Edgar Filing: Employers Holdings, Inc.

Document

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

R QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE

ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2016

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE

ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ____ to ____

Commission file number: 001-33245

EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Nevada (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		04-3850065 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

10375 Professional Circle, Reno, Nevada 89521 (Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

(888) 682-6671

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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 R No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes R No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “non-accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):



Large accelerated filer R	Accelerated filer o	Non-accelerated filer o	Smaller reporting company 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 R



Class		July 21, 2016
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share		32,438,110 shares outstanding

TABLE OF CONTENTS



		Page No.
PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1	Consolidated Financial Statements
	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2016 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2015	3
	Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015	4
	Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015	5
	Unaudited Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	6
Item 2	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial Condition and Results of Operations	15
Item 3	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	24
Item 4	Controls and Procedures	25

	PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1	Legal Proceedings	26
Item 1A	Risk Factors	26
Item 2	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	26
Item 3	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	26
Item 4	Mine Safety Disclosures	26
Item 5	Other Information	26
Item 6	Exhibits	27

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements



Employers Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share data)
	As of			As of
	June 30, 2016			December 31, 2015
Assets	(unaudited)
Available for sale:
Fixed maturity securities at fair value (amortized cost $2,205,500 at June 30, 2016 and $2,221,100 at December 31, 2015)	$	2,326,500		$	2,288,500
Equity securities at fair value (cost $113,400 at June 30, 2016 and $137,500 at December 31, 2015)	181,400			198,700
Short-term investments at fair value (amortized cost $2,000 at June 30, 2016)	2,000			—
Total investments	2,509,900			2,487,200
Cash and cash equivalents	128,200			56,600
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	2,400			2,500
Accrued investment income	20,600			20,600
Premiums receivable (less bad debt allowance of $9,900 at June 30, 2016 and $12,200 at December 31, 2015)	330,400			301,100
Reinsurance recoverable for:
Paid losses	7,300			7,700
Unpaid losses	598,800			628,200
Deferred policy acquisition costs	48,400			44,300
Deferred income taxes, net	41,100			67,900
Property and equipment, net	23,100			24,900
Intangible assets, net	8,400			8,500
Goodwill	36,200			36,200
Contingent commission receivable—LPT Agreement	31,100			29,200
Other assets	46,500			40,900
Total assets	$	3,832,400		$	3,755,800

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Claims and policy liabilities:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	2,332,300		$	2,347,500
Unearned premiums	336,100			308,900
Total claims and policy liabilities	2,668,400			2,656,400
Commissions and premium taxes payable	50,700			52,500
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	16,900			24,100
Deferred reinsurance gain—LPT Agreement	180,700			189,500
Notes payable	32,000			32,000
Other liabilities	38,400			40,500
Total liabilities	$	2,987,100		$	2,995,000
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 56,078,919 and 55,589,454 shares issued and 32,463,660 and 32,216,480 shares outstanding at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	$	600		$	600
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; none issued	—			—
Additional paid-in capital	367,900			357,200
Retained earnings	723,500			682,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net	122,800			83,600
Treasury stock, at cost (23,615,259 shares at June 30, 2016 and 23,372,974 shares at December 31, 2015)	(369,500		)	(362,600		)
Total stockholders’ equity	845,300			760,800
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,832,400		$	3,755,800

See accompanying unaudited notes to the consolidated financial statements.



Employers Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(in thousands, except per share data)
	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30,						June 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
Revenues	(unaudited)						(unaudited)
Net premiums earned	$	176,900		$	170,600		$	349,500		$	329,600
Net investment income	18,400			18,400			36,200			35,300
Net realized gains on investments	6,000			1,900			7,500			3,100
Other income	500			—			600			100
Total revenues	201,800			190,900			393,800			368,100
Expenses
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	111,700			101,500			219,000			207,700
Commission expense	21,900			22,900			42,200			41,600
Underwriting and other operating expenses	33,600			32,500			69,900			66,000
Interest expense	400			700			800			1,400
Total expenses	167,600			157,600			331,900			316,700
Net income before income taxes	34,200			33,300			61,900			51,400
Income tax expense	7,900			4,100			14,600			8,200
Net income	$	26,300		$	29,200		$	47,300		$	43,200
Comprehensive income
Unrealized gains (losses) during the period (net of tax expense of $12,600 and $(13,300) for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $23,800 and $(8,300) for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively)	$	23,300		$	(24,600	)	$	44,100		$	(15,400	)
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains in net income (net of taxes of $2,100 and $700 for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $2,600 and $1,100 for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively)	(3,900		)	(1,200		)	(4,900		)	(2,000		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	19,400			(25,800		)	39,200			(17,400		)
Total comprehensive income	$	45,700		$	3,400		$	86,500		$	25,800

Net realized gains on investments
Net realized gains on investments before credit related impairments	$	6,000		$	2,000		$	12,800		$	3,200
Other than temporary impairment recognized in earnings	—			(100		)	(5,300		)	(100		)
Net realized gains on investments	$	6,000		$	1,900		$	7,500		$	3,100

Earnings per common share (Note 11):
Basic	$	0.81		$	0.91		$	1.45		$	1.35
Diluted	$	0.80		$	0.90		$	1.44		$	1.33
Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.09		$	0.06		$	0.18		$	0.12

See accompanying unaudited notes to the consolidated financial statements.



Employers Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
	Six Months Ended
	June 30,
	2016			2015
Operating activities	(unaudited)
Net income	$	47,300		$	43,200
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	4,300			3,600
Stock-based compensation	3,200			2,700
Amortization of premium on investments, net	7,400			6,100
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(2,300		)	2,400
Deferred income tax expense	5,600			3,700
Realized gains on investments, net	(7,500		)	(3,100		)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(1,300		)	(700		)
Other	—			100
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Premiums receivable	(27,000		)	(21,200		)
Reinsurance recoverable for paid and unpaid losses	29,800			31,800
Federal income taxes	1,500			—
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	(15,200		)	(15,200		)
Unearned premiums	27,200			30,600
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(9,200		)	8,300
Deferred reinsurance gain—LPT Agreement	(8,800		)	(11,900		)
Contingent commission receivable—LPT Agreement	(1,900		)	(2,800		)
Other	(11,700		)	(14,900		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	41,400			62,700
Investing activities
Purchase of fixed maturity securities	(196,400		)	(256,600		)
Purchase of equity securities	(34,900		)	(65,700		)
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity securities	111,700			50,700
Proceeds from sale of equity securities	65,600			16,300
Proceeds from maturities and redemptions of investments	91,900			156,300
Capital expenditures	(2,400		)	(5,600		)
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents	100			4,200
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	35,600			(100,400		)
Financing activities
Acquisition of treasury stock	(6,900		)	—
Cash transactions related to stock-based compensation	6,200			2,400
Dividends paid to stockholders	(5,900		)	(3,800		)
Payments on notes payable and capital leases	(100		)	(300		)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	1,300			700
Net cash used in financing activities	(5,400		)	(1,000		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	71,600			(38,700		)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	56,600			103,600
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	$	128,200		$	64,900

See accompanying unaudited notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Employers Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Operations

Employers Holdings, Inc. (EHI) is a Nevada holding company. Through its wholly owned insurance subsidiaries, Employers Insurance Company of Nevada (EICN), Employers Compensation Insurance Company (ECIC), Employers Preferred Insurance Company (EPIC), and Employers Assurance Company (EAC), EHI is engaged in the commercial property and casualty insurance industry, specializing in workers' compensation products and services. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to the “Company” refer to EHI, together with its subsidiaries.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal, recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations for the periods presented have been included. The results of operations for an interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for an entire year. These financial statements have been prepared consistent with the accounting policies described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

The Company considers an operating segment to be any component of its business whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance based on discrete financial information. Currently, the Company has one operating segment, workers’ compensation insurance and related services.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. The most significant areas that require management judgment are the estimate of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (LAE), evaluation of reinsurance recoverables, recognition of premium revenue, deferred income taxes, and investments.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period information has been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

2. Change in Estimates

The Company reduced its estimated reserves ceded under the Loss Portfolio Transfer Agreement (LPT Reserve Adjustment) as a result of the determination that an adjustment was necessary to reflect observed favorable paid loss trends during the second quarter of 2016. The following table shows the financial statement impact related to the reduction in estimated reserves ceded under the Loss Portfolio Transfer Agreement (LPT Agreement).



	Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2016			June 30, 2016
	(in millions, except per share data)
Change in estimated reserves ceded under the LPT Agreement	$	(5.0	)	$	(5.0	)
Cumulative adjustment to the Deferred Gain⁽¹⁾	(3.1		)	(3.1		)
Net income impact of change in estimate	3.1			3.1
EPS impact of change in estimate
Basic	0.10			0.10
Diluted	0.09			0.09


(1)	The cumulative adjustment to the Deferred reinsurance gain–LPT Agreement (Deferred Gain) was also recognized in losses and LAE incurred in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, so that the Deferred Gain reflects the balance that would have existed had the revised reserves been recognized at the inception of the LPT Agreement.

The Company increased its estimate of contingent commission receivable – LPT Agreement (LPT Contingent Commission Adjustment) as a result of the determination that an adjustment was necessary to reflect observed favorable paid loss trends during the second quarter of 2016. The following table shows the financial statement impact related to these changes in estimates.



	Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2016			June 30, 2016
	(in millions, except per share data)
Change in estimate of contingent commission receivable – LPT Agreement	$	1.9		$	1.9
Cumulative adjustment to the Deferred Gain⁽¹⁾	(1.8		)	(1.8		)
Net income impact of change in estimate	1.8			1.8
EPS impact of change in estimate
Basic	0.06			0.06
Diluted	0.05			0.05


(1)	The cumulative adjustment to the Deferred Gain was also recognized in losses and LAE incurred in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, so that the Deferred Gain reflects the balance that would have existed had the revised reserves been recognized at the inception of the LPT Agreement.

3. New Accounting Standards

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU Number 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10). This update replaces the guidance to classify equity securities with readily determinable fair values into different categories (trading or available-for-sale) and requires equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized through net income. Additionally, this update eliminates the method and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost. It requires financial instruments to be measured at fair value using the exit price notion. Furthermore, this update clarifies that an evaluation of deferred tax assets related to available-for-sale securities is needed, in combination with an evaluation of other deferred tax assets, to determine if a valuation allowance is required. This update becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company has determined that at June 30, 2016, adoption of this guidance would result in a $68.0 million reclassification adjustment, net of tax, between retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company has not yet estimated the full impact that the adoption will have on its consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU Number 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This update provides guidance on a new lessee model that includes the recognition of assets and liabilities arising from lease transactions on the balance sheet. Additionally, the update provides clarity on the definition of a lease and the distinction between finance and operating leases. Furthermore, the update requires certain qualitative and quantitative disclosures pertaining to the amounts recorded in the financial statements. This update becomes effective for annual reporting periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The Company has not yet estimated the full impact that the adoption will have on its consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU Number 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718). This update simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share based-payment award transactions including income taxes and classification of awards on the balance sheet and on the statement of cash flows. This update becomes effective for annual reporting periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is permitted. The Company has not yet estimated the full impact that the adoption will have on its consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU Number 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326). This update replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology for recognizing credit losses on financial instruments with a methodology that reflects an entity's current estimate of all expected credit losses. This update requires financial assets measured at amortized cost to be presented net of an allowance for credit losses. Additionally, this update requires credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities to be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down, allowing an entity to also record reversals of credit losses in current period net income. This update becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted as of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company has not yet estimated the full impact that the adoption will have on its consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

4. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value and the estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments were as follows:



	June 30, 2016				December 31, 2015
	Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value
	(in millions)
Financial assets
Investments	$	2,509.9	$	2,509.9	$	2,487.2	$	2,487.2
Cash and cash equivalents	128.2		128.2		56.6		56.6
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	2.4		2.4		2.5		2.5
Financial liabilities
Notes payable	$	32.0	$	34.3	$	32.0	$	36.6

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets are categorized based upon the levels of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Level inputs are defined as follows:


•	Level 1 - Inputs are unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the measurement date.


•	Level 2 - Inputs other than Level 1 prices that are observable for similar assets or liabilities through corroboration with market data at the measurement date.


•	Level 3 - Inputs that are unobservable that reflect management's best estimate of what willing market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities at the measurement date.

Fair values of available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities are based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices and an estimate determined by using objectively verifiable information are unavailable, the Company produces an estimate of fair value based on internally developed valuation techniques, which, depending on the level of observable market inputs, will render the fair value estimate as Level 2 or Level 3. The Company bases all of its estimates of fair value for assets on the bid price, as it represents what a third-party market participant would be willing to pay in an arm's length transaction.

These methods of valuation will only produce an estimate of fair value if there is objectively verifiable information to produce a valuation. If objectively verifiable information is not available, the Company would be required to produce an estimate of fair value using some of the same methodologies, making assumptions for market-based inputs that are unavailable.

The Company's estimates of fair value for financial liabilities are based on the interest rates for notes with similar durations to discount the projection of future payments on notes payable. The fair value measurements for notes payable have been determined to be Level 2.

The following table presents the items on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets that are stated at fair value and the corresponding fair value measurements.



	June 30, 2016						December 31, 2015
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(in millions)
Fixed maturity securities
U.S. Treasuries	$	—	$	125.9	$	—	$	—	$	120.2	$	—
U.S. Agencies	—		23.3		—		—		24.4		—
States and municipalities	—		871.1		—		—		854.5		—
Corporate securities	—		958.8		—		—		925.3		—
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		243.0		—		—		237.9		—
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		75.8		—		—		80.3		—
Asset-backed securities	—		28.6		—		—		45.9		—
Total fixed maturity securities	$	—	$	2,326.5	$	—	$	—	$	2,288.5	$	—
Equity securities
Corporate equity securities	$	176.5	$	—	$	—	$	198.7	$	—	$	—
Federal Home Loan Bank stock	$	—	$	—	$	4.9	$	—	$	—	$	—
Total equity securities	$	176.5	$	—	$	4.9	$	198.7	$	—	$	—
Short-term investments	$	—	$	2.0	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances that are measured using Level 3 inputs for the six months ended June 30, 2016.



	Equity Securities
	(in millions)
Beginning balance, January 1, 2016	$	—
Purchases	4.9
Ending balance, June 30, 2016	$	4.9

Each of the Company's insurance operating subsidiaries is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of San Francisco. Members are required to purchase stock in the FHLB in addition to maintaining collateral deposits that back any funds advanced. Investment in FHLB stock is recorded at cost, as purchases and sales of these securities are at par value with the issuer. The stock is considered a restricted security and is periodically evaluated for impairment based on the ultimate recovery of par value. Due to the nature of FHLB stock, its carrying value approximates fair value.

5. Investments

The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses, and estimated fair value of the Company’s investments were as follows:



	Cost or Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
	(in millions)
At June 30, 2016
Fixed maturity securities
U.S. Treasuries	$	120.1	$	5.8	$	—		$	125.9
U.S. Agencies	22.0		1.3		—			23.3
States and municipalities	808.8		62.3		—			871.1
Corporate securities	919.0		41.6		(1.8		)	958.8
Residential mortgage-backed securities	233.4		9.6		—			243.0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	73.7		2.1		—			75.8
Asset-backed securities	28.5		0.1		—			28.6
Total fixed maturity securities	2,205.5		122.8		(1.8		)	2,326.5
Equity securities
Corporate equity securities	108.5		68.9		(0.9		)	176.5
Federal Home Loan Bank stock	4.9		—		—			4.9
Total equity securities	113.4		68.9		(0.9		)	181.4
Short-term investments	2.0		—		—			2.0
Total investments	$	2,320.9	$	191.7	$	(2.7	)	$	2,509.9



At December 31, 2015
Fixed maturity securities
U.S. Treasuries	$	116.4	$	3.9	$	(0.1	)	$	120.2
U.S. Agencies	23.0		1.4		—			24.4
States and municipalities	809.4		45.1		—			854.5
Corporate securities	913.4		19.9		(8.0		)	925.3
Residential mortgage-backed securities	231.8		7.1		(1.0		)	237.9
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	81.1		0.2		(1.0		)	80.3
Asset-backed securities	46.0		—		(0.1		)	45.9
Total fixed maturity securities	2,221.1		77.6		(10.2		)	2,288.5
Equity securities
Corporate equity securities	137.5		65.8		(4.6		)	198.7
Equity securities	137.5		65.8		(4.6		)	198.7
Total investments	$	2,358.6	$	143.4	$	(14.8	)	$	2,487.2

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2016, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.



	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
	(in millions)
Due in one year or less	$	140.1	$	141.7
Due after one year through five years	855.5		893.4
Due after five years through ten years	615.5		660.0
Due after ten years	258.8		284.0
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	335.6		347.4
Total	$	2,205.5	$	2,326.5

The following is a summary of investments that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.



	June 30, 2016						December 31, 2015
	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses			Number of Issues	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses			Number of Issues
	(in millions, except number of issues data)
Less than 12 months:
Fixed maturity securities
U.S. Treasuries	$	—	$	—		—	$	27.4	$	(0.1	)	20
Corporate securities	—		—			—	328.4		(4.7		)	122
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		—			—	50.5		(0.8		)	24
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		—			—	51.5		(1.0		)	22
Asset-backed securities	—		—			—	34.1		—			27
Total fixed maturity securities	—		—			—	491.9		(6.6		)	215
Equity securities	10.9		(0.9		)	23	35.8		(4.6		)	45
Total less than 12 months	$	10.9	$	(0.9	)	23	$	527.7	$	(11.2	)	260

12 months or greater:
Fixed maturity securities
Corporate securities	$	28.9	$	(1.8	)	12	$	34.6	$	(3.3	)	15
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		—			—	7.1		(0.2		)	25
Asset-backed securities	—		—			—	11.1		(0.1		)	4
Total fixed maturity securities	28.9		(1.8		)	12	52.8		(3.6		)	44
Total 12 months or greater	$	28.9	$	(1.8	)	12	$	52.8	$	(3.6	)	44

Total available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities
U.S. Treasuries	$	—	$	—		—	$	27.4	$	(0.1	)	20
Corporate securities	28.9		(1.8		)	12	363.0		(8.0		)	137
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		—			—	57.6		(1.0		)	49
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		—			—	51.5		(1.0		)	22
Asset-backed securities	—		—			—	45.2		(0.1		)	31
Total fixed maturity securities	28.9		(1.8		)	12	544.7		(10.2		)	259
Equity securities	10.9		(0.9		)	23	35.8		(4.6		)	45
Total available-for-sale	$	39.8	$	(2.7	)	35	$	580.5	$	(14.8	)	304

Based on reviews of the fixed maturity securities, the Company determined that unrealized losses for the six months ended June 30, 2016 were primarily the result of changes in prevailing interest rates and not the credit quality of the issuers. The fixed maturity

securities whose total fair value was less than amortized cost were not determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired given the severity and duration of the impairment, the credit quality of the issuers, the Company’s intent to not sell the securities, and a determination that it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the securities until fair value recovers to above amortized cost, or principal value upon maturity.

Based on reviews of the equity securities, the Company recognized a total impairment of $5.3 million in the fair value of 32 equity securities for the six months ended June 30, 2016, as a result of the Company's intent to sell and/or the severity and duration of the change in fair value of the securities. The remaining unrealized losses on equity securities were not considered to be other-than-temporary due to the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuers. The other-than-temporary impairment of equity securities was primarily due to the Company's intent to sell certain securities and the downturn in the energy sector that continued through the first quarter of 2016.

Net realized gains on investments and the change in unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity and equity securities are determined on a specific-identification basis and were as follows:



	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30,						June 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
	(in millions)
Net realized gains on investments
Fixed maturity securities
Gross gains	$	1.1		$	0.3		$	1.3		$	0.3
Gross losses	(0.4		)	(0.2		)	(0.5		)	(0.2		)
Net realized gains on fixed maturity securities	$	0.7		$	0.1		$	0.8		$	0.1
Equity securities
Gross gains	$	5.5		$	1.9		$	12.7		$	3.5
Gross losses	(0.2		)	(0.1		)	(6.0		)	(0.5		)
Net realized gains on equity securities	$	5.3		$	1.8		$	6.7		$	3.0
Total	$	6.0		$	1.9		$	7.5		$	3.1

Change in unrealized gains (losses)
Fixed maturity securities	$	24.3		$	(33.1	)	$	53.6		$	(19.0	)
Equity securities	5.6			(6.7		)	6.8			(7.8		)
Total	$	29.9		$	(39.8	)	$	60.4		$	(26.8	)

Net investment income was as follows:



	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30,						June 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
	(in millions)
Fixed maturity securities	$	17.2		$	17.9		$	33.9		$	34.3
Equity securities	1.8			1.2			3.7			2.3
Cash equivalents and restricted cash	0.1			—			0.1			—
Gross investment income	19.1			19.1			37.7			36.6
Investment expenses	(0.7		)	(0.7		)	(1.5		)	(1.3		)
Net investment income	$	18.4		$	18.4		$	36.2		$	35.3

The Company is required by various state laws and regulations to keep securities or letters of credit in depository accounts with certain states in which it does business. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, securities having a fair value of $1,139.7 million and $881.2 million, respectively, were on deposit. These laws and regulations govern not only the amount, but also the types of securities that are eligible for deposit.

Certain reinsurance contracts require Company funds to be held in trust for the benefit of the ceding reinsurer to secure the outstanding liabilities assumed by the Company. The fair value of fixed maturity securities and restricted cash and cash equivalents held in trust for the benefit of ceding reinsurers at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $27.7 million and $32.7 million, respectively.

6. Income Taxes

Income tax expense for interim periods is measured using an estimated effective tax rate for the annual period. The following is a reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rates for the periods presented.



	Six Months Ended
	June 30,
	2016		2015
Expense computed at statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%
Dividends received deduction and tax-exempt interest	(7.3	)	(8.0	)
LPT deferred gain amortization	(2.1	)	(4.5	)
LPT reserve adjustment	(2.7	)	(2.1	)
Pre-privatization reserve adjustment, excluding LPT	—		(4.9	)
Other	0.7		0.5
Effective tax rate	23.6	%	16.0	%

7. Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

The following table represents a reconciliation of changes in the liability for unpaid losses and LAE.



	Six Months Ended
	June 30,
	2016			2015
	(in millions)
Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of reinsurance, at beginning of period	$	2,347.5		$	2,369.7
Less reinsurance recoverable, excluding bad debt allowance, on unpaid losses and LAE	628.2			669.5
Net unpaid losses and LAE at beginning of period	1,719.3			1,700.2
Losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, incurred during the period related to:
Current period	232.0			221.1
Prior periods	(2.3		)	1.4
Total net losses and LAE incurred during the period	229.7			222.5
Paid losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, related to:
Current period	19.1			20.1
Prior periods	196.4			189.0
Total net paid losses and LAE during the period	215.5			209.1
Ending unpaid losses and LAE, net of reinsurance	1,733.5			1,713.6
Reinsurance recoverable, excluding bad debt allowance, on unpaid losses and LAE	598.8			640.9
Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of reinsurance, at end of period	$	2,332.3		$	2,354.5

Total net losses and LAE included in the above table excludes the impact of the aggregate of amortization of the deferred reinsurance gain—LPT Agreement, LPT Reserve Adjustments, and LPT Contingent Commission Adjustments, which totaled $10.7 million and $14.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively (Note 8).

The change in the estimates of incurred losses and LAE attributable to insured events for prior periods was related to the Company's assigned risk business.

8. LPT Agreement

The Company is party to a 100% quota share retroactive reinsurance agreement (LPT Agreement) under which $1.5 billion in liabilities for losses and LAE related to claims incurred by EICN prior to July 1, 1995 were reinsured for consideration of $775.0 million. The LPT Agreement provides coverage up to $2.0 billion. The initial Deferred Gain resulting from the LPT Agreement was recorded as a liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as Deferred reinsurance gain–LPT Agreement. The Company is also entitled to receive a contingent profit commission under the LPT Agreement. The contingent profit commission is an amount based on the favorable difference between actual paid losses and LAE and expected paid losses and LAE as established in the LPT Agreement. The Company records its estimate of contingent profit commission in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as Contingent commission receivable–LPT Agreement and a corresponding liability is recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets in Deferred reinsurance gain–LPT Agreement. The Deferred Gain is being amortized using the recovery method. Amortization is determined by the proportion of actual reinsurance recoveries to total estimated recoveries over the life of the LPT Agreement, except for the contingent profit commission, which is amortized through June 30, 2024, the date through which the Company is entitled to receive a contingent profit commission under the LPT Agreement. The amortization is recorded

in losses and LAE incurred in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Any adjustments to the Deferred Gain are recorded in losses and LAE incurred in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

The Company amortized $5.8 million of the Deferred Gain for each of the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015. Additionally, the Deferred Gain was reduced by $3.1 million and $6.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, due to a favorable LPT Reserve Adjustment and by $1.8 million and $2.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, due to a favorable LPT Contingent Commission Adjustment. The remaining Deferred Gain was $180.7 million and $189.5 million as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The estimated remaining liabilities subject to the LPT Agreement were $479.4 million and $498.0 million as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Losses and LAE paid with respect to the LPT Agreement totaled $708.8 million and $695.2 million from inception through June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, net

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net, is comprised of unrealized gains on investments classified as available-for-sale, net of deferred tax expense. The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net:



	June 30, 2016			December 31, 2015
	(in millions)
Net unrealized gain on investments, before taxes	$	189.0		$	128.6
Deferred tax expense on net unrealized gains	(66.2		)	(45.0		)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income, net	$	122.8		$	83.6

10. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company awarded stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) and performance share units (PSUs) to certain officers of the Company as follows:



	Number Awarded	Weighted Average Fair Value on Date of Grant		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Fair Value on Date of Grant
						(in millions)
March 2016
Stock options⁽¹⁾	67,431	$	8.38	$	27.72	$	0.6
RSUs⁽¹⁾	80,816	27.72		—		2.2
PSUs⁽²⁾	97,236	27.72		—		2.7

May 2016
RSUs⁽¹⁾	17,892	30.18		—		0.5

(1)

The stock options and RSUs awarded in March 2016 were awarded to certain officers of the Company and vest 25% on March 15, 2017, and each of the subsequent three anniversaries of that date. The stock options and RSUs are subject to accelerated vesting in certain circumstances, including but not limited to: death, disability, retirement, or in connection with change of control of the Company. The stock options expire seven years from the date of grant.

The RSUs awarded in May 2016 were awarded to non-employee Directors of the Company and have a service vesting period of one year from the date of grant.


(2)	The PSUs awarded in March 2016 were awarded to certain officers of the Company and have a performance period of two years followed by an additional one year vesting period. The PSU awards are subject to certain performance goals with payouts that range from 0% to 200% of the target awards. The value shown in the table represents the aggregate number of PSUs awarded at the target level.

A total of 438,774 and 463,466 stock options were exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively.

11. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income applicable to stockholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilutive impact of all convertible securities on earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share includes shares assumed issued under the “treasury stock method,” which reflects the potential dilution that would occur if outstanding RSUs and PSUs had vested and options were to be exercised. The following table presents the net income and the weighted average number of shares outstanding used in the earnings per common share calculations.



	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30,				June 30,
	2016		2015		2016		2015
	(in millions, except share data)
Net income available to stockholders—basic and diluted	$	26.3	$	29.2	$	47.3	$	43.2
Weighted average number of shares outstanding—basic	32,629,525		32,066,981		32,521,672		31,906,401
Effect of dilutive securities:
PSUs	178,254		88,543		158,643		205,697
Stock options	193,448		311,436		216,015		311,168
RSUs	42,872		40,536		57,194		59,964
Dilutive potential shares	414,574		440,515		431,852		576,829
Weighted average number of shares outstanding—diluted	33,044,099		32,507,496		32,953,524		32,483,230

Diluted earnings per share excludes outstanding options and other common stock equivalents in periods where the inclusion of such options and common stock equivalents would be anti-dilutive. The following table presents options, PSUs, and RSUs that were excluded from diluted earnings per share.



	Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
	June 30,		June 30,
	2016	2015	2016	2015
Options, PSUs and RSUs excluded under the treasury method as the potential proceeds on settlement or exercise price were greater than the value of shares acquired	155,833	345,369	118,317	306,407

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial Condition and Results of Operations

You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included in Item 1 of Part I. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company,” or similar terms refer to Employers Holdings, Inc. (EHI), together with its subsidiaries. The information contained in this quarterly report is not a complete description of our business or the risks associated with an investment in our common stock. We urge you to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in this quarterly report and in our other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (Annual Report).

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements if accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed. You should not place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. Forward-looking statements include those related to our expected financial position, business, financing plans, litigation, future premiums, revenues, earnings, pricing, investments, business relationships, strategic initiatives, expected losses, loss experience, loss reserves, acquisitions, competition, the impact of changes in interest rates, rate increases with respect to our business, and the insurance industry in general. Statements including words such as “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “may,” “anticipate,” “will,” or similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical or anticipated results, depending on a number of factors. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in our Annual Report and other documents that we have filed with the SEC.

Overview

We are a Nevada holding company. Through our insurance subsidiaries, we provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage to select, small businesses in low to medium hazard industries. Workers’ compensation insurance is provided under a statutory system wherein most employers are required to provide coverage for their employees’ medical, disability, vocational rehabilitation, and/or death benefit costs for work-related injuries or illnesses. We provide workers’ compensation insurance in 33 states and the District of Columbia, with a concentration in California, where over one-half of our business is generated. Our revenues are primarily comprised of net premiums earned, net investment income, and net realized gains on investments.

We target small businesses, as we believe that this market is traditionally characterized by fewer competitors, more attractive pricing, and stronger persistency when compared to the U.S. workers’ compensation insurance industry in general. We believe we are able to price our policies at levels that are competitive and profitable over the long term. Our underwriting approach is to consistently underwrite small business accounts at appropriate and competitive prices without sacrificing long-term profitability and stability for short-term top-line revenue growth.

Our strategy is to pursue profitable growth opportunities across market cycles and maximize total investment returns within the constraints of prudent portfolio management. We pursue profitable growth opportunities by focusing on disciplined underwriting and claims management, utilizing medical provider networks designed to produce superior medical and indemnity outcomes, establishing and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with independent insurance agencies, and developing important alternative distribution channels. We continue to execute a number of strategic initiatives, including: focusing on internal and customer facing business process excellence; emphasizing the settlement of open claims; diversifying our risk exposure across our geographic markets; utilizing a three-company pricing platform; utilizing territorial multipliers in California; non-renewing under-performing business; and targeting profitable classes of business across all of our markets.

Results of Operations

A primary measure of our performance is our ability to increase our Adjusted stockholders' equity over the long term. The following table shows a reconciliation of our stockholders' equity on a GAAP basis to our Adjusted stockholders' equity and the number of common shares outstanding.



	June 30, 2016		December 31, 2015
	(in millions, except share data)
GAAP stockholders' equity	$	845.3	$	760.8
Deferred reinsurance gain–LPT Agreement	180.7		189.5
Less: Accumulated other comprehensive income, net	122.8		83.6
Adjusted stockholders' equity⁽¹⁾	$	903.2	$	866.7
Common shares outstanding	32,463,660		32,216,480


(1)	Adjusted stockholders' equity is a non-GAAP measure that is defined as total stockholders' equity plus the Deferred reinsurance gain–LPT Agreement (Deferred Gain), less Accumulated other comprehensive income, net. We believe that Adjusted stockholders' equity is an important supplemental measure of our capital position.

Overall, net income was $26.3 million and $47.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively, compared to $29.2 million and $43.2 million for the corresponding periods of 2015. We recognized underwriting income of $9.7 million and $18.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively, compared to $13.7 million and $14.3 million for the corresponding periods of 2015. Underwriting income or loss is determined by deducting losses and LAE, commission expense, and underwriting and other operating expenses from net premiums earned.

Our results of operations during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 were impacted by: (1) favorable development in the estimated reserves ceded under the LPT Agreement that resulted in a $3.1 million cumulative adjustment to the Deferred Gain and reduced our losses and LAE by the same amount during the second quarter of 2016 (LPT Reserve Adjustment) and (2) an increase in the contingent commission receivable under the LPT Agreement that resulted in a $1.8 million cumulative adjustment, which reduced our losses and LAE by the same amount (LPT Contingent Commission Adjustment) during the second quarter of 2016. Collectively, these items increased net income by $4.9 million during the second quarter of 2016.

Our results of operations during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 were impacted by: (1) favorable development in the estimated reserves ceded under the LPT Agreement that resulted in a $6.4 million cumulative adjustment to the Deferred Gain and reduced our losses and LAE by the same amount during the second quarter of 2015 (LPT Reserve Adjustment); (2) an increase in the contingent commission receivable under the LPT Agreement that resulted in a $2.4 million cumulative adjustment, which reduced our losses and LAE by the same amount (LPT Contingent Commission Adjustment) during the second quarter of 2015; and (3) a reallocation of $19.4 million of reserves from non-taxable periods prior to January 1, 2000, which reduced our tax expenses by $2.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and reduced our effective tax rate by 4.9 percentage points for the six months ended June 30, 2015. Collectively, these items increased net income by $11.3 million during the second quarter of 2015.

The comparative components of net income are set forth in the following table:



	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30,				June 30,
	2016		2015		2016		2015
	(in millions)
Gross premiums written	$	190.6	$	190.6	$	381.3	$	364.6
Net premiums written	188.7		188.3		377.4		360.2

Net premiums earned	$	176.9	$	170.6	$	349.5	$	329.6
Net investment income	18.4		18.4		36.2		35.3
Net realized gains on investments	6.0		1.9		7.5		3.1
Other income	0.5		—		0.6		0.1
Total revenues	201.8		190.9		393.8		368.1

Losses and LAE	111.7		101.5		219.0		207.7
Commission expense	21.9		22.9		42.2		41.6
Underwriting and other operating expenses	33.6		32.5		69.9		66.0
Interest expense	0.4		0.7		0.8		1.4
Income tax expense	7.9		4.1		14.6		8.2
Total expenses	175.5		161.7		346.5		324.9
Net income	$	26.3	$	29.2	$	47.3	$	43.2
Less amortization of the Deferred Gain related to losses	$	2.2	$	2.3	$	4.8	$	4.8
Less amortization of the Deferred Gain related to contingent commission	0.5		0.5		1.0		1.0
Less impact of LPT Reserve Adjustments⁽¹⁾	3.1		6.4		3.1		6.4
Less impact of LPT Contingent Commission Adjustments⁽¹⁾	1.8		2.4		1.8		2.6
Net income before impact of the LPT Agreement⁽²⁾	$	18.7	$	17.6	$	36.6	$	28.4

(1)

Any adjustment to the contingent profit commission under the LPT Agreement results in a cumulative adjustment to the Deferred Gain, which is recognized in losses and LAE incurred in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, such that the Deferred Gain reflects the balance that would have existed had the revised contingent profit commission been recognized at the inception of the LPT Agreement (LPT Contingent Commission Adjustments).

(2)

We define net income before impact of the LPT Agreement as net income before the impact of: (a) amortization of Deferred Gain; (b) adjustments to LPT Agreement ceded reserves; and (c) adjustments to contingent commission receivable–LPT Agreement. Deferred Gain reflects the unamortized gain from our LPT Agreement. Under GAAP, this gain is deferred and is being amortized using the recovery method. Amortization is determined by the proportion of actual reinsurance recoveries to total estimated recoveries over the life of the LPT Agreement, except for the contingent profit commission, which is amortized through June 30, 2024. The amortization is reflected in losses and LAE. We periodically reevaluate the remaining direct reserves subject to the LPT Agreement and the expected losses and LAE subject to the contingent profit commission under the LPT Agreement. Our reevaluation results in corresponding adjustments, if needed, to reserves, ceded reserves, contingent commission receivable, and the Deferred Gain, with the net effect being an increase or decrease to net income. Net income before impact of the LPT Agreement is not a measurement of financial performance under GAAP, but rather reflects a difference in accounting treatment between statutory and GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net income before income taxes or net income, or any other measure of performance derived in accordance with GAAP.

We present net income before impact of the LPT Agreement because we believe that it is an important supplemental measure of operating performance to be used by analysts, investors, and other interested parties in evaluating us. The LPT Agreement was a non-recurring transaction under which the Deferred Gain does not effect our ongoing operations, and, consequently, we believe this presentation is useful in providing a meaningful understanding of our operating performance. In addition, we believe this non-GAAP measure, as we have defined it, is helpful to our management in identifying trends in our performance because the LPT Agreement has limited significance on our current and ongoing operations.

Gross Premiums Written

Gross premiums written is the sum of both direct premiums written and assumed premiums written before the effect of ceded reinsurance. Gross premiums written were unchanged for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and increased 4.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the same periods of 2015. Changes in gross premiums written for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 include $10.3 million and $23.8 million increases in our final audit premiums, year-over-year, respectively, which were partially offset by declines in premium due to lower levels of new and renewal premiums, year-over-year. The declines in new and renewal premiums year-over-year were primarily the result of declines in the LA Area of California,

partially offset by increases in states outside California, as well as territories outside of southern California, as we continue to focus on profitable classes of business.

Net Premiums Earned

Net premiums earned are those portions of the premiums that apply to the expired portions of the policies in force. Net premiums earned are recognized as revenue. Net premiums earned increased 3.7% and 6.0% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the same periods of 2015. These increases were primarily the result of $10.3 million and $23.8 million increases in our final audit premiums for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the same periods of 2015, partially offset by declines in premium due to lower levels of new and renewal premiums. The declines in new and renewal premiums year-over-year were primarily the result of declines in the LA Area of California, partially offset by increases in states outside California, as well as territories outside of southern California, driven by our effort to diversify our risk exposure across our markets and target profitable classes of business across all of our markets. Fifty-six percent of our in-force premiums were generated in California and no other state represented a significant concentration of business as of June 30, 2016.

The following table shows the percentage change in our in-force premiums, policy count, average policy size, payroll exposure upon which our premiums are based, and net rate overall and for California:



	As of June 30, 2016
	Year-to-Date Increase (Decrease)						Year-Over-Year Increase (Decrease)
	Overall		California		All Other States		Overall		California		All Other States
In-force premiums	(0.8	)%	(1.5	)%	0.1	%	(2.1	)%	(4.4	)%	1.1	%
In-force policy count	0.3		(2.8	)	3.7		—		(5.6	)	6.5
Average in-force policy size	(1.1	)	1.3		(3.5	)	(2.1	)	1.3		(5.0	)
In-force payroll exposure	0.1		0.7		(0.3	)	1.0		0.2		1.4
Net rate⁽¹⁾	(0.9	)	(2.2	)	0.3		(3.0	)	(4.7	)	(0.3	)


(1)	Net rate, defined as total in-force premiums divided by total insured payroll exposure, is a function of a variety of factors, including rate changes, underwriting risk profiles and pricing, and changes in business mix related to economic and competitive pressures.

Our in-force premiums and policy count in California declined 4.4% and 5.6%, respectively, year-over-year as of June 30, 2016, while our in-force premiums and policy count in all other states increased 1.1% and 6.5%, respectively, during the same period, as we continued to diversify our risk exposure across our markets.

Our net rate (total in-force premiums divided by total insured payroll exposure) in California decreased 4.7% year-over-year as of June 30, 2016, as we continued to diversify our premiums in California by territory and targeted profitable classes of business. Net rate is a function of a variety of factors, including rate changes, underwriting risk profiles and pricing, and changes in business mix related to economic and competitive pressures.

Our in-force premiums and number of policies in-force for California and all other states combined were as follows:



	June 30, 2016			December 31, 2015			June 30, 2015			December 31, 2014
State	In-force Premiums		Policies In-force	In-force Premiums		Policies In-force	In-force Premiums		Policies In-force	In-force Premiums		Policies In-force
	(dollars in millions)
California	$	347.0	42,858	$	352.2	44,080	$	363.1	45,404	$	370.8	47,093
Other	267.5		41,910	267.3		40,416	264.5		39,368	257.1		38,209
Total	$	614.5	84,768	$	619.5	84,496	$	627.6	84,772	$	627.9	85,302

Our alternative distribution channels that utilize partnerships and alliances generated $150.2 million and $147.4 million, or 24.4% and 23.5%, of our in-force premiums as of June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We believe that the bundling of products and services through these relationships contributes to higher retention rates than business generated by our independent agents. These relationships also allow us to access new customers that we may not have access to through our independent agent distribution channel. We continue to actively seek new partnerships and alliances.

Net Investment Income and Net Realized Gains on Investments

We invest our holding company assets, statutory surplus, and the funds supporting our insurance liabilities, including unearned premiums and unpaid losses and LAE. We invest in fixed maturity securities, equity securities, and cash equivalents. Net investment income includes interest and dividends earned on our invested assets and amortization of premiums and discounts on our fixed maturity securities, less bank service charges and custodial and portfolio management fees. We have established a high quality/short duration bias in our investment portfolio.

Net investment income was unchanged for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and increased 2.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the same periods of 2015. The average pre-tax book yield on invested assets was 3.2% at both June 30, 2016 and 2015. The tax-equivalent yield on invested assets was 3.7% and 3.8% at June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The slight increase in net investment income for the six months ended June 30, 2016 was primarily related to a change in the mix of invested assets in the investment portfolio.

Realized gains and losses on our investments are reported separately from our net investment income. Realized gains and losses on investments include the gain or los