent profit
commission is determined by the proportion of actual reinsurance recoveries to total estimated recoveries over the life of the
contingent profit commission (through June 30, 2024), and is recorded in losses and LAE incurred in the Company's
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Any adjustment to the contingent profit commission under the LPT
Agreement results in a cumulative adjustment to the Deferred Gain, which is also recognized in losses and LAE incurred in the
Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, such that the Deferred Gain reflects the balance that would
have existed had the revised contingent profit commission been recognized at the inception of the LPT Agreement (LPT
Contingent Commission Adjustment).
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation (see Note 7). Expenditures for maintenance and repairs
are charged against operations as incurred.
Electronic data processing equipment, software, furniture and equipment, and automobiles are depreciated using the straight-
line method over three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are also carried at cost less accumulated amortization. The
Company amortizes leasehold improvements using the straight-line method over the lesser of the useful life of the asset or the
remaining original lease term, excluding options or renewal periods. Leasehold improvements are generally amortized over
three to eight years.
Cloud Computing Arrangements
The Company capitalizes software license fees and implementation costs associated with hosting arrangements that are service
contracts. These amounts are included in Cloud computing arrangements on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Amortization of the software license fees is calculated using the straight-line method over the term of the service contract or
based on the expected utilization of the asset. Amortization of the implementation costs are calculated using the straight-line
method based on the term of the service contract and commence once the module or component is ready for its intended use,
65
regardless of whether the hosted software has been placed into service, and will be recognized over the remaining life of the
service contract.
Operating leases
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at the inception of the transaction. Leased office property meets the
definition of operating leases under ASC 842 and is presented as a right-of-use asset (ROU asset) and lease liability on the
Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease payments
arising from the lease transaction. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based
on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. The Company uses collateralized incremental borrowing rates to
determine the present value of lease payments. The ROU assets also include lease payments less any lease incentives within a
lease agreement. The Company's lease terms may include options to extend or terminate a lease. Lease expense for lease
payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Company elected the practical expedients in ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements and ASU 2016-02,
Leases (Topic 842), allowing it to apply provisions of the guidance at the date of adoption without adjusting comparative
periods presented (see Note 12).
Finance Leases
Leased property and equipment meeting finance lease criteria are capitalized at the lower of the present value of the related
lease payments or the fair value of the leased asset at the inception of the lease. Financing leases for automobiles are included in
property and equipment in other liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amortization is calculated using the
straight-line method based on the term of the lease and is included in the depreciation expense of property and equipment. See
Note 12 for additional disclosures related to finance leases.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax
assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the Company's financial
statements. Under this method, the Company determines deferred tax assets and liabilities on the basis of the differences
between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities by using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which
the differences are expected to reverse. As of December 22, 2017, the date that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was enacted
(Enactment), the effect of the change in tax rates on the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities was recognized in income
and created stranded tax effects within accumulated other comprehensive income that did not reflect the newly enacted tax rate.
The Company reclassified the net tax effects from Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, to Retained earnings
as of the date of Enactment.
The Company records uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, on the basis of a two-step process.
Recognition (Step 1) occurs when the Company concludes that a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is more
likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Measurement (Step 2) is addressed only if Step 1 has been satisfied. Under
Step 2, the tax benefit is measured as the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis, that is more
likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement.
The Company recognizes deferred tax assets when it determines that such assets are more likely than not to be realized in future
periods. In making such a determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future
reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, tax-planning strategies, projected future taxable income, projected future
tax rates, and results of recent operations. If the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that it could realize its
deferred tax assets in future periods, it would establish a deferred tax asset valuation allowance that would increase the
Company's provision for income taxes. If the Company determines that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the
future in excess of its net recorded amount, the Company would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation
allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are primarily cash and cash
equivalents (including restricted cash equivalents), short-term investments, investment securities, premiums receivable, and
reinsurance recoverable balances.
The Company's cash equivalents and short-term investments include investments in money market securities and securities
backed by the U.S. government. The Company's investment securities are diversified throughout many industries and
geographic regions and include investments in U.S. government and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises. The Company
believes that it has no significant concentrations of credit risk from a single issue or issuer within its cash equivalents, short-
term investments and investment securities other than concentrations in U.S. government and U.S. government-sponsored
enterprises.
66
The Company's premiums receivable are generally diversified due to the large number of entities composing the Company's
policyholder base and their dispersion across many different industries.
The Company monitors the financial condition of its reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer
insolvencies. The Company also obtains collateral from its reinsurers in order to mitigate the risks related to insolvencies. At
December 31, 2021, $1.8 million was held as collateral by cash or letters of credit for the Company's reinsurance recoverables
and an additional $432.5 million was in trust accounts for reinsurance recoverables specifically related to the LPT Agreement.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair values of the Company's financial instruments have been determined using available market information and other
appropriate valuation methodologies. Judgment is required in developing fair value estimates where quoted market prices are
not available. Accordingly, these estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current
market exchange. The use of different market assumptions or estimating methodologies may have an effect on the estimated fair
value amounts.
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value of its financial instruments:
Cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, premiums receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, and other
liabilities. The carrying amounts for each of these financial instruments as reported in the Company's Consolidated Balance
Sheets approximate their fair values.
Investment securities. The Company's investment securities are predominantly valued on the basis of actual market
transactions or observable inputs. A small portion of the Company's investment securities are valued on the basis of pricing
models with significant unobservable inputs or nonbinding broker quotes. See Note 4.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The Company formally tests for impairment of goodwill and intangible assets in the fourth quarter of each year. At the end of
each quarter, management considers the results of the previous analysis as well as any recent developments that may constitute
triggering events requiring the impairment analysis of goodwill and other intangible assets to be updated. The Company
assessed the effects of current economic conditions on the Company's financial condition and results of operations and changes
in the Company's fair value and determined that there were no impairments of these assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Intangible assets related to state licenses are not subject to amortization. Intangibles related to insurance relationships were
amortized in proportion to the expected period of benefit and were fully amortized as of December 31, 2021.
The gross carrying value, accumulated amortization, and net carrying value for the Company's intangible assets, by major class,
as of December 31, were as follows:
2021
2020
Gross
Carrying
Value
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Carrying
Value
Gross
Carrying
Value
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Carrying
Value
State licenses ........................... $
Insurance relationships ...........
Other .......................................
Total ........................................ $
13.5 $
9.4 $
0.1
23.0 $
— $
(9.4)
—
(9.4) $
(in millions)
13.5 $
—
0.1
13.6 $
13.5 $
9.4 $
0.1
23.0 $
— $
(9.4)
—
(9.4) $
13.5
—
0.1
13.6
There was no amortization expense in 2021 or 2020. These amortization expenses are included in the Company's Consolidated
Statements of Comprehensive Income in underwriting and general and administrative expenses.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company provides stock-based compensation to its directors and certain of its employees, which is recognized in its
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income based on estimated grant date fair values over the relevant service period
(see Note 14).
67
3. New Accounting Standards
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848). This update provides optional transition
guidance to ease the potential accounting burden associated with transitioning away from the London Interbank Offered Rate
(LIBOR), with optional expedients and exceptions related to the application of US GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships
and other transactions affected by reference rate reform. Companies can apply this ASU immediately, but early adoption is only
available through December 31, 2022 when the ASU becomes effective. The Company has and will continue to evaluate the
impact of LIBOR on its existing contracts and investments, but does not expect that this update will have a material impact on
its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In October 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2020-10,
Codification Improvements. This update ensures all disclosure guidance that requires or provides an option for an entity to
provide notes to the financial statements is included in the Disclosure Section (Section 50) of the Codification. This update also
provides various codification improvements in which the original guidance was unclear. This update becomes effective for
annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted for any annual or interim period for which
financial statements have not been issued. The Company has determined that the impact of this standard is not material to its
consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-08, Codification Improvements to Subtopic 310-20, Receivable-Nonrefundable
fees and other costs. The amendments in that Update shortened the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt
securities held at a premium by requiring that entities amortize the premium associated with those callable debt securities
within the scope of paragraph 310-20-25-33 to the earliest call date. The amendments affect the guidance in Accounting
Standards Update No. 2017-08, receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization
on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The amendments is this update become effective for fiscal years, and interim periods
within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company has determined
that the impact of this standard is not material to its consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740). This update simplifies the accounting for income
taxes within Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) topic 740 by removing certain exceptions and clarifies existing
guidance. The Company has determined that the impact of this standard is not material to its consolidated financial condition
and results of operations.
In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses,
Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments. The amendments in this update represent changes
to clarify, correct errors in, or improve the codification within various ASC topics. The Company adopted the updates related to
Topic 815 when it adopted ASU 2016-13. The Company determined that the impact of these improvements was not material to
its consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the
Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This update removes the disclosure requirements for the amounts of and
the reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 and disclosure of the policy for timing of transfers between levels. This
update also removes disclosure requirements for the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. Additionally, this
update adds disclosure requirements for the changes in unrealized gains and losses for recurring Level 3 fair value
measurements and quantitative information for certain unobservable inputs in Level 3 fair value measurements. Additionally, in
March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-03, Codification Improvements to Financial Instruments. This update provided
clarification and eliminated inconsistencies on a variety of topics within the codification. The Company adopted the applicable
standards and there was no impact on its consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350). This update simplifies the
measurement of goodwill by eliminating the performance of Step 2 in the goodwill impairment analysis. This update allows the
testing to be performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment
charge when the carrying amount exceeds fair value. Additionally, this update eliminates the requirements of any reporting unit
with a zero or negative carrying value to perform Step 2, but requires disclosure of the amount of goodwill allocated to a
reporting unit with zero or negative carrying amount of net assets. The Company adopted this standard and there was no impact
on its consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326). This update replaces the
incurred loss impairment methodology for recognizing credit losses on financial instruments with a methodology that reflects
an entity's current estimate of all expected credit losses. This update requires financial assets (including receivables and
reinsurance recoverables) measured at amortized cost to be presented net of an allowance for credit losses. Additionally, this
68
update requires credit losses on available-for-sale fixed maturity securities to be presented as an allowance rather than as a
write-down, allowing an entity to also record reversals of credit losses in current period net income. This update is effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Additionally, in December
2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. This
update provides clarification on the effective and transition dates and the exclusion of operating lease receivables from Topic
326. In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition
Relief. This update adds optional transition relief for entities to elect the fair value option for certain financial assets previously
measured at amortized cost basis to increase comparability of similar financial assets. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU
2019-11, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses which provides clarification on certain
aspects of the guidance in ASC 326 including purchased credit-deteriorated financial assets, transition relief for troubled debt
restructurings, disclosure relief for accrued interest receivables and allows a practical expedient for financial assets secured by
collateral maintenance provisions. The Company adopted these standards on January 1, 2020 and did not make any opening
balance sheet adjustments due to the immaterial amounts. See Note 6 regarding the impact of this adoption on the Company's
consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
4. Valuation of Financial Instruments
Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value
The carrying value and the estimated fair value of the Company's financial instruments at fair value were as follows as of
December 31:
2021
2020
Carrying
Value
Estimated
Fair Value
Carrying
Value
Estimated
Fair Value
Financial assets
2,714.3
Total investments at fair value (Note 5) ....................................... $
160.4
Cash and cash equivalents ............................................................
0.2
Restricted cash and cash equivalents ............................................
Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized based upon the
levels of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Level inputs are defined as follows:
2,714.3 $
160.4
0.2
2,692.0 $
75.1
0.2
2,692.0 $
75.1
0.2
(in millions)
• Level 1 - Inputs are unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the
measurement date.
• Level 2 - Inputs other than Level 1 prices that are observable for similar assets or liabilities through corroboration with
market data at the measurement date.
• Level 3 - Inputs that are unobservable that reflect management's best estimate of what willing market participants
would use in pricing the assets or liabilities at the measurement date.
The Company uses third party pricing services to assist with its investment accounting function. The ultimate pricing source
varies depending on the investment security and pricing service used, but investment securities valued on the basis of
observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) are generally assigned values on the basis of actual transactions. Securities valued on the
basis of pricing models with significant unobservable inputs or non-binding broker quotes are classified as Level 3. The
Company performs quarterly analyses on the prices it receives from third parties to determine whether the prices are reasonable
estimates of fair value, including confirming the fair values of these securities through observable market prices using an
alternative pricing source, as it is ultimately management's responsibility to ensure that the fair values reflected in the
Company's consolidated financial statements are appropriate. If differences are noted in these analyses, the Company may
obtain additional information from other pricing services to validate the quoted price.
The Company bases all of its estimates of fair value for assets on the bid prices, when available, as they represent what a third-
party market participant would be willing to pay in an arm's length transaction.
For securities not actively traded, third party pricing services may use quoted market prices of similar instruments or discounted
cash flow analyses, incorporating inputs that are currently observable in the markets for similar securities. Inputs that are often
used in the valuation methodologies include, but are not limited to, broker quotes, benchmark yields, credit spreads, default
rates, and prepayment speed assumptions. There were no material adjustments to the valuation methodology utilized by third
party pricing services as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.
These methods of valuation only produce an estimate of fair value if there is objectively verifiable information to produce a
valuation. If objectively verifiable information is not available, the Company would be required to produce an estimate of fair
value using some of the same methodologies, making assumptions for market-based inputs that are unavailable.
69
The following table presents the Company's investments at fair value and the corresponding fair value measurements.
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
(in millions)
Fixed maturity securities
U.S. Treasuries ............................................... $
U.S. Agencies ................................................
States and municipalities ...............................
Corporate securities .......................................
Residential mortgage-backed securities ........
Commercial mortgage-backed securities .......
Asset-backed securities ..................................
Collateralized loan obligations ......................
Foreign government securities .......................
Other securities ..............................................
Total fixed maturity securities ............................ $
Equity securities at fair value
Industrial and miscellaneous ......................... $
Other ..............................................................
Total equity securities at fair value .................... $
Short-term investments ................................... $
Total investments at fair value ........................ $
Financial Instruments Carried at Cost
— $
65.7 $
—
2.4
—
436.1
—
1,080.3
—
321.8
—
92.3
—
68.5
—
85.4
—
12.5
177.7
—
— $ 2,342.7 $
283.1 $
55.7
338.8 $
— $
— $
—
— $
10.5 $
338.8 $ 2,353.2 $
— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
— $
— $
—
— $
— $
— $
— $
78.3 $
—
3.1
—
482.7
—
1,046.4
—
461.0
—
102.4
—
42.6
—
83.6
—
8.2
170.9
—
— $ 2,479.2 $
179.1 $
29.4
208.5 $
4.0 $
— $
—
— $
22.6 $
212.5 $ 2,501.8 $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
EICN, ECIC, EPIC, and EAC are members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLB). Members are required
to purchase stock in the FHLB in addition to maintaining collateral deposits that back any funds advanced. The Company's
investment in FHLB stock is recorded at cost, which approximates fair value, as purchases and sales of these securities are at
par value with the issuer. FHLB stock is considered a restricted security and is periodically evaluated by the Company for
impairment based on the ultimate recovery of par value.
The Company had investments in convertible preferred shares of real estate investment trusts which were carried at cost and
approximate fair value. These preferred shares were redeemed and converted to equity securities during the year ended
December 31, 2021.
Financial Instruments Carried at Net Asset Value (NAV)
The Company has investments in private equity limited partnership interests that are included in Other invested assets on the
Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. These investments do not have readily determinable fair values and are carried at
NAV and therefore are excluded from the fair value hierarchy. The Company initially estimates the value of these investments
using the transaction price. In subsequent periods, the Company measures these investments using NAV per share provided
quarterly by the general partner, based on financial statements that are audited annually. These investments are generally not
redeemable by the investees and cannot be sold without approval of the general partner. These investments have a fund term of
10 to 12 years, subject to two or three one-year extensions at the general partner's discretion. The Company will receive
distributions of proceeds from dividends and interest from fund investments, as well as from the disposition of a fund
investment, or a portion thereof. The Company expects these distributions from time-to-time during the full course of the fund
term. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had unfunded commitments to these private equity limited partnerships
totaling $46.4 million and $63.8 million, respectively.
Additionally, certain cash equivalents, principally money market securities, are measured using NAV, which approximates fair
value.
The following table presents cash and investments carried at NAV on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020
Cash equivalents measured at NAV ...........................................................................
Other invested assets carried at NAV .........................................................................
29.5
38.4
58.7
16.2
70
5. Investments
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses, and estimated fair value of the Company's AFS investments
were as follows:
At December 31, 2021
Fixed maturity securities
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
(in millions)
Estimated
Fair Value
U.S. Treasuries .............................................................................. $
U.S. Agencies ................................................................................
States and municipalities ..............................................................
Corporate securities ......................................................................
Residential mortgage-backed securities ........................................
Commercial mortgage-backed securities ......................................
Asset-backed securities .................................................................
Collateralized loan obligations .....................................................
Foreign government securities ......................................................
Other securities(1) ..........................................................................
Total fixed maturity securities ...........................................................
Short-term investments ...................................................................
Total AFS investments ..................................................................... $
64.3 $
2.2
413.8
1,035.1
319.0
87.9
68.6
85.5
12.7
177.0
2,266.1
10.5
2,276.6 $
1.6 $
0.2
22.4
47.0
7.0
4.5
0.4
—
—
1.2
84.3
—
84.3 $
(0.2) $
—
(0.1)
(1.8)
(4.2)
(0.1)
(0.5)
(0.1)
(0.2)
(0.5)
(7.7)
—
(7.7) $
At December 31, 2020
Fixed maturity securities
U.S. Treasuries ........................................................................... $
— $
U.S. Agencies .............................................................................
—
States and municipalities ............................................................
—
Corporate securities ....................................................................
(0.3)
Residential mortgage-backed securities .....................................
(0.3)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities ...................................
(0.1)
Asset-backed securities ..............................................................
(0.3)
Collateralized loan obligations ...................................................
(0.8)
Foreign government securities ...................................................
—
(0.5)
Other securities(1) .......................................................................
Total fixed maturity securities ...........................................................
(2.3)
Short-term investments ...................................................................
—
(2.3) $
Total AFS investments ..................................................................... $
(1) Other securities within fixed maturity securities consist of bank loans, which are classified as AFS and reported at fair value.
74.3 $
2.8
449.4
963.5
444.6
94.7
42.0
84.4
8.0
169.9
2,333.6
26.5
2,360.1 $
4.0 $
0.3
33.3
83.2
16.7
7.8
0.9
—
0.2
1.5
147.9
0.1
148.0 $
65.7
2.4
436.1
1,080.3
321.8
92.3
68.5
85.4
12.5
177.7
2,342.7
10.5
2,353.2
78.3
3.1
482.7
1,046.4
461.0
102.4
42.6
83.6
8.2
170.9
2,479.2
26.6
2,505.8
71
The cost and estimated fair value of the Company's equity securities recorded at fair value at December 31, 2021 and 2020 were
as follows:
Cost
Estimated
Fair Value
(in millions)
At December 31, 2021
Equity securities at fair value
Industrial and miscellaneous ................................................................................................... $
Other .......................................................................................................................................
Total equity securities at fair value .......................................................................................... $
170.5 $
42.1
212.6 $
283.1
55.7
338.8
At December 31, 2020
Equity securities at fair value
Industrial and miscellaneous ................................................................................................... $
Other .......................................................................................................................................
Total equity securities at fair value .......................................................................................... $
94.1 $
18.3
112.4 $
179.1
29.4
208.5
The Company had Other invested assets totaling $38.4 million and $36.2 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
These investments consisted of: (i) private equity limited partnerships that totaled $38.4 million and $16.2 million (initial cost
of $34.1 million and $16.8 million) at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which are carried at NAV based on
information provided by the general partner; and (ii) convertible preferred shares of real estate investment trusts that totaled
$20.0 million at December 31, 2020, which were carried at cost and approximated fair value. The investments in private equity
limited partnerships are non-redeemable until conversion and are periodically evaluated by the Company for impairment based
on the ultimate recovery of the investment. Changes in the value of these investments are recorded through Net realized and
unrealized gains and losses on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the Company's fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2021, by contractual
maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call
or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
Due in one year or less ................................................................................................................ $
Due after one year through five years .........................................................................................
Due after five years through ten years ........................................................................................
Due after ten years .......................................................................................................................
Mortgage and asset-backed securities .........................................................................................
Total ............................................................................................................................................. $
(in millions)
97.4 $
766.4
733.2
108.1
561.0
2,266.1 $
98.8
799.8
763.4
112.7
568.0
2,342.7
Amortized
Cost
Estimated
Fair Value
72
The following is a summary of AFS investments that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months
and those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.
December 31, 2021
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Estimated
Fair Value
December 31, 2020
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Number
of Issues
Number
of Issues
(dollars in millions)
Estimated
Fair Value
Less than 12 months:
Fixed maturity securities
U.S. Treasuries ............................................... $
States and municipalities ...............................
Corporate securities .......................................
Residential mortgage-backed securities .........
Commercial mortgage-backed securities .......
Asset-backed securities ..................................
Collateralized loan obligations ......................
Foreign government securities .......................
Other securities ..............................................
Total fixed maturity securities .........................
Total less than 12 months ................................. $
12 months or greater:
Fixed maturity securities
Residential mortgage-backed securities ......... $
Commercial mortgage-backed securities .......
Other securities ..............................................
Total fixed maturity securities .........................
Total 12 months or greater .............................. $
12.8 $
7.7
113.0
146.3
—
50.1
24.4
12.5
66.3
433.1
433.1 $
4.9 $
2.4
8.0
15.3
15.3 $
(0.2)
(0.1)
(1.8)
(3.9)
—
(0.5)
(0.1)
(0.2)
(0.4)
(7.2)
(7.2)
(0.3)
(0.1)
(0.1)
(0.5)
(0.5)
4 $
4
87
65
—
14
10
2
176
362
362 $
3 $
2
29
34
34 $
— $
—
9.7
47.4
5.5
7.8
74.6
—
60.4
205.4
205.4 $
— $
—
—
—
— $
—
—
(0.3)
(0.3)
(0.1)
(0.3)
(0.8)
—
(0.5)
(2.3)
(2.3)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
10
13
6
6
18
—
146
199
199
—
—
—
—
—
The Company recorded an allowance for CECL on AFS debt securities of $0.2 million and $0.7 million during the years ended
December 31, 2021 and 2020 (see Note 6). Those fixed maturity securities whose total fair value was less than amortized cost
at December 31, 2021, were those in which the Company had no intent, need or requirement to sell at an amount less than their
amortized cost. There were no other-than-temporary impairments recognized on fixed maturity securities during the year ended
December 31, 2019. The Company determined that the remaining unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities at
December 31, 2019 were primarily the result of changes in prevailing interest rates and not the credit quality of the issuers.
Realized gains and losses on investments include the gain or loss on a security at the time of sale compared to its original or
adjusted cost (equity securities and other invested assets) or amortized cost (fixed maturity securities). Realized losses on fixed
maturity securities are also recognized when securities are written down as a result of an other-than-temporary impairment or
for changes in the CECL allowance.
73
Net realized gains on investments and the change in unrealized gains (losses) on the Company's investments recorded at fair
value are determined on a specific-identification basis and were as follows:
Gross
Realized
Gains
Gross
Realized
Losses
Net Change in
CECL
Allowance
Change in Net
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)
Changes in
Fair Value
Reflected in
Earnings
Changes in
Fair Value
Reflected in
AOCI, before
tax
(in millions)
4.7 $
20.6
—
—
25.3 $
9.2 $
42.6
—
0.1
51.9 $
5.2 $
17.8
—
23.0 $
(1.1) $
(5.0)
—
—
(6.1) $
(4.1) $
(21.8)
—
—
(25.9) $
(1.3) $
(4.4)
—
(5.7) $
0.5 $
—
—
—
0.5 $
(0.7) $
—
—
—
(0.7) $
— $
—
— $
— $
(68.9) $
30.0
4.9
(0.1)
(34.1) $
63.0 $
(5.0)
(1.3)
0.1
56.8 $
99.9 $
33.1
0.7
133.7 $
4.1 $
45.6
4.9
—
54.6 $
4.4 $
15.8
(1.3)
0.1
19.0 $
3.9 $
46.5
0.7
51.1 $
(68.9)
—
—
(0.1)
(69.0)
63.0
—
—
0.1
63.1
99.9
—
—
99.9
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Fixed maturity securities ................. $
Equity securities ..............................
Other invested assets .......................
Short-term investments ...................
Total investments ............................. $
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Fixed maturity securities ................. $
Equity securities ..............................
Other invested assets .......................
Short-term investments ...................
Total investments ............................. $
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Fixed maturity securities ................. $
Equity securities ..............................
Other invested assets .......................
Total investments ............................. $
Proceeds from the sales of fixed maturity securities were $206.7 million, $349.5 million and $163.0 million for years ended
December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Net investment income was as follows:
2021
Years Ended December 31,
2020
(in millions)
2019
Fixed maturity securities ............................................................................................... $
Equity securities ............................................................................................................
Other invested assets .....................................................................................................
Short-term investments .................................................................................................
Cash equivalents and restricted cash .............................................................................
Gross investment income ..............................................................................................
Investment expenses ......................................................................................................
Net investment income .................................................................................................. $
71.5 $
3.7
2.7
0.2
—
78.1
(5.4)
72.7 $
72.6 $
4.4
2.8
1.5
0.5
81.8
(5.5)
76.3 $
81.9
7.9
1.2
—
1.7
92.7
(4.6)
88.1
The Company is required by various state laws and regulations to support, through securities on deposit or otherwise, its
outstanding loss reserves in certain states in which it does business. These laws and regulations govern not only the amount but
also the types of securities that are eligible for deposit. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, securities having a fair value of
$861.4 million and $768.7 million, respectively, were on deposit. Additionally, standby letters of credit from the FHLB were in
place in lieu of $70.0 million and $275.0 million of securities on deposit as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively (see
Note 11).
Certain reinsurance contracts require the Company's funds to be held in trust for the benefit of the ceding reinsurer to secure the
outstanding liabilities assumed by the Company. The fair value of fixed maturity securities and restricted cash and cash
equivalents held in trust for the benefit of ceding reinsurers at December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $3.1 million and $3.2 million,
respectively.
74
6. Current Expected Credit Losses
The Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) in the first quarter of 2020, which
replaced the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology known as the current expected loss methodology,
CECL. The measurement of CECL is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, which includes held-to-maturity
securities, trade receivables, lease receivables, reinsurance recoverables, financial guarantee contracts, loan commitments, and
financial assets with evidence of credit deterioration. Additionally, Topic 326 made changes to the accounting for AFS debt
securities. This change requires credit losses to be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down on AFS debt securities
that the Company does not intend to sell or believes that it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell.
Premiums Receivable
Premiums receivable balances are all due within one year or less. The Company currently determines the allowance for
premiums receivable based on an internal aging schedule using collectability and historical payment patterns, as well as current
and expected future market conditions to determine the appropriateness of the allowance. Historical payment patterns and
future market conditions provide the basis for the estimation along with similar risk characteristics and the Company's business
strategy, which have not changed significantly over time. The Company will continually assess the historical payment patterns
and aging schedule to reflect the differences in our current conditions and future forecasted changes, including any impact from
the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in the allowance for CECL are recorded through underwriting and general and
administrative expenses.
The table below shows the changes in the allowance for CECL on premiums receivable.
Beginning balance of the allowance for CECL on premiums receivable ........................... $
Current period provision for CECL ................................................................................
Write-offs charged against the allowance .......................................................................
Recoveries collected .......................................................................................................
Ending balance of the allowance for CECL on premiums receivable ................................. $
Years Ended December 31,
2021
2020
(in millions)
10.8 $
10.6
(2.5)
(8.6)
10.3 $
4.6
13.0
(6.8)
—
10.8
Reinsurance Recoverable
In assessing an allowance for reinsurance assets, which includes reinsurance recoverables and contingent commission
receivables, the Company considers historical information, financial strength of reinsurers, collateralization amounts and
ratings to determine the appropriateness of the allowance. Historically, the Company has not experienced a credit loss from
reinsurance transactions. In assessing future default, the Company evaluated the CECL allowance under the ratings-based
method using the A.M. Best Average Cumulative Net Impairment Rates. Reinsurer ratings are also assessed through this
process. Changes in the allowance for CECL are recorded through underwriting and general and administrative expenses.
The table below shows the changes in the allowance for CECL on reinsurance recoverables.
Years Ended December 31,
2021
2020
(in millions)
Beginning balance of the allowance for CECL on reinsurance recoverables ...................... $
Current period provision for CECL .................................................................................
Ending balance of the allowance for CECL on reinsurance recoverables ........................... $
0.4 $
0.2
0.6 $
—
0.4
0.4
Investments
The Company assesses all AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position for CECL. The Company first assesses whether it
intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, the security before recovery of its amortized cost
basis. If either of the criteria is met, the security's amortized cost basis is written down to its fair value. For AFS debt securities
that do not meet either criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other
factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any
changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other
factors. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in Accumulated other
75
comprehensive income on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the allowance for CECL are recorded
through realized capital losses.
As of December 31, 2021, the Company established an aggregate allowance for CECL in the amount of $0.2 million. For the
Company’s investments in fixed-income debt securities, the allowance for CECL was determined by: (i) observing the credit
characteristics of those debt securities that may have demonstrated a credit loss as of that date and by comparing the present
value of cash flows expected to be collected to its amortized cost basis; and (ii) observing the credit characteristics of those debt
securities that are expected to demonstrate a credit loss in the future by comparing the present value of cash flows expected to
be collected to its amortized cost basis. The expected present value of cash flows are calculated using scenario based credit loss
models derived from the discounted cash flows under the Comprehensive Capital Analysis Review (CCAR) framework, which
is adopted by the Federal Reserve.
As of December 31, 2021, the Company did not intend to sell any of its AFS debt securities in which its amortized cost
exceeded its fair value.
Accrued interest receivable on AFS debt securities totaled $14.5 million at December 31, 2021 and is excluded from the
estimate of credit losses based on historically timely payments.
The table below shows the changes in the allowance for CECL on AFS securities.
Beginning balance of the allowance for CECL on AFS securities ................................ $
Current period provision for CECL ..........................................................................
Reductions in allowance from disposals ..................................................................
Recoveries of amounts previously written off .......................................................... $
Ending balance of the allowance for CECL on AFS securities ..................................... $
7. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consists of the following:
Furniture and equipment ................................................................................................... $
Leasehold improvements ..................................................................................................
Computers and software ....................................................................................................
Automobiles ......................................................................................................................
Property and equipment, gross ..........................................................................................
Accumulated depreciation .................................................................................................
Property and equipment, net ............................................................................................. $
Years Ended December 31,
2020
2021
(in millions)
0.7 $
—
(0.2)
(0.3)
0.2 $
As of December 31,
2021
2020
(in millions)
3.3 $
5.0
46.8
0.8
55.9
(41.2)
14.7 $
—
3.1
(2.4)
—
0.7
3.4
5.5
53.3
0.8
63.0
(43.9)
19.1
Depreciation expenses related to property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 were $7.4
million, $8.2 million, and $9.0 million, respectively. Internally developed software costs of $2.3 million and $3.2 million were
capitalized during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Cloud Computing Arrangements
The Company's capitalized costs associated with cloud computing arrangements totaled $43.9 million and $50.2 million, which
were comprised of service contract fees and implementation costs associated with hosting arrangements on the Company's
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Total amortization for hosting arrangements for
the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $14.2 million and $9.0 million, respectively.
8. Income Taxes
The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return. The insurance subsidiaries pay premium taxes on premiums in lieu
of some states' income or franchise taxes.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act significantly revised U.S. corporate income tax law by, among other things, reducing the corporate
statutory income tax rate from 35% to 21%, beginning January 1, 2018. This reduction in the corporate statutory income tax
rate required the Company to re-evaluate certain of its deferred tax assets and liabilities, as of the date of Enactment, to reflect
76
the revised income tax rates applicable to future periods. Despite a repeal of the corporate alternative minimum tax, the
Company's minimum tax credit was fully recognized in the year ended December 31, 2018.
The Company's provision for income taxes consisted of the following:
Current tax expense:
Federal ......................................................................................................... $
State .............................................................................................................
Total current tax expense ..................................................................................
Deferred federal tax expense:
Other ............................................................................................................
Total deferred federal tax expense ....................................................................
Income tax expense .......................................................................................... $
2021
Years Ended December 31,
2020
(in millions)
2019
20.2 $
0.8
21.0
6.7
6.7
27.7 $
27.6 $
0.7
28.3
(0.4)
(0.4)
27.9 $
26.3
1.8
28.1
8.6
8.6
36.7
The differences between the statutory federal tax rate of 21% and the Company's effective tax rate on net income before income
taxes as reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income were as follows:
2021
Years Ended December 31,
2020
(in millions)
2019
Expense computed at statutory rate .................................................................. $
Tax-advantaged investment income .................................................................
LPT deferred gain amortization .......................................................................
Stock based compensation ...............................................................................
LPT Reserve Adjustment ..................................................................................
Other .................................................................................................................
Income tax expense .......................................................................................... $
31.0 $
(1.7)
(1.9)
0.1
(0.5)
0.7
27.7 $
31.0 $
(1.9)
(2.2)
(0.2)
(0.3)
1.5
27.9 $
40.7
(2.4)
(2.3)
(0.9)
(0.4)
2.0
36.7
The LPT Reserve Adjustments for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 increased GAAP net income by $2.6
million, $1.2 million, and $1.8 million, respectively, but did not affect taxable income. The LPT Contingent Commission
Adjustments increased net income by $0.5 million, $0.2 million, and $0.2 million during 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively,
but did not increase taxable income.
As of December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 the Company had no material unrecognized tax benefits and its tax years 2018
through 2021 remain open and are available for examination by the Internal Revenue Service.
The Company made cash payments of $28.2 million, $18.5 million and $37.8 million for income taxes during the years ended
December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
The significant components of deferred income taxes, net, were as follows as of December 31:
2021
Deferred Tax
2020
Deferred Tax
Assets
Liabilities
Assets
Liabilities
Unrealized capital gains, net ................................................................ $
Deferred policy acquisition costs .........................................................
Intangible assets ...................................................................................
Loss reserve discounting for tax reporting ...........................................
Unearned premiums .............................................................................
Allowance for bad debt ........................................................................
Stock-based compensation ...................................................................
Accrued liabilities ................................................................................
Operating leases ...................................................................................
Other .....................................................................................................
Total ...................................................................................................... $
Deferred income tax asset (liability), net ............................................. $
— $
—
—
30.0
11.9
2.3
2.5
4.1
3.5
2.2
56.5 $
(7.7)
(in millions)
43.5 $
9.4
1.6
—
—
—
—
—
3.0
6.7
64.2 $
$
— $
—
—
30.3
11.5
2.4
3.4
3.5
4.2
2.4
57.7 $
(15.5)
50.7
9.2
1.6
—
—
—
—
—
3.6
8.1
73.2
77
Deferred tax assets are required to be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that all or some portion of
the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Realization of the deferred income tax asset is dependent on the Company generating
sufficient taxable income in future years as the deferred income tax charges become deductible for tax reporting purposes.
Although realization is not assured, management believes that it is more likely than not that the net deferred income tax asset
will be realized.
The Company is required to discount its loss and LAE reserves for federal income tax purposes. The Company's income tax
deduction associated with its loss and LAE reserves is discounted using interest rates prescribed by the U.S. Treasury, as well as
established loss payment patterns. Enactment changed the prescribed interest rates to rates based on corporate bond yield curves
and extends the time periods associated with loss payment patterns, which resulted in an acceleration of future income tax
payments. These changes became effective for tax years beginning after 2017 and are subject to a transition rule that spreads
the additional tax payment from the amount determined by applying these changes over the eight years beginning in 2018. This
item is a taxable temporary difference and had no direct impact on the Company's total income tax expense for 2017 or future
years. The Company has followed the guidance of Revenue Procedure 2019-31 to complete its accounting for loss reserve
discounting.
9. Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Accounting for workers' compensation insurance requires the Company to estimate the liability for the expected ultimate cost
of unpaid losses and LAE (loss reserves) as of a balance sheet date. Loss reserve estimates are inherently uncertain because the
ultimate amount the Company will pay for many of the claims it has incurred as of the balance sheet date will not be known for
many years. The estimate of loss reserves is intended to equal the difference between the expected ultimate losses and LAE of
all claims that have occurred as of a balance sheet date and amounts already paid. The Company establishes loss reserves based
on its own analysis of emerging claims experience and environmental conditions in its markets and review of the results of
various actuarial projections. The Company's aggregate carried reserve for unpaid losses and LAE is the sum of its reserves for
each accident year and represents its best estimate of outstanding loss reserves.
The amount by which estimated losses in the aggregate differ from those previously estimated for a specific time period is
known as reserve "development." Reserve development is unfavorable when losses ultimately settle for more than the amount
estimated or subsequent estimates indicate a basis for reserve increases on open claims, causing the previously estimated loss
reserves to be ''deficient.'' Reserve development is favorable when estimates of ultimate losses indicate a decrease in established
reserves, causing the previously estimated loss reserves to be ''redundant.'' Development is reflected in the Company's operating
results through an adjustment to incurred losses and LAE during the period in which it is recognized.
Although claims for which reserves are established may not be paid for several years or more, the Company does not discount
loss reserves in its financial statements for the time value of money, in accordance with GAAP.
The three main components of reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are case reserves, incurred but not reported (IBNR) loss
reserves, and LAE reserves.
When claims are reported, the Company establishes individual estimates of the ultimate cost of each claim (case reserves).
These case reserves are continually monitored and revised in response to new information and for amounts paid.
In addition to case reserves, the Company establishes a provision for IBNR. IBNR is an actuarial estimate composed of the
following: (a) future payments on claims that are incurred but have not yet been reported to the Company; (b) a reserve for the
additional development on claims that have been reported to the Company; and (c) a provision for additional payments on
closed claims that might reopen. IBNR reserves apply to the entire body of claims arising from a specific period, rather than a
specific claim. Most of the Company's IBNR reserves relate to estimated future claim payments on recorded open claims.
LAE reserves are the Company's estimate of the future expense to manage, investigate, administer, and settle claims that have
occurred, and include legal expenses. LAE reserves are established in the aggregate, rather than on a claim-by-claim basis. LAE
reserves are categorized between defense and cost containment, and adjusting and other.
A portion of the Company's obligations for losses and LAE are ceded to unaffiliated reinsurers. The amount of reinsurance that
will be recoverable on losses and LAE reserves includes both the reinsurance recoverable from excess of loss reinsurance
contracts, as well as reinsurance recoverable under the terms of the LPT Agreement.
The Company uses actuarial methods to analyze and estimate the aggregate amount of unpaid losses and LAE. Management
considers the results of various actuarial methods and their underlying assumptions, among other factors, in establishing
reserves for unpaid losses and LAE.
Judgment is required in the actuarial estimation of loss reserves, including the selection of various actuarial methodologies to
project the ultimate cost of claims. Specifically, judgment is required in the following areas: the selection of parameters utilized
in the various methodologies; the use of industry data and other benchmarks; and the weighting of differing reserve indications
resulting from alternative methods and assumptions.
78
The Company's Internal Actuary prepares reserve estimates for all accident years using our own historical claims data, industry
data and many of the generally accepted actuarial methodologies for estimating loss reserves, such as paid loss development
methods, incurred loss development methods, and Bornhuetter-Ferguson methods. These methods vary in their responsiveness
to different information, characteristics, and dynamics in the data, and the results assist the actuary in considering these
characteristics and dynamics in the historical data. The methods employed for each segment of claims data, and the relative
weight accorded to each method, vary depending on the nature of the claims segment and on the age of the claims.
Each actuarial methodology requires the selection and application of various parameters and assumptions. The key parameters
and assumptions include the future payment and emergence patterns of our aggregate claims data; the magnitude and changes in
claim settlement activity; the effects of legislative benefit changes and/or judicial decisions; and trends in the frequency and
severity of claims.
The following table represents a reconciliation of changes in the liability for unpaid losses and LAE.
2021
Years Ended December 31,
2020
(in millions)
2019
Unpaid losses and LAE at beginning of period ................................................ $
Less reinsurance recoverable, excluding CECL allowance, on unpaid
losses and LAE ............................................................................................
Net unpaid losses and LAE at beginning of period ..........................................
Losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, incurred during the period related to:
Current year ..................................................................................................
Prior years ....................................................................................................
Total net losses and LAE incurred during the period .......................................
Paid losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, related to:
Current year ..................................................................................................
Prior years ....................................................................................................
Total net paid losses and LAE during the period ..............................................
Ending unpaid losses and LAE, net of reinsurance ..........................................
Reinsurance recoverable, excluding CECL allowance, on unpaid losses
and LAE ............................................................................................................
Unpaid losses and LAE at end of period .......................................................... $
2,069.4 $
2,192.8 $
2,207.9
497.0
1,572.4
532.5
1,660.3
504.4
1,703.5
366.5
(39.8)
326.7
76.6
318.2
394.8
1,504.3
395.9
(81.6)
314.3
83.6
318.6
402.2
1,572.4
476.9
1,981.2 $
497.0
2,069.4 $
456.1
(77.5)
378.6
106.6
315.2
421.8
1,660.3
532.5
2,192.8
Total net losses and LAE included in the above table excludes the impact of the amortization of the Deferred Gain and LPT
Reserve Adjustments (See Note 10).
In 2021, the Company had $39.8 million of net favorable prior accident year loss reserve development, which included $38.0
million of favorable development on its voluntary risk business and $1.8 million on its assigned risk business. In 2020, the
Company had $81.6 million of net favorable prior accident year loss reserve development, which included $80.2 million of
favorable development on its voluntary risk business and $1.4 million on its assigned risk business. In 2019, the Company had
$77.5 million of net favorable prior accident year loss reserve development.
The net favorable development recognized in 2021 on voluntary business was primarily the result of observed favorable paid
loss cost trends predominantly related to accident years 2017 and prior, due primarily to decreasing medical costs and defense
and cost containment, partially offset by: (i) $10.0 million of unfavorable development related to accident year 2019, which is
reflective of more weight being placed on now sufficiently seasoned loss trends and patterns originating in part from business
written in our newer territories; and (ii) $8.0 million of unfavorable loss development associated with two catastrophic non-
COVID claims in accident year 2020.
The net favorable development recognized in 2020 on voluntary business was primarily the result of observed favorable paid
loss cost trends predominantly related to accident years 2018 and prior, due primarily to decreasing medical costs, partially
offset by $13.3 million of adverse development on accident year 2019 partially due to an inability to fully execute its claims
initiatives to reduce loss costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The net favorable development recognized in 2019 was primarily the result of observed favorable paid loss cost trends
predominantly related to accident years 2018 and prior, due primarily to decreasing medical costs and accelerated claims
settlements. Loss reserves shown in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets are net of $105.6 million and $28.1 million for
anticipated subrogation recoveries as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
79
The Company compiles and aggregates its claims data by grouping the claims according to the year in which the claim occurred
("accident year") when analyzing claim payment and emergence patterns and trends over time. Reported claims include any
claim that has case reserves and/or loss and LAE payments associated with them.
The Company analyzed the usefulness of disaggregation of its results and determined the characteristics associated with the
policies and the related unpaid loss reserves, incurred losses, and payment patterns are similar in nature. As such, the following
tables show the Company's historical incurred and cumulative paid losses and LAE development, net of reinsurance, as well as
IBNR loss reserves and the number of reported claims on an aggregated basis as of December 31, 2021 for each of the previous
10 accident years.
Incurred Losses and LAE, Net of Reinsurance
Years Ended December 31,
As of December 31, 2021
Accident
Year
2012(1) 2013(1) 2014(1) 2015(1) 2016(1) 2017(1) 2018(1) 2019(1) 2020(1)
2021
IBNR
(in millions, except claims counts)
2012 ........ $ 348.8 $ 359.9 $ 360.9 $ 386.4 $ 388.2 $ 382.8 $ 379.8 $ 378.5 $ 372.4 $ 369.4 $ 23.5
2013 ........
28.2
2014 ........
34.6
2015 ........
33.4
2016 ........
35.6
2017 ........
43.0
2018 ........
52.2
2019 ........
83.2
2020 ........
94.6
2021 ........
339.2 163.0
Total ..................................................................................................................................... $ 3,848.0
452.6 460.6 478.6 472.6 468.9 464.6 459.3 446.8 440.9
463.4 445.8 432.9 434.6 430.5 424.7 415.5 406.0
422.2 425.8 423.9 419.6 408.7 396.7 384.9
419.0 414.6 395.4 375.0 364.6 354.8
412.4 391.3 358.3 337.9 329.8
422.5 424.6 407.7 400.6
422.4 435.7 448.5
365.7 374.0
Cumulative
number of
reported claims
26,046
28,927
28,594
27,264
25,806
25,091
27,977
32,885
23,948
19,287
Cumulative Paid Losses and LAE, Net of Reinsurance
Years Ended December 31,
Accident Year
2012(1) 2013(1) 2014(1) 2015(1) 2016(1) 2017(1) 2018(1) 2019(1) 2020(1)
2021
(in millions)
2012 .................................. $ 58.6 $ 148.3 $ 214.2 $ 261.4 $ 289.9 $ 305.0 $ 316.9 $ 324.3 $ 328.4 $ 332.3
2013 ..................................
391.3
2014 ..................................
357.7
2015 ..................................
329.3
2016 ..................................
290.0
2017 ..................................
260.0
2018 ..................................
293.6
2019 ..................................
285.2
2020 ..................................
175.6
2021 ..................................
66.1
Total ................................................................................................................................................................................. $ 2,781.1
All outstanding liabilities for unpaid losses and LAE prior to 2012, net of reinsurance ................................................
374.4
Total outstanding liabilities for unpaid losses and LAE, net of reinsurance ........................................................... $ 1,441.3
(1) Data presented for these calendar years is required supplementary information, which is unaudited.
68.5 184.4 263.8 317.4 346.1 365.9 379.3 386.6
65.3 172.7 248.9 297.2 323.4 342.1 351.4
65.5 174.5 246.9 290.5 311.2 322.2
65.6 166.8 227.7 261.2 278.3
63.5 160.2 215.7 243.7
77.9 189.9 254.2
88.8 212.6
71.9
The following table represents a reconciliation of claims development to the aggregate carrying amount of the liability for
unpaid losses and LAE:
Liabilities for unpaid losses and LAE, net of reinsurance ...................................................................... $
Reinsurance recoverable, excluding CECL allowance, on unpaid losses ...............................................
Unallocated LAE (adjusting and other) ..................................................................................................
Total liability for unpaid losses and LAE ............................................................................................ $
1,441.3
476.9
63.0
1,981.2
December 31, 2021
(in millions)
80
The following table presents the average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age, net of reinsurance, as of
December 31, 2021 and is presented as required supplementary information, which is unaudited:
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
18.0 %
27.4 %
17.5 %
10.8 %
6.0 %
3.9 %
2.6 %
1.7 %
1.1 %
1.1 %
10. Reinsurance
The Company purchases reinsurance from third parties in the normal course of its business in order to manage its exposures.
The Company's reinsurance coverage is provided on both a quota share and excess of loss basis.
The effects of reinsurance on the Company's written and earned premiums and on its losses and LAE incurred were as follows:
2021
Years Ended December 31,
2020
2019
Written
Earned
Written
Earned
Written
Earned
Direct premiums ........................................... $
Assumed premiums ......................................
Gross premiums ...........................................
Ceded premiums ..........................................
Net premiums ............................................... $
Ceded losses and LAE incurred ................... $
582.6 $
7.1
589.7
(6.6)
583.1 $
16.8
574.0 $
7.0
581.0
(6.6)
574.4 $
$
(in millions)
570.8 $
9.3
580.1
(5.2)
574.9 $
5.9
611.0 $
9.5
620.5
(5.2)
615.3 $
$
687.4 $
9.5
696.9
(5.4)
691.5 $
19.2
691.6
9.6
701.2
(5.4)
695.8
Ceded losses and LAE incurred includes the amortization of the Deferred Gain, LPT Reserve Adjustments, and LPT Contingent
Commission Adjustments.
Excess of Loss Reinsurance
The Company has consistently maintained excess of loss reinsurance coverage to protect it against the impact of large and/or
catastrophic losses in its workers' compensation business. The Company currently maintains reinsurance for losses from a
single occurrence or catastrophic event in excess of $10.0 million and up to $200.0 million, subject to certain exclusions. This
current reinsurance program is effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. The coverage under the Company's annual
reinsurance program that ended each of July 1, 2020 and 2019 was $190.0 million, in excess of its $10.0 million retention on a
per occurrence basis. The reinsurance coverage includes coverage for pandemics, acts of terrorism, excluding nuclear,
biological, chemical, and radiological events. Any liability outside the coverage limits of the reinsurance program is retained by
the Company.
LPT Agreement
Recoverables from reinsurers on unpaid losses and LAE amounted to $476.3 million and $496.6 million at December 31, 2021
and 2020, respectively. At each of December 31, 2021 and 2020, $328.7 million and $353.5 million, respectively, of those
recoverables was related to the LPT Agreement that was entered into in 1999 by the Fund and assumed by EICN. Under the
LPT Agreement, substantially all of the Fund's losses and LAE on claims incurred prior to July 1, 1995 have been ceded to
three unaffiliated reinsurers on a 100% quota share basis. Investments totaling $432.5 million and $369.1 million at
December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, have been placed in trust by the three reinsurers as security for payment of the
reinsured claims. Under the LPT Agreement, initially $1.5 billion in liabilities for the incurred but unpaid losses and LAE
related to claims incurred prior to July 1, 1995, were reinsured for consideration of $775.0 million. The LPT Agreement
provides coverage up to $2.0 billion. Through December 31, 2021, the Company has paid losses and LAE claims totaling
$838.8 million related to the LPT Agreement.
The Company amortized $8.4 million, $10.5 million, and $10.7 million of the Deferred Gain for the years ended December 31,
2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Additionally, the Company recognized favorable development in the estimated reserves
ceded under the LPT Agreement of $4.9 million, $4.2 million, and $5.3 million that reduced the Deferred Gain by $2.6 million,
$1.2 million, and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively, due to favorable LPT
Reserve Adjustments and by $0.5 million, $0.2 million, and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and
2019, respectively, due to favorable LPT Contingent Commission Adjustments (Note 2 –Reinsurance).
81
11. FHLB Advances, Notes Payable and Other Financing Arrangements
On December 15, 2020, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the Credit Agreement) with a syndicate of financial
institutions. The Credit Agreement provides for a $75.0 million three-year revolving credit facility and is guaranteed by certain
of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries (Employers Group, Inc. and Cerity Group, Inc.). Borrowings under the Credit
Agreement may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes of the Company and its subsidiaries. Pursuant to
the Credit Agreement, the Company also has an option to request an increase of the credit available under the facility up to a
maximum facility amount of $125.0 million, subject to the consent of lenders and the satisfaction of certain conditions.
The interest rates applicable to loans under the Credit Agreement are generally based on a base rate plus a specified margin,
ranging from 0.25% to 1.25%, or the Eurodollar rate (which will convert to an alternative reference rate once LIBOR is
discontinued), plus a specified margin, ranging from 1.25% to 2.25%. In addition, the Company will pay a fee on each lender’s
commitment, ranging from 0.20% to 0.50%, irrespective of usage. The applicable margin and the amount of such commitment
fee vary based upon the financial strength rating of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries as most recently announced by A.M.
Best or the Company’s debt to total capitalization ratio if such financial strength rating is not available. Total interest paid
during the year ended December 31, 2021 was $0.3 million.
The Credit Agreement contains covenants that require the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries to maintain: (i) a
minimum consolidated net worth of no less than 70% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity as of September 30, 2020, plus
50% of the Company’s aggregate net income thereafter; and (ii) a debt to total capitalization ratio of no more than 35%, in each
case as determined in accordance with the Credit Agreement. At December 31, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all
debt covenants.
The Company incurred $0.7 million in debt issuance costs in connection with the Credit Agreement, which are being amortized
over the three-year life of the facility in Interest and Financing expenses. The annual commitment and administrative fee on the
unused portion of the facility is 0.30%, for a maximum of $225,000, and an annual agency fee of $25,000. Advances can be
repaid at any time without prepayment penalties or additional fees. The Company borrowed and subsequently repaid
$27.0 million under the credit facility during the year ended December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had
no outstanding borrowings on the credit facility.
EPIC had a $10.0 million surplus note to Dekania CDO II, Ltd. issued as part of a pooled transaction. On April 12, 2019, the
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation approved EPIC's request to pay off the Dekania surplus note. Subsequently, on April 15,
2019, EPIC formally called this note. The outstanding principal, plus accrued and unpaid interest, in the amount of $10.2
million, was paid on May 14, 2019. Interest paid during the year ended December 31, 2019 was $0.2 million.
EPIC had a $10.0 million surplus note to Alesco Preferred Funding V, LTD issued as part of a pooled transaction. On April 12,
2019, the Florida Office of Insurance regulation approved EPIC's request to pay off the Alesco surplus note. Subsequently, on
May 6, 2019, EPIC formally called this note. The outstanding principal, plus accrued and unpaid interest, in the amount of
$10.2 million, was paid on June 13, 2019. Interest paid during the year ended December 31, 2019 was $0.2 million.
Other financing arrangements are comprised of the following:
EICN, ECIC, EPIC, and EAC are members of the FHLB. Membership allows the insurance subsidiaries access to collateralized
advances, which may be used to support and enhance liquidity management. The amount of advances that may be taken is
dependent on statutory admitted assets on a per company basis.
During the second quarter of 2020, the FHLB announced its Zero Interest Recovery Advance Program (the FHLB Advance
Program). The FHLB Advance Program is a zero percent interest, six-month or one-year credit product that members can use to
provide immediate relief to property owners, businesses, and other customers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Each member
was allocated up to $10.0 million in advances under the FHLB Advance Program.
On May 11, 2020, the Company's insurance subsidiaries received a total of $35.0 million of advances under the FHLB Advance
Program. The advances were secured by collateral previously pledged to the FHLB by the Company's insurance subsidiaries in
support of their existing collateralized advance facility, which has been reduced by the amount of these outstanding advances.
The Company repaid $15.0 million on November 4, 2020, $5.0 million on March 31, 2021, and the remaining $15.0 million on
May 4, 2021. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has no outstanding advances.
FHLB membership also allows the Company's insurance subsidiaries access to standby letters of credit. On March 9, 2018,
ECIC, EPIC, and EAC entered into standby Letter of Credit Reimbursement Agreements (Letter of Credit Agreements) with the
FHLB. On January 26, 2021, we chose to amend our existing Letter of Credit Agreements among the FHLB and EPIC to
decrease its respective credit amount. On August 13, 2021, we chose to amend our existing Letter of Credit Agreements among
the FHLB, ECIC and EAC to decrease their respective credit amounts. The amended Letter of Credit Agreements are between
the FHLB and each of EAC, in the amount of $25.0 million, ECIC, in the amount of $35.0 million, and EPIC, in the amount of
$10.0 million. The amended Letter of Credit Agreements will expire March 31, 2022, and will remain evergreen with automatic
one-year extensions unless the FHLB notifies the beneficiary at least 60 days prior to the then applicable expiration date of its
82
election not to renew. The Letter of Credit Agreements may only be used to satisfy, in whole or in part, insurance deposit
requirements with the State of California and are fully secured with eligible collateral at all times. The Letter of Credit
Agreements are subject to annual maintenance charges and a fee of 15 basis points on issued amounts. As of December 31,
2021 and 2020 letters of credit totaling $70.0 million and $275.0 million were issued in lieu of securities on deposit with the
State of California under these Letter of Credit Agreements, respectively.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, investment securities having a fair value of $261.0 million and $385.6 million,
respectively, were pledged to the FHLB by the Company's insurance subsidiaries in support of the collateralized advance
facility and the Letter of Credit Agreements.
12. Commitments and Contingencies
Leases
At December 31, 2021, the Company's operating leases have remaining terms of 1 year to 7 years, with options to extend up to
10 years with no termination provision. The Company's finance leases have an option to terminate after 1 year.
As a result of the effectiveness of our work-from-home transition, in 2021 and 2020 we reduced our real estate footprint by
closing and vacating certain of our offices. Whereas we believe that our existing office space is adequate for our current needs,
we will continue to evaluate our office needs and may further reduce our real estate footprint in the future. As a result, during
the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded charges of $0.8 million related to the abandonment of certain
operating leases, which is recognized in Other expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Components of lease expense were as follows:
Operating lease expense .................................................................................................. $
Finance lease expense .....................................................................................................
Total lease expense ......................................................................................................... $
Years Ended December 31,
2020
2021
(in millions)
4.1 $
0.2
4.3 $
5.1
0.2
5.3
As of December 31, 2021, the weighted average remaining lease term for operating leases was 5.3 years and for finance leases
was 3.8 years. The weighted average discount rate was 2.2% and 7.7% for operating and finance leases, respectively.
Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:
Year
Operating Leases
Finance Leases
2022 ................................................................................................................... $
2023 ...................................................................................................................
2024 ...................................................................................................................
2025 ...................................................................................................................
2026 ...................................................................................................................
Thereafter ..........................................................................................................
Total lease payments .........................................................................................
Less: imputed interest ........................................................................................
Total ................................................................................................................... $
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:
(in millions)
3.3 $
3.3
3.2
3.1
2.8
1.9
17.6
(1.0)
16.6 $
As of December 31,
2021
2020
(in millions)
Operating leases:
Operating lease right-of-use asset ............................................................................... $
Operating lease liability ..............................................................................................
Finance leases:
Property and equipment, gross ...................................................................................
Accumulated depreciation ..........................................................................................
Property and equipment, net ............................................................................................
Other liabilities ................................................................................................................ $
14.2
16.6
0.8
(0.3)
0.5
0.5 $
83
0.1
0.2
0.1
0.1
—
—
0.5
—
0.5
17.4
19.9
0.8
(0.4)
0.4
0.4
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
2020
2021
(in millions)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows used for operating leases .......................................................... $
Financing cash flows used for finance leases .............................................................
4.1
0.1
5.1
0.2
Contingencies Surrounding Insurance Assessments
Each of the states where the Company's insurance subsidiaries are licensed to transact business require property and casualty
insurers that write business within the respective state to pay various insurance assessments. The Company accrues a liability
for estimated insurance assessments as direct premiums are written, losses are recorded, or as other events occur, depending on
the relevant laws and regulations of a particular state. The Company defers such costs to the extent they are associated with
unearned premium and recognizes them as an expense as such premiums are earned. The Company had an accrued liability for
guaranty fund assessments, second injury funds assessments, and other insurance assessments totaling $10.1 million and $18.4
million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These liabilities are generally expected to be paid over periods from
less than one year to, in some instances, the duration of the outstanding claims, based on individual state's laws and regulations.
The Company also recorded an asset of $19.9 million and $18.7 million, as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, for
remitted, estimated policy charges anticipated to be recouped from policyholders. This asset also includes state assessments that
may be recovered through a reduction in future premium taxes. These assets are expected to be realized over one to ten year
periods in accordance with their type and each individual state's laws and regulations.
Unfunded Investment Commitments
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had unfunded commitments to invest $46.4 million and $63.8 million,
respectively, into private equity limited partnerships. See Note 4.
13. Stockholders' Equity
Stock Repurchase Programs
On July 21, 2021, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program for repurchases of up to $50.0 million of
the Company's common stock from July 27, 2021 through December 31, 2022 (the 2021 Program). The 2021 Program replaces
the 2018 Program, which expired on June 30, 2021. The 2021 Program provides that shares may be purchased at prevailing
market prices through a variety of methods, including open market or private transactions, in accordance with applicable laws
and regulations and as determined by management. The timing and actual number of shares that may be repurchased will
depend on a variety of factors, including the share price, corporate and regulatory requirements, and other market and economic
conditions. Repurchases under the 2021 Program may be commenced, modified, or suspended from time-to-time without prior
notice, and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. Through December 31, 2021, the Company has
repurchased a total of 550,964 shares of common stock at an average price of $40.17 per share, including commissions, for a
total of $22.1 million under the 2021 Program. Prior to the commencement of the 2021 Program, the Company repurchased a
total of 5,300,535 shares of common stock at an average price of $36.14 per share, including commissions for a total of $191.5
million under the 2018 Program.
Since the Company's initial public offering in January 2007 through December 31, 2021, the Company has repurchased a total
of 29,948,854 shares of common stock at an average cost per share of $19.94 through various stock repurchase programs,
which is reported as treasury stock, at cost, on its Consolidated Balance Sheets.
14. Stock-Based Compensation
On May 28, 2020, the Company’s stockholders approved the Employers Holdings, Inc. Amended and Restated Equity and
Incentive Plan (as amended and restated, the "Plan"). The Plan will expire on the tenth anniversary of April 1, 2020, which is
also the effective date of the Plan. The Plan is administered by the Human Capital Management and Compensation Committee
of the Board of Directors, which is authorized to grant, at its discretion, awards to officers, employees, non-employee directors,
consultants, and independent contractors. The maximum number of common shares reserved for grants of awards under the
Plan was 6,555,000 shares, prior to reductions for grants made. The Plan provides for the grant of stock options (both incentive
stock options and nonqualified stock options), stock appreciation rights, shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSUs),
performance stock units (PSUs), and other stock-based awards.
Employees who were awarded RSUs and PSUs are entitled to receive dividend equivalents for eligible awards, payable in cash,
when and if, the underlying award vests and becomes payable. If the underlying award does not vest or is forfeited, dividend
equivalents with respect to the underlying award fail to become payable and are forfeited.
84
As of December 31, 2021, the only incentive awards outstanding under the Plan were nonqualified stock options, RSUs, and
PSUs.
Compensation costs are recognized based on expected performance, if applicable, net of any estimated forfeitures on a straight-
line basis over the requisite employee service periods. Forfeiture rates are based on historical experience and are adjusted in
subsequent periods for differences in actual forfeitures from those estimated. The Company’s forfeiture assumptions serve to
reduce the unamortized grant date fair value of outstanding awards as well as the associated stock-based compensation expense.
As awards are actually forfeited, the number of awards outstanding is reduced and the remaining unamortized grant date fair
value is compared to assumed forfeiture levels. True-up adjustments are made as deemed necessary. For the years presented, the
Company assumed a zero to 15% forfeiture rate on RSU and PSU awards. Net stock-based compensation expense recognized in
the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income was as follows:
Stock-based compensation expense related to:
Stock options ............................................................................................... $
RSUs ............................................................................................................
PSUs ............................................................................................................
Total ..................................................................................................................
Less: related tax benefit ....................................................................................
Net stock-based compensation expense ........................................................... $
Stock Options
No stock options were granted in 2021, 2020 or 2019.
2021
Years Ended December 31,
2020
(in millions)
2019
— $
3.4
5.7
9.1
1.8
7.3 $
— $
3.0
6.4
9.4
2.0
7.4 $
0.1
2.7
7.2
10.0
2.1
7.9
The Company anticipates issuing new shares of common stock upon the exercise of its outstanding stock options.
Changes in outstanding stock options for the year ended December 31, 2021 were as follows:
Number of Stock
Options
Weighted-
Average Price
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
2.7 years
Stock options outstanding at January 1, 2019 ...............................
Exercised ...................................................................................
Forfeited ....................................................................................
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2019 .........................
Exercised ...................................................................................
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2020 .........................
Exercised ...................................................................................
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2021 .........................
Exercisable at December 31, 2021 ................................................
190,256 $
(31,630)
(4,610)
154,016
(40,800)
113,216
(48,051)
65,165
65,165
23.71
26.98
25.37
23.65
22.08
24.21
21.84
25.96
25.96
1.7 years
1.2 years
0.7 years
0.7 years
The fair value of stock options vested and the intrinsic value of outstanding and exercisable stock options as of December 31,
were as follows:
2021
2020
(in millions)
2019
0.2
Fair value of stock options vested .................................................................... $
2.8
Intrinsic value of outstanding stock options .....................................................
Intrinsic value of exercisable stock options ......................................................
2.7
The intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $0.6 million, $0.8 million, and $0.6 million for the years ended
December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019.
0.1 $
0.9
0.9
— $
1.0
1.0
RSUs
The Company has awarded RSUs to non-employee members of the Board of Directors and certain employees of the Company.
The RSUs awarded to non-employee members of the Board of Directors generally vest on the first anniversary of the award
date. RSU grants allow each non-employee Director to decide whether to defer settlement of the RSUs until six months after
termination of Board service or settle the RSUs at vesting. Dividend equivalents are granted to Directors who elected to defer
settlement of the RSUs after the grants vested. RSUs awarded to employees of the Company typically have a service vesting
period of approximately four years from the date awarded and vest 25% on or after each of the subsequent four anniversaries of
85
such date. These RSUs are subject to accelerated vesting in certain limited circumstances, such as: retirement, death or
disability of the holder, or in connection with a change of control of the Company.
Changes in outstanding RSUs for the year ended December 31, 2021 were as follows:
Number of RSUs
RSUs outstanding at January 1, 2019 .........................................................
Granted ...................................................................................................
Forfeited .................................................................................................
Vested .....................................................................................................
RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2019 ...................................................
Granted ...................................................................................................
Forfeited .................................................................................................
Vested .....................................................................................................
RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2020 ...................................................
Granted ...................................................................................................
Forfeited .................................................................................................
Vested .....................................................................................................
RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2021 ...................................................
Vested but unsettled RSUs at December 31, 2021 ......................................
At December 31, 2021, the Company had yet to recognize $3.8 million of expense related to outstanding RSUs and expects to
recognize the remaining expense on a straight-line basis over the next 39 months. The grant date fair value of RSUs vested and
the intrinsic value of vested RSUs for the years ended December 31, were as follows:
250,300 $
90,576
(22,232)
(76,739)
241,905
100,491
(7,710)
(90,342)
244,344
86,020
(35,730)
(96,508)
198,126
68,023
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
32.45
40.60
36.39
33.99
32.45
36.01
38.94
34.76
35.08
38.29
38.78
37.71
34.53
26.83
2021
2020
(in millions)
2019
Grant date fair value of RSUs vested ............................................................... $
2.6
3.2
Intrinsic value of RSUs vested .........................................................................
The intrinsic value of outstanding RSUs was $8.2 million, $7.9 million, and $10.1 million at December 31, 2021, 2020, and
2019.
3.1 $
3.0
3.6 $
3.8
PSUs
The Company has awarded PSUs to certain employees of the Company as follows:
Date of Grant
Target Number
Awarded
Fair Value on
Date of Grant
Aggregate Fair Value
on Date of Grant
(in millions)
March 2019(1) .............................................................................
August 2019(1) ............................................................................
March 2020(1) .............................................................................
March 2021(1) .............................................................................
April 2021(1) ...............................................................................
August 2021(1) ............................................................................
(1) The PSUs awarded in March 2019, 2020, and 2021, August 2019, April 2021 and August 2021 were awarded and have a performance
period of two years followed by an additional one year vesting period. The PSU awards are subject to certain performance goals with
payouts that range from 0% to 200% of the target awards. The values shown in the table represent the aggregate number of PSUs
awarded at the target level.
95,940
9,587
105,180
77,320
980
779
40.54
41.72
37.81
37.54
43.29
41.72
3.9
0.4
4.0
2.9
—
—
At December 31, 2021, the Company had yet to recognize $3.2 million of expense related to PSU grants and expects to
recognize the remaining expense on a straight-line basis over the next 24 months. This is based on the expectation of the
Company achieving a 200% of target rate for the 2019 PSUs, a 179% of target rate for the 2020 PSUs, and a 100% of target rate
for the 2021 PSUs.
86
15. Statutory Matters
Statutory Financial Data
The combined capital stock, surplus, and net income of the Company's insurance subsidiaries (EICN, ECIC, EPIC, EAC, and
CIC), prepared in accordance with the statutory accounting practices (SAP) of the National Association of Insurance
Commissioners (NAIC) as well as SAP permitted by the states of California, Florida, Nevada, and New York were as follows:
Capital stock and unassigned surplus .............................................................................. $
Paid in capital ..................................................................................................................
Total statutory surplus ..................................................................................................... $
December 31,
2021
2020
(in millions)
726.0 $
363.2
1,089.2 $
683.1
363.2
1,046.3
Net income provided from the Company's insurance subsidiaries prepared in accordance with SAP was $94.9 million, $140.4
million, and $129.3 million, for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Treatment of the LPT Agreement, deferred policy acquisition costs, fair value of financial instruments, and the surplus notes
(see Notes 4, 10, and 11) are the primary differences in the SAP-basis capital stock and total surplus of the insurance
subsidiaries of $1,089.2 million and $1,046.3 million, and the GAAP-basis equity of the Company of $1,213.1 million and
$1,212.8 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Under SAP accounting, the retroactive reinsurance gain
resulting from the LPT Agreement is recorded as a special component of surplus (special surplus funds) in the initial year of the
contract, and not reported as unassigned surplus until the Company has recovered amounts in excess of the original
consideration paid. The special surplus funds are also reduced by the amount of extraordinary dividends as approved by the
Nevada Division of Insurance. Under SAP, the surplus notes are recorded as a separate component of surplus. Under SAP,
changes to the estimated contingent profit commission under the LPT Agreement are reflected in commission expense in the
period that the estimate is revised.
Insurance Company Dividends and Regulatory Requirements and Restrictions
The ability of EHI to pay dividends on the Company's common stock and to pay other expenses will be dependent to a
significant extent upon the ability of the Nevada domiciled insurance company, EICN, the California domiciled insurance
company, ECIC, the Florida domiciled insurance companies, EPIC and EAC, to pay dividends to their immediate holding
company, Employers Group, Inc. (EGI) and the New York domiciled insurance company, CIC, to pay dividends to its
immediate holding company Cerity Group, Inc. (CGI), and in turn, the ability of EGI and CGI to pay dividends to EHI. The
amount of dividends each of the Company's insurance subsidiaries may pay to their immediate parent is limited by the laws of
its respective state of domicile.
Nevada law limits the payment of cash dividends by EICN to its parent by providing that payments cannot be made except from
available and accumulated surplus, otherwise unrestricted (unassigned), and derived from realized net operating profits and
realized and unrealized capital gains. A stock dividend may be paid out of any available surplus. A cash or stock dividend
prohibited by these restrictions may only be declared and distributed as an extraordinary dividend upon the prior approval of the
Nevada Commissioner of Insurance (Nevada Commissioner). EICN may not pay such an extraordinary dividend or make an
extraordinary distribution until the Nevada Commissioner either approves or does not disapprove the payment within 30 days
after receiving notice of its declaration. An extraordinary dividend or distribution is defined by statute to include any dividend
or distribution of cash or property whose fair market value, together with that of other dividends or distributions made within
the preceding 12 months, exceeds the lesser of: (a) 10% of EICN's statutory surplus as regards to policyholders at the next
preceding December 31; or (b) EICN's statutory net income, not including realized capital gains, for the 12-month period
ending at the next preceding December 31. As of December 31, 2021, EICN had positive unassigned surplus of $247.6 million.
During 2021, EICN paid an ordinary dividend in the amount of $12.5 million to its parent company, EGI. As a result of that
payment, EICN cannot pay any dividends through March 22, 2022, and can pay $9.7 million of dividends thereafter, without
regulatory approval.
Under Florida law, without regulatory approval, EPIC and EAC may pay dividends if they do not exceed the greater of: the
lesser of 10% of surplus or net income, not including realized capital gains, plus a 2-year carry forward; 10% of surplus, with
dividends payable limited to unassigned funds minus 25% of unrealized capital gains; or, the lesser of 10% of surplus or net
investment income plus a 3-year carry forward with dividends payable limited to unassigned funds minus 25% of unrealized
capital gains. During 2021, EAC paid an ordinary dividend in the amount of $21.1 million to its parent company, EGI. As a
result of that payment, EAC cannot pay any dividends through June 30, 2022 and $23.2 million thereafter, without regulatory
approval from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (FOIR), provided that no dividends are paid prior to June 30, 2022.
During 2021, EPIC paid an ordinary dividend in the amount of $22.9 million to its parent company, EGI. As a result of that
87
payment, EPIC cannot pay any dividends through June 18, 2022 and can pay $24.0 million of dividends thereafter, without
regulatory approval from the FOIR.
EPIC and EAC are subject to regulation by the Florida Department of Financial Services (FDFS). Florida statute Section
624.408 requires EPIC and EAC to maintain minimum capital and surplus of the greater of $4.0 million or 10% of total
liabilities. Florida statutes require EPIC and EAC to maintain a ratio of written premiums, defined as 1.25 times written
premiums, to surplus of no greater than 10-to-1 for gross written premiums and 4-to-1 for net written premiums. During the
years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, EPIC and EAC were in compliance with these statutes.
ECIC is subject to regulation by the California Department of Insurance (California DOI). Additionally, the California
Insurance Holding Company System Regulatory Act limits the ability of ECIC to pay dividends to its parent. California law
provides that, absent prior approval of the California Insurance Commissioner, dividends may only be declared from earned
surplus. For purpose of this statute, earned surplus excludes amounts derived from net appreciation in the value of assets not yet
realized, or derived from an exchange of assets, unless the assets received are currently realizable in cash. In addition,
California law provides that the appropriate insurance regulatory authorities in the state of California must approve (or, within a
30-day notice period, not disapprove) any dividend that, together with all other such dividends paid during the preceding 12
months, exceeds the greater of: (a) 10% of the paying company's statutory surplus as regards to policyholders at the preceding
December 31; or (b) 100% of net income for the preceding year. During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019,
ECIC was in compliance with these requirements.
During 2021, ECIC paid an ordinary dividend in the amount of $32.1 million to its parent company, EGI.
On January 14, 2022, ECIC received regulatory approval from the California DOI to pay an extraordinary distribution, in the
amount of $120.0 million, to its parent company, EGI. This distribution was approved by ECIC’s Board of Directors on
November 12, 2021 and it was paid to EGI on February 15, 2022. As a result of this distribution, ECIC cannot pay dividends
through February 15, 2023, without regulatory approval.
Under New York law, without regulatory approval, CIC may pay dividends if they do not exceed the lesser of 10% of surplus or
100% of net investment income for the previous year increased by the excess, if any, of net investment income over dividends
declared or distributed during the period commencing 36 months prior to the declaration or distribution of the current dividend
and ending 12 months prior thereto. The New York state law also provides that any distribution may only be paid out of earned
surplus. During 2021, CIC paid an ordinary dividend in the amount of $3.0 million to its parent company, CSI. As a result of
that payment, CIC cannot pay any dividends through August 30, 2022, and can pay $2.7 million of dividends thereafter, without
regulatory approval.
Additionally, EICN, ECIC, EPIC, EAC, and CIC are required to comply with RBC requirements. RBC is a method of
measuring the amount of capital appropriate for an insurance company to support its overall business operations in light of its
size and risk profile. NAIC RBC standards are used by regulators to determine appropriate regulatory actions relating to
insurers that show signs of weak or deteriorating conditions. As of December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, EICN, ECIC, EPIC,
EAC, and CIC each had total adjusted capital above all regulatory action levels.
16. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Accumulated other comprehensive income is comprised of unrealized gains on investments classified as available-for-sale, net
of deferred tax expense. The following table summarizes the components of Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Years Ended December 31,
2021
2020
Net unrealized gains on investments, before taxes ...................................................................... $
Deferred tax expense on net unrealized gains .............................................................................
Total accumulated other comprehensive income ......................................................................... $
17. Employee Benefit and Retirement Plans
(in millions)
76.7 $
(16.1)
60.6 $
145.7
(30.6)
115.1
The Company maintains a 401(k) defined contribution plan covering all eligible Company employees (the Employers 401(k)
Plan). Under the Employers 401(k) Plan, the Company's safe harbor matching consists of a 100% matching contribution on
salary deferrals up to 3% of compensation and then a 50% matching contribution on salary deferrals from 3% to 5% of
compensation. The Company's matching contribution to the Employers 401(k) Plan was $2.1 million, $2.3 million, and $2.2
million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
18. Earnings Per Common Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding
for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilutive impact of all common stock equivalents on earnings per
88
share. Diluted earnings per share includes common shares assumed issued under the "treasury stock method," which reflects the
potential dilution that would occur if outstanding RSUs and PSUs vested, and stock options were to be exercised.
RSUs and PSUs are entitled to receive dividend equivalents when and if, the underlying award vests and becomes payable.
Therefore, these awards are not considered participating securities for the purposes of determining earnings per share.
The following table presents the net income and the weighted average number of shares outstanding used in the earnings per
common share calculations.
Net income ........................................................................................................ $
Weighted average number of shares outstanding–basic ...................................
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options ................................................................................................
PSUs .............................................................................................................
RSUs ............................................................................................................
Dilutive potential shares ...................................................................................
Weighted average number of shares outstanding–diluted ................................
2021
Years Ended December 31,
2020
(in millions, except share data)
119.3 $
28,289,118
119.8 $
29,912,063
2019
157.1
32,120,578
27,033
237,999
46,843
311,875
28,600,993
36,568
230,831
25,402
292,801
30,204,864
77,482
285,550
56,108
419,140
32,539,718
Diluted earnings per share excludes outstanding options and other common stock equivalents in periods where the inclusion of
such options and common stock equivalents would be anti-dilutive. The following table presents options, PSUs, and RSUs that
were excluded from diluted earnings per share.
Years Ended December 31,
2020
2021
2019
Options, PSUs, and RSUs excluded under the treasury method, as the
potential proceeds on settlement or exercise was greater than the value of
shares acquired .................................................................................................
19. Segment Reporting
—
111,386
—
The Company has determined that it has two reportable segments: Employers and Cerity. Each of these segments represents a
separate and distinct underwriting platform through which the Company conducts insurance business. The nature and
composition of each reportable segment and its Corporate and Other activities are as follows:
The Employers segment represents the traditional business offered through the EMPLOYERS brand name through its agents,
including business originated from the Company's strategic partnerships and alliances.
The Cerity segment represents the business offered under the Cerity brand name, which includes the Company's direct-to-
customer business.
Corporate and Other activities consist of those holding company expenses that are not considered to be underwriting in nature,
the financial impact of the LPT agreement, and legacy business assumed and ceded by CIC. These expenses are not considered
to be part of a reportable segment and are not otherwise allocated to a reportable segment.
The Company has determined that it is not practicable to report identifiable assets by segment since certain assets are used
interchangeably among the segments.
The following table summarizes the Company's written premiums and components of net income before income taxes by
reportable segment.
89
Employers
Cerity
Corporate
and Other
Total
(in millions)
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Gross premiums written ....................................................... $
Net premiums written ...........................................................
Net premiums earned ...........................................................
Net investment income .........................................................
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments ...............
Other income ........................................................................
Total revenues ......................................................................
Losses and loss adjustment expenses ...................................
Commission expense ............................................................
Underwriting and general and administrative expenses .......
Interest and financing expenses ............................................
Other expenses .....................................................................
Total expenses ......................................................................
588.2 $
581.6
573.7
69.3
54.5
1.4
698.9
326.2
76.1
131.2
—
4.1
537.6
1.5 $
1.5
0.7
2.8
0.3
—
3.8
0.5
—
12.9
—
—
13.4
— $
—
—
0.6
(0.2)
—
0.4
(11.5)
—
16.1
0.5
—
5.1
589.7
583.1
574.4
72.7
54.6
1.4
703.1
315.2
76.1
160.2
0.5
4.1
556.1
Net income (loss) before income taxes ................................ $
161.3 $
(9.6) $
(4.7) $
147.0
Employers
Cerity
Corporate
and Other
Total
(in millions)
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Gross premiums written ....................................................... $
Net premiums written ..........................................................
Net premiums earned ...........................................................
Net investment income ........................................................
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments ...............
Other income ........................................................................
Total revenues ......................................................................
Losses and loss adjustment expenses ...................................
Commission expense ...........................................................
Underwriting and general and administrative expenses ......
Interest and financing expenses ...........................................
Other expenses .....................................................................
Total expenses ......................................................................
579.8 $
574.6
615.1
72.1
20.9
0.8
708.9
314.2
78.8
151.1
0.1
0.7
544.9
0.3 $
0.3
0.2
3.1
—
—
3.3
0.1
—
16.6
—
0.1
16.8
— $
—
—
1.1
(1.9)
—
(0.8)
(11.9)
—
13.6
0.3
—
2.0
580.1
574.9
615.3
76.3
19.0
0.8
711.4
302.4
78.8
181.3
0.4
0.8
563.7
Net income (loss) before income taxes ................................ $
164.0 $
(13.5) $
(2.8) $
147.7
90
Employers
Cerity
Corporate
and Other
Total
(in millions)
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Gross premiums written ....................................................... $
Net premiums written ..........................................................
Net premiums earned ...........................................................
Net investment income ........................................................
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments ...............
Other income ........................................................................
Total revenues ......................................................................
Losses and loss adjustment expenses ...................................
Commission expense ...........................................................
Underwriting and general and administrative expenses ......
Interest and financing expenses ...........................................
Total expenses ......................................................................
696.8 $
691.4
695.8
84.1
47.7
0.9
828.5
378.6
88.1
153.2
0.6
620.5
0.1 $
0.1
—
0.3
0.1
—
0.4
—
—
16.0
—
16.0
— $
—
—
3.7
3.3
—
7.0
(12.7)
—
18.3
—
5.6
696.9
691.5
695.8
88.1
51.1
0.9
835.9
365.9
88.1
187.5
0.6
642.1
Net income (loss) before income taxes ................................ $
208.0 $
(15.6) $
1.4 $
193.8
Entity-Wide Disclosures
The Company operates solely within the United States and does not have revenue from transactions with a single policyholder
accounting for 10% or more of its revenues. The following table shows the Company's in-force premiums and number of
policies in-force for each state of our largest states and all other states combined as of December 31:
State
2021
In-force
Premiums
Policies
In-force
2020
In-force
Premiums
Policies
In-force
(dollars in millions)
2019
In-force
Premiums
Policies
In-force
California .................................. $
Florida ......................................
New York ..................................
Other (43 states and D.C.) ........
Total .......................................... $
258.4
41.1
24.5
247.4
571.4
40,704 $
7,989
7,307
55,350
111,350 $
262.0
37.9
26.7
251.3
577.9
39,610 $
6,898
6,657
50,341
103,506 $
329.8
36.3
31.7
266.8
664.6
43,079
5,822
5,679
44,104
98,684
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be reported in
the Exchange Act filings is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified and pursuant to
SEC regulations, including controls and procedures designed to ensure that this information is accumulated and communicated
to management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions
regarding the required disclosure. It should be noted that, because of inherent limitations, our disclosure controls and
procedures, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of
the disclosure controls and procedures are met.
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness
of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective
at a reasonable level of assurance as of December 31, 2021.
91
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management's annual report regarding internal control over financial reporting is set forth in Item 8 of this report under the
caption "Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting" and incorporated herein by reference.
Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The attestation report of the Company's independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial
reporting is set forth in Item 8 of this report under the caption "Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting" and incorporated herein by reference.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) in
the Exchange Act) during the fourth fiscal quarter of the year to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.
92
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance
Executive Officers of the Registrant
PART III
The following provides information regarding our executive officers as of February 24, 2022. No family relationships exist
among our directors or executive officers.
Name
Katherine H. Antonello
Michael S. Paquette
Lori A. Brown
John M. Mutschink
Jeffrey C. Shaw
Christopher W. Laws
Age
57 President and Chief Executive Officer of EHI
58
56
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of EHI
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of EHI
Position
49 Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer of EHI
49 Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer of EHI
38 Executive Vice President, Chief Actuary of EHI
Katherine H. Antonello. Ms. Antonello has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of EHI since April 2021. She has
served as a director and Chief Executive Officer of Elite Insurance Services, Inc. since March 2021 and all of the remaining
Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries since April 2021. Ms. Antonello joined the Company in August 2019 as Executive Vice
President, Chief Actuary. Prior to joining the Company, she served as the Chief Actuary of NCCI from June 2013 to June 2019.
Prior to that position, from July 2001 to June 2013, Ms. Antonello held various positions at Lumbermen's Underwriting
Alliance and served as Vice President and Chief Actuary. Earlier in her career, she worked at Milliman & Robertson and Liberty
National Life Insurance Company. She has also previously worked at NCCI as an Associate Actuary. Ms. Antonello earned her
BS in Mathematics from Birmingham-Southern College. She is a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society, a Fellow of the
Society of Actuaries, and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries. In addition, she currently serves as President and
on the Board of Directors of the Casualty Actuarial Society and as an advisory board member of Kids Chance of America.
Michael S. Paquette. Mr. Paquette has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of EHI since
January 2017. He has served as Treasurer of EGI, EICN, ECIC, EPIC, EAC, EIG Services, and Elite Insurance Services, Inc.
since January 2017, of CGI and CSI since May 2018, and of CIC since August 2019. He has served as a Director of EICN,
ECIC, EPIC, EAC, and EIG Services since January 2017, of EGI since May 2018, of CGI since May 2018, of CSI since May
2018, and of CIC since August 2019. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Insurance Guaranty Fund since
June 2019. Mr. Paquette previously served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd.
from 2008 to 2015 and Chief Financial Officer of Blue Capital Reinsurance Holdings Ltd. from its inception in 2012 to 2015.
Mr. Paquette had also previously spent 18 years with White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. in various capacities, including
Senior Vice President, Controller, and 4 years with KPMG LLP as an auditor. Mr. Paquette holds a B.S. degree in Business
Administration from the University of Vermont and is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant,
Certified Financial Manager, and Chartered Global Management Accountant.
Lori A. Brown. Ms. Brown has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel, and Secretary of EHI
since January 2019. She served as Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel from March 2015 to December 2018 to EIG
Services, Inc., EICN, ECIC, EPIC, and EAC and as Vice President, Deputy General Counsel of ECIC and EICN from January
2006 to March 2015, EPIC and EAC from November 2008 to March 2015, and EIG Services, Inc. and its predecessor from
May 2014 to March 2015. Ms. Brown has served as a director of EGI, CGI and CSI since May 2018, of EICN, ECIC, EPIC,
EAC, and EIG Services, Inc. since January 2019, and of CIC since August 2019. She has served as Secretary to EGI, ECIC,
EPIC, EAC, EIG Services, Inc., and Elite Insurance Services, Inc. since March 2021 and Assistant Secretary to EICN, CGI, and
CSI since March 2019, and CIC since August 2019. Ms. Brown works extensively with the Company's statutory, regulatory and
public company filings. Prior to joining the Company, she was Senior Legal Counsel of DHL Worldwide from May 1994 to
April 2005. Ms. Brown brings more than 25 years of experience as an attorney primarily in the areas of labor and employment,
corporate governance, and SEC compliance. Ms. Brown holds a B.A. degree from UC Riverside and a J.D. degree from the
University of San Francisco.
John M. Mutschink. Mr. Mutschink has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer of EHI since August
2021. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer beginning in November 2019. Prior to
joining the Company, he was Managing Director, HR at Maxim Integrated – an analog, mixed-signal semiconductor company.
He worked at Maxim Integrated from July 2010 to October 2019. He has also held roles at several other technology companies,
including Intuit, HP and Compaq. Mr. Mutschink holds a B.S. degree from Texas A&M University and a M.S. & Ph.D. from
Kansas State University.
93
Jeffrey C. Shaw. Mr. Shaw has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer of EHI since April 2019. He
served as Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer since November 2017. Mr. Shaw previously served as Vice
President, Application Development from June 2017. Mr. Shaw has served as a director of CGI, CSI, and CIC since April 2021.
He served as Vice President, Information Technology for NIC, Inc. in Olathe, Kansas from April 2012 until April 2017. Prior to
that, he served as 2nd Vice President, Application Development for Assurant, Inc. He holds a Bachelor's degree, a J.D. degree
and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Kansas.
Christopher W. Laws. Mr. Laws has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Actuary of EHI since April 2021. He has served
as Executive Vice President, Chief Actuary of EICN, ECIC, EPIC, EAC, and CIC since April 2021. Prior to April 2021, he
served as Executive Vice President beginning in February 2021. Mr. Laws has served as a director of EICN, ECIC, EPIC, EAC,
and EIG Services, Inc. since March 2021 and as a director of CIC since April 2021. Mr. Laws was formerly with American
International Group, Inc. (“AIG”), where he most recently served as the Chief Actuarial Administration Officer for AIG’s global
general insurance business. Prior to AIG, Mr. Laws worked at NCCI. Mr. Laws earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in
Mathematics at the University of Florida and is a fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society and a member of the American
Academy of Actuaries.
The information required by Item 10 with respect to our Directors is included under the caption "Election of Directors" in our
Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
The information required by Item 10 with respect to compliance with Section 16 of the Exchange Act, if applicable, is included
under the caption "Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports" in our Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and
is incorporated herein by reference.
The information required by Item 10 with respect to our audit committee and our audit committee financial expert is included
under the caption "Board Committees" in our Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is
incorporated herein by reference.
The information required by Item 10 with respect to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and our Code of Ethics for
Senior Financial Officers is posted on our website at www.employers.com in the Investors section under "Governance." We will
post information regarding any amendment to, or waiver from, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics on our website in the
Investor section under Governance.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by Item 11 is included under the captions "Compensation Discussion and Analysis," "Compensation
Committee Report" and "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" in our Proxy Statement for the 2022
Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Certain information required by Item 12 is included under the captions "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management" and "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" in our Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
94
Equity and Incentive Plan
The following table gives information about our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants, and
rights under all of our existing equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2021. We do not have any plans not approved by
our stockholders. Our equity compensation plans are discussed further in Note 14 in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial
Statements, which are included herein.
Plan Category
Equity compensation plans approved by
stockholders(1):
Stock options ............................................
RSUs(2) .....................................................
PSUs(3) .....................................................
Equity compensation plans not approved
by stockholders .......................................
Total ..............................................................
(a)
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding
options, warrants, and
rights
(b)
Weighted-average
exercised price of
outstanding options,
warrants, and
rights(4)
(c)
Number of securities
remaining available for
further issuance
under compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
65,165 $
198,126
478,405
—
741,696 $
25.96
—
25.96
1,893,359
1,695,233
1,216,828
—
1,216,828
(1) On May 28, 2020, our stockholders approved the Amended and Restated Equity and Incentive Plan (as amended and restated, "the
Plan"). The Plan will expire on the tenth anniversary of April 1, 2020, which is also the effective date of the Plan. The Plan is
administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, which is authorized to grant, at its discretion, awards to
officers, employees, non-employee directors, consultants, and independent contractors. The maximum number of common shares
currently reserved for grants of awards under the Plan was 6,555,000 shares, prior to reductions for grants made.
The Plan provides for the grant of stock options (both incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options), stock appreciation rights,
shares of restricted stock, RSUs, PSUs, and other stock-based awards. As of December 31, 2021, the only incentive awards outstanding
under the Plan were nonqualified stock options, RSUs, and PSUs.
(2) RSUs are phantom (as opposed to actual) shares of common stock which, depending on the individual award, vest in equal tranches over
one- to four-year periods, subject to the recipient maintaining a continuous relationship with the Company through the applicable vesting
date.
(3) PSUs are phantom (as opposed to actual) shares of common stock, which are subject to a performance period of two years followed by
an additional one-year vesting period, subject to the recipient maintaining a continuous relationship with the Company through the
applicable vesting date. PSU awards are subject to certain performance goals with payouts that range from 0% to 200% of the target
awards. The values shown in the table above represent the aggregate number of PSUs based on the expectation of the Company
achieving a 200% of target rate for the 2019 PSUs, a 179% of target rate for the 2020 PSUs, and a 100% of target rate for the 2021
PSUs.
(4) Holders of RSUs and PSUs are not entitled to voting rights. RSUs and PSUs are entitled to receive dividend equivalents for eligible
awards, payable in cash, when and if, the underlying award vests and becomes payable. RSUs and PSUs do not require the payment of
an exercise price; accordingly, there is no weighted average exercise price for these awards.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by Item 13 is included under the captions "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" and
"Director Independence" in our Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by
reference.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by Item 14 with respect to the fees and services of Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered
public accounting firm, is included under the caption "Audit Matters" in our Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
95
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
PART IV
The following consolidated financial statements are filed in Item 8 of Part II of this report:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm .......................................................................................
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 .............................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the three years ended December 31, 2021, 2020
and 2019 ......................................................................................................................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2021, 2020
and 2019 ......................................................................................................................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 .....
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ...............................................................................................................
Financial Statement Schedules:
Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant .....................................................................................
Schedule VI. Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations ................................
Page
54
56
58
59
60
62
97
100
Pursuant to Rule 7-05 of Regulation S-X, Financial Statement Schedules I, III, IV, and V have been omitted as the information
to be set forth therein is included in the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements.
96
Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Employers Holdings, Inc.
Condensed Balance Sheets
Assets
Investments:
December 31,
2021
2020
(in millions, except share data)
Investment in subsidiaries ..................................................................................................... $
Fixed maturity securities at fair value (amortized cost $9.1 at December 31, 2021 and
$9.6 at December 31, 2020) ............................................................................................
1,172.7 $
1,186.1
10.1
11.0
Equity securities at fair value (cost $25.2 at December 31, 2021 and $0.4 at December
31, 2020) ..........................................................................................................................
Total investments .......................................................................................................................
Cash and cash equivalents .........................................................................................................
Accrued investment income ......................................................................................................
Intercompany receivable ...........................................................................................................
Federal income taxes receivable ................................................................................................
Deferred income taxes, net ........................................................................................................
Other assets ...............................................................................................................................
Total assets ................................................................................................................................ $
25.0
1,207.8
4.8
0.2
0.1
1.5
2.1
0.9
1,217.4 $
0.4
1,197.5
11.0
0.2
—
0.8
1.7
6.4
1,217.6
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Accounts payable and accrued expenses ................................................................................... $
Other liabilities ..........................................................................................................................
Total liabilities ...........................................................................................................................
4.3 $
—
4.3
4.7
0.1
4.8
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 57,690,254 and
57,413,806 shares issued and 27,741,400 and 28,564,798 shares outstanding at
December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively .........................................................................
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
Additional paid-in capital .....................................................................................................
Retained earnings ..................................................................................................................
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax .........................................................
Treasury stock, at cost (29,948,854 shares at December 31, 2021 and 28,849,008 shares
at December 31, 2020)
Total stockholders' equity ..........................................................................................................
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity ................................................................................... $
0.6
—
410.7
1,338.5
60.6
(597.3)
1,213.1
1,217.4 $
0.6
—
404.3
1,247.9
115.1
(555.1)
1,212.8
1,217.6
97
Employers Holdings, Inc.
Condensed Statements of Income
2021
Years Ended December 31,
2020
(in millions, except per share data)
2019
Revenues
Net investment income ...................................................................................... $
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments ...............................
Total revenues ...................................................................................................
Expenses
Underwriting and general and administrative expenses ...................................
Interest and financing expenses ........................................................................
Total expenses ...................................................................................................
Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries .....................
Income tax benefit .............................................................................................
Net loss before equity in earnings of subsidiaries .............................................
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries .....................................................................
Net income ........................................................................................................ $
0.6 $
(0.2)
0.4
1.1 $
(1.9)
(0.8)
15.0
0.5
16.7
(16.3)
(3.1)
(13.2)
132.5
119.3 $
16.8
0.3
17.1
(17.9)
(3.2)
(14.7)
134.5
119.8 $
Earnings per common share:
Basic .................................................................................................................. $
Diluted ............................................................................................................... $
4.22 $
4.17 $
4.01 $
3.97 $
Cash dividends declared per common share and eligible equity plan holders .. $
1.00 $
1.00 $
3.7
3.3
7.0
19.0
—
19.0
(12.0)
(2.5)
(9.5)
166.6
157.1
4.89
4.83
0.88
98
Employers Holdings, Inc.
Condensed Statement of Cash Flows
Operating activities
Net income ........................................................................................................ $
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries .......................................
Net realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments .......................
Stock-based compensation ........................................................................
Amortization of premium on investments, net ..........................................
Deferred income tax expense ....................................................................
Change in operating assets and liabilities: ................................................
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities ................
Federal income taxes ..........................................................................
Other assets ........................................................................................
Intercompany payables and receivables .............................................
Other ...................................................................................................
Net cash provided by operating activities .........................................................
Investing activities
Purchases of fixed maturity securities ..............................................................
Purchases of equity securities ...........................................................................
Purchases of short-term securities ....................................................................
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity securities ................................................
Proceeds from sale of equity securities ............................................................
Proceeds from maturities and redemptions of fixed maturity securities ..........
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments ........................................
Net change in unsettled investment purchases and sales ..................................
Capital contributions to subsidiaries .................................................................
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities ..........................................
Financing activities
Acquisition of common stock ...........................................................................
Cash transactions related to stock-based compensation ...................................
Dividends paid to stockholders .........................................................................
Net cash used in financing activities ................................................................
2021
Years Ended December 31,
2020
(in millions)
2019
119.3 $
119.8 $
157.1
(40.9)
0.2
9.1
0.1
(0.2)
—
(0.7)
(0.4)
(0.1)
(0.1)
86.3
—
(35.0)
—
0.4
10.3
—
—
5.8
—
(18.5)
(42.6)
(2.7)
(28.7)
(74.0)
(39.9)
1.9
9.7
0.1
0.8
(2.2)
3.5
(0.5)
3.5
(0.3)
96.4
(3.2)
(3.0)
—
14.9
29.0
3.8
—
(4.4)
(0.4)
36.7
(99.4)
(1.8)
(30.8)
(132.0)
1.1
9.9
11.0 $
(70.4)
(3.3)
10.1
—
(2.8)
2.3
19.2
(0.7)
(3.2)
—
108.3
(9.3)
(42.0)
—
4.3
56.0
3.8
25.0
(5.0)
(73.6)
(40.8)
(67.5)
(2.5)
(28.9)
(98.9)
(31.4)
41.3
9.9
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents .......................................
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period ................................
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period .......................................... $
(6.2)
11.0
4.8 $
99
Schedule VI. Supplemental Information Concerning Property - Casualty Insurance Operations
Employers Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Supplemental Information Concerning Property and Casualty Insurance Operations
Deferred
Policy
Acquisition
Costs
Reserves
For
Unpaid
Losses And
LAE
Year
Ended
Unearned
Premiums
Net
Premiums
Earned
Net
Investment
Income
Losses and
LAE
Related
to Current
Years
Losses and
LAE Related to
Prior
Years (including
LPT Amortization
and Adj)
Amortization
of Deferred
Policy
Acquisition
Costs
Paid Losses
And LAE
(including
LPT
Amortization
and Adj)
Net
Premiums
Written
(in millions)
Employers Segment
43.7 $
2021 $
43.2
2020
47.9
2019
Cerity Segment
2021 $
2020
2019
— $
—
—
Corporate & Other
— $
2021 $
—
2020
—
2019
1,938.0 $
2,024.5
2,145.2
303.9 $
298.9
337.0
573.7 $
615.1
695.8
69.3 $
72.1
84.1
366.0 $
395.8
456.1
(39.8) $
(81.6)
(77.5)
92.2 $
97.5
107.7
394.8 $
402.2
421.8
581.6
574.6
691.4
0.6 $
0.1
—
42.6 $
44.8
47.6
0.8 $
0.2
0.1
0.7 $
0.2
—
— $
—
—
— $
—
—
2.8 $
3.1 $
0.3
0.6 $
1.1
3.7
0.5 $
0.1 $
—
— $
—
—
— $
— $
—
(11.5) $
(11.9)
(12.7)
— $
— $
—
— $
—
—
— $
—
—
(11.5) $
(11.9)
(12.7)
1.5
0.3
0.1
—
—
—
100
Exhibits:
Exhibit
No.
Description of Exhibit
3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of
Employers Holdings, Inc.
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Employers Holdings,
Inc.
4.1 Form of Common Stock Certificate
4.2 Description of Capital Stock
10.1 Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement, dated as of June
30, 1999, between State Industrial Insurance System of
Nevada, D.B.A.: Employers Insurance Company of
Nevada and the various Reinsurers as identified by the
(1)
Interests and Liabilities Agreements attached thereto
10.2 Producer Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2005, between
Employers Compensation Insurance Company and
Automatic Data Processing Insurance Agency, Inc.
(1)
10.3 Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Agreement
among Partner Reinsurance Company of the U.S., Cerity
Group, Inc. and Employers Holdings, Inc. (solely in its
capacity as Guarantor) dated as of May 23, 2018
10.4 Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Stock
Purchase Agreement among Partner Reinsurance
Company of the U.S., Cerity Group, Inc. and Employers
Holdings, Inc.
10.5 Credit Agreement dated December 15, 2020 among
Employers Holdings, Inc., as Borrower, certain
subsidiaries of Borrower as guarantors, the lenders from
time to time party thereto, Bank of Montreal, as
Administrative Agent, and the other agents and arrangers
party thereto
10.6 Form of Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement
10.7 FHLB Form of Advances and Security Agreement
10.8 Confirmation of Amendment No. 1 To Irrevocable
Letter of Credit No. 2018-08 between EAC and FHLB
SF, dated March 1, 2019
10.9 Confirmation of Amendment No. 2 to Irrevocable
Standby Letter of Credit No. 2018-08 between EAC and
FHLB, dated February 20, 2020
10.10 Amendment No. 3 to Irrevocable Standby Letter of
Credit No. 2018-08 between EAC and FHLB, dated
January 26, 2021
10.11 Amendment No. 4 to Irrevocable Standby Letter of
Credit No. 2018-08 between EAC and FHLB, dated
August 13, 2021
10.12 Confirmation of Amendment No. 1 To Irrevocable
Letter of Credit No. 2018-09 between ECIC and FHLB
SF, dated March 1, 2019
10.13 Amendment No. 2 to Irrevocable Standby Letter of
Credit No. 2018-09 between ECIC and FHLB, dated
May 5, 2020
Included
Herewith
Incorporated by Reference Herein
Form
10-K
File No.
001-33245
Exhibit
3.1
Filing Date
February 28, 2019
8-K
001-33245
3.1
June 13, 2018
S-1/A
10-K
S-1/A
333-139092
001-33245
333-139092
4.1
4.2
10.1
January 18, 2007
February 20, 2020
January 18, 2007
S-1/A
333-139092
10.2
January 18, 2007
8-K/A
001-33245
10.1
May 24, 2018
10-Q
001-33245
10.11
October 25, 2018
8-K
001-33245
10.1
December 15, 2020
8-K
10-Q
10-Q
001-33245
001-33245
001-33245
10.4
10.7
10.1
March 15, 2018
July 28, 2020
April 25, 2019
10-Q
001-33245
10.5
July 28, 2020
10-Q
001-33245
10.5
April 26, 2021
X
10.1
10-Q
001-33245
10.2
April 25, 2019
10-Q
001-33245
10.4
July 28, 2020
101
101
10.14 Amendment No. 3 to Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit
No. 2018-09 between ECIC and FHLB, dated August 13,
2021
10.15 Confirmation of Amendment No. 1 To Irrevocable Letter
of Credit No. 2018-10 between EPIC and FHLB SF, dated
March 1, 2019
10.16 Confirmation of Amendment No. 2 to Irrevocable Standby
Letter of Credit No. 2018-10 between EPIC and FHLB,
dated February 20, 2020
10.17 Confirmation of Amendment No. 3 to Irrevocable Standby
Letter of Credit No. 2018-10 between EPIC and FHLB,
dated January 26, 2021
*10.18 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and
between Employers Holdings, Inc. and Douglas D. Dirks,
dated November 7, 2018 and effective January 1, 2019
*10.19 Separation and Release Agreement dated March 8, 2021
between Employers Holdings, Inc. and Douglas D. Dirks
*10.20 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and
between Employers Holdings, Inc, and Katherine H.
Antonello dated November 17, 2020, and effective as of
April 1, 2021
*10.21 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and
between Employers Holdings, Inc. and Michael S.
Paquette dated June 11, 2020, and effective as of January
1, 2021
*10.22 Separation and Release Agreement dated March 17, 2021
between Employers Holdings, Inc. and Stephen V. Festa
*10.23 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and
between Employers Holdings, Inc. and Lori A. Brown
dated June 11, 2020, and effective as of January 1, 2021
*10.24 Employment Agreement by and between Employers
Holdings, Inc. and Jeffrey C. Shaw, dated April 29, 2019
and effective May 1, 2019
*10.25 Offer of Employment Letter dated December 8, 2020 from
Employers Holdings, Inc. to Christopher W. Laws
*10.26 Employers Holdings, Inc. Key Executive Change in
Control and Severance Plan
*10.27 Employers Holdings, Inc. Amended and Restated Equity
and Incentive Plan effective April 1, 2010
*10.28 Employers Holdings, Inc. Amended and Restated Equity
and Incentive Plan effective as of April 1, 2020
*10.29 Employers Holdings, Inc. Equity and Incentive Plan Form
of Stock Option Agreement
*10.30 Employers Holdings, Inc. Equity and Incentive Plan Form
of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Non-Employee
Directors
*10.31 Employers Holdings, Inc. Equity and Incentive Plan Form
of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement
*10.32 Employers Holdings, Inc. Equity and Incentive Plan Form
of Performance Share Agreement
X
10.2
10-Q
001-33245
10.3
April 25, 2019
10-Q
001-33245
10.6
July 28, 2020
10-Q
001-33245
10.4
April 26, 2021
8-K
001-33245
10.1
November 8, 2018
8-K
8-K
001-33245
10.1
March 8, 2021
001-33245
10.2
November 19, 2020
8-K
001-33245
10.1
June 12, 2020
10-Q
001-33245
10.3
April 26, 2021
8-K
001-33245
10.2
June 12, 2020
10-Q
001-33245
10.1
July 29, 2019
10-Q
001-33245
10.2
April 5, 2021
8-K
8-K
001-33245
10.1
August 3, 2021
001-33245
10.1
May 22, 2015
S-8 POS
333-168563
10.2
May 28, 2020
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
001-33245
10.3
April 30, 2015
001-33245
10.1
August 7, 2009
001-33245
10.3
April 27, 2017
001-33245
10.2
April 27, 2017
102
102
21.1 Subsidiaries of Employers Holdings, Inc.
23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm
31.1 Certification of Katherine H. Antonello Pursuant to Section 302
31.2 Certification of Michael S. Paquette Pursuant to Section 302
32.1 Certification of Katherine H. Antonello Pursuant to Section 906
32.2 Certification of Michael S. Paquette Pursuant to Section 906
101.INS XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not
appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are
embedded with the Inline XBRL document
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL
and contained in Exhibit 101)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
————
*Represents management contracts and compensatory plans or arrangements.
(1)
Confidential treatment has been requested for certain confidential portions of this exhibit; these confidential portions have been omitted from this exhibit and filed
separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.
103
103
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
Date: February 24, 2022
EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
By: /s/ Michael S. Paquette
Name: Michael S. Paquette
Title: Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on
behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
/s/ Michael J. McSally
Michael J. McSally
Title
Date
Chairman of the Board
February 24, 2022
/s/ Katherine H. Antonello
Katherine H. Antonello
President and Chief Executive Officer, Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
February 24, 2022
/s/ Michael S. Paquette
Michael S. Paquette
/s/ Richard W. Blakey
Richard W. Blakey
/s/ Prasanna G. Dhoré
Prasanna G. Dhoré
/s/ João (John) M. de Figueiredo
João (John) M. de Figueiredo
/s/ Valerie R. Glenn
Valerie R. Glenn
/s/ Barbara A. Higgins
Barbara A. Higgins
/s/ James R. Kroner
James R. Kroner
/s/ Michael J. McColgan
Michael J. McColgan
/s/ Jeanne L. Mockard
Jeanne L. Mockard
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
February 24, 2022
February 24, 2022
February 24, 2022
February 24, 2022
February 24, 2022
February 24, 2022
February 24, 2022
February 24, 2022
February 24, 2022
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
104
Employers Holdings, Inc.
Employers Holdings, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
Katherine H. Antonello
President & Chief Executive Officer
Lori A. Brown
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel
Christopher W. Laws
Executive Vice President,
Chief Actuary
John M. Mutschink
Executive Vice President,
Chief Administrative Officer
Michael S. Paquette
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
Jeffrey C. Shaw
Executive Vice President,
Chief Information Officer
Matthew H. Hendricksen
Senior Vice President,
Treasury & Investments
Ann Marie Smith
Senior Vice President,
Chief Underwriting Officer
Stockholder Inquiries
Michael S. Paquette, EVP, CFO
mpaquette@employers.com
775-327-2562
Company Information
Employers Holdings, Inc.
10375 Professional Circle
Reno, NV 89521-4802
888-682-6671
Annual Meeting
Thursday, May 26, 2022 - 9:00 a.m. PDT
10375 Professional Circle
Reno, NV 89521-4802
Directors
Michael J. McSally
Chair of the Board
Katherine H. Antonello
President & Chief Executive Officer
Richard W. Blakey
Director
João “John” M. de Figueiredo
Director
Prasanna G. Dhoré
Chair – Risk Management,
Technology & Innovation Committee
Valerie R. Glenn
Chair – Board Governance
& Nominating Committee
Barbara A. Higgins
Chair – Human Capital Management
& Compensation Committee
James R. Kroner
Chair – Finance Committee
Michael J. McColgan
Chair – Audit Committee
Jeanne L. Mockard
Director
Alejandro “Alex” Perez-Tenessa
Director
Transfer Agent
EQ Shareowner Services
1110 Centre Pointe Curve, Suite 101
Mendota Heights, MN 55120-4100
800-468-9716
Independent Auditors
Ernst & Young LLP
560 Mission Street, Suite 1600
San Francisco, CA 94105-2907
©2022 EMPLOYERS. All rights reserved.
EMPLOYERS® and America’s small business insurance specialist® are registered trademarks
of EIG Services, Inc. Employers Holdings, Inc. is a holding company with subsidiaries that
are specialty providers of workers’ compensation insurance and services focused on select,
small businesses engaged in low-to-medium hazard industries. The Company operates
throughout the United States, with the exception of four states that are served exclusively
by their state funds. Insurance is offered through Employers Insurance Company of Nevada,
Employers Compensation Insurance Company, Employers Preferred Insurance Company,
Employers Assurance Company and Cerity Insurance Company, all rated A-(Excellent) by the
A.M. Best Company. Not all companies do business in all jurisdictions.
See www.employers.com and www.cerity.com for coverage availability.