10-Q


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
____________________________________ 
FORM 10-Q
 ____________________________________
(Mark One)
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015
or
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ____________ to ______________
Commission file number 001-13958
____________________________________ 
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
13-3317783
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06155
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(860) 547-5000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark:
Yes
 
No
 
 
 
 
•     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.
ý
 
¨
 
 
 
 
•     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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
ý
 
¨
 
 
 
 
•     whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
 
 
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer  ¨
 
Non-accelerated filer  ¨
 
Smaller reporting company  ¨
•     whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
¨
 
ý
As of October 21, 2015, there were outstanding 409,609,906 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the registrant.

1


THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item
Description
Page
 
 
1.      
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets — As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
 
2.      
3.      
4.      
 
 
1.      
1A.   
2.      
 
 
 
6.      
 
 
 
 
 



2


Forward-Looking Statements
Certain of the statements contained herein are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” and similar references to future periods.
Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding economic, competitive, legislative and other developments. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict.
They have been made based upon management’s expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect upon The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “The Hartford”). Future developments may not be in line with management’s expectations or may have unanticipated effects. Actual results could differ materially from expectations, depending on the evolution of various factors, including those set forth in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors in The Hartford’s 2014 Form 10-K Annual Report, and those identified from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These important risks and uncertainties include:
•
challenges related to the Company’s current operating environment, including global political, economic and market conditions, and the effect of financial market disruptions, economic downturns or other potentially adverse macroeconomic developments on the attractiveness of our products, the returns in our investment portfolios and the hedging costs associated with our runoff annuity block;
•
financial risk related to the continued reinvestment of our investment portfolios and performance of our hedge program for our runoff annuity block;
•
market risks associated with our business, including changes in interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices, market volatility and foreign exchange rates, commodities prices and implied volatility levels, as well as continuing uncertainty in key sectors such as the global real estate market;
•
the impact on our investment portfolio if our investment portfolio is concentrated in any particular segment of the economy;
•
risk associated with the use of analytical models in making decisions in key areas such as underwriting, capital, hedging, reserving, and catastrophe risk management;
•
the potential for further acceleration of deferred policy acquisition cost amortization;
•
the potential for further impairments of our goodwill or the potential for changes in valuation allowances against deferred tax assets;
•
the potential for differing interpretations of the methodologies, estimations and assumptions that underlie the valuation of the Company’s financial instruments that could result in changes to investment valuations;
•
the difficulty in predicting the Company’s potential exposure for asbestos and environmental claims;
•
the subjective determinations that underlie the Company’s evaluation of other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale securities;
•
the impact on our statutory capital of various factors, including many that are outside the Company’s control, which can in turn affect our credit and financial strength ratings, cost of capital, regulatory compliance and other aspects of our business and results;
•
risks to our business, financial position, prospects and results associated with negative rating actions or downgrades in the Company’s financial strength and credit ratings or negative rating actions or downgrades relating to our investments;
•
losses due to nonperformance or defaults by others, including reinsurers, sourcing partners, derivative counterparties and other third parties;
•
the potential for losses due to our reinsurers’ unwillingness or inability to meet their obligations under reinsurance contracts and the availability, pricing and adequacy of reinsurance to protect us against losses;
•
the possibility of unfavorable loss development including with respect to long-tailed exposures;
•
the possibility of a pandemic, earthquake, or other natural or man-made disaster that may adversely affect our businesses;
•
weather and other natural physical events, including the severity and frequency of storms, hail, winter storms, hurricanes and tropical storms, as well as climate change and its potential impact on weather patterns;
•
the uncertain effects of emerging claim and coverage issues;

3


•
the Company’s ability to effectively price its property and casualty policies, including its ability to obtain regulatory consents to pricing actions or to non-renewal or withdrawal of certain product lines;
•
technology innovations, such as telematics and other usage-based methods of determining premiums, auto technology advancements that improve driver safety and technologies that facilitate ride or home sharing, may alter demand for the Company’s products, impact the frequency or severity of losses and/or impact the way the Company markets, distributes and underwrites its products;
•
the possible occurrence of terrorist attacks and the Company’s ability to contain its exposure, including limitations on coverage from the federal government under applicable reinsurance terrorism laws;
•
volatility in our statutory and United States ("U.S.") GAAP earnings and potential material changes to our results resulting from our adjustment of our risk management program to emphasize protection of economic value;
•
the cost and other effects of increased regulation as a result of the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, and the potential effect of other domestic and foreign regulatory developments, including those that could adversely impact the demand for the Company’s products, operating costs and required capital levels;
•
unfavorable judicial or legislative developments;
•
regulatory limitations on the ability of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries to declare and pay dividends;
•
the impact of changes in federal or state tax laws;
•
the impact of potential changes in accounting principles and related financial reporting requirements;
•
regulatory requirements that could delay, deter or prevent a takeover attempt that shareholders might consider in their best interests;
•
the risks, challenges and uncertainties associated with our capital management plan, including as a result of changes in our financial position and earnings, share price, capital position, legal restrictions, other investment opportunities, and other factors;
•
the risks, challenges and uncertainties associated with our expense reduction initiatives and other actions, which may include acquisitions, divestitures or restructurings;
•
actions by our competitors, many of which are larger or have greater financial resources than we do;
•
the Company’s ability to market, distribute and provide investment advisory services in relation to our products through current and future distribution channels and advisory firms;
•
the Company’s ability to maintain the availability of its systems and safeguard the security of its data in the event of a disaster, cyber or other information security incident or other unanticipated event;
•
the risk that our framework for managing operational risks may not be effective in mitigating material risk and loss to the Company;
•
the potential for difficulties arising from outsourcing and similar third-party relationships;
•
the Company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and defend against claims of infringement; and
•
other factors described in such forward-looking statements.
Any forward-looking statement made by the Company in this document speaks only as of the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q. Factors or events that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

4


Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.
Hartford, Connecticut

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of September 30, 2015, and the related condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and the statements of changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 27, 2015, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Hartford, Connecticut
October 26, 2015



5
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions, except for per share data)
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
 
(Unaudited)
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
Earned premiums
$
3,404

$
3,337

 
$
10,117

$
9,958

Fee income
448

524

 
1,376

1,522

Net investment income
730

810

 
2,335

2,402

Net realized capital gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
Total other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses
(42
)
(15
)
 
(67
)
(46
)
OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”)
2

1

 
4

3

Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings
(40
)
(14
)
 
(63
)
(43
)
Other net realized capital gains (losses)
(4
)
83

 
33

73

Total net realized capital gains (losses)
(44
)
69

 
(30
)
30

Other revenues
24

29

 
66

85

Total revenues
4,562

4,769

 
13,864

13,997

Benefits, losses and expenses
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses
2,710

2,624

 
8,085

8,223

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs ("DAC")
434

580

 
1,212

1,348

Insurance operating costs and other expenses
971

976

 
2,829

2,889

Loss on extinguishment of debt
—

—

 
21

—

Reinsurance gain on dispositions
(20
)
—

 
(28
)
—

Interest expense
88

93

 
271

282

Total benefits, losses and expenses
4,183

4,273

 
12,390

12,742

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
379

496

 
1,474

1,255

Income tax expense
7

108

 
222

251

Income from continuing operations, net of tax
372

388

 
1,252

1,004

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
9

—

 
9

(588
)
Net income
$
381

$
388

 
$
1,261

$
416

Income from continuing operations, net of tax, per common share
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.90

$
0.89

 
$
2.99

$
2.25

Diluted
$
0.88

$
0.86

 
$
2.92

$
2.15

Net income per common share
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.92

$
0.89

 
$
3.01

$
0.93

Diluted
$
0.90

$
0.86

 
$
2.94

$
0.89

Cash dividends declared per common share
$
0.21

$
0.18

 
$
0.57

$
0.48

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

6
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)


 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions)
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
 
(Unaudited)
Net income
$
381

$
388

 
$
1,261

$
416

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in net unrealized gain on securities
(94
)
(62
)
 
(807
)
1,206

Changes in OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income
3

2

 
1

7

Changes in net gain on cash flow hedging instruments
48

(21
)
 
20

12

Changes in foreign currency translation adjustments
(14
)
(13
)
 
(30
)
(91
)
Changes in pension and other postretirement plan adjustments
9

9

 
28

22

OCI, net of tax
(48
)
(85
)
 
(788
)
1,156

Comprehensive income
$
333

$
303

 
$
473

$
1,572

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

7
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In millions, except for share and per share data)
September 30,
2015
December 31, 2014
 
(Unaudited)
Assets
 
Investments:
 
 
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $56,275 and $55,362)
$
59,109

$
59,384

Fixed maturities, at fair value using the fair value option (includes variable interest entity assets of $191 and $218)
548

488

Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost of $826 and $1,027) (includes equity securities, at fair value using the fair value option, of $0 and $348, and variable interest entity assets of $1 and $0)
813

1,047

Mortgage loans (net of allowances for loan losses of $20 and $18)
5,552

5,556

Policy loans, at outstanding balance
1,428

1,431

Limited partnerships and other alternative investments (includes variable interest entity assets of $2 and $3)
3,067

2,942

Other investments
455

547

Short-term investments (includes variable interest entity assets, at fair value, of $4 and $16)
3,433

4,883

Total investments
74,405

76,278

Cash (includes variable interest entity assets, at fair value, of $7 and $9)
665

399

Premiums receivable and agents’ balances, net
3,601

3,429

Reinsurance recoverables, net
23,087

22,920

Deferred policy acquisition costs
1,710

1,823

Deferred income taxes, net
3,062

2,897

Goodwill
498

498

Property and equipment, net
932

831

Other assets
1,859

1,236

Separate account assets
121,634

134,702

Total assets
$
231,453

$
245,013

Liabilities
 
 
Reserve for future policy benefits and unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
$
41,685

$
41,444

Other policyholder funds and benefits payable
31,923

32,532

Unearned premiums
5,508

5,255

Short-term debt
167

456

Long-term debt
5,359

5,653

Other liabilities (includes variable interest entity liabilities of $5 and $6)
6,973

6,251

Separate account liabilities
121,634

134,702

Total liabilities
$
213,249

$
226,293

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)
 
 
Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value — 1,500,000,000 shares authorized, 490,923,222 and 490,923,222 shares issued
5

5

Additional paid-in capital
8,956

9,123

Retained earnings
12,215

11,191

Treasury stock, at cost — 79,609,209 and 66,507,690 shares
(3,112
)
(2,527
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"), net of tax
140

928

Total stockholders’ equity
$
18,204

$
18,720

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
231,453

$
245,013

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

8
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity


 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions, except for share data)
2015
2014
 
(Unaudited)
Common Stock
$
5

$
5

Additional Paid-in Capital, beginning of period
9,123

9,894

Forward purchase of shares under accelerated share repurchase agreement
—

(131
)
Issuance of shares under incentive and stock compensation plans
(164
)
(52
)
Stock-based compensation plans expense
57

64

Tax benefit on employee stock options and share-based awards
27

4

Issuance of shares for warrant exercise
(87
)
(766
)
Additional Paid-in Capital, end of period
8,956

9,013

Retained Earnings, beginning of period
11,191

10,683

Net income
1,261

416

Dividends declared on common stock
(237
)
(213
)
Retained Earnings, end of period
12,215

10,886

Treasury Stock, at Cost, beginning of period
(2,527
)
(1,598
)
Treasury stock acquired
(800
)
(971
)
Repurchase of shares under accelerated share repurchase agreement
—

(394
)
Issuance of shares under incentive and stock compensation plans
182

65

Net shares acquired related to employee incentive and stock compensation plans
(54
)
(14
)
Issuance of shares for warrant exercise
87

766

Treasury Stock, at Cost, end of period
(3,112
)
(2,146
)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax, beginning of period
928

(79
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
(788
)
1,156

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax, end of period
140

1,077

Total Stockholders’ Equity
$
18,204

$
18,835

Common Shares Outstanding beginning of period (in thousands)
424,416

453,290

Treasury stock acquired
(18,625
)
(39,066
)
Issuance of shares under incentive and stock compensation plans
4,617

1,562

Return of shares under incentive and stock compensation plans and other to treasury stock
(1,306
)
(393
)
Issuance of shares for warrant exercise
2,212

18,177

Common Shares Outstanding, at end of period
411,314

433,570

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

9
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions)
2015
2014
Operating Activities
(Unaudited)
Net income
$
1,261

$
416

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
1,212

1,348

Additions to deferred policy acquisition costs
(1,055
)
(1,032
)
Net realized capital losses
30

127

Depreciation and amortization
245

152

(Gain) loss on sale of business
(7
)
659

Loss on extinguishment of debt
21

—

Reinsurance gain on disposition
(28
)
—

Other operating activities, net
85

(54
)
Change in assets and liabilities:
 
 
Increase in reserve for future policy benefits and unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and unearned premiums
449

405

(Increase) decrease in reinsurance recoverables
161

(108
)
Increase in receivables and other assets
(289
)
(221
)
Decrease in payables and accruals
(339
)
(840
)
Increase in accrued and deferred income taxes
254

43

Net disbursements from investment contracts related to policyholder funds—international variable annuities
—

(3,992
)
Net decrease in equity securities, trading
—

3,992

Net cash provided by operating activities
2,000

895

Investing Activities
 
 
Proceeds from the sale/maturity/prepayment of:
 
 
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale
19,210

19,960

Fixed maturities, fair value option
111

378

Equity securities, available-for-sale
1,171

293

Mortgage loans
613

333

Partnerships
298

322

Payments for the purchase of:
 
 
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale
(19,919
)
(17,247
)
Fixed maturities, fair value option
(180
)
(320
)
Equity securities, available-for-sale
(1,007
)
(210
)
Mortgage loans
(612
)
(466
)
Partnerships
(411
)
(221
)
Proceeds from business sold
—

963

Net payments for derivatives
64

115

Net increase (decrease) in policy loans
(12
)
8

Net additions to property and equipment
(194
)
(57
)
Net proceeds from (payments for) short-term investments
1,472

(1,919
)
Other investing activities, net
(1
)
(13
)
Net cash provided by investing activities
603

1,919

Financing Activities
 
 
Deposits and other additions to investment and universal life-type contracts
3,703

5,448

Withdrawals and other deductions from investment and universal life-type contracts
(12,935
)
(18,416
)
Net transfers from separate accounts related to investment and universal life-type contracts
8,218

11,202

Repayments at maturity or settlement of consumer notes
(31
)
(13
)
Net proceeds from securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase
313

—

Repayment of debt
(585
)
(200
)
Net issuance of shares under incentive and stock compensation plans, excess tax benefit, and other
40

12

Treasury stock acquired
(800
)
(1,496
)
Dividends paid on common stock
(229
)
(213
)
Net cash used for financing activities
(2,306
)
(3,676
)
Foreign exchange rate effect on cash
(31
)
(126
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
266

(988
)
Cash – beginning of period
399

1,428

Cash – end of period
$
665

$
440

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
 
 
Income tax refunds
$
80

$
78

Interest paid
$
(258
)
$
(268
)
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

10
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in millions, except for per share data, unless otherwise stated)
(Unaudited)



1. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. is a holding company for insurance and financial services subsidiaries that provide property and casualty insurance, group life and disability products and mutual funds to individual and business customers in the United States (collectively, “The Hartford”, the “Company”, “we” or “our”). Also, the Company continues to runoff life and annuity products previously sold.
On June 30, 2014, the Company completed the sale of all of the issued and outstanding equity of Hartford Life Insurance KK, a Japanese company ("HLIKK"), to ORIX Life Insurance Corporation, a subsidiary of ORIX Corporation, a Japanese company. The operations of the Company's Japan business are reported as discontinued operations. For further information regarding the sale of HLIKK and discontinued operations, see the following Discontinued Operations section and Note 13 - Discontinued Operations of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information, which differ materially from the accounting practices prescribed by various insurance regulatory authorities. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Company's 2014 Form 10-K Annual Report. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year.
The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes are unaudited. These financial statements reflect all adjustments (generally consisting only of normal accruals) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods. The Company's significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's 2014 Form 10-K Annual Report.
Consolidation
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., companies in which the Company directly or indirectly has a controlling financial interest and those variable interest entities (“VIEs”) which the Company is required to consolidate. Entities in which the Company has significant influence over the operating and financing decisions but is not required to consolidate are reported using the equity method. For further information on VIEs see Note 5 - Investments and Derivative Instruments of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. All intercompany transactions and balances between The Hartford and its subsidiaries and affiliates have been eliminated.
Discontinued Operations
The results of operations of a component of the Company are reported in discontinued operations when certain criteria are met as of the date of disposal, or earlier if classified as held-for-sale. When a component is identified for discontinued operations reporting, amounts for prior periods are retrospectively reclassified as discontinued operations. Prior to January 1, 2015, components were identified as discontinued operations if the operations and cash flows of the component had been or would be eliminated from the ongoing operations of the Company as a result of the disposal transaction and the Company would not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the component after the disposal transaction. For transactions occurring January 1, 2015 or later, under updated guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, components are identified as discontinued operations if they are a major part of an entity’s operations and financial results such as a separate major line of business or a separate major geographical area of operations regardless of whether the Company has significant continuing involvement in the operations of the component after the disposal transaction. For information on the specific discontinued operations, see Note 13 - Discontinued Operations of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with U.S. 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

11
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
1. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

The most significant estimates include those used in determining property and casualty insurance product reserves, net of reinsurance; estimated gross profits used in the valuation and amortization of assets and liabilities associated with variable annuity and other universal life-type contracts; evaluation of other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale securities and valuation allowances on investments; living benefits required to be fair valued; goodwill impairment; valuation of investments and derivative instruments; valuation allowance on deferred tax assets; and contingencies relating to corporate litigation and regulatory matters. Certain of these estimates are particularly sensitive to market conditions, and deterioration and/or volatility in the worldwide debt or equity markets could have a material impact on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period financial information to conform to the current period presentation.
Future Adoption of New Accounting Standard
Amendments to Consolidation Guidance
In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued updated consolidation guidance. The amendments revise existing guidance for when to consolidate variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and general partners’ investments in limited partnerships, end the deferral granted for applying the VIE guidance to certain investment companies, and reduce the number of circumstances where a decision maker’s or service provider’s fee arrangement is deemed to be a variable interest in an entity. The updates also modify consolidation guidance for determining whether limited partnerships are VIEs or voting interest entities. This guidance is effective for years beginning after December 15, 2015, and may be applied fully retrospectively or through a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption (modified retrospective approach). The Company will adopt the guidance using a modified retrospective approach effective as of January 1, 2016 and, upon adoption, the new guidance will not have a material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

12
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
2. Earnings Per Common Share



The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions, except for per share data)
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
Earnings
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
$
372

$
388

 
$
1,252

$
1,004

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
9

—

 
9

(588
)
Net income
$
381

$
388

 
$
1,261

$
416

Shares
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic
413.8

437.2

 
418.4

445.9

Dilutive effect of stock compensation plans
5.1

5.9

 
5.0

6.1

Dilutive effect of warrants
4.1

7.7

 
4.9

13.9

Weighted average common shares outstanding and dilutive potential common shares [1]
423.0

450.8

 
428.3

465.9

Earnings per common share
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
$
0.90

$
0.89

 
$
2.99

$
2.25

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
0.02

—

 
0.02

(1.32
)
Net income per common share
$
0.92

$
0.89

 
$
3.01

$
0.93

Diluted
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
$
0.88

$
0.86

 
$
2.92

$
2.15

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
0.02

—

 
0.02

(1.26
)
Net income per common share
$
0.90

$
0.86

 
$
2.94

$
0.89

[1]
Includes 3.5 million common shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 related to the forward purchase of shares under an accelerated share repurchase agreement (“ASR”), as the effect of excluding these shares would have been anti-dilutive. As the ASR matured in December 2014, the additional 3.5 million common shares have been excluded from shares of treasury stock acquired reported in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted potential common shares are included in the calculation of diluted per share amounts provided there is income from continuing operations, net of tax. Diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of assumed exercise or issuance of warrants and stock-based awards under compensation plans using the treasury stock method.
Under the treasury stock method, for warrants and stock-based awards, shares are assumed to be issued and then reduced for the number of shares repurchaseable with theoretical proceeds at the average market price for the period. Contingently issuable shares are included for the number of shares issuable assuming the end of the reporting period was the end of the contingency period, if dilutive.


13
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
3. Segment Information

The Company currently conducts business principally in six reporting segments, as well as a Corporate category. The Company's revenues from continuing operations are generated primarily in the United States ("U.S."). Any foreign sourced revenue in continuing operations is immaterial.
The Company’s reporting segments, as well as the Corporate category, are as follows:
Commercial Lines
Commercial Lines provides workers’ compensation, property, automobile, marine, livestock, liability and umbrella coverages primarily throughout the U.S., along with a variety of customized insurance products and risk management services including professional liability, bond, surety and specialty casualty coverages.
Personal Lines
Personal Lines provides standard automobile, homeowners and personal umbrella coverages to individuals across the U.S., including a special program designed exclusively for members of AARP.
Property & Casualty Other Operations
Property & Casualty Other Operations includes certain property and casualty operations, managed by the Company, that have discontinued writing new business and including substantially all of the Company’s asbestos and environmental exposures.
Group Benefits
Group Benefits provides employers, associations and financial institutions with group life, accident and disability coverage, along with other products and services, including voluntary benefits, and group retiree health.
Mutual Funds
Mutual Funds offers investment products for retail and retirement accounts and provides investment management and administrative services such as product design, implementation and oversight. This business also includes a portion of the runoff of the mutual funds which supports the Company's variable annuity products.
Talcott Resolution
Talcott Resolution is comprised of runoff business from the Company's individual annuity, institutional, and private-placement life insurance businesses. The Company's individual annuity business consists of annuity products for individuals, which include variable, fixed, and payout annuity products. In addition, Talcott Resolution includes the retained Japan fixed payout annuity liabilities, as well as the Company's discontinued Japan annuity business prior to its sale in 2014.
Corporate
The Company includes in the Corporate category the Company’s debt financing and related interest expense, as well as other capital raising activities, certain purchase accounting adjustments and other charges not allocated to the segments.
Financial Measures and Other Segment Information
Certain transactions between segments occur during the year that primarily relate to tax settlements, insurance coverage, expense reimbursements, services provided, security transfers and capital contributions. Also, one segment may purchase annuity contracts from another to fund pension costs and to settle certain group life claims. In addition, certain inter-segment transactions occur that relate to interest income on allocated surplus. Consolidated net investment income is unaffected by such transactions.
The following table presents net income (loss) for each reporting segment, as well as the Corporate category.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Net Income (Loss)
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
Commercial Lines
$
211

$
280

 
$
710

$
721

Personal Lines
19

73

 
136

142

Property & Casualty Other Operations
16

14

 
(72
)
(108
)
Group Benefits
42

37

 
150

143

Mutual Funds
22

22

 
66

64

Talcott Resolution
74

28

 
402

(331
)
Corporate
(3
)
(66
)
 
(131
)
(215
)
Net income
$
381

$
388

 
$
1,261

$
416


14
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
3. Segment Information (continued)


The following table presents revenues by product line for each reporting segment, as well as the Corporate category.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Revenues
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
Earned premiums and fee income
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Lines
 
 
 
 
 
Workers’ compensation
$
769

$
738

 
$
2,273

$
2,204

Property
158

142

 
474

415

Automobile
156

149

 
456

438

Package business
305

294

 
896

866

Liability
146

144

 
423

435

Bond
55

55

 
163

158

Professional liability
58

56

 
168

162

Total Commercial Lines
1,647

1,578

 
4,853

4,678

Personal Lines
 
 
 
 
 
Automobile
674

662

 
1,994

1,948

Homeowners
303

302

 
901

890

Total Personal Lines [1]
977

964

 
2,895

2,838

Property & Casualty Other Operations
1

—

 
1

—

Group Benefits
 
 
 
 
 
Group disability
361

357

 
1,106

1,091

Group life
365

354

 
1,106

1,113

Other
43

42

 
133

125

Total Group Benefits
769

753

 
2,345

2,329

Mutual Funds
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual Fund
154

150

 
457

436

Talcott
28

35

 
88

106

Total Mutual Funds
182

185

 
545

542

Talcott Resolution
275

379

 
848

1,084

Corporate
1

2

 
6

9

Total earned premiums and fee income
3,852

3,861

 
11,493

11,480

Net investment income
730

810

 
2,335

2,402

Net realized capital gains (losses)
(44
)
69

 
(30
)
30

Other revenues
24

29

 
66

85

Total revenues
$
4,562

$
4,769

 
$
13,864

$
13,997

[1]
For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, AARP members accounted for earned premiums of $797 and $772, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, AARP members accounted for earned premiums of $2.3 billion.

15
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements

Financial instruments carried at fair value in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include fixed maturity and equity securities, available-for-sale ("AFS"); fixed maturities at fair value using the fair value option ("FVO"); equity securities, FVO; short-term investments; freestanding and embedded derivatives; certain limited partnerships and other alternative investment; separate account assets and certain other liabilities.
The following section applies to the fair value hierarchy and disclosure requirements for the Company’s financial instruments that are carried at fair value. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs in the valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad Levels (Level 1, 2 or 3).
Level 1
Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets, or liabilities, in active markets that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 1 securities include highly liquid U.S. Treasuries, money market funds and exchange traded equity securities, open-ended mutual funds, and exchange-traded derivative instruments.
Level 2
Observable inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, for the asset or liability, or prices for similar assets and liabilities. Most fixed maturities and preferred stocks, including those reported in separate account assets, are model priced by vendors using observable inputs and are classified within Level 2. Also included are hedge funds where investment company accounting guidance has been applied to a wholly-owned fund of funds measured at fair value where an investment can be redeemed, or substantially redeemed, at the net asset value per share or equivalent ("NAV") on the measurement date or in the near-term, not to exceed 90 days. Derivative instruments classified within Level 2 are priced using observable market inputs such as swap yield curves and credit default swap curves.
Level 3
Valuations that are derived from techniques in which one or more of the significant inputs are unobservable (including assumptions about risk). Level 3 securities include less liquid securities, guaranteed product embedded and reinsurance derivatives and other complex derivative instruments, as well as hedge fund investments carried at fair value, consistent with investment company accounting guidance, that cannot be redeemed in the near-term at the NAV. Because Level 3 fair values, by their nature, contain one or more significant unobservable inputs, as there is little or no observable market for these assets and liabilities, considerable judgment is used to determine the Level 3 fair values. Level 3 fair values represent the Company’s best estimate of an amount that could be realized in a current market exchange absent actual market exchanges.
In many situations, inputs used to measure the fair value of an asset or liability position may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In these situations, the Company will determine the level in which the fair value falls based upon the lowest level input that is significant to the determination of the fair value. Transfers of securities among the levels occur at the beginning of the reporting period. The amount of transfers from Level 1 to Level 2 was $471 and $995, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, and $278 and $1.9 billion for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, which represented previously on-the-run U.S. Treasury securities that are now off-the-run. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, there were no transfers from Level 2 to Level 1. In most cases, both observable (e.g., changes in interest rates) and unobservable (e.g., changes in risk assumptions) inputs are used in the determination of fair values that the Company has classified within Level 3. Consequently, these values and the related gains and losses are based upon both observable and unobservable inputs. The Company’s fixed maturities included in Level 3 are classified as such because these securities are primarily priced by independent brokers and/or within illiquid markets.

16
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The following tables present assets and (liabilities) carried at fair value by hierarchy level. These disclosures provide information as to the extent to which the Company uses fair value to measure financial instruments and information about the inputs used to value those financial instruments to allow users to assess the relative reliability of the measurements.
 
September 30, 2015
 
Total
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, AFS
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed-securities ("ABS")
$
2,716

$
—

$
2,689

$
27

Collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs")
3,031

—

2,486

545

Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS")
4,542

—

4,373

169

Corporate
26,772

—

25,867

905

Foreign government/government agencies
1,255

—

1,205

50

Municipal
12,211

—

12,161

50

Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS")
3,859

—

2,367

1,492

U.S. Treasuries
4,723

934

3,789

—

Total fixed maturities
59,109

934

54,937

3,238

Fixed maturities, FVO
548

1

486

61

Equity securities, trading [1]
11

11

—

—

Equity securities, AFS
813

565

149

99

Derivative assets
 
 
 
 
Credit derivatives
13

—

13

—

Foreign exchange derivatives
10

—

10

—

Interest rate derivatives
79

—

69

10

Guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit ("GMWB") hedging instruments
94

—

9

85

Macro hedge program
100

—

—

100

Other derivative contracts
8

—

—

8

Total derivative assets [2]
304

—

101

203

Short-term investments
3,433

700

2,733

—

Limited partnerships and other alternative investments [3]
815

—

717

98

Reinsurance recoverable for GMWB
73

—

—

73

Modified coinsurance reinsurance contracts
62

—

62

—

Separate account assets [4]
117,725

77,368

39,847

510

Total assets accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis
$
182,893

$
79,579

$
99,032

$
4,282

Liabilities accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis
 
 
 
 
Other policyholder funds and benefits payable
 
 
 
 
GMWB
$
(270
)
$
—

$
—

$
(270
)
Equity linked notes
(21
)
—

—

(21
)
Total other policyholder funds and benefits payable
(291
)
—

—

(291
)
Derivative liabilities
 
 
 
 
Credit derivatives
(29
)
—

(29
)
—

Commodity derivatives
7

—

—

7

Equity derivatives
20

—

20

—

Foreign exchange derivatives
(469
)
—

(469
)
—

Interest rate derivatives
(648
)
—

(618
)
(30
)
GMWB hedging instruments
113

—

27

86

Macro hedge program
83

—

—

83

Total derivative liabilities [5]
(923
)
—

(1,069
)
146

Total liabilities accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis
$
(1,214
)
$
—

$
(1,069
)
$
(145
)

17
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

 
December 31, 2014
 
Total
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, AFS
 
 
 
 
ABS
$
2,472

$
—

$
2,350

$
122

CDOs
2,841

—

2,218

623

CMBS
4,415

—

4,131

284

Corporate
27,359

—

26,319

1,040

Foreign government/government agencies
1,636

—

1,577

59

Municipal
12,871

—

12,805

66

RMBS
3,918

—

2,637

1,281

U.S. Treasuries
3,872

106

3,766

—

Total fixed maturities
59,384

106

55,803

3,475

Fixed maturities, FVO
488

—

396

92

Equity securities, trading [1]
11

11

—

—

Equity securities, AFS
1,047

786

163

98

Derivative assets
 
 
 
 
Credit derivatives
8

—

10

(2
)
Equity derivatives
3

—

—

3

Interest rate derivatives
129

—

113

16

GMWB hedging instruments
119

—

5

114

Macro hedge program
93

—

—

93

Other derivative contracts
12

—

—

12

Total derivative assets [2]
364

—

128

236

Short-term investments
4,883

349

4,534

—

Limited partnerships and other alternative investments [3]
770

—

581

189

Reinsurance recoverable for GMWB
56

—

—

56

Modified coinsurance reinsurance contracts
34

—

34

—

Separate account assets [4]
132,211

91,537

40,096

578

Total assets accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis
$
199,248

$
92,789

$
101,735

$
4,724

Liabilities accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis
 
 
 
 
Other policyholder funds and benefits payable
 
 
 
 
GMWB
$
(139
)
$
—

$
—

$
(139
)
Equity linked notes
(26
)
—

—

(26
)
Total other policyholder funds and benefits payable
(165
)
—

—

(165
)
Derivative liabilities
 
 
 
 
Credit derivatives
(16
)
—

(9
)
(7
)
Equity derivatives
28

—

25

3

Foreign exchange derivatives
(445
)
—

(445
)
—

Interest rate derivatives
(597
)
—

(574
)
(23
)
GMWB hedging instruments
55

—

(1
)
56

Macro hedge program
48

—

—

48

Total derivative liabilities [5]
(927
)
—

(1,004
)
77

Consumer notes [6]
(3
)
—

—

(3
)
Total liabilities accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis
$
(1,095
)
$
—

$
(1,004
)
$
(91
)

18
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

[1]
Included in other investments on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[2]
Includes over-the-counter ("OTC") and OTC-cleared derivative instruments in a net positive fair value position after consideration of the accrued interest and impact of collateral posting requirements, which may be imposed by agreements, clearing house rules and applicable law. As of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, $136 and $413, respectively, of cash collateral liability was netted against the derivative asset value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and is excluded from the preceding table. See the following footnote 5 for derivative liabilities.
[3]
Represents hedge funds where investment company accounting has been applied to a wholly-owned fund of funds measured at fair value.
[4]
Approximately $3.9 billion and $2.5 billion of investment sales receivable, as of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively, are excluded from this disclosure requirement because they are trade receivables in the ordinary course of business where the carrying amount approximates fair value.
[5]
Includes OTC and OTC-cleared derivative instruments in a net negative fair value position (derivative liability) after consideration of the accrued interest and impact of collateral posting requirements, which may be imposed by agreements, clearing house rules and applicable law. In the following Level 3 roll-forward table in this Note 4, the derivative assets and liabilities are referred to as “freestanding derivatives” and are presented on a net basis.
[6]
Represents embedded derivatives associated with non-funding agreement-backed consumer equity linked notes.
Determination of Fair Values
The valuation methodologies used to determine the fair values of assets and liabilities under the “exit price” notion, reflect market participant objectives and are based on the application of the fair value hierarchy that prioritizes relevant observable market inputs over unobservable inputs. The Company determines the fair values of certain financial assets and liabilities based on quoted market prices where available, and where prices represent a reasonable estimate of fair value. The Company also determines fair value based on future cash flows discounted at the appropriate current market rate. Fair values reflect adjustments for counterparty credit quality, the Company’s default spreads, liquidity, and where appropriate, risk margins on unobservable parameters.
The fair value process is monitored by the Valuation Committee, which is a cross-functional group of senior management within the Company that meets at least quarterly. The Valuation Committee is co-chaired by the Heads of Investment Operations and Accounting, and has representation from various investment sector professionals, accounting, operations, legal, compliance, and risk management. The purpose of the committee is to oversee the pricing policy and procedures by ensuring objective and reliable valuation practices and pricing of financial instruments, as well as addressing valuation issues and approving changes to valuation methodologies and pricing sources. There are also two working groups under the Valuation Committee, a Securities Fair Value Working Group (“Securities Working Group”) and a Derivatives Fair Value Working Group ("Derivatives Working Group"), which include various investment, operations, accounting and risk management professionals that meet monthly to review market data trends, pricing and trading statistics and results, and any proposed pricing methodology changes.
The Company also has an enterprise-wide Operational Risk Management function, led by the Chief Operational Risk Officer, which is responsible for establishing, maintaining and communicating the framework, principles and guidelines of the Company's operational risk management program. This includes model risk management which provides an independent review of the suitability, characteristics and reliability of model inputs, as well as an analysis of significant changes to current models.
Fixed Maturities, Equity Securities, and Short-term Investments
The fair value of fixed maturities, equity securities, and short-term investments in an active and orderly market (e.g. not distressed or forced liquidation) are determined by management after considering the following primary sources of information: quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities, third-party pricing services, independent broker quotations, or pricing matrices. Security pricing is applied using a “waterfall” approach whereby publicly available prices are first sought from third-party pricing services, and the remaining unpriced securities are submitted to independent brokers for prices, or priced using a pricing matrix. Typical inputs used by these pricing methods include, but are not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, and/or estimated cash flows, prepayment speeds, and default rates. Based on the typical trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices for fixed maturities, third-party pricing services will normally derive the security prices from recent reported trades for identical or similar securities making adjustments through the reporting date based upon the preceding outlined available market observable information. If there are no recently reported trades, the third-party pricing services and independent brokers may use matrix or model processes to develop a security price where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate. Included in the pricing of ABS and RMBS are estimates of the rate of future prepayments of principal over the remaining life of the securities. Such estimates are derived based on the characteristics of the underlying structure and prepayment speeds previously experienced at the interest rate levels projected for the underlying collateral. Actual prepayment experience may vary from these estimates.
Prices from third-party pricing services are often unavailable for securities that are rarely traded or are traded only in privately negotiated transactions. As a result, certain securities are priced via independent broker quotations which utilize inputs that may be difficult to corroborate with observable market based data. Additionally, the majority of these independent broker quotations are non-binding.

19
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

Private placement securities are priced using a pricing matrix to determine the credit spreads that are used to discount the expected future cash flows for securities for which the Company is unable to obtain a price from a third-party pricing service. Credit spreads are developed each month using market based data for public securities adjusted for credit spread differentials between public and private securities which are obtained from a survey of multiple private placement brokers. The credit spreads determined through this survey approach are based upon the issuer’s financial strength and term to maturity, utilizing an independent public security index and trade information and adjusting for the non-public nature of the securities.
The Securities Working Group performs ongoing analysis of the prices and credit spreads received from third parties to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value. This process involves quantitative and qualitative analysis and is overseen by investment and accounting professionals. As a part of this analysis, the Company considers trading volume, new issuance activity and other factors to determine whether the market activity is significantly different than normal activity in an active market, and if so, whether transactions may not be orderly considering the weight of available evidence. If the available evidence indicates that pricing is based upon transactions that are stale or not orderly, the Company places little, if any, weight on the transaction price and will estimate fair value utilizing an internal pricing model. In addition, the Company ensures that prices received from independent brokers represent a reasonable estimate of fair value through the use of internal and external cash flow models developed based on spreads, and when available, market indices. As a result of this analysis, if the Company determines that there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the available market data, the price received from the third party is adjusted accordingly and approved by the Valuation Committee. The Company’s internal pricing model utilizes the Company’s best estimate of expected future cash flows discounted at a rate of return that a market participant would require. The significant inputs to the model include, but are not limited to, current market inputs, such as credit loss assumptions, estimated prepayment speeds and market risk premiums.
The Company conducts other specific monitoring controls around pricing. Daily analyses identify price changes over 3% for fixed maturities and 5% for equity securities and trade prices that differ over 3% to the current day’s price. Weekly analyses identify prices that differ more than 5% from published bond prices of a corporate bond index. Monthly analyses identify price changes over 3%, prices that have not changed, and missing prices. Also on a monthly basis, a second source validation is performed on most sectors. Analyses are conducted by a dedicated pricing unit that follows up with trading and investment sector professionals and challenges prices with vendors when the estimated assumptions used differ from what the Company feels a market participant would use. Examples of other procedures performed include, but are not limited to, initial and on-going review of third-party pricing services’ methodologies, review of pricing statistics and trends, and back testing recent trades.
The Company has analyzed the third-party pricing services’ valuation methodologies and related inputs, and has also evaluated the various types of securities in its investment portfolio to determine an appropriate fair value hierarchy level based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs. Most prices provided by third-party pricing services are classified into Level 2 because the inputs used in pricing the securities are market observable. Due to a general lack of transparency in the process that brokers use to develop prices, most valuations that are based on brokers’ prices are classified as Level 3. Some valuations may be classified as Level 2 if the price can be corroborated with observable market data.
Derivative Instruments, including Embedded Derivatives within Investments
Derivative instruments are fair valued using pricing valuation models that utilize independent market data inputs for OTC derivatives, quoted market prices for exchange-traded and OTC-cleared derivatives, or independent broker quotations. Excluding embedded and reinsurance related derivatives, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 96% and 96%, respectively, of derivatives, based upon notional values, were priced by valuation models or quoted market prices. The remaining derivatives were priced by broker quotations.
The Derivatives Working Group performs ongoing analysis of the valuations, assumptions and methodologies used to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value. The Company performs various controls on derivative valuations which include both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Analyses are conducted by a dedicated derivative pricing team that works directly with investment sector professionals to analyze impacts of changes in the market environment and investigate variances. On a daily basis, market valuations are compared to counterparty valuations for OTC derivatives. There is a monthly analysis to identify market value changes greater than pre-defined thresholds, stale prices, missing prices, and zero prices. Also on a monthly basis, a second source validation, typically to broker quotations, is performed for certain of the more complex derivatives and all new deals during the month. A model validation review is performed on any new models, which typically includes detailed documentation and validation to a second source. The model validation documentation and results are presented to the Valuation Committee for approval. There is a monthly control to review changes in pricing sources to ensure that new models are not moved to production until formally approved.
The Company utilizes derivative instruments to manage the risk associated with certain assets and liabilities. However, the derivative instrument may not be classified with the same fair value hierarchy level as the associated assets and liabilities. Therefore, the realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivatives reported in the Level 3 rollforward may not reflect the offsetting impact of the realized and unrealized gains and losses of the associated assets and liabilities.

20
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

Limited Partnerships and Other Alternative Investments
A portion of limited partnerships and other alternative investments include hedge funds where investment company accounting has been applied to a wholly-owned fund of funds measured at fair value. Fair value is determined for these funds using the NAV, as a practical expedient, calculated on a monthly basis, and is the amount at which a unit or shareholder may redeem their investment, if redemption is allowed. Certain impediments to redemption include, but are not limited to the following: 1) redemption notice periods vary and may be as long as 90 days, 2) redemption may be restricted (e.g. only be allowed on a quarter-end), 3) a holding period referred to as a lock-up may be imposed whereby an investor must hold their investment for a specified period of time before they can make a notice for redemption, 4) gating provisions may limit all redemptions in a given period to a percentage of the entities' equity interests, or may only allow an investor to redeem a portion of their investment at one time and 5) early redemption penalties may be imposed that are expressed as a percentage of the amount redeemed. The Company regularly assesses impediments to redemption and current market conditions that will restrict the redemption at the end of the notice period. Any funds that are subject to significant liquidity restrictions are reported in Level 3; all others are classified as Level 2.
Valuation Techniques and Inputs for Investments
Generally, the Company determines the estimated fair value of its fixed maturities, equity securities, and short-term investments using the market approach. The income approach is used for securities priced using a pricing matrix, as well as for derivative instruments. Certain limited partnerships and other alternative investments are measured at fair value using a NAV as a practical expedient. For Level 1 investments, which are comprised of on-the-run U.S. Treasuries, exchange-traded equity securities, short-term investments, and exchange traded futures and option contracts, valuations are based on observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets in active markets that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
For most of the Company’s debt securities, the following inputs are typically used in the Company’s pricing methods: reported trades, benchmark yields, bids and/or estimated cash flows. For securities, except U.S. Treasuries, inputs also include issuer spreads which may consider credit default swaps. Derivative instruments are valued using mid-market inputs that are predominantly observable in the market.
A description of additional inputs used in the Company’s Level 2 and Level 3 measurements is included in the following discussion:
Level 2
The fair values of most of the Company’s Level 2 investments are determined by management after considering prices received from third party pricing services. These investments include most fixed maturities and preferred stocks, including those reported in separate account assets, as well as, hedge funds where investment company accounting has been applied to a wholly-owned fund of funds measured at fair value, and derivative instruments.
•
ABS, CDOs, CMBS and RMBS – Primary inputs also include monthly payment information, collateral performance, which varies by vintage year and includes delinquency rates, collateral valuation loss severity rates, collateral refinancing assumptions, credit default swap indices and, for ABS and RMBS, estimated prepayment rates.
•
Corporates, including investment grade private placements – Primary inputs also include observations of credit default swap curves related to the issuer.
•
Foreign government/government agencies — Primary inputs also include observations of credit default swap curves related to the issuer and political events in emerging market economies.
•
Municipals – Primary inputs also include Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board reported trades and material event notices, and issuer financial statements.
•
Short-term investments – Primary inputs also include material event notices and new issue money market rates.
•
Credit derivatives – Primary inputs include the swap yield curve and credit default swap curves.
•
Foreign exchange derivatives – Primary inputs include the swap yield curve, currency spot and forward rates, and cross currency basis curves.
•
Interest rate derivatives – Primary input is the swap yield curve.
•
Limited partnerships and other alternative investments — Primary inputs include a NAV for investment companies with no redemption restrictions as reported on their U.S. GAAP financial statements, which are typically recorded on a one-month lag.

21
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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

Level 3
Most of the Company’s securities classified as Level 3 include less liquid securities such as lower quality ABS, CMBS, commercial real estate (“CRE”) CDOs and RMBS primarily backed by sub-prime loans. Also included in Level 3 are securities valued based on broker prices or broker spreads, without adjustments. Primary inputs for non-broker priced investments, including structured securities, are consistent with the typical inputs used in the preceding noted Level 2 measurements, but are Level 3 due to their less liquid markets. Additionally, certain long-dated securities are priced based on third party pricing services, including certain municipal securities, foreign government/government agencies, and bank loans. Primary inputs for these long-dated securities are consistent with the typical inputs used in the preceding noted Level 1 and Level 2 measurements, but include benchmark interest rate or credit spread assumptions that are not observable in the marketplace. Level 3 investments also include hedge funds where investment company accounting has been applied to a wholly-owned fund of funds measured at fair value where the Company does not have the ability to redeem the investment in the near-term at the NAV. Also included in Level 3 are certain derivative instruments that either have significant unobservable inputs or are valued based on broker quotations. Significant inputs for these derivative contracts primarily include the typical inputs used in the preceding noted Level 1 and Level 2 measurements; but also include equity and interest rate volatility and swap yield curves beyond observable limits, and commodity price curves.
Significant Unobservable Inputs for Level 3 Assets Measured at Fair Value
The following tables present information about significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 assets measured at fair value. The tables exclude securities such as ABS and CRE CDOs for which fair values are predominately based on broker quotations.
Securities
Unobservable Inputs

As of September 30, 2015
Assets Accounted for at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Fair
Value
Predominant
Valuation
Method
Significant
Unobservable Input
Minimum
Maximum
Weighted Average [1]
Impact of
Increase in Input
on Fair Value [2]
CMBS
$
169

Discounted cash flows
Spread (encompasses prepayment, default risk and loss severity)
36 bps
757 bps
228 bps
Decrease
Corporate [3]
406

Discounted cash flows
Spread
70 bps
735 bps
326 bps
Decrease
Municipal [3]
32

Discounted cash flows
Spread
197 bps
197 bps
197 bps
Decrease
RMBS
1,492

Discounted cash flows
Spread
53 bps
1,176 bps
169 bps
Decrease
 
 
 
Constant prepayment rate
—%
100%
4%
 Decrease [4]
 
 
 
Constant default rate
—%
14%
6%
Decrease
 
 
 
Loss severity
—%
100%
78%
Decrease
 
As of December 31, 2014
CMBS
$
284

Discounted cash flows
Spread (encompasses prepayment, default risk and loss severity)
46 bps
2,475 bps
284 bps
Decrease
Corporate [3]
568

Discounted cash flows
Spread
123 bps
765 bps
279 bps
Decrease
Municipal [3]
32

Discounted cash flows
Spread
212 bps
212 bps
212 bps
Decrease
RMBS
1,281

Discounted cash flows
Spread
23 bps
1,904 bps
142 bps
Decrease
 
 
 
Constant prepayment rate
—%
7%
2%
Decrease [4]
 
 
 
Constant default rate
1%
14%
7%
Decrease
 
 
 
Loss severity
—%
100%
78%
Decrease
[1]
The weighted average is determined based on the fair value of the securities.
[2]
Conversely, the impact of a decrease in input would have the opposite impact to the fair value as that presented in the preceding table.
[3]
Level 3 corporate and municipal securities excludes those for which the Company bases fair value on broker quotations as noted in the following discussion.
[4]
Decrease for above market rate coupons and increase for below market rate coupons.

22
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

Freestanding Derivatives
Unobservable Inputs

As of September 30, 2015
 
Fair
Value
Predominant
Valuation 
Method
Significant Unobservable Input
Minimum
Maximum
Impact of 
Increase in Input on 
Fair Value [1]
Interest rate derivative
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
(30
)
Discounted cash flows
Swap curve beyond 30 years
3
%
3
%
Decrease
Interest rate swaptions [2]
10

Option model
Interest rate volatility
1
%
1
%
Increase
GMWB hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customized swaps
171

Discounted cash flows
Equity volatility
10
%
40
%
Increase
Macro hedge program
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity options
183

Option model
Equity volatility
15
%
28
%
Increase
 
As of December 31, 2014
Interest rate derivative
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
(29
)
Discounted cash flows
Swap curve beyond 30 years
3
%
3
%
Decrease
Interest rate swaptions
22

Option model
Interest rate volatility
1
%
1
%
Increase
GMWB hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity options
46

Option model
Equity volatility
22
%
34
%
Increase
Customized swaps
124

Discounted cash flows
Equity volatility
10
%
40
%
Increase
Macro hedge program
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity options
141

Option model
Equity volatility
27
%
28
%
Increase
[1]
Conversely, the impact of a decrease in input would have the opposite impact to the fair value as that presented in the table. Changes are based on long positions, unless otherwise noted. Changes in fair value will be inversely impacted for short positions.
[2]
The swaptions presented are purchased options that have the right to enter into a pay-fixed swap.
Securities and derivatives for which the Company bases fair value on broker quotations predominately include ABS, CDOs, and corporate. Due to the lack of transparency in the process brokers use to develop prices for these investments, the Company does not have access to the significant unobservable inputs brokers use to price these securities and derivatives. The Company believes however, the types of inputs brokers may use would likely be similar to those used to price securities and derivatives for which inputs are available to the Company, and therefore may include but not be limited to, loss severity rates, constant prepayment rates, constant default rates and credit spreads. Therefore, similar to non broker priced securities and derivatives, generally, increases in these inputs would cause fair values to decrease. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, no significant adjustments were made by the Company to broker prices received.
As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, excluded from the preceding tables are hedge funds where investment company accounting has been applied to a wholly-owned fund of funds measured at fair value which total $98 and $189, respectively, of Level 3 assets. The predominant valuation method uses a NAV calculated on a monthly basis and represents funds where the Company does not have the ability to redeem the investment in the near-term at that NAV, including an assessment of the investee's liquidity.
Product Derivatives
The Company formerly offered certain variable annuity products with GMWB riders. The GMWB provides the policyholder with a guaranteed remaining balance (“GRB”) which is generally equal to premiums less withdrawals.  If the policyholder’s account value is reduced to the specified level through a combination of market declines and withdrawals but the GRB still has value, the Company is obligated to continue to make annuity payments to the policyholder until the GRB is exhausted. Certain contract provisions can increase the GRB at contractholder election or after the passage of time. The GMWB represents an embedded derivative in the variable annuity contract. When it is determined that (1) the embedded derivative possesses economic characteristics that are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract, and (2) a separate instrument with the same terms would qualify as a derivative instrument, the embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host for measurement purposes. The embedded derivative is carried at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in net realized capital gains and losses. The Company’s GMWB liability, excluding life-contingent payment, is carried at fair value and reported in other policyholder funds and benefits payable in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The notional value of the embedded derivative is the GRB.

23
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

In valuing the embedded derivative, the Company attributes to the derivative a portion of the expected fees to be collected over the expected life of the contract from the contract holder equal to the present value of future GMWB claims. The excess of fees collected from the contract holder in the current period over the current period’s attributed fees are associated with the host variable annuity contract and reported in fee income.
GMWB Reinsurance Derivative
The Company has reinsurance arrangements in place to transfer a portion of its risk of loss due to GMWB. These arrangements are recognized as derivatives and carried at fair value in reinsurance recoverables. Changes in the fair value of the reinsurance agreements are reported in net realized capital gains and losses.
The fair value of the GMWB reinsurance derivative is calculated as an aggregation of the components described in the following Living Benefits Required to be Fair Valued discussion and is modeled using significant unobservable policyholder behavior inputs, identical to those used in calculating the underlying liability, such as lapses, fund selection, resets and withdrawal utilization and risk margins.
Living Benefits Required to be Fair Valued (in Other Policyholder Funds and Benefits Payable)
Fair values for GMWBs classified as embedded derivatives are calculated using the income approach based upon internally developed models because active, observable markets do not exist for those items. The fair value of these GMWBs and the related reinsurance and customized freestanding derivatives are calculated as an aggregation of the following components: Best Estimate Claim Payments; Credit Standing Adjustment; and Margins. The resulting aggregation is reconciled or calibrated, if necessary, to market information that is, or may be, available to the Company, but may not be observable by other market participants, including reinsurance discussions and transactions. The Company believes the aggregation of these components, as necessary and as reconciled or calibrated to the market information available to the Company, results in an amount that the Company would be required to transfer or receive, for an asset, to or from market participants in an active liquid market, if one existed, for those market participants to assume the risks associated with the guaranteed minimum benefits and the related reinsurance and customized derivatives. The fair value is likely to materially diverge from the ultimate settlement of the liability as the Company believes settlement will be based on our best estimate assumptions rather than those best estimate assumptions plus risk margins. In the absence of any transfer of the guaranteed benefit liability to a third party, the release of risk margins is likely to be reflected as realized gains in future periods’ net income. Each component described in the following discussion is unobservable in the marketplace and requires subjectivity by the Company in determining its value. Oversight of the Company's valuation policies and processes for product and GMWB reinsurance derivatives is performed by a multidisciplinary group comprised of finance, actuarial and risk management professionals. This multidisciplinary group reviews and approves changes and enhancements to the Company's valuation model as well as associated controls.
Best Estimate
Claim Payments
The Best Estimate Claim Payments are calculated based on actuarial and capital market assumptions related to projected cash flows, including the present value of benefits and related contract charges, over the lives of the contracts, incorporating expectations concerning policyholder behavior such as lapses, fund selection, resets and withdrawal utilization. For the customized derivatives, policyholder behavior is prescribed in the derivative contract. Because of the dynamic and complex nature of these cash flows, best estimate assumptions and a Monte Carlo stochastic process is used in valuation. The Monte Carlo stochastic process involves the generation of thousands of scenarios that assume risk neutral returns consistent with swap rates and a blend of observable implied index volatility levels. Estimating these cash flows involves numerous estimates and subjective judgments regarding a number of variables. These variables include expected market rates of return, market volatility, correlations of market index returns to funds, fund performance, discount rates and assumptions about policyholder behavior which emerge over time.
At each valuation date, the Company assumes expected returns based on:
•
risk-free rates as represented by the Eurodollar futures, LIBOR deposits and swap rates to derive forward curve rates;
•
market implied volatility assumptions for each underlying index based primarily on a blend of observed market “implied volatility” data;
•
correlations of historical returns across underlying well known market indices based on actual observed returns over the ten years preceding the valuation date; and
•
three years of history for fund indexes compared to separate account fund regression.

24
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

On a daily basis, the Company updates capital market assumptions used in the GMWB liability model such as interest rates, equity indices and the blend of implied equity index volatilities. The Company monitors various aspects of policyholder behavior and may modify certain of its assumptions, including living benefit lapses and withdrawal rates, if credible emerging data indicates that changes are warranted. In addition, the Company will continue to evaluate policyholder behavior assumptions as we implement initiatives to reduce the size of the variable annuity business. At a minimum, all policyholder behavior assumptions are reviewed and updated, as appropriate, in conjunction with the completion of the Company’s annual comprehensive study to refine its estimate of future gross profits, which was completed in the third quarter of 2014 and will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2015.
Credit Standing Adjustment
This assumption makes an adjustment that market participants would make, in determining fair value, to reflect the risk that guaranteed benefit obligations, or the GMWB reinsurance recoverables will not be fulfilled. The Company incorporates a blend of observable Company and reinsurer credit default spreads from capital markets, adjusted for market recoverability. The credit standing adjustment assumption, net of reinsurance, resulted in pre-tax realized gains (losses) of $0 and $2, for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $(1) and $2 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 the credit standing adjustment was $0 and $1, respectively.
Margins
The behavior risk margin adds a margin that market participants would require, in determining fair value, for the risk that the Company’s assumptions about policyholder behavior could differ from actual experience. The behavior risk margin is calculated by taking the difference between adverse policyholder behavior assumptions and best estimate assumptions.
There were no policyholder assumption updates related to the behavior risk margin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. Assumption updates, including policyholder behavior assumptions, affected best estimates and margins for pre-tax realized gains of $31 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 the behavior risk margin was $78 and $74, respectively.
In addition to the non-market-based update described in the preceding discussion, the Company recognized non-market-based updates driven by the relative outperformance (underperformance) of the underlying actively managed funds as compared to their respective indices resulting in pre-tax realized gains (losses) of approximately $(21) and $(8), for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and $(10) and $12 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement the GMWB embedded derivative and the GMWB reinsurance derivative are withdrawal utilization and withdrawal rates, lapse rates, reset elections and equity volatility. The following table provides quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs and is applicable to all of the GMWB embedded derivative and the GMWB reinsurance derivative. Significant increases in any of the significant unobservable inputs, in isolation, will generally have an increase or decrease correlation with the fair value measurement, as shown in the table.
Significant Unobservable Input
Unobservable Inputs (Minimum)
Unobservable Inputs (Maximum)
Impact of Increase in Input
on Fair Value Measurement [1]
Withdrawal Utilization [2]
20%
100%
Increase
Withdrawal Rates [3]
—%
8%
Increase
Lapse Rates [4]
—%
75%
Decrease
Reset Elections [5]
20%
75%
Increase
Equity Volatility [6]
10%
40%
Increase
[1]
Conversely, the impact of a decrease in input would have the opposite impact to the fair value as that presented in the table.
[2]
Range represents assumed cumulative percentages of policyholders taking withdrawals.
[3]
Range represents assumed cumulative annual amount withdrawn by policyholders.
[4]
Range represents assumed annual percentages of full surrender of the underlying variable annuity contracts across all policy durations for in force business.
[5]
Range represents assumed cumulative percentages of policyholders that would elect to reset their guaranteed benefit base.
[6]
Range represents implied market volatilities for equity indices based on multiple pricing sources.
Generally, a change in withdrawal utilization assumptions would be accompanied by a directionally opposite change in lapse rate assumptions, as the behavior of policyholders that utilize GMWB riders is typically different from policyholders that do not utilize these riders.

25
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

Separate Account Assets
Separate account assets are primarily invested in mutual funds. Other separate account assets include fixed maturities, limited partnerships, equity securities, short-term investments, and derivatives that are valued in the same manner, and using the same pricing sources and inputs, as those investments held by the Company. Separate account assets classified as Level 3 primarily include limited partnerships in which fair value represents the separate account’s share of the fair value of the equity in the investment (“net asset value”) and are classified in Level 3, based on the Company’s ability to redeem its investment.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
The following tables provide fair value roll-forwards for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, for the financial instruments classified as Level 3.
For the three months ended September 30, 2015
 
Fixed Maturities, AFS
 
Assets
ABS
CDOs
CMBS
Corporate
Foreign
Govt./Govt.
Agencies
Municipal
RMBS
Total  Fixed
Maturities,
AFS
Fixed
Maturities,
FVO
Fair value as of June 30, 2015
$
53

$
564

$
214

$
931

$
40

$
49

$
1,540

$
3,391

$
86

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in net income [1] [2] [6]
—

(1
)
1

(9
)
—

—

—

(9
)
—

Included in OCI [3]
—

(9
)
(5
)
1

(1
)
1

(6
)
(19
)
—

Purchases
8

—

6

38

3

—

71

126

2

Settlements
(2
)
(9
)
(26
)
(22
)
(1
)
—

(56
)
(116
)
(24
)
Sales
(3
)
—

—

(47
)
(2
)
—

(57
)
(109
)
(1
)
Transfers into Level 3 [4]
—

—

2

51

11

—

—

64

—

Transfers out of Level 3 [4]
(29
)
—

(23
)
(38
)
—

—

—

(90
)
(2
)
Fair value as of September 30, 2015
$
27

$
545

$
169

$
905

$
50

$
50

$
1,492

$
3,238

$
61

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income related to financial instruments still held at September 30, 2015 [2] [7]
$
—

$
—

$
(1
)
$
(11
)
$
—

$
—

$
—

$
(12
)
$
—

 
 
Freestanding Derivatives [5]
Assets (Liabilities)
Equity
Securities,
AFS
Credit
Commodity
Equity
Interest
Rate
GMWB
Hedging
Macro
Hedge
Program
Other
Contracts
Total Free-
Standing
Derivatives [5]
Fair value as of June 30, 2015
$
97

$
—

$
3

$
3

$
(14
)
$
125

$
165

$
9

$
291

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in net income [1] [2] [6]
(6
)
—

4

(3
)
(6
)
46

18

(1
)
58

Included in OCI [3]
5

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Purchases
4

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Sales
(1
)
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Fair value as of September 30, 2015
$
99

$
—

$
7

$
—

$
(20
)
$
171

$
183

$
8

$
349

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income related to financial instruments still held at September 30, 2015 [2] [7]
$
(6
)
$
—

$
4

$
—

$
(5
)
$
48

$
12

$
(1
)
$
58


26
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

Assets
Limited Partnerships and Other Alternative Investments
Reinsurance Recoverable for GMWB
Separate Accounts
Fair value as of June 30, 2015
$
230

$
50

$
735

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
 
 
 
Included in net income [1] [2] [6]
(12
)
46

(10
)
Included in OCI [3]
—

—

(2
)
Purchases
11

—

69

Settlements
—

(23
)
(6
)
Sales
—

—

(201
)
Transfers into Level 3 [4]
—

—

1

Transfers out of Level 3 [4]
(131
)
—

(76
)
Fair value as of September 30, 2015
$
98

$
73

$
510

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income related to financial instruments still held at September 30, 2015 [2] [7]
$
(12
)
$
46

$
(7
)
 
Other Policyholder Funds and Benefits Payable
 
Liabilities
Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefits
Equity Linked Notes
Total Other Policyholder Funds and Benefits Payable
Consumer Notes
Fair value as of June 30, 2015
$
(112
)
$
(26
)
$
(138
)
$
(3
)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
Included in net income [1] [2] [6]
(177
)
5

(172
)
3

Settlements
19

—

19

—

Fair value as of September 30, 2015
$
(270
)
$
(21
)
$
(291
)
$
—

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income related to financial instruments still held at September 30, 2015 [2] [7]
$
(177
)
$
5

$
(172
)
$
3

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015
 
Fixed Maturities, AFS
 
Assets
ABS
CDOs
CMBS
Corporate
Foreign Govt./Govt. Agencies
Municipal
RMBS
Total Fixed Maturities, AFS
Fixed Maturities, FVO
Fair value as of January 1, 2015
$
122

$
623

$
284

$
1,040

$
59

$
66

$
1,281

$
3,475

$
92

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in net income [1] [2] [6]
1

(5
)
2

(13
)
—

1

(2
)
(16
)
(7
)
Included in OCI [3]
(2
)
8

(8
)
(41
)
(4
)
(4
)
(6
)
(57
)
—

Purchases
79

—

45

61

15

—

516

716

21

Settlements
(6
)
(34
)
(64
)
(51
)
(3
)
(13
)
(149
)
(320
)
(24
)
Sales
(16
)
—

(6
)
(80
)
(28
)
—

(142
)
(272
)
(8
)
Transfers into Level 3 [4]
1

—

7

202

11

—

47

268

—

Transfers out of Level 3 [4]
(152
)
(47
)
(91
)
(213
)
—

—

(53
)
(556
)
(13
)
Fair value as of September 30, 2015
$
27

$
545

$
169

$
905

$
50

$
50

$
1,492

$
3,238

$
61

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income related to financial instruments still held at September 30, 2015 [2] [7]
$
1

$
(1
)
$
(2
)
$
(11
)
$
—

$
—

$
—

$
(13
)
$
(2
)

27
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

 
 
Freestanding Derivatives [5]
Assets (Liabilities)
Equity Securities, AFS
Credit
Commodity
Equity
Interest Rate
GMWB Hedging
Macro Hedge Program
Other Contracts
Total Free-Standing Derivatives [5]
Fair value as of January 1, 2015
$
98

$
(9
)
$
—

$
6

$
(7
)
$
170

$
141

$
12

$
313

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in net income [1] [2] [6]
6

(1
)
(3
)
9

(8
)
21

(5
)
(4
)
9

Included in OCI [3]
1

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Purchases
16

(13
)
—

—

—

—

47

—

34

Settlements
—

—

—

(15
)
(5
)
(20
)
—

—

(40
)
Sales
(17
)
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Transfers into Level 3 [4]
—

—

10

—

—

—

—

—

10

Transfers out of Level 3 [4]
(5
)
23

—

—

—

—

—

—

23

Fair value as of September 30, 2015
$
99

$
—

$
7

$
—

$
(20
)
$
171

$
183

$
8

$
349

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income related to financial instruments still held at September 30, 2015 [2] [7]
$
(6
)
$
2

$
(4
)
$
3

$
(17
)
$
32

$
(3
)
$
(5
)
$
8

Assets
Limited Partnerships and Other Alternative Investments
Reinsurance  Recoverable for GMWB
Separate Accounts
Fair value as of January 1, 2015
$
189

$
56

$
578

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
 
 
 
Included in net income [1] [2] [6]
(4
)
31

(3
)
Included in OCI [3]
—

—

(3
)
Purchases
44

—

331

Settlements
—

(14
)
(16
)
Sales
—

—

(251
)
Transfers into Level 3 [4]
—

—

7

Transfers out of Level 3 [4]
(131
)
—

(133
)
Fair value as of September 30, 2015
$
98

$
73

$
510

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income related to financial instruments still held at September 30, 2015 [2] [7]
$
(4
)
$
31

$
—

 
Other Policyholder Funds and Benefits Payable
 
Liabilities
Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefits
Equity Linked Notes
Total Other Policyholder Funds and Benefits Payable
Consumer Notes
Fair value as of January 1, 2015
$
(139
)
$
(26
)
$
(165
)
$
(3
)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
Included in net income [1] [2] [6]
(118
)
5

(113
)
3

Settlements
(13
)
—

(13
)
—

Fair value as of September 30, 2015
$
(270
)
$
(21
)
$
(291
)
$
—

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income related to financial instruments still held at September 30, 2015 [2] [7]
$
(118
)
$
5

$
(113
)
$
3


28
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

For the three months ended September 30, 2014
 
Fixed Maturities, AFS
 
Assets
ABS
CDOs
CMBS
Corporate
Foreign Govt./Govt. Agencies
Municipal
RMBS
Total Fixed Maturities, AFS
Fixed Maturities, FVO
Fair value as of June 30, 2014
$
73

$
612

$
471

$
1,205

$
55

$
63

$
1,295

$
3,774

$
139

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in net income [1] [2] [6]
—

12

(1
)
(2
)
—

—

3

12

1

Included in OCI [3]
—

(5
)
2

(7
)
—

1

3

(6
)
—

Purchases
35

—

25

21

—

—

120

201

4

Settlements
—

(17
)
(155
)
(16
)
(1
)
—

(47
)
(236
)
(46
)
Sales
—

(12
)
—

(18
)
(5
)
—

(116
)
(151
)
—

Transfers into Level 3 [4]
75

—

11

25

—

—

—

111

—

Transfers out of Level 3 [4]
(42
)
—

(22
)
(65
)
—

—

—

(129
)
—

Fair value as of September 30, 2014
$
141

$
590

$
331

$
1,143

$
49

$
64

$
1,258

$
3,576

$
98

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income related to financial instruments still held at September 30, 2014 [2] [7]
$
—

$
—

$
(1
)
$
(2
)
$
—

$
—

$
—

$
(3
)
$
1

 
 
Freestanding Derivatives [5]
Assets (Liabilities)
Equity Securities, AFS
Credit
Equity
Interest Rate
GMWB Hedging
Macro Hedge Program
Other Contracts
Total Free-Standing Derivatives [5]
Fair value as of June 30, 2014
$
80

$
(1
)
$
2

$
21

$
97

$
120

$
15

$
254

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in net income [1] [2] [6]
—

(4
)
—

(5
)
40

11

(2
)
40

Included in OCI [3]
(1
)
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Purchases
9

(3
)
—

—

—

3

—

—

Transfers into Level 3 [4]
—

—

—

(26
)
—

—

—

(26
)
Transfers out of Level 3 [4]
—

6

—

—

—

—

—

6

Fair value as of September 30, 2014
$
88

$
(2
)
$
2

$
(10
)
$
137

$
134

$
13

$
274

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income related to financial instruments still held at September 30, 2014 [2] [7]
$
—

$
(4
)
$
—

$
(4
)
$
41

$
11

$
(1
)
$
43


29
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

Assets
Limited Partnerships and Other Alternative Investments
Reinsurance Recoverable for GMWB
Separate Accounts
Fair value as of June 30, 2014
$
67

$
31

$
813

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
 
 
 
Included in net income [1] [2] [6]
—

2

4

Purchases
20

—

33

Settlements
—

3

(1
)
Sales
—

—

(56
)
Transfers into Level 3 [4]
—

—

1

Transfers out of Level 3 [4]
—

—

(3
)
Fair value as of September 30, 2014
$
87

$
36

$
791

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income related to financial instruments still held at September 30, 2014 [2] [7]
$
—

$
2

$
—

 
Other Policyholder Funds and Benefits Payable
 
Liabilities
Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefits
Equity Linked Notes
Total Other Policyholder Funds and Benefits Payable
Consumer Notes
Fair value as of June 30, 2014
$
2

$
(22
)
$
(20
)
$
(2
)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
Included in net income [1] [2] [6]
(37
)
(1
)
(38
)
—

Settlements
(21
)
—

(21
)
—

Fair value as of September 30, 2014
$
(56
)
$
(23
)
$
(79
)
$
(2
)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income related to financial instruments still held at September 30, 2014 [2] [7]
$
(37
)
$
(1
)
$
(38
)
$
—

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014
 
Fixed Maturities, AFS
 
Assets
ABS
CDOs
CMBS
Corporate
Foreign Govt./Govt. Agencies
Municipal
RMBS
Total Fixed Maturities, AFS
Fixed Maturities, FVO
Fair value as of January 1, 2014
$
147

$
664

$
663

$
1,274

$
65

$
69

$
1,272

$
4,154

$
193

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in net income [1] [2] [6]
—

12

29

(20
)
(2
)
—

11

30

16

Included in OCI [3]
3

3

(22
)
21

7

5

13

30

—

Purchases
72

—

115

112

3

16

383

701

14

Settlements
(2
)
(52
)
(235
)
(41
)
(3
)
—

(143
)
(476
)
(121
)
Sales
(18
)
(12
)
(103
)
(129
)
(21
)
(1
)
(223
)
(507
)
(4
)
Transfers into Level 3 [4]
75

72

16

225

—

—

—

388

1

Transfers out of Level 3 [4]
(136
)
(97
)
(132
)
(299
)
—

(25
)
(55
)
(744
)
(1
)
Fair value as of September 30, 2014
$
141

$
590

$
331

$
1,143

$
49

$
64

$
1,258

$
3,576

$
98

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income related to financial instruments still held at September 30, 2014 [2] [7]
$
—

$
—

$
(1
)
$
(23
)
$
(2
)
$
—

$
(1
)
$
(27
)
$
20


30
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

 
 
Freestanding Derivatives [5]
Assets (Liabilities)
Equity Securities, AFS
Credit
Equity
Interest Rate
GMWB Hedging
Macro Hedge Program
Intl. Program Hedging
Other Contracts
Total Free-Standing Derivatives [5]
Fair value as of January 1, 2014
$
77

$
2

$
3

$
18

$
146

$
139

$
(29
)
$
17

$
296

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in net income [1] [2] [6]
(2
)
(7
)
(1
)
(28
)
(20
)
(14
)
28

(4
)
(46
)
Included in OCI [3]
4

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Purchases
9

(3
)
—

—

4

9

9

—

19

Settlements
—

—

—

—

7

—

(41
)
—

(34
)
Transfers out of Level 3 [4]
—

6

—

—

—

—

33

—

39

Fair value as of September 30, 2014
$
88

$
(2
)
$
2

$
(10
)
$
137

$
134

$
—

$
13

$
274

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income related to financial instruments still held at September 30, 2014 [2] [7]
$
(2
)
$
(4
)
$
—

$
(27
)
$
(35
)
$
(14
)
$
(18
)
$
(2
)
$
(100
)
Assets
Limited Partnerships and Other Alternative Investments
Reinsurance  Recoverable for GMWB
Separate Accounts
Fair value as of January 1, 2014
$
108

$
29

$
737

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
 
 
 
Included in net income [1] [2] [6]
(5
)
(9
)
8

Purchases
50

—

298

Settlements
—

16

(2
)
Sales
(24
)
—

(219
)
Transfers into Level 3 [4]
—

—

5

Transfers out of Level 3 [4]
(42
)
—

(36
)
Fair value as of September 30, 2014
$
87

$
36

$
791

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income related to financial instruments still held at September 30, 2014 [2] [7]
$
(5
)
$
(9
)
$
6

 
Other Policyholder Funds and Benefits Payable
 
Liabilities
Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefits
International Guaranteed Living Benefits
International Other Living Benefits
Equity Linked Notes
Total Other Policyholder Funds and Benefits Payable
Consumer Notes
Fair value as of January 1, 2014
$
(36
)
$
3

$
3

$
(18
)
$
(48
)
$
(2
)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in net income [1] [2] [6]
54

—

—

(5
)
49

—

Settlements
(74
)
(3
)
(3
)
—

(80
)
—

Fair value as of September 30, 2014
$
(56
)
$
—

$
—

$
(23
)
$
(79
)
$
(2
)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income related to financial instruments still held at September 30, 2014 [2] [7]
$
54

$
—

$
—

$
(5
)
$
49

$
—


31
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

[1]
The Company classifies gains and losses on GMWB reinsurance derivatives and GMWB embedded derivatives as unrealized gains (losses) for purposes of disclosure in this table because it is impracticable to track on a contract-by-contract basis the realized gains (losses) for these derivatives and embedded derivatives.
[2]
All amounts in these rows are reported in net realized capital gains (losses). The realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income for separate account assets are offset by an equal amount for separate account liabilities, which results in a net zero impact on net income for the Company. All amounts are before income taxes and amortization of DAC.
[3]
All amounts are before income taxes and amortization of DAC.
[4]
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3 are primarily attributable to the availability of market observable information and the re-evaluation of the observability of pricing inputs.
[5]
Derivative instruments are reported in this table on a net basis for asset (liability) positions and reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in other investments and other liabilities.
[6]
Includes both market and non-market impacts in deriving realized and unrealized gains (losses).
[7]
Amounts presented are for Level 3 only and therefore may not agree to other disclosures included herein.
Fair Value Option
FVO investments include certain securities that contain embedded credit derivatives with underlying credit risk primarily related to residential and commercial real estate, for which the company has elected the fair value option. The Company also classifies the underlying fixed maturities held in certain consolidated investment funds within the Fixed Maturities, FVO line on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company reports consolidated investment companies at fair value with changes in the fair value of these securities recognized in net realized capital gains and losses, which is consistent with accounting requirements for investment companies. The investment funds hold fixed income securities in multiple sectors and the Company has management and control of the funds as well as a significant ownership interest.
The Company also elected the fair value option for certain equity securities in order to align the accounting with total return swap contracts that hedge the risk associated with the investments. The swaps do not qualify for hedge accounting and the change in value of both the equity securities and the total return swaps are recorded in net realized capital gains and losses. These equity securities are classified within equity securities, AFS on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of September 30, 2015, the Company no longer has any of these investments. Income earned from FVO securities is recorded in net investment income and changes in fair value are recorded in net realized capital gains and losses.
The following table presents the changes in fair value of those assets and liabilities accounted for using the fair value option reported in net realized capital gains and losses in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, FVO
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate
$
(2
)
$
(5
)
 
$
(5
)
$
(1
)
CDOs
1

—

 
2

14

Foreign government
(3
)
(1
)
 
(4
)
1

RMBS
—

(1
)
 
—

—

Total fixed maturities, FVO
$
(4
)
$
(7
)
 
$
(7
)
$
14

Equity, FVO
—

—

 
3

—

Total realized capital gains (losses)
$
(4
)
$
(7
)
 
$
(4
)
$
14


32
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The following table presents the fair value of assets and liabilities accounted for using the fair value option included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
September 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
Assets
 
 
Fixed maturities, FVO
 
 
ABS
$
12

$
15

CDOs
50

69

CMBS
24

22

Corporate
98

133

Foreign government
36

30

U.S government
5

2

Municipals
2

2

RMBS
321

215

Total fixed maturities, FVO
$
548

$
488

Equity, FVO [1]
$
—

$
348

[1]
Included in equity securities, AFS on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company did not hold any equity securities, FVO as of September 30, 2015.
Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value
The following table presents carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments not carried at fair value and not included in the preceding fair value discussion.
 
 
September 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
 
Fair Value Hierarchy Level
Carrying Amount
Fair Value
Carrying Amount
Fair Value
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Policy loans
Level 3
$
1,428

$
1,428

$
1,431

$
1,431

Mortgage loans
Level 3
5,552

5,749

5,556

5,840

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
Other policyholder funds and benefits payable [1]
Level 3
$
6,768

$
7,000

$
7,304

$
7,522

Senior notes [2]
Level 2
4,426

5,064

5,009

5,837

Junior subordinated debentures [2]
Level 2
1,100

1,289

1,100

1,291

Consumer notes [3] [4]
Level 3
40

40

68

68

Assumed investment contracts [4]
Level 3
783

851

763

851

[1]
Excludes guarantees on variable annuities, group accident and health and universal life insurance contracts, including corporate owned life insurance.
[2]
Included in long-term debt in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, except for current maturities, which are included in short-term debt.
[3]
Excludes amounts carried at fair value and included in preceding disclosures.
[4]
Included in other liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Fair values for policy loans were determined using current loan coupon rates, which reflect the current rates available under the contracts. As a result, the fair value approximates the carrying value of the policy loans.
Fair values for mortgage loans were estimated using discounted cash flow calculations based on current lending rates for similar type loans. Current lending rates reflect changes in credit spreads and the remaining terms of the loans.
Fair values for other policyholder funds and benefits payable and assumed investment contracts, not carried at fair value, are estimated based on the cash surrender values of the underlying policies or by estimating future cash flows discounted at current interest rates adjusted for credit risk.
Fair values for senior notes and junior subordinated debentures are determined using the market approach based on reported trades, benchmark interest rates and issuer spread for the Company which may consider credit default swaps.
Fair values for consumer notes were estimated using discounted cash flow calculations using current interest rates adjusted for estimated loan durations.

33
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments

Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Before tax)
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
Gross gains on sales
$
83

$
116

 
$
401

$
421

Gross losses on sales
(73
)
(29
)
 
(333
)
(191
)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings
(40
)
(14
)
 
(63
)
(43
)
Valuation allowances on mortgage loans
1

—

 
(2
)
(3
)
Periodic net coupon settlements on credit derivatives
3

—

 
8

1

Results of variable annuity hedge program


 



GMWB derivatives, net
(32
)
6

 
(35
)
15

Macro hedge program
51

12

 
24

(13
)
Total results of variable annuity hedge program
19

18

 
(11
)
2

Other, net [1]
(37
)
(22
)
 
(30
)
(157
)
Net realized capital gains (losses)
$
(44
)
$
69

 
$
(30
)
$
30

[1]
Primarily consists of changes in the value of non-qualifying derivatives, transactional foreign currency revaluation gains (losses) on yen denominated fixed payout annuity liabilities and gains (losses) on non-qualifying derivatives used to hedge the foreign currency exposure of the liabilities. For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, gains (losses) from transactional foreign currency revaluation of the yen denominated fixed payout annuity liabilities were $(17) and $83, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, gains (losses) from transactional foreign currency revaluation of the yen denominated fixed payout annuity liabilities were $(1) and $38, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, gains (losses) on instruments used to hedge the foreign currency exposure on the fixed payout annuities were $8 and $(86), respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, gains (losses) on instruments used to hedge the foreign currency exposure on the fixed payout annuities were $(23) and $(58), respectively.
Net realized capital gains and losses from investment sales are reported as a component of revenues and are determined on a specific identification basis. Before tax, net gains and losses on sales and impairments previously reported as unrealized gains in AOCI were $(29) and $14, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, and $61 and $186 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. Proceeds from sales of AFS securities totaled $4.5 billion and $16.3 billion, respectively, for three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, and $5.2 billion and $19.6 billion for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.
Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
The Company deems bonds and certain equity securities with debt-like characteristics (collectively “debt securities”) to be other-than-temporarily impaired (“impaired”) if a security meets the following conditions: a) the Company intends to sell or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before a recovery in value, or b) the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. If the Company intends to sell or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before a recovery in value, a charge is recorded in net realized capital losses equal to the difference between the fair value and amortized cost basis of the security. For those impaired debt securities which do not meet the first condition and for which the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis, the difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and the fair value is separated into the portion representing a credit OTTI, which is recorded in net realized capital losses, and the remaining non-credit impairment, which is recorded in OCI. Generally, the Company determines a security’s credit impairment as the difference between its amortized cost basis and its best estimate of expected future cash flows discounted at the security’s effective yield prior to impairment. The remaining non-credit impairment is the difference between the security’s fair value and the Company’s best estimate of expected future cash flows discounted at the security’s effective yield prior to the impairment, which typically represents current market liquidity and risk premiums. The previous amortized cost basis less the impairment recognized in net realized capital losses becomes the security’s new cost basis. The Company accretes the new cost basis to the estimated future cash flows over the expected remaining life of the security by prospectively adjusting the security’s yield, if necessary.

34
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)

The Company’s evaluation of whether a credit impairment exists for debt securities includes but is not limited to, the following factors: (a) changes in the financial condition of the security’s underlying collateral, (b) whether the issuer is current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments, (c) changes in the financial condition, credit rating and near-term prospects of the issuer, (d) the extent to which the fair value has been less than the amortized cost of the security and (e) the payment structure of the security. The Company’s best estimate of expected future cash flows used to determine the credit loss amount is a quantitative and qualitative process that incorporates information received from third-party sources along with certain internal assumptions and judgments regarding the future performance of the security. The Company’s best estimate of future cash flows involves assumptions including, but not limited to, various performance indicators, such as historical and projected default and recovery rates, credit ratings, current and projected delinquency rates, and loan-to-value ("LTV") ratios. In addition, for structured securities, the Company considers factors including, but not limited to, average cumulative collateral loss rates that vary by vintage year, commercial and residential property value declines that vary by property type and location and commercial real estate delinquency levels. These assumptions require the use of significant management judgment and include the probability of issuer default and estimates regarding timing and amount of expected recoveries which may include estimating the underlying collateral value. In addition, projections of expected future debt security cash flows may change based upon new information regarding the performance of the issuer and/or underlying collateral such as changes in the projections of the underlying property value estimates.
For equity securities where the decline in the fair value is deemed to be other-than-temporary, a charge is recorded in net realized capital losses equal to the difference between the fair value and cost basis of the security. The previous cost basis less the impairment becomes the security’s new cost basis. The Company asserts its intent and ability to retain those equity securities deemed to be temporarily impaired until the price recovers. Once identified, these securities are systematically restricted from trading unless approved by investment and accounting professionals. The investment and accounting professionals will only authorize the sale of these securities based on predefined criteria that relate to events that could not have been reasonably foreseen. Examples of the criteria include, but are not limited to, the deterioration in the issuer’s financial condition, security price declines, a change in regulatory requirements or a major business combination or major disposition.
The primary factors considered in evaluating whether an impairment exists for an equity security include, but are not limited to: (a) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than the cost of the security, (b) changes in the financial condition, credit rating and near-term prospects of the issuer, (c) whether the issuer is current on preferred stock dividends and (d) the intent and ability of the Company to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery.
Impairments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, were $40 and $63, respectively, and $14 and $43 for three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. Impairments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, primarily consisted of securities in an unrealized loss position which the Company had made the decision to sell, and impairments caused by issuer specific deterioration. Impairments for the three months ended September 30, 2014, primarily consisted of securities in an unrealized loss position which the Company had made the decision to sell. Impairments for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, primarily consisted of credit impairments caused by issuer specific deterioration.
The following table presents a roll-forward of the Company’s cumulative credit impairments on debt securities held.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Before tax)
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
Balance as of beginning of period
$
(388
)
$
(488
)
 
$
(424
)
$
(552
)
Additions for credit impairments recognized on [1]:


 


Securities not previously impaired
—

(1
)
 
(3
)
(9
)
Securities previously impaired
(12
)
(3
)
 
(13
)
(17
)
Reductions for credit impairments previously recognized on:


 


Securities that matured or were sold during the period
51

49

 
61

122

Securities the Company made the decision to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell
—

—

 
2

—

Securities due to an increase in expected cash flows
12

6

 
40

19

Balance as of end of period
$
(337
)
$
(437
)
 
$
(337
)
$
(437
)
[1]
These additions are included in the net OTTI losses recognized in earnings in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

35
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)

Available-for-Sale Securities
The following table presents the Company’s AFS securities by type.
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Non-Credit
OTTI [1]
 
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Non-Credit
OTTI [1]
ABS
$
2,715

$
37

$
(36
)
$
2,716

$
—

 
$
2,470

$
39

$
(37
)
$
2,472

$
(1
)
CDOs [2]
2,962

89

(17
)
3,031

—

 
2,776

98

(36
)
2,841

—

CMBS
4,404

163

(25
)
4,542

(6
)
 
4,235

196

(16
)
4,415

(6
)
Corporate
25,427

1,636

(291
)
26,772

(1
)
 
25,188

2,382

(211
)
27,359

(3
)
Foreign govt./govt. agencies
1,258

43

(46
)
1,255

—

 
1,592

73

(29
)
1,636

—

Municipal
11,275

959

(23
)
12,211

—

 
11,735

1,141

(5
)
12,871

—

RMBS
3,777

101

(19
)
3,859

—

 
3,815

122

(19
)
3,918

(1
)
U.S. Treasuries
4,457

274

(8
)
4,723

—

 
3,551

326

(5
)
3,872

—

Total fixed maturities, AFS
$
56,275

$
3,302

$
(465
)
$
59,109

$
(7
)
 
$
55,362

$
4,377

$
(358
)
$
59,384

$
(11
)
Equity securities, AFS [3]
826

34

(47
)
813

—

 
676

50

(27
)
699

—

Total AFS securities
$
57,101

$
3,336

$
(512
)
$
59,922

$
(7
)
 
$
56,038

$
4,427

$
(385
)
$
60,083

$
(11
)
[1]
Represents the amount of cumulative non-credit OTTI losses recognized in OCI on securities that also had credit impairments. These losses are included in gross unrealized losses as of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014.
[2]
Gross unrealized gains (losses) exclude the fair value of bifurcated embedded derivatives within certain securities. Subsequent changes in value are recorded in net realized capital gains (losses).
[3]
Excludes equity securities, FVO, with a cost and fair value of $351 and $348, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. The Company did not hold any equity securities, FVO as of September 30, 2015.
The following table presents the Company’s fixed maturities, AFS, by contractual maturity year.
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Contractual Maturity
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
One year or less
$
2,395

$
2,413

 
$
2,141

$
2,168

Over one year through five years
10,997

11,427

 
11,264

11,827

Over five years through ten years
9,190

9,438

 
8,802

9,226

Over ten years
19,835

21,683

 
19,859

22,517

Subtotal
42,417

44,961

 
42,066

45,738

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
13,858

14,148

 
13,296

13,646

Total fixed maturities, AFS
$
56,275

$
59,109

 
$
55,362

$
59,384

Estimated maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to security call or prepayment provisions. Due to the potential for variability in payment speeds (i.e. prepayments or extensions), mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are not categorized by contractual maturity.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company aims to maintain a diversified investment portfolio including issuer, sector and geographic stratification, where applicable, and has established certain exposure limits, diversification standards and review procedures to mitigate credit risk. The Company had no investment exposure to any credit concentration risk of a single issuer greater than 10% of the Company's stockholders' equity, other than the U.S. government and certain U.S. government agencies as of September 30, 2015, or December 31, 2014.

36
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)

Unrealized Losses on AFS Securities
The following tables present the Company’s unrealized loss aging for AFS securities by type and length of time the security was in a continuous unrealized loss position.
 
September 30, 2015
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Unrealized Losses
 
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Unrealized Losses
 
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Unrealized Losses
ABS
$
791

$
789

$
(2
)
 
$
358

$
324

$
(34
)
 
$
1,149

$
1,113

$
(36
)
CDOs [1]
1,047

1,041

(6
)
 
1,104

1,090

(11
)
 
2,151

2,131

(17
)
CMBS
745

730

(15
)
 
189

179

(10
)
 
934

909

(25
)
Corporate
6,528

6,298

(230
)
 
660

599

(61
)
 
7,188

6,897

(291
)
Foreign govt./govt. agencies
517

485

(32
)
 
127

113

(14
)
 
644

598

(46
)
Municipal
841

821

(20
)
 
38

35

(3
)
 
879

856

(23
)
RMBS
835

830

(5
)
 
402

388

(14
)
 
1,237

1,218

(19
)
U.S. Treasuries
766

758

(8
)
 
8

8

—

 
774

766

(8
)
Total fixed maturities, AFS
$
12,070

$
11,752

$
(318
)
 
$
2,886

$
2,736

$
(147
)
 
$
14,956

$
14,488

$
(465
)
Equity securities, AFS [2]
445

409

(36
)
 
74

63

(11
)
 
519

472

(47
)
Total securities in an unrealized loss position
$
12,515

$
12,161

$
(354
)
 
$
2,960

$
2,799

$
(158
)
 
$
15,475

$
14,960

$
(512
)
 
December 31, 2014
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Unrealized Losses
 
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Unrealized Losses
 
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Unrealized Losses
ABS
$
897

$
893

$
(4
)
 
$
473

$
440

$
(33
)
 
$
1,370

$
1,333

$
(37
)
CDOs [1]
748

743

(5
)
 
1,489

1,461

(31
)
 
2,237

2,204

(36
)
CMBS
230

227

(3
)
 
319

306

(13
)
 
549

533

(16
)
Corporate
3,082

2,980

(102
)
 
1,177

1,068

(109
)
 
4,259

4,048

(211
)
Foreign govt./govt. agencies
363

349

(14
)
 
227

212

(15
)
 
590

561

(29
)
Municipal
74

73

(1
)
 
86

82

(4
)
 
160

155

(5
)
RMBS
320

318

(2
)
 
433

416

(17
)
 
753

734

(19
)
U.S. Treasuries
432

431

(1
)
 
361

357

(4
)
 
793

788

(5
)
Total fixed maturities, AFS
$
6,146

$
6,014

$
(132
)
 
$
4,565

$
4,342

$
(226
)
 
$
10,711

$
10,356

$
(358
)
Equity securities, AFS [2]
172

160

(12
)
 
102

87

(15
)
 
274

247

(27
)
Total securities in an unrealized loss position
$
6,318

$
6,174

$
(144
)
 
$
4,667

$
4,429

$
(241
)
 
$
10,985

$
10,603

$
(385
)
[1]
Unrealized losses exclude the change in fair value of bifurcated embedded derivatives within certain securities, for which changes in fair value are recorded in net realized capital gains (losses).
[2]
As of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, excludes equity securities, FVO which are included in equity securities, AFS on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
As of September 30, 2015, AFS securities in an unrealized loss position, consisted of 4,208 securities, primarily in the corporate sector, which are depressed primarily due to an increase in interest rates and/or widening of credit spreads since the securities were purchased. As of September 30, 2015, 88% of these securities were depressed less than 20% of cost or amortized cost. The increase in unrealized losses as compared to December 31, 2014, was primarily attributable to wider credit spreads, partially offset by a decline in interest rates.

37
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)

Most of the securities depressed for twelve months or more relate to certain floating rate corporate securities with greater than 10 years to maturity concentrated in the financial services sector, structured securities with exposure to commercial and residential real estate and student loan ABS. Corporate securities and student loan ABS, are primarily depressed because the securities have floating-rate coupons and have long-dated maturities, or are perpetual, and current credit spreads are wider than when these securities were purchased. For certain commercial and residential real estate securities, current market spreads continue to be wider than spreads at the securities' respective purchase dates. The Company neither has an intention to sell nor does it expect to be required to sell the securities outlined in the preceding discussion.
Mortgage Loans
Mortgage Loan Valuation Allowances
The Company’s security monitoring process reviews mortgage loans on a quarterly basis to identify potential credit losses. Commercial mortgage loans are considered to be impaired when management estimates that, based upon current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Criteria used to determine if an impairment exists include, but are not limited to: current and projected macroeconomic factors, such as unemployment rates, and property-specific factors such as rental rates, occupancy levels, LTV ratios and debt service coverage ratios (“DSCR”). In addition, the Company considers historic, current and projected delinquency rates and property values. These assumptions require the use of significant management judgment and include the probability and timing of borrower default and loss severity estimates. In addition, projections of expected future cash flows may change based upon new information regarding the performance of the borrower and/or underlying collateral such as changes in the projections of the underlying property value estimates.
For mortgage loans that are deemed impaired, a valuation allowance is established for the difference between the carrying amount and the Company’s share of either (a) the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, (b) the loan’s observable market price or, most frequently, (c) the fair value of the collateral. A valuation allowance has been established for either individual loans or as a projected loss contingency for loans with an LTV ratio of 90% or greater and consideration of other credit quality factors, including DSCR. Changes in valuation allowances are recorded in net realized capital gains and losses. Interest income on impaired loans is accrued to the extent it is deemed collectible and the loans continue to perform under the original or restructured terms. Interest income ceases to accrue for loans when it is probable that the Company will not receive interest and principal payments according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loans may resume accrual status when it is determined that sufficient collateral exists to satisfy the full amount of the loan and interest payments, as well as when it is probable cash will be received in the foreseeable future. Interest income on defaulted loans is recognized when received.
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Amortized Cost [1]
Valuation Allowance
Carrying Value
 
Amortized Cost [1]
Valuation Allowance
Carrying Value
Total commercial mortgage loans
$
5,572

$
(20
)
$
5,552

 
$
5,574

$
(18
)
$
5,556

[1]
Amortized cost represents carrying value prior to valuation allowances, if any.
As of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the carrying value of mortgage loans associated with the valuation allowance was $80 and $140, respectively. There were no mortgage loans held-for-sale as of September 30, 2015, or December 31, 2014. As of September 30, 2015, loans within the Company’s mortgage loan portfolio that have had extensions or restructurings other than what is allowable under the original terms of the contract are immaterial.
The following table presents the activity within the Company’s valuation allowance for mortgage loans. These loans have been evaluated both individually and collectively for impairment. Loans evaluated collectively for impairment are immaterial.
 
2015
2014
Balance, as of January 1
$
(18
)
$
(67
)
(Additions)/Reversals
(4
)
(3
)
Deductions
2

51

Balance, as of September 30
$
(20
)
$
(19
)

38
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)

The weighted-average LTV ratio of the Company’s commercial mortgage loan portfolio was 55% as of September 30, 2015, while the weighted-average LTV ratio at origination of these loans was 62%. LTV ratios compare the loan amount to the value of the underlying property collateralizing the loan. The loan values are updated no less than annually through property level reviews of the portfolio. Factors considered in the property valuation include, but are not limited to, actual and expected property cash flows, geographic market data and capitalization rates. DSCR compares a property’s net operating income to the borrower’s principal and interest payments. The weighted average DSCR of the Company’s commercial mortgage loan portfolio was 2.67x as of September 30, 2015. As of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the Company held one delinquent commercial mortgage loan past due by 90 days or more. The loan had a total carrying value and valuation allowance of $6 and $2, respectively, and was not accruing income.
The following table presents the carrying value of the Company’s commercial mortgage loans by LTV and DSCR.
Commercial Mortgage Loans Credit Quality
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Loan-to-value
Carrying Value
Avg. Debt-Service Coverage Ratio
 
Carrying Value
Avg. Debt-Service Coverage Ratio
Greater than 80%
$
23

1.16x
 
$
53

1.07x
65% - 80%
722

1.80x
 
789

1.75x
Less than 65%
4,807

2.82x
 
4,714

2.66x
Total commercial mortgage loans
$
5,552

2.67x
 
$
5,556

2.51x
 
The following tables present the carrying value of the Company’s mortgage loans by region and property type.
Mortgage Loans by Region
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Carrying Value
Percent of Total
 
Carrying Value
Percent of Total
East North Central
$
259

4.7
%
 
$
211

3.8
%
East South Central
14

0.3
%
 
—

—
%
Middle Atlantic
419

7.5
%
 
468

8.4
%
Mountain
47

0.8
%
 
88

1.6
%
New England
406

7.3
%
 
381

6.9
%
Pacific
1,619

29.3
%
 
1,607

29.0
%
South Atlantic
1,173

21.1
%
 
1,019

18.3
%
West North Central
30

0.5
%
 
44

0.8
%
West South Central
311

5.6
%
 
302

5.4
%
Other [1]
1,274

22.9
%
 
1,436

25.8
%
Total mortgage loans
$
5,552

100.0
%
 
$
5,556

100.0
%
[1]
Primarily represents loans collateralized by multiple properties in various regions.
Mortgage Loans by Property Type
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Carrying Value
Percent of Total
 
Carrying
Value
Percent of Total
Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
Agricultural
$
33

0.6
%
 
$
46

0.8
%
Industrial
1,437

25.9
%
 
1,476

26.6
%
Lodging
26

0.5
%
 
26

0.5
%
Multifamily
1,339

24.1
%
 
1,190

21.4
%
Office
1,504

27.1
%
 
1,517

27.3
%
Retail
1,063

19.1
%
 
1,147

20.6
%
Other
150

2.7
%
 
154

2.8
%
Total mortgage loans
$
5,552

100.0
%
 
$
5,556

100.0
%

39
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)

Mortgage Servicing
The Company originates, sells and services commercial mortgage loans on behalf of third parties and recognizes servicing fees over the period that services are performed in fee income. As of September 30, 2015, under this program the Company serviced commercial mortgage loans with a total outstanding principal of $148 of which $59 was serviced on behalf of third parties and $89 was retained and reported on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, including $20 in separate account assets. Servicing rights are carried at the lower of cost or fair value and were zero as of September 30, 2015, because servicing fees were market-level fees at origination and remain adequate to compensate the Company to administer the servicing.
Variable Interest Entities
The Company is involved with various special purpose entities and other entities that are deemed to be VIEs primarily as a collateral or investment manager and as an investor through normal investment activities, as well as a means of accessing capital through a contingent capital facility.
A VIE is an entity that either has investors that lack certain essential characteristics of a controlling financial interest or lacks sufficient funds to finance its own activities without financial support provided by other entities. The Company performs ongoing qualitative assessments of its VIEs to determine whether the Company has a controlling financial interest in the VIE and therefore is the primary beneficiary. The Company is deemed to have a controlling financial interest when it has both the ability to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Based on the Company’s assessment, if it determines it is the primary beneficiary, the Company consolidates the VIE in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated VIEs
The following table presents the carrying value of assets and liabilities, and the maximum exposure to loss relating to the VIEs for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Creditors have no recourse against the Company in the event of default by these VIEs nor does the Company have any implied or unfunded commitments to these VIEs. The Company’s financial or other support provided to these VIEs is limited to its collateral or investment management services and original investment.
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Total Assets
Total Liabilities [1]
Maximum Exposure to Loss [2]
 
Total Assets
Total Liabilities [1]
Maximum Exposure to Loss [2]
CDOs [3]
$
5

$
5

$
—

 
$
5

$
5

$
—

Investment funds [4]
198

—

201

 
238

—

243

Limited partnerships and other alternative investments
2

—

2

 
3

1

2

Total
$
205

$
5

$
203

 
$
246

$
6

$
245

[1]
Included in other liabilities in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[2]
The maximum exposure to loss represents the maximum loss amount that the Company could recognize as a reduction in net investment income or as a realized capital loss and is the cost basis of the Company’s investment.
[3]
Total assets included in cash in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[4]
Total assets included in fixed maturities, FVO, short-term investments, equity, AFS, and cash in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
CDOs represent structured investment vehicles for which the Company has a controlling financial interest as it provides collateral management services, earns a fee for those services and also holds investments in the securities issued by these vehicles. Investment funds represent wholly-owned fixed income funds for which the Company has management and control of the investments which is the activity that most significantly impacts its economic performance. Limited partnerships represent one hedge fund of funds for which the Company holds a majority interest in the fund as an investment.

40
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)

Non-Consolidated VIEs
The Company holds a significant variable interest for one VIE for which it is not the primary beneficiary and, therefore, was not consolidated on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. This VIE represents a contingent capital facility ("facility") that has been held by the Company since February 2007 and for which the Company has no implied or unfunded commitments. Assets and liabilities recorded for the contingent capital facility were $8 and $8, respectively, as of September 30, 2015, and $12 and $14, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. Additionally, the Company has a maximum exposure to loss of $3 and $3, respectively, as of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, which represents the issuance costs that were incurred to establish the facility. The Company does not have a controlling financial interest as it does not manage the assets of the facility nor does it have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the facility, as the asset manager has significant variable interest in the vehicle. The Company’s financial or other support provided to the facility is limited to providing ongoing support to cover the facility’s operating expenses. For further information on the facility, see Note 12 - Debt of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in The Hartford’s 2014 Form 10-K Annual Report.
In addition, the Company, through normal investment activities, makes passive investments in structured securities issued by VIEs for which the Company is not the manager which are included in ABS, CDOs, CMBS and RMBS in the Available-for-Sale Securities table and fixed maturities, FVO, in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company has not provided financial or other support with respect to these investments other than its original investment. For these investments, the Company determined it is not the primary beneficiary due to the relative size of the Company’s investment in comparison to the principal amount of the structured securities issued by the VIEs, the level of credit subordination which reduces the Company’s obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits and the Company’s inability to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIEs. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss on these investments is limited to the amount of the Company’s investment.
Repurchase Agreements, Dollar Roll Transactions and Other Collateral Transactions
From time to time, the Company enters into repurchase agreements and dollar roll transactions to manage liquidity or to earn incremental spread income. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which one party (transferor) agrees to sell securities to another party (transferee) in return for cash (or securities), with a simultaneous agreement to repurchase the same securities at a specified price at a later date. A dollar roll is a type of repurchase agreement where a mortgage backed security is sold with an agreement to repurchase substantially the same security at a specified time in the future. These transactions generally have a contractual maturity of ninety days or less and the carrying amounts of these instruments approximates fair value.
As part of repurchase agreements and dollar roll transactions, the Company transfers collateral of U.S. government and government agency securities and receives cash. For the repurchase agreements, the Company obtains cash in an amount equal to at least 95% of the fair value of the securities transferred. The agreements contain contractual provisions that require additional collateral to be transferred when necessary and provide the counterparty the right to sell or re-pledge the securities transferred. The cash received from the repurchase program is typically invested in short-term investments or fixed maturities. Repurchase agreements include master netting provisions that provide the counterparties the right to offset claims and apply securities held by them with respect to their obligations in the event of a default. Although the Company has the contractual right to offset claims, fixed maturities do not meet the specific conditions for net presentation under U.S. GAAP. The Company accounts for the repurchase agreements and dollar roll transactions as collateralized borrowings. The securities transferred under repurchase agreements and dollar roll transactions are included in fixed maturities, AFS with the obligation to repurchase those securities recorded in other liabilities on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
As of September 30, 2015, the Company reported in fixed maturities, AFS and cash on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets financial collateral pledged relating to repurchase agreements of $315. The Company reported a corresponding obligation to repurchase the pledged securities of $315 in other liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company had no outstanding dollar roll transactions as of September 30, 2015. The Company had no outstanding repurchase agreements or dollar roll transactions as of December 31, 2014.
The Company is required by law to deposit securities with government agencies in certain states in which it conducts business. As of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the fair value of securities on deposit was approximately $2.7 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively.
As of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the Company has pledged as collateral $35 and $34, respectively, of U.S. government securities and government agency securities or cash for letters of credit.
For disclosure of collateral in support of derivative transactions, refer to the Derivative Collateral Arrangements section of this note.

41
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)

Derivative Instruments
The Company utilizes a variety of OTC, OTC-cleared and exchange traded derivative instruments as a part of its overall risk management strategy as well as to enter into replication transactions. Derivative instruments are used to manage risk associated with interest rate, equity market, commodity market, credit spread, issuer default, price, and currency exchange rate risk or volatility. Replication transactions are used as an economical means to synthetically replicate the characteristics and performance of assets that would be permissible investments under the Company’s investment policies. The Company also may enter into and has previously issued financial instruments and products that either are accounted for as free-standing derivatives, such as certain reinsurance contracts, or may contain features that are deemed to be embedded derivative instruments, such as the GMWB rider included with certain variable annuity products.
Strategies That Qualify for Hedge Accounting
Certain derivatives that the Company enters into satisfy the hedge accounting requirements as outlined in Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in The Hartford’s 2014 Form 10-K Annual Report. Typically, these hedge relationships include interest rate swaps and, to a lesser extent, foreign currency swaps where the terms or expected cash flows of the hedged item closely match the terms of the swap. The swaps are typically used to manage interest rate duration of certain fixed maturity securities or liability contracts. The hedge strategies by hedge accounting designation include:
Cash Flow Hedges
Interest rate swaps are predominantly used to manage portfolio duration and better match cash receipts from assets with cash disbursements required to fund liabilities. These derivatives primarily convert interest receipts on floating-rate fixed maturity securities to fixed rates. The Company also enters into forward starting swap agreements to hedge the interest rate exposure related to the purchase of fixed-rate securities, primarily to hedge interest rate risk inherent in the assumptions used to price certain liabilities.
Foreign currency swaps are used to convert foreign currency-denominated cash flows related to certain investment receipts and liability payments to U.S. dollars in order to reduce cash flow fluctuations due to changes in currency rates.
Fair Value Hedges
Interest rate swaps are used to hedge the changes in fair value of fixed maturity securities due to fluctuations in interest rates. These swaps are typically used to manage interest rate duration.
Non-Qualifying Strategies
Derivative relationships that do not qualify for hedge accounting (“non-qualifying strategies”) primarily include the hedge program for the Company's variable annuity products as well as the hedging and replication strategies that utilize credit default swaps. In addition, hedges of interest rate, foreign currency, and commodity risk of certain fixed maturities and liabilities do not qualify for hedge accounting.
The non-qualifying strategies include:
Interest Rate Swaps, Swaptions and Futures
The Company uses interest rate swaps, swaptions and futures to manage duration between assets and liabilities in certain investment portfolios. In addition, the Company enters into interest rate swaps to terminate existing swaps, thereby offsetting the changes in value of the original swap. As of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the notional amount of interest rate swaps in offsetting relationships was $13.0 billion and 13.1 billion, respectively.
Foreign Currency Swaps and Forwards
The Company enters into foreign currency swaps and forwards to convert the foreign currency exposures of certain foreign currency-denominated fixed maturity investments to U.S. dollars.
Fixed Payout Annuity Hedge
The Company formerly offered certain variable annuity products with a guaranteed minimum income benefit ("GMIB") and continues to reinsure certain yen denominated fixed payout annuities. The Company invests in U.S. dollar denominated assets to support the reinsurance liability. The Company entered into pay U.S. dollar, receive yen swap contracts to hedge the currency and yen interest rate exposure between the U.S. dollar denominated assets and the yen denominated fixed liability reinsurance payments.

42
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)

Credit Contracts
Credit default swaps are used to purchase credit protection on an individual entity or referenced index to economically hedge against default risk and credit-related changes in value on fixed maturity securities. Credit default swaps are also used to assume credit risk related to an individual entity or referenced index as a part of replication transactions. These contracts require the Company to pay or receive a periodic fee in exchange for compensation from the counterparty should the referenced security issuers experience a credit event, as defined in the contract. The Company is also exposed to credit risk related to certain structured fixed maturity securities that have embedded credit derivatives, which reference a standard index of corporate securities. In addition, the Company enters into credit default swaps to terminate existing credit default swaps, thereby offsetting the changes in value of the original swap going forward.
Equity Index Swaps and Options
During 2014, the Company entered into total return swaps to hedge equity risk of specific common stock investments which are accounted for using fair value option in order to align the accounting treatment within net realized capital gains (losses). The Company may also use equity index options to hedge the impact of an adverse equity market environment on the investment portfolio. In addition, the Company formerly offered certain equity indexed products, a portion of which contain embedded derivatives that require bifurcation. The Company uses equity index swaps to economically hedge the equity volatility risk associated with the equity indexed products.
Commodity Contracts
During 2015, the Company purchased for $11 put option contracts on West Texas Intermediate oil futures with a strike of $35 dollars per barrel in order to partially offset potential losses related to certain fixed maturity securities that could arise if oil prices decline substantially. These options expire in early 2016.
GMWB Derivatives, Net
The Company formerly offered certain variable annuity products with GMWB riders. The GMWB product is a bifurcated embedded derivative (“GMWB product derivatives”) that has a notional value equal to the GRB. The Company uses reinsurance contracts to transfer a portion of its risk of loss due to GMWB. The reinsurance contracts covering GMWB (“GMWB reinsurance contracts”) are accounted for as free-standing derivatives with a notional amount equal to the GRB amount.
The Company utilizes derivatives (“GMWB hedging instruments”) as part of an actively managed program designed to hedge a portion of the capital market risk exposures of the non-reinsured GMWB riders due to changes in interest rates, equity market levels, and equity volatility. These derivatives include customized swaps, interest rate swaps and futures, and equity swaps, options and futures, on certain indices including the S&P 500 index, EAFE index and NASDAQ index. The following table presents notional and fair value for GMWB hedging instruments.
 
Notional Amount
 
Fair Value
 
September 30,
2015
December 31, 2014
 
September 30,
2015
December 31, 2014
Customized swaps
$
5,851

$
7,041

 
$
155

$
124

Equity swaps, options, and futures
1,663

3,761

 
25

39

Interest rate swaps and futures
3,625

3,640

 
27

11

Total
$
11,139

$
14,442

 
$
207

$
174

Macro Hedge Program
The Company utilizes equity options, swaps, futures, and foreign currency options to partially hedge against a decline in the equity markets and the resulting statutory surplus and capital impact primarily arising from the guaranteed minimum death benefit ("GMDB") and GMWB obligations. The following table presents notional and fair value for the macro hedge program.
 
Notional Amount
 
Fair Value
 
September 30,
2015
December 31, 2014
 
September 30,
2015
December 31, 2014
Equity swaps, options, and futures
$
4,272

$
5,983

 
$
183

$
141

Foreign currency options
—

400

 
—

—

Total
$
4,272

$
6,383

 
$
183

$
141


43
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)

Contingent Capital Facility Put Option
The Company entered into a put option agreement that provides the Company the right to require a third-party trust to purchase, at any time, The Hartford’s junior subordinated notes in a maximum aggregate principal amount of $500. Under the put option agreement, The Hartford will pay premiums on a periodic basis and will reimburse the trust for certain fees and ordinary expenses.
Modified Coinsurance Reinsurance Contracts
As of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the Company had approximately $918 and $1.0 billion, respectively, of invested assets supporting other policyholder funds and benefits payable reinsured under a modified coinsurance arrangement in connection with the sale of the Individual Life business, which was structured as a reinsurance transaction. The assets are primarily held in a trust established by the Company. The Company pays or receives cash quarterly to settle the results of the reinsured business, including the investment results. As a result of this modified coinsurance arrangement, the Company has an embedded derivative that transfers to the reinsurer certain unrealized changes in fair value due to interest rate and credit risks of these assets. The notional amount of the embedded derivative reinsurance contracts are the invested assets that are carried at fair value supporting the reinsured reserves.
Derivative Balance Sheet Classification
The following table summarizes the balance sheet classification of the Company’s derivative related net fair value amounts as well as the gross asset and liability fair value amounts. For reporting purposes, the Company has elected to offset the fair value amounts, income accruals, and related cash collateral receivables and payables of OTC derivative instruments executed in a legal entity and with the same counterparty under a master netting agreement, which provides the Company with the legal right of offset. The Company has also elected to offset the fair value amounts, income accruals and related cash collateral receivables and payables of OTC-cleared derivative instruments based on clearing house agreements. The following fair value amounts do not include income accruals or related cash collateral receivables and payables, which are netted with derivative fair value amounts to determine balance sheet presentation. Derivative fair value reported as liabilities after taking into account the master netting agreements was $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, as of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014. Derivatives in the Company’s separate accounts, where the associated gains and losses accrue directly to policyholders, are not included. The Company’s derivative instruments are held for risk management purposes, unless otherwise noted in the following table. The notional amount of derivative contracts represents the basis upon which pay or receive amounts are calculated and is presented in the table to quantify the volume of the Company’s derivative activity. Notional amounts are not necessarily reflective of credit risk. The following tables exclude investments that contain an embedded credit derivative for which the Company has elected the fair value option. For further discussion, see the Fair Value Option section in Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

44
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)

 
Net Derivatives
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
Notional Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
Hedge Designation/ Derivative Type
Sep. 30, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
 
Sep. 30, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
 
Sep. 30, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
 
Sep. 30, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
3,974

$
3,999

 
$
88

$
44

 
$
89

$
52

 
$
(1
)
$
(8
)
Foreign currency swaps
143

143

 
(20
)
(19
)
 
6

3

 
(26
)
(22
)
Total cash flow hedges
4,117

4,142

 
68

25

 
95

55

 
(27
)
(30
)
Fair value hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
43

32

 
—

—

 
—

—

 
—

—

Total fair value hedges
43

32

 
—

—

 
—

—

 
—

—

Non-qualifying strategies
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps and futures
14,442

15,254

 
(657
)
(512
)
 
492

536

 
(1,149
)
(1,048
)
Foreign exchange contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency swaps and forwards
305

177

 
11

1

 
11

3

 
—

(2
)
Fixed payout annuity hedge
1,319

1,319

 
(450
)
(427
)
 
—

—

 
(450
)
(427
)
Credit contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit derivatives that purchase credit protection
304

595

 
11

(6
)
 
14

4

 
(3
)
(10
)
Credit derivatives that assume credit risk [1]
2,645

1,487

 
(28
)
3

 
5

14

 
(33
)
(11
)
Credit derivatives in offsetting positions
4,127

5,343

 
(2
)
(3
)
 
39

53

 
(41
)
(56
)
Equity contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity index swaps and options
124

635

 
(1
)
2

 
20

31

 
(21
)
(29
)
Commodity contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity options
486

—

 
7

—

 
7

—

 
—

—

Variable annuity hedge program
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GMWB product derivatives [2]
15,730

17,908

 
(270
)
(139
)
 
—

—

 
(270
)
(139
)
GMWB reinsurance contracts
3,233

3,659

 
73

56

 
73

56

 
—

—

GMWB hedging instruments
11,139

14,442

 
207

174

 
331

289

 
(124
)
(115
)
Macro hedge program
4,272

6,383

 
183

141

 
224

180

 
(41
)
(39
)
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent capital facility put option
500

500

 
8

12

 
8

12

 
—

—

Modified coinsurance reinsurance contracts
918

974

 
62

34

 
62

34

 
—

—

Total non-qualifying strategies
59,544

68,676

 
(846
)
(664
)
 
1,286

1,212

 
(2,132
)
(1,876
)
Total cash flow hedges, fair value hedges, and non-qualifying strategies
$
63,704

$
72,850

 
$
(778
)
$
(639
)
 
$
1,381

$
1,267

 
$
(2,159
)
$
(1,906
)
Balance Sheet Location
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale
$
447

$
454

 
$
(3
)
$
2

 
$
—

$
2

 
$
(3
)
$
—

Other investments
11,123

23,014

 
304

364

 
363

624

 
(59
)
(260
)
Other liabilities
32,203

26,791

 
(923
)
(930
)
 
883

551

 
(1,806
)
(1,481
)
Reinsurance recoverables
4,151

4,633

 
135

90

 
135

90

 
—

—

Other policyholder funds and benefits payable
15,780

17,958

 
(291
)
(165
)
 
—

—

 
(291
)
(165
)
Total derivatives
$
63,704

$
72,850

 
$
(778
)
$
(639
)
 
$
1,381

$
1,267

 
$
(2,159
)
$
(1,906
)
[1]
The derivative instruments related to this strategy are held for other investment purposes.
[2]
These derivatives are embedded within liabilities and are not held for risk management purposes.

45
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)

Change in Notional Amount
The net decrease in notional amount of derivatives since December 31, 2014, was primarily due to the following:
•
The decline in notional amount related to the GMWB hedging instruments and the macro hedge program was primarily driven by portfolio re-positioning, a decline in equity markets, and the expiration of certain options. The decline in the GMWB product related notional amount was primarily driven by policyholder lapses and partial withdrawals.
•
This decline was partially offset by an increase in notional amount related to credit derivatives that assume credit risk as a means to earn credit spread while re-balancing within certain fixed maturity sectors.
Change in Fair Value
The net decline in the total fair value of derivative instruments since December 31, 2014, was primarily related to the following:
•
The decrease in fair value of non-qualifying interest rate derivatives was primarily due to the termination of offsetting swaps that were in a net gain position and a decline in interest rates.
•
The decrease in fair value related to the combined GMWB hedging program, which includes the GMWB product, reinsurance, and hedging derivatives, was primarily driven by underperformance of the underlying actively managed funds compared to their respective indices and unfavorable policyholder behavior.
•
The decrease in fair value associated with the fixed payout annuity hedges was primarily driven by a decline in U.S. interest rates.
•
The increase in the fair value related to the macro hedge program was primarily driven by a decline in the equity markets, increased equity volatility, and a decline in interest rates, partially offset by time decay on options.
•
The increase in the fair value associated with modified coinsurance reinsurance contracts, which are accounted for as embedded derivatives and transfer to the reinsurer the investment experience related to the assets supporting the reinsured policies, was primarily driven by widening credit spreads, partially offset by a decline in long-term interest rates.
Offsetting of Derivative Assets/Liabilities
The following tables present the gross fair value amounts, the amounts offset, and net position of derivative instruments eligible for offset in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amounts offset include fair value amounts, income accruals and related cash collateral receivables and payables associated with derivative instruments that are traded under a common master netting agreement, as described in the preceding discussion. Also included in the tables are financial collateral receivables and payables, which are contractually permitted to be offset upon an event of default, although are disallowed for offsetting under U.S. GAAP.
As of September 30, 2015
 
(i)
 
(ii)
 
(iii) = (i) - (ii)
(iv)
 
(v) = (iii) - (iv)
 
 
 
 
 
Net Amounts Presented in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Collateral Disallowed for Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
 
 
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets
 
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Derivative Assets [1]
 
Accrued Interest and Cash Collateral Received [2]
 
Financial Collateral Received [4]
 
Net Amount
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other investments
$
1,246

 
$
1,036

 
$
304

 
$
(94
)
 
$
125

 
$
85

 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities
 
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Derivative Liabilities [3]
 
Accrued Interest and Cash Collateral Pledged [3]
 
Financial Collateral Pledged [4]
 
Net Amount
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
$
(1,865
)
 
$
(892
)
 
$
(923
)
 
$
(50
)
 
$
(949
)
 
$
(24
)

46
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)

As of December 31, 2014
 
(i)
 
(ii)
 
(iii) = (i) - (ii)
(iv)
 
(v) = (iii) - (iv)
 
 
 
 
 
Net Amounts Presented in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Collateral Disallowed for Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
 
 
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets
 
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Derivative Assets [1]
 
Accrued Interest and Cash Collateral Received [2]
 
Financial Collateral Received [4]
 
Net Amount
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other investments
$
1,175

 
$
969

 
$
364

 
$
(158
)
 
$
109

 
$
97

 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities
 
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Derivative Liabilities [3]
 
Accrued Interest and Cash Collateral Pledged [3]
 
Financial Collateral Pledged [4]
 
Net Amount
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
$
(1,741
)
 
$
(799
)
 
$
(927
)
 
$
(15
)
 
$
(1,079
)
 
$
137

[1]
Included in other invested assets in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[2]
Included in other assets in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and amount presented is limited to the net derivative receivable associated with each counterparty.
[3]
Included in other liabilities in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and amount presented is limited to the net derivative payable associated with each counterparty.
[4]
Excludes collateral associated with exchange-traded derivative instruments.
Cash Flow Hedges
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of OCI and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in current period earnings. All components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
The following tables present the components of the gain or loss on derivatives that qualify as cash flow hedges:
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)
 
Net Realized Capital Gains(Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
2014
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
2015
2014
Interest rate swaps
$
91

$
(19
)
$
76

$
82

 
$
—

$
4

$
—

$
3

Foreign currency swaps
—

(2
)
(1
)
(5
)
 
—

—

—

—

Total
$
91

$
(21
)
$
75

$
77

 
$
—

$
4

$
—

$
3


47
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)

 
 
Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Location
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
Interest rate swaps
Net realized capital gains (losses)
$
1

$
(4
)
 
$
4

$
(2
)
Interest rate swaps
Net investment income
15

22

 
47

67

Foreign currency swaps
Net realized capital gains (losses)
—

(9
)
 
(7
)
(9
)
Total
 
$
16

$
9

 
$
44

$
56

As of September 30, 2015, the before-tax deferred net gains on derivative instruments recorded in AOCI that are expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months are $51. This expectation is based on the anticipated interest payments on hedged investments in fixed maturity securities that will occur over the next twelve months, at which time the Company will recognize the deferred net gains (losses) as an adjustment to net investment income over the term of the investment cash flows. The maximum term over which the Company is hedging its exposure to the variability of future cash flows for forecasted transactions, excluding interest payments on existing variable-rate financial instruments, is approximately three years.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, and September 30, 2014, the Company had no net reclassifications from AOCI to earnings resulting from the discontinuance of cash-flow hedges due to forecasted transactions that were no longer probable of occurring.
Fair Value Hedges
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in current period earnings. The Company includes the gain or loss on the derivative in the same line item as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item. All components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
The Company recognized in income gains (losses) representing the ineffective portion of fair value hedges as follows:
Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships
 
 
Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income [1]
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
Location
Derivative
Hedge Item
 
Derivative
Hedge Item
 
Derivative
Hedge Item
 
Derivative
Hedge Item
Interest rate swaps
Net realized capital gain (loss)
$
—

$
—

 
$
2

$
(2
)
 
$
—

$
—

 
$
—

$
(1
)
[1]
The amounts presented do not include the periodic net coupon settlements of the derivative or the coupon income (expense) related to the hedged item. The net of the amounts presented represents the ineffective portion of the hedge.

48
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)

Non-Qualifying Strategies
For non-qualifying strategies, including embedded derivatives that are required to be bifurcated from their host contracts and accounted for as derivatives, the gain or loss on the derivative is recognized currently in earnings within net realized capital gains (losses). The following table presents the gain or loss recognized in income on non-qualifying strategies:
Derivatives Used in Non-Qualifying Strategies
Gain or (Loss) Recognized within Net Realized Capital Gains and Losses
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
Interest rate contracts
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
(11
)
$
(8
)
 
$
(16
)
$
(153
)
Foreign exchange contracts
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency swaps and forwards
3

6

 
11

2

Fixed payout annuity hedge [1]
8

(86
)
 
(23
)
(58
)
Credit contracts
 
 
 
 
 
Credit derivatives that purchase credit protection
7

1

 
5

(9
)
Credit derivatives that assume credit risk
(23
)
(11
)
 
(25
)
8

Equity contracts
 
 
 
 
 
Equity index swaps and options
1

—

 
4

(1
)
Commodity contracts
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity options
2

—

 
(8
)
—

Variable annuity hedge program
 
 
 
 
 
GMWB product derivatives
(150
)
(37
)
 
(91
)
54

GMWB reinsurance contracts
24

2

 
15

(9
)
GMWB hedging instruments
94

41

 
41

(30
)
Macro hedge program
51

12

 
24

(13
)
Other
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent capital facility put option
(2
)
(2
)
 
(5
)
(5
)
Modified coinsurance reinsurance contracts
2

9

 
28

(26
)
Derivative instruments formerly associated with Japan [2]
—

(2
)
 
—

(2
)
Total [3]
$
6

$
(75
)
 
$
(40
)
$
(242
)
[1]
Not included in this amount is the associated liability adjustment for changes in foreign exchange spot rates through realized capital gains of $(17) and $83 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $(1) and $38 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
[2]
These amounts relate to the termination of the hedging program associated with the Japan variable annuity product due to the sale of HLIKK.
[3]
Excludes investments that contain an embedded credit derivative for which the Company has elected the fair value option. For further discussion, see the Fair Value Option section in Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the net realized capital gain (loss) related to derivatives used in non-qualifying strategies was primarily comprised of the following:
•
The net losses related to interest rate swaps was driven by a decline in interest rates.
•
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the net loss related to the fixed payout annuity hedge was primarily driven by a decline in U.S. interest rates.
•
The net losses related to credit derivatives were primarily driven by widening credit spreads.
•
The net losses related to the combined GMWB hedging program which includes the GMWB product, reinsurance, and hedging derivatives, were primarily driven by underperformance of the underlying actively managed funds compared to their respective indices and unfavorable policyholder behavior.

49
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)

•
For the three months ended September 30, 2015, the gain on the macro hedge program was primarily driven by a decline in the equity markets. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the gain on the macro hedge program was primarily driven by a decline in the equity markets, increased equity volatility, and a decline in interest rates, partially offset by a loss driven by time decay on options.
•
The gains associated with modified coinsurance reinsurance contracts, which are accounted for as embedded derivatives and transfer to the reinsurer the investment experience related to the assets supporting the reinsured policies, were primarily driven by widening credit spreads, partially offset by a decline in long-term interest rates. The assets remain on the Company's books and the Company recorded offsetting losses in OCI as a result of the decrease in market value of the bonds.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the net realized capital gain (loss) related to derivatives used in non-qualifying strategies was primarily comprised of the following:
•
The net losses related to interest derivatives, primarily used to manage duration, were due to a decline in U.S. interest rates.
•
The net gain related to the fixed payout annuity hedge was driven by a depreciation of the Japanese yen in relation to the U.S. dollar.
•
The net gains related to the combined GMWB hedging program, which includes the GMWB product, reinsurance, and hedging derivatives, were primarily driven by liability assumption updates and increased volatility, partially offset by early surrender valuation.
•
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the loss associated with modified coinsurance reinsurance contracts, which are accounted for as embedded derivatives and transfer to the reinsurer the investment experience related to the assets supporting the reinsured policies, was primarily driven by a decline in long-term interest rates during the period. The assets remain on the Company's books and the Company recorded an offsetting gain in OCI as a result of the increase in market value of the bonds.
In addition, the Company recognized no gains for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, and gains of $2 and $11, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, due to cash recovered on derivative receivables that were previously written-off related to the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers Inc. The derivative receivables were the result of the contractual collateral threshold amounts and open collateral calls prior to the bankruptcy filing as well as interest rate and credit spread movements from the date of the last collateral call to the date of the bankruptcy filing.
For additional disclosures regarding contingent credit related features in derivative agreements, see Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Credit Risk Assumed through Credit Derivatives
The Company enters into credit default swaps that assume credit risk of a single entity or referenced index in order to synthetically replicate investment transactions that would be permissible investments under the Company's investment policies. The Company will receive periodic payments based on an agreed upon rate and notional amount and will only make a payment if there is a credit event. A credit event payment will typically be equal to the notional value of the swap contract less the value of the referenced security issuer’s debt obligation after the occurrence of the credit event. A credit event is generally defined as a default on contractually obligated interest or principal payments or bankruptcy of the referenced entity. The credit default swaps in which the Company assumes credit risk primarily reference investment grade single corporate issuers and baskets, which include standard diversified portfolios of corporate and CMBS issuers. The diversified portfolios of corporate issuers are established within sector concentration limits and may be divided into tranches that possess different credit ratings.
The following tables present the notional amount, fair value, weighted average years to maturity, underlying referenced credit obligation type and average credit ratings, and offsetting notional amounts and fair value for credit derivatives in which the Company is assuming credit risk as of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014.

50
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)

As of September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
Underlying Referenced Credit
Obligation(s) [1]
 
 
Credit Derivative Type by Derivative Risk Exposure
Notional
Amount
[2]
Fair
Value
Weighted
Average
Years to
Maturity
Type
Average
Credit
Rating
Offsetting
Notional
Amount [3]
Offsetting
Fair
Value [3]
Single name credit default swaps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade risk exposure
$
226

$
(1
)
2 years
Corporate Credit/
Foreign Gov.
BBB
$
226

$
—

Below investment grade risk exposure
25

—

1 year
Corporate Credit
BB+
25

—

Basket credit default swaps [4]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade risk exposure
2,985

19

4 years
Corporate Credit
BBB+
1,414

(14
)
Investment grade risk exposure
970

(32
)
6 years
CMBS Credit
AA+
246

1

Below investment grade risk exposure
153

(23
)
1 year
CMBS Credit
CCC
153

23

Embedded credit derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade risk exposure
350

346

2 years
Corporate Credit
A+
—

—

Total [5]
$
4,709

$
309

 
 
 
$
2,064

$
10

As of December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
Underlying Referenced
Credit Obligation(s) [1]
 
 
Credit Derivative Type by Derivative Risk Exposure
Notional
Amount [2]
Fair
Value
Weighted
Average
Years to
Maturity
Type
Average
Credit
Rating
Offsetting
Notional
Amount [3]
Offsetting
Fair
Value [3]
Single name credit default swaps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade risk exposure
$
320

$
5

2 years
Corporate Credit/
Foreign Gov.
BBB+
$
247

$
(5
)
Below investment grade risk exposure
29

—

2 years
Corporate Credit
BB
29

(1
)
Basket credit default swaps [4]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade risk exposure
2,546

33

3 years
Corporate Credit
BBB
1,973

(25
)
Below investment grade risk exposure
38

(1
)
12 years
Corporate Credit
D
—

—

Investment grade risk exposure
722

(12
)
6 years
CMBS Credit
AA+
269

3

Below investment grade risk exposure
154

(22
)
2 years
CMBS Credit
CCC+
154

23

Embedded credit derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade risk exposure
350

342

2 years
Corporate Credit
A
—

—

Total [5]
$
4,159

$
345

 
 
 
$
2,672

$
(5
)
[1]
The average credit ratings are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P, Fitch, and Morningstar. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used.
[2]
Notional amount is equal to the maximum potential future loss amount. These derivatives are governed by agreements, clearing house rules and applicable law which include collateral posting requirements. There is no additional specific collateral related to these contracts or recourse provisions included in the contracts to offset losses.
[3]
The Company has entered into offsetting credit default swaps to terminate certain existing credit default swaps, thereby offsetting the future changes in value of, or losses paid related to, the original swap.
[4]
Includes $4.1 billion and $3.5 billion as of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively, of standard market indices of diversified portfolios of corporate and CMBS issuers referenced through credit default swaps. These swaps are subsequently valued based upon the observable standard market index.
[5]
Excludes investments that contain an embedded credit derivative for which the Company has elected the fair value option. For further discussion, see the Fair Value Option section in Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements.

51
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)

Derivative Collateral Arrangements
The Company enters into various collateral arrangements in connection with its derivative instruments, which require both the pledging and accepting of collateral. As of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the Company pledged cash collateral associated with derivative instruments with a fair value of $298 and $120 as of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively, for which the collateral receivable has been primarily included within other assets on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company also pledged securities collateral associated with derivative instruments with a fair value of $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, which have been included in fixed maturities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The counterparties have the right to sell or re-pledge these securities.
As of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the Company accepted cash collateral associated with derivative instruments of $433 and $327, respectively, which was invested and recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in fixed maturities and short-term investments with corresponding amounts recorded in other liabilities. The Company also accepted securities collateral as of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, with a fair value of $122 and $109, respectively, of which the Company has the ability to sell or repledge $131 and $97, respectively. As of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the Company had no repledged securities and the Company did not sell any securities. In addition, as of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, non-cash collateral accepted was held in separate custodial accounts and was not included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

52
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
6. Separate Accounts, Death Benefits and Other Insurance Benefit Features

U.S. GMDB/GMWB, International GMDB/GMIB, and Universal Life Secondary Guarantee Benefits
Changes in the gross U.S. GMDB/GMWB, International GMDB/GMIB, and universal life secondary guarantee benefits are as follows:
 
U.S. GMDB/GMWB [1]
Universal Life Secondary Guarantees
Liability balance as of January 1, 2015
$
812

$
2,041

Incurred
119

213

Paid
(83
)
—

Unlock
(43
)
(10
)
Liability balance as of September 30, 2015
$
805

$
2,244

Reinsurance recoverable asset, as of January 1, 2015
$
481

$
2,041

Incurred
72

203

Paid
(66
)
—

Unlock
17

—

Reinsurance recoverable asset, as of September 30, 2015
$
504

$
2,244

 
U.S. GMDB/GMWB [1]
International GMDB/GMIB
Universal Life Secondary Guarantees
Liability balance as of January 1, 2014
$
849

$
272

$
1,802

Incurred
136

28

174

Paid
(85
)
(15
)
—

Unlock
(90
)
(41
)
5

Impact of Japan business disposition
—

(254
)
—

Currency translation adjustment
—

10

—

Liability balance as of September 30, 2014
$
810

$
—

$
1,981

Reinsurance recoverable asset, as of January 1, 2014
$
533

$
23

$
1,802

Incurred
78

4

179

Paid
(66
)
(4
)
—

Unlock
(62
)
3

—

Impact of Japan business disposition
—

(27
)
—

Currency translation adjustment
—

1

—

Reinsurance recoverable asset, as of September 30, 2014
$
483

$
—

$
1,981

[1]
These liability balances include all GMDB benefits, plus the life-contingent portion of GMWB benefits in excess of the return of the GRB. GMWB benefits up to the return of the GRB are embedded derivatives held at fair value and are excluded from these balances.

53
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
6. Separate Accounts, Death Benefits and Other Insurance Benefit Features (continued)

The following table provides details concerning GMDB/GMWB exposure as of September 30, 2015:
Account Value by GMDB/GMWB Type
Maximum anniversary value (“MAV”) [1]
Account Value (“AV”) [8]
Net Amount at Risk (“NAR”) [9]
Retained Net Amount at Risk (“RNAR”) [9]
Weighted Average Attained Age of Annuitant
MAV only
$
14,474

$
3,162

$
613

70
With 5% rollup [2]
1,256

260

92

70
With Earnings Protection Benefit Rider (“EPB”) [3]
3,714

502

78

69
With 5% rollup & EPB
485

108

24

72
Total MAV
19,929

4,032

807

 
Asset Protection Benefit (“APB”) [4]
11,879

838

556

69
Lifetime Income Benefit (“LIB”) — Death Benefit [5]
520

13

13

68
Reset [6] (5-7 years)
2,568

65

65

70
Return of Premium (“ROP”) [7]/Other
9,568

79

72

68
Subtotal Variable Annuity with GMDB/GMWB [10]
44,464

5,027

1,513

69
Less: General Account Value with GMDB/GMWB
3,870

 
 
 
Subtotal Separate Account Liabilities with GMDB
40,594

 
 
 
Separate Account Liabilities without GMDB
81,040

 
 
 
Total Separate Account Liabilities
$
121,634

 
 
 
[1]
MAV GMDB is the greatest of current AV, net premiums paid and the highest AV on any anniversary before age 80 years (adjusted for withdrawals).
[2]
Rollup GMDB is the greatest of the MAV, current AV, net premium paid and premiums (adjusted for withdrawals) accumulated at generally 5% simple interest up to the earlier of age 80 years or 100% of adjusted premiums.
[3]
EPB GMDB is the greatest of the MAV, current AV, or contract value plus a percentage of the contract’s growth. The contract’s growth is AV less premiums net of withdrawals, subject to a cap of 200% of premiums net of withdrawals.
[4]
APB GMDB is the greater of current AV or MAV, not to exceed current AV plus 25% times the greater of net premiums and MAV (each adjusted for premiums in the past 12 months).
[5]
LIB GMDB is the greatest of current AV; net premiums paid; or, for certain contracts, a benefit amount generally based on market performance that ratchets over time.
[6]
Reset GMDB is the greatest of current AV, net premiums paid and the most recent five to seven year anniversary AV before age 80 years (adjusted for withdrawals).
[7]
ROP GMDB is the greater of current AV or net premiums paid.
[8]
AV includes the contract holder’s investment in the separate account and the general account.
[9]
NAR is defined as the guaranteed benefit in excess of the current AV. RNAR represents NAR reduced for reinsurance. NAR and RNAR are highly sensitive to equity markets movements and increase when equity markets decline.
[10]
Some variable annuity contracts with GMDB also have a life-contingent GMWB that may provide for benefits in excess of the return of the GRB. Such contracts included in this amount have $7.1 billion of total account value and weighted average attained age of 71 years. There is no NAR or retained NAR related to these contracts.
In the U.S., account balances of contracts with guarantees were invested in variable separate accounts as follows:
Asset type
As of September 30, 2015
As of December 31, 2014
Equity securities (including mutual funds)
$
36,934

$
44,786

Cash and cash equivalents
3,660

4,066

Total
$
40,594

$
48,852

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, approximately 18% and 17% of the equity securities (including mutual funds), in the preceding table were funds invested in fixed income securities and approximately 82% and 83% were funds invested in equity securities.
For further information on guaranteed living benefits that are accounted for at fair value, such as GMWB, see Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

54
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
7. Debt

On May 27, 2015 the Company redeemed for cash the entire $296 aggregate principal amount outstanding of 4.0% senior notes due October 15, 2017 for $317 including a make-whole premium. The Company financed the redemption of the senior notes with cash on hand.
8. Income Taxes
A reconciliation of the tax provision at the U.S. federal statutory rate to the provision (benefit) for income taxes is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
Tax provision at U.S. federal statutory rate
$
133

$
173

 
$
516

$
439

Tax-exempt interest
(33
)
(35
)
 
(100
)
(104
)
Dividends-received deduction ("DRD")
(36
)
(32
)
 
(131
)
(85
)
Valuation allowance
(60
)
1

 
(57
)
4

Other
3

1

 
(6
)
(3
)
Provision for income taxes
$
7

$
108

 
$
222

$
251

The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 reflects a $36 net reduction in the provision for income taxes related to uncertain tax positions consisting of a $48 reduction in the provision in second quarter 2015 upon conclusion of the Internal Revenue Service audit of the Company's 2007-2011 federal consolidated corporate income tax returns, offset by a $12 increase in the provision for the three months ended September 30, 2015 due to the filing of the Company's 2014 federal consolidated income tax return.
The separate account DRD is estimated for the current year using information from the most recent return, adjusted for current year equity market performance and other appropriate factors, including estimated levels of corporate dividend payments and level of policy owner equity account balances. The actual current year DRD can vary from estimates based on, but not limited to, changes in eligible dividends received in the mutual funds, amounts of distribution from these mutual funds, amounts of short-term capital gains at the mutual fund level and the Company’s taxable income before the DRD. The Company evaluates its DRD computations on a quarterly basis.
For further discussion of the Company's effective tax rate, see the capital loss carryover section of this footnote.
The federal audit of the years 2012 and 2013 began in March 2015 and is expected to be completed in 2016. Management believes that adequate provision has been made in the financial statements for any potential adjustments that may result from tax examinations and other tax-related matters for all open tax years. The Company’s unrecognized tax benefits were $12 and $48 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
Net deferred income taxes include the future tax benefits associated with the net operating loss carryover, foreign tax credit carryover, capital loss carryover, and alternative minimum tax credit carryover as follows:
 
As of
 
 
September 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
Expiration
 
Carryover amount
Expected tax benefit, gross
Carryover amount
Expected tax benefit, gross
Dates
Amount
Net operating loss carryover
$
5,465

$
1,905

$
5,547

$
1,936

2016
-
2020
$
3

 
 
 
 
 
2023
-
2033
$
5,409

 
 
 
 
 
No expiration
$
53

Foreign tax credit carryover
$
160

$
160

$
178

$
178

2018
-
2024
$
160

Capital loss carryover
$
325

$
114

$
491

$
172

2019
$
318

 
 
 
 
 
2020
$
7

Alternative minimum tax credit carryover
$
639

$
639

$
652

$
652

No expiration
$
639


55
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
8. Income Taxes (continued)


Net Operating Loss Carryover
As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the net deferred tax asset included the expected tax benefit attributable to net operating losses of $5,465 and $5,547, respectively, consisting of U.S. losses of $5,412 and $5,508, respectively, and foreign losses of $53 and $39. If unutilized, the U.S. losses expire as follows: $3 from 2016-2020, $5,409 from 2023-2033. Utilization of these loss carryovers is dependent upon the generation of sufficient future taxable income. Due to limitations on the use of certain losses, a valuation allowance of $12 has been established as of September 30, 2015 and $9 as of December 31, 2014 in order to recognize only the portion of net operating losses that will more likely than not be realized.
Most of the net operating loss carryover originated from the Company's U.S. and international annuity business, including from the hedging program. Given the sale of the Japan subsidiary in 2014, and continued runoff of the U.S. fixed and variable annuity business, the exposure to taxable losses from the Talcott Resolution business is significantly lessened. Given the expected earnings of its property and casualty, group benefits and mutual fund businesses, the Company expects to generate sufficient taxable income in the future to utilize its net operating loss carryover net of the recorded valuation allowance. Although the Company projects there will be sufficient future taxable income to fully recover the remainder of the loss carryover, the Company's estimate of the likely realization may change over time.
Alternative Minimum Tax Credit and Foreign Tax Credit Carryover
As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the net deferred tax asset included the expected tax benefit attributable to alternative minimum tax credit carryover of $639 and $652, respectively, and foreign tax credit carryover of $160 and $178, respectively. The alternative minimum tax credits have no expiration date and the foreign tax credit carryovers expire from 2018-2024. These credits are available to offset regular federal income taxes from future taxable income and although the Company believes there will be sufficient future regular federal taxable income, there can be no certainty that future events will not affect the ability to utilize the credits. Additionally, the use of the foreign tax credits generally depends on the generation of sufficient taxable income to first utilize all U.S. net operating loss carryover. However, the Company has identified and begun to purchase certain investments which allow for utilization of the foreign tax credits without first using the net operating loss carryover. Consequently, the Company believes it is more likely than not the foreign tax credit carryover will be fully realized. Accordingly, no valuation allowance has been provided on either the alternative minimum tax carryover or foreign tax credit carryover.
Capital Loss Carryover
As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the net deferred tax asset included the expected tax benefit attributable to the capital loss carryover of $325 and $491, respectively. The capital loss carryover is largely due to the loss on sale of HLIKK in 2014. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the associated deferred tax asset valuation allowance was $112 and $172, respectively. If unutilized, $318 of the capital loss carryover will expire in 2019 and $7 in 2020. Utilization of the capital loss carryover requires the Company to realize sufficient taxable capital gains. While the Company has some ability to utilize the remaining capital loss carryover by generating capital gains through tax planning strategies, the Company concluded that it is more likely than not that a portion of this asset will not be realized. The Company's effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 reflects a $60 benefit from the partial reduction of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance on the capital loss carryover due to taxable gains on sales of investments in the third quarter of 2015.





56
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
9. Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation
The Hartford is involved in claims litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, both as a liability insurer defending or providing indemnity for third-party claims brought against insureds and as an insurer defending coverage claims brought against it. The Hartford accounts for such activity through the establishment of unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves. Subject to the uncertainties in the following discussion under the caption “Asbestos and Environmental Claims,” management expects that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such ordinary-course claims litigation, after consideration of provisions made for potential losses and costs of defense, will not be material to the consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of The Hartford.
The Hartford is also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert claims for substantial amounts. These actions include, among others, and in addition to the matters in the following discussion, putative state and federal class actions seeking certification of a state or national class. Such putative class actions have alleged, for example, underpayment of claims or improper underwriting practices in connection with various kinds of insurance policies, such as personal and commercial automobile, property, disability, life and inland marine. The Hartford also is involved in individual actions in which punitive damages are sought, such as claims alleging bad faith in the handling of insurance claims or other allegedly unfair or improper business practices. Like many other insurers, The Hartford also has been joined in actions by asbestos plaintiffs asserting, among other things, that insurers had a duty to protect the public from the dangers of asbestos and that insurers committed unfair trade practices by asserting defenses on behalf of their policyholders in the underlying asbestos cases. Management expects that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such lawsuits, after consideration of provisions made for estimated losses, will not be material to the consolidated financial condition of The Hartford. Nonetheless, given the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these actions, and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, the outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.
In addition to the inherent difficulty of predicting litigation outcomes, the Mutual Funds Litigation identified below purports to seek substantial damages for unsubstantiated conduct spanning a multi-year period based on novel applications of complex legal theories. The alleged damages are not quantified or factually supported in the complaint, and, in any event, the Company’s experience shows that demands for damages often bear little relation to a reasonable estimate of potential loss. The court has made no substantive legal decisions defining the scope of the claims or the potentially available damages, and no legal precedent has been identified that would aid in determining a reasonable estimate of potential loss. Accordingly, management cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any.
Mutual Funds Litigation — In February 2011, a derivative action was brought on behalf of six Hartford retail mutual funds in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, alleging that Hartford Investment Financial Services, LLC (“HIFSCO”), an indirect subsidiary of the Company, received excessive advisory and distribution fees in violation of its statutory fiduciary duty under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. HIFSCO moved to dismiss and, in September 2011, the motion was granted in part and denied in part, with leave to amend the complaint. In November 2011, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on behalf of The Hartford Global Health Fund, The Hartford Conservative Allocation Fund, The Hartford Growth Opportunities Fund, The Hartford Inflation Plus Fund, The Hartford Advisors Fund, and The Hartford Capital Appreciation Fund. Plaintiffs seek to rescind the investment management agreements and distribution plans between HIFSCO and these funds and to recover the total fees charged thereunder or, in the alternative, to recover any improper compensation HIFSCO received, in addition to lost earnings. HIFSCO filed a partial motion to dismiss the amended complaint and, in December 2012, the court dismissed without prejudice the claims regarding distribution fees and denied the motion with respect to the advisory fees claims. In March 2014, the plaintiffs filed a new complaint that, among other things, added as new plaintiffs The Hartford Floating Rate Fund and The Hartford Small Company Fund and named as a defendant Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC (“HFMC”), an indirect subsidiary of the Company which assumed the role as advisor to the funds as of January 2013. In March 2015, the plaintiffs filed a new complaint that, among other things, removed The Hartford Small Company Fund as a plaintiff. HFMC and HIFSCO dispute the allegations and moved for summary judgment in June 2015. At the same time, plaintiffs moved for partial summary judgment with respect to The Hartford Capital Appreciation Fund.
Asbestos and Environmental Claims – As discussed in Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Estimates - Property and Casualty Insurance Product Reserves, Net of Reinsurance - Property & Casualty Other Operations Claims, The Hartford continues to receive asbestos and environmental claims that involve significant uncertainty regarding policy coverage issues. Regarding these claims, The Hartford continually reviews its overall reserve levels and reinsurance coverages, as well as the methodologies it uses to estimate its exposures. Because of the significant uncertainties that limit the ability of insurers and reinsurers to estimate the ultimate reserves necessary for unpaid losses and related expenses, particularly those related to asbestos, the ultimate liabilities may exceed the currently recorded reserves. Any such additional liability cannot be reasonably estimated now but could be material to The Hartford’s consolidated operating results and liquidity.

57
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
9. Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

Derivative Commitments
Certain of the Company’s derivative agreements contain provisions that are tied to the financial strength ratings of the individual legal entity that entered into the derivative agreement as set by nationally recognized statistical rating agencies. If the legal entity’s financial strength were to fall below certain ratings, the counterparties to the derivative agreements could demand immediate and ongoing full collateralization and in certain instances demand immediate settlement of all outstanding derivative positions traded under each impacted bilateral agreement. The settlement amount is determined by netting the derivative positions transacted under each agreement. If the termination rights were to be exercised by the counterparties, it could impact the legal entity’s ability to conduct hedging activities by increasing the associated costs and decreasing the willingness of counterparties to transact with the legal entity. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that are in a net liability position as of September 30, 2015 is $1.2 billion. Of this $1.2 billion the legal entities have posted collateral of $1.6 billion in the normal course of business. In addition, the Company has posted collateral of $34 associated with a customized GMWB derivative. Based on derivative market values as of September 30, 2015 a downgrade of one or two levels below the current financial strength ratings by either Moody’s or S&P would not require additional assets to be posted as collateral. These collateral amounts could change as derivative market values change, as a result of changes in our hedging activities or to the extent changes in contractual terms are negotiated. The nature of the collateral that we would post, if required, would be primarily in the form of U.S. Treasury bills, U.S. Treasury notes and government agency securities.
10. Equity
Capital Purchase Program ("CPP") Warrants
As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, the Company has 4.5 million and 7.2 million CPP warrants outstanding and exercisable. CPP warrant exercises were 1.1 million and 3.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively and 2.7 million and 24.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The declaration of common stock dividends by the Company in excess of a threshold triggers a provision in the Company's warrant agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon resulting in adjustments to the CPP warrant exercise price. Accordingly, the declaration of a common stock dividend during the three months ended September 30, 2015 resulted in an adjustment to the CPP warrant exercise price. The CPP warrant exercise price was $9.297 as of September 30, 2015 and $9.388 as of December 31, 2014.
Equity Repurchase Program
As of September 30, 2015, the Company has $1.8 billion remaining under its existing equity repurchase program authorization. In July 2015, the Board of Directors approved a $1.6 billion increase in and extension of the Company's authorized equity repurchase program, bringing the total authorization for equity repurchases to $4.375 billion for the period January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2016.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company repurchased 6.5 million and 18.6 million common shares, respectively, for $300 and $800, respectively. During the period October 1, 2015 to October 21, 2015, the Company repurchased 1.8 million common shares for $82.

58
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
11. Changes In and Reclassifications From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Changes in AOCI, net of tax, by component consist of the following:
Three months ended September 30, 2015
Changes in
 
Net Unrealized Gain on Securities
OTTI Losses in OCI
Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Pension and Other Postretirement Plan Adjustments
AOCI, net of tax
Beginning balance
$
1,657

$
(7
)
$
122

$
(24
)
$
(1,560
)
$
188

OCI before reclassifications
(113
)
2

58

(14
)
(1
)
(68
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
19

1

(10
)
—

10

20

     OCI, net of tax
(94
)
3

48

(14
)
9

(48
)
Ending balance
$
1,563

$
(4
)
$
170

$
(38
)
$
(1,551
)
$
140

Nine months ended September 30, 2015
Changes in
 
Net Unrealized Gain on Securities
OTTI Losses in OCI
Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Pension and Other Postretirement Plan Adjustments
AOCI, net of tax
Beginning balance
$
2,370

$
(5
)
$
150

$
(8
)
$
(1,579
)
$
928

OCI before reclassifications
(798
)
—

49

(30
)
—

(779
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(9
)
1

(29
)
—

28

(9
)
     OCI, net of tax
(807
)
1

20

(30
)
28

(788
)
Ending balance
$
1,563

$
(4
)
$
170

$
(38
)
$
(1,551
)
$
140


59
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
11. Changes In and Reclassifications From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (continued)

Reclassifications from AOCI consist of the following:
AOCI
Amount Reclassified from AOCI
Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Net Unrealized Gain on Securities
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities
$
(29
)
$
14

Net realized capital gains (losses)
 
(29
)
14

Total before tax
 
(10
)
5

Income tax expense
 
$
(19
)
$
9

Net income
OTTI Losses in OCI
 
 
 
Other than temporary impairments
$
(1
)
$
(2
)
Net realized capital gains (losses)
 
(1
)
(2
)
Total before tax
 
—

(1
)
Income tax expense
 
$
(1
)
$
(1
)
Net income
Net Gains on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
1

$
4

Net realized capital gains (losses)
Interest rate swaps
15

47

Net investment income
Foreign currency swaps
—

(7
)
Net realized capital gains (losses)
 
16

44

Total before tax
 
6

15

Income tax expense
 
$
10

$
29

Net income
Pension and Other Postretirement Plan Adjustments
 
 
 
Amortization of prior service credit
$
2

$
5

Insurance operating costs and other expenses
Amortization of actuarial loss
(17
)
(48
)
Insurance operating costs and other expenses
 
(15
)
(43
)
Total before tax
 
(5
)
(15
)
Income tax expense
 
$
(10
)
$
(28
)
Net income
Total amounts reclassified from AOCI
$
(20
)
$
9

Net income

60
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
11. Changes In and Reclassifications From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (continued)

Changes in AOCI, net of tax and DAC, by component consist of the following:
Three months ended September 30, 2014
Changes in
 
Net Unrealized Gain on Securities
OTTI Losses in OCI
Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Pension and Other Postretirement Plan Adjustments
AOCI, net of tax
Beginning balance
$
2,255

$
(7
)
$
141

$
13

$
(1,240
)
$
1,162

OCI before reclassifications
(22
)
1

(15
)
(13
)
1

(48
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(40
)
1

(6
)
—

8

(37
)
     OCI, net of tax
(62
)
2

(21
)
(13
)
9

(85
)
Ending balance
$
2,193

$
(5
)
$
120

$
—

$
(1,231
)
$
1,077

Nine months ended September 30, 2014
Changes in
 
Net Unrealized Gain on Securities
OTTI Losses in OCI
Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Pension and Other Postretirement Plan Adjustments
AOCI, net of tax
Beginning balance
$
987

$
(12
)
$
108

$
91

$
(1,253
)
$
(79
)
OCI before reclassifications
1,277

4

48

21

1

1,351

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(71
)
3

(36
)
(112
)
21

(195
)
     OCI, net of tax
1,206

7

12

(91
)
22

1,156

Ending balance
$
2,193

$
(5
)
$
120

$
—

$
(1,231
)
$
1,077


61
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
11. Changes In and Reclassifications From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (continued)

Reclassifications from AOCI consist of the following:
AOCI
Amount Reclassified from AOCI
Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Net Unrealized Gain on Securities
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities
$
61

$
186

Net realized capital gains (losses)
 
61

186

Total before tax
 
21

65

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
—

50

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
$
40

$
71

Net income (loss)
OTTI Losses in OCI
 
 
 
Other than temporary impairments
$
(2
)
$
(5
)
Net realized capital gains (losses)
 
(2
)
(5
)
Total before tax
 
(1
)
(2
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
$
(1
)
$
(3
)
Net income (loss)
Net Gains on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
(4
)
$
(2
)
Net realized capital gains (losses)
Interest rate swaps
22

67

Net investment income
Foreign currency swaps
(9
)
(9
)
Net realized capital gains (losses)
 
9

56

Total before tax
 
3

20

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
$
6

$
36

Net income (loss)
Foreign Currency Flow Hedging Instruments
 
 
 
Currency translation adjustments
$
—

$
172

Net realized capital gains (losses)
 
—

172

Total before tax
 
—

60

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
$
—

$
112

Net income (loss)
Pension and Other Postretirement Plan Adjustments
 
 
 
Amortization of prior service credit
$
2

$
5

Insurance operating costs and other expenses
Amortization of actuarial loss
(14
)
(38
)
Insurance operating costs and other expenses
 
(12
)
(33
)
Total before tax
 
(4
)
(12
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
$
(8
)
$
(21
)
Net income (loss)
Total amounts reclassified from AOCI
$
37

$
195

Net income (loss)

62
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
12. Employee Benefit Plans

The Company’s employee benefit plans are described in Note 17 - Employee Benefit Plans of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in The Hartford’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit)
Net periodic cost (benefit) includes the following components:
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
Service cost
$
—

$
1

 
$
—

$
—

Interest cost
60

67

 
3

5

Expected return on plan assets
(77
)
(81
)
 
(3
)
(2
)
Amortization of prior service credit
—

—

 
(2
)
(2
)
Amortization of actuarial loss
16

13

 
1

1

Net periodic cost (benefit)
$
(1
)
$
—

 
$
(1
)
$
2

 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
Service cost
$
1

$
2

 
$
—

$
—

Interest cost
177

194

 
9

11

Expected return on plan assets
(233
)
(244
)
 
(9
)
(10
)
Amortization of prior service credit
—

—

 
(5
)
(5
)
Amortization of actuarial loss
45

35

 
3

3

Net periodic benefit
$
(10
)
$
(13
)
 
$
(2
)
$
(1
)

63
Table of Contents
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
13. Discontinued Operations

On June 30, 2014, the Company completed the sale of all of the issued and outstanding equity of HLIKK to ORIX Life Insurance Corporation ("Buyer"), a subsidiary of ORIX Corporation, a Japanese company for cash proceeds of $963. The sale transaction resulted in an after-tax loss on disposition of $659 in the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The operations of the Company's Japan business meet the criteria for reporting as discontinued operations. The Company's Japan business is included in the Talcott Resolution reporting segment.
Concurrently with the sale, HLIKK recaptured certain risks that had been reinsured to the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries, Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company ("HLAI") and Hartford Life Insurance Company ("HLIC") by terminating intercompany agreements. Upon closing, the Buyer became responsible for all liabilities for the recaptured business. The Company has, however, continued to provide reinsurance for approximately $783 of yen denominated fixed payout annuities as of September 30, 2015.
The following table summarizes the major classes of assets and liabilities transferred by the Company in connection with the sale.
 
Carrying Value
as of Closing
Assets
 
Cash and investments
$
18,733

Reinsurance recoverables
$
46

Property and equipment, net
$
18

Other assets
$
988

Liabilities
 
Reserve for future policy benefits and unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses
$
320

Other policyholder funds and benefits payable
$
2,265

Other policyholder funds and benefits payable - international variable annuities
$
16,465

Short-term debt
$
247

Other liabilities
$
102

The Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations include a net realized gain on disposal of $9 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 related to discontinued operations. Amounts related to discontinued operations included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 are summarized in the following table.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
Revenues
 
Earned premiums
$
(1
)
Fee income
239

Net investment income:
 
  Securities available-for-sale and other
18

  Equity securities, trading
134

     Total net investment income
152

Net realized capital losses
(157
)
Total revenues
233

Benefits, losses and expenses
 
Benefits losses and loss adjustment expenses
7

Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses - returns credited on international variable annuities
134

Insurance operating costs and other expenses
23

Total benefits, losses and expenses
164

Income before income taxes
69

Income tax benefit
(2
)
Income from operations of discontinued operations, net of tax
71

Net realized loss on disposal, net of tax [1]
(659
)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
$
(588
)
[1]
Includes income tax benefit of $241 on the sale of HLIKK for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

64


Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollar amounts in millions except share data unless otherwise stated)
The Hartford provides projections and other forward-looking information in the following discussions, which contain many forward-looking statements, particularly relating to the Company’s future financial performance. These forward-looking statements are estimates based on information currently available to the Company, are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are subject to the cautionary statements set forth on pages 3 and 4 of this Form 10-Q. Actual results are likely to differ, and in the past have differed, materially from those forecast by the Company, depending on the outcome of various factors, including, but not limited to, those set forth in each following discussion and in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors in The Hartford’s 2014 Form 10-K Annual Report. The Hartford undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year financial information presented in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") to conform to the current year presentation. In 2014, the Company refined the definition of underwriting expenses by including certain centralized services and bad debt expenses in the determination of underwriting results for the Commercial Lines, Personal Lines and Property & Casualty Other Operations reporting segments. The reclassification of certain centralized services and bad debt expenses from other income (expenses) did not impact previously reported net income. This discussion should be read in conjunction with MD&A in The Hartford's 2014 Form 10-K Annual Report.
The Hartford defines increases or decreases greater than or equal to 200% as “NM” or not meaningful.
INDEX
Description
Page
Commercial Lines
Personal Lines


65


THE HARTFORD’S OPERATIONS
Overview
The Hartford is a financial holding company for a group of subsidiaries that provide property and casualty, group benefits and investment products to both individual and business customers in the United States and continues to administer life and annuity products previously sold.
The Hartford conducts business principally in six reporting segments including Commercial Lines, Personal Lines, Property & Casualty Other Operations, Group Benefits, Mutual Funds and Talcott Resolution, as well as a Corporate category. The Hartford includes in its Corporate category the Company’s debt financing and related interest expense, as well as other capital raising activities; and purchase accounting adjustments related to goodwill and other expenses not allocated to the reporting segments.
The Company derives its revenues principally from: (a) premiums earned for insurance coverages provided to insureds; (b) fee income, including asset management fees, on separate account and mutual fund assets and mortality and expense fees, as well as cost of insurance charges; (c) net investment income; (d) fees earned for services provided to third parties; and (e) net realized capital gains and losses. Premiums charged for insurance coverages are earned principally on a pro rata basis over the terms of the related policies in-force. Asset management fees and mortality and expense fees are primarily generated from separate account assets. Cost of insurance charges are assessed on the net amount at risk for investment-oriented life insurance products.
The profitability of the Company's property and casualty insurance businesses over time is greatly influenced by the Company’s underwriting discipline, which seeks to manage exposure to loss through favorable risk selection and diversification, its management of claims, its use of reinsurance, the size of its in force block, actual mortality and morbidity experience, and its ability to manage its expense ratio which it accomplishes through economies of scale and its management of acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. Pricing adequacy depends on a number of factors, including the ability to obtain regulatory approval for rate changes, proper evaluation of underwriting risks, the ability to project future loss cost frequency and severity based on historical loss experience adjusted for known trends, the Company’s response to rate actions taken by competitors, and expectations about regulatory and legal developments and expense levels. The Company seeks to price its insurance policies such that insurance premiums and future net investment income earned on premiums received will cover underwriting expenses and the ultimate cost of paying claims reported on the policies and provide for a profit margin. For many of its insurance products, the Company is required to obtain approval for its premium rates from state insurance departments.
The financial results in the Company’s mutual fund and variable annuity businesses depend largely on the amount of the contract holder or shareholder account value or assets under management on which it earns fees and the level of fees charged. Changes in account value or assets under management are driven by two main factors: net flows, and the market return of the funds, which is heavily influenced by the return realized in the equity markets. Net flows are comprised of deposits less surrenders, death benefits, policy charges and annuitizations of investment type contracts, such as variable annuity contracts. In the mutual fund business, net flows are known as net sales. Net sales are comprised of new sales less redemptions by mutual fund customers. The Company uses the average daily value of the S&P 500 Index as an indicator for evaluating market returns of the underlying account portfolios in the United States. Financial results of variable products are highly correlated to the growth in account values or assets under management since these products generally earn fee income on a daily basis. Equity market movements could also result in benefits for or charges against deferred acquisition costs.
The profitability of fixed annuities and other “spread-based” products depends largely on the Company’s ability to earn target spreads between earned investment rates on its general account assets and interest credited to policyholders.
The investment return, or yield, on invested assets is an important element of the Company’s earnings since insurance products are priced with the assumption that premiums received can be invested for a period of time before benefits, loss and loss adjustment expenses are paid. Due to the need to maintain sufficient liquidity to satisfy claim obligations, the majority of the Company’s invested assets have been held in available-for-sale securities, including, among other asset classes, corporate bonds, municipal bonds, government debt, short-term debt, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities.
The primary investment objective for the Company is to maximize economic value, consistent with acceptable risk parameters, including the management of credit risk and interest rate sensitivity of invested assets, while generating sufficient after-tax income to meet policyholder and corporate obligations. Investment strategies are developed based on a variety of factors including business needs, regulatory requirements and tax considerations.
For further information on the Company's reporting segments refer to Part I, Item 1, Business - Reporting Segments in The Hartford’s 2014 Form 10-K Annual Report.

66


Financial Highlights for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
•
Net income was $381, or $0.90 per diluted share, compared with net income of $388, or $0.86 per diluted share, in the comparable prior year period.
•
Common share repurchases totaled $300, or approximately 6.5 million shares, in the current quarter.
•
Book value per diluted common share (excluding AOCI) increased to $42.99 from $42.41 in the prior quarter due to the effect of net income less dividends and the effect of share repurchases in the quarter.
•
Net investment income decreased 10% to $730 compared to the prior year period primarily due to a decrease in income from limited partnerships and other alternative investments.
•
The annualized investment yield after-tax of 2.8% decreased slightly compared to the prior year period due to a decrease in income from limited partnerships and other alternative investments as well as lower reinvestment rates reflecting the current interest rate environment. The new money yield increased to 3.7% from 3.2%, compared to the prior year period, largely due to purchases in the prior year period resulting from the reinvestment of the proceeds from the sale of HLIKK into short duration, high quality corporate and asset backed securities due to lower interest rates.
•
Net unrealized gains, after-tax, in the investment portfolio declined by $94 in the current quarter due to wider credit spreads, partially offset by lower interest rates.
•
Property & Casualty written premiums increased 3% over the comparable prior year period, comprised of 4% growth in Commercial Lines and 1% in Personal Lines.
•
Property & Casualty combined ratio, before catastrophes and prior year development, increased 1.1 points to 93.0 from 91.9 in the comparable prior year period.
•
Catastrophe losses of $76, before tax, increased from catastrophe losses of $40, before tax, in the comparable prior year period.
•
Unfavorable prior year development, driven primarily by commercial auto reserve strengthening, totaled $37, before tax, compared with favorable prior year development of $10 before tax, in the comparable prior year period.
•
Group Benefits core earnings margin increased to 5.5% in the quarter from 4.5% in the comparable prior year period.
•
Talcott Resolution after-tax income from continuing operations was $72, compared with $28 in the comparable prior year period primarily due to lower DAC amortization driven by a lower unfavorable unlock.

67


CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Operating Summary
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
2014
Change
 
2015
2014
Change
Earned premiums
$
3,404

$
3,337

2
%
 
$
10,117

$
9,958

2
%
Fee income
448

524

(15
%)
 
1,376

1,522

(10
%)
Net investment income
730

810

(10
%)
 
2,335

2,402

(3
%)
Net realized capital gains (losses)
(44
)
69

(164
%)
 
(30
)
30

NM

Other revenues
24

29

(17
%)
 
66

85

(22
%)
Total revenues
4,562

4,769

(4
%)
 
13,864

13,997

(1
%)
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses
2,710

2,624

3
%
 
8,085

8,223

(2
%)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
434

580

(25
%)
 
1,212

1,348

(10
%)
Insurance operating costs and other expenses
971

976

(1
%)
 
2,829

2,889

(2
%)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
—

—

—
%
 
21

—

NM

Reinsurance gain on dispositions
(20
)
—

NM

 
(28
)
—

NM

Interest expense
88

93

(5
%)
 
271

282

(4
%)
Total benefits, losses and expenses
4,183

4,273

(2
%)
 
12,390

12,742

(3
%)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
379

496

(24
%)
 
1,474

1,255

17
%
Income tax expense
7

108

(94
%)
 
222

251

(12
%)
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
372

388

(4
%)
 
1,252

1,004

25
%
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
9

—

NM

 
9

(588
)
102
%
Net income
$
381

$
388

(2
%)
 
$
1,261

$
416

NM

Three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014
Net income, compared to the prior year period, decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2015 primarily due to the net effect of the following items:
•
Fee income of $448, before tax, for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $524, before tax, for the prior year period. The decrease in fee income is primarily due to the continued runoff of the Talcott Resolution variable annuity block.
•
Net investment income of $730, before tax, for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $810, before tax, for the prior year period. The decrease in net investment income was primarily due to a decrease in income from limited partnerships and alternative investments. For further discussion of investment results, see MD&A - Investment Results, Net Investment Income (Loss).
•
A $23 before tax decrease in current accident year underwriting results before catastrophes in Property & Casualty driven by higher loss costs in Personal Lines auto and homeowners, partially offset by improved margins in workers' compensation. Earned premiums increased 3% or $83, before tax, reflecting earned premium growth of 4% in Commercial Lines and 1% in Personal Lines. Underwriting expenses in 2015 increased $31 due to higher commission, marketing and operations costs. For a discussion of the Company's operating results by segment, see the segment sections of MD&A.
•
Prior accident year reserve strengthening of $37, before tax, for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to reserve releases of $10, before tax, for the prior year period. Reserve strengthening in 2015 was primarily due to unfavorable development in commercial auto liability. Reserve releases in 2014 were primarily related to favorable development in general liability, partially offset by an increase in reserves for workers' compensation discount accretion. For additional information, see MD&A - Critical Accounting Estimates, Reserve Roll Forwards and Development.
•
Current accident year catastrophe losses of $76, before tax, for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $40, before tax, for the prior year period. Catastrophe losses in 2015 were primarily due to wildfires and, to a lesser extent, multiple wind and hail events across various U.S. geographic regions. Catastrophe losses in 2014 were primarily due to multiple wind and hail events across various U.S. geographic regions. For additional information, see MD&A - Critical Accounting Estimates, Property & Casualty Insurance Product Reserves, Net of Reinsurance.
•
Reinsurance gain on dispositions of $20, before tax, for the three months ended September 30, 2015 pertains to the Individual Life business sold in 2013.

68


•
Differences between the Company's effective income tax rate and the U.S. statutory rate of 35% are due primarily to tax-exempt interest earned on invested assets and the dividends received deduction ("DRD"). Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015 decreased by $101 from $108 in the prior year period, primarily due to the $117, before tax, decrease in income from continuing operations and the effect of permanent items, as well as a federal income tax benefit of $60 related to the partial reduction of the deferred tax valuation allowance on capital loss carryovers due to taxable gains on sales of investments in the third quarter of 2015. For further discussion of income taxes, see Note 8 - Income Taxes of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014
Net income, compared to the prior year period, increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 primarily due to the net effect of the following items:
•
A decrease in the loss from discontinued operations of $597, net of tax, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014 pertains primarily to the realized capital loss of $659 on the sale of the Japan variable annuity business.
•
Fee income of $1,376, before tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $1,522, before tax, for the prior year period. The decrease in fee income is primarily due to the continued runoff of the Talcott Resolution variable annuity block.
•
Net investment income of $2,335, before tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, decreased compared to $2,402, before tax, for the prior year period. The decrease in net investment income was primarily due to a decrease in income from limited partnerships and alternative investments. For further discussion of investment results, see MD&A - Investment Results, Net Investment Income (Loss).
•
Prior accident year reserve strengthening of $255, before tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to reserve strengthening of $199, before tax, for the prior year period. Reserve strengthening in 2015 and 2014 was primarily related to an increase in reserves for asbestos and environmental claims. For additional information, see MD&A - Critical Accounting Estimates, Reserve Roll Forwards and Development.
•
A $33 before tax increase in current accident year underwriting results before catastrophes in Property & Casualty driven by a 0.2 point decrease in the combined ratio before catastrophes and prior year development and the effect of higher earned premiums. Earned premiums increased 3% or $233, before tax, reflecting earned premium growth of 4% in Commercial Lines and 2% in Personal Lines. Underwriting expenses in 2015 increased $115 including a $31 increase due to higher commission, marketing and operations costs, and in part, due to a $49 benefit, before tax, in 2014 related to a reduction in NY Assessments, representing a 0.7 point favorable impact on the combined ratio in 2014. For a discussion of the Company's operating results by segment, see the segment sections of MD&A.
•
Current accident year catastrophe losses of $298, before tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $322, before tax, for the prior year period. The decrease in current accident year catastrophe losses was primarily due to a decrease in the severity of wind and hail events, partially offset by wildfires in 2015 and an increase in the frequency of winter storms across various U.S. geographic regions. For additional information, see MD&A - Critical Accounting Estimates, Property & Casualty Insurance Product Reserves, Net of Reinsurance.
•
Reinsurance gain on dispositions of $28, before tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 pertains to the Individual Life business sold in 2013.
•
A loss on extinguishment of debt of $21, before tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 related to the redemption of $296 aggregate principal amount of outstanding 4.0% senior notes. The resulting loss on extinguishment of debt consists of a make-whole premium.
•
Differences between the Company's effective income tax rate and the U.S. statutory rate of 35% are due primarily to tax-exempt interest earned on invested assets and the dividends received deduction ("DRD"). Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 decreased by $29 from $251 in the prior year period, primarily due a federal income tax benefit of $36, related to uncertain tax positions and a benefit of $60 related to the partial reduction of the deferred tax valuation allowance on capital loss carryovers due to taxable gains on sales of investments in the third quarter of 2015. For further discussion of income taxes, see Note 8 - Income Taxes of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

69


The following table presents net income (loss) for each reporting segment, as well as the Corporate category.
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
Net Income (Loss) by Segment
2015
2014
Increase
(Decrease) From
2014 to 2015
 
2015
2014
Increase
(Decrease) From
2014 to 2015
Commercial Lines
$
211

$
280

$
(69
)
 
$
710

$
721

$
(11
)
Personal Lines
19

73

(54
)
 
136

142

(6
)
Property & Casualty Other Operations
16

14

2

 
(72
)
(108
)
36

Group Benefits
42

37

5

 
150

143

7

Mutual Funds
22

22

—

 
66

64

2

Talcott Resolution
74

28

46

 
402

(331
)
733

Corporate [1]
(3
)
(66
)
63

 
(131
)
(215
)
84

Net income
$
381

$
388

$
(7
)
 
$
1,261

$
416

$
845

[1]
The three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 includes a tax benefit of $60 from the partial reduction of the deferred tax valuation allowance on capital loss carryovers established when the Japan annuity business was sold. The reduction in the valuation allowance stems primarily from taxable gains on sales of investments during the period.
Investment Results
Composition of Invested Assets
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Amount
Percent
 
Amount
Percent
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale ("AFS"), at fair value
$
59,109

79.5
%
 
$
59,384

77.8
%
Fixed maturities, at fair value using the fair value option ("FVO")
548

0.7
%
 
488

0.6
%
Equity securities, AFS, at fair value [1]
813

1.1
%
 
1,047

1.4
%
Mortgage loans
5,552

7.5
%
 
5,556

7.3
%
Policy loans, at outstanding balance
1,428

1.9
%
 
1,431

1.9
%
Limited partnerships and other alternative investments
3,067

4.1
%
 
2,942

3.9
%
Other investments [2]
455

0.6
%
 
547

0.7
%
Short-term investments
3,433

4.6
%
 
4,883

6.4
%
Total investments
$
74,405

100.0
%
 
$
76,278

100.0
%
[1]
Includes equity securities at fair value using the FVO of $348 as of December 31, 2014. The Company did not hold any equity securities, FVO as of September 30, 2015.
[2]
Primarily relates to derivative instruments.
Total investments decreased since December 31, 2014, primarily due to a decrease in short-term investments as well as a decline in fixed maturities, AFS. The decline in short-term investments is primarily the result of the reinvestment of short-term investments into longer dated fixed maturities, the continued run-off of Talcott Resolution, and the use of assets for debt repayment. The decline in fixed maturities, AFS was due to a decrease in valuations as a result of widening credit spreads, which more than offset the increase in valuations due to lower interest rates and the reinvestment of short-term investments.

70


Net Investment Income (Loss)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
(Before-tax)
Amount
Yield [1]
Amount
Yield [1]
 
Amount
Yield [1]
Amount
Yield [1]
Fixed maturities [2]
$
608

4.3
%
$
602

4.2
%
 
$
1,811

4.2
%
$
1,819

4.2
%
Equity securities, AFS
8

3.7
%
9

5.1
%
 
19

2.5
%
23

3.9
%
Mortgage loans
67

4.8
%
65

4.6
%
 
207

4.9
%
197

4.6
%
Policy loans
20

5.7
%
20

5.5
%
 
60

5.6
%
59

5.5
%
Limited partnerships and other alternative investments
22

2.9
%
100

14.4
%
 
215

10.0
%
250

11.7
%
Other [3]
33

 
44

 
 
106

 
135

 
Investment expense
(28
)
 
(30
)
 
 
(83
)
 
(81
)
 
Total net investment income
730

4.1
%
810

4.5
%
 
2,335

4.4
%
2,402

4.4
%
Total net investment income excluding limited partnerships and other alternative investments
$
708

4.2
%
$
710

4.1
%
 
$
2,120

4.1
%
$
2,152

4.1
%
[1]
Yields calculated using annualized net investment income divided by the monthly average invested assets at cost, amortized cost, or adjusted carrying value, as applicable, excluding repurchase agreement collateral, if any, and derivatives book value. Yield calculations for each period exclude assets associated with the disposition of Japan variable and fixed annuity business, as applicable.
[2]
Includes net investment income on short-term investments.
[3]
Primarily includes income from derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting and hedge fixed maturities.
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014
Total net investment income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, decreased as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, primarily due to a decrease in income from limited partnerships and alternative investments. Excluding limited partnerships and other alternative investments, net investment income declined as the effect of reinvesting at lower interest rates and a decrease in invested asset levels was largely offset by higher income received from previously impaired securities, make-whole payments on fixed maturities, and prepayment penalties on mortgage loans.
The annualized net investment income yield, excluding limited partnerships and other alternative investments, has remained consistent at 4.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. Excluding income received from previously impaired securities, make-whole payments on fixed maturities, and prepayment penalties on mortgage loans, the annualized investment income yield, excluding limited partnerships and other alternative investments, was 4.0%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, down from 4.1% for the same period in 2014.
The average reinvestment rate, excluding certain U.S. Treasury securities and cash equivalent securities, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, was approximately 3.4% which was below the average yield of sales and maturities of 4.0% for the same period, due to the current interest rate environment. The new money yield of 3.7% for the third quarter of 2015 was higher than the prior year period of 3.2% largely due to purchases in the prior year period resulting from the reinvestment of the proceeds from the sale of HLIKK into short duration, high quality corporate and asset backed securities ("ABS").
Going forward, if interest rates continue to stay at current levels, we expect the annualized net investment income yield, excluding limited partnerships and other alternative investments, to decline from the current net investment income yield due to lower reinvestment rates. The estimated impact on net investment income is subject to change as the composition of the portfolio changes through portfolio management and trading activities and changes in market conditions.

71


Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Before-tax)
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
Gross gains on sales
$
83

$
116

 
$
401

$
421

Gross losses on sales
(73
)
(29
)
 
(333
)
(191
)
Net other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") losses recognized in earnings
(40
)
(14
)
 
(63
)
(43
)
Valuation allowances on mortgage loans
1

—

 
(2
)
(3
)
Periodic net coupon settlements on credit derivatives
3

—

 
8

1

Results of variable annuity hedge program
 
 
 
 
 
GMWB derivatives, net
(32
)
6

 
(35
)
15

Macro hedge program
51

12

 
24

(13
)
Total results of variable annuity hedge program
19

18

 
(11
)
2

Other, net [1]
(37
)
(22
)
 
(30
)
(157
)
Net realized capital gains (losses)
$
(44
)
$
69

 
$
(30
)
$
30

[1]
Primarily consists of changes in value of non-qualifying derivatives, including credit derivatives, interest rate derivatives used to manage duration, and the fixed payout annuity hedge.
Details on the Company’s net realized capital gains and losses are as follows:
Gross Gains and Losses on Sales
•
Gross gains on sales for the three months ended September 30, 2015, were primarily due to gains on the sale of corporate and U.S. treasury securities. Gross losses on sales for the three months ended September 30, 2015, were primarily the result of losses on the sale of corporate securities. Gross gains on sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, were primarily due to gains on the sale of corporate, U.S treasury and equity securities. Gross losses on sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, were primarily the result of losses on the sale of corporate securities as well as equity and U.S. treasury securities. The sales were primarily a result of duration, liquidity and credit management, as well as tactical changes to the portfolio as a result of changing market conditions.
•
Gross gains on sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, were primarily due to gains on the sale of corporate securities, CMBS, RMBS, and municipal securities. Gross losses on sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, were from the sale of emerging market securities, primarily within the foreign government and corporate sectors. The sales were primarily a result of duration and liquidity management, as well as tactical changes to the portfolio as a result of changing market conditions.
Net OTTI Losses
•
See Other-Than-Temporary Impairments within the Investment Portfolio Risks and Risk Management section of the MD&A.
Variable Annuity Hedge Program
•
For the three months ended September 30, 2015, the gain on the macro hedge program was primarily due to gains of $42 driven by a decline in equity markets. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 the gain on the macro hedge program was primarily due to gains of $39 driven by a decline in equity markets, gains of $12 driven by increased equity volatility, and gains of $8 driven by a decline in interest rates. The gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, were partially offset by losses of $33 driven by time decay on options.
•
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the net losses related to the combined GMWB hedging program which includes the GMWB product, reinsurance, and hedging derivatives, were primarily due to losses of $21 and $10, respectively, resulting from the underperformance of the underlying actively managed funds compared to their respective indices and losses of $9 and $12, respectively, driven by unfavorable policyholder behavior.
•
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, the gain on the macro hedge program was primarily due to gains of $19 driven by increased equity volatility. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the loss on the macro hedge program was primarily due to losses of $16 driven by an improvement in the domestic equity markets.
•
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the net gains related to the combined GMWB hedging program, which includes the GMWB product, reinsurance, and hedging derivatives, were primarily driven by gains of $31 on liability assumption updates and gains of $10 and $8, respectively, due to increased volatility. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, these gains were partially offset by losses of $20 and $24, respectively, resulting from unfavorable policyholder behavior related to the early surrender value program.

72


Other, Net
•
Other, net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2015, was primarily due to losses of $20 on credit derivatives driven by widening credit spreads and losses of $11 on interest derivatives due to a decline in interest rates. Other, net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, was primarily due to losses of $28 on credit derivatives driven by widening credit spreads and losses of $24 related to the fixed payout annuity hedge primarily driven by a decline in U.S. interest rates. These losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, were partially offset by gains of $28 related to modified coinsurance reinsurance contracts, primarily driven by widening credit spreads, partially offset by a decline in long-term interest rates. Modified coinsurance reinsurance contracts are accounted for as embedded derivatives and transfer to the reinsurer the investment experience related to the assets supporting the reinsured policies.
•
Other, net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2014, was primarily due to losses of $10 on credit derivatives driven by credit spread widening and losses of $9 on interest rate derivatives due to a decline in long term interest rates. Other, net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, was primarily due to losses of $153 on interest rate derivatives largely used to manage duration driven by a decline in interest rates.

73


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ, and in the past have differed, from those estimates.
The Company has identified the following estimates as critical in that they involve a higher degree of judgment and are subject to a significant degree of variability:
•
property and casualty insurance product reserves, net of reinsurance;
•
estimated gross profits used in the valuation and amortization of assets and liabilities associated with variable annuity and other universal life-type contracts;
•
evaluation of other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale securities and valuation allowances on mortgage loans;
•
living benefits required to be fair valued (in other policyholder funds and benefits payable);
•
goodwill impairment;
•
valuation of investments and derivative instruments;
•
valuation allowance on deferred tax assets; and
•
contingencies relating to corporate litigation and regulatory matters.
Certain of these estimates are particularly sensitive to market conditions, and deterioration and/or volatility in the worldwide debt or equity markets could have a material impact on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. In developing these estimates, management makes subjective and complex judgments that are inherently uncertain and subject to material change as facts and circumstances develop. Although variability is inherent in these estimates, management believes the amounts provided are appropriate based upon the facts available upon compilation of the financial statements.
The Company’s critical accounting estimates are discussed in Part II, Item 7 MD&A in the Company’s 2014 Form 10-K Annual Report. The following discussion updates certain of the Company’s critical accounting estimates as of September 30, 2015.

74


Property & Casualty Insurance Product Reserves, Net of Reinsurance
Based on the results of the quarterly reserve review process, the Company determines the appropriate reserve adjustments, if any, to record. Recorded reserve estimates are adjusted after consideration of numerous factors, including but not limited to, the magnitude of the difference between the actuarial indication and the recorded reserves, improvement or deterioration of actuarial indications in the period, the maturity of the accident year, trends observed over the recent past and the level of volatility within a particular line of business. In general, adjustments are made more quickly to more mature accident years and less volatile lines of business. Such adjustments of reserves are referred to as “reserve development”. Reserve development that increases previous estimates of ultimate cost is called “reserve strengthening”. Reserve development that decreases previous estimates of ultimate cost is called “reserve releases”. Reserve development can influence the comparability of year over year underwriting results and is set forth in the paragraphs and tables that follow.
Reserve Roll Forwards and Development
A roll-forward of property and casualty insurance product liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses follows:
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Commercial
Lines [3]
Personal
Lines
Property & Casualty Other Operations [3]
Total Property & Casualty Insurance
Beginning liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, gross [3]
$
16,465

$
1,874

$
3,467

$
21,806

Reinsurance and other recoverables [3]
2,459

18

564

3,041

Beginning liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, net [3]
14,006

1,856

2,903

18,765

Provision for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
 
 
 
 
Current accident year before catastrophes
2,789

1,916

—

4,705

Current accident year catastrophes [4]
108

190

—

298

Prior accident years strengthening (release)
69

(18
)
204

255

Total provision for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
2,966

2,088

204

5,258

Less: Payments
2,743

2,062

215

5,020

Ending liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, net
14,229

1,882

2,892

19,003

Reinsurance and other recoverables
2,343

17

589

2,949

Ending liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, gross
$
16,572

$
1,899

$
3,481

$
21,952

Earned premiums
$
4,853

$
2,895

 
 
Loss and loss expense paid ratio [1]
56.5

71.2

 
 
Loss and loss expense incurred ratio
61.1

72.1

 
 
Prior accident years development (pts) [2]
1.4

(0.6
)
 
 
[1]
The “loss and loss expense paid ratio” represents the ratio of paid losses and loss adjustment expenses to earned premiums.
[2]
“Prior accident years development (pts)” represents the ratio of prior accident years development to earned premiums.
[3]
Hartford Financial Products International ("HFPI") gross reserves and reinsurance recoverables balances of $40 and $5, respectively, as of December 31, 2014 have been prospectively reclassified from Commercial Lines to Property & Casualty Other Operations as HFPI does not write new business.
[4]
Contributing to the current accident year catastrophes losses were the following events:
    
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
Category
Commercial Lines
Personal Lines
Total Property & Casualty Insurance
Winter Storms [1]
$
60

$
25

$
85

Tornadoes [1]
18

27

45

Wind and Hail [1]
27

81

108

Other [2]
3

57

60

Total
$
108

$
190

$
298

[1]
These amounts represent an aggregation of multiple catastrophes.
[2]
Consists primarily of wildfires.

75


Prior accident years development recorded in 2015
Included within prior accident years development were the following reserve strengthenings (releases):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Commercial Lines
Personal
Lines
Property & Casualty Other Operations
Total Property & Casualty Insurance
Auto liability
$
30

$
(7
)
$
—

$
23

Homeowners
—

2

—

2

Professional liability
(6
)
—

—

(6
)
Package business
3

—

—

3

General liability
9

—

—

9

Commercial property
4

—

—

4

Workers’ compensation discount accretion
7

—

—

7

Catastrophes
1

—

—

1

Other reserve re-estimates, net
2

(9
)
1

(6
)
Total prior accident years development
$
50

$
(14
)
$
1

$
37

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 

Commercial
Lines
Personal
Lines
Property &
Casualty Other
Operations
Total 
Property &
Casualty 
Insurance
Auto liability
$
60

$
(7
)
$
—

$
53

Homeowners
—

9

—

9

Professional liability
(23
)
—

—

(23
)
Package business
8

—

—

8

General liability
(7
)
—

—

(7
)
Commercial property
(2
)
—

—

(2
)
Net asbestos reserves
—

—

146

146

Net environmental reserves
—

—

55

55

Workers’ compensation discount accretion
22

—

—

22

Catastrophes
(1
)
(16
)
—

(17
)
Other reserve re-estimates, net
12

(4
)
3

11

Total prior accident years development
$
69

$
(18
)
$
204

$
255

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company’s re-estimates of prior accident years reserves included the following significant reserve changes:
•
Strengthened reserves in commercial auto liability due to increased severity of large claims predominantly for accident years 2010 to 2013.
•
Released reserves in professional liability for claims made years 2009 through 2011 primarily for large accounts. Claim costs for these accident years have emerged favorably as these years have matured and management has placed more weight on the emerged experience.
•
Apart from workers' compensation discount accretion, changes in workers' compensation reserves netted to zero, as a release of nominal reserves was offset by a reduction in the amount of workers' compensation loss reserve discount driven by the improvement in claim closure rates resulting in a decrease in the number of outstanding claims for permanently disabled claimants. 
•
Released catastrophe reserves primarily for accident year 2014 as fourth quarter 2014 catastrophes have developed favorably.
•
Within Other reserve re-estimates, net, released contract surety reserves across several accident years and released commercial surety reserves for accident years 2012 through 2014 as a result of lower emerged losses. These reserve releases were offset by an increase in reserves for commercial surety related to accident years 2007 and prior as the number of new claims reported has outpaced expectations. 
•
Refer to the Property & Casualty Other Operations sections for discussion of the increase to net asbestos reserves, net environmental reserves and other reserve re-estimates, net.

76


A roll-forward of property and casualty insurance product liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses follows:
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Commercial
Lines
Personal
Lines
Property & Casualty Other Operations
Total Property & Casualty Insurance
Beginning liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, gross
$
16,293

$
1,864

$
3,547

$
21,704

Reinsurance and other recoverables
2,442

13

573

3,028

Beginning liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, net
13,851

1,851

2,974

18,676

Provision for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
 
 
 
 
Current accident year before catastrophes
2,799

1,858

—

4,657

Current accident year catastrophes [3]
103

219

—

322

Prior accident years strengthening (release)
—

(52
)
251

199

Total provision for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
2,902

2,025

251

5,178

Less: Payments
2,751

2,036

291

5,078

Ending liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, net
14,002

1,840

2,934

18,776

Reinsurance and other recoverables
2,483

13

613

3,109

Ending liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, gross
$
16,485

$
1,853

$
3,547

$
21,885

Earned premiums
$
4,678

$
2,838

 
 
Loss and loss expense paid ratio [1]
58.8

71.7

 
 
Loss and loss expense incurred ratio
62.0

71.4

 
 
Prior accident years development (pts) [2]
—

(1.8
)
 
 
[1]
The “loss and loss expense paid ratio” represents the ratio of paid losses and loss adjustment expenses to earned premiums.
[2]
“Prior accident years development (pts)” represents the ratio of prior accident years development to earned premiums.
[3]
Contributing to the current accident year catastrophes losses were the following events:
    
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
Category
Commercial Lines
Personal Lines
Total Property & Casualty Insurance
Wind and hail [1]
$
49

$
189

$
238

Winter storms [1]
50

17

$
67

Tornadoes
2

10

12

Other
2

3

5

Total
$
103

$
219

$
322

[1] These amounts represent an aggregation of multiple catastrophes.

77


Prior accident years development recorded in 2014
Included within prior accident years development were the following reserve strengthenings (releases):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Commercial Lines
Personal
Lines
Property & Casualty Other Operations
Total Property & Casualty Insurance
Auto liability
$
—

$
(4
)
$
—

$
(4
)
Package business
2

—

—

2

General liability
(19
)
—

—

(19
)
Bond
4

—

—

4

Commercial property
(1
)
—

—

(1
)
Net environmental reserves
—

—

3

3

Workers’ compensation discount accretion
8

—

—

8

Catastrophes
1

(3
)
—

(2
)
Other reserve re-estimates, net
—

(8
)
7

(1
)
Total prior accident years development
$
(5
)
$
(15
)
$
10

$
(10
)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 

Commercial
Lines
Personal
Lines
Property &
Casualty Other
Operations
Total 
Property &
Casualty 
Insurance
Auto liability
$
14

$
(4
)
$
—

$
10

Homeowners
—

(10
)
—

(10
)
Professional liability
(16
)
—

—

(16
)
Package business
1

—

—

1

General liability
(22
)
—

—

(22
)
Bond
4

—

—

4

Commercial property
(3
)
—

—

(3
)
Net asbestos reserves
—

—

212

212

Net environmental reserves
—

—

30

30

Workers’ compensation
5

—

—

5

Workers’ compensation discount accretion
23

—

—

23

Catastrophes
(17
)
(29
)
—

(46
)
Other reserve re-estimates, net
11

(9
)
9

11

Total prior accident years development
$
—

$
(52
)
$
251

$
199

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company’s re-estimates of prior accident years reserves included the following significant reserve changes:
•
Strengthened reserves in commercial auto liability due to an increased frequency of severe claims spread across several accident years.
•
Homeowners results emerged favorably for accident year 2013, primarily related to favorable development on fire and water-related claims.
•
Released reserves in professional liability for accident years 2010, 2012 and 2013 due to lower frequency of reported claims.
•
Released reserves in general liability due to lower frequency in late emerging claims.
•
Bond reserves emerged favorably for accident years 2008 forward, offset by adverse emergence on reserves for accident years 2007 and prior.
•
Released catastrophe reserves primarily for accident year 2013 as fourth quarter 2013 catastrophes have developed favorably.

78


Property & Casualty Other Operations Claims
Reserve Activity
Reserves and reserve activity in Property & Casualty Other Operations are categorized and reported as asbestos, environmental, or “all other”. The “all other” category of reserves covers a wide range of insurance and assumed reinsurance coverages, including, but not limited to, potential liability for construction defects, lead paint, silica, pharmaceutical products, molestation and other long-tail liabilities.
The following tables present reserve activity, inclusive of estimates for both reported and incurred but not reported claims, net of reinsurance, categorized by asbestos, environmental and all other claims.
Property & Casualty Other Operations Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
Asbestos
 
Environmental
All Other [2]
Total
Beginning liability—net [3][4]
$
1,777

  
$
271

$
915

$
2,963

Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred
—

 
—

1

$
1

Less: losses and loss adjustment expenses paid
42

 
17

13

$
72

Ending liability – net [3][4]
$
1,735

[5] 
$
254

$
903

$
2,892

 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
Asbestos
 
Environmental
All Other [1] [2]
Total
Beginning liability—net [3][4]
$
1,710

  
$
241

$
952

$
2,903

Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred
146

 
55

3

204

Less: losses and loss adjustment expenses paid
121

 
42

52

215

Ending liability – net [3][4]
$
1,735

[5] 
$
254

$
903

$
2,892

[1]
HFPI net reserves of $35 as of December 31, 2014 have been prospectively reclassified from Commercial Lines to "All Other" as HFPI does not write new business.
[2]
In addition to various insurance and assumed reinsurance exposures, “All Other” includes unallocated loss adjustment expense reserves. “All Other” also includes The Company's allowance for uncollectible reinsurance. When the Company commutes a ceded reinsurance contract or settles a ceded reinsurance dispute, the portion of the allowance for uncollectible reinsurance attributable to that commutation or settlement, if any, is reclassified to the appropriate cause of loss.
[3]
Excludes amounts reported in Commercial Lines and Personal Lines reporting segments (collectively “Ongoing Operations”) for asbestos and environmental net liabilities of $14 and $9, respectively, as of September 30, 2015. Total net losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 includes $4 and $9, respectively, related to asbestos and environmental claims. Total net losses and loss adjustment expenses paid for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 includes $4 and $9, respectively, related to asbestos and environmental claims.
[4]
Gross of reinsurance, asbestos and environmental reserves, including liabilities in Ongoing Operations, were $2,248 and $296.
[5]
The one year and average three year net paid amounts for asbestos claims, including Ongoing Operations, are $179 and $203, respectively, resulting in a one year net survival ratio of 9.8 and a three year net survival ratio of 8.6. Net survival ratio is the quotient of the net carried reserves divided by the average annual payment amount and is an indication of the number of years that the net carried reserve would last (i.e. survive) if the future annual claim payments were consistent with the calculated historical average.

79


Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
Asbestos
 
Environmental
All Other
Total
Beginning liability—net [1][2]
$
1,820

  
$
278

$
932

$
3,030

Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred
—

 
3

7

10

Less : losses and loss adjustment expenses paid
65

 
14

27

106

Ending liability – net [1][2]
$
1,755

[3] 
$
267

$
912

$
2,934

 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
Asbestos
 
Environmental
All Other
Total
Beginning liability—net [1][2]
$
1,714

  
$
270

$
990

$
2,974

Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred
212

 
30

9

251

Less: losses and loss adjustment expenses paid
171

 
33

87

291

Ending liability – net [1][2]
$
1,755

[3] 
$
267

$
912

$
2,934

[1]
Excludes amounts reported in Commercial Lines and Personal Lines reporting segments (collectively “Ongoing Operations”) for asbestos and environmental net liabilities of $17 and $6, respectively, as of September 30, 2014. Total net losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes $7 and $12, respectively, related to asbestos and environmental claims. Total net losses and loss adjustment expenses paid for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes $5 and $13 related to asbestos and environmental claims.
[2]
Gross of reinsurance, asbestos and environmental reserves, including liabilities in Ongoing Operations, were $2,280 and $299.
[3]
The one year and average three year net paid amounts for asbestos claims, including Ongoing Operations, are $231 and $201, respectively, resulting in a one year net survival ratio of 7.7 and a three year net survival ratio of 8.8. Net survival ratio is the quotient of the net carried reserves divided by the average annual payment amount and is an indication of the number of years that the net carried reserve would last (i.e. survive) if the future annual claim payments were consistent with the calculated historical average.
For paid and incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses reporting, the Company classifies its asbestos and environmental reserves into three categories: Direct, Assumed Reinsurance and London Market. Direct insurance includes primary and excess coverage. Assumed Reinsurance includes both “treaty” reinsurance (covering broad categories of claims or blocks of business) and “facultative” reinsurance (covering specific risks or individual policies of primary or excess insurance companies). London Market business includes the business written by one or more of the Company’s subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, which are no longer active in the insurance or reinsurance business. Such business includes both direct insurance and assumed reinsurance. Of the three categories of claims (Direct, Assumed Reinsurance and London Market), direct policies tend to have the greatest factual development from which to estimate the Company’s exposures.
Assumed Reinsurance exposures are less predictable than direct insurance exposures because the Company does not generally receive notice of a reinsurance claim until the underlying direct insurance claim is mature. This causes a delay in the receipt of information at the reinsurer level and adds to the uncertainty of estimating related reserves.
London Market exposures are the most uncertain of the three categories of claims. As a participant in the London Market (comprised of both Lloyd's of London and London Market companies), certain subsidiaries of the Company wrote business on a subscription basis, with those subsidiaries' involvement being limited to a relatively small percentage of a total contract placement. Claims are reported, via a broker, to the “lead” underwriter and, once agreed to, are presented to the following markets for concurrence. This reporting and claim agreement process makes estimating liabilities for this business the most uncertain of the three categories of claims.

80


The following table sets forth paid and incurred loss activity by the three categories of claims for asbestos and environmental.
Paid and Incurred Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (“LAE”) Development – Asbestos and Environmental
 
Asbestos [1]
Environmental [1]
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
Paid
Losses &  LAE
Incurred
Losses &  LAE
Paid
Losses &  LAE
Incurred
Losses &  LAE
Gross
 
 
 
 
Direct
$
27

$
—

$
9

$
—

Assumed Reinsurance
10

—

1

—

London Market
3

—

7

—

Total
40

—

17

—

Ceded
2

—

—

—

Net
$
42

$
—

$
17

$
—

 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
Paid
Losses &  LAE
Incurred
Losses &  LAE
Paid
Losses &  LAE
Incurred
Losses &  LAE
Gross
 
 
 
 
      Direct
$
99

$
190

$
29

$
67

      Assumed Reinsurance
29

3

2

(2
)
      London Market
14

7

14

5

            Total
142

200

45

70

Ceded
(21
)
(54
)
(3
)
(15
)
Net
$
121

$
146

$
42

$
55

[1]
Excludes asbestos and environmental paid and incurred loss and LAE reported in Ongoing Operations. Total gross losses and LAE incurred in Ongoing Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 includes $4 and $11, respectively, related to asbestos and environmental claims. Total gross losses and LAE paid in Ongoing Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 includes $4 and $11, respectively, related to asbestos and environmental claims.
During the second quarter of 2015, the Company completed its annual ground-up asbestos reserve evaluation. As part of this evaluation, the Company reviewed all of its open direct domestic insurance accounts exposed to asbestos liability, as well as assumed reinsurance accounts and its London Market exposures for both direct insurance and assumed reinsurance. Based on this evaluation, the Company increased its net asbestos reserves by $146. A substantial majority of the Company’s direct accounts have trended as expected, and the Company has seen no material changes in the underlying legal environment during the past year. However, a small percentage of the Company’s direct accounts have experienced greater than expected claim filings, including mesothelioma claims. This was driven by a subset of peripheral defendants with a high concentration of filings in specific, adverse jurisdictions. As a result, the aggregate indemnity and defense costs have not declined as expected. To a lesser degree, the Company also saw unfavorable development on certain assumed reinsurance accounts, driven by various account-specific factors, including filing activity experienced by the direct accounts. The Company expects to continue to perform an evaluation of its asbestos liabilities annually.
During the second quarter of 2015, the Company completed its annual ground-up environmental reserve evaluation. As part of this evaluation, the Company reviewed all of its open direct domestic insurance accounts exposed to environmental liability, as well as assumed reinsurance accounts and its London Market exposures for both direct and assumed reinsurance. Based on this evaluation, the Company increased its net environmental reserves by $52. The substantial majority of the Company's environmental exposures trended as expected. However, the Company found loss and expense estimates for certain individual account exposures increased based upon an increase in clean-up costs, including at a handful of Superfund sites.  In addition, new claim severity has deteriorated, although frequency continues to decline as expected.

81


Uncertainties Regarding Adequacy of Asbestos and Environmental Reserves
A number of factors affect the variability of estimates for asbestos and environmental reserves including assumptions with respect to the frequency of claims, the average severity of those claims settled with payment, the dismissal rate of claims with no payment and the expense to indemnity ratio. The uncertainty with respect to the underlying reserve assumptions for asbestos and environmental adds a greater degree of variability to these reserve estimates than reserve estimates for more traditional exposures. While this variability is reflected in part in the size of the range of reserves developed by the Company, that range may still not be indicative of the potential variance between the ultimate outcome and the recorded reserves. The recorded net reserves as of September 30, 2015 of $2.0 billion ($1.7 billion and $0.3 billion for asbestos and environmental, respectively) is within an estimated range, unadjusted for covariance, of $1.6 billion to $2.4 billion. The process of estimating asbestos and environmental reserves remains subject to a wide variety of uncertainties, which are detailed in the Company's 2014 Form 10-K Annual Report. The Company believes that its current asbestos and environmental reserves are appropriate. However, analyses of future developments could cause the Company to change its estimates and ranges of its asbestos and environmental reserves, and the effect of these changes could be material to the Company's consolidated operating results and liquidity.
Consistent with the Company's long-standing reserve practices, the Company will continue to review and monitor its reserves in Property & Casualty Other Operations regularly, including its annual reviews of asbestos liabilities, reinsurance recoverables and the allowance for uncollectible reinsurance, and environmental liabilities, and where future developments indicate, make appropriate adjustments to the reserves. For a discussion of the Company's reserving practices, see MD&A - Critical Accounting Estimates, Property & Casualty Insurance Product Reserves, Net of Reinsurance in the Company's 2014 Form 10-K Annual Report.


82


Estimated Gross Profits Used in the Valuation and Amortization of Assets and Liabilities Associated with Variable Annuity and Other Universal Life-Type Contracts
Estimated gross profits are used in the amortization of the deferred policy acquisition costs ("DAC") asset and sales inducement assets (“SIA”). Portions of EGPs are also used in the valuation of reserves for death and other insurance benefit features on variable annuity and other universal life type contracts.
The most significant EGP based balances are as follows:
 
Talcott Resolution
 
As of September 30, 2015
As of December 31, 2014
DAC
$
1,062

$
1,200

SIA
$
74

$
89

Death and Other Insurance Benefit Reserves, net of reinsurance [1]
$
301

$
331

[1]
For additional information on death and other insurance benefit reserves, see Note 6 - Separate Accounts, Death Benefits and Other Insurance Benefit Features of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Unlocks
The benefit (charge) to net income from continuing operations, net of tax by asset and liability as a result of the Unlocks is as follow:
 
Talcott Resolution
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
DAC
$
(43
)
$
(176
)
 
$
(31
)
$
(148
)
SIA
(3
)
(41
)
 
(2
)
(35
)
URR
—

44

 
—

42

Death and Other Insurance Benefit Reserves
(3
)
15

 
60

26

Total (before tax)
$
(49
)
$
(158
)
 
$
27

$
(115
)
Income tax effect
(16
)
(56
)
 
10

(40
)
Total (after-tax)
$
(33
)
$
(102
)
 
$
17

$
(75
)
The Unlock charge, after-tax, for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was primarily due to separate account returns being below our aggregated estimated returns during the period largely due to the decline in equity markets. The Unlock benefit, after-tax for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was primarily due to an off-cycle assumption change related to benefit utilization partially offset by separate account returns being below our aggregated estimated returns during the period. The Unlock charge, after-tax, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014, was primarily due to lower future estimated gross profits on the fixed annuity block driven by the continued low interest rate environment, as well as, higher variable annuity unit costs due to higher than expected surrenders, partially offset by actual separate account returns being above our aggregated estimated returns during the period.
An Unlock revises EGPs, on a quarterly basis, to reflect market updates of policyholder account value and the Company’s current best estimate assumptions. Modifications to the Company’s hedging programs may impact EGPs, and correspondingly impact DAC recoverability. After each quarterly Unlock, the Company also tests the aggregate recoverability of DAC by comparing the DAC balance to the present value of future EGPs. The margin between the DAC balance and the present value of future EGPs for U.S. individual variable annuities was 36% as of September 30, 2015. If the margin between the DAC asset and the present value of future EGPs is exhausted, then further reductions in EGPs would cause portions of DAC to be unrecoverable and the DAC asset would be written down to equal future EGPs.
In the third quarter of 2014, the Company completed a comprehensive non-market related policyholder behavior assumption study and incorporated the results of those studies into its projection of future gross profits. The annual comprehensive non-market related policyholder behavior assumption study for 2015 will be completed in the fourth quarter.

83


Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets
Deferred tax assets represent the tax benefit of future deductible temporary differences and tax carryforwards. Deferred tax assets are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such benefits are realized if there is no change in tax law. Under U.S. GAAP, we test the value of deferred tax assets for impairment on a quarterly basis at the entity level within each tax jurisdiction, consistent with our filed tax returns. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The determination of the valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets requires management to make certain judgments and assumptions. In evaluating the ability to recover deferred tax assets, we have considered all available evidence as of September 30, 2015, including past operating results, the existence of cumulative losses in the most recent years, forecasted earnings, future taxable income, and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. In the event we determine it is not more likely than not that we will not be able to realize all or part of our deferred tax assets in the future, an increase to the valuation allowance would be charged to earnings in the period such determination is made. Likewise, if it is later determined that it is more likely than not that those deferred tax assets would be realized, the previously provided valuation allowance would be reversed. Our judgments and assumptions are subject to change given the inherent uncertainty in predicting future performance and specific industry and investment market conditions.
The Company has recorded a deferred tax asset valuation allowance that is adequate to reduce the total deferred tax asset to an amount that will be more likely than not realized. The deferred tax asset valuation allowance was $124 and $181, respectively, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, relating primarily to U.S. capital loss carryovers. The reduction in the valuation allowance stems primarily from taxable gains on sales of investments during the period. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, management considered future taxable temporary difference reversals, future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryovers, taxable income in open carry back years, as well as other tax planning strategies. These tax planning strategies include holding a portion of debt securities with market value losses until recovery, altering the level of tax exempt securities held, making investments that allow utilization of foreign tax credits, business considerations such as asset-liability matching, and making investments which have specific tax characteristics. Management views such tax planning strategies as prudent and feasible, and would implement them, if necessary, to realize the deferred tax asset.

84


KEY PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND RATIOS
The Company considers the measures and ratios in the following discussion to be key performance indicators for its businesses. Management believes that these ratios and measures are useful in understanding the underlying trends in The Hartford’s businesses. However, these key performance indicators should only be used in conjunction with, and not in lieu of, the results presented in the segment discussions that follow in this MD&A. These ratios and measures may not be comparable to other performance measures used by the Company’s competitors.
Definitions of Non-GAAP and other Measures and Ratios
Account Value
Account value includes policyholders’ balances for investment contracts and reserves for future policy benefits for insurance contracts. Account value is a measure used by the Company because a significant portion of the Company’s fee income is based upon the level of account value. These revenues increase or decrease with a rise or fall in the amount of account value whether caused by changes in the market or through net flows.
Assets Under Management
Assets under management (“AUM”) include account values and mutual fund assets. AUM is a measure used by the Company because a significant portion of the Company’s revenues are based upon asset values. These revenues increase or decrease with a rise or fall in the amount of account value whether caused by changes in the market or through net flows.
Catastrophe Ratio
The catastrophe ratio (a component of the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio) represents the ratio of catastrophe losses incurred in the current calendar year (net of reinsurance) to earned premiums and includes catastrophe losses incurred for both the current and prior accident years. A catastrophe is an event that causes $25 or more in industry insured property losses and affects a significant number of property and casualty policyholders and insurers. The catastrophe ratio includes the effect of catastrophe losses, but does not include the effect of reinstatement premiums.
Combined Ratio
The combined ratio is the sum of the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio, the expense ratio and the policyholder dividend ratio. This ratio is a relative measurement that describes the related cost of losses and expenses for every $100 of earned premiums. A combined ratio below 100 demonstrates underwriting profit; a combined ratio above 100 demonstrates underwriting losses.
Combined Ratio before Catastrophes and Prior Accident Year Development
The combined ratio before catastrophes and prior accident year development, a non-GAAP financial measure, represents the combined ratio for the current accident year, excluding the impact of catastrophes. Combined ratio is the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure.
Core Earnings
Core earnings, a non-GAAP measure, is an important measure of the Company’s operating performance. The Company believes that core earnings provides investors with a valuable measure of the performance of the Company’s ongoing businesses because it reveals trends in our insurance and financial services businesses that may be obscured by including the net effect of certain realized capital gains and losses, certain restructuring and other costs, pension settlements, loss on extinguishment of debt, reinsurance gains and losses from disposal of businesses, income tax benefit from reduction in deferred income tax valuation allowance, discontinued operations, and the impact of Unlocks to DAC, SIA, and death and other insurance benefit reserve balances. Some realized capital gains and losses are primarily driven by investment decisions and external economic developments, the nature and timing of which are unrelated to the insurance and underwriting aspects of our business. Accordingly, core earnings excludes the effect of all realized gains and losses (net of tax and the effects of DAC) that tend to be highly variable from period to period based on capital market conditions. The Company believes, however, that some realized capital gains and losses are integrally related to our insurance operations, so core earnings includes net realized gains and losses such as net periodic settlements on credit derivatives. These net realized gains and losses are directly related to an offsetting item included in the income statement such as net investment income. Net income (loss) is the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure. Core earnings should not be considered as a substitute for net income (loss) and does not reflect the overall profitability of the Company’s business. Therefore, the Company believes that it is useful for investors to evaluate both net income (loss) and core earnings when reviewing the Company’s performance.

85


A reconciliation of net income to core earnings is set forth in the following table:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
Net income
$
381

$
388

 
$
1,261

$
416

Less: Unlock benefit (charge), after-tax
(33
)
(102
)
 
17

(75
)
Less: Net realized capital gains (losses), after-tax and DAC, excluded from core earnings
(30
)
27

 
(24
)
(11
)
Less: Restructuring and other costs, after-tax
(2
)
(14
)
 
(10
)
(32
)
Less: Loss on extinguishment of debt, after-tax
—

—

 
(14
)
—

Less: Net reinsurance gain on dispositions, after-tax
13

—

 
18

—

Less: Income tax benefit from reduction in valuation allowance
60

—

 
60

—

Less: Gain (loss) from discontinued operations, after-tax
9

—

 
9

(588
)
Core earnings
$
364

$
477

 
$
1,205

$
1,122

Core Earnings Margin
Core earnings margin is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company uses to evaluate, and believes is an important measure of, the Group Benefits segment’s operating performance. Core earnings margin is calculated by dividing core earnings by revenues excluding buyouts and realized gains (losses). Net income margin is the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure. The Company believes that core earnings margin provides investors with a valuable measure of the performance of Group Benefits because it reveals trends in the business that may be obscured by the effect of buyouts and realized gains (losses). Core earnings margin should not be considered as a substitute for net income margin and does not reflect the overall profitability of Group Benefits. Therefore, the Company believes it is important for investors to evaluate both core earnings margin and net income margin when reviewing performance.
Current Accident Year Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Ratio before Catastrophes
The current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes is a measure of the cost of non-catastrophe claims incurred in the current accident year divided by earned premiums. Management believes that the current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes is a performance measure that is useful to investors as it removes the impact of volatile and unpredictable catastrophe losses and prior accident year reserve development.
Expense Ratio
The expense ratio for the underwriting segments of Commercial Lines and Personal Lines is the ratio of underwriting expenses to earned premiums. Underwriting expenses include the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and insurance operating costs and expenses, including certain centralized services and bad debt expense. Deferred policy acquisition costs include commissions, taxes, licenses and fees and certain other underwriting expenses and are amortized over the policy term.
The expense ratio for Group Benefits is expressed as the ratio of insurance operating costs and other expenses and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, to premiums and other considerations, excluding buyout premiums.
Fee Income
Fee income is largely driven from amounts collected as a result of contractually defined percentages of assets under management. These fees are generally collected on a daily basis. Therefore, the growth in assets under management either through positive net flows or net sales, or favorable equity market performance will have a favorable impact on fee income. Conversely, either negative net flows or net sales, or unfavorable equity market performance will reduce fee income.
Full Surrender Rates
Full surrender rates are an internal measure of contract surrenders calculated using annualized full surrenders divided by a two-point average of annuity account values. The full surrender rate represents full contract liquidation and excludes partial withdrawals.
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Ratio
The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio is a measure of the cost of claims incurred in the calendar year divided by earned premium and includes losses incurred for both the current and prior accident years, as well as the costs of mortality and morbidity and other contractholder benefits to policyholders. Among other factors, the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio needed for the Company to achieve its targeted return on equity fluctuates from year to year based on changes in the expected investment yield over the claim settlement period, the timing of expected claim settlements and the targeted returns set by management based on the competitive environment.

86


The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio is affected by claim frequency and claim severity, particularly for shorter-tail property lines of business, where the emergence of claim frequency and severity is credible and likely indicative of ultimate losses. Claim frequency represents the percentage change in the average number of reported claims per unit of exposure in the current accident year compared to that of the previous accident year. Claim severity represents the percentage change in the estimated average cost per claim in the current accident year compared to that of the previous accident year. As one of the factors used to determine pricing, the Company’s practice is to first make an overall assumption about claim frequency and severity for a given line of business and then, as part of the ratemaking process, adjust the assumption as appropriate for the particular state, product or coverage.
Loss Ratio, excluding Buyouts
The loss ratio is utilized for the Group Benefits segment and is expressed as a ratio of benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses to premiums and other considerations, excluding buyout premiums. Since Group Benefits occasionally buys a block of claims for a stated premium amount, the Company excludes this buyout from the loss ratio used for evaluating the underwriting results of the business as buyouts may distort the loss ratio. Buyout premiums represent takeover of open claim liabilities and other non-recurring premium amounts.
Mutual Fund Assets
Mutual fund assets are owned by the shareholders of those funds and not by the Company and therefore are not reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Mutual fund assets are a measure used by the Company because a significant portion of the Company’s revenues are based upon asset values. These revenues increase or decrease with a rise or fall in the amount of account value whether caused by changes in the market or through net flows.
New Business Written Premium
New business written premium represents the amount of premiums charged for policies issued to customers who were not insured with the Company in the previous policy term. New business written premium plus renewal policy written premium equals total written premium.
Policies in Force
Policies in force represent the number of policies with coverage in effect as of the end of the period. The number of policies in force is a growth measure used for Personal Lines and standard commercial lines within Commercial Lines and is affected by both new business growth and policy count retention.
Policy Count Retention
Policy count retention represents the ratio of the number of policies renewed during the period divided by the number of policies available to renew. The number of policies available to renew represents the number of policies, net of any cancellations, written in the previous policy term. Policy count retention is affected by a number of factors, including the percentage of renewal policy quotes accepted and decisions by the Company to non-renew policies because of specific policy underwriting concerns or because of a decision to reduce premium writings in certain classes of business or states. Policy count retention is also affected by advertising and rate actions taken by competitors.
Policyholder Dividend Ratio
The policyholder dividend ratio is the ratio of policyholder dividends to earned premium.
Prior Accident Year Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Ratio
The prior year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio represents the increase (decrease) in the estimated cost of settling catastrophe and non-catastrophe claims incurred in prior accident years as recorded in the current calendar year divided by earned premiums.
Reinstatement Premiums
Reinstatement premium represents additional ceded premium paid for the reinstatement of the amount of reinsurance coverage that was reduced as a result of a reinsurance loss payment.
Renewal Earned Price Increase (Decrease)
Written premiums are earned over the policy term, which is six months for certain Personal Lines auto business and twelve months for substantially all of the remainder of the Company’s Property and Casualty business. Since the Company earns premiums over the six to twelve month term of the policies, renewal earned price increases (decreases) lag renewal written price increases (decreases) by six to twelve months.

87


Renewal Written Price Increase (Decrease)
Renewal written price increase (decrease) represents the combined effect of rate changes, amount of insurance and individual risk pricing decisions per unit of exposure since the prior year. The rate component represents the change in rate filings during the period and the amount of insurance represents the change in the value of the rating base, such as model year/vehicle symbol for auto, building replacement costs for property and wage inflation for workers’ compensation. A number of factors affect renewal written price increases (decreases) including expected loss costs as projected by the Company’s pricing actuaries, rate filings approved by state regulators, risk selection decisions made by the Company’s underwriters and marketplace competition. Renewal written price changes reflect the property and casualty insurance market cycle. Prices tend to increase for a particular line of business when insurance carriers have incurred significant losses in that line of business in the recent past or the industry as a whole commits less of its capital to writing exposures in that line of business. Prices tend to decrease when recent loss experience has been favorable or when competition among insurance carriers increases. Renewal written price statistics are subject to change from period to period, based on a number of factors, including changes in actuarial estimates and the effect of subsequent cancellations and non-renewals on rate achieved, and modifications made to better reflect ultimate pricing achieved.
Return on Assets (“ROA”), Core Earnings
ROA, core earnings, is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company uses to evaluate, and believes is an important measure of, certain of the segment’s operating performance. ROA is the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure. The Company believes that ROA, core earnings, provides investors with a valuable measure of the performance of certain of the Company’s on-going businesses because it reveals trends in our businesses that may be obscured by the effect of realized gains (losses). ROA, core earnings, should not be considered as a substitute for ROA and does not reflect the overall profitability of our businesses. Therefore, the Company believes it is important for investors to evaluate both ROA, core earnings, and ROA when reviewing the Company’s performance. ROA is calculated by dividing core earnings by a two-point average AUM.
Underwriting Gain (Loss)
The Company's management evaluates profitability of the P&C businesses primarily on the basis of underwriting gain (loss). Underwriting gain (loss) is a before-tax measure that represents earned premiums less incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting expenses. Underwriting gain (loss) is influenced significantly by earned premium growth and the adequacy of the Company's pricing. Underwriting profitability over time is also greatly influenced by the Company's pricing and underwriting discipline, which seeks to manage exposure to loss through favorable risk selection and diversification, its management of claims, its use of reinsurance and its ability to manage its expense ratio, which it accomplishes through economies of scale and its management of acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. Net income (loss) is the most directly comparable GAAP measure. The Company believes that underwriting gain (loss) provides investors with a valuable measure of before-tax profitability derived from underwriting activities, which are managed separately from the Company's investing activities. A reconciliation of underwriting gain (loss) to net income (loss) for Commercial Lines, Personal Lines and Property & Casualty Other Operations is set forth in their respective discussions herein.
Written and Earned Premiums
Written premium is a statutory accounting financial measure which represents the amount of premiums charged for policies issued, net of reinsurance, during a fiscal period. Earned premium is a U.S. GAAP and statutory measure. Premiums are considered earned and are included in the financial results on a pro rata basis over the policy period. Management believes that written premium is a performance measure that is useful to investors as it reflects current trends in the Company’s sale of property and casualty insurance products. Written and earned premium are recorded net of ceded reinsurance premium.
Traditional life insurance type products, such as those sold by Group Benefits, collect premiums from policyholders in exchange for financial protection for the policyholder from a specified insurable loss, such as death or disability. These premiums together with net investment income earned from the overall investment strategy are used to pay the contractual obligations under these insurance contracts. Two major factors, new sales and persistency, impact premium growth. Sales can increase or decrease in a given year based on a number of factors, including but not limited to, customer demand for the Company’s product offerings, pricing competition, distribution channels and the Company’s reputation and ratings. Persistency refers to the percentage of policies remaining in-force from year-to-year.

88



COMMERCIAL LINES
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Underwriting Summary
2015
2014
Change
 
2015
2014
Change
Written premiums
$
1,639

$
1,583

4
%
 
$
5,016

$
4,823

4
%
Change in unearned premium reserve
(8
)
5

NM

 
163

145

12
%
Earned premiums
1,647

1,578

4
%
 
4,853

4,678

4
%
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current accident year before catastrophes
952

931

2
%
 
2,789

2,799

—
%
Current accident year catastrophes
8

8

—
%
 
108

103

5
%
Prior accident years
50

(5
)
NM

 
69

—

NM

Total losses and loss adjustment expenses
1,010

934

8
%
 
2,966

2,902

2
%
Amortization of DAC
239

230

4
%
 
710

686

3
%
Underwriting expenses
304

286

6
%
 
883

788

12
%
Dividends to policyholders
4

4

—
%
 
13

11

18
%
Underwriting gain
90

124

(27
%)
 
281

291

(3
%)
Net servicing income [1]
6

5

20
%
 
14

14

—
%
Net investment income
208

250

(17
%)
 
704

736

(4
%)
Net realized capital gains (losses)
(18
)
18

NM

 
(17
)
(38
)
55
%
Other income (expense)
1

(1
)
NM

 
4

1

NM

Income before income taxes
287

396

(28
%)
 
986

1,004

(2
%)
Income tax expense
83

116

(28
%)
 
283

283

—
%
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
204

280

(27
%)
 
703

721

(2
%)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
7

—

NM

 
7

—

NM

Net income
$
211

$
280

(25
%)
 
$
710

$
721

(2
%)
[1]
Includes servicing revenues of $24 and $30 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, and $66 and $86 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Premium Measures [1]
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
New business premium
$
271

$
264

 
$
850

$
811

Standard commercial lines policy count retention
84
%
84
%
 
84
%
83
%
Standard commercial lines renewal written pricing increases
2
%
4
%
 
3
%
5
%
Standard commercial lines renewal earned pricing increases
3
%
6
%
 
4
%
7
%
Standard commercial lines policies in-force as of end of period (in thousands)
 
 
 
1,301

1,269

[1]
Standard commercial lines consists of small commercial and middle market. Standard commercial premium measures exclude middle market specialty programs and livestock lines of business.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Underwriting Ratios
2015
2014
Change
 
2015
2014
Change
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current accident year before catastrophes
57.8

59.0

1.2

 
57.5

59.8

2.3

Current accident year catastrophes
0.5

0.5

—

 
2.2

2.2

—

Prior year development
3.0

(0.3
)
(3.3
)
 
1.4

—

(1.4
)
Total loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
61.3

59.2

(2.1
)
 
61.1

62.0

0.9

Expense ratio
33.0

32.7

(0.3
)
 
32.8

31.5

(1.3
)
Policyholder dividend ratio
0.2

0.3

0.1

 
0.3

0.2

(0.1
)
Combined ratio
94.5

92.1

(2.4
)
 
94.2

93.8

(0.4
)
Current accident year catastrophes and prior year development
3.5

0.2

(3.3
)
 
3.6

2.2

(1.4
)
Combined ratio before catastrophes and prior year development
91.0

92.0

1.0

 
90.6

91.6

1.0


89


Three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014
Overview
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior year period, decreased primarily due to lower net investment income, a shift to net realized capital losses in the current quarter from net realized capital gains in the prior year quarter, and a lower underwriting gain. The decrease in underwriting gain was driven by adverse prior accident years development, as well as higher underwriting expenses, partially offset by earned premium growth.
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior year period, decreased primarily due to lower net investment income and a lower underwriting gain. The decrease in underwriting gain was driven by adverse prior accident years development and higher underwriting expenses, partially offset by earned premium growth. Underwriting expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 included a reduction of $49, before tax, in the Company's estimated liability for NY Assessments.
Revenues - Earned and Written Premiums
Earned premiums for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior year period, increased reflecting written premium growth over the preceding twelve months.
Written premiums, as compared to the prior year period, increased for the three months ended September 30, 2015 in small commercial, middle market and specialty commercial lines. Written premium increases in standard commercial lines were driven primarily by higher renewal premium, as well as modest new business premium growth and low single-digit renewal written pricing increases. For the three months ended September 30, 2015 renewal written pricing increases averaged 2% in standard commercial, which includes 3% for small commercial and 1% for middle market. Written premium increases in specialty commercial were primarily the result of higher renewal and audit premium in national accounts.
Written premiums, as compared to the prior year period, increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 in small commercial, middle market and specialty commercial lines. Written premium increases in standard commercial lines were driven primarily by higher renewal and audit premium, as well as new business premium growth and renewal written pricing increases. Written premium increases in specialty commercial were primarily the result of written premium growth in financial products, national accounts and bond.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior year period, increased reflecting higher prior accident years development and higher current accident year losses before catastrophes in standard commercial lines. Losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior year period, increased reflecting higher prior accident years development.
•
The decrease in the current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratios before catastrophes for the three months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior year period, was primarily driven by lower loss and loss adjustment expense ratio in workers' compensation due to declining frequency and modestly higher severity, partially offset by higher non-catastrophe property losses. Accordingly, the current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes decreased by 1.2 points to 57.8 in 2015 from 59.0 in 2014.
The decrease in the current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratios before catastrophes for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior year period, was primarily driven by a lower loss and loss adjustment expense ratio in workers' compensation due to earned pricing increases and favorable frequency and severity trends, as well as lower non-catastrophe property losses. Accordingly, the current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes decreased by 2.3 points to 57.5 in 2015 from 59.8 in 2014.
•
Current accident year catastrophe losses totaled $8, before tax, for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. Catastrophe losses for both periods were primarily due to wind and hail events across various U.S. geographic regions.
Current accident year catastrophe losses totaled $108, before tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $103, before tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Catastrophe losses for both periods were primarily due to winter storms and wind and hail events across various U.S. geographic regions. For additional information, see MD&A - Critical Accounting Estimates, Property & Casualty Insurance Product Reserves, Net of Reinsurance.

90


•
Prior accident years reserve strengthening of $50, before tax, for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to a reserve release of $5, before tax, for the three months ended September 30, 2014. Net reserve strengthening for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was primarily related to commercial auto liability and workers' compensation discount accretion. Net reserve release for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was primarily related to releases related to general liability.
Prior accident years reserve strengthening of $69, before tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Net reserve strengthening for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was primarily related to commercial auto liability and workers' compensation discount accretion, partially offset by a reduction in reserves for professional liability. For additional information, see MD&A - Critical Accounting Estimates, Reserve Roll-forwards and Development.
Underwriting Ratios
The combined ratio, before catastrophes and prior year development, decreased 1.0 points to 91.0 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 from 92.0 for the three months ended September 30, 2014. The decrease reflected a decrease in the current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes. The combined ratio, before catastrophes and prior year development, decreased 1.0 points to 90.6 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 from 91.6 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
The expense ratio increased by 0.3 and 1.3 points for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, due primarily to increased commissions and marketing expenses. The expense ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes a 1.0 point favorable impact related to a reduction the Company's estimated liability for NY Assessments. Apart from the effect of the reduction in NY assessments in 2014, the combined ratio before catastrophes and prior year development decreased as a decrease in the current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes was partially offset by an increase in the expense ratio due to higher commissions.
Investment Results
Investment income decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior year period. For discussion of consolidated investment results, see MD&A - Investment Results, Net Investment Income (Loss) and Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses).
Income Taxes
The effective tax rates in 2015 and 2014 differ from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to permanent differences related to investments in tax exempt securities. For discussion of income taxes, see Note 8 - Income Taxes of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

91


PERSONAL LINES
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Underwriting Summary
2015
2014
Change
 
2015
2014
Change
Written premiums
$
1,034

$
1,019

1
%
 
$
2,982

$
2,949

1
%
Change in unearned premium reserve
57

55

4
%
 
87

111

(22
%)
Earned premiums
977

964

1
%
 
2,895

2,838

2
%
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
 
 

 
 
 

Current accident year before catastrophes
682

639

7
%
 
1,916

1,858

3
%
Current accident year catastrophes
68

32

113
%
 
190

219

(13
%)
Prior accident years
(14
)
(15
)
7
%
 
(18
)
(52
)
65
%
Total losses and loss adjustment expenses
736

656

12
%
 
2,088

2,025

3
%
Amortization of DAC
90

88

2
%
 
270

259

4
%
Underwriting expenses
162

149

9
%
 
465

444

5
%
Underwriting gain (loss)
(11
)
71

(115
%)
 
72

110

(35
%)
Net servicing income
—

2

(100
%)
 
3

2

50
%
Net investment income
29

33

(12
%)
 
98

99

(1
%)
Net realized capital gains (losses)
4

4

—
%
 
4

(4
)
NM

Other income (expenses) [1]
(1
)
(3
)
67
%
 
16

(3
)
NM

Income before income taxes
21

107

(80
)%
 
193

204

(5
)%
Income tax expense
2

34

(94
%)
 
57

62

(8
%)
Net income
$
19

$
73

(74
)%
 
$
136

$
142

(4
)%
[1]
Includes a benefit of $17 before tax in the six months ended June 30, 2015 from the resolution of litigation.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Written Premiums
2015
2014
Change
 
2015
2014
Change
Product Line
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Automobile
$
707

$
690

2
%
 
$
2,066

$
2,030

2
%
Homeowners
327

329

(1
%)
 
916

919

—
%
Total
$
1,034

$
1,019

1
%
 
$
2,982

$
2,949

1
%
Earned Premiums
 
 

 
 
 


Product Line
 
 

 
 
 


Automobile
$
674

$
662

2
%
 
$
1,994

$
1,948

2
%
Homeowners
303

302

—
%
 
901

890

1
%
Total
$
977

$
964

1
%
 
$
2,895

$
2,838

2
%

92


 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Premium Measures
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
Policies in-force end of period (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Automobile
 
 
 
2,052

2,047

Homeowners
 
 
 
1,284

1,318

New business written premium
 
 
 
 
 
Automobile
$
111

$
108

 
$
308

$
315

Homeowners
$
29

$
34

 
$
85

$
101

Policy count retention
 
 
 
 
 
Automobile
84
%
85
%
 
84
%
86
%
Homeowners
85
%
86
%
 
85
%
87
%
Renewal written pricing increase
 
 
 
 
 
Automobile
6
%
5
%
 
6
%
5
%
Homeowners
8
%
7
%
 
8
%
8
%
Renewal earned pricing increase
 
 
 
 
 
Automobile
6
%
5
%
 
6
%
5
%
Homeowners
8
%
8
%
 
8
%
7
%
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Underwriting Ratios
2015
2014
Change
 
2015
2014
Change
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current accident year before catastrophes
69.8

66.3

(3.5
)
 
66.2

65.5

(0.7
)
Current accident year catastrophes
7.0

3.3

(3.7
)
 
6.6

7.7

1.1

Prior year development
(1.4
)
(1.6
)
(0.2
)
 
(0.6
)
(1.8
)
(1.2
)
Total loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
75.3

68.0

(7.3
)
 
72.1

71.4

(0.7
)
Expense ratio
25.8

24.6

(1.2
)
 
25.4

24.8

(0.6
)
Combined ratio
101.1

92.6

(8.5
)
 
97.5

96.1

(1.4
)
Current accident year catastrophes and prior year development
5.6

1.7

(3.9
)
 
6.0

5.9

(0.1
)
Combined ratio before catastrophes and prior year development
95.6

90.9

(4.7
)
 
91.6

90.2

(1.4
)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Product Combined Ratios
2015
2014
Change
 
2015
2014
Change
Automobile
 
 


 
 
 


Combined ratio
100.4

97.8

(2.6
)
 
98.1

96.9

(1.2
)
Combined ratio before catastrophes and prior year development
101.6

97.0

(4.6
)
 
97.6

95.3

(2.3
)
Homeowners
 
 


 
 
 


Combined ratio
105.5

84.8

(20.7
)
 
97.1

95.8

(1.3
)
Combined ratio before catastrophes and prior year development
82.4

77.6

(4.8
)
 
78.2

79.3

1.1

Three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014
Overview
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior period, decreased primarily due to a lower underwriting gain driven by an increase in current accident year catastrophe losses and deterioration in the combined ratio before catastrophes. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior period, decreased primarily due to a lower underwriting gain driven by lower favorable prior accident years development and deterioration in the combined ratio before catastrophes, offset by a decrease in current accident year catastrophes.

93


Revenues - Earned and Written Premiums
Earned and written premiums for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior year periods, increased primarily due to renewal written and earned pricing increases. Policy count retention was lower for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior year periods, driven in part by renewal written pricing increases.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior year period, increased primarily due to higher current accident year before catastrophe losses in both automobile and homeowners and higher current accident year catastrophes losses. Losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior year period, increased primarily due to higher current accident year before catastrophe losses and lower favorable prior accident year development partially offset by lower current accident year catastrophe losses.
•
Current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes increased for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to the prior year period, as a result of the effect of increases in earned premiums, and increases in auto liability and auto physical damage frequency, as well as higher homeowners fire and water-related claims, which were partially offset by lower weather-related claims. The current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes of 69.8 in 2015 increased 3.5 points from 66.3 in 2014.
•
Current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to the prior year period, as a result of the effect of increases in earned premiums, and increases in auto liability and auto physical damage severity, as well as higher homeowners water and fire-related claims, which were partially offset by lower weather-related claims. The current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes of 66.2 in 2015 increased 0.7 points from 65.5 in 2014.
•
Current accident year catastrophe losses of $68, before tax, for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $32 for the prior year period. Catastrophe losses for the three months ended September 30, 2015 were primarily due to wildfires in California. Catastrophe losses for the three months ended September 30, 2014 were primarily due to wind and hail events across various U.S. geographic regions.
Current accident year catastrophe losses of $190, before tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $219 for the prior year period. Catastrophe losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 were primarily due to wildfires in California and wind and hail events across various U.S. geographic regions. Catastrophe losses for the nine months ended September 20, 2014 were primarily due to wind and hail events across various U.S. geographic regions.
•
Prior accident years reserve release of $14, before tax, for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to a release of $15, before tax, for the prior year period. Reserve releases for 2015 were primarily related to reduced reserves in auto liability due to lower litigation costs. Reserve releases for 2014 were primarily related to auto liability claims.
Prior accident years reserve release of $18, before tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to a release of $52, before tax, for the prior year period. Reserve releases for 2015 were primarily related to 2014 catastrophes and reduced reserves in auto liability due to lower litigation costs. Reserve releases for 2014 were primarily related to favorable development on accident year 2013 fire and water-related homeowners claims, and reserve releases related to fourth quarter 2013 catastrophes. For additional information, see MD&A - Critical Accounting Estimates, Property & Casualty Insurance Product Reserves, Net of Reinsurance.
Underwriting Ratios
The combined ratio, before current accident year catastrophes and prior year development, increased 4.7 points to 95.6 and 1.4 points to 91.6, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 reflecting current accident year before catastrophes loss and loss adjustment expense ratio increases of 3.5 and 0.7 points and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively and expense ratio increases of 1.2 and 0.6 points for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, due primarily to higher AARP Direct marketing and operations costs.
Investment Results
Investment income decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior year period. For discussion of consolidated investment results, see MD&A - Investment Results, Net Investment Income (Loss) and Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses).
Income Taxes
The effective tax rates in 2015 and 2014 differ from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to permanent differences related to investments in tax exempt securities. For discussion of income taxes, see Note 8 - Income Taxes of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

94


PROPERTY & CASUALTY OTHER OPERATIONS
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Underwriting Summary
2015
2014
Change
 
2015
2014
Change
Written premiums
$
1

$
1

—
%
 
$
4

$
2

100
%
Change in unearned premium reserve
—

1

(100
%)
 
3

2

50
%
        Earned premiums
1

—

NM

 
1

—

NM

Losses and loss adjustment expenses
$
1

$
10

(90
%)
 
$
204

251

(19
%)
Underwriting expenses
8

8

—
%
 
21

22

(5
%)
Underwriting loss
(8
)
(18
)
56
%
 
(224
)
(273
)
18
%
Net investment income
30

33

(9
%)
 
99

99

—
%
Net realized capital gains (losses)
(2
)
2

NM

 
4

4

—
%
Other income
2

1

100
%
 
4

3

33
%
Income (loss) before income taxes
22

18

22
%
 
(117
)
(167
)
30
%
Income tax expense (benefit)
6

4

50
%
 
(45
)
(59
)
24
%
Net income (loss)
$
16

$
14

14
%
 
$
(72
)
$
(108
)
33
%
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014
Net income increased for the three months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior year period, which included reinsurance reserve strengthening related to the London market business in runoff. Net loss decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to a lower total amount of strengthening of asbestos and environmental reserves in connection with the Company's annual ground-up reserve evaluations.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, losses and loss adjustment expenses include prior year loss reserve development, as a result of the annual ground-up reserve evaluations, of $146 and $212, before tax, respectively, related to asbestos reserves, and $52 and $27, respectively, related to environmental reserves. Reserve strengthening in 2015 was primarily related to an increase in reserves for asbestos and environmental claims due to greater than expected asbestos claim filings, including mesothelioma claims, from a small percentage of the Company's direct accounts. Reserve strengthening in 2014 was primarily due to a higher than previously estimated number of mesothelioma claim filings and an increase in costs associated with asbestos litigation. For information on asbestos and environmental reserves, see MD&A - Critical Accounting Estimates, Property & Casualty Other Operations Claims, Property & Casualty Insurance Product Reserves, Net of Reinsurance.
The effective tax rates in 2015 and 2014 differ from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to permanent differences related to investments in tax exempt securities. For discussion of income taxes, see Note 8 - Income Taxes of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 

95


GROUP BENEFITS
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Operating Summary
2015
2014
Change
 
2015
2014
Change
Premiums and other considerations [1]
$
769

$
753

2
 %
 
$
2,345

$
2,329

1
 %
Net investment income
91

93

(2
)%
 
283

284

—
 %
Net realized capital gains (losses)
(6
)
(3
)
(100
)%
 
(5
)
11

(145
)%
Total revenues
854

843

1
 %
 
2,623

2,624

—
 %
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses
591

584

1
 %
 
1,807

1,782

1
 %
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
8

8

—
 %
 
24

24

—
 %
Insurance operating costs and other expenses
198

205

(3
)%
 
589

628

(6
)%
Total benefits, losses and expenses
797

797

—
 %
 
2,420

2,434

(1
)%
Income before income taxes
57

46

24
 %
 
203

190

7
 %
Income tax expense
15

9

67
 %
 
53

47

13
 %
Net income [1]
$
42

$
37

14
 %
 
$
150

$
143

5
 %
[1]
Group Benefits had a block of Association - Financial Institutions business that was subject to a profit sharing arrangement with third parties which was terminated on December 31, 2014. The Association - Financial Institutions business represented $7 of premiums and other considerations and $0 of net income for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and $70 of premiums and other considerations and $1 of net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Premiums and other considerations
2015
2014
Change
 
2015
2014
Change
Fully insured – ongoing premiums
$
751

$
738

2
%
 
$
2,294

$
2,275

1
 %
Buyout premiums
1

—

NM

 
1

8

(88
)%
Other
17

15

13
%
 
50

46

9
 %
Total premiums and other considerations
$
769

$
753

2
%
 
$
2,345

$
2,329

1
 %
Fully insured ongoing sales, excluding buyouts
$
61

$
57

7
%
 
$
419

$
282

49
 %
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Ratios, excluding buyouts
2015
2014
Change
 
2015
2014
Change
Group disability loss ratio
80.9
%
85.7
%
4.8
 
81.2
%
84.0
%
2.8
Group life loss ratio
73.4
%
71.7
%
(1.7)
 
74.3
%
70.6
%
(3.7)
Total loss ratio
76.8
%
77.6
%
0.8
 
77.0
%
76.4
%
(0.6)
Expense ratio
26.8
%
28.3
%
1.5
 
26.2
%
28.1
%
1.9
Selected ratios excluding Association - Financial Institutions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group life loss ratio, excluding Association - Financial Institutions
73.4
%
72.9
%
(0.5)
 
74.3
%
73.2
%
(1.1)
Loss ratio, excluding Association - Financial Institutions
76.8
%
78.3
%
1.5
 
77.0
%
77.8
%
0.8
Expense ratio, excluding Association - Financial Institutions
26.8
%
27.6
%
0.8
 
26.2
%
26.9
%
0.7
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Margin
2015
2014
Change
 
2015
2014
Change
Net income
4.9
 %
4.4
 %
0.5

 
5.7
 %
5.5
%
0.2

Effect of net capital realized gains (losses), net of tax on after-tax margin
(0.6
)%
(0.1
)%
(0.5
)
 
(0.2
)%
0.3
%
(0.5
)
Core earnings
5.5
 %
4.5
 %
1.0

 
5.9
 %
5.2
%
0.7


96


Three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014
Net income increased for the three months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior year period, due to higher premium and other considerations and lower insurance operating costs and other expenses partially offset by higher benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses and higher net realized capital losses. Net income increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior year period, due to higher premiums and other considerations and lower insurance operating costs and other expenses partially offset by higher benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses and a change to net realized capital losses.
Premiums and other considerations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, increased 2% and 1%, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. Excluding the Association - Financial Institutions block of business, fully insured ongoing premiums increased 3% and 4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the prior year periods due to increased sales, strong persistency, and improved pricing. Insurance operating costs and other expenses decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to the prior year periods, primarily due to lower profit sharing expense related to the Association - Financial Institutions block of business.
Fully insured ongoing sales, excluding buyouts, increased by 7% and 49% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods, due to an increase in large case accounts.
The total loss ratio decreased 0.8 points to 76.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior year period, due to a lower disability loss ratio partially offset by a higher group life loss ratio. The disability loss ratio improved 4.8 points due to changes in long term disability reserve assumptions for claim recoveries which favorably impacted the disability loss ratio by 4.8 points. Apart from the effect of the change in reserve assumptions, improved incidence and pricing was offset by unfavorable long term disability claim severity. The life loss ratio increased 1.7 points due to the impact of the Association - Financial Institutions block of business and less favorable mortality.
The total loss ratio increased 0.6 points to 77.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior year period, due to a lower disability loss ratio and the impact of the Association - Financial Institutions block of business. The disability loss ratio improved 2.8 points due to changes in long term disability reserve assumptions for claim recoveries which favorably impacted the disability loss ratio by 1.6 points. Apart from the effect of the change in reserve assumptions, improved incidence and pricing was partially offset by unfavorable long term disability claim severity. Excluding the Association - Financial Institutions block of business, the life loss ratio increased 1.1 points to 74.3%, as compared to the prior year period, due to less favorable mortality.
The expense ratio improved 1.5 points and 1.9 points for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods, primarily due to lower profit sharing expense related to the Association - Financial Institutions block of business.
Investment income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 decreased as compared to prior year periods. For discussion of consolidated investment results, see MD&A - Investment Results, Investment Income (Loss) and Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses).
The effective tax rates in 2015 and 2014 differ from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to permanent differences related to investments in tax exempt securities. For discussion of income taxes, see Note 8 - Income Taxes of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

97


MUTUAL FUNDS
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Operating Summary
2015
2014
Change
 
2015
2014
Change
Fee income and other
$
182

$
185

(2
)%
 
$
545

$
542

1
 %
Total revenues
182

185

(2
)%
 
545

542

1
 %
Amortization of DAC
5

6

(17
)%
 
16

22

(27
)%
Insurance operating costs and other expenses
143

143

—
 %
 
427

419

2
 %
Total benefits, losses and expenses
148

149

(1
)%
 
443

441

—
 %
Income before income taxes
34

36

(6
)%
 
102

101

1
 %
Income tax expense
12

14

(14
)%
 
36

37

(3
)%
Net income
$
22

$
22

—
 %
 
$
66

$
64

3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average Total Mutual Funds segment AUM
$
92,350

$
97,511

(5
)%
 
$
91,331

$
96,449

(5
)%
ROA, core earnings
9.5

9.0

6
 %
 
9.6

8.8

9
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual Funds segment AUM
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Mutual Fund AUM - beginning of period
$
76,251

$
74,330

3
 %
 
$
73,035

$
70,918

3
 %
Sales
4,192

3,753

12
 %
 
12,891

11,355

14
 %
Redemptions
(3,885
)
(3,660
)
(6
)%
 
(11,805
)
(11,682
)
(1
)%
Net Flows
307

93

NM

 
1,086

(327
)
NM

Change in market value and other
(5,013
)
(1,128
)
NM

 
(2,576
)
2,704

(195
)%
 Mutual Fund AUM - end of period
$
71,545

$
73,295

(2
)%
 
$
71,545

$
73,295

(2
)%
Talcott AUM [1]
$
17,498

$
22,867

(23
)%
 
$
17,498

$
22,867

(23
)%
Total Mutual Funds segment AUM
$
89,043

$
96,162

(7
)%
 
$
89,043

$
96,162

(7
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual Fund AUM by Asset Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity
$
44,318

$
44,308

—
 %
 
$
44,318

$
44,308

—
 %
Fixed Income
13,443

14,765

(9
)%
 
13,443

14,765

(9
)%
Multi-Strategy Investments [2]
13,784

14,222

(3
)%
 
13,784

14,222

(3
)%
Mutual Fund AUM
$
71,545

$
73,295

(2
)%
 
$
71,545

$
73,295

(2
)%
[1]
Talcott AUM consists of Company-sponsored mutual fund assets held in separate accounts supporting variable insurance and investment products.
[2]
Includes balanced, allocation, and alternative investment products.
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to the prior year period, is flat. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to the prior year period, increased due to higher fee income, partially offset by increased sub-advisory costs. The increase in fee income is the result of growth and retention of Mutual Fund AUM, offset by the continued runoff of Talcott AUM.
Average total Mutual Funds segment AUM decreased to $92.4 billion at September 30, 2015 from $97.5 billion at September 30, 2014 primarily due to unfavorable market performance during the period and a planned asset transfer of $2.7 billion to the HIMCO Variable Insurance Trust in the fourth quarter of 2014. Mutual Fund AUM decreased to $71.5 billion at September 30, 2015 from $73.3 billion at September 30, 2014 primarily due to unfavorable market performance.

98


TALCOTT RESOLUTION

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Operating Summary
2015
2014
Change
 
2015
2014
Change
Earned premiums, fees and other
$
275

$
379

(27
%)
 
$
848

$
1,084

(22
%)
Net investment income
367

396

(7
%)
 
1,139

1,172

(3
%)
Realized capital gains (losses):
 
 


 
 
 
 
Total other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses
(21
)
(6
)
NM

 
(28
)
(13
)
(115
%)
Other net realized capital gains (losses)
2

43

(95
%)
 
(5
)
54

(109
%)
Net realized capital gains (losses)
(19
)
37

(151
%)
 
(33
)
41

(180
%)
Total revenues
623

812

(23
%)
 
1,954

2,297

(15
%)
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses
372

440

(15
%)
 
1,020

1,263

(19
%)
Amortization of DAC
92

248

(63
%)
 
192

357

(46
%)
Insurance operating costs and other expenses
123

130

(5
%)
 
363

423

(14
%)
Reinsurance gain on dispositions [3]
(20
)
—

NM

 
(28
)
—

NM

Total benefits, losses and expenses
567

818

(31
%)
 
1,547

2,043

(24
%)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
56

(6
)
NM

 
407

254

60
%
Income tax expense (benefit)
(16
)
(34
)
53
%
 
7

(3
)
NM

Income from continuing operations, net of tax
$
72

$
28

157
%
 
$
400

$
257

56
%
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax [1]
2

—

NM

 
$
2

$
(588
)
100
%
Net income (loss)
$
74

$
28

164
%
 
$
402

$
(331
)
NM

Assets Under Management (end of period)
 
 

 
 
 
 
Variable annuity account value
$
44,464

$
54,349

(18
%)
 
 
 


Fixed Market Value Adjusted annuity and other account value
8,272

8,959

(8
%)
 
 
 


Institutional annuity account value
15,230

15,824

(4
%)
 
 
 


Other account value [2]
87,635

90,740

(3
%)
 
 
 


Total account value
$
155,601

$
169,872

(8
%)
 
 
 


Variable Annuity Account Value
 
 

 
 
 
 
Account value, beginning of period
$
49,359

$
58,350

(15
%)
 
$
52,861

$
61,812

(14
%)
Net outflows
(1,815
)
(3,231
)
44
%
 
(6,190
)
(9,237
)
33
%
Change in market value and other
(3,080
)
(770
)
NM

 
(2,207
)
1,774

NM

Account value, end of period
$
44,464

$
54,349

(18
%)
 
$
44,464

$
54,349

(18
%)
[1]
Represents the income from operations of HLIKK. For additional information, see Note 13 - Discontinued Operations of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
[2]
Other account value includes $33.1 billion, $14.5 billion, and $40.0 billion as of September 30, 2015 for the Retirement Plans, Individual Life and Private Placement Life Insurance businesses, respectively. Other account value includes $36.5 billion, $14.8 billion, $39.5 billion at September 30, 2014 for the Retirement Plans, Individual Life, Private Placement Life Insurance businesses, respectively. Account values associated with the Retirement Plans and Individual Life businesses no longer generate asset-based fee income due to the sales of these businesses through reinsurance transactions.
[3]
Amounts pertain to the Individual Life business sold in 2013.


99


Three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014
Net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior year period, increased primarily due to lower DAC amortization driven by a lower unfavorable unlock, lower insurance operating costs and other expenses, and lower benefits and losses due to the continued run off of the variable annuity block, partially offset by lower fee income due to the continued runoff of the variable annuity block and lower net investment income due to a decrease in income from limited partnerships and alternative investments. In addition, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the prior year period, 2014 included a loss from discontinued operations due to the sale of HLIKK.
Account values for Talcott Resolution decreased to approximately $156 billion at September 30, 2015 from approximately $170 billion at September 30, 2014 primarily due to net outflows and market value depreciation in variable annuity account value. For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and nine months ended September 30, 2015, variable annuity net outflows were approximately $1.8 billion and $6.2 billion, respectively, due to the continued runoff of the business and in-force management initiatives. There were limited in-force management initiatives for the three months ended September 30, 2015.
For the three months ended September 30, 2015, the annualized full surrender rate on variable annuities declined to 9.1% compared to 16.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the annualized full surrender rate on variable annuities declined to 10.3% compared to 14.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. These declines were primarily due to a lower impact from in-force management initiatives and lower surrender activity. Contract counts decreased 11% for variable annuities at September 30, 2015 compared to September 30, 2014.
The effective tax rates in 2015 and 2014 differ from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to permanent differences related to investments in separate account DRD. The income tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 includes a $36 net reduction in the provision for income taxes primarily related to the release of reserves due to the resolution of uncertain tax positions. For discussion of income taxes, see Note 8 - Income Taxes of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


100


CORPORATE
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Operating Summary
2015
2014
Change
 
2015
2014
Change
Fee income [1]
$
1

$
2

(50
%)
 
$
6

$
9

(33
%)
Net investment income
5

5

—
%
 
12

12

—
%
Net realized capital gains
(3
)
11

(127
%)
 
17

16

6
%
Total revenues
3

18

(83
%)
 
35

37

(5
%)
Insurance operating costs and other expenses [1]
13

26

(50
%)
 
43

86

(50
%)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
—

—

—
%
 
21

—

NM

Interest expense
88

93

(5
%)
 
271

282

(4
%)
Total benefits, losses and expenses
101

119

(15
%)
 
335

368

(9
%)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
(98
)
(101
)
3
%
 
(300
)
(331
)
9
%
Income tax benefit
(95
)
(35
)
(171
%)
 
(169
)
(116
)
(46
%)
Net loss
$
(3
)
$
(66
)
95
%
 
$
(131
)
$
(215
)
39
%
[1]
Fee income includes the income associated with the sales of non-proprietary insurance products in the Company’s broker-dealer subsidiaries that has an offsetting commission expense included in insurance operating costs and other expenses.
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014
Net loss decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the prior year period primarily due to an increase in income tax benefit of $60 from the partial reduction of the deferred tax valuation allowance on capital loss carryovers established when the Japan annuity business was sold. The reduction in the valuation allowance stems primarily from taxable gains on sales of investments during the period. The net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 also decreased due to a loss on extinguishment of debt in the second quarter 2015, partially offset by a decrease in insurance operating costs. Insurance operating costs and other expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes a benefit of $10, before tax, for recoveries for past legal expenses associated with closed litigation.
For further information on the loss on extinguishment of debt see Note 7 - Debt of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. For a discussion of investment results, see MD&A - Investment Results, Net Investment Income (loss) and Net Realized Capital Gains (losses).
For a reconciliation of the consolidated tax provision at the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% to the provision (benefit) for income taxes, see Note 8 - Income Taxes of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

101


ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company has an enterprise risk management function (“ERM”) that is charged with providing analysis of the Company’s risks on an individual and aggregated basis and with ensuring that the Company’s risks remain within its risk appetite and tolerances. The Company has established the Enterprise Risk and Capital Committee (“ERCC”) that includes the Company’s CEO, President of the Company, Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), Chief Investment Officer (“CIO”), Chief Risk Officer, General Counsel and others as deemed necessary by the committee chair. The ERCC is responsible for managing the Company’s risks and overseeing the enterprise risk management program.
The Company categorizes its main risks as follows:
•
Insurance Risk
•
Operational Risk
•
Financial Risk
Refer to the MD&A in The Hartford’s 2014 Form 10-K Annual Report for an explanation of the Company’s Operational Risk.
Insurance Risk Management
The Company categorizes its insurance risks across both property-casualty and life products. The Company establishes risk limits to control potential loss and actively monitors the risk exposures as a percent of statutory surplus. The Company also uses reinsurance to transfer insurance risk to well-established and financially secure reinsurers.
Reinsurance as a Risk Management Strategy
The Company utilizes reinsurance to transfer risk to affiliated and unaffiliated insurers. Reinsurance is used to manage aggregation of risk as well as to transfer certain risk to reinsurance companies based on specific geographic or risk concentrations. Such arrangements do not relieve the Company of its primary liability to policyholders. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company.
The Company is a member of and participates in several reinsurance pools and associations. The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and concentrations of credit risk. Reinsurance is placed with reinsurers that meet strict financial criteria established by the Company.
Reinsurance for Catastrophes
The Company has several catastrophe reinsurance programs, including reinsurance treaties that cover property and workers' compensation losses aggregating from single catastrophe events. The following table summarizes the primary catastrophe treaty reinsurance coverages that the Company has in place as of September 30, 2015:
Coverage
Treaty Term
% of Layer(s) Reinsurance
Per Occurrence Limit
 
Retention
Principal property catastrophe program covering property catastrophe losses from a single event [1]
1/1/2015 to 1/1/2016
90%
$
850

 
$
350

Reinsurance with the FHCF covering Florida Personal Lines property catastrophe losses from a single event
6/1/2015 to 6/1/2016
90%
$
110

[2]
$
37

Workers compensation losses arising from a single catastrophe event [3]
7/1/2015 to 7/1/2016
80%
$
350

 
$
100

[1]
Certain aspects of our catastrophe treaty have terms that extend beyond the traditional one year term.
[2]
The per occurrence limit on the FHCF treaty is $109 for the 6/1/2015 to 6/1/2016 treaty year based on the Company's election to purchase the required coverage from FHCF. Coverage is based on the best available information from FHCF, which was updated in October 2015.
[3]
In addition, to the preceding limit shown, the workers compensation reinsurance includes a non-catastrophe, industrial accident layer, 80% of a $30 per event limit in excess a $20 retention.
In addition to the property catastrophe reinsurance coverage described in the above table, the Company has other catastrophe and working layer treaties and facultative reinsurance agreements that cover property catastrophe losses on an aggregate excess of loss and on a per risk basis. The principal property catastrophe reinsurance program and certain other reinsurance programs include a provision to reinstate limits in the event that a catastrophe loss exhausts limits on one or more layers under the treaties. In addition, covering the period from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016, the Company has an aggregate loss treaty in place which provides one limit of $200 over the three-year period of aggregate qualifying property catastrophe losses in excess of a net retention of $860.

102


Reinsurance Recoverables
Reinsurance Security
To manage reinsurer credit risk, a reinsurance security review committee evaluates the credit standing, financial performance, management and operational quality of each potential reinsurer. Through this process, the Company maintains a centralized list of reinsurers approved for participation in reinsurance transactions. Only reinsurers approved through this process are eligible to participate in new reinsurance transactions. The Company's approval designations reflect the differing credit exposure associated with various classes of business. Participation eligibility is categorized based upon the nature of the risk reinsured, including the expected liability payout duration. In addition to defining participation eligibility, the Company regularly monitors credit risk exposure to each reinsurance counterparty and has established limits tiered by counterparty credit rating. For further discussion on how the Company manages and mitigates third party credit risk, see MD&A - Enterprise Risk Management, Credit Risk.
Property & Casualty Insurance Product Reinsurance Recoverables
Property & Casualty insurance product reinsurance recoverables represent loss and loss adjustment expense recoverables from a number of entities, including reinsurers and pools.
The components of the gross and net reinsurance recoverables are summarized as follows:
Reinsurance Recoverables
As of September 30, 2015
As of December 31, 2014
Paid loss and loss adjustment expenses
$
117

$
133

Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses
2,768

2,868

Gross reinsurance recoverables
$
2,885

$
3,001

Less: Allowance for uncollectible reinsurance
(269
)
(271
)
Net reinsurance recoverables
$
2,616

$
2,730

Life Insurance Product Reinsurance Recoverables
Life insurance product reinsurance recoverables represent future policy benefits and unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses and other policyholder funds and benefits payable that are recoverable from a number of reinsurers.
The components of the gross and net reinsurance recoverables are as follows:
Reinsurance Recoverables
As of September 30, 2015
As of December 31, 2014
Future policy benefits and unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses and other policyholder funds and benefits payable
$
20,471

$
20,190

Gross reinsurance recoverables
$
20,471

$
20,190

Less: Allowance for uncollectible reinsurance [1]
—

—

Net reinsurance recoverables
$
20,471

$
20,190

[1] No allowance for uncollectible reinsurance is required as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
As of September 30, 2015, the Company has reinsurance recoverables from MassMutual and Prudential of $8.5 billion and $10.7 billion, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had reinsurance recoverables from MassMutual and Prudential of $8.6 billion and $10.4 billion, respectively. The Company's obligations to its direct policyholders that have been reinsured to Mass Mutual and Prudential are secured by invested assets held in trust. As of September 30, 2015, the fair value of assets held in trust related to MassMutual and Prudential were $8.7 billion and $9.2 billion, respectively. Net of invested assets held in trust, as of September 30, 2015, the Company has no reinsurance-related concentrations of credit risk greater than 10% of the Company’s consolidated stockholders’ equity.
For further explanation of the Company's Insurance Risk Management strategy, see MD&A Enterprise Risk Management Insurance Risk Management in The Hartford's 2014 Form 10-K Annual Report.
Financial Risk Management
The Company identifies the following categories of financial risk:
•
Liquidity Risk
•
Interest Rate Risk
•
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
•
Equity Risk
•
Credit Risk

103


Financial risks include direct, and indirect risks to the Company’s financial objectives coming from events that impact market conditions or prices. Financial risk also includes exposure to events that may cause correlated movement in multiple risk factors. The primary source of financial risks are the Company’s general account assets and the liabilities that those assets back, together with the guarantees which the company has written over various liability products, particularly its portfolio of variable annuities. The Company assesses its financial risk on a U.S. GAAP, statutory and economic basis. The Hartford has developed a disciplined approach to financial risk management that is well integrated into the Company’s underwriting, pricing, hedging, claims, asset and liability management, new product, and capital management processes. Consistent with its risk appetite, the Company establishes financial risk limits to control potential loss. Exposures are actively monitored, and mitigated where appropriate. The Company uses various risk management strategies, including reinsurance and over-the-counter and exchange traded derivatives with counterparties meeting the appropriate regulatory and due diligence requirements.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk to current or prospective earnings or capital arising from the Company’s inability or perceived inability to meet its contractual cash obligations at the legal entity level when they come due over given time horizons without incurring unacceptable costs and without relying on uncommitted funding sources. Liquidity risk includes the inability to manage unplanned increases or accelerations in cash outflows, decreases or changes in funding sources, and changes in market conditions that affect the ability to liquidate assets quickly to meet obligations with minimal loss in value. Components of liquidity risk include funding risk, company specific liquidity risk and market liquidity risk. Funding risk is the gap between sources and uses of cash under normal and stressed conditions taking into consideration structural, regulatory and legal entity constraints. Changes in institution-specific conditions that affect the Company’s ability to sell assets or otherwise transact business without incurring a significant loss in value is company specific liquidity risk. Changes in general market conditions that affect the institution’s ability to sell assets or otherwise transact business without incurring a significant loss in value is market liquidity risk.
The Company has defined ongoing monitoring and reporting requirements to assess liquidity across the enterprise. The Company measures and manages liquidity risk exposures and funding needs within prescribed limits and across legal entities, business lines and currencies, taking into account legal, regulatory and operational limitations to the transferability of liquidity. The Company also monitors internal and external conditions, identifies material risk changes and emerging risks that may impact liquidity. The Company’s CFO has primary responsibility for liquidity risk.
For further discussion on liquidity see the section on Capital Resources and Liquidity.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the risk of financial loss due to adverse changes in the value of assets and liabilities arising from movements in interest rates. Interest rate risk encompasses exposures with respect to changes in the level of interest rates, the shape of the term structure of rates and the volatility of interest rates. Interest rate risk does not include exposure to changes in credit spreads. The Company has exposure to interest rates arising from its fixed maturity securities, interest sensitive liabilities and discount rate assumptions associated with the Company’s pension and other post retirement benefit obligations.
An increase in interest rates from current levels is generally a favorable development for the Company. Interest rate increases are expected to provide additional net investment income, reduce the cost of the variable annuity hedging program, and limit the potential risk of margin erosion due to minimum guaranteed crediting rates in certain Talcott Resolution products. Conversely, if long-term interest rates rise dramatically within a six to twelve month time period, certain Talcott Resolution businesses may be exposed to disintermediation risk. Disintermediation risk refers to the risk that policyholders will surrender their contracts in a rising interest rate environment requiring the Company to liquidate assets in an unrealized loss position. In conjunction with the interest rate risk measurement and management techniques, certain of Talcott Resolution's fixed income product offerings have market value adjustment provisions at contract surrender. An increase in interest rates may also impact the Company’s tax planning strategies and in particular its ability to utilize tax benefits of previously recognized realized capital losses.
A decline in interest rates results in certain mortgage-backed and municipal securities being more susceptible to paydowns and prepayments or calls. During such periods, the Company generally will not be able to reinvest the proceeds at comparable yields. Lower interest rates will also likely result in lower net investment income, increased hedging cost associated with variable annuities and, if declines are sustained for a long period of time, it may subject the Company to reinvestment risk, higher pension costs expense and possibly reduced profit margins associated with guaranteed crediting rates on certain Talcott Resolution products. Conversely, the fair value of the investment portfolio will increase when interest rates decline and the Company’s interest expense will be lower on its variable rate debt obligations.

104


The Company manages its exposure to interest rate risk by constructing investment portfolios that maintain asset allocation limits and asset/liability duration matching targets which may include the use of derivatives. The Company analyzes interest rate risk using various models including parametric models and cash flow simulation under various market scenarios of the liabilities and their supporting investment portfolios, which may include derivative instruments. Key metrics that the Company uses to quantify its exposure to interest rate risk inherent in its invested assets and interest rate sensitive liabilities include duration, convexity and key rate duration. Duration is the price sensitivity of a financial instrument or series of cash flows to a parallel change in the underlying yield curve used to value the financial instrument or series of cash flows. For example, a duration of 5 means the price of the security will change by approximately 5% for a 100 basis point change in interest rates. Convexity is used to approximate how the duration of a security changes as interest rates change in a parallel manner. Key rate duration analysis measures the price sensitivity of a security or series of cash flows to each point along the yield curve and enables the Company to estimate the price change of a security assuming non-parallel interest rate movements.
To calculate duration, convexity, and key rate durations, projections of asset and liability cash flows are discounted to a present value using interest rate assumptions. These cash flows are then revalued at alternative interest rate levels to determine the percentage change in fair value due to an incremental change in the entire yield curve for duration and convexity, or a particular point on the yield curve for key rate duration. Cash flows from corporate obligations are assumed to be consistent with the contractual payment streams on a yield to worst basis. Yield to worst is a basis that represents the lowest potential yield that can be received without the issuer actually defaulting. The primary assumptions used in calculating cash flow projections include expected asset payment streams taking into account prepayment speeds, issuer call options and contract holder behavior. Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are modeled based on estimates of the rate of future prepayments of principal over the remaining life of the securities. These estimates are developed by incorporating collateral surveillance and anticipated future market dynamics. Actual prepayment experience may vary from these estimates.
The Company is also exposed to interest rate risk based upon the discount rate assumption associated with the Company’s pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. The discount rate assumption is based upon an interest rate yield curve comprised of bonds rated AA with maturities primarily between zero and thirty years. For further discussion of discounting pension and other postretirement benefit obligations, see the Critical Accounting Estimates Section of the MD&A under Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations and Note 17- Employee Benefit Plans of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in The Hartford’s 2014 Form 10-K Annual Report.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
Foreign currency exchange risk is defined as the risk of financial loss due to changes in the relative value between currencies. The Company’s foreign currency exchange risk is related to non-U.S. dollar denominated investments, which primarily consist of fixed maturity investments, and a yen denominated fixed payout annuity. In addition, the Company’s Talcott Resolution operations issued non-U.S. dollar denominated funding agreement liability contracts. A significant portion of the Company’s foreign currency exposure is mitigated through the use of derivatives.
Fixed Maturity Investments
The risk associated with the non-U.S. dollar denominated fixed maturities relates to potential decreases in value and income resulting from unfavorable changes in foreign exchange rates. In order to manage currency exposures, the Company enters into foreign currency swaps to hedge the variability in cash flows as the fair value associated with certain foreign denominated fixed maturities declines. These foreign currency swaps are structured to match the foreign currency cash flows of the hedged foreign denominated securities.
Liabilities
The Company has foreign currency exchange risk associated with a yen denominated fixed payout annuity. The Company has entered into pay U.S. dollar, receive yen swap contracts to hedge the currency exposure between the U.S. dollar denominated assets and the yen denominated fixed liability reinsurance payments.
The Company’s Talcott Resolution operations issued non-U.S. dollar denominated funding agreement liability contracts. The Company hedges the foreign currency risk associated with these liability contracts with currency rate swaps.
Equity Risk
Equity risk is defined as the risk of financial loss due to changes in the value of global equities or equity indices. The Company has exposure to equity risk from assets under management, embedded derivatives within the Company’s variable annuities and assets that support the Company’s pension plans. Equity Risk on the Company’s variable annuity products is mitigated through various hedging programs. (See the Variable Annuity Hedging Program Section).
The Company's exposure to equity risk includes the potential for lower earnings associated with certain businesses such as mutual funds and variable annuities where fee income is earned based upon the value of the assets under management. For further discussion of equity risk, see the following Variable Product Guarantee Risks and Risk Management section. In addition, Talcott Resolution includes certain guaranteed benefits, primarily associated with variable annuity products, which increase the Company's potential benefit exposure in the periods that equity markets decline.

105

The Company is also subject to equity risk based upon the assets that support its pension plans. The asset allocation mix is reviewed on a periodic basis. In order to minimize risk, the pension plans maintain a listing of permissible and prohibited investments. In addition, the pension plans have certain concentration limits and investment quality requirements imposed on permissible investment options.
Variable Product Guarantee Risks and Risk Management
The Company’s variable products are significantly influenced by the U.S. and other equity markets. Increases or declines in equity markets impact certain assets and liabilities related to the Company’s variable products and the Company’s earnings derived from those products. The Company’s variable products include U.S. variable annuity contracts and mutual funds.
Generally, declines in equity markets will:
•
reduce the value of assets under management and the amount of fee income generated from those assets;
•
increase the liability for GMWB benefits resulting in realized capital losses;
•
increase the value of derivative assets used to hedge product guarantees resulting in realized capital gains;
•
increase the costs of the hedging instruments we use in our hedging program;
•
increase the Company’s net amount at risk ("NAR") for GMDB and GMWB benefits;
•
increase the amount of required assets to be held backing variable annuity guarantees to maintain required regulatory reserve levels and targeted risk based capital ratios; and
•
decrease the Company’s estimated future gross profits, resulting in a DAC unlock charge. See Estimated Gross Profits Used in the Valuation and Amortization of Assets and Liabilities Associated with Variable Annuity Contracts within the Critical Accounting Estimates section of the MD&A for further information.
Generally, increases in equity markets will have the inverse impact of those listed in the preceding discussion. For additional information, see Risk Hedging - Variable Annuity Hedging Program section.
Variable Annuity Guaranteed Benefits
The Company’s variable annuities include GMDB and certain contracts include GMWB features. Declines in the equity markets will increase the Company’s liability for these benefits. Most contracts with a GMDB include a maximum anniversary value ("MAV"), which in rising markets resets the guarantee on anniversary to be ‘at the money’. As the MAV increases, it can increase the NAR for subsequent declines in account value. Generally, a GMWB contract is ‘in the money’ if the contract holder’s guaranteed remaining balance (“GRB”) becomes greater than the account value.
The NAR is generally defined as the guaranteed minimum benefit amount in excess of the contract holder’s current account value. Variable annuity account values with guarantee features were $44.5 billion and $52.9 billion as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
The following tables summarize the account values of the Company’s variable annuities with guarantee features and the NAR split between various guarantee features (retained net amount at risk does not take into consideration the effects of the variable annuity hedge programs in place as of each balance sheet date):
Total Variable Annuity Guarantees
As of September 30, 2015
($ in billions)
Account
Value
Gross Net
Amount at Risk
Retained Net
Amount at Risk
% of Contracts In
the Money [2]
% In the
Money [2] [3]
Variable Annuity [1]
 
 
 
 
 
GMDB
$
44.5

$
5.0

$
1.5

60
%
11
%
GMWB
$
20.4

$
0.3

$
0.2

13
%
9
%

106

Total Variable Annuity Guarantees
As of December 31, 2014
($ in billions)
Account
Value
Gross Net
Amount at Risk
Retained Net
Amount at Risk
% of Contracts In
the Money [2]
% In the
Money [2] [3]
Variable Annuity [1]
 
 
 
 
 
GMDB
$
52.9

$
3.8

$
0.8

23
%
14
%
GMWB
$
24.8

$
0.2

$
0.1

6
%
11
%
[1]
Policies with a guaranteed living benefit also have a guaranteed death benefit. The NAR for each benefit is shown; however these benefits are not additive. When a policy terminates due to death, any NAR related to GMWB is released. Similarly, when a policy goes into benefit status on a GMWB, the GMDB NAR is reduced to zero.
[2]
Excludes contracts that are fully reinsured.
[3]
For all contracts that are “in the money”, this represents the percentage by which the average contract was in the money.
Many policyholders with a GMDB also have a GMWB. Policyholders that have a product that offers both guarantees can only receive the GMDB or GMWB. The GMDB NAR disclosed in the preceding tables is a point in time measurement and assumes that all participants utilize the GMDB benefit on that measurement date. For additional information on the Company’s GMDB liability, see Note 6 - Separate Accounts, Death Benefits and Other Insurance Benefit Features of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company expects to incur GMDB payments in the future only if the policyholder has an “in the money” GMDB at their death. For policies with a GMWB rider, if the account value is reduced to a specified level, the contract holder will receive an annuity equal to the GRB. For the Company’s “life-time” GMWB products, this annuity can exceed the GRB. As the account value fluctuates with equity market returns on a daily basis and the “life-time” GMWB payments may exceed the GRB, the ultimate amount to be paid by the Company, if any, is uncertain and could be significantly more or less than the Company’s current carried liability. For additional information on the Company’s GMWB liability, see Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Variable Annuity Market Risk Exposures
The following table summarizes the broad Variable Annuity Guarantees offered by the Company and the market risks to which the guarantee is most exposed from a U.S. GAAP accounting perspective:
Variable Annuity Guarantees [1]
U.S. GAAP Treatment [1]
Primary Market Risk Exposures [1]
GMDB and life-contingent component of the GMWB
Accumulation of the portion of fees required to cover expected claims, less accumulation of actual claims paid
Equity Market Levels
GMWB (excluding life-contingent portions)
Fair Value
Equity Market Levels / Implied Volatility / Interest Rates
[1]
Each of these guarantees and the related U.S. GAAP accounting volatility will also be influenced by actual and estimated policyholder behavior.
Risk Hedging
Variable Annuity Hedging Program
The Company’s variable annuity hedging is primarily focused, through the use of reinsurance and capital market derivative instruments, on reducing the economic exposure to market risks associated with guaranteed benefits that are embedded in our variable annuity contracts. The variable annuity hedging also considers the potential impacts on statutory accounting results.
Reinsurance
The Company uses reinsurance for a portion of contracts with GMWB riders issued prior to the third quarter of 2003 and GMWB risks associated with a block of business sold between the third quarter of 2003 and the second quarter of 2006. The Company also uses reinsurance for a majority of the GMDB issued.
Capital Market Derivatives
GMWB Hedge Program
The Company enters into derivative contracts to hedge market risk exposures associated with the GMWB liabilities that are not reinsured. These derivative contracts include customized swaps, interest rate swaps and futures, and equity swaps, options, and futures, on certain indices including the S&P 500 index, EAFE index, and NASDAQ index.

107

Additionally, the Company holds customized derivative contracts to provide protection from certain capital market risks for the remaining term of specified blocks of non-reinsured GMWB riders. These customized derivative contracts are based on policyholder behavior assumptions specified at the inception of the derivative contracts. The Company retains the risk for differences between assumed and actual policyholder behavior and between the performance of the actively managed funds underlying the separate accounts and their respective indices.
While the Company actively manages this dynamic hedging program, increased U.S. GAAP earnings volatility may result from factors including, but not limited to: policyholder behavior, capital markets, divergence between the performance of the underlying funds and the hedging indices, changes in hedging positions and the relative emphasis placed on various risk management objectives.
Macro Hedge Program
The Company’s macro hedging program uses derivative instruments, such as options and futures on equities and interest rates, to provide protection against the statutory tail scenario risk arising from GMWB and GMDB liabilities on the Company’s statutory surplus. These macro hedges cover some of the residual risks not otherwise covered by a specific dynamic hedging program. Management assesses this residual risk under various scenarios in designing and executing the macro hedge program. The macro hedge program will result in additional U.S. GAAP earnings volatility as changes in the value of the macro hedge derivatives, which are designed to reduce statutory reserve and capital volatility, may not be closely aligned to changes in GAAP liabilities.
Variable Annuity Hedging Program Sensitivities
The underlying guaranteed living benefit liabilities and the related hedge assets within the GMWB (excluding life contingent GMWB contracts) and Macro hedge programs are carried at fair value, with the exception of liabilities within the Macro hedge program.
The following table presents our estimates of the potential instantaneous impacts from sudden market stresses related to equity market prices, interest rates, and implied market volatilities. The following sensitivities represent: (1) the net estimated difference between the change in the fair value of GMWB liabilities and the underlying hedge instruments and (2) the estimated change in fair value of the hedge instruments for the macro program, before the impacts of amortization of DAC, and taxes. As noted in the preceding discussion, certain hedge assets are used to hedge liabilities that are not carried at fair value and will not have a liability offset in the U.S. GAAP sensitivity analysis. All sensitivities are measured as of September 30, 2015 and are related to the fair value of liabilities and hedge instruments in place at that date for the Company’s variable annuity hedge programs. The impacts presented in the table that follows are estimated individually and measured without consideration of any correlation among market risk factors.
GAAP Sensitivity Analysis
As of September 30, 2015
(before tax and DAC) [1]
GMWB
Macro
Equity Market Return
-20
 %
-10
 %
10
 %
-20
 %
-10
 %
10
 %
Potential Net Fair Value Impact
$
(28
)
$
(13
)
$
7

$
174

$
77

$
(54
)
Interest Rates
-50 bps

-25 bps

+25 bps

-50 bps

-25 bps

+50 bps

Potential Net Fair Value Impact
$
(3
)
$
(1
)
$
—

$
15

$
7

$
(7
)
Implied Volatilities
10
 %
2
 %
-10
 %
10
 %
2
 %
-10
 %
Potential Net Fair Value Impact
$
(22
)
$
(4
)
$
18

$
94

$
19

$
(94
)
[1]
These sensitivities are based on the following key market levels as of September 30, 2015: 1) S&P of 1920; 2) 10yr US swap rate of 2.06%; and 3) S&P 10yr volatility of 27.26%.
The preceding sensitivity analysis is an estimate and should not be used to predict the future financial performance of the Company’s variable annuity hedge programs. The actual net changes in the fair value liability and the hedging assets illustrated in the preceding table may vary materially depending on a variety of factors which include but are not limited to:
•
The sensitivity analysis is only valid as of the measurement date and assumes instantaneous changes in the capital market factors and no ability to rebalance hedge positions prior to the market changes;
•
Changes to the underlying hedging program, policyholder behavior, and variation in underlying fund performance relative to the hedged index, which could materially impact the liability; and
•
The impact of elapsed time on liabilities or hedge assets, any non-parallel shifts in capital market factors, or correlated moves across the sensitivities.

108


Financial Risk on Statutory Capital
Statutory surplus amounts and risk-based capital (“RBC”) ratios may increase or decrease in any period depending upon a variety of factors and may be compounded in extreme scenarios or if multiple factors occur at the same time. At times the impact of changes in certain market factors or a combination of multiple factors on RBC ratios can be counterintuitive. Factors include:
•
In general, as equity market levels and interest rates decline, the amount and volatility of both our actual potential obligation, as well as the related statutory surplus and capital margin for death and living benefit guarantees associated with variable annuity contracts can be materially negatively affected, sometimes at a greater than linear rate. Other market factors that can impact statutory surplus, reserve levels and capital margin include differences in performance of variable subaccounts relative to indices and/or realized equity and interest rate volatilities. In addition, as equity market levels increase, generally surplus levels will increase. RBC ratios will also tend to increase when equity markets increase. However, as a result of a number of factors and market conditions, including the level of hedging costs and other risk transfer activities, reserve requirements for death and living benefit guarantees and RBC requirements could increase with rising equity markets, resulting in lower RBC ratios. Non-market factors, which can also impact the amount and volatility of both our actual potential obligation, as well as the related statutory surplus and capital margin, include actual and estimated policyholder behavior experience as it pertains to lapsation, partial withdrawals, and mortality.
•
As the value of certain fixed-income and equity securities in our investment portfolio decreases, due in part to credit spread widening, statutory surplus and RBC ratios may decrease.
•
As the value of certain derivative instruments that do not get hedge accounting decreases, statutory surplus and RBC ratios may decrease.
•
Our statutory surplus is also impacted by widening credit spreads as a result of the accounting for the assets and liabilities in our fixed market value adjusted (“MVA”) annuities. Statutory separate account assets supporting the fixed MVA annuities are recorded at fair value. In determining the statutory reserve for the fixed MVA annuities, we are required to use current crediting rates in the U.S. In many capital market scenarios, current crediting rates in the U.S. are highly correlated with market rates implicit in the fair value of statutory separate account assets. As a result, the change in statutory reserve from period to period will likely substantially offset the change in the fair value of the statutory separate account assets. However, in periods of volatile credit markets, such as we have experienced in 2008 and 2009, actual credit spreads on investment assets may increase sharply for certain sub-sectors of the overall credit market, resulting in statutory separate account asset market value losses. As actual credit spreads are not fully reflected in the current crediting rates in the U.S. the calculation of statutory reserves will not substantially offset the change in fair value of the statutory separate account assets resulting in reductions in statutory surplus. This has resulted and may continue to result in the need to devote significant additional capital to support the product.
•
With respect to our fixed annuity business, sustained low interest rates may result in a reduction in statutory surplus and an increase in NAIC required capital.
Most of these factors are outside of the Company’s control. The Company’s financial strength and credit ratings are significantly influenced by the statutory surplus amounts and RBC ratios of our insurance company subsidiaries. In addition, rating agencies may implement changes to their internal models that have the effect of increasing or decreasing the amount of statutory capital we must hold in order to maintain our current ratings.
The Company has reinsured approximately 31% of its risk associated with GMWB and 70% of its risk associated with the aggregate GMDB exposure. These reinsurance agreements serve to reduce the Company’s exposure to changes in the statutory reserves and the related capital and RBC ratios associated with changes in the capital markets. The Company also continues to explore other solutions for mitigating the capital market risk effect on surplus, such as internal and external reinsurance solutions, modifications to our hedging program, changes in product design and expense management.

109


Credit Risk
Credit risk is defined as the risk to earnings or capital due to uncertainty of an obligor’s or counterparty’s ability or willingness to meet its obligations in accordance with contractually agreed upon terms. The majority of the Company’s credit risk is concentrated in its investment holdings but is also present in reinsurance and insurance portfolios. Credit risk is comprised of three major factors: the risk of change in credit quality, or credit migration risk; the risk of default; and the risk of a change in value of a financial instrument due to changes in credit spread that are unrelated to changes in obligor credit quality. A decline in creditworthiness is typically associated with an increase in an investment’s credit spread, potentially resulting in an increase in other-than-temporary impairments and an increased probability of a realized loss upon sale.
The objective of the Company’s enterprise credit risk management strategy is to identify, quantify, and manage credit risk on an aggregate portfolio basis and to limit potential losses in accordance with an established credit risk management policy. The Company manages to its credit risk appetite by primarily holding a diversified mix of investment grade issuers and counterparties across its investment, reinsurance, and insurance portfolios. Potential losses are also limited within portfolios by diversifying across geographic regions, asset types, and sectors.
The Company manages credit risk exposure from its inception to its maturity or sale. Both the investment and reinsurance areas have formulated procedures for counterparty approvals and authorizations. Although approval processes may vary by area and type of credit risk, approval processes establish minimum levels of creditworthiness and financial stability. Credits considered for investment are subjected to prudent and conservative underwriting reviews. Within the investment portfolio, private securities, such as commercial mortgages, and private placements, must be presented to their respective review committees for approval.
Credit risks are managed on an on-going basis through the use of various processes and analyses. At the investment, reinsurance, and insurance product levels, fundamental credit analyses are performed at the issuer/counterparty level on a regular basis. To provide a holistic review within the investment portfolio, fundamental analyses are supported by credit ratings, assigned by nationally recognized rating agencies or internally assigned, and by quantitative credit analyses. The Company utilizes a credit value at risk ("VaR") to measure default and migration risk on a monthly basis. Issuer and security level risk measures are also utilized. In the event of deterioration in credit quality, the Company maintains watch lists of problem counterparties within the investment and reinsurance portfolios. The watch lists are updated based on regular credit examinations and management reviews. The Company also performs quarterly assessments of probable expected losses in the investment portfolio. The process is conducted on a sector basis and is intended to promptly assess and identify potential problems in the portfolio and to recognize necessary impairments.
Credit risk policies at the enterprise and operation level ensure comprehensive and consistent approaches to quantifying, evaluating, and managing credit risk under expected and stressed conditions. These policies define the scope of the risk, authorities, accountabilities, terms, and limits, and are regularly reviewed and approved by senior management and ERM. Aggregate counterparty credit quality and exposure is monitored on a daily basis utilizing an enterprise-wide credit exposure information system that contains data on issuers, ratings, exposures, and credit limits. Exposures are tracked on a current and potential basis. Credit exposures are reported regularly to the ERCC and to the Finance, Investment and Risk Management Committee. Exposures are aggregated by ultimate parent across investments, reinsurance receivables, insurance products with credit risk, and derivative counterparties. The credit database and reporting system are available to all key credit practitioners in the enterprise.
The Company exercises various and differing methods to mitigate its credit risk exposure within its investment and reinsurance portfolios. Some of the reasons for mitigating credit risk include financial instability or poor credit, avoidance of arbitration or litigation, future uncertainty, and exposure in excess of risk tolerances. Credit risk within the investment portfolio is most commonly mitigated through asset sales or the use of derivative instruments. Counterparty credit risk is mitigated through the practice of entering into contracts only with highly creditworthy institutions and through the practice of holding and posting of collateral. In addition, transactions cleared through a central clearing house reduce risk due to their ability to require daily variation margin, monitor the Company's ability to request additional collateral in the event of a counterparty downgrade, and be an independent valuation source. Systemic credit risk is mitigated through the construction of high-quality, diverse portfolios that are subject to regular underwriting of credit risks. For further discussion of the Company’s investment and derivative instruments, see the Portfolio Risks and Risk Management section and Note 5 - Investments and Derivative Instruments of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. For further discussion on managing and mitigating credit risk from the use of reinsurance via an enterprise security review process, see MD&A - Enterprise Risk Management, Insurance Risk Management, Reinsurance as a Risk Management Strategy.
Net of assets held in trust, as of September 30, 2015, the Company has no exposures to any credit concentration risk of a single issuer, counterparty or reinsurer greater than 10% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity, other than the U.S. government and certain U.S. government agencies. For further discussion of concentration of credit risk, see MD&A - Enterprise Risk Management, Insurance Risk Management, Reinsurance as a Risk Management Strategy and the Concentration of Credit Risk section in Note 5 - Investments and Derivative Instruments of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in The Hartford’s 2014 Form 10-K Annual Report.

110


Derivative Instruments
The Company utilizes a variety of over-the-counter ("OTC"), OTC-cleared and exchange-traded derivative instruments as a part of its overall risk management strategy, as well as to enter into replication transactions. Derivative instruments are used to manage risk associated with interest rate, equity market, commodity market, credit spread, issuer default, price, and currency exchange rate risk or volatility. Replication transactions are used as an economical means to synthetically replicate the characteristics and performance of assets that are permissible investments under the Company’s investment policies. For further information on the Company’s use of derivatives, see Note 5 - Investments and Derivative Instruments of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Derivative activities are monitored and evaluated by the Company’s compliance and risk management teams and reviewed by senior management. In addition, the Company monitors counterparty credit exposure on a monthly basis to ensure compliance with Company policies and statutory limitations. The notional amounts of derivative contracts represent the basis upon which pay or receive amounts are calculated and are not reflective of credit risk. Downgrades to the credit ratings of The Hartford’s insurance operating companies may have adverse implications for its use of derivatives including those used to hedge benefit guarantees of variable annuities. In some cases, downgrades may give derivative counterparties for OTC derivatives and clearing brokers for OTC-cleared derivatives the right to cancel and settle outstanding derivative trades or require additional collateral to be posted. In addition, downgrades may result in counterparties and clearing brokers becoming unwilling to engage in or clear additional derivatives or may require collateralization before entering into any new trades. This will restrict the supply of derivative instruments commonly used to hedge variable annuity guarantees, particularly long-dated equity derivatives and interest rate swaps.
The Company uses various derivative counterparties in executing its derivative transactions. The use of counterparties creates credit risk that the counterparty may not perform in accordance with the terms of the derivative transaction. The Company has derivative counterparty exposure policies which limit the Company’s exposure to credit risk. The Company’s policies with respect to derivative counterparty exposure establishes market-based credit limits, favors long-term financial stability and creditworthiness of the counterparty and typically requires credit enhancement/credit risk reducing agreements. The Company minimizes the credit risk of derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high quality counterparties primarily rated A or better, which are monitored and evaluated by the Company’s risk management team and reviewed by senior management. The Company also generally requires that OTC derivative contracts be governed by an International Swaps and Derivatives Association ("ISDA") Master Agreement, which is structured by legal entity and by counterparty and permits right of offset.
The Company has developed credit exposure thresholds which are based upon counterparty ratings. Credit exposures are measured using the market value of the derivatives, resulting in amounts owed to the Company by its counterparties or potential payment obligations from the Company to its counterparties. The Company enters into credit support annexes in conjunction with the ISDA agreements, which require daily collateral settlement based upon agreed upon thresholds. For purposes of daily derivative collateral maintenance, credit exposures are generally quantified based on the prior business day’s market value and collateral is pledged to and held by, or on behalf of, the Company to the extent the current value of the derivatives exceed the contractual thresholds. In accordance with industry standard and the contractual agreements, collateral is typically settled on the next business day. The Company has exposure to credit risk for amounts below the exposure thresholds which are uncollateralized, as well as for market fluctuations that may occur between contractual settlement periods of collateral movements.
For the Company’s derivative programs, the maximum uncollateralized threshold for a derivative counterparty for a single legal entity is $10. The Company currently transacts OTC derivatives in five legal entities that have a threshold greater than zero; and therefore the maximum combined threshold for a single counterparty across all legal entities that use derivatives is $50. In addition, the Company may have exposure to multiple counterparties in a single corporate family due to a common credit support provider. As of September 30, 2015, the maximum combined threshold for all counterparties under a single credit support provider across all legal entities that use derivatives is $100. Based on the contractual terms of the collateral agreements, these thresholds may be immediately reduced due to a downgrade in either party’s credit rating. For further discussion, see the Derivative Commitments section of Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company has incurred no losses on derivative instruments due to counterparty default.
In addition to counterparty credit risk, the Company may also introduce credit risk through the use of credit default swaps that are entered into to manage credit exposure. Credit default swaps involve a transfer of credit risk of one or many referenced entities from one party to another in exchange for periodic payments. The party that purchases credit protection will make periodic payments based on an agreed upon rate and notional amount, and for certain transactions there will also be an upfront premium payment. The second party, who assumes credit risk, will typically only make a payment if there is a credit event as defined in the contract and such payment will be typically equal to the notional value of the swap contract less the value of the referenced security issuer’s debt obligation. A credit event is generally defined as default on contractually obligated interest or principal payments or bankruptcy of the referenced entity.

111


The Company uses credit derivatives to purchase credit protection and to assume credit risk with respect to a single entity, referenced index, or asset pool. The Company purchases credit protection through credit default swaps to economically hedge and manage credit risk of certain fixed maturity investments across multiple sectors of the investment portfolio. The Company also enters into credit default swaps that assume credit risk as part of replication transactions. Replication transactions are used as an economical means to synthetically replicate the characteristics and performance of assets that are permissible investments under the Company’s investment policies. These swaps reference investment grade single corporate issuers and baskets, which include customized diversified portfolios of corporate issuers, which are established within sector concentration limits and may be divided into tranches which possess different credit ratings.
Investment Portfolio Risks and Risk Management
Investment Portfolio Composition
The following table presents the Company’s fixed maturities, AFS, by credit quality. The following average credit ratings referenced throughout this section are based on availability and are the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P, Fitch and Morningstar. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used.
Fixed Maturities by Credit Quality
 
September 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
 
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Percent of Total Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Percent of Total Fair Value
United States Government/Government agencies
$
7,776

$
8,167

13.8
%
$
7,135

$
7,596

12.8
%
AAA
7,185

7,444

12.6
%
6,963

7,251

12.2
%
AA
9,728

10,400

17.6
%
9,258

10,056

16.9
%
A
14,719

15,687

26.5
%
15,250

16,717

28.2
%
BBB
13,670

14,215

24.1
%
13,464

14,397

24.2
%
BB & below
3,197

3,196

5.4
%
3,292

3,367

5.7
%
Total fixed maturities, AFS
$
56,275

$
59,109

100
%
$
55,362

$
59,384

100
%
The value of securities in the "United States Government/ Government agencies" category increased, as compared to December 31, 2014, primarily due to purchases of U.S. treasuries as a result of portfolio management between sectors to manage credit, duration and liquidity needs. The decline in the "A" category is primarily due to the sale of corporate securities and municipalities and political subdivisions bonds ("municipal bonds"). The increase in the "AA" category is primarily the result of purchases of municipal bonds, corporate securities and collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs"). Fixed maturities, FVO, are not included in the preceding table. For further discussion on FVO securities, see Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

112


The following table presents the Company’s AFS securities by type, as well as fixed maturities and equity, FVO.
Securities by Type
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Cost or Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Percent of Total Fair Value
 
Cost or Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Percent of Total Fair Value
ABS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer loans
$
2,300

 
$
16

 
$
(32
)
 
$
2,284

 
3.9
%
 
$
2,052

 
$
14

 
$
(28
)
 
$
2,038

 
3.4
%
Small business
129

 
13

 
(4
)
 
138

 
0.2
%
 
166

 
14

 
(8
)
 
172

 
0.3
%
Other
286

 
8

 
—

 
294

 
0.5
%
 
252

 
11

 
(1
)
 
262

 
0.4
%
Collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs")
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLOs
2,496

 
5

 
(15
)
 
2,486

 
4.2
%
 
2,279

 
4

 
(17
)
 
2,266

 
3.8
%
Commercial real estate ("CREs")
83

 
56

 
(1
)
 
138

 
0.2
%
 
114

 
88

 
(9
)
 
193

 
0.3
%
Other [1]
383

 
28

 
(1
)
 
407

 
0.7
%
 
383

 
6

 
(10
)
 
382

 
0.6
%
Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS")
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency backed [2]
1,166

 
49

 
(3
)
 
1,212

 
2.1
%
 
1,136

 
45

 
(1
)
 
1,180

 
2.0
%
Bonds
2,647

 
92

 
(12
)
 
2,727

 
4.6
%
 
2,594

 
126

 
(4
)
 
2,716

 
4.6
%
Interest only (“IOs”)
591

 
22

 
(10
)
 
603

 
1.0
%
 
505

 
25

 
(11
)
 
519

 
0.9
%
Corporate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic industry
1,207

 
67

 
(37
)
 
1,237

 
2.1
%
 
1,673

 
105

 
(22
)
 
1,756

 
3.0
%
Capital goods
1,785

 
127

 
(18
)
 
1,894

 
3.2
%
 
1,880

 
192

 
(4
)
 
2,068

 
3.5
%
Consumer cyclical
1,866

 
87

 
(23
)
 
1,930

 
3.3
%
 
1,647

 
128

 
(8
)
 
1,767

 
3.0
%
Consumer non-cyclical
3,678

 
228

 
(23
)
 
3,883

 
6.5
%
 
3,473

 
335

 
(5
)
 
3,803

 
6.4
%
Energy
2,370

 
150

 
(48
)
 
2,472

 
4.2
%
 
3,092

 
252

 
(49
)
 
3,295

 
5.5
%
Financial services
5,815

 
290

 
(54
)
 
6,051

 
10.2
%
 
4,942

 
405

 
(94
)
 
5,253

 
8.9
%
Tech./comm.
3,446

 
262

 
(47
)
 
3,661

 
6.2
%
 
3,150

 
370

 
(12
)
 
3,508

 
5.9
%
Transportation
847

 
54

 
(7
)
 
894

 
1.5
%
 
891

 
82

 
(4
)
 
969

 
1.6
%
Utilities
4,267

 
356

 
(33
)
 
4,590

 
7.8
%
 
4,278

 
496

 
(13
)
 
4,761

 
8.0
%
Other
146

 
15

 
(1
)
 
160

 
0.3
%
 
162

 
17

 
—

 
179

 
0.3
%
Foreign govt./govt. agencies
1,258

 
43

 
(46
)
 
1,255

 
2.1
%
 
1,592

 
73

 
(29
)
 
1,636

 
2.8
%
Municipal bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable
1,313

 
100

 
(14
)
 
1,399

 
2.4
%
 
1,135

 
135

 
(2
)
 
1,268

 
2.1
%
Tax-exempt
9,962

 
859

 
(9
)
 
10,812

 
18.2
%
 
10,600

 
1,006

 
(3
)
 
11,603

 
19.6
%
RMBS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
2,153

 
82

 
(3
)
 
2,232

 
3.8
%
 
2,448

 
98

 
(2
)
 
2,544

 
4.3
%
Non-agency
92

 
3

 
—

 
95

 
0.2
%
 
81

 
3

 
—

 
84

 
0.1
%
Alt-A
56

 
1

 
—

 
57

 
0.1
%
 
55

 
1

 
—

 
56

 
0.1
%
Sub-prime
1,476

 
15

 
(16
)
 
1,475

 
2.5
%
 
1,231

 
20

 
(17
)
 
1,234

 
2.1
%
U.S. Treasuries
4,457

 
274

 
(8
)
 
4,723

 
8.0
%
 
3,551

 
326

 
(5
)
 
3,872

 
6.5
%
Fixed maturities, AFS
56,275

 
3,302

 
(465
)
 
59,109

 
100
%
 
55,362

 
4,377

 
(358
)
 
59,384

 
100
%
Equity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial services
162

 
2

 
—

 
164

 
20.2
%
 
149

 
13

 
—

 
162

 
23.2
%
Other
664

 
32

 
(47
)
 
649

 
79.8
%
 
527

 
37

 
(27
)
 
537

 
76.8
%
Equity securities, AFS
826

 
34

 
(47
)
 
813

 
100
%
 
676

 
50

 
(27
)
 
699

 
100
%
Total AFS securities
$
57,101

 
$
3,336

 
$
(512
)
 
$
59,922

 
 
 
$
56,038

 
$
4,427

 
$
(385
)
 
$
60,083

 
 
Fixed maturities, FVO
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
548

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
488

 
 
Equity, FVO [3]
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
348

 
 
[1]
Gross unrealized gains (losses) exclude the fair value of bifurcated embedded derivatives within certain securities. Changes in value are recorded in net realized capital gains (losses).
[2]
Includes securities with pools of loans issued by the Small Business Administration which are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
[3]
Included in equity securities, AFS on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company did not hold any equity securities, FVO as of September 30, 2015.

113


The decrease in the fair value of AFS securities, as compared to December 31, 2014, is primarily attributable to widening credit spreads, partially offset by a decrease in interest rates, the reinvestment of short-term assets into fixed maturities, as well as the purchase of U.S. Treasuries with the proceeds received from repurchase agreements. The Company has reduced its allocation to tax-exempt municipal bonds in favor of other investments that provide greater after-tax economic return potential given current market conditions and the Company’s tax position.
Energy Exposure
Market values of securities in the energy sector have continued to experience volatility in 2015. The continued price volatility has caused credit spreads to widen for corporate and sovereign issuers that generate a large portion of their revenues from oil and have yet to fully recover. The impact is more pronounced on issuers with below investment grade credit. Ultimately, the impact on these issuers will be determined by the severity and duration of the decline in oil prices and the ability of the issuers to adjust their cost structure or find other sources of revenue.
The Company's direct exposure within its investment portfolio to the energy sector totals 4% of total invested assets as of September 30, 2015 and is primarily comprised of corporate debt. As a result of continued volatility in prices, the Company reduced the amortized cost of its exposure to the energy sector during 2015 by $861. The Company's energy sector investments as of September 30, 2015 are primarily comprised of investment grade securities and the exposure is diversified by issuer, as well as in different sub-sectors of the energy market. The following table summarizes the Company's exposure to the energy sector by security type and credit quality.
 
September 30, 2015
 
Corporate & Equity Securities [1]
Foreign govt./govt. agencies [1][2]
Total
 
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Investment grade
$
2,278

$
2,408

$
192

$
185

$
2,470

$
2,593

Below investment grade
182

163

11

11

193

174

Equity, AFS
14

12

—

—

14

12

Total energy exposure
$
2,474

$
2,583

$
203

$
196

$
2,677

$
2,779

 
December 31, 2014
 
Corporate & Equity Securities [1]
Foreign govt./govt. agencies [1][2]
Total
 
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Investment grade
$
2,923

$
3,162

$
268

$
266

$
3,191

$
3,428

Below investment grade
288

266

36

32

324

298

Equity, AFS
23

21

—

—

23

21

Total energy exposure
$
3,234

$
3,449

$
304

$
298

$
3,538

$
3,747

[1]
Included in fixed maturities, AFS and FVO, equity, AFS and short-term investments on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Excludes equity securities, FVO with cost and fair value of $45 and $45, respectively, as of December 31, 2014, that are hedged with total return swaps. The Company did not hold any equity securities, FVO as of June 30, 2015.
[2]
Includes sovereigns for which oil exports are greater than 4% of gross domestic product.
The Company manages the credit risk associated with the energy sector within the investment portfolio on an on-going basis using macroeconomic analysis and issuer credit analysis. The Company considers alternate scenarios including oil prices remaining at low levels for an extended period and/or declining significantly below current levels. For additional details regarding the Company’s management of credit risks, see the Credit Risk Section of this MD&A.
Emerging Market Exposure
Emerging market securities have been negatively impacted by sustained lower U.S. and European interest rates, increased political tension in eastern Europe, softer-than-expected global economic growth, as well as trade and budget deficits, raising the potential for destabilizing capital outflows and rapid currency depreciation. As mentioned in the preceding discussion, continued volatility in oil prices that has continued into 2015 has put added strain on certain emerging markets that rely on revenues derived from the energy sector. As a result of these factors, credit spreads for certain emerging market securities have been volatile and we expect continued sensitivity to geopolitical events, the ongoing evolution of Fed policy and other economic factors, including contagion risk.

114


The Company has limited direct exposure within its investment portfolio to emerging market issuers, totaling only 2% of total invested assets as of September 30, 2015, and is primarily comprised of sovereign and corporate debt issued in U.S. dollars. The Company identifies exposures with the issuers’ ultimate parent country of domicile, which may not be the country of the security issuer. The following table presents the Company’s exposure to securities within certain emerging markets currently under the greatest stress, defined as countries that had a sovereign S&P credit rating of B- or below, or countries that have had a current account deficit and have an average inflation level greater than 5% for the past six months, as of either September 30, 2015, or December 31, 2014.
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Brazil
$
25

$
20

 
$
123

$
120

India
22

22

 
37

37

Indonesia
87

80

 
82

80

Kazakhstan
50

45

 
79

73

Lebanon
—

—

 
29

29

South Africa
38

36

 
54

53

Turkey
57

53

 
65

67

Uruguay
13

11

 
16

17

Other
79

75

 
106

103

Total [1]
$
371

$
342

 
$
591

$
579

[1]
Includes an amortized cost and fair value of $178 and $162, respectively, as of September 30, 2015, and an amortized cost and fair value of $137 and $131, respectively, as of December 31, 2014, included in the exposure to the preceding energy sector table.
The Company manages the credit risk associated with emerging market securities within the investment portfolio on an on-going basis using macroeconomic analysis and issuer credit analysis subject to diversification and individual credit risk management limits. For additional details regarding the Company’s management of credit risk, see the Credit Risk section of this MD&A.
Due to the continued decline in oil prices, the Company significantly reduced its exposure during 2015 to countries that rely on the energy sector as a main source of their Gross Domestic Product ("GDP"), such as Brazil.
Financial Services
The Company’s exposure to the financial services sector is predominantly through investment grade banking and insurance institutions. The following table presents the Company’s fixed maturity, AFS and equity, AFS securities in the financial services sector that are included in the preceding Securities by Type table.
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)
 
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)
AAA
$
42

$
44

$
2

 
$
31

$
34

$
3

AA
593

614

21

 
401

436

35

A
3,106

3,240

134

 
2,610

2,804

194

BBB
1,907

1,973

66

 
1,681

1,734

53

BB & below
329

344

15

 
368

407

39

Total
$
5,977

$
6,215

$
238

 
$
5,091

$
5,415

$
324

The Company's exposure to the financial services sector increased, as compared to December 31, 2014, due to purchases of investment grade corporate securities, partially offset by a decrease in valuations as a result of wider credit spreads.
Commercial Real Estate
Commercial real estate market fundamentals, including property prices, financial conditions, transaction volume, and delinquencies, continue to improve. In addition, the availability of credit has increased and there is now less concern about the ability of borrowers to refinance as loans come due. The following table presents the Company’s exposure to CMBS bonds by current credit quality and vintage year included in the preceding Securities by Type table. Credit protection represents the current weighted average percentage of the outstanding capital structure subordinated to the Company’s investment holding that is available to absorb losses before the security incurs the first dollar loss of principal and excludes any equity interest or property value in excess of outstanding debt.

115


CMBS – Bonds [1]
September 30, 2015
 
AAA
 
AA
 
A
 
BBB
 
BB and Below
 
Total
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
2004 & Prior
$
10

 
$
10

 
$
53

 
$
59

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
2

 
$
2

 
$
65

 
$
71

2005
102

 
114

 
26

 
27

 
18

 
18

 
20

 
20

 
—

 
—

 
166

 
179

2006
221

 
227

 
99

 
102

 
144

 
147

 
61

 
62

 
22

 
23

 
547

 
561

2007
215

 
222

 
167

 
177

 
68

 
72

 
35

 
35

 
51

 
52

 
536

 
558

2008
39

 
42

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
39

 
42

2009
11

 
11

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
11

 
11

2010
18

 
20

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
18

 
20

2011
55

 
61

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
15

 
15

 
—

 
—

 
70

 
76

2012
40

 
41

 
—

 
—

 
18

 
18

 
30

 
29

 
—

 
—

 
88

 
88

2013
16

 
16

 
95

 
98

 
74

 
78

 
9

 
10

 
1

 
1

 
195

 
203

2014
322

 
333

 
63

 
64

 
64

 
63

 
6

 
6

 
2

 
2

 
457

 
468

2015
159

 
159

 
128

 
127

 
115

 
113

 
53

 
51

 
—

 
—

 
455

 
450

Total
$
1,208

 
$
1,256

 
$
631

 
$
654

 
$
501

 
$
509

 
$
229

 
$
228

 
$
78

 
$
80

 
$
2,647

 
$
2,727

Credit  protection
33.3%
 
26.2%
 
20.1%
 
19.4%
 
18.0%
 
27.5%
December 31, 2014
 
AAA
 
AA
 
A
 
BBB
 
BB and Below
 
Total
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
2004 & Prior
$
13

 
$
13

 
$
58

 
$
64

 
$
7

 
$
7

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
15

 
$
20

 
$
93

 
$
104

2005
175

 
188

 
78

 
80

 
99

 
101

 
83

 
84

 
46

 
46

 
481

 
499

2006
287

 
300

 
108

 
115

 
121

 
127

 
63

 
66

 
22

 
23

 
601

 
631

2007
211

 
221

 
169

 
182

 
78

 
82

 
31

 
31

 
72

 
73

 
561

 
589

2008
40

 
43

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
40

 
43

2009
11

 
11

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
11

 
11

2010
18

 
20

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
18

 
20

2011
56

 
62

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
6

 
6

 
—

 
—

 
62

 
68

2012
40

 
41

 
—

 
—

 
14

 
14

 
12

 
12

 
—

 
—

 
66

 
67

2013
16

 
16

 
95

 
99

 
71

 
76

 
12

 
13

 
—

 
—

 
194

 
204

2014
350

 
360

 
64

 
66

 
53

 
54

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
467

 
480

Total
$
1,217

 
$
1,275

 
$
572

 
$
606

 
$
443

 
$
461

 
$
207

 
$
212

 
$
155

 
$
162

 
$
2,594

 
$
2,716

Credit 
protection
33.0%
 
25.7%
 
20.2%
 
19.5%
 
18.0%
 
27.2%
[1]
The vintage year represents the year the pool of loans was originated.
The Company also has exposure to CRE CDOs with an amortized cost and fair value of $83 and $138, respectively, as of September 30, 2015, and $114 and $193 respectively, as of December 31, 2014. These securities are comprised of diversified pools of commercial mortgage loans or equity positions of other CMBS securitizations. We continue to monitor these investments as economic and market uncertainties regarding future performance impact market liquidity and security premiums.
In addition to CMBS bonds and CRE CDOs, the Company has exposure to commercial mortgage loans as presented in the following table. These loans are collateralized by a variety of commercial properties and are diversified both geographically throughout the United States and by property type. These loans are primarily in the form of whole loans, where the Company is the sole lender, but may include participations. Loan participations are loans where the Company has purchased or retained a portion of an outstanding loan or package of loans and participates on a pro-rata basis in collecting interest and principal pursuant to the terms of the participation agreement. In general, A-Note participations have senior payment priority, followed by B-Note participations and then mezzanine loan participations. As of September 30, 2015, loans within the Company’s mortgage loan portfolio that have had extensions or restructurings, other than what is allowable under the original terms of the contract, are immaterial.

116


Commercial Mortgage Loans
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Amortized Cost [1]
 
Valuation Allowance
 
Carrying Value
 
Amortized Cost [1]
 
Valuation Allowance
 
Carrying Value
Agricultural
$
37

 
$
(4
)
 
$
33

 
$
51

 
$
(5
)
 
$
46

Whole loans
5,378

 
(16
)
 
5,362

 
5,333

 
(13
)
 
5,320

A-Note participations
140

 
—

 
140

 
154

 
—

 
154

B-Note participations
17

 
—

 
17

 
17

 
—

 
17

Mezzanine loans
—

 
—

 
—

 
19

 
—

 
19

Total
$
5,572

 
$
(20
)
 
$
5,552

 
$
5,574

 
$
(18
)
 
$
5,556

[1]
Amortized cost represents carrying value prior to valuation allowances, if any.
Since December 31, 2014, the Company funded $571 of commercial whole loans with a weighted average loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio of 65% and a weighted average yield of 3.7%. The Company continues to originate commercial whole loans within primary markets, such as office, industrial and multi-family, focusing on loans with strong LTV ratios and high quality property collateral. There were no mortgage loans held for sale as of September 30, 2015, or December 31, 2014.
Municipal Bonds
The following table summarizes the amortized cost, fair value, and weighted average credit quality of the Company's available-for-sale investments in municipal bonds.
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Weighted Average Credit Quality
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Weighted Average Credit Quality
General Obligation
$
2,174

 
$
2,340

 
AA
 
$
2,259

 
$
2,480

 
AA
Pre-Refunded [1]
740

 
794

 
AAA
 
716

 
748

 
AAA
Revenue


 


 

 


 


 

Transportation
1,568

 
1,729

 
A+
 
1,599

 
1,781

 
A+
Health Care
1,403

 
1,524

 
AA-
 
1,412

 
1,560

 
AA-
Water & Sewer
1,212

 
1,299

 
AA
 
1,204

 
1,308

 
AA
Education
1,113

 
1,205

 
AA
 
1,115

 
1,232

 
AA
Sales Tax
713

 
784

 
AA-
 
916

 
1,020

 
AA-
Leasing [2]
762

 
835

 
AA-
 
772

 
858

 
AA-
Power
693

 
746

 
A+
 
739

 
814

 
A+
Housing
102

 
106

 
AA
 
148

 
153

 
AA
Other
795

 
849

 
AA-
 
855

 
917

 
AA-
Total Revenue
8,361

 
9,077

 
AA-
 
8,760

 
9,643

 
AA-
Total Municipal
$
11,275

 
$
12,211

 
AA-
 
$
11,735

 
$
12,871

 
AA-
[1]
Pre-Refunded bonds are bonds for which an irrevocable trust containing sufficient U.S. treasury, agency, or other securities has been established to fund the remaining payments of principal and interest.
[2]
Leasing revenue bonds are generally the obligations of a financing authority established by the municipality that leases facilities back to a municipality. The notes are typically secured by lease payments made by the municipality that is leasing the facilities financed by the issue. Lease payments may be subject to annual appropriation by the municipality or the municipality may be obligated to appropriate general tax revenues to make lease payments.
As of September 30, 2015, the largest issuer concentrations were the state of California, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the New York Dormitory Authority, which each comprised less than 3% of the municipal bond portfolio and were comprised of general obligation and revenue bonds. As of December 31, 2014, the largest issuer concentrations were the states of Illinois, California and Massachusetts, which each comprised less than 3% of the municipal bond portfolio, and were primarily comprised of general obligation and taxable bonds.

117


Limited Partnerships and Other Alternative Investments
The following table presents the Company’s investments in limited partnerships and other alternative investments which include hedge funds, mortgage and real estate funds, mezzanine debt funds, and private equity and other funds. Hedge funds are comprised of approximately half credit and equity-related funds and approximately half global macro-related funds with a market neutral focus. Real estate funds consist of investments in funds whose assets consist of mortgage loans, mortgage loan participations, mezzanine loans or other notes, which may be below investment grade, as well as equity real estate and real estate joint ventures. Private equity and other funds primarily consist of investments in funds whose assets typically consist of a diversified pool of investments in small to mid-sized non-public businesses with high growth potential.
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Amount
Percent
 
Amount
Percent
Hedge funds
$
1,224

39.9
%
 
$
1,187

40.3
%
Real estate funds
560

18.3
%
 
561

19.1
%
Private equity and other funds
1,283

41.8
%
 
1,194

40.6
%
Total
$
3,067

100
%
 
$
2,942

100
%
Available-for-Sale Securities — Unrealized Loss Aging
The total gross unrealized losses were $512 as of September 30, 2015 and have increased $127, or 33%, from December 31, 2014 due to wider credit spreads partially offset by lower rates. As of September 30, 2015, $449 of the gross unrealized losses were associated with securities depressed less than 20% of cost or amortized cost. The remaining $63 of gross unrealized losses were associated with securities depressed greater than 20%. The securities depressed more than 20% are primarily below investment grade corporate securities that decrease in value due to widening of the sector credit spreads, as well as equity securities that have become depressed greater than 20% during the third quarter due to declining equity markets.
As part of the Company’s ongoing security monitoring process, the Company has reviewed its AFS securities in an unrealized loss position and concluded that these securities are temporarily depressed and are expected to recover in value as the securities approach maturity or as market spreads tighten. For these securities in an unrealized loss position where a credit impairment has not been recorded, the Company’s best estimate of expected future cash flows are sufficient to recover the amortized cost basis of the security. Furthermore, the Company neither has an intention to sell nor does it expect to be required to sell these securities. For further information regarding the Company’s impairment analysis, see Other-Than-Temporary Impairments in the Investment Portfolio Risks and Risk Management section of this MD&A.
The following tables present the Company’s unrealized loss aging for AFS securities by length of time the security was in a continuous unrealized loss position:
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Consecutive Months
Items
 
Cost or Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized Loss [1]
 
Items
 
Cost or Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized Loss [1]
Three months or less
1,588

 
$
4,882

 
$
4,788

 
$
(94
)
 
1,412

 
$
4,014

 
$
3,963

 
$
(51
)
Greater than three to six months
1,242

 
5,561

 
5,379

 
(182
)
 
643

 
1,739

 
1,665

 
(74
)
Greater than six to nine months
423

 
1,556

 
1,503

 
(53
)
 
220

 
417

 
404

 
(13
)
Greater than nine to eleven months
245

 
516

 
491

 
(25
)
 
102

 
148

 
142

 
(6
)
Twelve months or more
710

 
2,960

 
2,799

 
(158
)
 
688

 
4,667

 
4,429

 
(241
)
Total
4,208

 
$
15,475

 
$
14,960

 
$
(512
)
 
3,065

 
$
10,985

 
$
10,603

 
$
(385
)
[1]
Unrealized losses exclude the fair value of bifurcated embedded derivatives within certain securities as changes in value are recorded in net realized capital gains (losses).

118


The following table presents the Company’s unrealized loss aging for AFS securities continuously depressed over 20% by length of time (included in the preceding table):
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Consecutive Months
Items
 
Cost or Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized Loss [1]
 
Items
 
Cost or Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized Loss [1]
Three months or less
325

 
$
164

 
$
119

 
$
(45
)
 
137

 
$
152

 
$
113

 
$
(39
)
Greater than three to six months
65

 
12

 
8

 
(4
)
 
39

 
17

 
11

 
(6
)
Greater than six to nine months
21

 
12

 
9

 
(3
)
 
11

 
4

 
1

 
(3
)
Greater than nine to eleven months
35

 
18

 
12

 
(6
)
 
9

 
1

 
—

 
(1
)
Twelve months or more
57

 
12

 
7

 
(5
)
 
49

 
31

 
19

 
(12
)
Total
503

 
$
218

 
$
155

 
$
(63
)
 
245

 
$
205

 
$
144

 
$
(61
)
[1]
Unrealized losses exclude the fair value of bifurcated embedded derivatives within certain securities as changes in value are recorded in net realized capital gains (losses).
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
The following table presents the Company’s impairments recognized in earnings by security type:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
CRE CDOs
$
—

$
—

 
$
1

$
—

IOs
1

1

 
2

1

Corporate
31

4

 
43

26

Equity
6

9

 
7

11

Municipal
—

—

 
1

1

RMBS
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
—

—

 
—

3

Sub-prime
—

—

 
1

1

Foreign government
1

—

 
5

 
Other
1

—

 
3

—

Total
$
40

$
14

 
$
63

$
43

Three and nine months ended September 30, 2015
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, impairments recognized in earnings were comprised of securities that the Company intends to sell ("intent-to-sell impairments") of $21 and $38, respectively; credit impairments of $12 and $16, respectively; impairments on equity securities of $6 and $6, respectively; and other impairments of $1 and $3, respectively.
Intent-so-sell impairments for the the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 were primarily comprised of securities in the corporate sector. Credit impairments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 were primarily identified through security specific reviews and resulted from changes in the financial condition and near term prospects of certain issuers. The Company incorporates its best estimate of future performance using internal assumptions and judgments that are informed by economic and industry specific trends, as well as our expectations with respect to security specific developments. Impairments on equity securities were comprised of securities in an unrealized loss position that the Company does not expect to recover.
Non-credit impairments recognized in other comprehensive income were $2 and $4 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. These non-credit impairments represent the difference between fair value and the Company’s best estimate of expected future cash flows discounted at the security’s effective yield prior to impairment, rather than at current market implied credit spreads.
Future impairments may develop as the result of changes in intent to sell specific securities or if actual results underperform current modeling assumptions, which may be the result of, but are not limited to, macroeconomic factors and security-specific performance below current expectations. Ultimate loss formation will be a function of macroeconomic factors and idiosyncratic security-specific performance.
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2014
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, impairments recognized in earnings were comprised of credit impairments of $4 and $26, respectively; securities that the Company intends to sell of $10 and $15, respectively; and impairments on equity securities of $0 and $2, respectively. Credit impairments for the three and six months ended September 30, 2014 were primarily concentrated in corporate securities.

119


CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
The following section discusses the overall financial strength of The Hartford and its insurance operations including their ability to generate cash flows from each of their business segments, borrow funds at competitive rates and raise new capital to meet operating and growth needs over the next twelve months.
Liquidity Requirements and Sources of Capital
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (Holding Company)
The liquidity requirements of the holding company of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (“HFSG Holding Company”) have been and will continue to be met by HFSG Holding Company’s fixed maturities, short-term investments and cash, dividends from its subsidiaries, principally its insurance operations, the issuance of common stock, debt or other capital securities and borrowings from its credit facilities, as needed.
As of September 30, 2015, HFSG Holding Company held fixed maturities, short-term investments and cash of $2.1 billion. Expected liquidity requirements of the HFSG Holding Company for the next twelve months include payment of 7.3% senior notes of $167 at maturity in November 2015, interest payments on debt of approximately $335 and common stockholder dividends, subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors, of approximately $340.
The Hartford has an intercompany liquidity agreement that allows for short-term advances of funds among the HFSG Holding Company and certain affiliates of up to $2.0 billion for liquidity and other general corporate purposes. The Connecticut Insurance Department ("CTDOI") granted approval for certain affiliated insurance companies that are parties to the agreement to treat receivables from a parent, including the HFSG Holding Company, as admitted assets for statutory accounting purposes. As of September 30, 2015, there were no amounts outstanding with the HFSG holding company.
Debt
On May 27, 2015, the Company redeemed for cash the entire $296 aggregate principal amount outstanding of 4.0% senior notes due October 15, 2017 for $317 including a make-whole premium. The Company financed the redemption of the 4.0% senior notes with cash on hand. The Company plans to repay $275 of 5.5% senior notes due October 2016 upon maturity, in addition to the previously announced repayment of 7.3% senior notes due November 2015 upon maturity.
In July 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the extension of the existing debt capital management program through December 31, 2016. Under the program, the Company expects to use the remaining authorization of approximately $180 for other debt capital management actions during 2015 and 2016. Any debt capital management actions are dependent on market conditions and other factors.
Equity
As of September 30, 2015, the Company has $1.8 billion remaining under its existing equity repurchase program authorization. In July 2015, the Board of Directors approved a $1.6 billion increase in and extension of the Company's authorized equity repurchase program bringing the total authorization for equity repurchases to $4.375 billion for the period January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2016. Any repurchase of shares under the equity repurchase program is dependent on market conditions and other factors.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company repurchased 6.5 million and 18.6 million common shares, respectively, for $300 and $800, respectively. During the period October 1, 2015 to October 21, 2015, the Company repurchased 1.8 million common shares for $82.
Dividends
On October 22, 2015, The Hartford's Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.21 per common share payable on January 4, 2016 to common shareholders of record as of December 1, 2015.
On July 27, 2015, The Hartford's Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.21 per common share payable on October 1, 2015 to common shareholders of record as of September 1, 2015.
On May 21, 2015, The Hartford's Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per common share payable on July 1, 2015 to common shareholders of record as of June 1, 2015.
On February 26, 2015, The Hartford’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per common share payable on April 1, 2015 to common shareholders of record as of March 9, 2015.
There are no current restrictions on the HFSG Holding Company's ability to pay dividends to its shareholders.
For a discussion of restrictions on dividends to the HFSG Holding Company from its insurance subsidiaries, see the following "Dividends from Insurance Subsidiaries" discussion. For a discussion of potential restrictions on the HFSG Holding Company's ability to pay dividends, see the risk factor "Our ability to declare and pay dividends is subject to limitations" in Item 1A of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

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Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits
While the Company has significant discretion in making voluntary contributions to the U. S. qualified defined benefit pension plan, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended by the Pension Protection Act of 2006, the Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008, the Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act of 2012 (MAP-21) and Internal Revenue Code regulations mandate minimum contributions in certain circumstances. The Company does not have a 2015 required minimum funding contribution for the U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan and the funding requirements for all pension plans are expected to be immaterial. The Company contributed $100 in September 2015 to its U.S. qualified pension plan.
Dividends from Insurance Subsidiaries
Dividends to the HFSG Holding Company from its insurance subsidiaries are restricted by insurance regulation. The payment of dividends by Connecticut-domiciled insurers is limited under the insurance holding company laws of Connecticut. These laws require notice to and approval by the state insurance commissioner for the declaration or payment of any dividend, which, together with other dividends or distributions made within the preceding twelve months, exceeds the greater of (i) 10% of the insurer’s policyholder surplus as of December 31 of the preceding year or (ii) net income (or net gain from operations, if such company is a life insurance company) for the twelve-month period ending on the thirty-first day of December last preceding, in each case determined under statutory insurance accounting principles. In addition, if any dividend of a Connecticut-domiciled insurer exceeds the insurer’s earned surplus, it requires the prior approval of the Connecticut Insurance Commissioner. The insurance holding company laws of the other jurisdictions in which The Hartford’s insurance subsidiaries are incorporated (or deemed commercially domiciled) generally contain similar (although in certain instances somewhat more restrictive) limitations on the payment of dividends. Dividends paid to HFSG Holding Company by its life insurance subsidiaries are further dependent on cash requirements of Hartford Life Inc. ("HLI") and other factors. In addition to statutory limitations on paying dividends, the Company also takes other items into consideration when determining dividends from subsidiaries. These considerations include, but are not limited to expected earnings and capitalization of the subsidiaries, regulatory capital requirements and liquidity requirements of the individual operating company.
The Company’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries are permitted to pay up to a maximum of approximately $1.5 billion in dividends to HFSG Holding Company without prior approval from the applicable insurance commissioner. During the first nine months of 2015, HFSG Holding Company received approximately $500 in dividends from its property and casualty insurance subsidiaries.  In addition to the property-casualty insurance subsidiaries dividends, HFSG Holding Company received approximately $1.1 billion through a series of transactions with HLI’s life insurance subsidiaries.
Over the remainder of 2015, HSFG Holding Company anticipates receiving additional net dividends of approximately $200 from its property-casualty insurance subsidiaries and an additional $25 of ordinary dividends from Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company. Hartford Life Insurance Company ("HLIC") has no ordinary dividend capacity for the remainder of 2015.
During October, to effect the consolidation of certain Property & Casualty run-off entities in the U.K., approximately $200 of capital was contributed to a U.K. subsidiary, which was funded by way of a dividend from Hartford Fire.
Other Sources of Capital for the HFSG Holding Company
The Hartford endeavors to maintain a capital structure that provides financial and operational flexibility to its insurance subsidiaries, ratings that support its competitive position in the financial services marketplace (for further detail see Ratings within the Capital Resources and Liquidity section of MD&A), and shareholder returns. As a result, the Company may from time to time raise capital from the issuance of equity, equity-related debt or other capital securities and is continuously evaluating strategic opportunities. The issuance of debt, common equity, equity-related debt or other capital securities could result in the dilution of shareholder interests or reduced net income due to additional interest expense.
Shelf Registrations
On August 9, 2013, The Hartford filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) an automatic shelf registration statement (Registration No. 333-190506) for the potential offering and sale of debt and equity securities. The registration statement allows for the following types of securities to be offered: debt securities, junior subordinated debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, depositary shares, warrants, stock purchase contracts, and stock purchase units. Because The Hartford is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, the registration statement went effective immediately upon filing and The Hartford may offer and sell an unlimited amount of securities under the registration statement during its three-year life.

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Contingent Capital Facility
The Hartford is party to a put option agreement that provides The Hartford with the right to require the Glen Meadow ABC Trust, a Delaware statutory trust, at any time and from time to time, to purchase The Hartford’s junior subordinated notes in a maximum aggregate principal amount not to exceed $500. Under the Put Option Agreement, The Hartford will pay the Glen Meadow ABC Trust premiums on a periodic basis, calculated with respect to the aggregate principal amount of Notes that The Hartford had the right to put to the Glen Meadow ABC Trust for such period. The Hartford has agreed to reimburse the Glen Meadow ABC Trust for certain fees and ordinary expenses. The Company holds a variable interest in the Glen Meadow ABC Trust where the Company is not the primary beneficiary. As a result, the Company did not consolidate the Glen Meadow ABC Trust. As of September 30, 2015, The Hartford has not exercised its right to require Glen Meadow ABC Trust to purchase the Notes. As a result, the Notes remain a source of capital for the HFSG Holding Company.
Commercial Paper and Revolving Credit Facility
Commercial Paper
The Hartford has as agreement with a dealer under a commercial paper program. While The Hartford’s maximum borrowings available under its commercial paper program are $1.0 billion, the Company is dependent upon market conditions to access short-term financing through the issuance of commercial paper to investors. As of September 30, 2015, there is no commercial paper outstanding.
Revolving Credit Facilities
The Company has a senior unsecured five-year revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) that provides for borrowing capacity up to $1.0 billion of unsecured credit through October 31, 2019 available in U.S. dollars, Euro, Sterling, Canadian dollars and Japanese Yen. As of September 30, 2015, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Credit Facility.
Derivative Commitments
Certain of the Company’s derivative agreements contain provisions that are tied to the financial strength ratings of the individual legal entity that entered into the derivative agreement as set by nationally recognized statistical rating agencies. If the legal entity’s financial strength were to fall below certain ratings, the counterparties to the derivative agreements could demand immediate and ongoing full collateralization and in certain instances demand immediate settlement of all outstanding derivative positions traded under each impacted bilateral agreement. The settlement amount is determined by netting the derivative positions transacted under each agreement. If the termination rights were to be exercised by the counterparties, it could impact the legal entity’s ability to conduct hedging activities by increasing the associated costs and decreasing the willingness of counterparties to transact with the legal entity. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that are in a net liability position as of September 30, 2015 is $1.2 billion. Of this $1.2 billion, the legal entities have posted collateral of $1.6 billion in the normal course of business. In addition, the Company has posted collateral of $34 associated with a customized GMWB derivative. Based on derivative market values as of September 30, 2015, a downgrade of one or two levels below the current financial strength ratings by either Moody’s or S&P would not require additional assets to be posted as collateral. These collateral amounts could change as derivative market values change, as a result of changes in our hedging activities or to the extent changes in contractual terms are negotiated. The nature of the collateral that we would post, if required, would be primarily in the form of U.S. Treasury bills, U.S. Treasury notes and government agency securities.
As of September 30, 2015, the aggregate notional amount and fair value of derivative relationships that could be subject to immediate termination in the event of rating agency downgrades to either BBB+ or Baa1 was $179 and $(10), respectively.
Insurance Operations
Current and expected patterns of claim frequency and severity or surrenders may change from period to period but continue to be within historical norms and, therefore, the Company’s insurance operations’ current liquidity position is considered to be sufficient to meet anticipated demands over the next twelve months, including any obligations related to the Company’s restructuring activities. For a discussion and tabular presentation of the Company’s current contractual obligations by period, refer to Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations within the Capital Resources and Liquidity section of the MD&A included in The Hartford’s 2014 Form 10-K Annual Report.
The principal sources of operating funds are premiums, fees earned from assets under management and investment income, while investing cash flows originate from maturities and sales of invested assets. The primary uses of funds are to pay claims, claim adjustment expenses, commissions and other underwriting expenses, taxes to purchase new investments and to make dividend payments to the HFSG Holding Company.
The Company’s insurance operations consist of property and casualty insurance products (collectively referred to as “Property & Casualty Operations”) and life insurance and legacy annuity products (collectively referred to as “Life Operations”).

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Property & Casualty Operations
Property & Casualty Operations holds fixed maturity securities including a significant short-term investment position (securities with maturities of one year or less at the time of purchase) to meet liquidity needs.
As of September 30, 2015 Property & Casualty Operations’ fixed maturities, short-term investments, and cash are summarized as follows: 
Fixed maturities
$
25,488

Short-term investments
1,075

Cash
178

Less: Derivative collateral
200

Total
$
26,541

Liquidity requirements that are unable to be funded by Property & Casualty Operation’s short-term investments would be satisfied with current operating funds, including premiums received or through the sale of invested assets. A sale of invested assets could result in significant realized losses.
Life Operations
Life Operations’ total general account contractholder obligations are supported by $42 billion of cash and total general account invested assets, which includes a significant short-term investment position to meet liquidity needs.
As of September 30, 2015 Life Operations’ fixed maturities, short-term investments, and cash are summarized as follows:
Fixed maturities
$
32,940

Short-term investments
1,437

Cash
484

Less: Derivative collateral
1,430

Total
$
33,431

Capital resources available to fund liquidity upon contractholder surrender are a function of the legal entity in which the liquidity requirement resides. Generally, obligations of Group Benefits will be funded by Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company. Obligations of Talcott Resolution will generally be funded by Hartford Life Insurance Company and Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company.
HLIC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, became a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLBB”) in May 2011. Membership allows HLIC access to collateralized advances, which may be used to support various spread-based businesses and enhance liquidity management. The CTDOI will permit HLIC to pledge up to $1.39 billion in qualifying assets to secure FHLBB advances for 2015. The amount of advances that can be taken are dependent on the asset types pledged to secure the advances. The pledge limit is recalculated annually based on statutory admitted assets and capital and surplus. HLIC would need to seek the prior approval of the CTDOI if there were a desire to exceed these limits.
 
As of
Contractholder Obligations
September 30, 2015
Total Life contractholder obligations
$
173,330

Less: Separate account assets [1]
121,634

General account contractholder obligations
$
51,696

Composition of General Account Contractholder Obligations
 
Contracts without a surrender provision and/or fixed payout dates [2]
$
22,296

U.S. Fixed MVA annuities and Other [3]
8,272

Other [4]
21,128

General account contractholder obligations
$
51,696

[1]
In the event customers elect to surrender separate account assets or international statutory separate accounts, Life Operations will use the proceeds from the sale of the assets to fund the surrender, and Life Operations’ liquidity position will not be impacted. In many instances Life Operations will receive a percentage of the surrender amount as compensation for early surrender (surrender charge), increasing Life Operations’ liquidity position. In addition, a surrender of variable annuity separate account or general account assets (see the following) will decrease Life Operations’ obligation for payments on guaranteed living and death benefits.
[2]
Relates to contracts such as payout annuities or institutional notes, other than guaranteed investment products with an MVA feature (discussed below) or surrenders of term life, group benefit contracts or death and living benefit reserves for which surrenders will have no current effect on Life Operations’ liquidity requirements.

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[3]
Relates to annuities that are recorded in the general account (under U.S. GAAP as the contractholders are subject to the Company's credit risk, although these annuities are held in a statutory separate account. In the statutory separate account, Life Operations is required to maintain invested assets with a fair value greater than or equal to the MVA surrender value of the Fixed MVA contract. In the event assets decline in value at a greater rate than the MVA surrender value of the Fixed MVA contract, Life Operations is required to contribute additional capital to the statutory separate account. Life Operations will fund these required contributions with operating cash flows or short-term investments. In the event that operating cash flows or short-term investments are not sufficient to fund required contributions, the Company may have to sell other invested assets at a loss, potentially resulting in a decrease in statutory surplus. As the fair value of invested assets in the statutory separate account are at least equal to the MVA surrender value of the Fixed MVA contract, surrender of Fixed MVA annuities will have an insignificant impact on the liquidity requirements of Life Operations.
[4]
Surrenders of, or policy loans taken from, as applicable, these general account liabilities, which include the general account option for Life Operations' individual variable annuities and the variable life contracts of the former Individual Life business, the general account option for annuities of the former Retirement Plans business and universal life contracts sold by the former Individual Life business, may be funded through operating cash flows of Life Operations, available short-term investments, or Life Operations may be required to sell fixed maturity investments to fund the surrender payment. Sales of fixed maturity investments could result in the recognition of realized losses and insufficient proceeds to fully fund the surrender amount. In this circumstance, Life Operations may need to take other actions, including enforcing certain contract provisions which could restrict surrenders and/or slow or defer payouts. The Company has ceded reinsurance in connection with the sales of its Retirement Plans and Individual Life businesses in 2013 to MassMutual and Prudential, respectively. These reinsurance transactions do not extinguish the Company's primary liability on the insurance policies issued under these businesses.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations
There have been no material changes to the Company’s aggregate contractual obligations since the filing of the Company’s 2014 Form 10-K Annual Report. There have been no material changes to the Company's off-balance sheet arrangements since the filing of the Company’s 2014 Form 10-K Annual Report.
Capitalization
The capital structure of The Hartford consists of debt and stockholders’ equity, summarized as follows:
 
September 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
Change
Short-term debt (includes current maturities of long-term debt)
$
167

$
456

(63
)%
Long-term debt
5,359

5,653

(5
)%
Total debt [1]
5,526

6,109

(10
)%
Stockholders’ equity excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (“AOCI”)
18,064

17,792

2
 %
AOCI, net of tax
140

928

(85
)%
Total stockholders’ equity
$
18,204

$
18,720

(3
)%
Total capitalization including AOCI
$
23,730

$
24,829

(4
)%
Debt to stockholders’ equity
30
%
33
%
 
Debt to capitalization
23
%
25
%
 
[1]
Total debt of the Company excludes $40 and $71 of consumer notes as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
The Hartford’s total capitalization decreased $1,099, or 4.4%, from December 31, 2014 to September 30, 2015 primarily due to a decrease in AOCI, net of tax. AOCI, net of tax, decreased from December 31, 2014 to September 30, 2015 primarily due to a reduction in net unrealized capital gains from securities as a result of market factors.
For additional information on AOCI, net of tax, and unrealized capital gains from securities, see Note 11 - Changes In and Reclassifications From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, and Note 5 - Investments and Derivative Instruments of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Cash Flows
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
2014
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
2,000

$
895

Net cash provided by investing activities
$
603

$
1,919

Net cash used for financing activities
$
(2,306
)
$
(3,676
)
Cash – end of period
$
665

$
440

Cash provided by operating activities increased in 2015 as compared to the prior year period primarily as a result of a decrease in claims paid, a decrease in operating expenses paid and an increase in reinsurance claim recoveries.
Cash provided by investing activities in 2015 primarily relates to net proceeds from short-term investments of $1.5 billion, partially offset by net payments for available-for-sale securities of $545. Cash provided by investing activities in 2014 primarily relates to net proceeds from available for sale securities of $2.8 billion, proceeds from business sold of $963, partially offset by a change in short-term investments of $1.9 billion.
Cash used for financing activities in 2015 consists primarily of net payments for deposits, transfers and withdrawals for investments and universal life products of $1.0 billion, repayment of debt of $585 and acquisition of treasury stock of $800, partially offset by $313 in proceeds from securities sold under repurchase agreements. Cash used for financing activities in 2014 consists primarily of $1.8 billion related to net activity for investments and universal life products, repayment of debt of $200, and acquisition of treasury stock of $1.5 billion.
Operating cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 have been adequate to meet liquidity requirements.
Equity Markets
For a discussion of the potential impact of the equity markets on capital and liquidity, see the Enterprise Risk Management section of the MD&A.
Ratings
Ratings are an important factor in establishing competitive position in the insurance marketplace and impact the Company’s ability to access financing and its cost of borrowing. There can be no assurance that the Company’s ratings will continue for any given period of time, or that they will not be changed. In the event the Company’s ratings are downgraded, the Company’s competitive position, ability to access financing, and its cost of borrowing, may be adversely impacted.
The following table summarizes The Hartford’s significant member companies’ financial strength ratings from the major independent
rating organizations as of October 21, 2015.
Insurance Financial Strength Ratings:
A.M. Best
Standard & Poor’s
Moody’s
Hartford Fire Insurance Company
A+
A+
A1
Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company
A
A
A2
Hartford Life Insurance Company
A-
BBB+
Baa2
Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company
A-
BBB+
Baa2
Other Ratings:
 
 
 
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.:
 
 
 
Senior debt
a-
BBB+
Baa2
Commercial paper
AMB-1
A-2
P-2
These ratings are not a recommendation to buy or hold any of The Hartford’s securities and they may be revised or revoked at any time at the sole discretion of the rating organization.
The agencies consider many factors in determining the final rating of an insurance company. One consideration is the relative level of statutory surplus necessary to support the business written. Statutory surplus represents the capital of the insurance company reported in accordance with accounting practices prescribed by the applicable state insurance department.

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Statutory Surplus
The following table sets forth statutory surplus for the Company’s insurance companies.
 
September 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
U.S. life insurance subsidiaries
$
6,528

$
7,157

Property & Casualty insurance subsidiaries
8,415

8,069

Total
$
14,943

$
15,226

Statutory capital and surplus for the U.S. life insurance subsidiaries decreased by $629, primarily due to dividends and returns of capital of $1.1 billion, partially offset by variable annuity surplus impacts of $389 and net income from non-variable annuity business of $231.
Statutory capital and surplus for property and casualty increased by $346, primarily due to statutory net income of $1.0 billion, partially offset by dividends to HFSG Holding Company of $0.5 billion and unrealized loss on investments of $128.
Contingencies
Legal Proceedings – For a discussion regarding contingencies related to The Hartford’s legal proceedings, please see the information contained under “Litigation” in Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Part II, Item 1 Legal Proceedings, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Legislative and Regulatory Developments
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”)
Since it was enacted in 2010, the Dodd-Frank act has resulted in significant changes to the regulation of the financial services industry, including changes to the rules governing derivatives, restrictions on proprietary trading by certain entities, the creation of a Federal Insurance Office within the U.S. Treasury, and enhancements to corporate governance rules, among other things. The Dodd-Frank Act requires significant rulemaking across numerous agencies within the federal government. Rulemaking, and implementation of newly-adopted rules, is ongoing and may affect our operations and governance in ways that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (the "Affordable Care Act")
On March 23, 2010, the President signed the Affordable Care Act. The impact to The Hartford as an employer is consistent with other large employers. It is too early to tell how the Affordable Care Act will impact The Hartford's businesses. The Hartford’s core business does not involve the issuance of health insurance and we do not issue any products that insure customers under the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate. There may be, nevertheless, impacts to The Hartford's businesses that are too early to identify as key aspects of the law are still not fully implemented. For example, private exchanges may provide The Hartford additional opportunities to market our group benefit products and services. Conversely, access to medical care and medical costs are a substantial component of both disability and workers' compensation products offered by The Hartford. We are monitoring the impact of the Affordable Care Act on consumer, broker and medical provider behavior for leading indicators of changes in medical costs or loss payments primarily on the Company's workers' compensation and disability liabilities.
Social Security Disability Insurance ("SSDI")
Uncertainty around the future of the SSDI program could impact the group disability market. Without changes to the federal funding of the SSDI program, the program is projected by its board to become insolvent in 2016. Since SSDI benefits are an offset to the benefits payable under group disability policies and workers compensation in certain states, any decrease in SSDI benefits, or changes in eligibility, could have an impact on the group disability and workers’ compensation markets, including reserve impacts and increases in the cost of benefits.
Budget of the United States Government
On February 2, 2015, the Obama Administration released its “Fiscal Year 2016, Budget of the U.S. Government” (the “Budget”). The Budget includes proposals that if enacted, would affect the taxation of life insurance companies and certain life insurance products. In particular, the proposals would change the method used to determine the amount of dividend income received by a life insurance company on assets held in separate accounts used to support products, including variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts, which are eligible for the dividends received deduction (“DRD”). The DRD reduces the amount of dividend income subject to tax and is a significant component of the difference between the Company's actual tax expense and expected amount determined using the federal statutory tax rate of 35%. If this proposal were enacted, the Company's actual tax expense could increase, reducing earnings.

126


United States Department of Labor Proposed Rule
In April, 2015, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a proposed regulation that would, if finalized in its current form, expand the range of activities that would be considered to be fiduciary investment advice under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and the Internal Revenue Code. In its proposed form, the rule could have an adverse impact on our current offerings of certain insurance products and investment products, along with contracts in our run-off lines of business. If enacted in its current form, the proposed rule could impact the way we provide investment-related information and support to financial advisors, plan sponsors, plan participants, plan beneficiaries and Individual Retirement Account (IRA) owners. Because we cannot predict the exact nature and extent of changes that may be made to the proposed rule when finalized, the potential effect on our businesses is undeterminable at this time.
IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
For a discussion of accounting standards, see Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in The Hartford’s 2014 Form 10-K Annual Report and Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q.
Item 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The information contained in the Financial Risk Management section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s principal executive officer and its principal financial officer, based on their evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective for the purposes set forth in the definition thereof in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) as of September 30, 2015.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company's current fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

127


Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Litigation
The Hartford is involved in claims litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, both as a liability insurer defending or providing indemnity for third-party claims brought against insureds and as an insurer defending coverage claims brought against it. The Hartford accounts for such activity through the establishment of unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves. Subject to the uncertainties in the following discussion under the caption “Asbestos and Environmental Claims,” management expects that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such ordinary-course claims litigation, after consideration of provisions made for potential losses and costs of defense, will not be material to the consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of The Hartford.
The Hartford is also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert claims for substantial amounts. These actions include, among others, and in addition to the matters in the following description, putative state and federal class actions seeking certification of a state or national class. Such putative class actions have alleged, for example, underpayment of claims or improper underwriting practices in connection with various kinds of insurance policies, such as personal and commercial automobile, property, disability, life and inland marine. The Hartford also is involved in individual actions in which punitive damages are sought, such as claims alleging bad faith in the handling of insurance claims or other allegedly unfair or improper business practices. Like many other insurers, The Hartford also has been joined in actions by asbestos plaintiffs asserting, among other things, that insurers had a duty to protect the public from the dangers of asbestos and that insurers committed unfair trade practices by asserting defenses on behalf of their policyholders in the underlying asbestos cases. Management expects that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such lawsuits, after consideration of provisions made for estimated losses, will not be material to the consolidated financial condition of The Hartford. Nonetheless, given the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these actions, and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, the outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.
In addition to the inherent difficulty of predicting litigation outcomes, the Mutual Funds Litigation identified below purports to seek substantial damages for unsubstantiated conduct spanning a multi-year period based on novel applications of complex legal theories. The alleged damages are not quantified or factually supported in the complaint, and, in any event, the Company’s experience shows that demands for damages often bear little relation to a reasonable estimate of potential loss. The court has made no substantive legal decisions defining the scope of the claims or the potentially available damages, and no legal precedent has been identified that would aid in determining a reasonable estimate of potential loss. Accordingly, management cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any.
Mutual Funds Litigation — In February 2011, a derivative action was brought on behalf of six Hartford retail mutual funds in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, alleging that Hartford Investment Financial Services, LLC (“HIFSCO”), an indirect subsidiary of the Company, received excessive advisory and distribution fees in violation of its statutory fiduciary duty under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. HIFSCO moved to dismiss and, in September 2011, the motion was granted in part and denied in part, with leave to amend the complaint. In November 2011, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on behalf of The Hartford Global Health Fund, The Hartford Conservative Allocation Fund, The Hartford Growth Opportunities Fund, The Hartford Inflation Plus Fund, The Hartford Advisors Fund, and The Hartford Capital Appreciation Fund. Plaintiffs seek to rescind the investment management agreements and distribution plans between HIFSCO and these funds and to recover the total fees charged thereunder or, in the alternative, to recover any improper compensation HIFSCO received, in addition to lost earnings. HIFSCO filed a partial motion to dismiss the amended complaint and, in December 2012, the court dismissed without prejudice the claims regarding distribution fees and denied the motion with respect to the advisory fees claims. In March 2014, the plaintiffs filed a new complaint that, among other things, added as new plaintiffs The Hartford Floating Rate Fund and The Hartford Small Company Fund and named as a defendant Hartford Funds Management Company, LLC (“HFMC”), an indirect subsidiary of the Company which assumed the role as advisor to the funds as of January 2013. In March 2015, the plaintiffs filed a new complaint that, among other things, removed The Hartford Small Company Fund as a plaintiff. HFMC and HIFSCO dispute the allegations and moved for summary judgment in June 2015. At the same time, plaintiffs moved for partial summary judgment with respect to The Hartford Capital Appreciation Fund.
Asbestos and Environmental Claims – As discussed in Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Estimates - Property and Casualty Insurance Product Reserves, Net of Reinsurance - Property & Casualty Other Operations Claims, The Hartford continues to receive asbestos and environmental claims that involve significant uncertainty regarding policy coverage issues. Regarding these claims, The Hartford continually reviews its overall reserve levels and reinsurance coverages, as well as the methodologies it uses to estimate its exposures. Because of the significant uncertainties that limit the ability of insurers and reinsurers to estimate the ultimate reserves necessary for unpaid losses and related expenses, particularly those related to asbestos, the ultimate liabilities may exceed the currently recorded reserves. Any such additional liability cannot be reasonably estimated now but could be material to The Hartford’s consolidated operating results and liquidity.

128


Item 1A.
RISK FACTORS
Investing in The Hartford involves risk. In deciding whether to invest in The Hartford, you should carefully consider the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, any of which could have a significant or material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, operating results or liquidity of The Hartford. This information should be considered carefully together with the other information contained in this report and the other reports and materials filed by The Hartford with the SEC.
Item 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
The Company’s repurchase authorization permits purchases of common stock, as well as warrants or other derivative securities. Repurchases may be made in the open market, through derivative, accelerated share repurchase and other privately negotiated transactions, and through plans designed to comply with Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The timing of any future repurchases will be dependent upon several factors, including the market price of the Company’s securities, the Company’s capital position, consideration of the effect of any repurchases on the Company’s financial strength or credit ratings, and other corporate considerations. The repurchase program may be modified, extended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time.
In July 2015, the Board of Directors approved a $1.6 billion increase in and extension of the Company's authorized equity repurchase program bringing the total authorization for equity repurchases to $4.375 billion for the period January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2016.
The following table summarizes the Company’s repurchases of its common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2015:
Period
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
 
Average Price
Paid Per
Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Approximate Dollar Value
of Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
July 1, 2015 - July 31, 2015
2,336,372

 
$
45.65

2,336,372

$
1,972

August 1, 2015 - August 31, 2015
2,135,566

 
$
47.41

2,135,566

$
1,871

September 1, 2015 - September 30, 2015
2,035,975

 
$
45.31

2,035,975

$
1,779

Total
6,507,913

  
$
46.12

6,507,913

 
Item 6.
EXHIBITS
See Exhibits Index on page

129


SIGNATURE
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 hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
Date:
October 26, 2015
/s/ Scott R. Lewis
 
 
Scott R. Lewis
 
 
Senior Vice President and Controller
 
 
(Chief accounting officer and duly
authorized signatory)

130


THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015
FORM 10-Q
EXHIBITS INDEX
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
15.01
 
Deloitte & Touche LLP Letter of Awareness.**
 
 
 
31.01
 
Certification of Christopher J. Swift pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
 
 
31.02
 
Certification of Beth A. Bombara pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
 
 
32.01
 
Certification of Christopher J. Swift pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
 
 
32.02
 
Certification of Beth A. Bombara pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.**
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.**
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.**
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.**
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.**
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.**
 
 
*
 
Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
 
 
**
 
Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to this report.

131