UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007
or
o 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 |
| 41-0518860 |
(State or other jurisdiction of |
| (I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization) |
| Identification No.) |
385 Washington Street,
St. Paul, MN 55102
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(651) 310-7911
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):
Large accelerated filer x | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer o |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No x
The number of shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, without par value, outstanding at April 25, 2007 was 663,999,243.
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
For Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(in millions, except per share data)
For the three months ended March 31, |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Premiums |
| $ | 5,295 |
| $ | 4,991 |
|
Net investment income |
| 960 |
| 875 |
| ||
Fee income |
| 120 |
| 150 |
| ||
Net realized investment gains (losses) |
| 14 |
| (6 | ) | ||
Other revenues |
| 38 |
| 40 |
| ||
Total revenues |
| 6,427 |
| 6,050 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Claims and expenses |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Claims and claim adjustment expenses |
| 3,189 |
| 3,042 |
| ||
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs |
| 869 |
| 800 |
| ||
General and administrative expenses |
| 833 |
| 794 |
| ||
Interest expense |
| 76 |
| 76 |
| ||
Total claims and expenses |
| 4,967 |
| 4,712 |
| ||
Income before income taxes |
| 1,460 |
| 1,338 |
| ||
Income tax expense |
| 374 |
| 332 |
| ||
Net income |
| $ | 1,086 |
| $ | 1,006 |
|
Net income per share |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Basic |
| $ | 1.62 |
| $ | 1.45 |
|
Diluted |
| $ | 1.56 |
| $ | 1.41 |
|
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Basic |
| 669.9 |
| 692.2 |
| ||
Diluted |
| 701.2 |
| 720.8 |
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
3
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(in millions)
|
| March 31, |
| December 31, |
| ||
|
| (Unaudited) |
|
|
| ||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Fixed maturities, available for sale at fair value (including $1,582 and $1,674 subject to securities lending) (amortized cost $62,716 and $62,244) |
| $ | 63,133 |
| $ | 62,666 |
|
Equity securities, at fair value (cost $442 and $436) |
| 481 |
| 473 |
| ||
Real estate |
| 810 |
| 793 |
| ||
Short-term securities |
| 4,886 |
| 4,938 |
| ||
Other investments |
| 3,380 |
| 3,398 |
| ||
Total investments |
| 72,690 |
| 72,268 |
| ||
Cash |
| 378 |
| 459 |
| ||
Investment income accrued |
| 795 |
| 827 |
| ||
Premiums receivable |
| 6,156 |
| 6,181 |
| ||
Reinsurance recoverables |
| 17,265 |
| 17,820 |
| ||
Ceded unearned premiums |
| 1,479 |
| 1,243 |
| ||
Deferred acquisition costs |
| 1,696 |
| 1,615 |
| ||
Deferred tax asset |
| 1,713 |
| 1,536 |
| ||
Contractholder receivables |
| 5,079 |
| 5,023 |
| ||
Goodwill |
| 3,437 |
| 3,438 |
| ||
Intangible assets |
| 920 |
| 764 |
| ||
Other assets |
| 2,513 |
| 2,587 |
| ||
Total assets |
| $ | 114,121 |
| $ | 113,761 |
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves |
| $ | 58,821 |
| $ | 59,288 |
|
Unearned premium reserves |
| 11,240 |
| 11,228 |
| ||
Contractholder payables |
| 5,079 |
| 5,023 |
| ||
Payables for reinsurance premiums |
| 915 |
| 685 |
| ||
Debt |
| 6,123 |
| 5,760 |
| ||
Other liabilities |
| 6,586 |
| 6,642 |
| ||
Total liabilities |
| 88,764 |
| 88,626 |
| ||
Shareholders’ equity |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Preferred Stock Savings Plan–convertible preferred stock (0.4 shares issued and outstanding at both dates) |
| 124 |
| 129 |
| ||
Common stock (1,750.0 shares authorized; 665.3 and 678.3 shares issued and outstanding) |
| 18,634 |
| 18,530 |
| ||
Retained earnings |
| 8,167 |
| 7,253 |
| ||
Accumulated other changes in equity from nonowner sources |
| 417 |
| 452 |
| ||
Treasury stock, at cost (39.7 and 25.2 shares) |
| (1,985 | ) | (1,229 | ) | ||
Total shareholders’ equity |
| 25,357 |
| 25,135 |
| ||
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity |
| $ | 114,121 |
| $ | 113,761 |
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
4
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)
(in millions)
For the three months ended March 31, |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
Convertible preferred stock–savings plan |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Balance, beginning of year |
| $ | 129 |
| $ | 153 |
|
Redemptions during period |
| (5 | ) | (7 | ) | ||
Total preferred shareholders’ equity |
| 124 |
| 146 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Common stock |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Balance, beginning of year |
| 18,530 |
| 18,096 |
| ||
Net shares issued under employee share-based compensation plans |
| 58 |
| 42 |
| ||
Compensation amortization under share-based plans and other |
| 46 |
| 54 |
| ||
Balance, end of period |
| 18,634 |
| 18,192 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Retained earnings |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Balance, beginning of year |
| 7,253 |
| 3,750 |
| ||
Net income |
| 1,086 |
| 1,006 |
| ||
Dividends |
| (175 | ) | (161 | ) | ||
Minority interest and other |
| 3 |
| (1 | ) | ||
Balance, end of period |
| 8,167 |
| 4,594 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accumulated other changes in equity from nonowner sources, net of tax |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Balance, beginning of year |
| 452 |
| 351 |
| ||
Change in net unrealized gain on investment securities |
| (13 | ) | (388 | ) | ||
Net change in unrealized foreign currency translation and other changes |
| (22 | ) | 12 |
| ||
Balance, end of period |
| 417 |
| (25 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Treasury stock (at cost) |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Balance, beginning of year |
| (1,229 | ) | (47 | ) | ||
Shares acquired – share repurchase program |
| (725 | ) | — |
| ||
Net shares reacquired related to employee share-based compensation plans |
| (31 | ) | (23 | ) | ||
Balance, end of period |
| (1,985 | ) | (70 | ) | ||
Total common shareholders’ equity |
| 25,233 |
| 22,691 |
| ||
Total shareholders’ equity |
| $ | 25,357 |
| $ | 22,837 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Common shares outstanding |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Balance, beginning of year |
| 678.3 |
| 693.4 |
| ||
Shares acquired – share repurchase program |
| (13.9 | ) | — |
| ||
Net shares issued under employee share-based compensation plans |
| 0.9 |
| 2.8 |
| ||
Balance, end of period |
| 665.3 |
| 696.2 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Summary of changes in equity from nonowner sources |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net income |
| $ | 1,086 |
| $ | 1,006 |
|
Other changes in equity from nonowner sources, net of tax |
| (35 | ) | (376 | ) | ||
Total changes in equity from nonowner sources |
| $ | 1,051 |
| $ | 630 |
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
5
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(in millions)
For the three months ended March 31, |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
Cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net income |
| $ | 1,086 |
| $ | 1,006 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net realized investment (gains) losses |
| (14 | ) | 6 |
| ||
Depreciation and amortization |
| 205 |
| 197 |
| ||
Deferred federal income tax expense (benefit) |
| (188 | ) | 159 |
| ||
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs |
| 869 |
| 800 |
| ||
Premiums receivable |
| 17 |
| 110 |
| ||
Reinsurance recoverables |
| 548 |
| 636 |
| ||
Deferred acquisition costs |
| (967 | ) | (836 | ) | ||
Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves |
| (350 | ) | (1,137 | ) | ||
Unearned premium reserves |
| 60 |
| 103 |
| ||
Trading account activities |
| (1 | ) | 4 |
| ||
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements |
| (9 | ) | (5 | ) | ||
Other |
| (389 | ) | (481 | ) | ||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
| 867 |
| 562 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Proceeds from maturities of fixed maturities |
| 1,637 |
| 1,571 |
| ||
Proceeds from sales of investments: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Fixed maturities |
| 729 |
| 1,320 |
| ||
Equity securities |
| 25 |
| 94 |
| ||
Purchases of investments: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Fixed maturities |
| (3,006 | ) | (3,983 | ) | ||
Equity securities |
| (29 | ) | (47 | ) | ||
Real estate |
| (26 | ) | (8 | ) | ||
Net sales (purchases) of short-term securities |
| (103 | ) | 67 |
| ||
Net sales of other investments |
| 186 |
| 154 |
| ||
Securities transactions in course of settlement |
| 305 |
| 490 |
| ||
Other |
| (203 | ) | (38 | ) | ||
Net cash used in investing activities |
| (485 | ) | (380 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Payment of debt |
| (611 | ) | (4 | ) | ||
Issuance of debt |
| 986 |
| — |
| ||
Dividends to shareholders |
| (175 | ) | (161 | ) | ||
Issuance of common stock – employee share options |
| 54 |
| 32 |
| ||
Treasury shares acquired – share repurchase program |
| (698 | ) | — |
| ||
Treasury shares acquired – net employee share-based compensation |
| (26 | ) | (16 | ) | ||
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements |
| 9 |
| 5 |
| ||
Other |
| (1 | ) | (2 | ) | ||
Net cash used in financing activities |
| (462 | ) | (146 | ) | ||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |
| (1 | ) | — |
| ||
Net increase (decrease) in cash |
| (81 | ) | 36 |
| ||
Cash at beginning of period |
| 459 |
| 337 |
| ||
Cash at end of period |
| $ | 378 |
| $ | 373 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Income taxes paid (received) |
| 88 |
| (5 | ) | ||
Interest paid |
| 75 |
| 85 |
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
6
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the Company). These financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and are unaudited. In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been reflected. Certain financial information that is normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, but that is not required for interim reporting purposes, has been omitted. Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2006 financial statements to conform to the 2007 presentation. The accompanying interim consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.
Effective February 26, 2007, The St. Paul Travelers Companies, Inc. amended its articles of incorporation to change its name to The Travelers Companies, Inc. and, effective the same day, amended its bylaws to reflect the name change.
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48). FIN 48 is intended to clarify the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements and prescribes the recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
Under FIN 48, evaluation of a tax position is a two-step process. The first step is to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of any related appeals or litigation based on the technical merits of that position. The second step is to measure a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not threshold to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the financial statements. A tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
Tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be recognized in the first subsequent period in which the threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not criteria should be de-recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which the threshold is no longer met.
The adoption of FIN 48 at January 1, 2007 did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position.
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1, 2007 was $339 million. Included in that balance were $101 million of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the annual effective tax rate and $175 million 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 balance of unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2007 was comprised of $63 million of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce goodwill.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income taxes. The Company had approximately $35 million for the payment of interest and penalties accrued at January 1, 2007.
As of January 1, 2007, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is conducting an examination of the Company’s U.S. income tax returns for the years 2002 through 2004. During the first quarter 2007, the Company effectively settled the pre-merger Travelers Property Casualty, Corp. IRS examinations for the 2002 and 2003 years, resulting in an after-tax benefit of $28 million.
7
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES, Continued
The Company anticipates that the current IRS examination will be effectively settled within the next twelve months. An estimate of the range of the reasonably possible change to the unrecognized tax benefits that may occur as a result of the anticipated settlement cannot be made.
Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments
In February 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments - an amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140 (FAS 155). FAS 155 nullifies the guidance in the FASB’s Derivatives Implementation Group Issue D1 “Application of Statement 133 to Beneficial Interests in Securitized Assets”, which had deferred the bifurcation requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (FAS 133), for certain beneficial interests in securitized financial assets. FAS 155 requires that beneficial interests in securitized financial assets be analyzed to determine whether they are freestanding derivatives or hybrid instruments that contain an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation.
FAS 155 permits entities to fair value any hybrid financial instrument that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation. This election is on a contract-by-contract basis and is irrevocable. Additionally, FAS 155 narrows the exception afforded to interest-only strips and principal-only strips from derivative accounting. In addition, FAS 155 clarifies that concentrations of credit risk in the form of subordination are not embedded derivatives and amends Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities - a replacement of FASB Statement 125, to eliminate the restriction on the passive derivative instruments a Qualifying Special Purpose Entity can hold.
FAS 155 is effective for all financial instruments acquired, issued or subject to a remeasurement (new basis) event occurring after the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. At adoption, for contracts where the fair value option has been elected, any difference between the total carrying amount of the individual components of the existing bifurcated hybrid financial instrument and the fair value of the combined hybrid financial instrument should be recognized as a cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings.
In January 2007, the FASB released Statement 133 Implementation Issue No. B40, Embedded Derivatives: Application of Paragraph 13(b) to Securitized Interests in Prepayable Financial Assets (B40). B40 provides a limited scope exception from paragraph 13(b) of FAS 133 for securitized interests that contain only an embedded derivative that is tied to the prepayment risk of the underlying prepayable financial assets and if both of the following criteria are met: (a) the investor does not control the right to accelerate the settlement, and (b) the securitized interest does not contain an embedded derivative for which bifurcation would be required other than an embedded derivative that results from embedded call options in the underlying financial assets. B40 is effective upon the adoption of FAS 155, except for criterion (b) which is not applicable to securitized interests issued before June 30, 2007, and that only include embedded derivatives that have an extremely remote possibility of having greater than a trivial fair value during the life of the securitized interest.
The Company adopted FAS 155 effective January 1, 2007 and it did not elect the fair value option. There was no cumulative effect upon adoption of FAS 155.
Accounting by Insurance Enterprises for Deferred Acquisition Costs in Connection with Modifications or Exchanges of Insurance Contracts
In September 2005, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee (AcSEC) issued Statement of Position 05-1, Accounting by Insurance Enterprises for Deferred Acquisition Costs in Connection with Modifications or Exchanges of Insurance Contracts (SOP 05-1). SOP 05-1 provides guidance on accounting by insurance enterprises for deferred acquisition costs on internal replacements of insurance and investment contracts other than those specifically described in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 97, Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments. SOP 05-1 defines an internal replacement as a modification in
8
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES, Continued
product benefits, features, rights, or coverages that occurs by the exchange of a contract for a new contract, or by amendment, endorsement, or rider to a contract, or by the election of a feature or coverage within a contract. The adoption of SOP 05-1 effective January 1, 2007 did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements
In September 2006, FASB issued Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 06-4, Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements (EITF 06-4). EITF 06-4 requires a company to recognize a liability and related compensation expense for endorsement split-dollar life insurance policies that provide a benefit to an employee that extends to postretirement periods. EITF 06-4 is effective January 1, 2008, with earlier adoption permitted. The early adoption of EITF 06-4 on January 1, 2007 did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
Accounting for Corporate-Owned Life Insurance
In September 2006, the FASB issued Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 06-5, Accounting for Purchase of Life Insurance – Determining the Amount That Could Be Realized in Accordance with FASB Technical Bulletin No 85-4 (EITF 06-5). EITF 06-5 provides additional guidance on determining the amount that can be realized under a corporate-owned life insurance contract (that is, converted to cash) based upon how the contract is assumed to be hypothetically settled. EITF 06-5 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The adoption of EITF 06-5 did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
Fair Value Measurements
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (FAS 157). FAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. It applies to other pronouncements that require or permit fair value but does not require any new fair value measurements. The statement defines fair value as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.”
FAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and disclosures. The hierarchy is based on the inputs used in valuation and gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets. The highest possible level should be used to measure fair value.
FAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company does not expect the provisions of FAS 157 to have a material effect on its results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (FAS 159). FAS 159 permits an entity to irrevocably elect fair value on a contract-by-contract basis as the initial and subsequent measurement attribute for many financial assets and liabilities and certain other items including property and casualty insurance contracts. Entities electing the fair value option would be required to recognize changes in fair value in earnings and to expense upfront costs and fees associated with the item for which the fair value option is elected. Entities electing the fair value option are required to distinguish on the face of the statement of financial position, the fair value of assets and liabilities for which the fair value option has been elected and similar assets and liabilities measured using another measurement attribute. An entity can accomplish this by either reporting the fair value and non-fair-value carrying amounts as separate line items or aggregate those amounts and disclose parenthetically the amount of fair value included in the aggregate amount.
9
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES, Continued
FAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Upon adoption, an entity is permitted to elect the fair value option irrevocably for any existing asset or liability within the scope of the standard. The adjustment to reflect the difference between the fair value and the carrying amount would be accounted for as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the date of initial adoption. Retrospective application would not be permitted. The Company does not intend to elect the fair value option for assets and liabilities currently held, and therefore FAS 159 will not have an impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements
In March 2007, the FASB issued Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 06-10, Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements (EITF 06-10). EITF 06-10 provides guidance on the recognition and measurement of assets related to collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangements. EITF 06-10 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. The Company does not expect the provisions of EITF 06-10 to have a material effect on its results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
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 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. The 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: Select Accounts, Commercial Accounts, National Accounts, Industry-Focused Underwriting, Target Risk Underwriting and Specialized Distribution.
Business Insurance also includes the Special Liability Group (which manages the Company’s asbestos and environmental liabilities); the assumed reinsurance, health care, and certain international and other runoff operations; and policies written by the Company’s Gulf operation (Gulf), which was placed into runoff during the second quarter of 2004. These are collectively referred to as Business Insurance Other.
Financial, Professional & International Insurance
The Financial, Professional & International Insurance segment includes surety and financial liability coverages, which require a primarily credit-based underwriting process, as well as property and casualty products that are primarily marketed on an international basis. The segment includes the Bond & Financial Products group, as well as the International and Lloyd’s group.
In March 2007, the Company completed the sale of its Mexican surety subsidiary, Afianzadora Insurgentes, S.A. de C.V., which accounted for $79 million of net written premiums for the year ended December 31, 2006. The impact of this transaction was not material to the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
Personal Insurance
The Personal Insurance segment writes virtually all types of property and casualty insurance covering personal risks. The primary coverages in Personal Insurance are automobile and homeowners insurance sold to individuals.
In April 2007, the Company completed the sale of its subsidiary, Mendota Insurance Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Mendakota Insurance Company and Mendota Insurance Agency, Inc. These subsidiaries primarily offered nonstandard automobile coverage and accounted for approximately $187 million of net written premium volume for the year ended December 31, 2006. The sale was not material to the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
10
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
2. SEGMENT INFORMATION
(for the three months |
| Business |
| Financial, |
| Personal |
| Total |
| ||||
2007 Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Premiums |
| $ | 2,763 |
| $ | 844 |
| $ | 1,688 |
| $ | 5,295 |
|
Net investment income |
| 694 |
| 121 |
| 145 |
| 960 |
| ||||
Fee income |
| 120 |
| — |
| — |
| 120 |
| ||||
Other revenues |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 24 |
| 33 |
| ||||
Total operating revenues (1) |
| $ | 3,581 |
| $ | 970 |
| $ | 1,857 |
| $ | 6,408 |
|
Operating income (1) |
| $ | 678 |
| $ | 156 |
| $ | 266 |
| $ | 1,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
2006 Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Premiums |
| $ | 2,643 |
| $ | 788 |
| $ | 1,560 |
| $ | 4,991 |
|
Net investment income |
| 636 |
| 103 |
| 134 |
| 873 |
| ||||
Fee income |
| 150 |
| — |
| — |
| 150 |
| ||||
Other revenues |
| 7 |
| 5 |
| 24 |
| 36 |
| ||||
Total operating revenues (1) |
| $ | 3,436 |
| $ | 896 |
| $ | 1,718 |
| $ | 6,050 |
|
Operating income (1) |
| $ | 651 |
| $ | 141 |
| $ | 240 |
| $ | 1,032 |
|
(1) Operating revenues exclude net realized investment gains (losses). Operating income equals net income excluding the after-tax impact of net realized investment gains (losses).
11
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
2. SEGMENT INFORMATION, Continued
Business Segment Reconciliations
| Three Months Ended |
| |||||
(in millions) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
Revenue reconciliation |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Earned premiums: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Business Insurance: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Commercial multi-peril |
| $ | 760 |
| $ | 742 |
|
Workers’ compensation |
| 533 |
| 502 |
| ||
Commercial automobile |
| 507 |
| 478 |
| ||
Property |
| 481 |
| 451 |
| ||
General liability |
| 455 |
| 468 |
| ||
Other |
| 27 |
| 2 |
| ||
Total Business Insurance |
| 2,763 |
| 2,643 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Financial, Professional & International Insurance: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Fidelity and surety |
| 270 |
| 260 |
| ||
General liability |
| 242 |
| 247 |
| ||
International |
| 300 |
| 251 |
| ||
Other |
| 32 |
| 30 |
| ||
Total Financial, Professional & International Insurance |
| 844 |
| 788 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Personal Insurance: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Automobile |
| 939 |
| 872 |
| ||
Homeowners and other |
| 749 |
| 688 |
| ||
Total Personal Insurance |
| 1,688 |
| 1,560 |
| ||
Total earned premiums |
| 5,295 |
| 4,991 |
| ||
Net investment income |
| 960 |
| 873 |
| ||
Fee income |
| 120 |
| 150 |
| ||
Other revenues |
| 33 |
| 36 |
| ||
Total operating revenues for reportable segments |
| 6,408 |
| 6,050 |
| ||
Interest Expense and Other |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| ||
Net realized investment gains (losses) |
| 14 |
| (6 | ) | ||
Total consolidated revenues |
| $ | 6,427 |
| $ | 6,050 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Income reconciliation, net of tax |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total operating income for reportable segments |
| $ | 1,100 |
| $ | 1,032 |
|
Interest Expense and Other |
| (22 | ) | (21 | ) | ||
Total operating income |
| 1,078 |
| 1,011 |
| ||
Net realized investment gains (losses) |
| 8 |
| (5 | ) | ||
Total consolidated net income |
| $ | 1,086 |
| $ | 1,006 |
|
12
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
2. SEGMENT INFORMATION, Continued
(in millions) |
| March 31, |
| December 31, |
| ||
Asset reconciliation: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Business Insurance |
| $ | 86,899 |
| $ | 86,640 |
|
Financial, Professional & International Insurance |
| 13,255 |
| 13,265 |
| ||
Personal Insurance |
| 13,352 |
| 13,294 |
| ||
Total assets for reportable segments |
| 113,506 |
| 113,199 |
| ||
Other assets (1) |
| 615 |
| 562 |
| ||
Total consolidated assets |
| $ | 114,121 |
| $ | 113,761 |
|
(1) The primary components of other assets in 2007 were intangible assets and accrued over-funded benefit plan assets. The primary components of other assets in 2006 were accrued over-funded benefit plan assets and deferred taxes.
3. INVESTMENTS
Fixed Maturities
The amortized cost and fair value of investments in fixed maturities classified as available-for-sale were as follows:
|
| Amortized |
| Gross Unrealized |
| Fair |
| ||||||
(at March 31, 2007, in millions) |
| Cost |
| Gains |
| Losses |
| Value |
| ||||
Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through securities |
| $ | 7,521 |
| $ | 62 |
| $ | 106 |
| $ | 7,477 |
|
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government and government agencies and authorities |
| 2,336 |
| 16 |
| 24 |
| 2,328 |
| ||||
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions |
| 36,459 |
| 589 |
| 92 |
| 36,956 |
| ||||
Debt securities issued by foreign governments |
| 1,410 |
| 5 |
| 9 |
| 1,406 |
| ||||
All other corporate bonds |
| 14,887 |
| 173 |
| 211 |
| 14,849 |
| ||||
Redeemable preferred stock |
| 103 |
| 17 |
| 3 |
| 117 |
| ||||
Total |
| $ | 62,716 |
| $ | 862 |
| $ | 445 |
| $ | 63,133 |
|
|
| Amortized |
| Gross Unrealized |
| Fair |
| ||||||
(at December 31, 2006, in millions) |
| Cost |
| Gains |
| Losses |
| Value |
| ||||
Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through securities |
| $ | 7,665 |
| $ | 52 |
| $ | 128 |
| $ | 7,589 |
|
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government and government agencies and authorities |
| 2,736 |
| 13 |
| 31 |
| 2,718 |
| ||||
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions |
| 35,326 |
| 661 |
| 80 |
| 35,907 |
| ||||
Debt securities issued by foreign governments |
| 1,550 |
| 12 |
| 10 |
| 1,552 |
| ||||
All other corporate bonds |
| 14,866 |
| 165 |
| 247 |
| 14,784 |
| ||||
Redeemable preferred stock |
| 101 |
| 16 |
| 1 |
| 116 |
| ||||
Total |
| $ | 62,244 |
| $ | 919 |
| $ | 497 |
| $ | 62,666 |
|
Equity Securities
The cost and fair value of investments in equity securities were as follows:
|
|
|
| Gross Unrealized |
| Fair |
| ||||||
(at March 31, 2007, in millions) |
| Cost |
| Gains |
| Losses |
| Value |
| ||||
Common stock |
| $ | 106 |
| $ | 29 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 135 |
|
Non-redeemable preferred stock |
| 336 |
| 16 |
| 6 |
| 346 |
| ||||
Total |
| $ | 442 |
| $ | 45 |
| $ | 6 |
| $ | 481 |
|
13
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
3. INVESTMENTS, Continued
|
|
|
| Gross Unrealized |
| Fair |
| ||||||
(at December 31, 2006, in millions) |
| Cost |
| Gains |
| Losses |
| Value |
| ||||
Common stock |
| $ | 88 |
| $ | 27 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 115 |
|
Non-redeemable preferred stock |
| 348 |
| 15 |
| 5 |
| 358 |
| ||||
Total |
| $ | 436 |
| $ | 42 |
| $ | 5 |
| $ | 473 |
|
Other Investments
Venture Capital
The cost and fair value of investments in venture capital were as follows:
|
|
|
| Gross Unrealized |
| Fair |
| ||||||
(at March 31, 2007, in millions) |
| Cost |
| Gains |
| Losses |
| Value |
| ||||
Venture capital |
| $ | 372 |
| $ | 103 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 475 |
|
|
|
|
| Gross Unrealized |
| Fair |
| ||||||
(at December 31, 2006, in millions) |
| Cost |
| Gains |
| Losses |
| Value |
| ||||
Venture capital |
| $ | 392 |
| $ | 109 |
| $ | 1 |
| $ | 500 |
|
Variable Interest Entities (VIEs)
The following entities are consolidated:
· Municipal Trusts—The Company owns interests in various municipal trusts that were formed for the purpose of allowing more flexibility to generate investment income in a manner consistent with the Company’s investment objectives and tax position. As of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, there were 34 and 35 such trusts, respectively, which held a combined total of $379 million and $391 million, respectively, in municipal securities, of which $65 million and $76 million, respectively, were owned by outside investors. The net carrying value of the trusts owned by the Company at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 was $314 million and $315 million, respectively.
The Company has significant interests in the following VIEs, which are not consolidated because the Company is not considered to be the primary beneficiary:
· The Company has a significant variable interest in two real estate entities. These investments have total assets of approximately $286 million and $305 million as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. The carrying value of the Company’s share of these investments was approximately $20 million at March 31, 2007 and $33 million at December 31, 2006. The Company has an unfunded commitment of $12 million associated with one of these funds. The Company’s exposure to loss is limited to the investment carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheet and the unfunded commitment amount. The purpose of the Company’s involvement in these entities is to generate investment returns.
14
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
3. INVESTMENTS, Continued
· The Company has a significant variable interest in Camperdown UK Limited, which The St. Paul Companies, Inc. (SPC) sold in December 2003. The Company’s variable interest resulted from an agreement to indemnify the purchaser in the event a specified reserve deficiency develops, a reserve-related foreign exchange impact occurs, or a foreign tax adjustment is imposed on a pre-sale reporting period. The maximum amount of this indemnification obligation is $184 million. The fair value of this obligation as of both March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 was $65 million. See “Guarantees” section of note 11.
The Company has other significant interests in variable interest entities that are not material.
The following securities are not consolidated:
· Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of trusts holding solely the subordinated debentures of the Company - These securities were issued by three separate trusts that were established for the sole purpose of issuing the securities to investors and are fully guaranteed by the Company. The Company held beneficial interests in the trusts of $10 million and $13 million at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. The debt that the Company issued to these trusts is included in the “Debt” section of liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. That debt had a carrying value of $311 million at March 31, 2007 and $399 million at December 31, 2006. During the first quarter of 2007, the Company redeemed the $81 million, 8.47% subordinated debentures issued to USF&G Capital II, which in turn redeemed its preferred securities.
Unrealized Investment Losses
The following tables summarize, for all investment securities in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized losses by length of time those investments have been continuously in an unrealized loss position.
|
| Less than 12 months |
| 12 months or |
| Total |
| ||||||||||||
(at March 31, 2007, in millions) |
| Fair |
| Gross |
| Fair |
| Gross |
| Fair |
| Gross |
| ||||||
Fixed maturities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through securities |
| $ | 712 |
| $ | 4 |
| $ | 4,221 |
| $ | 102 |
| $ | 4,933 |
| $ | 106 |
|
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government and government agencies and authorities |
| 188 |
| — |
| 1,091 |
| 24 |
| 1,279 |
| 24 |
| ||||||
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions |
| 6,844 |
| 32 |
| 4,069 |
| 60 |
| 10,913 |
| 92 |
| ||||||
Debt securities issued by foreign governments |
| 713 |
| 5 |
| 503 |
| 4 |
| 1,216 |
| 9 |
| ||||||
All other corporate bonds |
| 2,855 |
| 25 |
| 6,740 |
| 186 |
| 9,595 |
| 211 |
| ||||||
Redeemable preferred stock |
| 27 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| — |
| 31 |
| 3 |
| ||||||
Total fixed maturities |
| 11,339 |
| 69 |
| 16,628 |
| 376 |
| 27,967 |
| 445 |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Equity securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Common stock |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| ||||||
Nonredeemable preferred stock |
| 54 |
| 2 |
| 77 |
| 4 |
| 131 |
| 6 |
| ||||||
Total equity securities |
| 54 |
| 2 |
| 77 |
| 4 |
| 131 |
| 6 |
| ||||||
Venture capital |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| ||||||
Total |
| $ | 11,393 |
| $ | 71 |
| $ | 16,705 |
| $ | 380 |
| $ | 28,098 |
| $ | 451 |
|
15
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
3. INVESTMENTS, Continued
|
| Less than 12 months |
| 12 months or |
| Total |
| ||||||||||||
(at December 31, 2006, in millions) |
| Fair |
| Gross |
| Fair |
| Gross |
| Fair |
| Gross |
| ||||||
Fixed maturities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through securities |
| $ | 1,245 |
| $ | 11 |
| $ | 4,125 |
| $ | 117 |
| $ | 5,370 |
| $ | 128 |
|
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government and government agencies and authorities |
| 1,014 |
| 2 |
| 964 |
| 29 |
| 1,978 |
| 31 |
| ||||||
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions |
| 4,468 |
| 16 |
| 4,077 |
| 64 |
| 8,545 |
| 80 |
| ||||||
Debt securities issued by foreign governments |
| 861 |
| 6 |
| 406 |
| 4 |
| 1,267 |
| 10 |
| ||||||
All other corporate bonds |
| 3,690 |
| 36 |
| 6,325 |
| 211 |
| 10,015 |
| 247 |
| ||||||
Redeemable preferred stock |
| 1 |
| — |
| 5 |
| 1 |
| 6 |
| 1 |
| ||||||
Total fixed maturities |
| 11,279 |
| 71 |
| 15,902 |
| 426 |
| 27,181 |
| 497 |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Equity securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Common stock |
| 3 |
| — |
| 1 |
| — |
| 4 |
| — |
| ||||||
Nonredeemable preferred stock |
| 50 |
| 1 |
| 53 |
| 4 |
| 103 |
| 5 |
| ||||||
Total equity securities |
| 53 |
| 1 |
| 54 |
| 4 |
| 107 |
| 5 |
| ||||||
Venture capital |
| — |
| — |
| 14 |
| 1 |
| 14 |
| 1 |
| ||||||
Total |
| $ | 11,332 |
| $ | 72 |
| $ | 15,970 |
| $ | 431 |
| $ | 27,302 |
| $ | 503 |
|
Impairment charges included in net realized investment gains were as follows:
| Three Months Ended |
| |||||
|
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Fixed maturities |
| $ | 1 |
| $ | — |
|
Equity securities |
| 1 |
| 1 |
| ||
Venture capital |
| 7 |
| 5 |
| ||
Other investments (excluding venture capital) |
| — |
| 4 |
| ||
Total |
| $ | 9 |
| $ | 10 |
|
4. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill
The following table presents the carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill by segment at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006:
(in millions) |
| March 31, |
| December 31, |
| ||
Business Insurance |
| $ | 2,168 |
| $ | 2,168 |
|
Financial, Professional & International Insurance |
| 550 |
| 551 |
| ||
Personal Insurance |
| 613 |
| 613 |
| ||
Other |
| 106 |
| 106 |
| ||
Total |
| $ | 3,437 |
| $ | 3,438 |
|
16
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
4. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, Continued
Other Intangible Assets
The following presents a summary of the Company’s intangible assets by major asset class as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006:
(At March 31, 2007, in millions) |
| Gross |
| Accumulated |
| Net |
| |||
Intangibles subject to amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Customer-related |
| $ | 1,036 |
| $ | 569 |
| $ | 467 |
|
Fair value adjustment on claims and claim adjustment expense reserves and reinsurance recoverables (1) |
| 191 |
| (47 | ) | 238 |
| |||
Total intangible assets subject to amortization |
| 1,227 |
| 522 |
| 705 |
| |||
Intangible assets not subject to amortization (2) |
| 215 |
| — |
| 215 |
| |||
Total intangible assets |
| $ | 1,442 |
| $ | 522 |
| $ | 920 |
|
(At December 31 2006, in millions) |
| Gross |
| Accumulated |
| Net |
| |||
Intangibles subject to amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Customer-related |
| $ | 1,036 |
| $ | 537 |
| $ | 499 |
|
Fair value adjustment on claims and claim adjustment expense reserves and reinsurance recoverables (1) |
| 191 |
| (54 | ) | 245 |
| |||
Total intangible assets subject to amortization |
| 1,227 |
| 483 |
| 744 |
| |||
Intangible assets not subject to amortization |
| 20 |
| — |
| 20 |
| |||
Total intangible assets |
| $ | 1,247 |
| $ | 483 |
| $ | 764 |
|
(1) |
| The time value of money and the risk margin (cost of capital) components of the intangible asset run off at different rates, and as such, the amount recognized in income may be a net benefit in some periods and a net expense in other periods. |
|
|
|
(2) |
| During the first quarter of 2007, the Company acquired certain trademarks, service marks and logos. |
17
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
4. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, Continued
The following presents a summary of the Company’s amortization expense for intangible assets by major asset class:
(for the three months ended March 31, in millions) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
Customer-related |
| $ | 33 |
| $ | 36 |
|
Marketing-related |
| — |
| 3 |
| ||
Fair value adjustment on claims and claim adjustment expense reserves and reinsurance recoverables |
| 6 |
| 3 |
| ||
Total amortization expense |
| $ | 39 |
| $ | 42 |
|
Intangible asset amortization expense is estimated to be $107 million for the remainder of 2007, $126 million in 2008, $100 million in 2009, $86 million in 2010 and $69 million in 2011.
5. DEBT
In March 2007, the Company issued $1 billion aggregate principal amount of 6.25% fixed-to-floating rate junior subordinated debentures due March 15, 2067 for net proceeds of $986 million (after original issue discount and expenses). The debentures were issued at a discount, resulting in an effective interest rate of 6.447%. The debentures bear interest at an annual rate of 6.25% from the date of issuance to March 15, 2017, payable semi-annually 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 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 carry a 60-year final maturity and a scheduled maturity date in year thirty. During the 180-day period ending ten days prior to the scheduled maturity date, the Company is required to use commercially reasonable efforts to sell enough qualifying capital securities, or at its option, common stock, qualifying warrants, mandatorily convertible preferred stock, debt exchangeable for common equity or debt exchangeable for preferred equity to permit repayment of the debentures at the scheduled maturity date. If any debentures remain outstanding after the scheduled maturity date, the unpaid amount will remain outstanding until the Company has raised sufficient proceeds from the sale of qualifying capital securities, or at its option, common stock, qualifying warrants, mandatorily convertible preferred stock, debt exchangeable for common equity or debt exchangeable for preferred equity 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 can redeem the debentures at its option, in whole or in part, at any time 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, in whole only, prior to March 15, 2017 in the event of certain tax or rating agency events relating to the debentures, at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount being redeemed plus a make-whole premium.
In connection with the offering of the debentures, the Company entered into a “replacement capital covenant” for the benefit of holders of one or more designated series of the Company’s indebtedness (which will initially be the 6.750% Senior Notes due 2036). Under the terms of the replacement capital covenant, if the Company redeems the debentures at any time prior to March 15, 2047, it can only do so with the proceeds of securities that are treated by the rating agencies as having similar equity content to the debentures.
18
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
5. DEBT, Continued
On January 18, 2007, the Company redeemed $81 million of 8.47% subordinated debentures originally issued in 1997 and due January 10, 2027. The debentures were redeemable by the Company on or after January 10, 2007. In January 1997, USF&G Capital II, a business trust, issued $100 million of capital securities, the proceeds of which, along with $3 million in capital provided by the Company, were used to purchase the subordinated debentures issued by USF&G Corporation and subsequently assumed by the Company after the merger of SPC and TPC. During the period prior to redemption, the Company had repurchased and retired $22 million of the debentures in open market transactions. Upon the Company’s redemption of the remaining $81 million of subordinated debentures in January 2007, USF&G Capital II in turn used the proceeds to redeem its remaining capital securities outstanding. USF&G Capital II was then liquidated, and the Company received a $3 million distribution of capital. The Company recorded a $3 million pretax gain on the redemption of the subordinated debentures, representing the remaining unamortized fair value adjustment recorded at the merger date, less the redemption premium paid.
On March 15, 2007, the Company’s $500 million, 5.75% senior notes matured and were fully paid.
On March 13, 2007, the Company called for redemption all of its outstanding $893 million, 4.50% convertible junior subordinated notes due in 2032 (the “notes”). The notes were originally issued by Travelers Property Casualty Corp. The Company assumed certain obligations relating to the notes pursuant to a Second Supplemental Indenture dated April 1, 2004. Each note had a principal amount of $25.00. The redemption date was April 18, 2007, and the redemption price for each note was $25.5625 plus $0.009375 of accrued and unpaid interest. Any note called for redemption could be surrendered for conversion into common stock before the close of business on April 17, 2007. Each note was convertible into 0.4684 shares of common stock of The Travelers Companies, Inc. As of April 17, 2007, holders of $36 million of the notes tendered their certificates in exchange for the issuance of 670,910 of the Company’s common shares. The remaining $857 million of notes were redeemed for cash on April 18, 2007, along with accrued interest to the date of redemption. The Company will record a $39 million pretax loss on redemption in the second quarter of 2007, due to the redemption premium paid and the write-off of remaining unamortized issuance costs.
6. SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM
In January 2007, the Board of Directors authorized a $3 billion addition to the the Company’s $2 billion common share repurchase program originally authorized on May 2, 2006. Under the program, 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. This program does 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 corporate and regulatory requirements, price, catastrophe losses and other market conditions. During the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company repurchased 13.9 million shares under the program for a total cost of approximately $725 million. The average cost per share repurchased was $52.20.
7. CHANGES IN EQUITY FROM NONOWNER SOURCES
The Company’s total changes in equity from nonowner sources were as follows:
| Three Months Ended |
| |||||
(in millions, after tax) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net income |
| $ | 1,086 |
| $ | 1,006 |
|
Change in net unrealized gain on investment securities |
| (13 | ) | (388 | ) | ||
Other changes |
| (22 | ) | 12 |
| ||
Total changes in equity from nonowner sources |
| $ | 1,051 |
| $ | 630 |
|
19
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
8. 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:
| Three Months Ended |
| |||||
(in millions, except per share amounts) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Basic |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net income, as reported |
| $ | 1,086 |
| $ | 1,006 |
|
Preferred stock dividends, net of taxes |
| (1 | ) | (1 | ) | ||
Net income available to common shareholders - basic |
| $ | 1,085 |
| $ | 1,005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Diluted |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net income available to common shareholders |
| $ | 1,085 |
| $ | 1,005 |
|
Effect of dilutive securities: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Convertible preferred stock |
| 1 |
| 1 |
| ||
Zero coupon convertible notes |
| 1 |
| 1 |
| ||
Convertible junior subordinated notes (1) |
| 7 |
| 7 |
| ||
Net income available to common shareholders – diluted |
| $ | 1,094 |
| $ | 1,014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Common shares |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Basic |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Weighted average shares outstanding |
| 669.9 |
| 692.2 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Diluted |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Weighted average shares outstanding |
| 669.9 |
| 692.2 |
| ||
Weighted average effects of dilutive securities: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Stock options and other incentive plans |
| 9.1 |
| 5.9 |
| ||
Convertible preferred stock |
| 3.1 |
| 3.6 |
| ||
Zero coupon convertible notes |
| 2.4 |
| 2.4 |
| ||
Convertible junior subordinated notes (1) |
| 16.7 |
| 16.7 |
| ||
Total |
| 701.2 |
| 720.8 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net Income per Common Share |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Basic |
| $ | 1.62 |
| $ | 1.45 |
|
Diluted |
| $ | 1.56 |
| $ | 1.41 |
|
(1) Called in March 2007 and redeemed in April 2007. See note 5.
20
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
9. SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION
The following presents stock option information for fully vested stock option awards at March 31, 2007:
Stock Options |
| Number |
| Weighted |
| Weighted |
| Aggregate |
| ||
Vested at end of period (1) |
| 34,104,157 |
| $ | 42.28 |
| 4.0 years |
| $ | 324 |
|
Exercisable at end of period |
| 30,132,719 |
| $ | 43.21 |
| 4.1 years |
| $ | 258 |
|
(1) |
| Represents awards for which the employees’ rights to receive or retain the awards are not contingent on satisfaction of a service condition and therefore the requisite service has been rendered, including those that are retirement eligible. |
The total compensation cost recognized in earnings for all share-based incentive compensation awards was $35 million and $48 million for the periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The related tax benefit recognized in earnings was $11 million and $17 million for the periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The impact of the change in accounting policy upon adoption of FAS 123R, Share-Based Compensation, for employees that met the requisite service conditions before the awards vesting date, generally retirement eligible employees, was not material for the periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006.
The total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested share-based incentive compensation awards at March 31, 2007 was $184 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years. The total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested share-based incentive compensation awards at December 31, 2006 was $125 million, which was expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years.
10. PENSION PLANS, RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND SAVINGS PLANS
The following tables summarize the components of net pension and postretirement benefit expense for the Company’s plans recognized in the consolidated statement of income.
| Pension Plans |
| Postretirement Benefit Plans |
| |||||||||||||||
(for the three months ended March 31, in millions) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
Net Periodic Benefit Cost: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
Service cost |
| $ | 17 |
| $ | 16 |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
|
| |||||
Interest on benefit obligation |
| 28 |
| 27 |
| 4 |
| 4 |
|
| |||||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
| (38 | ) | (37 | ) | — |
| — |
|
| |||||||||
Amortization of unrecognized: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Prior service benefit |
| (1 | ) | (1 | ) | — |
| — |
|
| |||||||||
Net actuarial loss (gain) |
| 1 |
| 2 |
| (1 | ) | — |
|
| |||||||||
Net benefit expense |
| $ | 7 |
| $ | 7 |
| $ | 3 |
| $ | 4 |
|
| |||||
21
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
11. CONTINGENCIES, COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES
Contingencies
The following section describes 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 property is subject.
Asbestos- and Environmental-Related Proceedings
In the ordinary course of its insurance business, the Company receives claims for insurance arising under policies issued by the Company asserting alleged injuries and damages from asbestos, hazardous waste and other toxic substances that are the subject of related coverage litigation, including, among others, the litigation described below. The Company continues to be subject to aggressive asbestos-related litigation. The conditions surrounding the final resolution of these claims and the related litigation continue to change.
Travelers Property Casualty Corp. (TPC) is involved in three significant proceedings (including a bankruptcy proceeding) relating to ACandS, Inc. (ACandS), formerly a national distributor and installer of products containing asbestos. The proceedings involve disputes as to whether and to what extent any of ACandS’ potential liabilities for current or future bodily injury asbestos claims are covered by insurance policies issued by TPC. The status of the various proceedings is described below.
ACandS filed for bankruptcy in September 2002 (In re: ACandS, Inc., pending in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware). In its proposed plan of reorganization, ACandS sought to establish a trust to pay asbestos bodily injury claims against it and sought to assign to the trust its rights under the insurance policies issued by TPC. The proposed plan and disclosure statement filed by ACandS claimed that ACandS had settled the vast majority of asbestos-related bodily injury claims currently pending against it for approximately $2.80 billion. ACandS asserts that, based on a prior agreement between TPC and ACandS and ACandS’ interpretation of the July 31, 2003 arbitration panel ruling described below, TPC is liable for 45% of the $2.80 billion. On January 26, 2004, the bankruptcy court issued a decision rejecting confirmation of ACandS’ proposed plan of reorganization. The bankruptcy court found, consistent with TPC’s objections to ACandS’ proposed plan, that the proposed plan was not fundamentally fair, was not proposed in good faith and did not comply with Section 524(g) of the Bankruptcy Code. ACandS has filed a notice of appeal of the bankruptcy court’s decision and has filed objections to the bankruptcy court’s findings of fact and conclusions of law in the United States District Court. TPC has moved to dismiss the appeal and objections and has also filed an opposition to ACandS’ objections.
An arbitration was commenced in January 2001 to determine whether and to what extent ACandS’ financial obligations for bodily injury asbestos claims are subject to insurance policy aggregate limits. On July 31, 2003, the arbitration panel ruled in favor of TPC that asbestos bodily injury claims against ACandS are subject to the aggregate limits of the policies issued to ACandS, which have been exhausted. In October 2003, ACandS commenced a lawsuit seeking to vacate the arbitration award as beyond the panel’s scope of authority (ACandS, Inc. v. Travelers Casualty and Surety Co., U.S.D.Ct. E.D. Pa.). On September 16, 2004, the district court entered an order denying ACandS’ motion to vacate the arbitration award. On January 19, 2006, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit reversed the district court’s decision and declared the arbitration award void on procedural grounds. On May 22, 2006, the United States Supreme Court denied TPC’s petition for a writ of certiorari seeking review of the Third Circuit’s decision. As a result, the matter has been remanded to the district court and TPC has asked the district court to remand the arbitration to the panel that initially ruled in favor of TPC for further proceedings consistent with the Third Circuit’s decision. ACandS has opposed that request.
In the other proceeding, a related case pending before the same court and commenced in September 2000 (ACandS v. Travelers Casualty and Surety Co., U.S.D.Ct., E.D. Pa.), ACandS sought a declaration of the extent to which the asbestos bodily injury claims against ACandS are subject to occurrence limits under insurance policies issued by TPC. TPC filed a motion to dismiss this action based upon the July 31, 2003 arbitration decision described above. The district court found the dispute was moot as a result of the arbitration panel’s decision and dismissed the case. As a result of the January 19, 2006 ruling by the Third Circuit and the Supreme Court’s denial of certiorari, described in the paragraph above, this case has been reinstated.
22
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
11. CONTINGENCIES, COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES, Continued
The Company continues to believe it has meritorious positions in these ACandS-related proceedings and intends to litigate vigorously.
In October 2001 and April 2002, two purported class action suits (Wise v. Travelers and Meninger v. Travelers) were filed against TPC and other insurers (not including SPC) in state court in West Virginia. These cases were subsequently consolidated into a single proceeding in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia. Plaintiffs allege that the insurer defendants engaged in unfair trade practices 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. Lawsuits similar to Wise were filed in Massachusetts and Hawaii (these suits are collectively referred to as the “Statutory and Hawaii Actions”). Also, in November 2001, plaintiffs in consolidated asbestos actions pending before a mass tort panel of judges in West Virginia state court moved to amend their complaint to name TPC as a defendant, alleging that TPC and other insurers breached alleged duties to certain users of asbestos products. In March 2002, the court granted the motion to amend. Plaintiffs seek damages, including punitive damages. Lawsuits seeking similar relief and raising allegations similar to those presented in the West Virginia amended complaint are also pending in Texas state court against TPC and SPC, and in Louisiana state court against TPC (the claims asserted in these suits, together with the West Virginia suit, are collectively referred to as the “Common Law Claims”). Lawsuits seeking similar relief in Ohio have been dismissed.
All of the actions against TPC described in the preceding paragraph, other than the Hawaii Actions, had been subject to a temporary restraining order entered by the federal bankruptcy court in New York that had previously presided over and approved the reorganization in bankruptcy of TPC’s former policyholder Johns-Manville Corporation and affiliated entities. In August 2002, the bankruptcy court held a hearing on TPC’s motion for a preliminary injunction prohibiting further prosecution of the lawsuits pursuant to the reorganization plan and related orders. At the conclusion of this hearing, the court ordered the parties to mediation, appointed a mediator and continued the temporary restraining order. During 2003, the same bankruptcy court extended the existing injunction to apply to an additional set of cases filed in various state courts in Texas and Ohio as well as to the attorneys who are prosecuting these cases. The order also enjoined these attorneys and their respective law firms from commencing any further lawsuits against TPC based upon these allegations without the prior approval of the court. Notwithstanding the injunction, additional Common Law Claims were filed and served on TPC.
On November 19, 2003, the parties advised the bankruptcy court that a settlement of the Statutory and Hawaii Actions had been reached. This settlement includes a lump-sum payment of up to $412 million by TPC, subject to a number of significant contingencies. After continued meetings with the mediator, the parties advised the bankruptcy court on May 25, 2004 that a settlement resolving substantially all pending and similar future Common Law Claims against TPC had also been reached. This settlement requires a payment of up to $90 million by TPC, subject to a number of significant contingencies. Each of these settlements is contingent upon, among other things, an order of the bankruptcy court clarifying that all of these claims, and similar future asbestos-related claims against TPC, are barred by prior orders entered by the bankruptcy court in connection with the original Johns-Manville bankruptcy proceedings.
On August 17, 2004, the bankruptcy court entered an order approving the settlements and clarifying its prior orders that all of the pending Statutory and Hawaii Actions and substantially all Common Law Claims pending against TPC are barred. The order also applies to similar direct action claims that may be filed in the future.
Four appeals were taken from the August 17, 2004 ruling. On March 29, 2006, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York substantially affirmed the bankruptcy court’s orders while vacating that portion of the bankruptcy court’s orders that required all future direct actions against TPC to first be approved by the bankruptcy court before proceeding in state or federal court. Judgment was entered on March 31, 2006.
Five appeals from the March 29, 2006 ruling were filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and TPC filed a cross-appeal. Two appellants voluntarily dismissed their appeals and a motion to dismiss the cross-appeal was filed. Additionally, TPC appealed from a procedural order of the district court relating to the timeliness of the cross-appeal. On January 17, 2007, the Second Circuit dismissed TPC’s cross-appeal and denied TPC’s appeal from the procedural order. The three remaining principal appeals have been consolidated for disposition and remain pending. It is not possible to predict how the appellate court will rule on the pending appeals. The Company has no obligation to pay any of the settlement amounts unless and until the orders and relief become final and are not subject to any further appellate review.
23
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
11. CONTINGENCIES, COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES, Continued
SPC, which is not covered by the bankruptcy court rulings or the settlements described above, has numerous defenses in all of the direct action cases asserting Common Law Claims that are pending against it. SPC’s defenses include the fact that these novel theories have no basis in law; that they are directly at odds with the well-established law pertaining to the insured/insurer relationship; that there is no generalized duty to warn as alleged by the plaintiffs; and that the applicable statute of limitations as to many of these claims has long since expired. Many of these defenses have been raised in initial motions to dismiss filed by SPC and other insurers. There have been favorable rulings during 2003 and 2004 in Texas and during 2004 and 2005 in Ohio on some of these motions filed by SPC and other insurers that dealt with statute of limitations and the validity of the alleged causes of actions. On May 26, 2005, the Court of Appeals of Ohio, Eighth District, affirmed the earliest of these favorable rulings. In Texas, only one court, in June of 2005, has denied the insurers’ initial challenges to the pleadings. That ruling was contrary to the rulings by other courts in similar cases, and SPC and the other insurer defendants have filed a mandamus petition with the Texas Court of Appeals.
The Company is defending its asbestos- and environmental-related litigation vigorously and believes that it has meritorious defenses; however, the outcome of these disputes is 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. For a discussion of other information regarding the Company’s asbestos and environmental exposure, see “Item 2 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Asbestos Claims and Litigation”, “— Environmental Claims and Litigation” and “— Uncertainty Regarding Adequacy of Asbestos and Environmental Reserves.”
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 current related 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.
Shareholder Litigation and Related Proceedings
Three actions against the Company and certain of its current and former officers and directors are pending in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. Two of these actions, which were originally captioned Kahn v. The St. Paul Travelers Companies, Inc., et al. (Nov. 2, 2004) and Michael A. Bernstein Profit Sharing Plan v. The St. Paul Travelers Companies, Inc., et al. (Nov. 10, 2004), are putative class actions brought by certain shareholders of the Company against the Company and certain of its current and former officers and directors. These actions have been consolidated as In re St. Paul Travelers Securities Litigation II, and a lead plaintiff and lead counsel have been appointed. On July 11, 2005, the lead plaintiff filed an amended consolidated complaint. The amended consolidated complaint alleges violations of federal securities laws in connection with the Company’s alleged failure to make disclosure relating to the practice of paying brokers commissions on a contingent basis, the Company’s alleged involvement in a conspiracy to rig bids and the Company’s allegedly improper use of finite reinsurance products. On September 26, 2005, the Company and the other defendants in In re St. Paul Travelers Securities Litigation II moved to dismiss the amended consolidated complaint for failure to state a claim. Oral argument on the Company’s motion to dismiss was presented on June 15, 2006. By order dated September 25, 2006, the Court denied the Company’s motion to dismiss. Discovery has commenced. On November 3, 2006, the Company and the other defendants in In re St. Paul Travelers Securities Litigation II moved for partial judgment on the pleadings seeking dismissal of the allegations relating to the allegedly improper use of finite reinsurance products. That motion remains pending. On March 15, 2007, the lead plaintiff in In re St. Paul Travelers Securities Litigation II moved for certification of a class of all purchasers of securities of the Company and St. Paul from January 27, 2000, through and including October 14, 2004. That motion remains pending. In the third action, an alleged beneficiary of the Company’s 401(k) savings plan commenced a putative class action against the Company and certain of its current and former officers and directors captioned
24
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
11. CONTINGENCIES, COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES, Continued
Spiziri v. The St. Paul Travelers Companies, Inc., et al. (Dec. 28, 2004). The complaint alleges violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act based on the theory that defendants were allegedly aware of issues concerning the value of SPC’s loss reserves yet failed to protect plan participants from continued investment in Company stock. On June 1, 2005, the Company and the other defendants in Spiziri moved to dismiss the complaint. On January 4, 2006, the parties in Spiziri entered into a stipulation of settlement. The settlement remains subject to court approval.
In addition, two derivative actions have been brought in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota against all of the Company’s current directors and certain of the Company’s former Directors, naming the Company as a nominal defendant: Rowe v. Fishman, et al. (Oct. 22, 2004) and Clark v. Fishman, et al. (Nov. 18, 2004). The derivative actions have been consolidated for pretrial proceedings as Rowe, et al. v. Fishman, et al. and a consolidated derivative complaint has been filed. The consolidated derivative complaint asserts state law claims, including breach of fiduciary duty, based on allegations similar to those alleged in In re St. Paul Travelers Securities Litigation II and Spiziri described above. On March 23, 2006, the Court dismissed the complaint without prejudice and, on March 30, 2006, entered judgment in favor of the Company and the other defendants. On June 5, 2006, plaintiffs in Rowe moved to alter or amend the judgment for leave to file an amended complaint. The Company and the other defendants opposed that motion. On November 1, 2006, the parties in Rowe entered into a stipulation of settlement whereby plaintiffs released the Company and other defendants from liability in exchange for an agreement by defendants to adopt certain corporate governance measures for the benefit of the Company. The Court approved the settlement on April 30, 2007.
The Company believes that the pending lawsuits have no merit and intends to defend vigorously; however, the Company is not able to provide any assurance that the financial impact of one or more of these proceedings will not be material to the Company’s results of operations in a future period. The Company is obligated to indemnify its officers and directors to the extent provided under Minnesota law. As part of that obligation, the Company will advance officers and directors attorneys’ fees and other expenses they incur in defending these lawsuits.
Other Proceedings
From time to time, the Company is involved in proceedings addressing disputes with its reinsurers regarding the collection of amounts due under the Company’s reinsurance agreements. These proceedings may be initiated by the Company or the reinsurers and may involve the terms of the reinsurance agreements, the coverage of particular claims, exclusions under the agreements, as well as counterclaims for rescission of the agreements. One of these disputes is the action described in the following paragraphs.
The Company’s Gulf operation brought an action on May 22, 2003, as amended on May 12, 2004, in the Supreme Court of New York, County of New York (Gulf Insurance Company v. Transatlantic Reinsurance Company, et al.), against Transatlantic Reinsurance Company (Transatlantic), XL Reinsurance America, Inc. (XL), Odyssey America Reinsurance Corporation (Odyssey), Employers Reinsurance Company (Employers) and Gerling Global Reinsurance Corporation of America (Gerling), to recover amounts due under reinsurance contracts issued to Gulf and related to Gulf’s February 2003 settlement of a coverage dispute under a vehicle residual value protection insurance policy. The reinsurers asserted counterclaims seeking rescission of the vehicle residual value reinsurance contracts issued to Gulf and unspecified damages for breach of contract. Separate actions filed by Transatlantic and Gerling were consolidated with the original Gulf action for pre-trial purposes.
On October 1, 2003, Gulf entered into a final settlement agreement with Employers, and all claims and counterclaims with respect to Employers have been dismissed. On May 26, 2004, the Court denied Gulf’s motion to dismiss certain claims asserted by Transatlantic and denied a joint motion by Transatlantic, XL and Odyssey for summary judgment against Gulf. On December 15, 2006, Gulf and XL entered into a final settlement agreement which resolves all claims between Gulf and XL under the reinsurance agreements at issue in the litigation. On April 13, 2007, Gulf and Transatlantic entered into a final settlement agreement which resolves all claims between Gulf and Transatlantic under the reinsurance agreements at issue in the litigation.
25
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
11. CONTINGENCIES, COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES, Continued
Fact and expert discovery are complete with respect to the remaining parties: Odyssey and Gerling. Gulf and Gerling have filed motions for partial summary judgment. The Court has not yet set a trial date. Gulf denies the reinsurers’ allegations, believes that it has a strong legal basis to collect the amounts due under the reinsurance contracts and intends to vigorously pursue the actions.
Based on the Company’s beliefs about its legal positions in its various reinsurance recovery proceedings, the Company does not expect any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on its results of operations in a future period.
The Company is a defendant in three consolidated lawsuits in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana arising out of disputes with certain policyholders over whether insurance coverage is available for flood losses arising from Hurricane Katrina: Chehardy, et al. v. State Farm, et al., C.A. No. 06-1672, 06-1673 and 06-1674, Vanderbrook, et al. v. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., et al. C.A. No. 05-6323; and Xavier University of Louisiana v. Travelers Property Ca. Co. of America, C.A. No. 06-516. Chehardy and Vanderbrook are proposed class actions in which the Company is one of several insurer defendants. Xavier is an individual suit involving a property insurance policy brought by one of the Company’s insureds. All of these actions allege that the losses were caused by the failure of the New Orleans levees.
On November 27, 2006, the Court issued a ruling in the three consolidated cases denying the motions of the Company and certain other insurers for a summary disposition of the cases. The Court’s ruling does not determine that any additional amounts are owed under any of the Company’s policies or otherwise reach the merits of the policyholders’ claims. The Company disagrees with the ruling and, along with certain other insurers named in the consolidated lawsuits, filed a motion with the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, seeking to have the Court of Appeals accept an immediate appeal from the District Court’s ruling. On February 1, 2007, the Fifth Circuit accepted the appeal.
As part of ongoing, industry-wide investigations, the Company and its affiliates have received subpoenas and written requests for information from government agencies and authorities. The areas of pending inquiry addressed to the Company include its relationship with brokers and agents and the Company’s involvement with “non-traditional insurance and reinsurance products.” The Company or its affiliates have received subpoenas or requests for information, in each case with respect to one or both of the areas described above, from: (i) State of California Office of the Attorney General; (ii) State of California Department of Insurance; (iii) Licensing and Market Conduct Compliance Division, Financial Services Commission of Ontario, Canada; (iv) State of Connecticut Insurance Department; (v) State of Connecticut Office of the Attorney General; (vi) State of Delaware Department of Insurance; (vii) State of Florida Department of Financial Services; (viii) State of Florida Office of Insurance Regulation; (ix) State of Florida Department of Legal Affairs Office of the Attorney General; (x) State of Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance; (xi) State of Hawaii Office of the Attorney General; (xii) State of Illinois Office of the Attorney General; (xiii) State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; (xiv) State of Iowa Insurance Division; (xv) State of Maryland Office of the Attorney General; (xvi) State of Maryland Insurance Administration; (xvii) Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General; (xviii) State of Minnesota Department of Commerce; (xix) State of Minnesota Office of the Attorney General; (xx) State of New Hampshire Insurance Department; (xxi) State of New York Office of the Attorney General; (xxii) State of New York Insurance Department; (xxiii) State of North Carolina Department of Insurance; (xxiv) State of Ohio Office of the Attorney General; (xxv) State of Ohio Department of Insurance; (xxvi) State of Oregon Department of Justice; (xxvii) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General; (xxviii) State of Texas Office of the Attorney General; (xxvix) State of Texas Department of Insurance; (xxx) Commonwealth of Virginia Office of the Attorney General; (xxxi) State of Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner; (xxxii) State of West Virginia Office of Attorney General; (xxxiii) the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; (xxxiv) the United States Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury; and (xxxv) the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company and its affiliates may receive additional subpoenas and requests for information with respect to the areas described above from other agencies or authorities.
The Company is cooperating with these subpoenas and requests for information. In addition, outside counsel, with the oversight of the Company’s Board of Directors, has been conducting an internal review of certain of the Company’s business practices. This review initially focused on the Company’s relationship with brokers and was commenced after the announcement of litigation brought by the New York Attorney General’s office against a major broker.
26
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
11. CONTINGENCIES, COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES, Continued
The internal review was expanded to address the various requests for information described above and to verify whether the Company’s business practices in these areas have been appropriate. The Company’s review has been extensive, involving the examination of e-mails and underwriting files, as well as interviews of current and former employees. The Company also continues to receive and respond to additional requests for information and will expand its review accordingly.
To date, the Company has found only a few instances of conduct that were inconsistent with the Company’s employee code of conduct. The Company has responded, and will continue to respond, appropriately to any such conduct.
The Company’s internal review with respect to finite reinsurance considered finite products the Company both purchased and sold. The Company has completed its review with respect to the identified finite products purchased and sold, and has concluded that no adjustment to previously issued financial statements is required.
Except as settled as previously disclosed, the industry-wide investigations described above are ongoing, as are the Company’s efforts to cooperate with the authorities, and the various authorities could ask that additional work be performed or reach conclusions different from the Company’s. Accordingly, it would be premature to reach any conclusions as to the likely outcome of these matters.
Four putative class action lawsuits are pending against a number of insurance brokers and insurers, including the Company and/or certain of its affiliates, by plaintiffs who allegedly purchased insurance products through one or more of the defendant brokers. Plaintiffs allege that various insurance brokers conspired with each other and with various insurers, including the Company and/or certain of its affiliates, to artificially inflate premiums, allocate brokerage customers and rig bids for insurance products offered to those customers. The complaints are captioned: Redwood Oil Company v. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., et al. (N.D. Ill. Jan. 21, 2005), Boros v. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., et al. (N.D. Cal. Feb. 4, 2005), Mulcahy v. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., et al. (D.N.J. Feb. 23, 2005) and Golden Gate Bridge, Highway, and Transportation District v. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., et al. (D.N.J. Feb. 23, 2005). To the extent they were not originally filed there, the federal class actions were transferred by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and have been consolidated with other class actions under the caption In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation, a multidistrict litigation proceeding in that District. 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 and certain of its affiliates, on behalf of a putative nationwide class of policyholders. The complaint includes 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. Plaintiffs seek monetary damages, including punitive damages and trebled damages, permanent injunctive relief, restitution, including disgorgement of profits, interest and costs, including attorneys’ fees. On November 29, 2005, all defendants moved to dismiss the complaint for failure to state a claim. Oral arguments on the defendants’ motion to dismiss were heard on July 26, 2006. On October 3, 2006, the court ruled that the complaint failed to plead actionable claims under the Sherman Act or RICO, provided plaintiffs an opportunity to replead those claims and reserved decision with respect to remaining state law claims. On November 30, 2006, defendants renewed their motions to dismiss. On April 5, 2007, the court dismissed the complaint. The court has provided plaintiffs with another opportunity to replead within 45 days and has stayed all discovery. Additional individual actions have been brought in state and federal courts against the Company involving allegations similar to those in In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation and further actions may be brought. The Company believes that all of these lawsuits have no merit and intends to defend vigorously.
In addition to those described above, the Company is involved in numerous lawsuits, not involving asbestos and environmental claims, arising mostly in the ordinary course of business operations either as a liability insurer defending third-party claims brought against policyholders, or as an insurer defending claims brought against it relating to coverage or the Company’s business practices. While the ultimate resolution of these legal proceedings could be material to the Company’s results of operations in a future period, in the opinion of the Company’s management, none would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or liquidity.
27
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
11. CONTINGENCIES, COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES, Continued
On July 23, 2004, the Company announced that it was seeking guidance from the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance of the SEC with respect to the appropriate purchase accounting treatment for certain second quarter 2004 adjustments totaling $1.63 billion ($1.07 billion after-tax). The Company recorded these adjustments as charges in its consolidated statement of income in the second quarter of 2004. Through an informal comment process, the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance has subsequently asked for further information, which the Company has provided. Specifically, the staff has asked for information concerning the Company’s adjustments to certain of SPC’s insurance reserves and reserves for reinsurance recoverables and premiums due from policyholders, and how those adjustments may relate to SPC’s reserves for periods prior to the merger of SPC and TPC. After reviewing the staff’s questions and comments, the Company continues to believe that its accounting treatment for these adjustments is appropriate. If, however, the staff disagrees, some or all of the adjustments being discussed may not be recorded as charges in the Company’s consolidated statement of income, thereby increasing net income for the second quarter and full year 2004 and increasing shareholders’ equity at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, in each case by the approximate after-tax amount of the change. The effect on tangible shareholders’ equity (adjusted for the effects of deferred taxes associated with goodwill and intangible assets) at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 would not be material. Increases to goodwill and deferred tax liabilities would be reflected on the Company’s balance sheet as of April 1, 2004, either due to purchase accounting or adjustment of SPC’s reserves prior to the merger of SPC and TPC. On May 3, 2006, the Company received a letter from the Division of Enforcement of the SEC (the “Division”) advising the Company that it is conducting an inquiry relating to the second quarter 2004 adjustments and the April 1, 2004 merger of SPC and TPC. The Company is cooperating with the Division’s requests for information.
Other Commitments and Guarantees
Commitments
Investment Commitments—The Company has long-term commitments to fund venture capital investments through its subsidiary, St. Paul Venture Capital VI, LLC, through new and existing partnerships and certain other venture capital entities. The Company’s total future estimated obligations related to its venture capital investments were $84 million and $87 million at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. The Company also has unfunded commitments to partnerships, joint ventures and certain private equity investments in which it invests. These additional commitments were $1.28 billion and $1.31 billion at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.
Guarantees
The Company has certain contingent obligations for guarantees related to letters of credit, issuance of debt securities, third party loans related to venture capital investments and various indemnifications related to the sale of business entities.
During the first quarter of 2006, the Company entered into construction loan and performance guarantees relating to an investment in a real estate development joint venture. The maximum obligation for the guarantees was $55 million.
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 close, and in certain cases obligations arising from undisclosed liabilities, adverse reserve development or certain named litigation. Such indemnification provisions generally survive for periods ranging from 12 months following the applicable closing date to the expiration of the relevant statutes of limitations, or in some cases agreed upon term limitations. As of March 31, 2007, the aggregate amount of the Company’s obligation for those indemnifications that are quantifiable related to sales of business entities was $1.84 billion. 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. Included in the indemnification obligations at March 31, 2007 was $184 million related to the Company’s variable interest in Camperdown UK Limited, which SPC sold in December 2003. The Company’s variable interest results from an agreement to indemnify the purchaser in the event a specified reserve deficiency develops, a reserve-related foreign exchange impact occurs, or a foreign tax adjustment is imposed on a pre-sale reporting period. The fair value of this obligation as of March 31, 2007 was $65 million, which was included in “Other Liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
28
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
12. 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 $2.49 billion as of March 31, 2007.
Prior to the merger of SPC and TPC on April 1, 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, Travelers Insurance Group Holdings, Inc. (TIGHI). The Travelers Companies, Inc. has fully and unconditionally guaranteed 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.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME (Unaudited)
For the three months ended March 31, 2007
(in millions) |
| TPC |
| Other |
| Travelers (1) |
| Eliminations |
| Consolidated |
| |||||
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Premiums |
| $ | 3,518 |
| $ | 1,777 |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | 5,295 |
|
Net investment income |
| 632 |
| 312 |
| 16 |
| — |
| 960 |
| |||||
Fee income |
| 116 |
| 4 |
| — |
| — |
| 120 |
| |||||
Net realized investment gains |
| 10 |
| — |
| 4 |
| — |
| 14 |
| |||||
Other revenues |
| 23 |
| 13 |
| 5 |
| (3 | ) | 38 |
| |||||
Total revenues |
| 4,299 |
| 2,106 |
| 25 |
| (3 | ) | 6,427 |
| |||||
Claims and expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Claims and claim adjustment expenses |
| 2,112 |
| 1,077 |
| — |
| — |
| 3,189 |
| |||||
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs |
| 562 |
| 307 |
| — |
| — |
| 869 |
| |||||
General and administrative expenses |
| 544 |
| 276 |
| 16 |
| (3 | ) | 833 |
| |||||
Interest expense |
| 33 |
| — |
| 43 |
| — |
| 76 |
| |||||
Total claims and expenses |
| 3,251 |
| 1,660 |
| 59 |
| (3 | ) | 4,967 |
| |||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
| 1,048 |
| 446 |
| (34 | ) | — |
| 1,460 |
| |||||
Income tax expense |
| 257 |
| 101 |
| 16 |
| — |
| 374 |
| |||||
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax |
| — |
| — |
| 1,136 |
| (1,136 | ) | — |
| |||||
Net income |
| $ | 791 |
| $ | 345 |
| $ | 1,086 |
| $ | (1,136 | ) | $ | 1,086 |
|
(1) The Travelers Companies, Inc., excluding its subsidiaries.
29
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
12. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES, Continued
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME (Unaudited)
For the three months ended March 31, 2006
(in millions) |
| TPC |
| Other |
| Travelers (1) |
| Eliminations |
| Consolidated |
| |||||
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Premiums |
| $ | 3,339 |
| $ | 1,652 |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | 4,991 |
|
Net investment income |
| 614 |
| 243 |
| 18 |
| — |
| 875 |
| |||||
Fee income |
| 149 |
| 1 |
| — |
| — |
| 150 |
| |||||
Net realized investment gains (losses) |
| 4 |
| 11 |
| (21 | ) | — |
| (6 | ) | |||||
Other revenues |
| 29 |
| 11 |
| 3 |
| (3 | ) | 40 |
| |||||
Total revenues |
| 4,135 |
| 1,918 |
| — |
| (3 | ) | 6,050 |
| |||||
Claims and expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Claims and claim adjustment expenses |
| 2,035 |
| 1,007 |
| — |
| — |
| 3,042 |
| |||||
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs |
| 529 |
| 271 |
| — |
| — |
| 800 |
| |||||
General and administrative expenses |
| 528 |
| 263 |
| 6 |
| (3 | ) | 794 |
| |||||
Interest expense |
| 35 |
| — |
| 41 |
| — |
| 76 |
| |||||
Total claims and expenses |
| 3,127 |
| 1,541 |
| 47 |
| (3 | ) | 4,712 |
| |||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
| 1,008 |
| 377 |
| (47 | ) | — |
| 1,338 |
| |||||
Income tax expense (benefit) |
| 243 |
| 109 |
| (20 | ) | — |
| 332 |
| |||||
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax |
| — |
| — |
| 1,033 |
| (1,033 | ) | — |
| |||||
Net income |
| $ | 765 |
| $ | 268 |
| $ | 1,006 |
| $ | (1,033 | ) | $ | 1,006 |
|
(1) The Travelers Companies, Inc., excluding its subsidiaries.
30
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
12. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES, Continued
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited)
At March 31, 2007
(in millions) |
| TPC |
| Other |
| Travelers (1) |
| Eliminations |
| Consolidated |
| |||||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Fixed maturities, available for sale at fair value (including $1,582 subject to securities lending) (amortized cost $62,716) |
| $ | 40,028 |
| $ | 22,690 |
| $ | 415 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 63,133 |
|
Equity securities, at fair value (cost $442) |
| 336 |
| 77 |
| 68 |
| — |
| 481 |
| |||||
Real estate |
| 8 |
| 802 |
| — |
| — |
| 810 |
| |||||
Short-term securities |
| 2,914 |
| 1,171 |
| 801 |
| — |
| 4,886 |
| |||||
Other investments |
| 2,003 |
| 1,264 |
| 113 |
| — |
| 3,380 |
| |||||
Total investments |
| 45,289 |
| 26,004 |
| 1,397 |
| — |
| 72,690 |
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Cash |
| 262 |
| 113 |
| 3 |
| — |
| 378 |
| |||||
Investment income accrued |
| 494 |
| 297 |
| 8 |
| (4 | ) | 795 |
| |||||
Premiums receivable |
| 3,879 |
| 2,277 |
| — |
| — |
| 6,156 |
| |||||
Reinsurance recoverables |
| 12,720 |
| 4,545 |
| — |
| — |
| 17,265 |
| |||||
Ceded unearned premiums |
| 1,075 |
| 404 |
| — |
| — |
| 1,479 |
| |||||
Deferred acquisition costs |
| 1,410 |
| 286 |
| — |
| — |
| 1,696 |
| |||||
Deferred tax asset |
| 1,192 |
| 492 |
| 29 |
| — |
| 1,713 |
| |||||
Contractholder receivables |
| 4,673 |
| 406 |
| — |
| — |
| 5,079 |
| |||||
Goodwill |
| 2,412 |
| 1,025 |
| — |
| — |
| 3,437 |
| |||||
Intangible assets |
| 457 |
| 463 |
| — |
| — |
| 920 |
| |||||
Investment in subsidiaries |
| — |
| — |
| 27,741 |
| (27,741 | ) | — |
| |||||
Other assets |
| 1,900 |
| 517 |
| 294 |
| (198 | ) | 2,513 |
| |||||
Total assets |
| $ | 75,763 |
| $ | 36,829 |
| $ | 29,472 |
| $ | (27,943 | ) | $ | 114,121 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves |
| $ | 38,623 |
| $ | 20,198 |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | 58,821 |
|
Unearned premium reserves |
| 7,601 |
| 3,639 |
| — |
| — |
| 11,240 |
| |||||
Contractholder payables |
| 4,673 |
| 406 |
| — |
| — |
| 5,079 |
| |||||
Payables for reinsurance premiums |
| 433 |
| 482 |
| — |
| — |
| 915 |
| |||||
Debt |
| 2,471 |
| 156 |
| 3,694 |
| (198 | ) | 6,123 |
| |||||
Other liabilities |
| 4,403 |
| 1,766 |
| 421 |
| (4 | ) | 6,586 |
| |||||
Total liabilities |
| 58,204 |
| 26,647 |
| 4,115 |
| (202 | ) | 88,764 |
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Shareholders’ equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Preferred Stock Savings Plan—convertible preferred stock (0.4 shares issued and outstanding) |
| — |
| — |
| 124 |
| — |
| 124 |
| |||||
Common stock (1,750.0 shares authorized; 665.3 shares issued and outstanding) |
| — |
| 745 |
| 18,634 |
| (745 | ) | 18,634 |
| |||||
Additional paid-in capital |
| 9,913 |
| 7,711 |
| — |
| (17,624 | ) | — |
| |||||
Retained earnings |
| 7,260 |
| 1,663 |
| 8,167 |
| (8,923 | ) | 8,167 |
| |||||
Accumulated other changes in equity from nonowner sources |
| 386 |
| 63 |
| 417 |
| (449 | ) | 417 |
| |||||
Treasury stock, at cost (39.7 shares) |
| — |
| — |
| (1,985 | ) | — |
| (1,985 | ) | |||||
Total shareholders’ equity |
| 17,559 |
| 10,182 |
| 25,357 |
| (27,741 | ) | 25,357 |
| |||||
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity |
| $ | 75,763 |
| $ | 36,829 |
| $ | 29,472 |
| $ | (27,943 | ) | $ | 114,121 |
|
(1) The Travelers Companies, Inc., excluding its subsidiaries.
31
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
12. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES, Continued
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited)
At December 31, 2006
(in millions) |
| TPC |
| Other |
| Travelers (1) |
| Eliminations |
| Consolidated |
| |||||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Fixed maturities, available for sale at fair value (including $1,674 subject to securities lending) (amortized cost $62,244) |
| $ | 39,736 |
| $ | 22,511 |
| $ | 419 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 62,666 |
|
Equity securities, at fair value (cost $436) |
| 326 |
| 80 |
| 67 |
| — |
| 473 |
| |||||
Real estate |
| 8 |
| 785 |
| — |
| — |
| 793 |
| |||||
Short-term securities |
| 2,623 |
| 1,338 |
| 977 |
| — |
| 4,938 |
| |||||
Other investments |
| 2,019 |
| 1,270 |
| 109 |
| — |
| 3,398 |
| |||||
Total investments |
| 44,712 |
| 25,984 |
| 1,572 |
| — |
| 72,268 |
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Cash |
| 325 |
| 130 |
| 4 |
| — |
| 459 |
| |||||
Investment income accrued |
| 501 |
| 322 |
| 7 |
| (3 | ) | 827 |
| |||||
Premiums receivable |
| 3,916 |
| 2,265 |
| — |
| — |
| 6,181 |
| |||||
Reinsurance recoverables |
| 12,963 |
| 4,857 |
| — |
| — |
| 17,820 |
| |||||
Ceded unearned premiums |
| 1,013 |
| 230 |
| — |
| — |
| 1,243 |
| |||||
Deferred acquisition costs |
| 1,323 |
| 292 |
| — |
| — |
| 1,615 |
| |||||
Deferred tax asset |
| 1,037 |
| 484 |
| 15 |
| — |
| 1,536 |
| |||||
Contractholder receivables |
| 4,541 |
| 482 |
| — |
| — |
| 5,023 |
| |||||
Goodwill |
| 2,412 |
| 1,026 |
| — |
| — |
| 3,438 |
| |||||
Intangible assets |
| 273 |
| 491 |
| — |
| — |
| 764 |
| |||||
Investment in subsidiaries |
| — |
| — |
| 26,946 |
| (26,946 | ) | — |
| |||||
Other assets |
| 1,921 |
| 589 |
| 279 |
| (202 | ) | 2,587 |
| |||||
Total assets |
| $ | 74,937 |
| $ | 37,152 |
| $ | 28,823 |
| $ | (27,151 | ) | $ | 113,761 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves |
| $ | 38,752 |
| $ | 20,536 |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | 59,288 |
|
Unearned premium reserves |
| 7,655 |
| 3,573 |
| — |
| — |
| 11,228 |
| |||||
Contractholder payables |
| 4,541 |
| 482 |
| — |
| — |
| 5,023 |
| |||||
Payables for reinsurance premiums |
| 284 |
| 401 |
| — |
| — |
| 685 |
| |||||
Debt |
| 2,469 |
| 155 |
| 3,338 |
| (202 | ) | 5,760 |
| |||||
Other liabilities |
| 4,449 |
| 1,846 |
| 350 |
| (3 | ) | 6,642 |
| |||||
Total liabilities |
| 58,150 |
| 26,993 |
| 3,688 |
| (205 | ) | 88,626 |
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Shareholders’ equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Preferred Stock Savings Plan—convertible preferred stock (0.4 shares issued and outstanding) |
| — |
| — |
| 129 |
| — |
| 129 |
| |||||
Common stock (1,750.0 shares authorized; 678.3 shares issued and outstanding) |
| — |
| 745 |
| 18,530 |
| (745 | ) | 18,530 |
| |||||
Additional paid-in capital |
| 9,910 |
| 7,711 |
| — |
| (17,621 | ) | — |
| |||||
Retained earnings |
| 6,472 |
| 1,618 |
| 7,253 |
| (8,090 | ) | 7,253 |
| |||||
Accumulated other changes in equity from nonowner sources |
| 405 |
| 85 |
| 452 |
| (490 | ) | 452 |
| |||||
Treasury stock, at cost (25.2 shares) |
| — |
| — |
| (1,229 | ) | — |
| (1,229 | ) | |||||
Total shareholders’ equity |
| 16,787 |
| 10,159 |
| 25,135 |
| (26,946 | ) | 25,135 |
| |||||
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity |
| $ | 74,937 |
| $ | 37,152 |
| $ | 28,823 |
| $ | (27,151 | ) | $ | 113,761 |
|
(1) The Travelers Companies, Inc., excluding its subsidiaries.
32
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
12. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES, Continued
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
For the three months ended March 31, 2007
(in millions) |
| TPC |
| Other |
| Travelers (1) |
| Eliminations |
| Consolidated |
| |||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Net income |
| $ | 791 |
| $ | 345 |
| $ | 1,086 |
| $ | (1,136 | ) | $ | 1,086 |
|
Net adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities |
| (236 | ) | (16 | ) | (1,103 | ) | 1,136 |
| (219 | ) | |||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
| 555 |
| 329 |
| (17 | ) | — |
| 867 |
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Proceeds from maturities of fixed maturities |
| 943 |
| 689 |
| 5 |
| — |
| 1,637 |
| |||||
Proceeds from sales of investments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Fixed maturities |
| 473 |
| 255 |
| 1 |
| — |
| 729 |
| |||||
Equity securities |
| 21 |
| 4 |
| — |
| — |
| 25 |
| |||||
Purchases of investments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Fixed maturities |
| (1,815 | ) | (1,191 | ) | — |
| — |
| (3,006 | ) | |||||
Equity securities |
| (29 | ) | — |
| — |
| — |
| (29 | ) | |||||
Real estate |
| — |
| (26 | ) | — |
| — |
| (26 | ) | |||||
Net sales (purchases) of short-term securities |
| (291 | ) | 12 |
| 176 |
| — |
| (103 | ) | |||||
Net sales of other investments |
| 144 |
| 42 |
| — |
| — |
| 186 |
| |||||
Securities transactions in course of settlement |
| 196 |
| 109 |
| — |
| — |
| 305 |
| |||||
Other |
| (260 | ) | 57 |
| — |
| — |
| (203 | ) | |||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
| (618 | ) | (49 | ) | 182 |
| — |
| (485 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Payment of debt |
| — |
| — |
| (611 | ) | — |
| (611 | ) | |||||
Issuance of debt |
| — |
| — |
| 986 |
| — |
| 986 |
| |||||
Dividends to shareholders |
| — |
| — |
| (175 | ) | — |
| (175 | ) | |||||
Issuance of common stock – employee share options |
| — |
| — |
| 54 |
| — |
| 54 |
| |||||
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements |
| — |
| — |
| 9 |
| — |
| 9 |
| |||||
Treasury stock acquired – share repurchase program |
| — |
| — |
| (698 | ) | — |
| (698 | ) | |||||
Treasury stock acquired – net employee share-based compensation |
| — |
| — |
| (26 | ) | — |
| (26 | ) | |||||
Dividends received by (paid to) parent company |
| — |
| (300 | ) | 300 |
| — |
| — |
| |||||
Capital contributions and loans between subsidiaries |
| — |
| 4 |
| (4 | ) | — |
| — |
| |||||
Other |
| — |
| — |
| (1 | ) | — |
| (1 | ) | |||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
| — |
| (296 | ) | (166 | ) | — |
| (462 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |
| — |
| (1 | ) | — |
| — |
| (1 | ) | |||||
Net decrease in cash |
| (63 | ) | (17 | ) | (1 | ) | — |
| (81 | ) | |||||
Cash at beginning of period |
| 325 |
| 130 |
| 4 |
| — |
| 459 |
| |||||
Cash at end of period |
| $ | 262 |
| $ | 113 |
| $ | 3 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 378 |
|
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Income taxes paid (received) |
| $ | 94 |
| $ | 1 |
| $ | (7 | ) | $ | — |
| $ | 88 |
|
Interest paid |
| $ | 46 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 29 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 75 |
|
(1) The Travelers Companies, Inc., excluding its subsidiaries.
33
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
12. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES, Continued
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
For the three months ended March 31, 2006
(in millions) |
| TPC |
| Other |
| Travelers (1) |
| Eliminations |
| Consolidated |
| |||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Net income |
| $ | 765 |
| $ | 268 |
| $ | 1,006 |
| $ | (1,033 | ) | $ | 1,006 |
|
Net adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities |
| (213 | ) | (262 | ) | (1,002 | ) | 1,033 |
| (444 | ) | |||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
| 552 |
| 6 |
| 4 |
| — |
| 562 |
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Proceeds from maturities of fixed maturities |
| 1,010 |
| 559 |
| 2 |
| — |
| 1,571 |
| |||||
Proceeds from sales of investments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Fixed maturities |
| 634 |
| 676 |
| 10 |
| — |
| 1,320 |
| |||||
Equity securities |
| 62 |
| 32 |
| — |
| — |
| 94 |
| |||||
Purchases of investments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Fixed maturities |
| (2,399 | ) | (1,575 | ) | (9 | ) | — |
| (3,983 | ) | |||||
Equity securities |
| (4 | ) | (43 | ) | — |
| — |
| (47 | ) | |||||
Real estate |
| — |
| (8 | ) | — |
| — |
| (8 | ) | |||||
Short-term securities sales (purchases), net |
| (270 | ) | 584 |
| (247 | ) | — |
| 67 |
| |||||
Other investments, net |
| 115 |
| 39 |
| — |
| — |
| 154 |
| |||||
Securities transactions in course of settlement |
| 546 |
| (56 | ) | — |
| — |
| 490 |
| |||||
Other |
| (44 | ) | 6 |
| — |
| — |
| (38 | ) | |||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
| (350 | ) | 214 |
| (244 | ) | — |
| (380 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Payment of debt |
| — |
| — |
| (4 | ) | — |
| (4 | ) | |||||
Dividends to shareholders |
| — |
| — |
| (161 | ) | — |
| (161 | ) | |||||
Issuance of common stock — employee share options |
| — |
| — |
| 32 |
| — |
| 32 |
| |||||
Treasury shares acquired – net employee share-based compensation |
| — |
| — |
| (16 | ) | — |
| (16 | ) | |||||
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements |
| — |
| — |
| 5 |
| — |
| 5 |
| |||||
Dividends received by (paid to) parent company |
| (155 | ) | (250 | ) | 405 |
| — |
| — |
| |||||
Capital contributions and loans between subsidiaries |
| — |
| 21 |
| (21 | ) | — |
| — |
| |||||
Other |
| (2 | ) | — |
| — |
| — |
| (2 | ) | |||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
| (157 | ) | (229 | ) | 240 |
| — |
| (146 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| |||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash |
| 45 |
| (9 | ) | — |
| — |
| 36 |
| |||||
Cash at beginning of period |
| 136 |
| 200 |
| 1 |
| — |
| 337 |
| |||||
Cash at end of period |
| $ | 181 |
| $ | 191 |
| $ | 1 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 373 |
|
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Income taxes paid (received) |
| $ | (15 | ) | $ | 10 |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | (5 | ) |
Interest paid |
| $ | 46 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 39 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 85 |
|
(1) The Travelers Companies, Inc., excluding its subsidiaries.
34
Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the Company).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2007 First Quarter Consolidated Results of Operations
· Net income of $1.09 billion, or $1.62 per share basic and $1.56 per share diluted
· Net favorable prior year reserve development of $62 million pretax ($40 million after-tax)
· Catastrophe losses of $45 million pretax ($29 million after-tax)
· A benefit of $72 million pretax ($47 million after-tax) due to a change in the timing of commission expense recognition resulting from switching the majority of the Company’s agents from a performance-based contingent commission program to a new performance-based fixed supplemental compensation program.
· Net written premiums of $5.14 billion
· GAAP combined ratio of 89.2%
· Pretax net investment income of $960 million ($737 million after-tax)
2007 First Quarter Consolidated Financial Condition
· Total assets of $114.12 billion, up $360 million from December 31, 2006
· Total investments of $72.69 billion, up $422 million from December 31, 2006; fixed maturities and short-term securities comprise 94% of total investments
· Repurchased 13.9 million common shares for total cost of approximately $725 million under share repurchase program; remaining capacity under authorized share repurchase program of $3.15 billion at March 31, 2007
· Shareholders’ equity of $25.36 billion, up $222 million from December 31, 2006; book value per common share of $37.93
CONSOLIDATED OVERVIEW
The Company provides a wide range of property and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations and individuals, primarily in the United States and in selected international markets.
35
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
Consolidated Results of Operations
(for the three months ended March 31, in millions except ratio and per share data) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Premiums |
| $ | 5,295 |
| $ | 4,991 |
|
Net investment income |
| 960 |
| 875 |
| ||
Fee income |
| 120 |
| 150 |
| ||
Net realized investment gains (losses) |
| 14 |
| (6 | ) | ||
Other revenues |
| 38 |
| 40 |
| ||
Total revenues |
| 6,427 |
| 6,050 |
| ||
Claims and expenses |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Claims and claim adjustment expenses |
| 3,189 |
| 3,042 |
| ||
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs |
| 869 |
| 800 |
| ||
General and administrative expenses |
| 833 |
| 794 |
| ||
Interest expense |
| 76 |
| 76 |
| ||
Total claims and expenses |
| 4,967 |
| 4,712 |
| ||
Income before income taxes |
| 1,460 |
| 1,338 |
| ||
Income tax expense |
| 374 |
| 332 |
| ||
Net income |
| $ | 1,086 |
| $ | 1,006 |
|
Net income per share |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Basic |
| $ | 1.62 |
| $ | 1.45 |
|
Diluted |
| $ | 1.56 |
| $ | 1.41 |
|
GAAP combined ratio |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio |
| 59.2 | % | 58.9 | % | ||
Underwriting expense ratio |
| 30.0 |
| 30.0 |
| ||
GAAP combined ratio |
| 89.2 | % | 88.9 | % |
The Company’s discussions related to all items, other than net income and segment operating income, are presented on a pretax basis, unless otherwise noted.
Overview
Net income in the first quarter of 2007 totaled $1.09 billion, or $1.56 per share diluted, 8% higher than net income of $1.01 billion, or $1.41 per share diluted, in the same period of 2006. The increase in 2007 reflected strong growth in net investment income and higher business volume, partially offset by an increase in expenses. Net favorable prior year reserve development totaled $62 million and $49 million in the first quarters of 2007 and 2006, respectively, primarily driven in both periods by better than expected loss experience in the Personal Insurance segment and continued favorable loss trends in property and liability lines of business in the Business Insurance segment. Reported expenses in the first quarter of 2007 included a net benefit of $72 million due to the implementation of a new performance-based fixed supplemental compensation program for the majority of the Company’s agents, which resulted in a reduction in commission expense in this quarter due to a change in the timing of expense recognition compared with the first quarter of 2006. The Company estimates that the full-year benefit from the change in timing of expense recognition in 2007 will be approximately $150 million. Catastrophe losses in the first quarter of 2007 totaled $45 million, primarily resulting from several storms in the southeastern United States, whereas results in the first quarter of 2006 included no catastrophe losses. Net income in the first quarter of 2007 included a benefit of $28 million due to the favorable resolution of various prior year federal tax matters, compared to a benefit of $49 million from the favorable resolution of various prior year federal and state tax matters in the same period of 2006.
36
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
Revenues
Earned Premiums
Earned premiums in the first quarter of 2007 totaled $5.30 billion, an increase of $304 million, or 6%, over the same period of 2006. In the Business Insurance segment, earned premiums in 2007 increased 5% over the comparable 2006 total, primarily reflecting the impact of the growth in business volume over the preceding twelve months. Earned premium growth of 7% in the Financial, Professional & International Insurance segment in the first quarter of 2007 over the same 2006 period was concentrated in the International & Lloyd’s market, primarily driven by increases in prior year premium estimates at Lloyd’s, growth in volume and the favorable impact of foreign currency rates of exchange. In the Personal Insurance segment, earned premium growth of 8% in the first quarter of 2007 reflected strong new business volume and renewal price increases over the preceding twelve months.
Net Investment Income
The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s investments.
(for the three months ended March 31, in millions) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
Average investments (a) |
| $ | 72,737 |
| $ | 69,701 |
|
Pretax net investment income |
| 960 |
| 875 |
| ||
After-tax net investment income |
| 737 |
| 670 |
| ||
Average pretax yield (b) |
| 5.3 | % | 5.0 | % | ||
Average after-tax yield (b) |
| 4.1 | % | 3.8 | % | ||
(a) |
| Excluding net unrealized investment gains and losses, and is adjusted for cash, receivables for investment sales, payables on investment purchases and accrued investment income. |
|
|
|
(b) |
| Excluding net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses. |
Net investment income of $960 million in the first quarter of 2007 increased $85 million, or 10%, over the same period of 2006. The increase in 2007 was primarily the result of higher yields on short-term and long-term taxable securities and continued growth in the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio resulting from strong cash flows from operating activities. The Company’s real estate joint venture investments, which are included in other investments, also produced strong levels of net investment income in 2007. The amortized cost of the fixed maturity portfolio at March 31, 2007 totaled $62.72 billion, $2.66 billion higher than at the same date in 2006. The average pretax investment yield was 5.3% in the first quarter of 2007, compared with 5.0% in the same period of 2006. The increase in 2007 yields primarily reflected higher yields on taxable investments purchased in the preceding twelve months and the strong returns generated by the real estate joint venture investments.
The Company allocates 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. The investment yield for investable funds reflects the 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. The investment yield for capital reflects the average yield on the total investment portfolio. The application of the yields to the segments’ investable funds and capital determines the respective business segment’s share of actual net investment income.
Fee Income
The National Accounts market in the Business Insurance segment is the primary source of the Company’s fee-based business. The decline in fee income in the first quarter of 2007 compared with the same period of 2006 is described in the Business Insurance segment discussion that follows.
37
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
Net realized investment gains in the first quarter of 2007 totaled $14 million, compared with net realized investment losses of $6 million in the same period of 2006. The 2007 and 2006 totals included $9 million and $10 million, respectively, of impairment losses.
Written Premiums
Consolidated gross and net written premiums were as follows:
| Gross Written Premiums |
| |||||
(for the three months ended March 31, in millions) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Business Insurance |
| $ | 3,387 |
| $ | 3,254 |
|
Financial, Professional & International Insurance |
| 975 |
| 935 |
| ||
Personal Insurance |
| 1,709 |
| 1,621 |
| ||
Total |
| $ | 6,071 |
| $ | 5,810 |
|
| Net Written Premiums |
| |||||
(for the three months ended March 31, in millions) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Business Insurance |
| $ | 2,880 |
| $ | 2,687 |
|
Financial, Professional & International Insurance |
| 600 |
| 515 |
| ||
Personal Insurance |
| 1,664 |
| 1,572 |
| ||
Total |
| $ | 5,144 |
| $ | 4,774 |
|
Gross and net written premiums in the first quarter of 2007 increased 4% and 8%, respectively, over the same period of 2006. The disparity between gross and net written premium growth rates in 2007 was concentrated in the Financial, Professional & International Insurance segment, reflecting changes in the Company’s reinsurance program that resulted in a higher level of business retained in certain lines of business, a change in the timing of certain reinsurance transactions and lower reinsurance costs.
In Business Insurance, net written premiums in the first quarter of 2007 increased 7% over the same 2006 period, with all markets except National Accounts recording net written premium growth, primarily driven by higher new business volume. In Financial, Professional & International Insurance, net written premium growth of 17% in the first quarter of 2007 primarily reflected gross written premium growth, driven by strong construction surety business volume and adjustments to prior year premium estimates for the Company’s operations at Lloyd’s, and the factors described above. Net written premium growth of 6% in the Personal Insurance segment in the first quarter of 2007 reflected renewal price increases and strong business retention rates.
Claims and Expenses
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses
Claims and claim adjustment expenses totaled $3.19 billion in the first quarter of 2007, $147 million, or 5%, higher than the first quarter 2006 total of $3.04 billion. The 2007 total included $62 million of net favorable prior year reserve development and $45 million of catastrophe losses, whereas the 2006 first quarter total included $49 million of net favorable prior year reserve development and no catastrophe losses. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2007 was concentrated in the Personal Insurance segment, resulting from better than expected personal auto bodily injury loss experience, and in several lines of business in the Business Insurance segment. Catastrophe losses in 2007 primarily resulted from several storms in the southeastern United States.
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
Expenses comprising this category totaled $869 million in the first quarter of 2007, 9% higher than the comparable total of $800 million in the same 2006 period. The increase primarily reflected the growth in business volume, and also included a $15 million increase from the implementation of a new agent compensation program described in more detail below.
38
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses totaled $833 million in the first quarter of 2007, an increase of $39 million, or 5%, over the comparable 2006 total of $794 million. The increase in 2007 primarily reflected increased business volume, continued expenditures to support business growth and product development and costs associated with the Company’s national advertising campaign that was launched in the second quarter of 2006. These increases were partially offset by the Company’s implementation of a new compensation program for the majority of its agents.
In the first quarter of 2007, the Company discontinued the use of performance-based contingent commissions and implemented a new performance-based fixed supplemental compensation program for all of its personal lines business. The Company also offered the majority of its agents conducting commercial business the option to switch to this new program. The Company anticipates that its total payout rate for performance-based agent compensation in 2007 will be substantially the same as in 2006; however, the change to the new program created a difference in the timing of commission expense recognition. The cost of the new program is required to be deferred and amortized over the related policy period (generally six to twelve months), whereas the cost of the contingent commission program was not subject to deferred acquisition cost accounting treatment and, therefore, was expensed as incurred. That timing difference will result in a benefit to income during the 2007 transition year. The impact of this change in the first quarter of 2007 was to lower reported expenses by $87 million in the “General and Administrative Expenses” income statement line, and increase reported expenses by $15 million in the “Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs” income statement line, compared to what would have been reported under the prior contingent commission program.
Interest Expense
Interest expense of $76 million in the first quarter of 2007 was level with the same period of 2006.
GAAP Combined Ratios
The consolidated loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 59.2% in the first quarter of 2007 was slightly higher than the comparable 2006 first quarter loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 58.9%. Catastrophe losses accounted for 0.9 points of the 2007 first quarter loss and loss adjustment expense ratio, whereas the 2006 first quarter loss and loss adjustment expense ratio included no impact from catastrophe losses. The 2007 and 2006 first quarter loss and loss adjustment expense ratios included a 1.2 point and a 1.0 point impact from net favorable prior year reserve development, respectively. The 2007 first quarter loss and loss adjustment expense ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development improved over the 2006 ratio on the same basis, reflecting continuing improvement in frequency and severity trends in several lines of business. The underwriting expense ratio of 30.0% for the first quarter of 2007 was level with the same 2006 period. The implementation of the new performance-based fixed supplemental compensation program for agents described above provided a 1.4 point benefit to the expense ratio in the first quarter of 2007, which was offset by the increases in other expenses also described above.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY SEGMENT
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.
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: Select Accounts, Commercial Accounts, National Accounts, Industry-Focused Underwriting, Target Risk Underwriting and Specialized Distribution.
39
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
Business Insurance also includes the Special Liability Group (which manages the Company’s asbestos and environmental liabilities); the assumed reinsurance, health care, and certain international and other runoff operations; and policies written by the Company’s Gulf operation (Gulf), which was placed into runoff during the second quarter of 2004. These are collectively referred to as Business Insurance Other.
Results of the Company’s Business Insurance segment were as follows:
(for the three months ended March 31, in millions) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Earned premiums |
| $ | 2,763 |
| $ | 2,643 |
|
Net investment income |
| 694 |
| 636 |
| ||
Fee income |
| 120 |
| 150 |
| ||
Other revenues |
| 4 |
| 7 |
| ||
Total revenues |
| $ | 3,581 |
| $ | 3,436 |
|
Total claims and expenses |
| $ | 2,653 |
| $ | 2,557 |
|
Operating income |
| $ | 678 |
| $ | 651 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio |
| 61.2 | % | 60.9 | % | ||
Underwriting expense ratio |
| 30.3 |
| 29.8 |
| ||
GAAP combined ratio |
| 91.5 | % | 90.7 | % |
Overview
Operating income of $678 million in the first quarter of 2007 was $27 million, or 4%, higher than operating income of $651 million in the same period of 2006, primarily reflecting a strong increase in net investment income and the continuation of favorable loss trends, partially offset by an increase in general and administrative expenses and a decline in fee income. The Business Insurance segment incurred no catastrophe losses in the first quarters of 2007 or 2006. Net favorable prior year reserve development in the first quarters of 2007 and 2006 totaled $27 million and $19 million, respectively.
Earned Premiums
Earned premiums of $2.76 billion in the first quarter of 2007 increased $120 million, or 5%, over the same period of 2006, reflecting the growth in business volume over the prior twelve months in the majority of the markets comprising this segment.
Net Investment Income
Refer to the “Net Investment Income” section of the “Consolidated Results of Operations” discussion herein for a description of the factors contributing to the increase in the Company’s net investment income in 2007.
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, and claims and policy management services to workers�� compensation residual market pools. The $30 million decline in fee income in the first quarter of 2007 compared with the same 2006 period primarily resulted from lower serviced claim volume in workers’ compensation residual market pools, and the impact on fee income of lower loss costs due to workers’ compensation reforms, primarily in California.
Claims and Expenses
Claims and claim adjustment expenses in the first quarter of 2007 totaled $1.74 billion, an increase of $35 million, or 2%, compared with the same 2006 period, primarily reflecting the increase in business volume. There were no catastrophe losses incurred in either period. Net favorable prior year reserve development totaled $27 million in the first quarter of 2007, compared with net favorable prior year reserve development of $19 million in the same 2006 period. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs totaled $403 million in the first quarter of 2007, 7% higher than the comparable 2006 total of $376 million. The increase reflected the growth in business volume, as well as a $9 million increase from the implementation of the new performance-based fixed supplemental compensation program described in more detail in the “Consolidated Overview” section herein.
40
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
General and administrative expenses in the first quarter of 2007 totaled $509 million, 7% higher than the comparable total of $474 million in the same period of 2006. The increase in 2007 primarily reflected growth in business volume, continuing expenditures to support business growth and product development and the segment’s share of costs associated with the Company’s national advertising campaign that was launched in the second quarter of 2006. The implementation of the new compensation program for its agents in the first quarter of 2007 resulted in a $46 million reduction in reported expenses in “General and Administrative Expenses” compared to what would have been reported under the prior contingent commission program.
GAAP Combined Ratio
The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio in the first quarter of 2007 of 61.2% was slightly higher than the comparable 2006 ratio of 60.9%. Net favorable prior year reserve development in 2007 provided a 0.9 point benefit to the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio, whereas net favorable prior year reserve development in 2006 accounted for a 0.7 point benefit to the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio. The underwriting expense ratio of 30.3% for the first quarter of 2007 was 0.5 points higher than the comparable 2006 ratio, primarily reflecting the increases in expenses described above. The implementation of the new performance-based fixed supplemental compensation program for agents provided a 1.3 point benefit to the underwriting expense ratio in the first quarter of 2007.
Written Premiums
The Business Insurance segment’s gross and net written premiums by market were as follows:
| Gross Written Premiums |
| |||||
(for the three months ended March 31, in millions) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Select Accounts |
| $ | 717 |
| $ | 695 |
|
Commercial Accounts |
| 713 |
| 645 |
| ||
National Accounts |
| 513 |
| 574 |
| ||
Industry-Focused Underwriting |
| 633 |
| 573 |
| ||
Target Risk Underwriting |
| 526 |
| 518 |
| ||
Specialized Distribution |
| 255 |
| 246 |
| ||
Total Business Insurance Core |
| 3,357 |
| 3,251 |
| ||
Business Insurance Other |
| 30 |
| 3 |
| ||
Total Business Insurance |
| $ | 3,387 |
| $ | 3,254 |
|
| Net Written Premiums |
| |||||
(for the three months ended March 31, in millions) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Select Accounts |
| $ | 701 |
| $ | 679 |
|
Commercial Accounts |
| 641 |
| 575 |
| ||
National Accounts |
| 255 |
| 268 |
| ||
Industry-Focused Underwriting |
| 582 |
| 521 |
| ||
Target Risk Underwriting |
| 417 |
| 398 |
| ||
Specialized Distribution |
| 252 |
| 245 |
| ||
Total Business Insurance Core |
| 2,848 |
| 2,686 |
| ||
Business Insurance Other |
| 32 |
| 1 |
| ||
Total Business Insurance |
| $ | 2,880 |
| $ | 2,687 |
|
41
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
In Business Insurance Core, gross written premiums in the first quarter of 2007 increased by 3% over the same period of 2006, whereas net written premiums in 2007 increased 6% over 2006. All markets in Business Insurance Core operations, except National Accounts, recorded net written premium growth, driven by higher new business volume throughout the majority of markets and continued strong business retention rates. The decline in National Accounts’ net written premiums reflected competitive market conditions that resulted in lower business volume, primarily in the Discover Re business unit.
Select Accounts. Net written premiums of $701 million in the first quarter of 2007 increased 3% over the same period of 2006, reflecting strong growth in new business volume and an increase in renewal price changes. Business retention rates remained strong but declined slightly from the first quarter of 2006. Renewal price changes in this market were consistent with the first quarter of 2006, as price increases for coastal coverages were largely offset by declines in renewal price changes for non-coastal coverages, which continue to be impacted by competitive market conditions. New business volume in the first quarter of 2007 increased significantly over the first quarter of 2006, due in part to the introduction of the Company’s enhanced quote-to-issue agency platform and multivariate pricing program in ten states. That platform is expected to be introduced in the remainder of the country over the next twelve months.
Commercial Accounts. Net written premiums of $641 million in the first quarter of 2007 increased 11% over the same 2006 period, driven by a significant increase in new business volume and continued strong business retention rates. Renewal price changes declined slightly from the first quarter of 2006. The growth in new business volume reflected the impact of new product introductions, additional products sold to existing customers and increased marketing efforts.
National Accounts. Net written premiums of $255 million in the first quarter of 2007 declined by 5% from the same 2006 period, reflecting competitive market conditions that resulted in lower business volume, primarily in the Discover Re business unit.
Industry-Focused Underwriting. Net written premiums of $582 million in the first quarter of 2007 increased by 12% over the first quarter of 2006, driven by growth in the Construction, Technology and Oil & Gas business units. Favorable economic conditions in these industry sectors led to new business opportunities, and business retention rates continued to increase. Technology also benefited from significant renewal price changes compared with the first quarter of 2006.
Target Risk Underwriting. Net written premiums of $417 million in the first quarter of 2007 increased by 5% over the same period of 2006, driven by growth in the Inland Marine and National Property business units. Strong growth in new business volume accounted for the increase in Inland Marine net written premium volume, whereas National Property’s premium volume growth was driven by continued strong business retention rates and positive renewal price changes. Growth in these two business units was partially offset by a decline in Excess Casualty, where increasingly competitive market conditions led to a reduction in new business volume and a decline in renewal price changes.
Specialized Distribution. Net written premium volume in the first quarter of 2007 of $252 million increased 3% over the same period of 2006, primarily due to the Northland business unit. Business retention rates and new business volume at Northland remained strong and consistent with first quarter 2006 levels, and renewal price changes improved over the same period of 2006.
Financial, Professional & International Insurance
The Financial, Professional & International Insurance segment includes surety and financial liability coverages, which require a primarily credit-based underwriting process, as well as property and casualty products that are primarily marketed on an international basis. The segment includes the Bond & Financial Products group, as well as the International and Lloyd’s group.
In March 2007, the Company completed the sale of its Mexican surety subsidiary, Afianzadora Insurgentes, S.A. de C.V., which accounted for $79 million of net written premiums for the year ended December 31, 2006. The impact of this transaction was not material to the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
42
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
Results of the Company’s Financial, Professional & International Insurance segment were as follows:
(for the three months ended March 31, in millions) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Earned premiums |
| $ | 844 |
| $ | 788 |
|
Net investment income |
| 121 |
| 103 |
| ||
Other revenues |
| 5 |
| 5 |
| ||
Total revenues |
| $ | 970 |
| $ | 896 |
|
Total claims and expenses |
| $ | 759 |
| $ | 697 |
|
Operating income |
| $ | 156 |
| $ | 141 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio |
| 53.0 | % | 53.0 | % | ||
Underwriting expense ratio |
| 36.4 |
| 35.0 |
| ||
GAAP combined ratio |
| 89.4 | % | 88.0 | % |
Overview
Operating income of $156 million in the first quarter of 2007 increased by $15 million, or 11%, over the same period of 2006, driven by an increase in net investment income and growth in business volume, partially offset by an increase in general and administrative expenses. No catastrophe losses or net prior year reserve development were recorded in either quarter.
Earned Premiums
Earned premiums of $844 million in the first quarter of 2007 increased $56 million, or 7%, over the same period of 2006, primarily reflecting adjustments to prior year premium estimates at Lloyd’s, growth in volume in certain lines of business and favorable foreign currency exchange rate movements.
Net Investment Income
Refer to the “Net Investment Income” section of the “Consolidated Results of Operations” discussion herein for a description of the factors contributing to the increase in the Company’s net investment income in 2007.
Claims and Expenses
Claims and claim adjustment expenses in the first quarter of 2007 totaled $451 million, an increase of $30 million, or 7%, compared with the same 2006 period, primarily reflecting increased business volume. General and administrative expenses in the first quarter of 2007 totaled $145 million, an increase of 15% over the same period of 2006. The increase primarily reflected the segment’s continued expenditures to support business growth, the impact of foreign currency exchange rates, and the segment’s share of costs associated with the Company’s national advertising campaign that was launched in the second quarter of 2006. The Company’s implementation of a new performance-based fixed supplemental compensation program for the majority of its agents in the first quarter of 2007 did not have a material impact on this segment.
GAAP Combined Ratio
The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 53.0% in the first quarter of 2007 was level with the same 2006 period. Loss trends continued to be favorable, there were no catastrophe losses incurred in the first quarters of 2007 or 2006, and there was no prior year reserve development in either period. The underwriting expense ratio of 36.4% in the first quarter of 2007 was 1.4 points higher than the comparable 2006 expense ratio of 35.0%, driven by the increase in expenses described above.
43
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
Written Premiums
Financial, Professional & International Insurance’s gross and net written premiums by market were as follows:
| Gross Written Premiums |
| |||||
(for the three months ended March 31, in millions) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Bond & Financial Products |
| $ | 626 |
| $ | 621 |
|
International and Lloyd’s |
| 349 |
| 314 |
| ||
Total Financial, Professional & International Insurance |
| $ | 975 |
| $ | 935 |
|
| Net Written Premiums |
| |||||
(for the three months ended March 31, in millions) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Bond & Financial Products |
| $ | 311 |
| $ | 293 |
|
International and Lloyd’s |
| 289 |
| 222 |
| ||
Total Financial, Professional & International Insurance |
| $ | 600 |
| $ | 515 |
|
The Financial, Professional & International Insurance segment’s gross written premiums of $975 million in the first quarter of 2007 increased 4% over the same period of 2006, whereas net written premiums of $600 million increased 17% over the first quarter of 2006. Gross written premium growth in 2007 resulted from strong construction surety business volume and adjustments to prior year premium estimates for the Company’s operations at Lloyd’s. The disparity in gross and net written premium growth rates primarily reflected changes in the Company’s reinsurance program that resulted in a higher level of business retained, a change in the timing of certain reinsurance transactions and lower reinsurance costs. In Bond & Financial Products (excluding the surety line of business, for which the following are not relevant measures), business retention rates in the first quarter of 2007 remained strong and increased over the same 2006 period, while renewal price increases remained positive but declined slightly from the 2006 level. New business volume was also down compared with the first quarter of 2006 due to competitive pricing in liability lines of business. For International and Lloyd’s in the first quarter of 2007, business retention rates remained strong but declined slightly from the first quarter of 2006. Renewal price changes and new business volume declined in comparison to the same period of 2006, primarily reflecting increasingly competitive market conditions.
Personal Insurance
The Personal Insurance segment writes virtually all types of property and casualty insurance covering personal risks. The primary coverages in Personal Insurance are automobile and homeowners insurance sold to individuals.
In April 2007, the Company completed the sale of its subsidiary, Mendota Insurance Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Mendakota Insurance Company and Mendota Insurance Agency, Inc. These subsidiaries primarily offered nonstandard automobile coverage and accounted for approximately $187 million of net written premium volume for the year ended December 31, 2006. The sale was not material to the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
44
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
Results of the Company’s Personal Insurance segment were as follows:
(for the three months ended March 31, in millions) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Earned premiums |
| $ | 1,688 |
| $ | 1,560 |
|
Net investment income |
| 145 |
| 134 |
| ||
Other revenues |
| 24 |
| 24 |
| ||
Total revenues |
| $ | 1,857 |
| $ | 1,718 |
|
Total claims and expenses |
| $ | 1,470 |
| $ | 1,372 |
|
Operating income |
| $ | 266 |
| $ | 240 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio |
| 59.0 | % | 58.7 | % | ||
Underwriting expense ratio |
| 26.5 |
| 27.7 |
| ||
GAAP combined ratio |
| 85.5 | % | 86.4 | % |
Overview
Operating income of $266 million in the first quarter of 2007 was $26 million higher than operating income in the same period of 2006, primarily reflecting strong growth in business volume and continued favorable loss trends. Results in the first quarter of 2007 also benefited from the Company’s implementation of a new performance-based fixed supplemental compensation program for its agents in the first quarter of 2007, which is described in more detail in the “Consolidated Overview” section herein. In addition, net investment income increased $11 million over the first quarter of 2006, and net favorable prior year reserve development in the first quarter of 2007 was slightly better than in the same 2006 period. These factors were partially offset by $45 million of catastrophe losses incurred in the first quarter of 2007 resulting from wind and hail storms in the southeastern United States. There were no catastrophe losses in the first quarter of 2006.
Earned Premiums
Earned premiums of $1.69 billion in the first quarter of 2007 increased $128 million, or 8%, over earned premiums of $1.56 billion in the same period of 2006, reflecting continued strong business retention rates, renewal price increases and growth in new business volumes over the preceding twelve months.
Net Investment Income
Refer to the “Net Investment Income” section of the “Consolidated Results of Operations” discussion herein for a description of the factors contributing to the increase in the Company’s net investment income in 2007.
Claims and Expenses
Claims and claim adjustment expenses in the first quarter of 2007 totaled $997 million, an increase of $82 million, or 9%, over the same period of 2006. The increase was primarily due to catastrophe losses in the first quarter of 2007 and growth in business volume. Net favorable prior year reserve development in the first quarters of 2007 and 2006 totaled $35 million and $30 million, respectively. The 2007 total was primarily driven by better than expected auto bodily injury loss experience resulting in part from claim initiatives. In 2006, the net favorable prior year reserve development reflected declines in the frequency of non-catastrophe losses and lower than expected severity in both the Automobile and Homeowners and Other lines of business. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs totaled $303 million in the first quarter of 2007, 11% higher than the comparable 2006 total of $274 million. The increase reflected the growth in business volume, as well as a $5 million impact from the implementation of the new performance-based fixed supplemental compensation program described in more detail in the “Consolidated Overview” section herein.
General and administrative expenses totaled $170 million in the first quarter of 2007, a decrease of $13 million, or 7%, from the first quarter 2006 total of $183 million. The decrease in expenses primarily reflected a decline in commission expenses resulting from the implementation of the new compensation program for agents, which was partially offset by increased business volume, continued investments to support business growth and product development and the segment’s share of costs related to the Company’s national advertising campaign that was launched in the second quarter of 2006. The implementation of the new compensation program in the first quarter of 2007 resulted in a $37 million reduction in reported expenses in “General and Administrative Expenses” compared to what would have been reported under the prior contingent commission program.
45
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
GAAP Combined Ratio
The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 59.0% in the first quarter of 2007 was slightly higher than the comparable 2006 ratio of 58.7%. The 2007 ratio included a 2.7 point impact of catastrophe losses and a 2.1 point benefit from net favorable prior year reserve development. The 2006 loss and loss adjustment expense ratio included no impact of catastrophe losses and a 1.9 point benefit from net favorable prior year reserve development. Excluding those factors from both periods, the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio in 2007 was over two points lower than the comparable 2006 ratio, reflecting continued favorable loss trends.
The underwriting expense ratio of 26.5% in the first quarter of 2007 was 1.2 points lower than the first quarter 2006 expense ratio of 27.7%, primarily reflecting the 1.9 point impact of the implementation of the new agent compensation program described above.
Written Premiums
Personal Insurance’s gross and net written premiums by product line were as follows:
| Gross Written Premiums |
| |||||
(for the three months ended March 31, in millions) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Automobile |
| $ | 975 |
| $ | 942 |
|
Homeowners and Other |
| 734 |
| 679 |
| ||
Total Personal Insurance |
| $ | 1,709 |
| $ | 1,621 |
|
| Net Written Premiums |
| |||||
(for the three months ended March 31, in millions) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Automobile |
| $ | 965 |
| $ | 932 |
|
Homeowners and Other |
| 699 |
| 640 |
| ||
Total Personal Insurance |
| $ | 1,664 |
| $ | 1,572 |
|
Gross and net written premiums in the first quarter of 2007 increased 5% and 6% over the respective totals in the same period of 2006. In the Automobile line of business, net written premium growth of 4% in 2007 primarily reflected the impact of renewal price increases and continued strong retention rates. New business volume in 2007 declined from the first quarter of 2006.
In the Homeowners and Other line of business, net written premiums in the first quarter of 2007 grew 9% over the same period of 2006, primarily reflecting the impact of renewal price increases, particularly for coastal coverages, and continued strong retention rates. New business volume in this line of business in the first quarter of 2007 also declined from the same 2006 period.
The Personal Insurance segment had approximately 7.2 million and 6.7 million policies in force at March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
INTEREST EXPENSE AND OTHER
(for the three months ended March 31, in millions) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
Net loss |
| $ | (22 | ) | $ | (21 | ) |
After-tax interest expense in both periods totaled $49 million. Additionally, the net loss in this category for both periods was reduced by the favorable resolution of various prior year tax matters.
46
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
ASBESTOS CLAIMS AND LITIGATION
The Company believes that the property and casualty insurance industry has suffered from court decisions and other trends that have attempted to expand insurance coverage for asbestos claims far beyond the intent of insurers and policyholders. While the Company has experienced a decrease in asbestos claims over the past two years, the Company continues to receive a significant number of asbestos claims from the Company’s policyholders (which include others seeking coverage under a policy), including claims against the Company’s policyholders by individuals who do not appear to be impaired by asbestos exposure. Factors underlying these claim filings include intensive advertising by lawyers seeking asbestos claimants, the focus by plaintiffs on new and previously peripheral defendants and entities seeking bankruptcy protection as a result of asbestos-related liabilities. 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. Bankruptcy proceedings have also caused increased settlement demands against those policyholders who are not in bankruptcy but that remain in the tort system. Recently, 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 new and previously peripheral defendants, contributes to the loss and loss expense payments experienced by the Company. In addition, the Company’s asbestos-related loss and loss expense experience is impacted by the exhaustion or unavailability due to insolvency of other insurance potentially available to policyholders along with the insolvency or bankruptcy of other defendants.
The Company continues to be involved in coverage litigation concerning a number of policyholders, some of whom have filed for bankruptcy, including, among others, ACandS, Inc., who in some instances have asserted that all or a portion of their asbestos-related claims are not subject to aggregate limits on coverage. (See “Part II — Item 1, Legal Proceedings”). 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 policyholders’ 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.
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, proceedings have been launched directly against insurers, including the Company, challenging insurers’ conduct in respect of asbestos claims and, as discussed below, claims by individuals seeking damages arising from alleged asbestos-related bodily injuries. The Company anticipates the filing of other direct actions against insurers, including the Company, 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. Additionally, Travelers Property Casualty Corp. (TPC) has entered into settlement agreements, which have been approved by the court in connection with the proceedings initiated by TPC in the Johns Manville bankruptcy court. On March 29, 2006, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York substantially affirmed the bankruptcy court’s orders, while vacating that portion of the bankruptcy court’s orders which required all future direct actions against TPC to first be approved by the bankruptcy court before proceeding in state or federal court. Five appeals from the March 29, 2006 ruling were filed in the U.S. Court of
47
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
Appeals for the Second Circuit, and TPC filed a cross-appeal. Two appellants have voluntarily dismissed their appeals and a motion to dismiss the cross-appeal was filed. Additionally, TPC appealed from a procedural order of the district court relating to the timeliness of the cross-appeal. On January 17, 2007, the Second Circuit dismissed TPC’s cross-appeal and denied TPC’s appeal from the procedural order. The three remaining principal appeals have been consolidated for disposition and remain pending. It is not possible to predict how the appellate court will rule on the pending appeals. If the rulings of the district court are affirmed through the appellate process, then TPC will have resolved substantially all of the pending direct action claims against it. (Also, see “Part II — Item 1, Legal Proceedings”).
Because each policyholder presents different liability and coverage issues, the Company generally reviews the exposure presented by each policyholder annually on a policyholder-by-policyholder basis. In the course of this review, the Company considers, among other factors: 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 each 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. For those policyholders for which an estimate of the gross ultimate exposure for indemnity and related claim adjustment expense is determined, the Company calculates, by each policy year, a ceded reinsurance projection based on any applicable facultative and treaty reinsurance, past ceded experience and reinsurance collections. Conventional actuarial methods are not utilized to establish asbestos reserves. The Company’s evaluations have not resulted in any data from which a meaningful average asbestos defense or indemnity payment may be determined.
The Company also compares 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. Net asbestos losses and expenses paid in the first three months of 2007 were $125 million, compared with $84 million in the same period of 2006. The increase in paid losses in the first quarter 2007 was primarily the result of installment payments on settlements reached in prior years. As a result, approximately 63% and 44% of total net paid losses in the first three months of 2007 and 2006, respectively, related to policyholders with whom the Company has entered into settlement agreements limiting the Company’s liability. Beginning in the first quarter of 2007, the Company supplemented its existing annual in-depth and quarterly asbestos review processes with additional aggregate quarterly reserve analyses. Net asbestos reserves totaled $3.93 billion at March 31, 2007, compared with $4.28 billion at March 31, 2006.
48
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
The following table displays activity for asbestos losses and loss expenses and reserves:
(at and for the three months ended March 31, in millions) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
Beginning reserves: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Direct |
| $ | 4,777 |
| $ | 5,103 |
|
Ceded |
| (726 | ) | (739 | ) | ||
Net |
| 4,051 |
| 4,364 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Incurred losses and loss expenses: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Direct |
| — |
| — |
| ||
Ceded |
| — |
| — |
| ||
Net |
| — |
| — |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accretion of discount: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Direct |
| — |
| — |
| ||
Ceded |
| — |
| — |
| ||
Net |
| — |
| — |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Losses paid: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Direct |
| 152 |
| 103 |
| ||
Ceded |
| (27 | ) | (19 | ) | ||
Net |
| 125 |
| 84 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Ending reserves: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Direct |
| 4,625 |
| 5,000 |
| ||
Ceded |
| (699 | ) | (720 | ) | ||
Net |
| $ | 3,926 |
| $ | 4,280 |
|
See “—Uncertainty Regarding Adequacy of Asbestos and Environmental Reserves.”
ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS AND LITIGATION
The Company 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-1970s. 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 by settlement on a policyholder-by-policyholder basis as opposed to a claim-by-claim basis. 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 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
49
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
the 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 future liability arising from known specified sites or claims. Provisions of these agreements also include appropriate 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 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 allegations of environmental harm at each site; the number of sites; the total number of potentially responsible parties at each site; the nature of 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. Conventional actuarial techniques are not used to estimate these reserves.
In its review of environmental reserves, the Company considers: the adequacy of reserves for past settlements; changing judicial and legislative trends; 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 has continued to experience a decline in the number of policyholders tendering claims for the first time. These policyholders generally present smaller exposures, have fewer sites and are lower tier defendants. Further, regulatory agencies are utilizing risk-based analysis and more efficient clean-up technologies. However, the Company has experienced higher than expected defense and settlement costs. These increases have been driven in part by adverse judicial developments in certain states regarding the availability of coverage for environmental claims.
Gross paid losses in the first three months of 2007 and 2006 were $49 million and $88 million, respectively. TPC entered into a significant settlement with one policyholder in 2005. TPC executed an agreement with this policyholder which resolved all past, present and future hazardous waste and pollution property damage claims, and all related past and pending bodily injury claims. The final payment related to this settlement was made in the first quarter of 2006. In addition, TPC and this policyholder entered into a coverage-in-place agreement which addressed the handling and resolution of all future hazardous waste and pollution bodily injury claims. Under the coverage-in-place agreement, TPC has no defense obligation, and there is an overall cap with respect to any indemnity obligation that might be owed.
At March 31, 2007, approximately 81% of the net environmental reserve (approximately $300 million) was carried in a bulk reserve and included unresolved environmental claims, incurred but not reported environmental claims and the anticipated cost of litigating coverage 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 19% of the net environmental reserve (approximately $72 million), consists of case reserves.
50
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
The following table displays activity for environmental losses and loss expenses and reserves:
(at and for the three months ended March 31, in millions) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
Beginning reserves: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Direct |
| $ | 413 |
| $ | 494 |
|
Ceded |
| 5 |
| (69 | ) | ||
Net |
| 418 |
| 425 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Incurred losses and loss expenses: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Direct |
| — |
| — |
| ||
Ceded |
| — |
| — |
| ||
Net |
| — |
| — |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Losses paid: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Direct |
| 49 |
| 88 |
| ||
Ceded |
| (3 | ) | (50 | ) | ||
Net |
| 46 |
| 38 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Ending reserves: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Direct |
| 364 |
| 406 |
| ||
Ceded |
| 8 |
| (19 | ) | ||
Net |
| $ | 372 |
| $ | 387 |
|
UNCERTAINTY REGARDING ADEQUACY OF ASBESTOS AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESERVES
As a result of the processes and procedures described above, management believes that the reserves carried for asbestos and environmental claims at March 31, 2007 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 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 some 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 and future developments pertaining to the Company’s ability to recover reinsurance for asbestos and environmental claims. In addition, the Company’s asbestos-related claims and claim adjustment expense experience has been impacted by the exhaustion or unavailability due to insolvency of other insurance sources potentially available to policyholders along with the insolvency or bankruptcy of other defendants, although the Company has noted a recent decrease in the number and volatility of asbestos-related bankruptcies. It is also not possible to predict changes in the legal and legislative environment and their impact on the future development of asbestos and environmental claims. This development will be affected by future court decisions and interpretations, as well as changes in applicable legislation, including legislation related to asbestos reform. It is also difficult to predict the ultimate outcome of large 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 reserves, which includes an annual ground-up review of asbestos policyholders, the Company continues to study the implications of these and other developments. The Company completed its most recent annual ground-up review during the third quarter of 2006. See “Part II — Item 1, Legal Proceedings.”
Because of the uncertainties set forth above, additional liabilities may arise for amounts in excess of the current related 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.
51
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity is a measure of a company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet the short- and long-term cash requirements of its business operations. The liquidity requirements of the Company’s business have been met primarily by funds generated from operations, asset maturities and income received on investments. Cash provided from these sources is used primarily for claims and claim adjustment expense payments and operating expenses. 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 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. The Company also has the ability to issue securities under its shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission and has access to liquidity through its $1 billion line of credit.
Operating Activities
Net cash flows provided by operating activities in the first three months of 2007 and 2006 totaled $867 million and $562 million, respectively. Cash flows in the first quarter of 2007 reflected higher levels of collected premiums and net investment income, lower claim payments on catastrophe losses, as well as lower runoff claim payments in Business Insurance Other in comparison to the first quarter of 2006. These factors were partially offset by an increase in tax payments resulting from higher profitability.
Investing Activities
Net cash flows used in investing activities in the first three months of 2007 and 2006 totaled $485 million and $380 million, respectively. Fixed maturity securities accounted for the majority of investment purchases in both years.
The majority of funds available for investment are deployed in a widely diversified portfolio of high quality, liquid intermediate-term taxable U.S. government, corporate and mortgage backed bonds and tax-exempt U.S. municipal bonds. 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 Company’s management of the duration of the fixed income investment portfolio generally produces a duration that exceeds the duration of the Company’s net insurance liabilities. The average duration of fixed maturities and short-term securities was 4.1 at March 31, 2007, compared with 4.0 at December 31, 2006.
The Company also invests much smaller amounts in equity securities, venture capital and real estate. 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.
The primary goals of the Company’s asset liability management process are to satisfy the insurance liabilities, manage the interest rate risk embedded in those 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 income 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 degree by which the market value of the fixed income portfolio exceeds the present value of the net insurance liabilities, plus the positive cash flow from newly sold policies and the large amount of high quality liquid bonds, provides assurance of the Company’s ability to fund the payment of claims without having to sell illiquid assets or access credit facilities.
At March 31, 2007, total cash, short-term invested assets and other readily marketable securities aggregating $1.69 billion were held at the holding company level. The assets held at the holding company, combined with other sources of funds available, primarily additional dividends from operating subsidiaries, are sufficient to meet its liquidity requirements. These liquidity requirements primarily include shareholder dividends and debt service.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows used in financing activities in the first three months of 2007 totaled $462 million, compared with $146 million in the same 2006 period. The 2007 total primarily reflected common share repurchases, the repayment of debt and dividends to shareholders, partially offset by the issuance of debt and proceeds from employee stock option exercises. The 2006 total reflected the issuance of debt and, to a lesser extent, proceeds from the issuance of common shares under employee stock options, offset by dividends to shareholders and common share repurchases.
52
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
In March 2007, the Company issued $1 billion aggregate principal amount of 6.25% fixed-to-floating rate junior subordinated debentures due March 15, 2067 for net proceeds of $986 million (after original issue discount and expenses). The debentures were issued at a discount, resulting in an effective interest rate of 6.447%. The debentures bear interest at an annual rate of 6.25% from the date of issuance to March 15, 2017, payable semi-annually 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 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 carry a 60-year final maturity and a scheduled maturity date in year thirty. During the 180-day period ending ten days prior to the scheduled maturity date, the Company is required to use commercially reasonable efforts to sell enough qualifying capital securities, or at its option, common stock, qualifying warrants, mandatorily convertible preferred stock, debt exchangeable for common equity or debt exchangeable for preferred equity to permit repayment of the debentures at the scheduled maturity date. If any debentures remain outstanding after the scheduled maturity date, the unpaid amount will remain outstanding until the Company has raised sufficient proceeds from the sale of qualifying capital securities, or at its option, common stock, qualifying warrants, mandatorily convertible preferred stock, debt exchangeable for common equity or debt exchangeable for preferred equity 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 can redeem the debentures at its option, in whole or in part, at any time 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, in whole only, prior to March 15, 2017 in the event of certain tax or rating agency events relating to the debentures, at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount being redeemed plus a make-whole premium.
In connection with the offering of the debentures, the Company entered into a “replacement capital covenant” for the benefit of holders of one or more designated series of the Company’s indebtedness (which will initially be the 6.750% Senior Notes due 2036). Under the terms of the replacement capital covenant, if the Company redeems the debentures at any time prior to March 15, 2047 it can only do so with the proceeds of securities that are treated by the rating agencies as having similar equity content to the debentures.
On January 18, 2007, the Company redeemed $81 million of 8.47% subordinated debentures originally issued in 1997 and due January 10, 2027. The debentures were redeemable by the Company on or after January 10, 2007. In January 1997, USF&G Capital II, a business trust, issued $100 million of capital securities, the proceeds of which, along with $3 million in capital provided by the Company, were used to purchase the subordinated debentures issued by USF&G Corporation and subsequently assumed by the Company after the merger of SPC and TPC. During the period prior to redemption, the Company had repurchased and retired $22 million of the debentures in open market transactions. Upon the Company’s redemption of the remaining $81 million of subordinated debentures in January 2007, USF&G Capital II in turn used the proceeds to redeem its remaining capital securities outstanding. USF&G Capital II was then liquidated, and the Company received a $3 million distribution of capital. The Company recorded a $3 million pretax gain on the redemption of the subordinated debentures, due to the remaining unamortized fair value adjustment recorded at the merger date, less the redemption premium paid.
On March 15, 2007, the Company’s $500 million, 5.75% senior notes matured and were fully paid.
On March 13, 2007, the Company called for redemption all of its outstanding $893 million, 4.50% convertible junior subordinated notes due in 2032 (the “notes”). The notes were originally issued by Travelers Property Casualty Corp. The Company assumed certain obligations relating to the notes pursuant to a Second Supplemental Indenture dated April 1, 2004. Each note had a principal amount of $25.00. The redemption date was April 18, 2007, and the redemption price for each note was $25.5625 plus $0.009375 of accrued and unpaid interest. Any note called for redemption could be surrendered for conversion into common stock before the close of business on April 17, 2007. Each note was convertible into 0.4684 shares
53
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
of common stock of The Travelers Companies, Inc. As of April 17, 2007, holders of $36 million of the notes tendered their certificates in exchange for the issuance of 670,910 of the Company’s common shares. The remaining $857 million of notes were redeemed for cash on April 18, 2007, along with accrued interest to the date of redemption. The Company will record a $39 million pretax loss on redemption in the second quarter of 2007, comprising the redemption premium paid and the write-off of remaining unamortized issuance costs.
Dividends paid to shareholders totaled $175 million and $161 million in the first three months of 2007 and 2006, respectively. On May 2, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.29 per share, a 12% increase over the prior quarterly dividend rate of $0.26 per share. The dividend is payable June 29, 2007 to shareholders of record on June 8, 2007. 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 condition, earnings, capital requirements of the Company’s operating subsidiaries, legal requirements, regulatory constraints and other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant. Dividends would 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 May 2, 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $2 billion of shares of the Company’s common stock. In January 2007, the Board of Directors authorized an increase of $3 billion to this share repurchase program. Under this program, 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. This program does 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 corporate and regulatory requirements, price, catastrophe losses and other market conditions. During the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company repurchased 13.9 million shares under the program for a total cost of approximately $725 million. The average cost per share repurchased was $52.20. At March 31, 2007, the Company had $3.15 billion of capacity remaining under the share repurchase program.
Upon completion of the merger of The St. Paul Companies, Inc. (SPC) and TPC on April 1, 2004, the Company acquired all obligations related to SPC’s outstanding debt, which had a carrying value of $3.68 billion at the time of the merger. In accordance with purchase accounting, the carrying value of the SPC debt acquired was adjusted to market value as of April 1, 2004 using the effective interest rate method, which resulted in a $301 million adjustment to increase the amount of the Company’s consolidated debt outstanding. That fair value adjustment is being amortized over the remaining life of the respective debt instruments acquired. That amortization, which totaled $7 million and $9 million in the first three months of 2007 and 2006, respectively, reduced reported interest expense.
The following table summarizes the components of the Company’s capital structure at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006.
(in millions) |
| March 31, |
| December 31, |
| ||
Debt: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Short-term |
| $ | 984 |
| $ | 1,114 |
|
Long-term |
| 5,108 |
| 4,588 |
| ||
Net unamortized fair value adjustments and debt issuance costs |
| 31 |
| 58 |
| ||
Total debt |
| 6,123 |
| 5,760 |
| ||
Preferred shareholders’ equity |
| 124 |
| 129 |
| ||
Common shareholders’ equity: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Common stock and retained earnings, less treasury stock |
| 24,816 |
| 24,554 |
| ||
Accumulated other changes in equity from nonowner sources |
| 417 |
| 452 |
| ||
Total shareholders’ equity |
| 25,357 |
| 25,135 |
| ||
Total capitalization |
| $ | 31,480 |
| $ | 30,895 |
|
The $585 million increase in total capitalization over year-end 2006 reflected the Company’s strong net income in the first quarter of 2007 and the issuance of debt, partially offset by the impact of significant common share repurchases, dividends to shareholders and debt redemptions.
54
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
RATINGS
Ratings are an important factor in setting the Company’s competitive position in the insurance marketplace. 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: claims-paying (or financial strength) ratings which assess an insurer’s ability to meet its financial obligations to policyholders and debt ratings which assess a company’s prospects for repaying its debts and assist lenders in setting interest rates and terms for a company’s short and long term borrowing needs. 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 organization. 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.
The Company’s insurance operations could be negatively impacted by a downgrade in one or more of the Company’s financial strength ratings. If this were to occur, there could be a reduced demand for certain products in certain markets. Additionally, the Company’s ability to access the capital markets could be impacted and higher borrowing costs may be incurred.
Claims – Paying Ratings
The following table summarizes the current claims-paying (or financial strength) ratings of the Travelers Reinsurance Pool, Travelers C&S of America, Northland Pool, Travelers Personal single state companies, Travelers Europe, Discover Reinsurance Company, St. Paul Guarantee Insurance Company and St. Paul Travelers Insurance Company Limited by A.M. Best, Moody’s, S&P and Fitch as of May 2, 2007. The table also 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) |
| Aa3 (4th of 21) |
| AA- (4th of 21) |
| AA- (4th of 24) |
Travelers C&S of America |
| A+ (2nd of 16) |
| Aa3 (4th of 21) |
| AA- (4th of 21) |
| AA- (4th of 24) |
Northland Pool (c) |
| A (3rd of 16) |
| — |
| — |
| — |
First Floridian Auto and Home Ins. Co. |
| A- (4th of 16) |
| — |
| — |
| AA- (4th of 24) |
First Trenton Indemnity Company |
| A (3rd of 16) |
| — |
| — |
| AA- (4th of 24) |
The Premier Insurance Co. of MA |
| A (3rd of 16) |
| — |
| — |
| — |
Travelers Europe |
| A+ (2nd of 16) |
| Aa3 (4th of 21) |
| AA- (4th of 21) |
| — |
Discover Reinsurance Company |
| A- (4th of 16) |
| — |
| — |
| — |
St. Paul Guarantee Insurance Company |
| A (3rd of 16) |
| — |
| — |
| — |
St. Paul Travelers Insurance Company Limited |
| A (3rd of 16) |
| — |
| — |
| — |
(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, 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, Athena Assurance Company, St. Paul Protective Insurance Company, St. Paul Medical Liability Insurance Company, Discover Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Discover Specialty Insurance Company, and United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company.
55
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
(b) The following affiliated companies are 100% reinsured by one of the pool participants noted in (a) above: Atlantic Insurance Company, Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company, Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Underwriters, Inc., Gulf Underwriters Insurance Company, Seaboard Surety Company, Select Insurance Company, St. Paul Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, St. Paul Guardian Insurance Company, St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company, The Travelers Lloyds Insurance Company and Travelers Lloyds of Texas Insurance Company.
(c) The Northland Pool consists of: Northland Insurance Company, Northfield Insurance Company, Northland Casualty Company, American Equity Insurance Company and American Equity Specialty Insurance Company.
Debt Ratings
The following table summarizes the current debt, preferred stock and commercial paper ratings of the Company and its subsidiaries by A.M. Best, Moody’s, S&P and Fitch as of May 2, 2006. 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 |
| a- (7th of 22) |
| A3 (7th of 21) |
| A- (7th of 22) |
| A- (7th of 22) |
Subordinated debt |
| bbb+ (8th of 22) |
| Baa (8th of 21) |
| BBB (9th of 22) |
| A- (7th of 22) |
Junior subordinated debt |
| bbb+ (8th of 22) |
| Baa (8th of 21) |
| BBB- (10th of 22) |
| BBB+ (8th of 22) |
Trust preferred securities |
| bbb (9th of 22) |
| Baa (8th of 21) |
| BBB- (10th of 22) |
| BBB+ (8th of 22) |
Preferred stock |
| bbb (9th of 22) |
| Baa2 (9th of 21) |
| BBB- (10th of 22) |
| BBB+ (8th of 22) |
Commercial paper |
| AMB-1 (2nd of 6) |
| Prime-2 (2nd of 4) |
| A-2 (3rd of 8) |
| F-2 (3rd of 8) |
Rating Agency Actions
The following rating agency actions were taken with respect to the Company from January 1, 2007 through May 2, 2007:
· On January 18, 2007, A.M. Best placed the FSR of “A-” (Excellent) of Afianzadora Insurgentes, S.A. de C.V., the Company’s former Mexican subsidiary, under review with negative implications. This rating action was a result of the Company having reached a definitive agreement to sell this surety company. The sale was finalized in March 2007.
· On January 24, 2007, A.M. Best placed the FSR of “A” (Excellent) and the ICR of “a” of Mendota Insurance Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Mendakota Insurance Company, under review with negative implications. These ratings actions were the result of the Company having reached a definitive agreement to sell these subsidiaries. The sale was finalized in April 2007.
· On March 5, 2007, A.M. Best assigned a debt rating of “bbb” to the $1.0 billion junior subordinated debentures due 2067 issued by the Company in March 2007.
· On March 5, 2007, Moody’s assigned a debt rating of “Baa1” to the $1.0 billion junior subordinated debentures due 2067 issued by the Company in March 2007.
· On March 5, 2007, S&P assigned a debt rating of “BBB” to the $1.0 billion junior subordinated debentures due 2067 issued by the Company in March 2007.
· On March 5, 2007, Fitch announced that it expected to assign a debt rating of “BBB+” to the $1.0 billion junior subordinated debentures due 2067 issued by the Company in March 2007. Subsequently, on April 11, 2007, Fitch assigned the “BBB+” debt rating to these junior subordinated debentures.
· On May 2, 2007, Moody’s affirmed all ratings for the Company and changed the outlook for all ratings to “positive” from “stable”.
56
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
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 impairments and goodwill impairments.
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves
Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves (loss 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. Loss 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 loss reserve 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 reserves, the Company also takes into account estimated recoveries, reinsurance, salvage and subrogation. The reserves are reviewed regularly by a qualified actuary employed by the Company.
The process of estimating loss 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 loss and loss adjustment expenses is difficult to estimate. Loss 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). Informed judgment is applied throughout the process. The Company continually refines its loss reserve 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 loss reserves are established. Due to the inherent uncertainty underlying loss reserve estimates including but not limited to the future settlement environment, final resolution of the estimated liability will be different from that anticipated at the reporting date. Therefore, actual paid losses in the future may yield a materially different amount than currently reserved—favorable or unfavorable.
Because establishment of loss reserves is an inherently uncertain process involving estimates, currently established reserves may change. The Company reflects adjustments to reserves in the results of operations in the period the estimates are changed.
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 by 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; and 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’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.
A portion of the Company’s loss reserves are for asbestos and environmental claims and related litigation, which totaled $4.30 billion at March 31, 2007. While the ongoing study of asbestos claims and associated liabilities and of environmental claims 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.”
57
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
Gross claims and claim adjustment expense reserves by product line were as follows:
|
| March 31, 2007 |
| December 31, 2006 |
| ||||||||||||||
(in millions) |
| Case |
| IBNR |
| Total |
| Case |
| IBNR |
| Total |
| ||||||
General liability |
| $ | 7,456 |
| $ | 12,478 |
| $ | 19,934 |
| $ | 7,555 |
| $ | 12,414 |
| $ | 19,969 |
|
Property |
| 1,559 |
| 948 |
| 2,507 |
| 1,612 |
| 978 |
| 2,590 |
| ||||||
Commercial multi-peril |
| 1,944 |
| 2,612 |
| 4,556 |
| 1,940 |
| 2,693 |
| 4,633 |
| ||||||
Commercial automobile |
| 2,574 |
| 1,740 |
| 4,314 |
| 2,573 |
| 1,801 |
| 4,374 |
| ||||||
Workers’ compensation |
| 9,177 |
| 6,351 |
| 15,528 |
| 9,142 |
| 6,337 |
| 15,479 |
| ||||||
Fidelity and surety |
| 886 |
| 845 |
| 1,731 |
| 1,035 |
| 838 |
| 1,873 |
| ||||||
Personal automobile |
| 1,497 |
| 1,043 |
| 2,540 |
| 1,505 |
| 1,092 |
| 2,597 |
| ||||||
Homeowners and personal—other |
| 503 |
| 729 |
| 1,232 |
| 481 |
| 706 |
| 1,187 |
| ||||||
International and other |
| 3,189 |
| 3,206 |
| 6,395 |
| 3,296 |
| 3,204 |
| 6,500 |
| ||||||
Property-casualty |
| 28,785 |
| 29,952 |
| 58,737 |
| 29,139 |
| 30,063 |
| 59,202 |
| ||||||
Accident and health |
| 74 |
| 10 |
| 84 |
| 76 |
| 10 |
| 86 |
| ||||||
Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves |
| $ | 28,859 |
| $ | 29,962 |
| $ | 58,821 |
| $ | 29,215 |
| $ | 30,073 |
| $ | 59,288 |
|
The $467 million decline in gross claims and claim adjustment expense reserves since December 31, 2006 reflected payments related to operations in runoff (including asbestos and environmental payments) and prior year hurricane losses, and net favorable prior year reserve development.
Asbestos and environmental reserves are included in the General liability, Commercial multi-peril lines and International and other lines in the 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.”
General Discussion
The process for estimating the liabilities for claims and claim 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.
58
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
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. Policies written on a claims made basis require that claims be reported during the policy period. Policies that are written on an occurrence basis require that the insured 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 use of the occurrence form accounts for much of the reserve development in asbestos and environmental exposures, and it 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 and judicial interpretations and societal litigation dynamics, 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 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 management judgment is applied throughout the reserving process. This includes the application, on a consistent basis over time, 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 loss 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 claims 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, high frequency/low severity lines tend to have much greater spread of estimation risk, such that the impact of individual claims are relatively minor and the range of reasonable reserve estimates is narrower and more stable.
59
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
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 estimate 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. The merger of TPC and SPC in 2004 resulted in the exposure of each other’s actuaries and claim departments to different products, data histories, analysis methodologies, claim settlement experts, and more robust data when viewed on a combined basis. This impacted the range of estimates produced by the Company’s actuaries, as they reacted to new data, approaches, and sources of expertise to draw upon. It also resulted in additional levels of uncertainty, as past trends (that were a function of past products, past claim handling procedures, past claim departments, and past legal and other experts) may not repeat themselves, as those items affecting the trends change or evolve due to the merger. This also increased the potential for material variation in estimates, as experts can have differing views as to the impact of these frequently evolutionary changes. Events such as mergers increase the inherent uncertainty of reserve estimates for a period of time, until stable trends reestablish 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 and 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, resulting in an ultimate claim liability that is different from that 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 step-wise 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.
60
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
Actuarial methods for analyzing and estimating claims and claim adjustment expense reserves
The principal estimation and analysis methods utilized by the Company’s actuaries 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 traditional actuarial methods. (See Glossary in the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for an explanation of these methods.)
While these are the principal methods utilized throughout the Company, those 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 traditional methods described above. The reserves associated with large claims are then analyzed utilizing various methods such as:
· 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.
· 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.)
· Utilizing historic longer-term average ratios of large claims to small claims, and applying such ratios to the estimated ultimate small claims from traditional analysis.
· 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 based on the prior review. Additional analysis may be performed based on the results of these diagnostics, including the investigation of other actuarial methods.
The above is 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 analysis of prior experience periods 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.
61
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
Management’s Estimates
At least once per quarter, certain Company management meets with its actuaries to review the latest claims and claim adjustment expense reserve analyses. Based on these 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 due to the need to evaluate the underlying cause of the trends observed, and may include 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.
Reinsurance Recoverables
The following table summarizes the composition of the Company’s reinsurance recoverable assets:
(in millions) |
| March 31, |
| December 31, |
| ||
Gross reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses |
| $ | 12,129 |
| $ | 12,837 |
|
Allowance for uncollectible reinsurance |
| (766 | ) | (773 | ) | ||
Net reinsurance recoverables |
| 11,363 |
| 12,064 |
| ||
Structured settlements |
| 3,742 |
| 3,758 |
| ||
Mandatory pools and associations |
| 2,160 |
| 1,998 |
| ||
Total reinsurance recoverables |
| $ | 17,265 |
| $ | 17,820 |
|
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, the Company considers the commutation of reinsurance contracts. Changes in estimated reinsurance recoverables and commutation activity could result in additional income statement charges.
Investment Impairments
The Company recognizes an impairment loss when an invested asset’s value declines below cost, adjusted for accretion, amortization and previous other-than-temporary impairments (new cost basis), and the change is deemed to be other-than-temporary, or if it is determined that the Company will not be able to recover all amounts due pursuant to the issuers’ contractual obligations prior to sale or maturity. When the Company determines that an invested asset is other-than-temporarily impaired, the invested asset is written down to fair value, and the amount of the impairment is included in earnings as a realized investment loss. The fair value then becomes the new cost basis of the investment, and any subsequent recoveries in fair value are recognized at disposition.
The Company recognizes a realized loss when impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary even if a decision to sell an invested asset has not been made. When the Company has decided to sell a temporarily impaired available-for-sale invested asset and the Company does not expect the fair value of the invested asset to fully recover prior to the expected time of sale, the invested asset is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired in the period in which the decision to sell is made.
62
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
Factors considered in determining whether a decline is other-than-temporary include the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been below cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery.
The Company’s process for reviewing invested assets for impairments during any quarter includes the following:
· Identification and evaluation of investments that have possible indications of other-than-temporary impairment, which includes an analysis of investments with gross unrealized investment losses that have fair values less than 80% of cost for six consecutive months or more;
· Review of portfolio manager(s) recommendations for other-than-temporary impairments based on the investee’s current financial condition, liquidity, near-term recovery prospects and other factors;
· Consideration of evidential matter, including an evaluation of factors or triggers that may cause individual investments to qualify as having other-than-temporary impairments; and
· Determination of the status of each analyzed investment as other-than-temporary or not, with documentation of the rationale for the decision.
Sales of Temporarily Impaired Invested Assets
The Company may, from time to time, sell invested assets subsequent to the balance sheet date that were considered temporarily impaired at the balance sheet date for several reasons. For all subsequent sales of invested assets that were considered temporarily impaired at the balance sheet date, the Company contemporaneously documents its rationale for its change in intent or ability to hold to recovery. The rationale for the change in the Company’s ability and intent generally focuses on changes in the economic facts and circumstances related to the invested asset subsequent to the balance sheet date, significant unforeseen changes in the Company’s liquidity needs, or changes in tax laws or the regulatory environment.
Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities
An investment in a fixed maturity or equity security which is available for sale is impaired if its fair value falls below its cost or new cost basis, and the decline is considered to be other-than-temporary. A fixed maturity security is other-than-temporarily impaired if it is probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due under the security’s contractual terms or where the Company does not have the intent to hold the security. Equity securities are other-than-temporarily impaired when it becomes apparent that the Company will not recover its cost over the expected holding period.
Further, for securities expected to be sold, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is recognized if the Company does not expect the fair value of a security to recover prior to the expected date of sale. Additionally, for certain securitized financial assets with contractual cash flows (including asset-backed securities), the Company periodically updates its best estimate of cash flows over the life of the security. If management determines that the fair value of a securitized financial asset is less than its carrying amount and there has been a decrease in the present value of the estimated cash flows since the last revised estimate, considering both timing and amount, then an other-than-temporary impairment is recognized.
Real Estate Investments
The carrying value of a real estate property is reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The review for impairment includes 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 measured as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds fair value.
63
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued
Other Investments
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 fair market value of the underlying collateral. In estimating fair value, the Company uses interest rates reflecting the current real estate financing market returns. Impaired loans were not material at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006.
Venture Capital Investments and Non-Publicly Traded Investments
Venture capital investments and non-publicly traded investments are reviewed quarterly for other-than-temporary impairment by the external fund manager and the Company’s portfolio managers. An impairment loss is recognized if, based on the specific facts and circumstances, it is probable that the Company will not be able to recover all of the cost of an individual holding.
Goodwill Impairments
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (FAS 142), provides guidance on accounting for goodwill subsequent to acquisition. Accordingly, the Company performs a review on at least an annual basis, of goodwill held by its reporting units, which are the Company’s three operating and reportable segments: Business Insurance, Financial, Professional & International Insurance and Personal Insurance.
The impairment test, in accordance with FAS 142, is a two-step process. The first step is to identify any potential impairment using a multiple-of-earnings approach to estimate the fair value of the reporting units. The fair values of the reporting units are then compared to their carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying amounts of the reporting units exceed their fair value, a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment, if any. The Company’s review resulted in no impairment of goodwill for the periods ended March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006.
OTHER MATTERS
Unresolved Staff Comments
On July 23, 2004, the Company announced that it was seeking guidance from the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance of the SEC with respect to the appropriate purchase accounting treatment for certain second quarter 2004 adjustments totaling $1.63 billion ($1.07 billion after-tax). The Company recorded these adjustments as charges in its consolidated statement of income in the second quarter of 2004. Through an informal comment process, the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance has subsequently asked for further information, which the Company has provided. Specifically, the staff has asked for information concerning the Company’s adjustments to certain of SPC’s insurance reserves and reserves for reinsurance recoverables and premiums due from policyholders, and how those adjustments may relate to SPC’s reserves for periods prior to the merger of SPC and TPC. After reviewing the staff’s questions and comments and discussions with the Company’s independent auditors, the Company continues to believe that its accounting treatment for these adjustments is appropriate. If, however, the staff disagrees, some or all of the adjustments being discussed may not be recorded as charges in the Company’s consolidated statement of income, thereby increasing net income for the second quarter and full year 2004 and increasing shareholders’ equity at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, in each case by the approximate after-tax amount of the change. The effect on tangible shareholders’ equity (adjusted for the effects of deferred taxes associated with goodwill and intangible assets) at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 would not be material. Increases to goodwill and deferred tax liabilities would be reflected on the Company’s balance sheet as of April 1, 2004, either due to purchase accounting or adjustment of SPC’s reserves prior to the merger of SPC and TPC.
On May 3, 2006, the Company received a letter from the Division of Enforcement of the SEC (the “Division”) advising the Company that it is conducting an inquiry relating to the second quarter 2004 adjustments and the April 1, 2004 merger between SPC and TPC. The Company is cooperating with the Division’s requests for information.
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FUTURE APPLICATION OF ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
See note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.
OUTLOOK
The Company expects property casualty market conditions to continue to be competitive throughout the remainder of 2007. The Company has experienced increased competition for new business, and expects that trend to continue through 2007. Relative to 2006, within the Business Insurance and the Financial, Professional & International Insurance segments, the Company expects renewal price changes to be subject to modest declines. Also relative to 2006, within the Personal Insurance segment, the Company expects renewal price changes in the automobile and homeowners markets to remain relatively stable.
The Company believes that the trend of increased severity and frequency of storms experienced in 2005 and 2004, although not evident in 2006, may continue in the foreseeable future. Given the trend of increased severity and frequency of storms, the Company continues to reassess its definition of and exposure to coastal risks, as well as the impact on its reinsurance program. Accordingly, the Company is reviewing the pricing, exposures, return thresholds and terms and conditions it offers in coastal areas. In part as a result of the severity and frequency of storms in 2005 and 2004, the Company’s cost of reinsurance has increased and the amount of reinsurance coverage purchased has been reduced. The cost of reinsurance may continue to increase and availability may continue to decline. To the extent that the Company is not able to reflect the potentially increased costs of increased severity and frequency of storms or reinsurance in its pricing, the Company’s results of operations may be adversely impacted. In particular, in the Personal Insurance segment (and, to a lesser extent, in the Business Insurance segment’s Select Accounts market), the Company expects a delay in its ability to increase pricing to offset these potentially increased costs since the Company cannot increase rates to the extent necessary without the approval of the regulatory authorities of certain states. Also, particularly in light of the frequency and severity of storms in recent years, rating agencies have increased their capital requirements for the Company.
As a result of the redemption of the Company’s $893 million, 4.50% junior subordinated convertible notes due in 2032 on April 18, 2007, the Company’s weighted average diluted shares outstanding will be reduced by approximately 16 million shares on that date. The increase to diluted earnings per share is estimated to be $0.01 per share for the year ended December 31, 2007, and $0.07 per share for each year thereafter.
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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. Specifically, earnings guidance and statements about the Company’s share repurchase plans are forward looking, and the Company may make forward-looking statements about its results of operations (including, among others, premium volume, income from continuing operations, net and operating income, investment income, return on equity and combined ratio), financial condition (including, among others, invested assets and liquidity); and the sufficiency of asbestos and other reserves (including, among others, asbestos claim payment patterns); the cost and availability of reinsurance coverage; catastrophe losses; and strategic initiatives. 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.
Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, the following: catastrophe losses could materially reduce the Company’s profitability and adversely impact its ratings, its ability to raise capital and the availability and cost of reinsurance; if actual claims exceed the Company’s loss reserves, or if changes in the estimated level of loss reserves are necessary, the Company’s financial results could be significantly and adversely affected; the Company’s business could be harmed because of its potential exposure to asbestos and environmental claims and related litigation; the Company is exposed to, and may face adverse developments involving, mass tort claims such as those relating to exposure to potentially harmful products or substances; the effects of emerging claim and coverage issues on the Company’s business are uncertain; reinsurance may be unavailable on acceptable terms and the Company may be unable to collect reinsurance; the insurance industry is the subject of a number of investigations by state and federal authorities in the United States, and the Company cannot predict the outcome of these investigations or their impact on its business or financial results; the Company’s businesses are heavily regulated and changes in regulation may reduce the Company’s profitability and limit its growth; a downgrade in the Company’s claims-paying and financial strength ratings could significantly reduce its business volumes, adversely impact its ability to access the capital markets and increase its borrowing costs; the Company’s investment portfolio may suffer reduced returns or losses which could reduce its profitability; the intense competition that the Company faces could harm its ability to maintain or increase its profitability and premium volume; the inability of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends to the Company in sufficient amounts would harm its ability to meet its obligations and to pay future dividends; assessments and other surcharges for guaranty funds, second-injury funds, catastrophe funds and other mandatory pooling arrangements may reduce the Company’s profitability; loss or significant restriction of the use of credit scoring in the pricing and underwriting of Personal Insurance products could reduce the Company’s future profitability; disruptions to the Company’s relationships with its distributors, independent agents and brokers could adversely affect the Company and if the Company experiences difficulties with outsourcing relationships, technology and/or data security, its ability to conduct its business might be negatively impacted.
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 forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of these factors, see the information under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There were no material changes in the Company’s market risk components since December 31, 2006.
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Item 4. 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 March 31, 2007. Based upon that evaluation and subject to the foregoing, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2007, the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures provided reasonable assurance that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective to accomplish their objectives.
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 March 31, 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
This section describes 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 property is subject.
Asbestos- and Environmental-Related Proceedings
In the ordinary course of its insurance business, the Company receives claims for insurance arising under policies issued by the Company asserting alleged injuries and damages from asbestos, hazardous waste and other toxic substances that are the subject of related coverage litigation, including, among others, the litigation described below. The Company continues to be subject to aggressive asbestos-related litigation. The conditions surrounding the final resolution of these claims and the related litigation continue to change.
Travelers Property Casualty Corp. (TPC) is involved in three significant proceedings (including a bankruptcy proceeding) relating to ACandS, Inc. (ACandS), formerly a national distributor and installer of products containing asbestos. The proceedings involve disputes as to whether and to what extent any of ACandS’ potential liabilities for current or future bodily injury asbestos claims are covered by insurance policies issued by TPC. The status of the various proceedings is described below.
ACandS filed for bankruptcy in September 2002 (In re: ACandS, Inc., pending in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware). In its proposed plan of reorganization, ACandS sought to establish a trust to pay asbestos bodily injury claims against it and sought to assign to the trust its rights under the insurance policies issued by TPC. The proposed plan and disclosure statement filed by ACandS claimed that ACandS had settled the vast majority of asbestos-related bodily injury claims currently pending against it for approximately $2.80 billion. ACandS asserts that, based on a prior agreement between TPC and ACandS and ACandS’ interpretation of the July 31, 2003 arbitration panel ruling described below, TPC is liable for 45% of the $2.80 billion. On January 26, 2004, the bankruptcy court issued a decision rejecting confirmation of ACandS’ proposed plan of reorganization. The bankruptcy court found, consistent with TPC’s objections to ACandS’ proposed plan, that the proposed plan was not fundamentally fair, was not proposed in good faith and did not comply with Section 524(g) of the Bankruptcy Code. ACandS has filed a notice of appeal of the bankruptcy court’s decision and has filed objections to the bankruptcy court’s findings of fact and conclusions of law in the United States District Court. TPC has moved to dismiss the appeal and objections and has also filed an opposition to ACandS’ objections.
An arbitration was commenced in January 2001 to determine whether and to what extent ACandS’ financial obligations for bodily injury asbestos claims are subject to insurance policy aggregate limits. On July 31, 2003, the arbitration panel ruled in favor of TPC that asbestos bodily injury claims against ACandS are subject to the aggregate limits of the policies issued to
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ACandS, which have been exhausted. In October 2003, ACandS commenced a lawsuit seeking to vacate the arbitration award as beyond the panel’s scope of authority (ACandS, Inc. v. Travelers Casualty and Surety Co., U.S.D.Ct. E.D. Pa.). On September 16, 2004, the district court entered an order denying ACandS’ motion to vacate the arbitration award. On January 19, 2006, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit reversed the district court’s decision and declared the arbitration award void on procedural grounds. On May 22, 2006, the United States Supreme Court denied TPC’s petition for a writ of certiorari seeking review of the Third Circuit’s decision. As a result, the matter has been remanded to the district court and TPC has asked the district court to remand the arbitration to the panel that initially ruled in favor of TPC for further proceedings consistent with the Third Circuit’s decision. ACandS has opposed that request.
In the other proceeding, a related case pending before the same court and commenced in September 2000 (ACandS v. Travelers Casualty and Surety Co., U.S.D.Ct., E.D. Pa.), ACandS sought a declaration of the extent to which the asbestos bodily injury claims against ACandS are subject to occurrence limits under insurance policies issued by TPC. TPC filed a motion to dismiss this action based upon the July 31, 2003 arbitration decision described above. The district court found the dispute was moot as a result of the arbitration panel’s decision and dismissed the case. As a result of the January 19, 2006 ruling by the Third Circuit and the Supreme Court’s denial of certiorari, described in the paragraph above, this case has been reinstated.
The Company continues to believe it has meritorious positions in these ACandS-related proceedings and intends to litigate vigorously.
In October 2001 and April 2002, two purported class action suits (Wise v. Travelers and Meninger v. Travelers) were filed against TPC and other insurers (not including SPC) in state court in West Virginia. These cases were subsequently consolidated into a single proceeding in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia. Plaintiffs allege that the insurer defendants engaged in unfair trade practices 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. Lawsuits similar to Wise were filed in Massachusetts and Hawaii (these suits are collectively referred to as the “Statutory and Hawaii Actions”). Also, in November 2001, plaintiffs in consolidated asbestos actions pending before a mass tort panel of judges in West Virginia state court moved to amend their complaint to name TPC as a defendant, alleging that TPC and other insurers breached alleged duties to certain users of asbestos products. In March 2002, the court granted the motion to amend. Plaintiffs seek damages, including punitive damages. Lawsuits seeking similar relief and raising allegations similar to those presented in the West Virginia amended complaint are also pending in Texas state court against TPC and SPC, and in Louisiana state court against TPC (the claims asserted in these suits, together with the West Virginia suit, are collectively referred to as the “Common Law Claims”). Lawsuits seeking similar relief in Ohio have been dismissed.
All of the actions against TPC described in the preceding paragraph, other than the Hawaii Actions, had been subject to a temporary restraining order entered by the federal bankruptcy court in New York that had previously presided over and approved the reorganization in bankruptcy of TPC’s former policyholder Johns-Manville Corporation and affiliated entities. In August 2002, the bankruptcy court held a hearing on TPC’s motion for a preliminary injunction prohibiting further prosecution of the lawsuits pursuant to the reorganization plan and related orders. At the conclusion of this hearing, the court ordered the parties to mediation, appointed a mediator and continued the temporary restraining order. During 2003, the same bankruptcy court extended the existing injunction to apply to an additional set of cases filed in various state courts in Texas and Ohio as well as to the attorneys who are prosecuting these cases. The order also enjoined these attorneys and their respective law firms from commencing any further lawsuits against TPC based upon these allegations without the prior approval of the court. Notwithstanding the injunction, additional Common Law Claims were filed and served on TPC.
On November 19, 2003, the parties advised the bankruptcy court that a settlement of the Statutory and Hawaii Actions had been reached. This settlement includes a lump-sum payment of up to $412 million by TPC, subject to a number of significant contingencies. After continued meetings with the mediator, the parties advised the bankruptcy court on May 25, 2004 that a settlement resolving substantially all pending and similar future Common Law Claims against TPC had also been reached. This settlement requires a payment of up to $90 million by TPC, subject to a number of significant contingencies. Each of these settlements is contingent upon, among other things, an order of the bankruptcy court clarifying that all of these claims, and similar future asbestos-related claims against TPC, are barred by prior orders entered by the bankruptcy court in connection with the original Johns-Manville bankruptcy proceedings.
On August 17, 2004, the bankruptcy court entered an order approving the settlements and clarifying its prior orders that all of the pending Statutory and Hawaii Actions and substantially all Common Law Claims pending against TPC are barred. The order also applies to similar direct action claims that may be filed in the future.
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Four appeals were taken from the August 17, 2004 ruling. On March 29, 2006, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York substantially affirmed the bankruptcy court’s orders while vacating that portion of the bankruptcy court’s orders that required all future direct actions against TPC to first be approved by the bankruptcy court before proceeding in state or federal court. Judgment was entered on March 31, 2006.
Five appeals from the March 29, 2006 ruling were filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and TPC filed a cross-appeal. Two appellants voluntarily dismissed their appeals and a motion to dismiss the cross-appeal was filed. Additionally, TPC appealed from a procedural order of the district court relating to the timeliness of the cross-appeal. On January 17, 2007, the Second Circuit dismissed TPC’s cross-appeal and denied TPC’s appeal from the procedural order. The three remaining principal appeals have been consolidated for disposition and remain pending. It is not possible to predict how the appellate court will rule on the pending appeals. The Company has no obligation to pay any of the settlement amounts unless and until the orders and relief become final and are not subject to any further appellate review.
SPC, which is not covered by the bankruptcy court rulings or the settlements described above, has numerous defenses in all of the direct action cases asserting Common Law Claims that are pending against it. SPC’s defenses include the fact that these novel theories have no basis in law; that they are directly at odds with the well-established law pertaining to the insured/insurer relationship; that there is no generalized duty to warn as alleged by the plaintiffs; and that the applicable statute of limitations as to many of these claims has long since expired. Many of these defenses have been raised in initial motions to dismiss filed by SPC and other insurers. There have been favorable rulings during 2003 and 2004 in Texas and during 2004 and 2005 in Ohio on some of these motions filed by SPC and other insurers that dealt with statute of limitations and the validity of the alleged causes of actions. On May 26, 2005, the Court of Appeals of Ohio, Eighth District, affirmed the earliest of these favorable rulings. In Texas, only one court, in June of 2005, has denied the insurers’ initial challenges to the pleadings. That ruling was contrary to the rulings by other courts in similar cases, and SPC and the other insurer defendants have filed a mandamus petition with the Texas Court of Appeals.
The Company is defending its asbestos- and environmental-related litigation vigorously and believes that it has meritorious defenses; however, the outcome of these disputes is 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. For a discussion of other information regarding the Company’s asbestos and environmental exposure, see “Item 2 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Asbestos Claims and Litigation”, “— Environmental Claims and Litigation” and “— Uncertainty Regarding Adequacy of Asbestos and Environmental Reserves.”
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 current related 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.
Shareholder Litigation and Related Proceedings
Three actions against the Company and certain of its current and former officers and directors are pending in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. Two of these actions, which were originally captioned Kahn v. The St. Paul Travelers Companies, Inc., et al. (Nov. 2, 2004) and Michael A. Bernstein Profit Sharing Plan v. The St. Paul Travelers Companies, Inc., et al. (Nov. 10, 2004), are putative class actions brought by certain shareholders of the Company against the Company and certain of its current and former officers and directors. These actions have been consolidated as In re St. Paul Travelers Securities Litigation II, and a lead plaintiff and lead counsel have been appointed. On July 11, 2005, the lead plaintiff filed an amended consolidated complaint. The amended consolidated complaint alleges violations of federal securities laws in connection with the Company’s alleged failure to make disclosure relating to the practice of paying brokers commissions on a contingent basis, the Company’s alleged involvement in a conspiracy to rig bids and the Company’s allegedly improper use of finite reinsurance products. On September 26, 2005, the Company and the other defendants in In re St. Paul Travelers Securities Litigation II moved to dismiss the amended consolidated complaint for failure to state a claim. Oral argument on the Company’s motion to dismiss was presented on June 15, 2006. By order dated September 25, 2006, the Court denied the Company’s motion to dismiss. Discovery has commenced. On November 3, 2006, the Company
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and the other defendants in In re St. Paul Travelers Securities Litigation II moved for partial judgment on the pleadings seeking dismissal of the allegations relating to the allegedly improper use of finite reinsurance products. That motion remains pending. On March 15, 2007, the lead plaintiff in In re St. Paul Travelers Securities Litigation II moved for certification of a class of all purchasers of securities of the Company and St. Paul from January 27, 2000, through and including October 14, 2004. That motion remains pending. In the third action, an alleged beneficiary of the Company’s 401(k) savings plan commenced a putative class action against the Company and certain of its current and former officers and directors captioned Spiziri v. The St. Paul Travelers Companies, Inc., et al. (Dec. 28, 2004). The complaint alleges violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act based on the theory that defendants were allegedly aware of issues concerning the value of SPC’s loss reserves yet failed to protect plan participants from continued investment in Company stock. On June 1, 2005, the Company and the other defendants in Spiziri moved to dismiss the complaint. On January 4, 2006, the parties in Spiziri entered into a stipulation of settlement. The settlement remains subject to court approval.
In addition, two derivative actions have been brought in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota against all of the Company’s current directors and certain of the Company’s former Directors, naming the Company as a nominal defendant: Rowe v. Fishman, et al. (Oct. 22, 2004) and Clark v. Fishman, et al. (Nov. 18, 2004). The derivative actions have been consolidated for pretrial proceedings as Rowe, et al. v. Fishman, et al. and a consolidated derivative complaint has been filed. The consolidated derivative complaint asserts state law claims, including breach of fiduciary duty, based on allegations similar to those alleged in In re St. Paul Travelers Securities Litigation II and Spiziri described above. On March 23, 2006, the Court dismissed the complaint without prejudice and, on March 30, 2006, entered judgment in favor of the Company and the other defendants. On June 5, 2006, plaintiffs in Rowe moved to alter or amend the judgment for leave to file an amended complaint. The Company and the other defendants opposed that motion. On November 1, 2006, the parties in Rowe entered into a stipulation of settlement whereby plaintiffs released the Company and other defendants from liability in exchange for an agreement by defendants to adopt certain corporate governance measures for the benefit of the Company. The Court approved the settlement on April 30, 2007.
The Company believes that the pending lawsuits have no merit and intends to defend vigorously; however, the Company is not able to provide any assurance that the financial impact of one or more of these proceedings will not be material to the Company’s results of operations in a future period. The Company is obligated to indemnify its officers and directors to the extent provided under Minnesota law. As part of that obligation, the Company will advance officers and directors attorneys’ fees and other expenses they incur in defending these lawsuits.
Other Proceedings
From time to time, the Company is involved in proceedings addressing disputes with its reinsurers regarding the collection of amounts due under the Company’s reinsurance agreements. These proceedings may be initiated by the Company or the reinsurers and may involve the terms of the reinsurance agreements, the coverage of particular claims, exclusions under the agreements, as well as counterclaims for rescission of the agreements. One of these disputes is the action described in the following paragraphs.
The Company’s Gulf operation brought an action on May 22, 2003, as amended on May 12, 2004, in the Supreme Court of New York, County of New York (Gulf Insurance Company v. Transatlantic Reinsurance Company, et al.), against Transatlantic Reinsurance Company (Transatlantic), XL Reinsurance America, Inc. (XL), Odyssey America Reinsurance Corporation (Odyssey), Employers Reinsurance Company (Employers) and Gerling Global Reinsurance Corporation of America (Gerling), to recover amounts due under reinsurance contracts issued to Gulf and related to Gulf’s February 2003 settlement of a coverage dispute under a vehicle residual value protection insurance policy. The reinsurers asserted counterclaims seeking rescission of the vehicle residual value reinsurance contracts issued to Gulf and unspecified damages for breach of contract. Separate actions filed by Transatlantic and Gerling were consolidated with the original Gulf action for pre-trial purposes.
On October 1, 2003, Gulf entered into a final settlement agreement with Employers, and all claims and counterclaims with respect to Employers have been dismissed. On May 26, 2004, the Court denied Gulf’s motion to dismiss certain claims asserted by Transatlantic and denied a joint motion by Transatlantic, XL and Odyssey for summary judgment against Gulf. On December 15, 2006, Gulf and XL entered into a final settlement agreement which resolves all claims between Gulf and XL under the reinsurance agreements at issue in the litigation. On April 13, 2007, Gulf and Transatlantic entered into a final settlement agreement which resolves all claims between Gulf and Transatlantic under the reinsurance agreements at issue in the litigation.
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Fact and expert discovery are complete with respect to the remaining parties: Odyssey and Gerling. Gulf and Gerling have filed motions for partial summary judgment. The Court has not yet set a trial date. Gulf denies the reinsurers’ allegations, believes that it has a strong legal basis to collect the amounts due under the reinsurance contracts and intends to vigorously pursue the actions.
Based on the Company’s beliefs about its legal positions in its various reinsurance recovery proceedings, the Company does not expect any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on its results of operations in a future period.
The Company is a defendant in three consolidated lawsuits in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana arising out of disputes with certain policyholders over whether insurance coverage is available for flood losses arising from Hurricane Katrina: Chehardy, et al. v. State Farm, et al., C.A. No. 06-1672, 06-1673 and 06-1674, Vanderbrook, et al. v. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., et al. C.A. No. 05-6323; and Xavier University of Louisiana v. Travelers Property Ca. Co. of America, C.A. No. 06-516. Chehardy and Vanderbrook are proposed class actions in which the Company is one of several insurer defendants. Xavier is an individual suit involving a property insurance policy brought by one of the Company’s insureds. All of these actions allege that the losses were caused by the failure of the New Orleans levees.
On November 27, 2006, the Court issued a ruling in the three consolidated cases denying the motions of the Company and certain other insurers for a summary disposition of the cases. The Court’s ruling does not determine that any additional amounts are owed under any of the Company’s policies or otherwise reach the merits of the policyholders’ claims. The Company disagrees with the ruling and, along with certain other insurers named in the consolidated lawsuits, filed a motion with the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, seeking to have the Court of Appeals accept an immediate appeal from the District Court’s ruling. On February 1, 2007, the Fifth Circuit accepted the appeal.
As part of ongoing, industry-wide investigations, the Company and its affiliates have received subpoenas and written requests for information from government agencies and authorities. The areas of pending inquiry addressed to the Company include its relationship with brokers and agents and the Company’s involvement with “non-traditional insurance and reinsurance products.” The Company or its affiliates have received subpoenas or requests for information, in each case with respect to one or both of the areas described above, from: (i) State of California Office of the Attorney General; (ii) State of California Department of Insurance; (iii) Licensing and Market Conduct Compliance Division, Financial Services Commission of Ontario, Canada; (iv) State of Connecticut Insurance Department; (v) State of Connecticut Office of the Attorney General; (vi) State of Delaware Department of Insurance; (vii) State of Florida Department of Financial Services; (viii) State of Florida Office of Insurance Regulation; (ix) State of Florida Department of Legal Affairs Office of the Attorney General; (x) State of Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance; (xi) State of Hawaii Office of the Attorney General; (xii) State of Illinois Office of the Attorney General; (xiii) State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; (xiv) State of Iowa Insurance Division; (xv) State of Maryland Office of the Attorney General; (xvi) State of Maryland Insurance Administration; (xvii) Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General; (xviii) State of Minnesota Department of Commerce; (xix) State of Minnesota Office of the Attorney General; (xx) State of New Hampshire Insurance Department; (xxi) State of New York Office of the Attorney General; (xxii) State of New York Insurance Department; (xxiii) State of North Carolina Department of Insurance; (xxiv) State of Ohio Office of the Attorney General; (xxv) State of Ohio Department of Insurance; (xxvi) State of Oregon Department of Justice; (xxvii) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General; (xxviii) State of Texas Office of the Attorney General; (xxvix) State of Texas Department of Insurance; (xxx) Commonwealth of Virginia Office of the Attorney General; (xxxi) State of Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner; (xxxii) State of West Virginia Office of Attorney General; (xxxiii) the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; (xxxiv) the United States Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury; and (xxxv) the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company and its affiliates may receive additional subpoenas and requests for information with respect to the areas described above from other agencies or authorities.
The Company is cooperating with these subpoenas and requests for information. In addition, outside counsel, with the oversight of the Company’s Board of Directors, has been conducting an internal review of certain of the Company’s business practices. This review initially focused on the Company’s relationship with brokers and was commenced after the announcement of litigation brought by the New York Attorney General’s office against a major broker.
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The internal review was expanded to address the various requests for information described above and to verify whether the Company’s business practices in these areas have been appropriate. The Company’s review has been extensive, involving the examination of e-mails and underwriting files, as well as interviews of current and former employees. The Company also continues to receive and respond to additional requests for information and will expand its review accordingly.
To date, the Company has found only a few instances of conduct that were inconsistent with the Company’s employee code of conduct. The Company has responded, and will continue to respond, appropriately to any such conduct.
The Company’s internal review with respect to finite reinsurance considered finite products the Company both purchased and sold. The Company has completed its review with respect to the identified finite products purchased and sold, and has concluded that no adjustment to previously issued financial statements is required.
Except as settled as previously disclosed, the industry-wide investigations described above are ongoing, as are the Company’s efforts to cooperate with the authorities, and the various authorities could ask that additional work be performed or reach conclusions different from the Company’s. Accordingly, it would be premature to reach any conclusions as to the likely outcome of these matters.
Four putative class action lawsuits are pending against a number of insurance brokers and insurers, including the Company and/or certain of its affiliates, by plaintiffs who allegedly purchased insurance products through one or more of the defendant brokers. Plaintiffs allege that various insurance brokers conspired with each other and with various insurers, including the Company and/or certain of its affiliates, to artificially inflate premiums, allocate brokerage customers and rig bids for insurance products offered to those customers. The complaints are captioned: Redwood Oil Company v. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., et al. (N.D. Ill. Jan. 21, 2005), Boros v. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., et al. (N.D. Cal. Feb. 4, 2005), Mulcahy v. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., et al. (D.N.J. Feb. 23, 2005) and Golden Gate Bridge, Highway, and Transportation District v. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., et al. (D.N.J. Feb. 23, 2005). To the extent they were not originally filed there, the federal class actions were transferred by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and have been consolidated with other class actions under the caption In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation, a multidistrict litigation proceeding in that District. 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 and certain of its affiliates, on behalf of a putative nationwide class of policyholders. The complaint includes 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. Plaintiffs seek monetary damages, including punitive damages and trebled damages, permanent injunctive relief, restitution, including disgorgement of profits, interest and costs, including attorneys’ fees. On November 29, 2005, all defendants moved to dismiss the complaint for failure to state a claim. Oral arguments on the defendants’ motion to dismiss were heard on July 26, 2006. On October 3, 2006, the court ruled that the complaint failed to plead actionable claims under the Sherman Act or RICO, provided plaintiffs an opportunity to replead those claims and reserved decision with respect to remaining state law claims. On November 30, 2006, defendants renewed their motions to dismiss. On April 5, 2007, the court dismissed the complaint. The court has provided plaintiffs with another opportunity to replead within 45 days and has stayed all discovery. Additional individual actions have been brought in state and federal courts against the Company involving allegations similar to those in In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation and further actions may be brought. The Company believes that all of these lawsuits have no merit and intends to defend vigorously.
In addition to those described above, the Company is involved in numerous lawsuits, not involving asbestos and environmental claims, arising mostly in the ordinary course of business operations either as a liability insurer defending third-party claims brought against policyholders, or as an insurer defending claims brought against it relating to coverage or the Company’s business practices. While the ultimate resolution of these legal proceedings could be material to the Company’s results of operations in a future period, in the opinion of the Company’s management, none would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or liquidity.
The Company previously reported that it sought guidance from the Division of Corporation Finance of the SEC with respect to the appropriate purchase accounting treatment for certain second quarter 2004 adjustments totaling $1.63 billion. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Other Matters.” After discussion with the staff of the Division of Corporate Finance and the Company’s independent auditors, the Company continues to believe that its accounting treatment for these adjustments is appropriate. On May 3, 2006, the Company received a letter from the Division of Enforcement of the SEC (the “Division”) advising the Company that it is conducting an inquiry relating to the second quarter 2004 adjustments and the April 1, 2004 merger of SPC and TPC. The Company is cooperating with the Division’s requests for information.
72
For a discussion of the Company’s potential risks or uncertainties, please see Part I, Item 1A, of the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.
Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The table below sets forth information regarding repurchases by the Company of its common stock during the periods indicated.
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period Beginning |
| Period Ending |
| Total number of |
| Average price paid |
| Total number of |
| Maximum |
| ||
January 1, 2007 |
| January 31, 2007 |
| 491,509 |
| $ | 51.39 |
| — |
| $ | 3,878,945,168 |
|
February 1, 2007 |
| February 28, 2007 |
| 7,859,590 |
| 52.80 |
| 7,819,540 |
| 3,466,046,451 |
| ||
March 1, 2007 |
| March 31, 2007 |
| 6,132,327 |
| 51.43 |
| 6,070,233 |
| 3,153,874,729 |
| ||
Total |
|
|
| 14,483,426 |
| $ | 52.17 |
| 13,889,773 |
| $ | 3,153,874,729 |
|
The Company repurchased 593,653 shares that were not part of the publicly announced share repurchase program, representing shares repurchased to cover payroll withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards and exercises of stock options, and shares used to cover the exercise price of certain stock options that were exercised. The Company’s share repurchase program, which has no expiration date, was approved and announced by the Company’s Board of Directors on May 2, 2006. The original authorized repurchase capacity was $2 billion; in January 2007, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $3 billion of repurchase capacity.
Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
The annual meeting of shareholders of the Company was held on May 1, 2007. At the meeting:
(1) thirteen persons were elected to serve as directors of the Company until the 2008 annual meeting of shareholders;
(2) the selection of KPMG LLP to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for 2007 was ratified; and
(3) the Company’s articles of incorporation were amended to require a majority vote for the election of directors.
The number of votes cast for, against or withheld, and the number of abstentions with respect to each such matter are set forth below, as are the number of broker non-votes, where applicable.
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(1) Election of Directors:
| Votes For |
| Votes Withheld | |
Alan L. Beller |
| 555,731,709 |
| 28,918,534 |
John H. Dasburg |
| 550,236,794 |
| 34,413,449 |
Janet M. Dolan |
| 555,734,827 |
| 28,915,416 |
Kenneth M. Duberstein |
| 545,099,545 |
| 39,550,698 |
Jay S. Fishman |
| 549,362,971 |
| 35,287,272 |
Lawrence G. Graev |
| 530,812,778 |
| 53,837,465 |
Patricia L. Higgins |
| 552,212,062 |
| 32,438,181 |
Thomas R. Hodgson |
| 555,712,744 |
| 28,937,499 |
Cleve L. Killingsworth, Jr. |
| 555,652,825 |
| 28,997,418 |
Robert I. Lipp |
| 534,471,445 |
| 50,178,798 |
Blythe J. McGarvie |
| 553,834,022 |
| 30,816,221 |
Glen D. Nelson, M.D. |
| 531,519,697 |
| 53,130,546 |
Laurie J. Thomsen |
| 555,739,302 |
| 28,910,941 |
(2) Ratification of independent registered public accounting firm:
Votes For |
| Votes Against |
| Votes Abstained |
| Broker Non-Votes |
570,831,385 |
| 9,365,351 |
| 4,453,505 |
| — |
(3) Amendment of the Company’s articles of incorporation to require a majority vote for the election of directors:
Votes For |
| Votes Against |
| Votes Abstained |
| Broker Non-Votes |
517,223,320 |
| 62,700,880 |
| 4,725,791 |
| — |
Effective May 1, 2007, the date of the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Leslie B. Disharoon retired from the Company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Disharoon reached the Board’s mandatory retirement age and did not stand for re-election.
See Exhibit Index.
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
|
| THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. |
|
| (Registrant) |
|
|
|
Date: May 2, 2007 | By | /S/ BRUCE A. BACKBERG |
|
| Bruce A. Backberg |
|
|
|
Date: May 2, 2007 | By | /S/ DOUGLAS K. RUSSELL |
|
| Douglas K. Russell |
74
Exhibit Number |
| Description of Exhibit | |
|
|
| |
3.1 |
|
| Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (the Company), effective as of February 26, 2007, were filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on February 27, 2007, and are incorporated herein by reference. |
|
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
| Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, effective as of February 26, 2007, were filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on February 27, 2007, and are incorporated herein by reference. |
|
|
|
|
10.1 | † |
| The Travelers Companies, Inc. Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
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 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.
† Filed herewith
75