The Travelers Companies Annual Report 2012

Plain-text annual report

Satellite photo showing Storm Sandy courtesy of NASA Reliability in an increasingly uncertain world 2012 ANNUAL REPORT AND FORM 10-K 128452.indd 1 3/21/13 5:38 PM FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS At and for the year ended December 31. Dollar amounts in millions, except per share amounts. 2012 $ 22,357 $ 25,740 $ 2,441 $ 2,473 $ 6.30 $ 73,838 $104,938 $ 25,405 9.8% 11.0% $ 67.31 $ 1.79 2011 $ 22,090 $ 25,446 $ 1,390 $ 1,426 $ 3.36 $ 72,701 $104,575 $ 24,477 5.7% 6.1% $ 62.32 $ 1.59 2010 $ 21,432 $ 25,112 $ 3,043 $ 3,216 $ 6.62 $ 72,722 $105,631 $ 25,475 12.1% 12.5% $ 58.47 $ 1.41 2009 $ 21,418 $ 24,680 $ 3,600 $ 3,622 $ 6.33 $ 74,965 $110,013 $ 27,415 13.5% 14.0% $ 52.54 $ 1.23 2008 $ 21,579 $ 24,477 $ 3,195 $ 2,924 $ 4.81 $ 70,738 $110,088 $ 25,319 11.4% 12.4% $ 43.12 $ 1.19 Earned Premiums Total Revenues Operating Income Net Income Net Income Per Diluted Common Share Total Investments Total Assets Shareholders’ Equity Return On Equity Operating Return On Equity Book Value Per Share Dividends Per Share TRAVELERS AT A GLANCE The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading provider of property and casualty insurance for auto, home and business. The company’s diverse business lines oﬀ er customers a wide range of coverage predominantly through independent agents and brokers. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers has more than 30,000 employees and operations in the United States and selected international markets. 160 YEARS OF RELIABILITY For 160 years, Travelers has provided strength and support in challenging times — from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 to today’s uncertain economic environment. Throughout its history, the company has maintained its commitment to providing superior customer service while upholding its long-standing tradition of industry ﬁ rsts. 1853 1864 Alexander Wilkin, secretary of the Minnesota Territory, founds the J.G. Batterson and nine fellow Hartford businessmen found St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company — the ﬁ rst business The Travelers Insurance Company for the purpose of insuring corporation in Minnesota. The company pays its ﬁ rst claim two travelers against death or injury while journeying by railway years later after a ﬁ re at a bakery spreads to an adjacent oﬃ ce or steamboat. 128452.indd 2 3/21/13 5:38 PM TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS: I am pleased to report that, in a year of signiﬁ cant challenges for our industry, we once again demonstrated the value of our consistent strategy of managing the company for the long term and focusing on producing top tier returns over time. Our business is confronted with a number of uncertainties — the outlook for the economy in general and interest rates in particular, We accomplished this under very diﬃ cult circumstances. Several loss costs on the insurance products we sell, competitive dynamics of our facilities in the aﬀ ected areas were without power, and many in the marketplace and, perhaps the largest driver of uncertainty, of our employees and the infrastructure that supports them had the potential for continuing adverse weather patterns. We only to be relocated literally overnight to temporary facilities. Gasoline succeed if we are prepared for what might be and are reliable time and was in short supply in the region, so we provisioned tanker trucks again — especially under the most trying of circumstances. In this from unaﬀ ected areas to keep our claim professionals on the road. industry, being prepared requires years of thoughtful planning based Our customers’ experiences were made better and our losses were on careful analysis of all available data and trends. That kind of patient mitigated by the fact that we responded to nearly every claim with and disciplined approach positions Travelers to deliver exceptional our own employees, as opposed to relying on third-party adjusters service for our customers and healthy returns for our shareholders. as is common in the industry, particularly in such large events. This Our response to Storm Sandy is a perfect example of our careful approach. The immense damage left in Sandy’s wake led to an extraordinary number of claims industry-wide, including by our extraordinary response to such an extraordinary event requires experienced, talented and dedicated employees and years of thoughtful preparation. policyholders. We responded quickly in the days following the In sum, our 2012 total catastrophe losses were $1.9 billion storm, as nearly 5,000 of our employees, many of them also severely pre-tax ($1.2 billion after-tax), which is a very high level by historic aﬀ ected, helped many thousands more of our customers when they standards and makes for severe levels of catastrophic weather needed us most. in four of the last ﬁ ve years. Throughout this period, signiﬁ cant 1871 1897 The Great Chicago Fire destroys 17,450 buildings, leaves Travelers issues the ﬁ rst automobile policy to Gilbert J. Loomis, 100,000 people homeless, kills 275 people and causes a mechanic who built a one-cylinder car. $196 million in property damage. Unlike many of its competitors, the company pays all related claims in full. 128452.indd 3 3 3/21/13 5:38 PM INDUSTRY UNDERWRITING ENVIRONMENT — IMPACT OF CATASTROPHES In the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, catastrophe loss costs* in the U.S. property-casualty industry were about 1 percent of written premiums. That jumped to approximately 3.5 percent in the 1990s and 2000s and has doubled from there to 7.2 percent in the 2010s. weather losses have come increasingly from inland wind (tornadoes) and hail. This adds to the uncertainty of weather as inland wind, as compared to coastal wind (hurricanes), is more diﬃ cult to predict and model. Also, while coastal wind predictably impacts speciﬁ c coastal regions, much of the country is vulnerable to inland wind. 7.20% In addition to the weather, our results in 2012 and in recent years have been aﬀ ected by the impact of historically low interest rates 3.39% 3.52% on our investment portfolio. i m u m e r P f o t n e c r e P 1.04% .85% 1.31% 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s Source: Insurance Information Institute. *Note: Private carrier losses only. Excludes loss adjustment expenses and reinsurance reinstatement premiums. Figures are adjusted for losses ultimately paid by foreign insurers and reinsurers. 10-YEAR TREASURY BOND YIELD This chart shows the decline in the yield of 10-year Treasury bonds from Jan. 1, 1995, through Dec. 31, 2012. 8% 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 1995 Jan. 1 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2012 Dec. 31 Data Source: FRED, Federal Reserve Economic Data, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis: 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Rate. Reliability — Years in the making We have been managing our business for these conditions for years. Our philosophy of running the business for the long term enables us to address challenges from a position of strength and organizational readiness. Our ﬁ nancial foundation is solid. We carefully balance risk and reward in both our insurance operations and our investment portfolio. And a storm like Sandy, extreme as it was, was in our playbook of possibilities, both in terms of our understanding of our exposure to severe events and the response strategy we put in place following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. More speciﬁ cally, we started to take action in response to the weather patterns and low interest rates in the middle of 2010. Consistent with our approach of focusing on producing top tier returns over time, we embarked on a deliberate, carefully calibrated strategy of selectively but actively raising rates and improving terms and conditions on our insurance policies. Our results in 2012 beneﬁ tted from that strategy. Improved underwriting margins in each of our segments contributed signiﬁ cantly to our proﬁ tability. 1912 1919 After the Titanic sinks, Travelers pays more than $1 million to Travelers issues the ﬁ rst insurance on aerial transportation, beneﬁ ciaries in accident claims and life insurance beneﬁ ts. which includes public liability, property damage and workers’ compensation. President Woodrow Wilson is one of the ﬁ rst individuals covered by such insurance. 4 TRAVELERS 2012 Annual Report 128452.indd 4 3/21/13 5:38 PM Overall, Travelers produced net income of $2.5 billion, a return on equity of 9.8 percent and an operating return on equity of 11.0 percent for the year. We ended 2012 with book value per share of $67.31, up 8 percent from year end 2011. These results enabled us to return more than $2.1 billion to shareholders in 2012 through dividends and share repurchases, consistent with our ongoing capital management strategy. Another measure of the success of our long-term focus and our strong performance is that since May 2006 through our share repurchase program, we have returned more than $18 billion to shareholders TRAVELERS’ RESPONSE TO STORM SANDY By claim volume, Storm Sandy was the largest storm in Travelers’ history. Despite that, the company was able and reduced our shares outstanding by approximately 50 percent. to provide exceptional customer service: We remain focused on anticipating and preparing for events and • Answered 90 percent of customer phone calls in under circumstances — both risks and opportunities — that depart from 30 seconds. historical patterns. As we do so, we recognize the inextricable link • Contacted approximately 80 percent of customers within between our ﬁ nancial performance and our ability to fulﬁ ll our two days of loss notice; virtually all within three days. commitments to our policyholders and agents. For our shareholders, • Settled 90 percent of Personal Insurance homeowners’ our customers and our agents, dependability demands that we plan claims within 30 days of loss notice. thoroughly and look well beyond the short-term horizon. 160 years of reliability Our performance over the last year on behalf of our customers followed a long tradition. As we celebrate our 160th anniversary, it is worth noting that reliability has been a hallmark of our heritage. We have stood behind our customers throughout epic events in American history, providing support after the 1871 Chicago Fire, the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, the 1912 sinking of the Titanic, the 1929 Wall Street crash, the Great Depression and, more recently, the ﬁ nancial crisis of 2008. • Enlisted more than 5,000 Travelers employees to help with our response. • Deployed tree removal and roof tarping teams to more than 900 properties to prevent further damage. These results validated Travelers’ catastrophe response strategy, which employs sophisticated modeling, planning and logistical support through the company’s National Catastrophe Center; a robust local claim ﬁ eld presence supported by a 300-member catastrophe team and ﬁ ve Mobile Claim Oﬃ ce vehicles; and the use of Travelers employees rather than third-party administrators to handle claims. To learn more about Travelers’ catastrophe response capabilities, see travelers.com/catastrophe-response. 1929 1955 Despite the stock market crash and the subsequent Depression, Travelers introduces a homeowners policy that combines the company does not lay oﬀ any workers or cut salaries. ﬁ re, theft and liability coverages. Soon, the company writes In fact, employees receive a special one-month salary bonus. such combined coverages for store owners, apartment Two years later, company directors contribute $79,000 to owners and farm owners policies. Depression relief funds. 128452.indd 5 5 3/21/13 5:38 PM Just as we emerged from the 2008 crisis stronger than many of our peers because of decisions we had made years earlier, we are always looking deep into the future to anticipate what might be and how we should be prepared. Sustaining our success requires long- term investments in the future of our company. We continue to invest in the people, products and technology that are core to our competitive advantages. Advocating for opportunity We also have long recognized the value of investing in our communities and that we have a responsibility to participate constructively in public policy dialogue on important issues for our industry. We hope to contribute to solutions on a wide range of issues that face our customers, our agents and brokers and the communities we serve. In 2012, we marked the ﬁ fth anniversary of our signature education program, Travelers EDGE (Empowering Dreams for Graduation and Employment), which prepares students for success in school and in their careers. We continued advocating on behalf of small business owners, the backbone of the U.S. economy. We hosted a national small business symposia series and piloted a risk management education program for women and minority small business owners in Los Angeles. SMALL BUSINESS ADVOCACY As one of the nation’s largest insurers of small businesses, Travelers advocated for their economic opportunity in 2012. The company supported public policy solutions to the issues facing small business owners and assisted them with education by leveraging Travelers’ expertise in risk mitigation. Travelers understands that the health of small business is key to economic prosperity. In 2012, Travelers took several steps to support small business: • The Travelers Institute®, the company’s public policy division, continued its “Small Business — Big Opportunity” series to raise awareness of and identify solutions to common challenges. • Travelers Community Relations launched a new Small Business Risk Education program in conjunction with the company’s Small Commercial and Risk Control businesses. By partnering with the Los Angeles-based Valley Economic Development Center, the initiative strives to empower We partnered with Habitat for Humanity International and the women and minority entrepreneurs to understand better the risks associated with small business ownership. The program will expand to Chicago in 2013. • Travelers supported organizations and events focused on small business, including Small Business Saturday ®, a day organized by American Express to encourage local shopping. Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety to build aﬀ ordable, wind-resistant homes in vulnerable communities. 1968 1971 Travelers introduces specially modiﬁ ed recreational vehicles as Travelers is the ﬁ rst insurance carrier to open an oﬃ ce of Consumer mobile claim oﬃ ces to assist policyholders after disasters. Information with a toll free telephone number to address questions about insurance. 6 TRAVELERS 2012 Annual Report 128452.indd 6 3/21/13 5:38 PM And, ﬁ nally, the Travelers Institute sponsored the award-winning, nonpartisan documentary, Overdraft, which highlights the implications of the federal deﬁ cit. It has been broadcast on public television, and we hosted screenings at colleges and universities across the country to engage students in the dialogue. We are proud to support these causes. Outlook — The best of Travelers We rise to the occasion. In the most challenging circumstances, such as the immediate aftermath of Storm Sandy, I can count on a “can do — we’re all in this together” attitude from our employees. I thank them once again for all they do to serve our customers and agents. I also thank our agents, who have worked with us to do the right things for our customers, and our Board of Directors for its wise counsel and steady leadership. And we are most grateful to our customers. Every day they put their trust in us to protect their most valuable assets. Many of them have written following Sandy to let me know how appreciative they are for our being there when they needed us. We are a no-excuses company in a no-excuses industry. With a sound strategy and strong competitive position, we enter 2013 with a real sense of optimism. We believe that the strategic steps we have taken put us in a position to continue to respond, operationally GROWING BOOK VALUE PER COMMON SHARE In the eight-year period between Dec. 31, 2004 (the year of the Travelers-St. Paul merger), and Dec. 31, 2012, Travelers increased its book value per common share (BVPS) from $31.35 to $67.31, which represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.0 percent. BVPS CAGR: 10.0% $58.47 $62.32 $67.31 $52.54 $42.22 $43.12 $31.35 $31.94 $36.86 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 TOTAL RETURN TO SHAREHOLDERS Travelers’ total return to shareholders in the past one year, three years and ﬁ ve years compares favorably to the average total return to shareholders for the company’s peer group.1 Travelers Peer Group Average1 24.8% 22.4% 56.6% 53.2% 32.9% –7.3% and ﬁ nancially. We are well prepared for the opportunities and 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year challenges that lie ahead. Jay S. Fishman Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Total return to shareholders is the percentage change in the stock price and the cumulative amount of dividends, assuming dividend reinvestment, to the stock price at the beginning of the one-year, three-year and ﬁve-year periods ending December 31, 2012. 1 Peer Group consists of peers identiﬁed in Travelers Proxy Statement and includes: ACE Limited, Aetna Inc., The Allstate Corporation, American Express Company, The Chubb Corporation, Cigna Corp., The Hartford Financial Services Group, Manulife Financial Corporation, MetLife, Inc., Progressive Corp. and Prudential Financial. Returns for each of the companies included in this peer group have been calculated based upon a simple average over the respective periods presented. 1996 1997 The Travelers Indemnity Company and The Aetna Casualty Travelers launches the ﬁ rst insurance policy to protect individuals and Surety Company merge to form the nation’s fourth largest using personal computers for online banking. property-casualty insurance company. 128452.indd 7 7 3/21/13 5:39 PM TRAVELERS’ BUSINESS SEGMENTS Travelers is organized into the following three business segments: Business Insurance; Financial, Professional & International Insurance; and Personal Insurance. For more information about Travelers and its products and services, visit travelers.com. Business Insurance 2012 NET WRITTEN PREMIUMS: $11.9 BILLION Business Insurance oﬀ ers a broad array of property and casualty insurance products and services to its clients. They range from small “Main Street” businesses to mid-sized and specialty companies, to Fortune 100™ corporations. Business Insurance is organized into underwriting and marketing groups focused on particular markets, industries or product lines. Select Accounts primarily sells packaged property and casualty coverage to small businesses. Commercial Accounts markets tailored insurance products and services to mid-sized businesses, including domestic ﬁ rms with global exposures. National Accounts provides customized insurance and risk management services to large companies. In addition, business units in the Target Risk Underwriting group provide insurance products and services to address large property, inland marine, ocean marine, equipment breakdown and excess casualty risks, while business units in the Industry-Focused Underwriting and Specialized Distribution groups tailor coverage to complex industries, including oil & gas, technology, agriculture, trucking and construction, as well as to the public sector. Financial, Professional & International Insurance 2012 NET WRITTEN PREMIUMS: $3.0 BILLION Financial, Professional & International Insurance includes the Bond & Financial Products business and the International business. Bond & Financial Products provides a wide range of customers with bond and insurance products and risk management services. Coverages include performance, payment and commercial surety and ﬁ delity bonds for construction and general commercial enterprises, as well as management liability, professional liability and crime coverages, primarily for U.S.-based businesses. In addition, the business provides traditional property and casualty coverages to ﬁ nancial institutions. The International business provides property and casualty insurance products and management liability, professional liability and crime coverages in the United Kingdom, Canada and the Republic of Ireland, and internationally through its operations at Lloyd’s. The International business also provides surety bonds in Canada. In addition, the company owns 49.5 percent of J. Malucelli Participações em Seguros e Resseguros S.A. (JMalucelli), its joint venture in Brazil. JMalucelli is currently the market leader in surety in Brazil based on market share and commenced writing other property and casualty insurance business in 2012. Personal Insurance 2012 NET WRITTEN PREMIUMS: $7.6 BILLION Personal Insurance’s broad array of property and casualty insurance products enables customers to choose insurance solutions for their unique and changing needs. Travelers’ primary auto and homeowners products are complemented by a suite of additional coverage oﬀ erings: umbrella, condominium, tenant, homesaver (dwelling ﬁ re), ﬂ ood, identity theft, valuable items, boat and yacht, and wedding/special events coverage. Consumers can learn about and purchase Travelers’ products and services in several ways: through a network of about 12,000 independent agencies; by calling Travelers directly; online via travelers.com; and through employee and aﬃ nity groups and joint marketing arrangements. 2004 2007 Travelers Property Casualty Corp. and The company changes its name to Travelers’ Claim U opens in Windsor, Conn., The St. Paul Companies, Inc. merge to The Travelers Companies, Inc. and serving as a state-of-the-art training facility form The St. Paul Travelers Companies, re-acquires the iconic red umbrella, that builds on the company’s commitment Inc., positioning the company as one of the originally launched as the oﬃ cial to providing customers with highly trained, largest property-casualty insurance carriers. logomark in 1960. expert claim professionals. 8 TRAVELERS 2012 Annual Report 128452.indd 8 3/21/13 5:39 PM MANAGEMENT David E. Baker Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer & Group General Counsel Scott C. Belden+ Senior Vice President – Reinsurance D. Keith Bell Senior Vice President – Accounting Policy Jay S. Benet*+ Vice Chairman & Chief Financial Officer Diane D. Bengston+ Senior Vice President – Enterprise Human Resources Andy F. Bessette*+ Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer Robert Brody*+ Executive Vice President – Claim Lisa M. Caputo*+ Executive Vice President – Marketing & Communications James W. Chapman+ President – First Party Business Group Charles J. Clarke*+ Vice Chairman John P. Clifford Jr.*+ Executive Vice President – Human Resources Katherine S. Conway+ Senior Vice President – Financial Planning & Analysis, Catastrophe Strategy & Analysis William E. Cunningham Jr.*+ Executive Vice President – Business Insurance Smitesh Davé+ Vice President & Chief Corporate Actuary Fred R. Donner+ Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer – Business Insurance Irwin R. Ettinger*+ Vice Chairman Jay S. Fishman*+ Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Matthew S. Furman+ Senior Vice President, Corporate Secretary & Group General Counsel – Corporate & Governance Marlyss J. Gage+ Senior Vice President & Chief Underwriting Officer William P. Hannon*+ Executive Vice President – Enterprise Risk Management, Chief Risk Officer & Business Conduct Officer William H. Heyman*+ Vice Chairman & Chief Investment Officer Bruce R. Jones+ Senior Vice President – Enterprise Risk Management Patrick J. Kinney*+ Executive Vice President – Field Management Michael F. Klein*+ Executive Vice President – Middle Market Thomas M. Kunkel*+ Executive Vice President – Bond & Financial Products Elio Lagana+ Senior Vice President – Operations Madelyn J. Lankton*+ Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer Patrick L. Linehan+ Vice President – Corporate Communications Brian W. MacLean*+ President & Chief Operating Officer William C. Malugen Jr.+ President – National Accounts Gabriella Nawi+ Senior Vice President – Investor Relations Maria Olivo*+ Executive Vice President – Strategic Development & Corporate Treasurer Brian P. Reilly Senior Vice President & Chief Auditor Ellen M. Rizzo+ Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer – Claim David D. Rowland+ Executive Vice President – Investments Douglas K. Russell+ Senior Vice President & Corporate Controller Scott W. Rynda Senior Vice President – Corporate Tax Marc E. Schmittlein*+ Executive Vice President – Select Accounts & Agribusiness Alan D. Schnitzer*+ Vice Chairman – Financial, Professional & International Insurance and Field Management; Chief Legal Officer Richard D. Schug+ Senior Vice President & Actuary Peter Schwartz Senior Vice President & Group General Counsel – Corporate Litigation Kevin C. Smith*+ Executive Vice President – International Doreen Spadorcia*+ Vice Chairman – Claim Services, Personal Insurance, Operations and Systems, & Risk Control Kenneth F. Spence III*+ Executive Vice President & General Counsel Gregory C. Toczydlowski*+ Executive Vice President & President – Personal Insurance Glenn E. Westrick Vice President & Director – Government Relations Joan K. Woodward*+ Executive Vice President – Public Policy & President – The Travelers Institute Daniel T. H. Yin+ Executive Vice President – Investments * Management Committee Member + Operating Committee Member 2009 2011 Travelers is added to the Dow Jones The company establishes the Travelers Travelers acquires an interest Industrial Average, becoming one of Institute as a means of participating in public in Brazil’s surety market leader, the few ﬁ nancial services companies policy dialogue on matters of interest to the J. Malucelli Participações em Seguros e included on the list. property-casualty insurance and ﬁ nancial Resseguros S.A., positioning the company services sectors. for growth in that emerging market. 128452.indd 9 9 3/21/13 5:39 PM BOARD OF DIRECTORS Alan L. Beller John H. Dasburg* Janet M. Dolan Kenneth M. Duberstein Partner, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP Chairman & CEO, ASTAR USA, LLC President, Act 3 Enterprises, LLC Retired President & CEO, Tennant Company Chairman & CEO, The Duberstein Group, Inc. Director since 2007 Director since 1994 Director since 2001 Director since 1998 Jay S. Fishman Lawrence G. Graev Patricia L. Higgins Thomas R. Hodgson Chairman & CEO, The Travelers Companies, Inc. Chairman & CEO, The GlenRock Group, LLC Retired President & CEO, Switch and Data Facilities, Inc. Retired President & COO, Abbott Laboratories Director since 2001 Director since 2002 Director since 2007 Director since 1997 William J. Kane Cleve L. Killingsworth Jr. Donald J. Shepard Laurie J. Thomsen Retired Audit Partner, Ernst & Young Former President & CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Inc. Retired Chairman of the Executive Board & CEO, AEGON N.V. Retired Partner & Co-Founder, Prism Venture Partners Director since 2012 Director since 2007 Director since 2009 Director since 2004 *Lead Independent Director 10 TRAVELERS 2012 Annual Report 128452.indd 10 BOARD COMMITTEES AUDIT Dasburg (Chair) Beller Dolan Higgins Hodgson Kane Thomsen COMPENSATION Graev (Chair) Duberstein Killingsworth Shepard EXECUTIVE Fishman (Chair) Dasburg Duberstein Graev Hodgson Killingsworth INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MARKETS Killingsworth (Chair) Duberstein Graev Shepard NOMINATING AND GOVERNANCE Duberstein (Chair) Graev Killingsworth Shepard RISK Hodgson (Chair) Beller Dasburg Dolan Higgins Kane Thomsen 10 3/21/13 5:39 PM UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 (cid:1) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FORM 10-K * For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 or (cid:2) 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 001-10898 The Travelers Companies, Inc. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Minnesota (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 41-0518860 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 485 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (917) 778-6000 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered Common stock, without par value New York Stock Exchange Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer (as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act). Yes (cid:1) No (cid:2) Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes (cid:2) No (cid:1) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes (cid:1) No (cid:2) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes (cid:1) No (cid:2) Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. (cid:1) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of ‘‘large accelerated filer,’’ ‘‘accelerated filer’’ and ‘‘smaller reporting company’’ in Rule 12b-2 of the Act (Check one): Large accelerated filer (cid:1) Non-accelerated filer (cid:2) (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes (cid:2) No (cid:1) Accelerated filer (cid:2) Smaller reporting company (cid:2) As of June 30, 2012, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates was $24,560,884,330. As of February 11, 2013, 377,954,687 shares of the registrant’s common stock (without par value) were outstanding. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report. *Incorporates changes as reflected in Form 10-K/A filed on March 1, 2013 . The Travelers Companies, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K For Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS Item Number 1. 1A. 1B. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 7A. 8. 9. 9A. 9B. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Part I Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mine Safety Disclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Part II Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Part III Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence . . . . . . Principal Accountant Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Part IV Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Signatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exhibit Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1 47 67 67 68 68 69 72 73 154 157 255 255 258 259 261 261 263 263 263 264 266 276 PART I Item 1. BUSINESS The Travelers Companies, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the Company) is a holding company principally engaged, through its subsidiaries, in providing a wide range of commercial and personal property and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations and individuals. The Company is incorporated as a general business corporation under the laws of the state of Minnesota and is one of the oldest insurance organizations in the United States, dating back to 1853. The principal executive offices of the Company are located at 485 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017, and its telephone number is (917) 778-6000. The Company also maintains executive offices in Hartford, Connecticut, and St. Paul, Minnesota. The term ‘‘TRV’’ in this document refers to The Travelers Companies, Inc., the parent holding company excluding subsidiaries. For a summary of the Company’s revenues, operating income and total assets by reportable business segments, see note 2 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS The property and casualty insurance industry is highly competitive in the areas of price, service, product offerings, agent relationships and methods of distribution. Distribution methods include the use of independent agents, exclusive agents, direct marketing (including use of toll-free numbers and the internet) and/or salaried employees. According to A.M. Best, there are approximately 1,326 property and casualty groups in the United States, comprising approximately 2,778 property and casualty companies. Of those groups, the top 150 accounted for approximately 92% of the consolidated industry’s total net written premiums in 2011. The Company competes with both foreign and domestic insurers. In addition, several property and casualty insurers writing commercial lines of business, including the Company, offer products for alternative forms of risk protection in addition to traditional insurance products. These products include large deductible programs and various forms of self- insurance, some of which utilize captive insurance companies and risk retention groups. The Company’s competitive position in the marketplace is based on many factors, including the following: (cid:127) premiums charged; (cid:127) contract terms and conditions; (cid:127) products and services offered; (cid:127) claim service; (cid:127) agent, broker and client relationships; (cid:127) local presence; (cid:127) geographic scope of business; (cid:127) overall financial strength; (cid:127) ratings assigned by independent rating agencies; (cid:127) experience and qualifications of employees; and (cid:127) technology and information systems. In addition, the marketplace is affected by available capacity of the insurance industry, as measured by policyholders’ surplus, and the availability of reinsurance. Industry capacity as measured by policyholders’ surplus expands and contracts primarily in conjunction with profit levels generated by the industry, less amounts returned to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. Capital raised by debt and equity offerings may also increase policyholders’ surplus. 1 Pricing and Underwriting Pricing of the Company’s property and casualty insurance products is generally developed based upon an estimation of expected losses, the expenses associated with producing, issuing and servicing business and managing claims, the time value of money related to the expected loss and expense cash flows, and a reasonable allowance for profit that considers the capital needed to support the Company’s business. The Company has a disciplined approach to underwriting and risk management that over the long-term emphasizes product returns and profitable growth rather than premium volume or market share. The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to state laws and regulations regarding rate and policy form approvals. The applicable state laws and regulations establish standards in certain lines of business to ensure that rates are not excessive, inadequate, unfairly discriminatory, or used to engage in unfair price competition. The Company’s ability to increase rates and the relative timing of the process are dependent upon each respective state’s requirements, as well as the competitive market environment. Geographic Distribution The following table shows the geographic distribution of the Company’s consolidated direct written premiums for the year ended December 31, 2012: State California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Massachusetts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All other domestic(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total domestic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . International % of Total 10.1% 9.8 7.3 5.1 4.5 4.0 3.9 3.4 3.1 44.8 96.0 4.0 Consolidated total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% (1) No other single state accounted for 3.0% or more of the total direct written premiums written in 2012 by the Company’s domestic operations. Catastrophe Exposure The wide geographic distribution of the Company’s property and casualty insurance operations exposes it to claims arising out of catastrophes. The Company uses various analyses and methods, including proprietary and third-party computer modeling processes, to continually monitor and analyze underwriting risks of business in natural catastrophe-prone areas and target risk areas for conventional terrorist attacks (defined as attacks other than nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological events). The Company relies, in part, upon this analysis to make underwriting decisions designed to manage its exposure on catastrophe-exposed business. For example, the Company has limited the writing of new property and homeowners business in some markets and has selectively taken underwriting actions on new and existing business. These underwriting actions on new and existing business include tightened underwriting standards, selective price increases and changes to deductibles specific to hurricane-, tornado-, wind- and hail-prone areas. See ‘‘Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Catastrophe Modeling’’ and ‘‘—Changing Climate Conditions.’’ 2 The Company also utilizes reinsurance to manage its aggregate exposures to catastrophes. See ‘‘—Reinsurance.’’ The Company is organized into three reportable business segments: Business Insurance; Financial, Professional & International Insurance; and Personal Insurance. BUSINESS INSURANCE The Business Insurance segment offers a broad array of property and casualty insurance and insurance-related services to its clients primarily in the United States. Business Insurance is organized into the following six groups, which collectively comprise Business Insurance Core operations: (cid:127) Select Accounts provides small businesses with property and casualty products, including commercial multi-peril, commercial property, general liability, commercial auto and workers’ compensation insurance. (cid:127) Commercial Accounts provides mid-sized businesses with property and casualty products, including commercial multi-peril, commercial property, general liability, commercial auto and workers’ compensation insurance. (cid:127) National Accounts provides large companies with casualty products and services, including workers’ compensation, general liability and automobile liability, generally utilizing loss-sensitive products, on both a bundled and unbundled basis. National Accounts also includes the Company’s commercial residual market business, which primarily offers workers’ compensation products and services to the involuntary market. (cid:127) Industry-Focused Underwriting. The following units provide targeted industries with differentiated combinations of insurance coverage, risk management, claims handling and other services: (cid:127) Construction serves a broad range of construction businesses, offering guaranteed cost products for small to mid-sized policyholders and loss-sensitive programs for larger accounts. For the larger accounts, the customer and the Company work together in actively managing and controlling exposure and claims, and they share risk through policy features such as deductibles or retrospective rating. Products offered include workers’ compensation, general liability, umbrella and commercial auto coverages, and other risk management solutions. (cid:127) Technology serves small to large companies involved in telecommunications, information technology, medical technology and electronics manufacturing, offering a comprehensive portfolio of products and services. Products offered include commercial property, commercial auto, general liability, workers’ compensation, umbrella, internet liability, technology errors and omissions coverages and global companion products. (cid:127) Public Sector Services provides insurance products and services to public entities including municipalities, counties, Indian Nation gaming organizations and selected special government districts such as water and sewer utilities. The policies written by this unit typically cover commercial property, commercial auto, general liability, professional liability and workers’ compensation exposures. (cid:127) Oil & Gas provides specialized property and liability products and services for customers involved in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas, including operators and drilling contractors, as well as various service and supply companies and manufacturers that support upstream operations. The policies written by this business group cover risks including physical damage, liability, business interruption and workers’ compensation. 3 (cid:127) Agribusiness serves small to medium-sized agricultural businesses, including farms, ranches, wineries and related operations, offering property and liability coverages other than workers’ compensation. (cid:127) Target Risk Underwriting. The following units serve commercial businesses requiring specialized product underwriting, claims handling and risk management services: (cid:127) National Property provides traditional and customized property insurance programs to large and mid-sized customers, including office building owners, manufacturers, municipalities and schools, retailers and service businesses. These insurance programs cover losses on buildings, business personal property and business interruption exposures. (cid:127) Inland Marine provides insurance for goods in transit and movable objects for customers such as jewelers, museums, contractors and the transportation industry. Builders’ risk insurance is also offered to customers during the construction, renovation or repair of buildings and other structures. (cid:127) Ocean Marine serves the marine transportation industry and related services, as well as other businesses involved in international trade. The Company’s product offerings in this unit fall under six main coverage categories: marine liability, cargo, hull and machinery, protection and indemnity, pleasure craft, and marine property and liability. (cid:127) Excess Casualty serves small to mid-sized commercial businesses, offering mono-line umbrella and excess coverage where the Company typically does not write the primary casualty coverage, or where other business units within the Company prefer to access the underwriting expertise and/or limit capacity of the Excess Casualty business unit. (cid:127) Boiler & Machinery serves small to large companies, offering comprehensive breakdown coverages for equipment, including property and business interruption coverages. Through the BoilerRe unit, Boiler & Machinery also serves other property and casualty carriers that do not have in-house expertise with reinsurance, underwriting, engineering, claim handling and risk management services for this type of coverage. (cid:127) Global Partner Services provides insurance to foreign organizations with property and liability exposures located in the United States (reverse-flow) as part of a global program. (cid:127) Specialized Distribution. The following units market and underwrite their products to customers predominantly through licensed wholesale, general and program agents that manage customers’ unique insurance requirements: (cid:127) Northland provides insurance coverage for the commercial transportation industry, as well as commercial liability and package policies for small, difficult to place specialty classes of commercial business on an admitted or excess and surplus lines basis. (cid:127) National Programs offers tailored property and casualty programs on an admitted basis for customers with common risk characteristics or coverage requirements. Programs available include those for entertainment, architects and engineers, equipment rental, golf services and owners of franchised businesses. Business Insurance also includes the Special Liability Group (which manages the Company’s asbestos and environmental liabilities) and the assumed reinsurance and certain other runoff operations, which are collectively referred to as Business Insurance Other. 4 Selected Market and Product Information The following table sets forth Business Insurance net written premiums by market and product line for the periods indicated. For a description of the markets and product lines referred to in the table, see ‘‘—Principal Markets and Methods of Distribution’’ and ‘‘—Product Lines,’’ respectively. (for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 2010 By market: Select Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commercial Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Industry-Focused Underwriting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Target Risk Underwriting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Specialized Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,775 3,101 907 2,554 1,666 870 Total Business Insurance Core . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Business Insurance Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,873 (1) $ 2,784 2,890 782 2,407 1,587 880 11,330 10 $ 2,718 2,576 806 2,299 1,573 872 10,844 13 % of Total 2012 23.4% 26.1 7.7 21.5 14.0 7.3 100.0 — Total Business Insurance by market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,872 $11,340 $10,857 100.0% By product line: Workers’ compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commercial automobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commercial property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commercial multi-peril . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3,400 1,924 1,647 1,765 3,100 36 $ 2,959 1,955 1,595 1,705 3,096 30 $ 2,586 1,910 1,641 1,726 2,995 (1) 28.6% 16.2 13.9 14.9 26.1 0.3 Total Business Insurance by product line . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,872 $11,340 $10,857 100.0% Principal Markets and Methods of Distribution Business Insurance distributes its products through approximately 10,500 independent agencies and brokers located throughout the United States that are serviced by 118 field offices and three customer service centers. Business Insurance continues to make significant investments in enhanced technology utilizing internet-based applications to provide real-time interface capabilities with independent agencies and brokers. Business Insurance builds relationships with well-established, independent insurance agencies and brokers. In selecting new independent agencies and brokers to distribute its products, Business Insurance considers, among other attributes, each agency’s or broker’s financial strength, staff experience and strategic fit with the Company’s operating and marketing plans. Once an agency or broker is appointed, Business Insurance carefully monitors its performance. The majority of products offered by the Select Accounts, Commercial Accounts, Industry-Focused Underwriting and Target-Risk Underwriting groups are distributed through a common base of independent agents and brokers, many of whom also sell the Company’s Personal Insurance products. Additionally, the Industry-Focused Underwriting and Target Risk Underwriting groups may underwrite business with agents that specialize in servicing the needs of certain of the industries served by these groups. Select Accounts is a leading provider of commercial property and casualty insurance products to small businesses, generally with fewer than 50 employees. Products offered by Select Accounts are guaranteed-cost policies, including packaged products covering property and liability exposures. Each small business risk is independently evaluated via an automated underwriting platform which in turn enables agents to quote, bind and issue a substantial amount of new small business risks at their desktop. Risks with more complex characteristics are underwritten with the assistance of Company personnel. The automated underwriting platform has significantly streamlined the agent desktop underwriting process. 5 Commercial Accounts sells a broad range of commercial property and casualty insurance products through a large network of independent agents and brokers, primarily targeting mid-sized businesses with 50 to 1,000 employees. The Company offers a full line of products to its Commercial Accounts customers with an emphasis on guaranteed cost programs. Each account is underwritten based on the unique risk characteristics, loss history and coverage needs of the account. The ability to underwrite at this detailed level allows Commercial Accounts to have a broad risk appetite and a diversified customer base. National Accounts sells a variety of casualty products and services to large companies through a network of national and regional brokers, primarily utilizing loss-sensitive products in connection with a large deductible or self-insured program and, to a lesser extent, a retrospectively rated or a guaranteed cost insurance policy. National Accounts also provides casualty products and services through retail brokers on an unbundled basis, using third-party administrators for insureds who utilize programs such as collateralized deductibles, captive reinsurers and self-insurance. National Accounts provides insurance-related services, such as risk management services, claims administration, loss control and risk management information services, either in addition to, or in lieu of, pure risk coverage, and generated $193 million of fee income in 2012, excluding commercial residual market business. The commercial residual market business of National Accounts sells claims and policy management services to workers’ compensation pools throughout the United States, and generated $82 million in fee income in 2012. Workers’ compensation accounted for approximately 73% of sales to National Accounts customers during 2012, based on direct written premiums and fees. Industry-Focused Underwriting markets commercial property and casualty insurance products and services through a large network of agents and brokers. These products and services are tailored to targeted industry segments of significant size and complexity that require unique underwriting, claim, risk management or other insurance-related products and services. Target Risk Underwriting markets commercial property and casualty insurance products and services through a large network of agents and brokers to a wide customer base having specialized property and casualty coverage requirements. Specialized Distribution distributes admitted and excess and surplus lines property and casualty products predominantly through selected wholesale agents, both on a brokerage and managing general underwriting basis, and through selected program agents. These brokers, general agents and program agents operate in certain markets that are not typically served by the Company’s appointed retail agents, or they maintain certain affinity arrangements in specialized market segments. The wholesale excess and surplus lines market, which is characterized by the absence of rate and form regulation, allows for more flexibility to write certain classes of business. In working with wholesale or program agents on a brokerage basis, Specialized Distribution underwrites the business and sets the premium level. In working with wholesale or program agents on a managing general underwriting or program manager basis, the agents produce and underwrite business subject to underwriting guidelines that have been specifically designed for each facility or program. Pricing and Underwriting Business Insurance has developed an underwriting and pricing methodology that incorporates underwriting, claims, engineering, actuarial and product development disciplines for particular industries, and enables Business Insurance to facilitate its risk selection process and develop pricing parameters. This approach is designed to maintain high-quality underwriting and pricing discipline utilizing proprietary data gathered and analyzed with respect to business over many years. The underwriters and engineers use this information, which provides specialized knowledge about specific industry segments, to assess and evaluate risks. The Company utilizes both standard industry forms and proprietary forms for the insurance policies it issues. 6 For smaller businesses meeting pre-determined exposure characteristics and thresholds, Select Accounts utilizes an automated underwriting system that enables agents to issue a significant number of new policies at their desktop. A portion of business in this segment, particularly in National Accounts and Construction, is written with large deductible insurance policies. Under workers’ compensation insurance contracts with deductible features, the Company is obligated to pay the claimant the full amount of the claim. The Company is subsequently reimbursed by the contractholder for the deductible amount and is subject to credit risk until such reimbursement is made. At December 31, 2012, contractholder payables on unpaid losses within the deductible layer of large deductible policies and the associated receivables were each approximately $4.78 billion. Retrospectively rated policies are primarily used for workers’ compensation coverage. Although the retrospectively rated feature of the policy substantially reduces insurance risk for the Company, it introduces additional credit risk to the Company. Premium receivables from holders of retrospectively rated policies totaled approximately $116 million at December 31, 2012. Significant collateral, primarily letters of credit and, to a lesser extent, cash collateral or trusts, is generally requested for large deductible plans and/or retrospectively rated policies that provide for deferred collection of deductible recoveries and/or ultimate premiums. The amount of collateral requested is predicated upon the creditworthiness of the customer and the nature of the insured risks. Business Insurance continually monitors the credit exposure on individual accounts and the adequacy of collateral. Product Lines The Business Insurance segment writes the following types of coverages: (cid:127) Workers’ Compensation. Provides coverage for employers for specified benefits payable under state or federal law for workplace injuries to employees. There are typically four types of benefits payable under workers’ compensation policies: medical benefits, disability benefits, death benefits and vocational rehabilitation benefits. The Company emphasizes managed care cost containment strategies, which involve employers, employees and care providers in a cooperative effort that focuses on the injured employee’s early return to work and cost-effective quality care. The Company offers the following types of workers’ compensation products: (cid:127) guaranteed-cost insurance products, in which policy premium charges are fixed for the period of coverage and do not vary as a result of the insured’s loss experience; (cid:127) loss-sensitive insurance products, including large deductible and retrospectively rated policies, in which fees or premiums are adjusted based on actual loss experience of the insured during the policy period; and (cid:127) service programs, which are generally sold to the Company’s National Accounts customers, where the Company receives fees rather than premiums for providing loss prevention, risk management, and claim and benefit administration services to organizations under service agreements. The Company also participates in state assigned risk pools as a servicing carrier and pool participant. (cid:127) Commercial Automobile. Provides coverage for businesses against losses incurred from personal bodily injury, bodily injury to third parties, property damage to an insured’s vehicle and property damage to other vehicles and other property resulting from the ownership, maintenance or use of automobiles and trucks in a business. (cid:127) Commercial Property. Provides coverage for loss of or damage to buildings, inventory and equipment from a variety of events, including, among others, hurricanes and other windstorms, earthquakes, hail, wildfires, severe winter weather, floods, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, theft, 7 vandalism, fires, explosions, terrorism and financial loss due to business interruption resulting from covered property damage. For additional information on terrorism coverages, see ‘‘Reinsurance—Catastrophe Reinsurance—Terrorism Risk Insurance Program.’’ Property also includes specialized equipment insurance, which provides coverage for loss or damage resulting from the mechanical breakdown of boilers and machinery, and ocean and inland marine insurance, which provides coverage for goods in transit and unique, one-of-a-kind exposures. (cid:127) General Liability. Insures businesses against third-party claims arising from accidents occurring on their premises or arising out of their operations, including as a result of injuries sustained from products sold. Specialized liability policies may also include coverage for directors’ and officers’ liability arising in their official capacities, employment practices liability insurance, fiduciary liability for trustees and sponsors of pension, health and welfare, and other employee benefit plans, errors and omissions insurance for employees, agents, professionals and others arising from acts or failures to act under specified circumstances, as well as umbrella and excess insurance. (cid:127) Commercial Multi-Peril. Provides a combination of the property and liability coverages described in the foregoing product line descriptions. Net Retention Policy The following discussion reflects the Company’s retention policy with respect to the Business Insurance segment as of January 1, 2013. For third-party liability, Business Insurance generally limits its net retention, through the use of reinsurance, to a maximum of $18.8 million per insured, per occurrence. The net retained amount per risk for property exposures is generally limited to $18.0 million per occurrence, after reinsurance. The Company generally retains its workers’ compensation exposures. Reinsurance treaties often have aggregate limits or caps which may result in larger net per-risk retentions if the aggregate limits or caps are reached. The Company utilizes facultative reinsurance to provide additional limits capacity or to reduce retentions on an individual risk basis. The Company may also retain amounts greater than those described herein based upon the individual characteristics of the risk. Geographic Distribution The following table shows the geographic distribution of Business Insurance’s direct written premiums for the states that accounted for the majority of premium volume for the year ended December 31, 2012: State California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Massachusetts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All others(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . % of Total 13.3% 7.7 7.5 5.0 4.2 4.1 3.7 3.5 51.0 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% (1) No other single state accounted for 3.0% or more of the total direct written premiums written in 2012 by the Business Insurance segment. 8 Competition The insurance industry is represented in the commercial marketplace by many insurance companies of varying size as well as other entities offering risk alternatives, such as self-insured retentions or captive programs. Market competition works within the insurance regulatory framework to set the price charged for insurance products and the levels of coverage and service provided. A company’s success in the competitive commercial insurance landscape is largely measured by its ability to provide insurance and services, including claims handling and risk control services, at a price and on terms that are reasonable and acceptable to the customer, as well as its ability to retain existing customers and to attract new customers. Select Accounts business is typically written through independent agents and, to a lesser extent, regional brokers and direct writers. Both national and regional property and casualty insurance companies compete in the Select Accounts market which generally comprises lower-hazard, ‘‘Main Street’’ business customers. Risks are underwritten and priced using standard industry practices and a combination of proprietary and standard industry product offerings. Competition in this market is primarily based on product offerings, service levels, ease of doing business and price. Select Accounts has established a strong marketing relationship with its distribution network and has provided this network with defined underwriting policies, a broad array of products, competitive prices and a highly efficient, automated platform that significantly reduces the time period between quoting a price on a new policy and issuing that policy. In addition, the Company has established centralized service centers to help agents perform many service functions, in return for a fee. Commercial Accounts business has historically been principally written through independent agents and brokers. Competitors in this market are primarily national property and casualty insurance companies that write most classes of business using traditional products and pricing, and regional insurance companies. Companies compete based on product offerings, service levels, price and claim and loss prevention services. Efficiency through automation and rapid response time to customer needs is one key to success in this market. In the National Accounts market, competition is based on price, product offerings, claim and loss prevention services, managed care cost containment, risk management information systems and collateral requirements. National Accounts primarily competes with national property and casualty insurance companies, as well as with other underwriters of property and casualty insurance in the alternative risk transfer market, such as self-insurance plans, captives managed by others, and a variety of other risk-financing vehicles and mechanisms. The residual market division competes for state contracts to provide claims and policy management services. National Accounts services approximately 33% of the total workers’ compensation assigned risk market, making the Company one of the largest servicing carriers in the industry. There are several other business groups in Business Insurance that compete in focused target markets. Each of these markets is different and requires unique combinations of industry knowledge, customized coverage, specialized risk control and loss handling services, along with partnerships with agents and brokers that also focus on these markets. Some of these business groups compete with national carriers with similarly dedicated underwriting and marketing groups, whereas others compete with smaller regional companies. Each of these business groups has regional structures that allow them to deliver personalized service and local knowledge to their customer base. Specialized agents and brokers, including managing general agents and wholesale agents, supplement this strategy. In all of these business groups, the competitive strategy typically is the application of focused industry knowledge to insurance and risk needs. 9 FINANCIAL, PROFESSIONAL & INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE The Financial, Professional & International Insurance segment includes surety and financial liability coverages, which primarily use credit-based underwriting processes, as well as property and casualty products that are primarily marketed on a domestic basis in the United Kingdom, Canada and the Republic of Ireland, and on an international basis as a corporate member of Lloyd’s. The segment includes the following groups: (cid:127) Bond & Financial Products provides a wide range of customers with bond and insurance products and risk management services. The range of coverages includes performance, payment and commercial surety and fidelity bonds for construction and general commercial enterprises; management liability coverages for losses caused by the actual or alleged negligence or misconduct of directors and officers or employee dishonesty; employment practices liability coverages and fiduciary coverages for public corporations, private companies and not-for-profit organizations; professional liability coverage for actual or alleged errors and omissions committed in the course of professional conduct or practice for a variety of professionals including, among others, lawyers, design professionals and real estate agents; and professional and management liability, property, workers’ compensation, auto and general liability and fidelity insurance for financial institutions. (cid:127) International, through its operations in the United Kingdom, Canada and the Republic of Ireland, offers specialized insurance and risk management services to several customer groups, including, among others, those in the technology, public services, and financial and professional services industry sectors. International, through its Lloyd’s syndicate (Syndicate 5000), for which the Company provides 100% of the capital, underwrites through five principal business units— marine, global property, accident & special risks, power & utilities and aviation. In addition, the Company owns 49.5% of the common stock of J. Malucelli Participa¸c˜oes em Seguros e Resseguros S.A. (JMalucelli), its joint venture in Brazil. JMalucelli is currently the market leader in surety in Brazil based on market share, and commenced writing other property and casualty insurance business in 2012. The Company’s investment in JMalucelli is accounted for using the equity method and is included in ‘‘other investments’’ on the consolidated balance sheet. Selected Market and Product Information The following table sets forth Financial, Professional & International Insurance net written premiums by market and product line for the periods indicated. For a description of the markets and product lines referred to in the table, see ‘‘—Principal Markets and Methods of Distribution’’ and ‘‘—Product Lines,’’ respectively. 10 (for the year ended December 31, in millions) By market: 2012 2011 2010 % of Total 2012 Bond & Financial Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,924 1,057 $1,953 1,149 $1,981 1,230 64.5% 35.5 Total Financial, Professional & International Insurance by market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,981 $3,102 $3,211 100.0% By product line: Fidelity and surety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 895 859 1,057 170 $ 957 836 1,149 160 $ 993 834 1,230 154 30.0% 28.8 35.5 5.7 Total Financial, Professional & International Insurance by product line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,981 $3,102 $3,211 100.0% Principal Markets and Methods of Distribution Within the Financial, Professional & International Insurance segment, Bond & Financial Products distributes the vast majority of its products in the United States through approximately 6,200 of the same independent agencies and brokers that distribute the Business Insurance segment’s products. These independent agencies and brokers are located throughout the United States. Bond & Financial Products, in conjunction with the Business Insurance segment, continues to make investments in enhanced technology utilizing internet-based applications to provide real-time interface capabilities with its independent agencies and brokers. Bond & Financial Products builds relationships with well- established, independent insurance agencies and brokers. In selecting new independent agencies and brokers to distribute its products, Bond & Financial Products considers, among other attributes, each agency’s or broker’s profitability, financial stability, staff experience and strategic fit with its operating and marketing plans. Once an agency or broker is appointed, its ongoing performance is closely monitored. In addition, Bond & Financial Products sells its surety products through independent brokers in the United Kingdom. The International market distributes its products principally through brokers in the domestic markets of each of the countries in which it operates. It also writes business at Lloyd’s, where its products are distributed through Lloyd’s wholesale and retail brokers. By virtue of Lloyd’s worldwide licenses, Financial, Professional & International Insurance has access to international markets across the world. In late 2008, the Company commenced an exclusive relationship with a broker in the Republic of Ireland that significantly increased the 2009 volume of personal automobile coverage written and also resulted in the Company writing personal household coverages. The Company ceased writing business through this relationship in the fourth quarter of 2010 and ceased writing all remaining personal insurance business in the Republic of Ireland in the fourth quarter of 2011. Pricing and Underwriting Financial, Professional & International Insurance has developed underwriting and pricing methodologies that incorporate dedicated underwriting, claims, engineering, actuarial and product development disciplines. This approach is designed to maintain high quality underwriting and pricing discipline, based on an in-depth knowledge of the specific account, industry or country. Underwriters use industry and proprietary data gathered and analyzed over many years to assess and evaluate risks prior to quotation. The Company utilizes both standard industry forms and proprietary forms for the insurance policies it issues. This methodology enables Financial, Professional & International Insurance to facilitate its risk selection process and develop pricing parameters. 11 Product Lines The Financial, Professional & International Insurance segment writes the following types of coverages: (cid:127) Fidelity and Surety. Provides fidelity insurance coverage, which protects an insured for loss due to embezzlement or misappropriation of funds by an employee, and surety, which is a three- party agreement whereby the insurer agrees to pay a third party or make complete an obligation in response to the default, acts or omissions of an insured. Surety is generally provided for construction performance, legal matters such as appeals, trustees in bankruptcy and probate and other performance bonds. (cid:127) General Liability. Provides coverage for specialized liability exposures as described above in more detail in the ‘‘Business Insurance’’ section of this report. (cid:127) International. Provides coverage for employers’ liability (similar to workers’ compensation coverage in the United States), public and product liability (the equivalent of general liability), professional indemnity (similar to professional liability coverage), motor (similar to automobile coverage in the United States), property, surety, marine, aviation, personal accident and kidnap & ransom. Marine provides coverage for ship hulls, cargoes carried, private yachts, marine-related liability, offshore energy, ports and terminals, fine art and terrorism. Aviation provides coverage for worldwide aviation risks including physical damage and liabilities for airline, aerospace, general aviation, aviation war and space risks. Personal accident provides financial protection in the event of death or disablement due to accidental bodily injury, while kidnap & ransom provides financial protection against kidnap, hijack, illegal detention and extortion. While the covered hazards may be similar to those in the U.S. market, the different legal environments can make the product risks and coverage terms potentially very different from those the Company faces in the United States. (cid:127) Other. Coverages include Property, Workers’ Compensation, Commercial Automobile and Commercial Multi-Peril, which are described above in more detail in the ‘‘Business Insurance’’ section of this report. Net Retention Policy The following discussion reflects the Company’s retention policy with respect to the Financial, Professional & International Insurance segment as of January 1, 2013. In the U.S. operations for third party liability, including but not limited to umbrella liability, professional liability, directors’ and officers’ liability, and employment practices liability, Financial, Professional & International Insurance generally limits net retentions, through the use of reinsurance, to up to $16.6 million per policy after the Company retains an aggregate layer of expected losses. For surety protection, where insured limits are often significant, the Company generally retains up to $55.0 million probable maximum loss (PML) per principal but may retain higher amounts based on the type of obligation, credit quality and other credit risk factors. In the International operations, per-risk retentions are usually limited up to $18.8 million, after reinsurance. Reinsurance treaties often have aggregate limits or caps which may result in larger net per risk retentions if the aggregate limits or caps are reached. The Company utilizes facultative reinsurance to provide additional limits capacity or to reduce retentions on an individual risk basis. The Company may also retain amounts greater than those described herein based upon the individual characteristics of the risk. 12 Geographic Distribution The following table shows the geographic distribution of Financial, Professional & International’s direct written premiums for the states that accounted for the majority of premium volume for the year ended December 31, 2012: State California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All other domestic(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total domestic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total international . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . % of Total 6.8% 5.3 5.0 3.4 3.1 45.9 69.5 30.5 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% (1) No other single state within the United States accounted for 3.0% or more of the total direct written premiums written in 2012 by the domestic operations of the Financial, Professional & International Insurance segment. Competition The competitive landscape in which Bond & Financial Products operates is affected by many of the same factors described previously for the Business Insurance segment. Competitors in this market are primarily national property and casualty insurance companies that write most classes of business using traditional products and pricing and, to a lesser extent, regional insurance companies and companies that have developed niche programs for specific industry segments. Bond & Financial Products underwrites and markets its products to all sizes of businesses and other organizations, as well as individuals. The Company believes that its reputation for timely and consistent decision making, a nationwide network of local underwriting, claims and industry experts and strong producer and customer relationships, as well as its ability to offer its customers a full range of products, provides Bond & Financial Products an advantage over many of its competitors and enables it to compete effectively in a complex, dynamic marketplace. The Company believes that the ability of Bond & Financial Products to cross-sell its products to customers of the Business Insurance and Personal Insurance segments provides additional competitive advantages for the Company. International competes with numerous international and domestic insurers in the United Kingdom, Canada and the Republic of Ireland. Companies compete on the basis of price, product offerings and the level of claim and risk management services provided. The Company has developed expertise in various markets in these countries similar to those served in the United States and provides both property and casualty coverage for these markets. At Lloyd’s, International competes with other syndicates operating in the Lloyd’s market as well as international and domestic insurers in the various markets where the Lloyd’s operation writes business worldwide. Competition is again based on price, product and service. The Company focuses on lines it believes it can underwrite effectively and profitably with an emphasis on short-tail insurance lines. PERSONAL INSURANCE The Company’s Personal Insurance segment writes a broad range of property and casualty insurance covering individuals’ personal risks. The primary products of automobile and homeowners insurance are complemented by a broad suite of related coverages. 13 Selected Product and Distribution Channel Information The following table sets forth net written premiums for the Personal Insurance segment’s business by product line for the periods indicated. For a description of the product lines referred to in the following table, see ‘‘—Product Lines.’’ In addition, see ‘‘—Principal Markets and Methods of Distribution’’ for a discussion of distribution channels for Personal Insurance’s product lines. (for the year ended December 31, in millions) By product line: 2012 2011 2010 % of Total 2012 Automobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Homeowners and Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,642 3,952 $3,788 3,957 $3,772 3,795 48.0% 52.0 Total Personal Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,594 $7,745 $7,567 100.0% Principal Markets and Methods of Distribution Personal Insurance products are distributed primarily through approximately 12,000 active independent agents located throughout the United States, supported by personnel in 13 sales regions and seven service centers. While the principal markets for Personal Insurance products continue to be in states along the East Coast, California and Texas, the business continues to expand its geographic presence across the United States. In selecting new independent agencies to distribute its products, Personal Insurance considers, among other attributes, each agency’s profitability, financial stability, staff experience and strategic fit with the segment’s operating and marketing plans. Once an agency is appointed, Personal Insurance carefully monitors its performance. Agents can access the Company’s agency service portal for a number of resources including customer service, marketing and claims management. In addition, agencies can choose to shift the ongoing service responsibility for Personal Insurance’s customers to one of the Company’s five Customer Care Centers, where the Company provides, on behalf of an agency, a comprehensive array of customer service needs, including response to billing and coverage inquiries, and policy changes. Approximately 1,800 agents take advantage of this service alternative. Personal Insurance also distributes its products through additional channels, including corporations that make the company’s product offerings available to their employees primarily through payroll deduction, consumer associations and affinity groups. Personal Insurance handles the sales and service for these programs either through a sponsoring independent agent or through two of the Company’s call center locations. In addition, since 1995, the Company has had a marketing agreement with GEICO to underwrite homeowners business for their auto customers. In 2009, the Company began marketing its insurance products directly to consumers, largely through online channels. The investment in the direct-to-consumer initiative generated modest premium volume for Personal Insurance in recent years, which was consistent with the Company’s expectations. However, the direct-to-consumer initiative, while intended to enhance the Company’s long-term ability to compete successfully in a consumer-driven marketplace, is expected to remain unprofitable for a number of years as the Company continues to develop, test and evaluate this distribution channel. Pricing and Underwriting Personal Insurance has developed a product management methodology that integrates the disciplines of underwriting, claim, actuarial and product development. This approach is designed to maintain high quality underwriting discipline and pricing segmentation. Proprietary data accumulated over many years is analyzed and Personal Insurance uses a variety of risk differentiation models to 14 facilitate its pricing segmentation. The Company’s product management area establishes underwriting guidelines integrated with its filed pricing and rating plans, which enable Personal Insurance to effectively execute its risk selection and pricing processes. Pricing for personal automobile insurance is driven in large part by changes in the frequency of claims and by inflation in the cost of automobile repairs, medical care and litigation of liability claims. Pricing in the homeowners business is driven in large part by changes in the frequency of claims and by inflation in the cost of building supplies, labor and household possessions. In addition to the normal risks associated with any multiple peril coverage, the profitability and pricing of both homeowners and automobile insurance are affected by the incidence of natural disasters, particularly those related to weather and, for homeowners insurance, earthquakes. Insurers writing personal lines property and casualty policies may be unable to increase prices until some time after the costs associated with coverage have increased, primarily because of state insurance rate regulation. The pace at which an insurer can change rates in response to increased costs depends, in part, on whether the applicable state law requires prior approval of rate increases or notification to the regulator either before or after a rate change is imposed. In states with prior approval laws, rates must be approved by the regulator before being used by the insurer. In states having ‘‘file-and-use’’ laws, the insurer must file rate changes with the regulator, but does not need to wait for approval before using the new rates. A ‘‘use-and-file’’ law requires an insurer to file rates within a period of time after the insurer begins using the new rate. Approximately one-half of the states require prior approval of most rate changes. In addition, changes to methods of marketing and underwriting in some jurisdictions are subject to state-imposed restrictions, which can make it more difficult for an insurer to significantly manage catastrophe exposures. The Company’s ability or willingness to raise prices, modify underwriting terms or reduce exposure to certain geographies may be limited due to considerations of public policy, the evolving political environment, changes in the general economic climate and/or social responsibilities. The Company also may choose to write business it might not otherwise write in some states for strategic purposes, such as improving access to other commercial or personal underwriting opportunities. In choosing to write business in some states, the Company also considers the costs and benefits of those states’ residual markets and guaranty funds, as well as other property and casualty business the Company writes in those states. Personal Insurance utilizes technology intended to maximize independent agents’ ease of doing business with the Company. Automated quote transactions can be submitted online by independent agents either through Personal Insurance’s proprietary platform, their own agency management platform or comparative raters (discussed in more detail in the ‘‘Competition’’ section that follows). Nearly all new business policies can be issued online either by using the agents’ own platform or Personal Insurance’s platform, both of which interface with Personal Insurance’s underwriting and rating systems to monitor transactions for compliance with the company’s underwriting and pricing programs. All online business is subject to consultative review by Personal Insurance’s in-house underwriters. Audits of on-line business are conducted by an internal review team using systematic sampling across all of the Company’s distribution channels. Product Lines The primary coverages in Personal Insurance are personal automobile and homeowners and other insurance sold to individuals. Personal Insurance had approximately 7.3 million active policies (e.g., policies-in-force) at December 31, 2012. The Personal Insurance segment writes the following types of coverages: (cid:127) Personal Automobile provides coverage for liability to others for both bodily injury and property damage, uninsured motorist protection, and for physical damage to an insured’s own vehicle 15 from collision, fire, flood, hail and theft. In addition, many states require policies to provide first-party personal injury protection, frequently referred to as no-fault coverage. (cid:127) Homeowners and Other provides protection against losses to dwellings and contents from a variety of perils (excluding flooding) as well as coverage for personal liability. The Company writes homeowners insurance for dwellings, condominiums and tenants, and rental properties. The Company writes coverage for boats and yachts and valuable personal items such as jewelry, and also writes coverages for umbrella liability, identity fraud, and weddings and special events. Net Retention Policy The following describes the Company’s retention policy with respect to the Personal Insurance segment as of January 1, 2013. The Company generally retains its primary personal auto exposures in their entirety. For personal property insurance, there is an $8.0 million maximum retention per risk. Personal Insurance retains the first $10.0 million of umbrella policies and purchases facultative reinsurance to provide additional limits capacity or to reduce retentions on an individual risk basis. The Company may also retain amounts greater than those described herein based on the individual characteristics of the risk. Geographic Distribution The following table shows the geographic distribution of Personal Insurance’s direct written premiums for the states that accounted for the majority of premium volume for the year ended December 31, 2012: State New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connecticut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Massachusetts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All others(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . % of Total 14.9% 7.8 7.6 6.3 5.4 5.1 4.4 4.2 4.1 3.7 3.4 33.1 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% (1) The percentage for Texas includes business written by the Company through a fronting agreement with another insurer. (2) No other single state accounted for 3.0% or more of the total direct written premiums written in 2012 by the Personal Insurance segment. Competition Although national companies write the majority of this business, Personal Insurance also faces competition from many regional and hundreds of local companies. Personal Insurance primarily competes based on breadth of product offerings, price, service (including claims handling), ease of doing business, stability of the insurer and name recognition. Personal Insurance competes for business within each independent agency since these agencies also offer policies of competing companies. At the agency level, competition is primarily based on price, service (including claims handling), the level of 16 automation and the development of long-term relationships with individual agents. In recent years, most independent personal insurance agents have begun utilizing price comparison rating technology, sometimes referred to as ‘‘comparative raters,’’ as a cost-efficient means of obtaining quotes from multiple companies. Because the use of this technology facilitates the process of generating multiple quotes, the technology has increased price comparison on new business and, increasingly, on renewal business. Personal Insurance also competes with insurance companies that use exclusive agents or salaried employees to sell their products, as well as those that employ direct marketing strategies, including the use of toll-free numbers and the internet. See ‘‘Item 1A—Risk Factors—The intense competition that we face could harm our ability to maintain or increase our business volumes and our profitability.’’ CLAIMS MANAGEMENT The Company’s claim functions are managed through its Claims Services operation, with locations in the United States and in the countries where it does business. With more than 13,000 employees, Claims Services employs a diverse group of professionals, including claim adjusters, appraisers, attorneys, investigators, engineers, accountants, system specialists and training, management and support personnel. Approved external service providers, such as investigators, attorneys and, in the rare circumstances when necessary, independent adjusters and appraisers, are available for use as appropriate. U.S. field claim management teams located in 21 claim centers and 58 satellite and specialty-only offices in 45 states are organized to maintain focus on the specific claim characteristics unique to the businesses within the Company’s business segments. Claim teams with specialized skills, required licenses, resources and workflows are matched to the unique exposures of those businesses, with local claims management dedicated to achieving optimal results within each segment. The Company’s home office operations provide additional support in the form of workflow design, quality management, information technology, advanced management information and data analysis, training, financial reporting and control, and human resources strategy. This structure permits the Company to maintain the economies of scale of a large, established company while retaining the agility to respond promptly to the needs of customers, brokers, agents and underwriters. Claims management for International, while generally provided locally by staff in the respective international locations due to local knowledge of applicable laws and regulations, is also managed by the Company’s U.S. Claims Services organization to leverage that knowledge base and to share best practices. An integral part of the Company’s strategy to benefit customers and shareholders is its continuing industry leadership in the fight against insurance fraud through its Investigative Services unit. The Company has a nationwide staff of experts who investigate a wide array of insurance fraud schemes using in-house forensic resources and other technological tools. This staff also has specialized expertise in fire scene examinations, medical provider fraud schemes and data mining. The Company also dedicates investigative resources to ensure that violations of law are reported to and prosecuted by law enforcement agencies. Claims Services uses technology, management information and data analysis to assist the Company in reviewing its claim practices and results in order to evaluate and improve its claims management performance. The Company’s claims management strategy is focused on segmentation of claims and appropriate technical specialization to drive effective claim resolution. The Company continually monitors its investment in claim resources to maintain an effective focus on claim outcomes and a disciplined approach to continual improvement. The Company operates a state-of-the-art claims training facility, offering hands-on experiential learning to help ensure that its claim professionals are properly trained. In recent years, the Company has invested significant additional resources in many of its claim handling operations and routinely monitors the effect of those investments to ensure a consistent optimization among outcomes, cost and service. 17 In recent years, Claims Services refined its catastrophe response strategy to increase the Company’s ability to respond to a significant catastrophic event using its own personnel, enabling it to minimize reliance on independent adjusters and appraisers. The Company has developed a large dedicated catastrophe response team and trained a large Enterprise Response Team of existing employees who can be deployed on short notice in the event of a catastrophe that generates claim volume exceeding the capacity of the dedicated catastrophe response team. In recent years, these internal resources were successfully deployed to respond to a record number of catastrophe claims, including those related to Storm Sandy in 2012. REINSURANCE The Company reinsures a portion of the risks it underwrites in order to control its exposure to losses. The Company cedes to reinsurers a portion of these risks and pays premiums based upon the risk and exposure of the policies subject to such reinsurance. Ceded reinsurance involves credit risk, except with regard to mandatory pools and associations, and is generally subject to aggregate loss limits. Although the reinsurer is liable to the Company to the extent of the reinsurance ceded, the Company remains liable as the direct insurer on all risks reinsured. Reinsurance recoverables are reported after reductions for known insolvencies and after allowances for uncollectible amounts. The Company also holds collateral, including trust agreements, escrow funds and letters of credit, under certain reinsurance agreements. The Company monitors the financial condition of reinsurers on an ongoing basis and reviews its reinsurance arrangements periodically. Reinsurers are selected based on their financial condition, business practices, the price of their product offerings and the value of collateral provided. After reinsurance is purchased, the Company has limited ability to manage the credit risk to a reinsurer. In addition, in a number of jurisdictions, particularly the European Union and the United Kingdom, a reinsurer is permitted to transfer a reinsurance arrangement to another reinsurer, which may be less creditworthy, without a counterparty’s consent, provided that the transfer has been approved by the applicable regulatory and/or court authority. For additional information concerning reinsurance, see note 5 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements and ‘‘Item 1A—Risk Factors.’’ The Company utilizes a variety of reinsurance agreements to manage its exposure to large property and casualty losses, including: (cid:127) facultative reinsurance, in which reinsurance is provided for all or a portion of the insurance provided by a single policy and each policy reinsured is separately negotiated; (cid:127) quota share reinsurance, in which reinsurance is provided for an agreed-upon fixed percentage of liabilities, premiums and losses for each policy covered on a pro rata basis; (cid:127) treaty reinsurance, in which reinsurance is provided for a specified type or category of risks; and (cid:127) catastrophe reinsurance, in which the Company is indemnified for an amount of loss in excess of a specified retention with respect to losses resulting from a catastrophic event. For a description of reinsurance-related litigation, see note 16 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Included in reinsurance recoverables are amounts related to structured settlements, which comprise annuities purchased from various life insurance companies to settle certain personal physical injury claims, of which workers’ compensation claims comprise a significant portion. In cases where the Company did not receive a release from the claimant, the amount due from the life insurance company related to the structured settlement is included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as a liability and as a reinsurance recoverable, as the Company retains the contingent liability to the claimant. In the event that the life insurance company fails to make the required annuity payments, the 18 Company would be required to make such payments, if and to the extent the purchased annuities are not covered by state guaranty associations. Catastrophe Reinsurance Catastrophes can be caused by a variety of events, including, among others, hurricanes, tornadoes and other windstorms, earthquakes, hail, wildfires, severe winter weather, floods, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions. Catastrophes can also result from a terrorist attack (including those involving nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological events), explosions, infrastructure failures or as a consequence of political instability. The incidence and severity of catastrophes are inherently unpredictable. The extent of losses from a catastrophe is a function of both the total amount of insured exposure in the area affected by the event and the severity of the event. Most catastrophes are restricted to small geographic areas; however, hurricanes and earthquakes may produce significant damage in larger areas, especially those areas that are heavily populated. The Company generally seeks to manage its exposure to catastrophes through individual risk selection and the purchase of catastrophe reinsurance. The Company utilizes a general catastrophe reinsurance treaty with unaffiliated reinsurers to manage its exposure to losses resulting from catastrophes. In addition to the coverage provided under this treaty, the Company also utilizes a catastrophe bond program, as well as a Northeast catastrophe reinsurance treaty, to protect against certain losses resulting from catastrophes in the Northeastern United States. In addition, the Company also has a general catastrophe aggregate excess-of-loss reinsurance treaty, an earthquake excess-of-loss reinsurance treaty and several reinsurance treaties specific to its international operations. General Catastrophe Reinsurance Treaty. The general catastrophe reinsurance treaty covers the accumulation of net property losses arising out of one occurrence. The treaty covers all of the Company’s exposures in the United States and Canada and their possessions, and waters contiguous thereto, the Caribbean and Mexico. The treaty only provides coverage for terrorism events in limited circumstances and excludes entirely losses arising from nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological attacks. The following table summarizes the Company’s coverage under its General Catastrophe Reinsurance Treaty, effective for the period July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013, as well as certain other catastrophe-related coverages: Layer of Loss Reinsurance Coverage In-Force $0 - $1.5 billion . . . . . . . . . . . . Loss 100% retained by the Company, except for certain $1.5 billion - $2.25 billion . . . . . Greater than $2.25 billion . . . . . losses covered by the Earthquake Excess-of-Loss Treaty as described below. 53.3% ($400 million) of loss covered by treaty; 46.7% ($350 million) of loss retained by the Company. Additionally, certain losses incurred in the Northeastern United States are covered by the Catastrophe Bond Program as described below. 100% of loss retained by the Company, except for certain losses incurred in the Northeastern United States, which are covered by the Catastrophe Bond Program and Northeast Catastrophe Treaty as described below. In addition to the general catastrophe reinsurance treaty described above, the Company also maintains a General Catastrophe Aggregate Excess-of-Loss Treaty, the coverage terms of which are described below. 19 Catastrophe Bond Program. On December 18, 2009, Longpoint Re II, Ltd. (Longpoint Re II), a newly formed independent Cayman Islands company licensed as a Class B insurer in the Cayman Islands, completed an offering to unrelated investors of $500 million aggregate principal amount of catastrophe bonds. In connection with the offering, the Company and Longpoint Re II entered into two reinsurance agreements (covering a three-year and four-year period, respectively), each providing up to $250 million of reinsurance on a proportional basis from certain losses resulting from certain hurricane events in the northeastern United States. The three-year term reinsurance agreement expired in December 2012, and the remaining reinsurance agreement expires in December 2013. Under the terms of the remaining reinsurance agreement, the Company is obligated to pay annual reinsurance premiums to Longpoint Re II for the reinsurance coverage. The reinsurance agreement utilizes a dual trigger that is based upon the Company’s covered losses incurred and an index that is created by applying predetermined percentages to insured industry losses in each state in the covered area as reported by a third-party service provider. The reinsurance agreement meets the requirements to be accounted for as reinsurance in accordance with the guidance for reinsurance contracts. Amounts payable to the Company under the reinsurance agreement with respect to any covered event will be determined by the index-based losses from such event (which are designed to approximate the Company’s actual losses), but cannot exceed the Company’s actual losses from such event. The Company’s actual loss experience may differ from the index-based losses. The principal amount of the catastrophe bonds will be reduced by any amounts paid to the Company under the reinsurance agreement. The attachment point for index-based losses and the maximum limit in the program’s remaining reinsurance agreement are reset annually using a third-party proprietary computer model to estimate potential hurricane losses for the entire industry. The purpose of the annual reset is to maintain modeled probabilities of attachment and expected loss on the respective catastrophe bonds equal to their initial modeled probabilities. The attachment point for the indexed-based losses and maximum limit were increased significantly on May 1, 2012. Through April 30, 2013, the Company will be entitled to begin recovering amounts under the reinsurance agreement if the index-based losses in the covered area for a single occurrence reach an initial attachment amount of $3.500 billion. The full $250 million coverage amount of the reinsurance agreement is available on a proportional basis until index-based losses reach a maximum $4.358 billion limit. In accordance with the Longpoint Re II program, the attachment point for the index-based losses and the maximum limit will be reset again for the period May 1, 2013 through December 18, 2013. Covered losses under the agreement are limited to the following geographic locations: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. As with any reinsurance agreement, there is credit risk associated with collecting amounts due from reinsurers. With regard to Longpoint Re II, the credit risk is mitigated by a reinsurance trust account that has been funded by Longpoint Re II with money market funds that invest solely in direct government obligations backed by the U.S. government with maturities of no more than 13 months. The money market funds must have a principal stability rating of at least AAAm by Standard & Poor’s. Other permissible investments include repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements collateralized by direct government obligations backed by the U.S. government with terms of no more than 397 calendar days, and cash. On June 6, 2012, Long Point Re III Ltd.(Long Point Re III), a newly formed independent Cayman Islands company licensed as a Class B insurer in the Cayman Islands, completed an offering to unrelated investors of $250 million aggregate principal amount of catastrophe bonds. In connection with the offering, the Company and Long Point Re III entered into a three-year reinsurance agreement providing coverage to the Company for certain losses from a hurricane in the northeastern United States. Long Point Re III was structured similarly to Longpoint Re II but does not utilize a dual trigger reinsurance agreement that is based on index-based losses. The business covered by the reinsurance 20 agreement comprises specified property and related coverages in the Company’s Personal Insurance segment, and within the ‘‘Select Accounts’’ and the ‘‘Commercial Accounts’’ business groups within the Company’s Business Insurance segment. Covered losses under the agreement are limited to the following geographic locations: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and Vermont. Coverage under the agreement is subject to a $2.0 billion retention, after which the Company is entitled to recover 50% of losses, up to a maximum recovery of $250 million. The attachment point, maximum limit and insurance percentage are reset annually to maintain modeled probabilities of attachment and expected loss on the respective catastrophe bonds equal to the initial modeled probabilities of attachment and expected loss. Similar to Longpoint Re II, in Long Point Re III the proceeds of the offering were deposited in a reinsurance trust account. In addition, the permitted investments for such proceeds are of the same type as in Longpoint Re II in all material respects, except that in Long Point Re II the money market funds must always be rated at least AAAm by Standard & Poor’s, and in Long Point Re III, the money market funds must have been rated AAAm by Standard & Poor’s on the issuance date of the bonds and thereafter must be rated by Standard & Poor’s. The reinsurance agreement meets the requirements to be accounted for as reinsurance in accordance with the guidance for reinsurance contracts. At the time the agreements were entered into with Longpoint Re II and Long Point Re III, the Company evaluated the applicability of the accounting guidance that addresses variable interest entities or VIEs. Under this guidance, an entity that is formed for business purposes is considered a VIE if: (a) the equity investors lack the direct or indirect ability through voting rights or similar rights to make decisions about an entity’s activities that have a significant effect on the entity’s operations, or (b) the equity investors do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. Additionally, a company that absorbs a majority of the expected losses from a VIE’s activities or is entitled to receive a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both, is considered to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE and is required to consolidate the VIE in the company’s financial statements. As a result of the evaluation of the reinsurance agreements with Longpoint Re II and Long Point Re III, the Company concluded that they were VIEs because the conditions described in items (a) and (b) above were present. However, while Longpoint Re II and Long Point Re III were determined to be VIEs, the Company concluded that it did not have a variable interest in the entities, as the variability in their results, caused by the reinsurance agreements, is expected to be absorbed entirely by the investors in the catastrophe bonds issued by Longpoint Re II and Long Point Re III and residual amounts earned by them, if any, are expected to be absorbed by the equity investors (the Company has neither an equity nor a residual interest in Longpoint Re II or Long Point Re III). Accordingly, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of Longpoint Re II or Long Point Re III and does not consolidate those entities in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Additionally, because the Company has no intention to pursue any transaction that would result in it acquiring interest in and becoming the primary beneficiary of Longpoint Re II or Long Point Re III, the consolidation of those entities in the Company’s consolidated financial statements in future periods is unlikely. The Company has not incurred any losses that have resulted or are expected to result in a recovery under the Longpoint Re II or Long Point Re III agreements since their inception. Northeast General Catastrophe Reinsurance Treaty. In addition to its general catastrophe treaty and its multi-year catastrophe bond program, the Company also is party to a northeast general catastrophe reinsurance treaty which provides up to $600 million of coverage, subject to a $2.25 billion retention, for certain losses arising from hurricanes, tornados, hail storms, earthquakes and winter storm or freeze losses from Virginia to Maine for the period July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. Losses from a covered 21 event (occurring over several days) anywhere in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico and waters contiguous thereto may be used to satisfy the retention. Recoveries under the catastrophe bond programs (if any) would be first applied to reduce losses subject to this treaty. General Catastrophe Aggregate Excess-of-Loss Reinsurance Treaty. For the period January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013, the Company has entered into a reinsurance agreement that covers the accumulation of certain property losses arising from multiple occurrences. For each occurrence, qualifying losses are 90% of $1.4 billion in excess of $100 million. The treaty covers aggregate qualifying losses during 2013 for 40% of $1.0 billion in excess of $1.5 billion. The treaty covers all of the Company’s exposures in the United States and Canada and their possessions, and waters contiguous thereto, the Caribbean and Mexico. Earthquake Excess-of-Loss Reinsurance Treaty. For the period July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013, the Company has entered into an earthquake excess-of-loss treaty that provides for up to $142.5 million of coverage, subject to a $125 million retention, for earthquake losses incurred under policies written by the National Property business unit in the Company’s Business Insurance segment. International Reinsurance Treaties. For business underwritten in Canada, the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland and in the Company’s operations at Lloyd’s, separate reinsurance protections are purchased locally that have lower net retentions more commensurate with the size of the respective local balance sheet. The Company conducts an ongoing review of its risk and catastrophe coverages and makes changes as it deems appropriate. Terrorism Risk Insurance Program. The Terrorism Risk Insurance Program (the Program) is a Federal program administered by the Department of the Treasury that provides for a system of shared public and private compensation for certain insured losses resulting from acts of terrorism or war committed by or on behalf of a foreign interest. The Program has been authorized through 2014. For a further description of the Program, including the Company’s estimated deductible under the Program in 2012, see note 5 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements in this annual report and ‘‘Item 1A—Risk Factors—Catastrophe losses could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, our financial position and/or liquidity, and could adversely impact our ratings, our ability to raise capital and the availability and cost of reinsurance.’’ CLAIMS AND CLAIM ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE RESERVES Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves represent management’s estimate of ultimate unpaid costs of losses and loss adjustment expenses for claims that have been reported and claims that have been incurred but not yet reported. The Company continually refines its reserve estimates in a regular ongoing process that includes review of key assumptions, underlying variables and historical loss experience. The Company reflects adjustments to reserves in the results of operations in the periods in which the estimates are changed. In establishing reserves, the Company takes into account estimated recoveries for reinsurance, salvage and subrogation. The reserves are also reviewed regularly by qualified actuaries employed by the Company. For additional information on the process of estimating reserves and a discussion of underlying variables and risk factors, see ‘‘Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Estimates.’’ The process of estimating loss reserves involves a high degree of judgment and is subject to a number of variables. These variables (discussed by product line in the ‘‘Critical Accounting Estimates’’ section of ‘‘Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations’’) are affected by both internal and external events, such as changes in claims handling procedures, inflation, judicial trends and legislative changes, among others. The impact of many of these items on ultimate costs for claims and claim adjustment expenses is difficult to estimate. Reserve 22 estimation difficulties also differ significantly by product line due to differences in the underlying insurance contract (e.g., claims-made versus occurrence), claim complexity, the volume of claims, the potential severity of individual claims, the determination of the occurrence date for a claim, and reporting lags (the time between the occurrence of the insured event and when it is actually reported to the insurer). Informed judgment is applied throughout the process. The Company derives estimates for unreported claims and development on reported claims principally from actuarial analyses of historical patterns of loss development by accident year for each type of exposure and business unit. Similarly, the Company derives estimates of unpaid loss adjustment expenses principally from actuarial analyses of historical development patterns of the relationship of loss adjustment expenses to losses for each line of business and type of exposure. For a description of the Company’s reserving methods for asbestos and environmental claims, see ‘‘Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Asbestos Claims and Litigation,’’ and ‘‘—Environmental Claims and Litigation.’’ Discounting The claims and claim adjustment expense reserves for most long-term disability and annuity claim payments, primarily arising from workers’ compensation insurance and workers’ compensation excess insurance policies, were discounted to the present value of estimated future payments using a rate of 5% at both December 31, 2012 and 2011. These discounted reserves totaled $2.01 billion and $2.20 billion at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Claims and Claim Adjustment Expense Development Table The table that follows sets forth the year-end reserves from 2002 through 2012 and the subsequent changes in those reserves, presented on a historical basis. The original estimates, cumulative amounts paid and re-estimated reserves in the table for the years 2002 and 2003 have not been restated to reflect the acquisition by Travelers Property Casualty Corp. (TPC) of The St. Paul Companies, Inc. (SPC) in 2004 (referred to hereafter as the Merger). The table includes SPC reserves beginning at December 31, 2004. The data in the table is presented in accordance with reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Care must be taken to avoid misinterpretation by those unfamiliar with this information or familiar with other data commonly reported by the insurance industry. The data in the table is not accident year data, but rather a display of 2002 to 2012 year-end reserves and the subsequent changes in those reserves. For instance, the ‘‘cumulative deficiency (redundancy)’’ shown in the table for each year represents the aggregate amount by which original estimates of reserves as of that year-end have changed in subsequent years. Accordingly, the cumulative deficiency for a year relates only to reserves at that year-end and those amounts are not additive. Expressed another way, if the original reserves at the end of 2002 included $4 million for a loss that is finally paid in 2007 for $5 million, the $1 million deficiency (the excess of the actual payment of $5 million over the original estimate of $4 million) would be included in the cumulative deficiencies in each of the years 2002 to 2006 shown in the accompanying table. Various factors may distort the re-estimated reserves and cumulative deficiency or redundancy shown in the table. For example, a substantial portion of the cumulative deficiencies shown in the table arise from claims on policies written prior to the mid-1980s involving liability exposures such as asbestos and environmental claims. In the post-1984 period, the Company has developed more stringent underwriting standards and policy exclusions and has significantly contracted or terminated the writing of these risks. See ‘‘Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Asbestos Claims and Litigation,’’ and ‘‘—Environmental Claims and Litigation.’’ 23 General conditions and trends that have affected the development of these liabilities in the past will not necessarily recur in the future. Other factors that affect the data in the table include the discounting of certain reserves (as discussed above) and the use of retrospectively rated insurance policies. For example, reserves for long-term disability and annuity claim payments (tabular reserves), primarily arising from workers’ compensation insurance and workers’ compensation excess insurance policies, are discounted to reflect the time value of money. Apparent deficiencies will continue to occur as the discount on these workers’ compensation reserves is accreted at the appropriate interest rates. Also, a portion of National Accounts business is underwritten with retrospectively rated insurance policies in which the ultimate loss experience is primarily borne by the insured. For this business, increases in loss experience result in an increase in reserves and an offsetting increase in amounts recoverable from insureds. Likewise, decreases in loss experience result in a decrease in reserves and an offsetting decrease in amounts recoverable from these insureds. The amounts recoverable on these retrospectively rated policies mitigate the impact of the cumulative deficiencies or redundancies on the Company’s earnings but are not reflected in the table. Because of these and other factors, it is difficult to develop a meaningful extrapolation of estimated future redundancies or deficiencies in loss reserves from the data in the table. (at December 31, in millions) 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Reserves for claims and claim adjustment expense originally estimated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $23,268 $24,055 $41,446 $42,895 $42,844 $43,098 $41,312 $40,941 $40,255 $40,919 $40,634 Cumulative amounts paid as of One year later . . . . . . . . . . . . Two years later . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Three years later Four years later . . . . . . . . . . . Five years later . . . . . . . . . . . Six years later . . . . . . . . . . . . Seven years later . . . . . . . . . . Eight years later . . . . . . . . . . . Nine years later . . . . . . . . . . . Ten years later . . . . . . . . . . . . Reserves re-estimated as of One year later . . . . . . . . . . . . Two years later . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Three years later Four years later . . . . . . . . . . . Five years later . . . . . . . . . . . Six years later . . . . . . . . . . . . Seven years later . . . . . . . . . . Eight years later . . . . . . . . . . . Nine years later . . . . . . . . . . . Ten years later . . . . . . . . . . . . Cumulative deficiency (redundancy) 5,170 8,319 11,312 13,548 15,229 16,836 17,738 18,563 19,236 19,854 23,658 24,592 25,553 26,288 26,731 27,055 27,022 26,815 26,911 27,002 3,734 4,651 8,686 11,541 13,708 15,574 16,624 17,558 18,320 18,988 24,222 25,272 26,042 26,501 26,803 26,619 26,342 26,382 26,431 8,871 14,666 18,733 22,514 24,572 26,189 27,469 28,557 41,706 42,565 42,940 43,148 42,655 42,068 42,019 41,987 8,632 13,837 18,466 21,025 22,992 24,423 25,616 42,466 42,311 41,692 40,855 40,026 39,849 39,694 7,417 13,181 16,545 19,113 20,820 22,205 8,146 12,798 16,264 18,524 44 20,2 42,172 40,837 39,739 38,734 38,409 38,134 41,373 39,925 38,842 38,223 37,716 7,519 12,454 15,668 18,053 7,748 12,374 15,708 7,653 12,567 8,326 39,863 38,640 37,613 36,892 39,524 38,421 37,539 39,413 38,393 39,845 2,376 541 (3,201) (4,710) (5,382) (4,420) (3,402) (1,862) (1,074) Gross liability—end of year . . . . . $33,914 $34,760 $59,438 $61,461 $59,677 $58,094 $55,121 $53,529 $51,537 $51,353 $50,888 10,254 18,566 Reinsurance recoverables . . . . . . . 13,809 10,705 10,646 16,833 12,588 11,282 14,996 17,992 10,434 Net liability—end of year . . . . . . . $23,268 $24,055 $41,446 $42,895 $42,844 $43,098 $41,312 $40,941 $40,255 $40,919 $40,634 Gross re-estimated liability—latest . $39,064 $37,587 $59,849 $57,684 $53,689 $51,527 $49,345 $48,964 $48,996 $50,007 Re-estimated reinsurance recoverables—latest . . . . . . . . . 12,062 11,156 17,862 17,990 15,555 13,811 12,453 11,425 10,603 10,162 Net re-estimated liability—latest . . $27,002 $26,431 $41,987 $39,694 $38,134 $37,716 $36,892 $37,539 $38,393 $39,845 Gross cumulative deficiency (redundancy) . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5,150 $ 2,827 $ 411 $ (3,777) $ (5,988) $ (6,567) $ (5,776) $ (4,565) $ (2,541) $ (1,346) 24 For years prior to 2004, the table excludes reserves of SPC, which were acquired in the Merger on April 1, 2004. Accordingly, the reserve development (net reserves for claims and claim adjustment expense re-estimated as of subsequent years less net reserves recorded at the end of the year, as originally estimated) for years prior to 2004 relates only to losses recorded by TPC and does not include reserve development recorded by SPC. For 2004 and subsequent years, the table includes SPC reserves acquired and subsequent development recorded on those reserves. At December 31, 2004, SPC gross reserves were $23,274 million, and net reserves were $15,959 million. In December 2008, the Company completed the sale of Unionamerica Holdings Limited (Unionamerica), which comprised its United Kingdom (U.K.)-based runoff insurance and reinsurance businesses. (Unionamerica was acquired in 2004 as part of the Merger.) Immediately before the sale, the claims and claim adjustment expense reserves of Unionamerica totaled $790 million. As a result of the sale, those obligations ceased being the responsibility of the Company and its affiliates. The sale is reflected in the table as a reduction in December 31, 2008 net reserves of $790 million and as a $790 million increase in paid losses for each of the years 2004 through 2007 to reflect the transfer (payment) of the reserves to the buyer, resulting in no impact to incurred losses. The gross and net cumulative deficiency (redundancy) by calendar year as set forth in the table above includes the following impact of unfavorable prior year reserve development related to asbestos and environmental claims and claim adjustment expenses, in millions: Asbestos 2002 2003 2004 2005 Gross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net $1,728 $1,604 $1,703 $1,580 $1,913 $1,732 $1,079 $ 901 2006 $882 $745 2007 $883 $745 2008 $813 $675 2009 $628 $490 2010 $366 $350 2011 $171 $175 Environmental 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Gross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net $ 807 $ 760 $ 748 $ 701 $ 701 $ 691 $ 684 $ 661 $576 $541 $394 $356 $309 $271 $224 $201 $179 $166 $ 99 $ 90 Reserves on Statutory Accounting Basis At December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, claims and claim adjustment expense reserves (net of reinsurance) shown in the preceding table, which are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP reserves), were $22 million lower, $20 million higher and $20 million higher, respectively, than those reported in the Company’s respective annual reports filed with insurance regulators, which are prepared in accordance with statutory accounting practices (statutory reserves). The differences between GAAP and statutory reserves are primarily due to the differences in GAAP and statutory accounting for two items, (1) fees associated with billing of required reimbursements under large deductible business, and (2) the accounting for retroactive reinsurance. For large deductible business, the Company pays the deductible portion of a casualty insurance claim and then seeks reimbursement from the insured, plus a fee. This fee is reported as fee income for GAAP reporting, but as an offset to claim expenses paid for statutory reporting. Retroactive reinsurance balances result from reinsurance placed to cover losses on insured events occurring prior to the inception of a reinsurance contract. For GAAP reporting, retroactive reinsurance balances are included in reinsurance recoverables and result in lower net reserve amounts. Statutory accounting practices require retroactive reinsurance balances to be recorded in other liabilities as contra-liabilities rather than in loss reserves. Asbestos and Environmental Claims Asbestos and environmental claims are segregated from other claims and are handled separately by the Company’s Special Liability Group, a separate unit staffed by dedicated legal, claim, finance and 25 engineering professionals. For additional information on asbestos and environmental claims, see ‘‘Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations— Asbestos Claims and Litigation’’ and ‘‘—Environmental Claims and Litigation.’’ INTERCOMPANY REINSURANCE POOLING ARRANGEMENTS Most of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are members of an intercompany property and casualty reinsurance pooling arrangement. Pooling arrangements permit the participating companies to rely on the capacity of the entire pool’s policyholders’ surplus rather than just on its own policyholder surplus. Under such arrangements, the members share substantially all insurance business that is written and allocate the combined premiums, losses and expenses. RATINGS Ratings are an important factor in assessing the Company’s competitive position in the insurance industry. The Company receives ratings from the following major rating agencies: A.M. Best Company (A.M. Best), Fitch Ratings (Fitch), Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) and Standard & Poor’s Corp. (S&P). Rating agencies typically issue two types of ratings for insurance companies: claims-paying (or financial strength) ratings which reflect the rating agency’s assessment of an insurer’s ability to meet its financial obligations to policyholders and debt ratings which reflect the rating agency’s assessment of a company’s prospects for repaying its debts and are considered by lenders in connection with the setting of interest rates and terms for a company’s short- and long-term borrowings. Agency ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security, and they may be revised or withdrawn at any time by the rating agency. Each agency’s rating should be evaluated independently of any other agency’s rating. The system and the number of rating categories can vary widely from rating agency to rating agency. Customers usually focus on claims-paying ratings, while creditors focus on debt ratings. Investors use both to evaluate a company’s overall financial strength. The ratings issued on the Company or its subsidiaries by any of these agencies are announced publicly and are available on the Company’s website and from the agencies. A downgrade in one or more of the Company’s claims-paying ratings could negatively impact the Company’s business volumes and competitive position because demand for certain of its products may be reduced, particularly because some customers require that the Company maintain minimum ratings to enter into or renew business with it. Additionally, a downgrade in one or more of the Company’s debt ratings could adversely impact the Company’s ability to access the capital markets and other sources of funds, including in the syndicated bank loan market, and/or result in higher financing costs. For example, downgrades in the Company’s debt ratings could result in higher interest expense under the Company’s revolving credit agreement (under which the cost of borrowing could range from LIBOR plus 100 basis points to LIBOR plus 175 basis points, depending on the Company’s debt ratings), the Company’s commercial paper program, or in the event that the Company were to access the capital markets by issuing debt or similar types of securities. See ‘‘Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources’’ for a discussion of the Company’s revolving credit agreement and commercial paper program. The Company considers the level of increased cash funding requirements in the event of a ratings downgrade as part of the evaluation of the Company’s liquidity requirements. The Company currently believes that a one- to two-notch downgrade in its debt ratings would not result in a material increase in interest expense under its existing credit agreement and commercial paper programs. In addition, the Company considers the impact of a ratings downgrade as part of the evaluation of its common share repurchases. 26 Claims—Paying Ratings The following table summarizes the current claims-paying (or financial strength) ratings of the Travelers Reinsurance Pool, Travelers C&S Co. of America, Travelers Personal single state companies, Travelers C&S Co. of Europe, Ltd., Travelers Insurance Company of Canada and Travelers Insurance Company Limited as of February 19, 2013. The table presents the position of each rating in the applicable agency’s rating scale. A.M. Best Moody’s S&P Fitch Travelers Reinsurance Pool(a)(b) . . . . . . . . . A+ (2nd of 16) Aa2 (3rd of 21) Travelers C&S Co. of America . . . . . . . . . . . A+ (2nd of 16) Aa2 (3rd of 21) First Floridian Auto and Home Ins. Co. — First Trenton Indemnity Company . . . . . . . . — The Premier Insurance Company of . . . . A(cid:4) (4th of 16) A (3rd of 16) AA (3rd of 21) AA (3rd of 21) AA (3rd of 21) AA (3rd of 21) — AA (3rd of 21) — AA (3rd of 21) Massachusetts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Travelers C&S Co. of Europe, Ltd. Travelers Insurance Company of Canada . . . . A+ (2nd of 16) A (3rd of 16) Travelers Insurance Company Limited . . . . . . — . . . . . . . A+ (2nd of 16) Aa2 (3rd of 21) A (3rd of 16) — AA (3rd of 21) — AA(cid:4) (4th of 21) AA (3rd of 21) — — — — — (a) The Travelers Reinsurance Pool consists of: The Travelers Indemnity Company, The Charter Oak Fire Insurance Company, The Phoenix Insurance Company, The Travelers Indemnity Company of Connecticut, The Travelers Indemnity Company of America, Travelers Property Casualty Company of America, Travelers Commercial Casualty Company, TravCo Insurance Company, The Travelers Home and Marine Insurance Company, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company, Northland Insurance Company, Northfield Insurance Company, Northland Casualty Company, American Equity Specialty Insurance Company, The Standard Fire Insurance Company, The Automobile Insurance Company of Hartford, Connecticut, Travelers Casualty Insurance Company of America, Farmington Casualty Company, Travelers Commercial Insurance Company, Travelers Casualty Company of Connecticut, Travelers Property Casualty Insurance Company, Travelers Personal Security Insurance Company, Travelers Personal Insurance Company, Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company, St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company, St. Paul Surplus Lines Insurance Company, The Travelers Casualty Company, St. Paul Protective Insurance Company, Travelers Constitution State Insurance Company, St. Paul Guardian Insurance Company, St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company, Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Underwriters, Inc., Discover Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Discover Specialty Insurance Company and United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company. (b) The following affiliated companies are 100% reinsured by one of the pool participants noted in (a) above: Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company, Gulf Underwriters Insurance Company, American Equity Insurance Company, Select Insurance Company, St. Paul Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, The Travelers Lloyds Insurance Company and Travelers Lloyds of Texas Insurance Company. Debt Ratings The following table summarizes the current debt, trust preferred securities and commercial paper ratings of the Company and its subsidiaries as of February 19, 2013. The table also presents the position of each rating in the applicable agency’s rating scale. A.M. Best Moody’s S&P Fitch Senior debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subordinated debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Junior subordinated debt . . . . . . . . . . Trust preferred securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commercial paper a (6th of 22) A2 (6th of 21) a(cid:4) (7th of 22) A3 (7th of 21) A (6th of 22) A(cid:4) (7th of 22) BBB+ (8th of 22) bbb+ (8th of 22) A3 (7th of 21) BBB+ (8th of 22) BBB+ (8th of 22) a(cid:4) (7th of 22) A3 (7th of 21) BBB+ (8th of 22) BBB+ (8th of 22) F-1 (2nd of 8) A-1 (2nd of 10) A (6th of 22) P-1 (1st of 4) AMB-1 (2nd of 6) 27 Rating Agency Actions The following rating agency actions were taken with respect to the Company from February 16, 2012 (the date on which the Company filed its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011), through February 19, 2013: (cid:127) On May 4, 2012, Moody’s affirmed all ratings of the Company. The outlook for all ratings is stable. (cid:127) On May 10, 2012, A.M. Best affirmed all ratings of the Company. The outlook for all ratings is stable. (cid:127) On June 15, 2012, Fitch affirmed all ratings of the Company. The outlook for all ratings is stable. (cid:127) On October 3, 2012, S&P affirmed its ‘‘3(cid:4)’’ Lloyd’s Syndicate assessment on Travelers Syndicate Management—Syndicate 5000, and subsequently withdrew the assessment at the Company’s request. (cid:127) On November 21, 2012, A.M. Best affirmed the financial strength rating of Travelers Insurance Company Limited. The outlook is stable. (cid:127) On December 19, 2012, Fitch affirmed all ratings of the Company. The outlook for all ratings is stable. (cid:127) On January 24, 2013, S&P assigned its ‘‘AA(cid:4)’’ financial strength rating to Travelers Insurance Company of Canada. The outlook is stable. INVESTMENT OPERATIONS The majority of funds available for investment are deployed in a widely diversified portfolio of high quality, liquid taxable U.S. government, tax-exempt U.S. municipal and taxable corporate and U.S. agency mortgage-backed bonds. The Company closely monitors the duration of its fixed maturity investments, and the Company’s investment purchases and sales are executed with the objective of having adequate funds available to satisfy its insurance and debt obligations. Generally, the expected principal and interest payments produced by the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio adequately fund the estimated runoff of the Company’s insurance reserves. The Company’s management of the duration of the fixed maturity investment portfolio, including its use of Treasury futures, has produced a duration that is less than the estimated duration of the Company’s net insurance liabilities. In recent periods, the estimated average effective duration of the Company’s portfolio of fixed maturity and short-term security investments has declined, primarily due to the impact of declining market yields and tightening investment spreads on existing holdings of mortgage-backed securities (both of which impact the assumptions related to optional pre-payments), an increase in pre-refunded municipal bonds and general portfolio management decisions. In 2013, subject to market conditions, the Company plans to increase its short position in U.S. Treasury futures, which it uses to manage the duration of its fixed maturity portfolio. The Company has also recently experienced an increase in the estimated average duration of its net insurance liabilities, primarily reflecting the impact of declining market interest rates and, to a lesser degree, an increase in the proportion of workers’ compensation insurance reserves as a component of total insurance reserves. The substantial amount by which the fair value of the fixed maturity portfolio exceeds the value of the net insurance liabilities, as well as the positive cash flow from newly sold policies and the large amount of high quality liquid bonds, contributes to the Company’s ability to fund claim payments without having to sell illiquid assets or access credit facilities. The Company also invests much smaller amounts in equity securities, real estate, private equity limited partnerships, hedge funds, real estate partnerships, real estate and insurance joint ventures, mortgage loans, venture capital (through direct ownership and limited partnerships) and trading securities. These investment classes have the potential for higher returns but also involve varying degrees of risk, including less stable rates of return and less liquidity. See note 3 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the Company’s investment portfolio. 28 REGULATION U.S. State and Federal Regulation TRV’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulation in the various states and jurisdictions in which they transact business. The extent of regulation varies, but generally derives from statutes that delegate regulatory, supervisory and administrative authority to a department of insurance in each state. The regulation, supervision and administration relate, among other things, to standards of solvency that must be met and maintained, the licensing of insurers and their agents, the nature of and limitations on investments, premium rates, restrictions on the size of risks that may be insured under a single policy, reserves and provisions for unearned premiums, losses and other obligations, deposits of securities for the benefit of policyholders, approval of policy forms and the regulation of market conduct, including the use of credit information in underwriting as well as other underwriting and claims practices. In addition, many states have enacted variations of competitive ratemaking laws, which allow insurers to set certain premium rates for certain classes of insurance without having to obtain the prior approval of the state insurance department. State insurance departments also conduct periodic examinations of the financial condition and market conduct of insurance companies and require the filing of financial and other reports on a quarterly and annual basis. State insurance regulation continues to evolve in response to the changing economic and business environment as well as efforts by regulators internationally to develop a consistent approach to regulations. These changes are evidenced by the recent changes that the states have made to provide greater emphasis on understanding an insurer’s corporate governance and control environment, including enterprise risk management (ERM), in conducting financial examinations. Additional requirements are also expected. For example, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is considering an Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA) requirement, which if adopted by states would require insurers to perform an ORSA and, upon request, file an ORSA report that describes for the regulators the ERM process used by an insurer. See ‘‘Enterprise Risk Management’’ herein for further discussion of the Company’s ERM. TRV’s insurance subsidiaries are collectively licensed to transact insurance business in all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Although the U.S. federal government historically has not regulated the insurance business, in 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Dodd-Frank Act) established a Federal Insurance Office within the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Federal Insurance Office has limited regulatory authority and is empowered to gather data and information regarding the insurance industry and insurers, including conducting a study for submission to the U.S. Congress on how to modernize and improve insurance regulation in the U.S. Further, the Dodd-Frank Act gives the Federal Reserve supervisory authority over a number of nonbank financial services holding companies, including insurance companies, if they are designated by a two-thirds vote by the newly created Financial Stability Oversight Council (the FSOC) as ‘‘systemically important financial institutions’’ (SIFI). The FSOC, chaired by the Secretary of the Treasury, is a group of federal and state financial regulators and includes an independent insurance expert. Based on rules and interpretive guidance adopted by the FSOC, the Company does not expect that it will be designated as a SIFI. Consistent with that expectation, the Company has not received a notice from the FSOC that it will be reviewed for systemic risk designation. Nonetheless, it is possible that the FSOC may change its rules or guidance in the future, or exercise the discretion granted to the Council by the Dodd-Frank Act, and conclude that the Company is a SIFI. If the Company were designated as a SIFI, the Federal Reserve’s supervisory authority could include the ability to impose heightened financial regulation and could impact requirements regarding the Company’s capital, liquidity and leverage as well as its business and investment conduct. As a result of the foregoing, the Dodd-Frank Act, or other additional state and federal regulation that may be adopted in the future, could impose significant burdens on the Company, including impacting the ways in which the Company conducts its business, increasing capital requirements or compliance costs and duplicating state regulation, and could result in a competitive 29 disadvantage, particularly relative to other insurers that may not be subject to the same level of regulation. Insurance Regulation Concerning Dividends from Insurance Subsidiaries. TRV’s principal insurance subsidiaries are domiciled in the state of Connecticut. The Connecticut insurance holding company laws require notice to, and approval by, the state insurance commissioner for the declaration or payment of any dividend from an insurance subsidiary that, together with other distributions made within the preceding twelve months, exceeds the greater of 10% of the insurance subsidiary’s policyholders’ surplus as of the preceding December 31, or the insurance subsidiary’s net income for the twelve- month period ending the preceding December 31, in each case determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices and by state regulation. This declaration or payment is further limited by adjusted unassigned surplus, as determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices. The insurance holding company laws of other states in which TRV’s insurance subsidiaries are domiciled generally contain similar, although in some instances somewhat more restrictive, limitations on the payment of dividends. Rate and Rule Approvals. TRV’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to each state’s laws and regulations regarding rate and rule approvals. The applicable laws and regulations are used by states to establish standards to ensure that rates are not excessive, inadequate, unfairly discriminatory or used to engage in unfair price competition. An insurer’s ability to increase rates and the relative timing of the process are dependent upon each respective state’s requirements. Requirements for Exiting Geographic Markets and/or Canceling or Nonrenewing Policies. Several states have laws and regulations which may impact the timing and/or the ability of an insurer to either discontinue or substantially reduce its writings in that state. These laws and regulations typically require prior notice, and in some instances insurance department approval, prior to discontinuing a line of business or withdrawing from that state, and they allow insurers to cancel or non-renew certain policies only for certain specified reasons. Assessments for Guaranty Funds and Second-Injury Funds and Other Mandatory Pooling and Reinsurance Arrangements. Virtually all states require insurers licensed to do business in their state, including TRV’s insurance subsidiaries, to bear a portion of the loss suffered by some claimants because of the insolvency of other insurers. Many states also have laws that establish second-injury funds to provide compensation to injured employees for aggravation of a prior condition or injury. TRV’s insurance subsidiaries are also required to participate in various involuntary assigned risk pools, principally involving workers’ compensation, automobile insurance, property windpools in states prone to property damage from hurricanes, and FAIR plans, which provide various insurance coverages to individuals or other entities that otherwise are unable to purchase that coverage in the voluntary market. Assessments may include any charge mandated by statute or regulatory authority that is related directly or indirectly to underwriting activities. Examples of such mechanisms include, but are not limited to, the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, Florida Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, National Workers’ Compensation Reinsurance Pool, North Carolina Beach Plan, Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, and the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. Amounts payable or paid as a result of arrangements that are in substance reinsurance, including certain involuntary pools where insurers are required to assume premiums and losses from those pools, are accounted for as reinsurance (e.g., National Workers’ Compensation Reinsurance Pool, North Carolina Beach Plan). Amounts related to assessments from arrangements that are not reinsurance are reported as a component of ‘‘General and Administrative Expenses.’’ For additional information concerning assessments for guaranty funds and second-injury funds and other mandatory pooling and reinsurance agreements including state-funding mechanisms, see ‘‘Item 1A—Risk Factors.’’ 30 Insurance Regulatory Information System. The NAIC developed the Insurance Regulatory Information System (IRIS) to help state regulators identify companies that may require special attention. Financial examiners review annual statements and key financial ratios based on year-end data. These ratios assist state insurance departments in executing their statutory mandate to oversee the financial condition of insurance companies. Each ratio has an established ‘‘usual range’’ of results. A ratio result falling outside the usual range of IRIS ratios, however, is not considered a failing result; rather, unusual values are viewed as part of the regulatory early monitoring system. Furthermore, in some years, it may not be unusual for financially sound companies to have several ratios with results outside the usual ranges. Generally, an insurance company will become subject to regulatory scrutiny if it falls outside the usual ranges of four or more of the ratios. Based on preliminary 2012 IRIS ratios calculated by the Company for its lead insurance subsidiaries, The Travelers Indemnity Company and St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company had results outside the normal range for one IRIS ratio due to the size of their investments in certain non-fixed maturity securities. In 2011, The Travelers Indemnity Company and St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company had results outside the normal range for one IRIS ratio due to the size of their investments in certain non-fixed maturity securities. Travelers Casualty and Surety Company and The Standard Fire Insurance Company had results outside the normal range for two IRIS ratios due to the amount of dividends paid to their respective parent. Additionally, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company had results outside the normal range for one IRIS ratio due to the amount of dividends received from its subsidiaries. Management does not anticipate regulatory action as a result of the 2012 IRIS ratio results for the lead insurance subsidiaries or their insurance subsidiaries. In all instances in prior years, regulators have been satisfied upon follow-up that no regulatory action was required. Risk-Based Capital (RBC) Requirements. The NAIC has an RBC requirement for most property and casualty insurance companies. The RBC requirement determines minimum capital requirements and is intended to raise the level of protection for policyholder obligations. Under laws adopted by individual states, insurers having total adjusted capital less than that required by the RBC calculation will be subject to varying degrees of regulatory action, depending on the level of capital inadequacy. The formulas have not been designed to differentiate among adequately capitalized companies that operate with levels of capital above the RBC requirement. Therefore, it is inappropriate and ineffective to use the formulas to rate or to rank these companies. At December 31, 2012, all of TRV’s insurance subsidiaries had total adjusted capital in excess of the RBC requirement. Investment Regulation. Insurance company investments must comply with applicable laws and regulations which prescribe the kind, quality and concentration of investments. In general, these laws and regulations permit investments in federal, state and municipal obligations, corporate bonds, preferred and common equity securities, mortgage loans, real estate and certain other investments, subject to specified limits and certain other qualifications. At December 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with these laws and regulations. International Regulation TRV’s insurance underwriting subsidiaries based in the United Kingdom, Travelers Insurance Company Limited and Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of Europe Limited, are regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). The FSA’s principal objectives are to maintain market confidence, promote public understanding of the financial system, protect consumers, and fight financial crime. TRV’s managing agency (Travelers Syndicate Management Ltd.) of its Lloyd’s syndicate is also regulated by the FSA, which has delegated certain regulatory responsibilities to the Council of Lloyd’s. During 2013, the role of the FSA as insurance regulator will be replaced by two successor bodies, The 31 Prudential Regulation Authority (‘‘PRA’’), as prudential regulator, and The Financial Conduct Authority (‘‘FCA’’), as conduct regulator. TRV’s managing agency is licensed to write business in over 75 jurisdictions throughout the world by virtue of Lloyd’s international licenses. In each such jurisdiction, TRV’s managing agency, as part of Lloyd’s, is subject to the laws and insurance regulation of that jurisdiction. In addition, TRV’s managing agency has an underwriting agency in Singapore, the operations of which are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. A TRV subsidiary, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company, has a representative office in China. The representative office is regulated by the China Insurance Regulatory Commission. A TRV subsidiary, TCI Global Services, Inc., has a liaison office in India. Insurance business in India is regulated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority. TRV’s insurance operations in the Republic of Ireland are conducted through an Irish branch of Travelers Insurance Company Limited which is regulated by the Insurance Supervision Departments of the Central Bank of Ireland (as to conduct) and also by the FSA. In Canada, the conduct of TRV’s insurance business is regulated by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions under provisions of the Insurance Companies Act. TRV has an interest in JMalucelli, a joint venture holding company in Brazil. JMalucelli’s subsidiaries operate in the insurance and reinsurance business in Brazil and are regulated by the Superintendencia de Seguros Privados. Regulators require insurance companies to maintain certain levels of capital depending on the type and amount of insurance policies in force. Solvency II. The European Union’s executive body, the European Commission, is implementing new capital adequacy and risk management regulations called Solvency II that would apply to the Company’s businesses across the European Union. Solvency II is currently required to be implemented on January 1, 2014; however, the effective implementation date may be delayed. Under Solvency II, it is possible that the U.S. parent of a European Union subsidiary could be subject to certain Solvency II requirements if the regulator determines that the subsidiary’s capital position is dependent on the parent company and the U.S. company is not already subject to regulations deemed ‘‘equivalent’’ to Solvency II. In addition, regulators in countries where the Company has operations are working with the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (and with the NAIC in the U.S.) to consider changes to insurance company supervision, including group supervision. While it is not certain how or if these actions will impact the Company, it is currently not expected that the capital management strategies for the Company’s U.S. or European Union operations will be materially impacted. International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) Guidance for Determining Global Systemically Important Insurers. The IAIS is working with the Financial Stability Board (FSB) created by the G-20 and is developing a methodology for determining whether and which, if any, insurance companies pose a systemic risk to the global economy. Such insurers would be designated ‘‘global systemically important insurers’’ (G-SIIs) and would likely be subject to higher capital requirements, enhanced supervision or both. The IAIS has released for comment proposed methodology for identifying potential G-SIIs but has not yet decided upon the criteria for or the consequences of such designation. Upon finalizing the assessment methodology and determining the consequences of a G-SII designation, the FSB along with national authorities expect to publish the list of G-SIIs in April 2013. See ‘‘Part I—Item 1A—Risk Factors—New regulations outside of the U.S., including in the European Union, could adversely impact our results of operations and limit our growth.’’ Insurance Holding Company Statutes As a holding company, TRV is not regulated as an insurance company. However, since TRV owns capital stock in insurance subsidiaries, it is subject to state insurance holding company statutes, as well as certain other laws, of each of its insurance subsidiaries’ states of domicile. All holding company statutes, as well as other laws, require disclosure and, in some instances, prior approval of material 32 transactions between an insurance company and an affiliate. The holding company statutes and other laws also require, among other things, prior approval of an acquisition of control of a domestic insurer, some transactions between affiliates and the payment of extraordinary dividends or distributions. Insurance Regulations Concerning Change of Control. Many state insurance regulatory laws contain provisions that require advance approval by state agencies of any change in control of an insurance company that is domiciled, or, in some cases, having substantial business that it is deemed to be commercially domiciled, in that state. The laws of many states also contain provisions requiring pre-notification to state agencies prior to any change in control of a non-domestic insurance company admitted to transact business in that state. While these pre-notification statutes do not authorize the state agency to disapprove the change of control, they do authorize issuance of cease and desist orders with respect to the non-domestic insurer if it is determined that some conditions, such as undue market concentration, would result from the acquisition. Any transactions that would constitute a change in control of any of TRV’s insurance subsidiaries would generally require prior approval by the insurance departments of the states in which the insurance subsidiaries are domiciled or commercially domiciled. They may also require pre-acquisition notification in those states that have adopted pre-acquisition notification provisions and in which such insurance subsidiaries are admitted to transact business. Two of TRV’s insurance subsidiaries and its operations at Lloyd’s are domiciled in the United Kingdom. Insurers in the United Kingdom are subject to change of control restrictions in the Financial Services and Markets Act of 2000 including approval of the FSA, or the successor regulatory authority, the PRA (as described above). Some of TRV’s other insurance subsidiaries are domiciled in, or authorized to conduct insurance business in, Canada. Authorized insurers in Canada are subject to change of control restrictions in Section 407 of the Insurance Companies Act, including approval of the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions. These requirements may deter, delay or prevent transactions affecting the control of or the ownership of common stock, including transactions that could be advantageous to TRV’s shareholders. ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT As a large property and casualty insurance enterprise, the Company is exposed to many risks. These risks are a function of the environments within which the Company operates. Since certain risks can be correlated with other risks, an event or a series of events can impact multiple areas of the Company simultaneously and have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position and/or liquidity. These exposures require an entity-wide view of risk and an understanding of the potential impact on all aspects of the Company’s operations. It also requires the Company to manage its risk-taking to be within its risk appetite in a prudent and balanced effort to create and preserve value for all of the Company’s stakeholders. This approach to Company-wide risk evaluation and management is commonly called Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). ERM activities involve both the identification and assessment of a broad range of risks and the execution of synchronized strategies to effectively manage such risks. Effective ERM also includes the determination of the Company’s risk capital needs, which takes into account regulatory requirements and credit rating considerations, in addition to economic and other factors. ERM at the Company is an integral part of its business operations. All risk owners across all functions, all corporate leaders and the board of directors are engaged in ERM. ERM involves risk-based analytics, as well as reporting and feedback throughout the enterprise in support of the Company’s long-term financial strategies and objectives. 33 The Company uses various methods, including proprietary and third-party computer modeling processes, to continually monitor and analyze catastrophic events and the risks associated with them. These analyses and methods are used in making underwriting and reinsurance decisions as part of managing the Company’s exposure to catastrophic events. In addition to catastrophe modeling and analysis, the Company also models and analyzes its exposure to other extreme events. The Company also utilizes proprietary and third-party computer modeling processes to evaluate capital adequacy. These analytical techniques are an integral component of the Company’s ERM process and further support the Company’s long-term financial strategies and objectives. In addition to the day-to-day ERM activities within the Company’s business units, other key internal risk management functions include the Management and Operating Committees (comprised of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the other most senior members of management), the Enterprise and Underwriting Risk Committees of management, the Credit Committee, the Chief Compliance Officer, the Business Conduct Officer, the Corporate Actuarial group, the Corporate Audit group, the Accounting Policy group, the Enterprise Underwriting group and many others. A senior executive oversees the ERM process. The mission of this executive is to facilitate risk assessment and to collaborate in implementing effective risk management strategies throughout the Company. Another strategic ERM objective of this executive includes working across the Company to enhance effective and realistic risk modeling capabilities as part of the Company’s overall effort to understand and manage its portfolio of risks to be within its risk appetite. Board oversight of ERM is provided by the Risk Committee of the board of directors, which reviews the strategies, processes and controls pertaining to the Company’s insurance operations and oversees the implementation, execution and performance of the Company’s ERM program. The Company’s ERM efforts build upon the foundation of an effective internal control environment. ERM expands the internal control objectives of effective and efficient operations, reliable financial reporting and compliance with applicable laws and regulations, to fostering, leading and supporting an integrated, risk-based culture within the Company that focuses on value creation and preservation. However, the Company can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that these objectives will be met. Further, the design of any risk management or control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits must be considered relative to their costs. As a result, the possibility of material financial loss remains in spite of the Company’s significant ERM efforts. An investor should carefully consider the risks and all of the other information set forth in this annual report, including the discussions included in ‘‘Item 1A—Risk Factors,’’ ‘‘Item 7A—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,’’ and ‘‘Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.’’ OTHER INFORMATION Customer Concentration In the opinion of the Company’s management, no material part of the business of the Company and its subsidiaries is dependent upon a single customer or group of customers, the loss of any one of which would have a material adverse effect on the Company, and no one customer or group of affiliated customers accounts for 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated revenues. Employees At December 31, 2012, the Company had approximately 30,500 employees. The Company believes that its employee relations are satisfactory. None of the Company’s employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements. 34 Sources of Liquidity For a discussion of the Company’s sources of funds and maturities of the long-term debt of the Company, see ‘‘Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources,’’ and note 8 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Taxation For a discussion of tax matters affecting the Company and its operations, see note 12 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Financial Information about Reportable Business Segments For financial information regarding reportable business segments of the Company, see ‘‘Item 7— Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,’’ and note 2 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Recent Transactions For information regarding recent transactions of the Company, see ‘‘Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.’’ Company Website and Availability of SEC Filings The Company’s Internet website is www.travelers.com. Information on the Company’s website is not incorporated by reference herein and is not a part of this Form 10-K. The Company makes available free of charge on its website or provides a link on its website to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as soon as reasonably practicable after those reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. To access these filings, go to the Company’s website, then click on ‘‘SEC Filings’’ under the ‘‘For Investors’’ heading. From time to time, the Company may use its website as a channel of distribution of material company information. Financial and other material information regarding the Company is routinely posted on and accessible at http://investor.travelers.com. In addition, you may subscribe to receive e-mail alerts and other information about the Company by providing your e-mail address in the ‘‘E-mail Alert Service’’ section at http://investor.travelers.com. Glossary of Selected Insurance Terms Accident year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The annual calendar accounting period in which loss events occurred, regardless of when the losses are actually reported, booked or paid. Adjusted unassigned surplus . . . Unassigned surplus as of the most recent statutory annual report reduced by twenty-five percent of that year’s unrealized appreciation in value or revaluation of assets or unrealized profits on investments, as defined in that report. Admitted insurer . . . . . . . . . . . A company licensed to transact insurance business within a state. 35 Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A licensed individual who sells and services insurance policies, receiving a commission from the insurer for selling the business and a fee for servicing it. An independent agent represents multiple insurance companies and searches the market for the best product for its client. Annuity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A contract that pays a periodic benefit over the remaining life of a person (the annuitant), the lives of two or more persons or for a specified period of time. Assigned risk pools . . . . . . . . . . Reinsurance pools which cover risks for those unable to purchase insurance in the voluntary market. Possible reasons for this inability include the risk being too great or the profit being too small under the required insurance rate structure. The costs of the risks associated with these pools are charged back to insurance carriers in proportion to their direct writings. Assumed reinsurance . . . . . . . . Insurance risks acquired from a ceding company. Average value analysis . . . . . . . A conventional actuarial method used to estimate ultimate losses for a given cohort of claims such as an accident year/product line component. If the paid-to-date losses are then subtracted from the estimated ultimate losses, the result is an indication of the unpaid losses. The basic premise of the method is that average claim values are stable and predictable over time for a particular cohort of claims. The method is utilized most often where ultimate claim counts are known or reliably estimable fairly early after the start of an accident year and average values are expected to be fairly predictable from one year to the next. The method comes up with an estimate of ultimate claims counts by accident year cohort, and multiplies it by an estimate of average claim value by accident year cohort, with multiple methods used to estimate these average claim values. Book value per share . . . . . . . . Total common shareholders’ equity divided by the number of common shares outstanding. Bornhuetter-Ferguson method . . A conventional actuarial method to estimate ultimate losses for a given cohort of claims such as an accident year/product line component. If the paid-to-date losses are then subtracted from the estimated ultimate losses, the result is an indication of the outstanding losses. 36 The basic premise of the method is that the historical ratio of additional claim activity to earned premium for a given product line component/age-to-age period is stable and predictable. It implicitly assumes that the actual activity to date for past periods for that cohort is not a credible predictor of future activity for that cohort, or at least is not credible enough to override the ‘‘a priori’’ assumption as to future activity. It may be applied to either paid or case incurred claim data. It is used most often where the claim data is sparse and/or volatile and for relatively young cohorts with low volumes and/or data credibility. To illustrate, the method may assume that the ratio of additional paid losses from the 12 to 24 month period for an accident year is 10% of the original ‘‘a priori’’ expected losses for that accident year. The original ‘‘a priori’’ expected losses are typically based on the original loss ratio assumption for that accident year, with subsequent adjustment as facts develop. The ultimate losses equal actual activity to date plus the expected values for future periods. Broker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . One who negotiates contracts of insurance or reinsurance on behalf of an insured party, receiving a commission from the insurer or reinsurer for placement and other services rendered. Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The percentage of surplus, or the dollar amount of exposure, that an insurer or reinsurer is willing or able to place at risk. Capacity may apply to a single risk, a program, a line of business or an entire book of business. Capacity may be constrained by legal restrictions, corporate restrictions or indirect restrictions. Captive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A closely-held insurance company whose primary purpose is to provide insurance coverage to the company’s owners or their affiliates. Case-incurred development method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A conventional actuarial method to estimate ultimate losses for a given cohort of claims such as an accident year/product line component. If the paid-to-date losses are then subtracted from the estimated ultimate losses, the result is an indication of the unpaid losses. The approach is the same as that described in this glossary under the ‘‘paid loss development method,’’ but based on the growth in cumulative case-incurred losses (i.e., the sum of claim-adjustor incurred estimates for claims in the cohort) rather than paid losses. The basic premise of the method is that cumulative case incurred losses for a given cohort of claims will grow in a stable, predictable pattern from year-to-year, based on the age of the cohort. Case reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Claim department estimates of anticipated future payments to be made on each specific individual reported claim. 37 Casualty insurance . . . . . . . . . . Insurance which is primarily concerned with the losses caused by injuries to third persons, i.e., not the insured, and the legal liability imposed on the insured resulting therefrom. It includes, but is not limited to, employers’ liability, workers’ compensation, public liability, automobile liability, personal liability and aviation liability insurance. It excludes certain types of losses that by law or custom are considered as being exclusively within the scope of other types of insurance, such as fire or marine. Catastrophe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A severe loss, resulting from a variety of events, including, among others, hurricanes, tornadoes and other windstorms, earthquakes, hail, wildfires, severe winter weather, floods, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions. Catastrophes can also result from a terrorist attack (including those involving nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological events), explosions, infrastructure failures or as a consequence of political instability. Each catastrophe has unique characteristics and catastrophes are not predictable as to timing or amount. Their effects are included in net and operating income and claims and claim adjustment expense reserves upon occurrence. A catastrophe may result in the payment of reinsurance reinstatement premiums and assessments from various pools. Catastrophe loss . . . . . . . . . . . . Loss and directly identified loss adjustment expenses from catastrophes, and related reinsurance reinstatement premiums. Catastrophe reinsurance . . . . . . A form of excess-of-loss reinsurance which, subject to a specified limit, indemnifies the ceding company for the amount of loss in excess of a specified retention with respect to an accumulation of losses resulting from a catastrophic event. The actual reinsurance document is called a ‘‘catastrophe cover.’’ These reinsurance contracts are typically designed to cover property insurance losses but can be written to cover casualty insurance losses such as from workers’ compensation policies. Cede; ceding company . . . . . . . When an insurer reinsures its liability with another insurer or a ‘‘cession,’’ it ‘‘cedes’’ business and is referred to as the ‘‘ceding company.’’ Ceded reinsurance . . . . . . . . . . Insurance risks transferred to another company as reinsurance. See ‘‘Reinsurance.’’ Claim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Request by an insured for indemnification by an insurance company for loss incurred from an insured peril. Claim adjustment expenses . . . . See ‘‘Loss adjustment expenses (LAE).’’ Claims and claim adjustment expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See ‘‘Loss’’ and ‘‘Loss adjustment expenses (LAE).’’ Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves . . . . . . . . . . See ‘‘Loss reserves.’’ Cohort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A group of items or individuals that share a particular statistical or demographic characteristic. For example, all claims for a given product in a given market for a given accident year would represent a cohort of claims. 38 Commercial multi-peril policies . Refers to policies which cover both property and third-party liability exposures. Commutation agreement . . . . . . An agreement between a reinsurer and a ceding company whereby the reinsurer pays an agreed-upon amount in exchange for a complete discharge of all obligations, including future obligations, between the parties for reinsurance losses incurred. Debt-to-total capital ratio . . . . . The ratio of debt to total capitalization. Debt-to-total capital ratio excluding net unrealized gain (loss) on investments . . . . . . . The ratio of debt to total capitalization excluding the after-tax impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses. Deductible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The amount of loss that an insured retains. Deferred acquisition costs . . . . . Primarily commissions and premium-related taxes that vary with, and are primarily related to, the production of new contracts and are deferred and amortized to achieve a matching of revenues and expenses when reported in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Deficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . With regard to reserves for a given liability, a deficiency exists when Demand surge . . . . . . . . . . . . . it is estimated or determined that the reserves are insufficient to pay the ultimate settlement value of the related liabilities. Where the deficiency is the result of an estimate, the estimated amount of deficiency (or even the finding of whether or not a deficiency exists) may change as new information becomes available. Significant short-term increases in building material and labor costs due to a sharp increase in demand for those materials and services, commonly as a result of a large catastrophe resulting in significant widespread property damage. Direct written premiums . . . . . . The amounts charged by an insurer to insureds in exchange for coverages provided in accordance with the terms of an insurance contract. The amounts exclude the impact of all reinsurance premiums, either assumed or ceded. Earned premiums or premiums earned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . That portion of property casualty premiums written that applies to the expired portion of the policy term. Earned premiums are recognized as revenues under both Statutory Accounting Practices (SAP) and GAAP. Excess liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additional casualty coverage above a layer of insurance exposures. Excess-of-loss reinsurance . . . . . Reinsurance that indemnifies the reinsured against all or a specified portion of losses over a specified dollar amount or ‘‘retention.’’ Expense ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See ‘‘Underwriting expense ratio.’’ Exposure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The measure of risk used in the pricing of an insurance product. The change in exposure is the amount of change in premium on policies that renew attributable to the change in portfolio risk. 39 Facultative reinsurance . . . . . . . The reinsurance of all or a portion of the insurance provided by a single policy. Each policy reinsured is separately negotiated. Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan . . A residual market mechanism which provides property insurance to those unable to obtain such insurance through the regular (voluntary) market. FAIR plans are set up on a state-by-state basis to cover only those risks in that state. For more information, see ‘‘residual market (involuntary business).’’ Fidelity and surety programs . . . Fidelity insurance coverage protects an insured for loss due to embezzlement or misappropriation of funds by an employee. Surety is a three-party agreement in which the insurer agrees to pay a third party or make complete an obligation in response to the default, acts or omissions of an insured. GAAP combined ratio . . . . . . . The sum of the loss and LAE ratio and the underwriting expense ratio. A combined ratio under 100% generally indicates an underwriting profit. A combined ratio over 100% generally indicates an underwriting loss. GAAP combined ratio excluding incremental impact of direct to consumer initiative . . . . . . The GAAP combined ratio adjusted to exclude the direct, variable impact of the Company’s direct-to-consumer initiative in the Personal Insurance segment. Gross written premiums . . . . . . The direct and assumed contractually determined amounts charged to the policyholders for the effective period of the contract based on the terms and conditions of the insurance contract. Ground-up analysis . . . . . . . . . . A method to estimate ultimate claim costs for a given cohort of claims such as an accident year/product line component. It involves analyzing the exposure and claim activity at an individual insured level and then through the use of deterministic or stochastic scenarios and/or simulations, estimating the ultimate losses for those insureds. The total losses for the cohort are then the sum of the losses for each individual insured. In practice, the method is sometimes simplified by performing the individual insured analysis only for the larger insureds, with the costs for the smaller insureds estimated via sampling approaches (extrapolated to the rest of the smaller insured population) or aggregate approaches (using assumptions consistent with the ground-up larger insured analysis). Guaranteed cost products . . . . . An insurance policy where the premiums charged will not be adjusted for actual loss experience during the covered period. Guaranty fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . A state-regulated mechanism that is financed by assessing insurers doing business in those states. Should insolvencies occur, these funds are available to meet some or all of the insolvent insurer’s obligations to policyholders. Holding company liquidity . . . . . Total cash, short-term invested assets and other readily marketable securities held by the holding company. 40 Incurred but not reported (IBNR) reserves . . . . . . . . . . Reserves for estimated losses and LAE that have been incurred but not yet reported to the insurer. This includes amounts for unreported claims, development on known cases, and re-opened claims. Inland marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A broad type of insurance generally covering articles that may be transported from one place to another, as well as bridges, tunnels and other instrumentalities of transportation. It includes goods in transit, generally other than transoceanic, and may include policies for movable objects such as personal effects, personal property, jewelry, furs, fine art and others. IRIS ratios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial ratios calculated by the NAIC to assist state insurance departments in monitoring the financial condition of insurance companies. Large deductible policy . . . . . . . An insurance policy where the customer assumes at least $25,000 or more of each loss. Typically, the insurer is responsible for paying the entire loss under those policies and then seeks reimbursement from the insured for the deductible amount. Lloyd’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . An insurance marketplace based in London, England, where brokers, representing clients with insurable risks, deal with Lloyd’s underwriters, who represent investors. The investors are grouped together into syndicates that provide capital to insure the risks. Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . An occurrence that is the basis for submission and/or payment of a claim. Losses may be covered, limited or excluded from coverage, depending on the terms of the policy. Loss adjustment expenses (LAE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The expenses of settling claims, including legal and other fees and the portion of general expenses allocated to claim settlement costs. Loss and LAE ratio . . . . . . . . . For SAP, it is the ratio of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses to net earned premiums. For GAAP, it is the ratio of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses reduced by an allocation of fee income to net earned premiums. Loss reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liabilities established by insurers and reinsurers to reflect the estimated cost of claims incurred that the insurer or reinsurer will ultimately be required to pay in respect of insurance or reinsurance it has written. Reserves are established for losses and for LAE, and consist of case reserves and IBNR reserves. As the term is used in this document, ‘‘loss reserves’’ is meant to include reserves for both losses and LAE. Loss reserve development . . . . . The increase or decrease in incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses as a result of the re-estimation of claims and claim adjustment expense reserves at successive valuation dates for a given group of claims. Loss reserve development may be related to prior year or current year development. 41 Losses incurred . . . . . . . . . . . . The total losses sustained by an insurance company under a policy or policies, whether paid or unpaid. Incurred losses include a provision for IBNR. National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . An organization of the insurance commissioners or directors of all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories organized to promote consistency of regulatory practice and statutory accounting standards throughout the United States. Net written premiums . . . . . . . . Direct written premiums plus assumed reinsurance premiums less premiums ceded to reinsurers. New business volume . . . . . . . . The amount of written premium related to new policyholders and additional products sold to existing policyholders. Operating income (loss) . . . . . . Net income (loss) excluding the after-tax impact of net realized investment gains (losses), discontinued operations and cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles when applicable. Operating income (loss) per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating income (loss) on a per share basis. Operating return on equity . . . . The ratio of operating income to average equity excluding net unrealized investment gains and losses and discontinued operations, net of tax. Paid development method . . . . . A conventional actuarial method to estimate ultimate losses for a given cohort of claims such as an accident year/product line component. If the paid-to-date losses are then subtracted from the estimated ultimate losses, the result is an indication of the unpaid losses. The basic premise of the method is that cumulative paid losses for a given cohort of claims will grow in a stable, predictable pattern from year-to-year, based on the age of the cohort. These age-to-age growth factors are sometimes called ‘‘link ratios.’’ For example, if cumulative paid losses for a product line XYZ for accident year 2004 were $100 as of December 31, 2004 (12 months after the start of that accident year), then grew to $120 as of December 31, 2005 (24 months after the start), the link ratio for that accident year from 12 to 24 months would be 1.20. If the link ratio for other recent accident years from 12 to 24 months for that product line were also at or around 1.20, then the method would assume a similar result for the most recent accident year, i.e., that it too would have its cumulative paid losses grow 120% from the 12 month to 24 month valuation. This is repeated for each age-to-age period into the future until the age-to-age link ratios for future periods are assumed to be 1.0 (i.e., the age at which cumulative losses are assumed to have stopped growing). 42 A given accident year’s cumulative losses are then projected to ultimate by multiplying current cumulative losses by successive age-to-age link ratios up to that future age where growth is expected to end. For example, if growth is expected to end at 60 months, then the ultimate indication for an accident year with cumulative losses at 12 months equals those losses times a 12 to 24 month link ratio, times a 24 to 36 month link ratio, times a 36 to 48 month link ratio, times a 48 to 60 month link ratio. Advanced applications of the method include adjustments for changing conditions during the historical period and anticipated changes in the future. Policyholders’ surplus . . . . . . . . As determined under SAP, the amount remaining after all liabilities, including loss reserves, are subtracted from all admitted assets. Admitted assets are assets of an insurer prescribed or permitted by a state to be recognized on the statutory balance sheet. Policyholders’ surplus is also referred to as ‘‘surplus’’ or ‘‘statutory surplus’’ for statutory accounting purposes. Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . An organization of insurers or reinsurers through which particular types of risks are underwritten with premiums, losses and expenses being shared in agreed-upon percentages. Premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The amount charged during the year on policies and contracts issued, renewed or reinsured by an insurance company. Property insurance . . . . . . . . . . Insurance that provides coverage to a person or business with an insurable interest in tangible property for that person’s or business’s property loss, damage or loss of use. Quota share reinsurance . . . . . . Reinsurance wherein the insurer cedes an agreed-upon fixed percentage of liabilities, premiums and losses for each policy covered on a pro rata basis. Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amounts charged per unit of insurance. Redundancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . With regard to reserves for a given liability, a redundancy exists when it is estimated or determined that the reserves are greater than what will be needed to pay the ultimate settlement value of the related liabilities. Where the redundancy is the result of an estimate, the estimated amount of redundancy (or even the finding of whether or not a redundancy exists) may change as new information becomes available. Reinstatement premiums . . . . . . Additional premiums payable to reinsurers to restore coverage limits that have been exhausted as a result of reinsured losses under certain excess-of-loss reinsurance treaties. Reinsurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The practice whereby one insurer, called the reinsurer, in consideration of a premium paid to that insurer, agrees to indemnify another insurer, called the ceding company, for part or all of the liability of the ceding company under one or more policies or contracts of insurance which it has issued. Reinsurance agreement . . . . . . . A contract specifying the terms of a reinsurance transaction. 43 Renewal premium change . . . . . The estimated change in average premium on policies that renew, including rate and exposure changes. Such statistics are subject to change based on a number of factors, including changes in actuarial estimates. Renewal rate change . . . . . . . . . The estimated change in average premium on policies that renew, excluding exposure changes. Such statistics are subject to change based on a number of factors, including changes in actuarial estimates. Reported claim development method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A conventional actuarial method to estimate ultimate claim counts Residual market (involuntary business) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . for a given cohort of claims such as an accident year/product line component. If the reported-to-date counts are then subtracted from the estimated ultimate counts, the result is an indication of the IBNR counts. The approach is the same as that described in this glossary under the ‘‘paid loss development method’’, but based on the growth in cumulative claim counts rather than paid losses. The basic premise of the method is that cumulative claim counts for a given cohort of claims will grow in a stable, predictable pattern from year-to-year, based on the age of the cohort. Insurance market which provides coverage for risks for those unable to purchase insurance in the voluntary market. Possible reasons for this inability include the risks being too great or the profit potential too small under the required insurance rate structure. Residual markets are frequently created by state legislation either because of lack of available coverage such as: property coverage in a windstorm prone area or protection of the accident victim as in the case of workers’ compensation. The costs of the residual market are usually charged back to the direct insurance carriers in proportion to the carriers’ voluntary market shares for the type of coverage involved. Retention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The amount of exposure a policyholder company retains on any one risk or group of risks. The term may apply to an insurance policy, where the policyholder is an individual, family or business, or a reinsurance policy, where the policyholder is an insurance company. Retention rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . The percentage of prior period premiums (excluding renewal premium changes), accounts or policies available for renewal in the current period that were renewed. Such statistics are subject to change based on a number of factors, including changes in actuarial estimates. Retrospective premiums . . . . . . Premiums related to retrospectively rated policies. Retrospective rating . . . . . . . . . A plan or method which permits adjustment of the final premium or commission on the basis of actual loss experience, subject to certain minimum and maximum limits. 44 Return on equity . . . . . . . . . . . The ratio of net income (loss) less preferred dividends to average shareholders’ equity. Risk-based capital (RBC) . . . . . A measure adopted by the NAIC and enacted by states for determining the minimum statutory policyholders’ surplus requirements of insurers. Insurers having total adjusted capital less than that required by the RBC calculation will be subject to varying degrees of regulatory action depending on the level of capital inadequacy. Risk retention group . . . . . . . . . An alternative form of insurance in which members of a similar profession or business band together to self insure their risks. Runoff business . . . . . . . . . . . . An operation which has been determined to be nonstrategic; includes non-renewals of in-force policies and a cessation of writing new business, where allowed by law. Salvage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The amount of money an insurer recovers through the sale of property transferred to the insurer as a result of a loss payment. S-curve method . . . . . . . . . . . . A mathematical function which depicts an initial slow change, followed by a rapid change and then ending in a slow change again. This results in an ‘‘S’’ shaped line when depicted graphically. The actuarial application of these curves fit the reported data to date for a particular cohort of claims to an S-curve to project future activity for that cohort. Second-injury fund . . . . . . . . . . The employer of an injured, impaired worker is responsible only for the workers’ compensation benefit for the most recent injury; the second-injury fund would cover the cost of any additional benefits for aggravation of a prior condition. The cost is shared by the insurance industry and self-insureds, funded through assessments to insurance companies and self-insureds based on either premiums or losses. Self-insured retentions . . . . . . . That portion of the risk retained by a person for its own account. Servicing carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . An insurance company that provides, for a fee, various services including policy issuance, claims adjusting and customer service for insureds in a reinsurance pool. Statutory accounting practices (SAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The practices and procedures prescribed or permitted by domiciliary state insurance regulatory authorities in the United States for recording transactions and preparing financial statements. Statutory accounting practices generally reflect a modified going concern basis of accounting. Statutory basis surplus . . . . . . . . The excess of an insurance company’s assets over its liabilities in accordance with the statutory accounting practices required by state laws and regulations. Structured settlements . . . . . . . . Periodic payments to an injured person or survivor for a determined number of years or for life, typically in settlement of a claim under a liability policy, usually funded through the purchase of an annuity. 45 Subrogation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A principle of law incorporated in insurance policies, which enables an insurance company, after paying a claim under a policy, to recover the amount of the loss from another person or entity who is legally liable for it. Third-party liability . . . . . . . . . . A liability owed to a claimant (third party) who is not one of the two parties to the insurance contract. Insured liability claims are referred to as third-party claims. Total capitalization . . . . . . . . . . The sum of total shareholders’ equity and debt. Treaty reinsurance . . . . . . . . . . The reinsurance of a specified type or category of risks defined in a reinsurance agreement (a ‘‘treaty’’) between a primary insurer or other reinsured and a reinsurer. Typically, in treaty reinsurance, the primary insurer or reinsured is obligated to offer and the reinsurer is obligated to accept a specified portion of all that type or category of risks originally written by the primary insurer or reinsured. Umbrella coverage . . . . . . . . . . A form of insurance protection against losses in excess of amounts covered by other liability insurance policies or amounts not covered by the usual liability policies. Unassigned surplus . . . . . . . . . . The undistributed and unappropriated amount of policyholders’ Underlying GAAP combined surplus. ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The sum of the underlying loss and LAE ratio and the underlying underwriting expense ratio. Underlying loss and LAE ratio . The ratio of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, reduced by an allocation of fee income, to net earned premiums, excluding the impact of catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development. Underlying underwriting expense ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . The ratio of underwriting expenses incurred, reduced by an Underlying underwriting margin allocation of fee income and billing and policy fees, to net earned premiums, excluding the impact of catastrophe losses. Net earned premiums and fee income less claims and claim adjustment expenses (excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development) and insurance-related expenses. Underwriter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . An employee of an insurance company who examines, accepts or rejects risks and classifies accepted risks in order to charge an appropriate premium for each accepted risk. The underwriter is expected to select business that will produce an average risk of loss no greater than that anticipated for the class of business. Underwriting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The insurer’s or reinsurer’s process of reviewing applications for insurance coverage, and the decision as to whether to accept all or part of the coverage and determination of the applicable premiums; also refers to the acceptance of that coverage. 46 Underwriting expense ratio . . . . For SAP, it is the ratio of underwriting expenses incurred less other income to net written premiums. For GAAP, it is the ratio of underwriting expenses incurred reduced by an allocation of fee income and billing and policy fees to net earned premiums. Underwriting gain or loss . . . . . Net earned premiums and fee income less claims and claim adjustment expenses and insurance-related expenses. Unearned premium . . . . . . . . . . The portion of premiums written that is allocable to the unexpired portion of the policy term. Voluntary market . . . . . . . . . . . The market in which a person seeking insurance obtains coverage without the assistance of residual market mechanisms. Wholesale broker . . . . . . . . . . . An independent or exclusive agent that represents both admitted and nonadmitted insurers in market areas, which include standard, non-standard, specialty and excess and surplus lines of insurance. The wholesaler does not deal directly with the insurance consumer. The wholesaler deals with the retail agent or broker. Workers’ compensation . . . . . . . A system (established under state and federal laws) under which employers provide insurance for benefit payments to their employees for work-related injuries, deaths and diseases, regardless of fault. Item 1A. RISK FACTORS You should carefully consider the following risks and all of the other information set forth in this report, including our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto. Catastrophe losses could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, our financial position and/or liquidity, and could adversely impact our ratings, our ability to raise capital and the availability and cost of reinsurance. Our property and casualty insurance operations expose us to claims arising out of catastrophes. Catastrophes can be caused by various natural events, including, among others, hurricanes, tornadoes and other windstorms, earthquakes, hail, wildfires, severe winter weather, floods, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions. Catastrophes can also be man-made, such as a terrorist attack (including those involving nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological events), explosions, infrastructure failures or a consequence of political instability. The geographic distribution of our business subjects us to catastrophe exposures in the United States, which include, but are not limited to: hurricanes from Maine through Texas; tornadoes throughout the Central, Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States; earthquakes in California, the New Madrid region and the Pacific Northwest region of North America; wildfires, particularly in the Southwest; and terrorism in major cities in the United States. In addition, our international operations subject us to catastrophe exposures in the United Kingdom, Canada and the Republic of Ireland, as well as to a variety of world-wide catastrophe exposures through our Lloyd’s operations, and in Brazil through our joint venture investment. The incidence and severity of catastrophes are inherently unpredictable, and it is possible that both the frequency and severity of natural and man-made catastrophic events could increase. Moreover, we could experience more than one highly severe catastrophic event in any given period. Some scientists believe that in recent years changing climate conditions have added to the unpredictability and frequency of natural disasters and created additional uncertainty as to future trends and exposures. For example, in recent years hurricane activity has impacted areas further inland than previously experienced, thus expanding our overall hurricane exposure. Additionally, both the frequency and severity of tornadoes and hail storms have increased in recent years. 47 All of the catastrophe modeling tools that we use, or that we rely on from outside parties, to help manage certain of our catastrophe exposures are based on assumptions and judgments that are subject to error and mis-estimation and may produce estimates that are materially different than actual results. In addition, compared to models for hurricanes, models for earthquakes are less reliable due to there being a more limited number of significant historical events to analyze, while models for tornadoes and hail storms are newer and may be even less reliable due to the highly random geographic nature and size of these events. As a result, models for earthquakes and especially for tornado and hail storms may have even greater difficulty predicting risks and estimating losses. Further, changes in climate conditions could cause our underlying modeling data to be less predictive, thus limiting our ability to effectively evaluate and manage catastrophe risk. See ‘‘We may be adversely affected if our pricing and capital models provide materially different indications than actual results’’ below as well as ‘‘Item 7— Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Catastrophe Modeling’’ and ‘‘—Changing Climate Conditions.’’ The extent of losses from a catastrophe is a function of both the total amount of insured exposure in the area affected by the event and the severity of the event. Increases in the value and geographic concentration of insured property and the effects of inflation could increase the severity of claims from catastrophic events in the future. For example, the specific geographic location impacted by tornadoes is inherently random and unpredictable and the specific location impacted by a tornado may or may not be highly populated and may or may not have a high concentration of our insured exposures. States have from time to time passed legislation, and regulators have taken action, that have the effect of limiting the ability of insurers to manage catastrophe risk, such as legislation prohibiting insurers from reducing exposures or withdrawing from catastrophe-prone areas or mandating that insurers participate in residual markets. Participation in residual market mechanisms has resulted in, and may continue to result in, significant losses or assessments to insurers, including us, and, in certain states, those losses or assessments may not be commensurate with our direct catastrophe exposure in those states. If our competitors leave those states having residual market mechanisms, remaining insurers, including us, may be subject to significant increases in losses or assessments following a catastrophe. In addition, following catastrophes, there are sometimes legislative and administrative initiatives and court decisions that seek to expand insurance coverage for catastrophe claims beyond the original intent of the policies or seek to prevent the application of deductibles. Also, our ability to adjust terms, including deductible levels, or to increase pricing to the extent necessary to offset rising costs of catastrophes, particularly in the Personal Insurance segment, requires approval of regulatory authorities of certain states. Our ability or our willingness to manage our catastrophe exposure by raising prices, modifying underwriting terms or reducing exposure to certain geographies may be limited due to considerations of public policy, the evolving political environment, changes in the general economic climate and/or social responsibilities. We also may choose to write business in catastrophe- prone areas that we might not otherwise write for strategic purposes, such as improving our access to other underwriting activities. There are also factors that impact the estimation of ultimate costs for catastrophes. For example, the estimation of claims and claim adjustment expense reserves related to hurricanes can be affected by the inability to access portions of the impacted areas, the complexity of factors contributing to the losses, the legal and regulatory uncertainties and the nature of the information available to establish the claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. Complex factors include, but are not limited to: determining whether damage was caused by flooding versus wind; evaluating general liability and pollution exposures; estimating additional living expenses; the impact of demand surge; infrastructure disruption; fraud; the effect of mold damage; business interruption costs; and reinsurance collectability. In recent years, increased late reporting of weather-related losses by claimants, particularly losses from hail damage, has led to higher costs than we previously expected. The timing of a catastrophe’s occurrence, such as at or near the end of a reporting period, can also affect the information available to us in estimating claims and claim adjustment expense reserves for that reporting period. The 48 estimates related to catastrophes are adjusted as actual claims emerge and additional information becomes available. Exposure to catastrophe losses or actual losses resulting from a catastrophe could adversely affect our financial strength and claims-paying ratings and could impair our ability to raise capital on acceptable terms or at all. Also, as a result of our exposure to catastrophe losses or actual losses following a catastrophe, rating agencies may further increase capital requirements, which may require us to raise capital to maintain our ratings or adversely affect our ratings. A ratings downgrade could hurt our ability to compete effectively or attract new business. In addition, catastrophic events could cause us to exhaust our available reinsurance limits and could adversely impact the cost and availability of reinsurance. Such events can also impact the credit of our reinsurers. For a discussion of our catastrophe reinsurance coverage, see ‘‘Item 1—Business—Reinsurance—Catastrophe Reinsurance.’’ Catastrophic events could also adversely impact the credit of the issuers of securities, such as states or municipalities, in whom we have invested. In addition, coverage in our reinsurance program for terrorism is limited. Although the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program (the Program) provides benefits in the event of certain acts of terrorism, those benefits are subject to a deductible and other limitations. Under this Program, once our losses exceed 20% of our commercial property and casualty insurance premium for the preceding calendar year, the federal government will reimburse us for 85% of our losses attributable to certain acts of terrorism which exceed this deductible up to a total industry program cap of $100 billion. Our estimated deductible under the program is $2.26 billion for 2013. In addition, because the interpretation of this law is untested, there is substantial uncertainty as to how it will be applied to specific circumstances. It is also possible that future legislative action could change the Program. The Program is due to expire at the end of 2014, unless extended. Because of the risks set forth above, catastrophes such as those caused by various natural events or man-made events such as a terrorist attack, including ‘‘unconventional’’ acts of terrorism involving nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological events, could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial position and/or liquidity. Further, while we seek to manage our exposure to man-made catastrophic events involving conventional means, there can be no assurance that we would have sufficient resources to respond to claims arising out of one or more man-made catastrophic events involving nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological means. During or following a period of financial market disruption or economic downturn, our business could be materially and adversely affected. Over the past six years, worldwide financial markets have experienced significant disruptions and, during a portion of this period, the United States and many other economies experienced a prolonged economic downturn, resulting in heightened credit risk, reduced valuation of investments and decreased economic activity. While economic conditions have generally stabilized, there is continued uncertainty regarding the duration and strength of any economic recovery. Even if growth continues, it may be at a slow rate for an extended period of time, and other economic conditions, such as the residential and commercial real estate environment and employment rates, may continue to be weak. In addition, while inflation has recently been limited and that trend may continue, it is possible that steps taken by the federal government to stabilize financial markets and improve economic conditions could lead to an inflationary environment. Furthermore, financial markets may again experience significant and prolonged disruption. Economic uncertainty has been exacerbated in recent years by the increased potential for default by one or more European sovereign debt issuers, the potential partial or complete dissolution of the Eurozone and its common currency and the negative impact of such events on global financial institutions and capital markets generally. Actions or inactions of European governments may impact these actual or perceived risks. In the U.S. during 2011, one rating agency downgraded the U.S.’s 49 long-term debt credit rating from AAA. Future actions or inactions of the United States government, including a failure to increase the government debt limit or a shutdown of the federal government, could increase the actual or perceived risk that the U.S. may not ultimately pay its obligations when due and may disrupt financial markets, including capital markets. Further, general uncertainty regarding the U.S. Federal budget and taxes has added to the uncertainty regarding economic conditions generally. If economic conditions remain weak or deteriorate, or if financial markets experience significant disruption, it could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial position and/or liquidity. Several of the risk factors discussed below identify risks that result from, or are exacerbated by, an economic slowdown or financial disruption. These include risks discussed below related to our investment portfolio, reinsurance arrangements, other credit exposures, our estimates of claims and claim adjustment expense reserves, emerging claim and coverage issues, the competitive environment, regulatory developments and the impact of rating agency actions. You should also refer to ‘‘Item 7— Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation’’, particularly the ‘‘Outlook’’ section. Many of these risks could materialize, and our financial results could be negatively impacted, even after the end of an economic downturn or financial disruption. During or following an economic downturn, lower levels of economic activity could reduce (and historically have reduced) exposure changes at renewal. They also could adversely impact (and historically have adversely impacted) audit premium adjustments, policy endorsements and mid-term cancellations after policies are written, particularly in our business units within Business Insurance, which could adversely impact our written premiums. In addition, because earned premiums lag written premiums, our results can be adversely affected after general economic conditions have improved. An inflationary environment (which may follow government efforts to stabilize the economy) may also, as we discuss below, adversely impact our loss costs and could adversely impact the valuation of our investment portfolio. Finally, as a result of financial market disruption, we may, as discussed below, face increased regulation. If actual claims exceed our claims and claim adjustment expense reserves, or if changes in the estimated level of claims and claim adjustment expense reserves are necessary, our financial results could be materially and adversely affected. Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves do not represent an exact calculation of liability, but instead represent management estimates of what the ultimate settlement and administration of claims will cost, generally utilizing actuarial expertise and projection techniques, at a given accounting date. The process of estimating claims and claim adjustment expense reserves involves a high degree of judgment and is subject to a number of variables. These variables can be affected by both internal and external events, such as: changes in claims handling procedures; adverse changes in loss cost trends, including inflationary pressures on medical costs and auto and home repair costs; economic conditions including general inflation; legal trends and legislative changes; and varying judgments and viewpoints of the individuals involved in the estimation process, among others. The impact of many of these items on ultimate costs for claims and claim adjustment expenses is difficult to estimate. Claims and claim adjustment expense reserve estimation difficulties also differ significantly by product line due to differences in claim complexity, the volume of claims, the potential severity of individual claims, the determination of occurrence date for a claim and reporting lags (the time between the occurrence of the policyholder event and when it is actually reported to the insurer). As discussed above, it is possible that steps taken by the federal government to stabilize the economy could lead to an inflationary environment, which could in turn lead to an increase in our loss costs. The impact of inflation on loss costs could be more pronounced for those lines of business that are considered ‘‘long tail’’, such as general liability, as they require a relatively long period of time to finalize and settle claims for a given accident year. In addition, inflationary pressures in medical costs 50 may be increased by the healthcare reform legislation. The estimation of claims and claim adjustment expense reserves may also be more difficult during times of adverse or uncertain economic conditions due to unexpected changes in behavior of claimants and policyholders, including an increase in fraudulent reporting of exposures and/or losses, reduced maintenance of insured properties or increased frequency of small claims or delays in the reporting of claims. We continually refine our claims and claim adjustment expense reserve estimates in a regular, ongoing process as historical loss experience develops, additional claims are reported and settled and the legal, regulatory and economic environment evolves. Business judgment is applied throughout the process, including the application of various individual experiences and expertise to multiple sets of data and analyses. Different experts may choose different assumptions when faced with material uncertainty, based on their individual backgrounds, professional experiences and areas of focus. Hence, such experts may at times produce estimates materially different from each other. This risk may be exacerbated in the context of an acquisition. Experts providing input to the various estimates and underlying assumptions include actuaries, underwriters, claim personnel and lawyers, as well as other members of management. Therefore, management may have to consider varying individual viewpoints as part of its estimation of claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. We attempt to consider all significant facts and circumstances known at the time claims and claim adjustment expense reserves are established or reviewed. Due to the inherent uncertainty underlying claims and claim adjustment expense reserve estimates, the final resolution of the estimated liability for claims and claim adjustment expenses will likely be higher or lower than the related claims and claim adjustment expense reserves at the reporting date. Therefore, actual paid losses in the future may yield a materially different amount than is currently reserved. Because of the uncertainties set forth above, additional liabilities resulting from one insured event, or an accumulation of insured events, may exceed the current related reserves. In addition, our estimate of claims and claim adjustment expenses may change. These additional liabilities or increases in estimates, or a range of either, cannot now be reasonably estimated and could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and/or our financial position. For a discussion of claims and claim adjustment expense reserves by product line, including examples of common factors that can affect required reserves, see ‘‘Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Estimates—Claims and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves.’’ Our investment portfolio may suffer reduced returns or material realized or unrealized losses. Investment returns are an important part of our overall profitability. Fixed maturity and short-term investments comprised approximately 93% of the carrying value of our investment portfolio as of December 31, 2012. Changes in interest rates caused by inflation or other factors (inclusive of credit spreads) affect the carrying value of our fixed maturity investments and returns on our fixed maturity and short-term investments. A decline in interest rates reduces the returns available on short-term investments and new fixed maturity investments (including those purchased to re-invest maturities from the existing portfolio), thereby negatively impacting our net investment income, while rising interest rates reduce the market value of existing fixed maturity investments. Interest rates in recent periods have been at or near historically low levels, and it is possible that rates may remain at low levels for a prolonged period. The value of our fixed maturity and short-term investments is subject to the risk that certain investments may default or become impaired due to a deterioration in the financial condition of one or more issuers of the securities held in our portfolio, or due to a deterioration in the financial condition of an insurer that guarantees an issuer’s payments of such investments. Such defaults and impairments could reduce our net investment income and result in realized investment losses. During an economic downturn, fixed maturity and short-term investments could be subject to a higher risk of default. 51 Our fixed maturity investment portfolio is invested, in substantial part, in obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions (collectively referred to as the municipal bond portfolio). Notwithstanding the relatively low historical rates of default on many of these obligations and notwithstanding that we typically seek to invest in high-credit-quality securities (including those with structural protections such as being secured by dedicated or pledged sources of revenue), our municipal bond portfolio could be subject to default or impairment. In particular: (cid:127) The prolonged economic downturn that began in 2008, and the limited economic recovery that has followed, has resulted in many states and local governments operating under deficits or projected deficits. The severity and duration of these deficits could have an adverse impact on the collectability and valuation of our municipal bond portfolio. These deficits may be exacerbated by the impact of unfunded pension plan obligations or by declining municipal tax bases and revenues in times of financial stress. (cid:127) Some issuers may be unwilling to increase tax rates, or to reduce spending, to fund interest or principal payments on their municipal bonds, or may be unable to access the municipal bond market to fund such payments. The risk of widespread defaults may increase if some issuers voluntarily choose to default, instead of implementing difficult fiscal measures, and the actual or perceived consequences (such as reduced access to capital markets) are less severe than expected. (cid:127) The risk of widespread defaults may also increase if there are changes in legislation that permit states, municipalities and political subdivisions to file for bankruptcy protection where they were not permitted before. In addition, the collectability and valuation of municipal bonds may be adversely affected if there are judicial interpretations in a bankruptcy or other proceeding that lessen the value of structural protections. For example, debtors may challenge the effectiveness of structural protections thought to be provided by municipal securities backed by a dedicated source of revenue. The collectability and valuation may also be adversely affected if there are judicial interpretations in a bankruptcy or other proceeding that question the payment priority of municipal bonds. Our portfolio has also benefited from tax exemptions and certain other tax laws, including, but not limited to, those governing dividends-received deductions and tax credits (such as foreign tax credits). Changes in these laws could adversely impact the value of our investment portfolio. See ‘‘Changes in U.S. tax laws or in the tax laws of other jurisdictions in which we operate could adversely impact us’’ below. Our investment portfolio includes: residential mortgage-backed securities; collateralized mortgage obligations; pass-through securities and asset-backed securities collateralized by sub-prime mortgages; commercial mortgage-backed securities; and wholly-owned real estate, real estate partnerships and mortgage loans, all of which could be adversely impacted by further declines in real estate valuations and/or financial market disruption. In addition, the potential for protracted disruption and/or suspension of foreclosure practices could also impact the returns on certain of these portfolios. We also invest a portion of our assets in equity securities, private equity limited partnerships, hedge funds, and real estate partnerships. From time to time, we may also invest in other types of non- fixed maturity investments, including commodities. All of these asset classes are subject to greater volatility in their investment returns than fixed maturity investments. General economic conditions, changes in applicable tax laws and many other factors beyond our control can adversely affect the value of our non-fixed maturity investments and the realization of net investment income, and/or result in realized investment losses. As a result of these factors, we may realize reduced returns on these investments, incur losses on sales of these investments and be required to write down the value of these investments, which could reduce our net investment income and result in realized investment losses. 52 Our investment portfolio is also subject to increased valuation uncertainties when investment markets are illiquid. The valuation of investments is more subjective when markets are illiquid, thereby increasing the risk that the estimated fair value (i.e., the carrying amount) of the portion of the investment portfolio that is carried at fair value as reflected in our financial statements is not reflective of prices at which actual transactions could occur. Given that economic and market conditions are highly uncertain, we may, depending on circumstances in the future, make changes to the mix of investments in our investment portfolio. These changes may impact the duration, volatility and risk of our investment portfolio. Because of the risks set forth above, the value of our investment portfolio could decrease, we could experience reduced net investment income and we could experience realized and/or unrealized investment losses, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial position and/or liquidity. Our business could be harmed because of our potential exposure to asbestos and environmental claims and related litigation. With regard to asbestos claims, we have received and continue to receive a significant number of asbestos claims from policyholders (including others seeking coverage under a policy). Factors underlying these claim filings include intensive advertising by lawyers seeking asbestos claimants and the continued focus by plaintiffs on previously peripheral defendants. The focus on these defendants is primarily the result of the number of traditional asbestos defendants who have sought bankruptcy protection in previous years. The bankruptcy of many traditional defendants has prompted plaintiffs to aggressively seek out potential new defendants and has caused increased settlement demands against those policyholders who are not in bankruptcy but who remain in the tort system. Currently, in many jurisdictions, those who allege very serious injury and who can present credible medical evidence of their injuries are receiving priority trial settings in the courts, while those who have not shown any credible disease manifestation are having their hearing dates delayed or placed on an inactive docket. This trend of prioritizing claims involving credible evidence of injuries, along with the focus on previously peripheral defendants, contributes to the claims and claim adjustment expense payments experienced by us. We also continue to be involved in coverage litigation concerning a number of policyholders, some of whom have filed for bankruptcy, who in some instances have asserted that all or a portion of their asbestos-related claims are not subject to aggregate limits on coverage. In these instances, policyholders also may assert that each individual bodily injury claim should be treated as a separate occurrence under the policy. It is difficult to predict whether these policyholders will be successful on both issues. To the extent both issues are resolved in a policyholder’s favor and our other defenses are not successful, our coverage obligations under the policies at issue would be materially increased and bounded only by the applicable per-occurrence limits and the number of asbestos bodily injury claims against the policyholders. Accordingly, although we have seen a moderation in the overall risk associated with these lawsuits, it remains difficult to predict the ultimate cost of these claims. Further, in addition to asbestos claims against policyholders, proceedings have been launched directly against insurers, including us, by individuals challenging insurers’ conduct with respect to the handling of past asbestos claims and by individuals seeking damages arising from alleged asbestos- related bodily injuries. It is possible that the filing of other direct actions against insurers, including us, could be made in the future. It is not possible to predict the outcome of these proceedings, including whether the plaintiffs will be able to sustain these actions against insurers based on novel legal theories of liability. With regard to environmental claims, we have received and continue to receive claims from policyholders who allege that they are liable for injury or damage arising out of their alleged disposition of toxic substances. Mostly, these claims are due to various legislative as well as regulatory 53 efforts aimed at environmental remediation. For instance, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), enacted in 1980 and later modified, enables private parties as well as federal and state governments to take action with respect to releases and threatened releases of hazardous substances. This federal statute permits the recovery of response costs from some liable parties and may require liable parties to undertake their own remedial action. Liability under CERCLA may be joint and several with other responsible parties. The Company has been, and continues to be, involved in litigation involving insurance coverage issues pertaining to environmental claims. The Company believes that some court decisions have interpreted the insurance coverage to be broader than the original intent of the insurers and policyholders. These decisions continue to be inconsistent and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Uncertainties surrounding the final resolution of these asbestos and environmental claims continue, and it is difficult to estimate our ultimate liability for such claims and related litigation. As a result, these reserves are subject to revision as new information becomes available and as claims develop. The continuing uncertainties include, without limitation: (cid:127) the risks and lack of predictability inherent in complex litigation; (cid:127) any impact from the bankruptcy protection sought by various asbestos producers and other asbestos defendants; (cid:127) a further increase in the cost to resolve, and/or the number of, asbestos and environmental claims beyond that which is anticipated; (cid:127) the role of any umbrella or excess policies we have issued; (cid:127) the resolution or adjudication of disputes pertaining to the amount of available coverage for asbestos and environmental claims in a manner inconsistent with our previous assessment of these claims; (cid:127) the number and outcome of direct actions against us; (cid:127) future developments pertaining to our ability to recover reinsurance for asbestos and environmental claims; (cid:127) the unavailability of other insurance sources potentially available to policyholders, whether through exhaustion of policy limits or through the insolvency of other participating insurers; and (cid:127) uncertainties arising from the insolvency or bankruptcy of policyholders and other defendants. It is also not possible to predict changes in the legal, regulatory and legislative environment and their impact on the future development of asbestos and environmental claims. This environment could be affected by changes in applicable legislation and future court and regulatory decisions and interpretations, including the outcome of legal challenges to legislative and/or judicial reforms establishing medical criteria for the pursuit of asbestos claims. It is also difficult to predict the ultimate outcome of complex coverage disputes until settlement negotiations near completion and significant legal questions are resolved or, failing settlement, until the dispute is adjudicated. This is particularly the case with policyholders in bankruptcy where negotiations often involve a large number of claimants and other parties and require court approval to be effective. While the ongoing evaluation of asbestos and environmental claims and associated liabilities considers the inconsistencies of court decisions as to coverage, plaintiffs’ expanded theories of liability and the risks inherent in complex litigation and other uncertainties, it is possible that the outcome of the continued uncertainties regarding these claims could result in liability in future periods that differs from current reserves by an amount that could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. See the ‘‘Asbestos Claims and Litigation’’ and ‘‘Environmental Claims and Litigation’’ sections of ‘‘Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.’’ Also see ‘‘Item 3—Legal Proceedings.’’ 54 We are exposed to, and may face adverse developments involving, mass tort claims such as those In addition to asbestos and relating to exposure to potentially harmful products or substances. environmental claims, we face exposure to other types of mass tort claims, including claims related to exposure to potentially harmful products or substances, including lead paint, silica and welding rod fumes. Establishing claims and claim adjustment expense reserves for mass tort claims is subject to uncertainties because of many factors, including expanded theories of liability, disputes concerning medical causation with respect to certain diseases, geographical concentration of the lawsuits asserting the claims and the potential for a large rise in the total number of claims without underlying epidemiological developments suggesting an increase in disease rates. Moreover, evolving judicial interpretations regarding the application of various tort theories and defenses, including application of various theories of joint and several liabilities, as well as the application of insurance coverage to these claims, make it difficult to estimate our ultimate liability for such claims. Because of the uncertainties set forth above, additional liabilities may arise for amounts in excess of the current related reserves. In addition, our estimate of claims and claim adjustment expenses may change, and such change could be material. These additional liabilities or increases in estimates, or a range of either, cannot now be reasonably estimated and could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. The effects of emerging claim and coverage issues on our business are uncertain. As industry practices and legal, judicial, social and other environmental conditions change, unexpected and unintended issues related to claim and coverage may emerge. These issues may adversely affect our business by either extending coverage beyond our underwriting intent or by increasing the number or size of claims. Examples of emerging claims and coverage issues include, but are not limited to: (cid:127) judicial expansion of policy coverage and the impact of new theories of liability; (cid:127) plaintiffs targeting property and casualty insurers, including us, in purported class action litigation relating to claims-handling and other practices; (cid:127) claims relating to construction defects, which often present complex coverage and damage valuation questions; (cid:127) claims under directors’ & officers’ insurance policies relating to losses from involvement in financial market activities, such as mortgage or financial product origination, distribution, structuring or servicing and foreclosure procedures; failed financial institutions; fraud, including those related to investment management businesses; possible accounting irregularities; and corporate governance issues; (cid:127) the assertion of ‘‘public nuisance’’ or similar theories of liability, pursuant to which plaintiffs seek to recover monies spent to administer public health care programs, abate hazards to public health and safety and/or recover damages purportedly attributable to a ‘‘public nuisance’’; (cid:127) claims relating to molestation by an employee of an insured; (cid:127) medical developments that link health issues to particular causes (for example, cumulative trauma), resulting in liability or workers’ compensation claims; (cid:127) claims relating to unanticipated consequences of current or new technologies; and (cid:127) claims relating to potentially changing climate conditions, including higher frequency and severity of weather-related events. In some instances, these emerging issues may not become apparent for some time after we have issued the affected insurance policies. As a result, the full extent of liability under our insurance policies may not be known for many years after the policies are issued. 55 In addition, the potential passage of new legislation designed to expand the right to sue, to remove limitations on recovery, to deem by statute the existence of a covered occurrence, to extend the statutes of limitations or otherwise to repeal or weaken tort reforms could have an adverse impact on our business. The effects of these and other unforeseen emerging claim and coverage issues are extremely hard to predict and could harm our business and materially and adversely affect our results of operations. The intense competition that we face could harm our ability to maintain or increase our business volumes and our profitability. The property and casualty insurance industry is highly competitive, and we believe that it will remain highly competitive for the foreseeable future. We compete with both domestic and foreign insurers which may offer products at prices and on terms that are not consistent with our economic standards in an effort to maintain or increase their business. The competitive environment in which we operate could also be impacted by current general economic conditions, which could reduce the volume of business available to us as well as to our competitors. In addition, the competitive environment could be impacted by changes in customer preferences, including customer demand for direct distribution channels. See ‘‘Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation—Outlook.’’ In Personal Insurance, the use of comparative rating technologies has impacted, and may continue to impact, our business as well as the industry as a whole. A substantial amount of the Company’s Personal Insurance new business is written after an agent compares quotes using comparative rating technologies, a cost-efficient means of obtaining quotes from multiple companies. Because the use of this technology, whether by agents or directly by customers, facilitates the process of generating multiple quotes, the technology has increased price comparison on new business and, increasingly, on renewal business. It also has resulted in an increase in the level of quote activity and a lower percentage of quotes that result in new business from customers, and these trends may continue or accelerate. If we are not able to operate with a competitive cost structure or accurately estimate and price for claims and claim adjustment expenses, our underwriting margins could be adversely affected over time. Additionally, there is potential for similar technology to be used to access comparative rates for small commercial business. Agents, brokers or other third parties may also create alternate distribution channels for personal or commercial business, such as insurance exchanges, that may adversely impact product differentiation and pricing. Other technological changes may present competitive risks. For example, innovations, such as telematics and other usage-based methods of determining premiums, can impact product design and pricing and may become an increasingly important competitive factor. Other potential technological changes, such as driverless cars, could disrupt the demand for our products from current customers, and we may not be able to respond effectively. In addition, our competitive position could be impacted by our ability to deploy, in a cost effective manner, technology that collects and analyzes a wide variety of data points (so-called ‘‘big data’’ analysis) to make underwriting or other decisions. See also ‘‘Our business success and profitability depend, in part, on effective information technology systems and on continuing to develop and implement improvements in technology’’ below. In recent years, we have undertaken various actions to improve our underwriting margins on many of our insurance products, and competitive dynamics may impact the success of these efforts. These efforts include seeking improved rates, as well as improved terms and conditions, and also include other initiatives, such as reducing operating expenses and acquisition costs. These efforts may not be successful and/or may result in lower retention and new business levels and therefore lower business volumes. In addition, if our underwriting is not effective, efforts to increase rates could also lead to ‘‘adverse selection’’, whereby accounts retained have higher losses, and are less profitable, than accounts lost. For more detail, see ‘‘Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation—Outlook. 56 In particular, in our Agency Automobile line of business, we have undertaken various actions to improve our underwriting margins, which have been negatively impacted by various factors. These factors include (i) changes in customer preferences and demand for direct distribution channels, (ii) utilization of comparative rating technologies by agents, (iii) other technological changes, as described above, and (iv) loss cost increases that have exceeded earned rate increases. If our strategies to increase profitability through the actions described above are not effective, we may need to explore other actions or initiatives to improve our competitive position and profitability in this line of business. Overall, our competitive position in our various businesses is based on many factors, including but not limited to our: (cid:127) ability to profitably price our business, retain existing customers and obtain new business; (cid:127) premiums charged, contract terms and conditions, products and services offered (including the ability to design customized programs); (cid:127) agent, broker and client relationships; (cid:127) ability to keep pace relative to our competitors with changes in technology and information systems; (cid:127) speed of claims payment; (cid:127) ability to provide our products and services in a cost effective manner; (cid:127) perceived overall financial strength and corresponding ratings assigned by independent rating agencies; (cid:127) reputation, experience and qualifications of employees; (cid:127) geographic scope of business; and (cid:127) local presence. We may have difficulty in continuing to compete successfully on any of these bases in the future. If competition limits our ability to retain existing business or write new business at adequate rates, our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. See ‘‘Competition’’ sections of the discussion on business segments in ‘‘Item 1—Business.’’ We may not be able to collect all amounts due to us from reinsurers and reinsurance coverage may not be available to us in the future at commercially reasonable rates or at all. Although the reinsurer is liable to us to the extent of the ceded reinsurance, we remain liable as the direct insurer on all risks reinsured. As a result, ceded reinsurance arrangements do not eliminate our obligation to pay claims. Accordingly, we are subject to credit risk with respect to our ability to recover amounts due from reinsurers. In the past, certain reinsurers have ceased writing business and entered into runoff. Some of our reinsurance claims may be disputed by the reinsurers, and we may ultimately receive partial or no payment. This is a particular risk in the case of claims that relate to insurance policies written many years ago, including those relating to asbestos and environmental claims. In addition, in a number of jurisdictions, particularly the European Union and the United Kingdom, a reinsurer is permitted to transfer a reinsurance arrangement to another reinsurer, which may be less creditworthy, without a counterparty’s consent, provided that the transfer has been approved by the applicable regulatory and/or court authority. Included in reinsurance recoverables are certain amounts related to structured settlements. Structured settlements comprise annuities purchased from various life insurance companies to settle certain personal physical injury claims, of which workers’ compensation claims comprise a significant 57 portion. In cases where we did not receive a release from the claimant, the structured settlement is included in reinsurance recoverables as we retain the contingent liability to the claimant. In the event that the life insurance company fails to make the required annuity payments, we would be required to make such payments if and to the extent not paid by state guaranty associations. Many reinsurance companies and life insurance companies were negatively impacted by the financial markets disruption and the economic downturn over the past several years. A number of these companies, including certain of those with which we conduct business or to which we otherwise have credit exposure, were downgraded by various rating agencies during this time period. For a discussion of our top reinsurance groups by reinsurance recoverable and the top five groups by amount of structured settlements provided, see ‘‘Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Reinsurance Recoverables.’’ The availability and cost of reinsurance are subject to prevailing market conditions, both in terms of price and available capacity. The availability of reinsurance capacity can be impacted by general economic conditions and conditions in the reinsurance market, such as the occurrence of significant reinsured events. The availability and cost of reinsurance could affect our business volume and profitability. Because of the risks set forth above, we may not be able to collect all amounts due to us from reinsurers, and reinsurance coverage may not be available to us in the future at commercially reasonable rates or at all, and/or life insurance companies may fail to make required annuity payments, and thus our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. We are exposed to credit risk in certain of our business operations. In addition to exposure to credit risk related to our investment portfolio and reinsurance recoverables (discussed above), we are exposed to credit risk in several other areas of our business operations, including credit risk relating to policyholders, independent agents and brokers. We are exposed to credit risk in our surety insurance operations, where we guarantee to a third party that our customer will satisfy certain performance obligations (e.g., a construction contract) or certain financial obligations. If a customer of ours defaults, we may suffer losses and not be reimbursed by that customer. In addition, it is customary practice in the surety business for multiple insurers to participate as co-sureties on large surety bonds. Under these arrangements, the co-surety obligations are typically joint and several, in which case we are also exposed to credit risk with respect to our co-sureties. In addition, a portion of our business is written with large deductible insurance policies. Under workers’ compensation insurance contracts with deductible features, we are obligated to pay the claimant the full amount of the claim. We are subsequently reimbursed by the contractholder for the deductible amount, and, as a result, we are exposed to credit risk to the policyholder. Moreover, certain policyholders purchase retrospectively rated workers’ compensation policies (i.e., policies in which premiums are adjusted after the policy period based on the actual loss experience of the policyholder during the policy period). Retrospectively rated policies expose us to additional credit risk to the extent that the adjusted premium is greater than the original premium. Our efforts to mitigate the credit risk that we have to our insureds may not be successful. To reduce such credit risk, we require certain insureds to post collateral for some or all of these obligations, often in the form of pledged securities such as money market funds or letters of credit provided by banks. In cases where we receive pledged securities and the insureds are unable to honor their obligations, we may be exposed to credit risk on the securities pledged and/or the risk that our access to that collateral may be stayed during an insured’s bankruptcy. In cases where we receive letters of credit from banks and the insureds are unable to honor their obligations, we are exposed to the credit risk of the banks that issued the letters of credit. 58 In accordance with industry practice, when policyholders purchase insurance policies from us through independent agents and brokers, the premiums relating to those policies are often paid to the agents and brokers for payment to us. In most jurisdictions, the premiums will be deemed to have been paid to us whether or not they are actually received by us. Consequently, we assume a degree of credit risk associated with amounts due from independent agents and brokers. To a large degree, the credit risk we face is a function of the economy; accordingly, we face a greater risk in an economic downturn. While we attempt to manage the risks discussed above through underwriting and investment guidelines, collateral requirements and other oversight mechanisms, our efforts may not be successful. For example, collateral obtained may subsequently have little or no value. As a result, our exposure to the above credit risks could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. Within the United States, our businesses are heavily regulated by the states in which we conduct business, including licensing and supervision, and changes in regulation may reduce our profitability and limit our growth. These regulatory systems are generally designed to protect the interests of policyholders, and not necessarily the interests of insurers, their shareholders and other investors. For example, to protect policyholders whose insurance company becomes financially insolvent, guaranty funds have been established in all 50 states to pay the covered claims of policyholders in the event of an insolvency of an insurer, subject to applicable state limits. The funding of guaranty funds is provided through assessments levied against remaining insurers in the marketplace. As a result, the insolvency of one or more insurance companies could result in additional assessments levied against us. These regulatory systems also address authorization for lines of business, policyholders’ surplus requirements, limitations on the types and amounts of certain investments, underwriting limitations, transactions with affiliates, dividend limitations, changes in control, premium rates and a variety of other financial and non-financial components of an insurer’s business. In recent years, the state insurance regulatory framework has come under increased scrutiny, and some state legislatures have considered or enacted laws that may alter or increase state authority to regulate insurance companies and insurance holding companies. Further, the NAIC and state insurance regulators continually reexamine existing laws and regulations, specifically focusing on modifications to holding company regulations, interpretations of existing laws and the development of new laws and regulations. In a time of financial uncertainty or a prolonged economic downturn or otherwise, regulators may choose to adopt more restrictive insurance laws and regulations. For example, insurance regulators may choose to restrict the ability of insurance subsidiaries to make payments to their parent companies or reject rate increases due to the economic environment. The state insurance regulators may also increase the statutory capital requirements for our insurance subsidiaries. In addition, state tax laws that specifically impact the insurance industry, such as premium taxes or other taxes, may be enacted or changed by states to raise revenues. State laws or regulations that are adopted or amended may be more restrictive than current laws or regulations and may result in lower revenues and/or higher costs of compliance and thus could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and limit our growth. Changes in federal regulation could impose significant burdens on us and otherwise adversely impact our results. While the U.S. federal government has not historically regulated the insurance business, in 2010 the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Dodd-Frank Act) established a Federal Insurance Office within the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Federal Insurance Office has limited regulatory authority and is empowered to gather data and information regarding the insurance industry and insurers, including conducting a study for submission to the U.S. Congress on how to modernize and improve insurance regulation in the U.S. Further, the Dodd-Frank Act gives the Federal Reserve supervisory authority over a number of nonbank financial services 59 holding companies, including insurance companies, if they are designated by a two-thirds vote of a Financial Stability Oversight Council (the Council) as ‘‘systemically important financial institutions’’ (SIFI). Based on rules and interpretive guidance adopted by the Council, we do not expect that we will be designated as a SIFI. Nonetheless, it is possible that the Council may change its rules or interpretations in the future and conclude that we are a SIFI. If we were designated as ‘‘systemically important,’’ the Federal Reserve’s supervisory authority could include the ability to impose heightened financial regulation and could impact requirements regarding our capital, liquidity and leverage as well as our business and investment conduct. As a result of the foregoing, the Dodd-Frank Act, or other additional federal regulation that is adopted in the future, could impose significant burdens on us, including impacting the ways in which we conduct our business, increasing compliance costs and duplicating state regulation, and could result in a competitive disadvantage, particularly relative to other insurers that may not be subject to the same level of regulation. Even if we are not subject to additional regulation by the federal government, significant financial sector regulatory reform, including the Dodd-Frank Act, could have a significant impact on us. For example, regulatory reform could have an unexpected impact on our rights as a creditor or on our competitive position. In particular, the Dodd-Frank Act authorizes assessments to pay for the resolution of systemically important financial institutions that have become insolvent. We (as a financial company with more than $50 billion in assets) could be assessed, and, although any such assessment is required to be risk weighted (i.e., riskier firms pay more), such costs could be material to us and are not currently estimable. Other potential changes in U.S. federal legislation, regulation and/or administrative policies, including the potential repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act (which exempts insurance from most federal regulation) and potential changes in federal taxation, could also significantly harm the insurance industry, including us. A downgrade in our claims-paying and financial strength ratings could adversely impact our business volumes, adversely impact our ability to access the capital markets and increase our borrowing costs. Claims-paying and financial strength ratings are important to an insurer’s competitive position. Rating agencies periodically review insurers’ ratings and change their ratings criteria; therefore, our current ratings may not be maintained in the future. A downgrade in one or more of our ratings could negatively impact our business volumes because demand for certain of our products may be reduced, particularly because many customers may require that we maintain minimum ratings to enter into or renew business with us. Additionally, we may find it more difficult to access the capital markets and we may incur higher borrowing costs. If significant losses, including, but not limited to, those resulting from one or more major catastrophes, or significant reserve additions or significant investment losses were to cause our capital position to deteriorate significantly, or if one or more rating agencies substantially increase their capital requirements, we may need to raise equity capital in the future (which we may not be able to do at a reasonable cost or at all, especially at a time of financial market disruption) in order to maintain our ratings or limit the extent of a downgrade. A continued trend of more frequent and severe weather-related catastrophes or a prolonged financial market disruption or economic downturn may lead rating agencies to substantially increase their capital requirements. See also ‘‘During or following a period of financial market disruption or economic downturn, our business could be materially and adversely affected.’’ For further discussion about our ratings, see, ‘‘Item 1—Business—Ratings.’’ The inability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends to our holding company in sufficient amounts would harm our ability to meet our obligations, pay future shareholder dividends or make future share repurchases. Our holding company relies on dividends from our insurance subsidiaries to meet our obligations for payment of interest and principal on outstanding debt, to pay dividends to shareholders, to make contributions to our qualified domestic pension plan, to pay other corporate expenses and to make share repurchases. The ability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends to 60 our holding company in the future will depend on their statutory surplus, earnings and regulatory restrictions. We are subject to regulation by some states as an insurance holding company system. Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to various regulatory restrictions that limit the maximum amount of dividends available to be paid to their parent without prior approval of insurance regulatory authorities. In a time of prolonged economic downturn or otherwise, regulators may choose to further restrict the ability of insurance subsidiaries to make payments to their parent companies. The ability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends to our holding company is also restricted by regulations that set standards of solvency that must be met and maintained. The inability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends to our holding company in an amount sufficient to meet our debt service obligations and other cash requirements could harm our ability to meet our obligations, to pay future shareholder dividends and to make share repurchases. Disruptions to our relationships with our independent agents and brokers could adversely affect us. We market our insurance products primarily through independent agents and brokers. An important part of our business is written through less than a dozen such intermediaries. Further, there has been a trend of increased consolidation by agents and brokers, which could impact our relationships with and fees paid to some agents and brokers. Loss of all or a substantial portion of the business provided through such agents and brokers could materially and adversely affect our future business volume and results of operations. We may also seek to develop new product distribution channels, including our current efforts to establish a direct-to-consumer platform in the Personal Insurance segment. In addition, agents and brokers may create alternate distribution channels for commercial business, such as insurance exchanges, that may adversely impact product differentiation and pricing. Our efforts or their efforts with respect to alternate distribution channels could adversely impact our business relationship with independent agents and brokers who currently market our products, resulting in a lower volume of business generated from these sources. We rely on internet applications for the marketing and sale of certain of our products, and we may increasingly rely on internet applications and toll-free numbers for distribution. In some instances, our agents and brokers are required to access separate business platforms to execute the sale of our personal insurance or commercial insurance products. Should internet disruptions occur, or frustration with our business platforms or distribution initiatives develop among our independent agents and brokers, any resulting loss of business could materially and adversely affect our future business volume and results of operations. See ‘‘If we experience difficulties with technology, data security and/or outsourcing relationships, our ability to conduct our business could be negatively impacted’’ below. Our efforts to develop new products or expand in targeted markets may not be successful and may create enhanced risks. A number of our recent and planned business initiatives involve developing new products or expanding existing products in targeted markets. This includes the following efforts, from time to time, to protect or grow market share: (cid:127) We may develop products that insure risks we have not previously insured or contain new coverage or coverage terms. (cid:127) We may refine our underwriting processes. For example, in certain of our businesses in recent years, we have substantially increased the volume of business that flows through our automated underwriting and pricing systems. (cid:127) We may seek to expand distribution channels, such as our efforts to develop a direct-to- consumer platform in Personal Insurance. 61 (cid:127) We may focus on geographic markets within or outside of the United States where we have had relatively little or no market share. We may not be successful in introducing new products or expanding in targeted markets and, even if we are successful, these efforts may create enhanced risks. Among other risks: (cid:127) Demand for new products or in new markets may not meet our expectations. (cid:127) To the extent we are able to market new products or expand in new markets, our risk exposures may change, and the data and models we use to manage such exposures may not be as sophisticated as those we use in existing markets or with existing products. This, in turn, could lead to losses in excess of our expectations. (cid:127) Models underlying automated underwriting and pricing decisions may not be effective. (cid:127) Efforts to develop new products or markets have the potential to create or increase distribution channel conflict, such as described above under ‘‘—Disruptions to our relationships with our independent agents and brokers could adversely affect us.’’ (cid:127) In connection with the conversion of existing policyholders to a new product, some policyholders’ pricing may increase, while the pricing for other policyholders may decrease, the net impact of which could negatively impact retention and margins. (cid:127) To develop new products or markets, we may need to make substantial capital and operating expenditures, which may also negatively impact results in the near term. If our efforts to develop new products or expand in targeted markets are not successful, our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Changes in U.S. tax laws or in the tax laws of other jurisdictions in which we operate could adversely impact us. Tax laws may change in ways that adversely impact us. For example, federal tax legislation could be enacted to reduce the existing statutory U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35%, which would, accordingly, reduce any U.S. deferred tax asset. The amount of any net deferred tax asset is volatile and significantly impacted by changes in unrealized investment gains and losses. The effect of a reduction in a tax rate on net deferred tax assets is required to be recognized, in full, as a reduction of income from continuing operations in the period when enacted and, along with other changes in the tax rules that may increase the Company’s actual tax expense, could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. Our investment portfolio has benefited from tax exemptions and certain other tax laws, including, but not limited to, those governing dividends-received deductions and tax credits (such as foreign tax credits). Federal and/or state tax legislation could be enacted in connection with deficit reduction or various types of fundamental tax reform that would lessen or eliminate some or all of the tax advantages currently benefiting us and therefore could materially and adversely impact our results of operations. In addition, such legislation could adversely affect the value of our investment portfolio, particularly changes to the taxation of interest from municipal bonds (which comprise 52% of our investment portfolio as of December 31, 2012) could materially and adversely impact the value of those bonds. Other tax law changes could adversely impact us. The size of the federal deficit, as well as the budget constraints faced by many states and localities, increases the likelihood that Congress and state and local governments will raise revenue by enacting legislation increasing the taxes paid by individuals and corporations. We may be adversely affected if our pricing and capital models provide materially different indications than actual results. The profitability of our property and casualty business substantially depends on the extent to which our actual claims experience is consistent with the assumptions we use 62 in pricing our policies. We utilize third-party and proprietary models to help us price business in a manner that is intended to be consistent, over time, with actual results and return objectives. We incorporate the Company’s historical loss experience, external industry data and economic indices into our modeling processes, and we use various methods, including predictive modeling, forecasting and sophisticated simulation modeling techniques, to analyze loss trends and the risks associated with our assets and liabilities. We also use these modeling processes, analyses and methods in making underwriting, pricing and reinsurance decisions as part of managing our exposure to catastrophes and other extreme adverse events. These modeling processes incorporate numerous assumptions and forecasts about the future level and variability of: interest rates, inflation, capital requirements, and frequency and severity of losses, among others, that are difficult to make and may differ materially from actual results. Whether we use a proprietary or third-party model, future experience may be materially different from past and current experience incorporated in a model’s forecasts or simulations. This includes the likelihood of events occurring or continuing or the correlation among events. Third party models may provide substantially different indications than what our proprietary modeling processes provide. As a result, third-party model estimates of losses can be, and often have been, materially different for similar events in comparison to our proprietary estimates. The differences between third-party model estimates and our proprietary estimates are driven by the use of different data sets as well as different assumptions and forecasts regarding the frequency and severity of events and claims arising from the events. If we fail to appropriately price the risks we insure, or fail to change our pricing model to appropriately reflect our current experience, or if our claims experience is more frequent or severe than our underlying risk assumptions, our profit margins may be negatively affected. If we underestimate the frequency and/or severity of extreme adverse events occurring, our financial condition may be adversely affected. If we overestimate the risks we are exposed to, we may overprice our products, and new business growth and retention of our existing business may be adversely affected. As we expand into different markets and geographies, we will write more policies in markets and geographical areas where we have less data specific to these new markets and geographies, and, accordingly, we may be more susceptible to error in our models and strategy. See ‘‘Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Catastrophe Modeling.’’ Our business success and profitability depend, in part, on effective information technology systems and on continuing to develop and implement improvements in technology. We depend in large part on our technology systems for conducting business and processing claims, as well as for providing the data and analytics we utilize to manage our business, and thus our business success is dependent on maintaining the effectiveness of existing technology systems and on continuing to develop and enhance technology systems that support our business processes and strategic initiatives in a cost and resource efficient manner. Some system development projects are long-term in nature, may negatively impact our expense ratios as we invest in the projects and may cost more than we expect to complete. In addition, system development projects may not deliver the benefits we expect once they are complete, or may be replaced or become obsolete more quickly than expected, which could result in accelerated recognition of expenses. If we do not effectively and efficiently manage and upgrade our technology portfolio, or if the costs of doing so are higher than we expect, our ability to provide competitive services to new and existing customers in a cost effective manner and our ability to implement our strategic initiatives could be adversely impacted. If we experience difficulties with technology, data security and/or outsourcing relationships, our ability to conduct our business could be negatively impacted. While technology can streamline many business processes and ultimately reduce the cost of operations, technology initiatives present significant risks. Our business is highly dependent upon our employees’ ability to perform, in an efficient and uninterrupted fashion, necessary business functions. A shut-down of, or inability to access, one or more 63 of our facilities (including our primary data processing facility); a power outage; or a failure of one or more of our information technology, telecommunications or other systems could significantly impair our ability to perform such functions on a timely basis, particularly if such an interruption lasts for an extended period of time. In the event of a disaster such as a natural catastrophe, terrorist attack or industrial accident, or due to a computer virus, our systems could be inaccessible for an extended period of time. In addition, because our information technology and telecommunications systems increasingly interface with and depend on third-party systems, we could experience service denials or failures of controls if demand for our service exceeds capacity or a third-party system fails or experiences an interruption. If our business continuity plans did not sufficiently address such a business interruption, system failure or service denial, this could result in a deterioration of our ability to write and process new and renewal business, provide customer service, pay claims in a timely manner or perform other necessary business functions. Our operations rely on the reliable and secure processing, storage and transmission of confidential and other information in our computer systems and networks. Computer viruses, hackers, employee misconduct and other external hazards could expose our data systems to security breaches, cyber- attacks or other disruptions. In addition, we routinely transmit and receive personal, confidential and proprietary information by e-mail and other electronic means. While we attempt to develop secure transmission capabilities with third-party vendors and others with whom we do business, we may be unable to put in place secure capabilities with all of such vendors and third parties and, in addition, these third parties may not have appropriate controls in place to protect the confidentiality of the information. Our computer systems have been and will likely continue to be, subject to computer viruses or other malicious codes, unauthorized access, cyber-attacks or other computer-related penetrations. While, to date, we are not aware that we have experienced a material breach of cyber security, administrative and technical controls as well as other preventative actions we take to reduce the risk of cyber incidents and protect our information may be insufficient to prevent physical and electronic break-ins, cyber-attacks or other security breaches to our computer systems or those of third parties with whom we do business. In addition, new technology that could result in greater operational efficiency may further expose our computer systems to the risks of cyber-attacks. We may forego the implementation of such new technology to limit this additional risk. These increased risks, and expanding regulatory requirements regarding data security, could expose us to data loss, disruption of service, monetary and reputational damages and significant increases in compliance costs and costs to improve the security and resiliency of our computer systems. As a result, our ability to conduct our business might be adversely affected. We have increasingly outsourced certain technology and business process functions to third parties and may continue to do so in the future. If we do not effectively develop, implement and monitor our outsourcing relationships, third party providers do not perform as anticipated or we experience technological or other problems with a transition, we may not realize expected productivity improvements or cost efficiencies and may experience operational difficulties, increased costs and a loss of business. Our outsourcing of certain technology and business process functions to third parties may expose us to increased risk related to data security or service disruptions, which could result in monetary and reputational damages. In addition, our ability to receive services from third party providers outside of the United States might be impacted by cultural differences, political instability, unanticipated regulatory requirements or policies inside or outside of the United States. As a result, our ability to conduct our business might be adversely affected. 64 We are subject to a number of risks associated with our business outside the United States. We conduct business outside the United States primarily in the United Kingdom, Canada and the Republic of Ireland. In addition, we have a joint venture in Brazil and may also explore opportunities in other countries, including Latin American countries and other emerging markets such as India and China. While our business outside of the United States currently constitutes a relatively small portion of our revenues, in conducting such business we are subject to a number of significant risks, particularly in emerging economies. These risks include restrictions such as price controls, capital controls, currency exchange limits, ownership limits and other restrictive or anti-competitive governmental actions, which could have an adverse effect on our business and our reputation. Our investments outside the United States may also subject us to currency risk and, in some markets, it may be difficult to effectively hedge that risk. In addition, in some markets, we may invest as part of a joint venture with a local counterparty. Because our governance rights may be limited, we may not have control over the ability of the joint venture to make certain decisions and/or mitigate risks it faces, and significant disagreements with a joint venture counterparty may adversely impact our investment. Investments outside the United States also subject us to additional domestic and foreign laws and regulations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar laws in other countries that prohibit the making of improper payments to foreign officials. Although we have policies and controls in place that are designed to ensure compliance with these laws, if those controls are ineffective and an employee or intermediary fails to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we could suffer civil and criminal penalties and our business and our reputation could be adversely affected. Some countries, particularly emerging economies, have laws and regulations that lack clarity and, even with local expertise and effective controls, it can be difficult to determine the exact requirements of, and potential liability under, the local laws. For example, in some jurisdictions, including Brazil, parties to a joint venture may, in some circumstances, have liability for some obligations of the venture and that liability may extend beyond the capital invested. Failure to comply with local laws in a particular market may result in substantial liability and could have a significant and negative effect not only on our business in that market but also on our reputation generally. New regulations outside of the U.S., including in the European Union, could adversely impact our results of operations and limit our growth. amended in jurisdictions outside the U.S. may be more restrictive than current laws or regulations and may result in lower revenues and/or higher costs of compliance and thus could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and limit our growth. Insurance laws or regulations that are adopted or In particular, the European Union’s executive body, the European Commission, is implementing new capital adequacy and risk management regulations called Solvency II that would apply to our businesses in the European Union beginning as soon as January 1, 2014; however, the effective implementation date may be delayed. Under Solvency II, it is possible that the direct or indirect parent of a European Union subsidiary (including a U.S. parent company) could be subject to certain Solvency II requirements if the regulator determines that the subsidiary’s capital position is dependent on an affiliated or parent company and the affiliated or parent company is not already subject to regulations deemed ‘‘equivalent’’ to Solvency II. In addition, regulators in countries where we have operations are working with the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) (and in the U.S., with the NAIC) to consider changes to insurance company supervision, including group supervision. The IAIS is working with the Financial Stability Board (FSB) created by the G-20 and is developing a methodology for determining whether and which, if any, insurance companies pose a systemic risk to the global economy. Such insurers would be designated ‘‘global systemically important insurers’’ (G-SIIs) and would likely be subject to higher capital requirements, enhanced supervision or both. The IAIS has released for comment proposed methodology for identifying potential G-SIIs but has not yet decided upon the criteria for, or the consequences of, such designation. Upon finalizing the 65 assessment methodology and determining the consequences of a G-SII designation, the FSB along with national authorities expect to publish the list of G-SIIs in April 2013. While it is not yet known how these actions will impact us, such regulation could result in increased costs of compliance, increased disclosure and less flexibility in our capital management. Acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses may result in operating difficulties and other unintended consequences. From time to time we may investigate and pursue acquisition opportunities if we believe that such opportunities are consistent with our long-term objectives and that the potential rewards of an acquisition justify the risks. The process of integrating an acquired company or business can be complex and costly, however, and may create unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures. For example, acquisitions may present significant risks, including: (cid:127) the potential disruption of our ongoing business; (cid:127) the ineffective integration of underwriting, claims handling and actuarial practices; (cid:127) the uncertainty of an acquiree’s reserve estimates; (cid:127) the diversion of management time and resources to acquisition integration challenges; (cid:127) the loss of key employees; (cid:127) the cultural challenges associated with integrating employees; and (cid:127) the impact of an acquisition on our financial position and/or credit ratings. The acquired business may not perform as projected, and any cost savings and other synergies anticipated from the acquisition may not materialize. There is no guarantee that any businesses acquired in the future will be successfully integrated, and the ineffective integration of our businesses and processes may result in substantial costs or delays and adversely affect our ability to compete. Changes to existing accounting standards may adversely impact our reported results. As a U.S.- based SEC reporting company, we are currently required to prepare our financial statements in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), as promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). During the last several years, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been evaluating whether, when and how International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) should be incorporated into the U.S. financial reporting system, including for companies such as us. The FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) have also embarked on a long-term project to converge GAAP and IFRS. Additionally, the IASB and the FASB are in the process of developing a global insurance standard that may involve methodologies for valuing insurance contract liabilities that may be significantly different from the methodologies required by current GAAP. In June 2012, the FASB issued a statement that indicated that based on the nature and totality of differences between the FASB’s and IASB’s views, it is not likely that the two boards will achieve convergence on this project. The FASB further noted that the FASB and IASB have very different perspectives on the project, given that the U.S. has existing guidance on insurance contracts whereas there is currently no comprehensive IFRS insurance standard for insurance contracts. As a result of this, it is currently unclear what changes, if any, may be made to the accounting for insurance contracts under GAAP as a result of this project, and we are not able to predict whether we will choose to, or be required to, adopt IFRS or how the adoption of IFRS (or the convergence of GAAP and IFRS, including the project for valuing insurance contract liabilities) may impact our financial statements in the future. Changes in accounting standards, particularly those that specifically apply to insurance company operations, may impact the content and presentation of our reported financial results and could have adverse consequences to our reported financial results, including lower reported results of operations and shareholders’ equity and increased volatility and decreased comparability of our reported results with other insurers. 66 We could be adversely affected if our controls designed to ensure compliance with guidelines, policies and legal and regulatory standards are not effective. Our business is highly dependent on our ability to engage on a daily basis in a large number of insurance underwriting, claim processing and investment activities, many of which are highly complex. These activities often are subject to internal guidelines and policies, as well as legal and regulatory standards. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. If our controls are not effective, it could lead to financial loss, unanticipated risk exposure (including underwriting, credit and investment risk) or damage to our reputation. In addition, ineffective controls could lead to litigation or regulatory action. The volume of claims and amount of damages and penalties claimed in litigation and regulatory proceedings against various types of financial institutions have increased in recent years following the recent economic downturn and market disruption. Substantial legal liability or significant regulatory action against us could have a material adverse financial impact. See note 16 of notes to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of certain legal proceedings in which we are involved. Our businesses may be adversely affected if we are unable to hire and retain qualified employees. There is significant competition from within the property and casualty insurance industry and from businesses outside the industry for qualified employees, especially those in key positions and those possessing highly specialized underwriting knowledge. Our performance is largely dependent on the talents, efforts and proper conduct of highly-skilled individuals, including our senior executives, many of whom have decades of experience in the insurance industry. See ‘‘Item 10—Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance’’ for more information relating to our executive officers. Our continued ability to compete effectively in our businesses and to expand into new business areas depends on our ability to attract new employees and to retain and motivate our existing employees. If we are not able to successfully attract, retain and motivate our employees, our business, financial results and reputation could be materially and adversely affected. Loss of or significant restriction on the use of credit scoring in the pricing and underwriting of Personal Insurance products could reduce our future profitability. credit scoring as a factor in pricing decisions where allowed by state law. Some consumer groups and regulators have questioned whether the use of credit scoring unfairly discriminates against people with low incomes, minority groups and the elderly and are calling for the prohibition or restriction on the use of credit scoring in underwriting and pricing. Laws or regulations that significantly curtail the use of credit scoring, if enacted in a large number of states, could adversely affect our future profitability. In Personal Insurance, we use Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS NONE. Item 2. PROPERTIES The Company leases its principal executive offices in New York, New York, as well as 200 field and claim offices totaling approximately 4.8 million square feet throughout the United States under leases or subleases with third parties. The Company also leases offices in the United Kingdom, Canada, India, China, Singapore and the Republic of Ireland that house operations (primarily for the Financial, Professional & International Insurance segment) in those locations. The Company owns six buildings in Hartford, Connecticut, consisting of approximately 1.8 million square feet of office space. The Company also owns office buildings located at 385 Washington Street and 130 West Sixth Street in St. Paul, Minnesota. These buildings are adjacent to one another and consist of approximately 1.1 million square feet of gross floor space. The Company also owns other real property, including an office building in Fall River, Massachusetts, and a data center located in Norcross, Georgia. 67 The Company owns a building in London, England, which houses a portion of its Financial, Professional & International Insurance segment’s operations in the United Kingdom. The Company, through its subsidiaries, owns an investment portfolio of income-producing properties and real estate funds. Included in this portfolio are four office buildings in which the Company holds a 50% ownership interest located in New York, New York, which collectively accounted for approximately 12% of the carrying value of the property portfolio at December 31, 2012. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the Company’s properties are adequate and suitable for its business as presently conducted and are adequately maintained. Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The information required with respect to this item can be found under ‘‘Contingencies’’ in note 16 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements in this annual report and is incorporated by reference into this Item 3. Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES NONE. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT Information about the Company’s executive officers is incorporated by reference from Part III, Item 10 of this annual report. 68 PART II Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES The Company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ‘‘TRV.’’ The number of holders of record, including individual owners, of the Company’s common stock was 65,297 as of February 11, 2013. This is not the actual number of beneficial owners of the Company’s common stock, as shares are held in ‘‘street name’’ by brokers and others on behalf of individual owners. The following table sets forth the high and low closing sales prices of the Company’s common stock for each quarter during the last two fiscal years and the amount of cash dividends declared per share. 2012 First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2011 First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . High Low Cash Dividend Declared $61.59 64.77 68.61 74.33 $60.92 64.05 59.11 59.68 $56.87 57.75 60.89 68.07 $53.33 56.68 47.12 46.80 $0.41 0.46 0.46 0.46 $0.36 0.41 0.41 0.41 The Company paid cash dividends per share of $1.79 in 2012 and $1.59 in 2011. Future dividend decisions will be based on, and affected by, a number of factors, including the operating results and financial requirements of the Company and the impact of dividend restrictions. For information on dividends, as well as restrictions on the ability of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries to transfer funds to the Company in the form of cash dividends or otherwise, see ‘‘Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.’’ Dividends will be paid by the Company only if declared by its board of directors out of funds legally available, and subject to any other restrictions that may be applicable to the Company. 69 SHAREHOLDER RETURN PERFORMANCE GRAPH The following graph shows a five-year comparison of the cumulative total return to shareholders for the Company’s common stock and the common stock of companies included in the S&P 500 Index and the S&P Property & Casualty Insurance Index, which the Company believes is the most appropriate comparative index. COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE FIVE YEAR TOTAL RETURN TO SHAREHOLDERS(1) $200 $150 100.00 $100 $50 $0 2007 112.19 91.68 86.39 122.59 93.61 86.18 152.89 108.59 103.51 97.77 79.67 79.30 86.24 70.59 63.00 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 The Travelers Companies, Inc. (2) S&P 500 Index S&P 500 Property & Casualty Insurance (3) 9FEB201312011091 (1) The cumulative return to shareholders is a concept used to compare the performance of a company’s stock over time and is the ratio of the net stock price change plus the cumulative amount of dividends over the specified time period (assuming dividend reinvestment), to the stock price at the beginning of the time period. (2) Assumes $100 invested in common shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. on December 31, 2007. (3) Companies in the S&P Property-Casualty Index as of December 31, 2012 were the following: The Travelers Companies, Inc., The Chubb Corporation, Cincinnati Financial Corporation, Progressive Corporation, Allstate Corporation, XL Group, plc., ACE Ltd. and Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. Returns of each of the companies included in this index have been weighted according to their respective market capitalizations. 70 ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES The table below sets forth information regarding repurchases by the Company of its common stock during the periods indicated. Period Beginning Period Ending Total number of shares purchased Average price paid per share Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs Oct. 1, 2012 Nov. 1, 2012 Dec. 1, 2012 Oct. 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . Nov. 30, 2012 . . . . . . . . . Dec. 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . 1,552,888 15,152 3,937,605 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,505,645 $71.30 $70.93 $73.66 $72.99 1,547,146 — 3,932,635 5,479,781 Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs $2,448,899,277 $2,448,899,277 $2,159,219,303 $2,159,219,303 The Company’s board of directors has approved common share repurchase authorizations under which repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market, pursuant to pre-set trading plans meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in private transactions or otherwise. The authorizations do not have a stated expiration date. The timing and actual number of shares to be repurchased in the future will depend on a variety of factors, including the Company’s financial position, earnings, common share price, catastrophe losses, funding of the Company’s qualified pension plan, capital requirements of the Company’s operating subsidiaries, legal requirements, regulatory constraints, other investment opportunities (including mergers and acquisitions), market conditions and other factors. The Company acquired 25,864 shares during the three months ended December 31, 2012 that were not part of the publicly announced share repurchase authorization. These shares consisted of shares retained to cover payroll withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards and shares used by employees to cover the exercise price of certain stock options that were exercised. Information relating to compensation plans under which the Company’s equity securities are authorized for issuance is set forth in Part III—Item 12 of this Report. 71 Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA At and for the year ended December 31, 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 25,740 (in millions, except per share amounts) $ 24,680 $ 25,112 $ 25,446 $ 24,477 Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,473 $ 1,426 $ 3,216 $ 3,622 $ 2,924 Total investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves . Total long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 73,838 104,938 50,922 5,750 79,533 25,405 $ 72,701 104,575 51,392 6,255 80,098 24,477 $ 72,722 105,631 51,581 6,502 80,156 25,475 $ 74,965 110,013 53,580 6,154 82,598 27,415 $ 70,738 110,088 55,179 5,939 84,769 25,319 Net income per share(1): Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year-end common shares outstanding . . . . . . . Per common share amounts: Cash dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Book value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ $ $ $ 6.35 6.30 377.4 1.79 67.31 $ $ $ $ 3.40 3.36 392.8 1.59 62.32 $ $ $ $ 6.69 6.62 434.6 1.41 58.47 $ $ $ $ 6.38 6.33 520.3 1.23 52.54 $ $ $ $ 4.87 4.81 585.1 1.19 43.12 (1) On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted the FASB’s updated accounting guidance related to earnings per share. The impact of the adoption of this guidance was a reduction of previously reported basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2008 by $0.03 per share and $0.01 per share, respectively. 72 Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following is a discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 2012 Consolidated Results of Operations (cid:127) Net income of $2.47 billion, or $6.35 per share basic and $6.30 diluted (cid:127) Net earned premiums of $22.36 billion (cid:127) Catastrophe losses of $1.86 billion ($1.21 billion after-tax) (cid:127) Net favorable prior year reserve development of $940 million ($622 million after-tax) (cid:127) GAAP combined ratio of 97.1% (cid:127) Net investment income of $2.89 billion ($2.32 billion after-tax) (cid:127) Operating cash flows of $3.23 billion 2012 Consolidated Financial Condition (cid:127) Total investments of $73.84 billion; fixed maturities and short-term securities comprise 93% of total investments (cid:127) Total assets of $104.94 billion (cid:127) Total debt of $6.35 billion, resulting in a debt-to-total capital ratio of 20.0% (22.2% excluding net unrealized investment gains, net of tax) (cid:127) Repurchased 22.4 million common shares for total cost of $1.45 billion under share repurchase authorization (cid:127) Shareholders’ equity of $25.41 billion (cid:127) Book value per common share of $67.31 (cid:127) Holding company liquidity of $2.03 billion 73 CONSOLIDATED OVERVIEW Consolidated Results of Operations (for the year ended December 31, in millions except per share amounts) 2012 2011 2010 Revenues Premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fee income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net realized investment gains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,357 2,889 323 51 120 $22,090 2,879 296 55 126 $21,432 3,059 287 264 70 Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,740 25,446 25,112 Claims and expenses Claims and claim adjustment expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of deferred acquisition costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General and administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total claims and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,676 3,910 3,610 378 22,574 3,166 693 16,276 3,876 3,556 386 24,094 1,352 (74) 13,210 3,802 3,406 388 20,806 4,306 1,090 Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,473 $ 1,426 $ 3,216 Net income per share Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ $ 6.35 6.30 $ $ 3.40 $ 6.69 3.36 $ 6.62 GAAP combined ratio Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Underwriting expense ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64.9% 32.2 72.9% 61.0% 32.2 32.2 GAAP combined ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97.1% 105.1% 93.2% Incremental impact of direct to consumer initiative on GAAP combined ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.8% 0.9% 0.8% The following discussions of the Company’s net income and segment operating income (loss) are presented on an after-tax basis. Discussions of the components of net income and segment operating income are presented on a pretax basis, unless otherwise noted. Discussions of earnings per common share are presented on a diluted basis. Overview Diluted net income per share in 2012 was $6.30, an increase of 88% over diluted net income per share of $3.36 in 2011. Net income in 2012 was $2.47 billion, an increase of 73% over net income of $1.43 billion in 2011. The higher rate of increase in diluted net income per share reflected the impact of common share repurchases. The improvement in net income in 2012 compared with 2011 primarily reflected the pretax impact of (i) higher underwriting margins excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development (‘‘underlying underwriting margins’’) primarily resulting from lower non-catastrophe weather-related losses in the Business Insurance and Personal Insurance segments and the impact of earned pricing that exceeded loss cost trends in the Business Insurance and Financial, Professional & International Insurance segments, (ii) a decline in catastrophe losses and (iii) higher net 74 favorable prior year reserve development. Partially offsetting these pretax improvements were their related tax expense. The effective tax rate in 2012 increased from the prior year due to interest on municipal bonds, which is effectively taxed at a rate that is lower than the corporate tax rate of 35%, comprising a lower percentage of pretax income. Net income in 2011 benefited from a reduction in income tax expense of $104 million resulting from the favorable resolution of various prior year tax matters. Catastrophe losses in 2012 were $1.86 billion, compared with $2.56 billion in 2011. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2012 was $940 million, compared with $715 million in 2011. Diluted net income per share in 2011 was $3.36, a decrease of 49% from diluted net income per share of $6.62 in 2010. Net income in 2011 was $1.43 billion, a decrease of 56% from net income of $3.22 billion in 2010. The lower rate of decline in diluted net income per share reflected the impact of common share repurchases. The decline in net income in 2011 compared with 2010 primarily reflected the pretax impact of (i) a significant increase in catastrophe losses, (ii) lower net favorable prior year reserve development, (iii) lower underlying underwriting margins related to earned pricing and loss cost trends and higher non-catastrophe weather-related losses, (iv) lower net investment income and (v) lower net realized investment gains. Partially offsetting these pretax declines were their related tax benefit. The effective tax rate in 2011 decreased from the prior year due to interest on municipal bonds, which is effectively taxed at a rate that is lower than the corporate tax rate of 35%, comprising a higher percentage of pretax income. These factors were partially offset by a $104 million benefit resulting from the favorable resolution of various prior year tax matters. Catastrophe losses in 2011 and 2010 were $2.56 billion and $1.11 billion, respectively. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2011 and 2010 was $715 million and $1.25 billion, respectively. Revenues Earned Premiums Earned premiums in 2012 were $22.36 billion, $267 million or 1% higher than in 2011. In the Business Insurance segment, earned premiums in 2012 increased by 3% over 2011. In the Financial, Professional & International Insurance segment, earned premiums in 2012 decreased by 4% from 2011. In the Personal Insurance segment, earned premiums in 2012 increased by less than 1% over 2011. Earned premiums in 2011 were $22.09 billion, $658 million or 3% higher than in 2010. In the Business Insurance segment, earned premiums in 2011 increased by 5% over 2010. In the Financial, Professional & International Insurance segment, earned premiums in 2011 decreased by 4% from 2010. In the Personal Insurance segment, earned premiums in 2011 increased by 3% over 2010. Factors contributing to the changes in earned premiums in each segment in 2012 and 2011 compared with the respective prior year are discussed in more detail in the segment discussions that follow. 75 Net Investment Income The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s investments. (for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 2010 Average investments(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pretax net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . After-tax net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Average pretax yield(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Average after-tax yield(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $69,863 2,889 2,316 $70,471 2,879 2,330 $71,637 3,059 2,468 4.1% 3.3% 4.1% 3.3% 4.3% 3.4% (1) Excludes net unrealized investment gains and losses, net of tax, and reflects cash, receivables for investment sales, payables on investment purchases and accrued investment income. (2) Excludes net realized investment gains and losses and net unrealized investment gains and losses. Net investment income in 2012 was $2.89 billion, $10 million or less than 1% higher than in 2011. Net investment income from fixed maturity investments was $2.44 billion in 2012, a decrease of $104 million from 2011, primarily resulting from lower long-term reinvestment yields available in the market. Net investment income generated by non-fixed maturity investments was $476 million in 2012, an increase of $121 million over 2011, primarily driven by improved results from the Company’s real estate partnerships and hedge fund investments. On an after-tax basis, net investment income in 2012 was $14 million or less than 1% lower than in 2011, reflecting a higher proportion of taxable net investment income in 2012 compared with 2011. Net investment income in 2011 was $2.88 billion, $180 million or 6% lower than in 2010. Net investment income from fixed maturity investments was $2.54 billion in 2011, a decrease of $167 million from 2010, primarily resulting from lower long-term reinvestment yields available in the market, as well as lower average levels of fixed maturity invested assets due to the Company’s common share repurchases. Net investment income generated by non-fixed maturity investments was $355 million in 2011, a decrease of $15 million from 2010. Fee Income The National Accounts market in the Business Insurance segment is the primary source of the Company’s fee-based business. The $27 million and $9 million increases in fee income in 2012 and 2011, respectively, compared with the respective prior years are described in the Business Insurance segment discussion that follows. Net Realized Investment Gains The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s net pretax realized investment gains. (for the year ended December 31, in millions) Net Realized Investment Gains 2012 2011 2010 Other-than-temporary impairment losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other net realized investment gains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(15) $(25) $ (26) 290 80 66 Net realized investment gains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 51 $ 55 $264 Other Net Realized Investment Gains—Other net realized investment gains in 2012 of $66 million were primarily driven by $61 million of net realized investment gains related to fixed maturity investments, $19 million of net realized investment gains related to real estate and $8 million of net 76 realized investment gains related to equity securities. These net realized investment gains were partially offset by $14 million of net realized investment losses associated with U.S. Treasury futures contracts (which require daily mark-to-market settlement and are used to shorten the duration of the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio) and $8 million of net realized investment losses related to other investments. Other net realized investment gains in 2011 of $80 million were primarily driven by $52 million of net realized investment gains related to fixed maturity investments, $46 million of net realized investment gains related to equity securities and $41 million of net realized investment gains related to other investments, partially offset by net realized investment losses of $62 million associated with U.S. Treasury futures contracts. Other net realized investment gains in 2010 of $290 million were primarily driven by a $205 million gain resulting from the Company’s sale of substantially all of its remaining common stock holdings in Verisk Analytics, Inc. (Verisk) for total proceeds of approximately $230 million as part of a secondary public offering of Verisk. The 2010 total also included $96 million of net realized investment gains related to fixed maturity investments and $25 million of net realized investment gains related to equity securities. These gains were partially offset by $30 million of net realized investment losses related to U.S. Treasury futures contracts. Other Revenues Other revenues primarily consist of premium installment charges. In 2010, this category also included $60 million of expenses related to the Company’s purchase and retirement of $885 million of its $1.0 billion 6.25% fixed-to-floating rate junior subordinated debentures. Claims and Expenses Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Claims and claim adjustment expenses in 2012 were $14.68 billion, $1.60 billion or 10% lower than in 2011. The decrease primarily reflected (i) a decline in catastrophe losses and, to a lesser extent, (ii) lower levels of non-catastrophe weather-related losses and (iii) higher net favorable prior year reserve development, partially offset by (iv) the impact of loss cost trends. Catastrophe losses in 2012 and 2011 were $1.86 billion and $2.56 billion, respectively. Catastrophe losses in 2012 primarily resulted from Storm Sandy, as well as multiple tornado, wind and hail storms in several regions of the United States. Catastrophe losses in 2011 primarily resulted from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, multiple tornadoes and hail storms in the Midwest and Southeast regions of the United States and severe winter storms throughout the United States. Catastrophe losses in 2011 also included losses from floods in Thailand and an earthquake in Japan that impacted the Financial, Professional & International Insurance segment. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2012 and 2011 was $940 million and $715 million, respectively. Factors contributing to net favorable prior year reserve development in each segment during these periods are discussed in more detail in note 7 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Claims and claim adjustment expenses in 2011 were $16.28 billion, $3.07 billion or 23% higher than in 2010. The increase primarily reflected (i) the significant increase in catastrophe losses, (ii) the decrease in net favorable prior year reserve development, (iii) the impact of loss cost trends and (iv) higher non-catastrophe weather-related losses. Catastrophe losses in 2011 and 2010 were $2.56 billion and $1.11 billion, respectively. Catastrophe losses in 2010 primarily resulted from several severe wind and hail storms, as well as severe winter storms. In addition, catastrophe losses in 2010 included losses from an earthquake in Chile that impacted the Financial, Professional & International Insurance segment. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2011 and 2010 was $715 million and $1.25 billion, respectively. Factors contributing to net favorable prior year reserve development in each segment are discussed in note 7 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 77 Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs The amortization of deferred acquisition costs in 2012 was $3.91 billion, $34 million or 1% higher than in 2011. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs in 2011 was $3.88 billion, $74 million or 2% higher than in 2010. Changes in the amortization of deferred acquisition costs in both 2012 and 2011 were generally consistent with the increase in earned premiums compared with the respective prior year. General and Administrative Expenses General and administrative expenses in 2012 were $3.61 billion, $54 million or 2% higher than in 2011. General and administrative expenses in 2011 were $3.56 billion, $150 million or 4% higher than in 2010. General and administrative expenses are discussed in more detail in the segment discussions that follow. Interest Expense Interest expense in 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $378 million, $386 million and $388 million, respectively. The decline in 2012 compared with 2011 reflected the repayment of $258 million of debt in the second quarter of 2012. Income Tax Expense (Benefit) The Company’s consolidated income tax expense in 2012 was $693 million, compared to an income tax benefit of $74 million in 2011. The increase in income tax expense of $767 million in 2012 from 2011 primarily reflected the $1.77 billion improvement in underwriting margins in 2012 (including the favorable impacts of a decrease in catastrophe losses and an increase in net favorable prior year reserve development) over 2011 and, to a lesser extent, the $121 million increase in net investment income from non-fixed maturity investments over 2011. The change in income tax expense (benefit) in 2012 from 2011 was also impacted by the $104 million benefit recorded in 2011 resulting from the favorable resolution of various prior year tax matters. The Company’s consolidated income tax benefit in 2011 was $74 million, compared to an income tax expense of $1.09 billion in 2010. The decrease in income tax expense of $1.16 billion in 2011 from 2010 primarily reflected the $2.59 billion decrease in underwriting margins in 2011 (including the unfavorable impacts of an increase in catastrophe losses and a decrease in net favorable prior year reserve development) from 2010 and, to a lesser extent, the decrease in net realized investment gains of $209 million from 2010. The change in income tax expense (benefit) in 2011 from 2010 was also impacted by the $104 million benefit recorded in 2011 resulting from the favorable resolution of various prior year tax matters. The Company’s effective tax rate was 22%, (5%) and 25% in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rates in 2012 and 2010 were lower than the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the impact of tax-exempt investment income on the calculation of the Company’s income tax provision. In addition to the impact of tax-exempt income, the Company’s effective tax rate of (5%) in 2011 also reflected the impact of the Company’s significant underwriting loss that primarily resulted from catastrophe losses and the $104 million benefit resulting from the favorable resolution of various prior year tax matters recorded in the first quarter of 2011. GAAP Combined Ratios The consolidated GAAP combined ratio of 97.1% in 2012 was 8.0 points lower than the consolidated GAAP combined ratio of 105.1% in 2011. 78 The consolidated loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 64.9% in 2012 was 8.0 points lower than the consolidated loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 72.9% in 2011. Catastrophe losses accounted for 8.3 points and 11.6 points of the 2012 and 2011 loss and loss adjustment expense ratios, respectively. The 2012 and 2011 loss and loss adjustment expense ratios included 4.2 points and 3.2 points of benefit from net favorable prior year reserve development, respectively. The consolidated 2012 loss and loss adjustment expense ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development (‘‘underlying loss and loss adjustment expense ratio’’) was 3.7 points lower than the 2011 ratio on the same basis, primarily reflecting the factors discussed above. The consolidated underwriting expense ratio of 32.2% in 2012 was level with the consolidated underwriting expense ratio of 32.2% in 2011. The consolidated GAAP combined ratio of 105.1% in 2011 was 11.9 points higher than the consolidated GAAP combined ratio of 93.2% in 2010. The consolidated loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 72.9% in 2011 was 11.9 points higher than the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 61.0% in 2010. Catastrophe losses accounted for 11.6 points and 5.2 points of the 2011 and 2010 loss and loss adjustment expense ratios, respectively. The 2011 and 2010 loss and loss adjustment expense ratios included 3.2 points and 5.8 points of benefit from net favorable prior year reserve development, respectively. The consolidated 2011 underlying loss and loss adjustment expense ratio was 2.9 points higher than the 2010 ratio on the same basis, reflecting the factors discussed above. The consolidated underwriting expense ratio of 32.2% in 2011 was level with the underwriting expense ratio in 2010. Written Premiums Consolidated gross and net written premiums were as follows: (for the year ended December 31, in millions) Gross Written Premiums 2012 2011 2010 Business Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial, Professional & International Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Personal Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,111 3,275 7,923 $12,418 3,408 8,061 $11,891 3,534 7,877 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24,309 $23,887 $23,302 (for the year ended December 31, in millions) Net Written Premiums 2012 2011 2010 Business Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial, Professional & International Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Personal Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,872 2,981 7,594 $11,340 3,102 7,745 $10,857 3,211 7,567 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,447 $22,187 $21,635 Gross and net written premiums in 2012 increased by 2% and 1%, respectively, over 2011. Gross and net written premiums in 2011 both increased by 3% over 2010. Factors contributing to the changes in gross and net written premiums in each segment in 2012 and 2011 as compared with the respective prior year are discussed in more detail in the segment discussions that follow. 79 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY SEGMENT Business Insurance Results of the Company’s Business Insurance segment were as follows: (for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 2010 Revenues: Earned premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fee income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,691 2,090 322 40 $11,327 2,041 295 31 $10,766 2,156 285 28 Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,143 $13,694 $13,235 Total claims and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,761 $12,206 $10,157 Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,843 $ 1,354 $ 2,301 Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . Underwriting expense ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65.9% 31.5 73.1% 59.1% 31.6 32.2 GAAP combined ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97.4% 104.7% 91.3% Overview Operating income in 2012 was $1.84 billion, $489 million or 36% higher than operating income of $1.35 billion in 2011. The improvement in operating income in 2012 compared with 2011 primarily reflected the pretax impact of (i) higher underlying underwriting margins primarily resulting from earned pricing that exceeded loss cost trends, lower non-catastrophe weather-related losses and higher business volume, (ii) a decline in catastrophe losses, (iii) an increase in net favorable prior year reserve development and (iv) an increase in net investment income. Partially offsetting these pretax improvements were their related tax expense. The effective tax rate in 2012 increased from the prior year due to interest on municipal bonds, which is effectively taxed at a rate that is lower than the corporate tax rate of 35%, comprising a lower percentage of pretax income. Operating income in 2011 included a $76 million benefit resulting from the favorable resolution of various prior year tax matters. Catastrophe losses in 2012 were $794 million, compared with $1.02 billion in 2011. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2012 was $467 million, compared with $245 million in 2011. Operating income in 2011 was $1.35 billion, $947 million or 41% lower than in 2010. The decline in operating income in 2011 compared with 2010 primarily reflected the pretax impact of (i) lower net favorable prior year reserve development, (ii) a significant increase in catastrophe losses, (iii) lower underlying underwriting margins related to earned pricing and loss cost trends, partially offset by higher business volume, and (iv) lower net investment income. Partially offsetting these net pretax declines were their related net tax benefit. The effective tax rate in 2011 decreased from the prior year due to interest on municipal bonds, which is effectively taxed at a rate that is lower than the corporate tax rate of 35%, comprising a higher percentage of pretax income. These factors were partially offset by the $76 million benefit resulting from the favorable resolution of various prior year tax matters. Net favorable prior year reserve development was $245 million in 2011, compared with $901 million in 2010. Catastrophe losses in 2011 were $1.02 billion, compared with $437 million in 2010. 80 Revenues Earned Premiums Earned premiums in 2012 were $11.69 billion, $364 million or 3% higher than in 2011. Earned premiums in 2011 were $11.33 billion, $561 million or 5% higher than in 2010. The increases in both years primarily reflected the impact of increases in net written premiums over the preceding twelve months. Earned premiums in 2012 and 2011 also benefited from positive audit premium adjustments related to increased insured exposures for existing policyholders, compared with negative audit premium adjustments in 2010 related to decreased insured exposures for existing policyholders. Net Investment Income Net investment income in 2012 was $2.09 billion, $49 million or 2% higher than in 2011, primarily due to higher net investment income generated by non-fixed maturity investments, partially offset by lower net investment income from fixed maturity investments. Net investment income in 2011 was $2.04 billion, $115 million or 5% lower than in 2010, primarily due to lower net investment income generated by fixed maturity investments. Refer to the ‘‘Net Investment Income’’ section of the ‘‘Consolidated Results of Operations’’ discussion herein for a description of the factors contributing to the changes in the Company’s consolidated net investment income in 2012 and 2011 compared with the respective prior years. In addition, refer to note 2 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements herein for a discussion of the Company’s net investment income allocation methodology. Fee Income National Accounts is the primary source of fee income due to its service businesses, which include claim and loss prevention services to large companies that choose to self-insure a portion of their insurance risks, as well as claims and policy management services to workers’ compensation residual market pools. Fee income in 2012 increased by $27 million or 9% over 2011. Fee income in 2011 increased by $10 million or 4% over 2010. The increases in both years primarily reflected higher serviced premium volume in workers’ compensation residual market pools. Claims and Expenses Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Claims and claim adjustment expenses in 2012 were $7.86 billion, $590 million or 7% lower than in 2011, primarily reflecting (i) a decline in catastrophe losses, (ii) lower non-catastrophe weather-related losses and (iii) an increase in net favorable prior year reserve development, partially offset by (iv) the impact of loss cost trends. Catastrophe losses in 2012 were $794 million, compared with $1.02 billion in 2011. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2012 was $467 million, compared with $245 million in 2011. Factors contributing to net favorable prior year reserve development are discussed in more detail in note 7 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Claims and claim adjustment expenses in 2011 were $8.45 billion, $1.94 billion or 30% higher than in 2010. The increase in 2011 primarily reflected (i) a significant decline in net favorable prior year reserve development, (ii) a significant increase in catastrophe losses and (iii) the impact of loss cost trends that included slightly higher than expected loss costs in the workers’ compensation and commercial auto product lines. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2011 was $245 million, compared with $901 million in 2010. Factors contributing to net favorable prior year reserve development are discussed in more detail in note 7 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Catastrophe losses in 2011 were $1.02 billion, compared with $437 million in 2010. 81 Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Expenses The amortization of deferred acquisition costs in 2012 was $1.88 billion, $69 million or 4% higher than in 2011. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs in 2011 was $1.82 billion, $66 million or 4% higher than in 2010. The increases in both 2012 and 2011 were generally consistent with the increases in earned premiums compared to the respective prior year. General and Administrative Expenses General and administrative expenses in 2012 were $2.02 billion, $76 million or 4% higher than in 2011. The increase in 2012 included the impact of higher employee-related costs. General and administrative expenses in 2011 were $1.94 billion, $40 million or 2% higher than in 2010, primarily driven by a higher level of state assessment expenses related to workers’ compensation business in New York, which more than offset an overall reduction in operating expenses that was driven by lower employee-related costs. Income Tax Expense Income tax expense in 2012 was $539 million, compared to $134 million in 2011. The increase in income tax expense of $405 million in 2012 from 2011 primarily reflected the $836 million improvement in underwriting margins (including the favorable impacts of a decrease in catastrophes and an increase in net favorable prior year reserve development) over 2011 and, to a lesser degree, an increase in net investment income from non-fixed maturity investments over 2011. The change in income tax expense in 2012 from 2011 was also impacted by the $76 million benefit in 2011 resulting from the favorable resolution of various prior year tax matters. Income tax expense in 2011 was $134 million, compared to $777 million in 2010. The decrease in income tax expense of $643 million in 2011 from 2010 primarily reflected the $1.48 billion decrease in underwriting margins (including the unfavorable impacts of an increase in catastrophes and a decrease in net favorable prior year reserve development) from 2011. The change in income tax expense in 2011 from 2010 was also impacted by the $76 million benefit in 2011 resulting from the favorable resolution of various prior year tax matters. GAAP Combined Ratios The GAAP combined ratio of 97.4% in 2012 was 7.3 points lower than the GAAP combined ratio of 104.7% in 2011. The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 65.9% in 2012 was 7.2 points lower than the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 73.1% in 2011. Catastrophe losses in 2012 and 2011 accounted for 6.8 points and 9.0 points, respectively, of the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2012 and 2011 provided 4.0 points and 2.2 points of benefit, respectively, to the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio. The 2012 underlying loss and loss adjustment expense ratio was 3.2 points lower than the 2011 ratio on the same basis, reflecting the factors discussed above. The underwriting expense ratio of 31.5% in 2012 was 0.1 points lower than the 2011 underwriting expense ratio of 31.6%. The GAAP combined ratio of 104.7% in 2011 was 13.4 points higher than the GAAP combined ratio of 91.3% in 2010. The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 73.1% in 2011 was 14.0 points higher than the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 59.1% in 2010. Catastrophe losses in 2011 and 2010 accounted for 9.0 points and 4.1 points, respectively, of the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2011 and 2010 provided 2.2 points and 8.4 points of benefit, respectively, to the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio. The 2011 underlying loss and loss adjustment expense ratio was 2.9 points higher than the 2010 ratio on the same basis, reflecting the factors discussed above. 82 The underwriting expense ratio of 31.6% in 2011 was 0.6 points lower than the 2010 underwriting expense ratio, primarily reflecting the impact of higher earned premiums. Written Premiums The Business Insurance segment’s gross and net written premiums by market were as follows: (for the year ended December 31, in millions) Gross Written Premiums 2012 2011 2010 Select Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commercial Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Industry-Focused Underwriting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Target Risk Underwriting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Specialized Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,827 3,280 1,387 2,627 2,116 876 Total Business Insurance Core . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Business Insurance Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13,113 (2) $ 2,830 3,076 1,112 2,473 2,035 886 12,412 6 $ 2,758 2,753 1,111 2,368 2,008 883 11,881 10 Total Business Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,111 $12,418 $11,891 (for the year ended December 31, in millions) Net Written Premiums 2012 2011 2010 Select Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commercial Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Industry-Focused Underwriting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Target Risk Underwriting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Specialized Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,775 3,101 907 2,554 1,666 870 Total Business Insurance Core . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Business Insurance Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,873 (1) $ 2,784 2,890 782 2,407 1,587 880 11,330 10 $ 2,718 2,576 806 2,299 1,573 872 10,844 13 Total Business Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,872 $11,340 $10,857 In 2012, gross and net written premiums increased by 6% and 5%, respectively, over 2011. The increases in gross and net written premiums were concentrated in Commercial Accounts, Industry- Focused Underwriting, National Accounts and Target Risk Underwriting, and were largely driven by rate increases and positive audit premium adjustments (which were higher than in 2011). Overall business retention rates remained strong in 2012 but were lower than in 2011. Both components of renewal premium changes—renewal rate changes and insured exposure growth—remained positive in 2012, and renewal premium changes increased over 2011. New business levels in 2012 declined from 2011. In 2011, gross and net written premiums both increased by 4% over 2010. The increase in gross and net written premiums in 2011 was concentrated in Commercial Accounts and Industry-Focused Underwriting and, to a lesser extent, in Select Accounts. Gross and net written premiums were favorably impacted by positive audit premium adjustments in 2011, as compared with negative adjustments in 2010. Overall business retention rates remained strong in 2011 and were consistent with 2010. Both components of renewal premium changes—renewal rate changes and insured exposure growth—were positive in 2011 and increased over 2010. New business levels in 2011 declined modestly from 2010. Select Accounts. Net written premiums of $2.78 billion in 2012 were virtually level with 2011. Business retention rates in 2012 remained strong but were lower than in 2011. Renewal premium changes remained positive in 2012 and increased over 2011, primarily due to renewal rate increases. New business volume in 2012 declined from 2011. Net written premiums in 2012 were favorably impacted by positive audit premium adjustments. Net written premiums of $2.78 billion in 2011 83 increased by 2% over 2010. Business retention rates remained strong and were consistent with 2010. Renewal premium changes in 2011 improved over 2010 due to growth in both renewal rate changes and insured exposures. New business volume in 2011 declined from 2010. Commercial Accounts. Net written premiums of $3.10 billion in 2012 increased by 7% over 2011. Business retention rates remained strong but were lower than in 2011. Renewal premium changes remained positive in 2012 and increased over 2011, primarily due to renewal rate increases. New business volumes in 2012 declined compared with 2011. Net written premiums in 2012 were favorably impacted by positive audit premium adjustments (which were higher than in 2011). Net written premiums of $2.89 billion in 2011 increased by 12% over 2010. The increase was partially due to the benefit of positive audit premium adjustments, compared with negative adjustments in 2010. Business retention rates remained strong, decreasing slightly in 2011 compared with 2010. Renewal premium changes were positive in 2011 and increased over 2010, primarily driven by positive renewal rate changes. New business volume in 2011 declined slightly from 2010. National Accounts. Net written premiums of $907 million in 2012 increased by 16% over 2011. Business retention rates remained high in 2012 and were level with 2011. Renewal premium changes were positive and increased over 2011, driven by payroll exposure growth. New business volumes in 2012 also increased over 2011. In addition, growth in workers’ compensation residual market pools contributed to premium growth in 2012. Net written premiums of $782 million in 2011 decreased by 3% from 2010, primarily reflecting negative retrospective premium adjustments related to prior year policies. Business retention rates remained high in 2011 and increased slightly over 2010, while renewal premium changes in 2011 also increased over 2010. New business volume in 2011 declined slightly from 2010. Industry-Focused Underwriting. Net written premiums of $2.55 billion in 2012 increased by 6% over 2011. Premium increases in 2012 were driven by growth in the Construction, Oil & Gas and Technology business units. Business retention rates in 2012 remained strong and were virtually level with 2011. Renewal premium changes remained positive in 2012 and increased over 2011, primarily due to renewal rate increases. New business volume in 2012 declined from 2011. Net written premiums of $2.41 billion in 2011 increased by 5% over 2010, primarily driven by growth in Construction, Oil & Gas and Technology. Target Risk Underwriting. Net written premiums of $1.67 billion in 2012 increased by 5% over 2011. Premium increases in 2012 were concentrated in the National Property and Inland Marine business units. Business retention rates in 2012 remained strong but declined from 2011. Renewal premium changes remained positive in 2012 and increased over 2011, primarily due to renewal rate increases. New business volume in 2012 declined from 2011. Net written premiums of $1.59 billion in 2011 increased slightly over 2010, as premium growth in Inland Marine and Excess Casualty was largely offset by a decline in National Property. Specialized Distribution. Net written premiums of $870 million in 2012 decreased by 1% from 2011. Premium decreases in the Northland business unit were largely offset by premium growth in the National Programs business unit. Business retention rates in 2012 remained strong but declined from 2011. Renewal premium changes remained positive in 2012 and increased over 2011, primarily due to renewal rate increases. New business volume in 2012 declined from 2011. Net written premiums of $880 million in 2011 increased slightly over 2010, driven by growth in the National Programs business unit. 84 Financial, Professional & International Insurance Results of the Company’s Financial, Professional & International Insurance segment were as follows: (for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 2010 Revenues: Earned premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fee income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,045 395 1 26 Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,467 $3,174 414 1 26 $3,615 $3,317 439 2 27 $3,785 Total claims and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,570 $2,738 $2,920 Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 642 $ 647 $ 620 Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Underwriting expense ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GAAP combined ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42.8% 41.3 84.1% 46.4% 50.9% 39.4 36.8 85.8% 87.7% Overview Operating income in 2012 was $642 million, $5 million or 1% lower than operating income in 2011. The decline in operating income in 2012 compared with 2011 primarily reflected the pretax declines in net favorable prior year reserve development and net investment income, largely offset by higher underlying underwriting margins resulting from the pretax impact of (i) lower levels of what the Company defines as large losses and (ii) earned pricing that exceeded loss cost trends, partially offset by (iii) the impact of lower business volumes. The effective tax rate in 2012 increased slightly from the prior year, reflecting the impact of a $14 million benefit in 2011 resulting from the favorable resolution of various prior year tax matters. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2012 was $298 million, compared with $360 million in 2011. Catastrophe losses in 2012 were $50 million, compared with $55 million in 2011. Operating income in 2011 was $647 million, $27 million or 4% higher than operating income in 2010. The improvement in operating income in 2011 compared with 2010 primarily reflected a pretax increase in underwriting margins, partially offset by a pretax decline in net investment income. The increase in underwriting margins was driven by the pretax impact of (i) higher net favorable prior year reserve development and (ii) declines in catastrophe and non-catastrophe weather-related losses, partially offset by the impact of (i) lower business volume, (ii) higher general and administrative expenses and (iii) a higher level of large losses. The effective tax rate in 2011 decreased slightly from the prior year, reflecting the impact of a $14 million benefit in 2011 resulting from the favorable resolution of various prior year tax matters. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2011 was $360 million, compared with $259 million in 2010. Catastrophe losses in 2011 were $55 million, compared with $82 million in 2010. Revenues Earned Premiums Earned premiums in 2012 were $3.05 billion, $129 million or 4% lower than in 2011, primarily reflecting the impact of lower construction surety premium volumes over the preceding twelve months, intentional underwriting actions undertaken in the Company’s operations at Lloyd’s intended to improve risk and reward (particularly in the catastrophe-exposed lines of business), the impact of the termination of an exclusive broker relationship in the Republic of Ireland, the Company’s withdrawal from personal insurance business in the Republic of Ireland, competitive market conditions and, to a lesser extent, foreign currency rates of exchange. 85 Earned premiums in 2011 were $3.17 billion, $143 million or 4% lower than in 2010. The decline primarily reflected the impact of the termination of an exclusive broker relationship in the Republic of Ireland, lower construction surety premium volumes over the preceding twelve months, intentional underwriting actions undertaken in the Company’s operations at Lloyd’s intended to improve risk and reward (particularly in the catastrophe-exposed lines of business) and competitive market conditions. Earned premiums in 2011 benefited slightly from the favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, earned premiums in 2010 benefited from the impact of a reduction in surety reinsurance costs associated with prior year reinsurance treaties. Net Investment Income Net investment income in 2012 was $395 million, $19 million or 5% lower than in 2011, primarily due to lower net investment income from fixed maturity investments, partially offset by higher net investment income generated by non-fixed maturity investments. Net investment income in 2011 was $414 million, $25 million or 6% lower than in 2010. Included in the Financial, Professional & International Insurance segment are certain legal entities whose invested assets and related net investment income are reported exclusively in this segment and not allocated among all business segments. As a result, reported net investment income in the Financial, Professional & International Insurance segment reflects a significantly smaller proportion of allocated net investment income, including that from the Company’s non-fixed maturity investments that experienced an increase in investment income in 2012 and 2011. Refer to the ‘‘Net Investment Income’’ section of the ‘‘Consolidated Results of Operations’’ discussion herein for a description of the factors contributing to the changes in the Company’s consolidated net investment income in 2012 and 2011 compared with the respective prior years. In addition, refer to note 2 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements herein for a discussion of the Company’s net investment income allocation methodology. Claims and Expenses Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Claims and claim adjustment expenses in 2012 were $1.31 billion, $173 million or 12% lower than in 2011, primarily reflecting (i) lower levels of large losses and (ii) the impact of lower construction surety premium volumes and intentional underwriting actions as discussed above, partially offset by (iii) a decline in net favorable prior year reserve development. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2012 was $298 million, compared with $360 million in 2011. Both Bond & Financial Products and International contributed to net favorable prior year reserve development in 2012. Factors contributing to net favorable prior year reserve development are discussed in more detail in note 7 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Catastrophe losses in 2012 were $50 million, compared with $55 million in 2011. Claims and claim adjustment expenses in 2011 were $1.49 billion, $213 million or 13% lower than in 2010, primarily reflecting (i) an increase in net favorable prior year reserve development, (ii) a decline in catastrophe losses, (iii) lower non-catastrophe weather-related losses and (iv) lower business volume, partially offset by a higher level of large losses. Net favorable prior year reserve development was $360 million and $259 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively. Factors contributing to net favorable prior year reserve development are discussed in more detail in note 7 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Catastrophe losses in 2011 were $55 million, compared with $82 million in 2010. Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs The amortization of deferred acquisition costs in 2012 was $589 million, $14 million or 2% lower than in 2011. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs was $603 million in 2011, $9 million or 1% 86 lower than in 2010. The decrease in 2012 was generally consistent with the decrease in earned premiums, whereas the decrease in 2011 was less than the decrease in earned premiums, primarily due to the increase to earned premiums in 2010 as a result of a reduction in surety reinsurance costs associated with prior year reinsurance treaties. General and Administrative Expenses General and administrative expenses in 2012 were $667 million, $19 million or 3% higher than in 2011. General and administrative expenses were $648 million in 2011, $40 million or 7% higher than in 2010. The increases in both 2012 and 2011 primarily reflected increases in employee- and technology- related costs to enhance operations and support future business growth. Income Tax Expense Income tax expense in 2012 was $255 million, compared to $230 million in 2011. The increase in income tax expense of $25 million in 2012 from 2011 primarily reflected the impact of a $14 million benefit in 2011 from the favorable resolution of various prior year tax matters and, to a lesser extent, an increase in underwriting margins in 2012 from 2011. Income tax expense in 2011 was $230 million, compared with $245 million in 2010. The decrease in income tax of $15 million in 2011 from 2010 primarily reflected the impact of a $14 million benefit in 2011 from the favorable resolution of various prior year tax matters. GAAP Combined Ratios The GAAP combined ratio of 84.1% in 2012 was 1.7 points lower than the GAAP combined ratio of 85.8% in 2011. The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 42.8% in 2012 was 3.6 points lower than the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 46.4% in 2011. The 2012 and 2011 ratios included 9.8 points and 11.3 points of benefit, respectively, from net favorable prior year reserve development. Catastrophe losses in 2012 and 2011 accounted for 1.7 points of the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio in each year. The 2012 underlying loss and loss adjustment expense ratio was 5.1 points lower than the 2011 ratio on the same basis, reflecting the factors discussed above. The underwriting expense ratio of 41.3% in 2012 was 1.9 points higher than the underwriting expense ratio of 39.4% in 2011, primarily reflecting the impact of a decline in earned premiums and, to a lesser extent, the impact of an increase in general and administrative expenses. The GAAP combined ratio of 85.8% in 2011 was 1.9 points lower than the GAAP combined ratio of 87.7% in 2010. The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 46.4% in 2011 was 4.5 points lower than the 2010 ratio of 50.9%. Catastrophe losses in 2011 and 2010 accounted for 1.7 and 2.4 points of the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio, respectively. Net favorable prior year reserve development provided 11.3 points and 7.8 points of benefit to the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio in 2011 and 2010, respectively. The 2011 underlying loss and loss adjustment expense ratio was 0.3 points lower than the 2010 ratio on the same basis, reflecting the factors discussed above. The underwriting expense ratio of 39.4% in 2011 was 2.6 points higher than the underwriting expense ratio of 36.8% in 2010. The increase in 2011 primarily reflected lower earned premium volumes in International and construction surety and the increase in general and administrative expenses discussed above. 87 Written Premiums Financial, Professional & International Insurance gross and net written premiums by market were as follows: (for the year ended December 31, in millions) Gross Written Premiums 2012 2011 2010 Bond & Financial Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . International $2,059 1,216 $2,092 1,316 $2,133 1,401 Total Financial, Professional & International Insurance . $3,275 $3,408 $3,534 (for the year ended December 31, in millions) Net Written Premiums 2012 2011 2010 Bond & Financial Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . International $1,924 1,057 $1,953 1,149 $1,981 1,230 Total Financial, Professional & International Insurance . $2,981 $3,102 $3,211 Gross and net written premiums in 2012 both decreased by 4% from 2011. Gross and net written premiums in 2011 decreased by 4% and 3%, respectively, compared with 2010. Net written premiums in Bond & Financial Products in 2012 were $1.92 billion, $29 million or 1% lower than in 2011. The decrease was primarily driven by lower business volume in construction surety due to the continued low levels of government construction spending, which was largely offset by growth in management liability business volume. Excluding the surety line of business, for which the following are not relevant measures, business retention rates in 2012 remained strong and were slightly higher than in 2011. Renewal premium changes in 2012 were positive and significantly higher than in 2011, primarily driven by positive renewal rate changes. New business volume in 2012 was slightly lower than in 2011. Net written premiums in Bond & Financial Products in 2011 were $1.95 billion, $28 million or 1% lower than in 2010, reflecting lower construction surety premium volume due to the continued slowdown in construction spending, and disciplined underwriting. The decrease also reflected the impact of reductions in surety reinsurance costs in 2010 associated with prior year reinsurance treaties. Excluding the surety line of business, for which the following are not relevant measures, business retention rates in 2011 remained strong and were higher than in 2010. Renewal premium changes in 2011 were slightly positive (compared with slightly negative in 2010), as the modest growth in insured exposures exceeded negative renewal rate changes. New business volume in 2011 increased considerably over 2010. Net written premiums in International in 2012 were $1.06 billion, $92 million or 8% lower than in 2011. The decrease in 2012 primarily reflected lower business volume in the Company’s operations at Lloyd’s, lower surety volumes in Canada, the impact of the Company’s withdrawal from personal insurance business in the Republic of Ireland and, to a lesser extent, the impact of foreign currency rates of exchange. Excluding the surety line of business, for which the following are not relevant measures, business retention rates in 2012 were strong and higher than in 2011. Renewal premium changes in 2012 were negative and slightly lower than in 2011, as positive renewal rate changes were more than offset by a decline in insured exposures. New business volumes in 2012 were slightly lower than in 2011. Net written premiums in International in 2011 were $1.15 billion, $81 million or 7% lower than in 2010, primarily reflecting the impact of the Company’s termination of an exclusive broker relationship in the Republic of Ireland. Excluding the surety line of business, business retention rates in 2011 88 declined from 2010, primarily as a result of the Company’s withdrawal from personal insurance business in the Republic of Ireland. New business volume in International in 2011 decreased from 2010, primarily reflecting the Company’s withdrawal from personal insurance business in the Republic of Ireland and intentional underwriting actions in the Company’s operations at Lloyd’s. Renewal premium changes were flat in 2011 (compared with slightly positive in 2010), as positive renewal rate changes were offset by a decline in insured exposures. Personal Insurance Results of the Company’s Personal Insurance segment were as follows: (for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 2010 Revenues: Earned premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,621 404 66 $7,589 424 70 $7,349 464 75 Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,091 $8,083 $7,888 Total claims and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,842 $8,708 $7,314 Operating income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 217 $ (332) $ 440 Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Underwriting expense ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72.3% 83.5% 68.1% 30.1 29.6 30.2 GAAP combined ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101.9% 113.6% 98.3% Incremental impact of direct to consumer initiative on GAAP combined ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.3% 2.5% 2.2% Overview Operating income in 2012 was $217 million, $549 million higher than the operating loss of ($332) million in 2011. The improvement in operating income in 2012 compared with 2011 primarily reflected the pretax impact of (i) a decline in catastrophe losses, (ii) higher underlying underwriting margins resulting from lower non-catastrophe weather-related losses and lower fire-related losses and (iii) an increase in net favorable prior year reserve development. Partially offsetting these pretax improvements were their related tax expense. The effective tax rate in 2012 increased from the prior year due to interest on municipal bonds, which is effectively taxed at a rate that is lower than the corporate tax rate of 35%, comprising a lower percentage of pretax income. The operating loss in 2011 included the impact of a $10 million benefit resulting from the favorable resolution of various prior year tax matters. Catastrophe losses in 2012 were $1.02 billion, compared with $1.49 billion in 2011. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2012 was $175 million, compared with $110 million in 2011. An operating loss of ($332) million in 2011 compared with operating income of $440 million in 2010. The decline in operating income in 2011 compared with 2010 primarily reflected the pretax impact of (i) a significant increase in catastrophe losses, (ii) lower underlying underwriting margins related to earned pricing and loss cost trends, higher non-catastrophe weather-related losses and an increase in expenses related to the Company’s direct to consumer initiative, partially offset by higher business volumes, and (iii) lower net investment income. Partially offsetting these net pretax declines were their related net tax benefit. The effective tax rate in 2011 decreased from the prior year due to interest on municipal bonds, which is effectively taxed at a rate that is lower than the corporate tax rate of 35%, comprising a higher percentage of pretax income. These factors were partially offset by an increase in net favorable prior year reserve development and a $10 million benefit resulting from the 89 favorable resolution of various prior year tax matters. Catastrophe losses in 2011 were $1.49 billion, compared with $594 million in 2010. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2011 was $110 million, compared with $87 million in 2010. Revenues Earned Premiums Earned premiums in 2012 were $7.62 billion, $32 million or less than 1% higher than in 2011. Earned premiums of $7.59 billion in 2011 were $240 million or 3% higher than in 2010. Net Investment Income Net investment income in 2012 was $404 million, $20 million or 5% lower than in 2011, primarily due to lower net investment income from fixed maturity investments, partially offset by higher net investment income generated by non-fixed maturity investments. Net investment income in 2011 was $424 million, $40 million or 9% lower than in 2010, primarily due to lower net investment income from fixed maturity investments. Refer to the ‘‘Net Investment Income’’ section of ‘‘Consolidated Results of Operations’’ herein for a discussion of the change in the Company’s net investment income in 2012 and 2011 as compared with the respective prior year. In addition, refer to note 2 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements herein for a discussion of the Company’s net investment income allocation methodology. Claims and Expenses Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Claims and claim adjustment expenses in 2012 were $5.50 billion, $837 million or 13% lower than in 2011. The decrease primarily reflected (i) a decline in catastrophe losses and, to a lesser extent, (ii) lower non-catastrophe weather-related losses, (iii) lower fire-related losses and (iv) higher net favorable prior year reserve development, partially offset by (v) the impact of loss cost trends, including a higher number of severe bodily injury claims in the automobile line of business. Catastrophe losses in 2012 were $1.02 billion, compared with $1.49 billion in 2011. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2012 was $175 million, compared with $110 million in 2011. Factors contributing to net favorable prior year reserve development are discussed in more detail in note 7 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Claims and claim adjustment expenses in 2011 were $6.34 billion, $1.34 billion or 27% higher than in 2010. The increase primarily reflected (i) the significant increase in catastrophe losses, (ii) the impact of loss cost trends, (iii) higher non-catastrophe weather-related losses and (iv) higher business volumes. These factors were partially offset by an increase in net favorable prior year reserve development. Catastrophe losses in 2011 and 2010 were $1.49 billion and $594 million, respectively. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2011 and 2010 was $110 million and $87 million, respectively. Factors contributing to net favorable prior year reserve development are discussed in more detail in note 7 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs The amortization of deferred acquisition costs in 2012 was $1.44 billion, $21 million or 1% lower than in 2011. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs in 2011 was $1.46 billion, $17 million or 1% higher than in 2010. The changes in deferred acquisition costs in both 2012 and 2011 differed from the change in earned premiums, primarily reflecting an increase in the number of agents reverting to a contingent commission compensation program (the costs of which are classified in ‘‘general and administrative expenses’’) from a fixed-value compensation program (the costs of which are classified in 90 ‘‘amortization of deferred acquisition costs’’), and growth in the Company’s direct to consumer business (for which no commission expense is incurred). General and Administrative Expenses General and administrative expenses in 2012 were $900 million, $8 million or 1% lower than in 2011. General and administrative expenses in 2011 were $908 million, $41 million or 5% higher than in 2010. The increase in 2011 was primarily driven by costs associated with the Company’s direct to consumer initiative, as well as the increase in contingent commission expense due to the increase in the number of agents reverting to a contingent commission compensation program. The cost of the contingent commission program is not subject to deferred acquisition cost accounting treatment and, therefore, is expensed as incurred. Income Tax Expense Income tax expense in 2012 was $32 million, compared to an income tax benefit of $293 million in 2011. The change in income tax expense of $325 million in 2012 from 2011 primarily reflected the $898 million decrease in underwriting loss (including the favorable impacts of a decrease in catastrophes and an increase in net favorable prior year reserve development) from 2011. The change in income tax expense in 2012 from 2011 was also impacted by the $10 million benefit in 2011 resulting from the favorable resolution of various prior year tax matters. The income tax benefit in 2011 was $293 million, compared to income tax expense of $134 million in 2010. The change in income tax expense (benefit) of ($427) million in 2011 from 2010 primarily reflected the $1.15 billion decrease in underwriting margins (including the unfavorable impacts of an increase in catastrophes and a decline in net favorable prior year reserve development) from 2011. The change in income tax expense (benefit) was also impacted by the $10 million benefit in 2011 resulting from the favorable resolution of various prior year tax matters. GAAP Combined Ratio The GAAP combined ratio of 101.9% in 2012 was 11.7 points lower than the GAAP combined ratio of 113.6% in 2011. The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 72.3% in 2012 was 11.2 points lower than the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 83.5% in 2011. Catastrophe losses accounted for 13.4 points and 19.6 points of the loss and loss adjustment expense ratios in 2012 and 2011, respectively. The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for 2012 and 2011 included 2.3 points and 1.5 points of benefit, respectively, from net favorable prior year reserve development. The 2012 underlying loss and loss adjustment expense ratio was 4.2 points lower than the 2011 ratio on the same basis, reflecting the factors discussed above. The underwriting expense ratio of 29.6% in 2012 was 0.5 points lower than the underwriting expense ratio of 30.1% in 2011. The GAAP combined ratio of 113.6% in 2011 was 15.3 points higher than the GAAP combined ratio of 98.3% in 2010. The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 83.5% in 2011 was 15.4 points higher than the 2010 ratio of 68.1%. Catastrophe losses accounted for 19.6 and 8.1 points of the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio in 2011 and 2010, respectively. Net favorable prior year reserve development provided 1.5 points and 1.2 points of benefit to the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio in 2011 and 2010, respectively. The 2011 underlying loss and loss adjustment expense ratio was 4.2 points higher than the 2010 ratio on the same basis, reflecting the factors discussed above. 91 The underwriting expense ratio of 30.1% in 2011 was 0.1 points lower than the underwriting expense ratio of 30.2% in 2010. Agency Written Premiums Gross and net written premiums by product line were as follows for the Personal Insurance segment’s Agency business, which comprises business written through agents, brokers and other intermediaries and represents almost all of the segment’s gross and net written premiums: (for the year ended December 31, in millions) Gross Written Premiums 2012 2011 2010 Agency Automobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agency Homeowners and Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,544 4,220 $3,706 4,221 $3,720 4,060 Total Agency Personal Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,764 $7,927 $7,780 (for the year ended December 31, in millions) Net Written Premiums 2012 2011 2010 Agency Automobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agency Homeowners and Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,527 3,909 $3,688 3,923 $3,698 3,772 Total Agency Personal Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,436 $7,611 $7,470 In 2012, gross and net written Agency written premiums both decreased 2% from the respective totals in 2011. In 2011, gross and net Agency written premiums both increased 2% over the respective totals in 2010. In the Agency Automobile line of business, net written premiums in 2012 were 4% lower than in 2011. Business retention rates remained strong but were lower than in 2011, while new business levels in 2012 declined from 2011, largely as a result of the Company’s pricing strategy and other profitability improvement initiatives. Renewal premium changes remained positive in 2012 and increased over 2011. Net written premiums in 2011 were slightly lower than in 2010. Business retention rates in 2011 remained strong, while new business levels declined from 2010. Renewal premium changes remained positive in 2011 and increased over 2010. In the Agency Homeowners and Other line of business, net written premiums in 2012 were slightly lower than in 2011. Business retention rates remained strong but were lower than in 2011, while new business levels in 2012 declined from 2011, largely as a result of the Company’s pricing strategy, higher deductibles and other profitability improvement initiatives. Renewal premium changes remained positive in 2012 and increased over 2011. Net written premiums in 2011 were 4% higher than in 2010. Business retention rates in 2011 remained strong, while new business levels were lower than in 2010. Renewal premium changes in 2011 remained positive and increased slightly over 2010. For its Agency business, the Personal Insurance segment had approximately 7.1 million and 7.7 million active policies at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Direct to Consumer Written Premiums In its direct to consumer business, net written premiums in 2012 were $158 million, $24 million or 18% higher than in 2011. The increase in net written premiums in 2012 resulted from a $15 million or 15% increase in automobile net written premiums and a $9 million or 26% increase in homeowners and other net written premiums compared to 2011. Net written premiums in 2011 were $134 million, $37 million or 38% higher than in 2010. The increase in net written premiums in 2011 resulted from a $26 million or 35% increase in automobile net written premiums and an $11 million or 48% increase in 92 homeowners and other net written premiums compared to 2010. The direct to consumer business had 160,000 and 140,000 active policies at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Interest Expense and Other (for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 2010 Operating loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(261) $(279) $(318) The operating loss for Interest Expense and Other in 2012 was $18 million lower than in 2011. The operating loss in 2011 was $39 million lower than in 2010, primarily reflecting $39 million of after- tax expenses related to the Company’s purchase and retirement of a significant portion of its 6.25% fixed-to-floating rate junior subordinated debentures in 2010. The operating loss in 2010 also included a $12 million increase in tax expense associated with recent federal health care legislation and an increase in interest expense. After-tax interest expense in 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $246 million, $251 million and $252 million, respectively. ASBESTOS CLAIMS AND LITIGATION The Company believes that the property and casualty insurance industry has suffered from court decisions and other trends that have expanded insurance coverage for asbestos claims far beyond the original intent of insurers and policyholders. The Company has received and continues to receive a significant number of asbestos claims from the Company’s policyholders (which includes others seeking coverage under a policy). Factors underlying these claim filings include intensive advertising by lawyers seeking asbestos claimants and the continued focus by plaintiffs on previously peripheral defendants. The focus on these defendants is primarily the result of the number of traditional asbestos defendants who have sought bankruptcy protection in previous years. In addition to contributing to the overall number of claims, bankruptcy proceedings may increase the volatility of asbestos-related losses by initially delaying the reporting of claims and later by significantly accelerating and increasing loss payments by insurers, including the Company. The bankruptcy of many traditional defendants has also caused increased settlement demands against those policyholders who are not in bankruptcy but that remain in the tort system. Currently, in many jurisdictions, those who allege very serious injury and who can present credible medical evidence of their injuries are receiving priority trial settings in the courts, while those who have not shown any credible disease manifestation are having their hearing dates delayed or placed on an inactive docket. This trend of prioritizing claims involving credible evidence of injuries, along with the focus on previously peripheral defendants, contributes to the claims and claim adjustment expense payments experienced by the Company. The Company’s asbestos-related claims and claim adjustment expense experience also has been impacted by the unavailability of other insurance sources potentially available to policyholders, whether through exhaustion of policy limits or through the insolvency of other participating insurers. The Company continues to be involved in coverage litigation concerning a number of policyholders, some of whom have filed for bankruptcy, who in some instances have asserted that all or a portion of their asbestos-related claims are not subject to aggregate limits on coverage. In these instances, policyholders also may assert that each individual bodily injury claim should be treated as a separate occurrence under the policy. It is difficult to predict whether these policyholders will be successful on both issues. To the extent both issues are resolved in a policyholder’s favor and other Company defenses are not successful, the Company’s coverage obligations under the policies at issue would be materially increased and bounded only by the applicable per-occurrence limits and the number of asbestos bodily injury claims against the policyholders. Accordingly, although the Company has seen a moderation in the overall risk associated with these lawsuits, it remains difficult to predict the ultimate cost of these claims. 93 Many coverage disputes with policyholders are only resolved through settlement agreements. Because many policyholders make exaggerated demands, it is difficult to predict the outcome of settlement negotiations. Settlements involving bankrupt policyholders may include extensive releases which are favorable to the Company but which could result in settlements for larger amounts than originally anticipated. There also may be instances where a court may not approve a proposed settlement, which may result in additional litigation and potentially less beneficial outcomes for the Company. As in the past, the Company will continue to pursue settlement opportunities. In addition to claims against policyholders, proceedings have been launched directly against insurers, including the Company, by individuals challenging insurers’ conduct with respect to the handling of past asbestos claims and by individuals seeking damages arising from alleged asbestos- related bodily injuries. It is possible that the filing of other direct actions against insurers, including the Company, could be made in the future. It is difficult to predict the outcome of these proceedings, including whether the plaintiffs will be able to sustain these actions against insurers based on novel legal theories of liability. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to these claims and has received favorable rulings in certain jurisdictions. Travelers Property Casualty Corp. (TPC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, had entered into settlement agreements which are subject to a number of contingencies, in connection with a number of these direct action claims (Direct Action Settlements). For a full discussion of these settlement agreements, see the ‘‘Asbestos Direct Action Litigation’’ section of note 16 of notes to the consolidated financial statements. Because each policyholder presents different liability and coverage issues, the Company generally reviews the exposure presented by each policyholder at least annually. Among the factors which the Company may consider in the course of this review are: available insurance coverage, including the role of any umbrella or excess insurance the Company has issued to the policyholder; limits and deductibles; an analysis of the policyholder’s potential liability; the jurisdictions involved; past and anticipated future claim activity and loss development on pending claims; past settlement values of similar claims; allocated claim adjustment expense; potential role of other insurance; the role, if any, of non-asbestos claims or potential non-asbestos claims in any resolution process; and applicable coverage defenses or determinations, if any, including the determination as to whether or not an asbestos claim is a products/ completed operation claim subject to an aggregate limit and the available coverage, if any, for that claim. In the third quarter of 2012, the Company completed its annual in-depth asbestos claim review. As in prior years, the annual claim review considered active policyholders and litigation cases for potential product and ‘‘non-product’’ liability. The Company noted the following trends: (cid:127) continued high level of litigation activity in certain jurisdictions involving individuals alleging serious asbestos-related illness; (cid:127) while overall payment patterns have been generally stable, there has been an increase in severity for certain policyholders due to the continued high level of litigation activity; (cid:127) continued moderate level of asbestos-related bankruptcy activity; and (cid:127) the absence of new theories of liability or new classes of defendants. While the Company believes that over the past several years there has been a reduction in the volatility associated with the Company’s overall asbestos exposure, there nonetheless remains a high degree of uncertainty with respect to future exposure from asbestos claims. During 2012, total gross and net asbestos-related payments decreased when compared with 2011, primarily resulting from a decline in both gross and net payments to policyholders with whom the Company has entered into settlement agreements. The Home Office and Field Office categories, which 94 account for the vast majority of policyholders with active asbestos-related claims, experienced a modest reduction in gross asbestos-related payments during 2012 when compared with 2011, while net asbestos payments were flat. Payments on behalf of policyholders in these categories continue to be influenced by the high level of litigation activity in a limited number of jurisdictions where individuals alleging serious asbestos-related injury continue to target previously peripheral defendants. The number of policyholders tendering asbestos claims for the first time in 2012 and the number of policyholders with open asbestos claims both increased slightly when compared with 2011. The Company’s quarterly asbestos reserve reviews include an analysis of exposure and claim payment patterns by policyholder category, as well as recent settlements, policyholder bankruptcies, judicial rulings and legislative actions. The Company also analyzes developing payment patterns among policyholders in the Home Office, Field Office and Assumed Reinsurance and Other categories as well as projected reinsurance billings and recoveries. In addition, the Company reviews its historical gross and net loss and expense paid experience, year-by-year, to assess any emerging trends, fluctuations, or characteristics suggested by the aggregate paid activity. Conventional actuarial methods are not utilized to establish asbestos reserves nor have the Company’s evaluations resulted in any way of determining a meaningful average asbestos defense or indemnity payment. The completion of these reviews and analyses in 2012, 2011 and 2010 resulted in $175 million, $175 million and $140 million increases, respectively, in the Company’s net asbestos reserves in each period. In each year, the reserve increases were primarily driven by increases in the Company’s estimate of projected settlement and defense costs related to a broad number of policyholders in the Home Office category and by higher projected payments on assumed reinsurance accounts. The increase in the estimate of projected settlement and defense costs resulted from payment trends that continue to be moderately higher than previously anticipated due to the impact of the current litigation environment discussed above. The increase in 2010 also reflected increases in costs of litigating asbestos-related coverage matters and was partially offset by a $70 million benefit from the reduction in the allowance for uncollectible reinsurance resulting from a favorable ruling related to a reinsurance dispute. Notwithstanding these trends, the Company’s overall view of the underlying asbestos environment is essentially unchanged from recent periods, and there remains a high degree of uncertainty with respect to future exposure to asbestos claims. Net asbestos losses paid in 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $236 million, $284 million and $350 million, respectively. Approximately 6%, 19% and 32% of total net paid losses in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, related to policyholders with whom the Company had entered into settlement agreements limiting the Company’s liability. The Company categorizes its asbestos reserves as follows: Number of Policyholders Total Net Paid Net Asbestos Reserves (at and for the year ended December 31, $ in millions) 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 Policyholders with settlement agreements . . . . . . . . . . Home office and field office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assumed reinsurance and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 1,678 — 15 1,616 — $ 13 199 24 $ 54 199 31 $ 91 2,089 198 $ 588 1,660 191 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,693 1,631 $236 $284 $2,378 $2,439 The ‘‘policyholders with settlement agreements’’ category includes structured settlements, coverage in place arrangements and, with respect to TPC, Wellington accounts. Reserves are based on the expected payout for each policyholder under the applicable agreement. Structured settlements are arrangements under which policyholders and/or plaintiffs agree to fixed financial amounts to be paid at scheduled times. Coverage in place arrangements represent agreements with policyholders on specified amounts of coverage to be provided. Payment obligations may be subject to annual maximums and are 95 only made when valid claims are presented. Wellington accounts refer to the 35 defendants that are parties to a 1985 agreement settling certain disputes concerning insurance coverage for their asbestos claims. Many of the aspects of the Wellington agreement are similar to those of coverage in place arrangements in which the parties have agreed on specific amounts of coverage and the terms under which the coverage can be accessed. The ‘‘home office and field office’’ category relates to all other policyholders and also includes unallocated IBNR reserves and reserves for the costs of defending asbestos-related coverage litigation. Policyholders are identified for the annual home office review based upon, among other factors: a combination of past payments and current case reserves in excess of a specified threshold (currently $100,000), perceived level of exposure, number of reported claims, products/completed operations and potential ‘‘non-product’’ exposures, size of policyholder and geographic distribution of products or services sold by the policyholder. In addition to IBNR amounts contained in the reserves for ‘‘home office and field office’’ policyholders and the costs of litigating asbestos coverage matters, the Company has established a reserve for further adverse development related to existing policyholders, new claims from policyholders reporting claims for the first time and policyholders for which there is, or may be, litigation and direct actions against the Company. During 2012, $502 million of reserves included in ‘‘Policyholders with settlement agreements’’ were reclassified to the unallocated IBNR component in the ‘‘home office and field office’’ category as a result of the U.S. District Court ruling on March 1, 2012 that the conditions of the Direct Action Settlements had not been satisfied. For a full discussion of these settlement agreements see the ‘‘Asbestos Direct Action Litigation’’ section of note 16 of notes to the consolidated financial statements. The ‘‘assumed reinsurance and other’’ category primarily consists of reinsurance of excess coverage, including various pool participations. On January 29, 2009, the Company and PPG Industries, Inc (‘‘PPG’’), along with approximately 30 other insurers of PPG, agreed in principle to an agreement to settle asbestos-related coverage litigation under insurance policies issued to PPG. The tentative settlement agreement has been incorporated into the Modified Third Amended Plan of Reorganization (‘‘Amended Plan’’) proposed as part of the Pittsburgh Corning Corp. (‘‘PCC’’, which is 50% owned by PPG) bankruptcy proceeding. Pursuant to the proposed Amended Plan, which was filed on January 30, 2009, PCC, along with enumerated other companies (including PPG as well as the Company as a participating insurer), are to receive protections afforded by Section 524(g) of the Bankruptcy Code from certain asbestos-related bodily injury claims. Under the agreement in principle, the Company has the option to make a series of payments over the next 20 years totaling approximately $620 million to the Trust to be created under the Amended Plan, or it may elect to make a one-time discounted payment, which, as of March 31, 2013, would total approximately $481 million (approximately $452 million after reinsurance). The agreement in principle with PPG is subject to numerous contingencies, including final court approval of the Amended Plan, and the Company has no obligation to make the settlement payment until all contingencies are satisfied. The Company’s obligations under this agreement in principle are included in the ‘‘home office and field office’’ category in the preceding table. 96 The following table displays activity for asbestos losses and loss expenses and reserves: (at and for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 2010 Beginning reserves: Gross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ceded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,780 (341) $2,941 (393) $3,097 (339) Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,439 2,548 2,758 Incurred losses and loss expenses: Gross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ceded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Losses paid: Gross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ceded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ending reserves: 171 4 175 262 (26) 236 195 (20) 175 356 (72) 284 262 (122) 140 418 (68) 350 Gross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ceded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,689 (311) 2,780 (341) 2,941 (393) Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,378 $2,439 $2,548 See ‘‘—Uncertainty Regarding Adequacy of Asbestos and Environmental Reserves.’’ ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS AND LITIGATION The Company has received and continues to receive claims from policyholders who allege that they are liable for injury or damage arising out of their alleged disposition of toxic substances. Mostly, these claims are due to various legislative as well as regulatory efforts aimed at environmental remediation. For instance, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), enacted in 1980 and later modified, enables private parties as well as federal and state governments to take action with respect to releases and threatened releases of hazardous substances. This federal statute permits the recovery of response costs from some liable parties and may require liable parties to undertake their own remedial action. Liability under CERCLA may be joint and several with other responsible parties. The Company has been, and continues to be, involved in litigation involving insurance coverage issues pertaining to environmental claims. The Company believes that some court decisions have interpreted the insurance coverage to be broader than the original intent of the insurers and policyholders. These decisions often pertain to insurance policies that were issued by the Company prior to the mid-1980s. These decisions continue to be inconsistent and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Environmental claims when submitted rarely indicate the monetary amount being sought by the claimant from the policyholder, and the Company does not keep track of the monetary amount being sought in those few claims which indicate a monetary amount. The resolution of environmental exposures by the Company generally occurs through settlements with policyholders as opposed to claimants. Generally, the Company strives to extinguish any obligations it may have under any policy issued to the policyholder for past, present and future environmental liabilities and extinguish any pending coverage litigation dispute with the policyholder. This form of settlement is commonly referred to as a ‘‘buy-back’’ of policies for future environmental liability. In addition, many of the agreements have also extinguished any insurance obligation which the 97 Company may have for other claims, including but not limited to asbestos and other cumulative injury claims. The Company and its policyholders may also agree to settlements which extinguish any liability arising from known specified sites or claims. Where appropriate, these agreements also include indemnities and hold harmless provisions to protect the Company. The Company’s general purpose in executing these agreements is to reduce the Company’s potential environmental exposure and eliminate the risks presented by coverage litigation with the policyholder and related costs. In establishing environmental reserves, the Company evaluates the exposure presented by each policyholder and the anticipated cost of resolution, if any. In the course of this analysis, the Company generally considers the probable liability, available coverage, relevant judicial interpretations and historical value of similar exposures. In addition, the Company considers the many variables presented, such as: the nature of the alleged activities of the policyholder at each site; the number of sites; the total number of potentially responsible parties at each site; the nature of the alleged environmental harm and the corresponding remedy at each site; the nature of government enforcement activities at each site; the ownership and general use of each site; the overall nature of the insurance relationship between the Company and the policyholder, including the role of any umbrella or excess insurance the Company has issued to the policyholder; the involvement of other insurers; the potential for other available coverage, including the number of years of coverage; the role, if any, of non-environmental claims or potential non-environmental claims in any resolution process; and the applicable law in each jurisdiction. The evaluation of the exposure presented by a policyholder can change as information concerning that policyholder and the many variables presented is developed. Conventional actuarial techniques are not used to estimate these reserves. In its review of environmental reserves, the Company considers: past settlement payments; changing judicial and legislative trends; its reserves for the costs of litigating environmental coverage matters; the potential for policyholders with smaller exposures to be named in new clean-up actions for both on- and off-site waste disposal activities; the potential for adverse development; the potential for additional new claims beyond previous expectations; and the potential higher costs for new settlements. The duration of the Company’s investigation and review of these claims and the extent of time necessary to determine an appropriate estimate, if any, of the value of the claim to the Company vary significantly and are dependent upon a number of factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, the cooperation of the policyholder in providing claim information, the pace of underlying litigation or claim processes, the pace of coverage litigation between the policyholder and the Company and the willingness of the policyholder and the Company to negotiate, if appropriate, a resolution of any dispute pertaining to these claims. Because these factors vary from claim-to-claim and policyholder-by-policyholder, the Company cannot provide a meaningful average of the duration of an environmental claim. However, based upon the Company’s experience in resolving these claims, the duration may vary from months to several years. The Company continues to receive notices from policyholders tendering claims for the first time, frequently under policies issued prior to the mid-1980’s. These policyholders continue to present smaller exposures, have fewer sites and are lower tier defendants. Further, in many instances, clean-up costs have been reduced because regulatory agencies are willing to accept risk-based site analyses and more efficient clean-up technologies. Overall net environmental claim payments in 2012 were essentially unchanged from 2011. Over the past several years, the Company has experienced generally favorable trends in the number of new policyholders tendering environmental claims for the first time and in the number of pending declaratory judgment actions relating to environmental matters. The degree to which those favorable trends have continued, however, has been less than anticipated. As a result, in 2012 and 2011, the Company increased its net environmental reserves by $90 million and $76 million, respectively. In 2010, the Company increased its net environmental reserves by $35 million due to a modest upward development in the expected defense and settlement costs for certain of its pending policyholders. 98 Net environmental losses paid in 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $84 million, $86 million and $77 million, respectively. At December 31, 2012, approximately 93% of the net environmental reserve (approximately $323 million) was carried in a bulk reserve and included unresolved environmental claims, incurred but not reported environmental claims and the anticipated cost of coverage litigation disputes relating to these claims. The bulk reserve the Company carries is established and adjusted based upon the aggregate volume of in-process environmental claims and the Company’s experience in resolving those claims. The balance, approximately 7% of the net environmental reserve (approximately $24 million), consists of case reserves. The following table displays activity for environmental losses and loss expenses and reserves: (at and for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 2010 Beginning reserves: Gross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ceded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $346 (5) $354 (3) $389 4 Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341 351 393 Incurred losses and loss expenses: Gross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ceded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Losses paid: Gross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ceded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 (9) 90 93 (9) 84 80 (4) 76 88 (2) 86 45 (10) 35 80 (3) 77 Ending reserves: Gross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ceded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352 (5) 346 (5) 354 (3) Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $347 $341 $351 UNCERTAINTY REGARDING ADEQUACY OF ASBESTOS AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESERVES As a result of the processes and procedures discussed above, management believes that the reserves carried for asbestos and environmental claims at December 31, 2012 are appropriately established based upon known facts, current law and management’s judgment. However, the uncertainties surrounding the final resolution of these claims continue, and it is difficult to determine the ultimate exposure for asbestos and environmental claims and related litigation. As a result, these reserves are subject to revision as new information becomes available and as claims develop. The continuing uncertainties include, without limitation, the risks and lack of predictability inherent in complex litigation, any impact from the bankruptcy protection sought by various asbestos producers and other asbestos defendants, a further increase or decrease in the cost to resolve, and/or the number of, asbestos and environmental claims beyond that which is anticipated, the role of any umbrella or excess policies the Company has issued, the resolution or adjudication of disputes pertaining to the amount of available coverage for asbestos and environmental claims in a manner inconsistent with the Company’s previous assessment of these claims, the number and outcome of direct actions against the Company, future developments pertaining to the Company’s ability to recover reinsurance for asbestos and environmental claims and the unavailability of other insurance sources potentially available to policyholders, whether through exhaustion of policy limits or through the insolvency of other participating insurers. In addition, uncertainties arise from the insolvency or bankruptcy of policyholders and other defendants. It is also not possible to predict changes in the legal, regulatory 99 and legislative environment and their impact on the future development of asbestos and environmental claims. This environment could be affected by changes in applicable legislation and future court and regulatory decisions and interpretations, including the outcome of legal challenges to legislative and/or judicial reforms establishing medical criteria for the pursuit of asbestos claims. It is also difficult to predict the ultimate outcome of complex coverage disputes until settlement negotiations near completion and significant legal questions are resolved or, failing settlement, until the dispute is adjudicated. This is particularly the case with policyholders in bankruptcy where negotiations often involve a large number of claimants and other parties and require court approval to be effective. As part of its continuing analysis of asbestos and environmental reserves, the Company continues to study the implications of these and other developments. (Also see note 16 of notes to the consolidated financial statements in this report). Because of the uncertainties set forth above, additional liabilities may arise for amounts in excess of the Company’s current reserves. In addition, the Company’s estimate of claims and claim adjustment expenses may change. These additional liabilities or increases in estimates, or a range of either, cannot now be reasonably estimated and could result in income statement charges that could be material to the Company’s operating results in future periods. INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO The Company’s invested assets at December 31, 2012 were $73.84 billion, of which 93% was invested in fixed maturity and short-term investments, 1% in equity securities, 1% in real estate and 5% in other investments. Because the primary purpose of the investment portfolio is to fund future claims payments, the Company employs a conservative investment philosophy. A significant majority of funds available for investment are deployed in a widely diversified portfolio of high quality, liquid taxable U.S. government, tax-exempt U.S. municipal and taxable corporate and U.S. agency mortgage- backed bonds. The carrying value of the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio at December 31, 2012 was $65.39 billion. The Company closely monitors the duration of its fixed maturity investments, and investment purchases and sales are executed with the objective of having adequate funds available to satisfy the Company’s insurance and debt obligations. The weighted average credit quality of the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio, both including and excluding U.S. Treasury securities, was ‘‘Aa2’’ at both December 31, 2012 and 2011. In 2011, Standard & Poor’s downgraded the credit rating of securities issued by the U.S. government, which had minimal impact on the overall credit quality of the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio at December 31, 2011. Below investment grade securities represented 3.1% of the total fixed maturity investment portfolio at both December 31, 2012 and 2011. The average effective duration of fixed maturities and short-term securities was 3.2 (3.4 excluding short-term securities) at both December 31, 2012 and 2011. See the ‘‘Outlook’’ section in ‘‘Item 7— Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.’’ 100 The carrying values of investments in fixed maturities classified as available for sale at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows: (at December 31, in millions) U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government and government agencies and authorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions:: 2012 2011 Carrying Value Average Credit Quality(1) Carrying Value Average Credit Quality(1) $ 2,222 Aaa/Aa1 $ 2,497 Aaa/Aa1 Pre-refunded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,025 29,656 Aa1 Aa1 Total obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38,681 Debt securities issued by foreign governments . . . . . . 2,257 Aaa 7,332 31,690 39,022 2,318 Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, and pass-through securities . . . . . . . . . . 2,997 A1 3,515 All other corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stock: Financial: Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Finance/leasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brokerage and asset management . . . . . . . . . . Total financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Industrial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sovereign corporate securities(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Canadian municipal securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commercial mortgage-backed securities and project loans(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asset-backed and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total all other corporate bonds and 1,808 433 39 34 2,314 12,076 2,151 1,011 643 453 588 A1 A1 Baa3 A2 A3 A3 Aaa Aa1 Aaa A2 1,452 386 42 39 1,919 9,961 2,116 1,407 639 446 392 Aa1 Aa1 Aaa Aa3 A1 A2 Baa3 A3 Baa1 A3 Aaa Aa1 Aaa Baa1 redeemable preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . 19,236 16,880 Total fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65,393 Aa2 $64,232 Aa2 (1) Rated using external rating agencies or by the Company when a public rating does not exist. (2) Sovereign corporate securities include corporate securities that are backed by a government and include sovereign banks and securities issued under the Temporary Liquidity Guaranty and the Federal Ship Financing Programs. (3) Included in commercial mortgage-backed securities and project loans at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are $50 million and $66 million of securities guaranteed by the U.S. government, respectively, and $14 million and $15 million by government sponsored enterprises, respectively. 101 The following table sets forth the Company’s fixed maturity investment portfolio rated using external ratings agencies or by the Company when a public rating does not exist: (at December 31, 2012, in millions) Quality Rating: Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Aaa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total investment grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Below investment grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28,108 20,768 8,354 6,111 63,341 2,052 43.0% 31.8 12.8 9.3 96.9 3.1 Total fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65,393 100.0% Obligations of States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions The Company’s fixed maturity investment portfolio at December 31, 2012 and 2011 included $38.68 billion and $39.02 billion, respectively, of securities which are obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions (collectively referred to as the municipal bond portfolio). The municipal bond portfolio is diversified across the United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and includes general obligation and revenue bonds issued by states, cities, counties, school districts and similar issuers. Included in the municipal bond portfolio at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were $9.03 billion and $7.33 billion, respectively, of advance refunded or escrowed-to-maturity bonds (collectively referred to as pre-refunded bonds), which are bonds for which an irrevocable trust has been established to fund the remaining payments of principal and interest. Such escrow accounts are verified as to their sufficiency by an independent verification agent of the underwriter, issuer or trustee and are almost exclusively comprised of U.S. Treasury securities. Moody’s Investors Service has assigned negative outlooks to municipal securities in both the state sector and local government sector within the United States. 102 The following table shows the geographic distribution of the $29.66 billion of municipal bonds at December 31, 2012 that were not pre-refunded. (at December 31, 2012, in millions) State: State General Local General Obligation Obligation Revenue Total Carrying Value Average Credit Quality(1) Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minnesota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Massachusetts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arizona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . North Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colorado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All Others(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 426 46 273 183 161 306 345 188 — 239 — 201 299 1,976 $4,643 $ 2,572 1,775 793 673 866 746 42 28 495 606 679 376 380 3,498 $ 1,214 411 497 681 463 234 830 914 609 205 197 288 151 4,790 $ 4,212 Aaa/Aa1 2,232 Aa2 Aa1 1,563 1,537 Aaa/Aa1 1,490 Aa1 1,286 Aaa/Aa1 Aa1 1,217 1,130 Aaa/Aa1 Aa1 1,104 Aaa 1,050 Aa1 876 865 Aaa/Aa1 830 Aaa/Aa1 Aa1 10,264 $13,529 $11,484 $29,656 Aa1 (1) Rated using external rating agencies or by the Company when a public rating does not exist. Ratings shown are the higher of the rating of the underlying issuer or the insurer in the case of securities enhanced by third-party insurance for the payment of principal and interest in the event of issuer default. (2) No other single state accounted for 2.5% or more of the total pre-refunded municipal bonds. 103 The following table displays the funding sources for the $11.48 billion of municipal bonds identified as revenue bonds in the foregoing table at December 31, 2012. (at December 31, 2012, in millions) Source: Carrying Value Average Credit Quality(1) Water and sewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Higher education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power and utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Special tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Government funded/grant revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Healthcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Industrial revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Property tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other revenue sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3,886 1,824 1,169 1,071 883 536 139 98 97 61 51 33 1,636 Aaa/Aa1 Aaa/Aa1 Aa1 Aa2 Aa1 Aa2 Aaa Aa2 Aaa/Aa1 Aa3 A1 Aa2 Aaa/Aa1 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,484 Aa1 (1) Rated using external rating agencies or by the Company when a public rating does not exist. The Company bases its investment decision on the underlying credit characteristics of the municipal security. While its municipal bond portfolio includes a number of securities that were enhanced by third-party insurance for the payment of principal and interest in the event of an issuer default, the Company does not rely on enhanced credit characteristics provided by such third-party insurance as part of its investing decisions. The downgrade during 2008 and 2009 of credit ratings of insurers of these securities resulted in a corresponding downgrade in the ratings of many such securities to the underlying rating of the respective security. Of the insured municipal securities in the Company’s investment portfolio at December 31, 2012, approximately 99% were rated at A3 or above, and approximately 92% were rated at Aa3 or above, without the benefit of insurance. The Company believes that a loss of the benefit of insurance would not result in a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity, due to the underlying credit strength of the issuers of the securities, as well as the Company’s ability and intent to hold the securities. The average credit rating of the underlying issuers of these securities was ‘‘Aa2’’ at December 31, 2012. The average credit rating of the entire municipal bond portfolio was ‘‘Aa1’’ at December 31, 2012 with and without the enhancement provided by third-party insurance. 104 Debt Securities Issued by Foreign Governments The following table shows the geographic distribution of the Company’s long-term fixed maturity investments in debt securities issued by foreign governments at December 31, 2012. (at December 31, 2012, in millions) Foreign Government: Carrying Value Average Credit Quality(1) Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . United Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Norway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Germany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All Others(2)(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,025 945 74 70 143 Aaa Aaa Aaa Aaa Aa2 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,257 (1) Rated using external rating agencies or by the Company when a public rating does not exist. (2) The Company does not have direct exposure to sovereign debt issued by the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Greece, Portugal or Spain. (3) No other country accounted for 2.5% or more of total debt securities issued by foreign governments. The following table shows the Company’s Eurozone exposure at December 31, 2012 to all debt securities issued by foreign governments, financial companies, sovereign corporations (including sovereign banks) whose securities are backed by the respective country’s government and all other 105 corporate securities (comprised of industrial corporations and utility companies) which could be affected if economic conditions deteriorated due to a prolonged recession. Debt Securities Issued by Foreign Governments Corporate Securities Sovereign Corporates Financial All Other Carrying Average Credit Carrying Average Credit Carrying Average Credit Carrying Average Credit (at December 31, 2012, in millions) Value Quality(1) Value Quality(1) Value Quality(1) Value Quality(1) Eurozone Periphery Spain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ireland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Italy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Portugal $ — — — — — Subtotal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — Eurozone Non-Periphery Germany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . France . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Netherlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Austria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Finland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Belgium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luxembourg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Aaa 36 Aaa/Aa1 — — — — Aaa 18 — — — — Subtotal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 — $ 14 2 — — — — — — — Baa3 A3 — — — 16 7 28 54 — — — — 89 A2 A2 Aa3 — — — — $ — — — — — — 490 — 126 43 — — — 659 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $124 $105 $659 — $ — — — — Aaa — Aaa Aa2 — — — 36 61 23 13 — 133 223 379 249 — 13 142 47 Baa1 A3 Baa2 Baa2 — A3 A1 A2 — Baa3 A3 Baa1 1,053 $1,186 (1) Rated using external rating agencies or by the Company when a public rating does not exist. The table includes $225 million of short-term securities which have the highest ratings issued by external rating agencies for short-term issuances. For purposes of this table, the short-term securities, which are rated ‘‘A-1+’’ and/or ‘‘P-1,’’ are included as ‘‘Aaa’’ rated securities. In January 2012, Standard & Poor’s downgraded the sovereign ratings of nine Eurozone countries, including France (from ‘‘AAA’’ to ‘‘AA(cid:5)’’). In November 2012, Moody’s downgraded the sovereign rating of France from ‘‘Aaa’’ to ‘‘Aa1.’’ In addition to fixed maturities noted in the foregoing table, the Company has exposure totaling $276 million to private equity limited partnerships and real estate partnerships (both of which are included in other investments in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet) whose primary investing focus is across Europe. The Company has unfunded commitments totaling $145 million to these partnerships. The Company also has $4 million of nonredeemable preferred stock (included in equity securities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet) issued by companies in the Eurozone. Mortgage-Backed Securities, Collateralized Mortgage Obligations and Pass-Through Securities The Company’s fixed maturity investment portfolio at December 31, 2012 and 2011 included $3.00 billion and $3.52 billion, respectively, of residential mortgage-backed securities including pass-through-securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO), all of which are subject to prepayment risk (either shortening or lengthening of duration). While prepayment risk for securities and its effect on income cannot be fully controlled, particularly when interest rates move dramatically, the Company’s investment strategy generally favors securities that reduce this risk within expected 106 interest rate ranges. Included in the totals at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were $1.44 billion and $1.82 billion, respectively, of GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC (excluding FHA project loans) guaranteed residential mortgage-backed pass-through securities classified as available for sale. Also included in those totals were residential CMOs classified as available for sale with a fair value of $1.56 billion and $1.70 billion, at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Approximately 43% and 38% of the Company’s CMO holdings at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, were guaranteed by or fully collateralized by securities issued by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC. The average credit rating of the $893 million and $1.05 billion of non-guaranteed CMO holdings at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, was ‘‘B2’’ and ‘‘Ba1,’’ respectively. The average credit rating of all of the above securities was ‘‘A1’’ and ‘‘Aa3’’ at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company makes investments in residential CMOs that are either guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC, or if not guaranteed, are senior or super-senior positions within their respective securitizations. Both guaranteed and non-guaranteed residential CMOs allocate the distribution of payments from the underlying mortgages among different classes of bondholders. In addition, non-guaranteed residential CMOs provide structures that allocate the impact of credit losses to different classes of bondholders. Senior and super-senior CMOs are protected, to varying degrees, from credit losses as those losses are initially allocated to subordinated bondholders. The Company’s investment strategy is to purchase CMO tranches that are expected to offer the most favorable return given the Company’s assessment of associated risks. The Company does not purchase residual interests in CMOs. Alternative Documentation Mortgages and Sub-Prime Mortgages At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the ‘‘mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through securities’’ and ‘‘asset-backed and other’’ categories in the foregoing table included collateralized mortgage obligations backed by alternative documentation mortgages and asset- backed securities collateralized by sub-prime mortgages with a collective fair value of $347 million and $351 million, respectively (comprising less than 1% of the Company’s total fixed maturity investments at both dates). The continued disruption in secondary investment markets provided the Company with the opportunity to selectively acquire additional mortgage-backed securities at discounted prices in recent years. The Company purchased $11 million and $128 million of such securities in the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company defines sub-prime mortgage-backed securities as investments in which the underlying loans primarily exhibit one or more of the following characteristics: low FICO scores, above-prime interest rates, high loan-to-value ratios or high debt-to-income ratios. Alternative documentation securitizations are those in which the underlying loans primarily meet the government-sponsored entities’ requirements for credit score but do not meet the government-sponsored entities’ guidelines for documentation, property type, debt and loan-to-value ratios. The average credit rating on these securities and obligations held by the Company was ‘‘Ba1’’ and ‘‘Baa2’’ at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities and Project Loans At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company held commercial mortgage-backed securities (including FHA project loans) of $453 million and $446 million, respectively. The Company does not believe this portfolio exposes it to a material adverse impact on its results of operations, financial position or liquidity, due to the portfolio’s relatively small size and the underlying credit strength of these securities. Equity Securities Available for Sale, Real Estate and Short-Term Investments See note 1 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for further information about these invested asset classes. 107 Other Investments At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the carrying value of the Company’s other investments was $3.43 billion and $3.45 billion, respectively. The Company’s other investments are primarily comprised of private equity limited partnerships, hedge funds, real estate partnerships, joint ventures, mortgage loans, venture capital (through direct ownership and limited partnerships) and trading securities, which are subject to more volatility than the Company’s fixed maturity investments. These asset classes have historically provided a higher return than fixed maturities but are subject to more volatility. Net investment income provided by these asset classes was $414 million, $292 million and $304 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The increase in 2012 was primarily driven by improved results from the Company’s real estate partnerships and hedge fund investments. Securities Lending The Company has engaged in securities lending activities from which it generates net investment income by lending certain of its investments to other institutions for short periods of time. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had $403 million and $126 million of securities on loan, respectively, as part of a tri-party lending agreement. The average monthly balance of securities on loan during 2012 and 2011 was $197 million and $170 million, respectively. Borrowers of these securities provide collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities plus accrued interest. The Company has not incurred any investment losses in its securities lending program for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Net Unrealized Investment Gains The net unrealized investment gains that were included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows: (at December 31, in millions) Fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unrealized investment gains before tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2012 2011 2010 $4,564 183 14 4,761 1,658 $4,238 145 16 4,399 1,528 $2,650 147 30 2,827 968 Net unrealized investment gains at end of year . . . . . . . $3,103 $2,871 $1,859 Net pretax unrealized investment gains were $4.76 billion, $4.40 billion and $2.83 billion at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company’s fixed maturities portfolio at December 31, 2012 and 2011 experienced an increase in valuation compared with the respective prior year-end, primarily due to the continuing decline in market interest rates. The following table summarizes, for all fixed maturities and equity securities reported at fair value for which fair value is less than 80% of amortized cost at December 31, 2012, the gross unrealized 108 investment loss by length of time those securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position of greater than 20% of amortized cost: (in millions) Fixed maturities: Period For Which Fair Value Is Less Than 80% of Amortized Cost Greater Than Greater Than 3 Months, 6 Months or Less 6 Months, 12 Months or Less 3 Months or Less Greater Than 12 Months Total Mortgage-backed securities . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $— — — — $— $— 1 1 — $ 1 $— — — — $— $— 3 3 — $ 3 $— 4 4 — $ 4 These unrealized investment losses at December 31, 2012 represent less than 1% of the combined fixed maturity and equity security portfolios on a pretax basis and less than 1% of shareholders’ equity on an after-tax basis. For fixed maturity investments where fair value is less than the carrying value and the Company did not reach a decision to impair, the Company continues to have the intent and ability to hold such investments to a projected recovery in value, which may not be until maturity. At both December 31, 2012 and 2011, below investment grade securities comprised 3.1% of the Company’s fixed maturity investment portfolio. Included in below investment grade securities at December 31, 2012 were securities in an unrealized loss position that, in the aggregate, had an amortized cost of $177 million and a fair value of $168 million, resulting in a net pretax unrealized investment loss of $9 million. These securities in an unrealized loss position represented less than 1% of both the total amortized cost and the fair value of the fixed maturity portfolio at December 31, 2012 and accounted for 26% of the total gross pretax unrealized investment loss in the fixed maturity portfolio at December 31, 2012. 109 Impairment Charges Impairment charges included in net realized investment gains in the consolidated statement of income were as follows: (for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 2010 Fixed maturities U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government and government agencies and authorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $— $— $— Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions . . — — — Debt securities issued by foreign governments . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 9 All other corporate bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Redeemable preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — 13 5 4 4 Total fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 18 13 Equity securities Common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-redeemable preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 6 1 — Total equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 3 6 1 2 1 3 10 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15 $25 $26 Following are the pretax realized losses on investments sold during the year ended December 31, 2012: (for the year ended December 31, 2012, in millions) Loss Fair Value Fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 9 Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 9 $171 5 — $176 Purchases and sales of investments are based on cash requirements, the characteristics of the insurance liabilities and current market conditions. The Company identifies investments to be sold to achieve its primary investment goals of assuring the Company’s ability to meet policyholder obligations as well as to optimize investment returns, given these obligations. CATASTROPHE MODELING The Company uses various analyses and methods, including proprietary and third-party computer modeling processes, to analyze catastrophic events and the risks associated with them. The Company uses these analyses and methods to make underwriting and reinsurance decisions designed to manage its exposure to catastrophic events. There are no industry-standard methodologies or assumptions for projecting catastrophe exposure. Accordingly, catastrophe estimates provided by different insurers may not be comparable. The Company actively monitors and evaluates changes in third-party models and, when necessary, calibrates the catastrophe risk model estimates delivered via its own proprietary modeling processes. The Company considers historical loss experience, recent events, underwriting practices, market share 110 analyses and various other factors to account for non-modeled losses to refine its proprietary view of catastrophe risk. These proprietary models are continually updated as new information emerges. The tables below set forth the probabilities that estimated losses from a single event occurring in a one-year timeframe will equal or exceed the indicated loss amounts (expressed in dollars and as a percentage of the Company’s common equity), based on the current version of the proprietary and third-party computer models utilized by the Company at December 31, 2012. For example, on the basis described below the tables, the Company estimates that there is a one percent chance that the Company’s loss from a single U.S. hurricane in a one-year timeframe would equal or exceed $1.4 billion, or 6% of the Company’s common equity at December 31, 2012. Likelihood of Exceedance(1) Dollars (in billions) Single U.S. Hurricane Single U.S. and Canadian Earthquake 2.0% (1-in-50) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0% (1-in-100) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.4% (1-in-250) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.1% (1-in-1,000) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.1 $1.4 $2.4 $5.2 $0.5 $0.7 $0.9 $2.0 Likelihood of Exceedance Percentage of Common Equity(2) Single U.S. Hurricane Single U.S. and Canadian Earthquake 2.0% (1-in-50) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0% (1-in-100) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.4% (1-in-250) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.1% (1-in-1,000) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5% 6% 11% 23% 2% 3% 4% 9% (1) An event that has, for example, a 2% likelihood of exceedance is sometimes described as a ‘‘1-in-50 year event.’’ As noted above, however, the probabilities in the table represent the likelihood of losses from a single event equaling or exceeding the indicated threshold loss amount in a one-year timeframe, not over a multi-year timeframe. Also, because the probabilities relate to a single event, the probabilities do not address the likelihood of more than one event occurring in a particular period, and, therefore, the amounts do not address potential aggregate catastrophe losses occurring in a one-year timeframe. (2) The percentage of common equity is calculated by dividing (a) indicated loss amounts in dollars by (b) total common equity excluding net unrealized investment gains and losses, net of taxes. Net unrealized investment gains and losses can be significantly impacted by both discretionary and other economic factors and are not necessarily indicative of operating trends. Accordingly, the Company’s management uses the percentage of common equity calculated on this basis as a metric to evaluate the potential impact of a single hurricane or single earthquake on the Company’s financial position for purposes of making underwriting and reinsurance decisions. The threshold loss amounts in the tables above, which are based on the Company’s in-force portfolio at December 31, 2012 and catastrophic reinsurance program at January 1, 2013, are net of reinsurance, after-tax and exclude most loss adjustment expenses, which historically have been less than 10% of loss estimates. The amounts for hurricanes reflect U.S. exposures and include property exposures, property residual market exposures and an adjustment for certain non-property exposures. The hurricane loss amounts are based on the Company’s catastrophe risk model estimates and include losses from the hurricane hazards of wind and storm surge. The amounts for earthquakes reflect U.S. 111 and Canadian exposures and include property exposures and workers’ compensation exposures. The Company does not believe that the inclusion of hurricane or earthquake losses arising from other geographical areas or other exposures would materially change the estimated threshold loss amounts. Catastrophe modeling relies upon inputs based on experience, science, engineering and history. These inputs reflect a significant amount of judgment and are subject to changes which may result in volatility in the modeled output. Catastrophe modeling output may also fail to account for risks that are outside the range of normal probability or are otherwise unforeseeable. Catastrophe modeling assumptions include, among others, the portion of purchased reinsurance that is collectible after a catastrophic event, which may prove to be materially incorrect. Consequently, catastrophe modeling estimates are subject to significant uncertainty. In the tables above, the uncertainty associated with the estimated threshold loss amounts increases significantly as the likelihood of exceedance decreases. In other words, in the case of a relatively more remote event (e.g., 1-in-1,000), the estimated threshold loss amount is relatively less reliable. Actual losses from an event could materially exceed the indicated threshold loss amount. In addition, more than one such event could occur in any period. Moreover, the Company is exposed to the risk of material losses from other than property and workers’ compensation coverages arising out of hurricanes and earthquakes, and it is exposed to catastrophe losses from perils other than hurricanes and earthquakes, such as tornadoes and other windstorms, hail, wildfires, severe winter weather, floods, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and acts of terrorism. For more information about the Company’s exposure to catastrophe losses, see ‘‘Item 1A—Risk Factors—Catastrophe losses could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, our financial position and/or liquidity, and could adversely impact our ratings, our ability to raise capital and the availability and cost of reinsurance’’ and ‘‘Item 1A—Risk Factors—We may be adversely affected if our pricing and capital models provide materially different indications than actual results.’’ CHANGING CLIMATE CONDITIONS Severe weather events over the last several years have underscored the unpredictability of future climate trends and created uncertainty regarding insurers’ exposures to financial loss as a result of catastrophes and other weather-related events. Some scientists believe that, in recent years, changing climate conditions have added to the unpredictability, frequency and severity of natural disasters. For example, in recent years hurricane activity has impacted areas further inland than previously experienced, thus expanding the Company’s potential for losses from hurricanes. Additionally, both the frequency and severity of tornado and hail storms in the United States have been greater in recent years. Further, any reduction in arctic sea ice may contribute to rising sea levels that could impact flooding in coastal areas. Accordingly, if climate conditions are changing, the Company may be subject to increased losses from catastrophes and other weather-related events. Additionally, the Company’s catastrophe models may be less reliable due to the increased unpredictability, frequency and severity of severe weather events. The Company discusses how potentially changing climate conditions may present other issues for its business under ‘‘Risk Factors’’ in Item 1A of this report and under ‘‘—Outlook’’ herein. For example, among other things: (cid:127) Increasingly unpredictable and severe weather conditions could result in increased frequency and severity of claims under policies issued by the Company. See ‘‘Risk Factors—Catastrophe losses could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, our financial position and/or liquidity, and could adversely impact our ratings, our ability to raise capital and the availability and cost of reinsurance’’ and ‘‘—Outlook—Underwriting Gain/Loss.’’ 112 (cid:127) Changing climate conditions could also impact the creditworthiness of issuers of securities in which the Company invests. For example, water supply adequacy could impact the creditworthiness of bond issuers in the Southwestern United States, and more frequent and/or severe hurricanes could impact the creditworthiness of issuers in the Southeastern United States, among other areas. See ‘‘Risk Factors—Our investment portfolio may suffer reduced returns or material realized or unrealized losses.’’ (cid:127) Increased regulation adopted in response to potential changes in climate conditions may impact the Company and its customers. For example, state insurance regulation could impact the Company’s ability to manage property exposures in areas vulnerable to significant climate driven losses. If the Company is unable to implement risk based pricing, modify policy terms or reduce exposures to the extent necessary to address rising losses related to catastrophes and smaller scale weather events (should those increased losses occur), its business may be adversely affected. See ‘‘Risk Factors—Catastrophe losses could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, our financial position and/or liquidity, and could adversely impact our ratings, our ability to raise capital and the availability and cost of reinsurance.’’ (cid:127) The full range of potential liability exposures related to climate change continues to evolve. Through the Company’s Emerging Issues Committee and its Committee on Climate, Energy and the Environment, the Company works with its business units and corporate groups, as appropriate, to identify and try to assess climate change-related liability issues, which are continually evolving and often hard to fully evaluate. See ‘‘Risk Factors—The effects of emerging claim and coverage issues on our business are uncertain.’’ Climate change regulation also could increase the Company’s customers’ costs of doing business. For example, insureds faced with carbon management regulatory requirements may have less available capital for investment in loss prevention and safety features which may, over time, increase loss exposures. Also, increased regulation may result in reduced economic activity, which would decrease the amount of insurable assets and businesses. The Company regularly reviews emerging issues, such as changing climate conditions, to consider potential changes to its modeling and the use of such modeling, as well as to help determine the need for new underwriting strategies, coverage modifications or new products. REINSURANCE RECOVERABLES Ceded reinsurance involves credit risk, except with regard to mandatory pools for which liability is mostly joint and several, and is generally subject to aggregate loss limits. Although the reinsurer is liable to the Company to the extent of the reinsurance ceded, the Company remains liable as the direct insurer on all risks reinsured. Reinsurance recoverables are reported after reductions for known insolvencies and after allowances for uncollectible amounts. The Company monitors the financial condition of reinsurers on an ongoing basis and reviews its reinsurance arrangements periodically. Reinsurers are selected based on their financial condition, business practices and the price of their product offerings. After reinsurance is purchased, the Company has limited ability to manage the credit risk to a reinsurer. In addition, in a number of jurisdictions, particularly the European Union and the United Kingdom, a reinsurer is permitted to transfer a reinsurance arrangement to another reinsurer, which may be less creditworthy, without a counterparty’s consent, provided that the transfer has been approved by the applicable regulatory and/or court authority. The Company holds collateral, including trust agreements, escrow funds and letters of credit, under certain reinsurance agreements. The Company has also entered into Master Security Agreements with certain reinsurers. These agreements define conditions that require the reinsurer to provide collateral. The specific conditions and the amounts and form of collateral to be provided by these 113 agreements vary based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the reinsurers’ legal structure and trading history with the Company. The following table summarizes the composition of the Company’s reinsurance recoverables: (at December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 Gross reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allowance for uncollectible reinsurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5,256 (258) $ 6,255 (345) Net reinsurance recoverables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mandatory pools and associations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Structured settlements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,998 2,549 3,165 5,910 2,020 3,225 Total reinsurance recoverables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,712 $11,155 The $912 million decline in net reinsurance recoverables since December 31, 2011 primarily reflected the impact of cash collections, including commutation agreements, and the impact of net favorable prior year reserve development. The following table presents the Company’s top five reinsurer groups by reinsurance recoverable at December 31, 2012 (in millions). Also included is the A.M. Best rating of each reinsurer group at February 19, 2013: Reinsurer Group Reinsurance Recoverable A.M. Best Rating of Group’s Predominant Reinsurer Munich Re Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Swiss Re Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alleghany Group(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . XL Capital Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . $550 517 302 266 258 A+ A+ A A A++ highest of 16 ratings second highest of 16 ratings second highest of 16 ratings third highest of 16 ratings third highest of 16 ratings (1) In 2012, Alleghany Corporation and Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. completed their merger. As a result, Transatlantic became an operating subsidiary of Alleghany. At December 31, 2012, the Company held $1.5 billion of collateral in the form of letters of credit, funds and trust agreements held to fully or partially collateralize certain reinsurance recoverables. For a discussion of a pending reinsurance dispute pertaining to a portion of the Company’s reinsurance recoverable from the Munich Re Group in the foregoing table, see note 16 of notes to the consolidated financial statements. Also included in reinsurance recoverables are amounts related to structured settlements, which are annuities purchased from various life insurance companies to settle certain personal physical injury claims, of which workers’ compensation claims comprise a significant portion. In cases where the Company did not receive a release from the claimant, the amount due from the life insurance company related to the structured settlement is included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as a liability and as a reinsurance recoverable, as the Company retains the contingent liability to the claimant. In the event that the life insurance company fails to make the required annuity payments, the Company would be required to make such payments if and to the extent the purchased annuities are not covered by state guaranty associations. The following table presents the Company’s top five groups 114 by structured settlements at December 31, 2012 (in millions). Also included is the A.M. Best rating of the Company’s predominant insurer from each insurer group at February 19, 2013: Group Structured Settlements A.M. Best Rating of Group’s Predominant Insurer Fidelity & Guaranty Life Group . . . . . . . . . . . MetLife Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Genworth Financial Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Symetra Financial Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Hancock Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $981 474 437 256 190 B++ fifth highest of 16 ratings A+ A A A+ second highest of 16 ratings third highest of 16 ratings third highest of 16 ratings second highest of 16 ratings Reinsurance companies and life insurance companies have been negatively impacted by turbulent economic conditions, significant catastrophe events and investment portfolio challenges in recent years. A number of such companies have been subjected to downgrades and/or negative outlook changes by various ratings agencies, including those with which the Company conducts business. The Company considers these factors in assessing the adequacy of its allowance for uncollectible amounts. OUTLOOK The following discussion provides outlook information for certain key drivers of the Company’s results of operations and capital position. Premiums. The Company’s earned premiums are a function of net written premium volume. Net written premiums comprise both renewal business and new business and are recognized as earned premium over the life of the underlying policies. When business renews, the amount of net written premiums associated with that business may increase or decrease (renewal premium change) as a result of increases or decreases in rate and/or insured exposures, which the Company considers as a measure of units of exposure (such as the number and value of vehicles or properties insured). Net written premiums from both renewal and new business, and therefore earned premiums, are impacted by competitive market conditions as well as general economic conditions, which, particularly in the case of the Business Insurance segment, affect audit premium adjustments, policy endorsements and mid-term cancellations. Net written premiums are also impacted by the structure of reinsurance programs and related costs. Given the possibility that more active weather patterns such as the Company experienced in a number of recent periods may continue, as well as the possibility that interest rates may remain low for some period of time, along with the current level of profitability in certain of its product lines, the Company has undertaken efforts to improve its underwriting margins. These efforts include seeking improved rates, as well as improved terms and conditions on many of its insurance products, and also include other initiatives, such as reducing operating expenses and acquisition costs. These efforts may not be successful and/or may result in lower retention and new business levels and therefore lower business volumes. In particular, in the Agency Automobile line of business, the Company has undertaken various actions to improve its underwriting margins, which have been negatively impacted by various factors. If these actions are not effective, the Company may need to explore other actions or initiatives to improve its competitive position and profitability in this line of business. Refer to ‘‘Part I—Item 1A—Risk Factors—The intense competition that we face could harm our ability to maintain or increase our business volumes and our profitability’’ in this report. Nonetheless, the Company currently expects retention levels (the amount of expiring premium that renews, before the impact of renewal premium changes) will remain strong relative to historical experience. The Company also expects to continue to achieve price increases on renewal business during 2013 that generally exceed loss cost trends. In the Business Insurance segment, the Company expects that renewal premium changes during 2013 will be broadly consistent with the higher levels 115 attained in the fourth quarter of 2012 and will be driven by both positive renewal rate changes and, subject to the economic uncertainties discussed below, growth in insured exposures. In the Financial, Professional & International Insurance segment, the Company expects that renewal premium changes will modestly improve during 2013 compared to the fourth quarter of 2012. With respect to construction surety, the Company expects written premium volume to be broadly consistent with the levels attained in 2012. In the Personal Insurance segment, the Company expects both Agency Automobile and Agency Homeowners and Other renewal premium changes during 2013 will decline slightly as compared to the fourth quarter of 2012, but are expected to remain positive and exceed underlying loss cost trends, assuming weather patterns consistent with the Company’s expectations. Renewal premium changes for both Agency Automobile and Agency Homeowners and Other in 2013 are expected to be driven by both positive renewal rate changes (based on the Company’s actions to file for rate increases) and, subject to the economic uncertainties discussed below, growth in insured exposures. The need for state regulatory approval for changes to personal property and casualty insurance prices, as well as competitive market conditions, may impact the timing and extent of renewal premium changes. The pricing environment for new business generally has less of an impact on underwriting profitability than renewal rate changes, given the volume of new business relative to renewal business. Property and casualty insurance market conditions are expected to remain competitive during 2013 for new business, not only in Business Insurance and Financial, Professional & International Insurance, but especially in Personal Insurance, where price comparison technology used by agents and brokers, sometimes referred to as ‘‘comparative raters,’’ has facilitated the process of generating multiple quotes, and thereby increasing price comparison on new business and, increasingly, on renewal business. In addition, the Company launched a new distribution channel in 2009 that markets personal insurance products directly to consumers, which is expected to continue to generate modest growth in premium volume for Personal Insurance during 2013. Current economic conditions have been somewhat volatile, and there is increased uncertainty as to whether the U.S. or the global economy will grow modestly, remain stagnant or enter a recession. Economic growth experienced in 2011 and 2012 may or may not continue, or may continue at a slower rate for an extended period of time. In addition, some economic conditions, such as the commercial and residential real estate environment and employment rates, may continue to be weak. Future actions or inactions of the United States government, including a failure to increase the government debt limit or a shutdown of the federal government, could increase the actual or perceived risk that the U.S. may not ultimately pay its obligations when due and may disrupt financial markets. Further, general uncertainty regarding the U.S. Federal budget and taxes has added to the uncertainty regarding economic conditions generally. If weak economic conditions persist or deteriorate, the resulting low levels of economic activity could impact exposure changes at renewal and the Company’s ability to write business at acceptable rates. Additionally, low levels of economic activity could adversely impact audit premium adjustments, policy endorsements and mid-term cancellations after policies are written. All of the foregoing, in turn, could adversely impact net written premiums during 2013, and, since earned premiums lag net written premiums, earned premiums could be adversely impacted following 2013. Underwriting Gain/Loss. The Company’s underwriting gain/loss can be significantly impacted by catastrophe losses and net favorable or unfavorable prior year reserve development, as well as underlying underwriting margins. Catastrophe and other weather-related losses are inherently unpredictable from period to period. The Company experienced significant catastrophe and other weather-related losses in a number of recent periods which adversely impacted its results of operations. The Company’s results of operations 116 would continue to be adversely impacted if significant catastrophe and other weather-related losses were to occur during 2013. For the last several years, the Company’s results have included significant amounts of net favorable prior year reserve development, although at lower levels in some recent years, driven by better than expected loss experience in all of the Company’s segments. The lower level of net favorable prior year reserve development in a number of recent periods may have been in part due to the Company’s reserve estimation process incorporating those factors that led to the higher levels of net favorable prior year reserve development in previous years. If that trend continues, the better than expected loss experience may continue at these recent lower levels, or even lower levels. However, given the inherent uncertainty in estimating claims and claim adjustment expense reserves, loss experience could develop such that the Company recognizes higher or lower levels of favorable prior year reserve development, no favorable prior year reserve development or unfavorable prior year reserve development in future periods. In addition, the ongoing review of prior year claims and claim adjustment expense reserves, or other changes in current period circumstances, may result in the Company revising current year loss estimates upward or downward in future periods of the current year. In Business Insurance, the Company expects that the anticipated impact of increases in renewal premium changes, partially offset by an expected modest increase in underlying losses, and assuming weather patterns consistent with the Company’s expectations, will likely result in underlying underwriting margins during 2013 that are higher than in 2012. In Financial, Professional & International Insurance, the Company expects that the anticipated impact of lower underlying losses due to recent underwriting actions in the segment and increases in renewal premium changes in Bond & Financial Products will likely result in underlying underwriting margins during 2013 that are modestly higher than in 2012. In Personal Insurance, the Company anticipates underlying underwriting margins during 2013 that are broadly consistent with 2012. In Agency Automobile, the Company anticipates an improvement in underlying underwriting margins during 2013 due to the anticipated impact of continued positive renewal premium changes, partially offset by loss cost trends. In Agency Homeowners and Other, the Company anticipates a decline in underlying underwriting margins during 2013, reflecting a return to non-catastrophe weather-related loss levels consistent with the Company’s expectations. Also in Personal Insurance, the Company’s direct to consumer initiative, as discussed above, while intended to enhance the Company’s long-term ability to compete successfully in a consumer-driven marketplace, is expected to remain unprofitable for a number of years as this book of business grows and matures. Investment Portfolio. The Company expects to continue to focus its investment strategy on maintaining a high-quality investment portfolio and a relatively short average effective duration. The average effective duration of fixed maturities and short-term securities was 3.2 (3.4 excluding short-term securities) at December 31, 2012. In 2013, subject to market conditions, the Company plans to increase its short position in U.S. Treasury futures, which it uses to manage the duration of its fixed maturity portfolio. The Company continually evaluates its investment alternatives and mix. Currently, the majority of the Company’s investments are comprised of a widely diversified portfolio of high quality, liquid taxable U.S. government, tax-exempt U.S. municipal and taxable corporate and U.S. agency mortgage-backed bonds. The Company also invests much smaller amounts in equity securities, real estate, private equity limited partnerships, hedge funds, real estate partnerships, joint ventures, mortgage loans, venture capital (through direct ownership and limited partnerships) and trading securities. These investment classes have the potential for higher returns but also the potential for higher degrees of risk, including less stable rates of return and less liquidity. Net investment income is a material contributor to the Company’s results of operations. Interest rates remain at very low levels by historical standards. Based on the current interest rate environment, 117 the Company estimates that the impact of lower reinvestment yields on the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio could, in 2013, result in approximately $30 million of lower after-tax net investment income from that portfolio on a quarterly basis as compared to the corresponding quarter of 2012. Given recent general economic and investment market conditions, the Company expects investment income from the non-fixed maturity portfolio for 2013 to be lower than in 2012. If general economic conditions and/or investment market conditions deteriorate in 2013, the Company could also experience a reduction in net investment income and/or significant realized investment losses, including impairments. For further discussion of the Company’s investment portfolio, see ‘‘Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Investment Portfolio’’ in this report. For a discussion of the risks to the Company’s business during or following a financial market disruption and risks to the Company’s investment portfolio, see the risk factors entitled ‘‘During or following a period of financial market disruption or economic downturn, our business could be materially and adversely affected’’ and ‘‘Our investment portfolio may suffer reduced returns or material realized or unrealized losses’’ included in ‘‘Risk Factors’’ in Part I, Item 1A of this report. Capital Position. The Company believes it has a strong capital position and, as part of its ongoing efforts to create shareholder value, expects to continue to return capital not needed to support its business operations to its shareholders. In recent years, the Company has returned capital to its shareholders, comprising dividends to common shareholders and common share repurchases, in amounts that have exceeded its operating income. The Company now expects that, generally over time, the combination of dividends to common shareholders and common share repurchases will likely not exceed operating income. In addition, actual amounts of common share repurchases will also depend on a variety of additional factors, including corporate and regulatory requirements, maintaining capital levels commensurate with the Company’s existing ratings from independent rating agencies, share price, funding of the Company’s qualified pension plan, strategic initiatives and other market conditions. For information regarding the Company’s common share repurchases in 2012, see ‘‘Liquidity and Capital Resources’’ in this report. The Company had a net after-tax unrealized investment gain of $2.98 billion in its fixed maturity investment portfolio at December 31, 2012. While the Company does not attempt to predict future interest rate movements, a rising interest rate environment would reduce the market value of fixed maturity investments and, therefore, reduce shareholders’ equity, and a declining interest rate environment would have the opposite effects. Many of the statements in this ‘‘Outlook’’ section are forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict and beyond the Company’s control. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Further, such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report and the Company undertakes no obligation to update them. See ‘‘—Forward-Looking Statements.’’ For a discussion of potential risks and uncertainties that could impact the Company’s results of operations or financial position, see ‘‘Item 1A—Risk Factors’’ and ‘‘Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Estimates’’ in this report. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Liquidity is a measure of a company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet the cash requirements of its business operations and to satisfy general corporate purposes when needed. The liquidity requirements of the Company have been met primarily by funds generated from premiums, fees, income received on investments and investment maturities. Cash provided from these sources is used primarily for claims and claim adjustment expense payments, operating expenses, debt servicing, taxes, shareholder dividends and, in recent years, for common share repurchases. The timing and amount of catastrophe claims are inherently unpredictable. Such claims increase liquidity requirements. The timing and amount of reinsurance recoveries may be affected by reinsurer solvency and 118 reinsurance coverage disputes. Additionally, the variability of asbestos-related claim payments, as well as the volatility of potential judgments and settlements arising out of litigation, may also result in increased liquidity requirements. It is the opinion of the Company’s management that the Company’s future liquidity needs will be adequately met from all of the above sources. At December 31, 2012, total cash and short-term invested assets aggregating $2.03 billion and having a weighted average maturity of 76 days were held in the United States by the holding company. These assets are sufficient to meet the holding company’s current liquidity requirements and are in excess of the Company’s minimum target level, comprising the Company’s estimated annual pretax interest expense and common shareholder dividends, and currently totaling approximately $1.1 billion. These liquidity requirements primarily include shareholder dividends, debt service and contributions to its qualified domestic pension plan from time to time. The holding company is not dependent on dividends or other forms of repatriation from its foreign operations to support its liquidity needs. U.S. income taxes have not been recognized on $755 million of the Company’s foreign operations’ undistributed earnings as of December 31, 2012, as such earnings are intended to be permanently reinvested in those operations. Furthermore, taxes paid to foreign governments on these earnings may be used as credits against the U.S. tax on dividend distributions if such earnings were to be distributed to the holding company. The amount of undistributed earnings from foreign operations and related taxes on those undistributed earnings were not material to the Company’s financial position or liquidity at December 31, 2012. The Company has a shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission which permits it to issue securities from time to time. The Company also has a $1.0 billion line of credit facility with a syndicate of financial institutions that expires in June 2013. This line of credit also supports the Company’s $800 million commercial paper program, of which $100 million was outstanding at December 31, 2012. The Company is not reliant on its commercial paper program to meet its operating cash flow needs. The Company currently utilizes uncollateralized letters of credit issued by major banks with an aggregate limit of approximately $392 million to provide much of the capital needed to support its obligations at Lloyd’s. If uncollateralized letters of credit are not available at a reasonable price or at all in the future, the Company can collateralize these letters of credit or may have to seek alternative means of supporting its obligations at Lloyd’s, which could include utilizing holding company funds on hand. Operating Activities Net cash flows provided by operating activities were $3.23 billion, $2.17 billion and $3.05 billion in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Cash flows in 2012 primarily reflected a decrease in losses paid related to catastrophes, a lower level of paid losses related to asbestos claims and operations in runoff and a higher level of collected premiums, partially offset by an increase in paid losses related to non-catastrophe ongoing business (including the impact of increased loss costs). Cash flows in 2011 reflected an increase in losses paid related to catastrophes and ongoing business (including the impact of increased loss costs), a higher level of contributions to the Company’s qualified domestic pension plan and lower receipts related to net investment income as compared with 2010. These factors were partially offset by a higher level of collected premiums, a lower level of paid operating expenses and a lower level of paid losses related to asbestos claims and operations in runoff. In the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company contributed $217 million, $185 million and $35 million, respectively, to its qualified domestic pension plan. 119 Investing Activities Net cash flows used by investing activities in 2012 were $972 million, compared with net cash flows provided by investing activities of $1.15 billion and $2.11 billion in 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company’s consolidated total investments at December 31, 2012 increased by $1.14 billion from year-end 2011, driven by operating cash flows of $3.23 billion and a $362 million increase in net pretax unrealized appreciation of investments in 2012, partially offset by the impact of the Company’s common share repurchases of $1.47 billion under its share repurchase authorization, common shareholder dividends of $694 million and debt repayments of $258 million. On December 5, 2012, the Company increased its ownership in J. Malucelli Participa¸c˜oes em Seguros e Resseguros S.A, its Brazilian joint venture (JMalucelli), through the exercise of a pre-existing option. As a result, the Company increased its ownership to 49.5% of the venture. JMalucelli is currently the market leader in surety in Brazil based on market share. The Company’s investment was funded with cash provided internally from an operating subsidiary of the Company. The Company’s investment portfolio is managed to support its insurance operations; accordingly, the portfolio is positioned to meet obligations to policyholders. As such, the primary goals of the Company’s asset-liability management process are to satisfy the insurance liabilities and maintain sufficient liquidity to cover fluctuations in projected liability cash flows. Generally, the expected principal and interest payments produced by the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio adequately fund the estimated runoff of the Company’s insurance reserves. Although this is not an exact cash flow match in each period, the substantial amount by which the market value of the fixed maturity portfolio exceeds the value of the net insurance liabilities, as well as the positive cash flow from newly sold policies and the large amount of high quality liquid bonds, contributes to the Company’s ability to fund claim payments without having to sell illiquid assets or access credit facilities. Financing Activities Net cash flows used in financing activities were $2.15 billion, $3.31 billion and $5.22 billion in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The totals in each year reflected common share repurchases, dividends to shareholders and the repayment of debt, partially offset by the proceeds from employee stock option exercises and, in 2010, the issuance of debt. Debt Transactions. 2012. On May 29, 2012, the Company purchased and retired $8.5 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.25% fixed-to-floating rate junior subordinated debentures due March 15, 2067 in an open market transaction. The Company’s $250 million, 5.375% senior notes matured on June 15, 2012 and were paid from existing holding company liquidity. 2011. On June 1, 2011, the Company repaid the remaining $9 million principal balance on its 7.22% real estate non-recourse debt. 2010. On November 1, 2010, the Company issued $500 million aggregate principal amount 3.90% senior notes that will mature on November 1, 2020, and $750 million aggregate principal amount 5.35% senior notes that will mature on November 1, 2040. The net proceeds of these issuances, after original issuance discount and the deduction of underwriting expenses and commissions and other expenses, were approximately $496 million and $738 million, respectively. Interest on the senior notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on November 1 and May 1 of each year. The senior notes are redeemable in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at the Company’s option, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (a) 100% of the principal amount of senior notes to be redeemed or (b) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the senior notes to be redeemed (exclusive of interest accrued to the date of redemption) discounted to the date of redemption on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the 120 then current Treasury rate (as defined) plus 15 basis points for the 2020 senior notes and 20 basis points for the 2040 notes. Prior to November 2010, the Company was subject to a replacement capital covenant that it had granted to the holders of its 6.75% senior notes due June 20, 2036 (the senior notes). The replacement capital covenant restricted the Company’s ability to repurchase its $1.00 billion in outstanding 6.25% fixed-to-floating rate junior subordinated debentures due March 15, 2067 (the debentures). In November 2010, the Company paid approximately $4 million to holders of the senior notes to terminate the replacement capital covenant. Following the termination, the Company purchased approximately $885 million aggregate principal amount of the debentures. A $60 million pretax loss was recognized in 2010 related to these transactions. On September 16, 2010, the Company repaid the remaining $4 million principal balance on its 7.81% private placement senior notes. On August 23, 2010, the Company’s $21 million, 7.415% medium-term notes matured and were fully paid. On April 15, 2010, the Company’s $250 million, 8.125% senior notes matured and were fully paid. All of these debt payments were made from internally-generated funds. The amount of debt obligations, other than commercial paper, that becomes due in 2013 is $500 million. In 2014, no debt obligations become due. In 2015, the amount of debt obligations, other than commercial paper, that comes due is $400 million. The Company may refinance maturing debt through funds generated internally or, depending on market conditions, through funds generated externally, including as a result of the issuance of debt or other securities. Dividends. Dividends paid to shareholders were $694 million, $665 million and $673 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The declaration and payment of future dividends to holders of the Company’s common stock will be at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors and will depend upon many factors, including the Company’s financial position, earnings, capital requirements of the Company’s operating subsidiaries, legal requirements, regulatory constraints and other factors as the board of directors deems relevant. Dividends will be paid by the Company only if declared by its board of directors out of funds legally available, subject to any other restrictions that may be applicable to the Company. On January 22, 2013, the Company announced that it declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.46 per share, payable March 29, 2013 to shareholders of record on March 8, 2013. Share Repurchases. The Company’s board of directors has approved common share repurchase authorizations under which repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market, pursuant to pre-set trading plans meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in private transactions or otherwise. The authorizations do not have a stated expiration date. The timing and actual number of shares to be repurchased in the future will depend on a variety of factors, including the Company’s financial position, earnings, share price, catastrophe losses, funding of the Company’s qualified pension plan, capital requirements of the Company’s operating subsidiaries, legal requirements, regulatory constraints, other investment opportunities (including mergers and acquisitions), market conditions and other factors. The following table summarizes repurchase activity in 2012 and remaining repurchase capacity at December 31, 2012. Quarterly Period Ending (in millions, except per share amounts) Number of shares purchased Cost of shares repurchased Average price paid per share Remaining capacity under share repurchase authorization March 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 30, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 30, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.0 5.6 5.4 5.4 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22.4 $ 350 350 350 400 $1,450 $58.73 $62.40 $65.00 $73.00 $64.64 $3,259 $2,909 $2,559 $2,159 $2,159 121 From the inception of the first authorization in May 2006 through December 31, 2012, the Company repurchased a cumulative total of 362.4 million shares for a total cost of $18.84 billion, or an average of $51.99 per share. In 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company acquired 0.9 million, 1.4 million and 1.3 million shares, respectively, of common stock from employees as treasury stock primarily to cover payroll withholding taxes related to the vesting of restricted stock awards and exercises of stock options. Conversion of Preferred Stock to Common Stock. In May 2011, the Company’s board of directors authorized the redemption of the Company’s preferred stock held by The Travelers 401(k) Savings Plan (the Savings Plan) and gave notice of that redemption to the appropriate fiduciaries of the Savings Plan. Following a fiduciary review, the Savings Plan exercised its right to convert each preferred share into eight shares of the Company’s common stock. As a result, all preferred shares outstanding on June 7, 2011 (190,083 shares) were converted into a total of 1.52 million shares of the Company’s common stock. Capital Resources Capital resources reflect the overall financial strength of the Company and its ability to borrow funds at competitive rates and raise new capital to meet its needs. The following table summarizes the components of the Company’s capital structure at December 31, 2012 and 2011. (at December 31, in millions) Debt: Short-term . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Long-term . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net unamortized fair value adjustments and debt issuance costs . . . . . . Total debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shareholders’ equity: Common stock and retained earnings, less treasury stock . . . . . . . . . . . Accumulated other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2012 2011 $ 600 5,761 (11) 6,350 $ 350 6,269 (14) 6,605 23,169 2,236 25,405 22,472 2,005 24,477 Total capitalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $31,755 $31,082 Total capitalization at December 31, 2012 was $31.76 billion, $673 million higher than at December 31, 2011 primarily reflecting the impact of net income of $2.47 billion and an increase in net unrealized appreciation of investments, partially offset by common share repurchases under the Company’s share repurchase authorization totaling $1.45 billion, shareholder dividends of $700 million and debt repayments of $258 million. The following table provides a reconciliation of total capitalization excluding net unrealized gains on investments to total capitalization presented in the foregoing table. (at December 31, dollars in millions) 2012 2011 Total capitalization excluding net unrealized gains on investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net unrealized gain on investments, net of taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28,652 3,103 $28,211 2,871 Total capitalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $31,755 $31,082 Debt-to-total capital ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debt-to-total capital ratio excluding net unrealized gains on investments . . . . . . . 20.0% 22.2% 21.3% 23.4% 122 The debt-to-total capital ratio excluding net unrealized gains on investments is calculated by dividing (a) debt by (b) total capitalization excluding net unrealized gains and losses on investments, net of taxes. Net unrealized gains and losses on investments can be significantly impacted by both discretionary and other economic factors and are not necessarily indicative of operating trends. Accordingly, in the opinion of the Company’s management, the debt-to-total capital ratio calculated on this basis provides another useful metric for investors to understand the Company’s financial leverage position. The Company’s debt-to-total capital ratio of 22.2% at December 31, 2012 calculated on this basis was within the Company’s target range of 15% to 25%. Line of Credit Agreement. The Company is party to a three-year, $1.0 billion revolving credit agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions that expires in June 2013. Pursuant to the credit agreement covenants, the Company must maintain a minimum consolidated net worth (generally defined as shareholders’ equity plus certain trust preferred and mandatorily convertible securities, reduced for goodwill and other intangible assets) of $14.35 billion. The Company must also maintain a ratio of total debt to the sum of total debt plus consolidated net worth of not greater than 0.40 to 1.00. In addition, the credit agreement contains other customary restrictive covenants as well as certain customary events of default, including with respect to a change in control, which is defined to include the acquisition of 35% or more of the Company’s voting stock and certain changes in the composition of the Company’s board of directors. At December 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with these covenants. Generally, the cost of borrowing under this agreement will range from LIBOR plus 100 basis points to LIBOR plus 175 basis points depending on the Company’s credit ratings. At December 31, 2012, that cost would have been LIBOR plus 125 basis points had there been any amounts outstanding under the credit agreement. This line of credit also supports the Company’s commercial paper program. Shelf Registration. The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a universal shelf registration statement for the potential offering and sale of securities to replace the Company’s previous registration statement that had expired in the normal course of business. The Company may offer these securities from time to time at prices and on other terms to be determined at the time of offering. Share Repurchase Authorization. At December 31, 2012, the Company had $2.16 billion of capacity remaining under its share repurchase authorization approved by the board of directors. Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes, as of December 31, 2012, the Company’s future payments under contractual obligations and estimated claims and claim-related payments. The table excludes short-term obligations and includes only liabilities at December 31, 2012 that are expected to be settled in cash. The table below includes the amount and estimated future timing of claims and claim-related payments. The amounts do not represent the exact liability, but instead represent estimates, generally utilizing actuarial projections techniques, at a given accounting date. These estimates include expectations of what the ultimate settlement and administration of claims will cost based on the Company’s assessment of facts and circumstances then known, review of historical settlement patterns, estimates of trends in claims severity, frequency, legal theories of liability and other factors. Variables in the reserve estimation process can be affected by both internal and external events, such as changes in claims handling procedures, economic inflation or deflation, legal trends and legislative changes. Many of these items are not directly quantifiable, particularly on a prospective basis. Additionally, there may be significant reporting lags between the occurrence of the policyholder event and the time it is actually reported to the insurer. The future cash flows related to the items contained in the table below required estimation of both amount (including severity considerations) and timing. Amount and timing are frequently estimated separately. An estimation of both amount and timing of future cash flows 123 related to claims and claim-related payments is generally reliable only in the aggregate with some unavoidable estimation uncertainty. The contractual obligations related to debt, operating leases, purchase obligations, long-term unfunded investment commitments, estimated claims and claim-related payments (gross of the estimated reinsurance recoveries) and liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits, at December 31, 2012 were as follows: Payments Due by Period (in millions) Debt Total Less than 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years After 5 Years $ 850 — $ 4,150 361 Senior notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Junior subordinated debentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5,900 361 $ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total debt principal Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,261 5,243 Total long-term debt obligations(1) . . . . . . . . . . 11,504 Operating leases(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 666 Purchase obligations Information systems administration and maintenance commitments(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other purchase commitments(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total purchase obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 99 245 Long-term unfunded investment commitments(5) . . . 1,270 500 — 500 355 855 164 59 76 135 268 $ 400 — 400 685 850 601 1,085 1,451 259 154 50 18 68 37 3 40 370 428 Estimated claims and claim-related payments Claims and claim adjustment expenses(6) . . . . . . . Claims from large deductible policies(7) . . . . . . . . Loss-based assessments(8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reinsurance contracts accounted for as deposits(9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payout from ceded funds withheld(10) . . . . . . . . . Total estimated claims and claim-related 48,845 — 196 11,505 — 38 11,894 — 45 1 221 1 28 — 59 6,727 — 19 — 30 4,511 3,602 8,113 89 — 2 2 204 18,719 — 94 — 104 payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49,263 11,572 11,998 6,776 18,917 Liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits(11) . . 657 657 — — — Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $63,605 $13,651 $13,780 $8,849 $27,325 (1) The Company’s $107 million remaining aggregate principal amount of 6.25% fixed-to-floating rate debentures bear interest at an annual rate of 6.25% from the date of issuance to, but excluding, March 15, 2017 and at a rate of three-month LIBOR plus 2.215% thereafter. The table above includes interest payments through the scheduled maturity date of March 15, 2037. Interest payments beginning March 15, 2017 through March 15, 2037 were calculated using the three- month LIBOR rate as of December 31, 2012. See note 8 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for a further discussion of outstanding indebtedness. Because the amounts reported in the foregoing table include principal and interest, the total long-term debt obligations will not agree with the amounts reported in note 8. (2) Represents agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business to lease office space, equipment and furniture. 124 (3) Includes agreements with vendors to purchase system software administration and maintenance services. (4) Includes commitments to vendors entered into in the ordinary course of business for goods and services including property, plant and equipment, office supplies, archival services, etc. (5) Represents estimated timing for fulfilling unfunded commitments for private equity limited partnerships and real estate partnerships. (6) The amounts in ‘‘Claims and claim adjustment expenses’’ in the table above represent the estimated timing of future payments for both reported and unreported claims incurred and related claim adjustment expenses, gross of reinsurance recoverables, excluding structured settlements expected to be paid by annuity companies. The Company has entered into reinsurance agreements to protect itself from potential losses in excess of the amount it is prepared to accept as described in note 5 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In order to qualify for reinsurance accounting, a reinsurance agreement must indemnify the insurer from insurance risk, i.e., the agreement must transfer amount and timing risk. Since the timing and amount of cash inflows from such reinsurance agreements are directly related to the underlying payment of claims and claim adjustment expenses by the insurer, reinsurance recoverables are recognized in a manner consistent with the liabilities (the estimated liability for claims and claim adjustment expenses) relating to the underlying reinsured contracts. The presence of any feature that can delay timely reimbursement of claims by a reinsurer results in the reinsurance contract being accounted for as a deposit rather than reinsurance (see below). The assumptions used in estimating the amount and timing of the reinsurance recoverables are consistent with those used in estimating the amount and timing of the related liabilities. Reinsurance agreements that do not transfer both amount and timing risk are accounted for as deposits and included in ‘‘Reinsurance contracts accounted for as deposits’’ in the table above. The estimated future cash inflows from the Company’s reinsurance contracts that qualify for reinsurance accounting are as follows: (in millions) Total Less than 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years After 5 Years Reinsurance recoverables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,247 $1,834 $1,468 $1,003 $2,942 The Company manages its business and evaluates its liabilities for claims and claim adjustment expense on a net of reinsurance basis. The estimated cash flows on a net of reinsurance basis are as follows: (in millions) Total Less than 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years After 5 Years Claims and claim adjustment expenses, net . . . $41,598 $9,671 $10,426 $5,724 $15,777 For business underwritten by non-U.S. operations, future cash flows related to reported and unreported claims incurred and related claim adjustment expenses were translated at the spot rate on December 31, 2012. The amounts reported in the table above and in the table of reinsurance recoverables above are presented on a nominal basis and have not been adjusted to reflect the time value of money. Accordingly, the amounts above will differ from the Company’s balance sheet to the extent that the liability for claims and claim adjustment expenses and the related reinsurance recoverables have been discounted in the balance sheet. (See note 1 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.) 125 (7) Workers’ compensation large deductible policies provide third party coverage in which the Company typically is responsible for paying the entire loss under such policies and then seeks reimbursement from the insured for the deductible amount. ‘‘Claims from large deductible policies’’ represent the estimated future payment for claims and claim related expenses below the deductible amount, net of the estimated recovery of the deductible. The liability and the related deductible receivable for unpaid claims are presented in the consolidated balance sheet as ‘‘contractholder payables’’ and ‘‘contractholder receivables,’’ respectively. Most deductibles for such policies are paid directly from the policyholder’s escrow which is periodically replenished by the policyholder. The payment of the loss amounts above the deductible are reported within ‘‘Claims and claim adjustment expenses’’ in the above table. Because the timing of the collection of the deductible (contractholder receivables) occurs shortly after the payment of the deductible to a claimant (contractholder payables), these cash flows offset each other in the table. The estimated timing of the payment of the contractholder payables and the collection of contractholder receivables for workers’ compensation policies is presented below: (in millions) Total Less than 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years After 5 Years Contractholder payables/receivables . . . . . . . . . . . $4,806 $1,168 $1,306 $710 $1,622 (8) The amounts in ‘‘Loss-based assessments’’ relate to estimated future payments of second-injury fund assessments which would result from payment of current claim liabilities. Second injury funds cover the cost of any additional benefits for aggravation of a pre-existing condition. For loss-based assessments, the cost is shared by the insurance industry and self-insureds, funded through assessments to insurance companies and self-insureds based on losses. Amounts relating to second- injury fund assessments are included in ‘‘other liabilities’’ in the consolidated balance sheet. (9) The amounts in ‘‘Reinsurance contracts accounted for as deposits’’ represent estimated future nominal payments for reinsurance agreements that are accounted for as deposits. Amounts payable under deposit agreements are included in ‘‘other liabilities’’ in the consolidated balance sheet. The amounts reported in the table are presented on a nominal basis and have not been adjusted to reflect the time value of money. Accordingly, the amounts above will differ from the Company’s balance sheet to the extent that deposit values in the balance sheet have been discounted using deposit accounting. (10) The amounts in ‘‘Payout from ceded funds withheld’’ represent estimated payments for losses and return of funds held related to certain reinsurance arrangements whereby the Company holds a portion of the premium due to the reinsurer and is allowed to pay claims from the amounts held. (11) The Company’s current liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits from uncertain tax positions are $657 million. Offsetting these liabilities are deferred tax assets of $594 million associated with the temporary differences that would exist if these positions become realized. The above table does not include an analysis of liabilities reported for structured settlements for which the Company has purchased annuities and remains contingently liable in the event of default by the company issuing the annuity. The Company is not reasonably likely to incur material future payment obligations under such agreements. In addition, the Company is not currently subject to any minimum funding requirements for its qualified pension plan. Accordingly, future contributions are not included in the foregoing table. Dividend Availability The Company’s principal insurance subsidiaries are domiciled in the state of Connecticut. The insurance holding company laws of Connecticut applicable to the Company’s subsidiaries requires notice to, and approval by, the state insurance commissioner for the declaration or payment of any 126 dividend that, together with other distributions made within the preceding twelve months, exceeds the greater of 10% of the insurer’s capital and surplus as of the preceding December 31, or the insurer’s net income for the twelve-month period ending the preceding December 31, in each case determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices and by state regulation. This declaration or payment is further limited by adjusted unassigned surplus, as determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices. The insurance holding company laws of other states in which the Company’s subsidiaries are domiciled generally contain similar, although in some instances somewhat more restrictive, limitations on the payment of dividends. A maximum of $2.05 billion is available by the end of 2013 for such dividends without prior approval of the Connecticut Insurance Department. The Company may choose to accelerate the timing within 2013 and/or increase the amount of dividends from its insurance subsidiaries in 2013, which could result in certain dividends being subject to approval by the Connecticut Insurance Department. The holding company is not dependent on dividends or other forms of repatriation from its foreign operations to support its liquidity needs. The undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign operations are not material and are intended to be permanently reinvested in those operations. The holding company received $1.96 billion of dividends in 2012, all of which was received from its U.S. insurance subsidiaries. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans The Company sponsors a qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plan (the Qualified Plan), which covers substantially all U.S. domestic employees and provides benefits primarily under a cash balance formula. In addition, the Company sponsors: a nonqualified defined benefit pension plan which covers certain highly-compensated employees, pension plans for employees of its foreign subsidiaries, and a postretirement health and life insurance benefit plan for employees satisfying certain age and service requirements and for certain retirees. The Qualified Plan is subject to regulations under the Employee Retirement Income Act of 1974 as amended (ERISA), which requires plans to meet minimum standards of funding and requires such plans to subscribe to plan termination insurance through the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). The Company does not have a minimum funding requirement for the Qualified Plan for 2013 and does not anticipate having a minimum funding requirement in 2014. The Company has significant discretion in making contributions above those necessary to satisfy the minimum funding requirements. The Company made discretionary contributions to the Qualified Plan of $217 million, $185 million, and $35 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In determining future contributions, the Company will consider the performance of the plan’s investment portfolio, the effects of interest rates on the projected benefit obligation of the plan and the Company’s other capital requirements. The Company has not determined whether or not additional discretionary funding will be made in the current year or beyond. However, the Company currently believes, subject to actual plan performance and funded status at the time, that it may make discretionary pension contributions of approximately $75 million to $100 million annually over the next few years. The Qualified Plan assets are managed to maximize long-term total return. The Company’s overall strategy is to achieve a mix of approximately 85% to 90% of investments for long-term growth and 10% to 15% for near-term benefit payments with a wide diversification of asset types, fund strategies and fund managers. The current target allocations for plan assets are 55% to 65% equity securities and 20% to 40% fixed income securities, with the remainder allocated to short-term securities. For 2013, the Company plans to apply an expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of 7.50%, the same rate as in 2012. The rates of return reflect the Company’s current expectations of long-term returns on the plan’s invested assets, taking into account the current low level of long-term interest rates as well as the Federal Reserve’s commentary in January 2013 regarding its expectation to maintain interest rates at their current low levels until the national unemployment rate drops to 6.5%. The Company’s expected long-term rate of return on plan assets also contemplates a return to more normal levels of long-term interest rates in the future. 127 For further discussion of the pension and other postretirement benefit plans, see note 14 of notes to the consolidated financial statements. Risk-Based Capital The NAIC has Risk-Based Capital (RBC) requirements for property casualty companies to be used as minimum capital requirements by the NAIC and states to identify companies that merit further regulatory action. The formulas have not been designed to differentiate among adequately capitalized companies that operate with levels of capital above the RBC requirements. Therefore, it is inappropriate and ineffective to use the formulas to rate or to rank these companies. At December 31, 2012, all of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries had adjusted capital in excess of amounts requiring any company or regulatory action. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements The Company has entered into certain contingent obligations for guarantees related to the sale of business entities, certain investments, third-party loans related to certain investments, certain insurance policy obligations of former insurance subsidiaries and various other indemnifications. See note 16 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company does not expect these arrangements will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, changes in financial position, revenues and expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES The Company considers its most significant accounting estimates to be those applied to claims and claim adjustment expense reserves and related reinsurance recoverables, investment valuation and impairments, and goodwill and other intangible assets impairments. Claims and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves Gross claims and claim adjustment expense reserves by product line were as follows: (at December 31, in millions) General liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commercial property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commercial multi-peril . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commercial automobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Workers’ compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fidelity and surety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Personal automobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Homeowners and personal—other . . . . . . International and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Property-casualty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accident and health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Claims and claim adjustment expense Case $ 5,525 992 2,018 2,343 9,684 479 1,980 1,335 2,216 26,572 34 2012 IBNR $ 9,109 638 1,723 1,241 7,589 934 722 809 1,551 24,316 — Total Case $14,634 1,630 3,741 3,584 17,273 1,413 2,702 2,144 3,767 $ 5,571 1,025 2,153 2,388 9,649 500 2,038 778 2,370 2011 IBNR $ 9,657 643 1,792 1,121 7,348 1,029 736 814 1,741 Total $15,228 1,668 3,945 3,509 16,997 1,529 2,774 1,592 4,111 50,888 26,472 24,881 51,353 3439 — 39 reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $26,606 $24,316 $50,922 $26,511 $24,881 $51,392 The $470 million decrease in gross claims and claim adjustment expense reserves since December 31, 2011 primarily reflected the impact of net favorable prior year reserve development and payments related to significant catastrophe losses incurred in 2011 as well as operations in runoff 128 (including asbestos and environmental claims), partially offset by the increase in loss cost trends and catastrophe losses incurred in 2012. Asbestos and environmental reserves are included in the General liability, Commercial multi-peril and International and other lines in the foregoing summary table. Asbestos and environmental reserves are discussed separately; see ‘‘Asbestos Claims and Litigation’’, ‘‘Environmental Claims and Litigation’’ and ‘‘Uncertainty Regarding Adequacy of Asbestos and Environmental Reserves.’’ Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves represent management’s estimate of ultimate unpaid costs of losses and loss adjustment expenses for claims that have been reported and claims that have been incurred but not yet reported (IBNR). Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves do not represent an exact calculation of liability, but instead represent management estimates, generally utilizing actuarial expertise and projection techniques, at a given accounting date. These estimates are expectations of what the ultimate settlement and administration of claims will cost upon final resolution in the future, based on the Company’s assessment of facts and circumstances then known, review of historical settlement patterns, estimates of trends in claims severity and frequency, expected interpretations of legal theories of liability and other factors. In establishing gross claims and claim adjustment expense reserves, the Company also considers salvage and subrogation. Estimated recoveries from reinsurance are included in ‘‘Reinsurance Recoverables’’ as an asset on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The claims and claim adjustment expense reserves are reviewed regularly by qualified actuaries employed by the Company. The process of estimating claims and claim adjustment expense reserves involves a high degree of judgment and is subject to a number of variables. These variables can be affected by both internal and external events, such as changes in claims handling procedures, changes in individuals involved in the reserve estimation process, economic inflation, legal trends and legislative changes, among others. The impact of many of these items on ultimate costs for claims and claim adjustment expenses is difficult to estimate. Estimation difficulties also differ significantly by product line due to differences in claim complexity, the volume of claims, the potential severity of individual claims, the determination of occurrence date for a claim and reporting lags (the time between the occurrence of the policyholder event and when it is actually reported to the insurer). Informed judgment is applied throughout the process, including the application of various individual experiences and expertise to multiple sets of data and analyses. The Company continually refines its estimates in a regular ongoing process as historical loss experience develops and additional claims are reported and settled. The Company rigorously attempts to consider all significant facts and circumstances known at the time claims and claim adjustment expense reserves are established. Due to the inherent uncertainty underlying these estimates including, but not limited to, the future settlement environment, final resolution of the estimated liability for claims and claim adjustment expenses may be higher or lower than the related claims and claim adjustment expense reserves at the reporting date. Therefore, actual paid losses, as claims are settled in the future, may be materially different than the amount currently recorded— favorable or unfavorable. Because establishment of claims and claim adjustment expense reserves is an inherently uncertain process involving estimates, currently established claims and claim adjustment expense reserves may change. The Company reflects adjustments to the reserves in the results of operations in the period the estimates are changed. There are also additional risks which impact the estimation of ultimate costs for catastrophes. For example, the estimation of reserves related to hurricanes, tornadoes and other catastrophic events can be affected by the inability of the Company and its insureds to access portions of the impacted areas, the complexity of factors contributing to the losses, the legal and regulatory uncertainties and the nature of the information available to establish the reserves. Complex factors include, but are not limited to: determining whether damage was caused by flooding versus wind; evaluating general liability 129 and pollution exposures; estimating additional living expenses; estimating the impact of demand surge, infrastructure disruption, fraud, the effect of mold damage and business interruption costs; and reinsurance collectibility. The timing of a catastrophe, such as at or near the end of a reporting period, can also affect the information available to the Company in estimating reserves for that reporting period. The estimates related to catastrophes are adjusted as actual claims emerge. A portion of the Company’s gross claims and claim adjustment expense reserves (totaling $3.04 billion at December 31, 2012) are for asbestos and environmental claims and related litigation. While the ongoing review of asbestos and environmental claims and associated liabilities considers the inconsistencies of court decisions as to coverage, plaintiffs’ expanded theories of liability and the risks inherent in complex litigation and other uncertainties, in the opinion of the Company’s management, it is possible that the outcome of the continued uncertainties regarding these claims could result in liability in future periods that differs from current reserves by an amount that could be material to the Company’s future operating results. See the preceding discussion of ‘‘Asbestos Claims and Litigation’’ and ‘‘Environmental Claims and Litigation.’’ General Discussion The process for estimating the liabilities for claims and claim adjustment expenses begins with the collection and analysis of claim data. Data on individual reported claims, both current and historical, including paid amounts and individual claim adjuster estimates, are grouped by common characteristics (components) and evaluated by actuaries in their analyses of ultimate claim liabilities by product line. Such data is occasionally supplemented with external data as available and when appropriate. The process of analyzing reserves for a component is undertaken on a regular basis, generally quarterly, in light of continually updated information. Multiple estimation methods are available for the analysis of ultimate claim liabilities. Each estimation method has its own set of assumption variables and its own advantages and disadvantages, with no single estimation method being better than the others in all situations and no one set of assumption variables being meaningful for all product line components. The relative strengths and weaknesses of the particular estimation methods when applied to a particular group of claims can also change over time. Therefore, the actual choice of estimation method(s) can change with each evaluation. The estimation method(s) chosen are those that are believed to produce the most reliable indication at that particular evaluation date for the claim liabilities being evaluated. In most cases, multiple estimation methods will be valid for the particular facts and circumstances of the claim liabilities being evaluated. This will result in a range of reasonable estimates for any particular claim liability. The Company uses such range analyses to back test whether previously established estimates for reserves at the reporting segments are reasonable, given subsequent information. Reported values found to be closer to the endpoints of a range of reasonable estimates are subject to further detailed reviews. These reviews may substantiate the validity of management’s recorded estimate or lead to a change in the reported estimate. The exact boundary points of these ranges are more qualitative than quantitative in nature, as no clear line of demarcation exists to determine when the set of underlying assumptions for an estimation method switches from being reasonable to unreasonable. As a result, the Company does not believe that the endpoints of these ranges are or would be comparable across companies. In addition, potential interactions among the different estimation assumptions for different product lines make the aggregation of individual ranges a highly judgmental and inexact process. Property-casualty insurance policies are either written on a claims-made or on an occurrence basis. Claims-made policies generally cover, subject to requirements in individual policies, claims reported during the policy period. Policies that are written on an occurrence basis require that the insured 130 demonstrate that a loss occurred in the policy period, even if the insured reports the loss many years later. Most general liability policies are written on an occurrence basis. These policies are subject to substantial loss development over time as facts and circumstances change in the years following the policy issuance. The occurrence form, which accounts for much of the reserve development in asbestos and environmental exposures, is also used to provide coverage for construction general liability, including construction defect. Occurrence-based forms of insurance for general liability exposures require substantial projection of various trends, including future inflation, judicial interpretations and societal litigation trends (e.g., size of jury awards and propensity of individuals to pursue litigation), among others. A basic premise in most actuarial analyses is that past patterns demonstrated in the data will repeat themselves in the future, absent a material change in the associated risk factors discussed below. To the extent a material change affecting the ultimate claim liability is known, such change is quantified to the extent possible through an analysis of internal company data and, if available and when appropriate, external data. Such a measurement is specific to the facts and circumstances of the particular claim portfolio and the known change being evaluated. Significant structural changes to the available data, product mix or organization can materially impact the reserve estimation process. Informed judgment is applied throughout the reserving process. This includes the application of various individual experiences and expertise to multiple sets of data and analyses. In addition to actuaries, experts involved with the reserving process also include underwriting and claims personnel and lawyers, as well as other company management. Therefore, management may have to consider varying individual viewpoints as part of its estimation of claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. It is also likely that during periods of significant change, such as a merger, consistent application of informed judgment becomes even more complicated and difficult. The variables discussed above in this general discussion have different impacts on reserve estimation uncertainty for a given product line, depending on the length of the claim tail, the reporting lag, the impact of individual claims and the complexity of the claim process for a given product line. Product lines are generally classifiable as either long tail or short tail, based on the average length of time between the event triggering claims under a policy and the final resolution of those claims. Short tail claims are reported and settled quickly, resulting in less estimation variability. The longer the time before final claim resolution, the greater the exposure to estimation risks and hence the greater the estimation uncertainty. A major component of the claim tail is the reporting lag. The reporting lag, which is the time between the event triggering a claim and the reporting of the claim to the insurer, makes estimating IBNR inherently more uncertain. In addition, the greater the reporting lag, the greater the proportion of IBNR to the total claim liability for the product line. Writing new products with material reporting lags can result in adding several years’ worth of IBNR claim exposure before the reporting lag exposure becomes clearly observable, thereby increasing the risk associated with pricing and reserving such products. The most extreme example of claim liabilities with long reporting lags are asbestos claims. For some lines, the impact of large individual claims can be material to the analysis. These lines are generally referred to as being ‘‘low frequency/high severity,’’ while lines without this ‘‘large claim’’ sensitivity are referred to as ‘‘high frequency/low severity.’’ Estimates of claim liabilities for low frequency/high severity lines can be sensitive to the impact of a small number of potentially large claims. As a result, the role of judgment is much greater for these reserve estimates. In contrast, for high frequency/low severity lines the impact of individual claims is relatively minor and the range of reasonable reserve estimates is narrower and more stable. 131 Claim complexity can also greatly affect the estimation process by impacting the number of assumptions needed to produce the estimate, the potential stability of the underlying data and claim process, and the ability to gain an understanding of the data. Product lines with greater claim complexity, such as for certain surety and construction exposures, have inherently greater estimation uncertainty. Actuaries have to exercise a considerable degree of judgment in the evaluation of all these factors in their analysis of reserves. The human element in the application of actuarial judgment is unavoidable when faced with material uncertainty. Different actuaries may choose different assumptions when faced with such uncertainty, based on their individual backgrounds, professional experiences and areas of focus. Hence, the estimates selected by the various actuaries may differ materially from each other. Lastly, significant structural changes to the available data, product mix or organization can also materially impact the reserve estimation process. Events such as mergers increase the inherent uncertainty of reserve estimates for a period of time, until stable trends re-establish themselves within the new organization. Risk factors The major causes of material uncertainty (‘‘risk factors’’) generally will vary for each product line, as well as for each separately analyzed component of the product line. In a few cases, such risk factors are explicit assumptions of the estimation method, but in most cases, they are implicit. For example, a method may explicitly assume that a certain percentage of claims will close each year, but will implicitly assume that the legal interpretation of existing contract language will remain unchanged. Actual results will likely vary from expectations for each of these assumptions, causing actual paid losses, as claims are settled in the future, to be different in amount than the reserves being estimated currently. Some risk factors will affect more than one product line. Examples include changes in claim department practices, changes in settlement patterns, regulatory and legislative actions, court actions, timeliness of claim reporting, state mix of claimants and degree of claimant fraud. The extent of the impact of a risk factor will also vary by components within a product line. Individual risk factors are also subject to interactions with other risk factors within product line components. The effect of a particular risk factor on estimates of claim liabilities cannot be isolated in most cases. For example, estimates of potential claim settlements may be impacted by the risk associated with potential court rulings, but the final settlement agreement typically does not delineate how much of the settled amount is due to this and other factors. The evaluation of data is also subject to distortion from extreme events or structural shifts, sometimes in unanticipated ways. For example, the timing of claims payments in one geographic region will be impacted if claim adjusters are temporarily reassigned from that region to help settle catastrophe claims in another region. While some changes in the claim environment are sudden in nature (such as a new court ruling affecting the interpretation of all contracts in that jurisdiction), others are more evolutionary. Evolutionary changes can occur when multiple factors affect final claim values, with the uncertainty surrounding each factor being resolved separately, in stepwise fashion. The final impact is not known until all steps have occurred. Sudden changes generally cause a one-time shift in claim liability estimates, although there may be some lag in reliable quantification of their impact. Evolutionary changes generally cause a series of shifts in claim liability estimates, as each component of the evolutionary change becomes evident and estimable. 132 Actuarial methods for analyzing and estimating claims and claim adjustment expense reserves The principal estimation and analysis methods utilized by the Company’s actuaries to evaluate management’s existing estimates for prior accident periods are the paid development method, the case incurred development method, the Bornhuetter-Ferguson (BF) method, and average value analysis combined with the reported claim development method. The BF method is usually utilized for more recent accident periods, with a transition to other methods as the underlying claim data becomes more voluminous and therefore more credible. These are typically referred to as conventional actuarial methods. (See Glossary for an explanation of these methods). While these are the principal methods utilized throughout the Company, actuaries evaluating a particular component for a product line have available to them the full range of methods developed within the casualty actuarial profession. The Company’s actuaries are also continually monitoring developments within the profession for advances in existing techniques or the creation of new techniques that might improve current and future estimates. Some components of product line reserves are susceptible to relatively infrequent large claims that can materially impact the total estimate for that component. In such cases, the Company’s actuarial analysis generally isolates and analyzes separately such large claims. The reserves excluding such large claims are generally analyzed using the conventional methods described above. The reserves associated with large claims are then analyzed utilizing various methods, such as: (cid:127) Estimating the number of large claims and their average values based on historical trends from prior accident periods, adjusted for the current environment and supplemented with actual data for the accident year analyzed to the extent available. (cid:127) Utilizing individual claim adjuster estimates of the large claims, combined with continual monitoring of the aggregate accuracy of such claim adjuster estimates. (This monitoring may lead to supplemental adjustments to the aggregate of such claim estimates.) (cid:127) Utilizing historic longer-term average ratios of large claims to small claims, and applying such ratios to the estimated ultimate small claims from conventional analysis. (cid:127) Ground-up analysis of the underlying exposure (typically used for asbestos and environmental). The results of such methodologies are subjected to various reasonability and diagnostic tests, including paid-to-incurred loss ratios, implied incurred-loss-to-earned-premium ratios and non-zero claim severity trends. An actual versus expected analysis is also performed comparing actual loss development to expected development embedded within management’s best estimate. Additional analyses may be performed based on the results of these diagnostics, including the investigation of other actuarial methods. The methods described above are generally utilized to evaluate management’s existing estimate for prior accident periods. For the initial estimate of the current accident year, the available claim data is typically insufficient to produce a reliable indication. Hence, the initial estimate for an accident year is generally based on a loss ratio projection method, which uses the earned premium for the current year multiplied by a projected loss ratio. The projected loss ratio is determined through an analysis of prior periods’ experience, using loss trend, rate level differences, mix of business changes and other known or observed factors influencing the current accident year relative to prior accident years. The exact number of prior accident years utilized varies by product line component, based on the volume of business for that component and the reliability of an individual accident year estimate. Management’s estimates At least once per quarter, certain members of Company management meet with the Company’s actuaries to review the latest claims and claim adjustment expense reserve analyses. Based on these 133 analyses, management determines whether its ultimate claim liability estimates should be changed. In doing so, it must evaluate whether the new data provided represents credible actionable information or an anomaly that will have no effect on estimated ultimate claim liability. For example, as described above, payments may have decreased in one geographic region due to fewer claim adjusters being available to process claims. The resulting claim payment patterns would be analyzed to determine whether or not the change in payment pattern represents a change in ultimate claim liability. Such an assessment requires considerable judgment. It is frequently not possible to determine whether a change in the data is an anomaly until sometime after the event. Even if a change is determined to be permanent, it is not always possible to reliably determine the extent of the change until sometime later. The overall detailed analyses supporting such an effort can take several months to perform. This is because the underlying causes of the trends observed need to be evaluated, which may require the gathering or assembling of data not previously available. It may also include interviews with experts involved with the underlying processes. As a result, there can be a time lag between the emergence of a change and a determination that the change should be reflected in the Company’s estimated claim liabilities. The final estimate selected by management in a reporting period is based on these various detailed analyses of past data, adjusted to reflect any new actionable information. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for providing oversight of reserving propriety, and annually reviews the process by which the Company establishes reserves. Discussion of Product Lines The following section details reserving considerations and common risk factors by product line. There are many additional risk factors that may impact ultimate claim costs. Each risk factor presented will have a different impact on required reserves. Also, risk factors can have offsetting or compounding effects on required reserves. For example, in workers’ compensation, the use of expensive medical procedures that result in medical cost inflation may enable workers to return to work faster, thereby lowering indemnity costs. Thus, in almost all cases, it is impossible to discretely measure the effect of a single risk factor and construct a meaningful sensitivity expectation. In order to provide information on reasonably possible reserving changes by product line, the historical changes in year-end claims and claim adjustment expense reserves over a one-year period are provided for the U.S. product lines. This information is provided for both the Company and the industry for the nine most recent years, and is based on the most recent publicly available data for the reported line(s) that most closely match the individual product line being discussed. These changes were calculated, net of reinsurance, from statutory annual statement data found in Schedule P of those statements, and represent the reported reserve development on the beginning-of-the-year claim liabilities divided by the beginning claim liabilities, all accident years combined, excluding non-defense related claim adjustment expense. Data presented for the Company includes history for the entire Travelers group (U.S. companies only), whether or not the individual subsidiaries were originally part of SPC or TPC. This treatment is required by the statutory reporting instructions promulgated by state regulatory authorities for Schedule P. Comparable data for non-U.S. companies is not available. General Liability General liability is generally considered a long tail line, as it takes a relatively long period of time to finalize and settle claims from a given accident year. The speed of claim reporting and claim settlement is a function of the specific coverage provided, the jurisdiction and specific policy provisions such as self-insured retentions. There are numerous components underlying the general liability product line. Some of these have relatively moderate payment patterns (with most of the claims for a given accident year closed within five to seven years), while others can have extreme lags in both reporting and payment of claims (e.g., a reporting lag of a decade or more for ‘‘construction defect’’ claims). 134 While the majority of general liability coverages are written on an ‘‘occurrence’’ basis, certain general liability coverages (such as those covering directors and officers or professional liability) are typically insured on a ‘‘claims-made’’ basis. General liability reserves are generally analyzed as two components: primary and excess/umbrella, with the primary component generally analyzed separately for bodily injury and property damage. Bodily injury liability payments reimburse the claimant for damages pertaining to physical injury as a result of the policyholder’s legal obligation arising from non-intentional acts such as negligence, subject to the insurance policy provisions. In some cases the damages can include future wage loss (which is a function of future earnings power and wage inflation) and future medical treatment costs. Property damage liability payments result from damages to the claimant’s private property arising from the policyholder’s legal obligation for non-intentional acts. In most cases, property damage losses are a function of costs as of the loss date, or soon thereafter. In addition, sizable or unique exposures are reviewed separately. These exposures include asbestos, environmental, other mass torts, construction defect and large unique accounts that would otherwise distort the analysis. These unique categories often require a very high degree of judgment and require reserve analyses that do not rely on conventional actuarial methods. Defense costs are also a part of the insured costs covered by liability policies and can be significant, sometimes greater than the cost of the actual paid claims. For some products this risk is mitigated by policy language such that the insured portion of defense costs erodes the amount of policy limit available to pay the claim. Such ‘‘defense within the limits’’ policies are most common for ‘‘claims-made’’ products. When defense costs are outside of the limits, amounts paid for defense costs do not erode the policy limits. This line is typically the largest source of reserve estimate uncertainty in the United States (excluding assumed reinsurance contracts covering the same risk). Major contributors to this reserve estimate uncertainty include the reporting lag (i.e., the length of time between the event triggering coverage and the actual reporting of the claim), the number of parties involved in the underlying tort action, whether the ‘‘event’’ triggering coverage is confined to only one time period or is spread over multiple time periods, the potential dollars involved (in the individual claim actions), whether such claims were reasonably foreseeable and intended to be covered at the time the contracts were written (i.e., coverage dispute potential), and the potential for mass claim actions. Claims with longer reporting lags result in greater inherent risk. This is especially true for alleged claims with a latency feature, particularly where courts have ruled that coverage is spread over multiple policy years, hence involving multiple defendants (and their insurers and reinsurers) and multiple policies (thereby increasing the potential dollars involved and the underlying settlement complexity). Claims with long latencies also increase the potential recognition lag (i.e., the lag between writing a type of policy in a certain market and the recognition that such policies have potential mass tort and/or latent claim exposure). The amount of reserve estimate uncertainty also varies significantly by component for the general liability product line. The components in this product line with the longest latency, longest reporting lags, largest potential dollars involved and greatest claim settlement complexity are asbestos and environmental. Components that include latency, reporting lag and/or complexity issues, but to a materially lesser extent than asbestos and environmental, include construction defect and other mass tort actions. Many components of general liability are not subject to material latency or claim complexity risks and hence have materially less uncertainty than the previously mentioned components. In general, policies providing coverage with shorter reporting lags, fewer parties involved in settlement negotiations, only one policy potentially triggered per claim, fewer potential settlement dollars, reasonably foreseeable (and stable) potential hazards/claims and no mass tort potential result in much less reserve estimate uncertainty than policies without those characteristics. 135 In addition to the conventional actuarial methods mentioned in the general discussion section, the company utilizes various report year development and S-curve methods for the construction defect components of this product line. The Construction Defect report year development analysis is supplemented with projected claim counts and average values for IBNR claim counts. For components with greater lags in claim reporting, such as excess and umbrella components of this product line, the company relies more heavily on the BF method than on the paid and case incurred development methods. Examples of common risk factors, or perceptions thereof, that could change and, thus, affect the required general liability reserves (beyond those included in the general discussion section) include: General liability risk factors (cid:127) Changes in claim handling philosophies (cid:127) Changes in policy provisions or court interpretation of such provisions (cid:127) New theories of liability (cid:127) Trends in jury awards (cid:127) Changes in the propensity to sue, in general with specificity to particular issues (cid:127) Changes in the propensity to litigate rather than settle a claim (cid:127) Changes in statutes of limitations (cid:127) Changes in the underlying court system (cid:127) Distortions from losses resulting from large single accounts or single issues (cid:127) Changes in tort law (cid:127) Shifts in lawsuit mix between federal and state courts (cid:127) Changes in claim adjuster office structure (causing distortions in the data) (cid:127) The potential impact of inflation on loss costs (cid:127) Changes in settlement patterns General liability book of business risk factors (cid:127) Changes in policy provisions (e.g., deductibles, policy limits, endorsements) (cid:127) Changes in underwriting standards (cid:127) Product mix (e.g., size of account, industries insured, jurisdiction mix) Unanticipated changes in risk factors can affect reserves. As an indicator of the causal effect that a change in one or more risk factors could have on reserves for general liability (excluding asbestos and environmental), a 1% increase (decrease) in incremental paid loss development for each future calendar year could result in a 1.5% increase (decrease) in claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. Historically, the one-year change in the reserve estimate for this product line, excluding estimated asbestos and environmental amounts, over the last nine years has varied from (cid:4)8% to 10% (averaging (cid:4)1%) for the Company and from (cid:4)5% to 6% (averaging (cid:4)1%) for the industry overall. The Company’s year-to-year changes are driven by, and are based on, observed events during the year. Because the high end of the Company’s range of historical adverse development comes from certain businesses that the Company has since exited, the Company believes that the industry’s range of historical outcomes is illustrative of reasonably possible one-year changes in reserve estimates for this product line. General liability reserves (excluding asbestos and environmental) represent approximately 24% of the Company’s total claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. 136 The Company’s change in reserve estimate for this product line, excluding estimated asbestos and environmental amounts, was (cid:4)3% for 2012, (cid:4)8% for 2011 and (cid:4)5% for 2010. The 2012 change was primarily concentrated in excess coverages for accident years 2009 and prior and reflected what the Company believes are more favorable legal and judicial environments than what the Company previously expected. Also contributing to the 2012 change was better than expected results for management liability business, primarily for the errors & omissions and fiduciary products for accident years 2007 and prior. The 2011 change was concentrated in excess coverages for accident years 2005-2008 and reflected what the Company believes are more favorable legal and judicial environments than what the Company previously expected. The 2010 change was primarily concentrated in excess coverages for accident years 2006 and prior and reflected what the Company believes are more favorable legal and judicial environments than what the Company previously expected. Commercial Property Commercial property is generally considered a short tail line with a simpler and faster claim reporting and adjustment process than liability coverages, and less uncertainty in the reserve setting process (except for more complex business interruption claims). It is generally viewed as a moderate frequency, low to moderate severity line, except for catastrophes and coverage related to large properties. The claim reporting and settlement process for property coverage claim reserves is generally restricted to the insured and the insurer. Overall, the claim liabilities for this line create a low estimation risk, except possibly for catastrophes and business interruption claims. Commercial property reserves are typically analyzed in two components, one for catastrophic or other large single events, and another for all other events. Examples of common risk factors, or perceptions thereof, that could change and, thus, affect the required property reserves (beyond those included in the general discussion section) include: Commercial property risk factors (cid:127) Physical concentration of policyholders (cid:127) Availability and cost of local contractors (cid:127) For the more severe catastrophic events, ‘‘demand surge’’ inflation, which refers to significant short-term increases in building material and labor costs due to a sharp increase in demand for those materials and services (cid:127) Local building codes (cid:127) Amount of time to return property to full usage (for business interruption claims) (cid:127) Frequency of claim re-openings on claims previously closed (cid:127) Court interpretation of policy provisions (such as occurrence definition, or wind versus flooding) (cid:127) Lags in reporting claims (e.g., winter damage to summer homes, hidden damage after an earthquake, hail damage to roofs and/or equipment on roofs) (cid:127) Court or legislative changes to the statute of limitations Commercial property book of business risk factors (cid:127) Policy provisions mix (e.g., deductibles, policy limits, endorsements) (cid:127) Changes in underwriting standards Unanticipated changes in risk factors can affect reserves. As an indicator of the causal effect that a change in one or more risk factors could have on reserves for property, a 1% increase (decrease) in 137 incremental paid loss development for each future calendar year could result in a 1.1% increase (decrease) in claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. Historically, the one-year change in the reserve estimate for this product line over the last nine years has varied from (cid:4)34% to (cid:4)5% (averaging (cid:4)18%) for the Company, and from (cid:4)14% to 2% (averaging (cid:4)9%) for the industry overall. The Company’s year-to-year changes are driven by, and are based on, observed events during the year. The Company believes that its range of historical outcomes is illustrative of reasonably possible one-year changes in reserve estimates for this product line. Commercial property reserves represent approximately 3% of the Company’s total claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. Since commercial property is considered a short tail coverage, the one year change for commercial property can be more volatile than that for the longer tail product lines. This is due to the fact that the majority of the reserve for commercial property relates to the most recent accident year, which is subject to the most uncertainty for all product lines. This recent accident year uncertainty is relevant to commercial property because of weather-related events which, notwithstanding 2010 and 2011 experience, tend to be concentrated in the second half of the year, and generally are not completely resolved until the following year. Reserve estimates associated with major catastrophes may take even longer to resolve. The reserve estimates for this product line are also potentially subject to material changes due to uncertainty in measuring ultimate losses for significant catastrophes such as the events of September 11, 2001, Hurricane Katrina and Storm Sandy. The Company’s change in reserve estimate for this product line was (cid:4)22% for 2012, (cid:4)5% for 2011 and (cid:4)25% for 2010. The 2012 change primarily reflected better than expected development for accident years 2009 through 2011, driven by favorable loss development related to catastrophe losses incurred in 2011, and by higher subrogation and salvage recoveries for accident years 2009 through 2011. The 2011 change primarily reflected better than expected development in the 2008 and 2009 accident years for certain large national property and ocean marine exposures. The 2010 change primarily occurred in the 2008 and 2009 accident years as a result of better than expected loss development in Industry-Focused Underwriting and Target Risk Underwriting. Commercial Multi-Peril Commercial multi-peril provides a combination of property and liability coverage typically for small businesses and, therefore, includes both short and long tail coverages. For property coverage, it generally takes a relatively short period of time to close claims, while for the other coverages, generally for the liability coverages, it takes a longer period of time to close claims. The reserving risk for this line is dominated by the liability coverage portion of this product, except occasionally in the event of catastrophic or large single losses. The reserving risk for this line differs from that of the general liability product line and the property product line due to the nature of the customer. Commercial multi-peril is generally sold to smaller-sized accounts, while the customer profile for general liability and commercial property includes larger customers. See ‘‘Commercial property risk factors’’ and ‘‘General liability risk factors,’’ discussed above, with regard to reserving risk for commercial multi-peril. Unanticipated changes in risk factors can affect reserves. As an indicator of the causal effect that a change in one or more risk factors could have on reserves for commercial multi-peril (excluding asbestos and environmental), a 1% increase (decrease) in incremental paid loss development for each future calendar year could result in a 1.2% increase (decrease) in claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. Historically, the one-year change in the reserve estimate for this product line over the last nine years has varied from (cid:4)19% to 5% (averaging (cid:4)6%) for the Company, and from (cid:4)6% to 3% 138 (averaging (cid:4)2%) for the industry overall. The Company’s year-to-year changes are driven by, and are based on, observed events during the year. The Company believes that its range of historical outcomes is illustrative of reasonably possible one-year changes in reserve estimates for this product line. Commercial multi-peril reserves (excluding asbestos and environmental reserves) represent approximately 7% of the Company’s total claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. As discussed above, this line combines general liability and commercial property coverages and it has been impacted in the past by many of the same events as those two lines. The Company’s change in reserve estimate for this product line was (cid:4)1% for 2012, 5% for 2011 and 1% for 2010. The 2011 change reflected unfavorable loss development driven by late reporting of hail claims incurred in 2010. Commercial Automobile The commercial automobile product line is a mix of property and liability coverages and, therefore, includes both short and long tail coverages. The payments that are made quickly typically pertain to auto physical damage (property) claims and property damage (liability) claims. The payments that take longer to finalize and are more difficult to estimate relate to bodily injury claims. In general, claim reporting lags are minor, claim complexity is not a major issue, and the line is viewed as high frequency, low to moderate severity. Overall, the claim liabilities for this line create a moderate estimation risk. Commercial automobile reserves are typically analyzed in four components: bodily injury liability; property damage liability; collision claims; and comprehensive claims. These last two components have minimum reserve risk and fast payouts and, accordingly, separate risk factors are not presented. The Company utilizes the conventional actuarial methods mentioned in the general discussion above in estimating claim liabilities for this line. This is supplemented with detailed custom analyses where needed. Examples of common risk factors, or perceptions thereof, that could change and, thus, affect the required commercial automobile reserves (beyond those included in the general discussion section) include: Bodily injury and property damage liability risk factors (cid:127) Trends in jury awards (cid:127) Changes in the underlying court system (cid:127) Changes in case law (cid:127) Litigation trends (cid:127) Frequency of claims with payment capped by policy limits (cid:127) Change in average severity of accidents, or proportion of severe accidents (cid:127) Changes in auto safety technology (cid:127) Subrogation opportunities (cid:127) Changes in claim handling philosophies (cid:127) Frequency of visits to health providers (cid:127) Number of medical procedures given during visits to health providers (cid:127) Types of health providers used 139 (cid:127) Types of medical treatments received (cid:127) Changes in cost of medical treatments (cid:127) Degree of patient responsiveness to treatment Commercial automobile book of business risk factors (cid:127) Changes in policy provisions (e.g., deductibles, policy limits, endorsements, etc.) (cid:127) Changes in mix of insured vehicles (e.g., long haul trucks versus local and smaller vehicles, fleet risks versus non-fleets) (cid:127) Changes in underwriting standards Unanticipated changes in risk factors can affect reserves. As an indicator of the causal effect that a change in one or more risk factors could have on reserves for commercial automobile, a 1% increase (decrease) in incremental paid loss development for each future calendar year could result in a 1.2% increase (decrease) in claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. Historically, the one-year change in the reserve estimate for this product line over the last nine years has varied from (cid:4)10% to 7% (averaging (cid:4)3%) for the Company, and from (cid:4)3% to 2% (averaging (cid:4)1%) for the industry overall. The Company’s year-to-year changes are driven by, and are based on, observed events during the year. The Company believes that its range of historical outcomes is illustrative of reasonably possible one-year changes in reserve estimates for this product line. Commercial automobile reserves represent approximately 7% of the Company’s total claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. The Company’s change in reserve estimate for this product line was 7% for 2012, 5% for 2011 and (cid:4)1% for 2010. The 2012 change reflected higher than expected severity in the bodily injury coverage primarily for accident years 2010 and 2011. The 2011 change reflected worse than expected severity for the 2009 and 2010 accident years. Workers’ Compensation Workers’ compensation is generally considered a long tail coverage, as it takes a relatively long period of time to finalize claims from a given accident year. While certain payments such as initial medical treatment or temporary wage replacement for the injured worker are made quickly, some other payments are made over the course of several years, such as awards for permanent partial injuries. In addition, some payments can run as long as the injured worker’s life, such as permanent disability benefits and on-going medical care. Despite the possibility of long payment tails, the reporting lags are generally short, settlements are generally not complex, and most of the liability can be considered high frequency with moderate severity. The largest reserve risk generally comes from the low frequency, high severity claims providing lifetime coverage for medical expense arising from a worker’s injury, as such claims are subject to greater inflation risk. Overall, the claim liabilities for this line create a somewhat greater than moderate estimation risk. Workers’ compensation reserves are typically analyzed in three components: indemnity losses, medical losses and claim adjustment expenses. Examples of common risk factors, or perceptions thereof, that could change and, thus, affect the required workers’ compensation reserves (beyond those included in the general discussion section) include: Indemnity risk factors (cid:127) Time required to recover from the injury 140 (cid:127) Degree of available transitional jobs (cid:127) Degree of legal involvement (cid:127) Changes in the interpretations and processes of the workers’ compensation commissions’ oversight of claims(1) (cid:127) Future wage inflation for states that index benefits (cid:127) Changes in the administrative policies of second injury funds Medical risk factors (cid:127) Changes in the cost of medical treatments (including prescription drugs) and underlying fee schedules (‘‘inflation’’) (cid:127) Frequency of visits to health providers (cid:127) Number of medical procedures given during visits to health providers (cid:127) Types of health providers used (cid:127) Type of medical treatments received (cid:127) Use of preferred provider networks and other medical cost containment practices (cid:127) Availability of new medical processes and equipment (cid:127) Changes in the use of pharmaceutical drugs (cid:127) Degree of patient responsiveness to treatment General workers’ compensation risk factors (cid:127) Frequency of claim reopenings on claims previously closed (cid:127) Mortality trends of injured workers with lifetime benefits and medical treatment (cid:127) Degree of cost shifting between workers’ compensation and health insurance, including Medicare Workers’ compensation book of business risk factors (cid:127) Product mix (cid:127) Injury type mix (cid:127) Changes in underwriting standards Unanticipated changes in risk factors can affect reserves. As an indicator of the causal effect that a change in one or more risk factors could have on reserves for workers’ compensation, a 1% increase (decrease) in incremental paid loss development for each future calendar year could result in a 1.3% increase (decrease) in claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. Historically, the one-year change in the reserve estimate for this product line over the last nine years has varied from (cid:4)2% to 1% (averaging 0%) for the Company, and from (cid:4)1% to 2% (averaging 0%) for the industry overall. The Company’s year-to-year changes are driven by, and are based on, observed events during the year. The Company believes that its range of historical outcomes is illustrative of reasonably possible one-year changes in reserve estimates for this product line. Workers’ (1) These are administrative bodies that evaluate whether or not a given claim for workers’ compensation benefits is valid. Their duties include the determination of whether a given injury arose out of the scope of employment or the determination of the degree of injury where disputes exist. 141 compensation reserves represent approximately 34% of the Company’s total claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. The Company’s change in reserve estimate for this product line was (cid:4)2% in 2012, 0% in 2011 and (cid:4)1% for 2010. The 2012 change was primarily driven by better than expected frequency and severity related to lifetime medical claims for accident years 2008 and prior. Fidelity and Surety Fidelity is generally considered a short tail coverage. It takes a relatively short period of time to finalize and settle fidelity claims. The volatility of fidelity reserves is generally related to the type of business of the insured, the size and complexity of the insured’s business operations, amount of policy limit and attachment point of coverage. The uncertainty surrounding reserves for small, commercial insureds is typically less than the uncertainty for large commercial or financial institutions. The high frequency, low severity nature of small commercial fidelity losses provides for stability in loss estimates, whereas the low frequency, high severity nature of losses for large insureds results in a wider range of ultimate loss outcomes. Actuarial techniques that rely on a stable pattern of loss development are generally not applicable to low frequency, high severity policies. Surety has certain components that are generally considered short tail coverages with short reporting lags, although large individual construction and commercial surety contracts can result in a long settlement tail, based on the length and complexity of the construction project or commercial transaction being insured. (Large construction projects can take many years to complete.) The frequency of losses in surety generally correlates with economic cycles as the primary cause of surety loss is the inability of an insured contractor to fulfill its contractual obligations. The Company actively seeks to mitigate this exposure to loss through disciplined risk selection and adherence to underwriting standards. The volatility of surety losses is generally related to the type of business performed by the insured, the type of bonded obligation, the amount of limit exposed to loss and the amount of assets available to the insurer to mitigate losses, such as unbilled contract funds, collateral, first and third party indemnity, and other security positions of an insured’s assets. Certain classes of surety claims are very high severity, low frequency in nature. These can include large construction contractors involved with one or multiple large, complex projects as well as certain large commercial surety exposures. Other claim factors affecting reserve variability of surety include litigation related to amounts owed by and due the insured (e.g., salvage and subrogation efforts) and the results of financial restructuring of an insured. Examples of common risk factors, or perceptions thereof, that could change and, thus, affect the required fidelity and surety reserves (beyond those included in the general discussion section) include: Fidelity risk factors (cid:127) Type of business of insured (cid:127) Policy limit and attachment points (cid:127) Third-party claims (cid:127) Coverage litigation (cid:127) Complexity of claims (cid:127) Growth in insureds’ operations Surety risk factors (cid:127) Economic trends, including the general level of construction activity (cid:127) Concentration of reserves in a relatively few large claims 142 (cid:127) Type of business insured (cid:127) Type of obligation insured (cid:127) Cumulative limits of liability for insured (cid:127) Assets available to mitigate loss (cid:127) Defective workmanship/latent defects (cid:127) Financial strategy of insured (cid:127) Changes in statutory obligations (cid:127) Geographic spread of business Fidelity and Surety book of business risk factors (cid:127) Changes in policy provisions (e.g., deductibles, limits, endorsements) (cid:127) Changes in underwriting standards Unanticipated changes in risk factors can affect reserves. As an indicator of the causal effect that a change in one or more risk factors could have on reserves for fidelity and surety, a 1% increase (decrease) in incremental paid loss development for each future calendar year could result in a 1.3% increase (decrease) in claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. Historically, the one-year change in the reserve estimate for this product line over the last nine years has varied from (cid:4)11% to 138% (averaging 10%) for the Company, and from (cid:4)13% to 24% (averaging 2%) for the industry overall. The Company’s year-to-year changes are driven by, and are based on, observed events during the year. Because the high end of the Company’s range was due to acquired business in 2004, the Company believes that the industry’s range of historical outcomes is illustrative of reasonably possible one-year changes in reserve estimates for this product line. Fidelity and surety reserves represent approximately 3% of the Company’s total claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. In general, developments on single large claims (both adverse and favorable) are a primary source of changes in reserve estimates for this product line. The Company’s change in reserve estimate for this product line was (cid:4)8% for 2012, (cid:4)11% for 2011 and (cid:4)6% for 2010. The 2012 change reflected better than expected results primarily for the contract surety line of business for accident years 2008 and prior. The 2011 change primarily reflected better than expected development for accident years 2008 and prior for the contract surety business. The 2010 change was driven by better than expected loss development due to lower than expected claim activity and loss severity, primarily for the contract surety business in this product line for the 2008 and prior accident years. Personal Automobile Personal automobile includes both short and long tail coverages. The payments that are made quickly typically pertain to auto physical damage (property) claims and property damage (liability) claims. The payments that take longer to finalize and are more difficult to estimate relate to bodily injury claims. Reporting lags are relatively short and the claim settlement process for personal automobile liability generally is the least complex of the liability products. It is generally viewed as a high frequency, low to moderate severity product line. Overall, the claim liabilities for this line create a moderate estimation risk. 143 Personal automobile reserves are typically analyzed in five components: bodily injury liability, property damage liability, no-fault losses, collision claims and comprehensive claims. These last two components have minimum reserve risk and fast payouts and, accordingly, separate factors are not presented. Examples of common risk factors, or perceptions thereof, that could change and, thus, affect the required personal automobile reserves (beyond those included in the general reserve discussion section) include: Bodily injury and property damage liability risk factors (cid:127) Trends in jury awards (cid:127) Changes in the underlying court system and its philosophy (cid:127) Changes in case law (cid:127) Litigation trends (cid:127) Frequency of claims with payment capped by policy limits (cid:127) Change in average severity of accidents, or proportion of severe accidents (cid:127) Subrogation opportunities (cid:127) Degree of patient responsiveness to treatment (cid:127) Changes in claim handling philosophies No-fault risk factors (for selected states and time periods) (cid:127) Effectiveness of no-fault laws (cid:127) Frequency of visits to health providers (cid:127) Number of medical procedures given during visits to health providers (cid:127) Types of health providers used (cid:127) Types of medical treatments received (cid:127) Changes in cost of medical treatments (cid:127) Degree of patient responsiveness to treatment Personal automobile book of business risk factors (cid:127) Changes in policy provisions (e.g., deductibles, policy limits, endorsements, etc.) (cid:127) Changes in underwriting standards (cid:127) Changes in the use of credit data for rating and underwriting Unanticipated changes in risk factors can affect reserves. As an indicator of the causal effect that a change in one or more risk factors could have on reserves for personal automobile, a 1% increase (decrease) in incremental paid loss development for each future calendar year could result in a 1.1% increase (decrease) in claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. Historically, the one-year change in the reserve estimate for this product line over the last nine years has varied from (cid:4)9% to 3% (averaging (cid:4)3%) for the Company, and from (cid:4)4% to (cid:4)1% (averaging (cid:4)2%) for the industry overall. The Company’s year-to-year changes are driven by, and are based on, observed events during the year. The Company believes that its range of historical outcomes is illustrative of reasonably possible one-year changes in reserve estimates for this product line. 144 Personal automobile reserves represent approximately 5% of the Company’s total claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. The Company’s change in reserve estimate for this product line was 2% for 2012, 3% for 2011 and 0% for 2010. The 2012 change was primarily driven by higher than expected bodily injury severity for accident year 2011. The 2011 change reflected worse than expected severity for the 2007-2010 accident years. Homeowners and Personal Lines Other Homeowners is generally considered a short tail coverage. Most payments are related to the property portion of the policy, where the claim reporting and settlement process is generally restricted to the insured and the insurer. Claims on property coverage are typically reported soon after the actual damage occurs, although delays of several months are not unusual. The resulting settlement process is typically fairly short term, although exceptions do exist. The liability portion of the homeowners policy generates claims which take longer to pay due to the involvement of litigation and negotiation, but with generally small reporting lags. Overall, the line is generally high frequency, low to moderate severity (except for catastrophes), with simple to moderate claim complexity. Homeowners reserves are typically analyzed in two components: non-catastrophe related losses and catastrophe loss payments. Examples of common risk factors, or perceptions thereof, that could change and, thus, affect the required homeowners reserves (beyond those included in the general discussion section) include: Non-catastrophe risk factors (cid:127) Salvage opportunities (cid:127) Amount of time to return property to residential use (cid:127) Changes in weather patterns (cid:127) Local building codes (cid:127) Litigation trends (cid:127) Trends in jury awards (cid:127) Court interpretation of policy provisions (such as occurrence definition, or wind versus flooding) (cid:127) Lags in reporting claims (e.g., winter damage to summer homes, hidden damage after an earthquake, hail damage to roofs and/or equipment on roofs) (cid:127) Court or legislative changes to the statute of limitations Catastrophe risk factors (cid:127) Physical concentration of policyholders (cid:127) Availability and cost of local contractors (cid:127) Local building codes (cid:127) Quality of construction of damaged homes (cid:127) Amount of time to return property to residential use 145 (cid:127) For the more severe catastrophic events, ‘‘demand surge’’ inflation, which refers to significant short-term increases in building material and labor costs due to a sharp increase in demand for those materials and services Homeowners book of business risk factors (cid:127) Policy provisions mix (e.g., deductibles, policy limits, endorsements, etc.) (cid:127) Degree of concentration of policyholders (cid:127) Changes in underwriting standards (cid:127) Changes in the use of credit data for rating and underwriting Unanticipated changes in risk factors can affect reserves. As an indicator of the causal effect that a change in one or more risk factors could have on reserves for homeowners and personal lines other, a 1% increase (decrease) in incremental paid loss development for each future calendar year could result in a 1.1% increase (decrease) in claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. Historically, the one-year change in the reserve estimate for this product line (excluding the umbrella line of business, which for statutory reporting purposes is included with the general liability line of business) over the last nine years has varied from (cid:4)31% to 3% (averaging (cid:4)11%) for the Company, and from (cid:4)8% to (cid:4)2% (averaging (cid:4)5%) for the industry overall. The Company’s year-to-year changes are driven by, and are based on, observed events during the year. The Company believes that its range of historical outcomes is illustrative of reasonably possible one-year changes in reserve estimates for this product line. Homeowners and personal lines other reserves represent approximately 4% of the Company’s total claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. This line combines both liability and property coverages; however, the majority of the reserves relate to property. While property is considered a short tail coverage, the one year change for property can be more volatile than that for the longer tail product lines. This is due to the fact that the majority of the reserve for property relates to the most recent accident year, which is subject to the most uncertainty for all product lines. This recent accident year uncertainty is relevant to property because of weather related events which, notwithstanding 2010 and 2011 experience, tend to be concentrated in the second half of the year, and generally are not completely resolved until the following year. Reserve estimates associated with major catastrophes may take even longer to resolve. The Company’s change in reserve estimate for this product line (excluding the umbrella line of business) was (cid:4)11% for 2012, (cid:4)7% for 2011 and 2% for 2010. The 2012 change reflected better than expected loss development related to catastrophe losses incurred in 2011 and non-catastrophe losses incurred in accident years 2010 and 2011. The 2011 change reflected better than expected loss development related to catastrophe losses incurred in the first half of 2010. The 2010 change reflected unfavorable loss development in the 2009 accident year for the homeowners’ line of business that was driven by higher than anticipated late-reported claims related to storms in 2009. International and other International and other includes products written by the Company’s international operations, as well as all other products not explicitly discussed above. The principal component of ‘‘other’’ claim reserves is assumed reinsurance written on an excess-of-loss basis, which may include reinsurance of non-U.S. exposures, and is runoff business. International and other claim liabilities result from a mix of coverages, currencies and jurisdictions/ countries. The common characteristic is the need to customize the analysis to the individual component, and the inability to rely on data characterizations and reporting requirements in the U.S. statutory reporting framework. 146 Due to changes in the business mix for this line over time, the recently incurred claim liabilities are relatively short term (due to both the products and the jurisdictions involved, e.g., the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom), while the older liabilities include some from runoff operations that are extremely long tail (e.g., U.S. excess liabilities reinsured through the London market, and several underwriting pools in runoff). The speed of claim reporting and claim settlement is a function of the specific coverage provided, the jurisdiction, the distribution system (e.g., underwriting pool versus direct) and the proximity of the insurance sale to the insured hazard (e.g., insured and insurer located in different countries). In particular, liabilities arising from the underwriting pools in runoff may result in significant reporting lags, settlement lags and claim complexity, due to the need to coordinate with other pool members or co-insurers through a broker or lead-insurer for claim settlement purposes. International and other reserves are generally analyzed by program/pool, country and general coverage category (e.g., U.S. Liability—excess of loss reinsurance, or General Liability— Municipalities—by country). The business is also generally split by direct versus assumed reinsurance for a given coverage/jurisdiction. Where the underlying insured hazard is outside the United States, the underlying coverages are generally similar to those described under the General Liability and Commercial Property discussion above, provided that reserves relating to insured hazards outside the United States are analyzed taking into account differences in the legal environment and differences in terms and conditions, including, for example and where applicable, that in some jurisdictions there are no aggregate policy limits on certain liability coverages. Where the underlying hazard is within the U.S., the coverage involved is typically that of General Liability and Commercial Property, but on an excess or excess-of-loss reinsurance basis. Excess exposure requires the insured to ‘‘prove’’ not only claims under the policy, but also the prior payment of claims reaching up to the excess policy’s attachment point. Examples of common risk factors, or perceptions thereof, that could change and, thus, affect the required International and other reserves (beyond those included in the general discussion section) include: International and other risk factors (cid:127) Changes in claim handling procedures, including those of the primary carriers (cid:127) Changes in policy provisions or court interpretation of such provision (cid:127) New theories of liability (cid:127) Trends in jury awards (cid:127) Changes in the propensity to sue (cid:127) Changes in statutes of limitations (cid:127) Changes in the underlying court system (cid:127) Distortions from losses resulting from large single accounts or single issues (cid:127) Changes in tort law (cid:127) Changes in claim adjuster office structure (causing distortions in the data) International and other book of business risk factors (cid:127) Changes in policy provisions (e.g., deductibles, policy limits, endorsements, ‘‘claims-made’’ language) (cid:127) Changes in underwriting standards (cid:127) Product mix (e.g., size of account, industries insured, jurisdiction mix) 147 Unanticipated changes in risk factors can affect reserves. As an indicator of the causal effect that a change in one or more risk factors could have on reserves for International and other (excluding asbestos and environmental), a 1% increase (decrease) in incremental paid loss development for each future calendar year could result in a 1.2% increase (decrease) in claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. International and other reserves (excluding asbestos and environmental) represent approximately 7% of the Company’s total claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. International and other represents a combination of different product lines, some of which are in runoff. Comparative historical information is not available for international product lines as insurers domiciled outside of the U.S. do not file U.S. statutory reports. Comparative historical information on runoff business is not indicative of reasonably possible one-year changes in the reserve estimate for this mix of runoff business. Accordingly, the Company has not included comparative analyses for International and other. Reinsurance Recoverables The following table summarizes the composition of the Company’s reinsurance recoverables: (at December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 Gross reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allowance for uncollectible reinsurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5,256 (258) $ 6,255 (345) Net reinsurance recoverables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mandatory pools and associations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Structured settlements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,998 2,549 3,165 5,910 2,020 3,225 Total reinsurance recoverables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,712 $11,155 The $912 million decline in net reinsurance recoverables since December 31, 2011 primarily reflected the impact of cash collections, including commutation agreements, and the impact of net favorable prior year reserve development. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the associated claim liability. The Company evaluates and monitors the financial condition of its reinsurers under voluntary reinsurance arrangements to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. In addition, in the ordinary course of business, the Company becomes involved in coverage disputes with its reinsurers. Some of these disputes could result in lawsuits and arbitrations brought by or against the reinsurers to determine the Company’s rights and obligations under the various reinsurance agreements. The Company employs dedicated specialists and aggressive strategies to manage reinsurance collections and disputes. Some of the reinsurance agreements that the Company entered into as part of its catastrophe bond programs are dual trigger contracts. All of these contracts meet the requirements to be accounted for as reinsurance in accordance with guidance for accounting for reinsurance contracts. The Company’s catastrophe bond programs are described in more detail in ‘‘Item 1—Business—Catastrophe Reinsurance.’’ The Company reports its reinsurance recoverables net of an allowance for estimated uncollectible reinsurance recoverables. The allowance is based upon the Company’s ongoing review of amounts outstanding, length of collection periods, changes in reinsurer credit standing, disputes, applicable coverage defenses and other relevant factors. Accordingly, the establishment of reinsurance recoverables and the related allowance for uncollectible reinsurance recoverables is also an inherently uncertain process involving estimates. From time to time, as a result of the long-tailed nature of the underlying liabilities, coverage complexities and potential for disputes, the Company considers the 148 commutation of reinsurance contracts. Changes in estimated reinsurance recoverables and commutation activity could result in additional income statement charges. Recoverables attributable to structured settlements relate primarily to personal injury claims, of which workers’ compensation claims comprise a significant portion, for which the Company has purchased annuities and remains contingently liable in the event of a default by the companies issuing the annuities. Recoverables attributable to mandatory pools and associations relate primarily to workers’ compensation service business. These recoverables are supported by the participating insurance companies’ obligation to pay a pro rata share based on each company’s voluntary market share of written premium in each state in which it is a pool participant. In the event a member of a mandatory pool or association defaults on its share of the pool’s or association’s obligations, the other members’ share of such obligation increases proportionally. On August 17, 2010, in a reinsurance dispute in New York state court captioned United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company v. American Re-Insurance Company, et al., the trial court granted summary judgment for United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company (USF&G), a subsidiary of the Company, and denied summary judgment for American Re-Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Munich Re (American Re), and three other reinsurers. By order dated October 22, 2010, the trial court corrected certain clerical errors and made certain clarifications to the August 17, 2010 order. On October 25, 2010, judgment was entered against American Re and the other three insurers, awarding USF&G $420 million, comprising $251 million ceded under the terms of the disputed reinsurance contract plus interest of 9% amounting to $169 million as of that date. The judgment, including the award of interest, was appealed by the reinsurers to the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department. On January 24, 2012, the Appellate Division affirmed the judgment. On January 30, 2012, the reinsurers filed a motion with the Appellate Division seeking permission to appeal its decision to the New York Court of Appeals, and on March 12, 2012, the Appellate Division granted the reinsurers’ motion. On February 7, 2013, the Court of Appeals issued an opinion that largely affirmed the summary judgment in USF&G’s favor, while modifying in part the summary judgment with respect to two discrete issues and remanding the case to the trial court for determination of those issues. The Company believes it has a meritorious position on each of these issues and intends to pursue its claim vigorously. At December 31, 2012, the claim totaled $470 million, comprising $251 million of reinsurance recoverable plus interest which had grown to $219 million as of that date. Interest will continue to accrue at 9% until the claim is paid. The $251 million of reinsurance recoverable owed to USF&G under the terms of the disputed reinsurance contract has been reported as part of reinsurance recoverables in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The interest that would be owed as part of any judgment ultimately entered in favor of USF&G is treated for accounting purposes as a gain contingency in accordance with FASB Topic 450, Contingencies, and accordingly has not been recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Investment Valuation and Impairments Fair Value Measurements The Company’s estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in the fair value accounting guidance. The framework is based on the inputs used in valuation, gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and requires that observable inputs be used in the valuations when available. The disclosure of fair value estimates in the fair value accounting guidance hierarchy is based on whether the significant inputs into the valuation are observable. In determining the level of the hierarchy in which the estimate is disclosed, the highest priority is given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s significant market assumptions. The level in the fair value hierarchy 149 within which the fair value measurement is reported is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the measurement in its entirety. The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows: (cid:127) Level 1—Unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access. (cid:127) Level 2—Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets; or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable (e.g., interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severities, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data. (cid:127) Level 3—Valuations based on models where significant inputs are not observable. The unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use. Valuation of Investments Reported at Fair Value in Financial Statements The fair value of a financial instrument is the estimated amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in an orderly transaction between knowledgeable, unrelated, willing parties, i.e., not in a forced transaction. The estimated fair value of a financial instrument may differ from the amount that could be realized if the security was sold in an immediate sale, e.g., a forced transaction. Additionally, the valuation of investments is more subjective when markets are less liquid due to the lack of market based inputs, which may increase the potential that the estimated fair value of an investment is not reflective of the price at which an actual transaction would occur. For investments that have quoted market prices in active markets, the Company uses the unadjusted quoted market prices as fair value and includes these prices in the amounts disclosed in Level 1 of the hierarchy. The Company receives the quoted market prices from a third party, nationally recognized pricing service (pricing service). When quoted market prices are unavailable, the Company utilizes a pricing service to determine an estimate of fair value, which is mainly used for its fixed maturity investments. The fair value estimates provided from this pricing service are included in the amount disclosed in Level 2 of the hierarchy. If quoted market prices and an estimate from a pricing service are unavailable, the Company produces an estimate of fair value based on internally developed valuation techniques, which, depending on the level of observable market inputs, will render the fair value estimate as Level 2 or Level 3. The Company bases all of its estimates of fair value for assets on the bid price as it represents what a third-party market participant would be willing to pay in an arm’s length transaction. Fixed Maturities The Company utilizes a pricing service to estimate fair value measurements for approximately 98% of its fixed maturities. The pricing service utilizes market quotations for fixed maturity securities that have quoted prices in active markets. Since fixed maturities other than U.S. Treasury securities generally do not trade on a daily basis, the pricing service prepares estimates of fair value measurements for these securities using its proprietary pricing applications, which include available relevant market information, benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing. Additionally, the pricing service uses an Option Adjusted Spread model to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios. The pricing service evaluates each asset class based on relevant market information, relevant credit information, perceived market movements and sector news. The market inputs utilized in the pricing evaluation, listed in the approximate order of priority, include: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, reference data, and industry and economic events. The extent of the use of each market input depends on the 150 asset class and the market conditions. Depending on the security, the priority of the use of inputs may change or some market inputs may not be relevant. For some securities, additional inputs may be necessary. The pricing service utilized by the Company has indicated that they will only produce an estimate of fair value if there is objectively verifiable information to produce a valuation. If the pricing service discontinues pricing an investment, the Company would be required to produce an estimate of fair value using some of the same methodologies as the pricing service but would have to make assumptions for market-based inputs that are unavailable due to market conditions. The fair value estimates of most fixed maturity investments are based on observable market information rather than market quotes. Accordingly, the estimates of fair value for such fixed maturities, other than U.S. Treasury securities, provided by the pricing service are included in the amount disclosed in Level 2 of the hierarchy. The estimated fair value of U.S. Treasury securities is included in the amount disclosed in Level 1 as the estimates are based on unadjusted market prices. The Company reviews the estimates of fair value provided by the pricing service and compares the estimates to the Company’s knowledge of the market to determine if the estimates obtained are representative of the prices in the market. In addition, the Company has periodic discussions with the pricing service to discuss any changes in their process and reactions to overall markets. The Company produces a report monthly that lists all price changes from the previous month in excess of 10%. The Company reviews the report and will challenge any prices deemed not to be representative of fair value. In addition, the Company has implemented various other processes including randomly selecting purchased or sold securities and comparing execution prices to the estimates from the pricing service as well as reviewing reports that contain securities whose valuation did not change from their previous valuation (stale price review). The Company also uses an additional independent pricing service to further test the primary pricing service’s valuation of the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio. These processes have not highlighted any significant issues with the fair value estimates received from the pricing service. The Company also holds certain fixed maturity investments which are not priced by the pricing service and, accordingly, estimates the fair value of such fixed maturities using an internal matrix that is based on market information regarding interest rates, credit spreads and liquidity. The underlying source data for calculating the matrix of credit spreads relative to the U.S. Treasury curve are the BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Corporate Index and the BofA Merrill Lynch BB U.S. High Yield Index. The Company includes the fair value estimates of these corporate bonds in Level 2, since all significant inputs are market observable. While the vast majority of the Company’s municipal bonds and corporate bonds are included in Level 2, the Company holds a number of municipal bonds and corporate bonds which are not valued by the pricing service and, accordingly, estimates the fair value of these bonds using an internal pricing matrix with some unobservable inputs that are significant to the valuation. Due to the limited amount of observable market information, the Company includes the fair value estimates for these particular bonds in Level 3. The fair value of the fixed maturities for which the Company used an internal pricing matrix was $102 million and $88 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Additionally, the Company holds a small amount of other fixed maturity investments that have characteristics that make them unsuitable for matrix pricing. For these fixed maturities, the Company obtains a quote from a broker (primarily the market maker). The fair value of the fixed maturities for which the Company received a broker quote was $128 million and $162 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Due to the disclaimers on the quotes that indicate that the price is indicative only, the Company includes these fair value estimates in Level 3. 151 Non-Fixed Maturities and Other Investments Not Reported at Fair Value See note 4 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the determination of fair value of non-fixed maturities and valuation of investments not reported at fair value in the financial statements. Investment Impairments The Company conducts a periodic review to identify and evaluate invested assets having other-than-temporary impairments. Some of the factors considered in identifying other-than-temporary impairments include: (1) for fixed maturity investments, whether the Company intends to sell the investment or whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the investment prior to an anticipated recovery in value; (2) for non-fixed maturity investments, the Company’s ability and intent to retain the investment for a reasonable period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in value; (3) the likelihood of the recoverability of principal and interest for fixed maturity securities (i.e., whether there is a credit loss) or cost for equity securities; (4) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost for fixed maturity securities or cost for equity securities; and (5) the financial condition, near-term and long-term prospects for the issuer, including the relevant industry conditions and trends, and implications of rating agency actions and offering prices. Other-Than-Temporary Impairments of Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities For fixed maturity investments that the Company does not intend to sell or for which it is more likely than not that the Company would not be required to sell before an anticipated recovery in value, the Company separates the credit loss component of the impairment from the amount related to all other factors and reports the credit loss component in net realized investment gains (losses). The impairment related to all other factors is reported in other comprehensive income. For equity securities (including public common and non-redeemable preferred stock) and for fixed maturity investments the Company intends to sell or for which it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell before an anticipated recovery in value, the full amount of the impairment is included in net realized investment gains (losses). Upon recognizing an other-than-temporary impairment, the new cost basis of the investment is the previous amortized cost basis less the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in net realized investment gains (losses). The new cost basis is not adjusted for any subsequent recoveries in fair value; however, for fixed maturity investments the difference between the new cost basis and the expected cash flows is accreted on a quarterly basis to net investment income over the remaining expected life of the investment. Due to the subjective nature of the Company’s analysis and estimates of future cash flows, along with the judgment that must be applied in the analysis, it is possible that the Company could reach a different conclusion whether or not to impair a security if it had access to additional information about the issuer. Additionally, it is possible that the issuer’s actual ability to meet contractual obligations may be different than what the Company determined during its analysis, which may lead to a different impairment conclusion in future periods. See note 1 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for a further discussion of investment impairments. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Impairments See note 1 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for a discussion of impairments of goodwill and other intangible assets. 152 OTHER UNCERTAINTIES For a discussion of other risks and uncertainties that could impact the Company’s results of operations or financial position, see note 16 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements and ‘‘Item 1A—Risk Factors.’’ FUTURE APPLICATION OF ACCOUNTING STANDARDS See note 1 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recently issued accounting standards updates. The Company is currently required to prepare its financial statements in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), as promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). During the last several years, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been evaluating whether, when and how International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) should be incorporated into the U.S. financial reporting system. Before making a decision, the SEC set forth a work plan to evaluate the remaining differences between GAAP and IFRS, determine whether IFRS represented high quality standards, consider how the International Accounting Standards Board is funded and its governance structure, and examine the variations in the way IFRS was applied by various foreign companies that file financial statements with the SEC. In July 2012, the SEC staff issued a final report on the SEC work plan which concluded that IFRS provide high quality accounting standards, but also indicated concerns with funding, consistency of application and enforcement of IFRS globally. The report did not give a recommendation to the SEC on whether, when and how IFRS should be incorporated into the U.S. financial reporting system. Additionally, the SEC has not indicated a timeline for further consideration of incorporating IFRS. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the FASB are in the process of developing a global insurance standard that may involve methodologies for valuing insurance contract liabilities that may be significantly different from the methodologies required by current GAAP. In June 2012, the FASB issued a statement that indicated that based on the nature and totality of differences between the FASB’s and IASB’s views, it is not likely that the two boards will achieve convergence on this project. The FASB further noted that the FASB and IASB have very different perspectives on the project, given that the U.S. has existing guidance on insurance contracts whereas there is currently no comprehensive IFRS insurance standard for insurance contracts. As a result of this, it is currently unclear what changes, if any, may be made to the accounting for insurance contracts under GAAP as a result of this project. The FASB and the IASB also continue to complete three remaining projects intended to bring convergence between GAAP and IFRS for revenue recognition, accounting for financial instruments and leasing. These projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2013. The Company is not able to predict whether it will choose to, or be required to, adopt IFRS or how the adoption of IFRS (or the convergence of GAAP and IFRS, including the joint project for valuing insurance contract liabilities) may impact the Company’s financial statements in the future. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This report contains, and management may make, certain ‘‘forward-looking statements’’ within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, may be forward-looking statements. Words such as ‘‘may,’’ ‘‘will,’’ ‘‘should,’’ ‘‘likely,’’ ‘‘anticipates,’’ ‘‘expects,’’ ‘‘intends,’’ ‘‘plans,’’ ‘‘projects,’’ ‘‘believes,’’ ‘‘estimates’’ and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. Specifically, statements about the Company’s share repurchase plans, expected margin improvement, future pension plan contributions and the potential impact of investment markets and other economic conditions on the Company’s investment 153 portfolio and underwriting results, among others, are forward looking, and the Company may also make forward-looking statements about, among other things: (cid:127) its results of operations and financial condition (including, among other things, premium volume, premium rates, net and operating income, investment income and performance, loss costs, return on equity, and expected current returns and combined ratios); (cid:127) the sufficiency of the Company’s asbestos and other reserves; (cid:127) the impact of emerging claims issues as well as other insurance and non-insurance litigation; (cid:127) the cost and availability of reinsurance coverage; (cid:127) catastrophe losses; (cid:127) the impact of investment, economic and underwriting market conditions; and (cid:127) strategic initiatives. The Company cautions investors that such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the Company’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. For a discussion of some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ, see ‘‘Item 1A— Risk Factors’’ and ‘‘Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Estimates.’’ The Company’s forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report or as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements. Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK MARKET RISK Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates (inclusive of credit spreads), foreign currency exchange rates and other relevant market rate or price changes. Market risk is directly influenced by the volatility and liquidity in the markets in which the related underlying assets are traded. The following is a discussion of the Company’s primary market risk exposures and how those exposures are managed as of December 31, 2012. The Company’s market risk sensitive instruments, including derivatives, are primarily entered into for purposes other than trading. The carrying value of the Company’s investment portfolio at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $73.84 billion and $72.70 billion, respectively, of which 89% and 88% was invested in fixed maturity securities, respectively. At both December 31, 2012 and 2011, approximately 6.2% of the Company’s invested assets were denominated in foreign currencies. The Company’s exposure to equity price risk is not significant. The Company has no direct commodity risk and is not a party to any credit default swaps. The primary market risks to the investment portfolio are interest rate risk and credit risk associated with investments in fixed maturity securities. The portfolio duration relative to the liabilities’ duration is primarily managed through cash market transactions and treasury futures transactions. For additional information regarding the Company’s investments, see notes 3 and 4 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements as well as the ‘‘Investment Portfolio’’ and ‘‘Outlook’’ sections of ‘‘Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.’’ 154 The primary market risk for all of the Company’s debt is interest rate risk at the time of refinancing. The Company monitors the interest rate environment and evaluates refinancing opportunities as maturity dates approach. For additional information regarding the Company’s debt see note 8 of notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements as well as the ‘‘Liquidity and Capital Resources’’ section of ‘‘Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.’’ The Company’s foreign exchange market risk exposure is concentrated in the Company’s invested assets, insurance reserves and shareholders’ equity denominated in foreign currencies. Cash flows from the Company’s foreign operations are the primary source of funds for the purchase of investments denominated in foreign currencies. The Company purchases these investments primarily to fund insurance reserves and other liabilities denominated in the same currency, effectively reducing its foreign currency exchange rate exposure. Invested assets denominated in the British Pound Sterling comprised approximately 2.4% of the total invested assets at both December 31, 2012 and 2011. Invested assets denominated in the Canadian dollar comprised approximately 2.3% and 2.4% of the total invested assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Invested assets denominated in other currencies at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were not material. There were no other significant changes in the Company’s primary market risk exposures or in how those exposures were managed for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. The Company does not currently anticipate significant changes in its primary market risk exposures or in how those exposures are managed in future reporting periods based upon what is known or expected to be in effect in future reporting periods. SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS Sensitivity analysis is defined as the measurement of potential loss in future earnings, fair values or cash flows of market sensitive instruments resulting from one or more selected hypothetical changes in interest rates and other market rates or prices over a selected period of time. In the Company’s sensitivity analysis model, a hypothetical change in market rates is selected that is expected to reflect reasonably possible near-term changes in those rates. ‘‘Near-term’’ means a period of time going forward up to one year from the date of the consolidated financial statements. Actual results may differ from the hypothetical change in market rates assumed in this disclosure, especially since this sensitivity analysis does not reflect the results of any actions that would be taken by the Company to mitigate such hypothetical losses in fair value. Interest Rate Risk In this sensitivity analysis model, the Company uses fair values to measure its potential loss. The sensitivity analysis model includes the following financial instruments entered into for purposes other than trading: fixed maturities, non-redeemable preferred stocks, mortgage loans, short-term securities, debt and derivative financial instruments. The primary market risk to the Company’s market sensitive instruments is interest rate risk (inclusive of credit spreads). The sensitivity analysis model uses various basis point changes in interest rates to measure the hypothetical change in fair value of financial instruments included in the model. For invested assets with primary exposure to interest rate risk, estimates of portfolio duration and convexity are used to model the loss of fair value that would be expected to result from a parallel increase in interest rates. Durations on invested assets are adjusted for call, put and interest rate reset features. Durations on tax-exempt securities are adjusted for the fact that the yields on such securities do not normally move in lockstep with changes in the U.S. Treasury curve. Fixed maturity portfolio durations are calculated on a market value weighted basis, including accrued interest, using holdings as of December 31, 2012 and 2011. 155 For debt, the change in fair value is determined by calculating hypothetical December 31, 2012 and 2011 ending prices based on yields adjusted to reflect a 100 basis point change, comparing such hypothetical ending prices to actual ending prices, and multiplying the difference by the par or securities outstanding. The sensitivity analysis model used by the Company produces a loss in fair value of market sensitive instruments of approximately $1.64 billion and $1.79 billion based on a 100 basis point increase in interest rates at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The loss estimates do not take into account the impact of possible interventions that the Company might reasonably undertake in order to mitigate or avoid losses that would result from emerging interest rate trends. In addition, the loss value only reflects the impact of an interest rate increase on the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments. Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk The Company uses fair values of investment securities to measure its potential loss from foreign denominated investments. A hypothetical 10% reduction in value of foreign denominated investments is used to estimate the impact on the market value of the foreign denominated holdings. The Company’s analysis indicates that a hypothetical 10% reduction in the value of foreign denominated investments would be expected to produce a loss in fair value of approximately $459 million and $452 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 156 ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 158 Consolidated Statement of Income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 . . . . . 159 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2012 and 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 . . Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 161 162 163 164 157 Report Of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Board of Directors and Stockholders The Travelers Companies, Inc.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of The Travelers Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Travelers Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), The Travelers Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control— Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 19, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. /s/ KPMG LLP KPMG LLP New York, New York February 19, 2013 158 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (in millions, except per share amounts) For the year ended December 31, 2012 2011 2010 Revenues Premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fee income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net realized investment gains(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,357 2,889 323 51 120 $22,090 2,879 296 55 126 $21,432 3,059 287 264 70 Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,740 25,446 25,112 Claims and expenses Claims and claim adjustment expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of deferred acquisition costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General and administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total claims and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,676 3,910 3,610 378 22,574 3,166 693 16,276 3,876 3,556 386 24,094 1,352 (74) 13,210 3,802 3,406 388 20,806 4,306 1,090 Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,473 $ 1,426 $ 3,216 Net income per share Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ $ 6.35 6.30 $ $ 3.40 $ 6.69 3.36 $ 6.62 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386.2 389.8 415.8 420.5 476.5 482.5 (1) Total other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) gains were $27 million, $30 million and $7 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Of total OTTI, credit losses of $(15) million, $(25) million and $(26) million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were recognized in net realized investment gains. In addition, unrealized gains from other changes in total OTTI of $42 million, $55 million and $33 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were recognized in other comprehensive income as part of changes in net unrealized gains on investment securities having credit losses recognized in the consolidated statement of income. The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. 159 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (in millions) For the year ended December 31, 2012 2011 2010 Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,473 $1,426 $3,216 Other comprehensive income: Changes in net unrealized gains on investment securities: Having no credit losses recognized in the consolidated statement of income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Having credit losses recognized in the consolidated statement of income . . Net changes in benefit plan assets and obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net changes in unrealized foreign currency translation and other changes . . . Other comprehensive income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive income, net of taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281 81 (69) 43 336 105 231 1,570 4 (307) (90) 1,177 427 750 (118) 123 39 12 56 20 36 Comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,704 $2,176 $3,252 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. 160 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (in millions) At December 31, 2012 2011 Assets Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost $60,829 and $59,994) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value (cost $462 and $414) . . . . . . . . . Real estate investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Short-term securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 65,393 645 883 3,483 3,434 $ 64,232 559 865 3,594 3,451 Total investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Investment income accrued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Premiums receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reinsurance recoverables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ceded unearned premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred acquisition costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contractholder receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73,838 330 752 5,872 10,712 856 1,792 — 4,806 3,365 381 2,234 72,701 214 768 5,730 11,155 828 1,786 7 5,186 3,365 433 2,402 Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $104,938 $104,575 Liabilities Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unearned premium reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contractholder payables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payables for reinsurance premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 50,922 11,241 4,806 346 338 6,350 5,530 $ 51,392 11,102 5,186 389 — 6,605 5,424 Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79,533 80,098 Shareholders’ equity Common stock (1,750.0 shares authorized; 377.4 and 392.8 shares issued and outstanding) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accumulated other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasury stock, at cost (372.3 and 349.0 shares) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21,161 21,352 2,236 (19,344) 20,732 19,579 2,005 (17,839) Total shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,405 24,477 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $104,938 $104,575 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. 161 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (in millions) For the year ended December 31, 2012 2011 2010 Convertible preferred stock—savings plan Balance, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Redemptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conversion to common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Balance, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Common stock Balance, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Employee share-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Common shares issued—conversion of preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . Compensation amortization under share-based plans and other — $ — — — $ 68 (5) (63) — 79 (11) — 68 20,732 261 — 20,162 328 93 19,593 420 — changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 149 149 Balance, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21,161 20,732 20,162 Retained earnings Balance, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Premium on preferred stock converted to common stock . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19,579 2,473 (700) — — 18,847 1,426 (669) (30) 5 16,315 3,216 (677) — (7) Balance, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21,352 19,579 18,847 Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax Balance, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balance, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasury stock (at cost) Balance, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasury stock acquired—share repurchase authorization . . . . . . . . . . Net shares acquired related to employee share-based compensation 2,005 231 2,236 1,255 750 2,005 1,219 36 1,255 (17,839) (1,450) (14,857) (2,900) (9,791) (5,000) plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (55) (82) (66) Balance, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (19,344) (17,839) (14,857) Total common shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,405 24,477 25,407 Total shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 25,405 $ 24,477 $ 25,475 Common shares outstanding Balance, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasury stock acquired—share repurchase authorization . . . . . . . . . . Net shares issued under employee share-based compensation plans . . . Common shares issued—conversion of preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . Balance, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392.8 (22.4) 7.0 — 377.4 434.6 (51.0) 7.7 1.5 392.8 520.3 (95.7) 10.0 — 434.6 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. 162 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (in millions) For the year ended December 31, Cash flows from operating activities Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 2012 2011 2010 $ 2,473 $ 1,426 $ 3,216 Net realized investment gains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred federal income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of deferred acquisition costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity in income from other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Premiums receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reinsurance recoverables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred acquisition costs Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unearned premium reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (51) 827 223 3,910 (342) (138) 453 (3,914) (540) 123 206 (55) 802 63 3,876 (281) (237) 809 (3,881) (154) 188 (387) (264) 812 178 3,802 (283) (29) 1,303 (3,826) (1,971) 63 53 Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,230 2,169 3,054 Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds from maturities of fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proceeds from sales of investments: Fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Real estate investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purchases of investments: Fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Real estate investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net sales (purchases) of short-term securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Securities transactions in course of settlement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,369 7,404 5,896 1,087 37 53 835 (10,447) (48) (95) (534) 117 (23) (323) 1,161 135 1 594 (8,704) (131) (66) (889) 2,018 — (371) 3,713 201 10 717 (6,785) (61) (21) (514) (699) (30) (318) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (972) 1,152 2,109 Cash flows from financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payment of debt Issuance of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends paid to shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Issuance of common stock—employee share options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasury stock acquired—share repurchase authorization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasury stock acquired—net employee share-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (258) — (694) 295 (1,474) (53) 38 (8) — (665) 314 (2,919) (46) 18 (1,160) 1,234 (673) 408 (4,998) (40) 8 Net cash used in financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2,146) (3,306) (5,221) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net increase (decrease) in cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash at beginning of year Cash at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information Income taxes paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 116 214 330 188 375 (1) 14 200 214 218 382 $ $ $ 3 (55) 255 200 784 397 $ $ $ $ $ $ The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. 163 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the Company). The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and claims and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2011 and 2010 financial statements to conform to the 2012 presentation. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Adoption of Accounting Standards Updates Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued updated guidance regarding the impairment test applicable to indefinite-lived intangible assets that is similar to the impairment guidance applicable to goodwill. Under the updated guidance, an entity may assess qualitative factors (such as changes in management, key personnel, strategy, key technology or customers) that may impact the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and lead to the determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying value. If an entity determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying value, an impairment test must be performed. The impairment test requires an entity to calculate the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. If the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess. The updated guidance is effective for the quarter ending March 31, 2013, but early adoption was permitted. The Company adopted the updated guidance effective December 31, 2012, and such adoption did not have any effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. Testing of Goodwill In September 2011, the FASB issued updated guidance that modifies the manner in which the two-step impairment test of goodwill is applied. Under the updated guidance, an entity may assess qualitative factors (such as changes in management, key personnel, strategy, key technology or customers) that may impact a reporting unit’s fair value and lead to the determination that it is more likely than not that the reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value, including goodwill. If an entity determines that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value, an impairment test must be performed. The impairment test requires an entity to calculate the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill in the same manner that goodwill is measured in a business combination. If the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess. The updated guidance was effective for the quarter ending March 31, 2012. The adoption of this guidance did not have any effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. 164 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Presentation of Comprehensive Income In June 2011, the FASB issued updated guidance to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income by eliminating the option of presenting components of comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity. The updated guidance requires that all nonowner changes in shareholders’ equity be presented either as a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The updated guidance was effective for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 and was applied retrospectively. The Company’s adoption of this guidance resulted in a change in the presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements but did not have any effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements In April 2011, the FASB issued updated guidance related to the accounting for repurchase agreements and other agreements that entitle and obligate a transferor to repurchase or redeem financial assets before their maturity. The updated guidance eliminates the criteria to assess whether a transferor is required to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets in order to demonstrate effective control over the transferred asset. Transferors that maintain effective control over a transferred asset are required to account for the transaction as a secured borrowing rather than a sale. The updated guidance was effective for the quarter ended March 31, 2012. The updated guidance applies to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date. The adoption of this guidance did not have any effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts In October 2010, the FASB issued updated guidance to address diversity in practice for accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. This guidance modifies the definition of acquisition costs to specify that a cost must be directly related to the successful acquisition of a new or renewal insurance contract in order to be deferred. If application of this guidance would result in the capitalization of acquisition costs that had not previously been capitalized by a reporting entity, the entity may elect not to capitalize those costs. The updated guidance was effective for the quarter ended March 31, 2012. The adoption of this guidance did not have any effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. Accounting Standard Not Yet Adopted Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income In February 2013, the FASB issued updated guidance to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The guidance requires an entity to present, either on the face of the statement of income or in the notes, separately for each component of comprehensive income, the current period reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income affected by the reclassification. 165 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) The updated guidance is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The updated guidance will not have any effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. Accounting Policies Investments Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Fixed maturities include bonds, notes and redeemable preferred stocks. Fixed maturities, including instruments subject to securities lending agreements, are classified as available for sale and are reported at fair value, with unrealized investment gains and losses, net of income taxes, charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income. Equity securities, which include public common and non-redeemable preferred stocks, are classified as available for sale with changes in fair value, net of income taxes, charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income. Real Estate Investments The Company’s real estate investments include warehouses, office buildings and other commercial land and properties that are directly owned. Real estate is recorded on the purchase date at the purchase price, which generally represents fair value, and is supported by internal analysis or external appraisals that use discounted cash flow analyses and other acceptable valuation techniques. Real estate held for investment purposes is subsequently carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Buildings are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the expected useful life of the building or 39 years. Real estate held for sale is carried at lower of cost or fair value, less estimated costs to sell. Short-term Securities Short-term securities have an original maturity of less than one year and are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Other Investments Investments in Private Equity Limited Partnerships, Hedge Funds and Real Estate Partnerships The Company uses the equity method of accounting for private equity limited partnerships, hedge funds and real estate partnerships. The partnerships and the hedge funds generally report investments on their balance sheet at fair value. The financial statements prepared by the investee are received by the Company on a lag basis, with the lag period generally dependent upon the type of underlying investments. The private equity and real estate partnerships provide financial information quarterly which is generally available to investors, including the Company, within three to six months following the date of the reporting period. The hedge funds provide financial information monthly, which is generally available to investors within one month following the date of the reporting period. The Company regularly requests financial information from the partnerships prior to the receipt of the partnerships’ financial statements and records any material information obtained from these requests in its consolidated financial statements. 166 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Other Also included in other investments are non-public common and preferred equities, mortgage loans, trading securities and derivatives. Non-public common and preferred equities are reported at fair value with changes in fair value, net of income taxes, charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income. Mortgage loans are carried at amortized cost. Trading securities are marked to market with the change in fair value recognized in net investment income during the current period. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are carried at fair value, with the changes in fair value reflected in the consolidated statement of income in net realized investment gains (losses). For a further discussion of the derivatives used by the Company, see note 3. Net Investment Income Investment income from fixed maturities and mortgage loans is recognized based on the constant effective yield method which includes an adjustment for estimated principal repayments, if any. The effective yield used to determine amortization for fixed maturities subject to prepayment risk (e.g., asset-backed, loan-backed and structured securities) is recalculated and adjusted periodically based upon actual historical and/or projected future cash flows, which are obtained from a widely- accepted securities data provider. The adjustments to the yield for highly rated prepayable fixed maturities are accounted for using the retrospective method. The adjustments to the yield for non-highly rated prepayable fixed maturities are accounted for using the prospective method. Dividends on equity securities (including those with transfer restrictions) and venture capital investments are recognized in income when declared. Rental income on real estate is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. See note 3 for further discussion. Investments in private equity limited partnerships, hedge funds, real estate partnerships and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method of accounting, whereby the Company’s share of the investee’s earnings or losses in the fund is reported in net investment income. Trading securities are marked to market with the change in fair value recognized in net investment income during the current period. Accrual of income is suspended on non-securitized fixed maturities or mortgage loans that are in default, or on which it is likely that future payments will not be made as scheduled. Interest income on investments in default is recognized only when payments are received. Investments included in the consolidated balance sheet that were not income-producing for the preceding 12 months were not material. For fixed maturities where the Company records an other-than-temporary impairment, a determination is made as to the cause of the impairment and whether the Company expects a recovery in the value. For fixed maturities where the Company expects a recovery in value, not necessarily to par, the constant effective yield method is utilized and the investment is amortized to the expected recovery amount. Investment Gains and Losses Net realized investment gains and losses are included as a component of pretax revenues based upon specific identification of the investments sold on the trade date. Included in net realized investment gains (losses) are other-than-temporary impairment losses on invested assets other than those investments accounted for using the equity method of accounting as described in the ‘‘Investment Impairments’’ section that follows. 167 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Investment Impairments The Company conducts a periodic review to identify and evaluate invested assets having other-than-temporary impairments. Some of the factors considered in identifying other-than-temporary impairments include: (1) for fixed maturity investments, whether the Company intends to sell the investment or whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the investment prior to an anticipated recovery in value; (2) for non-fixed maturity investments, the Company’s ability and intent to retain the investment for a reasonable period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in value; (3) the likelihood of the recoverability of principal and interest for fixed maturity securities (i.e., whether there is a credit loss) or cost for equity securities; (4) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost for fixed maturity securities or cost for equity securities; and (5) the financial condition, near-term and long-term prospects for the issuer, including the relevant industry conditions and trends, and implications of rating agency actions and offering prices. Other-Than-Temporary Impairments of Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities For fixed maturity investments that the Company does not intend to sell or for which it is more likely than not that the Company would not be required to sell before an anticipated recovery in value, the Company separates the credit loss component of the impairment from the amount related to all other factors and reports the credit loss component in net realized investment gains (losses). The impairment related to all other factors is reported in other comprehensive income. For equity securities (including public common and non-redeemable preferred stock) and for fixed maturity investments the Company intends to sell or for which it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell before an anticipated recovery in value, the full amount of the impairment is included in net realized investment gains (losses). Upon recognizing an other-than-temporary impairment, the new cost basis of the investment is the previous amortized cost basis less the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in net realized investment gains (losses). The new cost basis is not adjusted for any subsequent recoveries in fair value; however, for fixed maturity investments the difference between the new cost basis and the expected cash flows is accreted on a quarterly basis to net investment income over the remaining expected life of the investment. Determination of Credit Loss—Fixed Maturities The Company determines the credit loss component of fixed maturity investments by utilizing discounted cash flow modeling to determine the present value of the security and comparing the present value with the amortized cost of the security. If the amortized cost is greater than the present value of the expected cash flows, the difference is considered a credit loss and recognized in net realized investment gains (losses). For non-structured fixed maturities (U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. government and government agencies and authorities, obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions, debt securities issued by foreign governments, and certain corporate debt), the estimate of expected cash flows is determined by projecting a recovery value and a recovery time frame and assessing whether further principal and interest will be received. The determination of recovery value incorporates an issuer valuation assumption utilizing one or a combination of valuation methods as deemed appropriate 168 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) by the Company. The Company determines the undiscounted recovery value by allocating the estimated value of the issuer to the Company’s assessment of the priority of claims. The present value of the cash flows is determined by applying the effective yield of the security at the date of acquisition (or the most recent implied rate used to accrete the security if the implied rate has changed as a result of a previous impairment) and an estimated recovery time frame. Generally, that time frame for securities for which the issuer is in bankruptcy is 12 months. For securities for which the issuer is financially troubled but not in bankruptcy, that time frame is generally 24 months. Included in the present value calculation are expected principal and interest payments; however, for securities for which the issuer is classified as bankrupt or in default, the present value calculation assumes no interest payments and a single recovery amount. In estimating the recovery value, significant judgment is involved in the development of assumptions relating to a myriad of factors related to the issuer including, but not limited to, revenue, margin and earnings projections, the likely market or liquidation values of assets, potential additional debt to be incurred pre- or post-bankruptcy/restructuring, the ability to shift existing or new debt to different priority layers, the amount of restructuring/bankruptcy expenses, the size and priority of unfunded pension obligations, litigation or other contingent claims, the treatment of intercompany claims and the likely outcome with respect to inter-creditor conflicts. For structured fixed maturity securities (primarily residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities), the Company estimates the present value of the security by projecting future cash flows of the assets underlying the securitization, allocating the flows to the various tranches based on the structure of the securitization, and determining the present value of the cash flows using the effective yield of the security at the date of acquisition (or the most recent implied rate used to accrete the security if the implied rate has changed as a result of a previous impairment or changes in expected cash flows). The Company incorporates levels of delinquencies, defaults and severities as well as credit attributes of the remaining assets in the securitization, along with other economic data, to arrive at its best estimate of the parameters applied to the assets underlying the securitization. In order to project cash flows, the following assumptions are applied to the assets underlying the securitization: (1) voluntary prepayment rates, (2) default rates and (3) loss severity. The key assumptions made for the Prime, Alt-A and first-lien Sub-Prime mortgage-backed securities at December 31, 2012 were as follows: (at December 31, 2012) Prime Alt-A Sub-Prime Voluntary prepayment rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Percentage of remaining pool liquidated due to defaults . . . . Loss severity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2% - 35% 0% - 16% 1% - 10% 2% - 63% 13% - 70% 24% - 80% 25% - 65% 40% - 73% 65% - 92% Real Estate Investments On at least an annual basis, the Company obtains independent appraisals for substantially all of its real estate investments. In addition, the carrying value of all real estate investments is reviewed for impairment on a quarterly basis or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The review for impairment considers the valuation from the independent appraisal, when applicable, and incorporates an estimate of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the real estate property. An impairment loss is recognized if the expected future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the real estate property. The impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds fair value. 169 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Other Investments Investments in Private Equity Limited Partnerships, Hedge Funds and Real Estate Partnerships Included in other investments are private equity limited partnerships, hedge funds and real estate partnerships that generally report investments on their balance sheet at fair value and are accounted for by the Company using the equity method of accounting. The Company reviews these investments for impairment no less frequently than quarterly and monitors the performance throughout the year through discussions with the managers/general partners. If the Company becomes aware of an impairment of a partnership’s investments at the balance sheet date prior to receiving the partnership’s financial statements, it will recognize an impairment by recording a reduction in the carrying value of the partnership with a corresponding charge to net investment income. Mortgage Loans A mortgage loan is considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect principal and interest amounts due. For mortgage loans that are determined to be impaired, a reserve is established for the difference between the amortized cost and the fair value of the underlying collateral. In estimating fair value, the Company uses interest rates reflecting the current real estate financing market returns. Changes in Intent to Sell Temporarily Impaired Assets The Company may, from time to time, sell invested assets subsequent to the balance sheet date that it did not intend to sell at the balance sheet date. Conversely, the Company may not sell invested assets that it asserted that it intended to sell at the balance sheet date. Such changes in intent are generally due to events occurring subsequent to the balance sheet date. The types of events that may result in a change in intent include, but are not limited to, significant changes in the economic facts and circumstances related to the invested asset (e.g., a downgrade or upgrade from a rating agency), significant unforeseen changes in liquidity needs, or changes in tax laws or the regulatory environment. Securities Lending The Company has engaged in securities lending activities from which it generates net investment income by lending certain of its investments to other institutions for short periods of time. Borrowers of these securities provide collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities plus accrued interest. This collateral is held by a third-party custodian, and the Company has the right to access the collateral only in the event that the institution borrowing the Company’s securities is in default under the lending agreement. Therefore, the Company does not recognize the receipt of the collateral held by the third-party custodian or the obligation to return the collateral. The loaned securities remain a recorded asset of the Company. The Company accepts only cash as collateral for securities on loan and restricts the manner in which that cash is invested. Reinsurance Recoverables Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the associated claim liability. The Company reports its reinsurance recoverables net of an allowance for estimated uncollectible reinsurance recoverables. The allowance is based upon the Company’s ongoing review of amounts outstanding, length of collection periods, changes in reinsurer credit standing, disputes, 170 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) applicable coverage defenses and other relevant factors. Amounts deemed to be uncollectible, including amounts due from known insolvent reinsurers, are written off against the allowance for estimated uncollectible reinsurance recoverables. Any subsequent collections of amounts previously written off are reported as part of claims and claim adjustment expenses. The Company evaluates and monitors the financial condition of its reinsurers under voluntary reinsurance arrangements to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. Deferred Acquisition Costs Incremental direct costs of acquired new and renewal insurance contracts, consisting of commissions and premium-related taxes, are capitalized and charged to expense pro rata over the contract periods in which the related premiums are earned. Deferred acquisition costs are reviewed to determine if they are recoverable from future income and, if not, are charged to expense. Future investment income attributable to related premiums is taken into account in measuring the recoverability of the carrying value of this asset. All other acquisition expenses are charged to operations as incurred. Contractholder Receivables and Payables Under certain workers’ compensation insurance contracts with deductible features, the Company is obligated to pay the claimant for the full amount of the claim. The Company is subsequently reimbursed by the policyholder for the deductible amount. These amounts are included on a gross basis in the consolidated balance sheet in contractholder payables and contractholder receivables, respectively. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The Company performs a review, on at least an annual basis, of goodwill held by the reporting units which are the Company’s three operating and reportable segments: Business Insurance; Financial, Professional & International Insurance; and Personal Insurance. The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units and compares it to their carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying values of the reporting units were to exceed their fair value, the amount of the impairment would be calculated and goodwill adjusted accordingly. The Company uses a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of its reporting units. The discounted cash flow model is an income approach to valuation that is based on a detailed cash flow analysis for deriving a current fair value of reporting units and is representative of the Company’s reporting units’ current and expected future financial performance. The discount rate assumptions reflected the Company’s assessment of the risks inherent in the projected future cash flows and the Company’s weighted-average cost of capital, and were compared against available market data for reasonableness. Other indefinite-lived intangible assets held by the Company are also reviewed for impairment on at least an annual basis. The classification of the asset as indefinite-lived is reassessed and an impairment is recognized if the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. Intangible assets that are deemed to have a finite useful life are amortized over their useful lives. The carrying amount of intangible assets with a finite useful life is regularly reviewed for indicators of 171 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) impairment in value. Impairment is recognized only if the carrying amount of the intangible asset is not recoverable from its undiscounted cash flows and is measured as the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. As a result of the reviews performed for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company determined that the estimated fair value significantly exceeded the respective carrying value of its reporting units for those years and that goodwill was not impaired. The Company also determined during its reviews for each year that its other indefinite-lived intangible assets and finite- lived intangible assets were not impaired. Claims and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves represent estimates for the ultimate cost of unpaid reported and unreported claims incurred and related expenses. The reserves are adjusted regularly based upon experience. Included in the claims and claim adjustment expense reserves in the consolidated balance sheet are certain reserves discounted to the present value of estimated future payments. The liabilities for losses for most long-term disability and annuity claim payments, primarily arising from workers’ compensation insurance and workers’ compensation excess insurance policies, were discounted using a rate of 5% at both December 31, 2012 and 2011. These discounted reserves totaled $2.01 billion and $2.20 billion at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company performs a continuing review of its claims and claim adjustment expense reserves, including its reserving techniques and its reinsurance. The reserves are also reviewed regularly by qualified actuaries employed by the Company. Since the reserves are based on estimates, the ultimate liability may be more or less than such reserves. The effects of changes in such estimated reserves are included in the results of operations in the period in which the estimates are changed. Such changes in estimates could occur in a future period and may be material to the Company’s results of operations and financial position in such period. Other Liabilities Included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet is the Company’s estimate of its liability for guaranty fund and other insurance-related assessments. The liability for expected state guaranty fund and other premium-based assessments is recognized as the Company writes or becomes obligated to write or renew the premiums on which the assessments are expected to be based. The liability for loss-based assessments is recognized as the related losses are incurred. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had a liability of $297 million and $293 million, respectively, for guaranty fund and other insurance-related assessments and related recoverables of $15 million and $19 million, respectively. The liability for such assessments and the related recoverables are not discounted for the time value of money. The loss-based assessments are expected to be paid over a period ranging from one year to the life expectancy of certain workers’ compensation claimants and the recoveries are expected to occur over the same period of time. Also included in other liabilities is an accrual for policyholder dividends. Certain insurance contracts, primarily workers’ compensation, are participating whereby dividends are paid to policyholders in accordance with contract provisions. Net written premiums for participating dividend policies were approximately 2% of total net written premiums for the year ended December 31, 2012, and approximately 1% of total net written premiums for each of the years ended December 31, 2011 172 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) and 2010, respectively. Policyholder dividends are accrued against earnings using best available estimates of amounts to be paid. The liability accrued for policyholder dividends totaled $59 million and $54 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Treasury Stock The cost of common stock repurchased by the Company is reported as treasury stock and represents authorized and unissued shares of the Company under the Minnesota Business Corporation Act. Statutory Accounting Practices The Company’s U.S. insurance subsidiaries, domiciled principally in the state of Connecticut, prepare statutory financial statements in accordance with the accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the insurance departments of the states of domicile. Prescribed statutory accounting practices are those practices that are incorporated directly or by reference in state laws, regulations, and general administrative rules applicable to all insurance enterprises domiciled in a particular state. Permitted statutory accounting practices include practices not prescribed by the domiciliary state, but allowed by the domiciliary state regulatory authority. The impact of any permitted accounting practices on policyholders’ surplus of the Company is not material. The Company’s non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries file financial statements prepared in accordance with the regulatory reporting requirements of their respective local jurisdiction. Premiums and Unearned Premium Reserves Premiums are recognized as revenues pro rata over the policy period. Unearned premium reserves represent the unexpired portion of policy premiums. Accrued retrospective premiums are included in premium balances receivable. Premium balances receivable are reported net of an allowance for estimated uncollectible premium amounts. Ceded premiums are charged to income over the applicable term of the various reinsurance contracts with third party reinsurers. Prepaid reinsurance premiums represent the unexpired portion of premiums ceded to reinsurers and are reported as part of other assets. Fee Income Fee income includes servicing fees from carriers and revenues from large deductible policies and service contracts and is recognized pro rata over the contract or policy periods. Other Revenues Other revenues include revenues from premium installment charges, which are recognized as collected, revenues of noninsurance subsidiaries other than fee income and gains and losses on dispositions of assets and redemption of debt, and other miscellaneous revenues. 173 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Income Taxes The Company recognizes deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax effects attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement and tax return bases of assets and liabilities, based on enacted tax rates and other provisions of the tax law. The effect of a change in tax laws or rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period in which such change is enacted. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Foreign Currency Translation The Company assigns functional currencies to its foreign operations, which are generally the currencies of the local operating environment. Foreign currency amounts are remeasured to the functional currency, and the resulting foreign exchange gains or losses are reflected in earnings. Functional currency amounts are then translated into U.S. dollars. The foreign currency remeasurement and translation are calculated using current exchange rates for items reported in the balance sheets and average exchange rates for items recorded in earnings. The change in unrealized foreign currency translation gain or loss during the year, net of tax, is a component of other comprehensive income. Share-Based Compensation The Company has an employee stock incentive compensation plan that permits grants of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, deferred stock, stock units, performance awards and other stock-based or stock-denominated awards with respect to the Company’s common stock. Compensation cost is measured based on the grant-date fair value of an award, utilizing the assumptions discussed in note 13. Compensation cost is recognized for financial reporting purposes over the period in which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award (generally the vesting period). In connection with certain share-based awards, participants are entitled to receive dividends during the vesting period, either in cash or dividend equivalent shares, commensurate with the dividends paid to common shareholders. Dividends and dividend equivalent shares on awards that are expected to vest are recorded in retained earnings. Dividends paid on awards that are not expected to vest as part of the Company’s forfeiture estimate are recorded as compensation expense. Nature of Operations The Company is organized into three reportable business segments: Business Insurance; Financial, Professional & International Insurance; and Personal Insurance. These segments reflect the manner in which the Company’s businesses are currently managed and represent an aggregation of products and services based on type of customer, how the business is marketed and the manner in which risks are underwritten. 174 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) The specific business segments are as follows: Business Insurance The Business Insurance segment offers a broad array of property and casualty insurance and insurance-related services to its clients primarily in the United States. Business Insurance is organized into the following six groups, which collectively comprise Business Insurance Core operations: (cid:127) Select Accounts provides small businesses with property and casualty products, including commercial multi-peril, commercial property, general liability, commercial auto and workers’ compensation insurance. (cid:127) Commercial Accounts provides mid-sized businesses with property and casualty products, including commercial multi-peril, commercial property, general liability, commercial auto and workers’ compensation insurance. (cid:127) National Accounts provides large companies with casualty products and services, including workers’ compensation, general liability and automobile liability, generally utilizing loss-sensitive products, on both a bundled and unbundled basis. National Accounts also includes the Company’s commercial residual market business, which primarily offers workers’ compensation products and services to the involuntary market. (cid:127) Industry-Focused Underwriting. The following units provide targeted industries with differentiated combinations of insurance coverage, risk management, claims handling and other services: (cid:127) Construction serves a broad range of construction businesses, offering guaranteed cost products for small to mid-sized policyholders and loss sensitive programs for larger accounts. For the larger accounts, the customer and the Company work together in actively managing and controlling exposure and claims and they share risk through policy features such as deductibles or retrospective rating. Products offered include workers’ compensation, general liability, umbrella and commercial auto coverages, and other risk management solutions. (cid:127) Technology serves small to large companies involved in telecommunications, information technology, medical technology and electronics manufacturing, offering a comprehensive portfolio of products and services. Products offered include commercial property, commercial auto, general liability, workers’ compensation, umbrella, internet liability, technology errors and omissions coverages and global companion products. (cid:127) Public Sector Services provides insurance products and services to public entities including municipalities, counties, Indian Nation gaming organizations and selected special government districts such as water and sewer utilities. The policies written by this unit typically cover commercial property, commercial auto, general liability, professional liability and workers’ compensation exposures. (cid:127) Oil & Gas provides specialized property and liability products and services for customers involved in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas, including operators and drilling contractors, as well as various service and supply companies and manufacturers that support upstream operations. The policies written by this business group cover risks including physical damage, liability, business interruption and workers’ compensation. 175 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) (cid:127) Agribusiness serves small to medium-sized agricultural businesses, including farms, ranches, wineries and related operations, offering property and liability coverages other than workers’ compensation. (cid:127) Target Risk Underwriting. The following units serve commercial businesses requiring specialized product underwriting, claims handling and risk management services: (cid:127) National Property provides traditional and customized property insurance programs to large and mid-sized customers, including office building owners, manufacturers, municipalities and schools, retailers, and service businesses. These insurance programs cover losses on buildings, business personal property and business interruption exposures. (cid:127) Inland Marine provides insurance for goods in transit and movable objects for customers such as jewelers, museums, contractors and the transportation industry. Builders’ risk insurance is also offered to customers during the construction, renovation or repair of buildings and other structures. (cid:127) Ocean Marine serves the marine transportation industry and related services, as well as other businesses involved in international trade. The Company’s product offerings in this unit fall under six main coverage categories: marine liability, cargo, hull and machinery, protection and indemnity, pleasure craft, and marine property and liability. (cid:127) Excess Casualty serves small to mid-sized commercial businesses, offering mono-line umbrella and excess coverage where the Company typically does not write the primary casualty coverage, or where other business units within the Company prefer to access the underwriting expertise and/or limit capacity of the Excess Casualty business unit. (cid:127) Boiler & Machinery serves small to large companies, offering comprehensive breakdown coverages for equipment, including property and business interruption coverages. Through the BoilerRe unit, Boiler & Machinery also serves other property and casualty carriers that do not have in-house expertise with reinsurance, underwriting, engineering, claim handling and risk management services for this type of coverage. (cid:127) Global Partner Services provides insurance to foreign organizations with property and liability exposures located in the United States (reverse-flow), as part of a global program. (cid:127) Specialized Distribution. The following units market and underwrite their products to customers predominantly through licensed wholesale, general and program agents that manage customers’ unique insurance requirements. (cid:127) Northland provides insurance coverage for the commercial transportation industry, as well as commercial liability and package policies for small, difficult to place specialty classes of commercial business on an admitted or excess and surplus lines basis. (cid:127) National Programs offers tailored property and casualty programs on an admitted basis for customers with common risk characteristics or coverage requirements. Programs available include those for entertainment, architects and engineers, equipment rental, golf services and owners of franchised businesses. 176 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Business Insurance also includes the Special Liability Group (which manages the Company’s asbestos and environmental liabilities) and the assumed reinsurance and certain other runoff operations, which collectively are referred to as Business Insurance Other. Financial, Professional & International Insurance The Financial, Professional & International Insurance segment includes surety and financial liability coverages, which primarily use credit-based underwriting processes, as well as property and casualty products that are primarily marketed on a domestic basis in the United Kingdom, Canada and the Republic of Ireland, and on an international basis through Lloyd’s. The segment includes the following groups: (cid:127) Bond & Financial Products provides a wide range of customers with bond and insurance products and risk management services. The range of coverages includes performance, payment and commercial surety and fidelity bonds for construction and general commercial enterprises; management liability coverages for losses caused by the actual or alleged negligence or misconduct of directors and officers or employee dishonesty; employment practices liability coverages and fiduciary coverages for public corporations, private companies and not-for-profit organizations; professional liability coverage for actual or alleged errors and omissions committed in the course of professional conduct or practice for a variety of professionals including, among others, lawyers, design professionals and real estate agents; and professional and management liability, property, workers’ compensation, auto and general liability and fidelity insurance for financial institutions. (cid:127) International, through its operations in the United Kingdom, Canada and the Republic of Ireland, offers specialized insurance and risk management services to several customer groups, including, among others, those in the technology, public services, and financial and professional services industry sectors. International, through its Lloyd’s syndicate (Syndicate 5000), for which the Company provides 100% of the capital, underwrites through five principal business units— marine, global property, accident & special risks, power & utilities and aviation. In addition, the Company owns 49.5% of the common stock of J. Malucelli Participa¸c˜oes em Seguros e Resseguros S.A. (JMalucelli), its joint venture in Brazil. JMalucelli is currently the market leader in surety in Brazil based on market share, and commenced writing other property and casualty insurance business in 2012. The Company’s investment in JMalucelli is accounted for using the equity method and is included in ‘‘other investments’’ on the consolidated balance sheet. Personal Insurance The Personal Insurance segment writes a broad range of property and casualty insurance covering individuals’ personal risks. The primary products of automobile and homeowners insurance are complemented by a broad suite of related coverages. Automobile policies provide coverage for liability to others for both bodily injury and property damage, uninsured motorist protection, and for physical damage to an insured’s own vehicle from collision, fire, flood, hail and theft. In addition, many states require policies to provide first-party personal injury protection, frequently referred to as no-fault coverage. 177 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Homeowners policies provide protection against losses to dwellings and contents from a variety of perils (excluding flooding) as well as coverage for personal liability. The Company writes homeowners insurance for dwellings, condominiums and tenants, and rental properties. The Company writes coverage for boats and yachts and valuable personal items such as jewelry, and also writes coverages for umbrella liability, identity fraud, and weddings and special events. 2. SEGMENT INFORMATION The accounting policies used to prepare the segment reporting data for the Company’s three reportable business segments are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in note 1. Except as described below for certain legal entities, the Company allocates its invested assets and the related net investment income to its reportable business segments. Pretax net investment income is allocated based upon an investable funds concept, which takes into account liabilities (net of non-invested assets) and appropriate capital considerations for each segment. For investable funds, a benchmark investment yield is developed that reflects the estimated duration of the loss reserves’ future cash flows, the interest rate environment at the time the losses were incurred and A+ rated corporate debt instrument yields. For capital, a benchmark investment yield is developed that reflects the average yield on the total investment portfolio. The benchmark investment yields are applied to each segment’s investable funds and capital, respectively, to produce a total notional investment income by segment. The Company’s actual net investment income is allocated to each segment in proportion to the respective segment’s notional investment income to total notional investment income. There are certain legal entities within the Company that are dedicated to specific reportable business segments. The invested assets and related net investment income from these legal entities are reported in the applicable business segment and are not allocated among the other business segments. The cost of the Company’s catastrophe treaty program is included in the Company’s ceded premiums and is allocated among reportable business segments based on an estimate of actual market reinsurance pricing using expected losses calculated by the Company’s catastrophe model, adjusted for any experience adjustments. 178 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 2. SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued) The following tables summarize the components of the Company’s revenues, operating income (loss) and total assets by reportable business segments: (for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 Premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fee income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Business Insurance $11,691 2,090 322 40 Total operating revenues(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,143 Amortization and depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating income(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,393 539 1,843 2011 Premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fee income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,327 2,041 295 31 Total operating revenues(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,694 Amortization and depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating income (loss)(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,313 134 1,354 2010 Premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fee income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,766 2,156 285 28 Total operating revenues(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,235 Amortization and depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating income(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,253 777 2,301 Financial, Professional & International Insurance Personal Insurance Total Reportable Segments $3,045 395 1 26 $3,467 $ 731 255 642 $3,174 414 1 26 $3,615 $ 740 230 647 $3,317 439 2 27 $3,785 $ 754 245 620 $7,621 404 — 66 $8,091 $1,602 32 217 $7,589 424 — 70 $8,083 $1,615 (293) (332) $7,349 464 — 75 $7,888 $1,601 134 440 $22,357 2,889 323 132 $25,701 $ 4,726 826 2,702 $22,090 2,879 296 127 $25,392 $ 4,668 71 1,669 $21,432 3,059 287 130 $24,908 $ 4,608 1,156 3,361 (1) Operating revenues for reportable business segments exclude net realized investment gains (losses). Operating income (loss) for reportable business segments equals net income (loss) excluding the after-tax impact of net realized investment gains (losses). 179 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 2. SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued) Net written premiums by market were as follows: (for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 2010 Business Insurance: Select Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commercial Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Industry-Focused Underwriting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Target Risk Underwriting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Specialized Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,775 3,101 907 2,554 1,666 870 Total Business Insurance Core . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Business Insurance Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,873 (1) Total Business Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,872 $ 2,784 2,890 782 2,407 1,587 880 11,330 10 11,340 $ 2,718 2,576 806 2,299 1,573 872 10,844 13 10,857 Financial, Professional & International Insurance: Bond & Financial Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . International Total Financial, Professional & International Insurance . . . . . . . . . . Personal Insurance: Automobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Homeowners and Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total Personal Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,924 1,057 2,981 3,642 3,952 7,594 1,953 1,149 3,102 3,788 3,957 7,745 1,981 1,230 3,211 3,772 3,795 7,567 Total consolidated net written premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,447 $22,187 $21,635 180 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 2. SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued) Business Segment Reconciliations (for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 2010 Revenue reconciliation Earned premiums Business Insurance: Workers’ compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commercial automobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commercial property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commercial multi-peril . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3,222 1,943 1,621 1,757 3,113 35 $ 2,899 1,940 1,607 1,738 3,126 17 $ 2,489 1,912 1,669 1,739 2,958 (1) Total Business Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,691 11,327 10,766 Financial, Professional & International Insurance: Fidelity and surety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total Financial, Professional & International Insurance . . . . . . . . . Personal Insurance: Automobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Homeowners and Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total Personal Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total earned premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fee income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 939 850 1,088 168 3,045 3,665 3,956 7,621 22,357 2,889 323 132 970 832 1,218 154 3,174 3,720 3,869 7,589 22,090 2,879 296 127 1,020 866 1,276 155 3,317 3,693 3,656 7,349 21,432 3,059 287 130 Total operating revenues for reportable segments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net realized investment gains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,701 (12) 51 25,392 (1) 55 24,908 (60) 264 Total consolidated revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25,740 $25,446 $25,112 Income reconciliation, net of tax Total operating income for reportable segments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest Expense and Other(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,702 (261) $ 1,669 (279) $ 3,361 (318) Total operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net realized investment gains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,441 32 1,390 36 3,043 173 Total consolidated net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,473 $ 1,426 $ 3,216 (1) The primary component of Interest Expense and Other was after-tax interest expense of $246 million, $251 million and $252 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Interest Expense and Other in 2010 included $39 million of after-tax expenses related to the Company’s purchase and retirement of a significant portion of its 6.25% fixed-to-floating rate junior subordinated debentures. 181 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 2. SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued) (at December 31, in millions) Asset reconciliation: 2012 2011 Business Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial, Professional & International Insurance . . . . . . . . Personal Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total assets for reportable segments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other assets(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 76,972 13,452 14,195 104,619 319 $ 76,909 13,355 13,614 103,878 697 Total consolidated assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $104,938 $104,575 (1) The primary component of other assets at December 31, 2012 was other intangible assets. The primary components of other assets at December 31, 2011 were deferred taxes and other intangible assets. Enterprise-Wide Disclosures Revenues from internal customers for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were not material. Foreign assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011 also were not material. The Company does not have revenue from transactions with a single customer amounting to 10 percent or more of its revenues. The following table presents revenues of the Company’s operations based on location: (for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 2010 U.S. Non-U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24,827 913 $24,408 1,038 $24,049 1,063 Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25,740 $25,446 $25,112 182 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 3. INVESTMENTS Fixed Maturities The amortized cost and fair value of investments in fixed maturities classified as available for sale were as follows: (at December 31, 2012, in millions) Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Losses Fair Value U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government and government agencies and authorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,148 $ 75 $ 1 $ 2,222 Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions: Pre-refunded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,458 27,405 Total obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debt securities issued by foreign governments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All other corporate bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Redeemable preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35,863 2,185 2,744 17,863 26 567 2,262 2,829 72 255 1,360 7 — 11 11 — 2 20 — 9,025 29,656 38,681 2,257 2,997 19,203 33 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60,829 $4,598 $34 $65,393 (at December 31, 2011, in millions) Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Losses Fair Value U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government and government agencies and authorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,396 $ 101 $— $ 2,497 Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions: Pre-refunded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,820 29,391 Total obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debt securities issued by foreign governments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All other corporate bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Redeemable preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36,211 2,228 3,288 15,845 26 513 2,303 2,816 91 249 1,066 4 1 4 5 1 22 61 — 7,332 31,690 39,022 2,318 3,515 16,850 30 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $59,994 $4,327 $89 $64,232 183 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 3. INVESTMENTS (Continued) The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturities by contractual maturity follow. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. (at December 31, 2012, in millions) Due in one year or less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Due after 1 year through 5 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Due after 5 years through 10 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Due after 10 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortized Cost Fair Value $ 5,634 21,498 16,789 14,164 $ 5,719 22,944 18,329 15,404 58,085 62,396 Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,744 2,997 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60,829 $65,393 Pre-refunded bonds of $9.03 billion and $7.33 billion at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, were bonds for which an irrevocable trust (almost exclusively comprised of U.S. Treasury securities) has been established to fund the remaining payments of principal and interest. The Company’s fixed maturity investment portfolio at December 31, 2012 and 2011 included $3.00 billion and $3.52 billion, respectively, of residential mortgage-backed securities, which include pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO). Included in the totals at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were $1.44 billion and $1.82 billion, respectively, of GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC (excluding FHA project loans) guaranteed residential mortgage-backed pass-through securities classified as available for sale. Also included in those totals were residential CMOs classified as available for sale with a fair value of $1.56 billion and $1.70 billion, respectively. Approximately 43% and 38% of the Company’s CMO holdings were guaranteed by or fully collateralized by securities issued by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The average credit rating of the $893 million and $1.05 billion of non-guaranteed CMO holdings at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, was ‘‘B2’’ and ‘‘Ba1,’’ respectively. The average credit rating of all of the above securities was ‘‘A1’’ and ‘‘Aa3’’ at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company held commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS, including FHA project loans) of $453 million and $446 million, respectively, which are included in ‘‘All other corporate bonds’’ in the tables above. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, approximately $64 million and $81 million of these securities, respectively, or the loans backing such securities, contained guarantees by the U.S. government or a government-sponsored enterprise, and $4 million and $10 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, were comprised of Canadian non-guaranteed securities. The average credit rating of the $389 million and $365 million of non-guaranteed securities at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, was ‘‘Aaa’’ at both dates, and 51% and 71%, respectively, of those securities were issued in 2004 and prior years. The CMBS portfolio is supported by loans that are diversified across economic sectors and geographical areas. The average credit rating of the CMBS portfolio was ‘‘Aaa’’ at both December 31, 2012 and 2011. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had $403 million and $126 million, respectively, of securities on loan as part of a tri-party lending agreement. 184 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 3. INVESTMENTS (Continued) Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities classified as available for sale were $1.09 billion, $1.16 billion and $3.71 billion in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Gross gains of $70 million, $63 million and $106 million and gross losses of $9 million, $10 million and $11 million were realized on sales and other fixed maturity-related transactions (excluding impairments) in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries had $4.94 billion and $4.70 billion, respectively, of securities on deposit at financial institutions in certain states pursuant to the respective states’ insurance regulatory requirements. Funds deposited with third parties to be used as collateral to secure various liabilities on behalf of insureds, cedants and other creditors had a fair value of $68 million and $90 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Other investments pledged as collateral securing outstanding letters of credit had a fair value of $56 million and $59 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Equity Securities The cost and fair value of investments in equity securities were as follows: (at December 31, 2012, in millions) Gross Unrealized Cost Gains Losses Common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-redeemable preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $366 96 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $462 $148 39 $187 $ 4 — $ 4 Gross Unrealized (at December 31, 2011, in millions) Cost Gains Losses Common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-redeemable preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $311 103 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $414 $120 29 $149 $3 1 $4 Fair Value $510 135 $645 Fair Value $428 131 $559 Proceeds from sales of equity securities were $37 million, $135 million and $201 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Gross gains of $8 million, $48 million and $128 million and gross realized losses of less than $1 million, $2 million and less than $1 million were realized on those sales (excluding impairments) in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In 2010, proceeds from the sales of equity securities and gross gains realized on those sales included $115 million and $102 million, respectively, from the sale of substantially all of the Company’s remaining common stock holdings in Verisk Analytics, Inc. (Verisk), a portion of which was classified as an equity security at the time of sale. In 2010, the Company also sold a portion of its investment in Verisk that was classified as an ‘‘other investment’’ at the time of sale due to transfer restrictions that were scheduled to expire after one year. Proceeds from that sale of Verisk shares in 2010 were $115 million. Gross gains realized on that sale were $103 million. 185 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 3. INVESTMENTS (Continued) Real Estate The Company’s real estate investments include warehouses, office buildings and other commercial land and properties that are directly owned. The Company negotiates commercial leases with individual tenants through unrelated, licensed real estate brokers. Negotiated terms and conditions include, among others, rental rates, length of lease period and improvements to the premises to be provided by the landlord. Proceeds from the sale of real estate investments were $53 million in 2012. Gross gains of $19 million were realized on those sales and there were no gross losses. In 2011, there were no sales of real estate investments. Proceeds from the sale of real estate investments in 2010 were $10 million. Gross gains of $3 million were realized on those sales and there were no gross losses. The Company had no real estate held for sale at December 31, 2012 and 2011. Accumulated depreciation on real estate held for investment purposes was $255 million and $237 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Future minimum rental income on operating leases relating to the Company’s real estate properties is expected to be $76 million, $69 million, $59 million, $43 million and $29 million for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively, and $49 million for 2018 and thereafter. Short-term Securities The Company’s short-term securities consist of Aaa-rated registered money market funds, U.S. Treasury securities, high-quality commercial paper (primarily A1/P1) and high-quality corporate securities purchased within a year to their maturity with a combined average of 77 days to maturity at December 31, 2012. The amortized cost of these securities, which totaled $3.48 billion and $3.59 billion at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, approximated their fair value. Variable Interest Entities Entities which do not have sufficient equity at risk to allow the entity to finance its activities without additional financial support or in which the equity investors, as a group, do not have the characteristic of a controlling financial interest are referred to as variable interest entities (VIE). A VIE is consolidated by the variable interest holder that is determined to have the controlling financial interest (primary beneficiary) as a result of having both the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of an entity subject to consolidation based on a qualitative assessment of the VIE’s capital structure, contractual terms, nature of the VIE’s operations and purpose and the Company’s relative exposure to the related risks of the VIE on the date it becomes initially involved in the VIE. The Company reassesses its VIE determination with respect to an entity on an ongoing basis. The Company is a passive investor in limited partner equity interests issued by third party VIEs. These include certain of the Company’s investments in private equity limited partnerships, hedge funds and real estate partnerships where the Company is not related to the general partner. These investments are generally accounted for under the equity method and reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as other investments unless the Company is deemed the primary beneficiary. 186 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 3. INVESTMENTS (Continued) These equity interests generally cannot be redeemed. Distributions from these investments are received by the Company as a result of liquidation of the underlying investments of the funds and/or as income distribution. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is limited to the investment carrying amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and any unfunded commitment. Neither the carrying amounts nor the unfunded commitments related to these VIEs are material. Unrealized Investment Losses The following tables summarize, for all investments in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2012 and 2011, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time those securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss position. The fair value amounts reported in the tables are estimates that are prepared using the process described in note 4. The Company also relies upon estimates of several factors in its review and evaluation of individual investments, using the process described in note 1, in determining whether such investments are other-than-temporarily impaired. (at December 31, 2012, in millions) Fixed maturities U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government and government agencies and authorities . . . . . . . . . . . . Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debt securities issued by foreign governments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All other corporate bonds Total fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities Common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-redeemable preferred stock . . . . . . . . Total equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses $ 589 $ 1 $ — $— $ 589 $ 1 611 186 70 1,097 2,553 40 13 53 9 — — 13 23 4 — 4 45 2 36 89 172 — — — 2 — 2 7 11 — — — 656 188 106 1,186 2,725 40 13 53 11 — 2 20 34 4 — 4 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,606 $27 $172 $11 $2,778 $38 187 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 3. INVESTMENTS (Continued) (at December 31, 2011, in millions) Fixed maturities U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government and government agencies and authorities . . . . . . . . . . . . Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debt securities issued by foreign governments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All other corporate bonds Total fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities Common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-redeemable preferred stock . . . . . . . . Total equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses $ 356 $— $ — $— $ 356 $— 27 96 362 1,295 2,136 64 37 101 — 1 12 42 55 3 1 4 191 2 155 105 453 — 7 7 5 — 10 19 34 — — — 218 98 517 1,400 2,589 64 44 108 5 1 22 61 89 3 1 4 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,237 $59 $460 $34 $2,697 $93 The following table summarizes, for all fixed maturities and equity securities reported at fair value for which fair value is less than 80% of amortized cost at December 31, 2012, the gross unrealized investment loss by length of time those securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position of greater than 20% of amortized cost: (in millions) Fixed maturities: Period For Which Fair Value Is Less Than 80% of Amortized Cost Greater Than Greater Than 3 Months, 6 Months or Less 6 Months, 12 Months or Less 3 Months or Less Greater Than 12 Months Total Mortgage-backed securities . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $— — — — $— $— 1 1 — $ 1 $— — — — $— $— 3 3 — $ 3 $— 4 4 — $ 4 188 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 3. INVESTMENTS (Continued) These unrealized losses at December 31, 2012 represented less than 1% of the combined fixed maturity and equity security portfolios on a pretax basis and less than 1% of shareholders’ equity on an after-tax basis. Impairment Charges Impairment charges included in net realized investment gains in the consolidated statement of income were as follows: (for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 2010 Fixed maturities U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government and government agencies and authorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $— $— $— Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — Debt securities issued by foreign governments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through 4 securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All other corporate bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Redeemable preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — 13 5 4 4 Total fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 18 13 Equity securities Common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-redeemable preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 6 1 — Total equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 3 6 1 2 1 3 10 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15 $25 $26 The following tables present a roll-forward of the credit component of OTTI on fixed maturities recognized in the consolidated statement of income for which a portion of the OTTI was recognized in other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011: Year ended December 31, 2012 (in millions) Losses Where No Recognized for Credit Losses Securities Held, Beginning of Period Were Previously Recognized Where Credit Losses Have Been Previously Recognized Due to Sales/Defaults of Credit- Impaired Securities Cumulative OTTI Credit OTTI Securities OTTI Securities Reductions Additions for Additions for Adjustments to Book Value of Credit- Impaired Securities due to Changes in Cash Flows Cumulative OTTI Credit Losses Recognized for Securities Still Held, End of Period Fixed maturities Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through . . securities . . . All other corporate bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 58 94 $152 $— — $— $4 4 $8 $(1) — $(1) $2 4 $6 $ 63 102 $165 189 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 3. INVESTMENTS (Continued) Year ended December 31, 2011 (in millions) Losses Where No Recognized for Credit Losses Securities Held, Beginning of Period Were Previously Recognized Where Credit Losses Have Been Previously Recognized Due to Sales/Defaults of Credit- Impaired Securities Cumulative OTTI Credit OTTI Securities OTTI Securities Reductions Additions for Additions for Adjustments to Book Value of Credit- Impaired Securities due to Changes in Cash Flows Cumulative OTTI Credit Losses Recognized for Securities Still Held, End of Period Fixed maturities Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through . . securities . . . All other corporate bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 47 88 $135 $— 2 $ 2 $12 2 $14 $— (4) $(4) $(1) 6 $ 5 $ 58 94 $152 Concentrations and Credit Quality Concentrations of credit risk arise from exposure to counterparties that are engaged in similar activities and have similar economic characteristics that could cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly affected by changes in economic or other conditions. The Company seeks to mitigate credit risk by actively monitoring the creditworthiness of counterparties, obtaining collateral as deemed appropriate, and applying controls that include credit approvals, limits of credit exposure, and other monitoring procedures. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, other than U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government and government agencies and authorities, the Company was not exposed to any concentration of credit risk of a single issuer greater than 5% of shareholders’ equity of the Company. Included in fixed maturities are below investment grade assets totaling $2.05 billion and $1.96 billion at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company defines its below investment grade assets as those securities rated below investment grade by external rating agencies, or the equivalent by the Company when a public rating does not exist. Such assets include publicly traded below investment grade bonds and certain other privately issued bonds that are classified as below investment grade loans. Net Investment Income (for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 2010 Gross investment income Fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Short-term securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Real estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gross investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Investment expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,439 28 10 34 414 2,925 36 $2,543 29 12 34 292 2,910 31 $2,710 31 13 35 304 3,093 34 Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,889 $2,879 $3,059 190 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 3. INVESTMENTS (Continued) Changes in net unrealized gains on investment securities that are included as a separate component of other comprehensive income were as follows: (at and for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 2010 Changes in net unrealized investment gains Fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Related tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change in net unrealized gain on investment securities . Balance, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 326 38 (2) $1,588 (2) (14) $ 114 69 (178) 362 130 232 2,871 1,572 560 1,012 1,859 5 2 3 1,856 Balance, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,103 $2,871 $1,859 Derivative Financial Instruments The Company uses U.S. Treasury note futures transactions to modify the effective duration of specific assets within the investment portfolio and enters into 90-day futures contracts on 2-year, 5-year, 10-year and 30-year U.S. Treasury notes which require a daily mark-to-market and settlement with the broker. The notional value of the open U.S. Treasury futures contracts was $800 million and $900 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Net realized investment gains in 2012, 2011 and 2010 included net losses of $14 million, $62 million and $30 million, respectively, related to U.S. Treasury futures contracts. In 2010, the Company recorded a net realized investment gain of $5 million related to its holdings of six million stock purchase warrants of Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd., a publicly-held company. These warrants were not designated and did not qualify for hedge accounting, and, as such, the mark-to-market changes in fair value were reflected in net realized investment gains. In October 2010, the Company sold these stock purchase warrants for proceeds that approximated their carrying value at the date of sale. The Company purchases investments that have embedded derivatives, primarily convertible debt securities. These embedded derivatives are carried at fair value with changes in value reflected in net realized investment gains. Derivatives embedded in convertible debt securities are reported on a combined basis with their host instrument and are classified as fixed maturity securities. The Company recorded net realized investment losses of less than $1 million in 2012, and $2 million and $1 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively, related to these embedded derivatives. 4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The Company’s estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in the fair value accounting guidance. The framework is based on the inputs used in valuation, gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and requires that observable inputs be used in the valuations when available. The disclosure of fair value estimates in the fair value accounting guidance hierarchy is based on whether the significant inputs into the valuation 191 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued) are observable. In determining the level of the hierarchy in which the estimate is disclosed, the highest priority is given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s significant market assumptions. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is reported is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the measurement in its entirety. The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows: (cid:127) Level 1—Unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access. (cid:127) Level 2—Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets; or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable (e.g., interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severities, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data. (cid:127) Level 3—Valuations based on models where significant inputs are not observable. The unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use. Valuation of Investments Reported at Fair Value in Financial Statements The fair value of a financial instrument is the estimated amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in an orderly transaction between knowledgeable, unrelated, willing parties, i.e., not in a forced transaction. The estimated fair value of a financial instrument may differ from the amount that could be realized if the security was sold in an immediate sale, e.g., a forced transaction. Additionally, the valuation of investments is more subjective when markets are less liquid due to the lack of market based inputs, which may increase the potential that the estimated fair value of an investment is not reflective of the price at which an actual transaction would occur. For investments that have quoted market prices in active markets, the Company uses the unadjusted quoted market prices as fair value and includes these prices in the amounts disclosed in Level 1 of the hierarchy. The Company receives the quoted market prices from a third party, nationally recognized pricing service (pricing service). When quoted market prices are unavailable, the Company utilizes a pricing service to determine an estimate of fair value, which is mainly used for its fixed maturity investments. The fair value estimates provided from this pricing service are included in the amount disclosed in Level 2 of the hierarchy. If quoted market prices and an estimate from a pricing service are unavailable, the Company produces an estimate of fair value based on internally developed valuation techniques, which, depending on the level of observable market inputs, will render the fair value estimate as Level 2 or Level 3. The Company bases all of its estimates of fair value for assets on the bid price as it represents what a third-party market participant would be willing to pay in an arm’s length transaction. Fixed Maturities The Company utilizes a pricing service to estimate fair value measurements for approximately 98% of its fixed maturities. The pricing service utilizes market quotations for fixed maturity securities that have quoted prices in active markets. Since fixed maturities other than U.S. Treasury securities generally do not trade on a daily basis, the pricing service prepares estimates of fair value measurements for these securities using its proprietary pricing applications, which include available 192 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued) relevant market information, benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing. Additionally, the pricing service uses an Option Adjusted Spread model to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios. The pricing service evaluates each asset class based on relevant market information, relevant credit information, perceived market movements and sector news. The market inputs utilized in the pricing evaluation, listed in the approximate order of priority, include: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, reference data, and industry and economic events. The extent of the use of each market input depends on the asset class and the market conditions. Depending on the security, the priority of the use of inputs may change or some market inputs may not be relevant. For some securities, additional inputs may be necessary. The pricing service utilized by the Company has indicated that they will only produce an estimate of fair value if there is objectively verifiable information to produce a valuation. If the pricing service discontinues pricing an investment, the Company would be required to produce an estimate of fair value using some of the same methodologies as the pricing service but would have to make assumptions for market-based inputs that are unavailable due to market conditions. The fair value estimates of most fixed maturity investments are based on observable market information rather than market quotes. Accordingly, the estimates of fair value for such fixed maturities, other than U.S. Treasury securities, provided by the pricing service are included in the amount disclosed in Level 2 of the hierarchy. The estimated fair value of U.S. Treasury securities is included in the amount disclosed in Level 1 as the estimates are based on unadjusted market prices. The Company also holds certain fixed maturity investments which are not priced by the pricing service and, accordingly, estimates the fair value of such fixed maturities using an internal matrix that is based on market information regarding interest rates, credit spreads and liquidity. The underlying source data for calculating the matrix of credit spreads relative to the U.S. Treasury curve are the BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Corporate Index and the BofA Merrill Lynch High Yield BB Rated Index. The Company includes the fair value estimates of these corporate bonds in Level 2, since all significant inputs are market observable. While the vast majority of the Company’s municipal bonds and corporate bonds are included in Level 2, the Company holds a number of municipal bonds and corporate bonds which are not valued by the pricing service and estimates the fair value of these bonds using an internal pricing matrix with some unobservable inputs that are significant to the valuation. Due to the limited amount of observable market information, the Company includes the fair value estimates for these particular bonds in Level 3. The fair value of the fixed maturities for which the Company used an internal pricing matrix was $102 million and $88 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Additionally, the Company holds a small amount of other fixed maturity investments that have characteristics that make them unsuitable for matrix pricing. For these fixed maturities, the Company obtains a quote from a broker (primarily the market maker). The fair value of the fixed maturities for which the Company received a broker quote was $128 million and $162 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Due to the disclaimers on the quotes that indicate that the price is indicative only, the Company includes these fair value estimates in Level 3. 193 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued) Equities—Public Common and Preferred For public common and preferred stocks, the Company receives prices from a nationally recognized pricing service that are based on observable market transactions and includes these estimates in the amount disclosed in Level 1. Infrequently, current market quotes in active markets are unavailable for certain non-redeemable preferred stocks held by the Company. In these instances, the Company receives an estimate of fair value from the pricing service that provides fair value estimates for the Company’s fixed maturities. The service utilizes some of the same methodologies to price the non-redeemable preferred stocks as it does for the fixed maturities. The Company includes the fair value estimate for these non-redeemable preferred stocks in the amount disclosed in Level 2. Other Investments The Company holds investments in various publicly-traded securities which are reported in other investments. These investments include securities in the Company’s trading portfolio, mutual funds and other small holdings. The $46 million and $42 million fair value of these investments at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, was disclosed in Level 1. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company held investments in non-public common and preferred equity securities, with fair value estimates of $54 million and $44 million, respectively, reported in other investments, where the fair value estimate is determined either internally or by an external fund manager based on recent filings, operating results, balance sheet stability, growth and other business and market sector fundamentals. Due to the significant unobservable inputs in these valuations, the Company includes the total fair value estimate for all of these investments at December 31, 2012 and 2011 in the amount disclosed in Level 3. Derivatives At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company held $21 million and $22 million, respectively, of convertible bonds containing embedded conversion options that are valued separately from the host bond contract in the amount disclosed in Level 2—fixed maturities. Fair Value Hierarchy The following tables present the level within the fair value hierarchy at which the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities are measured on a recurring basis at December 31, 2012 and 2011. An investment transferred between levels during a period is transferred at its fair value as of the beginning of that period. 194 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued) (at December 31, 2012, in millions) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Invested assets: Fixed maturities U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government and government agencies and authorities . . $ 2,222 $2,205 $ 17 $ — Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debt securities issued by foreign governments . . . . . . . . . Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . All other corporate bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Redeemable preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38,681 2,257 2,997 19,203 33 — 38,653 — 2,257 — 2,992 — 19,006 1 32 Total fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65,393 2,237 62,926 Equity securities Common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-redeemable preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 510 135 645 100 510 92 602 46 — 43 43 — 28 — 5 197 — 230 — — — 54 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $66,138 $2,885 $62,969 $284 The Company did not have any material transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the year ended December 31, 2012. 195 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued) (at December 31, 2011, in millions) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Invested assets: Fixed maturities U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government and government agencies and authorities . . $ 2,497 $2,465 $ 32 $ — Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debt securities issued by foreign governments . . . . . . . . . Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . All other corporate bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Redeemable preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39,022 2,318 3,515 16,850 30 — 39,002 — 2,318 — 3,514 — 16,621 1 29 Total fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64,232 2,494 61,488 Equity securities Common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-redeemable preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 428 131 559 86 428 96 524 42 — 35 35 — 20 — 1 229 — 250 — — — 44 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $64,877 $3,060 $61,523 $294 The Company did not have any material transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the year ended December 31, 2011. The following tables present the changes in the Level 3 fair value category for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. 196 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued) (in millions) Balance at December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total realized and unrealized investment gains (losses): Reported in net realized investment gains(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reported in increases (decreases) in other comprehensive income . . . . Purchases, sales and settlements/maturities: Purchases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Settlements/maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gross transfers into Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gross transfers out of Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fixed Maturities Other Investments $250 $44 Total $294 4 5 79 — (94) 10 (24) 5 2 3 — — — — 9 7 82 — (94) 10 (24) Balance at December 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $230 $54 $284 Amount of total realized investment gains (losses) for the period included in the consolidated statement of income attributable to changes in the fair value of assets still held at the reporting date . . . . . $ — $— $ — (1) Includes impairments on investments held at the end of the period as well as amortization on fixed maturities. (in millions) Balance at December 31, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total realized and unrealized investment gains (losses): Reported in net realized investment gains(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reported in increases (decreases) in other comprehensive income . . . . Purchases, sales and settlements/maturities: Purchases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Settlements/maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gross transfers into Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gross transfers out of Level 3(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fixed Maturities Other Investments $230 $ 57 Total $287 1 — 154 (15) (43) 19 (96) 38 (9) 5 (47) — — — 39 (9) 159 (62) (43) 19 (96) Balance at December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250 $ 44 $294 Amount of total realized investment gains (losses) for the period included in the consolidated statement of income attributable to changes in the fair value of assets still held at the reporting date . . . . . $ — $ — $ — (1) Includes impairments on investments held at the end of the period as well as amortization on fixed maturities. (2) During the year ended December 31, 2011, approximately $81 million of municipal fixed maturity securities were valued using observable market data which resulted in a transfer out of Level 3 into Level 2. In prior periods, these securities were valued internally using unobservable inputs. 197 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued) The Company had no material assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. Financial Instruments Disclosed, But Not Carried, At Fair Value The Company uses various financial instruments in the normal course of its business. The Company’s insurance contracts are excluded from fair value of financial instruments accounting guidance and, therefore, are not included in the amounts discussed below. The following tables present the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities disclosed, but not carried, at fair value at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the level within the fair value hierarchy at which such assets and liabilities are measured on a recurring basis. (at December 31, 2012, in millions) Financial assets: Short-term securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial liabilities: Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commercial paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (at December 31, 2011, in millions) Financial assets: Short-term securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial liabilities: Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commercial paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carrying Value Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 $3,483 $3,483 $1,448 $1,957 $78 $6,250 $ 100 $7,715 $ 100 $ — $7,715 — $ 100 $— — Carrying Value Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 $3,594 $3,594 $2,472 $1,029 $93 $6,505 $ 100 $7,583 $ 100 $ — $7,583 — $ 100 $— — The Company utilized a pricing service to estimate fair value for approximately 95% and 94% of short-term securities at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. A description of the process and inputs used by the pricing service to estimate fair value is discussed in the ‘‘Fixed Maturities’’ section above. Estimates of fair value for U.S. Treasury securities and money market funds are based on market quotations received from the pricing service and are disclosed in Level 1 of the hierarchy. The fair value of other short-term fixed maturity securities is estimated by the pricing service using observable market inputs and is disclosed in Level 2 of the hierarchy. For short-term securities where an estimate is not obtained from the pricing service, the carrying value approximates fair value and is included in Level 3 of the hierarchy. The Company utilized a pricing service to estimate fair value for 100% of its debt, including commercial paper, at both December 31, 2012 and 2011. The pricing service utilizes market quotations for debt that have quoted prices in active markets. Since fixed maturities other than U.S. Treasury securities generally do not trade on a daily basis, the fair value estimates are based on market observable inputs and disclosed at Level 2 in the hierarchy. For the small amount of the Company’s debt securities for which a pricing service is not used, the Company utilizes pricing estimates from a nationally recognized broker/dealer to estimate fair value. If estimates of fair value are unavailable from the pricing service or the broker/dealer, the Company produces an estimate of fair value based on 198 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued) internally developed valuation techniques which are based on a discounted cash flow methodology and incorporates all available relevant observable market inputs. Estimates of fair value developed internally and from broker quotes are disclosed in Level 3 of the hierarchy. 5. REINSURANCE The Company’s consolidated financial statements reflect the effects of assumed and ceded reinsurance transactions. Assumed reinsurance refers to the acceptance of certain insurance risks that other insurance companies have underwritten. Ceded reinsurance involves transferring certain insurance risks (along with the related written and earned premiums) the Company has underwritten to other insurance companies who agree to share these risks. The primary purpose of ceded reinsurance is to protect the Company, at a cost, from losses in excess of the amount it is prepared to accept. Reinsurance is placed on both a quota-share and excess-of-loss basis. Ceded reinsurance arrangements do not discharge the Company as the primary insurer, except for instances where the primary policy or policies have been novated. The Company utilizes general catastrophe reinsurance treaties with unaffiliated reinsurers to manage its exposure to losses resulting from catastrophes. In addition to the coverage provided under these treaties, the Company also utilizes a catastrophe bond program and a Northeast catastrophe reinsurance treaty to protect against losses resulting from catastrophes in the Northeastern United States. The Company also utilizes an excess-of-loss treaty in its National Property business unit of the Business Insurance segment to protect against earthquake losses up to a certain threshold. The Company evaluates and monitors the financial condition of its reinsurers under voluntary reinsurance arrangements to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. In addition, in the ordinary course of business, the Company may become involved in coverage disputes with its reinsurers. Some of these disputes could result in lawsuits and arbitrations brought by or against the reinsurers to determine the Company’s rights and obligations under the various reinsurance agreements. The Company employs dedicated specialists and strategies to manage reinsurance collections and disputes. Included in reinsurance recoverables are amounts related to involuntary reinsurance arrangements. The Company is required to participate in various involuntary reinsurance arrangements through assumed reinsurance, principally with regard to residual market mechanisms in workers’ compensation and automobile insurance, as well as homeowners’ insurance in certain coastal areas. In addition, the Company provides services for several of these involuntary arrangements (‘‘mandatory pools and associations’’) under which it writes such residual market business directly, then cedes 100% of this business to the mandatory pool. Such participations and servicing arrangements are arranged to mitigate credit risk to the Company, as any ceded balances are jointly backed by all the pool members. Also included in reinsurance recoverables are amounts related to structured settlements. Structured settlements are annuities purchased from various life insurance companies to settle certain personal physical injury claims, of which workers’ compensation claims comprise a significant portion. In cases where the Company did not receive a release from the claimant, the structured settlement is included in reinsurance recoverables as the Company retains the contingent liability to the claimant. In the event that the life insurance company fails to make the required annuity payments, the Company would be required to make such payments if and to the extent not paid by state guaranty associations. 199 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 5. REINSURANCE (Continued) The following is a summary of reinsurance financial data reflected in the consolidated statement of income: (for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 2010 Written premiums Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assumed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ceded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $23,614 695 (1,862) $23,220 667 (1,700) $22,634 668 (1,667) Total net written premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,447 $22,187 $21,635 Earned premiums Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assumed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ceded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $23,509 691 (1,843) $23,146 641 (1,697) $22,533 664 (1,765) Total net earned premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,357 $22,090 $21,432 Percentage of assumed earned premiums to net earned premiums . . . . 3.1% 2.9% 3.1% Ceded claims and claim adjustment expenses incurred . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,357 $ 737 $ 404 Ceded premiums included the premiums paid to Longpoint Re Ltd., Longpoint Re II Ltd. and Long Point Re III Ltd. for coverage under the Company’s catastrophe bond programs. Reinsurance recoverables include amounts recoverable on both paid and unpaid claims and were as follows: (at December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 Gross reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allowance for uncollectible reinsurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5,256 (258) $ 6,255 (345) Net reinsurance recoverables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mandatory pools and associations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Structured settlements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,998 2,549 3,165 5,910 2,020 3,225 Total reinsurance recoverables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,712 $11,155 Terrorism Risk Insurance Program The Terrorism Risk Insurance Program (the Program) is a Federal program administered by the Department of the Treasury that provides for a system of shared public and private compensation for certain insured losses resulting from acts of terrorism or war committed by or on behalf of a foreign interest. The Program has been authorized through 2014. In order for a loss to be covered under the Program (subject losses), the loss must meet certain aggregate industry loss minimums and must be the result of an event that is certified as an act of terrorism by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, in concurrence with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General of the United States. The annual aggregate industry loss minimum is $100 million 200 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 5. REINSURANCE (Continued) through 2014. The Program excludes from participation the following types of insurance: Federal crop insurance, private mortgage insurance, financial guaranty insurance, medical malpractice insurance, health or life insurance, flood insurance, reinsurance, commercial automobile, professional liability (other than directors and officers’), surety, burglary and theft, and farm-owners multi-peril. In the case of a war declared by Congress, only workers’ compensation losses are covered by the Program. All commercial property and casualty insurers licensed in the United States are generally required to participate in the Program. Under the Program, a participating insurer is entitled to be reimbursed by the Federal Government for 85% of subject losses, after an insurer deductible, subject to an annual cap. The deductible for any calendar year is equal to 20% of the insurer’s direct earned premiums for covered lines for the preceding calendar year. The Company’s estimated deductible under the Program is $2.26 billion for 2013. The annual cap limits the amount of aggregate subject losses for all participating insurers to $100 billion. Once subject losses have reached the $100 billion aggregate during a program year, participating insurers will not be liable under the Program for additional covered terrorism losses for that program year. The Company has had no terrorism-related losses since the Program was established. Since the law is untested, there is substantial uncertainty as to how it will be applied to specific circumstances. It is also possible that future legislative action could change the Program. Further, given the unpredictable frequency and severity of terrorism losses, as well as the limited terrorism coverage in the Company’s own reinsurance program, future losses from acts of terrorism, particularly involving nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological events, could be material to the Company’s operating results, financial position and/or liquidity in future periods. While the Company seeks to manage its exposure to man-made catastrophic events involving conventional means, there can be no assurance that the Company would have sufficient resources to respond to claims arising out of one or more man-made catastrophic events involving nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological means. 6. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill The following table presents the carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill by segment at December 31, 2012 and 2011: (in millions) 2012 2011 Business Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial, Professional & International Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Personal Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,168 557 613 27 $2,168 557 613 27 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,365 $3,365 201 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 6. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued) Other Intangible Assets The following presents a summary of the Company’s other intangible assets by major asset class at December 31, 2012 and 2011: (at December 31, 2012, in millions) Intangibles subject to amortization Customer-related(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fair value adjustment on claims and claim adjustment expense reserves and reinsurance recoverables(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total intangible assets subject to amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intangible assets not subject to amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net $455 $383 $ 72 191 646 216 98 481 — 93 165 216 Total other intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $862 $481 $381 (at December 31, 2011, in millions) Intangibles subject to amortization Customer-related . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fair value adjustment on claims and claim adjustment expense reserves and reinsurance recoverables(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total intangible assets subject to amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intangible assets not subject to amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net $ 935 $830 $105 191 1,126 216 79 909 — 112 217 216 Total other intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,342 $909 $433 (1) Certain intangible assets related to renewal rights became fully amortized during the first quarter of 2012. (2) The fair value adjustment of $191 million was recorded in connection with the merger of The St. Paul Companies, Inc. and Travelers Property Casualty Corp. in 2004 and was based on management’s estimate of nominal claims and claim adjustment expense reserves and reinsurance recoverables. The method used calculated a risk adjustment to a risk-free discounted reserve that would, if reserves ran off as expected, produce results that yielded the assumed cost-of-capital on the capital supporting the loss reserves. The fair value adjustment is reported as an other intangible asset on the consolidated balance sheet, and the amounts measured in accordance with the acquirer’s accounting policies for insurance contracts have been reported as part of the claims and claim adjustment expense reserves and reinsurance recoverables. The intangible asset is being recognized into income over the expected payment pattern. Because the time value of money and the risk adjustment (cost of capital) components of the intangible asset run off at different rates, the amount recognized in income may be a net benefit in some periods and a net expense in other periods. 202 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 6. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued) The following presents a summary of the Company’s amortization expense for other intangible assets by major asset class: (for the year ended December 31, in millions) Customer-related . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fair value adjustment on claims and claim adjustment expense reserves and 2012 2011 2010 $33 $47 $61 reinsurance recoverables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 22 25 Total amortization expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $52 $69 $86 Intangible asset amortization expense is estimated to be $45 million in 2013, $43 million in 2014, $23 million in 2015, $9 million in 2016 and $8 million in 2017. 7. INSURANCE CLAIM RESERVES Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves were as follows: (at December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 Property-casualty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accident and health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50,888 34 $51,353 39 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50,922 $51,392 203 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 7. INSURANCE CLAIM RESERVES (Continued) The following table presents a reconciliation of beginning and ending property casualty reserve balances for claims and claim adjustment expenses: (at and for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 2010 Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves at beginning of year . . . . . Less reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $51,353 10,434 $51,537 11,282 $53,529 12,588 Net reserves at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40,919 40,255 40,941 Estimated claims and claim adjustment expenses for claims arising in the current year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Estimated decrease in claims and claim adjustment expenses for claims 15,559 16,937 14,452 arising in prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,074) (842) (1,417) Total increases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,485 16,095 13,035 Claims and claim adjustment expense payments for claims arising in: Current year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,507 8,326 7,751 7,653 5,949 7,748 Total payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,833 15,404 13,697 Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 (27) (24) Net reserves at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Plus reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40,634 10,254 40,919 10,434 40,255 11,282 Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves at end of year . . . . . . . . . $50,888 $51,353 $51,537 Gross claims and claim adjustment expense reserves at December 31, 2012 and 2011 decreased by $465 million and $184 million from the respective prior year-end, primarily reflecting the impact of net favorable prior year reserve development as well as payments related to operations in runoff, including asbestos and environmental claims, partially offset by the increase in loss cost trends. Additionally, the decrease in reserves at December 31, 2011 from the prior year-end was partially offset by the impact of significant catastrophe losses incurred in 2011. The $180 million and $848 million decline in reinsurance recoverables at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, compared with the respective prior year-end reflected cash collections, including commutation agreements, and the impact of net favorable prior year reserve development. Prior Year Reserve Development The following disclosures regarding reserve development are on a ‘‘net of reinsurance’’ basis. 2012. In 2012, estimated claims and claim adjustment expenses incurred included $1.07 billion of net favorable development for claims arising in prior years, including $940 million of net favorable prior year reserve development impacting the Company’s results of operations and $48 million of accretion of discount. 204 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 7. INSURANCE CLAIM RESERVES (Continued) Business Insurance. Net favorable prior year reserve development of $467 million in 2012 was concentrated in the general liability product line for accident years 2010 and prior (excluding increases to asbestos and environmental reserves discussed below), which reflected what the Company believes are more favorable legal and judicial environments than what the Company previously expected; the commercial property product line primarily for accident years 2009 through 2011, driven by higher than expected subrogation and salvage recoveries and by favorable loss development related to catastrophe losses incurred in 2011; and the workers’ compensation product line, primarily driven by better than expected frequency and severity related to lifetime medical claims for accident years 2008 and prior. Lower than expected claim department expenses also contributed to net favorable prior year reserve development in 2012. These factors were partially offset by $167 million and $90 million increases to asbestos and environmental reserves, respectively, which are discussed in further detail in the ‘‘Asbestos and Environmental Reserves’’ section below, net unfavorable prior year reserve development in the commercial automobile line of business, driven by higher than expected severity in the bodily injury coverage primarily for accident years 2010 and 2011, and net unfavorable prior year reserve development in the general liability product line for the 2011 accident year resulting from higher than expected claim frequency. Financial, Professional & International Insurance. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2012 was $298 million. In Bond & Financial Products, net favorable prior year reserve development in 2012 reflected better than expected results in the surety product line primarily for the contract surety business for accident years 2008 and prior, and better than expected results for management liability business primarily for the errors & omissions and fiduciary products for accident years 2007 and prior. In International, net favorable prior year reserve development in 2012 occurred in several lines of business in Canada and in the Company’s operations at Lloyd’s, partially offset by an $8 million increase to asbestos reserves. Personal Insurance. Net favorable prior year reserve development of $175 million in 2012 was primarily driven by better than expected loss development in the Homeowners and Other product line related to catastrophe losses incurred for 2011 and non-catastrophe losses incurred for accident years 2010 and 2011, as well as favorable loss development in the umbrella line of business for accident years 2007 through 2011. These factors were partially offset by unfavorable prior year reserve development in the personal automobile line of business, driven primarily by higher than expected bodily injury severity for accident year 2011. 2011. In 2011, estimated claims and claim adjustment expenses incurred included $842 million of net favorable development for claims arising in prior years, including $715 million of net favorable prior year reserve development impacting the Company’s results of operations and $45 million of accretion of discount. Overall, accident years prior to and including 2009 experienced $1.10 billion of net favorable reserve development, while the 2010 accident year experienced $383 million of net unfavorable reserve development. Business Insurance. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2011 was $245 million, primarily driven by better than expected loss development in the general liability product line (excluding increases to asbestos and environmental reserves discussed below) which was concentrated in excess coverages for accident years 2005 through 2008 and reflected what the Company believes are 205 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 7. INSURANCE CLAIM RESERVES (Continued) more favorable legal and judicial environments than what the Company previously expected, as well as net favorable prior year reserve development in the commercial property product line that reflected better than expected loss development for the 2008 and 2009 accident years. The workers’ compensation line of business also contributed slightly to net favorable prior year reserve development in 2011, as favorable loss development for accident years 2003 through 2009 was largely offset by net unfavorable loss development for the 2010 accident year. These factors were partially offset by $175 million and $76 million increases to asbestos and environmental reserves in 2011, respectively (discussed in further detail in the ‘‘Asbestos and Environmental Reserves’’ section below), unfavorable prior year reserve development in the commercial multi-peril product line driven by late reporting of hail claims incurred in 2010 and unfavorable prior year reserve development in the commercial automobile product line that reflected worse than expected severity for accident years 2009 and 2010. Financial, Professional & International Insurance. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2011 was $360 million. In Bond & Financial Products, net favorable development in 2011 primarily reflected better than expected results for accident years 2008 and prior for the contract surety business, and better than expected loss development for liability lines of business, driven by the fiduciary product for accident years 2008 and prior. In International, net favorable development in 2011 reflected better than expected loss development in Canada, primarily in the surety, directors and officers, and general liability lines of business for recent accident years and better than expected development in the Company’s operation at Lloyd’s in the aviation, kidnap & ransom, and property lines for recent accident years. Personal Insurance. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2011 was $110 million, driven by better than expected loss development related to catastrophe losses incurred in the first half of 2010, as well as better than expected loss development for accident years 2006 through 2010 in the umbrella line of business in the Homeowners and Other product line, partially offset by unfavorable prior year reserve development in the Automobile product line that was driven by worse than expected loss experience for accident years 2007 through 2010. 2010. In 2010, estimated claims and claim adjustment expenses incurred included $1.42 billion of net favorable development for claims arising in prior years, including $1.25 billion of net favorable prior year reserve development impacting the Company’s results of operations and $45 million of accretion of discount. Business Insurance. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2010 totaled $901 million, driven by better than expected loss development in the commercial property, general liability (excluding increases to asbestos and environmental reserves discussed below) and workers’ compensation product lines for multiple accident years, as well as in assumed reinsurance, which is in runoff. The commercial property product line improvement primarily occurred in the 2008 and 2009 accident years as a result of better than expected loss development in Industry-Focused Underwriting and Target Risk Underwriting. The general liability product line improvement was concentrated in excess coverages for accident years 2006 and prior and reflected what the Company believes are more favorable legal and judicial environments than what the Company previously expected. Net favorable prior year reserve development in the workers’ compensation product line was concentrated in accident years 2007 and prior and resulted from better than expected loss development. The improvement in assumed 206 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 7. INSURANCE CLAIM RESERVES (Continued) reinsurance resulted primarily from favorable resolutions of claims and disputes from accident years 2002 and prior. In addition, better than expected loss development in the Business Insurance segment in recent years resulted in a favorable re-estimation of reserves for unallocated loss adjustment expenses in 2010. The net favorable prior year reserve development in these product lines in 2010 was partially offset by $140 million and $35 million increases to asbestos and environmental reserves, respectively. Financial, Professional & International Insurance. Net favorable prior year reserve development totaled $259 million in 2010. In Bond & Financial Products, net favorable prior year reserve development in 2010 was driven by better than expected loss development in the surety and management liability lines of business due to lower than expected claim activity and loss severity in the 2008 and prior accident years. In International, the majority of net favorable prior year reserve development in 2010 occurred at the Company’s operation at Lloyd’s, in Canada and in the United Kingdom. Personal Insurance. Net favorable prior year reserve development of $87 million in 2010 was concentrated in the Homeowners and Other product line, primarily driven by favorable loss development in the 2008 and prior accident years, primarily for the umbrella line of business, partially offset by unfavorable loss development in the 2009 accident year for the homeowners line of business that was driven by higher than anticipated late-reported claims related to storms in 2009. Asbestos and Environmental Reserves At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company’s claims and claim adjustment expense reserves included $2.73 billion and $2.78 billion, respectively, for asbestos and environmental-related claims, net of reinsurance. It is difficult to estimate the reserves for asbestos and environmental-related claims due to the vagaries of court coverage decisions, plaintiffs’ expanded theories of liability, the risks inherent in complex litigation and other uncertainties, including, without limitation, those which are set forth below. Asbestos Reserves. Because each policyholder presents different liability and coverage issues, the Company generally reviews the exposure presented by each policyholder at least annually. Among the factors which the Company may consider in the course of this review are: available insurance coverage, including the role of any umbrella or excess insurance the Company has issued to the policyholder; limits and deductibles; an analysis of the policyholder’s potential liability; the jurisdictions involved; past and anticipated future claim activity and loss development on pending claims; past settlement values of similar claims; allocated claim adjustment expense; potential role of other insurance; the role, if any, of non-asbestos claims or potential non-asbestos claims in any resolution process; and applicable coverage defenses or determinations, if any, including the determination as to whether or not an asbestos claim is a products/completed operation claim subject to an aggregate limit and the available coverage, if any, for that claim. In the third quarter of 2012, the Company completed its annual in-depth asbestos claim review. As in prior years, the annual claim review considered active policyholders and litigation cases for potential product and ‘‘non-product’’ liability. The Company noted the following trends: (cid:127) continued high level of litigation activity in certain jurisdictions involving individuals alleging serious asbestos-related illness; 207 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 7. INSURANCE CLAIM RESERVES (Continued) (cid:127) while overall payment patterns have been generally stable, there has been an increase in severity for certain policyholders due to the continued high level of litigation activity; (cid:127) continued moderate level of asbestos-related bankruptcy activity; and (cid:127) the absence of new theories of liability or new classes of defendants. While the Company believes that over the past several years there has been a reduction in the volatility associated with the Company’s overall asbestos exposure, there nonetheless remains a high degree of uncertainty with respect to future exposure from asbestos claims. During 2012, total gross and net asbestos-related payments decreased when compared with 2011, primarily resulting from a decline in both gross and net payments to policyholders with whom the Company has entered into settlement agreements. The Home Office and Field Office categories, which account for the vast majority of policyholders with active asbestos-related claims, experienced a modest reduction in gross asbestos-related payments during 2012 when compared with 2011, while net asbestos payments were flat. Payments on behalf of policyholders in these categories continue to be influenced by the high level of litigation activity in a limited number of jurisdictions where individuals alleging serious asbestos-related injury continue to target previously peripheral defendants. The number of policyholders tendering asbestos claims for the first time in 2012 and the number of policyholders with open asbestos claims both increased slightly when compared with 2011. The Company’s quarterly asbestos reserve reviews include an analysis of exposure and claim payment patterns by policyholder category, as well as recent settlements, policyholder bankruptcies, judicial rulings and legislative actions. The Company also analyzes developing payment patterns among policyholders in the Home Office, Field Office and Assumed Reinsurance and Other categories as well as projected reinsurance billings and recoveries. In addition, the Company reviews its historical gross and net loss and expense paid experience, year-by-year, to assess any emerging trends, fluctuations, or characteristics suggested by the aggregate paid activity. Conventional actuarial methods are not utilized to establish asbestos reserves nor have the Company’s evaluations resulted in any way of determining a meaningful average asbestos defense or indemnity payment. The completion of these reviews and analyses in 2012, 2011 and 2010 resulted in $175 million, $175 million and $140 million increases, respectively, in the Company’s net asbestos reserves in each period. In each year, the reserve increases were primarily driven by increases in the Company’s estimate of projected settlement and defense costs related to a broad number of policyholders in the Home Office category and by higher projected payments on assumed reinsurance accounts. The increase in the estimate of projected settlement and defense costs resulted from payment trends that continue to be moderately higher than previously anticipated due to the impact of the current litigation environment discussed above. The increase in 2010 also reflected increases in costs of litigating asbestos-related coverage matters and was partially offset by a $70 million benefit from the reduction in the allowance for uncollectible reinsurance resulting from a favorable ruling related to a reinsurance dispute. Notwithstanding these trends, the Company’s overall view of the underlying asbestos environment is essentially unchanged from recent periods, and there remains a high degree of uncertainty with respect to future exposure to asbestos claims. Net asbestos losses paid in 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $236 million, $284 million and $350 million, respectively. Approximately 6%, 19% and 32% of total net paid losses in 2012, 2011 and 2010, 208 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 7. INSURANCE CLAIM RESERVES (Continued) respectively, related to policyholders with whom the Company had entered into settlement agreements limiting the Company’s liability. Environmental Reserves. In establishing environmental reserves, the Company evaluates the exposure presented by each policyholder and the anticipated cost of resolution, if any. In the course of this analysis, the Company generally considers the probable liability, available coverage, relevant judicial interpretations and historical value of similar exposures. In addition, the Company considers the many variables presented, such as: the nature of the alleged activities of the policyholder at each site; the number of sites; the total number of potentially responsible parties at each site; the nature of the alleged environmental harm and the corresponding remedy at each site; the nature of government enforcement activities at each site; the ownership and general use of each site; the overall nature of the insurance relationship between the Company and the policyholder, including the role of any umbrella or excess insurance the Company has issued to the policyholder; the involvement of other insurers; the potential for other available coverage, including the number of years of coverage; the role, if any, of non-environmental claims or potential non-environmental claims in any resolution process; and the applicable law in each jurisdiction. The evaluation of the exposure presented by a policyholder can change as information concerning that policyholder and the many variables presented is developed. Conventional actuarial techniques are not used to estimate these reserves. The Company has received and continues to receive notices from policyholders tendering claims for the first time, frequently under policies issued prior to the mid-1980’s. These policyholders continue to present smaller exposures, have fewer sites and are lower tier defendants. Further, in many instances, clean-up costs have been reduced because regulatory agencies are willing to accept risk-based site analyses and more efficient clean-up technologies. Overall net environmental claim payments in 2012 were essentially unchanged from 2011. Over the past several years, the Company has experienced generally favorable trends in the number of new policyholders tendering environmental claims for the first time and in the number of pending declaratory judgment actions relating to environmental matters. The degree to which those favorable trends have continued, however, has been less than anticipated. As a result, in 2012 and 2011, the Company increased its net environmental reserves by $90 million and $76 million, respectively. In 2010, the Company increased its net environmental reserves by $35 million due to a modest upward development in the expected defense and settlement costs for certain of its pending policyholders. Asbestos and Environmental Reserves. As a result of the processes and procedures discussed above, management believes that the reserves carried for asbestos and environmental claims at December 31, 2012 are appropriately established based upon known facts, current law and management’s judgment. However, the uncertainties surrounding the final resolution of these claims continue, and it is difficult to determine the ultimate exposure for asbestos and environmental claims and related litigation. As a result, these reserves are subject to revision as new information becomes available and as claims develop. The continuing uncertainties include, without limitation, the risks and lack of predictability inherent in complex litigation, any impact from the bankruptcy protection sought by various asbestos producers and other asbestos defendants, a further increase or decrease in the cost to resolve, and/or the number of, asbestos and environmental claims beyond that which is anticipated, the role of any umbrella or excess policies the Company has issued, the resolution or adjudication of disputes pertaining to the amount of available coverage for asbestos and environmental claims in a manner inconsistent with the Company’s previous assessment of these claims, the number and outcome 209 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 7. INSURANCE CLAIM RESERVES (Continued) of direct actions against the Company, future developments pertaining to the Company’s ability to recover reinsurance for asbestos and environmental claims and the unavailability of other insurance sources potentially available to policyholders, whether through exhaustion of policy limits or through the insolvency of other participating insurers. In addition, uncertainties arise from the insolvency or bankruptcy of policyholders and other defendants. It is also not possible to predict changes in the legal, regulatory and legislative environment and their impact on the future development of asbestos and environmental claims. This environment could be affected by changes in applicable legislation and future court and regulatory decisions and interpretations, including the outcome of legal challenges to legislative and/or judicial reforms establishing medical criteria for the pursuit of asbestos claims. It is also difficult to predict the ultimate outcome of complex coverage disputes until settlement negotiations near completion and significant legal questions are resolved or, failing settlement, until the dispute is adjudicated. This is particularly the case with policyholders in bankruptcy where negotiations often involve a large number of claimants and other parties and require court approval to be effective. As part of its continuing analysis of asbestos and environmental reserves, the Company continues to study the implications of these and other developments. Because of the uncertainties set forth above, additional liabilities may arise for amounts in excess of the Company’s current reserves. In addition, the Company’s estimate of claims and claim adjustment expenses may change. These additional liabilities or increases in estimates, or a range of either, cannot now be reasonably estimated and could result in income statement charges that could be material to the Company’s operating results in future periods. Catastrophe Exposure The Company has geographic exposure to catastrophe losses, which can be caused by a variety of events, including, among others, hurricanes, tornadoes and other windstorms, earthquakes, hail, wildfires, severe winter weather, floods, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions. Catastrophes can also result from a terrorist attack (including those involving nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological events), explosions, infrastructure failures or as a consequence of political instability. The incidence and severity of catastrophes are inherently unpredictable. The extent of losses from a catastrophe is a function of both the total amount of insured exposure in the area affected by the event and the severity of the event. Most catastrophes are restricted to small geographic areas; however, hurricanes and earthquakes may produce significant damage in larger areas, especially those that are heavily populated. The Company generally seeks to mitigate its exposure to catastrophes through individual risk selection and the purchase of catastrophe reinsurance. There are also risks which impact the estimation of ultimate costs for catastrophes. For example, the estimation of reserves related to hurricanes can be affected by the inability of the Company and its insureds to access portions of the impacted areas, the complexity of factors contributing to the losses, the legal and regulatory uncertainties and the nature of the information available to establish the reserves. Complex factors include, but are not limited to: determining whether damage was caused by flooding versus wind; evaluating general liability and pollution exposures; estimating additional living expenses; the impact of demand surge; infrastructure disruption; fraud; the effect of mold damage and business income interruption costs; and reinsurance collectibility. The timing of a catastrophe’s occurrence, such as at or near the end of a reporting period, can also affect the information available to us in estimating reserves for that reporting period. The estimates related to catastrophes are adjusted as actual claims emerge. 210 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 8. DEBT Debt outstanding was as follows: (at December 31, in millions) Short-term: Commercial paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00% Senior notes due March 15, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.375% Senior notes due June 15, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2012 2011 $ 100 500 — $ 100 — 250 Total short-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600 350 Long-term: 5.00% Senior notes due March 15, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.50% Senior notes due December 1, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.25% Senior notes due June 20, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.75% Senior notes due December 15, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.80% Senior notes due May 15, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.90% Senior notes due June 2, 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.90% Senior notes due November 1, 2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.75% Senior notes due April 15, 2026 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.625% Junior subordinated debentures due December 15, 2027 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.375% Senior notes due March 15, 2033 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.75% Senior notes due June 20, 2036 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.25% Senior notes due June 15, 2037 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.35% Senior notes due November 1, 2040 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.50% Junior subordinated debentures due December 15, 2045 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.312% Junior subordinated debentures due July 1, 2046 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.25% Fixed-to-floating rate junior subordinated debentures due March 15, 2067 . . . . — 400 400 450 500 500 500 200 125 500 400 800 750 56 73 107 500 400 400 450 500 500 500 200 125 500 400 800 750 56 73 115 Total long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,761 6,269 Total debt principal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unamortized fair value adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unamortized debt issuance costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,361 52 (63) 6,619 53 (67) Total debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,350 $6,605 2012 Debt Repayments. On May 29, 2012, the Company purchased and retired $8.5 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.25% fixed-to-floating rate junior subordinated debentures due March 15, 2067. On June 15, 2012, the Company’s $250 million, 5.375% senior notes matured and were fully paid. 2011 Debt Repayment. On June 1, 2011, the Company repaid the remaining $9 million principal balance on its 7.22% real estate non-recourse debt. Description of Debt Commercial Paper—The Company maintains an $800 million commercial paper program, supported by a $1.0 billion bank credit agreement that expires on June 10, 2013. (See ‘‘Line of Credit 211 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 8. DEBT (Continued) Agreement’’ discussion that follows). Interest rates on commercial paper issued in 2012 ranged from 0.1% to 0.2%, and in 2011 ranged from 0.1% to 0.3%. Senior Notes—The Company’s various senior debt issues are unsecured obligations that rank equally with one another. Interest payments are made semi-annually. The Company generally may redeem some or all of the notes prior to maturity in accordance with terms unique to each debt instrument. Junior Subordinated Debentures—The Company’s $107 million remaining aggregate principal amount of 6.25% fixed-to-floating rate debentures bear interest at an annual rate of 6.25% from the date of issuance to, but excluding, March 15, 2017, payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15. From and including March 15, 2017, the debentures will bear interest at an annual rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 2.215%, payable quarterly on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year. The Company can redeem the debentures at its option, in whole or in part, at any time on or after March 15, 2017 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount being redeemed plus accrued but unpaid interest. The Company can redeem the debentures at its option prior to March 15, 2017 (a) in whole at any time or in part from time to time or (b) in whole, but not in part, in the event of certain tax or rating agency events relating to the debentures, at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount being redeemed and the applicable make-whole amount, in each case plus any accrued and unpaid interest. The Company has the right, on one or more occasions, to defer the payment of interest on the debentures. The Company will not be required to settle deferred interest until it has deferred interest for five consecutive years or, if earlier, made a payment of current interest during a deferral period. The Company may defer interest for up to ten consecutive years without giving rise to an event of default. Deferred interest will accumulate additional interest at an annual rate equal to the annual interest rate then applicable to the debentures. The debentures have a final maturity date of March 15, 2067 and a scheduled maturity date of March 15, 2037. The Company can redeem the debentures at its option any time (as described above) using any source of funds, including cash. If the Company chooses not to redeem the debentures, then during the 180-day period ending not more than 15 and not less than ten business days prior to the scheduled maturity date, the Company will be required to use commercially reasonable efforts to sell enough qualifying capital securities to permit repayment of the debentures at the scheduled maturity date. If any debentures remain outstanding after the scheduled maturity date, unless and until the Company redeems the debentures (as described above) using any source of funds, including cash, the Company shall be required to use its commercially reasonable efforts on a quarterly basis to raise sufficient proceeds from the sale of qualifying capital securities to permit the repayment in full of the debentures. If there are remaining debentures at the final maturity date, the Company is required to redeem the debentures using any source of funds. Qualifying capital securities are securities (other than common stock, qualifying warrants, mandatorily convertible preferred stock, debt exchangeable for common equity, and debt exchangeable for preferred equity) which generally are treated by the ratings agencies as having similar equity content to the debentures. The Company’s three other junior subordinated debenture instruments are all similar in nature to each other. Three separate business trusts issued preferred securities to investors and used the proceeds 212 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 8. DEBT (Continued) to purchase the Company’s subordinated debentures. Interest on each of the instruments is paid semi-annually. The Company’s consolidated balance sheet includes the debt instruments acquired in the merger, which were recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date. The resulting fair value adjustment is being amortized over the remaining life of the respective debt instruments using the effective-interest method. The amortization of the fair value adjustment reduced interest expense by $1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. The following table presents merger-related unamortized fair value adjustments and the related effective interest rate: (in millions) Issue Rate Maturity Date 2012 2011 Subordinated debentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.625% Dec. 2027 8.500% Dec. 2045 8.312% Jul. 2046 $17 16 19 $52 $18 16 19 $53 Unamortized Fair Value Purchase Adjustment at December 31, Effective Interest Rate to Maturity 6.147% 6.362% 6.362% The Travelers Companies, Inc. fully and unconditionally guarantees the payment of all principal, premiums, if any, and interest on certain debt obligations of its subsidiaries TPC and Travelers Insurance Group Holdings Inc. (TIGHI). The guarantees pertain to the $500 million 5.00% notes due 2013, the $200 million 7.75% notes due 2026 and the $500 million 6.375% notes due 2033. Maturities—The amount of debt obligations, other than commercial paper, that become due in each of the next five years is as follows: 2013, $500 million; 2014, none; 2015, $400 million; 2016, $400 million; and 2017, $450 million. Line of Credit Agreement The Company is party to a three-year, $1.0 billion revolving credit agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions that expires in June 2013. Pursuant to the credit agreement covenants, the Company must maintain a minimum consolidated net worth (generally defined as shareholders’ equity plus certain trust preferred and mandatorily convertible securities, reduced for goodwill and other intangible assets) of $14.35 billion. The Company must also maintain a ratio of total debt to the sum of total debt plus consolidated net worth of not greater than 0.40 to 1.00. In addition, the credit agreement contains other customary restrictive covenants as well as certain customary events of default, including with respect to a change in control, which is defined to include the acquisition of 35% or more of the Company’s voting stock and certain changes in the composition of the Company’s board of directors. At December 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with these covenants. Generally, the cost of borrowing under this agreement will range from LIBOR plus 100 basis points to LIBOR plus 175 basis points depending on the Company’s credit ratings. At December 31, 2012, that cost would have been LIBOR plus 125 basis points had there been any amounts outstanding under the credit agreement. This line of credit also supports the Company’s commercial paper program. 213 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 8. DEBT (Continued) Shelf Registration In December 2011, the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a universal shelf registration statement for the potential offering and sale of securities to replace the Company’s previous registration statement that had expired in the normal course of business. The Company may offer these securities from time to time at prices and on other terms to be determined at the time of offering. 9. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND DIVIDEND AVAILABILITY Common Stock The Company is governed by the Minnesota Business Corporation Act. All authorized shares of voting common stock have no par value. Shares of common stock reacquired are considered authorized and unissued shares. The number of authorized shares of the company is 1.75 billion, consisting of 1.745 billion shares of voting common stock and five million undesignated shares. The Company’s articles of incorporation authorize the board of directors to establish, from the undesignated shares, one or more classes and series of shares, and to further designate the type of shares and terms thereof. Treasury Stock The Company’s board of directors has approved common share repurchase authorizations under which repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market, pursuant to pre-set trading plans meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in private transactions or otherwise. The authorizations do not have a stated expiration date. The timing and actual number of shares to be repurchased in the future will depend on a variety of factors, including the Company’s financial position, earnings, common share price, catastrophe losses, funding of the Company’s qualified pension plan, capital requirements of the Company’s operating subsidiaries, legal requirements, regulatory constraints, other investment opportunities (including mergers and acquisitions), market conditions and other factors. The following table summarizes repurchase activity in 2012 and remaining repurchase capacity at December 31, 2012. Quarterly Period Ending (in millions, except per share amounts) Number of shares purchased Cost of shares repurchased Average price paid per share Remaining capacity under share repurchase authorization March 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 30, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 30, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.0 5.6 5.4 5.4 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22.4 $ 350 350 350 400 $1,450 $58.73 $62.40 $65.00 $73.00 $64.64 $3,259 $2,909 $2,559 $2,159 $2,159 The Company’s Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan provides settlement alternatives to employees in which the Company retains shares to cover tax withholding costs and exercise costs. During the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company acquired $55 million and $82 million, respectively, of its common stock under this plan. Common shares acquired are reported as treasury stock in the consolidated balance sheet. 214 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 9. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND DIVIDEND AVAILABILITY (Continued) Preferred Stock The Company’s preferred shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2010 represented the par value of preferred shares outstanding related to a legacy Stock Ownership Plan (SOP) Trust which was subsequently merged into The Travelers 401(k) Savings Plan (the Savings Plan). The SOP Trust could at any time convert any or all of the preferred shares into shares of the Company’s common stock at a rate of eight shares of common stock for each preferred share. In May 2011, the Company’s board of directors authorized the redemption of the Company’s preferred stock held by the Savings Plan and gave notice of that redemption to the appropriate fiduciaries of the Savings Plan. Following a fiduciary review, the Savings Plan exercised its right to convert each preferred share into eight shares of the Company’s common stock. As a result, all preferred shares outstanding on June 7, 2011 (190,083 shares) were converted into a total of 1.52 million shares of the Company’s common stock. Dividend Availability The Company’s U.S. insurance subsidiaries, domiciled principally in the state of Connecticut, are subject to various regulatory restrictions that limit the maximum amount of dividends available to be paid by each insurance subsidiary to its respective parent company without prior approval of insurance regulatory authorities. A maximum of $2.05 billion is available by the end of 2013 for such dividends without prior approval of the Connecticut Insurance Department. The Company may choose to accelerate the timing within 2013 and/or increase the amount of dividends from its insurance subsidiaries in 2013, which could result in certain dividends being subject to approval by the Connecticut Insurance Department. The holding company is not dependent on dividends or other forms of repatriation from its foreign operations to support its liquidity needs. The undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign operations are not material and are intended to be permanently reinvested in those operations. The holding company received $1.96 billion of dividends in 2012, all of which was received from its U.S. insurance subsidiaries. Statutory Net Income and Policyholder Surplus Statutory net income of the Company’s domestic and international insurance subsidiaries was $2.84 billion, $1.50 billion and $3.69 billion for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Policyholder surplus of the Company’s domestic and international insurance subsidiaries was $20.05 billion and $19.17 billion at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 215 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 10. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME The following table presents the changes in the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Changes in Net Changes in Net Unrealized Gains on Unrealized Gains on Investment Securities Having No Credit Losses Recognized in the Consolidated Investment Securities Having Credit Losses Recognized in the Consolidated (in millions) Statement of Income Statement of Income Net Benefit Plan Assets and Obligations Recognized in Shareholders’ Equity Net Unrealized Foreign Currency Translation and Other Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balance, December 31, 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive income (OCI) before reclassifications . . . . Amounts reclassified from AOCI . . . . . . . Net OCI, current period . . . . . . . . . Balance, December 31, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . OCI before reclassifications Amounts reclassified . . . . from AOCI . . . . . . . Net OCI, current period . . . . . . . . . Balance, December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . OCI before reclassifications Amounts reclassified . . . . from AOCI . . . . . . . Net OCI, current period . . . . . . . . . Balance, December 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,796 $ 60 $(637) $ — $1,219 130 (207) (77) 1,719 1,091 (81) 1,010 2,729 228 (49) 179 74 6 80 140 (8) 10 2 142 48 5 53 (13) 40 27 (610) (251) 50 (201) (811) (104) 58 (46) 6 — 6 6 (61) — (61) (55) 45 — 45 197 (161) 36 1,255 771 (21) 750 2,005 217 14 231 $2,908 $195 $(857) $(10) $2,236 216 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 10. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Continued) The following table presents the pretax components of the Company’s other comprehensive income and the related income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. (for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 2010 Changes in net pretax unrealized gains on investment securities: Having no credit losses recognized in the consolidated statement of income . Income tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $281 102 $1,570 560 $(118) (41) Net of taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179 1,010 (77) Having credit losses recognized in the consolidated statement of income . . . . Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net of taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net pretax changes in benefit plan assets and obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net of taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net pretax changes in unrealized foreign currency translation and other changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net of taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 28 53 (69) (23) (46) 43 (2) 45 4 2 2 (307) (106) (201) (90) (29) (61) Total pretax other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336 105 1,177 427 123 43 80 39 12 27 12 6 6 56 20 Total other comprehensive income, net of taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $231 $ 750 $ 36 217 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 10. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Continued) The following table presents the pretax and related income tax expense (benefit) components of the amounts reclassified from the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income to the Company’s consolidated statement of income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. (for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 2010 Reclassification adjustments related to net pretax unrealized gains on investment securities: Having no credit losses recognized in the consolidated statement of income . . Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(75) $(125) $(318) (111) (44) (26) Net of taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (49) (81) (207) Having credit losses recognized in the consolidated statement of income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax benefit Net of taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reclassification adjustment related to benefit plan assets and obligations . . . . . . Income tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net of taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total pretax reclassifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 3 5 88 30 58 21 7 16 6 10 76 26 50 9 3 6 57 17 40 (33) (12) (252) (91) Total reclassifications, net of taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 14 $ (21) $(161) 218 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 11. EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per share was computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The computation of diluted earnings per share reflected the effect of potentially dilutive securities. The following is a reconciliation of the income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations: (for the year ended December 31, in millions, except per share amounts) 2012 2011 2010 Basic Net income, as reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Participating share-based awards—allocated income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preferred stock dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,473 (19) — $1,426 (11) (1) $3,216 (25) (3) Net income available to common shareholders—basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,454 $1,414 $3,188 Diluted Net income available to common shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Effect of dilutive securities: $2,454 $1,414 $3,188 Participating share-based awards—re-allocated income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Convertible preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — 1 2 3 Net income available to common shareholders—diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,454 $1,415 $3,193 Common Shares Basic Weighted average shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted Weighted average shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weighted average effects of dilutive securities: 386.2 415.8 476.5 386.2 415.8 476.5 Stock options and performance shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Convertible preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6 — 4.0 0.7 4.2 1.8 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389.8 420.5 482.5 Net income Per Common Share Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6.35 $ 3.40 $ 6.69 Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6.30 $ 3.36 $ 6.62 219 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 12. INCOME TAXES (for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 2010 Composition of income tax expense (benefit) included in the consolidated statement of income Current expense (benefit): Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 406 45 3 $ (176) 34 3 $ 846 78 10 Total current tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 454 (139) 934 Deferred expense (benefit): Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total deferred tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total income tax expense (benefit) included in the consolidated statement of income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223 16 239 693 63 2 65 178 (22) 156 (74) 1,090 Composition of income tax included in common shareholders’ equity Expense (benefit) relating to stock-based compensation, and the expense (benefit) related to the changes in unrealized appreciation on investments, unrealized loss on foreign exchange, unrealized loss on derivatives and other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total income tax expense included in the consolidated financial 57 399 (2) statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 750 $ 325 $1,088 (for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 2010 Effective tax rate Income before federal, foreign and state income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Statutory tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected federal income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tax effect of: $3,166 $1,352 $4,306 35% 35% 35% 1,108 473 1,507 Nontaxable investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Favorable resolution of prior year tax matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (427) — 12 (449) (104) 6 (476) — 59 Total income tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 693 $ (74) $1,090 Effective tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22% (5)% 25% The current income tax payable was $102 million at December 31, 2012 and was included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. The current income tax receivable was $119 million at December 31, 2011 and was included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. Income, before income taxes, from domestic operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $3.00 billion, $1.23 billion and $4.20 billion, respectively. Income, before income taxes, from foreign operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $166 million, $122 million and $106 million, respectively. 220 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 12. INCOME TAXES (Continued) The net deferred tax asset (liability) comprises the tax effects of temporary differences related to the following assets and liabilities: (at December 31, in millions) Deferred tax assets Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unearned premium reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2012 2011 $ 888 689 741 $ 936 680 844 Total gross deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,318 2,460 Deferred tax liabilities Deferred acquisition costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Internally developed software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total gross deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 590 1,800 134 132 2,656 585 1,650 128 90 2,453 Total deferred tax asset (liability) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (338) $ 7 If the Company determines that any of its deferred tax assets will not result in future tax benefits, a valuation allowance must be established for the portion of these assets that are not expected to be realized. Based upon a review of the Company’s anticipated future taxable income, and also including all other available evidence, both positive and negative, the Company’s management concluded that it is more likely than not that the gross deferred tax assets will be realized. For tax return purposes, as of December 31, 2012, the Company had net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards on a regular tax basis and an alternative minimum tax (AMT) basis of approximately $37 million and $3 million, respectively. These NOL carryforwards expire, if unused, in 2018. In addition, the Company has AMT credit carryforwards of $17 million which are available to reduce future federal regular income taxes over an indefinite period. The amount and timing of realizing the benefits of NOL and AMT credit carryforwards depend on future taxable income and limitations imposed by tax laws. The benefits of the NOL and AMT credit carryforwards have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements and are included in net deferred tax assets. U.S. income taxes have not been recognized on $755 million of the Company’s foreign operations’ undistributed earnings as of December 31, 2012, as such earnings are intended to be permanently reinvested in those operations. Furthermore, any taxes paid to foreign governments on these earnings may be used as credits against the U.S. tax on any dividend distributions from such earnings. 221 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 12. INCOME TAXES (Continued) The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011: (in millions) Balance at January 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additions for tax positions of prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reductions for tax positions of prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additions based on tax positions related to current year . . . . . . . . . . . 2012 2011 $ 37 2 (15) — $103 1 (68) 1 Balance at December 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 24 $ 37 Included in the balances at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were $3 million and $2 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the annual effective tax rate. Also included in the balances at those dates were $21 million and $35 million, respectively, of tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is certain, but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of deductibility. The timing of such deductibility would not affect the annual effective tax rate. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income taxes. During the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized approximately $46 million and $(122) million in interest, respectively. The Company had approximately $94 million and $48 million accrued for the payment of interest at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The IRS is conducting an examination of the Company’s U.S. income tax returns for 2009 and 2010. The Company does not expect any significant changes to its liability for unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months. 13. SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION The Company has a share-based incentive compensation plan, The Travelers Companies, Inc. Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2004 Incentive Plan), which replaced prior share-based incentive compensation plans (legacy plans). The purposes of the 2004 Incentive Plan are to align the interests of the Company’s non-employee directors, executive officers and other employees with those of the Company’s shareholders, and to attract and retain personnel by providing incentives in the form of stock-based awards. The 2004 Incentive Plan permits grants of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock, deferred stock units, performance awards and other stock-based or stock-denominated awards with respect to the Company’s common stock. The number of shares of the Company’s common stock authorized for grant under the 2004 Incentive Plan is 35 million shares, subject to additional shares that may be available for awards as described below. The Company has a policy of issuing new shares to settle the exercise of stock option awards and the vesting of other equity awards. In connection with the adoption of the 2004 Incentive Plan, legacy share-based incentive compensation plans were terminated. Outstanding grants were not affected by the termination of these legacy plans, including the grant of reload options related to prior option grants under the legacy plans. As of December 31, 2012, there were no longer any options eligible for reload. 222 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 13. SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Continued) The 2004 Incentive Plan is the only plan pursuant to which future stock-based awards may be granted. In addition to the 35 million shares initially authorized for issuance under the 2004 Incentive Plan, the following will not be counted towards the 35 million shares available and will be available for future grants under the 2004 Incentive Plan: (i) shares of common stock subject to an award that expires unexercised, that is forfeited, terminated or canceled, that is settled in cash or other forms of property, or otherwise does not result in the issuance of shares of common stock, in whole or in part; (ii) shares that are used to pay the exercise price of stock options and shares used to pay withholding taxes on awards generally; and (iii) shares purchased by the Company on the open market using cash option exercise proceeds; provided, however, that the increase in the number of shares of common stock available for grant pursuant to such market purchases shall not be greater than the number that could be repurchased at fair market value on the date of exercise of the stock option giving rise to such option proceeds. These provisions also apply to awards granted under the legacy share-based incentive compensation plans that were outstanding on the effective date of the 2004 Incentive Plan. The Company also has a compensation program for non-employee directors (the Director Compensation Program). Under the Director Compensation Program, non-employee directors’ compensation consists of an annual retainer, a deferred stock award, committee chair fees and a lead director fee. Each non-employee director may choose to receive all or a portion of his or her annual retainer in the form of cash or deferred stock units which vest upon grant. The annual deferred stock awards vest in full one day prior to the date of the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders occurring in the year following the year of the grant date, subject to continued service. Any of the deferred stock awards may accumulate, including reinvestment dividends, until distribution either in a lump sum six months after termination of service as a director or, if the director so elects, in annual installments beginning at least six months following termination of service as a director. The shares of deferred stock units issued under the Director Compensation Program are awarded under the 2004 Incentive Plan. Stock Option Awards Stock option awards granted to eligible officers and key employees have a ten-year term. Prior to January 1, 2007, stock options were granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the day preceding the date of grant. Beginning January 1, 2007, all stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The stock options granted generally vest upon meeting certain years of service criteria. Except as the Compensation Committee of the Board may allow in the future, stock options cannot be sold or transferred by the participant. The stock options granted under the 2004 Incentive Plan vest three years after grant date (cliff vest). In addition to the stock option awards described above, certain stock option awards that were granted under legacy plans permitted an employee exercising an option to be granted a new option (a reload option) at an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date on which the original option was exercised. The reload option was permitted on certain stock option awards granted prior to January 2003 at an amount equal to the number of shares of the common stock used to satisfy both the exercise price and withholding taxes due upon exercise of an option and vest either six months or one year after the grant date and are exercisable for the remaining term of the related original option. At December 31, 2012, there were no longer any options eligible for reload. 223 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 13. SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Continued) The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant by application of a variation of the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the assumptions noted in the following table. The expected term of newly granted stock options is the time to vest plus half the remaining time to expiration. This considers the vesting restriction and represents an even pattern of exercise behavior over the remaining term. Reload options were exercisable for the remaining term of the original option and therefore generally had a shorter expected term. Beginning in April 2010, due to the Company having attained sufficient history with respect to changes in its stock prices over time, the expected volatility assumption is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock for the same period as the estimated option term based on the mid-month of the option grant. Prior to April 2010, the expected volatility was based on the average historical volatility of the common stock of an industry peer group of entities due to the limited Company stock history. The expected dividend is based upon the Company’s current quarter dividend annualized and assumed to be constant over the expected option term. The risk-free interest rate for each option is the interpolated market yield for the mid-month of the option grant on a U.S. Treasury bill with a term comparable to the expected option term of the granted stock option. Shares received through option exercises under the reload program were subject to either a one-year or two-year restriction on sale. A discount, as measured by the estimated cost of protecting against changes in market value - 5% for one-year sales restrictions and 10% for two-year sales restrictions - had been applied to the fair value of reload options granted to reflect these sales restrictions. The following assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of options on grant date for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010: 2012 Original Grants Reload Grants Expected term of stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected volatility of the Company’s stock . . . . . . Weighted average volatility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected annual dividend per share . . . . . . . . . . . Risk-free rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 years 1 year 28.5% - 28.6% 22.9% - 23.5% 23.4% $1.64 - $1.84 1.02% - 1.17% 0.10% - 0.17% 28.6% $1.64 - $1.84 2011 Original Grants Reload Grants Expected term of stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected volatility of the Company’s stock . . . . . . Weighted average volatility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected annual dividend per share . . . . . . . . . . . Risk-free rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 years 1 year 28.0% - 28.6% 15.7% - 17.6% 15.9% $1.44 - $1.64 1.19% - 2.62% 0.10% - 0.29% 28.2% $1.44 - $1.64 2010 Original Grants Reload Grants 6 years 1 - 2 years 28.3% - 29.1% 18.3% - 41.6% 21.1% $1.32 - $1.44 1.68% - 2.71% 0.20% - 0.95% 28.4% $1.32 - $1.44 Expected term of stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected volatility of the Company’s stock . . . . . . Weighted average volatility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected annual dividend per share . . . . . . . . . . . Risk-free rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 13. SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Continued) A summary of stock option activity under the Company’s 2004 Incentive Plan and legacy share- based incentive compensation plans as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012 is as follows: Stock Options Number Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Contractual Life Remaining Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($ in millions) Outstanding, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . Granted: Original . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forfeited or expired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,212,961 $47.33 2,442,017 4,920 (5,679,770) (383,920) 59.75 63.80 45.03 53.68 Outstanding, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,596,208 $50.58 6.2 Years Vested at end of year(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,010,201 $48.34 5.4 Years Exercisable at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,785,428 $44.27 3.9 Years $268 $212 $159 (1) Represents awards for which the requisite service has been rendered, including those that are retirement eligible. The following table presents additional information regarding original and reload grants for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. 2012 Original Grants Reload Grants Weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted (per share) . . . Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year (in millions) . . . $12.08 $ 102 $4.49 5 $ 2011 Original Grants Reload Grants Weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted (per share) . . . Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year (in millions) . . . $12.94 76 $ $3.19 $ 11 2010 Original Grants Reload Grants Weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted (per share) . . . Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year (in millions) . . . $11.94 77 $ $3.46 3 $ On February 5, 2013, the Company, under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, granted 1,861,434 stock option awards with an exercise price of $78.65 per share. The fair value attributable to the stock option awards on the date of grant was $17.09 per share. Restricted Stock Units, Deferred Stock Units and Performance Share Award Programs The Company, commencing with equity grants on or after January 1, 2007, issues restricted stock unit awards to eligible officers and key employees under the Equity Awards program established pursuant to the 2004 Incentive Plan. A restricted stock unit represents the right to receive a share of common stock. These restricted stock unit awards are granted at market price, generally vest three 225 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 13. SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Continued) years from the date of grant, do not have voting rights and the underlying shares of common stock are not issued until the vesting criteria is satisfied. In addition, the Company’s board of directors can be issued deferred stock unit awards from (i) an annual award; (ii) deferred compensation (in lieu of cash retainer); and (iii) dividend reinvestment shares earned on outstanding deferred compensation. The Company also has a Performance Share Awards Program pursuant to the 2004 Incentive Plan which became effective beginning in 2006. Under the program, the Company may issue performance share awards to certain employees of the Company who hold positions of Vice President (or its equivalent) or above. The performance awards provide the recipient the right to earn shares of the Company’s common stock based upon the Company’s attainment of certain performance goals. The performance goals for performance awards are based on the Company’s adjusted return on equity over a three-year performance period. Vesting of any performance shares is contingent upon the Company attaining the relevant performance period minimum threshold return on equity. If the performance period return on equity is below the minimum threshold, none of the shares will vest. If performance meets or exceeds the minimum performance threshold, a range of performance shares will vest (50%— 160% for awards granted prior to and including February 2009; 50%—150% for awards granted in February 2010; and 50%—130% for awards granted in February 2011, 2012 and 2013); depending on the actual return on equity attained. The fair value of restricted stock units, deferred stock units and performance shares is measured at the market price of the Company stock at date of grant. The total fair value of shares that vested during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $146 million, $121 million and $113 million, respectively. A summary of restricted stock units, deferred stock units and performance share activity under the Company’s 2004 Incentive Plan and legacy plans as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012 is as follows: Restricted and Deferred Stock Units Performance Shares Other Equity Instruments Outstanding, beginning of year . . . . . . . . Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Performance-based adjustment Number 2,780,504 953,630 (1,379,608)(1) (158,144) — Outstanding, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,196,382 Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value $48.03 60.18 42.90 52.96 — $56.17 Number 1,547,402 719,841 (868,250)(2) (70,856) 110,084(3) 1,438,221 Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value $53.79 59.48 51.82 55.15 54.06 $58.22 (1) Represents awards for which the requisite service has been rendered. (2) Reflects the number of performance shares attributable to the performance goals attained over the completed performance period (three years) and for which service conditions have been met. (3) Represents the current year change in estimated performance shares to reflect the attainment of performance goals for the awards that were granted in each of the years 2009 through 2012. 226 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 13. SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Continued) On February 5, 2013, the Company, under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, granted 1,268,572 common stock awards in the form of restricted stock units, deferred stock units and performance share awards to participating officers, non-employee directors and other key employees. The restricted stock units and deferred stock units totaled 713,198 shares while the performance share awards totaled 555,374 shares. The fair value per share attributable to the common stock awards on the date of grant was $78.65. Share-Based Compensation Cost Recognition The amount of compensation cost for awards subject to a service condition is based on the number of shares expected to be issued and is recognized over the time period for which service is to be provided (requisite service period). Awards granted to retiree-eligible employees or to employees who become retiree-eligible before an award’s vesting date are considered to have met the requisite service condition. The compensation cost for awards subject to a performance condition is based upon the probable outcome of the performance condition, which on the grant date reflects an estimate of attaining 100% of the performance shares granted. The compensation cost reflects an estimated annual forfeiture rate from 3.5% to 4% over the requisite service period of the awards. That estimate is revised if subsequent information indicates that the actual number of instruments expected to vest is likely to differ from previous estimates. Compensation costs for awards are recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. For awards that have a graded vesting schedule, the compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separate vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards. The total compensation cost for all share-based incentive compensation awards recognized in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $120 million, $121 million and $128 million, respectively. Included in these amounts are compensation cost adjustments of $4 million, $4 million and $10 million, for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, that reflected the cost associated with the updated estimate of performance shares due to attaining certain performance levels from the date of the initial grant of the performance awards. The related tax benefits recognized in earnings were $42 million, $42 million and $44 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. At December 31, 2012, there was $112 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested share-based incentive compensation awards. This includes stock options, restricted and deferred stock units and performance shares granted under the 2004 Incentive Plan. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years. Cash received from the exercise of employee stock options under share-based compensation plans totaled $295 million and $314 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively. The tax benefit realized for tax deductions from employee stock options exercised during 2012 and 2011 totaled $36 million and $30 million, respectively. 14. PENSION PLANS, RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND SAVINGS PLANS The Company sponsors a qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plan, which covers substantially all U.S. domestic employees and provides benefits under a cash balance formula, except that employees satisfying certain age and service requirements remain covered by a prior final average pay formula. In addition, the Company sponsors: a nonqualified defined benefit pension plan which 227 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 14. PENSION PLANS, RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND SAVINGS PLANS (Continued) covers certain highly-compensated employees, pension plans for employees of its foreign subsidiaries, and a postretirement health and life insurance benefit plan for employees satisfying certain age and service requirements and for certain retirees. Obligations and Funded Status The following tables summarize the funded status, obligations and amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet for the Company’s benefit plans. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension and postretirement benefit plans. Qualified Domestic Pension Plan Nonqualified and Foreign Pension Plans Total (at and for the year ended December 31, in millions) 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 Change in projected benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . Benefits earned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest cost on benefit obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . Actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign currency exchange rate change . . . . . . . . . . $2,706 107 129 225 (112) — $2,399 93 125 207 (118) — $ 183 6 9 17 (13) 4 $173 5 10 7 (12) — $2,889 113 138 242 (125) 4 $2,572 98 135 214 (130) — Benefit obligation at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,055 $2,706 $ 206 $183 $3,261 $2,889 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year . . . . . Actual return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Company contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign currency exchange rate change . . . . . . . . . . $2,414 242 217 (112) — $2,342 5 185 (118) — $ 86 10 11 (13) 4 $ 83 3 12 (12) — $2,500 252 228 (125) 4 $2,425 8 197 (130) — Fair value of plan assets at end of year . . . . . . . . . . 2,761 2,414 98 86 2,859 2,500 Funded status of plan at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . $ (294) $ (292) $(108) $ (97) $ (402) $ (389) Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist of: Accrued under-funded benefit plan liabilities . . . . Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of: Prior service benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net actuarial loss $ (294) $ (292) $(108) $ (97) $ (402) $ (389) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — 1,275 1,300 1,220 1,363 55 63 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,300 $1,220 $ 63 $ 55 $1,363 $1,275 228 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 14. PENSION PLANS, RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND SAVINGS PLANS (Continued) (at and for the year ended December 31, in millions) Change in projected benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Benefits earned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Plan amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest cost on benefit obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Actuarial loss (gain) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Postretirement Benefit Plans 2012 2011 $ 246 — (31) 11 12 (16) $ 254 — — 13 (4) (17) Benefit obligation at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 222 $ 246 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Actual return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Company contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 19 1 14 (16) $ 20 1 15 (17) Fair value of plan assets at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 19 Funded status of plan at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(204) $(227) Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist of: Accrued under-funded benefit plan liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(204) $(227) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of: Net actuarial gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (50) $ (31) Effective January 1, 2013, the Company converted its current prescription drug program for Medicare-eligible retirees to a group-based company-sponsored Medicare Part D Employer Group Waiver Plan (EGWP) program. The EGWP structure was made financially attractive for companies due to changes stemming from health care reform legislation. Under EGWP, the federal direct capitation payments will be paid to the Company while the federal reinsurance and pharmaceutical rebates will be used to offset claims. The Company estimates that the transition to EGWP will lower prescription drug liabilities by approximately $31 million. The total accumulated benefit obligation for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans was $3.21 billion and $2.83 billion at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Qualified Domestic Plan accounted for $3.01 billion and $2.65 billion of the total accumulated benefit obligation at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, whereas the Nonqualified and Foreign Plans accounted for $0.20 billion and $0.18 billion of the total accumulated benefit obligation at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. For pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, the aggregate projected benefit obligation was $3.25 billion and the aggregate accumulated benefit obligation was $3.20 billion at December 31, 2012. The fair value of plan assets for the above plans was $2.85 billion and $2.49 billion at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 229 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 14. PENSION PLANS, RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND SAVINGS PLANS (Continued) The Company has discretion regarding whether to provide additional funding and when to provide such funding to its qualified pension plan. In 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company voluntarily made contributions totaling $217 million, $185 million and $35 million, respectively, to the qualified pension plan. The Company has not determined whether or not additional funding will be made during 2013. There is no required contribution to the qualified pension plan during 2013. The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income related to the benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. (in millions) Net Periodic Benefit Cost: Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest cost on benefit obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of unrecognized: Pension Plans Postretirement Benefit Plans 2012 2011 2010 2012 2011 2010 $ 113 138 (187) $ 98 135 (182) $ 96 128 (185) $ — $— $ 1 14 13 (1) (1) 12 (1) Prior service benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net actuarial loss (gain) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — 89 — 76 (3) — — — (1) — — 60 Net benefit expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 153 $ 127 $ 96 $ 10 $12 $14 Other Changes in Benefit Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income: Prior service benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net actuarial loss (gain) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Plan amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of prior service benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of net actuarial gain (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total other changes recognized in other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total other changes recognized in net benefit expense $ — $ — $ — $ — $— $— 27 (8) — (31) — — — — — 3 1 — — (60) 176 — — (89) 388 — — (76) (5) 11 87 312 (30) (19) (5) (8) and other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 240 $ 439 $ 66 $ (9) $ 7 $ 6 For the defined benefit pension plans, the estimated net actuarial loss that will be reclassified (amortized) from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income as part of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $107 million, and there is no estimated prior service benefit to be amortized over the next fiscal year. For the postretirement benefit plans, the estimated net actuarial loss that will be reclassified (amortized) from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income as part of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is less than $1 million, and the estimated prior service cost to be amortized over the next fiscal year is $3 million. 230 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 14. PENSION PLANS, RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND SAVINGS PLANS (Continued) Assumptions and Health Care Cost Trend Rate Sensitivity (at and for the year ended December 31,) Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Future compensation increase rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected long-term rate of return on pension plans’ assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected long-term rate of return on postretirement benefit plans’ assets . . . . . . . . . . . . 2012 2011 4.15% 4.90% 4.00% 4.00% 4.90% 5.37% 7.50% 8.00% 5.00% 5.00% Assumed health care cost trend rates Following year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate) . . . . . . . . . Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.50% 8.00% 5.00% 5.00% 2018 2018 The discount rate assumption used to determine the benefit obligation was based on a yield-curve approach. Under this approach, a weighted average yield is determined from a hypothetical portfolio of high quality fixed maturity corporate bonds (rated Aa) available at the year-end valuation date for which the timing and amount of cash outflows correspond with the timing and amount of the estimated benefit payouts of the Company’s benefit plan. In choosing the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the Company selected the rate that was set as the return objective by the Company’s Benefit Plans Investment Committee, which had considered the historical returns of equity and fixed maturity markets in conjunction with prevailing economic and financial market conditions. As an indicator of sensitivity, increasing the assumed health care cost trend rate by 1% would have increased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by $22 million at December 31, 2012, and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net postretirement benefit expense by $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Decreasing the assumed health care cost trend rate by 1% would have decreased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2012 by $19 million and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net postretirement benefit expense by $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Plan Assets Pension plan assets are invested for the exclusive benefit of the plan participants and beneficiaries and are intended, over time, to satisfy the benefit obligations under the plan. Risk tolerance is established through consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status, and corporate financial position. The asset mix guidelines have been established and are reviewed quarterly. These guidelines are intended to serve as tools to facilitate the investment of plan assets to maximize long-term total return and the ongoing oversight of the plan’s investment performance. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through daily and monthly investment portfolio reviews, annual liability measurements, and periodic asset/liability studies. 231 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 14. PENSION PLANS, RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND SAVINGS PLANS (Continued) The Company’s overall investment strategy is to achieve a mix of approximately 85% to 90% of investments for long-term growth and 10% to 15% for near-term benefit payments with a wide diversification of asset types, fund strategies and fund managers. The current target allocations for plan assets are 55% to 65% equity securities and 20% to 40% fixed income securities, with the remainder allocated to short-term securities. Equity securities primarily include investments in large, medium and small-cap companies primarily located in the United States. Fixed income securities include corporate bonds of companies from diversified industries, mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Treasury securities and debt securities issued by foreign governments. Other investments include two private equity funds held by the Company’s qualified defined benefit pension plan. One private equity fund is focused on financial companies, and the other is focused on real estate-related investments. Other investments at December 31, 2011 also included a hedge fund which was a multi-strategy ‘‘fund of funds.’’ Fair Value Measurement—Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Assets For a discussion of the methods employed by the Company to measure the fair value of invested assets, see note 4. The following discussion of fair value measurements applies exclusively to the Company’s pension plans and other postretirement benefit assets. Fair value estimates for equity and bond mutual funds held by the pension plans reflect prices received from an external pricing service that are based on observable market transactions. These estimates are included in Level 1. Short-term securities are carried at fair value which approximates cost plus accrued interest or amortized discount. The fair value or market value of these is periodically compared to this amortized cost and is based on significant observable inputs as determined by an external pricing service. Accordingly, the estimates of fair value for such short-term securities, other than U.S. Treasury securities and money market mutual funds, provided by an external pricing service are included in the amount disclosed in Level 2 of the hierarchy. The estimated fair value of U.S. Treasury securities and money market mutual funds is included in the amount disclosed in Level 1 as the estimates are based on unadjusted market prices. 232 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 14. PENSION PLANS, RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND SAVINGS PLANS (Continued) Fair Value Hierarchy—Pension Plans The following tables present the level within the fair value hierarchy at which the financial assets of the Company’s pension plans are measured on a recurring basis at December 31, 2012 and 2011. (at December 31, 2012, in millions) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Invested assets: Fixed maturities Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debt securities issued by foreign governments . . Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All other corporate bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 7 14 $ — $ — 7 14 $— — 9 383 413 — 9 — 383 — 413 Mutual funds Equity mutual funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bond mutual funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total mutual funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,143 406 1,549 1,143 406 1,549 Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investments(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash and short-term securities U.S. Treasury securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Money market mutual funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total cash and short-term securities . . . . . . 450 6 132 22 287 441 450 — 132 22 17 171 — — — — — — — 270 270 — — — — — — — 6 — — — — Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,859 $2,170 $683 $ 6 (1) The fair value estimates of the two private equity funds comprising these investments are determined by an external fund manager based on recent filings, operating results, balance sheet stability, growth and other business and market sector fundamentals. Due to the significant unobservable inputs in these valuations, the total fair value estimates are disclosed in Level 3. 233 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 14. PENSION PLANS, RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND SAVINGS PLANS (Continued) (at December 31, 2011, in millions) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Invested assets: Fixed maturities U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government and government agencies and authorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debt securities issued by foreign governments . . Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All other corporate bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mutual funds Equity mutual funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bond mutual funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ $ 15 13 15 — $ — $— — 13 14 214 256 932 443 12 — — 214 15 239 932 443 2 — 2 — — — — 16 — — — — — — — — — — — 298 298 Total mutual funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,375 1,375 Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investments(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash and short-term securities U.S. Treasury securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Money market mutual funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total cash and short-term securities . . . . . . 352 16 141 50 310 501 352 — 141 50 12 203 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,500 $1,945 $537 $18 (1) The fair value estimates of the hedge fund and two private equity funds comprising these investments are determined by an external fund manager based on recent filings, operating results, balance sheet stability, growth and other business and market sector fundamentals. Due to the significant unobservable inputs in these valuations, the total fair value estimates are disclosed in Level 3. 234 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 14. PENSION PLANS, RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND SAVINGS PLANS (Continued) The following table presents the changes in the Level 3 fair value category for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. (at and for the year ended December 31, in millions) Balance at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Actual return on plan assets: Other Investments 2012 2011 $ 18 $18 Relating to assets still held . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Relating to assets sold during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 2 — — Purchases, sales, settlements and maturities: Purchases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Settlements/maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gross transfers into Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gross transfers out of Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 — (12) (1) — — — — (2) — Balance at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6 $18 Other Postretirement Benefit Plan The Company’s overall investment strategy is to achieve a mix of approximately 35% to 65% of investments for long-term growth and 35% to 60% for near-term insurance payments with a wide diversification of asset types, fund strategies and fund managers. The current target allocations for plan assets are 25% to 75% fixed income securities, with the remainder allocated to short-term securities. Fixed income securities include corporate bonds of companies from diversified industries, mortgage- backed securities and U.S. Treasuries. Fair Value—Other Postretirement Benefit Plan The Company’s other postretirement benefit plan had financial assets of $18 million and $19 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The assets are primarily short-term securities and corporate bonds, and categorized as level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. 235 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 14. PENSION PLANS, RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND SAVINGS PLANS (Continued) Estimated Future Benefit Payments The following table presents the estimated benefits expected to be paid by the Company’s pension and postretirement benefit plans for the next ten years (reflecting estimated future employee service). (in millions) Benefits Expected to be Paid Pension Plans Postretirement Benefit Plans 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2018 through 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 152 165 176 187 198 1,118 $15 15 15 15 15 70 Savings Plan The Company has a savings plan, The Travelers 401(k) Savings Plan (the Savings Plan), in which substantially all U.S. domestic Company employees are eligible to participate. Under the Savings Plan, the Company matches employee contributions up to 5% of eligible pay, with a maximum annual match of $5,000 which becomes 100% vested after three years of service. For the year ended December 31, 2011, existing employees whose annual base salary on December 31, 2010 was $175,000 or more, and employees hired during 2011 at an annual base salary of $175,000 or more, were not eligible for the Company’s matching contribution. The Company’s matching contribution is made in cash and invested according to the employee’s current investment elections. The Company’s matching contribution can be reinvested at any time into any other investment option. The Company’s non-U.S. employees participate in separate savings plans. The total expense related to all of the savings plans was $92 million, $90 million and $94 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Included in the Savings Plan are a legacy Savings Plus Plan (SPP) and a Stock Ownership Plan (SOP) in which substantially all employees who were hired by legacy SPC before April 1, 2004 were eligible to participate. In 2004 under the SPP, the Company matched 100% of employees’ contributions up to a maximum of 6% of their salary. The match was in the form of preferred shares, to the extent available in the SOP, or in the Company’s common shares. Also allocated to participants were preferred shares equal to the value of dividends on previously allocated shares. Each share of preferred stock paid a dividend of $11.72 annually and was convertible into eight shares of the Company’s common stock. The SOP has no preferred shares available for future allocations. As described in more detail in note 9 above, all preferred shares outstanding on June 7, 2011 (190,083 shares) were converted into a total of 1.52 million shares of the Company’s common stock. All common shares held by the Savings Plan are considered outstanding for diluted EPS computations and dividends paid on all shares are charged to retained earnings. 15. LEASES Rent expense was $192 million, $191 million and $206 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. 236 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 15. LEASES (Continued) Future minimum annual rental payments under noncancellable operating leases for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 are $164 million, $141 million, $118 million, $95 million and $59 million, respectively, and $89 million for 2018 and thereafter. Future sublease rental income aggregating approximately $6 million will partially offset these commitments. 16. CONTINGENCIES, COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES Contingencies The major pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to which any of the Company’s properties is subject are described below. Asbestos- and Environmental-Related Proceedings In the ordinary course of its insurance business, the Company has received and continues to receive claims for insurance arising under policies issued by the Company asserting alleged injuries and damages from asbestos- and environmental-related exposures that are the subject of related coverage litigation, including, among others, the litigation described below. The Company is defending asbestos- and environmental-related litigation vigorously and believes that it has meritorious defenses; however, the outcomes of these disputes are uncertain. In this regard, the Company employs dedicated specialists and aggressive resolution strategies to manage asbestos and environmental loss exposure, including settling litigation under appropriate circumstances. Asbestos Direct Action Litigation—In October 2001 and April 2002, two purported class action suits (Wise v. Travelers and Meninger v. Travelers) were filed against Travelers Property Casualty Corp. (TPC) and other insurers (not including The St. Paul Companies, Inc. (SPC)) in state court in West Virginia. These and other cases subsequently filed in West Virginia were consolidated into a single proceeding in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia. The plaintiffs allege that the insurer defendants engaged in unfair trade practices in violation of state statutes by inappropriately handling and settling asbestos claims. The plaintiffs seek to reopen large numbers of settled asbestos claims and to impose liability for damages, including punitive damages, directly on insurers. Similar lawsuits alleging inappropriate handling and settling of asbestos claims were filed in Massachusetts and Hawaii state courts. These suits are collectively referred to as the Statutory and Hawaii Actions. In March 2002, the plaintiffs in consolidated asbestos actions pending before a mass tort panel of judges in West Virginia state court amended their complaint to include TPC as a defendant, alleging that TPC and other insurers breached alleged duties to certain users of asbestos products. The plaintiffs seek damages, including punitive damages. Lawsuits seeking similar relief and raising similar allegations, primarily violations of purported common law duties to third parties, have also been asserted in various state courts against TPC and SPC. The claims asserted in these suits are collectively referred to as the Common Law Claims. In response to these claims, TPC moved to enjoin the Statutory Actions and the Common Law Claims in the federal bankruptcy court that had presided over the bankruptcy of TPC’s former policyholder Johns-Manville Corporation on the ground that the suits violated injunctions entered in connection with confirmation of the Johns-Manville bankruptcy (the ‘‘1986 Orders’’). The bankruptcy court issued a temporary restraining order and referred the parties to mediation. In November 2003, 237 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 16. CONTINGENCIES, COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES (Continued) the parties reached a settlement of the Statutory and Hawaii Actions, which included a lump-sum payment of up to $412 million by TPC, subject to a number of significant contingencies. In May 2004, the parties reached a settlement resolving substantially all pending and similar future Common Law Claims against TPC, which included a payment of up to $90 million by TPC, subject to similar contingencies. Among the contingencies for each of these settlements was that the bankruptcy court issue an order, which must become a final order, clarifying that all of these claims, and similar future asbestos-related claims against TPC, as well as related contribution claims, are barred by the 1986 Orders. On August 17, 2004, the bankruptcy court entered an order approving the settlements and clarifying that the 1986 Orders barred the pending Statutory and Hawaii Actions and substantially all Common Law Claims pending against TPC (the ‘‘Clarifying Order’’). The Clarifying Order also applies to similar direct action claims that may be filed in the future. Although the District Court substantially affirmed the Clarifying Order, on February 15, 2008, the Second Circuit issued an opinion vacating on jurisdictional grounds the District Court’s approval of the Clarifying Order. On December 12, 2008, the United States Supreme Court granted TPC’s Petition for Writ of Certiorari and, on June 18, 2009, the Supreme Court reversed the Second Circuit’s February 15, 2008 decision, finding, among other things, that the 1986 Orders are final and therefore may not be collaterally challenged on jurisdictional grounds. The Supreme Court further ruled that the bankruptcy court had jurisdiction to issue the Clarifying Order. However, since the Second Circuit had not ruled on certain additional issues, principally related to procedural matters and the adequacy of notice provided to certain parties, the Supreme Court remanded the case to the Second Circuit for further proceedings on those specific issues. On March 22, 2010, the Second Circuit issued an opinion in which it found that the notice of the 1986 Orders provided to one remaining objector was insufficient to bar contribution claims by that objector against TPC. TPC’s Petition for Rehearing and Rehearing En Banc were denied May 25, 2010 and, its Petition for Writ of Certiorari and Petition for a Writ of Mandamus were denied by the United States Supreme Court on November 29, 2010. The plaintiffs in the Statutory and Hawaii actions and the Common Law Claims actions thereafter filed motions in the bankruptcy court to compel TPC to make payment under the settlement agreements, arguing that all conditions precedent to the settlements had been met. On December 16, 2010, the bankruptcy court granted the plaintiffs’ motions and ruled that TPC was required to fund the settlements. The court entered judgment against TPC on January 20, 2011 in accordance with this ruling and ordered TPC to pay the settlement amounts plus prejudgment interest. The bankruptcy court’s judgment was reversed by the district court on March 1, 2012, the district court having found that the conditions to the settlements had not been met in view of the Second Circuit’s March 22, 2010 ruling permitting the filing of contribution claims against TPC. The plaintiffs appealed the district court’s March 1, 2012 decision to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Oral argument before the Second Circuit took place on January 10, 2013, and the parties await the court’s decision. SPC, which is not covered by the Manville bankruptcy court rulings or the settlements described above, from time to time has been named as a defendant in direct action cases in Texas state court asserting common law claims. All such cases that are still pending and in which SPC has been served are currently on the inactive docket in Texas state court. If any of those cases becomes active, SPC intends to litigate those cases vigorously. SPC was previously a defendant in similar direct actions in 238 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 16. CONTINGENCIES, COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES (Continued) Ohio state court, which have been dismissed following favorable rulings by Ohio trial and appellate courts. From time to time, SPC and/or its subsidiaries have been named in similar individual direct actions in other jurisdictions. Outcome and Impact of Asbestos and Environmental Claims and Litigation. Currently, it is not possible to predict legal outcomes and their impact on the future development of claims and litigation relating to asbestos and environmental claims. Any such development will be affected by future court decisions and interpretations, as well as changes in applicable legislation. Because of these uncertainties, additional liabilities may arise for amounts in excess of the Company’s current reserves. In addition, the Company’s estimate of ultimate claims and claim adjustment expenses may change. These additional liabilities or increases in estimates, or a range of either, cannot now be reasonably estimated and could result in income statement charges that could be material to the Company’s results of operations in future periods. Other Proceedings Not Arising Under Insurance Contracts or Reinsurance Agreements Broker Anti-Trust Litigation—In 2005, four putative class action lawsuits were brought against a number of insurance brokers and insurers, including the Company, by plaintiffs who allegedly purchased insurance products through one or more of the defendant brokers. The plaintiffs alleged that various insurance brokers conspired with each other and with various insurers, including the Company, to artificially inflate premiums, allocate brokerage customers and rig bids for insurance products offered to those customers. To the extent they were not originally filed there, the federal class actions were transferred to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and were consolidated for pre-trial proceedings with other class actions under the caption In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation. On August 1, 2005, various plaintiffs, including the four named plaintiffs in the above- referenced class actions, filed an amended consolidated class action complaint naming various brokers and insurers, including the Company, on behalf of a putative nationwide class of policyholders. The complaint included causes of action under the Sherman Act, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), state common law and the laws of the various states prohibiting antitrust violations. The complaint sought monetary damages, including punitive damages and trebled damages, permanent injunctive relief, restitution, including disgorgement of profits, interest and costs, including attorneys’ fees. All defendants moved to dismiss the complaint for failure to state a claim. After giving plaintiffs multiple opportunities to replead, the court dismissed the Sherman Act claims on August 31, 2007 and the RICO claims on September 28, 2007, both with prejudice, and declined to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over the state law claims. The plaintiffs appealed the district court’s decisions to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. On August 16, 2010, the Third Circuit affirmed the district court’s dismissal of all Sherman Act and RICO claims against certain defendants, including the Company, except for Sherman Act and RICO claims involving the sale of excess casualty insurance through a single defendant broker, as well as all state law claims, which they remanded to the district court for further proceedings. On October 1, 2010, defendants, including the Company, filed renewed motions to dismiss the remanded claims. On March 18, 2011, the Company and certain other defendants entered into an agreement with the plaintiffs to settle the lawsuit, under which the Company agreed to pay $6.75 million. Preliminary approval of the settlement was granted on June 27, 2011. On September 14, 2011, the court conducted a final fairness hearing, and on March 30, 2012, the court granted final approval of the settlement. On April 27, 2012, three members of the settlement class appealed the court’s order granting final approval of the settlement to the U.S. Court of Appeals 239 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 16. CONTINGENCIES, COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES (Continued) for the Third Circuit. Each of those appeals has been dismissed. Accordingly, the settlement will proceed in accordance with the district court’s final approval order and the Company’s involvement in these class actions is concluded. Other—In addition to those described above, the Company is involved in other lawsuits, including lawsuits alleging extra-contractual damages relating to insurance contracts or reinsurance agreements, that do not arise under insurance contracts or reinsurance agreements. Based upon currently available information, the Company does not believe it is reasonably possible that any such lawsuit or related lawsuits would be material to the Company’s results of operations or have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or liquidity. Gain Contingencies On August 17, 2010, in a reinsurance dispute in New York state court captioned United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company v. American Re-Insurance Company, et al., the trial court granted summary judgment for United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company (USF&G), a subsidiary of the Company, and denied summary judgment for American Re-Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Munich Re (American Re), and three other reinsurers. By order dated October 22, 2010, the trial court corrected certain clerical errors and made certain clarifications to the August 17, 2010 order. On October 25, 2010, judgment was entered against American Re and the other three insurers, awarding USF&G $420 million, comprising $251 million ceded under the terms of the disputed reinsurance contract plus interest of 9% amounting to $169 million as of that date. The judgment, including the award of interest, was appealed by the reinsurers to the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department. On January 24, 2012, the Appellate Division affirmed the judgment. On January 30, 2012, the reinsurers filed a motion with the Appellate Division seeking permission to appeal its decision to the New York Court of Appeals, and on March 12, 2012, the Appellate Division granted the reinsurers’ motion. On February 7, 2013, the Court of Appeals issued an opinion that largely affirmed the summary judgment in USF&G’s favor, while modifying in part the summary judgment with respect to two discrete issues and remanding the case to the trial court for determination of those issues. The Company believes it has a meritorious position on each of these issues and intends to pursue its claim vigorously. At December 31, 2012, the claim totaled $470 million, comprising $251 million of reinsurance recoverable plus interest which had grown to $219 million as of that date. Interest will continue to accrue at 9% until the claim is paid. The $251 million of reinsurance recoverable owed to USF&G under the terms of the disputed reinsurance contract has been reported as part of reinsurance recoverables in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The interest that would be owed as part of any judgment ultimately entered in favor of USF&G is treated for accounting purposes as a gain contingency in accordance with FASB Topic 450, Contingencies, and accordingly has not been recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In an unrelated action, The Travelers Indemnity Company is one of the Settlement Class plaintiffs and a class member in a class action lawsuit captioned Safeco Insurance Company of America, et al. v. American International Group, Inc. et al. (U.S. District Court, N.D. Ill.) in which the defendants are alleged to have engaged in the under-reporting of workers’ compensation premium in connection with a workers’ compensation reinsurance pool in which several subsidiaries of the Company participate. On July 26, 2011, the court granted preliminary approval of a class settlement pursuant to which the defendants agreed to pay $450 million to the class. The settlement includes a plan of allocation of the 240 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 16. CONTINGENCIES, COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES (Continued) settlement proceeds among the class members. On December 21, 2011, the court entered an order granting final approval of the settlement, and on February 28, 2012, the district court issued a written opinion regarding its approval of the settlement. On March 27, 2012, three parties who objected to the settlement appealed the court’s orders approving the settlement to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. On January 11, 2013, all parties, including the three parties who had objected to the settlement, filed a Stipulation of Dismissal indicating that there were no longer any objections to the settlement. All parties are awaiting an order from the Seventh Circuit in response to the Stipulation of Dismissal. The Company anticipates that its allocation from the settlement fund, in the event the settlement becomes final, will be approximately $90 million. This amount is treated for accounting purposes as a gain contingency in accordance with FASB Topic 450, Contingencies, and accordingly will be recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements during the period in which it is received by the Company. Other Commitments and Guarantees Commitments Investment Commitments—The Company has unfunded commitments to private equity limited partnerships and real estate partnerships in which it invests. These commitments totaled $1.27 billion and $1.15 billion at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Guarantees In the ordinary course of selling business entities to third parties, the Company has agreed to indemnify purchasers for losses arising out of breaches of representations and warranties with respect to the business entities being sold, covenants and obligations of the Company and/or its subsidiaries following the closing, and in certain cases obligations arising from undisclosed liabilities, adverse reserve development, imposition of additional taxes due to either a change in the tax law or an adverse interpretation of the tax law, or certain named litigation. Such indemnification provisions generally survive for periods ranging from seven years following the applicable closing date to the expiration of the relevant statutes of limitations, although, in some cases, there may be other agreed upon term limitations or no term limitations. Certain of these contingent obligations are subject to deductibles which have to be incurred by the obligee before the Company is obligated to make payments. The maximum amount of the Company’s contingent obligation for indemnifications related to the sale of business entities that are quantifiable was $471 million at December 31, 2012, of which $9 million was recognized on the balance sheet at that date. The Company also has contingent obligations for guarantees related to certain investments, third- party loans related to certain investments, certain insurance policy obligations of former insurance subsidiaries, and various other indemnifications. The Company also provides standard indemnifications to service providers in the normal course of business. The indemnification clauses are often standard contractual terms. Certain of these guarantees and indemnifications have no stated or notional amounts or limitation to the maximum potential future payments, and, accordingly, the Company is unable to develop an estimate of the maximum potential payments for such arrangements. The maximum amount of the Company’s obligation for guarantees of certain investments and third-party loans related to certain investments that are quantifiable was $129 million at December 31, 2012, approximately $63 million of which is indemnified by a third party. The maximum amount of the Company’s 241 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 16. CONTINGENCIES, COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES (Continued) obligation related to the guarantee of certain insurance policy obligations of a former insurance subsidiary was $480 million at December 31, 2012, all of which is indemnified by a third party. 17. NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES There were no material noncash financing or investing activities during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. 18. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES The following consolidating financial statements of the Company have been prepared pursuant to Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X. These consolidating financial statements have been prepared from the Company’s financial information on the same basis of accounting as the consolidated financial statements. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has fully and unconditionally guaranteed certain debt obligations of TPC, its wholly-owned subsidiary, which totaled $1.20 billion at December 31, 2012. Prior to the merger of TPC and SPC in 2004, TPC fully and unconditionally guaranteed the payment of all principal, premiums, if any, and interest on certain debt obligations of its wholly-owned subsidiary TIGHI. Concurrent with the merger, The Travelers Companies, Inc. fully and unconditionally assumed such guarantee obligations of TPC. TPC is deemed to have no assets or operations independent of TIGHI. Consolidating financial information for TIGHI has not been presented herein because such financial information would be substantially the same as the financial information provided for TPC. 242 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 18. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME (Unaudited) For the year ended December 31, 2012 (in millions) TPC Other Subsidiaries Travelers(2) Eliminations Consolidated Revenues Premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fee income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net realized investment gains(1) . . . . . . . . Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,158 1,912 321 29 87 Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17,507 Claims and expenses Claims and claim adjustment expenses . . . Amortization of deferred acquisition costs . General and administrative expenses . . . . . Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,908 2,636 2,445 73 Total claims and expenses . . . . . . . . . . 15,062 Income (loss) before income taxes . . . . . Income tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . Net income of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,445 588 — $7,199 968 2 22 34 8,225 4,768 1,274 1,161 — 7,203 1,022 224 — $ — 9 — — (1) $ — — — — — 8 — — 4 305 309 — — — — — — (301) (119) 2,655 — — (2,655) $22,357 2,889 323 51 120 25,740 14,676 3,910 3,610 378 22,574 3,166 693 — Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,857 $ 798 $2,473 $(2,655) $ 2,473 (1) Total other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) for the year ended December 31, 2012, and the amounts comprising total OTTI that were recognized in net realized investment gains and in other comprehensive income (OCI) were as follows: (in millions) Total OTTI gains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OTTI losses recognized in net realized TPC $18 investment gains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OTTI gains recognized in OCI . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (9) $27 Other Subsidiaries $ 9 $ (6) $15 Travelers(2) Eliminations Consolidated $— $— $— $— $— $— $ 27 $(15) $ 42 (2) The Travelers Companies, Inc., excluding its subsidiaries. 243 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 18. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME (Unaudited) For the year ended December 31, 2011 (in millions) TPC Other Subsidiaries Travelers(2) Eliminations Consolidated Revenues Premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fee income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net realized investment gains (losses)(1) . . Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,903 1,933 294 10 103 Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17,243 Claims and expenses Claims and claim adjustment expenses . . . Amortization of deferred acquisition costs . General and administrative expenses . . . . . Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total claims and expenses . . . . . . . . . . Income (loss) before income taxes . . . . . Income tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . Net income of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,906 2,594 2,377 73 15,950 1,293 111 — $7,187 938 2 50 23 8,200 5,370 1,282 1,152 — 7,804 396 14 — $ — 8 — (5) — $ — — — — — 3 — — 27 313 340 — — — — — — (337) (199) 1,564 — — (1,564) $22,090 2,879 296 55 126 25,446 16,276 3,876 3,556 386 24,094 1,352 (74) — Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,182 $ 382 $1,426 $(1,564) $ 1,426 (1) Total other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) for the year ended December 31, 2011, and the amounts comprising total OTTI that were recognized in net realized investment gains (losses) and in other comprehensive income (OCI) were as follows: (in millions) Total OTTI gains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OTTI losses recognized in net realized TPC $ 15 investment gains (losses) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OTTI gains recognized in OCI . . . . . . . . . . . $(15) $ 30 Other Subsidiaries $ 15 $(10) $ 25 Travelers(2) Eliminations Consolidated $— $— $— $— $— $— $ 30 $(25) $ 55 (2) The Travelers Companies, Inc., excluding its subsidiaries. 244 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 18. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME (Unaudited) For the year ended December 31, 2010 (in millions) TPC Other Subsidiaries Travelers(2) Eliminations Consolidated Revenues Premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fee income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net realized investment gains(1) . . . . . . . . Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,445 2,078 285 57 111 Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,976 Claims and expenses Claims and claim adjustment expenses . . . Amortization of deferred acquisition costs . General and administrative expenses . . . . . Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,786 2,548 2,306 74 Total claims and expenses . . . . . . . . . . 13,714 Income (loss) before income taxes . . . . . Income tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . Net income of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,262 798 — $6,987 970 2 200 20 8,179 4,424 1,254 1,086 — 6,764 1,415 382 — $ — 11 — 7 (60) (42) — — 14 315 329 (371) (90) 3,497 $ — — — — (1) (1) — — — (1) (1) — — (3,497) $21,432 3,059 287 264 70 25,112 13,210 3,802 3,406 388 20,806 4,306 1,090 — Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,464 $1,033 $3,216 $(3,497) $ 3,216 (1) Total other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) for the year ended December 31, 2010, and the amounts comprising total OTTI that were recognized in net realized investment gains and in other comprehensive income (OCI) were as follows: (in millions) Total OTTI gains (losses) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OTTI losses recognized in net realized TPC $ 10 investment gains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OTTI gains recognized in OCI . . . . . . . . . . . $(12) $ 22 Other Subsidiaries $ (3) $(14) $ 11 Travelers(2) Eliminations Consolidated $— $— $— $— $— $— $ 7 $(26) $ 33 (2) The Travelers Companies, Inc., excluding its subsidiaries. 245 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 18. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) For the year ended December 31, 2012 (in millions) TPC Other Subsidiaries Travelers(1) Eliminations Consolidated Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,857 $798 $2,473 $(2,655) $2,473 Other comprehensive income: Changes in net unrealized gains on investment securities: Having no credit losses recognized in the consolidated statement of income . . . . Having credit losses recognized in the consolidated statement of income . . . . Net changes in benefit plan assets and obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net changes in unrealized foreign currency 248 57 (6) translation and other changes . . . . . . . . . (19) 23 24 (5) 62 Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes and other comprehensive income of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, before other comprehensive income of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive income of subsidiaries Other comprehensive income . . . . . . . 280 101 104 21 179 — 179 83 — 83 10 — (58) — (48) (17) (31) 262 231 — — — — — — — (262) (262) 281 81 (69) 43 336 105 231 — 231 Comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,036 $881 $2,704 $(2,917) $2,704 (1) The Travelers Companies, Inc., excluding its subsidiaries. 246 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 18. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) For the year ended December 31, 2011 (in millions) TPC Other Subsidiaries Travelers(1) Eliminations Consolidated Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,182 $382 $1,426 $(1,564) $1,426 — — — — — — 1,570 4 (307) (90) 1,177 427 Other comprehensive income: Changes in net unrealized gains on investment securities: Having no credit losses recognized in the consolidated statement of income . . . . Having credit losses recognized in the 1,100 472 consolidated statement of income . . . . (10) Net changes in benefit plan assets and obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (5) Net changes in unrealized foreign currency 14 1 (2) — (303) translation and other changes . . . . . . . . . (76) (14) — Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes and other comprehensive income of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, before other comprehensive income of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive income of subsidiaries Other comprehensive income . . . . . . . 1,009 356 473 177 (305) (106) 653 — 653 296 — 296 (199) 949 750 — (949) (949) 750 — 750 Comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,835 $678 $2,176 $(2,513) $2,176 (1) The Travelers Companies, Inc., excluding its subsidiaries. 247 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 18. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) For the year ended December 31, 2010 (in millions) TPC Other Subsidiaries Travelers(1) Eliminations Consolidated Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,464 $1,033 $3,216 $(3,497) $3,216 Other comprehensive income: Changes in net unrealized gains on investment securities: Having no credit losses recognized in the consolidated statement of income . . . . Having credit losses recognized in the (77) (42) consolidated statement of income . . . . 85 38 Net changes in benefit plan assets and obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net changes in unrealized foreign currency translation and other changes . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive income before income taxes and other comprehensive income of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, before other comprehensive income of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive income of subsidiaries Other comprehensive income (loss) . . . 3 4 15 — 15 — 15 3 8 7 9 (2) — (2) 1 — 33 — 34 11 23 13 36 — — — — — — — (13) (13) (118) 123 39 12 56 20 36 — 36 Comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,479 $1,031 $3,252 $(3,510) $3,252 (1) The Travelers Companies, Inc., excluding its subsidiaries. 248 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 18. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited) At December 31, 2012 TPC Other Subsidiaries Travelers(1) Eliminations Consolidated (in millions) Assets Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost $60,829) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value (cost $462) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Real estate investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Short-term securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $44,336 $21,019 $ 38 $ 153 33 1,187 2,443 386 850 338 990 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — (28,562) — $ 65,393 645 883 3,483 3,434 73,838 330 752 5,872 10,712 856 1,792 4,806 3,365 381 — 2,234 106 — 1,958 1 2,103 2 5 — — — — — — — 28,562 18 Total investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48,152 23,583 Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Investment income accrued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Premiums receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reinsurance recoverables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ceded unearned premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred acquisition costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contractholder receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Investment in subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 507 3,944 7,112 698 1,560 3,540 2,411 268 — 1,930 151 240 1,928 3,600 158 232 1,266 954 113 — 286 Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $70,299 $32,511 $ 30,690 $(28,562) $104,938 Liabilities Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves . . Unearned premium reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contractholder payables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payables for reinsurance premiums . . . . . . . . . Deferred taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $33,598 7,751 3,540 151 316 1,191 4,107 Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,654 Shareholders’ equity Common stock (1,750.0 shares authorized; 377.4 shares issued and outstanding) . . . . . . . Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accumulated other comprehensive income . . . . Treasury stock, at cost (372.3 shares) . . . . . . . . Total shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — 11,135 6,404 2,106 — 19,645 $17,324 3,490 1,266 195 123 — 1,186 23,584 390 6,501 1,113 923 — 8,927 $ — — — — (101) 5,159 237 5,295 21,161 — 21,342 2,236 (19,344) 25,395 $ — — — — — — — — (390) (17,636) (7,507) (3,029) — (28,562) $ 50,922 11,241 4,806 346 338 6,350 5,530 79,533 21,161 — 21,352 2,236 (19,344) 25,405 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity . . . . $70,299 $32,511 $ 30,690 $(28,562) $104,938 (1) The Travelers Companies, Inc., excluding its subsidiaries. 249 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 18. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited) At December 31, 2011 TPC Other Subsidiaries Travelers(1) Eliminations Consolidated (in millions) Assets Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost $59,994) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value (cost $414) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Real estate investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Short-term securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $43,438 $20,761 $ 33 $ 146 33 879 2,446 319 832 376 1,004 Total investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46,942 23,292 Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Investment income accrued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Premiums receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reinsurance recoverables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ceded unearned premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred acquisition costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contractholder receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Investment in subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 517 3,865 7,372 656 1,536 (82) 3,891 2,411 297 — 1,983 98 251 1,865 3,783 172 250 (47) 1,295 954 136 — 52 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — (27,565) — $ 64,232 559 865 3,594 3,451 72,701 214 768 5,730 11,155 828 1,786 7 5,186 3,365 433 — 2,402 94 — 2,339 1 2,467 2 — — — — — 136 — — — 27,565 367 Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $69,502 $32,101 $ 30,537 $(27,565) $104,575 Liabilities Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves . . Unearned premium reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contractholder payables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payables for reinsurance premiums . . . . . . . . . Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $33,727 7,644 3,891 178 1,190 3,910 Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,540 Shareholders’ equity Common stock (1,750.0 shares authorized; 392.8 shares issued and outstanding) . . . . . . . Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accumulated other comprehensive income . . . . Treasury stock, at cost (349.0 shares) . . . . . . . . Total shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — 11,135 5,900 1,927 — 18,962 $17,665 3,458 1,295 211 — 859 23,488 390 6,501 882 840 — 8,613 $ — — — — 5,415 655 6,070 20,732 — 19,569 2,005 (17,839) 24,467 $ — — — — — — — (390) (17,636) (6,772) (2,767) — (27,565) $ 51,392 11,102 5,186 389 6,605 5,424 80,098 20,732 — 19,579 2,005 (17,839) 24,477 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity . . . . $69,502 $32,101 $ 30,537 $(27,565) $104,575 (1) The Travelers Companies, Inc., excluding its subsidiaries. 250 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 18. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) For the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 TPC Other Subsidiaries Travelers(1) Eliminations Consolidated $ 1,857 $ 798 $ 2,473 $(2,655) $ 2,473 715 2,572 7 805 (700) 1,773 735 (1,920) 5,905 2,462 355 16 53 280 (3,077) (28) (95) (163) 44 (36) — (189) — — — — — — (567) (567) 4 53 98 2 2 — — — (9) (2) — — 381 (1) — 373 (258) (694) 295 (1,474) (53) 38 — (2,146) — — 2 2 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 1,920 1,920 — — — $ — $ — $ — $ 151 $ $ 108 $ — $ (207) 302 $ 757 3,230 8,369 1,087 37 53 835 (10,447) (48) (95) (534) 117 (23) (323) (972) (258) (694) 295 (1,474) (53) 38 — (2,146) 4 116 214 330 188 375 $ $ $ (in millions) Cash flows from operating activities Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds from maturities of fixed maturities . . . . . Proceeds from sales of investments: Fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Real estate investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purchases of investments: Fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Real estate investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net sales (purchases) of short-term securities . . . . . Securities transactions in course of settlement . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities . Cash flows from financing activities Payment of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends paid to shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Issuance of common stock—employee share options Treasury stock acquired—share repurchase authorization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasury stock acquired—net employee share-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends paid to parent company . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash used in financing activities . . . . . . . . . . Effect of exchange rate changes on cash . . . . . . . . Net increase in cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash at beginning of year Cash at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information Income taxes paid (received) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 730 21 — 555 (7,361) (18) — (371) (308) 14 (323) (1,156) — — — — — — (1,353) (1,353) — 63 114 177 287 73 $ $ $ (1) The Travelers Companies, Inc., excluding its subsidiaries. 251 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 18. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) For the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 (in millions) Cash flows from operating activities Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds from maturities of fixed maturities . . . . . Proceeds from sales of investments: Fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Real estate investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purchases of investments: Fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Real estate investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net sales (purchases) of short-term securities . . . . . Securities transactions in course of settlement . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities . Cash flows from financing activities Payment of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends paid to shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Issuance of common stock—employee share options Treasury stock acquired—share repurchase authorization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasury stock acquired—net employee share-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends paid to parent company . . . . . . . . . . . . Capital contributions, loans and other transactions TPC Other Subsidiaries Travelers(1) Eliminations Consolidated $ 1,182 $ 382 $ 1,426 $(1,564) $ 1,426 736 1,918 98 480 635 2,061 (726) (2,290) 4,902 2,502 720 82 1 343 (5,714) (30) (24) (711) 717 (46) (351) (111) — — — — — — (1,779) — 28 86 440 53 — 251 (2,978) (71) (42) (178) 25 46 (20) 28 (8) — — — — — (521) 10 (519) (1) (12) 110 — 1 — — — (12) (30) — — 1,276 — — 1,235 — (665) 314 (2,919) (46) 18 — — (3,298) — (2) 4 2 (97) 309 $ $ $ — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 2,300 (10) 2,290 — — — $ — $ — $ — 743 2,169 7,404 1,161 135 1 594 (8,704) (131) (66) (889) 2,018 — (371) 1,152 (8) (665) 314 (2,919) (46) 18 — — (3,306) (1) 14 200 214 218 382 $ $ $ between subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — Net cash used in financing activities . . . . . . . . . . (1,779) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash . . . . . . . . Net increase (decrease) in cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash at beginning of year Cash at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information Income taxes paid (received) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ $ $ 114 $ 98 206 73 $ 109 $ — (1) The Travelers Companies, Inc., excluding its subsidiaries. 252 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 18. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) For the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 TPC Other Subsidiaries Travelers(1) Eliminations Consolidated $ 2,464 $ 1,033 $ 3,216 $(3,497) $ 3,216 (77) 3,626 6,842 (3,197) (6,694) (in millions) Cash flows from operating activities Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . 2,387 Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds from maturities of fixed maturities . . . . . Proceeds from sales of investments: Fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Real estate investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purchases of investments: Fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Real estate investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net sales (purchases) of short-term securities . . . . . Securities transactions in course of settlement . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,920 2,289 29 — 338 (4,201) (2) — (305) 632 (4) (313) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities . 2,383 Cash flows from financing activities Payment of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Issuance of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends paid to shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Issuance of common stock—employee share options Treasury stock acquired—share repurchase authorization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasury stock acquired—net employee share-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends paid to parent company . . . . . . . . . . . . Capital contributions, loans and other transactions (4) — — — — — (514) 519 1,966 1,424 148 10 280 (2,576) (33) (21) (209) 392 (26) (5) 1,350 — — — — — — — (4,827) — (1,849) between subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 (35) Net cash used in financing activities . . . . . . . . . . (4,816) (1,884) (5,215) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash . . . . . . . . Net increase (decrease) in cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash at beginning of year Cash at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information Income taxes paid (received) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — (46) 132 86 579 73 $ $ $ 3 (12) 122 $ 110 $ — 3 1 4 $ 321 $ — $ (116) 324 $ (1) The Travelers Companies, Inc., excluding its subsidiaries. 253 10 — 24 — 99 (8) (26) — — (1,723) — — (1,624) (1,156) 1,234 (673) 408 (4,998) (40) 8 — 2 (162) 3,054 5,896 3,713 201 10 717 (6,785) (61) (21) (514) (699) (30) (318) 2,109 (1,160) 1,234 (673) 408 (4,998) (40) 8 — — (5,221) 3 (55) 255 200 784 397 $ $ $ — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 6,676 18 6,694 — — — $ — $ — $ — THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 19. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) 2012 (in millions, except per share amounts) First Fourth Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Second Third Total Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,392 5,315 $6,359 5,751 $6,512 5,342 $6,477 6,166 $25,740 22,574 Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,077 271 608 109 1,170 306 311 7 3,166 693 Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 806 $ 499 $ 864 $ 304 $ 2,473 Net income per share(1): Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2.04 2.02 $ 1.27 1.26 $ 2.23 2.21 $ 0.79 0.78 $ 6.35 6.30 2011 (in millions, except per share amounts) First Fourth Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Second Third Total Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,278 5,309 $6,388 7,115 $6,407 6,075 $6,373 5,595 $25,446 24,094 Income (loss) before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 969 130 (727) (363) 332 (1) 778 160 1,352 (74) Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 839 $ (364) $ 333 $ 618 $ 1,426 Net income (loss) per share(1): Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1.94 1.92 $ (0.88) $ 0.80 0.79 (0.88) $ 1.52 1.51 $ 3.40 3.36 (1) Due to the averaging of shares, quarterly earnings per share may not add to the total for the full year. 254 Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE Not Applicable. Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2012. Based upon that evaluation and subject to the foregoing, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2012, the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to accomplish their objectives at the reasonable assurance level. In addition, there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. 255 Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurances regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the consolidated financial statements of the Company in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s accounting policies and internal controls over financial reporting, established and maintained by management, are under the general oversight of the Company’s Audit Committee. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (cid:127) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (cid:127) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of the Company’s management and directors; and (cid:127) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Management has assessed the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012. The standard measures adopted by management in making its evaluation are the measures in the Internal Control—Integrated Framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based upon its assessment, management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective at December 31, 2012, and that there were no material weaknesses in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of that date. KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, which has audited and reported on the consolidated financial statements contained in this Form 10-K, has issued its report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting which follows this report. 256 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Board of Directors and Stockholders The Travelers Companies, Inc.: We have audited The Travelers Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control— Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control— Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of The Travelers Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, and our report dated February 19, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. /s/ KPMG LLP KPMG LLP New York, New York February 19, 2013 257 Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION Executive Ownership and Sales. All of the Company’s executive officers hold equity in the Company in excess of the required level under the Company’s executive stock ownership policy. For a summary of this policy as currently in effect, see ‘‘Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Stock Ownership Guidelines’’ in the Company’s proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on April 10, 2012. From time to time, some of the Company’s executives may determine that it is advisable to diversify their investments for personal financial planning reasons, or may seek liquidity for other reasons, and may sell shares of common stock of the Company in the open market, in private transactions or to the Company. To effect such sales, some of the Company’s executives have entered into, and may in the future enter into, trading plans designed to comply with the Company’s Securities Trading Policy and the provisions of Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The trading plans will not reduce any of the executives’ ownership of the Company’s shares below the applicable executive stock ownership guidelines. The Company does not undertake any obligation to report Rule 10b5-1 plans that may be adopted by any employee or director of the Company in the future, or to report any modifications or termination of any publicly announced plan. As of the date of this report, Jay S. Fishman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Jay S. Benet, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer were the only ‘‘named executive officers’’ (i.e., an executive officer named in the compensation disclosures in the Company’s proxy statement) that have entered into Rule 10b5-1 trading plans that remain in effect. The trading plans extend from approximately five to ten months from the date of this report. Under the Company’s stock ownership guidelines, Mr. Fishman has a target ownership level established as the lesser of 150,000 shares or the equivalent value of 500% of base salary, and Mr. Benet has a target ownership level established as the lesser of 30,000 shares or the equivalent value of 300% of base salary (as such amounts are calculated for purposes of the stock ownership guidelines). See ‘‘Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Stock Ownership Guidelines’’ in the Company’s proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 10, 2012. Annual Meeting and Record Date. The Board of Directors has set the date of the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the related record date. The Annual Meeting will be held in Hartford, CT on May 22, 2013, and the shareholders entitled to receive notice of and vote at the meeting will be the shareholders of record at the close of business on March 25, 2013. 258 PART III Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Executive Officers of the Company Set forth below is information concerning the Company’s executive officers as of February 19, 2013. Name Age Office Jay S. Fishman . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer Jay S. Benet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian W. MacLean . . . . . . . . . Charles J. Clarke . . . . . . . . . . . William H. Heyman . . . . . . . . . Alan D. Schnitzer . . . . . . . . . . 60 Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer 59 President and Chief Operating Officer 77 Vice Chairman 64 Vice Chairman and Chief Investment Officer 47 Vice Chairman—Financial, Professional & International Insurance and Field Management; Chief Legal Officer Doreen Spadorcia . . . . . . . . . . 55 Vice Chairman—Claim Services, Personal Insurance, Operations and Systems, and Risk Control Andy F. Bessette . . . . . . . . . . . Kenneth F. Spence, III . . . . . . . Maria Olivo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer 57 Executive Vice President and General Counsel 48 Executive Vice President—Strategic Development and William E. Cunningham, Jr. John P. Clifford, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . 47 Executive Vice President—Business Insurance 57 Executive Vice President—Human Resources Corporate Treasurer Jay S. Fishman, 60, has been Chairman since September 2005 and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since joining SPC in October 2001. He held the additional title of President from October 2001 until June 2008 and Chairman of SPC from October 2001 until the Merger. Mr. Fishman held several key executive posts at Citigroup Inc. from 1998 to October 2001, including Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Travelers insurance businesses. Starting in 1989, Mr. Fishman worked as an executive for Primerica, which became part of Citigroup. Jay S. Benet, 60, has been Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer since August 2005, and before that, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since the Merger, and from February 2002 until the Merger, he held those same offices at TPC. From March 2001 until January 2002, Mr. Benet was the worldwide head of financial planning, analysis and reporting at Citigroup and Chief Financial Officer for Citigroup’s Global Consumer Europe, Middle East and Africa unit between April 2000 and March 2001. Before that, Mr. Benet spent ten years in various executive positions with Travelers Life & Annuity, including Chief Financial Officer of Travelers Life & Annuity and Executive Vice President, Group Annuity from December 1998 to April 2000, and Senior Vice President Group Annuity from December 1996 to December 1998. Prior to joining Travelers Life & Annuity, Mr. Benet was a partner of Coopers & Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers). Brian W. MacLean, 59, has been Chief Operating Officer since May 2005 and President since June 2008. Prior to that, he had been Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since May 2005. Prior to that, he had been Co-Chief Operating Officer of the Company since February 2005. Before that, he was Executive Vice President, Claim Services for the Company, and prior thereto, for TPC. Prior to that, Mr. MacLean served as President of Select Accounts for TIGHI from July 1999 to January 2002. He also served as Chief Financial Officer of Claim Services from March 1993 to June 1996. From June 1996 to July 1999, Mr. MacLean was Chief Financial Officer for Commercial Lines. He joined TIGHI in 1988. 259 Charles J. ‘‘Chuck’’ Clarke, 77, has been Vice Chairman of the Company since the Merger at which time he was serving in the roles of President, Vice Chairman and Director of TPC. Mr. Clarke joined Travelers in 1958 as an assistant underwriter. During his tenure at Travelers, Mr. Clarke progressed through positions of increasing responsibility. Of note, he was appointed Senior Vice President for the National Accounts Group’s property-casualty business in 1985 and subsequently assumed the responsibility of Chairman of Commercial Lines in 1990. William H. Heyman, 64, has been Chief Investment Officer of the Company since the Merger and Vice Chairman since May 2005. Prior to May 2005, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of the Company since the Merger. Prior to the Merger, he held those same offices with SPC since he joined SPC in May 2002. Mr. Heyman held various executive positions with Citigroup from 1995 through 2002, including the position of chairman of Citigroup Investments from 2000 to 2002. Prior to joining Citigroup in 1995, Mr. Heyman was, successively: a managing director of Salomon Brothers; Director of the Division of Market Regulation of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; and a managing director of Smith Barney. Alan D. Schnitzer, 47, has been Vice Chairman—Financial, Professional & International Insurance and Field Management; Chief Legal Officer since May 2012. Prior to that, he was Vice Chairman and Chief Legal Officer since joining the Company in April 2007 and Executive Vice President—Financial, Professional and International Insurance since May 2008. Prior to that time, he was a partner at the law firm of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, where he advised corporate clients on a variety of transactions and general corporate law matters. Mr. Schnitzer joined Simpson Thacher in 1991. Doreen Spadorcia, 55, has been Vice Chairman—Claim Services, Personal Insurance, Operations and Systems, and Risk Control since May 2012. Prior to that, she was Chief Executive Officer— Personal Insurance and Executive Vice President—Claim Services, from July 2009 to May 2012. From March 2005 to July 2009, she was Executive Vice President—Claim Services. Prior to that, she was President and Chief Executive Officer of Bond operations for the Company since the Merger and, before that, for TPC since June 2002. From 1994 to May 2002, she managed the TPC Bond claim operation and served as General Counsel of that business unit. She joined TIGHI in 1986 as a claim attorney. Andy F. Bessette, 59, has been Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of the Company since the Merger, and prior to that, he held the same offices with SPC since joining SPC in January 2002. Before that, he was Vice President of Corporate Real Estate and Services for TPC. From 1980 to December 2001, Mr. Bessette held a number of management positions at TIGHI. Kenneth F. Spence, III, 57, has been Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Company since January 2005. From August 2004 to January 2005, he was Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Prior to that, Mr. Spence served in several leadership positions in the Company’s Legal Services group, and from April 1998 until the Merger, in SPC’s Legal Services Group. Mr. Spence joined SPC in April 1998, upon SPC’s merger with USF&G Corporation, where he had served as legal counsel. Maria Olivo, 48, has been Executive Vice President—Strategic Development and Corporate Treasurer since July 2010. Prior to that, she was Executive Vice President—Treasurer since June 2009. Prior to that, she was Executive Vice President—Market Development since October 2007. Since joining the company in 2002, Ms. Olivo has held a number of executive positions, including leading Corporate Development, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications. Prior to joining Travelers in 2002, Ms. Olivo was deputy head of Strategic Investments at Swiss Re Capital Partners from April 2000 to June 2002. Prior to that, she was a director in Salomon Smith Barney’s Investment Bank. 260 William E. Cunningham, Jr., 47, has been Executive Vice President—Business Insurance since March 2010. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President—Business Insurance where he was responsible for Commercial Accounts, Construction, Technology, Public Sector Services, Global Accounts, Excess Casualty and Oil & Gas since September 2007. In July 2006, he was named President and CEO of Commercial Accounts. He had been promoted to President of National Accounts in 2005 and President of Travelers Construction in April 2001. Prior to that, Mr. Cunningham served as Regional Vice President for the Northeast Region of National Accounts since July 1997, after serving as Managing Director of the Northeastern territory for National Accounts since 1996. He began his career with Travelers in 1987 as an account executive in the Commercial Accounts marketing department in Albany, New York. John P. Clifford, Jr., 57, has been Executive Vice President—Human Resources since May 2007, and before that he was Senior Vice President—Human Resources of the Company since the Merger, and from February 2002 until the Merger, he held that same office at SPC. From January 1994 through February 2002 he managed compensation and benefits for SPC and was named Vice President in 1999. He joined SPC in 1984 as a compensation analyst. Code of Ethics The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (Code of Ethics) that applies to all employees, including executive officers, and to directors. The Code of Ethics is available on the Corporate Governance page of the Company’s internet website at www.travelers.com. If the Company ever were to amend or waive any provision of its Code of Ethics that applies to the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or any person performing similar functions, the Company intends to satisfy its disclosure obligations with respect to any such waiver or amendment by posting such information on its internet website set forth above rather than by filing a Form 8-K. The following sections of the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 22, 2013 are incorporated herein by reference: ‘‘Item 1—Election of Directors—Nominees for Election of Directors,’’ ‘‘Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance’’ and ‘‘Board of Directors Information.’’ Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The following sections of the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 22, 2013 are incorporated herein by reference: ‘‘Compensation Discussion and Analysis,’’ ‘‘Compensation Committee Report,’’ ‘‘Tabular Executive Compensation Disclosure’’ and ‘‘Non-Employee Director Compensation.’’ Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS The ‘‘Share Ownership Information’’ section of the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 22, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference. 261 EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2012 regarding the Company’s equity compensation plans. The only plan pursuant to which the Company may currently make additional equity grants is The Travelers Companies, Inc. Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2004 Incentive Plan) which replaced prior share-based incentive plans (legacy plans). In connection with the adoption of the 2004 Incentive Plan, legacy share-based compensation plans were terminated. Outstanding grants were not affected by the termination of these legacy plans, including the reload method of option exercise related to prior option grants under the legacy plans. As of December 31, 2012, there were no longer any options eligible for reload. Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) Plan Category Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15,628,511 $51.42 per share 57,119,391(2) (1) In addition to the 2004 Incentive Plan, these numbers also include the St. Paul Global Stock Option Plan and certain plans for St. Paul’s employees in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Shares of deferred stock or phantom stock units that may be settled in shares of common stock are included in column (a) of the table, but are not included in column (b) for purposes of the weighted average exercise price of stock options. (2) These shares are available for grant as of December 31, 2012 under the 2004 Incentive Plan pursuant to which the Compensation Committee of the board of directors may make various stock- based awards including nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock, deferred stock units, performance awards and other stock-based or stock-denominated awards with respect to the Company’s common stock. The 2004 Incentive Plan had 35 million shares initially authorized for issuance. In addition to these 35 million shares, the following shares will become available for grant under the 2004 Incentive Plan, and, to the extent such shares became available as of December 31, 2012, they are included in the table as available for grant: (i) shares covered by outstanding awards under the 2004 Incentive Plan and legacy plans that are forfeited or otherwise terminated or settled in cash or other property rather than settled through the issuance of shares; (ii) shares that are used to pay the exercise price of stock options and shares used to pay withholding taxes on equity awards generally; and (iii) shares purchased by the Company on the open market using cash from option exercises, as limited by the 2004 Incentive Plan. The provisions of the preceding paragraph that result in shares becoming available for future grants under the 2004 Incentive Plan also apply to any awards granted under legacy share-based incentive compensation plans that were outstanding on the effective date of the 2004 Incentive Plan except for certain shares delivered to or retained in legacy plans in connection with the withholding of taxes applicable to the exercise of outstanding options that had reload features. 262 Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE The ‘‘Item 1—Election of Directors—Nominees for Election of Directors,’’ ‘‘Director Independence and Independence Determinations,’’ ‘‘Transactions with Related Persons and Certain Control Persons—Related Person Transaction Approval,’’ ‘‘Employment Relationships’’ and ‘‘Third-Party Transactions’’ sections of the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 22, 2013 are incorporated herein by reference. Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES The ‘‘Item 2—Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm—Audit and Non-Audit Fees’’ section of the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 22, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference. PART IV Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES Documents filed as a part of the report: (1) Financial Statements. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 157 hereof. (2) Financial Statement Schedules. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules on page 266 hereof. (3) Exhibits: See Exhibit Index on pages 276-280 hereof. 263 Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, The Travelers Companies, Inc. has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. SIGNATURES Date: February 19, 2013 By /s/ MATTHEW S. FURMAN THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. (Registrant) Matthew S. Furman Senior Vice President (Authorized Signatory) Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of The Travelers Companies, Inc. and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. By By /s/ JAY S. FISHMAN Jay S. Fishman /s/ JAY S. BENET Jay S. Benet Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) Date February 19, 2013 Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) February 19, 2013 By /s/ DOUGLAS K. RUSSELL Douglas K. Russell Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) By By By By By By * Alan L. Beller * John H. Dasburg * Janet M. Dolan * Kenneth M. Duberstein * Lawrence G. Graev * Patricia L. Higgins Director Director Director Director Director Director 264 February 19, 2013 February 19, 2013 February 19, 2013 February 19, 2013 February 19, 2013 February 19, 2013 February 19, 2013 By By By By By * Thomas R. Hodgson * William J. Kane * Cleve L. Killingsworth, Jr. * Donald J. Shepard * Laurie J. Thomsen Director Director Director Director Director *By /s/ MATTHEW S. FURMAN Matthew S. Furman, Attorney-in-fact Date February 19, 2013 February 19, 2013 February 19, 2013 February 19, 2013 February 19, 2013 February 19, 2013 265 INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statement of Income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 . . . . . Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2012 and 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 . . Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Schedules: Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only) . . . . . . . . . Schedule III—Supplementary Insurance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Schedule V—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Schedule VI—Supplementary Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations . . Page 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 268 273 274 275 266 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Board of Directors and Stockholders The Travelers Companies, Inc.: Under date of February 19, 2013, we reported on the consolidated balance sheet of The Travelers Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, which are included in this Form 10-K. In connection with our audits of the aforementioned consolidated financial statements, we also audited the related financial statement schedules as listed in the accompanying index. These financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statement schedules based on our audits. In our opinion, such financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. /s/ KPMG LLP KPMG LLP New York, New York February 19, 2013 267 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. (Parent Company Only) CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (in millions) CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME SCHEDULE II For the year ended December 31, 2012 2011 2010 Revenues Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net realized investment gains (losses)(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loss before income taxes and net income of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax benefit Loss before net income of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 9 — (1) 8 $ 8 (5) — 3 305 4 309 (301) (119) (182) 2,655 313 27 340 (337) (199) (138) 1,564 11 7 (60) (42) 315 14 329 (371) (90) (281) 3,497 Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,473 $1,426 $3,216 (1) The parent company had no other-than-temporary impairment gains or losses recognized in net realized investment gains (losses) or in other comprehensive income during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. The condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the condensed financial information of the registrant, as well as the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. See the accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 268 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. (Parent Company Only) CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (in millions) CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME SCHEDULE II For the year ended December 31, 2012 2011 2010 Consolidated net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,473 $1,426 $3,216 Other comprehensive income—parent company: Changes in net unrealized gains on investment securities: Having no credit losses recognized in the consolidated statement of income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Having credit losses recognized in the consolidated statement of income . . Net changes in benefit plan assets and obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net changes in unrealized foreign currency translation and other changes . . . Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes and other comprehensive income of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes before other comprehensive income of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive income of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 — (58) — (48) (17) (31) 262 231 (2) — (303) — (305) (106) (199) 949 750 1 — 33 — 34 11 23 13 36 Consolidated comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,704 $2,176 $3,252 The condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the condensed financial information of the registrant, as well as the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. See the accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 269 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. (Parent Company Only) CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (in millions) CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET SCHEDULE II At December 31, Assets Fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Short-term securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Investment in subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2012 2011 $ 38 106 1,958 28,562 26 $ 33 94 2,339 27,565 506 Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 30,690 $ 30,537 Liabilities Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5,159 136 $ 5,415 655 Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,295 6,070 Shareholders’ equity Common stock (1,750.0 shares authorized, 377.4 and 392.8 shares issued and outstanding) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accumulated other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasury stock, at cost (372.3 and 349.0 shares) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21,161 21,342 2,236 (19,344) 20,732 19,569 2,005 (17,839) Total shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,395 24,467 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 30,690 $ 30,537 The condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the condensed financial information of the registrant, as well as the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. See the accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 270 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. (Parent Company Only) CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (in millions) CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS SCHEDULE II For the year ended December 31, 2012 2011 2010 Cash flows from operating activities Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Equity in net income of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends received from consolidated subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Capital (contributed to) repaid from subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred federal income tax (benefit) expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change in income taxes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,473 $ 1,426 $ 3,216 (2,655) 1,920 — 52 (1) (16) (1,564) 2,300 (10) 43 (162) 28 (3,497) 6,676 19 (46) 63 411 Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,773 2,061 6,842 Cash flows from investing activities Net sales (purchases) of short-term securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investments, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash flows from financing activities Payment of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Issuance of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends paid to shareholders Issuance of common stock—employee share options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasury stock acquired—share repurchase authorization . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasury stock acquired—net employee share-based compensation . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381 (8) 373 1,276 (41) (1,723) 99 1,235 (1,624) (258) — (694) 295 (1,474) (53) 38 — (1,156) 1,234 — (673) (665) 314 408 (4,998) (2,919) (40) (46) 10 18 Net cash used in financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2,146) (3,298) (5,215) Net increase (decrease) in cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information Cash received during the year for taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash paid during the year for interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — 2 2 207 302 (2) 4 2 97 309 $ $ $ 3 1 4 116 324 $ $ $ $ $ $ The condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the condensed financial information of the registrant, as well as the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. See the accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 271 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. (Parent Company Only) NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT 1. OTHER REVENUES In 2010, other revenues included $60 million of expenses related to the Company’s purchase and retirement of $885 million of its $1.0 billion 6.25% fixed-to-floating rate junior subordinated debentures. 2. GUARANTEES In the ordinary course of selling business entities to third parties, The Travelers Companies, Inc. (TRV) has agreed to indemnify purchasers for losses arising out of breaches of representations and warranties with respect to the business entities being sold, covenants and obligations of TRV and/or its subsidiaries following the closing, and in certain cases obligations arising from undisclosed liabilities, adverse reserve development, imposition of additional taxes due to either a change in the tax law or an adverse interpretation of the tax law, or certain named litigation. Such indemnification provisions generally survive for periods ranging from eight years following the applicable closing date to the expiration of the relevant statutes of limitations, although, in some cases, there may be other agreed upon term limitations or no term limitations. Certain of these contingent obligations are subject to deductibles which have to be incurred by the obligee before TRV is obligated to make payments. The maximum amount of TRV’s contingent obligation for indemnifications related to the sale of business entities that are quantifiable was $95 million at December 31, 2012, of which $9 million was recognized on the balance sheet at that date. TRV also has contingent obligations for guarantees related to its subsidiary’s debt obligations and various other indemnifications. TRV also provides standard indemnifications to service providers in the normal course of business. The indemnification clauses are often standard contractual terms. Certain of these guarantees and indemnifications have no stated or notional amounts or limitation to the maximum potential future payments, and, accordingly, TRV is unable to develop an estimate of the maximum potential payments for such arrangements. TRV fully and unconditionally guarantees the payment of all principal, premiums, if any, and interest on certain debt obligations of its subsidiaries TPC and Travelers Insurance Group Holdings Inc. (TIGHI). The guarantees pertain to the $500 million 5.00% notes due 2013, the $200 million 7.75% notes due 2026 and the $500 million 6.375% notes due 2033. 272 I I I E L U D E H C S n o i t a z i t r o m A d n a s m i a l C s m u i m e r P ) 2 ( s e s n e p x E s t s o C t e N n e t t i r W r e h t O g n i t a r e p O d e r r e f e D f o n o i t i s i u q c A m i a l C t e N t n e m t s u j d A s e s n e p x E t n e m t s e v n I ) 1 ( e m o c n I d e n r a E s m u i m e r P d e n r a e n U s m u i m e r P d n a s m i a l C m i a l C t n e m t s u j d A e s n e p x E s e v r e s e R d e r r e f e D n o i t i s i u q c A s t s o C S E I R A I D I S B U S D N A . C N I , S E I N A P M O C S R E L E V A R T E H T n o i t a m r o f n I e c n a r u s n I y r a t n e m e l p p u S 2 1 0 2 - 0 1 0 2 ) s n o i l l i m n i ( t n e m g e S 2 1 0 2 1 8 9 , 2 4 9 5 , 7 — 7 4 4 , 2 2 7 6 6 0 0 9 1 0 4 7 8 5 , 3 2 7 8 , 1 1 $ 0 2 0 , 2 $ 7 4 4 , 2 2 $ 8 8 9 , 3 $ 2 0 1 , 3 5 4 7 , 7 — 7 8 1 , 2 2 8 4 6 8 0 9 2 4 4 0 0 5 , 3 0 4 3 , 1 1 $ 4 4 9 , 1 $ 7 8 1 , 2 2 $ 2 4 9 , 3 $ 1 1 2 , 3 7 6 5 , 7 — 5 3 6 , 1 2 8 0 6 7 6 8 5 1 4 9 7 3 , 3 7 5 8 , 0 1 $ 4 0 9 , 1 $ 5 3 6 , 1 2 $ 4 9 7 , 3 $ 9 8 5 7 3 4 , 1 0 1 9 , 3 — 4 8 8 , 1 $ 0 1 9 , 3 $ 3 0 6 8 5 4 , 1 6 7 8 , 3 — 5 1 8 , 1 $ 6 7 8 , 3 $ 2 1 6 1 4 4 , 1 2 0 8 , 3 — 9 4 7 , 1 $ 2 0 8 , 3 $ 7 5 8 , 7 4 1 3 , 1 5 0 5 , 5 — 6 7 6 , 4 1 $ 0 9 0 , 2 $ 1 9 6 , 1 1 $ 5 9 3 4 0 4 — 9 8 8 , 2 5 4 0 , 3 1 2 6 , 7 — 7 5 3 , 2 2 8 2 7 , 5 4 6 9 , 1 9 4 5 , 3 — 1 4 2 , 1 1 $ 8 9 5 , 9 3 $ 5 4 4 , 6 5 4 8 , 4 4 3 8 8 8 , 0 5 3 4 8 5 2 3 4 2 6 $ — 2 9 7 , 1 6 7 6 , 4 1 $ 9 8 8 , 2 $ 7 5 3 , 2 2 $ 1 4 2 , 1 1 $ 2 2 9 , 0 5 $ 2 9 7 , 1 $ 7 4 4 , 8 7 8 4 , 1 2 4 3 , 6 — 6 7 2 , 6 1 $ 1 4 0 , 2 $ 7 2 3 , 1 1 $ 4 1 4 4 2 4 — 9 7 8 , 2 4 7 1 , 3 9 8 5 , 7 — 0 9 0 , 2 2 2 8 4 , 5 3 4 0 , 2 7 7 5 , 3 — 2 0 1 , 1 1 $ 9 2 1 , 0 4 $ 7 5 8 , 6 7 6 3 , 4 9 3 3 5 3 , 1 5 6 1 8 2 3 3 8 3 6 $ — 6 8 7 , 1 6 7 2 , 6 1 $ 9 7 8 , 2 $ 0 9 0 , 2 2 $ 2 0 1 , 1 1 $ 2 9 3 , 1 5 $ 6 8 7 , 1 $ 4 0 5 , 6 0 0 7 , 1 6 0 0 , 5 — 0 1 2 , 3 1 $ 6 5 1 , 2 $ 6 6 7 , 0 1 $ 9 3 4 4 6 4 — 9 5 0 , 3 7 1 3 , 3 9 4 3 , 7 — 2 3 4 , 1 2 4 6 3 , 5 9 3 1 , 2 8 1 4 , 3 — 1 2 9 , 0 1 $ 8 1 3 , 0 4 $ 9 9 9 , 6 0 2 2 , 4 4 4 7 3 5 , 1 5 6 0 8 2 5 3 4 2 6 $ — 2 8 7 , 1 0 1 2 , 3 1 $ 9 5 0 , 3 $ 2 3 4 , 1 2 $ 1 2 9 , 0 1 $ 1 8 5 , 1 5 $ 2 8 7 , 1 $ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . e c n a r u s n I s s e n i s u B e c n a r u s n I l a n o i t a n r e t n I & l a n o i s s e f o r P , l a i c n a n F i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . e c n a r u s n I l a n o s r e P s t n e m g e S e l b a t r o p e R — l a t o T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . r e h t O d e t a d i l o s n o C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . e c n a r u s n I s s e n i s u B e c n a r u s n I l a n o i t a n r e t n I & l a n o i s s e f o r P , l a i c n a n F i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . e c n a r u s n I l a n o s r e P s t n e m g e S e l b a t r o p e R — l a t o T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . r e h t O d e t a d i l o s n o C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . e c n a r u s n I s s e n i s u B e c n a r u s n I l a n o i t a n r e t n I & l a n o i s s e f o r P , l a i c n a n F i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . e c n a r u s n I l a n o s r e P s t n e m g e S e l b a t r o p e R — l a t o T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . r e h t O d e t a d i l o s n o C 0 1 0 2 1 1 0 2 273 e h t o t s t e s s a d e t s e v n i d n a e m o c n i t n e m t s e v n i t e n e t a c o l l a o t d e s u d o h t e m e h t f o n o i s s u c s i d r o f s t n e m e t a t s l a i c n a n i f d e t a d i l o s n o c s ’ y n a p m o C e h t o t s e t o n f o 2 e t o n e e S ) 1 ( . s t n e m g e s d e i f i t n e d i e s o h t o t s e s n e p x e l l a f o n o i t a c o l l a e l b a n o s a e r a e k a m s e c i t c a r p e s e h T . s e c i t c a r p g n i t n u o c c a y r o t u t a t s d e b i r c s e r p h t i w e c n a d r o c c a n i d e n i m r e t e d e r a s n o i t a c o l l a e s n e p x E ) 2 ( . d e t a i c o s s a e r a y e h t h c i h w h t i w s e n i l t c u d o r p . m r i F g n i t n u o c c A c i l b u P d e r e t s i g e R t n e d n e p e d n I f o t r o p e R g n i y n a p m o c c a e h t e e S THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (in millions) SCHEDULE V Balance at beginning of period Charged to costs and expenses Charged to other accounts(1) Deductions(2) Balance at end of period $345 $— 2012 Reinsurance recoverables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allowance for uncollectible: Premiums receivable from underwriting activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deductibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2011 Reinsurance recoverables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allowance for uncollectible: Premiums receivable from underwriting activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deductibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2010 Reinsurance recoverables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allowance for uncollectible: Premiums receivable from underwriting activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deductibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 83 $ 40 $363 $116 $ 37 $523 $130 $ 49 $— $— $— $— $— $— $— $ 87 $258 $ 51 3 $ $ 76 $ 41 $ 18 $345 $ 56 3 $ $ 83 $ 40 $160 $363 $44 $ 4 $— $23 $ 6 $— $45 $ (8) $(1) $— $ 58 4 $ $116 $ 37 (1) Charged to claims and claim adjustment expenses in the consolidated statement of income. (2) Credited to the related asset account. See the accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 274 I V E L U D E H C S S E I R A I D I S B U S D N A . C N I , S E I N A P M O C S R E L E V A R T E H T ) 1 ( s n o i t a r e p O e c n a r u s n I y t l a u s a C - y t r e p o r P g n i n r e c n o C n o i t a m r o f n I y r a t n e m e l p p u S t e N d i a P s m i a l C d n a m i a l C n e t t i r W s m u i m e r P t n e m t s u j d A s e s n e p x E 7 4 4 , 2 2 $ 7 8 1 , 2 2 $ 5 3 6 , 1 2 $ 3 3 8 , 4 1 $ 4 0 4 , 5 1 $ 7 9 6 , 3 1 $ n o i t a z i t r o m A d e r r e f e D f o n o i t i s i u q c A s t s o C 0 1 9 , 3 $ 6 7 8 , 3 $ 2 0 8 , 3 $ ) 4 7 0 , 1 ( $ ) 2 4 8 ( $ ) 7 1 4 , 1 ( $ 9 5 5 , 5 1 $ 7 3 9 , 6 1 $ 2 5 4 , 4 1 $ 9 8 8 , 2 $ 9 7 8 , 2 $ 9 5 0 , 3 $ 7 5 3 , 2 2 $ 0 9 0 , 2 2 $ 2 3 4 , 1 2 $ 1 4 2 , 1 1 $ 2 0 1 , 1 1 $ 1 2 9 , 0 1 $ 8 8 0 , 1 $ 4 9 1 , 1 $ 8 8 1 , 1 $ 8 8 8 , 0 5 $ 3 5 3 , 1 5 $ 7 3 5 , 1 5 $ 2 9 7 , 1 $ 6 8 7 , 1 $ 2 8 7 , 1 $ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1 0 2 1 1 0 2 0 1 0 2 d n a s m i a l C m i a l C t n e m t s u j d A s e s n e p x E d e r r u c n I : o t d e t a l e R t e N m o r F t n u o c s i D r o f s e v r e s e R r o i r P r a e Y t n e r r u C t n e m t s e v n I r a e Y e m o c n I d e n r a E s m u i m e r P d e n r a e n U s m u i m e r P d i a p n U ) 3 ( s m i a l C 2 1 0 2 - 0 1 0 2 ) s n o i l l i m n i ( d n a s m i a l C t n e m t s u j d A m i a l C s e v r e s e R e s n e p x E d e r r e f e D n o i t i s i u q c A s t s o C ) 2 ( t n a r t s i g e R h t i w n o i t a i l i f f A 275 . m r i F g n i t n u o c c A c i l b u P d e r e t s i g e R t n e d n e p e d n I f o t r o p e R g n i y n a p m o c c a e h t e e S ’ ’ . g n i t n u o c s i D — s e v r e s e R e s n e p x E t n e m j t s u d A m i a l C d n a s m i a l C — s s e n i s u B — 1 m e t I ‘ ‘ e e s , d e s u s e t a r t n u o c s i d d n a d e t n u o c s i d s e v r e s e r f o s e p y t f o n o i s s u c s i d a r o F . s n o i t a r e p o e c n a r u s n i y t l a u s a c - y t r e p o r p d e t a d i l o s n o C . s s e n i s u b e c n a r u s n i h t l a e h d n a t n e d i c c a s e d u l c x E ) 1 ( ) 2 ( ) 3 ( Exhibit Number EXHIBIT INDEX Description of Exhibit 3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (the ‘‘Company’’), effective as of August 4, 2011, were filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed on August 8, 2011, and are incorporated herein by reference. 3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, effective as of February 18, 2009, were filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, and are incorporated herein by reference. 10.1 Revolving Credit Agreement, dated June 10, 2010, between the Company and a syndicate of financial institutions, was filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2010, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.2* The Travelers Companies, Inc. Policy Regarding Executive Incentive Recoupment was filed as Exhibit 10.42 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.3* Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Jay S. Fishman, dated as of December 19, 2008, was filed as Exhibit 10.27 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.4* Amended and Restated Time Sharing Agreement, effective August 3, 2010, by and between the Company and Jay S. Fishman, was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2010, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.5* Letter Agreement between Alan D. Schnitzer and the Company, dated April 15, 2007, was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.6* The Travelers Companies, Inc. Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan was filed as Exhibit 10.28 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.7†* Amendment to The Travelers Companies, Inc. Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan is filed herewith. 10.8* TPC 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended effective January 23, 2003, was filed as Exhibit 10.22 to TPC’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.9†* Amendment to the TPC 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended effective January 23, 2003, is filed herewith. 10.10* The St. Paul Companies, Inc. (‘‘SPC’’) Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Incentive Plan was filed as Exhibit 10(f) to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.11†* Amendment to The St. Paul Companies, Inc. Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Incentive Plan is filed herewith. 276 Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit 10.12* Current Director Compensation Program, effective as of May 23, 2012, was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.13* The Company’s Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors was filed as Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.14* TPC Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as amended on January 22, 2004, was filed as Exhibit 10.16 to TPC’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.15* The SPC Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan was filed as Exhibit 10(b) to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.16* The SPC Deferred Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors was filed as Exhibit 10(a) to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.17* The SPC Directors’ Charitable Award Program, as amended, was filed as Exhibit 10(d) to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.18* The Travelers Severance Plan (as amended through May 10, 2007) was filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.19* Fifth Amendment to the Travelers Severance Plan was filed as Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.20* Sixth Amendment to The Travelers Severance Plan was filed as Exhibit 10.39 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.21* Seventh Amendment to The Travelers Severance Plan was filed as Exhibit 10.41 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.22* Eighth Amendment to The Travelers Severance Plan was filed as Exhibit 10.43 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.23* The Company’s Senior Executive Performance Plan was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.24* First Amendment to the Company’s Senior Executive Performance Plan was filed as Exhibit 10.40 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.25* The Travelers Deferred Compensation Plan, as Amended and Restated, effective January 1, 2009, was filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-157091) dated February 4, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference. 277 Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit 10.26* First Amendment to The Travelers Deferred Compensation Plan was filed as Exhibit 10.37 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.27* TPC Deferred Compensation Plan was filed as Exhibit 10.23 to TPC’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.28* The Travelers Benefit Equalization Plan, as Amended and Restated effective as of January 1, 2009, was filed as Exhibit 10.36 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.29* First Amendment to The Travelers Benefit Equalization Plan was filed as Exhibit 10.38 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.30* Second Amendment to The Travelers Benefit Equalization Plan was filed as Exhibit 10.28 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.31* TPC Benefit Equalization Plan was filed as Exhibit 10.24 to TPC’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.32* The SPC Benefit Equalization Plan—2001 Revision and the first and second amendments thereto were filed as Exhibit 10.27 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, and are incorporated herein by reference. 10.33* The SPC Annual Incentive Plan was filed as an exhibit to the SPC Proxy Statement relating to the SPC 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders that was held on May 4, 1999 and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.34* The SPC Deferred Management Incentive Awards Plan was filed as Exhibit 10(a) to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.35* Form of Non-Competition Agreement was filed as Exhibit 10.43 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.36* Form of Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement for Executive Officers, amending The St. Paul Travelers Companies, Inc. Severance Plan, was filed as Exhibit 99 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on February 16, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.37* Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Notification and Agreement (For Management Committee Member Executing Non-Compete) was filed as Exhibit 10.44 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.38†* Form of Stock Option Grant Notification and Agreement is filed herewith. 10.39†* Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Notification and Agreement is filed herewith. 10.40* Form of Performance Share Award Notification and Agreement (2010) was filed as Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference. 278 Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit 10.41* Form of Performance Share Award Notification and Agreement for Jay S. Fishman (2010) was filed as Exhibit 10.33 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.42* Form of Performance Share Award Notification and Agreement (2011) was filed as Exhibit 10.27 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.43* Form of Performance Share Award Notification and Agreement for Jay S. Fishman (2011) was filed as Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.44* Form of Performance Shares Award Notification and Agreement (2012) was filed as Exhibit 10.45 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.45* Form of Performance Shares Award Notification and Agreement for Jay S. Fishman (2012) was filed as Exhibit 10.46 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference. 10.46†* Form of Performance Shares Award Notification and Agreement (2013) is filed herewith. 10.47†* Form of Performance Shares Award Notification and Agreement for Jay S. Fishman (2013) is filed herewith. 10.48†* Form of Non-Employee Director Notification and Agreement of Annual Deferred Stock Award is filed herewith. 12.1† Statement regarding the computation of the ratio of earnings to fixed charges and the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends is filed herewith. 21.1† A list of the subsidiaries of the Company is filed herewith. 23.1† Consent of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, with respect to the incorporation by reference of KPMG LLP’s audit report into Registration Statements on Forms S-8 of the Company (SEC File No. 33-56987, No. 333-50943, No. 333-63114, No. 333-63118, No. 333-65726, No. 333-107698, No. 333-107699, No. 333-114135, No. 333-117726, No. 333-120998, No. 333-128026, No. 333-157091, No. 333-157092, No. 333-164972 and No. 333-176002) and Form S-3 (SEC File No. 333-178507) is filed herewith. 24.1† Power of Attorney is filed herewith. 31.1† Certification of Jay S. Fishman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is filed herewith. 31.2† Certification of Jay S. Benet, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is filed herewith. 32.1† Certification of Jay S. Fishman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is filed herewith. 32.2† Certification of Jay S. Benet, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is filed herewith. 279 Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit 101.1† The following financial information from The Travelers Companies, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Statement of Income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010; (ii) Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010; (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2012 and 2011; (iv) Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010; (v) Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010; (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements; and (vii) Financial Statement Schedules. † Filed herewith. * Management contract or compensatory plan in which directors and/or executive officers are eligible to participate. The total amount of securities authorized pursuant to any instrument defining rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. Therefore, the Company is not filing any instruments evidencing long-term debt. However, the Company will furnish copies of any such instrument to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request. Copies of any of the exhibits referred to above will be furnished to security holders who make written request therefor to The Travelers Companies, Inc., 385 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN, 55102, Attention: Corporate Secretary. The agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to this report are not intended to provide factual information or other disclosure other than the terms of the agreements or other documents themselves, and you should not rely on them for that purpose. In particular, any representations and warranties made by the Company in these agreements or other documents were made solely within the specific context of the relevant agreement or document and may not describe the actual state of affairs at the date they were made or at any other time. 280 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES Exhibit 12.1 (for the year ended December 31, in millions, except ratios) 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Portion of rentals deemed to be interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,166 378 64 $1,352 386 63 $4,306 388 68 $4,711 382 70 $3,716 370 80 Income available for fixed charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,608 $1,801 $4,762 $5,163 $4,166 Fixed charges: Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Portion of rentals deemed to be interest . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 378 64 $ 386 63 $ 388 68 $ 382 70 $ 370 80 Total fixed charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preferred stock dividend requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 442 — 449 1 456 4 452 4 450 5 Total fixed charges and preferred stock dividend requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 442 $ 450 $ 460 $ 456 $ 455 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.17 4.01 10.44 11.43 9.26 Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividend requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.17 4.00 10.35 11.31 9.15 The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is computed by dividing income available for fixed charges by the fixed charges. For purposes of this ratio, fixed charges consist of that portion of rentals deemed representative of the appropriate interest factor. Exhibit 31.1 I, Jay S. Fishman, certify that: CERTIFICATION 1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (the Company); 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The Company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Company and have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) disclosed in this report any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The Company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) b) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: February 19, 2013 By: /s/ JAY S. FISHMAN Jay S. Fishman Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Exhibit 31.2 I, Jay S. Benet, certify that: CERTIFICATION 1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (the Company); 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The Company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Company and have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) disclosed in this report any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The Company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) b) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: February 19, 2013 By: /s/ JAY S. BENET Jay S. Benet Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer Exhibit 32.1 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Exchange Act’’) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, the undersigned officer of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (the ‘‘Company’’) hereby certifies that the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the ‘‘Report’’) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Date: February 19, 2013 By: /s/ JAY S. FISHMAN Name: Jay S. Fishman Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Exhibit 32.2 THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Exchange Act’’) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, the undersigned officer of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (the ‘‘Company’’) hereby certifies that the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the ‘‘Report’’) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Date: February 19, 2013 By: /s/ JAY S. BENET Name: Jay S. Benet Title: Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer SHAREHOLDERS’ INFORMATION Requests for additional information may be directed to: The Travelers Companies, Inc. Investor Relations, 2MS Your Dividends The Travelers Companies, Inc. has paid cash dividends without interruption for 141 years. Our most recent quarterly dividend of $0.46 per share was declared on January 22, 2013, payable March 29, 2013, to shareholders of record as of March 8, 2013. Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Program This program provides a convenient opportunity for our shareholders One Tower Square Hartford, CT 06183 Attn: Marc Parr 860.277.0779 mparr@travelers.com Annual Meeting of Shareholders The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on May 22, 2013, at The Hartford Marriott Downtown, 200 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT 06103. In April, we plan to send proxy materials, or a notice of internet availability of proxy materials, to shareholders of record as of the close of to increase their holding of Travelers common stock. An explanatory business on March 25, 2013. The notice provides instructions on where to brochure and enrollment card may be obtained by calling our stock access our Proxy Statement and Annual Report as well as how to vote your transfer agent, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. at 888.326.5102, or mailing shares electronically. The notice also includes instructions on how to request a request to the address below. a printed copy of our proxy materials. Stock Transfer Agent and Registrar For address changes, dividend checks, direct deposits of dividends, Stock Price and Dividend Rate The Travelers Companies, Inc. common stock is listed on the New York account consolidations, registration changes, lost stock certiﬁ cates Stock Exchange (NYSE) and is publicly traded under the ticker symbol “TRV”. and general stock holding questions, please contact: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Shareowner Services P.O. Box 64854 Saint Paul, MN 55164-0854 Toll Free: 888.326.5102 Outside U.S. and Canada: 651.450.4064 wellsfargo.com/shareownerservices Financial Information Available Travelers makes available, free of charge on its website, all of its ﬁ lings that are made electronically with the SEC, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. To access these ﬁ lings, go to travelers.com > For Investors > SEC Filings. The following tables set forth the quarterly high and low closing sales prices of The Travelers Companies, Inc. common stock as well as the amount of quarterly cash dividends declared per share for years 2012 and 2011. 2012 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter 2011 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter High $61.59 64.77 68.61 74.33 $60.92 64.05 59.11 59.68 Low $56.87 57.75 60.89 68.07 $53.33 56.68 47.12 46.80 Cash Dividend Declared $0.41 0.46 0.46 0.46 $0.36 0.41 0.41 0.41 Additional Information We have included the tables below to provide a reconciliation of the following items used in this Annual Report: (i) operating income less preferred dividends to net income and (ii) adjusted shareholders’ equity to shareholders’ equity, which are components of the operating return on equity and return on equity ratios for the six-year period ending December 31, 2012. (Dollars in millions, after-tax) 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 (Dollars in millions) 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 Twelve months ended December 31, As of December 31, Reconciliation of operating income less preferred dividends to net income Operating income, less preferred dividends $2,441 $1,389 $3,040 $3,597 $3,191 Preferred dividends – 1 3 3 4 Operating income 2,441 1,390 3,043 3,600 3,195 Net realized investment gains (losses) 32 36 173 22 (271) Preferred stock Reconciliation of adjusted shareholders’ equity to shareholders’ equity Adjusted shareholders’ equity $23,375 $25,458 $25,647 $22,270 $21,570 $25,783 Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of tax Net realized investment gains (losses), net of tax 3,103 2,871 1,859 1,856 (146) 620 32 – 36 – 173 68 22 79 (271) 89 101 112 Net income $2,473 $1,426 $3,216 $3,622 $2,924 Shareholders’ equity $25,405 $24,477 $25,475 $27,415 $25,319 $26,616 Return on equity is the ratio of net income (loss) less preferred dividends to average shareholders’ equity for the periods presented. Average shareholders’ equity is (a) the sum of total shareholders’ equity excluding preferred stock at the beginning and end of each of the quarters for the period presented divided by (b) the number of quarters in the period presented times two. Operating return on equity is the ratio of operating income (loss) less preferred dividends to adjusted average shareholders’ equity for the periods presented. Adjusted shareholders’ equity is shareholders’ equity excluding net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of tax, net realized investment gains (losses), net of tax, for the period presented and preferred stock. Adjusted average shareholders’ equity is average shareholders’ equity excluding net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of tax, and that period’s net realized investment gains (losses), net of tax. Calculation of operating return on equity Operating income, less preferred dividends $2,441 $1,389 $3,040 $3,597 $3,191 $4,496 Adjusted average shareholders’ equity 22,158 22,806 24,285 25,777 25,668 25,350 Operating return on equity 11.0% 6.1% 12.5% 14.0% 12.4% 17.7% © 2013 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. 56164 128452.indd 11 3/21/13 5:39 PM The Travelers Companies, Inc. 485 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10017-2630 800.328.2189 NYSE: TRV travelers.com Scan here for the 2012 Community Giving Report 128452.indd 12 3/21/13 5:39 PM

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