-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, BnT9Vp3GmFSed/VvpLnG4fgfGiJzpExze8IfWNfX2TKkYsha8JWeYytpgIhUWzyQ ZW9UgTaM1R/jnp3mt2DwPw== 0000950152-07-003853.txt : 20070502 0000950152-07-003853.hdr.sgml : 20070502 20070502170712 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950152-07-003853 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 6 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20070331 FILED AS OF DATE: 20070502 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20070502 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ERIE INDEMNITY CO CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000922621 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: INSURANCE AGENTS BROKERS & SERVICES [6411] IRS NUMBER: 250466020 STATE OF INCORPORATION: PA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-24000 FILM NUMBER: 07811586 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 100 ERIE INSURANCE PL CITY: ERIE STATE: PA ZIP: 16530 BUSINESS PHONE: 8148702000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 100 ERIE INSURANCE PLACE CITY: ERIE STATE: PA ZIP: 16530 10-Q 1 l25715ae10vq.htm ERIE INSURANCE GROUP 10-Q ERIE INSURANCE GROUP 10-Q
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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PERSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarter ended March 31, 2007
Commission file number 0-24000
ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
PENNSYLVANIA   25-0466020
     
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)
     
100 Erie Insurance Place, Erie, Pennsylvania   16530
     
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
(814) 870-2000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer þ       Accelerated filer o       Non-accelerated filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
The number of shares outstanding of Class A Common Stock, with no par value and a stated value of $.0292 per share was 57,340,743 at April 25, 2007.
The number of shares outstanding of Class B Common Stock with no par value and a stated value of $70 per share was 2,571 at April 25, 2007.
The common stock is the only class of stock the Registrant is presently authorized to issue.
 
 

 


 

INDEX
ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
         
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
 EX-10.91
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
                 
    March 31,   December 31,
    2007   2006
    (Unaudited)        
ASSETS
               
 
               
INVESTMENTS
               
Fixed maturities at fair value (amortized cost of $828,079 and $830,061, respectively)
  $ 836,323     $ 836,738  
Equity securities at fair value (cost of $228,425 and $223,210, respectively)
    254,970       250,647  
Limited partnerships (cost of $210,916 and $200,166, respectively)
    249,401       230,946  
Real estate mortgage loans
    4,685       4,726  
     
Total investments
    1,345,379       1,323,057  
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents
    10,578       60,241  
Accrued investment income
    12,000       11,374  
Premiums receivable from policyholders
    242,280       247,187  
Federal income taxes recoverable
    0       9,092  
Reinsurance recoverable from Erie Insurance Exchange on unpaid losses
    850,744       872,388  
Ceded unearned premiums to Erie Insurance Exchange
    114,452       114,148  
Note receivable from Erie Family Life Insurance
    25,000       25,000  
Other receivables due from Erie Insurance Exchange and affiliates
    193,622       208,522  
Reinsurance recoverable from non-affiliates
    2,104       2,097  
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    15,956       16,197  
Equity in Erie Family Life Insurance
    59,033       57,162  
Securities lending collateral
    30,467       22,784  
Pension plan asset
    4,783       7,108  
Other assets
    73,947       63,004  
     
Total assets
  $ 2,980,345     $ 3,039,361  
     
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
                 
    March 31,   December 31,
    2007   2006
    (Unaudited)        
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
 
               
LIABILITIES
               
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 1,048,909     $ 1,073,570  
Unearned premiums
    418,949       424,282  
Commissions payable and accrued
    129,434       126,077  
Agent bonuses
    20,646       90,556  
Securities lending collateral
    30,467       22,784  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    43,520       41,723  
Deferred executive compensation
    23,811       29,713  
Federal income taxes payable
    7,602       0  
Deferred income taxes
    17,808       8,343  
Dividends payable
    23,152       23,265  
Employee benefit obligations
    34,824       37,200  
     
Total liabilities
    1,799,122       1,877,513  
     
 
               
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Capital stock:
               
Class A common, stated value $.0292 per share; authorized 74,996,930 shares; issued 68,224,800 shares; 57,493,790 and 57,776,329 shares outstanding, respectively
    1,990       1,990  
Class B common, convertible at a rate of 2,400 Class A shares for one Class B share, stated value $70 per share; and 2,573 shares authorized, issued and outstanding
    180       180  
Additional paid-in capital
    7,830       7,830  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    6,660       5,422  
Retained earnings
    1,651,865       1,618,656  
     
Total contributed capital and retained earnings
    1,668,525       1,634,078  
 
               
Treasury stock, at cost, 10,731,010 and 10,448,471 shares, respectively
    (487,302 )     (472,230 )
     
Total shareholders’ equity
    1,181,223       1,161,848  
     
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 2,980,345     $ 3,039,361  
     
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                 
    Three months ended March 31,  
    2007     2006  
OPERATING REVENUE
               
Management fee revenue, net
  $ 216,020     $ 220,102  
Premiums earned
    51,974       54,026  
Service agreement revenue
    7,418       7,592  
 
           
Total operating revenue
    275,412       281,720  
 
               
OPERATING EXPENSES
               
Cost of management operations
    179,886       183,154  
Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred
    32,234       30,053  
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses
    11,995       14,501  
 
           
Total operating expenses
    224,115       227,708  
 
               
INVESTMENT INCOME — UNAFFILIATED
               
Investment income, net of expenses
    13,978       15,000  
Net realized gains on investments
    1,890       784  
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships
    12,518       4,142  
 
           
Total investment income — unaffiliated
    28,386       19,926  
 
               
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of Erie Family Life Insurance
    79,683       73,938  
Provision for income taxes
    24,592       25,077  
Equity in earnings of Erie Family Life Insurance, net of tax
    1,270       605  
 
           
Net income
  $ 56,361     $ 49,466  
 
           
 
               
Net income per share
               
Class A common stock – basic
  $ 0.97     $ 0.81  
Class A common stock – diluted
    0.88       0.73  
Class B common stock – basic and diluted
    149.01       121.08  
 
               
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic
               
Class A common stock
    57,691,289       60,630,395  
Class B common stock
    2,573       2,833  
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted
               
Class A common stock
    63,906,458       67,505,125  
Class B common stock
    2,573       2,833  
 
               
Dividends declared per share:
               
Class A common stock
  $ 0.40     $ 0.36  
Class B common stock
    60.00       54.00  
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
                 
    Three months ended March 31,  
    2007     2006  
Net income
  $ 56,361     $ 49,466  
 
           
Gross unrealized gains (losses) arising during period
    3,794       (9,361 )
Reclassification adjustment for gross gains included in net income
    (1,890 )     (784 )
 
           
Unrealized holding gains (losses) excluding realized gains, gross
    1,904       (10,145 )
Income tax (expense) benefit related to unrealized gains (losses)
    (666 )     3,552  
 
           
Change in other comprehensive income, net of tax
    1,238       (6,593 )
 
           
Comprehensive income
  $ 57,599     $ 42,873  
 
           
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
                 
    Three months ended March 31,  
    2007     2006  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
               
Management fee received
  $ 223,952     $ 197,898  
Service agreement fee received
    7,818       7,292  
Premiums collected
    50,165       51,558  
Settlement of commutation received from Exchange
    6,782       1,710  
Net investment income received
    13,577       15,884  
Limited partnership distributions
    15,776       9,446  
Dividends received from Erie Family Life Insurance
    0       450  
Salaries and wages paid
    (27,831 )     (26,374 )
Employee benefits paid
    (11,947 )     (1,634 )
Commissions paid to agents
    (105,999 )     (107,674 )
Agent bonuses paid
    (91,403 )     (71,544 )
General operating expenses paid
    (33,401 )     (33,371 )
Losses paid
    (30,895 )     (29,984 )
Loss adjustment expenses paid
    (4,326 )     (2,777 )
Other underwriting and acquisition costs paid
    (2,106 )     (4,363 )
Income taxes recovered (paid)
    1,077       (12 )
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    11,239       6,505  
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Purchase of investments:
               
Fixed maturities
    (57,681 )     (65,088 )
Equity securities
    (23,381 )     (33,750 )
Limited partnerships
    (24,131 )     (31,089 )
Sales/maturities of investments:
               
Fixed maturity sales
    31,504       73,346  
Fixed maturity calls/maturities
    25,992       25,010  
Equity securities
    23,267       62,982  
Return on limited partnerships
    2,849       3,735  
Purchase of property and equipment
    (753 )     (1,979 )
Net distributions on agent loans
    (231 )     (1,339 )
 
           
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (22,565 )     31,828  
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Purchase of treasury stock
    (15,072 )     (40,695 )
Dividends paid to shareholders
    (23,265 )     (22,172 )
Increase (decrease) in collateral from securities lending
    3,721       (4,085 )
Redemption of securities lending collateral
    (3,721 )     4,085  
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (38,337 )     (62,867 )
 
           
 
               
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (49,663 )     (24,534 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    60,241       31,666  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 10,578     $ 7,132  
 
           
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements, which include the accounts of Erie Indemnity Company and our wholly owned property/casualty insurance subsidiaries, Erie Insurance Company (EIC), Erie Insurance Company of New York (EINY) and Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company (EIPC), have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2007. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2007.
NOTE 2 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities.” FAS 159 allows us the option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value at our discretion. FAS 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. We decided not to elect the fair value measurement option during the early adoption period, however, we are currently evaluating certain assets for the election of fair value measurement as of January 1, 2008.
We adopted FASB Interpretation (FIN) 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” at the beginning of 2007. FIN 48 provides guidance for recognizing and measuring the financial statement impact of income tax positions taken or expected to be taken in an income tax return. Our evaluation identified two income tax positions that would be considered uncertain under this guidance. As a result of adoption, we recognized a liability for current income taxes payable and a temporary tax difference that, when considered net, had no impact on our financial position. Interest related to these positions amounted to $0.8 million and was recorded as income tax expense on the Consolidated Statement of Operations with the accrued obligation in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position for the quarter. The Company’s open tax years subject to IRS examination are 2003 through 2006. Tax years 2003 and 2004 are currently being examined by the IRS.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 3 – RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain amounts previously reported in the 2006 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation. Such reclassifications did not impact earnings or total shareholders’ equity.
NOTE 4 – EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings per share are calculated under the two-class method, which allocates earnings to each class of stock based on its dividend rights. Class B shares are convertible into Class A shares at a conversion ratio of 2,400 to 1. Class A diluted earnings per share are calculated under the if-converted method which reflects the conversion of Class B shares and the effect of potentially dilutive outstanding employee stock-based awards under the long-term incentive plan and awards not yet vested related to the outside directors’ stock compensation plan. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in the basic and diluted per-share computations is presented below for each class of common stock:
                                                 
    Three Months Ended March 31
    2007   2006
    Allocated Net   Weighted           Allocated Net   Weighted    
(dollars in thousands,   Income   Shares   Per-Share   Income   Shares   Per-Share
except per share data)   (Numerator)   (Denominator)   Amount   (Numerator)   (Denominator)   Amount
     
Class A — Basic EPS:
                                               
Income available to Class A stockholders
  $ 55,978       57,691,289     $ 0.97     $ 49,124       60,630,395     $ 0.81  
 
   
 
                                               
Dilutive effect of stock awards
    0       39,969             0       75,530        
     
 
                                               
Assumed conversion of Class B shares
    383       6,175,200             342       6,799,200        
     
 
                                               
Class A — Diluted EPS:
                                               
Income available to Class A stockholders on Class A equivalent shares
  $ 56,361       63,906,458     $ 0.88     $ 49,466       67,505,125     $ 0.73  
     
 
                                               
Class B — Basic and Diluted EPS:
                                               
Income available to Class B stockholders
  $ 383       2,573     $ 149.01     $ 342       2,833     $ 121.08  
     

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 4 – EARNINGS PER SHARE (Continued)
Included in the restricted stock awards not yet vested are awards of 37,716 and 73,471 for the first quarter of 2007 and 2006, respectively, related to our pre-2004 long-term incentive plan for executive and senior management. Awards not yet vested related to the outside directors stock compensation plan were 2,253 and 2,059 for the first quarters of 2007 and 2006, respectively.
NOTE 5 – INVESTMENTS
Fixed maturities and equity securities
Fixed maturities consist of bonds, notes and redeemable preferred stock. Equity securities include common and nonredeemable preferred stock. Fixed maturities and equity securities are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are stated at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred tax, reflected in shareholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive income.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 5 – INVESTMENTS (Continued)
The following tables summarize the cost and market value of available-for-sale securities:
                                 
    March 31, 2007
    Amortized   Gross unrealized   Estimated
(in thousands)   cost   gains   losses   fair value
     
Fixed maturities
                               
U.S. treasuries and government agencies
  $ 4,343     $ 165     $ 22     $ 4,486  
Municipal securities
    330,483       2,594       1,600       331,477  
Foreign government
    2,000       9       0       2,009  
U.S. corporate debt
    353,875       6,056       2,215       357,716  
Foreign corporate debt
    87,532       2,499       384       89,647  
Mortgage-backed securities
    13,437       428       73       13,792  
Asset-backed securities
    16,185       34       37       16,182  
     
Total bonds
    807,855       11,785       4,331       815,309  
Redeemable preferred stock
    20,224       890       100       21,014  
     
Total fixed maturities
  $ 828,079     $ 12,675     $ 4,431     $ 836,323  
     
Equity securities
                               
U.S. common stock
  $ 72,276     $ 16,659     $ 857     $ 88,078  
Foreign common stock
    23,383       5,261       231       28,413  
U.S. nonredeemable preferred stock
    127,636       5,599       327       132,908  
Foreign nonredeemable preferred stock
    5,130       441       0       5,571  
     
Total equity securities
  $ 228,425     $ 27,960     $ 1,415     $ 254,970  
     
                                 
    December 31, 2006
    Amortized   Gross unrealized   Estimated
(in thousands)   cost   gains   losses   fair value
     
Fixed maturities
                               
U.S. treasuries and government agencies
  $ 3,765     $ 159     $ 45     $ 3,879  
Municipal securities
    330,239       2,935       1,561       331,613  
Foreign government
    2,000       9       0       2,009  
U.S. corporate debt
    357,177       5,754       3,196       359,735  
Foreign corporate debt
    82,929       2,166       563       84,532  
Mortgage-backed securities
    14,611       405       295       14,721  
Asset-backed securities
    18,117       37       64       18,090  
     
Total bonds
    808,838       11,465       5,724       814,579  
Redeemable preferred stock
    21,223       1,036       100       22,159  
     
Total fixed maturities
  $ 830,061     $ 12,501     $ 5,824     $ 836,738  
     
Equity securities
                               
U.S. common stock
  $ 71,932     $ 17,156     $ 785     $ 88,303  
Foreign common stock
    23,106       5,897       60       28,943  
U.S. nonredeemable preferred stock
    123,042       5,378       565       127,855  
Foreign nonredeemable preferred stock
    5,130       416       0       5,546  
     
Total equity securities
  $ 223,210     $ 28,847     $ 1,410     $ 250,647  
     

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 5 – INVESTMENTS (Continued)
When a decline in the value of an investment is considered to be other-than-temporary by management, the investment is written down to net estimated realizable value. Investment impairments are evaluated on an individual security basis. Adjustments to the carrying value of marketable equity securities and fixed maturities that are considered impaired are recorded as realized losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The components of net realized gains on investments as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations are included below. Impairment charges for the three months ended March 31, 2007 include securities primarily in the finance and freight industries. Impairment charges on securities were primarily in the media and consumer products industries in the first quarter of 2006.
                 
    Three months ended March 31,  
(in thousands)   2007     2006  
Fixed maturities:
               
Gross realized gains
  $ 316     $ 978  
Gross realized losses
    (109 )     (691 )
Impairment charges
    (246 )     (942 )
 
           
Net realized losses
    (39 )     (655 )
 
           
 
               
Equity securities:
               
Gross realized gains
    3,333       4,227  
Gross realized losses
    (997 )     (1,668 )
Impairment charges
    (407 )     (1,120 )
 
           
Net realized gains
    1,929       1,439  
 
           
Net realized gains on investments
  $ 1,890     $ 784  
 
           

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 5 – INVESTMENTS (Continued)
Limited partnerships
Our limited partnerships are classified into three primary categories based upon the unique investment characteristic of each: real estate, private equity and mezzanine debt. At March 31, 2007 our equity in earnings from these partnerships as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations totaled 15.7% of our pre-tax income. While we do not exert significant influence over any of these partnerships, it is because we account for them under the equity method of accounting that we are providing summarized financial information in the following table for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006. Amounts provided in the “recorded by partnerships” section of the table are presented using the latest available financial statements received from the partnerships.
                                                         
            Equity Recorded by Erie Indemnity    
            Company    
            as of March 31, 2007   Recorded by Partnerships
                            Net            
                    Valuation   income            
Erie Indemnity Company   Number of   Asset   adjustment   (loss)   Total   Valuation   Net income
ownership interest   partnerships   recorded   recorded   recorded   assets   adjustments   (loss)
 
    (dollars in thousands)
Private equity:
                                                       
Less than 10%
    36     $ 77,726     $ 706     $ 3,474     $ 19,484,458     $ 3,542,150     $ 2,503,460  
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
    7       11,201       294       99       420,644       73,753       6,814  
Greater than or equal to 50%
    1       2,965       0       (34 )     9,225       0       (103 )
     
Total private equity
    44       91,892       1,000       3,539       19,914,327       3,615,903       2,510,171  
 
                                                       
Mezzanine debt:
                                                       
Less than 10%
    13       27,160       928       128       3,484,177       137,909       189,718  
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
    3       7,718       (496 )     924       351,368       (1,680 )     48,365  
Greater than or equal to 50%
    1       5,220       0       0       41,958       (357 )     2,615  
     
Total mezzanine debt
    17       40,098       432       1,052       3,877,503       135,872       240,698  
 
                                                       
Real estate:
                                                       
Less than 10%
    22       76,533       5,347       631       18,687,647       1,360,604       264,039  
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
    9       22,573       447       (196 )     1,310,590       (2,412 )     25,836  
Greater than or equal to 50%
    8       18,305       0       266       265,659       0       11,275  
     
Total real estate
    39       117,411       5,794       701       20,263,896       1,358,192       301,150  
     
 
                                                       
Total limited partnerships
    100     $ 249,401     $ 7,226     $ 5,292     $ 44,055,726     $ 5,109,967     $ 3,052,019  
     

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 5 – INVESTMENTS (Continued)
                                                         
            Equity Recorded by Erie Indemnity    
            Company    
            as of December 31, 2006   Recorded by Partnerships
                    Valuation   Net income            
Erie Indemnity Company   Number of   Asset   adjustment   (loss)   Total   Valuation   Net income
ownership interest   partnerships   recorded   recorded   recorded   assets   adjustments   (loss)
 
    (dollars in thousands)
Private equity:
                                                       
Less than 10%
    38     $ 71,216     $ 8,386     $ 9,237     $ 17,976,053     $ 1,655,077     $ 1,976,202  
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
    6       8,453       (149 )     1,240       351,278       26,755       7,844  
Greater than or equal to 50%
    1       2,795       0       (49 )     5,992       0       (150 )
     
Total private equity
    45       82,464       8,237       10,428       18,333,323       1,681,832       1,983,896  
 
                                                       
Mezzanine debt:
                                                       
Less than 10%
    13       26,250       169       3,988       3,239,894       49,383       132,642  
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
    3       7,799       505       357       336,363       17,496       14,074  
Greater than or equal to 50%
    1       5,722       (76 )     524       41,958       (357 )     2,615  
     
Total mezzanine debt
    17       39,771       598       4,869       3,618,215       66,522       149,331  
 
                                                       
Real estate:
                                                       
Less than 10%
    22       67,840       5,882       9,284       16,832,702       299,053       281,569  
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
    10       36,590       1,127       1,377       1,053,175       (4,299 )     19,244  
Greater than or equal to 50%
    7       4,281       0       (36 )     244,242       0       1,032  
     
Total real estate
    39       108,711       7,009       10,625       18,130,119       294,754       301,845  
     
 
                                                       
Total limited partnerships
    101     $ 230,946     $ 15,844     $ 25,922     $ 40,081,657     $ 2,043,108     $ 2,435,072  
     
Securities Lending Program
We have loaned securities, included as part of our invested assets, with a market value of $29.5 million and $22.1 million at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. We receive marketable securities as collateral for the loaned securities. We recognize the receipt of the collateral held by the third party custodian and the obligation to return the collateral on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The proceeds from the collateral are invested in cash and short-term investments. We share a portion of the interest earned on lent securities with the third party custodian and the borrowing institution.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 6 – SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION OF AFFILIATE
EFL is an affiliated Pennsylvania-domiciled life insurance company operating in 10 states and the District of Columbia. We own 21.6% of Erie Family Life Insurance Company’s (EFL) outstanding common shares and account for this investment using the equity method of accounting. The remaining 78.4% of EFL is owned by the Erie Insurance Exchange.
During the second quarter of 2006, the Exchange completed its tender offer and following short-form merger for all of the publicly held outstanding common stock of EFL excluding the shares owned by us. The Exchange acquired all publicly held EFL common stock at $32.00 per share, increasing its ownership percentage from 53.5% to 78.4% of the outstanding common stock of EFL. The aggregate consideration paid by the Exchange for the outstanding EFL shares was $75.2 million. Our 21.6% stake in EFL was unaffected by this transaction.
The following represents unaudited condensed financial statement information for EFL on a GAAP basis:
                 
    Three months ended March 31,
(in thousands)   2007   2006
Revenues
  $ 40,575     $ 37,050  
Benefits and expenses
    32,105       32,427  
Income before income taxes
    8,470       4,623  
Net income
    6,315       3,279  
Comprehensive income (loss)
    8,680       (11,460 )
Dividends paid to shareholders
    0       2,079  
                 
    As of
    March 31,   December 31,
(in thousands)   2007   2006
Investments
  $ 1,521,031     $ 1,488,846  
Total assets
    1,748,676       1,737,353  
Liabilities
    1,475,737       1,473,094  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    6,648       4,283  
Total shareholders’ equity
    272,939       264,259  

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 7 – POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
The liabilities for the plans described in this note are presented in total for all employees of the Group. The gross liability for the pension and retiree health benefit plans is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as employee benefit obligations. A portion of annual expenses related to the pension and retiree health benefit plans are allocated to related entities within the Group.
Our pension plans consist of: 1) a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees, 2) an unfunded supplemental employee retirement plan (SERP) for executive and senior management and 3) an unfunded pension plan (discontinued in 1997) for certain outside directors.
Effective May 1, 2006, our retiree health benefit plan, which previously provided retiree health benefits in the form of medical and pharmacy health plans, was curtailed by an amendment that restricted eligibility to those who attain age 60 and 15 years of service on or before July 1, 2010. A one-time curtailment benefit was recognized in the second quarter of 2006 as a result of this amendment.
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
                                 
    Pension Benefits     Retiree Health Benefits  
    Three months ended     Three months ended  
    March 31     March 31  
(in thousands)   2007     2006     2007     2006  
Service cost
  $ 3,575     $ 4,107     $ 25     $ 374  
Interest cost
    4,175       4,110       150       286  
Expected return on plan assets
    (5,100 )     (4,629 )            
Amortization of prior service cost
    100       114       (50 )     (32 )
Amortization of net loss
    350       1,205       25       107  
 
                       
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 3,100     $ 4,907     $ 150     $ 735  
 
                       
The decrease in the net periodic benefit cost of the pension plans is due to a change in discount rate to 6.25% for 2007 compared to 5.75% in 2006. The decrease in the net periodic benefit cost of the retiree health benefit plan reflects the curtailment of the plan in the second quarter of 2006 which is being phased out through 2010.
NOTE 8 – NOTE RECEIVABLE FROM ERIE FAMILY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
We are due $25 million from EFL in the form of a surplus note. The note may be repaid only out of unassigned surplus of EFL and repayment is subject to prior approval by the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner. The note bears an annual interest rate of 6.70% and is payable on demand on or after December 31, 2018. EFL accrued interest, payable semi-annually to us, of $0.4 million in each of the first quarters ended March 31, 2007 and 2006.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 9 – STATUTORY INFORMATION
Cash and securities with carrying values of $9.6 million and $5.7 million were deposited by our property and casualty insurance subsidiaries with regulatory authorities under statutory requirements at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.
NOTE 10 – SUPPLEMENTARY DATA ON CASH FLOWS
A reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is as follows:
                 
Cash flows from operating activities   Three months ended March 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)   2007     2006  
Net income
  $ 56,361     $ 49,466  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    7,902       8,988  
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
    9,070       (521 )
Realized gain on investments
    (1,890 )     (784 )
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships
    (12,518 )     (4,142 )
Net amortization of bond premium
    545       747  
Undistributed earnings of Erie Family Life Insurance
    (1,366 )     (201 )
Deferred compensation
    (5,901 )     159  
Limited partnership distributions
    15,776       9,446  
Decrease in receivables and reinsurance recoverable from the Exchange and affiliates
    40,514       5,760  
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets
    (15,295 )     (11,103 )
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses
    17,945       31,314  
Decrease in accrued agent bonuses
    (69,910 )     (49,150 )
Decrease in loss reserves
    (24,661 )     (22,334 )
Decrease in unearned premiums
    (5,333 )     (11,140 )
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 11,239     $ 6,505  
 
           

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 11 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
We have contractual commitments to invest up to $203.3 million additional funds in limited partnership investments at March 31, 2007. These commitments will be funded as required by the partnerships’ agreements through 2012. At March 31, 2007, the total commitment to fund limited partnerships that invest in private equity securities is $79.9 million, real estate activities is $82.8 million and mezzanine debt securities is $40.6 million. We expect to have sufficient cash flows not only from operations but also from cash inflows (distributions) from existing limited partnership investments, which have typically been strong in our experience, to meet these partnership commitments.
We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the effects, if any, of such litigation are not expected to be material to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
NOTE 12 – VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITY
The Exchange is a reciprocal insurance company, domiciled in Pennsylvania, for which we serve as attorney-in-fact. We hold a variable interest in the Exchange, however, we are not the primary beneficiary as defined under Financial Accounting Standards Interpretation 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.” We have a significant interest in the financial condition of the Exchange because net management fee revenues are based on the direct written premiums of the Exchange and the other members of the Property and Casualty Group.
The selected financial data below is derived from the Exchange’s financial statements prepared in accordance with Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP) required by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual, as modified to include prescribed practices of the Insurance Department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation, have been included. The condensed financial data set forth below represents the Exchange’s share of underwriting results after accounting for intercompany pooling transactions.
Erie Insurance Exchange
Condensed Statutory Statements of Operations
                 
    Three months ended March 31,  
(in thousands)   2007     2006  
Premiums earned
  $ 889,551     $ 928,408  
Losses, loss adjustment expenses and other underwriting expenses*
    794,427       793,147  
 
           
Net underwriting gain
    95,124       135,261  
 
           
Total investment income
    136,646       126,006  
Net income before federal income tax
    231,770       261,267  
Federal income tax expense
    71,992       89,020  
 
           
Net income
  $ 159,778     $ 172,247  
 
           
 
*   Includes management fees paid or accrued as payable to the Company.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 12 – VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITY (Continued)
Erie Insurance Exchange
Condensed Statutory Statements of Financial Position
                 
    As of  
    March 31,     December 31,  
(in thousands)   2007     2006  
Fixed maturities
  $ 4,396,413     $ 4,376,322  
Equity securities
    2,899,197       2,855,044  
Alternative investments
    1,204,669       1,120,674  
Other invested assets
    155,281       142,615  
 
           
Total invested assets
    8,655,560       8,494,655  
Other assets
    1,024,599       1,021,489  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 9,680,159     $ 9,516,144  
 
           
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves
    3,509,787       3,562,682  
Unearned premium reserves
    1,421,788       1,430,683  
Accrued liabilities
    495,048       435,683  
 
           
Total liabilities
    5,426,623       5,429,048  
Total policyholders’ surplus
    4,253,536       4,087,096  
 
           
Total liabilities and policyholders’ surplus
  $ 9,680,159     $ 9,516,144  
 
           
Erie Insurance Exchange
Condensed Statutory Statements of Cash Flows
                 
    Three months ended  
    March 31,  
(in thousands)   2007     2006  
Cash flows from operating activities
               
Premiums collected net of reinsurance
  $ 881,697     $ 902,662  
Losses and loss adjustment expenses paid
    (498,225 )     (480,245 )
Management fee and expenses paid
    (343,701 )     (356,085 )
Net investment income received
    100,354       81,496  
Federal income taxes and other expenses recovered
    (38,388 )     46,773  
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    101,737       194,601  
 
           
 
               
Net cash used in investing activities
    (73,835 )     (74,441 )
 
           
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (15,785 )     56,789  
 
           
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    12,117       176,949  
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period
    85,784       299,160  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period
  $ 97,901     $ 476,109  
 
           

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 13 – SEGMENT INFORMATION
We operate our business as three reportable segments — management operations, insurance underwriting operations and investment operations. Accounting policies for segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies Note 3 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2007 , with the exception of the management fee revenues received from the property/casualty insurance subsidiaries. These revenues are not eliminated in the segment detail that follows as management bases its decisions on the segment presentation. Summarized financial information for our operating segments is presented below:

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 13 – SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)
                 
    Three months ended March 31,  
(in thousands)   2007     2006  
Management Operations
               
Operating revenue
               
Management fee revenue
  $ 228,645     $ 232,935  
Service agreement revenue
    7,418       7,592  
 
           
Total operating revenue
    236,063       240,527  
Cost of management operations
    190,385       193,825  
 
           
Income before income taxes
  $ 45,678     $ 46,702  
 
           
Net income from management operations**
  $ 30,741     $ 30,862  
 
           
 
               
Insurance Underwriting Operations
               
Operating revenue
               
Premiums earned:
               
Personal lines
  $ 35,800     $ 37,259  
Commercial lines
    16,220       16,843  
Reinsurance – nonaffiliates
    (46 )     (76 )
 
           
Total premiums earned
    51,974       54,026  
 
           
Operating expenses
               
Losses and expenses:
               
Personal lines
    30,831       31,885  
Commercial lines
    14,867       13,823  
Reinsurance – nonaffiliates
    657       863  
Reinsurance – affiliates*
    0       145  
 
           
Total losses and expenses
    46,355       46,716  
 
           
Income before income taxes
  $ 5,619     $ 7,310  
 
           
Net income from insurance underwriting operations**
  $ 3,782     $ 4,831  
 
           
 
               
Investment Operations
               
Investment income, net of expenses
  $ 13,978     $ 15,000  
Net realized gains on investments
    1,890       784  
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships
    12,518       4,142  
 
           
Total investment income-unaffiliated
  $ 28,386     $ 19,926  
 
           
Net income from investment operations**
  $ 19,104     $ 13,168  
 
           
Equity in earnings of EFL, net of tax
  $ 1,270     $ 605  
 
           
 
*   The excess-of-loss reinsurance agreement was not renewed for the 2006 or 2007 accident year and as a result, there were no premiums paid by the Erie Insurance Company or Erie Insurance Company of New York to the Exchange. No charges were recorded in the first quarter 2007 due to the absence of triggering events for the years 2002 to 2005, which remain open on the agreement.
 
**   Our estimated 2007 annual effective tax rate of 32.7% was used to calculate the net income for each operating segment. The effective tax rate being reflected on the Consolidated Statement of Operations is lower than our estimated annual effective tax rate. This is due to 1) an estimated IRS audit adjustment for the 2003 and 2004 tax years that reduced taxes by $.4 million, 2) a $2.1 million reduction for an adjustment to taxes on salvage and subrogation recoverable and 3) estimated interest on our uncertain income tax positions that increased our taxes by $0.8 million in accordance with FIN 48.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 13 – SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)
Reconciliation of reportable segment revenues and operating expenses to the Consolidated Statements of Operations is as follows:
                 
    Three months ended March 31  
(in thousands)   2007     2006  
Segment revenues, excluding investment operations
  $ 288,037     $ 294,553  
Elimination of intersegment management fee revenues
    (12,625 )     (12,833 )
 
           
Total operating revenues
  $ 275,412     $ 281,720  
 
           
 
               
Segment operating expenses
  $ 236,740     $ 240,541  
Elimination of intersegment management fee revenue
    (12,625 )     (12,833 )
 
           
Total operating expenses
  $ 224,115     $ 227,708  
 
           
The intersegment revenues and expenses that are eliminated in the Consolidated Statements of Operations relate to our property/casualty insurance subsidiaries 5.5% share of the intersegment management fees paid to us.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 13 – SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)
The growth rate of policies in force, policy retention (the percentage of policyholders eligible for renewals who have renewed their policies measured on a twelve-month rolling basis) and average premium per policy trends directly impact our management operations and insurance underwriting operating segments. Below is a summary of each major line of business for the Property and Casualty Group.
Growth rates of policies in force for Property and Casualty Group insurance operations:
                                                                 
    Private   12-mth.           12-mth.   All Other   12-mth.   Total   12-mth.
    Passenger   growth           growth   Personal   growth   Personal   growth
Date   Auto   rate   Homeowners   rate   Lines   rate   Lines   rate
12/31/2005
    1,640,563       (1.8 )%     1,353,912       0.5 %     286,604       2.7 %     3,281,079       (0.5 )%
03/31/2006
    1,636,048       (1.6 )     1,356,885       1.0       289,964       3.6       3,282,897       (0.1 )
06/30/2006
    1,637,472       (1.3 )     1,366,633       1.2       294,409       4.2       3,298,514       0.2  
09/30/2006
    1,636,947       (0.9 )     1,373,763       1.4       298,361       4.6       3,309,071       0.5  
12/31/2006
    1,633,882       (0.4 )     1,377,965       1.8       301,497       5.2       3,313,344       1.0  
03/31/2007
    1,635,714       0.0       1,384,856       2.1       305,591       5.4       3,326,161       1.3  
                                                                                 
            12-mth.   CML*   12-mth.           12-mth.   All Other   12-mth.   Total   12-mth.
    CML*   growth   Multi-   growth   Workers   growth   CML*   growth   CML*   growth
Date   Auto   rate   Peril   rate   Comp.   rate   Lines   rate   Lines   rate
12/31/2005
    118,728       1.2 %     213,347       1.8 %     56,218       (4.6 )%     90,227       2.7 %     478,520       1.0 %
03/31/2006
    118,587       1.0       214,461       2.3       55,254       (4.7 )     90,301       2.8       478,603       1.2  
06/30/2006
    119,471       0.9       217,134       2.4       54,871       (4.4 )     91,568       2.9       483,044       1.3  
09/30/2006
    119,555       0.8       217,763       2.3       54,379       (4.4 )     92,687       2.9       484,384       1.2  
12/31/2006
    119,801       0.9       218,542       2.4       53,923       (4.1 )     92,687       2.7       484,953       1.3  
03/31/2007
    119,907       1.1       219,300       2.3       53,498       (3.2 )     92,857       2.8       485,562       1.5  
                 
Date   Total All Lines   12-mth. growth rate
12/31/2005
    3,759,599       (0.3 )%
03/31/2006
    3,761,500       0.1  
06/30/2006
    3,781,558       0.4  
09/30/2006
    3,793,455       0.6  
12/31/2006
    3,798,297       1.0  
03/31/2007
    3,811,723       1.3  
Policy retention trends for Property and Casualty Group insurance operations:
                                                         
    Private                            
    Passenger   CML*           CML*   Workers   All Other   Total
Date   Auto   Auto   Homeowners   Multi-Peril   Comp.   Lines   All Lines
12/31/2005
    90.0 %     87.9 %     88.2 %     85.4 %     86.2 %     86.0 %     88.6 %
03/31/2006
    90.1       88.0       88.6       85.9       86.0       86.2       88.8  
06/30/2006
    90.3       87.7       88.9       85.9       85.9       86.5       89.0  
09/30/2006
    90.5       87.8       89.2       86.0       85.8       86.7       89.2  
12/31/2006
    90.8       87.7       89.4       86.0       85.7       87.1       89.5  
03/31/2007
    91.0       88.0       89.7       86.1       86.2       87.2       89.7  
 
*   CML = Commercial

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 13 – SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)
Average premium per policy trends for Property and Casualty Group insurance operations:
                                                                 
    Private   12-mth.           12-mth.   All Other   12-mth.   Total   12-mth.
    Passenger   percent           percent   Personal   percent   Personal   percent
Date   Auto   change   Homeowners   change   Lines   change   Lines   change
12/31/2005
  $ 1,174       (1.3 )%   $ 543       (0.5 )%   $ 348       0.3 %   $ 841       (1.6 )%
03/31/2006
    1,161       (2.7 )     539       (2.4 )     349       0.6       832       (3.0 )
06/30/2006
    1,140       (3.9 )     535       (2.6 )     348       0.6       818       (3.9 )
09/30/2006
    1,122       (4.8 )     530       (2.9 )     348       0.3       806       (4.7 )
12/31/2006
    1,110       (5.5 )     526       (3.1 )     349       0.3       797       (5.2 )
03/31/2007
    1,100       (5.3 )     524       (2.8 )     349       0.0       791       (4.9 )
                                                                                 
            12-mth.           12-mth.   All Other   12-mth.   Total   12-mth.   Total   12-mth.
    CML*   percent   Workers   percent   CML*   percent   CML*   percent   All   percent
Date   Auto   change   Comp.   change   Lines   change   Lines   change   Lines   change
12/31/2005
  $ 2,781       (0.3 )%   $ 6,212       6.7 %   $ 1,705       (0.1 )%   $ 2,501       0.6 %   $ 1,052       (0.8 )%
03/31/2006
    2,778       (0.8 )     6,270       4.4       1,710       (0.6 )     2,501       (0.5 )     1,044       (2.1 )
06/30/2006
    2,730       (1.8 )     6,143       0.7       1,676       (1.9 )     2,444       (2.4 )     1,026       (3.3 )
09/30/2006
    2,705       (3.0 )     6,047       (0.9 )     1,669       (1.5 )     2,416       (3.0 )     1,011       (4.2 )
12/31/2006
    2,687       (3.4 )     5,985       (3.7 )     1,657       (2.8 )     2,393       (4.3 )     1,001       (4.8 )
03/31/2007
    2,664       (4.1 )     5,914       (5.7 )     1,641       (4.0 )     2,365       (5.4 )     991       (5.1 )
 
*   CML = Commercial

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following information should be read in conjunction with the historical financial information and the notes thereto included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2007. Preceding the discussion of financial results is an introduction discussing the relationships between the member companies of the Erie Insurance Group. The following discussion of financial results focuses heavily on our three primary segments: management operations, insurance underwriting operations and investment operations consistent with the presentation in Note 13 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. That presentation, which management uses internally to monitor and evaluate results, is an alternative presentation of our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
NATURE OF ORGANIZATION
The following organizational chart depicts the organization of the various entities of the Erie Insurance Group:
(ORGANIZATION CHART)

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
We serve as the attorney-in-fact for the policyholders of the Erie Insurance Exchange (Exchange), a reciprocal insurance exchange, and operate predominantly as a provider of certain management services to the Exchange. We also own subsidiaries that are property and casualty insurers. The Exchange and its property/casualty subsidiary, Flagship City Insurance Company, and our three property/casualty subsidiaries, Erie Insurance Company (EIC), Erie Insurance Company of New York (EINY) and Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company (EIPC), (collectively, the Property and Casualty Group) underwrite personal and commercial lines property and casualty insurance exclusively through over 1,800 independent agencies comprising over 8,000 licensed independent agents. The entities within the Property and Casualty Group pool their underwriting results. The financial position and results of operations of the Exchange are not consolidated with ours. We, together with the Property and Casualty Group and EFL, operate collectively as the Erie Insurance Group.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.
OVERVIEW
We operate under three primary segments: management operations, insurance underwriting operations and investment operations. The financial information presented herein reflects our management operations from serving as attorney-in-fact for the Exchange, our insurance underwriting results from our wholly-owned subsidiaries (EIC, EINY and EIPC) and our investment operations. The bases of calculations used for segment data are described in more detail in Item 1, Note 13 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
                         
Segment Results   Three months ended March 31
    2007   2006   % Change
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)   (Unaudited)
Income from management operations
  $ 45,678     $ 46,702       (2.2 )%
Underwriting income
    5,619       7,310       (23.1 )
Net revenue from investment operations
    29,752       20,577       44.6  
         
Income before income taxes
    81,049       74,589       8.7  
Provision for income taxes
    24,688       25,123       (1.7 )
         
Net income
  $ 56,361     $ 49,466       13.9  
         
Net income per share – diluted
  $ 0.88     $ 0.73       20.3 %
         
KEY POINTS
    Increase in net income per share-diluted in the first quarter of 2007 was impacted by an increase in limited partnership earnings and positive income tax adjustments.
 
    A decline in the cost of management operations allowed margins to remain steady with 2006 at 19.4% in the first quarter of 2007.
 
    GAAP combined ratios of the insurance underwriting operations increased to 89.2% for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 from 86.5% for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 as a result of

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
      lower earned premiums and slightly higher losses of the Property and Casualty Group.
 
    Annualized effective tax rate of 32.7% in first quarter 2007 offset by positive estimates of IRS examination settlements and an adjustment to deferred taxes related to salvage and subrogation recoverable during the quarter offset somewhat by interest expense on uncertain tax positions.
The cyclical nature of the insurance industry has a direct impact on our income from management operations as our management fee revenues are based on the direct written premium of the Property and Casualty Group. Despite our management fee rate being set at its maximum 25% in 2007, a 2.6% decrease in direct written premium of the Property and Casualty Group resulted in lower management fee revenues in the first quarter of 2007 as compared to 2006. Pricing pressures continue in the industry, primarily in private passenger auto, our most significant line of business. As anticipated, rate reductions we implemented to offer competitive prices to policyholders and segmented pricing of auto and home, that offers lower prices to better risks, are driving the reduction in direct written premium of the Property and Casualty Group. The Property and Casualty Group average premium per policy on private passenger auto declined $10 from December 31, 2006, and $61 from the same quarter a year ago.
Our total cost of management operations decreased 1.8% as our non-commission operating costs decreased 0.3% in the first quarter of 2007 from the first quarter of 2006. Costs were relatively flat in the first quarter 2007 due to personnel costs being down 4.8%, primarily due to a reduction in management incentive plan expense, that were offset by higher professional fees. Our revised estimate for growth in 2007 non-commission operating costs is 6% after factoring in the effects of moderating costs recorded in the first quarter 2007.
ANALYSIS OF BUSINESS SEGMENTS
Management Operations
                         
    Three months ended March 31
  2007   2006   % Change
(dollars in thousands)   (Unaudited)
Management fee revenue
  $ 228,645     $ 232,935       (1.8 )%
Service agreement revenue
    7,418       7,592       (2.3 )
         
Total revenue from management operations
    236,063       240,527       (1.9 )
Cost of management operations
    190,385       193,825       (1.8 )
         
Income from management operations
  $ 45,678     $ 46,702       (2.2 )%
         
Gross margin
    19.4 %     19.4 %      
         
KEY POINTS
    The management fee rate was 25% and 24.75% in the first quarters of 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
    Direct written premiums of the Property and Casualty Group decreased 2.6% in the first quarter of 2007 compared to the first quarter of 2006.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
    Policies in force grew 1.3%, or 50,223 policies, to 3,811,723 at March 31, 2007 compared to growth of 2,988 policies in the first quarter of 2006.
 
    Year-over-year average premium per policy was $991 and $1,044 at March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, a decrease of 5.1%.
 
    During the first quarter, premium rate changes resulted in a $34.4 million decrease in written premiums.
    Contributing to the decrease in service agreement revenue is the shift to the no-fee single payment plan precipitated in part by a discount in pricing offered for paid in full policies.
 
    Commission costs decreased 2.4% and costs other than commissions decreased 0.3% in the first quarter.
    Scheduled rate commissions decreased $2.2 million and estimates for Agent bonuses and other incentives decreased by $0.9 million compared to the first quarter of 2006.
    Personnel costs decreased by 4.8% to $33.9 million in the first quarter of 2007 compared to $35.6 million in the first quarter of 2006.
Management fee revenue
The following table presents the direct written premium of the Property & Casualty Group, shown by major line of business, and the calculation of our management fee revenue.
                         
    Three months ended March 31
  2007   2006   % Change
(dollars in thousands)   (Unaudited)
Private passenger auto
  $ 434,705     $ 448,708       (3.1 )%
Homeowners
    148,371       148,103       0.2  
Commercial multi-peril
    115,054       118,935       (3.3 )
Workers compensation
    91,905       98,245       (6.5 )
Commercial auto
    83,166       85,648       (2.9 )
All other lines of business
    44,977       43,129       4.3  
         
Property and Casualty Group direct written premiums
    918,178       942,768       (2.6 )
Management fee rate
    25.00 %     24.75 %        
       
Management fee revenue, gross
    229,545       233,335       (1.6 )
Change in allowance for management fee returned on cancelled policies*
    (900 )     (400 )   NM
         
Management fee revenue, net of allowance
  $ 228,645     $ 232,935       (1.8 )%
         
 
NM = not meaningful
 
*   Management fees are returned to the Exchange when policies are cancelled mid-term and unearned premiums are refunded. We record an estimated allowance for management fees returned on mid-term policy cancellations.
Management fee revenue is based upon the management fee rate, determined by our Board of Directors, and the direct written premiums of the Property and Casualty Group. The higher management

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
fee rate in 2007 of 25.0% resulted in an increase of $2.3 million in management fee revenue, or an increase in net income per share-diluted of $0.02. Although the mid-term cancellations of policies for the Property and Casualty Group continue to trend downward, the seasonal effects on the unearned premium reserve resulted in an increase in the allowance for management fees returned on cancelled policies. The policy retention ratio improved again to 89.7% at March 31, 2007 from 89.5% at December 31, 2006 and 88.8% at March 31, 2006.
The 2.6% decline in direct written premiums of the Property and Casualty Group was principally the result of decreases in average premium in the first quarter of 2007 despite an increase in the policies in force of 1.3%. The year-over-year average premium per policy declined 5.1% to $991 at March 31, 2007 from $1,044 at March 31, 2006.
The Property and Casualty Group implemented rate reductions in 2005, 2006 and 2007 to be more price-competitive for potential new policyholders and to improve retention of existing policyholders. We continuously evaluate pricing and estimate that those pricing actions approved, filed and contemplated for filing could reduce the direct written premiums of the Property and Casualty Group by approximately $79.5 million during 2007, of which approximately $34.4 million occurred in the first quarter of 2007. Included in the $79.5 million are approximately $49.7 million in estimated premium reductions related to the carryover impact of pricing actions approved and effective in 2006. The most significant rate reductions effective in 2007 are in private passenger auto and homeowners in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Ohio and workers compensation and commercial multi-peril in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. In addition, segmented pricing in auto and home, where we offer lower prices to better risks, has accelerated the decline in average premium per policy.
Total year-over-year policies in force increased by 1.3% to 3,811,723 at March 31, 2007. Growth in policies in force is the result of the expansion of our independent agency force through appointments, the new business incentive on private passenger auto policies and other marketing initiatives.
Premiums generated from new business increased 5.6% to $91.5 million from $86.6 million in the first quarter of 2007 as compared to 2006. New business policies in force increased 3.7% to 442,313 at March 31, 2007 from 426,651 at March 31, 2006, while the year-over-year average premium per policy on new business decreased 3.3% to $843 at March 31, 2007 from $872 at March 31, 2006.
Premiums generated from renewal business decreased 3.4% to $826.7 million from $856.2 million at March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Renewal policies in force increased 1.0% to 3,369,410 from 3,334,849, while the year-over-year average premium per policy on renewal business decreased 5.2% to $1,011 from $1,066 for the same respective periods in 2007 and 2006. Policy retention ratios for all lines increased to a 12-month moving average of 89.7%, up slightly from 89.5% at December 31, 2006.
    Personal lines - The Property and Casualty Group’s personal lines new business premiums written increased 5.9% to $58.8 million in the first quarter of 2007 from $55.5 million in the first quarter of 2006. The year-over-year average premium per policy on personal lines new business decreased 3.3% to $684 at March 31, 2007 from $707 at March 31, 2006. Personal lines new policies in force increased 4.2% to 366,117 at March 31, 2007 compared to 351,496 at March 31, 2006.
 
    The private passenger auto new business year-over-year average premium per policy decreased 4.3% to $1,026 at March 31, 2007. Despite this rate decrease, private passenger auto new premiums written increased 9.1% to $37.5 million during the first quarter of 2007

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
    driven by a 7.9% increase in new business policies in force to 149,464. The Property and Casualty Group has been implementing rate reductions, of which the most significant dollar impact has been in the private passenger auto line of business in the state of Pennsylvania. Incorporated in these rate changes are reductions on certain coverages for new private passenger auto policyholders with no claims or violations. Also, in July 2006, a new incentive program that runs through December 31, 2007 was implemented to stimulate policy growth. Under the program, eligible agents receive a $50 bonus on each new private passenger auto policy. Homeowners new business premium increased 3.8% to $17.0 million in the first quarter of 2007. Policies in force increased 1.4% to 168,404 in the first quarter of 2007, while the year-over-year average premium per policy decreased 3.3%.
 
    Renewal premiums written decreased 2.8% on personal lines policies during the first quarter of 2007. The overall decrease reflects the impact of the rate reductions and change in the mix by tier of personal lines business written by the Property and Casualty Group. The year-over-year policy retention ratio for private passenger auto improved to 91.0% at March 31, 2007, from 90.8% at December 31, 2006 and 90.1% at March 31, 2006.
 
    Commercial lines - The commercial lines new business premiums written increased 5.3% to $32.5 million in the first quarter of 2007 from $30.9 million in the first quarter of 2006. Commercial lines new policies in force increased 1.4% to 76,196 at March 31, 2007. While new policies in force have increased, the average premium per policy on commercial lines has declined 1.9%, reflecting rate decreases and changes in the size and risk characteristics of policyholders. A more refined process of evaluating commercial accounts using predictive modeling, continues to be used to gain a better alignment between rate and risk level which should continue to improve commercial lines policy growth and profitability.
 
    Renewal premiums for commercial lines decreased 4.8% to $277.3 million from $291.2 million in the first three months of 2007 as compared to 2006. Renewal policies in force have increased 1.5% to 409,366 at March 31, 2007, while the year-over-year average premium per policy on commercial lines has declined 5.9%. The year-over-year policy retention ratio for commercial multi-peril improved to 86.1% at March 31, 2007 from 85.9% at March 31, 2006. The year-over-year policy retention ratio for workers compensation improved to 86.2% at March 31, 2007 from 86.0% at March 31, 2006.
Future trends – premium revenue – We are continuing our efforts to grow premiums and improve our competitive position in the marketplace. Expanding the size of the agency force will contribute to future growth as new agents build up their books of business with the Property and Casualty Group. Through the first quarter of 2007, we added 38 net producing agencies, therefore at March 31, 2007, we had 1,832 producing agencies. We expect to meet our goal of appointing 200 new agencies for the year. In 2006, we appointed 139 new agencies. Agency appointments are expected to continue to help drive long term growth. We also continue to evaluate the interactions used in our pricing segmentation models and potential new product line extensions and enhancements that could be offered.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Cost of management operations
                         
    Three months ended March 31
  2007   2006   % Change
(in thousands)   (Unaudited)
Commissions
  $ 130,849     $ 134,088       (2.4 )%
         
 
                       
Personnel costs
    33,913       35,627       (4.8 )
Survey and underwriting costs
    6,285       6,073       3.5  
Sales and policy issuance costs
    5,233       5,898       (11.3 )
All other operating costs
    14,105       12,139       16.2  
         
All other non-commission expense
    59,536       59,737       (0.3 )
         
 
                       
Total cost of management operations
  $ 190,385     $ 193,825       (1.8 )%
         
KEY POINTS
    Included in the $3.2 million decrease in commissions are:
    normal commissions decreased $2.2 million, or 2.0% to $108.0 million, in the first quarter of 2007 due to lower Property and Casualty Group premium volume.
 
    an estimate for agent bonuses and incentives that decreased $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2007.
    Included in the 4.8% decrease in personnel costs are:
    a decrease of $2.4 million in the expense for management incentive plans in 2007 compared to 2006,
 
    an offsetting increase of $1.2 million in salaries due to higher average pay rates, and
 
    lower pension expense of $0.7 million.
    Sales and policy issuance costs reflected a decrease as 2006 included additional costs for an agent related promotional incentive that ended in June 2006.
 
    All other operating costs increased 16.2% driven by a $1.8 million increase in professional fees.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Commissions - Commissions to independent agents, which are the largest component of the cost of management operations, include scheduled commissions earned by independent agents on premiums written, accelerated commissions and agent bonuses and are outlined in the following table:
                         
    Three months ended March 31
  2007   2006   % Change
(in thousands)           (Unaudited)        
Scheduled rate commissions
  $ 107,963     $ 110,155       (2.0 )%
Accelerated rate commissions
    513       383       33.9  
Agent bonuses
    21,328       22,424       (4.9 )
Promotional incentives
    93       1,326       (93.0 )
$50 personal auto bonus
    1,452           NM
 
                       
Change in allowance for mid-term policy cancellations
    (500 )     (200 )   NM
     
Total commissions
  $ 130,849     $ 134,088       (2.4 )%
     
NM = not meaningful
Scheduled and accelerated rate commissions - Scheduled rate commissions were impacted by a 2.6% decrease in the direct written premiums of the Property and Casualty Group in the first quarter of 2007 compared to the first quarter of 2006. This decrease was concentrated in the personal lines of business (comprising approximately 66% of the Property and Casualty Group’s business based on direct written premiums which have lower commission rates than commercial lines of business). The decrease in scheduled rate commissions of 2.0%, when compared to the reduction in direct written premiums of 2.6%, is reflective of this mix of premium dollars.
Accelerated rate commissions increased slightly during the first quarter of 2007. Accelerated rate commissions are offered under specific circumstances to certain newly-recruited agents for their initial three years. We have been expanding our agency force as part of our growth strategy. As new agency appointments continue, accelerated commissions are expected to increase. We appointed 65 new agencies in 2005 and 139 new agencies in 2006. We appointed 66 new agencies in the first quarter of 2007, of which 38 were productive, and expect to appoint 200 for the year.
Agent bonuses –Agent bonuses are based predominantly on an individual agency’s property/casualty underwriting profitability over a three-year period. There is also a growth component to the bonus, paid only if the agency is profitable. The estimate for the bonus is modeled on a monthly basis using the two prior year’s actual underwriting data by agency combined with the current year-to-date actual data. The decrease in the estimate for agent bonuses in the first quarter of 2007 reflects a reduction in our estimate of the profitability component of the bonus. The agent bonus award is estimated at $80.4 million for 2007. Of this estimate, $77.3 million represents the profitability component and $3.1 million represents the growth component.
$50 personal auto bonus – In July 2006, an incentive program was implemented that runs through December 2007 that pays a $50 bonus to agents for each qualifying new private passenger auto policy issued. The cost of this program for the first three months of 2007 was $1.5 million. These incentive program costs are expected to approximate $7.3 million for 2007.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Other costs of management operations – The cost of management operations excluding commission costs decreased 0.3% for the first quarter of 2007. Personnel costs, which are the second largest component in the cost of management operations, decreased 4.8%, or $1.7 million, in the first quarter of 2007. Expense for our management incentive plans decreased $2.4 million due to a reduction in the estimates for the management incentive plan payouts primarily attributable to lower than targeted Property and Casualty Group premium production. Offsetting this decrease was a $1.2 million increase in salaries primarily due to a 6% increase in the average pay rate less lower staffing levels. Employee benefit costs, which are included in personnel costs, include a decrease of $0.7 million in pension costs in the first quarter of 2007 compared to the first quarter of 2006, resulting from the change in the discount rate assumption used to calculate the pension expense from 5.75% in 2006 to 6.25% in 2007. The retiree health benefit plan net periodic cost decreased $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2007. Due to the curtailment of the retiree health benefit plan in May 2006, annual costs for 2007 are estimated at $0.6 million, compared to $2.9 million for 2006, before consideration of allocations to related entities. All other operating costs increased 16.2% primarily due to a $1.8 million increase in professional fees.
Future trends – cost of management operations — The competitive position of the Property and Casualty Group is based on many factors including price considerations, service levels, ease of doing business, product features and billing arrangements, among others. Pricing of Property and Casualty Group policies is directly affected by the cost structure of the Property and Casualty Group and the underlying costs of sales, underwriting and policy issuance activities performed by the Company for the Property and Casualty Group. In 2006, management worked to better align our growth in costs to the growth in premium over the long term. Our estimate for growth in non-commission operating expenses for the year 2007 is 6% after factoring in the effect of moderating costs recorded in the first quarter 2007. Much of the increase will be expended on information technology initiatives in 2007.
Insurance Underwriting Operations
Our insurance underwriting operations originate through direct business of our property/casualty insurance subsidiaries but net underwriting results are a product of the intercompany reinsurance pooling agreement between our subsidiaries and the Erie Insurance Exchange.
                         
    Three months ended March 31
  2007   2006   % Change
(in thousands)           (Unaudited)        
Premiums earned
  $ 51,974     $ 54,026       (3.8 )%
 
Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred
    32,234       30,053       7.3  
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses
    14,121       16,663       (15.3 )
     
Total losses and expenses
    46,355       46,716       (0.8 )
     
 
                       
Underwriting income
  $ 5,619     $ 7,310       (23.1 )%
     

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
KEY POINTS
  §   Earned premiums of the Property and Casualty Group declined $41 million reflecting the trend of rate decreases.
 
  §   Development of prior accident year loss reserves continued to be favorable in the first quarter 2007, improving the loss ratio 10.3 points, or $5.4 million, compared to an improvement of 7.9 points for the first quarter of 2006.
 
  §   The majority of this positive development resulted from favorable re-estimates of reserves on prior accident quarters for automobile bodily injury and uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury. Improvements in the accident quarter loss ratios in these lines were a result of improved frequency and severity trends.
 
  §   Offsetting this favorable development was a strengthening of reserves for certain workers compensation claims of which our share was $0.4 million, or 0.8 GAAP combined ratio points.
 
  §   We recognized certain adjusting and other liabilities of $1.4 million, or 2.4 combined ratio points, for estimated employee salaries and benefits of the Exchange not fully considered in the reserve.
 
  §   Policy acquisition and other underwriting costs included $2.0 million in additional expenses, or 3.8 combined ratio points, in the first quarter of 2006 for the write-off the intangible asset related to the ERIEConnection system.
PROFITABILITY MEASURES
                 
    Three months ended March 31
    2007   2006
Erie Indemnity Company GAAP Loss and LAE ratio
    62.0 %     55.6 %
Erie Indemnity Company GAAP combined ratio(1)
    89.2       86.5  
P&C Group statutory combined ratio
    89.6       86.5  
P&C Group adjusted statutory combined ratio(2)
    85.5       82.3  
Direct business:
               
Personal lines adjusted statutory combined ratio
    81.8       83.5  
Commercial lines adjusted statutory combined ratio
    88.7       73.6  
 
               
Prior accident year reserve development — redundancy
    (10.3 )     (7.9 )
Prior year salvage and subrogation recoveries collected
    (3.1 )     (3.1 )
     
Total loss ratio points from prior accident years
    (13.4 )%     (11.0 )%
     
 
(1)   The GAAP combined ratio represents the ratio of losses, loss adjustment, acquisition and other underwriting expenses incurred to premiums earned.
 
(2)   The adjusted statutory combined ratio removes the profit component of the management fee we earn.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Development of direct loss reserves
Our 5.5% share of the Property and Casualty Group’s development of prior accident year losses, after removing the effects of salvage and subrogation recoveries, had a $5.4 million favorable impact in the first quarter of 2007, which improved the loss ratio by 10.3 points. A majority of the improvements related to frequency and severity trends on the automobile bodily injury and uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury. These trends reflect results from the Claims IMPACT initiative and changes in the way these claims are settled in Pennsylvania. Overall our personal auto loss trends remain favorable, which is consistent with industry projections. In the first quarter of 2006, favorable development of prior accident year losses, removing the effects of salvage and subrogation recoveries, was $4.3 million, primarily experienced in personal auto, homeowners and workers compensation lines of business. Severity trends were flattening in the first quarter of 2006 compared to those anticipated based on historical patterns.
Catastrophe losses
Our share of catastrophe losses as defined by the Property and Casualty Group amounted to $0.3 million in each of the first quarters of 2007 and 2006. These catastrophe losses contributed 0.5 points and 0.6 points to the GAAP combined ratio in the first quarters of 2007 and 2006, respectively. Underwriting losses are seasonally higher in the second and fourth quarters and as a consequence, our property/casualty combined ratio generally increases as the year progresses. In the first quarter of 2007, our share of the reduction to incurred but not reported reserves related to seasonality adjustments was $3.3 million, compared to $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2006.
While the Property and Casualty Group did not renew the intercompany excess-of-loss reinsurance agreement for accident years 2006 and 2007, the unexpired accident years of 2001 through 2005 will be settled and losses commuted in accordance with the agreement as the 60-month periods expire. Any charges and recoveries under the agreement are recorded to our loss and loss adjustment expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Through March 31, 2007, none of the unexpired accident years have been triggered under the agreement. In the first quarter of 2007, $6.8 million was received from the Exchange for cash settlement of the 2001 accident year, which had been commuted as of December 31, 2006. The 2006 accident year has been commuted as of December 31, 2005, with settlement of the cash payment of the $1.7 million received from the Exchange occurring in the first quarter of 2006.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Investment Operations
                         
    Three months ended March 31
  2007   2006   % Change
(in thousands)           (Unaudited)        
Net investment income
  $ 13,978     $ 15,000       (6.8 )%
 
                       
Net realized gains on investments
    1,890       784     NM
 
                       
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships
    12,518       4,142     NM
 
                       
Equity in earnings of EFL
    1,366       651     NM
     
Net revenue from investment operations
  $ 29,752     $ 20,577       44.6 %
     
NM = not meaningful
KEY POINTS
    Net investment income decreased 6.8% for the quarter as a result of lower invested asset balances due to prior period’s share repurchase activity.
 
    The net realized gains on investments in the first quarter of 2007 include $0.7 million from impairment charges compared to $2.0 million in the first quarter of 2006.
 
    Equity in earnings of limited partnerships increased $8.4 million in the first quarter of 2007 due to favorable market conditions.
Net realized gains and losses on investments included impairment charges of $0.7 million and $2.0 million on fixed maturity and equity securities in the first quarter of 2007 and 2006, respectively. Included in these amounts were impairment charges on equity securities of $0.4 million and $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Impairment charges on fixed maturities totaled $0.3 million and $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Private equity and mezzanine debt limited partnerships generated earnings of $6.0 million and $2.3 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Real estate limited partnerships generated earnings of $6.5 million and $1.8 million in the first quarters of 2007 and 2006, respectively. Optimal market conditions resulted in a higher return on capital on mezzanine debt and private equity partnership investments by some of our more seasoned limited partnerships and appreciation of commercial properties owned by our real estate limited partnerships.
Provision for Income Taxes
Our 2007 provision for income taxes was based on an annualized effective income tax rate of 32.7% in the first quarter of 2007. However, the first quarter 2007 provision was reduced by $2.1 million due to a change to the deferred income tax calculation related to anticipated salvage and subrogation and an estimated $0.4 million recoverable recorded for the Internal Revenue Service audit for the years 2003 and 2004, somewhat offset by $0.8 million of interest expense on uncertain tax positions recorded in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Interpretation 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Investments
Our investment strategy takes a long-term perspective emphasizing investment quality, diversification and superior investment returns. Investments are managed on a total return approach that focuses on current income and capital appreciation. Our investment strategy also provides for liquidity to meet our short- and long-term commitments. At March 31, 2007, our investment portfolio of investment-grade bonds and preferred stock, common stock and cash and cash equivalents represents $1.1 billion, or 35.3%, of total assets. These investments provide the liquidity we require to meet the demands on our funds.
For the three months ended March 31, 2007, we repurchased 282,539 shares of our outstanding Class A common stock at a cost of $15.1 million in conjunction with the continuation of the stock repurchase plan. We continued to use available funds to repurchase shares thus limiting the funds available for investment operations.
Our investments are subject to certain risks, including interest rate and price risk. Our exposure to interest rates is concentrated in our fixed maturities portfolio. The fixed maturities portfolio comprises 62% and 63% of invested assets at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. We calculate the duration and convexity of the fixed maturities portfolio each month to measure the price sensitivity of the portfolio to interest rate changes. Duration measures the relative sensitivity of the fair value of an investment to changes in interest rates. Convexity measures the rate of change of duration with respect to changes in interest rates. These factors are analyzed monthly to ensure that both the duration and convexity remain in the targeted ranges established by management.
We continually review the investment portfolio to evaluate positions that might incur other-than-temporary declines in value. For all investment holdings, general economic conditions and/or conditions specifically affecting the underlying issuer or its industry, including downgrades by the major rating agencies, are considered in evaluating impairment in value. In addition to specific factors, other factors considered in our review of investment valuation are the length of time and amount the market value is below cost.
There is a presumption of impairment for common equity securities when the decline is, in management’s opinion significant and of an extended duration. We consider market conditions, industry characteristics and the fundamental operating results of the issuer to determine if sufficient objective evidence exists to refute the presumption of impairment. When the presumption of impairment is confirmed, we will recognize an impairment charge to operations. Impairments are included in realized losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
For fixed maturity and preferred stock investments, we individually analyze all positions with emphasis on those that have, in management’s opinion, declined significantly below cost. We consider market

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
conditions, industry characteristics and the fundamental operating results of the issuer to determine if the decline is due to changes in interest rates, changes relating to a decline in credit quality, or other issues affecting the investment. A charge is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for positions that have experienced other-than-temporary impairments due to credit quality or other factors, or for which it is not our intent or ability to hold the position until recovery has occurred. (See “Analysis of Investment Operations” section).
If our policy for determining the recognition of impaired positions were different, our Consolidated Results of Operations could be significantly impacted. Management believes its investment valuation philosophy and accounting practices result in appropriate and timely measurement of value and recognition of impairment.
Our portfolio of marketable equity securities, which is carried on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at estimated fair value, has exposure to price risk, the risk of potential loss in estimated fair value resulting from an adverse change in prices. We do not hedge our exposure to equity price risk inherent in our equity investments. Our objective is to earn competitive relative returns by investing in a diverse portfolio of high-quality, liquid securities. Portfolio holdings are diversified across industries and among exchange traded mid- to large-cap stocks. We measure risk by comparing the performance of the marketable equity portfolio to benchmark returns such as the S&P 500.
Property/casualty loss reserves
Loss reserves are established to account for the estimated ultimate costs of loss and loss adjustment expenses for claims that have been reported but not yet settled and claims that have been incurred but not reported.
The factors which may potentially cause the greatest variation between current reserve estimates and the actual future paid amounts are: unforeseen changes in statutory or case law altering the amounts to be paid on existing claim obligations, new medical procedures and/or drugs whose cost is significantly different from that seen in the past, and claims patterns on current business that differ significantly from historical claims patterns.
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves are presented on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position on a gross basis for EIC, EINY, and EIPC, our property/casualty insurance subsidiaries that wrote about 16% of the direct property/casualty premiums of the Property and Casualty Group. Under the terms of the Property and Casualty Group’s quota share and intercompany pooling arrangement, a significant portion of these reserve liabilities are recoverable. Recoverable amounts are reflected as an asset on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The direct and assumed loss and loss adjustment expense reserves by major line of business and the related amount recoverable under the intercompany pooling arrangement are presented below:

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
                 
    As of  
    March 31,     December 31,  
(in thousands)   2007     2006  
Gross reserve liability
               
Personal lines:
               
Private passenger auto
  $ 355,450     $ 373,108  
Catastrophic injury
    188,774       196,306  
Homeowners
    28,742       27,224  
Other personal
    10,802       11,416  
Commercial lines:
               
Workers compensation
    229,619       221,078  
Commercial auto
    84,596       87,202  
Commercial multi-peril
    73,823       73,542  
Catastrophic injury
    712       550  
Other commercial
    28,203       37,119  
Reinsurance
    48,188       46,025  
     
Gross reserves
    1,048,909       1,073,570  
Reinsurance recoverables
    852,848       874,485  
     
Net reserve liability
  $ 196,061     $ 199,085  
     
Losses and loss adjustment expense reserves are developed using multiple estimation methods that generate point estimates. The estimate recorded is a function of detailed analysis of historical trends and actuarial and management expectations of future events and trends. The product coverage that has the greatest potential for variation is the pre-1986 automobile catastrophic injury liability reserve. The automobile no-fault law in Pennsylvania at that time provided for unlimited medical benefits. The estimation of ultimate liabilities for these claims is subject to significant judgment due to variations in claimant health and mortality over time. Because the coverage related to these claims is unique, ultimate losses are estimated on a claim-by-claim basis. An annual payment assumption is made for each claimant and then projected into the future based upon a particular assumption of future inflation rate and life expectancy of the claimant. There are currently about 300 claimants requiring lifetime medical care of which less than 100 involve catastrophic injuries.
The reserve carried by the Property and Casualty Group for the catastrophic injury claimants, which is our best estimate of this liability at this time, was $277.0 million at March 31, 2007, which is net of $160.3 million of anticipated reinsurance recoverables. Our property/casualty subsidiaries share of the net automobile catastrophic injury liability reserve is $15.2 million at March 31, 2007.
Off-balance sheet arrangements
There are no off-balance sheet obligations related to the variable interest we have in the Exchange. Any liabilities between the Exchange and us are recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. We have no other material off-balance sheet obligations or guarantees.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity is a measure of an entity’s ability to secure enough cash to meet its contractual obligations and operating needs. We have historically generated sufficient net positive cash flow from our operations to fund our commitments and build the investment portfolio. We also maintain a high degree of liquidity in our investment portfolio in the form of readily marketable fixed maturities, equity securities and short-term investments.
Our primary sources of cash from operations are generated from our net management revenues and by collecting and investing in premiums from new and renewal business in advance of paying claims. Management fees from the Exchange represented 71.1% of our total revenues for the first quarter of 2007. Cash outflows are variable because settlement dates for claim payments vary and cannot be predicted with absolute certainty. While volatility in claims payments could be significant for the Property and Casualty Group, the effect on us of this volatility is mitigated by the intercompany reinsurance pooling arrangement. The cash flow requirements for claims have not historically been significant to our liquidity. Historically, about 50% of losses and loss adjustment expenses included in the reserve are paid out in the subsequent 12-month period and approximately 89% is paid out within a five year period. Such payments are reduced by recoveries under the intercompany reinsurance pooling agreement. We generated positive cash flows from our operating activities of $11.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007.
Cash paid in the first three months of 2007 for agent bonuses was $91.4 million, of which $90.2 million was accrued at December 31, 2006. Management fee revenues were lower in the first quarter of 2007 compared to 2006 primarily due to the significant rate reductions implemented by the Property and Casualty Group. However, because the Company changed its cash settlement practices from monthly to quarterly during the second quarter of 2006, cash received from management fees in 2007 was higher than in 2006.
During the first quarter of 2007, we repurchased 282,539 shares of our outstanding Class A common stock in conjunction with the continuation of our stock repurchase plan that was authorized in February 2006. The shares were purchased at a total cost of $15.1 million. We have $115 million remaining under this plan authorized through December 31, 2009. (See Part II of Item 2. Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.)
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
We make estimates and assumptions that have a significant effect on the amounts and disclosures reported in the financial statements. The most significant estimates relate to valuation of investments, reserves for property/casualty insurance unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and retirement benefits. While management believes its estimates are appropriate, the ultimate amounts may differ from estimates provided. Our most critical accounting estimates are described in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. There have been no significant changes to the policies surrounding these estimates since that time.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS
Financial condition of the Exchange
We have a direct interest in the financial condition of the Exchange because management fee revenues are based on the direct written premiums of the Exchange and the other members of the Property and Casualty Group. Additionally, we participate in the underwriting results of the Exchange through the pooling arrangement in which our insurance subsidiaries have 5.5% participation. A concentration of credit risk also exists related to the unsecured receivables due from the Exchange for certain fees, costs and reimbursements.
To the extent that the Exchange incurs underwriting losses or investment losses resulting from declines in the value of its marketable securities, the Exchange’s policyholders’ surplus would be adversely affected. If the surplus of the Exchange were to decline significantly from its current level, the Property and Casualty Group could find it more difficult to retain its existing business and attract new business. A decline in the business of the Property and Casualty Group would have an adverse effect on the amount of the management fees we receive and the underwriting results of the Property and Casualty Group in which we have 5.5% participation. In addition, a substantial decline in the surplus of the Exchange from its current level would make it more likely that the management fee rate would be reduced. At March 31, 2007, the Exchange had $4.3 billion in statutory surplus and a premium to surplus ratio of less than 1 to 1. We believe the Exchange’s capital levels are very strong.
Additional information, including condensed statutory financial statements of the Exchange, is presented in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein.
Insurance premium rates
The changes in premiums written attributable to rate changes of the Property and Casualty Group directly affect underwriting profitability of the Property and Casualty Group, the Exchange and us and also have a direct bearing on management fees. Rate reductions have been implemented and continue to be sought in 2007 by the Property and Casualty Group to recognize improved underwriting results and to maintain price competitiveness.
Pricing actions contemplated or taken by the Property and Casualty Group are subject to various regulatory requirements of the states in which these insurers operate. The pricing actions already implemented, or to be implemented through 2007, will also have an effect on the market competitiveness of the Property and Casualty Group’s insurance products. Such pricing actions, and
those of competitors, could affect the ability of our agents to sell and/or renew business. Management forecasts that pricing actions approved, filed and awaiting approval or contemplated through 2007, will reduce premium for the Property and Casualty Group by $45 million through the remainder of the year.
The Property and Casualty Group continues refining its pricing segmentation model for private passenger auto and homeowners lines of business. The refined rating plans include significantly more pricing segments than the former plans, providing us greater flexibility in pricing for policyholders with varying degrees of risk. Refining pricing segmentation should enable us to provide more competitive rates to policyholders with varying risk characteristics, as risks can be more accurately priced over time.
The continued introduction of new pricing variables could impact retention of existing policyholders and could affect the Property and Casualty Group’s ability to attract new policyholders. These outcomes will

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
then impact the Property and Casualty Group’s premium dollars and ultimately our management fee revenue.
Policy growth
Premium levels attributable to growth in policies in force of the Property and Casualty Group directly affect the profitability of our management operations. The continued focus on underwriting discipline and implementation of the new rate classification plan through the pricing segmentation model resulted in an initial reduction in new policy sales and policy retention ratios, as expected. In 2007, new policy sales and policy retention ratios have experienced modest but steady improvements. The growth of the policy base of the Property and Casualty Group is dependent upon its ability to retain existing and attract new policyholders. A lack of new policy growth or the inability to retain existing customers could have an adverse effect on the growth of premium levels for the Property and Casualty Group.
Catastrophe losses
The Property and Casualty Group conducts business in 11 states and the District of Columbia, primarily in the mid-Atlantic, midwestern and southeastern portions of the United States. A substantial portion of the business is private passenger and commercial automobile, homeowners and other commercial lines of business in Ohio, Maryland, Virginia and particularly, Pennsylvania. As a result, a single catastrophe occurrence or destructive weather pattern could have a material adverse affect on the results of operations and surplus position of the members of the Property and Casualty Group. Common catastrophic events include severe winter storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, wind and hail storms. In its homeowners line of insurance, the Property and Casualty Group is particularly exposed to an Atlantic hurricane, which might strike the states of North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. The Property and Casualty Group maintains catastrophe occurrence reinsurance coverage to mitigate the future potential catastrophe loss exposure.
Information technology development and costs
Management has established a program of initiatives to enhance the functionality of our legacy processing and Agency interface systems aimed at improving the ease of doing business, enhancing Agent and Employee productivity and access to information. Several of these initiatives are underway and others are in the planning or preliminary development stages. The entire cost and duration of these investments is not yet determined, but is not expected to have a material financial impact in any single period. Management is also exploring alternatives for acquisition of Agency interface and policy processing systems, but is unable to estimate the timing and cost of these efforts at this early stage of evaluation.
Erie Family Life business process outsourcing
During 2006, Erie Family Life (EFL) decided to outsource certain business processes and core information technology to an external vendor beginning in 2007. The transition of functions and technology to the external vendor is expected to be complete in the third quarter of 2007. EFL expects to incur substantial conversion costs in 2007 of which we will be impacted by our 21.6% ownership share of EFL.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our exposure to market risk is primarily related to fluctuations in prices and interest rates. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk resulting from changes in prices and interest rates are included in Item 7A. in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes in such risks or our periodic reviews of asset and liability positions during the three months ended March 31, 2007. The information contained in the investments section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is incorporated herein by reference.
Our objective is to earn competitive returns by investing in a diversified portfolio of securities. We are exposed to credit risk through our portfolios of fixed maturity securities, nonredeemable preferred stock, mortgage loans and to a lesser extent short-term investments. This risk is defined as the potential loss in market value resulting from adverse changes in the borrower’s ability to repay the debt. We manage this risk by performing up front underwriting analysis and ongoing reviews of credit quality by position and for the fixed maturity portfolio in total. We do not hedge credit risk inherent in our fixed maturity investments.
We have significant receivables from the Exchange, which are subject to credit risk. Our results are directly related to the financial strength of the Exchange. Credit risks related to the receivables from the Exchange are evaluated periodically by management. Since our inception, we have collected all amounts due from the Exchange in a timely manner (generally within 120 days).
“Safe Harbor” Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Certain forward-looking statements contained herein involve risks and uncertainties. These statements include certain discussions relating to management fee revenue, cost of management operations, underwriting, premium and investment income volume, business strategies, profitability and business relationships and our other business activities during 2007 and beyond. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “potential” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views about future events, are based on assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from those anticipated in those statements. Many of the factors that will determine future events or achievements are beyond our ability to control or predict.

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We carried out an evaluation, with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective for gathering, analyzing and disclosing the information we are required to disclose in the reports it files under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Our management evaluated, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, any change in our internal control over financial reporting and determined that there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting .

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
                                 
                            Approximate  
                            Dollar Value  
                    Total Number of     of Shares that  
    Total Number     Average     Shares Purchased     May Yet Be  
    of Shares     Price Paid     as Part of Publicly     Purchased  
Period   Purchased     Per Share     Announced Plan     Under the Plan  
January 1 – 31, 2007
    48,971     $ 54.74       46,229          
 
                               
February 1 – 28, 2007
    33,807       54.79       33,807          
 
                               
March 1 – 31, 2007
    202,503       52.78       202,503          
 
                           
 
                               
Total
    285,281               282,539     $ 115,000,000  
 
                         
The month of January 2007 includes 2,742 shares that vested under the stock compensation plan for our outside directors. Included in this amount are the vesting of 2,479 of awards previously granted and 245 dividend equivalent shares that vest as they are granted (as dividends are declared).
In February 2006, our Board of Directors approved a continuation of the stock repurchase program for an additional $250 million authorizing repurchases through December 31, 2009.

45


Table of Contents

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION (Continued)
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
     
Exhibit    
Number   Description of Exhibit
10.91
  Employment Agreement effective April 30, 2007 by and between Erie Indemnity Company and James J. Tanous
 
   
31.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
   
31.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
   
32
  Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

46


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
     
 
  Erie Indemnity Company
 
   
 
  (Registrant)
 
   
Date: May 2, 2007
  /s/ Jeffrey A. Ludrof
 
   
 
  Jeffrey A. Ludrof, President & CEO
     
 
  /s/ Philip A. Garcia
 
   
 
  Philip A. Garcia, Executive Vice President & CFO

47

EX-10.91 2 l25715aexv10w91.htm EX-10.91 EX-10.91
 

EXHIBIT 10.91
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
     THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) made effective as of the 30th day of April, 2007 (the “Effective Date”) by and between ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY, a Pennsylvania corporation with its principal place of business at Erie, Pennsylvania (the “Company”), and James J. Tanous (the “Executive”);
WITNESSETH:
     WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the Company to secure the employment of the Executive on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement; and
     WHEREAS, the Executive desires and is willing to accept employment with the Company on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein;
     NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
     1. Term. The Company hereby agrees to employ the Executive and the Executive hereby agrees to such employment with the Company pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement as Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of the Company, or in such other position with the Company of at least commensurate responsibility and authority in all material respects, for a term of three (3) years commencing on the Effective Date hereof and expiring on April 29, 2010, unless earlier terminated pursuant to Section 5 hereof. The Executive shall serve in said office(s) at the pleasure of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) and the Executive may be removed from said office(s) at any time with or without Cause, as hereinafter defined, pursuant to Sections 5(a) or 5(b) hereof; provided that any such removal shall be without prejudice to any contract rights the Executive may have hereunder. This Agreement shall expire by its terms on April 29, 2010.
     2. Duties and Responsibilities. The Executive’s duties hereunder shall be those which shall be prescribed by the CEO from time to time, and shall include such executive authority, duties, powers and responsibilities as customarily attend the office as Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of a company comparable to the Company. The Executive shall discharge such duties consistent with sound business practices and in accordance with law and the Company’s general employment policies, in each case, as in effect from time to time, in all material respects and the Executive shall use best efforts to promote the best interests of the Company. During the term of this Agreement, the Executive’s position (including the Executive’s status and reporting requirements), authority, duties, powers and responsibilities shall at all times be at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised or assigned to the Executive as of the Effective Date. The Executive shall devote the Executive’s knowledge, skill and all of the Executive’s professional time, attention and energies (reasonable absences for vacations and illness excepted), to the business of the Company in order to perform such assigned duties faithfully, competently and diligently.

 


 

     3. Compensation. During the term of this Agreement, the Executive shall receive, for all services rendered to the Company hereunder, the following (hereinafter referred to collectively as “Compensation”):
     (a) Starting Bonus. The Executive shall be paid a one-time starting bonus in the amount of $100,000 upon the execution of this Agreement. Executive agrees that should he voluntarily end his employment with the Company for any reason: (i) within the first twelve months of the term of this Agreement, Executive will reimburse the Company the full amount of the starting bonus, and (ii) after the first twelve months of the term of this Agreement, but before the expiration of twenty-four months, then in that event the Executive will reimburse the Company a pro-ratio of the starting bonus calculated as follows:.
Reimbursement to Company = 1 — months of employment x $100,000
24
After the expiration of 24 months of employment, there will be no requirement for reimbursement of the Starting Bonus.
     (b) Salary. The Executive shall be paid an annual base salary at an annual rate of $375,000. The Executive’s annual base salary shall not be reduced during the term of this Agreement. The Executive’s annual base salary shall be payable in equal installments in accordance with the Company’s general salary payment policies, but no less frequently than bi-weekly.
     (c) Incentive Compensation. The Executive shall be eligible for awards under the Company’s incentive compensation plans, if any, applicable to executive officers of the Company or to key employees of the Company or its subsidiaries, including, but not limited to, management incentive plans and stock plans, in accordance with and subject to the terms thereof (including any provisions providing for changes in the level of or termination of benefits thereunder), on a basis commensurate with the Executive’s position and authorities, duties, powers and responsibilities.
     (d) Employee Benefit Plans. The Executive and the Executive’s “dependents,” as that term may be defined under the applicable employee benefit plan(s) of the Company, shall be included, to the extent eligible thereunder and subject to the terms of the plans (including any provisions for changing the level of or termination of benefits thereunder), in all plans, programs and policies which provide benefits for Company employees and their dependents on a basis commensurate with the Executive’s position and authorities, duties, powers and responsibilities including, without limitation, health care insurance, health and welfare plans, pension and retirement plans, group or individual life insurance plans, short and long-term disability plans, survivors’ benefits, executive supplemental benefits, holidays and other similar or comparable benefits made

2


 

available to the Company’s employees (hereinafter, such plans, programs and policies shall be collectively referred to as the “Erie Benefit Plans”).
     (e) Performance Appraisal. The Executive’s performance may be evaluated by the CEO from time to time. The Executive shall be entitled to such additional remuneration as the CEO, in his discretion, determines from time to time.
     4. Absences. The Executive shall be entitled to vacations in accordance with the Company’s vacation policy in effect from time to time (but in no event shall the Executive be entitled to fewer vacation days than under the Company’s vacation policy as in effect on the Effective Date) and to absences because of illness or other incapacity, and shall also be entitled to such other absences, whether for holiday, personal time, conventions, or for any other purpose, as are customarily granted to the Company’s other officers.
     5. Termination. During the term of this Agreement, the Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated only as follows:
     (a) By the Company Without Cause. The CEO may at any time terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder without Cause, and upon no less than thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the Executive.
     (b) By the Company For Cause. The CEO may terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder for Cause. In such event, the CEO shall give to the Executive prompt written notice specifying in reasonable detail the basis for such termination. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean any of the following conduct by the Executive:
  (1)   The deliberate and intentional breach of any material provision of this Agreement, which breach Executive shall have failed to cure within thirty (30) days after Executive’s receipt of written notice from the Company specifying the specific nature of the Executive’s breach;
 
  (2)   The deliberate and intentional engaging by Executive in gross misconduct that is materially and demonstrably inimical to the best interests, monetary or otherwise, of the Company; or
 
  (3)   Conviction of a felony or conviction of any crime involving moral turpitude, fraud or deceit.
For purposes of this definition, no act, or failure to act, on the Executive’s part shall be considered “deliberate and intentional” unless done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive not in good faith and without reasonable belief that such action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.

3


 

     (c) Disability. In the event that the Executive shall be unable to perform the Executive’s duties hereunder on a full time basis for a period of one hundred-eighty (180) consecutive calendar days by reason of incapacity due to illness, accident or other physical or mental disability, then the CEO may, at his discretion, terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder if the Executive, within ten (10) days after receipt of written notice of termination (which notice may be given before or after the end of the entire 180 day period), shall not have returned to the performance of all of his duties hereunder on a full-time basis.
     (d) Death. The Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall terminate upon the Executive’s death.
     (e) Mutual Written Agreement. This Agreement and the Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated at any time by the mutual written agreement of the Executive and the Company.
     6. Compensation in the Event of Termination. In the event that the Executive’s employment hereunder terminates prior to the expiration of this Agreement for any reason provided in Section 5 hereof, the Company shall pay the Executive, compensation and provide the Executive and the Executive’s eligible dependents with benefits as follows:
     (a) Termination By Company Without Cause. In the event that the Executive’s employment hereunder is terminated by the Company without Cause pursuant to Section 5(a) hereof, then in any such event the Company shall pay the following compensation to the Executive:
1.5 times the Executive’s highest annual base salary plus 1.5 times the greater of either any annual incentive award actually paid or the annual incentive target award, calculated using the base salary and annual incentive target award in effect immediately preceding the Executive’s termination. Such payment to the Executive by the Company shall be paid in a lump sum. The lump sum payment shall be paid as soon as administratively practicable following the date of the termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder, provided the same is consistent with applicable law.
     (b) Termination By the Company for Cause. In the event that the Company shall terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder for Cause pursuant to Section 5(b), this Agreement shall forthwith terminate and the Executive shall not be entitled to any additional compensation or severance benefit.
     (c) Disability. In the event that the Company elects to terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder pursuant to Section 5(c), the Executive shall continue to receive from the date of such termination through the expiration date

4


 

of this Agreement, sixty percent (60%) of the then current annual base salary to which the Executive was entitled pursuant to Section 3(b) hereof immediately preceding such termination, in accordance with the payroll practices of the Company for executive officers, reduced, however, by the amount of any proceeds from Social Security and disability insurance policies provided by and at the expense of the Company.
     (d) Death. In the event of the death of the Executive during the term of this Agreement, the then current annual base salary to which the Executive was entitled pursuant to Section 3(b) hereof immediately preceding the Executive’s death shall be paid, in twelve (12) equal monthly installments following the date of death, to the last beneficiary designated by the Executive under the Company’s group life insurance policy maintained by the Company or such other written designation expressly provided to the Company for the purposes hereof or, failing either such designation, to the Executive’s estate.
     (e) Mutual Written Consent. In the event that the Executive and the Company shall terminate the Executive’s employment by mutual written agreement, the Company shall pay such compensation and provide such benefits, if any, as the parties may mutually agree upon in writing.
     (f) Taxes. Executive shall be solely responsible for any federal, state or local income or related taxes for any payments to Executive under this Section 6.
The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Section 6 by seeking employment or otherwise, nor shall any amounts received from employment or otherwise by the Executive offset in any manner the obligations of the Company hereunder except as specifically provided in Section 6(c) hereof.
     7. Covenants as to Confidential Information and Competitive Conduct. The Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees as follows: (i) this Section 7 is necessary for the protection of the legitimate business interests of the Company, and (ii) the Executive has received adequate and valuable consideration for entering into this Agreement.
     (a) Confidentiality of Information and Nondisclosure. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Executive’s employment by the Company under this Agreement necessarily involves knowledge of and access to confidential and proprietary information pertaining to the business of the Company and its subsidiaries. Accordingly, the Executive agrees that at all times during the term of this Agreement and at any time thereafter, the Executive will not, directly or indirectly, without the express written approval of the Company, unless directed by applicable legal authority (including any court of competent jurisdiction, governmental agency having supervisory authority over the business of the Company or the subsidiaries, or any legislative or administrative body having supervisory authority over the business of the Company or its subsidiaries) having

5


 

jurisdiction over the Executive, disclose to or use, or knowingly permit to be so disclosed or used, for the benefit of himself, any person, corporation or other entity other than the Company, (i) any information concerning any financial matters, customer relationships, competitive status, supplier matters, internal organizational matters, current or future plans, or other business affairs of or relating to the Company or its subsidiaries, (ii) any management, operational, trade, technical or other secrets or any other proprietary information or other data of the Company or its subsidiaries, or (iii) any other information related to the Company or its subsidiaries or which the Executive should reasonably believe will be damaging to the Company or its subsidiaries which has not been published and is not generally known outside of the Company. The Executive acknowledges that all of the foregoing constitutes confidential and proprietary information, which is the exclusive property of the Company.
     (b) Company Remedies. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that any breach of this Section 7 will result in immediate and irreparable harm to the Company, and that the Company cannot be reasonably or adequately compensated by damages in an action at law. In the event of a breach by the Executive of the provisions of this Section 7, the Company shall be entitled, to the extent permitted by law, immediately to cease to pay or provide the Executive or the Executive’s dependents any compensation or benefit being, or to be, paid or provided to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement, and also to obtain immediate injunctive relief restraining the Executive from conduct in breach of the covenants contained in this Section 7. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other remedies available to it for such breach, including the recovery of damages from the Executive.
     8. Resolution of Differences Over Breaches of Agreement. Except as otherwise provided herein, in the event of any controversy, dispute or claim arising out of, or relating to, this Agreement, or the breach thereof, or arising out of any other matter relating to the Executive’s employment with the Company, the parties may seek recourse only for temporary or preliminary injunctive relief to the courts having jurisdiction thereof and if any relief other than injunctive relief is sought, the Company and the Executive agree that such underlying controversy, dispute or claim shall be settled by arbitration conducted in Erie, Pennsylvania in accordance with this Section 8 and the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). The matter shall be heard and decided, and awards rendered by a panel of three (3) arbitrators (the “Arbitration Panel”). The Company and the Executive shall each select one arbitrator from the AAA National Panel of Commercial Arbitrators (the “Commercial Panel”) and AAA shall select a third arbitrator from the Commercial Panel. The award rendered by the Arbitration Panel shall be final and binding as between the parties hereto and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, and judgment on the award may be entered by any court having jurisdiction thereof. Each party shall bear sole responsibility for all expenses and costs incurred by such party in connection with the resolution of any controversy, dispute or claim in accordance with this Section 8.

6


 

     9. Payment of Executive’s Legal Fees. If the Executive is required to bring any action to enforce rights or to collect moneys due under this Agreement, the Company shall pay to the Executive the fees and expenses incurred by the Executive in bringing and pursuing such action if the Executive is successful, in whole or in part, on the merits or otherwise (including by way of a settlement involving a payment of money by the Company to the Executive), in such action. The Company shall pay such fees and expenses in advance of the final disposition of such action upon receipt of an undertaking from the Executive to repay to the Company such advances if the Executive is not ultimately successful, in whole or in part, on the merits or otherwise, in such action.
     10. Release. The Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that neither the Company nor any of its representatives or agents will be obligated to pay any compensation or benefit which the Executive has a right to be paid or provided to the Executive or the Executive’s dependents, unless the Executive, if requested by the Company in its sole discretion, executes a release in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company, which releases any and all claims the Executive has or may have against the Company or its subsidiaries, agents, officers, directors, successors or assigns.
     11. Waiver. The waiver by a party hereto of any breach by the other party hereto of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach by a party hereto.
     12. Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company, and the Company shall be obligated to require any successor to expressly acknowledge and assume its obligations hereunder. This Agreement shall inure to the extent provided hereunder to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive or the Executive’s legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. The Executive may not delegate any of the Executive’s duties, responsibilities, obligations or positions hereunder to any person and any such purported delegation shall be void and of no force and effect.
     13. Notices. Any notices required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing, and if personally delivered or when sent by first class certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested—in the case of the Executive, to his residence address as set forth below, and in the case of the Company, to the address of its principal place of business as set forth below, to the attention of the President and Chief Executive Officer — or to such other person or at such other address with respect to each party as such party shall notify the other in writing.
     14. Construction of Agreement.
     (a) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
     (b) Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity,

7


 

legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
     (c) Headings. The descriptive headings of the several paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement.
     15. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties concerning the Executive’s employment and all promises, representations, understandings, arrangements and prior agreements on such subject are merged herein and superseded hereby. The provisions of this Agreement may not be amended, modified, repealed, waived, extended or discharged except by an agreement in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of any amendment, modification, repeal, waiver, extension or discharge is sought.

8


 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed by its officers thereunto duly authorized, and the Executive has hereunto set his hand all as of the day and year first above written.
ATTEST:
/s/ Brian W. Bolash
ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
By: /s/ Jeffrey A. Ludrof
Jeffrey A. Ludrof
President and Chief Executive Officer
100 Erie Insurance Place
Erie, PA 16530
/s/ James J. Tanous (SEAL)
James J. Tanous
WITNESS :
/s/ Sheila M. Hirsch

9

EX-31.1 3 l25715aexv31w1.htm EX-31.1 EX-31.1
 

EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Jeffrey A. Ludrof, Chief Executive Officer of Erie Indemnity Company, certify that:
  1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Erie Indemnity Company;
 
  2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
  3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
  4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
  a.   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
  b.   Designed such internal control over financial reporting or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;
 
  c.   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
  d.   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
  5.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors:
  a.   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting, which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
  b.   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: May 2, 2007
/s/ Jeffrey A. Ludrof                         
Jeffrey A. Ludrof, President & CEO

48

EX-31.2 4 l25715aexv31w2.htm EX-31.2 EX-31.2
 

EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Philip A. Garcia, Chief Financial Officer of Erie Indemnity Company, certify that:
  1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Erie Indemnity Company;
 
  2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
  3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
  4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
  a.   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
  b.   Designed such internal control over financial reporting or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;
 
  c.   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
  d.   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
  5.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors:
  a.   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting, which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
  b.   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: May 2, 2007
/s/ Philip A. Garcia                                                  
Philip A. Garcia, Executive Vice President & CFO

49

EX-32 5 l25715aexv32.htm EX-32 EX-32
 

EXHIBIT 32
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
We, Jeffrey A. Ludrof, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Philip A. Garcia, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. § 1350, that:
  (1)   The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarterly period March 31, 2007 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m); and
 
  (2)   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
     
/s/ Jeffrey A. Ludrof
   
 
Jeffrey A. Ludrof
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
 
   
/s/ Philip A. Garcia
   
 
Philip A. Garcia
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
 
   
May 2, 2007
   
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Erie Indemnity Company and will be retained by Erie Indemnity Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

50

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-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----