CNA 2012 Q3


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
[x] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 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 1-5823
 
CNA FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
36-6169860
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
333 S. Wabash
Chicago, Illinois
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
60604
(Zip Code)
(312) 822-5000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes [x] 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 [x] 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.
Large accelerated filer [x]
 
Accelerated filer [ ]
 
Non-accelerated filer [ ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
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 [x]
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class
 
Outstanding at October 26, 2012
Common Stock, Par value $2.50
 
269,397,139



Item Number
PART I. Financial Information
Page
Number
1.
 





 
2.
3.
4.
 
PART II. Other Information
 
1.
4.
6.


2

Table of Contents

Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
CNA Financial Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
Periods ended September 30
Three Months
 
Nine Months
(In millions, except per share data)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earned premiums
$
1,781

 
$
1,732

 
$
5,098

 
$
4,942

Net investment income
601

 
394

 
1,719

 
1,531

Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests:
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairment losses
(62
)
 
(75
)
 
(89
)
 
(136
)
Portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in Other comprehensive income
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
(25
)
 
(44
)
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings
(64
)
 
(77
)
 
(114
)
 
(180
)
Other net realized investment gains
72

 
50

 
180

 
181

Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests
8

 
(27
)
 
66

 
1

Other revenues
76

 
76

 
230

 
214

Total revenues
2,466

 
2,175

 
7,113

 
6,688

Claims, Benefits and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance claims and policyholders’ benefits
1,435

 
1,400

 
4,164

 
4,131

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
333

 
297

 
937

 
880

Other operating expenses
341

 
311

 
976

 
914

Interest
43

 
43

 
128

 
132

Total claims, benefits and expenses
2,152

 
2,051

 
6,205

 
6,057

Income from continuing operations before income tax
314

 
124

 
908

 
631

Income tax expense
(93
)
 
(48
)
 
(271
)
 
(196
)
Income from continuing operations
221

 
76

 
637

 
435

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit of -, -, - and $0

 

 

 
(1
)
Net income
221

 
76

 
637

 
434

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 
(1
)
 

 
(15
)
Net income attributable to CNA
$
221

 
$
75

 
$
637

 
$
419


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Attributable to CNA Common Stockholders
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations attributable to CNA common stockholders
$
221

 
$
75

 
$
637

 
$
420

Loss from discontinued operations attributable to CNA common stockholders

 

 

 
(1
)
Income attributable to CNA common stockholders
$
221

 
$
75

 
$
637

 
$
419

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).


3

Table of Contents

Periods ended September 30
Three Months
 
Nine Months
(In millions, except per share data)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to CNA Common Stockholders
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations attributable to CNA common stockholders
$
0.82

 
$
0.28

 
$
2.37

 
$
1.56

Loss from discontinued operations attributable to CNA common stockholders

 

 

 

Income attributable to CNA common stockholders
$
0.82

 
$
0.28

 
$
2.37

 
$
1.56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to CNA Common Stockholders
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations attributable to CNA common stockholders
$
0.82

 
$
0.28

 
$
2.36

 
$
1.56

Loss from discontinued operations attributable to CNA common stockholders

 

 

 

Income attributable to CNA common stockholders
$
0.82

 
$
0.28

 
$
2.36

 
$
1.56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends per share
$
0.15

 
$
0.10

 
$
0.45

 
$
0.30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Outstanding Common Stock and Common Stock Equivalents
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
269.4

 
269.3

 
269.4

 
269.3

Diluted
269.8

 
269.6

 
269.8

 
269.6

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).


4

Table of Contents

CNA Financial Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
Periods ended September 30
Three Months
 
Nine Months
(In millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments with other-than-temporary impairments
$
36

 
$
(14
)
 
$
73

 
$
25

Net unrealized gains on other investments
191

 
236

 
530

 
558

Net unrealized gains on investments
227

 
222

 
603

 
583

Foreign currency translation adjustment
33

 
(52
)
 
37

 
(22
)
Pension and postretirement benefits
3

 
1

 
12

 
3

Net unrealized gains on discontinued operations and other

 

 

 
1

Allocation to participating policyholders

 
(6
)
 
(2
)
 
(7
)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
263

 
165

 
650

 
558

Net income
221

 
76

 
637

 
434

Comprehensive income
484

 
241

 
1,287

 
992

Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests related to changes in net unrealized (gains) losses on investments

 

 

 
(8
)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 
(1
)
 

 
(15
)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 
(1
)
 

 
(23
)
Total comprehensive income attributable to CNA
$
484

 
$
240

 
$
1,287

 
$
969

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

5

Table of Contents

CNA Financial Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
 
September 30,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
(In millions, except share data)
 
Assets
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities at fair value (amortized cost of $37,945 and $37,345)
$
42,305

 
$
39,937

Equity securities at fair value (cost of $228 and $288)
260

 
304

Limited partnership investments
2,370

 
2,245

Other invested assets
11

 
12

Mortgage loans
358

 
234

Short term investments
2,484

 
1,641

Total investments
47,788

 
44,373

Cash
129

 
75

Reinsurance receivables (less allowance for uncollectible receivables of $74 and $91)
5,840

 
6,001

Insurance receivables (less allowance for uncollectible receivables of $102 and $112)
1,902

 
1,614

Accrued investment income
484

 
436

Deferred acquisition costs
603

 
552

Deferred income taxes
8

 
415

Property and equipment at cost (less accumulated depreciation of $408 and $420)
317

 
309

Goodwill and other intangible assets
285

 
139

Other assets (includes $0 and $130 due from Loews Corporation)
911

 
779

Separate account business
345

 
417

Total assets
$
58,612

 
$
55,110

Liabilities and Equity
 

 
 

Liabilities:
 

 
 

Insurance reserves:
 

 
 

Claim and claim adjustment expenses
$
24,331

 
$
24,303

Unearned premiums
3,681

 
3,250

Future policy benefits
10,974

 
9,810

Policyholders’ funds
165

 
191

Participating policyholders’ funds
71

 
68

Short term debt
13

 
83

Long term debt
2,557

 
2,525

Other liabilities (includes $87 and $0 due to Loews Corporation)
3,815

 
2,975

Separate account business
345

 
417

Total liabilities
45,952

 
43,622

Commitments and contingencies (Notes D, H and J)


 


Equity:
 

 
 

Common stock ($2.50 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 273,040,243 shares issued; 269,397,139 and 269,274,900 shares outstanding)
683

 
683

Additional paid-in capital
2,144

 
2,141

Retained earnings
8,823

 
8,308

Accumulated other comprehensive income
1,130

 
480

Treasury stock (3,643,104 and 3,765,343 shares), at cost
(99
)
 
(102
)
Notes receivable for the issuance of common stock
(21
)
 
(22
)
Total CNA stockholders’ equity
12,660

 
11,488

Total liabilities and equity
$
58,612

 
$
55,110

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

6

Table of Contents

CNA Financial Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Nine months ended September 30
 
 
 
(In millions)
2012
 
2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
637

 
$
434

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Loss from discontinued operations

 
1

Loss on disposal of property and equipment
1

 
8

Deferred income tax expense
95

 
151

Trading portfolio activity
(13
)
 
(8
)
Net realized investment gains, net of participating policyholders’ interests
(66
)
 
(1
)
Equity method investees
(68
)
 
80

Amortization of investments
(43
)
 
(47
)
Depreciation and amortization
83

 
59

Changes in:
 
 
 
Receivables, net
348

 
267

Accrued investment income
(46
)
 
(42
)
Deferred acquisition costs
(27
)
 
(21
)
Insurance reserves
(53
)
 
(5
)
Other assets
90

 
110

Other liabilities
47

 
(181
)
Other, net
8

 
10

Total adjustments
356

 
381

Net cash flows provided by operating activities-continuing operations
$
993

 
$
815

Net cash flows provided (used) by operating activities-discontinued operations
$

 
$
(2
)
Net cash flows provided by operating activities-total
$
993

 
$
813

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
 

 
 

Purchases of fixed maturity securities
$
(7,369
)
 
$
(8,854
)
Proceeds from fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
Sales
4,761

 
5,900

Maturities, calls and redemptions
2,655

 
2,434

Purchases of equity securities
(30
)
 
(51
)
Proceeds from sales of equity securities
72

 
171

Origination of mortgage loans
(129
)
 
(118
)
Change in short term investments
(505
)
 
499

Change in other investments
35

 
(137
)
Purchase of Hardy
(197
)
 

Purchases of property and equipment
(60
)
 
(67
)
Other, net
20

 
4

Net cash flows used by investing activities-continuing operations
$
(747
)
 
$
(219
)
Net cash flows provided (used) by investing activities-discontinued operations
$

 
$
2

Net cash flows used by investing activities-total
$
(747
)
 
$
(217
)
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

7

Table of Contents

Nine months ended September 30
 
 
 
(In millions)
2012
 
2011
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
 
 
Acquisition of CNA Surety noncontrolling interest
$

 
$
(475
)
Dividends paid to common stockholders
(122
)
 
(81
)
Proceeds from the issuance of debt

 
396

Repayment of debt
(70
)
 
(420
)
Stock options exercised
1

 
2

Other, net
(4
)
 
(10
)
Net cash flows used by financing activities-continuing operations
$
(195
)
 
$
(588
)
Net cash flows provided (used) by financing activities-discontinued operations
$

 
$

Net cash flows used by financing activities-total
$
(195
)
 
$
(588
)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash
$
3

 
$
(1
)
Net change in cash
$
54

 
$
7

Cash, beginning of year
75

 
77

Cash, end of period
$
129

 
$
84

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

8

Table of Contents

CNA Financial Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited)
Nine months ended September 30
 
 
 
(In millions)
2012
 
2011
Common Stock
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
$
683

 
$
683

Balance, end of period
683

 
683

Additional Paid-in Capital
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period, as previously reported
2,146

 
2,200

Cumulative effect adjustment from accounting change for deferred acquisition costs, net of tax
(5
)
 

Balance, beginning of period, as adjusted
2,141

 
2,200

Stock-based compensation
3

 
3

Acquisition of CNA Surety noncontrolling interest

 
(65
)
Other

 
1

Balance, end of period
2,144

 
2,139

Retained Earnings
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period, as previously reported
8,382

 
7,876

Cumulative effect adjustment from accounting change for deferred acquisition costs, net of tax
(74
)
 
(72
)
Balance, beginning of period, as adjusted
8,308

 
7,804

Dividends paid to common stockholders
(122
)
 
(81
)
Net income attributable to CNA
637

 
419

Balance, end of period
8,823

 
8,142

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period, as previously reported
470

 
326

Cumulative effect adjustment from accounting change for deferred acquisition costs, net of tax
10

 

Balance, beginning of period, as adjusted
480

 
326

Other comprehensive income attributable to CNA
650

 
550

Acquisition of CNA Surety noncontrolling interest

 
19

Balance, end of period
1,130

 
895

Treasury Stock
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
(102
)
 
(105
)
Stock-based compensation
3

 
3

Balance, end of period
(99
)
 
(102
)
Notes Receivable for the Issuance of Common Stock
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
(22
)
 
(26
)
Decrease in notes receivable for the issuance of common stock
1

 
4

Balance, end of period
(21
)
 
(22
)
Total CNA Stockholders’ Equity
12,660

 
11,735

Noncontrolling Interests
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period, as previously reported

 
570

Cumulative effect adjustment from accounting change for deferred acquisition costs, net of tax

 
(7
)
Balance, beginning of period, as adjusted

 
563

Net income

 
15

Other comprehensive income

 
8

Acquisition of CNA Surety noncontrolling interest

 
(429
)
Other

 
(12
)
Balance, end of period

 
145

Total Equity
$
12,660

 
$
11,880

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

9

Table of Contents

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Note A. General
Basis of Presentation
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) include the accounts of CNA Financial Corporation (CNAF) and its controlled subsidiaries. Collectively, CNAF and its controlled subsidiaries are referred to as CNA or the Company. CNA’s property and casualty and remaining life and group insurance operations are primarily conducted by Continental Casualty Company (CCC), The Continental Insurance Company, Western Surety Company, and Continental Assurance Corporation. Loews Corporation (Loews) owned approximately 90% of the outstanding common stock of CNAF as of September 30, 2012.
The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Certain financial information that is normally included in annual financial statements, including certain financial statement notes, prepared in accordance with GAAP, is not required for interim reporting purposes and has been condensed or omitted. These statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in CNAF's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the year ended December 31, 2011, including the summary of significant accounting policies in Note A. The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
The interim financial data as of September 30, 2012 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, the interim data includes all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair statement of the Company's results for the interim periods. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Intercompany amounts have been eliminated.
Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 represented the noncontrolling interests in CNA Surety Corporation (Surety) and First Insurance Company of Hawaii (FICOH). On June 10, 2011, CNA completed the acquisition of the noncontrolling interest of Surety and on November 29, 2011, CNA completed the sale of its 50% ownership interest in FICOH.
Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts
In October 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued updated accounting guidance which limits the capitalization of costs incurred to acquire or renew insurance contracts to those that are incremental direct costs of successful contract acquisitions. The previous guidance allowed the capitalization of acquisition costs that vary with and are primarily related to the acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts, whether the costs related to successful or unsuccessful efforts.
As of January 1, 2012, the Company adopted the updated accounting guidance prospectively as of January 1, 2004, the earliest date practicable. Due to the lack of available historical data related to certain accident and health contracts issued prior to January 1, 2004, a full retrospective application of the change in accounting guidance was impracticable. Acquisition costs capitalized prior to January 1, 2004 will continue to be accounted for under the previous accounting guidance and will be amortized over the premium-paying period of the related policies using assumptions consistent with those used for computing future policy benefit reserves for such contracts.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the adoption of the new accounting guidance resulted in no impact and a $3 million decrease in Net income attributable to CNA and no impact and a $0.01 decrease in Basic and Diluted earnings per share attributable to CNA common stockholders.
The Company has adjusted its previously reported financial information included herein to reflect the change in accounting guidance for deferred acquisition costs. The impacts of adopting the new accounting standard on the

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Table of Contents

Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2011 were a $106 million decrease in Deferred acquisition costs and a $37 million increase in Deferred income taxes. The impacts to Accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and Additional paid-in capital were the result of the indirect effects of the Company's adoption of this guidance on Shadow Adjustments, as further discussed in Note D, and the Company's acquisition of the noncontrolling interest of Surety as discussed above.
The impacts on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were a $59 million and $171 million decrease in Amortization of deferred acquisition costs, a $59 million and $178 million increase in Other operating expenses, a $1 million and $2 million decrease in Income tax expense, and a $1 million increase and no impact in Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, resulting in no impact and a $5 million decrease in Net income attributable to CNA, and no impact and a $0.02 decrease in Basic and Diluted earnings per share attributable to CNA common stockholders. There were no changes to net cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities for the comparative periods presented as a result of the adoption of the new accounting standard.


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Note B. Hardy
On July 2, 2012, the Company completed the previously announced acquisition of all outstanding shares of Hardy Underwriting Bermuda Limited and its subsidiaries (Hardy), a specialized Lloyd's of London (Lloyd's) underwriter. Through Lloyd's Syndicate 382, Hardy underwrites primarily short-tail exposures in marine and aviation, non-marine property, specialty lines and property treaty reinsurance. The acquisition of Hardy aligns with the Company's specialized underwriting focus and will be a key platform for expanding the Company's global business through the Lloyd's marketplace. The results of Hardy for the period from July 2, 2012 to September 30, 2012 are included in the results of our core property and casualty insurance operations as a separate segment.
For the year ended December 31, 2011, Hardy reported gross written premiums of $430 million and recorded a loss of $55 million in its group consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.
The purchase price for Hardy was $231 million. Acquisition related expenses of $4 million were incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, including investment advisory, legal and other expenses, and were recorded in the Corporate and Other Non-Core segment.
The fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as a result of the acquisition of Hardy were as follows:
(In millions)
Acquisition Date
July 2, 2012
Investments:
 
Fixed maturity securities
$
117

Short term investments
255

Total investments
372

Cash
34

Reinsurance receivables
252

Insurance receivables
222

Accrued investment income
2

Property and equipment
4

Goodwill and other intangible assets
171

Other assets
109

Total assets acquired
$
1,166

 
 
Claim and claim adjustment expenses
$
500

Unearned premiums
249

Long term debt
30

Other liabilities
156

Total liabilities assumed
$
935



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The intangible assets acquired are presented in the following table.
(In millions)
Amount
 
Economic Useful Life
Syndicate capacity
$
55

 
Indefinite
Total indefinite-lived intangible assets
55

 
 
 
 
 
 
Value of business acquired
60

 
1 - 4 years
Trade name
8

 
8 years
Distribution channel
13

 
15 years
Total finite-lived intangible assets
81

 
 
Total intangible assets as of the acquisition date
$
136

 
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2012, amortization expense of $18 million was included in Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and $6 million was included in Other operating expenses in the Statement of Operations for the Hardy segment. Estimated future amortization expense for these intangible assets is $19 million in the fourth quarter of 2012, $21 million in 2013, $4 million in 2014, $1 million in 2015 and $2 million in both 2016 and 2017.
The acquisition resulted in goodwill of $35 million which was recorded in the Hardy segment. The recognized goodwill is based on the Company's expected growth and profitability of Hardy. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
Lloyd's requires syndicate capital providers to provide funds at Lloyd's (FAL) which is available to Lloyd's should funds in the Lloyd's premium trust fund be insufficient to cover obligations. At September 30, 2012, the Company had a deposit of $66 million of short duration U.S. Treasury securities in a Lloyd's custody account related to the FAL. Although the Company still owns these securities, these securities are controlled by Lloyd's and are therefore restricted. Additionally, cash and securities with a carrying value of approximately $71 million were deposited by Hardy under local requirements of regulatory authorities as of September 30, 2012.

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Note C. Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share attributable to the Company's common stockholders is based on the weighted average number of outstanding common shares. Basic earnings (loss) per share excludes the impact of dilutive securities and is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to CNA by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, approximately 450 thousand and 400 thousand potential shares attributable to exercises under stock-based employee compensation plans were included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share. For those same periods, approximately 693 thousand and 740 thousand potential shares attributable to exercises under stock-based employee compensation plans were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been antidilutive.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, approximately 279 thousand and 286 thousand potential shares attributable to exercises under stock-based employee compensation plans were included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share. For those same periods, approximately 1.2 million and 1.1 million potential shares attributable to exercises under stock-based employee compensation plans were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been antidilutive.


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Note D. Investments
The significant components of net investment income are presented in the following table.
Net Investment Income
Periods ended September 30
Three Months
 
Nine Months
(In millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012

2011
Fixed maturity securities
$
507

 
$
494

 
$
1,528

 
$
1,505

Short term investments
2

 
2

 
5

 
6

Limited partnership investments
89

 
(93
)
 
184

 
32

Equity securities
4

 
4

 
10

 
16

Mortgage loans
5

 
2

 
13

 
6

Trading portfolio (a)
7

 
(1
)
 
18

 
5

Other

 
1

 
3

 
6

Gross investment income
614

 
409

 
1,761

 
1,576

Investment expense
(13
)
 
(15
)
 
(42
)
 
(45
)
Net investment income
$
601

 
$
394

 
$
1,719

 
$
1,531

___________________
(a)
There were no net unrealized gains (losses) related to changes in fair value of trading securities still held included in net investment income for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2012. Net unrealized losses related to changes in fair value on trading securities still held included in net investment income were $1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.
Net realized investment gains (losses) are presented in the following table.
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
Periods ended September 30
Three Months
 
Nine Months
(In millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Net realized investment gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross realized gains
$
75

 
$
56

 
$
193

 
$
233

Gross realized losses
(49
)
 
(85
)
 
(120
)
 
(222
)
Net realized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities
26

 
(29
)
 
73

 
11

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Gross realized gains
5

 
1

 
10

 
7

Gross realized losses
(20
)
 
(2
)
 
(24
)
 
(10
)
Net realized investment gains (losses) on equity securities
(15
)
 
(1
)
 
(14
)
 
(3
)
Derivatives
(1
)
 
1

 
(1
)
 

Short term investments and other (a) (b)
(2
)
 
2

 
8

 
(7
)
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests
$
8

 
$
(27
)
 
$
66

 
$
1

____________________
(a)
The nine months ended September 30, 2011 included a $9 million loss related to the early extinguishment of debt in 2011.
(b)
Includes net unrealized gains (losses) related to changes in the fair value of securities for which the fair value option has been elected. There were no net unrealized gains (losses) included in the three months ended September 30, 2012 or 2011 or the nine months ended September 30, 2012. There were $1 million of net unrealized gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

15

Table of Contents

The components of net other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses recognized in earnings by asset type are summarized in the following table.
Periods ended September 30
Three Months
 
Nine Months
(In millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate and other bonds
$
7

 
$
49

 
$
23

 
$
73

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
17

 

 
17

 

Asset-backed:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed
20

 
21

 
49

 
95

Other asset-backed

 
4

 

 
4

Total asset-backed
20

 
25

 
49

 
99

U.S. Treasury and obligation of government-sponsored enterprises

 

 
1

 

Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
44

 
74

 
90

 
172

Equity securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
1

 
3

 
5

 
7

Preferred stock
19

 

 
19

 
1

Total equity securities available-for-sale
20

 
3

 
24

 
8

Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings
$
64

 
$
77

 
$
114

 
$
180

A security is impaired if the fair value of the security is less than its cost adjusted for accretion, amortization and previously recorded OTTI losses, otherwise defined as an unrealized loss. When a security is impaired, the impairment is evaluated to determine whether it is temporary or other-than-temporary.
Significant judgment is required in the determination of whether an OTTI loss has occurred for a security. The Company follows a consistent and systematic process for determining and recording an OTTI loss. The Company has established a committee responsible for the OTTI process. This committee, referred to as the Impairment Committee, is made up of three officers appointed by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The Impairment Committee is responsible for evaluating all securities in an unrealized loss position on at least a quarterly basis.
The Impairment Committee’s assessment of whether an OTTI loss has occurred incorporates both quantitative and qualitative information. Fixed maturity securities that the Company intends to sell, or it more likely than not will be required to sell before recovery of amortized cost, are considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired and the entire difference between the amortized cost basis and fair value of the security is recognized as an OTTI loss in earnings. The remaining fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position are evaluated to determine if a credit loss exists. The factors considered by the Impairment Committee include (a) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, (b) whether the debtor is current on interest and principal payments, (c) credit ratings of the securities and (d) general market conditions and industry or sector specific outlook. The Company also considers results and analysis of cash flow modeling for asset-backed securities, and when appropriate, other fixed maturity securities. The focus of the analysis for asset-backed securities is on assessing the sufficiency and quality of underlying collateral and timing of cash flows based on scenario tests. If the present value of the modeled expected cash flows equals or exceeds the amortized cost of a security, no credit loss is judged to exist and the asset-backed security is deemed to be temporarily impaired. If the present value of the expected cash flows is less than amortized cost, the security is judged to be other-than-temporarily impaired for credit reasons and that shortfall, referred to as the credit component, is recognized as an OTTI loss in earnings. The difference between the adjusted amortized cost basis and fair value, referred to as the non-credit component, is recognized as OTTI in Other comprehensive income. In subsequent reporting periods, a change in intent to sell or further credit impairment on a security whose fair value has not deteriorated will cause the non-credit component originally recorded as OTTI in Other comprehensive income to be recognized as an OTTI loss in earnings.

16

Table of Contents

The Company performs the discounted cash flow analysis using stressed scenarios to determine future expectations regarding recoverability. For asset-backed securities, significant assumptions enter into these cash flow projections including delinquency rates, probable risk of default, loss severity upon a default, over collateralization and interest coverage triggers, and credit support from lower level tranches.
The Company applies the same impairment model as described above for the majority of non-redeemable preferred stock securities on the basis that these securities possess characteristics similar to debt securities and that the issuers maintain their ability to pay dividends. For all other equity securities, in determining whether the security is other-than-temporarily impaired, the Impairment Committee considers a number of factors including, but not limited to: (a) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost, (b) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, (c) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in value and (d) general market conditions and industry or sector specific outlook.
The following tables provide a summary of fixed maturity and equity securities.
Summary of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
September 30, 2012
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
OTTI
Losses (Gains)
(In millions)
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate and other bonds
$
19,209

 
$
2,634

 
$
32

 
$
21,811

 
$

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
9,415

 
1,450

 
53

 
10,812

 

Asset-backed:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed
5,907

 
264

 
81

 
6,090

 
(12
)
Commercial mortgage-backed
1,582

 
123

 
17

 
1,688

 
(3
)
Other asset-backed
944

 
23

 
1

 
966

 

Total asset-backed
8,433

 
410

 
99

 
8,744

 
(15
)
U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises
182

 
11

 
1

 
192

 

Foreign government
588

 
26

 

 
614

 

Redeemable preferred stock
101

 
14

 

 
115

 

Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
37,928

 
4,545

 
185

 
42,288

 
$
(15
)
Total fixed maturity securities trading
17

 

 

 
17

 
 
Equity securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
22

 
24

 

 
46

 
 
Preferred stock
206

 
8

 

 
214

 
 
Total equity securities available-for-sale
228

 
32

 

 
260

 
 
Total
$
38,173

 
$
4,577

 
$
185

 
$
42,565

 
 

17

Table of Contents

December 31, 2011
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
OTTI
Losses (Gains)
(In millions)
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate and other bonds
$
19,086

 
$
1,946

 
$
154

 
$
20,878

 
$

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
9,018

 
900

 
136

 
9,782

 

Asset-backed:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed
5,786

 
172

 
183

 
5,775

 
99

Commercial mortgage-backed
1,365

 
48

 
59

 
1,354

 
(2
)
Other asset-backed
946

 
13

 
4

 
955

 

Total asset-backed
8,097

 
233

 
246

 
8,084

 
97

U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises
479

 
14

 

 
493

 

Foreign government
608

 
28

 

 
636

 

Redeemable preferred stock
51

 
7

 

 
58

 

Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
37,339

 
3,128

 
536

 
39,931

 
$
97

Total fixed maturity securities trading
6

 

 

 
6

 
 
Equity securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
30

 
17

 

 
47

 
 
Preferred stock
258

 
4

 
5

 
257

 
 
Total equity securities available-for-sale
288

 
21

 
5

 
304

 
 
Total
$
37,633

 
$
3,149

 
$
541

 
$
40,241

 
 
The net unrealized gains on investments included in the tables above are recorded as a component of AOCI. When presented in AOCI, these amounts are net of tax and any required Shadow Adjustments. At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the net unrealized gains on investments included in AOCI were net of after-tax Shadow Adjustments of $1,277 million and $723 million. To the extent that unrealized gains on fixed income securities supporting certain products within the Life & Group Non-Core segment would result in a premium deficiency if realized, a related decrease in Deferred acquisition costs and/or increase in Insurance reserves is recorded, net of tax, as a reduction through Other comprehensive income (Shadow Adjustments).
The following tables summarize the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities in a gross unrealized loss position by the length of time in which the securities have continuously been in that position.
Securities in a Gross Unrealized Loss Position
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
September 30, 2012
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
(In millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate and other bonds
$
600

 
$
18

 
$
210

 
$
14

 
$
810

 
$
32

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
84

 
1

 
227

 
52

 
311

 
53

Asset-backed:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed
327

 
3

 
580

 
78

 
907

 
81

Commercial mortgage-backed
142

 
2

 
132

 
15

 
274

 
17

Other asset-backed
66

 
1

 

 

 
66

 
1

Total asset-backed
535

 
6

 
712

 
93

 
1,247

 
99

U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises
22

 
1

 

 

 
22

 
1

Total
$
1,241

 
$
26

 
$
1,149

 
$
159

 
$
2,390

 
$
185


18

Table of Contents

 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
December 31, 2011
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
(In millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate and other bonds
$
2,552

 
$
126

 
$
159

 
$
28

 
$
2,711

 
$
154

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
67

 
1

 
721

 
135

 
788

 
136

Asset-backed:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Residential mortgage-backed
719

 
36

 
874

 
147

 
1,593

 
183

Commercial mortgage-backed
431

 
39

 
169

 
20

 
600

 
59

Other asset-backed
389

 
4

 

 

 
389

 
4

Total asset-backed
1,539

 
79

 
1,043

 
167

 
2,582

 
246

Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
4,158

 
206

 
1,923

 
330

 
6,081

 
536

Equity securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock
117

 
5

 

 

 
117

 
5

Total
$
4,275

 
$
211

 
$
1,923

 
$
330

 
$
6,198

 
$
541

Based on current facts and circumstances, the Company believes the unrealized losses presented in the September 30, 2012 Securities in a Gross Unrealized Loss Position table above, are primarily attributable to broader economic conditions, changes in interest rates and credit spreads, market illiquidity and other market factors, but are not indicative of the ultimate collectibility of the current amortized cost of the securities. The Company has no current intent to sell these securities, nor is it more likely than not that it will be required to sell prior to recovery of amortized cost; accordingly, the Company has determined that there are no additional OTTI losses to be recorded at September 30, 2012.
The amount of pretax net realized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities reclassified out of AOCI into earnings was $12 million and $59 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and $(29) million and $12 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.
The following table summarizes the activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 related to the pretax credit loss component reflected in Retained earnings on fixed maturity securities still held at September 30, 2012 and 2011 for which a portion of an OTTI loss was recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss).
Periods ended September 30
Three Months
 
Nine Months
(In millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Beginning balance of credit losses on fixed maturity securities
$
99

 
$
82

 
$
92

 
$
141

Additional credit losses for securities for which an OTTI loss was previously recognized
2

 
11

 
23

 
29

Credit losses for securities for which an OTTI loss was not previously recognized

 
10

 
2

 
11

Reductions for securities sold during the period
(3
)
 
(4
)
 
(11
)
 
(50
)
Reductions for securities the Company intends to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell

 

 
(8
)
 
(32
)
Ending balance of credit losses on fixed maturity securities
$
98

 
$
99

 
$
98

 
$
99



19

Table of Contents

Contractual Maturity
The following table summarizes available-for-sale fixed maturity securities by contractual maturity at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain securities may be called or prepaid with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single date are allocated based on weighted average life.
Contractual Maturity
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
(In millions)
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
Due in one year or less
$
1,861

 
$
1,876

 
$
1,802

 
$
1,812

Due after one year through five years
13,382

 
14,176

 
13,110

 
13,537

Due after five years through ten years
8,490

 
9,337

 
8,410

 
8,890

Due after ten years
14,195

 
16,899

 
14,017

 
15,692

Total
$
37,928

 
$
42,288

 
$
37,339

 
$
39,931

Investment Commitments
As of September 30, 2012, the Company had committed approximately $114 million to future capital calls from various third-party limited partnership investments in exchange for an ownership interest in the related partnerships.
The Company invests in various privately placed debt securities, including bank loans, as part of its overall investment strategy and has committed to additional future purchases, sales and funding. The purchase and sale of these investments are recorded on the date that the legal agreements are finalized and cash settlements are made. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had commitments to purchase $159 million and sell $154 million of such investments. The Company has an obligation to fund additional amounts under the terms of current loan participations that may not be recorded until a draw is made. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had obligations on unfunded bank loan participations in the amount of $6 million.

20

Table of Contents

Note E. Derivative Financial Instruments
A summary of the recognized gains (losses) related to derivative financial instruments follows.
Recognized Gains (Losses)
Periods ended September 30
Three Months
 
Nine Months
(In millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Without hedge designation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency forwards
$
(1
)
 
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$
(1
)
Forward commitments for mortgage-backed securities

 
1

 

 
1

Total without hedge designation
(1
)
 
1

 
(1
)
 

Trading activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Futures sold, not yet purchased
(1
)
 

 

 

Total
$
(2
)
 
$
1

 
$
(1
)
 
$

A summary of the aggregate contractual or notional amounts and gross estimated fair values related to derivative financial instruments reported as Other invested assets or Other liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets follows. The contractual or notional amounts for derivatives are used to calculate the exchange of contractual payments under the agreements and may not be representative of the potential for gain or loss on these instruments.
Derivative Financial Instruments
September 30, 2012
Contractual/
Notional
Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
(In millions)
 
Asset
 
(Liability)
Without hedge designation
 
 
 
 
 
Credit default swaps - purchased protection
$
20

 
$

 
$
(1
)
Currency forwards
72

 

 
(2
)
Equity warrants
5

 

 

Total
$
97

 
$

 
$
(3
)

December 31, 2011
Contractual/
Notional
Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
(In millions)
 
Asset
 
(Liability)
Without hedge designation
 
 
 
 
 
Credit default swaps - purchased protection
$
20

 
$

 
$
(1
)
Currency forwards
22

 
1

 

Equity warrants
4

 

 

Total
$
46

 
$
1

 
$
(1
)
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, new derivative transactions entered into totaled $472 million and $1,251 million in notional value while derivative termination activity totaled $488 million and $1,200 million. This activity was primarily attributable to interest rate futures, forward commitments for mortgage-backed securities and foreign currency forwards. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, new derivative transactions entered into totaled approximately $229 million and $728 million in notional value while derivative termination activity totaled approximately $166 million and $673 million. This activity was primarily attributable to interest rate futures, forward commitments for mortgage-backed securities and foreign currency forwards.

21

Table of Contents

Note F. Fair Value
Fair value is the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The following fair value hierarchy is used in selecting inputs, with the highest priority given to Level 1, as these are the most transparent or reliable.
Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.
Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are not observable.
Prices may fall within Level 1, 2 or 3 depending upon the methodologies and inputs used to estimate fair value for each specific security. Prices are determined by a dedicated group who ultimately report to the Company's CFO. This group is responsible for valuation policies and procedures. In general the Company seeks to price securities using third-party pricing services. Securities not priced by pricing services are submitted to independent brokers for valuation and, if those are not available, internally developed pricing models are used to value assets using methodologies and inputs the Company believes market participants would use to value the assets.
The Company performs control procedures over information obtained from pricing services and brokers to ensure prices received represent a reasonable estimate of fair value and to confirm representations regarding whether inputs are observable or unobservable. Procedures include i) the review of pricing service or broker pricing methodologies, ii) back-testing, where past fair value estimates are compared to actual transactions executed in the market on similar dates, iii) exception reporting, where changes in price, period-over-period, are reviewed and challenged with the pricing service or broker based on exception criteria, iv) deep dives, where the Company independently validates detailed information regarding inputs and assumptions for individual securities and v) pricing validation, where prices received are compared to prices independently estimated by the Company.

22

Table of Contents

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below.
September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
Assets/(Liabilities)
at Fair Value
(In millions)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate and other bonds
$

 
$
21,569

 
$
259

 
$
21,828

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

 
10,723

 
89

 
10,812

Asset-backed:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed

 
5,653

 
437

 
6,090

Commercial mortgage-backed

 
1,571

 
117

 
1,688

Other asset-backed

 
595

 
371

 
966

Total asset-backed

 
7,819

 
925

 
8,744

U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises
168

 
24

 

 
192

Foreign government
139

 
475

 

 
614

Redeemable preferred stock
29

 
60

 
26

 
115

Total fixed maturity securities
336

 
40,670

 
1,299

 
42,305

Equity securities
98

 
112

 
50

 
260

Derivative and other financial instruments, included in Other invested assets

 

 
11

 
11

Short term investments
1,209

 
1,223

 
8

 
2,440

Life settlement contracts, included in Other assets

 

 
113

 
113

Separate account business
4

 
338

 
3

 
345

Total assets
$
1,647

 
$
42,343

 
$
1,484

 
$
45,474

Liabilities


 
 
 


 


Derivative financial instruments, included in Other liabilities
$

 
$
(2
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
(3
)
Total liabilities
$

 
$
(2
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
(3
)

23

Table of Contents

December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
Assets/(Liabilities)
at Fair Value
(In millions)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate and other bonds
$

 
$
20,402

 
$
482

 
$
20,884

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

 
9,611

 
171

 
9,782

Asset-backed:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed

 
5,323

 
452

 
5,775

Commercial mortgage-backed

 
1,295

 
59

 
1,354

Other asset-backed

 
612

 
343

 
955

Total asset-backed

 
7,230

 
854

 
8,084

U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises
451

 
42

 

 
493

Foreign government
92

 
544

 

 
636

Redeemable preferred stock
5

 
53

 

 
58

Total fixed maturity securities
548

 
37,882

 
1,507

 
39,937

Equity securities
124

 
113

 
67

 
304

Derivative and other financial instruments, included in Other invested assets

 
1

 
11

 
12

Short term investments
1,106

 
508

 
27

 
1,641

Life settlement contracts, included in Other assets

 

 
117

 
117

Separate account business
21

 
373

 
23

 
417

Total assets
$
1,799

 
$
38,877

 
$
1,752

 
$
42,428

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments, included in Other liabilities
$

 
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$
(1
)
Total liabilities
$

 
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$
(1
)

24

Table of Contents

The tables below present a reconciliation for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.
Level 3
(In millions)
Balance at
July 1,
2012
 
Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)*
 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
Transfers into
Level 3
 
Transfers out
of Level 3
 
Balance at
September 30,
2012
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at September 30, 2012 recognized in net income (loss)*
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate and other bonds
$
488

 
$
1

 
$
(4
)
 
$
50

 
$
(5
)
 
$
(11
)
 
$

 
$
(260
)
 
$
259

 
$
(1
)
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
89

 

Asset-backed:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
Residential mortgage-backed
443

 
(17
)
 
20

 
21

 

 
(8
)
 

 
(22
)
 
437

 
(18
)
Commercial mortgage-backed
166

 
4

 
6

 
12

 

 
(17
)
 
11

 
(65
)
 
117

 

Other asset-backed
434

 
2

 
5

 
143

 
(117
)
 
(34
)
 

 
(62
)
 
371

 

Total asset-backed
1,043

 
(11
)
 
31

 
176

 
(117
)
 
(59
)
 
11

 
(149
)
 
925

 
(18
)
Redeemable preferred stock
27

 

 
(1
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
26

 

Total fixed maturity securities
1,647

 
(10
)
 
26

 
226

 
(122
)
 
(70
)
 
11

 
(409
)
 
1,299

 
(19
)
Equity securities
93

 
(19
)
 
(10
)
 

 

 

 

 
(14
)
 
50

 
(19
)
Derivative and other financial instruments, net
10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
10

 

Short term investments
4

 

 

 
7

 
(4
)
 

 
1

 

 
8

 

Life settlement contracts
116

 
7

 

 

 

 
(10
)
 

 

 
113

 

Separate account business
3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
3

 

Total
$
1,873

 
$
(22
)
 
$
16

 
$
233

 
$
(126
)
 
$
(80
)
 
$
12

 
$
(423
)
 
$
1,483

 
$
(38
)

25

Table of Contents

Level 3
(In millions)
Balance at
July 1,
2011
 
Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)*
 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
Transfers into
Level 3
 
Transfers out
of Level 3
 
Balance at
September 30,
2011
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at September 30, 2011 recognized in net income (loss)*
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate and other bonds
$
812

 
$
(7
)
 
$
(3
)
 
$
113

 
$
(107
)
 
$
(47
)
 
$
12

 
$
(154
)
 
$
619

 
$
(10
)
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
179

 

 

 
3

 

 

 

 

 
182

 

Asset-backed:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
Residential mortgage-backed
687

 
1

 
(5
)
 
73

 
(81
)
 
(13
)
 

 
(31
)
 
631

 

Commercial mortgage-backed
95

 

 
(7
)
 
76

 

 

 

 
(5
)
 
159

 

Other asset-backed
491

 
(5
)
 
(6
)
 
114

 
(105
)
 
(25
)
 
2

 
(37
)
 
429

 
(4
)
Total asset-backed
1,273

 
(4
)
 
(18
)
 
263

 
(186
)
 
(38
)
 
2

 
(73
)
 
1,219

 
(4
)
Total fixed maturity securities
2,264

 
(11
)
 
(21
)
 
379

 
(293
)
 
(85
)
 
14

 
(227
)
 
2,020

 
(14
)
Equity securities
36

 

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 

 
(3
)
 
32

 

Derivative and other financial instruments, net
9

 
(1
)
 

 
1

 

 

 

 

 
9

 

Short term investments
6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
6

 

Life settlement contracts
129

 
11

 

 

 

 
(15
)
 

 

 
125

 
(1
)
Separate account business
37

 

 

 

 
(2
)
 

 

 

 
35

 

Total
$
2,481

 
$
(1
)
 
$
(21
)
 
$
380

 
$
(296
)
 
$
(100
)
 
$
14

 
$
(230
)
 
$
2,227

 
$
(15
)

26

Table of Contents

The tables below present a reconciliation for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.
Level 3
(In millions)
Balance at
January 1,
2012
 
Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)*
 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
Transfers into
Level 3
 
Transfers out
of Level 3
 
Balance at
September 30,
2012
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at September 30, 2012 recognized in net income (loss)*
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate and other bonds
$
482

 
$
7

 
$
2

 
$
197

 
$
(118
)
 
$
(43
)
 
$
42

 
$
(310
)
 
$
259

 
$
(1
)
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
171

 

 
3

 

 

 
(85
)
 

 

 
89

 

Asset-backed:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed
452

 
(15
)
 
(2
)
 
81

 

 
(24
)
 

 
(55
)
 
437

 
(18
)
Commercial mortgage-backed
59

 
6

 
14

 
141

 
(12
)
 
(21
)
 
11

 
(81
)
 
117

 

Other asset-backed
343

 
8

 
8

 
501

 
(293
)
 
(93
)
 

 
(103
)
 
371

 

Total asset-backed
854

 
(1
)
 
20

 
723

 
(305
)
 
(138
)
 
11

 
(239
)
 
925

 
(18
)
Redeemable preferred stock

 

 
(1
)
 
53

 
(26
)
 

 

 

 
26

 

Total fixed maturity securities
1,507

 
6

 
24

 
973

 
(449
)
 
(266
)
 
53

 
(549
)
 
1,299

 
(19
)
Equity securities
67

 
(19
)
 
6

 
26

 
(16
)
 

 

 
(14
)
 
50

 
(21
)
Derivative and other financial instruments, net
10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
10

 

Short term investments
27

 

 

 
23

 
(4
)
 
(39
)
 
1

 

 
8

 

Life settlement contracts
117

 
30

 

 

 

 
(34
)
 

 

 
113

 
3

Separate account business
23

 

 

 

 
(20
)
 

 

 

 
3

 

Total
$
1,751

 
$
17

 
$
30

 
$
1,022

 
$
(489
)
 
$
(339
)
 
$
54

 
$
(563
)
 
$
1,483

 
$
(37
)

27

Table of Contents

Level 3
(In millions)
Balance at
January 1,
2011
 
Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)*
 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
Transfers into
Level 3
 
Transfers out
of Level 3
 
Balance at
September 30,
2011
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at September 30, 2011 recognized in net income (loss)*
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate and other bonds
$
624

 
$
(5
)
 
$
(6
)
 
$
459

 
$
(157
)
 
$
(144
)
 
$
52

 
$
(204
)
 
$
619

 
$
(11
)
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
266

 

 

 
3

 

 
(87
)
 

 

 
182

 

Asset-backed:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed
767

 
(11
)
 
9

 
170

 
(164
)
 
(54
)
 

 
(86
)
 
631

 
(15
)
Commercial mortgage-backed
73

 
3

 
11

 
81

 
(4
)
 

 

 
(5
)
 
159

 

Other asset-backed
359

 

 
(6
)
 
441

 
(236
)
 
(80
)
 
2

 
(51
)
 
429

 
(4
)
Total asset-backed
1,199

 
(8
)
 
14

 
692

 
(404
)
 
(134
)
 
2

 
(142
)
 
1,219

 
(19
)
Redeemable preferred stock
3

 
3

 
(3
)
 

 
(3
)
 

 

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities
2,092

 
(10
)
 
5

 
1,154

 
(564
)
 
(365
)
 
54

 
(346
)
 
2,020

 
(30
)
Equity securities
26

 
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
19

 
(12
)
 

 
5

 
(3
)
 
32

 
(3
)
Derivative and other financial instruments, net
25

 
2

 

 
1

 
(19
)
 

 

 

 
9

 
1

Short term investments
27

 

 

 
12

 

 
(23
)
 

 
(10
)
 
6

 

Life settlement contracts
129

 
20

 

 

 

 
(24
)
 

 

 
125

 
2

Separate account business
41

 

 

 

 
(6
)
 

 

 

 
35

 

Total
$
2,340

 
$
10

 
$
4

 
$
1,186

 
$
(601
)
 
$
(412
)
 
$
59

 
$
(359
)
 
$
2,227

 
$
(30
)

28

Table of Contents

* Net realized and unrealized gains and losses shown above are reported in Net income (loss) as follows:
Major Category of Assets and Liabilities
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations Line Items
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
 
Net realized investment gains (losses)
Fixed maturity securities trading
 
Net investment income
Equity securities
 
Net realized investment gains (losses)
Derivative financial instruments held in a trading portfolio
 
Net investment income
Derivative financial instruments not held in a trading portfolio and fair value option financial instruments
 
Net realized investment gains (losses)
Life settlement contracts
 
Other revenues
Securities shown in the Level 3 tables on the previous pages may be transferred in or out of Level 3 based on the availability of observable market information used to determine the fair value of the security. The availability of observable market information varies based on market conditions and trading volume and may cause securities to move in and out of Level 3 from reporting period to reporting period. There were $106 million of transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2011. The Company's policy is to recognize transfers between levels at the beginning of quarterly reporting periods.
Valuation Methodologies and Inputs
The following section describes the valuation methodologies and relevant inputs used to measure different financial instruments at fair value, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which the instruments are generally classified.
Fixed Maturity Securities
Fixed maturity securities are valued using methodologies that model information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets, as well as discounted cash flow methodologies. Common inputs include: prices from recently executed transactions of similar securities, broker/dealer quotes, benchmark yields, spreads off benchmark yields, interest rates and U.S. Treasury or swap curves. Specifically for asset-backed securities, key inputs include prepayment and default projections based on past performance of the underlying collateral and current market data.
Level 1 securities include highly liquid U.S. and foreign government bonds, and redeemable preferred stock, valued using quoted market prices. Level 2 securities include most other fixed maturity securities as the significant inputs are observable in the marketplace. Securities are generally assigned to Level 3 in cases where broker/dealer quotes are significant inputs to the valuation and there is a lack of transparency as to whether these quotes are based on information that is observable in the marketplace. Level 3 securities also include tax-exempt auction rate certificates and private placement debt securities. Fair value of auction rate securities is determined utilizing a pricing model with three primary inputs. The interest rate and spread inputs are observable from like instruments while the expected call date assumption is unobservable due to the uncertain nature of principal prepayments prior to maturity. Fair value of private placement debt securities is determined using internal models with inputs that are not market observable.
Equity Securities
Level 1 equity securities include publicly traded securities valued using quoted market prices. Level 2 securities are primarily non-redeemable preferred stocks and common stocks valued using pricing for similar securities, recently executed transactions, broker/dealer quotes and other pricing models utilizing market observable inputs. Level 3 securities are priced using internal models with inputs that are not market observable.
Derivative and Other Financial Instruments
Exchange traded derivatives, primarily futures, are valued using quoted market prices and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Level 2 derivatives primarily include currency forwards valued using observable

29

Table of Contents

market forward rates. Over-the-counter derivatives, principally interest rate swaps, total return swaps, credit default swaps, equity warrants and options, are valued using inputs including broker/dealer quotes and are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy due to a lack of transparency as to whether these quotes are based on information that is observable in the marketplace. Other financial instruments consist of Level 3 securities for which the fair value option has been elected which contain embedded derivatives and are priced using either broker/dealer quotes or internal models with inputs that are not market observable.
Short Term Investments
The valuation of securities that are actively traded or have quoted prices are classified as Level 1. These securities include money market funds and treasury bills. Level 2 primarily includes commercial paper, for which all inputs are market observable. Fixed maturity securities purchased within one year of maturity are classified consistent with fixed maturity securities discussed above. Short term investments as presented in the tables above differ from the amounts presented on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets because certain short term investments, such as time deposits, are not measured at fair value.
Life Settlement Contracts
The fair values of life settlement contracts are determined as the present value of the anticipated death benefits less anticipated premium payments based on contract terms that are distinct for each insured, as well as the Company's own assumptions for mortality, premium expense and the rate of return that a buyer would require on the contracts, as no comparable market pricing data is available.
Separate Account Business
Separate account business includes fixed maturity securities, equities and short term investments. The valuation methodologies and inputs for these asset types have been described above.
Significant Unobservable Inputs
The table below presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs utilized by the Company in the fair value measurements of Level 3 assets. Valuations for assets and liabilities not presented in the table below are primarily based on broker/dealer quotes for which there is a lack of transparency as to inputs used to develop the valuations. The quantitative detail of these unobservable inputs is neither provided nor reasonably available to the Company.
 
Fair Value at September 30, 2012
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Unobservable Input(s)
 
Range
 (Weighted Average)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
$
98

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Expected call date
 
3.6 - 5.6 years (4.6 years)
 
$
61

 
Market approach
 
Private offering price
 
$60.00 - $105.00 ($101.49)
Equity securities
$
33

 
Market approach
 
Private offering price
 
$0.10 - $3,842.00 per share
($583.95 per share)
 
$
17

 
Income approach
 
EBITDA projection (1)
 
$80 million
 
 
 
 
 
EBITDA multiple (1)
 
1.82
Life settlement contracts
$
113

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Discount rate risk premium
 
9%
 
 
 
 
 
Mortality assumption
 
65% - 928% (185%)
(1) Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization 
For fixed maturity securities, an increase to the expected call date assumption or decrease in the private offering price would result in a lower fair value measurement. For equity securities, an increase in the private offering price, earnings projections and earnings multiples would result in a higher fair value measurement. For life settlement contracts, an increase in the discount rate risk premium or decrease in the mortality assumption would result in a lower fair value measurement.

30

Table of Contents

Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value
The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company's financial instrument assets and liabilities which are not measured at fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are listed in the tables below.
September 30, 2012
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
(In millions)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Financial assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes receivable for the issuance of common stock
$
21

 
$

 
$

 
$
21

 
$
21

Mortgage loans
358

 

 

 
374

 
374

Financial liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium deposits and annuity contracts
$
103

 
$

 
$

 
$
108

 
$
108

Short term debt
13

 

 
13

 

 
13

Long term debt
2,557

 

 
2,986

 

 
2,986


December 31, 2011
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
(In millions)
 
Financial assets
 
 
 
Notes receivable for the issuance of common stock
$
22

 
$
22

Mortgage loans
234

 
247

Financial liabilities
 
 
 
Premium deposits and annuity contracts
$
109

 
$
114

Short term debt
83

 
84

Long term debt
2,525

 
2,679

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of these financial assets and liabilities.
The fair values of Notes receivable for the issuance of common stock were estimated using discounted cash flows utilizing interest rates currently offered for obligations securitized with similar collateral, adjusted for specific note receivable risk.
The fair values of Mortgage loans were based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the current interest rate for origination of similar quality loans, adjusted for specific loan risk.
Premium deposits and annuity contracts were valued based on cash surrender values or estimated fair values of policyholder liabilities, net of amounts ceded related to sold business.
The Company's senior notes and debentures were valued based on observable market prices. The fair value for other debt was estimated using discounted cash flows based on current incremental borrowing rates for similar borrowing arrangements.
The carrying amounts reported on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for Cash, Short term investments not carried at fair value, Accrued investment income and certain other assets and other liabilities approximate fair value due to the short term nature of these items. These assets and liabilities are not listed in the tables above.

31

Table of Contents

Note G. Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves
The Company's property and casualty insurance claim and claim adjustment expense reserves represent the estimated amounts necessary to resolve all outstanding claims, including IBNR claims as of the reporting date. The Company's reserve projections are based primarily on detailed analysis of the facts in each case, the Company's experience with similar cases and various historical development patterns. Consideration is given to such historical patterns as field reserving trends and claims settlement practices, loss payments, pending levels of unpaid claims and product mix, as well as court decisions, economic conditions including inflation, and public attitudes. All of these factors can affect the estimation of claim and claim adjustment expense reserves.
Establishing claim and claim adjustment expense reserves, including claim and claim adjustment expense reserves for catastrophic events that have occurred, is an estimation process. Many factors can ultimately affect the final settlement of a claim and, therefore, the necessary reserve. Changes in the law, results of litigation, medical costs, the cost of repair materials and labor rates can all affect ultimate claim costs. In addition, time can be a critical part of reserving determinations since the longer the span between the incidence of a loss and the payment or settlement of the claim, the more variable the ultimate settlement amount can be. Accordingly, short-tail claims, such as property damage claims, tend to be more reasonably estimable than long-tail claims, such as workers' compensation, general liability and professional liability claims. Adjustments to prior year reserve estimates, if necessary, are reflected in the results of operations in the period that the need for such adjustments is determined. There can be no assurance that the Company's ultimate cost for insurance losses will not exceed current estimates.
Catastrophes are an inherent risk of the property and casualty insurance business and have contributed to material period-to-period fluctuations in the Company's results of operations and/or equity. The Company reported catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance, of $27 million and $123 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. Catastrophe losses in 2012 related primarily to U.S. storms and Hurricane Isaac. The Company reported catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance, of $50 million and $205 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.

32

Table of Contents

Net Prior Year Development
The following tables and discussion include the net prior year development recorded for CNA Specialty, CNA Commercial, Hardy and Corporate & Other Non-Core.
Net Prior Year Development
Three months ended September 30, 2012
CNA
Specialty
 
CNA Commercial
 
Hardy
 
Corporate
& Other
Non-Core
 
Total
(In millions)
 
 
 
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development
$
(39
)
 
$
2

 
$
(6
)
 
$
3

 
$
(40
)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development
(1
)
 
(5
)
 

 
(1
)
 
(7
)
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development
$
(40
)
 
$
(3
)
 
$
(6
)
 
$
2

 
$
(47
)

Three months ended September 30, 2011
CNA
Specialty
 
CNA Commercial
 
Corporate
& Other
Non-Core
 
Total
(In millions)
 
 
 
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development
$
(5
)
 
$
(42
)
 
$
11

 
$
(36
)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development
(26
)
 
(11
)
 
1

 
(36
)
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development
$
(31
)
 
$
(53
)
 
$
12

 
$
(72
)

Nine months ended September 30, 2012
CNA
Specialty
 
CNA Commercial
 
Hardy
 
Corporate
& Other
Non-Core
 
Total
(In millions)
 
 
 
 
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development
$
(80
)
 
$
(25
)
 
$
(6
)
 
$
1

 
$
(110
)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development
(15
)
 
(41
)
 

 
1

 
(55
)
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development
$
(95
)
 
$
(66
)
 
$
(6
)
 
$
2

 
$
(165
)

Nine months ended September 30, 2011
CNA
Specialty
 
CNA Commercial
 
Corporate
& Other
Non-Core
 
Total
(In millions)
 
 
 
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development
$
(72
)
 
$
(99
)
 
$
5

 
$
(166
)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development
(34
)
 
21

 

 
(13
)
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development
$
(106
)
 
$
(78
)
 
$
5

 
$
(179
)
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, favorable premium development was recorded for CNA Commercial primarily due to premium adjustments on auditable policies arising from increased exposures.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, favorable premium development was recorded for CNA Specialty primarily due to changes in estimates of exposures in medical professional liability tail coverages.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, unfavorable premium development for CNA Commercial was recorded due to a further reduction of ultimate premium estimates relating to retrospectively rated policies, partially offset by premium adjustments on auditable policies due to increased exposures.

33

Table of Contents

CNA Specialty
The following table provides further detail of the net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development (development) recorded for the CNA Specialty segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.
Periods ended September 30
Three Months
 
Nine Months
(In millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Medical Professional Liability
$
9

 
$
(18
)
 
$
(6
)
 
$
(52
)
Other Professional Liability
1

 
1

 
(1
)
 
(20
)
Surety
(60
)
 
1

 
(59
)
 
(2
)
Warranty

 

 
(1
)
 
(12
)
Other
11

 
11

 
(13
)
 
14

Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development
$
(39
)
 
$
(5
)
 
$
(80
)
 
$
(72
)
Three Month Comparison
2012
Favorable development for surety coverages was primarily due to better than expected loss emergence in accident years 2010 and prior.
Other includes standard property and casualty coverages provided to CNA Specialty customers. Unfavorable development for other coverages was primarily due to an unfavorable outcome on an individual general liability claim in accident year 2009.
2011
Favorable development for medical professional liability was primarily due to favorable case incurred emergence in nurses and physicians in accident years 2008 and prior.
Unfavorable development for other coverages was primarily due to increased frequency of large claims in auto and workers' compensation coverages in accident years 2009 and 2010.
Nine Month Comparison
2012
Favorable development for surety coverages was primarily due to better than expected loss emergence in accident years 2010 and prior.
Overall, favorable development for other coverages was primarily due to favorable loss emergence in property and workers' compensation coverages in accident years 2005 and subsequent. Unfavorable development was recorded in accident year 2009 primarily due to an unfavorable outcome on an individual general liability claim.
2011
Favorable development for medical professional liability was primarily due to favorable case incurred emergence in nurses, physicians and primary institutions in accident years 2008 and prior.
Favorable development for other professional liability was driven by better than expected loss emergence in life agents' coverages.
Favorable development in warranty was driven by favorable policy year experience on an aggregate stop loss policy covering the Company's non-insurance warranty subsidiary.
Unfavorable development for other coverages was primarily due to increased frequency of large claims in auto and workers' compensation coverages in accident years 2009 and 2010.


34

Table of Contents

CNA Commercial
The following table provides further detail of development recorded for the CNA Commercial segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.
Periods ended September 30
Three Months
 
Nine Months
(In millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Auto
$
9

 
$
(2
)
 
$
11

 
$
(36
)
General Liability
(21
)
 
4

 
(26
)
 
26

Workers' Compensation
24

 
3

 
13

 
39

Property and Other
(10
)
 
(47
)
 
(23
)
 
(128
)
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development
$
2

 
$
(42
)
 
$
(25
)
 
$
(99
)
Three Month Comparison
2012
Favorable development for general liability coverages was primarily due to favorable loss emergence in accident years 2003 and prior related to large account business.
Unfavorable development for workers' compensation was primarily due to increased medical severity in accident years 2010 and 2011.
Favorable development for property and marine coverages was due to favorable loss emergence in non-catastrophe losses in accident years 2009 and subsequent.
2011
Overall, unfavorable development for workers' compensation was related to increased medical severity and higher adjusting and other payments in accident years 2008 and subsequent. Additionally, favorable development for workers' compensation was due to reduced indemnity severity in accident years 2002 and prior.
Favorable development for property and other coverages was due to decreased frequency of large losses in accident year 2010 and favorable loss emergence related to non-catastrophe claims in accident years 2010 and prior.
Nine Month Comparison
2012
Unfavorable development for commercial auto coverages was primarily due to higher than expected frequency in accident years 2009 and subsequent.
Favorable development for general liability coverages was primarily due to favorable loss emergence in accident years 2003 and prior related to large account business.
Overall, unfavorable development for workers' compensation was primarily due to increased medical severity in accident years 2010 and 2011 and losses related to favorable premium development in accident year 2011. Favorable development was recorded in accident years 2001 and prior reflecting favorable experience.
Favorable development for property and marine coverages was due to a favorable outcome on an individual claim in accident year 2005 and favorable loss emergence in non-catastrophe losses in accident years 2009 through 2011.

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Table of Contents

2011
Favorable development for commercial auto coverages was due to lower than expected severity on bodily injury claims in accident years 2006 and prior.
The unfavorable development in the general liability coverages was primarily due to two large claim outcomes on umbrella claims in accident year 2001.
Unfavorable development for workers' compensation was related to increased medical severity and higher adjusting and other payments in accident years 2008 and subsequent.
Favorable development for property and other coverages was due to decreased frequency of large losses in commercial multi-peril coverages primarily in accident year 2010, a favorable settlement on an individual equipment breakdown claim in accident year 2003, favorable loss emergence related to catastrophe claims in accident year 2008 and favorable loss emergence related to non-catastrophe claims in accident years 2010 and prior.


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Table of Contents

Note H. Legal Proceedings and Contingent Liabilities
The Company is a party to routine litigation incidental to its business, which, based on the facts and circumstances currently known, is not material to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Note I. Benefit Plans
The components of net periodic cost (benefit) are presented in the following table.
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit)
Periods ended September 30
Three Months
 
Nine Months
(In millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Pension cost (benefit)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
3

 
$
3

 
$
9

 
$
10

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
34

 
37

 
101

 
110

Expected return on plan assets
(43
)
 
(44
)
 
(128
)
 
(130
)
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss
10

 
7

 
29

 
19

Net periodic pension cost (benefit)
$
4

 
$
3

 
$
11

 
$
9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Postretirement cost (benefit)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
$
1

 
$
1

 
$
2

 
$
3

Amortization of prior service credit
(4
)
 
(5
)
 
(13
)
 
(14
)
Net periodic postretirement cost (benefit)
$
(3
)
 
$
(4
)
 
$
(11
)
 
$
(11
)

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Table of Contents

Note J. Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees
Commitments and Contingencies
The Company holds an investment in a real estate joint venture. In the normal course of business, the Company, on a joint and several basis with other unrelated insurance company shareholders, has committed to continue funding the operating deficits of this joint venture. Additionally, the Company and the other unrelated shareholders, on a joint and several basis, have guaranteed an operating lease for an office building, which expires in 2016. The guarantee of the operating lease is a parallel guarantee to the commitment to fund operating deficits; consequently, the separate guarantee to the lessor is not expected to be triggered as long as the joint venture continues to be funded by its shareholders which provide liquidity to make its annual lease payments.
In the event that the other parties to the joint venture are unable to meet their commitments in funding the operations of this joint venture, the Company would be required to assume the obligation for the entire office building operating lease. The Company does not believe it is likely that it will be required to do so. However, the maximum potential future lease payments and other related costs at September 30, 2012 that the Company could be required to pay under this guarantee, in excess of amounts already recorded, were approximately $118 million. If the Company were required to assume the entire lease obligation, the Company would have the right to pursue reimbursement from the other shareholders and the right to all sublease revenues.
The Company has entered into a limited number of contracts with minimum payments, primarily related to outsourced services and software. Estimated future minimum payments under these contracts, which amounted to approximately $13 million at September 30, 2012, were $6 million in 2012, $2 million in 2013 and $5 million thereafter.
Guarantees
In the course of selling business entities and assets to third parties, the Company has agreed to indemnify purchasers for losses arising out of breaches of representation and warranties with respect to the business entities or assets being sold, including, in certain cases, losses arising from undisclosed liabilities or certain named litigation. Such indemnification provisions generally survive for periods ranging from nine months following the applicable closing date to the expiration of the relevant statutes of limitation. As of September 30, 2012, the aggregate amount of quantifiable indemnification agreements in effect for sales of business entities, assets and third party loans was $758 million.
In addition, the Company has agreed to provide indemnification to third party purchasers for certain losses associated with sold business entities or assets that are not limited by a contractual monetary amount. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had outstanding unlimited indemnifications in connection with the sales of certain of its business entities or assets that included tax liabilities arising prior to a purchaser's ownership of an entity or asset, defects in title at the time of sale, employee claims arising prior to closing and in some cases losses arising from certain litigation and undisclosed liabilities. These indemnification agreements survive until the applicable statutes of limitation expire, or until the agreed-upon contract terms expire.
As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had recorded liabilities of approximately $14 million and $15 million related to indemnification agreements and management believes that it is not likely that any future indemnity claims will be significantly greater than the amounts recorded.

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Table of Contents

Note K. Business Segments
The Company's core property and casualty commercial insurance operations are reported in three business segments: CNA Specialty, CNA Commercial and Hardy. The Company acquired Hardy on July 2, 2012. Further information on Hardy is set forth in Note B. The Company's non-core operations are managed in two segments: Life & Group Non-Core and Corporate & Other Non-Core.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note A of the Consolidated Financial Statements within CNAF's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, other than the accounting for deferred acquisition costs, as further discussed in Note A herein. The Company manages most of its assets on a legal entity basis, while segment operations are conducted across legal entities. As such, only insurance and reinsurance receivables, insurance reserves and deferred acquisition costs are readily identifiable by individual segment. Distinct investment portfolios are not maintained for each individual segment; accordingly, allocation of assets to each segment is not performed. Therefore, net investment income and realized investment gains or losses are allocated primarily based on each segment's net carried insurance reserves, as adjusted. All significant intersegment income and expense has been eliminated. Income taxes have been allocated on the basis of the taxable income of the segments.
In the following tables, certain financial measures are presented to provide information used by management to monitor the Company's operating performance. Management utilizes these financial measures to monitor the Company's insurance operations and investment portfolio. Net operating income, which is derived from certain income statement amounts, is used by management to monitor performance of the Company's insurance operations. The Company's investment portfolio is monitored by management through analysis of various factors including unrealized gains and losses on securities, portfolio duration and exposure to market and credit risk. Based on such analyses, the Company may recognize an OTTI loss on an investment security in accordance with its policy, or sell a security, which may produce realized gains and losses.
Net operating income (loss) is calculated by excluding from net income (loss) attributable to CNA the after-tax effects of 1) net realized investment gains or losses, 2) income or loss from discontinued operations and 3) any cumulative effects of changes in accounting guidance. The calculation of net operating income excludes net realized investment gains or losses because net realized investment gains or losses are largely discretionary, except for some losses related to OTTI, and are generally driven by economic factors that are not necessarily consistent with key drivers of underwriting performance, and are therefore not considered an indication of trends in insurance operations.
The significant components of the Company's continuing operations and selected balance sheet items are presented in the following tables.


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Table of Contents

Three months ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2012
CNA
Specialty
 
CNA
Commercial
 
Hardy
 
Life &
Group
Non-Core
 
Corporate
& Other
Non-Core
 
 
 
 
(In millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Operating revenues
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net earned premiums
$
738

 
$
840

 
$
64

 
$
141

 
$
(2
)
 
$

 
$
1,781

Net investment income
159

 
230

 
2

 
201

 
9

 

 
601

Other revenues
58

 
11

 

 
1

 
7

 
(1
)
 
76

Total operating revenues
955

 
1,081

 
66

 
343

 
14

 
(1
)
 
2,458

Claims, Benefits and Expenses
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net incurred claims and benefits
460

 
591

 
21

 
350

 
8

 

 
1,430

Policyholders’ dividends
1

 
3

 

 
1

 

 

 
5

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
156

 
151

 
20

 
6

 

 

 
333

Other insurance related expenses
73

 
146

 
13

 
35

 
1

 

 
268

Other expenses
53

 
7

 
7

 
8

 
42

 
(1
)
 
116

Total claims, benefits and expenses
743

 
898

 
61

 
400

 
51

 
(1
)
 
2,152

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax
212

 
183

 
5

 
(57
)
 
(37
)
 

 
306

Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)
(76
)
 
(58
)
 
(2
)
 
35

 
11

 

 
(90
)
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA
136

 
125

 
3

 
(22
)
 
(26
)
 

 
216

Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests
2

 
10

 
(1
)
 
(3
)
 

 

 
8

Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)
(2
)
 
(3
)
 

 
1

 
1

 

 
(3
)
Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA

 
7

 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
1

 

 
5

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA
$
136

 
$
132

 
$
2

 
$
(24
)
 
$
(25
)
 
$

 
$
221


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Table of Contents

Three months ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
CNA
Specialty
 
CNA
Commercial
 
Life &
Group
Non-Core
 
Corporate
& Other
Non-Core
 
 
 
Total
(In millions)
 
 
 
 
Eliminations
 
Operating revenues
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net earned premiums
$
741

 
$
848

 
$
142

 
$
2

 
$
(1
)
 
$
1,732

Net investment income
85

 
115

 
190

 
4

 

 
394

Other revenues
56

 
14

 
6

 

 

 
76

Total operating revenues
882

 
977

 
338

 
6

 
(1
)
 
2,202

Claims, Benefits and Expenses
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net incurred claims and benefits
485

 
583

 
332

 
(1
)
 

 
1,399

Policyholders’ dividends
(4
)
 
3

 
2

 

 

 
1

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
147

 
145

 
5

 

 

 
297

Other insurance related expenses
75

 
141

 
36

 
1

 
(1
)
 
252

Other expenses
48

 
10

 
2

 
42

 

 
102

Total claims, benefits and expenses
751

 
882

 
377

 
42

 
(1
)
 
2,051

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax
131

 
95

 
(39
)
 
(36
)
 

 
151

Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)
(48
)
 
(46
)
 
25

 
11

 

 
(58
)
Net operating (income) loss, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests

 
(2
)
 

 

 

 
(2
)
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA
83

 
47

 
(14
)
 
(25
)
 

 
91

Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests
(8
)
 
(15
)
 
(4
)
 

 

 
(27
)
Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)
3

 
5

 
1

 
1

 

 
10

Net realized investment (gains) losses, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests

 
1

 

 

 

 
1

Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA
(5
)
 
(9
)
 
(3
)
 
1

 

 
(16
)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA
$
78

 
$
38

 
$
(17
)
 
$
(24
)
 
$

 
$
75



41

Table of Contents

Nine months ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2012
CNA
Specialty
 
CNA
Commercial
 
Hardy (a)
 
Life &
Group
Non-Core
 
Corporate
& Other
Non-Core
 
 
 
 
(In millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Operating revenues
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net earned premiums
$
2,163

 
$
2,452

 
$
64

 
$
421

 
$
(1
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
5,098

Net investment income
446

 
646

 
2

 
600

 
25

 

 
1,719

Other revenues
171

 
31

 

 
15

 
14

 
(1
)
 
230

Total operating revenues
2,780

 
3,129

 
66

 
1,036

 
38

 
(2
)
 
7,047

Claims, Benefits and Expenses
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net incurred claims and benefits
1,376

 
1,749

 
21

 
1,009

 
(5
)
 

 
4,150

Policyholders’ dividends

 
9

 

 
5

 

 

 
14

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
458

 
437

 
20

 
22

 

 

 
937

Other insurance related expenses
222

 
425

 
13

 
106

 
1

 
(1
)
 
766

Other expenses
153

 
24

 
7

 
18

 
137

 
(1
)
 
338

Total claims, benefits and expenses
2,209

 
2,644

 
61

 
1,160

 
133

 
(2
)
 
6,205

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax
571

 
485

 
5

 
(124
)
 
(95
)
 

 
842

Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)
(197
)
 
(164
)
 
(2
)
 
86

 
29

 

 
(248
)
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA
374

 
321

 
3

 
(38
)
 
(66
)
 

 
594

Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests
18

 
34

 
(1
)
 
14

 
1

 

 
66

Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)
(6
)
 
(12
)
 

 
(5
)
 

 

 
(23
)
Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA
12

 
22

 
(1
)
 
9

 
1

 

 
43

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA
$
386

 
$
343

 
$
2

 
$
(29
)
 
$
(65
)
 
$

 
$
637

September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reinsurance receivables
$
750

 
$
1,131

 
$
238

 
$
1,297

 
$
2,498

 
$

 
$
5,914

Insurance receivables
$
676

 
$
1,108

 
$
206

 
$
10

 
$
4

 
$

 
$
2,004

Deferred acquisition costs
$
306

 
$
278

 
$
19

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
603

Insurance reserves
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Claim and claim adjustment expenses
$
6,853

 
$
11,226

 
$
466

 
$
2,956

 
$
2,830

 
$

 
$
24,331

Unearned premiums
1,698

 
1,604

 
243

 
137

 

 
(1
)
 
3,681

Future policy benefits

 

 

 
10,974

 

 

 
10,974

Policyholders’ funds
13

 
13

 

 
139

 

 

 
165

_______________________________
(a)
Included from date of acquisition.


42

Table of Contents

Nine months ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
CNA
Specialty
 
CNA
Commercial
 
Life &
Group
Non-Core
 
Corporate
& Other
Non-Core
 
 
 
Total
(In millions)
 
 
 
 
Eliminations
 
Operating revenues
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net earned premiums
$
2,098

 
$
2,418

 
$
427

 
$
1

 
$
(2
)
 
$
4,942

Net investment income
371

 
569

 
567

 
24

 

 
1,531

Other revenues
164

 
40

 
6

 
4

 

 
214

Total operating revenues
2,633

 
3,027

 
1,000

 
29

 
(2
)
 
6,687

Claims, Benefits and Expenses
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net incurred claims and benefits
1,333

 
1,807

 
985

 

 

 
4,125

Policyholders’ dividends
(4
)
 
5

 
5

 

 

 
6

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
428

 
435

 
17

 

 

 
880

Other insurance related expenses
216

 
400

 
108

 
4

 
(2
)
 
726

Other expenses
140

 
37

 
14

 
129

 

 
320

Total claims, benefits and expenses
2,113

 
2,684

 
1,129

 
133

 
(2
)
 
6,057

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax
520

 
343

 
(129
)
 
(104
)
 

 
630

Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)
(182
)
 
(127
)
 
78

 
34

 

 
(197
)
Net operating (income) loss, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests
(12
)
 
(3
)
 

 

 

 
(15
)
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA
326

 
213

 
(51
)
 
(70
)
 

 
418

Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests
7

 
13

 
(7
)
 
(12
)
 

 
1

Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)
(2
)
 
(4
)
 
2

 
5

 

 
1

Net realized investment (gains) losses, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA
5

 
9

 
(5
)
 
(7
)
 

 
2

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA
$
331

 
$
222

 
$
(56
)
 
$
(77
)
 
$

 
$
420

December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reinsurance receivables
$
852

 
$
1,188

 
$
1,375

 
$
2,677

 
$

 
$
6,092

Insurance receivables
$
670

 
$
1,047

 
$
8

 
$
1

 
$

 
$
1,726

Deferred acquisition costs
$
300

 
$
252

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
552

Insurance reserves
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Claim and claim adjustment expenses
$
6,840

 
$
11,509

 
$
2,825

 
$
3,129

 
$

 
$
24,303

Unearned premiums
1,629

 
1,480

 
141

 

 

 
3,250

Future policy benefits

 

 
9,810

 

 

 
9,810

Policyholders’ funds
15

 
10

 
166

 

 

 
191



43

Table of Contents

The following table provides revenue by line of business for each reportable segment. Revenues are comprised of operating revenues and net realized investment gains and losses, net of participating policyholders’ interests.
Revenues by Line of Business
Periods ended September 30
Three Months
 
Nine Months
(In millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
CNA Specialty
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International
$
53

 
$
54

 
$
163

 
$
159

Professional & Management Liability
700

 
623

 
2,039

 
1,909

Surety
124

 
123

 
364

 
353

Warranty & Alternative Risks
80

 
74

 
232

 
219

CNA Specialty revenues
957

 
874

 
2,798

 
2,640

CNA Commercial
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
CNA Select Risk
70

 
65

 
208

 
203

Commercial Insurance
756

 
622

 
2,188

 
2,015

International
93

 
133

 
274

 
390

Small Business
172

 
142

 
493

 
432

CNA Commercial revenues
1,091

 
962

 
3,163

 
3,040

Hardy revenues
65

 


 
65

 


Life & Group Non-Core


 
 

 
 

 
 
Health
274

 
274

 
852

 
818

Life & Annuity
64

 
55

 
181

 
170

Other
2

 
5

 
17

 
5

Life & Group Non-Core revenues
340

 
334

 
1,050

 
993

Corporate & Other Non-Core revenues
14

 
6

 
39

 
17

Eliminations
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
(2
)
Total revenues
$
2,466

 
$
2,175


$
7,113


$
6,688



44

Table of Contents

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
The following discussion highlights significant factors affecting the Company. References to “we,” “our,” “us” or like terms refer to the business of CNA. Based on 2011 statutory net written premiums, we are the seventh largest commercial insurance writer and the 13th largest property and casualty insurance organization in the United States of America. References to net operating income (loss), net realized investment gains (losses) and net income (loss) used in this MD&A reflect amounts attributable to CNA, unless otherwise noted.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q and Item 1A Risk Factors and Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2011.
We utilize the net operating income financial measure to monitor our operations. Net operating income is calculated by excluding from net income (loss) attributable to CNA the after-tax effects of 1) net realized investment gains or losses, 2) income or loss from discontinued operations and 3) any cumulative effects of changes in accounting guidance. See further discussion regarding how we manage our business in Note K to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1. In evaluating the results of our CNA Specialty, CNA Commercial and Hardy segments, we utilize the loss ratio, the expense ratio, the dividend ratio and the combined ratio. These ratios are calculated using GAAP financial results. The loss ratio is the percentage of net incurred claim and claim adjustment expenses to net earned premiums. The expense ratio is the percentage of insurance underwriting and acquisition expenses, including the amortization of deferred acquisition costs, to net earned premiums. The dividend ratio is the ratio of policyholders' dividends incurred to net earned premiums. The combined ratio is the sum of the loss, expense and dividend ratios.
Changes in estimates of claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserves and premium accruals, net of reinsurance, for prior years are defined as net prior year development within this MD&A. These changes can be favorable or unfavorable. Net prior year development does not include the impact of related acquisition expenses. Further information on our reserves is provided in Note G to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.
Acquisition of Hardy
On July 2, 2012, we acquired Hardy Underwriting Bermuda Limited and its subsidiaries (Hardy), a specialized Lloyd's underwriter. Hardy has business operations in the United Kingdom, Bermuda, Bahrain, Guernsey and Singapore. The acquisition of Hardy aligns with our specialized underwriting focus and will be a key platform for expanding our global business through the Lloyd's marketplace. The Lloyd's market provides access to international licenses, sophisticated excess and surplus insurance business and other syndicated risks. Hardy continues to operate under its own brand and its existing leadership team.
Further information on the acquisition of Hardy is set forth in Note B to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.
Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts
We have adjusted our previously reported financial information included herein, to reflect the change in accounting guidance for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. This MD&A gives effect to the adjustment of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note A to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1 for additional information.


45

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CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS
Results of Operations
The following table includes the consolidated results of our operations. For more detailed components of our business operations and the net operating income financial measure, see the segment discussions within this MD&A.
Periods ended September 30
Three Months
 
Nine Months
(In millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Operating Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earned premiums
$
1,781

 
$
1,732

 
$
5,098

 
$
4,942

Net investment income
601

 
394

 
1,719

 
1,531

Other revenues
76

 
76

 
230

 
214

Total operating revenues
2,458

 
2,202

 
7,047

 
6,687

Claims, Benefits and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net incurred claims and benefits
1,430

 
1,399

 
4,150

 
4,125

Policyholders' dividends
5

 
1

 
14

 
6

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
333

 
297

 
937

 
880

Other insurance related expenses
268

 
252

 
766

 
726

Other expenses
116

 
102

 
338

 
320

Total claims, benefits and expenses
2,152

 
2,051

 
6,205

 
6,057

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax
306

 
151

 
842

 
630

Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)
(90
)
 
(58
)
 
(248
)
 
(197
)
Net operating (income) loss, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests

 
(2
)
 

 
(15
)
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA
216

 
91

 
594

 
418

Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders' interests
8

 
(27
)
 
66

 
1

Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)
(3
)
 
10

 
(23
)
 
1

Net realized investment (gains) losses, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests

 
1

 

 

Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA
5

 
(16
)
 
43

 
2

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA
221

 
75

 
637

 
420

Loss from discontinued operations attributable to CNA

 

 

 
(1
)
Net income (loss) attributable to CNA
$
221

 
$
75

 
$
637

 
$
419

Three Month Comparison
Net income increased $146 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily driven by improved net operating income.
Net realized investment results improved $21 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. See the Investments section of this MD&A for further discussion of net investment income and net realized investment results.
Net operating income increased $125 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. Net operating income increased $134 million for our core segments, CNA Specialty, CNA Commercial and Hardy. This increase was primarily due to higher net investment income, driven by significantly favorable limited partnership results, and lower catastrophe losses, partially offset by decreased favorable net prior year development. Catastrophe losses were $18 million after-tax for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to $32 million after-tax for the same period in 2011. Net operating results decreased $9 million for our non-core segments, primarily due to unfavorable morbidity in our long term care business.

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Favorable net prior year development of $47 million and $72 million was recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 related to our CNA Specialty, CNA Commercial, Hardy and Corporate & Other Non-Core segments. Further information on net prior year development for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is included in Note G to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.
Net earned premiums increased $49 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily driven by the acquisition of Hardy. See the Segment Results section of this MD&A for further discussion.
Nine Month Comparison
Net income increased $218 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. This increase was due to improved net operating income and increased net realized investment gains.
Net realized investment gains increased $41 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. See the Investments section of this MD&A for further discussion of net investment income and net realized investment results.
Net operating income increased $176 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. Net operating income increased $159 million for our core segments, CNA Specialty, CNA Commercial and Hardy. This increase was primarily due to higher net investment income, driven by favorable limited partnership income, and lower catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses were $80 million after-tax for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to $133 million after-tax for the same period in 2011. Net operating results improved $17 million for our non-core segments, driven by results in our Life and Group Non-Core segment.
Favorable net prior year development of $165 million and $179 million was recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 related to our CNA Specialty, CNA Commercial, Hardy and Corporate & Other Non-Core segments. Further information on net prior year development for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is included in Note G to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.
Net earned premiums increased $156 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, driven by increases in CNA Commercial and CNA Specialty, and the acquisition of Hardy. See the Segment Results section of this MD&A for further discussion.

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the amounts of revenues and expenses reported during the period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis. We continually evaluate the accounting policies and estimates used to prepare the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. In general, our estimates are based on historical experience, evaluation of current trends, information from third party professionals and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the known facts and circumstances.
The accounting estimates below are considered by us to be critical to an understanding of our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as their application places the most significant demands on our judgment.
Insurance Reserves
Reinsurance and Insurance Receivables
Valuation of Investments and Impairment of Securities
Long Term Care Products and Payout Annuity Contracts
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Obligations
Income Taxes
Due to the inherent uncertainties involved with these types of judgments, actual results could differ significantly from estimates and may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations or equity. See the Critical Accounting Estimates section of our Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for further information.

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Table of Contents

SEGMENT RESULTS
The following discusses the results of continuing operations for our operating segments.
CNA Specialty
The following table details the results of operations for CNA Specialty.
Results of Operations
Periods ended September 30
Three Months
 
Nine Months
(In millions, except ratios)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Net written premiums
$
723

 
$
750

 
$
2,206

 
$
2,172

Net earned premiums
738

 
741

 
2,163

 
2,098

Net investment income
159

 
85

 
446

 
371

Net operating income (loss)
136

 
83

 
374

 
326

Net realized investment gains (losses), after-tax

 
(5
)
 
12

 
5

Net income (loss)
136

 
78

 
386

 
331

Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss and loss adjustment expense
62.5
%
 
65.5
 %
 
63.6
%
 
63.6
 %
Expense
31.0

 
29.8

 
31.5

 
30.6

Dividend
0.2

 
(0.6
)
 

 
(0.2
)
Combined
93.7
%
 
94.7
 %
 
95.1
%
 
94.0
 %
Three Month Comparison
Net written premiums for CNA Specialty decreased $27 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. This decrease was primarily due to lower new business levels in certain lines, partially offset by continued positive rate achievement. Net earned premiums decreased $3 million as compared with the same period in 2011. This decrease was primarily due to favorable premium development recorded in 2011, partially offset by the impact of increased net written premiums over recent quarters. Further information on premium development is included in Note G to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.
CNA Specialty's average rate increased 5% for the three months ended September 30, 2012, as compared with flat average rate for the three months ended September 30, 2011 for the policies that renewed in each period. Retention of 86% and 87% was achieved in each respective period.
Net income increased $58 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. This increase was driven by higher net operating income.
Net operating income increased $53 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to higher net investment income.
The combined ratio decreased 1.0 point for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. The loss ratio decreased 3.0 points, due to the impact of increased favorable net prior year development and an improved current accident year loss ratio. The expense ratio increased 1.2 points for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to the impact of favorable premium development in 2011.
Favorable net prior year development of $40 million and $31 million was recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. Further information on CNA Specialty's net prior year development for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is included in Note G to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.

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Table of Contents

Nine Month Comparison
Net written premiums for CNA Specialty increased $34 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, driven by increased rate, partially offset by lower new business levels in certain lines. Net earned premiums increased $65 million as compared with the same period in 2011, consistent with increased net written premiums over recent quarters.
CNA Specialty's average rate increased 4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, as compared with flat average rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 for the policies that renewed in each period. Retention of 86% was achieved in each respective period.
Net income increased $55 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to the same reason discussed above in the three month comparison.
Net operating income increased $48 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to higher net investment income and the inclusion of our Surety business on a wholly-owned basis in 2012. These favorable impacts were partially offset by decreased favorable net prior year development and decreased current accident year underwriting results.
The combined ratio increased 1.1 points for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. The loss ratio remained unchanged as the impact of an improved current accident year loss ratio was offset by decreased favorable net prior year development. The expense ratio increased 0.9 points for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to increased underwriting expenses and the impact of favorable premium development in 2011.
Favorable net prior year development of $95 million and $106 million was recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. Further information on CNA Specialty's net prior year development for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is included in Note G to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.
The following table summarizes the gross and net carried reserves as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 for CNA Specialty.
Gross and Net Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves
(In millions)
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Gross Case Reserves
$
2,435

 
$
2,441

Gross IBNR Reserves
4,418

 
4,399

Total Gross Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves
$
6,853

 
$
6,840

Net Case Reserves
$
2,112

 
$
2,086

Net IBNR Reserves
4,010

 
3,937

Total Net Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves
$
6,122

 
$
6,023


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Table of Contents

CNA Commercial
The following table details the results of operations for CNA Commercial.
Results of Operations
Periods ended September 30
Three Months
 
Nine Months
(In millions, except ratios)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Net written premiums
$
811

 
$
836

 
$
2,543

 
$
2,544

Net earned premiums
840

 
848

 
2,452

 
2,418

Net investment income
230

 
115

 
646

 
569

Net operating income (loss)
125

 
47

 
321

 
213

Net realized investment gains (losses), after-tax
7

 
(9
)
 
22

 
9

Net income (loss)
132

 
38

 
343

 
222

Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss and loss adjustment expense
70.5
%
 
68.7
%
 
71.3
%
 
74.7
%
Expense
35.2

 
33.8

 
35.2

 
34.6

Dividend
0.3

 
0.4

 
0.3

 
0.2

Combined
106.0
%
 
102.9
%
 
106.8
%
 
109.5
%
Three Month Comparison
Net written premiums for CNA Commercial decreased $25 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. Net written premiums for the three months ended September 30, 2011 included $38 million related to FICOH, which was sold in the fourth quarter of 2011. Excluding FICOH, the increase in net written premiums was primarily driven by continued positive rate achievement. Net earned premiums decreased $8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. Net earned premiums for the three months ended September 30, 2011 included $35 million related to FICOH. Excluding FICOH, the increase in net earned premiums was driven by the increase in net written premiums over recent quarters.
CNA Commercial's average rate increased 8% for the three months ended September 30, 2012, as compared with an increase of 2% for the three months ended September 30, 2011 for the policies that renewed in each period. Retention of 79% was achieved in each respective period.
Net income increased $94 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. This increase was due to increased net operating income and improved net realized investment results.
Net operating income increased $78 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. This increase was primarily due to higher net investment income and lower catastrophe losses. These favorable impacts were partially offset by decreased favorable net prior year development. Furthermore, income tax expense of $22 million was recorded in 2011 due to an increase in the tax rate applicable to the undistributed earnings of FICOH, which was under contract for sale.
The combined ratio increased 3.1 points for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. The loss ratio increased 1.8 points, primarily due to the impacts of less favorable net prior year development, partially offset by lower catastrophe losses and an improved current accident year non-catastrophe loss ratio. Catastrophe losses were $24 million, or 2.8 points of the loss ratio, for the three months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to $46 million, or 5.5 points of the loss ratio, for the three months ended September 30, 2011.
The expense ratio increased 1.4 points for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to higher underwriting expenses and the favorable impact of recoveries in 2011 on insurance receivables written off in prior years.

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Table of Contents

Favorable net prior year development of $3 million and $53 million was recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. Further information on CNA Commercial net prior year development for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is included in Note G to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.
Nine Month Comparison
Net written premiums and net earned premiums for CNA Commercial decreased $1 million and increased $34 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. Net written premiums and net earned premiums for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 included $110 million and $103 million related to FICOH. Excluding FICOH, the increase in net written premiums was due to the same reason discussed above in the three month comparison. Excluding FICOH, the increase in net earned premiums was driven by the increase in net written premiums over recent quarters and favorable premium development recorded in 2012. Further information on premium development is included in Note G to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.
CNA Commercial's average rate increased 6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with an increase of 2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 for the policies that renewed in each period. Retention of 78% and 79% was achieved in each respective period.
Net income increased $121 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to increased net operating income.
Net operating income increased $108 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. This increase was primarily due to lower catastrophe losses and higher net investment income, as well as the tax expense item in 2011 discussed above in the three month comparison. These favorable impacts were partially offset by decreased favorable net prior year development.
The combined ratio improved 2.7 points for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. The loss ratio improved 3.4 points, primarily due to the impacts of lower catastrophe losses and an improved current accident year non-catastrophe loss ratio, partially offset by decreased favorable net prior year development. Catastrophe losses were $115 million, or 4.7 points of the loss ratio, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to $195 million, or 8.1 points of the loss ratio, for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
The expense ratio increased 0.6 points for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to the favorable impact of recoveries in 2011 on insurance receivables written off in prior years.
Favorable net prior year development of $66 million and $78 million was recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. Further information on CNA Commercial net prior year development for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is included in Note G to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.
The following table summarizes the gross and net carried reserves as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 for CNA Commercial.
Gross and Net Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves
 
September 30,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
(In millions)
 
Gross Case Reserves
$
6,129

 
$
6,266

Gross IBNR Reserves
5,097

 
5,243

Total Gross Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves
$
11,226

 
$
11,509

Net Case Reserves
$
5,604

 
$
5,720

Net IBNR Reserves
4,536

 
4,670

Total Net Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves
$
10,140

 
$
10,390


52

Table of Contents

Hardy
The following table details the results of operations for Hardy. On July 2, 2012, we completed the acquisition of Hardy, a specialized Lloyd's underwriter. Through Lloyd's Syndicate 382, Hardy underwrites primarily short-tail exposures in marine and aviation, non-marine property, specialty lines and property treaty reinsurance. Syndicate 382 has £330 million of underwriting capacity for the 2012 year of account. The results below only reflect Hardy's share of Syndicate 382's results. Third party capital providers provided 25% of Syndicate 382's capital for the 2012 year of account and 7.5% for the 2011 year of account. We will provide 100% of the capital for the 2013 year of account.
Results of Operations
Period ended September 30
Three Months
(In millions, except ratios)
2012
Net written premiums
$
56

Net earned premiums
64

Net investment income
2

Net operating income (loss)
3

Net realized investment gains (losses), after-tax
(1
)
Net income (loss)
2

Ratios
 
Loss and loss adjustment expense
33.3
%
Expense
52.5

Dividend

Combined
85.8
%
Results
The composition of net earned premiums for Hardy was $26 million for marine and aviation, $18 million for non-marine property, $11 million for property treaty reinsurance and $9 million for specialty lines.
Hardy's average rate increased 1% for the three months ended September 30, 2012 for the policies that renewed in the period. Retention of 72% was achieved in the period.
Net operating income included pretax amortization expense of $24 million related to intangible assets and favorable net prior year development of $6 million. No catastrophe losses were incurred in the period. Further information on Hardy's amortization expense is included in Note B to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.
Gross and Net Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves
 
September 30,
2012
(In millions)
Gross Case Reserves
$
341

Gross IBNR Reserves
125

Total Gross Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves
$
466

Net Case Reserves
$
188

Net IBNR Reserves
77

Total Net Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves
$
265


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Table of Contents

Life & Group Non-Core
The following table summarizes the results of operations for Life & Group Non-Core.
Results of Operations
Periods ended September 30
Three Months
 
Nine Months
(In millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Net earned premiums
$
141

 
$
142

 
$
421

 
$
427

Net investment income
201

 
190

 
600

 
567

Net operating income (loss)
(22
)
 
(14
)
 
(38
)
 
(51
)
Net realized investment gains (losses), after-tax
(2
)
 
(3
)
 
9

 
(5
)
Net income (loss)
(24
)
 
(17
)
 
(29
)
 
(56
)
Three Month Comparison
Net earned premiums for Life & Group Non-Core decreased $1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. Net earned premiums relate primarily to the individual and group long term care businesses.
Net loss increased $7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. This increase was primarily due to unfavorable morbidity in our long term care business.
Nine Month Comparison
Net earned premiums for Life & Group Non-Core decreased $6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011.
Net loss decreased $27 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. This decrease was primarily due to improved net realized investment results, a significant gain related to a benefit on a life settlement contract, as well as the impact of unfavorable performance on our remaining pension deposit business in 2011.



54

Table of Contents

Corporate & Other Non-Core
The following table summarizes the results of operations for the Corporate & Other Non-Core segment, including asbestos and environmental pollution (A&EP) and intersegment eliminations.
Results of Operations
Periods ended September 30
Three Months
 
Nine Months
(In millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Net investment income
$
9

 
$
4

 
$
25

 
$
24

Net operating income (loss)
(26
)
 
(25
)
 
(66
)
 
(70
)
Net realized investment gains (losses), after-tax
1

 
1

 
1

 
(7
)
Net income (loss)
(25
)
 
(24
)
 
(65
)
 
(77
)
Three Month Comparison
Net loss increased $1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. This increase was primarily due to the $10 million impact of a release of a previously established allowance for uncollectible reinsurance receivables arising from a change in estimate in 2011. This unfavorable impact was partially offset by decreased unfavorable net prior year development and higher net investment income.
Unfavorable net prior year development of $2 million and $12 million was recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.
Nine Month Comparison
Net loss decreased $12 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to improved net realized investment results and lower interest expense.
Unfavorable net prior year development of $2 million and $5 million was recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.
The following table summarizes the gross and net carried reserves as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 for Corporate & Other Non-Core.
Gross and Net Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
(In millions)
 
Gross Case Reserves
$
1,234

 
$
1,321

Gross IBNR Reserves
1,596

 
1,808

Total Gross Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves
$
2,830

 
$
3,129

Net Case Reserves
$
310

 
$
347

Net IBNR Reserves
231

 
244

Total Net Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves
$
541

 
$
591



55

Table of Contents

INVESTMENTS
Net Investment Income
The significant components of pretax net investment income are presented in the following table.
Net Investment Income
Periods ended September 30
Three Months
 
Nine Months
(In millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Fixed maturity securities
$
507

 
$
494

 
$
1,528

 
$
1,505

Short term investments
2

 
2

 
5

 
6

Limited partnership investments
89

 
(93
)
 
184

 
32

Equity securities
4

 
4

 
10

 
16

Mortgage loans
5

 
2

 
13

 
6

Trading portfolio
7

 
(1
)
 
18

 
5

Other

 
1

 
3

 
6

Gross investment income
614

 
409

 
1,761

 
1,576

Investment expense
(13
)
 
(15
)
 
(42
)
 
(45
)
Net investment income
$
601

 
$
394

 
$
1,719

 
$
1,531

Net investment income for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased $207 million as compared with the same period in 2011. The increase was primarily driven by a significant increase in limited partnership investment results.
Net investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased $188 million as compared with the same period in 2011. The increase was primarily driven by a significant increase in limited partnership investment income and an increase in fixed maturity securities income. The increase in fixed maturity securities income was driven by a higher invested asset base and a favorable net impact of changes in estimates of prepayments for asset-backed securities. These favorable impacts were partially offset by the effect of purchasing new investments at lower market interest rates.
The fixed maturity investment portfolio provided a pretax effective income yield of 5.4% and 5.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. Tax-exempt municipal bonds generated $70 million and $205 million of net investment income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared with $60 million and $174 million of net investment income for the same periods in 2011.

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Table of Contents

Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
The components of net realized investment results are presented in the following table.
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
Periods ended September 30
Three Months
 
Nine Months
(In millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate and other bonds
$
48

 
$
(28
)
 
$
91

 
$
63

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
(16
)
 
13

 
11

 
3

Asset-backed
(7
)
 
(15
)
 
(36
)
 
(62
)
U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises
1

 

 
3

 
1

Foreign government

 
1

 
4

 
3

Redeemable preferred stock

 

 

 
3

Total fixed maturity securities
26

 
(29
)
 
73

 
11

Equity securities
(15
)
 
(1
)
 
(14
)
 
(3
)
Derivative securities
(1
)
 
1

 
(1
)
 

Short term investments and other
(2
)
 
2

 
8

 
(7
)
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests
8

 
(27
)
 
66

 
1

Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)
(3
)
 
10

 
(23
)
 
1

Net realized investment (gains) losses, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests

 
1

 

 

Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA
$
5

 
$
(16
)
 
$
43

 
$
2

Net realized investment results improved $21 million and $41 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same periods in 2011. Further information on our realized gains and losses, including our OTTI losses and impairment decision process, is set forth in Note D to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.
Portfolio Quality
Our fixed maturity portfolio consists primarily of high quality bonds, 92% of which were rated as investment grade (rated BBB- or higher) at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The classification between investment grade and non-investment grade is based on a ratings methodology that takes into account ratings from two major providers, S&P and Moody's, in that order of preference. If a security is not rated by these providers, we formulate an internal rating. At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, approximately 98% of the fixed maturity portfolio was rated by S&P or Moody's, or was issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, Government agencies or Government-sponsored enterprises.
The following table summarizes the ratings of our fixed maturity portfolio at fair value.
Fixed Maturity Ratings
 
September 30,
2012
 
 
 
December 31,
2011
 
 
(In millions)
 
%
 
 
%
U.S. Government, Government agencies and Government-sponsored enterprises
$
4,743

 
11
%
 
$
4,760

 
12
%
AAA rated
3,362

 
8

 
3,421

 
8

AA and A rated
19,274

 
45

 
17,807

 
45

BBB rated
11,788

 
28

 
10,790

 
27

Non-investment grade
3,138

 
8

 
3,159

 
8

Total
$
42,305

 
100
%
 
$
39,937

 
100
%

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Non-investment grade fixed maturity securities, as presented in the table below, include high-yield securities rated below BBB- by bond rating agencies and other unrated securities that, according to our analysis, are below investment grade. Non-investment grade securities generally involve a greater degree of risk than investment grade securities. The amortized cost of our non-investment grade fixed maturity bond portfolio was $2,961 million and $3,200 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
The following table summarizes the ratings of this portfolio at fair value.
Non-investment Grade
 
September 30,
2012
 
 
 
December 31,
2011
 
 
(In millions)
 
%
 
 
%
BB
$
1,448

 
46
%
 
$
1,484

 
47
%
B
762

 
24

 
867

 
27

CCC - C
707

 
23

 
689

 
22

D
221

 
7

 
119

 
4

Total
$
3,138

 
100
%
 
$
3,159

 
100
%
The following table summarizes available-for-sale fixed maturity securities in a gross unrealized loss position by rating distribution as of September 30, 2012.
Gross Unrealized Losses by Ratings Distribution
September 30, 2012
Estimated Fair Value
 
%
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
%
(In millions)

 
 
U.S. Government, Government agencies and Government-sponsored enterprises
$
453

 
19
%
 
$
46

 
25
%
 AAA
200

 
8

 
5

 
3

 AA
350

 
15

 
54

 
29

 A
305

 
13

 
11

 
6

 BBB
519

 
22

 
29

 
16

Non-Investment Grade
563

 
23

 
40

 
21

Total
$
2,390

 
100
%
 
$
185

 
100
%
The following table provides the maturity profile for these available-for-sale fixed maturity securities. Securities not due to mature on a single date are allocated based on weighted average life.
Maturity Profile
September 30, 2012
Estimated Fair Value
 
%
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
%
Due in one year or less
$
218

 
9
%
 
$
14

 
8
%
Due after one year through five years
802

 
34

 
24

 
13

Due after five years through ten years
763

 
32

 
76

 
41

Due after ten years
607

 
25

 
71

 
38

Total
$
2,390

 
100
%
 
$
185

 
100
%

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Duration
A primary objective in the management of the investment portfolio is to optimize return relative to corresponding liabilities and respective liquidity needs. Our views on the current interest rate environment, tax regulations, asset class valuations, specific security issuer and broader industry segment conditions, and the domestic and global economic conditions, are some of the factors that enter into an investment decision. We also continually monitor exposure to issuers of securities held and broader industry sector exposures and may from time to time adjust such exposures based on our views of a specific issuer or industry sector.
A further consideration in the management of the investment portfolio is the characteristics of the corresponding liabilities and the ability to align the duration of the portfolio to those liabilities and to meet future liquidity needs, minimize interest rate risk and maintain a level of income sufficient to support the underlying insurance liabilities. For portfolios where future liability cash flows are determinable and typically long term in nature, we segregate investments for asset/liability management purposes. The segregated investments support the liabilities in the Life & Group Non-Core segment including annuities, structured settlements and long term care products.
The effective durations of fixed maturity securities, short term investments and interest rate derivatives are presented in the table below. Short term investments are net of payable and receivable amounts for securities purchased and sold, but not yet settled.
Effective Durations
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
(In millions)
Fair Value
 
Effective
Duration
(In years)
 
Fair Value
 
Effective
Duration
(In years)
Investments supporting Life & Group Non-Core
$
15,261

 
11.4

 
$
13,820

 
11.5

Other interest sensitive investments
29,070

 
3.8

 
28,071

 
3.9

Total
$
44,331

 
6.5

 
$
41,891

 
6.4

The investment portfolio is periodically analyzed for changes in duration and related price risk. Additionally, we periodically review the sensitivity of the portfolio to the level of foreign exchange rates and other factors that contribute to market price changes. A summary of these risks and specific analysis on changes is included in the Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
Short Term Investments
The carrying value of the components of the short term investment portfolio is presented in the following table.
Short Term Investments
 
September 30,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
(In millions)
 
Short term investments:
 
 
 
Commercial paper
$
1,167

 
$
411

U.S. Treasury securities
593

 
903

Money market funds
433

 
45

Other
291

 
282

Total short term investments
$
2,484

 
$
1,641



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European Exposure
Our fixed maturity portfolio also includes European exposure. The following table summarizes European exposure included within fixed maturity holdings.
European Exposure
September 30, 2012
Corporate
 
Sovereign
 
Total
(In millions)
Financial Sector
 
Other Sectors
 
 
 
 
AAA
$
212

 
$
70

 
$
120

 
$
402

AA
217

 
115

 
31

 
363

A
909

 
712

 
5

 
1,626

BBB
312

 
1,079

 
7

 
1,398

Non-investment grade
33

 
217

 

 
250

Total fair value
$
1,683

 
$
2,193

 
$
163

 
$
4,039

Total amortized cost
$
1,598

 
$
1,941

 
$
159

 
$
3,698

European exposure is based on application of a country of risk methodology. Country of risk is derived from the issuing entity's management location, country of primary listing, revenue and reporting currency. The acquisition of Hardy increased the fair value and amortized cost of European exposure by $89 million as of September 30, 2012. As of September 30, 2012, securities with a fair value and amortized cost of $1,951 million and $1,777 million relate to Eurozone countries, which consist of member states of the European Union that use the Euro as their national currency. Of this amount, securities with a fair value and amortized cost of $311 million and $300 million pertain to Greece, Italy, Ireland, Portugal and Spain, commonly referred to as “GIIPS.”

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash Flows
Our principal operating cash flow sources are premiums and investment income from our insurance subsidiaries. Our primary operating cash flow uses are payments for claims, policy benefits and operating expenses, including interest expense on corporate debt. Additionally, cash may be paid or received for income taxes.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, net cash provided by operating activities was $993 million as compared with $813 million for the same period in 2011. Cash provided by operating activities was favorably affected by increased investment income receipts in 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. In addition, we received a $75 million federal income tax refund in 2012.
Cash flows from investing activities include the purchase and sale of available-for-sale financial instruments. Additionally, cash flows from investing activities may include the purchase or sale of businesses, land, buildings, equipment and other assets not generally held for resale.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, net cash used by investing activities was $747 million as compared with $217 million for the same period in 2011. The cash flow from investing activities is affected by various factors such as the anticipated payment of claims, financing activity, asset/liability management and individual security buy and sell decisions made in the normal course of portfolio management. Additionally, during 2012, we acquired Hardy.
Cash flows from financing activities include proceeds from the issuance of debt and equity securities, outflows for stockholder dividends or repayment of debt and outlays to reacquire equity instruments.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, net cash used by financing activities was $195 million as compared with $588 million for the same period in 2011. During 2011, we purchased the noncontrolling interest of Surety.
Common Stock Dividends
Dividends of $0.15 per share were declared and paid in the third quarter of 2012. On October 26, 2012, we declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share, payable November 29, 2012 to stockholders of record on November 13, 2012. The declaration and payment of future dividends to holders of our common stock will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on many factors, including our earnings, financial condition, business needs, and regulatory constraints.
Liquidity
We believe that our present cash flows from operations, investing activities and financing activities are sufficient to fund our current and expected working capital and debt obligation needs and we do not expect this to change in the near term.
During 2012, we entered into a new credit agreement with a syndicate of banks. The new credit agreement established a four-year $250 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility which is intended to be used for general corporate purposes. At our election, the commitments under the new credit agreement may be increased from time to time up to an additional aggregate amount of $100 million, and two one-year extensions are available prior to the first and second anniversary of the closing date subject to applicable consents. Under the new credit agreement we are required to pay a facility fee which would adjust automatically in the event of a change in our financial ratings. The new credit agreement includes several covenants, including maintenance of a minimum consolidated net worth and a specified ratio of consolidated indebtedness to consolidated total capitalization. In addition, our previous credit agreement was canceled as of the effective date of the new credit agreement. As of September 30, 2012, we had no outstanding borrowings under the new credit agreement.
During 2012, CCC repaid to CNAF the $250 million outstanding balance of the $1.0 billion surplus note which was originally issued in 2008. Additionally, CCC paid a dividend of $300 million. As of September 30, 2012, CCC is able to pay approximately $690 million of dividends during the remainder of 2012 that would not be subject to the prior approval of the Illinois Department of Insurance.
We have an effective automatic shelf registration statement under which we may issue debt, equity or hybrid securities.

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ACCOUNTING STANDARDS UPDATES
For discussion of accounting standards updates that have been adopted or will be adopted in the future, see Note A to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains a number of forward-looking statements which relate to anticipated future events rather than actual present conditions or historical events. These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and generally include words such as “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this report include any and all statements regarding expected developments in our insurance business, including losses and loss reserves for asbestos and environmental pollution and other mass tort claims which are more uncertain, and therefore more difficult to estimate than loss reserves respecting traditional property and casualty exposures; the impact of routine ongoing insurance reserve reviews we are conducting; our expectations concerning our revenues, earnings, expenses and investment activities; volatility in investment returns; expected cost savings and other results from our expense reduction activities; and our proposed actions in response to trends in our business. Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are subject to a variety of inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected in the forward-looking statement. We cannot control many of these risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:
Company-Specific Factors
the risks and uncertainties associated with our loss reserves, as outlined in the Critical Accounting Estimates and the Reserves - Estimates and Uncertainties sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the sufficiency of the reserves and the possibility for future increases, which would be reflected in the results of operations in the period that the need for such adjustment is determined;
the risk that the other parties to the transaction in which, subject to certain limitations, we ceded our legacy A&EP liabilities will not fully perform their obligations to CNA, the uncertainty in estimating loss reserves for A&EP liabilities and the possible continued exposure of CNA to liabilities for A&EP claims that are not covered under the terms of the transaction;
the performance of reinsurance companies under reinsurance contracts with us; and
the consummation of contemplated transactions and the successful integration of acquired operations.
Industry and General Market Factors
the impact of competitive products, policies and pricing and the competitive environment in which we operate, including changes in our book of business;
product and policy availability and demand and market responses, including the level of ability to obtain rate increases and decline or non-renew under priced accounts, to achieve premium targets and profitability and to realize growth and retention estimates;
general economic and business conditions, including recessionary conditions that may decrease the size and number of our insurance customers and create additional losses to our lines of business, especially those that provide management and professional liability insurance, as well as surety bonds, to businesses engaged in real estate, financial services and professional services, and inflationary pressures on medical care costs, construction costs and other economic sectors that increase the severity of claims;
conditions in the capital and credit markets, including continuing uncertainty and instability in these markets, as well as the overall economy, and their impact on the returns, types, liquidity and valuation of our investments;
conditions in the capital and credit markets that may limit our ability to raise significant amounts of capital on favorable terms, as well as restrictions on the ability or willingness of Loews to provide additional capital support to us; and
the possibility of changes in our ratings by ratings agencies, including the inability to access certain markets or distribution channels and the required collateralization of future payment obligations as a result of such changes, and changes in rating agency policies and practices.

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Regulatory Factors
regulatory initiatives and compliance with governmental regulations, judicial interpretations within the regulatory framework, including interpretation of policy provisions, decisions regarding coverage and theories of liability, trends in litigation and the outcome of any litigation involving us, and rulings and changes in tax laws and regulations;
regulatory limitations, impositions and restrictions upon us, including the effects of assessments and other surcharges for guaranty funds and second-injury funds, other mandatory pooling arrangements and future assessments levied on insurance companies as well as the new federal financial regulatory reform of the insurance industry established by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act;
increased operating costs and underwriting losses arising from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the related amendments in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, as well as health care reform proposals at the state level; and
regulatory limitations and restrictions, including limitations upon our ability to receive dividends from our insurance subsidiaries, imposed by regulatory authorities, including regulatory capital adequacy standards.
Impact of Catastrophic Events and Related Developments
weather and other natural physical events, including the severity and frequency of storms, hail, snowfall and other winter conditions, natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes, as well as climate change, including effects on weather patterns, greenhouse gases, sea, land and air temperatures, sea levels, rain and snow;
regulatory requirements imposed by coastal state regulators in the wake of hurricanes or other natural disasters, including limitations on the ability to exit markets or to non-renew, cancel or change terms and conditions in policies, as well as mandatory assessments to fund any shortfalls arising from the inability of quasi-governmental insurers to pay claims;
man-made disasters, including the possible occurrence of terrorist attacks and the effect of the absence or insufficiency of applicable terrorism legislation on coverages;
the unpredictability of the nature, targets, severity or frequency of potential terrorist events, as well as the uncertainty as to our ability to contain our terrorism exposure effectively; and
the occurrence of epidemics.
Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statement, even if our expectations or any related events or circumstances change.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There were no material changes in our market risk components for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. See the Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk included in Item 7A on our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 2011 for further information. Additional information related to portfolio duration is discussed in the Investments section of our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in Part I, Item 2.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures which are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits to the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), including this report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis. These disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management on a timely basis to allow decisions regarding required disclosure.
As of September 30, 2012, the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)). Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of September 30, 2012.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
On July 2, 2012, we completed the acquisition of Hardy. Hardy's existing disclosure controls and procedures supported their financial reporting as a separate publicly-traded company. In conducting our evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, we have elected to exclude Hardy from our evaluation as permitted under SEC rules. We are currently in the process of evaluating and integrating Hardy's controls over financial reporting with ours. We expect to complete this integration by June 30, 2013.
Other than as noted above, there has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended September 30, 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Information on our legal proceedings is set forth in Note H to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 6. Exhibits
See Exhibit Index.

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Part II. Other Information
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
CNA Financial Corporation
 
 
 
 
Dated:
October 30, 2012
By
/s/ D. Craig Mense
 
 
 
D. Craig Mense
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

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EXHIBIT INDEX
Description of Exhibit
Exhibit Number
 
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.1
 
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer
31.2
 
 
Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer of CNA Financial Corporation Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (As adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
32.1
 
 
Written Statement of the Chief Financial Officer of CNA Financial Corporation Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (As adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
32.2
 
 
XBRL Instance Document
101.INS
 
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.SCH
 
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.CAL
 
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.DEF
 
 
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase
101.LAB
 
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
101.PRE


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