Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 

þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number 1-8661

 

THE CHUBB CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

NEW JERSEY

  

13-2595722

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

  

(I. R. S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

15 MOUNTAIN VIEW ROAD, WARREN, NEW JERSEY

  

07059

(Address of principal executive offices)    (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (908) 903-2000

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  ¨

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  þ       NO  ¨

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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  þ   Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨   Smaller reporting company  ¨
     (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

YES  ¨       NO  þ

The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2012 was 265,848,938.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

THE CHUBB CORPORATION

INDEX

 

     Page Number  

Part I. Financial Information:

  

Item 1 - Financial Statements:

  

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

     1   

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months and Six Months Ended June  30, 2012 and 2011

     2   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011

     3   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

     4   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     5   

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

     19   

Item 4 - Controls and Procedures

     48   

Part II. Other Information:

  

Item 1 — Legal Proceedings

     49   

Item 1A — Risk Factors

     49   

Item 2 — Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     49   

Item 6 — Exhibits

     50   

Signatures

     50   

EX-31.1

  

EX-31.2

  

EX-32.1

  

EX-32.2

  

EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT

  

EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT

  

EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

  

EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT

  

EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

  

EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

  


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Page 1

Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1—Financial Statements

THE CHUBB CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30

(in millions)

 

     Second Quarter     Six Months  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
           (As Adjusted)           (As Adjusted)  

Revenues

        

Premiums Earned

   $       2,983      $   2,913      $       5,934      $       5,767   

Investment Income

     390        416        791        820   

Other Revenues

     3        2        5        4   

Realized Investment Gains (Losses), Net

        

Total Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Losses on Investments

     (30     (14     (35     (16

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Losses on Investments Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income

     (1            (2       

Other Realized Investment Gains, Net

     78        83        140        245   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Realized Investment Gains, Net

     47        69        103        229   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

     3,423        3,400        6,833        6,820   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Losses and Expenses

        

Losses and Loss Expenses

     1,860        1,847        3,567        3,612   

Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

     607        583        1,183        1,123   

Other Insurance Operating Costs and Expenses

     351        337        717        679   

Investment Expenses

     10        12        21        23   

Other Expenses

     3        3        6        5   

Corporate Expenses

     65        72        133        147   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Losses and Expenses

     2,896        2,854        5,627        5,589   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income Before Federal and Foreign Income Tax

     527        546        1,206        1,231   

Federal and Foreign Income Tax

     123        127        296        303   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income

   $ 404      $ 419      $ 910      $ 928   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income Per Share

        

Basic

   $ 1.49      $ 1.43      $ 3.33      $ 3.14   

Diluted

     1.48        1.42        3.31        3.12   

Dividends Declared Per Share

     .41        .39        .82        .78   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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THE CHUBB CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30

(in millions)

 

     Second Quarter     Six Months  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Net Income

   $   404      $   419      $   910      $   928   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax

        

Change in Unrealized Appreciation of Investments

     67        290        121        232   

Change in Unrealized Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Losses on Investments

     1        (1     2        1   

Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses)

     (28     24        (37     85   

Amortization of Net Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Cost Included in Net Postretirement Benefit Costs

     14        11        28        22   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     54        324        114        340   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income

   $ 458      $ 743      $ 1,024      $ 1,268   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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Page 3

THE CHUBB CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions)

 

     June 30,
2012
    Dec. 31,
2011
 
           (As Adjusted)  

Assets

    

Invested Assets

    

Short Term Investments

   $ 2,012      $ 1,893   

Fixed Maturities (cost $34,975 and $34,762)

     37,513        37,184   

Equity Securities (cost $1,261 and $1,264)

     1,583        1,512   

Other Invested Assets

     2,059        2,180   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTED ASSETS

     43,167        42,769   

Cash

     61        58   

Accrued Investment Income

     440        440   

Premiums Receivable

     2,279        2,161   

Reinsurance Recoverable on Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses

     1,669        1,739   

Prepaid Reinsurance Premiums

     337        320   

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

     1,227        1,210   

Goodwill

     467        467   

Other Assets

     1,363        1,281   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

   $   51,010      $   50,445   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

    

Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses

   $ 23,199      $ 23,068   

Unearned Premiums

     6,433        6,322   

Long Term Debt

     3,575        3,575   

Dividend Payable to Shareholders

     110        107   

Deferred Income Tax

     96        2   

Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

     2,036        2,070   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

     35,449        35,144   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contingent Liabilities (Note 6)

    

Shareholders’ Equity

    

Common Stock—$1 Par Value; 371,980,460 Shares

     372        372   

Paid-In Surplus

     143        190   

Retained Earnings

     19,591        18,903   

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

     1,309        1,195   

Treasury Stock, at Cost—106,131,522 and 99,519,509 Shares

     (5,854     (5,359
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     15,561        15,301   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 51,010      $ 50,445   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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Page 4

THE CHUBB CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30

(in millions)

 

     2012     2011  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

    

Net Income

   $   910      $   928   

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

    

Increase in Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses, Net

     279        402   

Increase in Unearned Premiums, Net

     115        147   

Increase in Premiums Receivable

     (118     (129

Change in Income Tax Payable or Recoverable

     (100     (174

Amortization of Premiums and Discounts on Fixed Maturities

     77        75   

Depreciation

     26        29   

Realized Investment Gains, Net

     (103     (229

Other, Net

     (200     (216
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

     886        833   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

    

Proceeds from Fixed Maturities

    

Sales

     1,176        832   

Maturities, Calls and Redemptions

     1,946        1,445   

Proceeds from Sales of Equity Securities

     63        66   

Purchases of Fixed Maturities

     (3,477     (2,629

Purchases of Equity Securities

     (70     (61

Investments in Other Invested Assets, Net

     179        128   

Decrease (Increase) in Short Term Investments, Net

     (117     221   

Increase in Net Payable from Security Transactions Not Settled

     221        200   

Purchases of Property and Equipment, Net

     (21     (19
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities

     (100     183   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

    

Increase (Decrease) in Funds Held Under Deposit Contracts

     (6     11   

Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Under Stock-Based Employee Compensation Plans

     60        56   

Repurchase of Shares

     (618     (855

Dividends Paid to Shareholders

     (219     (227
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

     (783     (1,015
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase in Cash

     3        1   

Cash at Beginning of Year

     58        70   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash at End of Period

   $ 61      $ 71   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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Page 5

THE CHUBB CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1) General

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and include the accounts of The Chubb Corporation (Chubb) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Corporation). Significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Corporation adopted new guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) related to the accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. The accounting change has been retrospectively applied; accordingly, prior period financial statements have been adjusted to reflect the change in accounting described in Note (2).

The amounts included in this report are unaudited but include those adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items, that management considers necessary for a fair presentation. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

2) Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

Effective January 1, 2012, the Corporation adopted new guidance issued by the FASB related to the accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. The guidance identifies those costs relating to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts that should be capitalized. The Corporation elected retrospective application of this guidance under which deferred policy acquisition costs and related deferred income tax liabilities were reduced as of the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements, offset by a cumulative effect adjustment that reduced retained earnings.

The adoption of this guidance decreased deferred policy acquisition costs by $420 million, decreased deferred income tax liabilities by $147 million and decreased shareholders’ equity by $273 million as of December 31, 2011. The effect of the adoption of the new guidance on net income for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011 was not material. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and other insurance operating costs and expenses for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2011 were retrospectively adjusted to conform to the change in accounting guidance.

The amounts of the retrospective reductions to previously reported deferred policy acquisition costs, related deferred income tax liabilities and shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 were the same as the amounts of the reductions as of December 31, 2011. The effect of the adoption of the new guidance on previously reported net income for the years 2011 and 2010 was not material.


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Page 6

3) Invested Assets

(a) The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturities and equity securities were as follows:

 

     June 30, 2012  
     Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
     Fair
Value
 
     (in millions)  

Fixed maturities

           

Tax exempt

   $ 18,779       $ 1,509       $ 28       $ 20,260   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Taxable

           

U.S. government and government agency and authority obligations

     1,006         71         1         1,076   

Corporate bonds

     6,591         503         10         7,084   

Foreign government and government agency obligations

     6,276         385         1         6,660   

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     579         34         3         610   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     1,744         80         1         1,823   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     16,196         1,073         16         17,253   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   $   34,975       $   2,582       $   44       $   37,513   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity securities

   $ 1,261       $ 362       $ 40       $ 1,583   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     December 31, 2011  
     Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
     Fair
Value
 
     (in millions)  

Fixed maturities

   $ 18,786       $ 1,462       $ 37       $ 20,211   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Tax exempt

           

Taxable

           

U.S. government and government agency and authority obligations

     813         57         2         868   

Corporate bonds

     6,049         440         24         6,465   

Foreign government and government agency obligations

     6,409         416         2         6,823   

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     821         41         7         855   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     1,884         79         1         1,962   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     15,976         1,033         36         16,973   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   $   34,762       $   2,495       $   73       $   37,184   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity securities

   $ 1,264       $ 319       $ 71       $ 1,512   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

At December 31, 2011, the gross unrealized depreciation of fixed maturities included $3 million of unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.


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Page 7

The fair value and amortized cost of fixed maturities at June 30, 2012 by contractual maturity were as follows:

 

     Fair
Value
     Amortized
Cost
 
     (in millions)  

Due in one year or less

   $ 2,353       $ 2,326   

Due after one year through five years

     12,565         11,919   

Due after five years through ten years

     12,380         11,210   

Due after ten years

     7,782         7,197   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     35,080         32,652   

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     610         579   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     1,823         1,744   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $  37,513       $  34,975   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Actual maturities could differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.

The Corporation’s equity securities comprise a diversified portfolio of primarily U.S. publicly-traded common stocks.

The Corporation is involved in the normal course of business with variable interest entities (VIEs) primarily as a passive investor in residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and private equity limited partnerships issued by third party VIEs. The Corporation is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs. The Corporation’s maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is limited to the investment carrying values included in the Corporation’s consolidated balance sheet and any unfunded partnership commitments.

(b) The components of unrealized appreciation or depreciation, including unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses, of investments carried at fair value were as follows:

 

     June 30,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 
     (in millions)  

Fixed maturities

     

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $   2,582       $     2,495   

Gross unrealized depreciation

     44         73   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2,538         2,422   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity securities

     

Gross unrealized appreciation

     362         319   

Gross unrealized depreciation

     40         71   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     322         248   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2,860         2,670   

Deferred income tax liability

     1,001         934   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 1,859       $ 1,736   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 


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Page 8

When the fair value of an investment is lower than its cost, an assessment is made to determine whether the decline is temporary or other than temporary. The assessment of other-than-temporary impairment of fixed maturities and equity securities is based on both quantitative criteria and qualitative information and also considers a number of other factors including, but not limited to, the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than the cost, the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, whether the issuer is current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments, general market conditions and industry or sector specific factors.

In determining whether fixed maturities are other than temporarily impaired, the Corporation is required to recognize an other-than-temporary impairment loss when it concludes it has the intent to sell or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell an impaired fixed maturity before the security recovers to its amortized cost value or it is likely it will not recover the entire amortized cost value of an impaired security. If the Corporation has the intent to sell or it is more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell an impaired fixed maturity before the security recovers to its amortized cost value, the security is written down to fair value and the entire amount of the writedown is included in net income as a realized investment loss. For all other impaired fixed maturities, the impairment loss is separated into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount representing the loss related to all other factors. The amount of the impairment loss that represents the credit loss is included in net income as a realized investment loss and the amount of the impairment loss that relates to all other factors is included in other comprehensive income.

For fixed maturities, the split between the amount of other-than-temporary impairment losses that represents credit losses and the amount that relates to all other factors is principally based on assumptions regarding the amount and timing of projected cash flows. For fixed maturities other than mortgage-backed securities, cash flow estimates are based on assumptions regarding the probability of default and estimates regarding the timing and amount of recoveries associated with a default. For mortgage-backed securities, cash flow estimates are based on assumptions regarding future prepayment rates, default rates, loss severity and timing of recoveries. The Corporation has developed the estimates of projected cash flows using information based on historical market data, industry analyst reports and forecasts and other data relevant to the collectibility of a security.

In determining whether equity securities are other than temporarily impaired, the Corporation considers its intent and ability to hold a security for a period of time sufficient to allow for the recovery of cost. If the decline in the fair value of an equity security is deemed to be other than temporary, the security is written down to fair value and the amount of the writedown is included in net income as a realized investment loss.


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The following table summarizes, for all investment securities in an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2012, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized depreciation, including unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses, by investment category and length of time that individual securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position.

 

     Less Than 12 Months      12 Months or More      Total  
     Fair
Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
     Fair
Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
     Fair
Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
 
     (in millions)  

Fixed maturities

                 

Tax exempt

   $ 302       $ 2       $ 141       $ 26       $ 443       $ 28   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Taxable

                 

U.S. government and government agency and authority obligations

     75                 19         1         94         1   

Corporate bonds

     335         4         68         6         403         10   

Foreign government and government agency obligations

     111         1         13                 124         1   

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     6                 35         3         41         3   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     69         1         1                 70         1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     596         6         136         10         732         16   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     898         8         277         36         1,175         44   

Equity securities

     202         29         41         11         243         40   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $      1,100       $   37       $         318       $   47       $      1,418       $   84   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

At June 30, 2012, approximately 300 individual fixed maturity and equity securities were in an unrealized loss position, of which approximately 270 were fixed maturities. The Corporation does not have the intent to sell and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell these fixed maturities before the securities recover to their amortized cost value. In addition, the Corporation believes that none of the declines in the fair values of these fixed maturities relate to credit losses. The Corporation has the intent and ability to hold the equity securities in an unrealized loss position for a period of time sufficient to allow for the recovery of cost. The Corporation believes that none of the declines in the fair value of these fixed maturities and equity securities were other than temporary at June 30, 2012.


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The following table summarizes, for all investment securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2011, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized depreciation, including unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses, by investment category and length of time that individual securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position.

 

     Less Than 12 Months      12 Months or More      Total  
     Fair
Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
     Fair
Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
     Fair
Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
 
     (in millions)  

Fixed maturities

                 

Tax exempt

   $ 81       $ 1       $ 240       $ 36       $ 321       $ 37   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Taxable

                 

U.S. government and government agency and authority obligations

     19         1         18         1         37         2   

Corporate bonds

     489         14         176         10         665         24   

Foreign government and government agency obligations

     499         1         21         1         520         2   

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     77         2         22         5         99         7   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     34         1                         34         1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,118         19         237         17         1,355         36   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     1,199         20         477         53         1,676         73   

Equity securities

     231         45         199         26         430         71   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $      1,430       $   65       $         676       $   79       $      2,106       $   144   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments carried at fair value, including the change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses, was as follows:

 

     Periods Ended June 30  
     Second Quarter      Six Months  
     2012     2011      2012      2011  
     (in millions)  

Change in unrealized appreciation of fixed maturities

   $   133      $   430       $   116       $   253   

Change in unrealized appreciation of equity securities

     (28     15         74         106   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     105       445         190        359   

Deferred income tax

     37        156         67         126   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 68      $ 289       $ 123       $ 233   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 


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(c) Realized investment gains and losses were as follows:

 

     Periods Ended June 30  
     Second Quarter     Six Months  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
     (in millions)  

Fixed maturities

        

Gross realized gains

   $ 24      $ 10      $ 62      $ 23   

Gross realized losses

     (7     (4     (10     (15

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

     (1            (2       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     16        6        50        8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity securities

        

Gross realized gains

     6        10        25        29   

Gross realized losses

            (1            (1

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

     (30     (14     (35     (16
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (24     (5     (10     12   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other invested assets

     55        68        63        209   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $    47      $    69      $    103      $    229   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(d) As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, fixed maturities still held by the Corporation for which a portion of their other-than-temporary impairment losses were recognized in other comprehensive income had cumulative credit-related losses of $20 million recognized in net income.

4) Fair Values of Financial Instruments

Fair values of financial instruments are determined using valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Fair values are generally measured using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities or other inputs, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, that are observable either directly or indirectly. In those instances where observable inputs are not available, fair values are measured using unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs reflect the Corporation’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Fair value estimates derived from unobservable inputs are affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rates and the estimated amounts and timing of future cash flows. The derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that would be realized in a current market exchange. Certain financial instruments, particularly insurance contracts, are excluded from fair value disclosure requirements.


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The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values of financial instruments are as follows:

 

  (i) The carrying value of short term investments approximates fair value due to the short maturities of these investments.

 

  (ii) Fair values for fixed maturities are determined by management, utilizing prices obtained from a third party, nationally recognized pricing service or, in the case of securities for which prices are not provided by a pricing service, from third party brokers. For fixed maturities that have quoted prices in active markets, market quotations are provided. For fixed maturities that do not trade on a daily basis, the pricing service and brokers provide fair value estimates using a variety of inputs including, but not limited to, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, bids, offers, reference data, prepayment rates and measures of volatility. Management reviews on an ongoing basis the reasonableness of the methodologies used by the relevant pricing service and brokers. In addition, management, using the prices received for the securities from the pricing service and brokers, determines the aggregate portfolio price performance and reviews it against applicable indices. If management believes that significant discrepancies exist, it will discuss these with the relevant pricing service or broker to resolve the discrepancies.

 

  (iii) Fair values of equity securities are based on quoted market prices.

 

  (iv) Fair values of long term debt issued by Chubb are determined by management, utilizing prices obtained from a third party, nationally recognized pricing service.

The carrying values and fair values of financial instruments were as follows:

 

     June 30, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     Carrying
Value
     Fair
Value
     Carrying
Value
     Fair
Value
 
     (in millions)  

Assets

           

Invested assets

           

Short term investments

   $ 2,012       $ 2,012       $ 1,893       $ 1,893   

Fixed maturities

       37,513           37,513             37,184             37,184   

Equity securities

     1,583         1,583         1,512         1,512   

Liabilities

           

Long term debt

     3,575         4,281         3,575         4,085   


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A pricing service provides fair value amounts for approximately 99% of the Corporation’s fixed maturities. The prices obtained from a pricing service and brokers generally are non-binding, but are reflective of current market transactions in the applicable financial instruments.

At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Corporation held an insignificant amount of financial instruments in its investment portfolio for which a lack of market liquidity impacted the determination of fair value.

The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels as follows:

Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

Level 2 — Other inputs that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3 — Inputs that are unobservable.

The fair value of financial instruments categorized based upon the lowest level of input that was significant to the fair value measurement was as follows:

 

     June 30, 2012  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
     (in millions)  

Assets

  

Short term investments

   $ 115       $ 1,897       $       $ 2,012   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

           

Tax exempt

             20,254         6         20,260   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Taxable

           

U.S. government and government agency and authority obligations

             1,076                 1,076   

Corporate bonds

             6,935         149         7,084   

Foreign government and government agency obligations

             6,660                 6,660   

Residential mortgage-backed securities

             600         10         610   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

             1,823                 1,823   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
             17,094         159         17,253   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

             37,348         165         37,513   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity securities

     1,575                 8         1,583   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $     1,690       $   39,245       $        173       $   41,108   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

           

Long term debt

   $       $ 4,281       $       $ 4,281   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 


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     December 31, 2011  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
     (in millions)  

Assets

  

Short term investments

   $ 117       $ 1,776       $       $ 1,893   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

           

Tax exempt

             20,203         8         20,211   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Taxable

           

U.S. government and government agency and authority obligations

             868                 868   

Corporate bonds

             6,313         152         6,465   

Foreign government and government agency obligations

             6,820         3         6,823   

Residential mortgage-backed securities

             845         10         855   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

             1,962                 1,962   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
             16,808         165         16,973   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

             37,011         173         37,184   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity securities

     1,504                 8         1,512   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $     1,621       $   38,787       $        181       $   40,589   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

           

Long term debt

   $       $ 4,085       $       $ 4,085   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

5) Segments Information

The principal business of the Corporation is the sale of property and casualty insurance. The profitability of the property and casualty insurance business depends on the results of both underwriting operations and investments, which are viewed as two distinct operations. The underwriting operations are managed and evaluated separately from the investment function.

The property and casualty insurance subsidiaries underwrite most lines of property and casualty insurance. Underwriting operations consist of four separate business units: personal insurance, commercial insurance, specialty insurance and reinsurance assumed. The personal segment targets the personal insurance market. The personal classes include automobile, homeowners and other personal coverages. The commercial segment includes those classes of business that are generally available in broad markets and are of a more commodity nature. Commercial classes include multiple peril, casualty, workers’ compensation and property and marine. The specialty segment includes those classes of business that are available in more limited markets since they require specialized underwriting and claim settlement. Specialty classes include professional liability coverages and surety. The reinsurance assumed business is in runoff following the transfer of the ongoing business to a reinsurance company in 2005.

Corporate and other includes investment income earned on corporate invested assets, corporate expenses and the results of the Corporation’s non-insurance subsidiaries.


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Revenues and income before income tax of each operating segment were as follows:

 

     Periods Ended June 30  
     Second Quarter     Six Months  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
     (in millions)  

Revenues

        

Property and casualty insurance

        

Premiums earned

        

Personal insurance

   $   1,014      $ 980      $   2,004      $   1,937   

Commercial insurance

     1,305          1,234        2,591        2,443   

Specialty insurance

     664        697        1,336        1,384   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total insurance

     2,983        2,911        5,931        5,764   

Reinsurance assumed

            2        3        3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2,983        2,913        5,934        5,767   

Investment income

     381        405        772        796   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property and casualty insurance

     3,364        3,318        6,706        6,563   

Corporate and other

     12        13        24        28   

Realized investment gains, net

     47        69        103        229   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

   $ 3,423      $ 3,400      $ 6,833      $ 6,820   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income tax

        

Property and casualty insurance

        

Underwriting

        

Personal insurance

   $ 58      $ 3      $ 219      $ 84   

Commercial insurance

     18        (54     69        (98

Specialty insurance

     65        144        131        279   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total insurance

     141        93        419        265   

Reinsurance assumed

     8        10        19        15   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     149        103        438        280   

Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs

     10        32        24        57   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting income

     159        135        462        337   

Investment income

     373        394        753        775   

Other income

     6        11        5        16   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property and casualty insurance

     538        540        1,220        1,128   

Corporate and other loss

     (58     (63     (117     (126

Realized investment gains, net

     47        69        103        229   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income before income tax

   $ 527      $ 546      $ 1,206      $ 1,231   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


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6) Contingent Liabilities

Chubb and certain of its subsidiaries have been involved in the investigations by various Attorneys General and other regulatory authorities of several states, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and certain non-U.S. regulatory authorities with respect to certain business practices in the property and casualty insurance industry including (1) potential conflicts of interest and anti-competitive behavior arising from the payment of contingent commissions to brokers and agents and (2) loss mitigation and finite reinsurance arrangements. In connection with these investigations, Chubb and certain of its subsidiaries received subpoenas and other requests for information from various regulators. The Corporation has cooperated fully with these investigations. The Corporation has settled with several state Attorneys General and insurance departments all issues arising out of their investigations.

Individual actions and purported class actions arising out of the investigations into the payment of contingent commissions to brokers and agents have been filed in a number of federal and state courts. On August 1, 2005, Chubb and certain of its subsidiaries were named in a putative class action entitled In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (N.J. District Court). This action, brought against several brokers and insurers on behalf of a class of persons who purchased insurance through the broker defendants, asserts claims under the Sherman Act, state law and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) arising from the alleged unlawful use of contingent commission agreements. On September 28, 2007, the N.J. District Court dismissed the second amended complaint filed by the plaintiffs in its entirety. In so doing, the N.J. District Court dismissed the plaintiffs’ Sherman Act and RICO claims with prejudice for failure to state a claim, and it dismissed the plaintiffs’ state law claims without prejudice because it declined to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over them. The plaintiffs appealed the dismissal of their second amended complaint to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (Third Circuit). On August 13, 2010, the Third Circuit affirmed in part and vacated in part the N.J. District Court decision and remanded the case back to the N.J. District Court for further proceedings. As a result of the Third Circuit’s decision, the plaintiffs’ state law claims and certain of the plaintiffs’ Sherman Act and RICO claims were reinstated against the Corporation. The Corporation and the other defendants filed motions to dismiss the reinstated claims on October 1, 2010. Subsequently, several of the other defendants entered into settlement agreements with the plaintiffs. In light of these settlements and their impact on the litigation, the N.J. District Court on June 17, 2011 dismissed without prejudice the motions to dismiss filed by the Corporation and the other non-settling defendants. On October 21, 2011, the Corporation and the other non-settling defendants refiled their motions to dismiss and the plaintiffs filed their papers in opposition. On March 30, 2012, the N.J. District Court formally approved the settlements entered into by the settling defendants. On April 30, 2012, the non-settling parties were ordered to engage in settlement discussions and, as a result, on May 31, 2012, the N.J. District Court administratively terminated the non-settling defendants’ motions to dismiss. Nevertheless, to date, no further settlements have been reached. The non-settling defendants have again requested leave of the N.J. District Court to refile their motions to dismiss and discovery is on-going.


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Chubb and certain of its subsidiaries also have been named as defendants in other putative class actions relating or similar to the In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation that have been filed in various state courts or in U.S. district courts between 2005 and 2007. These actions were subsequently removed and ultimately transferred to the N.J. District Court for consolidation with the In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation. These matters were previously stayed but that stay has been lifted. The parties currently are conducting discovery in these matters.

In the various actions described above, the plaintiffs generally allege that the defendants unlawfully used contingent commission agreements and conspired to reduce competition in the insurance markets. The actions seek treble damages, injunctive and declaratory relief and attorneys’ fees. The Corporation believes it has substantial defenses to all of the aforementioned legal proceedings and intends to defend the actions vigorously.

The Corporation cannot predict at this time the ultimate outcome of the aforementioned ongoing investigations and legal proceedings, including any potential amounts that the Corporation may be required to pay in connection with them. Nevertheless, management believes that the outcome will not have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s results of operations or financial condition.


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7) Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

     Periods Ended June 30  
     Second Quarter      Six Months  
     2012      2011      2012      2011  
     (in millions, except for per share amounts)  

Basic earnings per share:

           

Net income

   $ 404       $ 419       $ 910       $ 928   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

     271.5         293.6         272.9         296.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

   $ 1.49       $ 1.43       $ 3.33       $ 3.14   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share:

           

Net income

   $ 404       $ 419       $ 910       $ 928   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

       271.5           293.6           272.9           296.0   

Additional shares from assumed issuance of shares under stock- based compensation awards

     1.8         1.8         1.9         1.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average shares and potential shares assumed outstanding for computing diluted earnings per share

     273.3         295.4         274.8         297.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 1.48       $ 1.42       $ 3.31       $ 3.12   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 


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

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations addresses the financial condition of the Corporation as of June 30, 2012 compared with December 31, 2011 and the results of operations for the six months and three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in this report and the consolidated financial statements and related notes and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this document are “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA). These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the PSLRA and include statements regarding our loss reserve and reinsurance recoverable estimates; the cost of our property reinsurance program in 2012; market conditions in 2012, including premium volume, rate trends, the pricing environment and competition; 2012 full year property and casualty investment income; the value of our limited partnership investments in the third quarter of 2012; the repurchase of common stock under our share repurchase program; our financial position, capital adequacy and funding of liquidity needs; and the impact of a downgrade in our credit or financial strength ratings. Forward-looking statements frequently can be identified by words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “likely,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning trends and future developments and their potential effects on us. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those suggested by forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties, which include, among others, those discussed or identified from time to time in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and those associated with:

 

 

global political, economic and market conditions, particularly in the jurisdictions in which we operate and/or invest, including:

 

  changes in credit ratings, interest rates, market credit spreads and the performance of the financial markets;

 

  currency fluctuations;

 

  the effects of inflation;

 

  changes in domestic and foreign laws, regulations and taxes;

 

  changes in competition and pricing environments;

 

  regional or general changes in asset valuations;

 

  the inability to reinsure certain risks economically; and

 

  changes in the litigation environment;

 

 

the effects of the outbreak or escalation of war or hostilities;

 

 

the occurrence of terrorist attacks, including any nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological events;


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premium pricing and profitability or growth estimates overall or by lines of business or geographic area, and related expectations with respect to the timing and terms of any required regulatory approvals;

 

 

adverse changes in loss cost trends;

 

 

our ability to retain existing business and attract new business at acceptable rates;

 

 

our expectations with respect to cash flow and investment income and with respect to other income;

 

 

the adequacy of our loss reserves, including:

 

  our expectations relating to reinsurance recoverables;

 

  the willingness of parties, including us, to settle disputes;

 

  developments in judicial decisions or regulatory or legislative actions relating to coverage and liability, in particular, for asbestos, toxic waste and other mass tort claims;

 

  development of new theories of liability;

 

  our estimates relating to ultimate asbestos liabilities; and

 

  the impact from the bankruptcy protection sought by various asbestos producers and other related businesses;

 

 

the availability and cost of reinsurance coverage;

 

 

the occurrence of significant weather-related or other natural or human-made disasters, particularly in locations where we have concentrations of risk or changes to our estimates (or the assessments of rating agencies and other third parties) of our potential exposure to such events;

 

 

the impact of economic factors on companies on whose behalf we have issued surety bonds, and in particular, on those companies that file for bankruptcy or otherwise experience deterioration in creditworthiness;

 

 

the effects of disclosures by, and investigations of, companies relating to possible accounting irregularities, practices in the financial services industry, investment losses or other corporate governance issues, including:

 

  the effects on the capital markets and the markets for directors and officers and errors and omissions insurance;

 

  claims and litigation arising out of actual or alleged accounting or other corporate malfeasance by other companies;

 

  claims and litigation arising out of practices in the financial services industry;

 

  claims and litigation relating to uncertainty in the credit and broader financial markets; and

 

  legislative or regulatory proposals or changes;

 

 

the effects of changes in market practices in the U.S. property and casualty insurance industry arising from any legal or regulatory proceedings, related settlements and industry reform, including changes that have been announced and changes that may occur in the future;

 

 

the impact of legislative, regulatory and similar developments on our business, including those relating to terrorism, catastrophes, the financial markets, solvency standards, capital requirements and accounting guidance;


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any downgrade in our claims-paying, financial strength or other credit ratings;

 

 

the ability of our subsidiaries to pay us dividends; and

 

 

our ability to implement management’s strategic plans and initiatives.

Chubb assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information set forth in this document, which speak as of the date hereof.

Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments

The consolidated financial statements include amounts based on informed estimates and judgments of management for transactions that are not yet complete. Such estimates and judgments affect the reported amounts in the financial statements. Those estimates and judgments that were most critical to the preparation of the financial statements involved the determination of loss reserves and the recoverability of related reinsurance recoverables and the evaluation of whether a decline in value of any investment is temporary or other than temporary. These estimates and judgments, which are discussed in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 as supplemented within the following analysis of our results of operations, require the use of assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain and therefore are subject to change as facts and circumstances develop. If different estimates and judgments had been applied, materially different amounts might have been reported in the financial statements.


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Overview

The following highlights do not address all of the matters covered in the other sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations or contain all of the information that may be important to Chubb’s shareholders or the investing public. This overview should be read in conjunction with the other sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

   

Net income was $910 million in the first six months of 2012 and $404 million in the second quarter compared with $928 million and $419 million, respectively, in the same periods of 2011. Net income was lower in the first six months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011 as higher operating income in the first six months of 2012 was more than offset by significantly lower net realized investment gains. Net income was also lower in the second quarter of 2012 compared with the same period of 2011 due to lower net realized investment gains. We define operating income as net income excluding realized investment gains and losses after tax.

 

   

Operating income was $843 million in the first six months of 2012 compared with $779 million in the same period of 2011. The higher operating income in the first six months of 2012 was due to higher underwriting income in our property and casualty business. Property and casualty investment income decreased modestly in the first six months of 2012 compared with the same period in 2011. Operating income was $374 million in the second quarter of both 2012 and 2011 as higher underwriting income in our property and casualty business in the second quarter of 2012 was offset by a decrease in property and casualty investment income. Management uses operating income, a non-GAAP financial measure, among other measures, to evaluate its performance because the realization of investment gains and losses in any period could be discretionary as to timing and can fluctuate significantly, which could distort the analysis of operating trends.

 

   

Underwriting results were profitable in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 and 2011, but more so in the 2012 periods. Our combined loss and expense ratio was 92.0% in the first six months of 2012 and 93.8% in the second quarter compared with 94.3% and 94.9% in the respective periods of 2011. The more profitable results in the 2012 periods were due to a lower impact from catastrophes, offset in part by a lower amount of favorable prior year loss development. The impact of catastrophes accounted for 4.2 percentage points of the combined ratio in the first six months of 2012 and 7.5 percentage points in the second quarter, compared with 10.4 and 11.3 percentage points, respectively, in the same periods of 2011.

 

   

During the first six months and second quarter of 2012, we estimate that we experienced overall favorable development of about $265 million and $165 million, respectively, on loss reserves established as of the previous year end. During the first six months and second quarter of 2011, we estimate that we experienced overall favorable development of about $425 million and $205 million, respectively. The overall favorable development in both years was due primarily to favorable loss experience in the commercial liability, professional liability and personal insurance classes.


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Total net premiums written increased by 2% in the first six months of 2012 and 1% in the second quarter compared with the same periods in 2011, driven by growth in the United States. Net premiums written in the United States increased by 4% in the first six months of 2012 and 3% in the second quarter. The growth in net premiums written in the United States reflected continued positive pricing trends in the commercial market as well as in personal lines. Net premiums written outside the United States decreased by 2% in the first six months of 2012 and 3% in the second quarter in U.S. dollars but increased slightly in both periods when measured in local currencies.

 

   

Property and casualty investment income after tax decreased by 3% in the first six months of 2012 and 5% in the second quarter compared with the same periods in 2011, in what continued to be a low yield investment environment. Management uses property and casualty investment income after tax, a non-GAAP financial measure, to evaluate its investment results because it reflects the impact of any change in the proportion of the investment portfolio invested in tax exempt securities and is therefore more meaningful for analysis purposes than investment income before income tax.

 

   

Net realized investment gains before tax were $103 million ($67 million after tax) in the first six months of 2012 and $47 million ($30 million after tax) in the second quarter compared with $229 million ($149 million after tax) and $69 million ($45 million after tax) in the comparable periods of 2011. The net realized gains in the first six months of 2012 were primarily related to investments in limited partnerships, which generally are reported on a quarter lag, and sales of fixed maturity securities. The net realized gains in the first six months of 2011 and second quarters of 2012 and 2011 were primarily related to investments in limited partnerships.

A summary of our consolidated net income is as follows:

 

      Periods Ended June 30  
     Six Months     Second Quarter  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
     (in millions)  

Property and casualty insurance

   $ 1,220      $ 1,128      $ 538      $ 540   

Corporate and other

     (117     (126     (58     (63
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated operating income before income tax

     1,103        1,002        480       477   

Federal and foreign income tax

     260       223        106        103   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated operating income

     843       779        374        374   

Realized investment gains after income tax

     67        149        30        45   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated net income

   $ 910      $ 928      $ 404      $ 419   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


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Property and Casualty Insurance

A summary of the results of operations of our property and casualty insurance business is as follows:

 

     Periods Ended June 30  
     Six Months     Second Quarter  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
     (in millions)  

Underwriting

        

Net premiums written

   $ 6,049      $ 5,914      $ 3,100      $ 3,055   

Increase in unearned premiums

     (115     (147     (117     (142
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Premiums earned

     5,934        5,767        2,983        2,913   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Losses and loss expenses

     3,567        3,612        1,860        1,847   

Operating costs and expenses

     1,913        1,859        966        955   

Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs

     (24 )     (57     (10     (32

Dividends to policyholders

     16        16        8        8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting income

     462        337        159        135   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investments

        

Investment income before expenses

     772        796        381        405   

Investment expenses

     19        21        8        11   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment income

     753        775        373        394   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income

     5        16        6        11   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and casualty income before tax

   $ 1,220      $ 1,128      $ 538      $ 540   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and casualty investment income after tax

   $ 611      $ 628      $ 303      $ 318   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and casualty income before tax was higher in the first six months of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. The higher income in 2012 was due to an increase in underwriting income, attributable to a lower impact of catastrophes in 2012 offset in part by a lower amount of favorable prior year loss development. Property and casualty income before tax was similar in the second quarter of 2012 and 2011. The increase in underwriting income in the second quarter of 2012, attributable to a lower impact of catastrophes in 2012 offset in part by a lower amount of favorable prior year loss development, was offset primarily by a decrease in investment income.

The profitability of our property and casualty insurance business depends on the results of both our underwriting and investment operations. We view these as two distinct operations since the underwriting functions are managed separately from the investment function. Accordingly, in assessing our performance, we evaluate underwriting results separately from investment results.


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Underwriting Results

We evaluate the underwriting results of our property and casualty insurance business in the aggregate and also for each of our separate business units.

Net Premiums Written

Net premiums written were $6.0 billion in the first six months of 2012 and $3.1 billion in the second quarter, compared with $5.9 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively, in the same periods of 2011. Net premiums written by business unit were as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30
     % Incr.     Quarter Ended
June 30
     % Incr.  
     2012      2011      (Decr.)     2012      2011      (Decr.)  
     (in millions)            (in millions)         

Personal insurance

   $ 2,049       $ 1,957         5   $ 1,109       $ 1,063         4

Commercial insurance

     2,758         2,636         5        1,353         1,310         3   

Specialty insurance

     1,240         1,319         (6     638         680         (6
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total insurance

     6,047         5,912         2        3,100         3,053         2   

Reinsurance assumed

     2         2         *        —           2         *   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total

   $ 6,049       $ 5,914         2      $ 3,100       $ 3,055         1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

* The change in net premiums written is not presented since the business is in runoff.

Net premiums written increased by 2% in the first six months of 2012 and 1% in the second quarter compared with the same periods in 2011. Net premiums written in the United States, which represented 74% of our total net premiums written in the first six months of 2012, increased by 4% in the first six months of 2012 and 3% in the second quarter. Net premiums written outside the United States, expressed in U.S. dollars, decreased by 2% in the first six months of 2012 and 3% in the second quarter. The decrease in net premiums written outside the United States in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 was due to the negative impact of foreign currency translation, reflecting the impact of the stronger U.S. dollar relative to several currencies in which we wrote business in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011. Net premiums written outside the United States grew slightly in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 when measured in local currencies.

We classify business as written in the United States or outside the United States based on the location of the risk associated with the underlying policies. The method of determining location of risk varies by class of business. Location of risk for property lines is typically based on the physical location of the covered property, while location of risk for liability lines may be based on the main location of the insured, or in the case of the workers’ compensation line, the primary work location of the covered employee.


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Net premiums written in the United States grew in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 in our personal and commercial insurance segments. Net premiums written in the United States for our specialty insurance segment, including its predominant professional liability insurance business component, decreased in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 when compared with the same periods of 2011. Growth in our personal insurance business was attributable to new business, strong retention of existing business as well as higher rates and insured exposures upon renewal. While there was improvement during the first six months of 2012 in the commercial and professional liability insurance pricing environment, continuing a trend that began during 2011, the positive trend had a more significant impact on growth in our commercial insurance business.

Overall, average renewal rates in the first six months of 2012 in the United States were up in both our commercial and professional liability businesses in comparison to expiring rates. The rate of increase was higher in the second quarter of 2012 than in the first quarter of the year for both of these segments, but more so in our professional liability business. The amounts of coverage purchased or the insured exposures, both of which are bases upon which we calculate the premiums we charge, were generally near flat, although exposure amounts were up in select lines of business. We continued to retain a high percentage of our existing commercial and professional liability business, but renewal retention levels in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 were lower than those in the same periods of 2011, as we continued to seek renewal rate increases in most of the classes within these segments and as we took underwriting actions to improve portions of the business, particularly some of the professional liability classes. The overall level of new business in the United States in our commercial and professional liability businesses was also down in the first six months and second quarter of 2012, reflecting both the competitive market as well as our underwriting discipline.

Net premiums written outside the United States, excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, increased slightly in the first six months and second quarter of 2012. In both periods, the most significant growth occurred in the accident and health component of our personal insurance business. Commercial insurance and professional liability premiums outside the United States were both down modestly in the first six months and the second quarter of 2012. Average renewal rates in our commercial business written outside the United States were up slightly in the first six months and second quarter of 2012. Average renewal rates for professional liability insurance business written outside the United States were near flat in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared to the same periods last year. Retention levels and levels of new business outside the United States were generally lower than those in the same periods of 2011.

We expect our net written premiums for the full year 2012 will increase at a rate similar to the rate in the first half of the year, including a slight negative impact from foreign currency translation, assuming average foreign currency to U.S dollar exchange rates for the remainder of the year remain similar to June 30, 2012 levels. We expect that the positive pricing environment in most classes, particularly in the United States, will continue through the remainder of 2012, in a market that will remain competitive.


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Reinsurance Ceded

Our premiums written are net of amounts ceded to reinsurers who assume a portion of the risk under the insurance policies we write that are subject to reinsurance.

The most significant component of our ceded reinsurance program is property reinsurance. We purchase two main types of property reinsurance: catastrophe and property per risk.

For property risks in the United States and Canada, we purchase traditional catastrophe reinsurance, including our primary treaty which we refer to as our North American catastrophe treaty, as well as supplemental catastrophe reinsurance that provides additional coverage for our exposures in the northeastern United States. For certain exposures in the United States, we have also arranged for the purchase of multi–year, collateralized reinsurance funded through the issuance of collateralized risk-linked securities, known as catastrophe bonds. For events outside the United States, we also purchase traditional catastrophe reinsurance.

We renewed our primary traditional property catastrophe treaties and our commercial property per risk treaty in April 2012. While the overall changes in these coverages were modest, we increased our participation in the lower layers of coverage and purchased additional coverage in the higher layers. In March 2012, we also arranged for the purchase of reinsurance through the issuance of a catastrophe bond. This replaced a catastrophe bond arrangement that expired in March 2012 and extended the jurisdictions and perils subject to coverage. The supplemental catastrophe reinsurance that provides coverage for exposures in the northeastern United States was renewed in June 2012 on terms similar to the expiring coverage.

The North American catastrophe treaty has an initial retention of $500 million and provides coverage for exposures in the United States and Canada of approximately 59% of losses (net of recoveries from other available reinsurance) between $500 million and $1.65 billion. For certain catastrophic events in the northeastern part of the United States or along the southern U.S. coastline, the combination of the North American catastrophe treaty, supplemental catastrophe reinsurance and/or the catastrophe bond arrangements provide additional coverages as discussed below.

The catastrophe bond arrangements provide reinsurance coverage for specific types of losses in specific geographic locations. They are generally designed to supplement coverage provided under the North American catastrophe treaty. We currently have two catastrophe bond arrangements in effect. We have a $475 million reinsurance arrangement, a portion of which expires in March 2014 and the remainder in March 2015, that provides coverage for homeowners and commercial exposure to certain hurricane, earthquake, severe thunderstorm and winter storm loss events in twelve states in the northeastern United States and the District of Columbia. We also have a $150 million reinsurance arrangement that expires in March 2016 that provides coverage for homeowners-related hurricane and severe thunderstorm losses in eight states along the southern U.S. coastline.


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For the indicated catastrophic events in the northeastern United States, the combination of the North American catastrophe treaty, the supplemental catastrophe reinsurance and the $475 million catastrophe bond arrangement provides additional coverage of approximately 65% of losses (net of recoveries from other available reinsurance) between $1.65 billion and $3.65 billion.

For hurricane and severe thunderstorm events along the southern U.S. coastline, the $150 million catastrophe bond arrangement provides additional coverage of approximately 50% of homeowners-related hurricane and severe thunderstorm losses between $850 million and $1.15 billion.

For hurricane events in Florida, in addition to the coverage provided by the North American catastrophe treaty and the $150 million catastrophe bond arrangement discussed above, we have reinsurance from the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF), which is a state-mandated fund designed to reimburse insurers for a portion of their residential catastrophic hurricane losses. Our participation in this mandatory program limits our initial retention in Florida for homeowners-related losses to approximately $170 million and provides coverage of 90% of covered losses between approximately $170 million and $610 million.

Our primary property catastrophe treaty for events outside the United States, including Canada, provides coverage of approximately 75% of losses (net of recoveries from other available reinsurance) between $100 million and $350 million. For catastrophic events in Australia and Canada, additional reinsurance provides coverage of 80% of losses (net of recoveries from other available reinsurance) between $350 million and $475 million.

In addition to catastrophe treaties, we also have a commercial property per risk treaty. This treaty provides coverage per risk of approximately $600 million to $800 million (depending upon the currency in which the insurance policy was issued) in excess of our initial retention. Our initial retention is generally between $25 million and $35 million.

In addition to our major property catastrophe and property per risk treaties, we purchase several smaller property treaties that only cover specific classes of business or locations having potential concentrations of risk.

Recoveries under our property reinsurance treaties are subject to certain coinsurance requirements that affect the interaction of some elements of our reinsurance program.

Our property reinsurance treaties generally contain terrorism exclusions for acts perpetrated by foreign terrorists, and for nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological loss causes whether such acts are perpetrated by foreign or domestic terrorists.

Overall, rates related to the renewal of our property reinsurance program in 2012 were higher than those in 2011 due in large part to the significant worldwide catastrophe losses incurred by the industry in 2011. However, based on the changes in coverage we made upon renewal of the major components of our program, we expect that the overall cost of our property reinsurance program will be modestly lower in 2012 than in 2011.


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Profitability

The combined loss and expense ratio (or combined ratio), expressed as a percentage, is the key measure of underwriting profitability traditionally used in the property and casualty insurance business. Management evaluates the performance of our underwriting operations and of each of our business units using, among other measures, the combined loss and expense ratio calculated in accordance with statutory accounting principles. It is the sum of the ratio of losses and loss expenses to premiums earned (loss ratio) plus the ratio of statutory underwriting expenses to premiums written (expense ratio) after reducing both premium amounts by dividends to policyholders. When the combined ratio is under 100%, underwriting results are generally considered profitable; when the combined ratio is over 100%, underwriting results are generally considered unprofitable.

Statutory accounting principles applicable to property and casualty insurance companies differ in certain respects from generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Under statutory accounting principles, policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses are recognized immediately, not at the time premiums are earned. Management uses underwriting results determined in accordance with GAAP, among other measures, to assess the overall performance of our underwriting operations. To convert statutory underwriting results to a GAAP basis, certain policy acquisition expenses are deferred and amortized over the period in which the related premiums are earned. Underwriting income determined in accordance with GAAP is defined as premiums earned less losses and loss expenses incurred and GAAP underwriting expenses incurred.

An accident year is the calendar year in which a loss is incurred or, in the case of claims-made policies, the calendar year in which a loss is reported. The total losses and loss expenses incurred for a particular calendar year include current accident year losses and loss expenses as well as any increases or decreases to our estimates of losses and loss expenses that occurred in all prior accident years, which we refer to as prior year loss development.

Underwriting results were profitable in the first six months and second quarter of both 2012 and 2011, but more so in 2012. The combined loss and expense ratio for our overall property and casualty business was as follows:

 

     Periods Ended June 30  
     Six Months     Second Quarter  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Loss ratio

     60.3     62.8     62.5     63.6

Expense ratio

     31.7        31.5        31.3        31.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

     92.0     94.3     93.8     94.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The loss ratio was lower in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared with the same periods in 2011 due to a lower impact of catastrophes offset in part by a lower amount of favorable prior year loss development. The current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophes was nearly the same in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared with the respective 2011 periods, with a higher loss ratio in specialty insurance and to a lesser extent in commercial insurance almost entirely offset by a lower loss ratio in personal insurance. The overall loss ratio excluding catastrophes in the first six months and second quarter of each year reflected favorable loss experience that we believe resulted from our disciplined underwriting in recent years as well as relatively moderate loss trends in several classes of business.


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The impact of catastrophes in the first six months of 2012 was $247 million, which represented 4.2 percentage points of the combined ratio. This compares with an impact of catastrophes in the first six months of 2011 of $599 million, which represented 10.4 percentage points of the combined ratio. The impact of catastrophes in the second quarter of 2012 was $223 million, which represented 7.5 percentage points of the combined ratio. This compares with an impact of catastrophes in the second quarter of 2011 of $329 million, which represented 11.3 percentage points of the combined ratio. A significant portion of the catastrophe losses in the first six months of 2012 related to several severe hail and wind storms in the United States, primarily in the second quarter. A significant portion of the catastrophe losses in the first six months of 2011 related to tornadoes and other storms in the United States, primarily in the second quarter, and flooding in Australia and earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan in the first quarter.

The expense ratio was slightly higher in the first six months of 2012 compared with the same period of 2011, and was the same in the second quarter of 2012 and 2011.

Review of Underwriting Results by Business Unit

Personal Insurance

Net premiums written from personal insurance, which represented 34% of our premiums written in the first six months of 2012, increased by 5% in the first six months of 2012 and 4% in the second quarter compared with the same periods in 2011. Net premiums written for the classes of business within the personal insurance segment were as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30
           Quarter Ended
June 30
        
     2012      2011      % Incr.     2012      2011      % Incr.  
     (in millions)            (in millions)         

Automobile

   $ 349       $ 343         2   $ 185       $ 181         2

Homeowners

     1,261         1,214         4        706         681         4   

Other

     439         400         10        218         201         8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total personal

   $ 2,049       $ 1,957         5      $ 1,109       $ 1,063         4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Overall growth in net premiums written in our personal insurance business in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 occurred primarily inside the United States. Growth in our personal insurance business was attributable to new business, strong retention of existing business as well as higher rates and insured exposures upon renewal. Personal automobile premiums increased in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared with the same periods in 2011, primarily in the United States, in what remained a highly competitive marketplace. Premiums for personal automobile business written outside the United States decreased slightly in the first six months and second quarter of 2012, due to the negative impact of foreign currency translation. Premiums in our homeowners business grew in the United States, reflecting increases in coverage on existing policies and higher renewal rates. Homeowners premiums outside the United States decreased slightly in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011, due to the negative impact of foreign currency translation. Premiums from our other personal business, which includes accident and health, excess liability and yacht coverages, increased in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared with the


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same periods in 2011, with growth occurring both inside and outside the United States. Significant growth occurred in our accident and health business both inside and outside the United States and in our excess liability business in the United States. In recent years, an increasing portion of our accident and health business has been written outside the United States.

Our personal insurance business produced profitable underwriting results in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 and 2011, but more so in 2012. The combined loss and expense ratios for the classes of business within the personal insurance segment were as follows:

 

     Periods Ended June 30  
     Six Months     Second Quarter  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Automobile

     92.2     92.4     93.2     92.0

Homeowners

     85.0        96.1        90.3        97.7   

Other

     94.8        95.4        92.6        98.6   

Total personal

     88.3        95.3        91.2        96.9   

The more profitable results in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared with the same periods in 2011 were partly attributable to the lower impact of catastrophes. The impact of catastrophes represented 6.4 percentage points of the combined ratio of our personal insurance business in the first six months of 2012 and 11.5 percentage points in the second quarter compared with 11.2 and 14.5 percentage points, respectively, in the same periods of 2011. Personal insurance results in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 also benefited from a lower current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophes, due to lower non-catastrophe weather-related losses, offset in part by a lower amount of favorable prior year loss development.

Our personal automobile business produced similarly profitable results in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 and 2011. Results in all periods benefited from moderate claim frequency and favorable prior year loss development.

Homeowners results were highly profitable in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared with profitable results in the same periods of 2011. The more profitable results in the 2012 periods were primarily due to a lower impact of catastrophes and a lower current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophes, due in part to lower non-catastrophe weather-related losses. Catastrophe losses represented 10.0 and 18.0 percentage points of the combined ratio for this class in the first six months and second quarter of 2012, respectively, compared with 17.4 and 22.5 percentage points, respectively, in the same periods in 2011.

Other personal results were similarly profitable in the first six months of 2012 and 2011. Results in the second quarter of both years were also profitable, but more so in 2012. The more profitable results in the second quarter of 2012 were due to an improvement in results for the accident and health component of this business. Our accident and health business produced profitable results in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared with unprofitable results in the same periods of 2011. Results were unprofitable in the 2011 periods due, in part, to a greater number of large losses. Our personal excess liability business produced profitable results in the first six months and second quarter of both years, but less so in 2012,


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reflecting a lower amount of favorable prior year loss development. Our yacht business produced highly profitable results in the first six months of both years. Yacht results were also highly profitable in the second quarter of 2012 compared with profitable results in the same period of 2011.

Commercial Insurance

Net premiums written from commercial insurance, which represented 46% of our premiums written in the first six months of 2012, increased by 5% in the first six months of 2012 and 3% in the second quarter compared with the same periods a year ago. Net premiums written for the classes of business within the commercial insurance segment were as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30
     % Incr.
(Decr.)
    Quarter Ended
June 30
     % Incr.
(Decr.)
 
     2012      2011        2012      2011     
     (in millions)            (in millions)         

Multiple peril

   $ 553       $ 562         (2 )%    $ 292       $ 295         (1 )% 

Casualty

     870         855         2        420         419         —     

Workers’ compensation

     547         463         18        249         220         13   

Property and marine

     788         756         4        392         376         4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total commercial

   $ 2,758       $ 2,636         5      $ 1,353       $ 1,310         3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Growth in net premiums written in our commercial insurance business in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 was driven by an increase in business written in the United States. Net premiums written for commercial business outside the United States decreased in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared to the same periods of 2011 due in large part to the effect of foreign currency translation. Overall, premium growth reflected improved pricing as well as higher audit and endorsement premiums, in a market that offered limited attractive new business opportunities and continued to be highly competitive. The improvement in the overall rate environment, which began in 2011, continued in the first six months of 2012, particularly in the United States. Average renewal rates in the United States increased in the first six months of 2012 in all major classes of our commercial business. Average renewal rates outside the United States increased slightly in the first six months of 2012. Retention levels of our existing policyholders remained strong, but were down from those in the first six months of 2011, both inside and outside the United States. The decline in retention was due to both our effort to increase rates in several classes of business and our non-renewal of some property business in catastrophe exposed areas. In the first six months of 2012, the average renewal exposure change was flat, both inside and outside the United States. The amount of new business was down in the first six months of 2012 compared with the same period in 2011, both inside and outside the United States, as we continued to maintain our underwriting discipline in the competitive market. Despite the competitive conditions in the market, we expect that a positive rate environment will continue for the remainder of this year.


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Our commercial insurance business produced profitable underwriting results in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared with modestly unprofitable results in the same periods of 2011. The combined loss and expense ratios for the classes of business within the commercial insurance segment were as follows:

 

     Periods Ended June 30  
     Six Months     Second Quarter  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Multiple peril

     97.0     114.1     100.9     122.2

Casualty

     92.9        83.7        92.1        84.0   

Workers’ compensation

     95.4        91.8        95.8        93.9   

Property and marine

     97.8        119.1        102.0        113.2   

Total commercial

     95.4        101.6        97.5        102.5   

The more profitable results in our commercial insurance business in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared with the same periods in 2011 were due primarily to the lower impact of catastrophes. The impact of catastrophes represented 4.6 percentage points of the combined ratio for our commercial insurance business in the first six months of 2012 and 8.2 percentage points in the second quarter compared with 15.7 and 15.2 percentage points, respectively, in the comparable periods in 2011. Results in all periods benefited from our disciplined risk selection and appropriate policy terms and conditions in recent years.

Multiple peril results were profitable in the first six months of 2012 and near breakeven in the second quarter compared with highly unprofitable results in the same periods of 2011. The improved results in the 2012 periods were due to a significant improvement in the property component of this business, primarily due to the lower impact of catastrophes in the 2012 periods. The impact of catastrophes in the multiple peril class was 9.2 percentage points of the combined ratio in the first six months of 2012 and 14.0 percentage points in the second quarter compared with 27.2 and 37.2 percentage points, respectively, in the same periods of 2011. The liability component of this business produced profitable results in the first six months and second quarter of both years.

Results for our casualty business were profitable in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared with highly profitable results in the same periods of 2011. The less profitable results in the 2012 periods were primarily due to deterioration in the results for the primary liability and automobile components of this business. Results for the primary liability component were unprofitable in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared with profitable results in the same periods of 2011, partly due to a higher volume of large reported losses, many of which related to prior accident years. The automobile component of the casualty business produced modestly unprofitable results in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared with highly profitable results in the same periods of 2011. The automobile results in the 2011 periods benefited from favorable prior year loss development. Results for the excess liability component were highly profitable in the first six months and second quarter of both 2012 and 2011, as results in all periods benefited from substantial favorable prior year loss development. Results for our casualty business were adversely affected by incurred losses related to asbestos and toxic waste claims in the first six months and second quarter of both years. Our analysis of these exposures resulted in increases in the estimate of our ultimate liabilities. Such losses represented 1.5 and 3.7 percentage points of


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the combined ratio for the casualty business in the first six months of 2012 and 2011, respectively, and 1.7 and 3.7 percentage points in the second quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Workers’ compensation results were profitable in the first six months and second quarter of both 2012 and 2011, but more so in the 2011 periods. The less profitable results in the first six months of 2012 were due partly to a lower amount of favorable prior year loss development and partly to a higher current accident year combined ratio compared to the first six months of 2011. Results in all periods benefited from our disciplined risk selection during the past several years.

Property and marine results were modestly profitable in the first six months of 2012 and modestly unprofitable in the second quarter compared with highly unprofitable results in the same periods of 2011. The improved results in the 2012 periods were primarily due to significantly lower catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses represented 8.2 percentage points of the combined ratio for this class in the first six months of 2012 and 16.6 percentage points in the second quarter compared with 33.7 and 24.0 percentage points, respectively, in the same periods of 2011.

Specialty Insurance

Net premiums written from specialty insurance, which represented 20% of our premiums written in the first six months of 2012, decreased by 6% in both the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared with the same periods in 2011. Net premiums written for the classes of business within the specialty insurance segment were as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30
     % Decr.     Quarter Ended
June 30
     % Decr.  
     2012      2011        2011      2010     
     (in millions)            (in millions)         

Professional liability

   $ 1,093       $ 1,146         (5 )%    $ 555       $ 595         (7 )% 

Surety

     147         173         (15     83         85         (2
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total specialty

   $ 1,240       $ 1,319         (6   $ 638       $ 680         (6
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Net premiums written in our professional liability business decreased in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared with the same periods of 2011. Net premiums written decreased both in the United States and outside the United States. Premium growth in this business remained constrained by the continuing effect of the economic downturn in recent years and our focus on profitability rather than premium volume in what remains a highly competitive marketplace. Nevertheless, there was improvement in the overall rate environment, particularly in the United States. We continued to pursue rate increases on our professional liability business renewals to address margin compression experienced in these classes of business in recent years. Average renewal rates for our professional liability business in the United States increased in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared with those in the same periods of 2011, with increases occurring in all major classes of this business, particularly directors and officers liability and employment practices liability insurance. Overall renewal rates outside the United States were close to flat in the first six months and second quarter of 2012. Retention levels and new business volume were lower in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared with those in the same periods of 2011, both inside and


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outside the United States, consistent with our desire to selectively reduce our exposure in some customer segments where current rate levels are not attractive.

Net premiums written in our surety business decreased significantly in the first six months of 2012 and decreased slightly in the second quarter compared with the same periods in 2011. The decrease in both periods occurred in our U.S. business. Current economic conditions have resulted in fewer contracts requiring a surety bond being awarded to our existing customers that operate in the construction industry. The timing of contract awards can also vary. As a result, premium growth in our surety business varies from period to period.

Our specialty insurance business produced profitable underwriting results in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared with highly profitable results in the same periods of 2011. The combined loss and expense ratios for the classes of business within the specialty insurance segment were as follows:

 

     Periods Ended June 30  
     Six Months     Second Quarter  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Professional liability

     98.2     85.6     97.9     84.6

Surety

     49.1        47.5        42.8        44.5   

Total specialty

     92.5        81.2        91.4        80.0   

Our professional liability business produced profitable results in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared with highly profitable results in the same periods of 2011. The less profitable results in the 2012 periods were due to a lower amount of favorable prior year loss development, particularly outside the United States, and to a higher current accident year combined ratio, compared to the comparable periods of 2011.

Results in the directors and officers liability class were profitable in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 compared with highly profitable results in the same periods of 2011. Results in the fidelity class were profitable in the first six months of 2012 and unprofitable in the second quarter compared with highly profitable results in the same periods of 2011. Results in the employment practices liability class were highly unprofitable in the first six months of 2012 compared with profitable results in the same period of 2011. Results for this class were also highly unprofitable in the second quarter of 2012 compared with slightly unprofitable results in the same period of 2011. Results in the 2012 periods reflect a higher current accident year combined ratio and unfavorable prior year loss development. Employment practices claims have been more numerous and protracted due to the effect of the economic downturn and higher unemployment levels in recent years. Results in the errors and omissions liability class were highly unprofitable and reflected unfavorable prior year loss development in the first six months and second quarter of both years. Results in the fiduciary liability class were highly profitable and reflected favorable prior year loss development in the first six months and second quarter of both 2012 and 2011.

Our surety business produced highly profitable results in the first six months and second quarter of both 2012 and 2011 due to favorable loss experience. Our surety business tends to be characterized by losses that are infrequent but have the potential to be highly severe.


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Reinsurance Assumed

Net premiums written from our reinsurance assumed business, which is in runoff, were not significant in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 and 2011.

Reinsurance assumed results were profitable in the first six months and second quarter of 2012 and 2011. Results in all periods benefited from favorable prior year loss development.

Catastrophe Risk Management

Our property and casualty subsidiaries have exposure to losses caused by natural perils such as hurricanes and other windstorms, earthquakes, severe winter weather and brush fires as well as from man-made catastrophic events such as terrorism. The frequency and severity of catastrophes are inherently unpredictable.

The extent of losses from a catastrophe is a function of both the total amount of insured exposure in an area affected by the event and the severity of the event. We regularly assess our concentration of risk exposure in catastrophe exposed areas globally and have strategies and underwriting standards to manage this exposure through individual risk selection, subject to regulatory constraints, and through the purchase of catastrophe reinsurance coverage. We use catastrophe modeling and a risk concentration management tool to monitor and control our accumulations of potential losses in catastrophe exposed areas in the United States, such as California and the gulf and east coasts, as well as in catastrophe exposed areas in certain other countries. The information provided by the catastrophe modeling and the risk concentration management tool has resulted in our non-renewing some accounts and refraining from writing others.

Catastrophe modeling generally relies on multiple inputs based on experience, science, engineering and history, and the selection of those inputs requires a significant amount of judgment. The modeling results may also fail to account for risks that are outside the range of normal probability or are otherwise unforeseen. Because of this, actual results may differ materially from those derived from our modeling exercises.

We also continue to actively explore and analyze credible scientific evidence, including the potential impact of global climate change, that may affect our ability to manage exposure under the insurance policies we issue as well as the impact that laws and regulations intended to combat climate change could have on us.

Despite our efforts to manage our catastrophe exposure, the occurrence of one or more severe catastrophic events could have a material effect on the Corporation’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.


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Loss Reserves

Unpaid losses and loss expenses, also referred to as loss reserves, are the largest liability of our property and casualty subsidiaries.

Our loss reserves include case estimates for claims that have been reported and estimates for claims that have been incurred but not reported at the balance sheet date as well as estimates of the expenses associated with processing and settling all reported and unreported claims, less estimates of anticipated salvage and subrogation recoveries. Estimates are based upon past loss experience modified for current trends as well as prevailing economic, legal and social conditions. Our loss reserves are not discounted to present value.

We regularly review our loss reserves using a variety of actuarial techniques. We update the reserve estimates as historical loss experience develops, additional claims are reported and/or settled and new information becomes available. Any changes in estimates are reflected in operating results in the period in which the estimates are changed.

Incurred but not reported (IBNR) reserve estimates are generally calculated by first projecting the ultimate cost of all claims that have occurred and then subtracting reported losses and loss expenses. Reported losses include cumulative paid losses and loss expenses plus case reserves. The IBNR reserve includes a provision for claims that have occurred but have not yet been reported to us, some of which are not yet known to the insured, as well as a provision for future development on reported claims. A relatively large proportion of our net loss reserves, particularly for long tail liability classes, are reserves for IBNR losses. In fact, about 70% of our aggregate net loss reserves at June 30, 2012 were for IBNR losses.


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Our gross case and incurred but not reported (IBNR) loss reserves and related reinsurance recoverable by class of business were as follows:

 

    

 

Gross Loss Reserves

     Reinsurance
Recoverable
     Net
Loss
Reserves
 
June 30, 2012    Case      IBNR      Total        
     (in millions)  

Personal insurance

              

Automobile

   $ 266       $ 154       $ 420       $ 19       $ 401   

Homeowners

     378         426         804         10         794   

Other

     349         675         1,024         126         898   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total personal

     993         1,255         2,248         155         2,093   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commercial insurance

              

Multiple peril

     600         1,223         1,823         30         1,793   

Casualty

     1,427         5,304         6,731         351         6,380   

Workers’ compensation

     936         1,757         2,693         198         2,495   

Property and marine

     824         607         1,431         314         1,117   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total commercial

     3,787         8,891         12,678         893         11,785   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Specialty insurance

              

Professional liability

     1,425         6,121         7,546         399         7,147   

Surety

     25         57         82         6         76   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total specialty

     1,450         6,178         7,628         405         7,223   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total insurance

     6,230         16,324         22,554         1,453         21,101   

Reinsurance assumed

     232         413         645         216         429   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 6,462       $ 16,737       $ 23,199       $ 1,669       $ 21,530   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

    

 

Gross Loss Reserves

     Reinsurance
Recoverable
     Net
Loss
Reserves
 
December 31, 2011    Case      IBNR      Total        
     (in millions)  

Personal insurance

              

Automobile

   $ 269       $ 151       $ 420       $ 16       $ 404   

Homeowners

     431         349         780         11         769   

Other

     392         649         1,041         139         902   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total personal

     1,092         1,149         2,241         166         2,075   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commercial insurance

              

Multiple peril

     600         1,169         1,769         34         1,735   

Casualty

     1,388         5,229         6,617         343         6,274   

Workers’ compensation

     913         1,669         2,582         190         2,392   

Property and marine

     896         558         1,454         336         1,118   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total commercial

     3,797         8,625         12,422         903         11,519   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Specialty insurance

              

Professional liability

     1,498         6,098         7,596         416         7,180   

Surety

     27         54         81         6         75   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total specialty

     1,525         6,152         7,677         422         7,255   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total insurance

     6,414         15,926         22,340         1,491         20,849   

Reinsurance assumed

     240         488         728         248         480   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 6,654       $ 16,414       $ 23,068       $ 1,739       $ 21,329   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 


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Loss reserves, net of reinsurance recoverable, increased by $201 million during the first six months of 2012. Loss reserves related to our insurance business increased by $252 million during the first six month of 2012, which included a decrease of approximately $78 million related to the effect of foreign currency translation due to the stronger U.S. dollar at June 30, 2012 compared to December 31, 2011. Loss reserves related to our reinsurance assumed business, which is in runoff, decreased by $51 million.

The decreases in our homeowners and property and marine gross case reserves during the first six months of 2012 were due largely to payments during the first six months of 2012 on catastrophe-related claims that were unpaid at December 31, 2011. The increase in IBNR reserves in our commercial insurance business occurred primarily in the workers’ compensation class, the multiple peril class and the casualty class, largely related to primary general liability coverage, reflecting premium growth as well as some margin compression experienced in these classes in recent periods. The decrease in our professional liability gross case reserves during the first six months of 2012 was due largely to the settlement of several large claims that were unpaid as of December 31, 2011.

In establishing the loss reserves of our property and casualty subsidiaries, we consider facts currently known and the present state of the law and coverage litigation. Based on all information currently available, we believe that the aggregate loss reserves at June 30, 2012 were adequate to cover claims for losses that had occurred as of that date, including both those known to us and those yet to be reported. However, as discussed in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, there are significant uncertainties inherent in the loss reserving process. It is therefore possible that management’s estimate of the ultimate liability for losses that had occurred as of June 30, 2012 may change, which could have a material effect on the Corporation’s results of operations and financial condition.

Changes in loss reserve estimates are unavoidable because such estimates are subject to the outcome of future events. Loss trends vary and time is required for changes in trends to be recognized and confirmed. Reserve changes that increase previous estimates of ultimate cost are referred to as unfavorable or adverse development or reserve strengthening. Reserve changes that decrease previous estimates of ultimate cost are referred to as favorable development or reserve releases.

We estimate that we experienced overall favorable prior year development of about $265 million during the first six months of 2012 and $165 million in the second quarter compared with favorable prior year development of about $425 million and $205 million, respectively, in the comparable periods of 2011.

The favorable development in the first six months of 2012 was primarily in the commercial liability and professional liability classes due to continued favorable loss experience related mainly to accident years 2008 and prior, and in the personal insurance classes. The favorable development in the first six months of 2011 occurred primarily in the commercial liability and professional liability classes related mainly to accident years 2007 and prior and, to a lesser extent, in the personal insurance classes.


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Investment Results

Property and casualty investment income before taxes decreased 3% in the first six months of 2012 and 5% in the second quarter compared with the same periods in 2011. The decrease was due to a modest decline in average yields on our investment portfolio and a decrease in our average invested assets. The average yield on the fixed maturity investment portfolio of the property and casualty subsidiaries decreased for the first six months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011 due to the continuing impact of lower reinvestment yields compared to the yields on fixed maturity securities that matured, were redeemed by the issuer or were sold since the second quarter of 2011. The average invested assets of the property and casualty subsidiaries were lower during the first six months of 2012 compared with the same period of 2011 due to the substantial dividend distributions made by the property and casualty subsidiaries to Chubb during 2011 and the first quarter of 2012.

The effective tax rate on our investment income was 18.9% in the first six months of 2012 compared with 19.0% in the same period of 2011. The effective tax rate fluctuates as the proportion of tax exempt investment income relative to total investment income changes from period to period.

On an after-tax basis, property and casualty investment income decreased by 3% in the first six months of 2012 and decreased 5% in the second quarter compared with the same periods in 2011. The after-tax annualized yield on the investment portfolio that supports our property and casualty insurance business was 3.18% and 3.22% in the first six months of 2012 and 2011, respectively.

We expect that property and casualty investment income after taxes for the full year 2012 will decline modestly from the full year 2011 amount if both investment yields and average foreign currency to U.S. dollar exchange rates remain about the same as June 30, 2012 levels. This expected decline results, in large part, from the effect of investing funds from securities that matured or were redeemed in 2011 and 2012 in securities with yields lower than the yields of the maturing or redeemed securities, and the expectation that this pattern will continue during the remainder of 2012. To a lesser extent, the expected decline also reflects the lower amount of average invested assets estimated to be held during 2012, based on expectations of cash flows during the year.

Other Income and Charges

Other income and charges, which includes miscellaneous income and expenses of the property and casualty subsidiaries, was not significant in the first six months of 2012 and 2011.

Corporate and Other

Corporate and other comprises investment income earned on corporate invested assets, interest expense and other expenses not allocated to our operating subsidiaries and the results of our non-insurance subsidiaries.

Corporate and other produced a loss before taxes of $117 million in the first six months of 2012 compared to a loss of $126 million for the same period of 2011. The lower loss in the first six months of 2012 was primarily due to lower interest expense resulting from the repayment of $400 million of outstanding notes upon maturity in November 2011.


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Realized Investment Gains and Losses

Net realized investment gains and losses were as follows:

 

     Periods Ended June 30  
     Six Months     Second Quarter  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
     (in millions)  

Net realized gains

        

Fixed maturities

   $ 52      $ 8      $ 17      $ 6   

Equity securities

     25        28        6        9   

Other invested assets

     63        209        55        68   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     140        245        78        83   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

        

Fixed maturities

     (2     —          (1     —     

Equity securities

     (35     (16     (30     (14
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (37     (16     (31     (14
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized investment gains before tax

   $ 103      $ 229      $ 47      $ 69   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized investment gains after tax

   $ 67      $ 149      $ 30      $ 45   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The net realized gains of our other invested assets represent primarily the aggregate of realized gain distributions to us from the limited partnerships in which we have an interest and changes in our equity in the net assets of those partnerships based on valuations provided to us by the manager of each partnership. Due to the timing of our receipt of valuation data from the investment managers, these investments are generally reported on a one quarter lag.

The net realized gains of the limited partnerships reported in the first six months of 2012 primarily reflected the strong performance of the U.S. equity and high yield investment markets in the first quarter of 2012 partially offset by the negative performance of several non-U.S. equity markets, particularly in Asia, in the fourth quarter of 2011. The net realized gains of the limited partnerships reported in the first six months of 2011 reflected the strong performance of the U.S. equity and high yield investment markets in the first quarter of 2011 and the fourth quarter of 2010.

We have not received second quarter 2012 valuations from many of the limited partnerships. Based on the limited preliminary information we have received about the performance of some of the limited partnerships and the weak performance in the global equity markets in the second quarter of 2012, we may experience an overall decline in our equity in the net assets of these limited partnership investments which would be included in our third quarter 2012 results.

We regularly review the invested assets that have a fair value less than cost to determine if an other-than-temporary decline in value has occurred. We have a monitoring process overseen by a committee of investment and accounting professionals that is responsible for identifying those securities to be specifically evaluated for a potential other-than-temporary impairment.


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The determination of whether a decline in value of any investment is temporary or other than temporary requires the judgment of management. The assessment of other-than-temporary impairment of fixed maturities and equity securities is based on both quantitative criteria and qualitative information and also considers a number of factors including, but not limited to, the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than the cost, the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, whether the issuer is current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments, general market conditions and industry or sector specific factors. The decision to recognize a decline in the value of a security carried at fair value as other than temporary rather than temporary has no impact on shareholders’ equity.

In determining whether fixed maturities are other than temporarily impaired, we are required to recognize an other-than-temporary impairment loss for a fixed maturity when we conclude that we have the intent to sell or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell an impaired fixed maturity before the security recovers to its amortized cost value or it is likely we will not recover the entire amortized cost value of an impaired security. If we have the intent to sell or it is more likely than not we will be required to sell an impaired fixed maturity before the security recovers to its amortized cost value, the security is written down to fair value and the entire amount of the writedown is included in net income as a realized investment loss. For all other impaired fixed maturities, the impairment loss is separated into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount representing the loss related to all other factors. The amount of the impairment loss that represents the credit loss is included in net income as a realized investment loss and the amount of the impairment loss that relates to all other factors is included in other comprehensive income.

In determining whether equity securities are other than temporarily impaired, we consider our intent and ability to hold a security for a period of time sufficient to allow us to recover our cost. If a decline in the fair value of an equity security is deemed to be other than temporary, the security is written down to fair value and the amount of the writedown is included in net income as a realized investment loss.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

Capital resources and liquidity represent a company’s overall financial strength and its ability to generate cash flows, borrow funds at competitive rates and raise new capital to meet operating and growth needs.

Capital Resources

Capital resources provide protection for policyholders, furnish the financial strength to support the business of underwriting insurance risks and facilitate continued business growth. At June 30, 2012, the Corporation had shareholders’ equity of $15.6 billion and total debt of $3.6 billion.

Management regularly monitors the Corporation’s capital resources. In connection with our long term capital strategy, Chubb from time to time contributes capital to its property and casualty subsidiaries. In addition, in order to satisfy capital needs as a result of any rating agency capital adequacy or other future rating issues, or in the event we were to need additional capital to make strategic investments in light of market opportunities, we may take a variety of actions, which could include the issuance of additional debt


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and/or equity securities. We believe that our strong financial position and current debt level provide us with the flexibility and capacity to obtain funds externally through debt or equity financings on both a short term and long term basis.

In December 2010, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 30,000,000 shares of Chubb’s common stock. We repurchased shares under this authorization through January 2012, at which time all repurchases allowed under the authorization were completed. In January 2012, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1.2 billion of Chubb’s common stock. Under these authorizations, during the first six months of 2012, we repurchased 8,648,468 shares of Chubb’s common stock in open market transactions at a cost of $606 million. As of June 30, 2012, $658 million remained under the January 2012 share repurchase authorization. We expect to complete the repurchase of shares under this authorization by the end of January 2013, subject to market conditions.

Ratings

Chubb and its property and casualty insurance subsidiaries are rated by major rating agencies. These ratings reflect the rating agency’s opinion of our financial strength, operating performance, strategic position and ability to meet our obligations to policyholders.

Credit ratings assess a company’s ability to make timely payments of interest and principal on its debt. Financial strength ratings assess an insurer’s ability to meet its financial obligations to policyholders.

Ratings are an important factor in establishing our competitive position in the insurance markets. There can be no assurance that our ratings will continue for any given period of time or that they will not be changed.

It is possible that one or more of the rating agencies may raise or lower our existing ratings in the future. If our credit ratings were downgraded, we might incur higher borrowing costs and might have more limited means to access capital. A downgrade in our financial strength ratings could adversely affect the competitive position of our insurance operations, including a possible reduction in demand for our products in certain markets.

Liquidity

Liquidity is a measure of a company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet the short and long term cash requirements of its business operations.

The Corporation’s liquidity requirements in the past have generally been met by funds from operations and we expect that in the future funds from operations will continue to be sufficient to meet such requirements. Liquidity requirements could also be met by funds received upon the maturity or sale of marketable securities in our investment portfolio. The Corporation also has the ability to borrow under its existing $500 million credit facility and we believe we could issue debt or equity securities.


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Our property and casualty operations provide liquidity in that insurance premiums are generally received months or even years before losses are paid under the policies purchased by such premiums. Cash receipts from operations, consisting of insurance premiums and investment income, provide funds to pay losses, operating expenses and dividends to Chubb. After satisfying our cash requirements, excess cash flows are used to build the investment portfolio, with the expectation of generating increased future investment income.

Our underwriting and investment results generated substantial positive operating cash flows in the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011. The cash provided by the property and casualty subsidiaries’ operating activities was similar in the first six months of 2012 and 2011. The positive impact of modestly higher premium collections and lower tax payments was mostly offset by the impact of higher loss payments in the first six months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011. During the first six months of 2012, the cash provided by the property and casualty subsidiaries’ operating activities exceeded the cash used for financing activities (primarily the payment of dividends to Chubb) by approximately $130 million. During the first six months of 2011, cash provided by operating activities of the property and casualty subsidiaries exceeded cash used for financing activities (primarily the payment of dividends) by approximately $140 million. In the first six months of 2012, dividends paid to Chubb by the property and casualty subsidiaries were $830 million compared to $800 million in the comparable period of 2011.

Our property and casualty subsidiaries maintain substantial investments in highly liquid, short term marketable securities. Accordingly, we do not anticipate selling long term fixed maturity investments to meet any liquidity needs.

Chubb’s liquidity requirements primarily include the payment of dividends to shareholders and interest and principal on debt obligations. The declaration and payment of future dividends to Chubb’s shareholders will be at the discretion of Chubb’s Board of Directors and will depend upon many factors, including our operating results, financial condition, capital requirements and any regulatory constraints.

As a holding company, Chubb’s ability to continue to pay dividends to shareholders and to satisfy its debt obligations relies on the availability of liquid assets, which is dependent in large part on the dividend paying ability of its property and casualty subsidiaries. The timing and amount of dividends paid by the property and casualty subsidiaries to Chubb may vary from year to year. Our property and casualty subsidiaries are subject to laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which they operate that restrict the amount and timing of dividends they may pay within twelve consecutive months without the prior approval of regulatory authorities. The restrictions are generally based on net income and on certain levels of policyholders’ surplus as determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices. Dividends in excess of such thresholds are considered “extraordinary” and require prior regulatory approval.

The $830 million of dividends paid by the property and casualty subsidiaries to Chubb during the first six months of 2012 were deemed to be extraordinary under applicable insurance regulations due to the limitation on the amount of dividends that may be paid within twelve consecutive months. Regulatory approval was required and obtained for the payment of these dividends. Whether any dividend payments during the remainder of 2012 require regulatory approval will depend on the amount and timing of such dividend


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payments by the subsidiaries to Chubb. As of June 30, 2012, the maximum aggregate dividend distribution that may be made by the subsidiaries to Chubb during the remainder of 2012 without prior regulatory approval was approximately $930 million.

Invested Assets

The main objectives in managing our investment portfolios are to maximize after-tax investment income and total investment return while minimizing credit risk and managing interest rate risk in order to ensure that funds will be available to meet our insurance obligations. Investment strategies are developed based on many factors including underwriting results and our resulting tax position, regulatory requirements, fluctuations in interest rates and consideration of other market risks. Investment decisions are centrally managed by investment professionals based on guidelines established by management and approved by the boards of directors of Chubb and its respective operating companies.

Our investment portfolio primarily comprises high quality bonds, principally tax exempt securities, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury securities, as well as foreign government and corporate bonds that support our operations outside the United States. The portfolio also includes equity securities, primarily publicly traded common stocks, and other invested assets, primarily private equity limited partnerships, all of which are held with the primary objective of capital appreciation.

Our objective is to achieve the appropriate mix of taxable and tax exempt securities in our portfolio to balance both investment and tax strategies. At June 30, 2012, 67% of our fixed maturity portfolio that supports our U.S. operations was invested in tax exempt securities. At June 30, 2012, about 80% of our tax exempt securities were rated Aa or better, with about 20% of our tax exempt securities rated Aaa. The average rating of our tax exempt securities was Aa. While about 30% of our tax exempt securities were insured, the effect of insurance on the average credit rating of these securities was insignificant. The insured tax exempt securities in our portfolio have been selected based on the quality of the underlying credit and not the value of the credit insurance enhancement.

At June 30, 2012, 6% of our taxable fixed maturity portfolio was invested in U.S. government and government agency and authority obligations other than mortgage-backed securities and had an average rating of Aa. About 65% of the U.S. government and government agency and authority obligations other than mortgage-backed securities were U.S. Treasury securities with an average rating of Aaa and the remainder were taxable bonds issued by states, municipalities and political subdivisions within the United States with an average rating of Aa.

At June 30, 2012, 41% of our taxable fixed maturity portfolio consisted of corporate bonds other than mortgage-backed securities, which were issued by a diverse group of U.S. and foreign issuers and had an average rating of A. About 60% of our corporate bonds other than mortgage-backed securities were issued by U.S. companies and about 40% were issued by foreign companies. Our foreign corporate bonds included $86 million, $43 million and $25 million issued by companies, including banks, in Italy, Ireland and Spain, respectively. We held no bonds issued by companies in Greece or Portugal.


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At June 30, 2012, 39% of our taxable fixed maturity portfolio was invested in foreign government and government agency obligations, which had an average rating of Aa. The foreign government and government agency obligations consisted of high quality securities, primarily issued by national governments and, to a lesser extent, government agencies, regional governments and supranational organizations. The five largest issuers within this portfolio were Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and Brazil, which collectively accounted for about 75% of our total foreign government and government agency obligations. Another 8% of our total foreign government and government agency obligations were issued by supranational organizations. We held no sovereign securities issued by Greece, Portugal, Ireland or Italy and held only $13 million of sovereign securities issued by Spain. We held an insignificant amount of foreign government or government agency fixed maturities that have a third party guarantee.

At June 30, 2012, 14% of our taxable fixed maturity portfolio was invested in mortgage-backed securities. About 95% of the mortgage-backed securities were rated Aaa. About half of the remaining 5% were below investment grade. Of the Aaa rated securities, 22% were residential mortgage-backed securities, consisting of government agency pass-through securities guaranteed by a government agency or a government sponsored enterprise (GSE), GSE collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) and other CMOs, all backed by single family home mortgages. The majority of our CMOs are actively traded in liquid markets. The other 78% of the Aaa rated securities were call protected, commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS). About 96% of our CMBS were senior securities with the highest level of subordination. The remainder of our CMBS were seasoned securities that were issued in 1998 or earlier.

The net unrealized appreciation before tax of our fixed maturities and equity securities carried at fair value was $2.9 billion at June 30, 2012 compared with net unrealized appreciation before tax of $2.7 billion at December 31, 2011. Such unrealized appreciation is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of applicable deferred income tax.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

Fair values of financial instruments are determined using valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Fair values are generally measured using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities or other inputs, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, that are observable either directly or indirectly. In those instances where observable inputs are not available, fair values are measured using unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Fair value estimates derived from unobservable inputs are affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rates and the estimated amounts and timing of future cash flows. The derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that would be realized in a current market exchange.


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The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure the fair values of our fixed maturities and equity securities into three broad levels as follows:

 

Level 1       Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
Level 2       Other inputs that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3       Inputs that are unobservable.

The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values of financial instruments are as follows:

Fair values for fixed maturities are determined by management, utilizing prices obtained from a third party, nationally recognized pricing service or, in the case of securities for which prices are not provided by a pricing service, from a third party broker. For fixed maturities that have quoted prices in active markets, market quotations are provided. For fixed maturities that do not trade on a daily basis, the pricing service and brokers provide fair value estimates using a variety of inputs including, but not limited to, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, bids, offers, reference data, prepayment rates and measures of volatility. Management reviews on an ongoing basis the reasonableness of the methodologies used by the relevant pricing service and brokers. In addition, management, using the prices received for the securities from the pricing service and brokers, determines the aggregate portfolio price performance and reviews it against applicable indices. If management believes that significant discrepancies exist, it will discuss these with the relevant pricing service or broker to resolve the discrepancies.

Fair values of equity securities are based on quoted market prices.

The carrying value of short term investments approximates fair value due to the short maturities of these investments.

Fair values of long term debt issued by Chubb are determined by management, utilizing prices obtained from a third party, nationally recognized pricing service.

We use a pricing service to estimate fair value measurements for approximately 99% of our fixed maturities. The prices we obtain from a pricing service and brokers generally are non-binding, but are reflective of current market transactions in the applicable financial instruments.

At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we held an insignificant amount of financial instruments in our investment portfolio for which a lack of market liquidity impacted our determination of fair value.


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Change in Accounting Principle

Effective January 1, 2012, we adopted new guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board related to the accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. The guidance identifies those costs relating to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts that should be capitalized. The Corporation elected retrospective application of this guidance under which deferred policy acquisition costs and related deferred income tax liabilities were reduced as of the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements, offset by a cumulative effect adjustment that reduced retained earnings. The adoption of this guidance decreased deferred policy acquisition costs by $420 million, decreased deferred income tax liabilities by $147 million and decreased shareholders’ equity by $273 million as of December 31, 2011. The effect of the adoption of the new guidance on net income for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011 was not material. The change in accounting is discussed further in Note (2) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 4 — Controls and Procedures

As of June 30, 2012, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Corporation’s management, including Chubb’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer. Based on that evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2012.

During the quarter ended June 30, 2012, there were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 — Legal Proceedings

The information required with respect to Item 1 is included in Note (6) of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, which information is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.

Item 1A — Risk Factors

The Corporation’s business is subject to a number of risks, including those identified in Item 1A of Chubb’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, that could have a material effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity and that could cause our operating results to vary significantly from fiscal period to fiscal period. The risks described in the Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also could have a material effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity.

Item 2 — Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table summarizes Chubb’s stock repurchased each month in the quarter ended June 30, 2012:

 

     Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
     Average
Price Paid
Per Share
     Total Number of
Shares  Purchased
as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
     Maximum
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares

that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs(a)
 
                          (in millions)  

Period

                           

April 2012

     132,030       $   72.33         132,030       $ 953   

May 2012

     2,420,522         72.21         2,420,522         778   

June 2012

     1,704,870         70.76         1,704,870         658   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Total

     4,257,422         71.63         4,257,422      
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

(a) On January 26, 2012, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1.2 billion of Chubb’s common stock. The authorization has no expiration date.


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Item 6—Exhibits

 

Exhibit

Number

      

Description

     Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
31.1      Certification by John D. Finnegan filed herewith.
31.2      Certification by Richard G. Spiro filed herewith.
     Section 1350 Certifications
32.1      Certification by John D. Finnegan filed herewith.
32.2      Certification by Richard G. Spiro filed herewith.
     Interactive Data File
101.INS      XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH      XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL      XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB      XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE      XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF      XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, The Chubb Corporation has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

THE CHUBB CORPORATION
  (Registrant)

By:

 

/s/    John J. Kennedy

  John J. Kennedy
  Senior Vice-President and Chief Accounting Officer

Date: August 8, 2012