ITEM 1. BUSINESS
CNA Financial Corporation (CNAF) was incorporated in 1967 and is an insurance holding company. References to “CNA,” “the Company,” “we,” “our,” “us” or like terms refer to the business of CNAF and its subsidiaries. CNA's property and casualty and remaining life and group insurance operations are primarily conducted by Continental Casualty Company (CCC), The Continental Insurance Company, Western Surety Company, CNA Insurance Company Limited and Hardy Underwriting Bermuda Limited and its subsidiaries (Hardy). Loews Corporation (Loews) owned approximately 90% of our outstanding common stock as of December 31, 2016.
Our insurance products primarily include commercial property and casualty coverages, including surety. Our services include risk management, information services, warranty and claims administration. Our products and services are primarily marketed through independent agents, brokers and managing general underwriters to a wide variety of customers, including small, medium and large businesses, insurance companies, associations, professionals and other groups.
Our core business, commercial property and casualty insurance operations, is reported in three business segments: Specialty, Commercial and International. Our non-core businesses are reported in two business segments: Life & Group Non-Core and Corporate & Other Non-Core. Each segment is managed separately due to differences in their markets and product mix. Discussion of each segment, including the products offered, customers served and distribution channels used, are set forth in the Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) included under Item 7 and in Note O to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
Competition
The property and casualty insurance industry is highly competitive both as to rate and service. We compete with a large number of stock and mutual insurance companies and other entities for both distributors and customers. Insurers compete on the basis of factors including products, price, services, ratings and financial strength. Accordingly, we must continuously allocate resources to refine and improve our insurance products and services.
There are approximately 2,700 individual companies that sell property and casualty insurance in the United States. Based on 2015 statutory net written premiums, we are the eighth largest commercial insurance writer and the 14th largest property and casualty insurance organization in the United States.
Regulation
The insurance industry is subject to comprehensive and detailed regulation and supervision. Regulatory oversight by applicable agencies is exercised through review of submitted filings and information, examinations (both financial and market conduct), direct inquiries and interviews. Each domestic and foreign jurisdiction has established supervisory agencies with broad administrative powers relative to licensing insurers and agents, approving policy forms, establishing reserve requirements, prescribing the form and content of statutory financial reports and regulating capital adequacy and the type, quality and amount of investments permitted. Such regulatory powers also extend to premium rate regulations, which require that rates not be excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory, governance requirements and risk assessment practice and disclosure. In addition to regulation of dividends by insurance subsidiaries, intercompany transfers of assets may be subject to prior notice or approval by insurance regulators, depending on the size of such transfers and payments in relation to the financial position of the insurance subsidiaries making the transfer or payment.
Domestic insurers are also required by state insurance regulators to provide coverage to certain insureds who would not otherwise be considered eligible by the insurers. Each state dictates the types of insurance and the level of coverage that must be provided to such involuntary risks. Our share of these involuntary risks is mandatory and generally a function of our respective share of the voluntary market by line of insurance in each state.
Further, domestic insurance companies are subject to state guaranty fund and other insurance-related assessments. Guaranty funds are governed by state insurance guaranty associations which levy assessments to meet the funding needs of insolvent insurer estates. Other insurance-related assessments are generally levied by state agencies to fund various organizations, including disaster relief funds, rating bureaus, insurance departments and workers'
compensation second injury funds, or by industry organizations that assist in the statistical analysis and ratemaking process, and we have the ability to recoup certain of these assessments from policyholders.
As our insurance operations are conducted in a multitude of both domestic and foreign jurisdictions, we are subject to a number of regulatory agency requirements applicable to a portion, or all, of our operations. These include, among other things, the State of Illinois Department of Insurance (which is our global group-wide supervisor), the U.K. Prudential Regulatory Authority and Financial Conduct Authority, the Bermuda Monetary Authority and the Office of Superintendent of Financial Institutions in Canada.
Hardy, a specialized Lloyd's of London (Lloyd's) underwriter, is also supervised by the Council of Lloyd's, which is the franchisor for all Lloyd's operations. The Council of Lloyd's has wide discretionary powers to regulate Lloyd's underwriting, such as establishing the capital requirements for syndicate participation. In addition, the annual business plans of each syndicate are subject to the review and approval of the Lloyd's Franchise Board, which is responsible for business planning and monitoring for all syndicates.
Capital adequacy and risk management regulations, referred to as Solvency II, apply to our European operations and are enacted by the European Union's executive body, the European Commission. Additionally, the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) continues to consider regulatory proposals addressing group supervision, capital requirements and enterprise risk management. The U.S. Federal Reserve, the U.S. Federal Insurance Office and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners are working with other global regulators to define such proposals. It is not currently clear to what extent the IAIS activities will impact the Company as any final proposal would ultimately need to be legislated or regulated by each individual country or state.
Although the U.S. federal government does not currently directly regulate the business of insurance, federal legislative and regulatory initiatives can impact the insurance industry. These initiatives and legislation include proposals relating to potential federal oversight of certain insurers; terrorism and natural catastrophe exposures; cybersecurity risk management; federal financial services reforms; and certain tax reforms.
The Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2015 provides for a federal government backstop for insured terrorism risks through 2020. The mitigating effect of such law is part of the analysis of our overall risk posture for terrorism and, accordingly, our risk positioning may change if such law were modified. We also continue to invest in the security network of our systems on an enterprise-wide basis, especially considering the implications of data and privacy breaches. This requires an investment of a significant amount of resources by us on an ongoing basis. Potential implications of possible cybersecurity legislation on such current investment, if any, are uncertain. The foregoing laws and proposals, either separately or in the aggregate, create a regulatory and legal environment that may require changes in our business plan or significant investment of resources in order to operate in an effective and compliant manner.
Additionally, various legislative and regulatory efforts to reform the tort liability system have, and will continue to, impact our industry. Although there has been some tort reform with positive impact to the insurance industry, new causes of action and theories of damages continue to be proposed in court actions and by federal and state legislatures that continue to expand liability for insurers and their policyholders.
Employee Relations
As of December 31, 2016, we had approximately 6,700 employees and have experienced satisfactory labor relations. We have never had work stoppages due to labor disputes.
We have comprehensive benefit plans for substantially all of our employees, including retirement plans, savings plans, disability programs, group life programs and group health care programs. See Note I to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 for further discussion of our benefit plans.
Direct Written Premiums by Geographic Concentration
Set forth below is the distribution of our direct written premiums by geographic concentration.
Approximately 7.9%, 8.0% and 8.8% of our direct written premiums were derived from outside of the United States for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
Available Information
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act). The public may read and copy any materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC's Reading Rooms at 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Reading Rooms by calling the SEC at 1-202-551-8090. The SEC also maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers, including CNA, that file electronically with the SEC. The public can obtain any documents that we file with the SEC at www.sec.gov.
We also make available free of charge on or through our internet website at www.cna.com our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Copies of these reports may also be obtained, free of charge, upon written request to: CNA Financial Corporation, 333 S. Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60604, Attn: Jonathan D. Kantor, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Our business faces many risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties could lead to events or circumstances that have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, equity, business and insurer financial strength and corporate debt ratings. We have described below the most significant risks facing us. There may be additional risks that we do not yet know of or that we do not currently perceive to be as significant that may also impact our business. You should carefully consider and evaluate all of the information included in this report and any subsequent reports we may file with the SEC or make available to the public before investing in any securities we issue.
If we determine that our recorded insurance reserves are insufficient to cover our estimated ultimate unpaid liability for claim and claim adjustment expenses, we may need to increase our insurance reserves which would result in a charge to our earnings.
We maintain insurance reserves to cover our estimated ultimate unpaid liability for claim and claim adjustment expenses, including the estimated cost of the claims adjudication process, for reported and unreported claims. Insurance reserves are not an exact calculation of liability but instead are complex management estimates developed utilizing a variety of actuarial reserve estimation techniques as of a given reporting date. The reserve estimation process involves a high degree of judgment and variability and is subject to a number of factors which are highly uncertain. These variables can be affected by both changes in internal processes and external events. Key variables include claims severity, frequency of claims, mortality, morbidity, discount rates, inflation, claims handling policies and procedures, case reserving approach, underwriting and pricing policies, changes in the legal and regulatory environment and the lag time between the occurrence of an insured event and the time of its ultimate settlement. Mortality is the relative incidence of death. Morbidity is the frequency and severity of injury, illness, sickness and diseases contracted.
There is generally a higher degree of variability in estimating required reserves for long-tail coverages, such as general liability and workers' compensation, as they require a relatively longer period of time for claims to be reported and settled. The impact of changes in inflation and medical costs are also more pronounced for long-tail coverages due to the longer settlement period.
We are subject to the uncertain effects of emerging or potential claims and coverage issues that arise as industry practices and legal, judicial, social, economic and other environmental conditions change. These issues have had, and may continue to have, a negative effect on our business by either extending coverage beyond the original underwriting intent or by increasing the number or size of claims, resulting in further increases in our reserves. The effects of unforeseen emerging claim and coverage issues are extremely difficult to predict.
Emerging or potential claims and coverage issues include, but are not limited to, uncertainty in future medical costs in workers' compensation. In particular, medical cost inflation could be greater than expected due to new treatments, drugs and devices; increased healthcare utilization; and/or the future costs of healthcare facilities. In addition, the relationship between workers' compensation and government and private healthcare providers could change, potentially shifting costs to workers' compensation.
In light of the many uncertainties associated with establishing the estimates and making the judgments necessary to establish reserve levels, we continually review and change our reserve estimates in a regular and ongoing process as experience develops from the actual reporting and settlement of claims and as the legal, regulatory and economic environment evolves. If our recorded reserves are insufficient for any reason, the required increase in reserves would be recorded as a charge against our earnings in the period in which reserves are determined to be insufficient. These charges could be substantial.
Our actual experience could vary from the key assumptions used to determine active life reserves for long term care policies.
Our active life reserves for long term care policies are based on our best estimate assumptions as of December 31, 2015, due to an unlocking at that date. Key assumptions include morbidity, persistency (the percentage of policies remaining in force), discount rate and future premium rate increases. These assumptions, which are critical bases for our reserve estimates, are inherently uncertain. If actual experience varies from these assumptions or the future outlook for these assumptions changes, we may be required to increase our reserves. See the Life & Group Non-
Core Policyholder Reserves portion of Reserves - Estimates and Uncertainties section of MD&A in Item 7 for more information.
Estimating future experience for long term care policies is highly uncertain, because the required projection period is very long and there is limited historical and industry data available to us, as only a small portion of the long term care policies which have been written to date are in claims paying status. Morbidity and persistency trends can be volatile and may be negatively affected by many factors including, but not limited to, policyholder behavior, judicial decisions regarding policy terms, socioeconomic factors, cost of care inflation, changes in health trends and advances in medical care.
A prolonged period during which interest rates remain at levels lower than those anticipated in our reserving would result in shortfalls in investment income on assets supporting our obligations under long term care policies, which may require changes to our reserves. This risk is more significant for our long term care products because the long potential duration of the policy obligations exceeds the duration of the supporting investment assets. Further, changes to the corporate tax code may also impact the rate at which we discount our reserves. In addition, we may not receive regulatory approval for the level of premium rate increases we request. Any adverse deviation between the level of future premium rate increases approved and the level included in our reserving assumptions may require an increase to our reserves.
If our estimated reserves are insufficient for any reason, including changes in assumptions, the required increase in reserves would be recorded as a charge against our earnings in the period in which reserves are determined to be insufficient. These charges could be substantial.
Catastrophe losses are unpredictable and could result in material losses.
Catastrophe losses are an inevitable part of our business. Various events can cause catastrophe losses. These events can be natural or man-made, and may include hurricanes, windstorms, earthquakes, hail, severe winter weather, fires, floods, riots, strikes, civil commotion and acts of terrorism. The frequency and severity of these catastrophe events are inherently unpredictable. In addition, longer-term natural catastrophe trends may be changing and new types of catastrophe losses may be developing due to climate change, a phenomenon that has been associated with extreme weather events linked to rising temperatures and includes effects on global weather patterns, greenhouse gases, sea, land and air temperatures, sea levels, rain, hail and snow.
The extent of our losses from catastrophes is a function of the total amount of our insured exposures in the affected areas, the frequency and severity of the events themselves, the level of reinsurance assumed and ceded, reinsurance reinstatement premiums and state residual market assessments, if any. It can take a long time for the ultimate cost of any catastrophe losses to us to be finally determined, as a multitude of factors contribute to such costs, including evaluation of general liability and pollution exposures, infrastructure disruption, business interruption and reinsurance collectibility. Reinsurance coverage for terrorism events is provided only in limited circumstances, especially in regard to “unconventional” terrorism acts, such as nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological attacks. As a result of the items discussed above, catastrophe losses are particularly difficult to estimate.
Additionally, claim frequency and severity for some lines of business can be correlated to an external factor such as economic activity, financial market volatility, increasing health care costs or changes in the legal or regulatory environment. Claim frequency and severity can also be correlated to insureds' use of common business practices, equipment, vendors or software. This can result in multiple insured losses emanating out of the same underlying cause. In these instances, we may be subject to increased claim frequency and severity across multiple policies or lines of business concurrently. While we do not define such instances as catastrophes for financial reporting purposes, they are similar to catastrophes in terms of the uncertainty and potential impact on our results.
We have exposures related to asbestos and environmental pollution (A&EP) claims, which could result in material losses.
Our property and casualty insurance subsidiaries have exposures related to A&EP claims. Our experience has been that establishing claim and claim adjustment expense reserves for casualty coverages relating to A&EP claims is subject to uncertainties that are greater than those presented by other claims. Additionally, traditional actuarial methods and techniques employed to estimate the ultimate cost of claims for more traditional property and casualty exposures are less precise in estimating claim and claim adjustment expense reserves for A&EP. As a result,
estimating the ultimate cost of both reported and unreported A&EP claims is subject to a higher degree of variability. On August 31, 2010, we completed a retroactive reinsurance transaction under which substantially all of our legacy A&EP liabilities were ceded to National Indemnity Company (NICO), a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., subject to an aggregate limit of $4 billion (Loss Portfolio Transfer). The cumulative amount ceded under the Loss Portfolio Transfer as of December 31, 2016 is $2.8 billion. If the other parties to the Loss Portfolio Transfer do not fully perform their obligations, net losses incurred on A&EP claims covered by the Loss Portfolio Transfer exceed the aggregate limit of $4 billion, or we determine we have exposures to A&EP claims not covered by the Loss Portfolio Transfer, we may need to increase our recorded net reserves which would result in a charge against our earnings. These charges could be substantial.
We use analytical models to assist our decision making in key areas such as pricing, reserving and capital modeling and may be adversely affected if actual results differ materially from the model outputs and related analyses.
We use various modeling techniques and data analytics (e.g., scenarios, predictive, stochastic and/or forecasting) to analyze and estimate exposures, loss trends and other risks associated with our assets and liabilities. This includes both proprietary and third party modeled outputs and related analyses to assist us in decision-making related to underwriting, pricing, capital allocation, reserving, investing, reinsurance and catastrophe risk, among other things. We incorporate numerous assumptions and forecasts about the future level and variability of policyholder behavior, loss frequency and severity, interest rates, equity markets, inflation, capital requirements, and currency exchange rates, among others. The modeled outputs and related analyses from both proprietary and third parties are subject to the inherent limitations of any statistical analysis, including those arising from the use of historical internal and industry data and assumptions.
In addition, the effectiveness of any model can be degraded by operational risks including, but not limited to, the improper use of the model, including input errors, data errors and human error. As a result, actual results may differ materially from our modeled results. The profitability and financial condition of the Company substantially depends on the extent to which our actual experience is consistent with assumptions we use in our models and ultimate model outputs. If, based upon these models or other factors, we misprice our products or fail to appropriately estimate the risks we are exposed to, our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity may be adversely affected.
We face intense competition in our industry; we may be adversely affected by the cyclical nature of the property and casualty business, the evolving landscape of our distribution network, as well as the availability and cost of reinsurance.
All aspects of the insurance industry are highly competitive and we must continuously allocate resources to refine and improve our insurance products and services to remain competitive. We compete with a large number of stock and mutual insurance companies and other entities, some of which may be larger or have greater financial or other resources than we do, for both distributors and customers. This includes agents and brokers who may increasingly compete with us to the extent that markets continue to provide them with direct access to providers of capital seeking exposure to insurance risk. Insurers compete on the basis of many factors, including products, price, services, ratings and financial strength. The competitor insurer landscape has evolved substantially in recent years, with significant consolidation and new market entrants, resulting in increased pressures on our ability to remain competitive, particularly in implementing pricing that is both attractive to our customer base and risk-appropriate to the Company.
In addition, the property and casualty market is cyclical and has experienced periods characterized by relatively high levels of price competition, resulting in less restrictive underwriting standards and relatively low premium rates, followed by periods of relatively lower levels of competition, more selective underwriting standards and relatively high premium rates. During periods in which price competition is high, we may lose business to competitors offering competitive insurance products at lower prices. As a result, our premium levels and expense ratio could be materially adversely impacted.
We market our insurance products worldwide primarily through independent insurance agents and insurance brokers, who also promote and distribute the products of our competitors. Any change in our relationships with our distribution network agents and brokers, including as a result of consolidation and their increased promotion
and distribution of our competitors' products, could adversely affect our ability to sell our products. As a result, our business volume and results of operations could be materially adversely impacted.
We purchase reinsurance to help manage our exposure to risk. Under our ceded reinsurance arrangements, another insurer assumes a specified portion of our exposure in exchange for a specified portion of policy premiums. Market conditions determine the availability and cost of the reinsurance protection we purchase, which affects the level of our business and profitability, as well as the level and types of risk we retain. If we are unable to obtain sufficient reinsurance at a cost we deem acceptable, we may be unwilling to bear the increased risk and would reduce the level of our underwriting commitments.
We may be adversely affected by technological changes or disruptions in the insurance marketplace.
Technological changes in the way insurance transactions are completed in the marketplace, and our ability to react effectively to such change, may present significant competitive risks. For example, more insurers are utilizing "big data" analytics to make underwriting and other decisions that impact product design and pricing. If such utilization is more effective than how we use similar data and information, we will be at a competitive disadvantage. There can be no assurance that we will continue to compete effectively with our industry peers due to technological changes; accordingly, this may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
In addition, agents and brokers, technology companies, or other third parties may create alternate distribution channels for commercial business that may adversely impact product differentiation and pricing. For example, they may create a digitally enabled distribution channel that may adversely impact our competitive position. Our efforts or the efforts of agents and brokers with respect to new products or alternate distribution channels, as well as changes in the way agents and brokers utilize greater levels of data and technology, could adversely impact our business relationship with independent agents and brokers who currently market our products, resulting in a lower volume and/or profitability of business generated from these sources.
We may not be able to collect amounts owed to us by reinsurers, which could result in higher net incurred losses.
We have significant amounts recoverable from reinsurers which are reported as receivables on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and are estimated in a manner consistent with claim and claim adjustment expense reserves or future policy benefits reserves. The ceding of insurance does not, however, discharge our primary liability for claims. As a result, we are subject to credit risk relating to our ability to recover amounts due from reinsurers. Certain of our reinsurance carriers have experienced credit downgrades by rating agencies within the term of our contractual relationship, which indicates an increase in the likelihood that we will not be able to recover amounts due. In addition, reinsurers could dispute amounts which we believe are due to us. If the amounts due from reinsurers that we are able to collect are less than the amount recorded by us with respect to such amounts due, our net incurred losses will be higher.
We may not be able to collect amounts owed to us by policyholders who hold deductible policies and/or who purchase retrospectively rated policies, which could result in higher net incurred losses.
A portion of our business is written under deductible policies. Under these policies, we are obligated to pay the related insurance claims and are reimbursed by the policyholder to the extent of the deductible, which may be significant.
Moreover, certain policyholders purchase retrospectively rated workers' compensation policies (i.e., policies in which premiums are adjusted after the policy period based on the actual loss experience of the policyholder during the policy period). Retrospectively rated policies expose us to additional credit risk to the extent that the adjusted premium is greater than the original premium, which may be significant. As a result, we are exposed to policyholder credit risk. If the amounts due from policyholders that we are able to collect are less than the amounts recorded with respect to such amounts due, our incurred losses will be higher.
We may incur significant realized and unrealized investment losses and volatility in net investment income arising from changes in the financial markets.
Our investment portfolio is exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, credit spread, issuer default, equity prices and foreign currency, which are unpredictable. Financial markets are highly sensitive to changes in economic
conditions, monetary policies, tax policies, domestic and international geopolitical issues and many other factors. Changes in financial markets including fluctuations in interest rates, credit, equity prices and foreign currency prices and many other factors beyond our control can adversely affect the value of our investments, the realization of investment income and the rate at which we discount certain liabilities.
We have significant holdings in fixed maturity investments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. A decline in interest rates may reduce the returns earned on new fixed maturity investments, thereby reducing our net investment income, while an increase in interest rates may reduce the value of our existing fixed maturity investments. The value of our fixed maturity investments is also subject to risk that certain investments may default or become impaired due to deterioration in the financial condition of issuers of the investments we hold or in the underlying collateral of the security. Any such impairments which we deem to be other-than-temporary would result in a charge to our earnings.
In addition, we invest a portion of our assets in equity securities and limited partnerships which are subject to greater market volatility than our fixed maturity investments. Limited partnership investments generally provide a lower level of liquidity than fixed maturity or equity investments which may also limit our ability to withdraw assets.
Further, we hold a portfolio of commercial mortgage loans. We are subject to credit risk relating to our ability to recover amounts due from the borrowers as a result of the creditworthiness of the borrowers or tenants of credit tenant loan properties. If the amounts we collect from the borrowers are less than the amount recorded, it would result in a charge to our earnings.
As a result of all of these factors, we may not earn an adequate return on our investments, may be required to write down the value of our investments and may incur losses on the disposition of our investments.
Changes in tax laws of jurisdictions in which we operate could adversely impact our results of operations.
Federal, state or foreign tax legislation that would lessen or eliminate some or all of the tax attributes currently affecting us could materially and adversely impact our results of operations, in particular, changes to tax laws governing tax credits. Other potential tax law changes, including modification of the corporate tax rate and the taxation of interest from municipal bonds, could also adversely affect the value of the tax benefit received on tax exempt municipal investments and thus the rate at which we discount our long term care active life reserves.
Any significant interruption in the operation of our facilities, systems and business functions or breach in our data security infrastructure could result in a materially adverse effect on our operations.
Our business is highly dependent upon our ability to perform, in an efficient and uninterrupted manner, through our employees or vendor relationships, necessary business functions (such as internet support and 24-hour call centers), processing new and renewal business and processing and paying claims and other obligations. Our facilities and systems could become unavailable, inoperable, or otherwise impaired from a variety of causes, including, without limitation, natural events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, windstorms, earthquakes, severe winter weather and fires, or other events, such as explosions, terrorist attacks, computer security breaches or cyber attacks, riots, hazardous material releases, medical epidemics, utility outages, interruptions of our data processing and storage systems or the systems of third-party vendors, or unavailability of communications facilities. Likewise, we could experience a significant failure or corruption of one or more of our information technology, telecommunications, or other systems for various reasons, including significant failures that might occur as existing systems are replaced or upgraded.
The shut-down or unavailability of one or more of our systems or facilities for any reason could significantly impair our ability to perform critical business functions on a timely basis. In addition, because our information technology and telecommunications systems interface with and depend on third-party systems, we could experience service denials if demand for such service exceeds capacity or a third-party system fails or experiences an interruption. If sustained or repeated, such events could result in a deterioration of our ability to write and process new and renewal business, provide customer service, pay claims in a timely manner, or perform other necessary business functions, including the ability to issue financial statements in a timely manner. This could result in a materially adverse effect on our business results, prospects and liquidity, as well as damage to customer goodwill.
A significant breach of our data security infrastructure, resulting from actions by our employees, vendors, third-party administrators or by unknown third parties, that impacts our data framework or causes a failure to protect personal information of our customers, claimants or employees may result in operational impairments and financial losses, as well as significant harm to our reputation.
The foregoing risks relating to disruption of service, interruption of operations and data loss could expose us to monetary and reputational damages. In addition, potential exposures include substantially increased compliance costs and required computer system upgrades and security-related investments. The breach of confidential information also could give rise to legal liability and regulatory action under data protection and privacy laws and regulations, both in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions. Any such legal or regulatory action could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
Inability to detect and prevent significant employee or third party service provider misconduct or inadvertent errors and omissions could result in a materially adverse effect on our operations.
We may incur losses which arise from employees or third party service providers engaging in intentional misconduct, fraud, errors and omissions, failure to comply with internal guidelines, including with respect to underwriting authority, or failure to comply with regulatory requirements. Our controls may not be able to detect all possible circumstances of employee and third party service provider non-compliant activity and the internal structures in place to prevent this activity may not be effective in all cases. Any losses relating to such non-compliant activity could adversely affect our results of operations.
Loss of key vendor relationships, issues relating to the transitioning of vendor relationships or exposure relating to functions performed by a vendor could result in a materially adverse effect on our operations.
In the event that one or more of our vendors suffers a bankruptcy, is sold to another entity, sustains a significant business interruption or otherwise becomes unable to continue to provide products or services at the requisite level, we may be adversely affected. We may suffer operational impairments and financial losses associated with transferring business to a new vendor, assisting a vendor with rectifying operational difficulties, failure by vendors to properly perform service functions or assuming previously outsourced operations ourselves. Our inability to provide for appropriate servicing if a vendor becomes unable to fulfill its contractual obligations to us, either through transitioning to another service provider temporarily or permanently or assuming servicing internally, may have a materially adverse effect on our operations.
Additionally, we rely on certain third-party claims administrators, including the administrators of our long term care claims, to perform significant claim administration and claim adjudication functions. Any failure by such administrator to properly perform service functions may result in losses as a result of over-payment of claims, legal claims against us and adverse regulatory enforcement exposure.
We face considerable competition within our industry for qualified, specialized talent and any significant inability to attract and retain talent may adversely affect the execution of our business strategies.
The successful execution of our business plan depends on our ability to attract and retain qualified talent. Due to the intense competition in our industry for qualified employees with specialized industry experience, we may encounter obstacles to our ability to attract and retain such employees, which could adversely impact our results of operations.
We are subject to capital adequacy requirements and, if we are unable to maintain or raise sufficient capital to meet these requirements, regulatory agencies may restrict or prohibit us from operating our business.
Insurance companies such as ours are subject to capital adequacy standards set by regulators to help identify companies that merit further regulatory attention. These standards apply specified risk factors to various asset, premium and reserve components of our legal entity statutory basis of accounting financial statements. Current rules, including those promulgated by insurance regulators and specialized markets, such as Lloyd's, require companies to maintain statutory capital and surplus at a specified minimum level determined using the applicable jurisdiction's regulatory capital adequacy formula. If we do not meet these minimum requirements, we may be restricted or prohibited from operating our business in the applicable jurisdictions and specialized markets. If we are required to record a material charge against earnings in connection with a change in estimated insurance reserves, the occurrence of a catastrophic event, or if we incur significant losses related to our investment portfolio, which
severely deteriorate our capital position, we may violate these minimum capital adequacy requirements unless we are able to raise sufficient additional capital. We may be limited in our ability to raise significant amounts of capital on favorable terms or at all.
Globally, insurance regulators are working cooperatively to develop a common framework for the supervision of internationally active insurance groups. Finalization and adoption of this framework could increase our minimum regulatory capital requirement as well as significantly increase our cost of regulatory compliance.
Our insurance subsidiaries, upon whom we depend for dividends in order to fund our corporate obligations, are limited by insurance regulators in their ability to pay dividends.
We are a holding company and are dependent upon dividends, loans and other sources of cash from our subsidiaries in order to meet our obligations. Ordinary dividend payments, or dividends that do not require prior approval by the insurance subsidiaries' domiciliary insurance regulator, are generally limited to amounts determined by formulas that vary by jurisdiction. If we are restricted from paying or receiving intercompany dividends, by regulatory rule or otherwise, we may not be able to fund our corporate obligations and debt service requirements from available cash. As a result, we would need to look to other sources of capital which may be more expensive or may not be available at all.
Rating agencies may downgrade their ratings of us and thereby adversely affect our ability to write insurance at competitive rates or at all.
Ratings are an important factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies. Our insurance company subsidiaries, as well as our public debt, are rated by rating agencies, including, A.M. Best Company (A.M. Best), Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's) and Standard & Poor's (S&P). Ratings reflect the rating agency's opinions of an insurance company's or insurance holding company's financial strength, capital adequacy, operating performance, strategic position and ability to meet its obligations to policyholders and debt holders.
The rating agencies may take action to lower our ratings in the future as a result of any significant financial loss or possible changes in the methodology or criteria applied by the rating agencies. The severity of the impact on our business is dependent on the level of downgrade and, for certain products, which rating agency takes the rating action. Among the adverse effects in the event of such downgrades would be the inability to obtain a material volume of business from certain major insurance brokers, the inability to sell a material volume of our insurance products to certain markets and the required collateralization of certain future payment obligations or reserves.
In addition, it is possible that a significant lowering of the corporate debt ratings of Loews by certain of the rating agencies could result in an adverse impact on our ratings, independent of any change in our circumstances.
We are subject to extensive existing state, local, federal and foreign governmental regulations that restrict our ability to do business and generate revenues; additional regulation or significant modification to existing regulations or failure to comply with regulatory requirements may have a materially adverse effect on our business, our operations and financial condition.
The insurance industry is subject to comprehensive and detailed regulation and supervision. Most insurance regulations are designed to protect the interests of our policyholders and third-party claimants, rather than our investors. Each jurisdiction in which we do business has established supervisory agencies that regulate the manner in which we do business. Any changes in regulation could also impose significant burdens on us. In addition, the Lloyd's marketplace sets rules under which its members, including our Hardy syndicate, operate.
These rules and regulations relate to, among other things, the standards of solvency (including risk-based capital measures), government-supported backstops for certain catastrophic events (including terrorism), investment restrictions, accounting and reporting methodology, establishment of reserves and potential assessments of funds to settle covered claims against impaired, insolvent or failed private or quasi-governmental insurers.
Regulatory powers also extend to premium rate regulations which require that rates not be excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory. State jurisdictions ensure compliance with such regulations through market conduct exams, which may result in losses to the extent non-compliance is ascertained, either as a result of failure to document transactions properly or failure to comply with internal guidelines, or otherwise. The jurisdictions in which we do business may also require us to provide coverage to persons whom we would not otherwise consider
eligible or restrict us from withdrawing from unprofitable lines of business or unprofitable market areas. Each jurisdiction dictates the types of insurance and the level of coverage that must be provided to such involuntary risks. Our share of these involuntary risks is mandatory and generally a function of our respective share of the voluntary market by line of insurance in each jurisdiction.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our Chicago location houses our principal executive offices. We lease office space in various cities throughout the United States and in other countries. The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our principal office locations.
We lease all of the office space described above, including the building in Chicago, Illinois, which was sold by CCC during the first quarter of 2016. We consider our properties to be in generally good condition, well maintained and suitable and adequate to carry on our business.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Information on our legal proceedings is set forth in Note F to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Chicago Stock Exchange under the symbol CNA.
As of February 10, 2017, we had 270,621,400 shares of common stock outstanding and approximately 90% of our outstanding common stock was owned by Loews. We had 1,042 stockholders of record as of February 10, 2017 according to the records maintained by our transfer agent.
Our Board of Directors has approved an authorization to purchase, in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, our outstanding common stock, as our management deems appropriate. No repurchases were made in 2016 or 2015.
The table below shows the high and low closing prices for our common stock based on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions, as well as the dividends declared on our common stock.
The following graph compares the five-year total return of our common stock, the Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) Index and the S&P 500 Property & Casualty Insurance Index. The graph assumes that the value of the investment in our common stock and each index was $100 at the base period, January 1, 2012, and that dividends, if any, were reinvested.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table presents selected financial data. On July 2, 2012, we acquired Hardy. The results of Hardy are included from the date of acquisition. The table should be read in conjunction with Item 7
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Index to this MD&A
Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is comprised of the following sections:
OVERVIEW
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 1A Risk Factors, Item 6 Selected Financial Data and Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Form 10-K.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the amount of revenues and expenses reported during the period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis. We continually evaluate the accounting policies and estimates used to prepare the Consolidated Financial Statements. In general, our estimates are based on historical experience, evaluation of current trends, information from third-party professionals and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the known facts and circumstances.
The accounting estimates discussed below are considered by us to be critical to an understanding of our Consolidated Financial Statements as their application places the most significant demands on our judgment. Note A to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 should be read in conjunction with this section to assist with obtaining an understanding of the underlying accounting policies related to these estimates. Due to the inherent uncertainties involved with these types of judgments, actual results could differ significantly from estimates and may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, equity, business, and insurer financial strength and corporate debt ratings.
Insurance Reserves
Insurance reserves are established for both short and long-duration insurance contracts. Short-duration contracts are primarily related to property and casualty insurance policies where the reserving process is based on actuarial estimates of the amount of loss, including amounts for known and unknown claims. Long-duration contracts are primarily related to long term care policies and are estimated using actuarial estimates about morbidity and persistency as well as assumptions about expected investment returns and future premium rate increases. The reserve for unearned premiums on property and casualty contracts represents the portion of premiums written related to the unexpired terms of coverage. The reserving process is discussed in further detail in the Reserves-Estimates and Uncertainties section below.
Reinsurance and Insurance Receivables
Exposure exists with respect to the collectibility of ceded property and casualty and life reinsurance to the extent that any reinsurer is unable to meet its obligations or disputes the liabilities we have ceded under reinsurance agreements. An allowance for uncollectible reinsurance is recorded on the basis of periodic evaluations of balances due from reinsurers, reinsurer solvency, our past experience and current economic conditions. Further information on our reinsurance receivables is in Note G to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
Additionally, exposure exists with respect to the collectibility of amounts due from policyholders related to insurance contracts, including amounts due from insureds under high deductible policies and retrospectively rated policies. An allowance for uncollectible insurance receivables is recorded on the basis of periodic evaluations of balances due from insureds, currently as well as in the future, management's experience and current economic conditions.
If actual experience differs from the estimates made by management in determining the allowances for uncollectible reinsurance and insurance receivables, net receivables as reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheets may not be collected. Therefore, our results of operations or equity could be materially adversely affected.
Valuation of Investments and Impairment of Securities
We classify our fixed maturity securities and equity securities as either available-for-sale or trading, which are both carried at fair value on the balance sheet. Fair value represents the price that would be received in a sale of an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date, the determination of which requires us to make a significant number of assumptions and judgments. Securities with the greatest level of subjectivity around valuation are those that rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value and that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. These unobservable inputs are based on assumptions consistent with what we believe other market participants would use to price such securities. Further information on our fair value measurements is in Note C to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
Our investment portfolio is subject to market declines below amortized cost that may be other-than-temporary and therefore result in the recognition of impairment losses in earnings. Factors considered in the determination of whether or not a decline is other-than-temporary include a current intention or need to sell the security or an indication that a credit loss exists. Significant judgment exists regarding the evaluation of the financial condition and expected near-term and long-term prospects of the issuer, the relevant industry conditions and trends and whether we expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. Further information on our process for evaluating impairments is in Note A to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
Long Term Care Policies
Future policy benefits reserves for our long term care policies are based on certain assumptions, including morbidity, persistency, discount rates and future premium rate increases. The adequacy of the reserves is contingent upon actual experience and our future expectations related to these key assumptions. If actual or expected future experience differs from these assumptions, the reserves may not be adequate, requiring us to add to reserves.
A prolonged period during which interest rates remain at levels lower than those anticipated in our reserving discount rate assumption could result in shortfalls in investment income on assets supporting our obligations under long term care policies, which may also require an increase to our reserves. In addition, we may not receive regulatory approval for the premium rate increases we request.
These changes to our reserves could materially adversely impact our results of operations and equity. The reserving process is discussed in further detail in the Reserves - Estimates and Uncertainties section below.
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Obligations
We make a significant number of assumptions in estimating the liabilities and costs related to our pension and postretirement benefit obligations. The assumptions that most affect these costs are the discount rate and the expected long term rate of return on plan assets. These assumptions are based on, among other things, current economic factors such as inflation, interest rates and broader capital market expectations. Changes in these assumptions can have a material impact on pension obligations and pension expense.
To determine the discount rate assumption as of the year-end measurement date for our CNA Retirement Plan and CNA Health and Group Benefits Program, we considered the estimated timing of plan benefit payments and available yields on high quality fixed income debt securities. For this purpose, high quality is considered a rating of Aa or better by Moody's or a rating of AA or better from S&P. We reviewed several yield curves constructed using the cash flow characteristics of the plans as well as bond indices as of the measurement date. The trend of those data points was also considered.
In determining the expected long term rate of return on plan assets assumption for our CNA Retirement Plan, we considered the historical performance of the investment portfolio as well as the long term market return expectations based on the investment mix of the portfolio and the expected investment horizon.
Further information on our pension and postretirement benefit obligations is in Note I to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the financial statement and tax return basis of assets and liabilities. Any resulting future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not, and a valuation allowance is established for any portion of a deferred tax asset that management believes will not be realized. The assessment of the need for a valuation allowance requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future earnings, reversal of existing temporary differences and available tax planning strategies. If actual experience differs from these estimates and assumptions, the recorded deferred tax asset may not be fully realized resulting in an increase to income tax expense in our results of operations. In addition, the ability to record deferred tax assets in the future could be limited, resulting in a higher effective tax rate in that future period.
RESERVES - ESTIMATES AND UNCERTAINTIES
The level of reserves we maintain represents our best estimate, as of a particular point in time, of what the ultimate settlement and administration of claims will cost based on our assessment of facts and circumstances known at that time. Reserves are not an exact calculation of liability but instead are complex estimates that we derive, generally utilizing a variety of actuarial reserve estimation techniques, from numerous assumptions and expectations about future events, both internal and external, many of which are highly uncertain. As noted below, we review our reserves for each segment of our business periodically, and any such review could result in the need to increase reserves in amounts which could be material and could adversely affect our results of operations, equity, business and insurer financial strength and corporate debt ratings. Further information on reserves is provided in Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
Property and Casualty Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves
We maintain loss reserves to cover our estimated ultimate unpaid liability for claim and claim adjustment expenses, including the estimated cost of the claims adjudication process, for claims that have been reported but not yet settled (case reserves) and claims that have been incurred but not reported (IBNR). IBNR includes a provision for development on known cases as well as a provision for late reported incurred claims. Claim and claim adjustment expense reserves are reflected as liabilities and are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the heading “Insurance Reserves.” Adjustments to prior year reserve estimates, if necessary, are reflected in results of operations in the period that the need for such adjustments is determined. The carried case and IBNR reserves as of each balance sheet date are provided in the Segment Results section of this MD&A and in Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
As discussed in the Risk Factors discussion within Item 1A, there is a risk that our recorded reserves are insufficient to cover our estimated ultimate unpaid liability for claims and claim adjustment expenses. Unforeseen emerging or potential claims and coverage issues are difficult to predict and could materially adversely affect the adequacy of our claim and claim adjustment expense reserves and could lead to future reserve additions.
In addition, our property and casualty insurance subsidiaries also have actual and potential exposures related to A&EP claims, which could result in material losses. To mitigate the risks posed by our exposure to A&EP claims and claim adjustment expenses, we completed a transaction with NICO under which substantially all of our legacy A&EP liabilities were ceded to NICO effective January 1, 2010. See Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 for further discussion about the transaction with NICO, its impact on our results of operations and the deferred retroactive reinsurance gain.
Establishing Property & Casualty Reserve Estimates
In developing claim and claim adjustment expense (“loss” or “losses”) reserve estimates, our actuaries perform detailed reserve analyses that are staggered throughout the year. The data is organized at a reserve group level. A reserve group can be a line of business covering a subset of insureds such as commercial automobile liability for small or middle market customers, it can encompass several lines of business provided to a specific set of customers such as dentists, or it can be a particular type of claim such as construction defect. Every reserve group is reviewed at least once during the year. The analyses generally review losses gross of ceded reinsurance and apply the ceded reinsurance terms to the gross estimates to establish estimates net of reinsurance. In addition to the detailed analyses, we review actual loss emergence for all products each quarter.
Most of our business can be characterized as long-tail. For long-tail business, it will generally be several years between the time the business is written and the time when all claims are settled. Our long-tail exposures include commercial automobile liability, workers' compensation, general liability, medical professional liability, other professional liability and management liability coverages, assumed reinsurance run-off and products liability. Short-tail exposures include property, commercial automobile physical damage, marine, surety and warranty. Specialty, Commercial and International contain both long-tail and short-tail exposures. Corporate & Other Non-Core contains long-tail exposures.
Various methods are used to project ultimate losses for both long-tail and short-tail exposures.
The paid development method estimates ultimate losses by reviewing paid loss patterns and applying them to accident or policy years with further expected changes in paid losses. Selection of the paid loss pattern may require
consideration of several factors, including the impact of inflation on claims costs, the rate at which claims professionals make claim payments and close claims, the impact of judicial decisions, the impact of underwriting changes, the impact of large claim payments and other factors. Claim cost inflation itself may require evaluation of changes in the cost of repairing or replacing property, changes in the cost of medical care, changes in the cost of wage replacement, judicial decisions, legislative changes and other factors. Because this method assumes that losses are paid at a consistent rate, changes in any of these factors can impact the results. Since the method does not rely on case reserves, it is not directly influenced by changes in their adequacy.
For many reserve groups, paid loss data for recent periods may be too immature or erratic for accurate predictions. This situation often exists for long-tail exposures. In addition, changes in the factors described above may result in inconsistent payment patterns. Finally, estimating the paid loss pattern subsequent to the most mature point available in the data analyzed often involves considerable uncertainty for long-tail products such as workers' compensation.
The incurred development method is similar to the paid development method, but it uses case incurred losses instead of paid losses. Since the method uses more data (case reserves in addition to paid losses) than the paid development method, the incurred development patterns may be less variable than paid patterns. However, selection of the incurred loss pattern typically requires analysis of all of the same factors described above. In addition, the inclusion of case reserves can lead to distortions if changes in case reserving practices have taken place, and the use of case incurred losses may not eliminate the issues associated with estimating the incurred loss pattern subsequent to the most mature point available.
The loss ratio method multiplies earned premiums by an expected loss ratio to produce ultimate loss estimates for each accident or policy year. This method may be useful for immature accident or policy periods or if loss development patterns are inconsistent, losses emerge very slowly or there is relatively little loss history from which to estimate future losses. The selection of the expected loss ratio typically requires analysis of loss ratios from earlier accident or policy years or pricing studies and analysis of inflationary trends, frequency trends, rate changes, underwriting changes and other applicable factors.
The Bornhuetter-Ferguson method using paid loss is a combination of the paid development method and the loss ratio method. This method normally determines expected loss ratios similar to the approach used to estimate the expected loss ratio for the loss ratio method and typically requires analysis of the same factors described above. This method assumes that future losses will develop at the expected loss ratio level. The percent of paid loss to ultimate loss implied from the paid development method is used to determine what percentage of ultimate loss is yet to be paid. The use of the pattern from the paid development method typically requires consideration of the same factors listed in the description of the paid development method. The estimate of losses yet to be paid is added to current paid losses to estimate the ultimate loss for each year. For long-tail lines, this method will react very slowly if actual ultimate loss ratios are different from expectations due to changes not accounted for by the expected loss ratio calculation.
The Bornhuetter-Ferguson method using incurred loss is similar to the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method using paid loss except that it uses case incurred losses. The use of case incurred losses instead of paid losses can result in development patterns that are less variable than paid patterns. However, the inclusion of case reserves can lead to distortions if changes in case reserving have taken place, and the method typically requires analysis of the same factors that need to be reviewed for the loss ratio and incurred development methods.
The frequency times severity method multiplies a projected number of ultimate claims by an estimated ultimate average loss for each accident or policy year to produce ultimate loss estimates. Since projections of the ultimate number of claims are often less variable than projections of ultimate loss, this method can provide more reliable results for reserve groups where loss development patterns are inconsistent or too variable to be relied on exclusively. In addition, this method can more directly account for changes in coverage that impact the number and size of claims. However, this method can be difficult to apply to situations where very large claims or a substantial number of unusual claims result in volatile average claim sizes. Projecting the ultimate number of claims may require analysis of several factors, including the rate at which policyholders report claims to us, the impact of judicial decisions, the impact of underwriting changes and other factors. Estimating the ultimate average loss may require analysis of the impact of large losses and claim cost trends based on changes in the cost of repairing or replacing
property, changes in the cost of medical care, changes in the cost of wage replacement, judicial decisions, legislative changes and other factors.
Stochastic modeling produces a range of possible outcomes based on varying assumptions related to the particular reserve group being modeled. For some reserve groups, we use models which rely on historical development patterns at an aggregate level, while other reserve groups are modeled using individual claim variability assumptions supplied by the claims department. In either case, multiple simulations using varying assumptions are run and the results are analyzed to produce a range of potential outcomes. The results will typically include a mean and percentiles of the possible reserve distribution which aid in the selection of a point estimate.
For many exposures, especially those that can be considered long-tail, a particular accident or policy year may not have a sufficient volume of paid losses to produce a statistically reliable estimate of ultimate losses. In such a case, our actuaries typically assign more weight to the incurred development method than to the paid development method. As claims continue to settle and the volume of paid loss increases, the actuaries may assign additional weight to the paid development method. For most of our products, even the incurred losses for accident or policy years that are early in the claim settlement process will not be of sufficient volume to produce a reliable estimate of ultimate losses. In these cases, we may not assign any weight to the paid and incurred development methods. We will use the loss ratio, Bornhuetter-Ferguson and frequency times severity methods. For short-tail exposures, the paid and incurred development methods can often be relied on sooner, primarily because our history includes a sufficient number of years to cover the entire period over which paid and incurred losses are expected to change. However, we may also use the loss ratio, Bornhuetter-Ferguson and frequency times severity methods for short-tail exposures.
For other more complex reserve groups where the above methods may not produce reliable indications, we use additional methods tailored to the characteristics of the specific situation.
Periodic Reserve Reviews
The reserve analyses performed by our actuaries result in point estimates. Each quarter, the results of the detailed reserve reviews are summarized and discussed with senior management to determine the best estimate of reserves. Senior management considers many factors in making this decision. Our recorded reserves reflect our best estimate as of a particular point in time based upon known facts and circumstances, consideration of the factors cited above and our judgment. The carried reserve may differ from the actuarial point estimate. See Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 for further discussion of the factors considered in determining management’s best estimate.
Currently, our recorded reserves are modestly higher than the actuarial point estimate. For Commercial, Specialty and International, the difference between our reserves and the actuarial point estimate is primarily driven by uncertainty with respect to immature accident years, claim cost inflation, changes in claims handling, changes to the tort environment which may adversely impact claim costs and the effects from the economy. For Corporate & Other Non-Core, the difference between our reserves and the actuarial point estimate is primarily driven by the potential tail volatility of run-off exposures.
The key assumptions fundamental to the reserving process are often different for various reserve groups and accident or policy years. Some of these assumptions are explicit assumptions that are required of a particular method, but most of the assumptions are implicit and cannot be precisely quantified. An example of an explicit assumption is the pattern employed in the paid development method. However, the assumed pattern is itself based on several implicit assumptions such as the impact of inflation on medical costs and the rate at which claim professionals close claims. As a result, the effect on reserve estimates of a particular change in assumptions typically cannot be specifically quantified, and changes in these assumptions cannot be tracked over time.
Our recorded reserves are management's best estimate. In order to provide an indication of the variability associated with our net reserves, the following discussion provides a sensitivity analysis that shows the approximate estimated impact of variations in significant factors affecting our reserve estimates for particular types of business. These significant factors are the ones that we believe could most likely materially affect the reserves. This discussion covers the major types of business for which we believe a material deviation to our reserves is reasonably possible. There can be no assurance that actual experience will be consistent with the current assumptions or with the variation
indicated by the discussion. In addition, there can be no assurance that other factors and assumptions will not have a material impact on our reserves.
The three areas for which we believe a significant deviation to our net reserves is reasonably possible are (i) professional liability, management liability and surety products; (ii) workers' compensation; and (iii) general liability.
Professional liability, management liability and surety products include professional liability coverages provided to various professional firms, including architects, real estate agents, small and mid-sized accounting firms, law firms and other professional firms. They also include directors and officers (D&O), employment practices, fiduciary, fidelity and surety coverages, as well as insurance products serving the healthcare delivery system. The most significant factor affecting reserve estimates for these liability coverages is claim severity. Claim severity is driven by the cost of medical care, the cost of wage replacement, legal fees, judicial decisions, legislative changes and other factors. Underwriting and claim handling decisions such as the classes of business written and individual claim settlement decisions can also impact claim severity. If the estimated claim severity increases by 9%, we estimate that net reserves would increase by approximately $450 million. If the estimated claim severity decreases by 3%, we estimate that net reserves would decrease by approximately $150 million. Our net reserves for these products were approximately $5.2 billion as of December 31, 2016.
For workers' compensation, since many years will pass from the time the business is written until all claim payments have been made, the most significant factor affecting workers' compensation reserve estimates is claim cost inflation on claim payments. Workers' compensation claim cost inflation is driven by the cost of medical care, the cost of wage replacement, expected claimant lifetimes, judicial decisions, legislative changes and other factors. If estimated workers' compensation claim cost inflation increases by 100 basis points for the entire period over which claim payments will be made, we estimate that our net reserves would increase by approximately $400 million. If estimated workers' compensation claim cost inflation decreases by 100 basis points for the entire period over which claim payments will be made, we estimate that our net reserves would decrease by approximately $350 million. Our net reserves for workers' compensation were approximately $4.3 billion as of December 31, 2016.
For general liability, the most significant factor affecting reserve estimates is claim severity. Claim severity is driven by changes in the cost of repairing or replacing property, the cost of medical care, the cost of wage replacement, judicial decisions, legislation and other factors. If the estimated claim severity for general liability increases by 6%, we estimate that our net reserves would increase by approximately $200 million. If the estimated claim severity for general liability decreases by 3%, we estimate that our net reserves would decrease by approximately $100 million. Our net reserves for general liability were approximately $3.4 billion as of December 31, 2016.
Given the factors described above, it is not possible to quantify precisely the ultimate exposure represented by claims and related litigation. As a result, we regularly review the adequacy of our reserves and reassess our reserve estimates as historical loss experience develops, additional claims are reported and settled and additional information becomes available in subsequent periods. In reviewing our reserve estimates, we make adjustments in the period that the need for such adjustments is determined. These reviews have resulted in our identification of information and trends that have caused us to change our reserves in prior periods and could lead to our identification of a need for additional material increases or decreases in claim and claim adjustment expense reserves, which could materially affect our results of operations, equity, business and insurer financial strength and corporate debt ratings positively or negatively. See discussion within Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 for additional information about reserve development and the Ratings section of this MD&A for further information regarding our financial strength and corporate debt ratings.
Life & Group Non-Core Policyholder Reserves
Our Life and Group Non-Core segment includes our run-off long term care business as well as structured settlement obligations related to certain property and casualty claimants not funded by annuities. Long term care policies provide benefits for nursing homes, assisted living and home health care subject to various daily and lifetime caps. Policyholders must continue to make periodic premium payments to keep the policy in force. Generally we have the ability to increase policy premiums, subject to state regulatory approval.
We maintain both claim and claim adjustment expense reserves as well as future policy benefits reserves for policyholder benefits for our Life & Group Non-Core segment. Claim and claim adjustment expense reserves consist of estimated reserves for long term care policyholders that are currently receiving benefits, including claims that have been incurred but are not yet reported. In developing the claim and claim adjustment expense reserve estimates for our long term care policies, our actuaries perform a detailed claim experience study on an annual basis. The study reviews the sufficiency of existing reserves for policyholders currently on claim and includes an evaluation of expected benefit utilization and claim duration. Our recorded claim and claim adjustment expense reserves reflect management's best estimate after incorporating the results of the most recent study. In addition, claim and claim adjustment expense reserves are also maintained for the structured settlement obligations. Future policy benefits reserves represent the active life reserves related to our long term care policies and are the present value of expected future benefit payments and expenses less expected future premium. The determination of these reserves is fundamental to our financial results and requires management to make estimates and assumptions about expected investment and policyholder experience over the life of the contract. Since many of these contracts may be in force for several decades, these assumptions are subject to significant estimation risk.
The actuarial assumptions that management believes are subject to the most variability are morbidity, persistency, discount rate and anticipated future premium rate increases. Persistency can be affected by policy lapses and death. Discount rate is influenced by the investment yield on assets supporting long term care reserves which is subject to interest rate and market volatility and may also be impacted by changes to the corporate tax code. There is limited historical company and industry data available to us for long term care morbidity and mortality, as only a portion of the policies written to date are in claims paying status. As a result of this variability, our long term care reserves may be subject to material increases if actual experience develops adversely to our expectations.
Annually, management assesses the adequacy of its GAAP long term care future policy benefits reserves as well as the claim and claim adjustment expense reserves for structured settlement obligations by performing a gross premium valuation (GPV) to determine if there is a premium deficiency. Under the GPV, management estimates required reserves using best estimate assumptions as of the date of the assessment without provisions for adverse deviation. The GPV reserves are then compared to the recorded reserves. If the GPV reserves are greater than the existing net GAAP reserves (i.e. reserves net of any deferred acquisition costs asset), the existing net GAAP reserves are unlocked and are increased to the greater amount. Any such increase is reflected in our results of operations in the period in which the need for such adjustment is determined, and could materially adversely affect our results of operations, equity and business and insurer financial strength and corporate debt ratings.
The December 31, 2016 GPV indicated carried reserves included a margin of approximately $255 million. A summary of the changes in the GPV results is presented in the table below:
The increase in the margin in 2016 was driven by expected rate increases from near-term future rate filings on segments of our individual long term care block of business as well as higher than expected premium rate increase achievement on rate filings related to our group long term care block. This improvement from rate actions was partially offset by minor changes in morbidity assumptions. The effects of persistency and discount rates were relatively small and largely offset one another. Additionally, in 2016 our annual experience study of long term care claim reserves resulted in a release of $30 million due to favorable severity relative to expectations.
The December 31, 2015 GPV indicated a premium deficiency of $296 million resulting in the unlocking of reserves and the resetting of actuarial assumptions to best estimate assumptions at that date. The indicated premium deficiency necessitated a charge to income of $296 million. In addition to the premium deficiency, our annual
experience study of claim reserves resulted in reserve strengthening of $9 million. The total after-tax impact of the premium deficiency and claim reserve strengthening was $198 million.
The table below summarizes the estimated pretax impact on our results of operations from various hypothetical revisions to our active life reserve assumptions. We have assumed that revisions to such assumptions would occur in each policy type, age and duration within each policy group and would occur absent any changes, mitigating or otherwise, in the other assumptions. Although such hypothetical revisions are not currently required or anticipated, we believe they could occur based on past variances in experience and our expectations of the ranges of future experience that could reasonably occur. Any required increase in the net GAAP reserves resulting from the hypothetical revision in the table below would first reduce the margin in our carried reserves before it would affect results of operations. The estimated impacts to results of operations in the table below are after consideration of the existing margin.
As referenced in Item 1A Risk Factors, modification of the corporate tax rate could adversely affect the value of the tax benefit received on tax exempt municipal investments and thus the rate at which we discount our long term care active life reserves. For illustrative reference, absent a change in investment strategy, a reduction in the corporate tax rate to 20% would require an increase to our existing net GAAP reserves for the LTC business and an estimated reduction to pretax income of approximately $700 million.
Any actual adjustment would be dependent on the specific policies affected and, therefore, may differ from the estimates summarized above.
CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS
Results of Operations
The following table includes the consolidated results of our operations. For more detailed components of our business operations and the net operating income financial measure, see the segment discussions within this MD&A. For further discussion of Net investment income and Net realized investment results, see the Investments section of this MD&A.
2016 Compared with 2015
Net operating income increased $309 million in 2016 as compared with 2015. Net operating results increased $293 million for our non-core segments primarily as a result of a $198 million after-tax charge in 2015 related to increasing long term care active life and claim reserves. As our active life reserve assumptions were unlocked in 2015, long term care results in 2016 improved significantly. Net operating income increased $16 million for our core segments due to higher favorable net prior year reserve development and net investment income, partially offset by an increase in the current accident year loss ratio and higher underwriting expenses. Catastrophe losses were $111 million after tax in 2016 as compared to $95 million after tax in 2015.
Favorable net prior year development of $314 million and $218 million was recorded in 2016 and 2015 related to our Specialty, Commercial, International and Corporate & Other Non-Core segments. Further information on net prior year development is in Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
2015 Compared with 2014
Net operating income decreased $334 million in 2015 as compared with 2014. Net operating income decreased $44 million for our core segments due to a decrease in net investment income driven by lower limited partnership returns, partially offset by improved underwriting results. Catastrophe losses were $95 million after tax in 2015 as compared to $102 million after tax in 2014. Net operating results decreased $290 million for our non-core segments driven by a $198 million after-tax charge related to recognition of a premium deficiency and a small deficiency in claim reserves in our long term care business, as further discussed in Reserves-Estimates and Uncertainties within this MD&A, as well as in Note A to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8. Additionally, results in 2015 decreased $51 million as compared to 2014 as a result of the application of retroactive reinsurance accounting to adverse reserve development ceded under the 2010 A&EP Loss Portfolio Transfer, as further discussed at Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
Favorable net prior year development of $218 million and $53 million was recorded in 2015 and 2014 related to our Specialty, Commercial, International and Corporate & Other Non-Core segments. Further information on net prior year development is in Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
SEGMENT RESULTS
The following discusses the results of operations for our business segments.
Our core property and casualty commercial insurance operations are managed and reported in three business segments: Specialty, Commercial and International. Specialty provides a broad array of professional, financial and specialty property and casualty products and services through a network of independent agents, brokers and managing general underwriters. Commercial includes property and casualty coverages sold to small businesses and middle market entities and organizations primarily through an independent agency distribution system. Commercial also includes commercial insurance and risk management products sold to large corporations primarily through insurance brokers. International provides management and professional liability coverages as well as a broad range of other property and casualty insurance products and services abroad through a network of brokers, independent agencies and managing general underwriters, as well as the Lloyd’s marketplace.
Our non-core operations are managed and reported in two segments: Life & Group Non-Core and Corporate & Other Non-Core. Life & Group Non-Core primarily includes the results of our long term care business that is in run-off. Corporate & Other Non-Core primarily includes certain corporate expenses, including interest on corporate debt, and the results of certain property and casualty business in run-off, including CNA Re and A&EP. Intersegment eliminations are also included in this segment.
Our property and casualty field structure consists of 49 underwriting locations across the United States. In addition, there are five centralized processing operations which handle policy processing, billing and collection activities and also act as call centers to optimize service. The claims structure consists of a national claim center designed to efficiently handle the high volume of low severity claims, including property damage, liability and workers' compensation medical only claims, and 16 principal claim offices handling the more complex claims. We also have a presence in Canada, Europe, China and Singapore consisting of 17 branch operations and access to business placed at Lloyd's of London through Hardy Syndicate 382.
We utilize the net operating income (loss) financial measure to monitor our operations. Net operating income (loss) is calculated by excluding from net income (loss) the after-tax effects of 1) net realized investment gains or losses, 2) income or loss from discontinued operations and 3) any cumulative effects of changes in accounting guidance. The calculation of net operating income (loss) excludes net realized investment gains or losses because net realized investment gains or losses are largely discretionary, except for some losses related to other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses, and are generally driven by economic factors that are not necessarily consistent with key drivers of underwriting performance, and are therefore not considered an indication of trends in insurance operations. Management monitors net operating income (loss) for each business segment to assess segment performance. Presentation of consolidated net operating income (loss) is deemed to be a non-GAAP financial measure. See further discussion regarding how we manage our business and reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measures and other information in Note O to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
In evaluating the results of our Specialty, Commercial and International segments, we utilize the loss ratio, the expense ratio, the dividend ratio and the combined ratio. These ratios are calculated using GAAP financial results. The loss ratio is the percentage of net incurred claim and claim adjustment expenses to net earned premiums. The expense ratio is the percentage of insurance underwriting and acquisition expenses, including the amortization of deferred acquisition costs, to net earned premiums. The dividend ratio is the ratio of policyholders' dividends incurred to net earned premiums. The combined ratio is the sum of the loss, expense and dividend ratios. In addition we also utilize rate, retention and new business in evaluating operating trends. Rate represents the average change in price on policies that renew excluding exposure change. Retention represents the percentage of premium dollars renewed in comparison to the expiring premium dollars from policies available to renew. New business represents premiums from policies written with new customers and additional policies written with existing customers.
Changes in estimates of claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserves and premium accruals, net of reinsurance, for prior years are defined as net prior year development within this MD&A. These changes can be favorable or unfavorable. Net prior year development does not include the impact of related acquisition expenses. Further information on our reserves is provided in Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
Specialty
Specialty provides management and professional liability and other coverages through property and casualty products and services using a network of brokers, independent agencies and managing general underwriters. Specialty includes the following business groups:
Management & Professional Liability provides management and professional liability insurance and risk management services and other specialized property and casualty coverages. This group provides professional liability coverages to various professional firms, including architects, real estate agents, accounting firms, law firms and other professional firms. Management & Professional Liability also provides D&O, employment practices, fiduciary and fidelity coverages. Specific areas of focus include small and mid-size firms, public as well as privately held firms and not-for-profit organizations, where tailored products for these client segments are offered. Products within Management & Professional Liability are distributed through brokers, independent agents and managing general underwriters. Management & Professional Liability, through CNA HealthCare, also offers insurance products to serve the healthcare industry. Products include professional and general liability as well as associated standard property and casualty coverages, and are distributed on a national basis through brokers, independent agents and managing general underwriters. Key customer groups include aging services, allied medical facilities, life sciences, dentists, physicians, hospitals and nurses and other medical practitioners.
Surety offers small, medium and large contract and commercial surety bonds. Surety provides surety and fidelity bonds in all 50 states through a network of independent agencies and brokers.
Warranty and Alternative Risks provides extended service contracts and related products that provide protection from the financial burden associated with mechanical breakdown and other related losses, primarily for vehicles and portable electronic communication devices.
The following table details the results of operations for Specialty.
2016 Compared with 2015
Net written premiums for Specialty in 2016 were consistent with 2015 as growth in warranty was offset by a decrease in management and professional liability and healthcare due to underwriting actions undertaken in certain business lines. The trend in net earned premiums was consistent with net written premiums.
Net operating income increased $90 million in 2016 as compared with 2015, primarily due to higher favorable net prior year reserve development and net investment income partially offset by higher underwriting expenses and current accident year net loss and loss adjustment expenses.
The combined ratio decreased 3.7 points in 2016 as compared with 2015. The loss ratio decreased 4.6 points due to higher favorable net prior year reserve development partially offset by a higher current accident year loss ratio. Catastrophe losses were $18 million, or 0.6 points of the loss ratio, for 2016, as compared to $13 million, or 0.4 points of the loss ratio, for 2015. The expense ratio increased 0.9 points in 2016 as compared with 2015, due to higher employee costs and higher IT spending primarily related to new underwriting platforms.
Favorable net prior year development of $305 million and $152 million was recorded in 2016 and 2015. Further information on net prior year development is in Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
The following table summarizes the gross and net carried reserves for Specialty.
2015 Compared with 2014
Net written premiums for Specialty decreased $58 million in 2015 as compared with 2014, driven by lower new business. The decrease in net earned premiums was consistent with the trend in net written premiums.
Net operating income decreased $74 million in 2015 as compared with 2014, primarily due to lower net investment income.
The combined ratio increased 1.1 points in 2015 as compared with 2014. The loss ratio increased 0.1 points due to deterioration in the current accident year loss ratio, primarily offset by higher net favorable prior year development. Catastrophe losses were $13 million, or 0.4 points of the loss ratio, for 2015 as compared to $21 million, or 0.7 points of the loss ratio, for 2014. The expense ratio increased 1.0 point in 2015 as compared with 2014, driven by increased underwriting expenses and the unfavorable effect of lower net earned premiums.
Favorable net prior year development of $152 million and $149 million was recorded in 2015 and 2014. Further information on net prior year development is in Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
Commercial
Commercial works with a network of brokers and independent agents to market a broad range of property and casualty insurance products and services to small, middle-market and large businesses. Property products include standard and excess property, marine and boiler and machinery coverages. Casualty products include standard casualty insurance products such as workers' compensation, general and product liability, commercial auto and umbrella coverages. Most insurance programs are provided on a guaranteed cost basis; however, we also offer specialized loss-sensitive insurance programs and total risk management services relating to claim and information services to the large commercial insurance marketplace through a wholly-owned subsidiary, CNA ClaimPlus, Inc., a third-party administrator.
These property and casualty products are offered through our Middle Market, Small Business and Other Commercial insurance groups.
The following table details the results of operations for Commercial.
2016 Compared with 2015
Net written premiums for Commercial increased $23 million in 2016 as compared with 2015, driven by strong retention in middle markets partially offset by a decrease in small business, which included a premium rate adjustment more fully discussed in Note F to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8. The increase in net earned premium was consistent with the trend in net written premiums.
Net operating income decreased $58 million in 2016 as compared with 2015, due to a higher underwriting loss partially offset by an increase in net investment income.
The combined ratio increased 4.3 points in 2016 as compared to 2015. The loss ratio increased 3.6 points due to the unfavorable period over period effect of net prior year reserve development and a higher current accident year loss ratio due to higher large losses. Catastrophe losses were $116 million, or 4.1 points of the loss ratio, for 2016 primarily driven by U.S. weather-related events, as compared to $101 million, or 3.6 points of the loss ratio, for 2015. The expense ratio increased 0.7 points in 2016 as compared with 2015, due to higher employee costs and higher IT spending primarily related to a new underwriting platform.
Unfavorable net prior year development of $53 million was recorded in 2016 as compared with favorable net prior year development of $30 million in 2015. Further information on net prior year development is in Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
The following table summarizes the gross and net carried reserves for Commercial.
2015 Compared with 2014
Net written premiums for Commercial were consistent in 2015 as compared with 2014. Positive rate and higher retention and new business were offset by the residual effect of previous underwriting actions undertaken in certain business classes. Net earned premiums decreased $118 million in 2015 as compared with 2014, consistent with the trend in recent quarters in net written premiums.
Net operating income increased $62 million in 2015 as compared with 2014. This increase was primarily due to improved underwriting results partially offset by lower net investment income.
The combined ratio improved 7.8 points in 2015 as compared to 2014. The loss ratio improved 10.2 points, due to favorable net prior year development for 2015 as compared to unfavorable net prior year development for 2014 and an improved current accident year loss ratio. Catastrophe losses were $101 million, or 3.6 points of the loss ratio, for 2015, as compared to $125 million, or 4.4 points of the loss ratio, for 2014. The expense ratio increased 2.4 points in 2015 as compared with 2014, due to higher expenses, including increased commissions, the favorable impact in 2014 of recoveries on insurance receivables written off in prior years and the unfavorable effect of lower net earned premiums.
Favorable net prior year development of $30 million was recorded in 2015 as compared with unfavorable net prior year development of $156 million in 2014. Further information on net prior year development is in Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
International
International provides property and casualty and specialty coverages on a global basis through its operations in Canada, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, China and Singapore, as well as through its presence at Lloyd’s of London.
The International business is grouped into broad business units which include Energy & Marine, Property, Casualty, Specialty, and Healthcare & Technology. International is managed across three territorial platforms from Head Offices in London and Toronto.
Canada provides standard commercial and specialty insurance products, primarily in the marine, oil & gas, construction, manufacturing and life science industries.
CNA Europe provides a diverse range of specialty products as well as commercial insurance products primarily in the marine, property, financial services and healthcare & technology industries throughout Europe on both a domestic and cross border basis.
Hardy operates through Lloyd’s Syndicate 382 underwriting primarily short-tail exposures in energy, marine, property, casualty and specialty lines with risks located in many countries around the world. The capacity of and results from the syndicate are 100% attributable to CNA.
The following table details the results of operations for International.
(1) Beginning in 2016, new business includes Hardy. New business for Hardy was $133 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.
2016 Compared with 2015
Net written premiums for International in 2016 were consistent with 2015 and includes favorable period over period premium development of $24 million. Excluding the effect of foreign currency exchange rates and premium development, net written premiums increased 1.4% in 2016. Excluding the effect of foreign currency exchange rates and premium development, the increase in net earned premiums was consistent with the trend in net written premiums.
Net operating income decreased $16 million in 2016 as compared with 2015, primarily due to a lower underwriting profit and foreign currency exchange losses.
The combined ratio increased 1.5 points in 2016 as compared with 2015. The loss ratio increased 1.5 points, primarily due to an increase in the current accident year loss ratio driven by a higher level of large losses related to political risk, property and financial institutions, partially offset by higher favorable net prior year development. Catastrophe losses were $31 million, or 3.9 points of the loss ratio, for 2016 primarily driven by the Fort McMurray wildfires, as compared to $27 million, or 3.3 point of the loss ratio, for 2015. The expense ratio was consistent with 2015.
Favorable net prior year development of $64 million and $36 million was recorded in 2016 and 2015. Further information on net prior year development is in Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
The following table summarizes the gross and net carried reserves for International.
2015 Compared with 2014
Net written premiums for International decreased $58 million in 2015 as compared with 2014, driven by the unfavorable effect of foreign currency exchange rates, the 2014 termination of a specialty product managing general underwriter relationship in Canada and unfavorable premium development at Hardy. Excluding the effect of foreign currency exchange rates, net written premiums increased 2.4% in 2015 as compared with 2014. Net earned premiums decreased $109 million in 2015 as compared with 2014, consistent with the trend in net written premiums.
Net operating income decreased $32 million in 2015 as compared with 2014. This decrease was due to less favorable underwriting results, partially offset by less unfavorable effects of foreign currency exchange rates.
The combined ratio increased 5.2 points in 2015 as compared with 2014. The loss ratio increased 6.0 points, primarily due to less favorable net prior year development and an increase in the current accident year loss ratio driven by large losses. Catastrophe losses were $27 million, or 3.3 points of the loss ratio, for 2015, as compared to $10 million, or 1.0 point of the loss ratio, for 2014. The expense ratio improved 0.8 points in 2015 as compared with 2014 due to lower expenses, partially offset by the unfavorable effect of lower net earned premiums.
Favorable net prior year development of $36 million and $57 million was recorded in 2015 and 2014. Further information on net prior year development is in Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
Life & Group Non-Core
The Life & Group Non-Core segment primarily includes the results of our long term care business that is in run-off. Long term care policies were sold on both an individual and group basis. While considered non-core, new enrollees in existing groups were accepted through February 1, 2016.
On August 1, 2014, we closed the sale of the common stock of CAC, our life insurance subsidiary. In connection with the sale, we recorded an after-tax loss on sale of $211 million, which is reflected in Loss from discontinued operations. Further information is provided in Notes A and P to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
In connection with the sale of CAC, we entered into a 100% coinsurance agreement on a separate small block of annuity business outside of CAC. As a result of the funds withheld basis used in this transaction, we recognized an after-tax operating loss of $34 million in 2014. Further information is provided in Note A to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8.
The following table summarizes the results of operations for Life & Group Non-Core.
In 2015, we recognized a $198 million after-tax charge relating to a premium deficiency and claim reserve strengthening. The December 31, 2015 GPV indicated a premium deficiency of $296 million. The indicated premium deficiency necessitated a charge to income that was affected by the write off of the entire long term care deferred acquisition cost of $289 million and an increase to active life reserves of $7 million. Due to the recognition of the premium deficiency and resetting of actuarial assumptions in the fourth quarter of 2015, the operating results of our long term care business in 2016 reflect the variance between actual experience and the expected results contemplated in our best estimate reserves. In 2015, results of our long term care business reflected variances between actual experience and actuarial assumptions that were locked-in at policy issuance. As a result of the reserve assumption unlocking, the 2016 and 2015 results are not comparable.
Net operating income of $20 million was driven by a favorable release of claim reserves resulting from the annual claims experience study and higher net investment income due to an increase in the invested asset base. The long term care results were generally in line with expectations, as the impact of favorable morbidity was partially offset by unfavorable persistency.
The following table summarizes policyholder reserves for Life & Group Non-Core.
(1) To the extent that unrealized gains on fixed income securities supporting long term care products and annuity contracts would result in a premium deficiency if those gains were realized, an increase in Insurance reserves is recorded, net of tax, as a reduction of net unrealized gains through Other comprehensive income (loss) (Shadow Adjustments).
(2) Ceded reserves relate to claim or policy reserves fully reinsured in connection with a sale or exit from the underlying business.
2015 Compared with 2014
Net earned premiums for Life & Group Non-Core decreased $8 million in 2015 as compared with 2014. The effect of policy lapses was substantially offset by premium rate increases.
Net operating loss increased $245 million in 2015 as compared with 2014. The increase was driven by a $296 million charge related to recognition of a premium deficiency and a $9 million deficiency in claim reserves in our long term care business. The after-tax impact of both of these items was $198 million. Excluding the effects of these items, results in 2015 were also negatively affected by higher morbidity in our long term care business. Results in 2014 were negatively affected by a $34 million after-tax loss on a coinsurance transaction related to the sale of CAC. For further discussion of drivers of the premium deficiency, see the Reserves - Estimates and Uncertainties section of this MD&A.
Corporate & Other Non-Core
Corporate & Other Non-Core primarily includes certain corporate expenses, including interest on corporate debt and the results of certain property and casualty business in run-off, including CNA Re and A&EP.
The following table summarizes the results of operations for the Corporate & Other Non-Core segment, including intersegment eliminations.
2016 Compared with 2015
Net operating loss increased $41 million in 2016 as compared with 2015. Results in both periods were negatively affected by after-tax charges related to the application of retroactive reinsurance accounting to adverse reserve development ceded under the 2010 A&EP Loss Portfolio Transfer. The Loss Portfolio Transfer drove $18 million of the year over year change. This is further discussed in Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
The following table summarizes the gross and net carried reserves for Corporate & Other Non-Core.
2015 Compared with 2014
Net operating loss increased $45 million in 2015 as compared with 2014. Results in 2015 were negatively affected by an increase in gross A&EP claim reserves. While all of this reserve development is reinsured under the Loss Portfolio Transfer, only a portion of the reinsurance recovery is currently recognized because of the application of retroactive reinsurance accounting. As a result, the net operating loss comparison was negatively affected by $51 million, as further discussed in Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8. Results in 2015 benefited from lower interest expense due to the maturity of higher coupon debt in the fourth quarter of 2014. Results in 2014 included a $56 million after-tax curtailment gain related to a change in postretirement benefits, substantially offset by a $55 million after-tax lump sum pension plan settlement, as further discussed in Note I to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
No net prior year development was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared with favorable net prior year development of $3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.
INVESTMENTS
Net Investment Income
The significant components of Net investment income are presented in the following table.
Net investment income, after tax, increased $98 million in 2016 as compared with 2015. The increase was driven by limited partnership investments, which returned 6.3% in 2016 as compared with 3.0% in the prior year. Income from fixed maturity securities, after tax, increased $44 million primarily due to an increase in the invested asset base and a charge in 2015 related to a change in estimate effected by a change in accounting principle.
Net investment income, after tax, decreased $144 million in 2015 as compared with 2014. The decrease was driven by limited partnership investments, which returned 3.0% in 2015 as compared with 9.7% in the prior year. Income from fixed maturity securities, after tax, decreased $34 million driven by a $25 million change in estimate effected by a change in accounting principle to better reflect the yield on fixed maturity securities that have call provisions. Additionally income from fixed maturity securities decreased due to lower reinvestment rates, partially offset by favorable changes in estimates for prepayments for asset-backed securities. See further discussion of the accounting change in Note A to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
The components of Net realized investment results are presented in the following table.
Net realized investment results, after tax, increased $71 million for 2016 as compared with 2015, driven by lower OTTI losses recognized in earnings and higher net realized investment gains on sales of securities. Net realized investment results, after tax, decreased $75 million for 2015 as compared with 2014, driven by higher OTTI losses recognized in earnings and lower net realized investment gains on sales of securities.
Further information on our realized gains and losses, including our OTTI losses and derivative gains (losses), as well as our impairment decision process, is set forth in Notes A and B to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
Portfolio Quality
The following table presents the estimated fair value and net unrealized gains (losses) of our fixed maturity securities by rating distribution.
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, only 2% and 1% of our fixed maturity portfolio was rated internally.
The following table presents available-for-sale fixed maturity securities in a gross unrealized loss position by ratings distribution.
The following table presents the maturity profile for these available-for-sale fixed maturity securities. Securities not due to mature on a single date are allocated based on weighted average life.
Duration
A primary objective in the management of the investment portfolio is to optimize return relative to corresponding liabilities and respective liquidity needs. Our views on the current interest rate environment, tax regulations, asset class valuations, specific security issuer and broader industry segment conditions and domestic and global economic conditions, are some of the factors that enter into an investment decision. We also continually monitor exposure to issuers of securities held and broader industry sector exposures and may from time to time adjust such exposures based on our views of a specific issuer or industry sector.
A further consideration in the management of the investment portfolio is the characteristics of the corresponding liabilities and the ability to align the duration of the portfolio to those liabilities and to meet future liquidity needs, minimize interest rate risk and maintain a level of income sufficient to support the underlying insurance liabilities. For portfolios where future liability cash flows are determinable and typically long term in nature, we segregate investments for asset/liability management purposes. The segregated investments support the long term care and structured settlement liabilities in the Life & Group Non-Core segment.
The effective durations of fixed maturity securities and short term investments are presented in following table. Amounts presented are net of payable and receivable amounts for securities purchased and sold, but not yet settled.
The duration of the total fixed income portfolio is in line with portfolio targets. The duration of the assets supporting the Life and Group Non-Core business has declined, reflective of increases in expected bond call activity in our municipal bond portfolio and the low interest rate environment.
The investment portfolio is periodically analyzed for changes in duration and related price risk. Additionally, we periodically review the sensitivity of the portfolio to the level of foreign exchange rates and other factors that contribute to market price changes. A summary of these risks and specific analysis on changes is in Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk included under Item 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our financial instruments are exposed to various market risks, such as interest rate risk, equity price risk and foreign currency risk. Due to the level of risk associated with certain invested assets and the level of uncertainty related to changes in the value of these assets, it is possible that changes in these risks in the near term could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations or equity.
Discussions herein regarding market risk focus on only one element of market risk, which is price risk. Price risk relates to changes in the level of prices due to changes in interest rates, equity prices, foreign exchange rates or other factors such as credit spreads. The fair value of our financial instruments is generally adversely affected when interest rates rise, equity markets decline or the dollar strengthens against foreign currency.
Active management of market risk is integral to our operations. We may take the following actions to manage our exposure to market risk within defined tolerance ranges: (1) change the character of future investments purchased or sold or (2) use derivatives to offset the market behavior of existing assets and liabilities or assets expected to be purchased and liabilities to be incurred.
Sensitivity Analysis
We monitor our sensitivity to interest rate changes by revaluing financial assets and liabilities using a variety of different interest rates. The Company uses duration and convexity at the security level to estimate the change in fair value that would result from a change in each security's yield. Duration measures the price sensitivity of an asset to changes in the yield rate. Convexity measures how the duration of the asset changes with interest rates. The duration and convexity analysis takes into account the unique characteristics (e.g., call and put options and prepayment expectations) of each security in determining the hypothetical change in fair value. The analysis is performed at the security level and aggregated up to the asset category levels for reporting in the tables below.
The evaluation is performed by applying an instantaneous change in yield rates of varying magnitudes on a static balance sheet to determine the effect such a change in rates would have on our fair value at risk and the resulting effect on stockholders' equity. The analysis presents the sensitivity of the fair value of our financial instruments to selected changes in capital market rates and index levels. The range of change chosen reflects our view of changes that are reasonably possible over a one-year period. The selection of the range of values chosen to represent changes in interest rates should not be construed as our prediction of future market events, but rather an illustration of the impact of such events.
The sensitivity analysis estimates the decline in the fair value of our interest sensitive assets and liabilities that were held as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 due to an instantaneous change in the yield of the security at the end of the period of 100 and 150 basis points, with all other variables held constant.
The sensitivity analysis also assumes an instantaneous 10% and 20% decline in the foreign currency exchange rates versus the United States dollar from their levels as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, with all other variables held constant.
Equity price risk was measured assuming an instantaneous 10% and 25% decline in the S&P 500 from its level as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, with all other variables held constant. Our equity holdings were assumed to be highly and positively correlated with the S&P 500 index.
The value of limited partnerships can be affected by changes in equity markets. A model was developed to analyze the observed changes in the value of limited partnerships held by the Company over a multiple year period along with the corresponding changes in the S&P 500 index. The result of the model allowed us to estimate the change in value of limited partnerships when equity markets decline by 10% and 25%, with all other variables held constant.
The following tables present the estimated effects on the fair value of our financial instruments as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, due to an increase in yield rates of 100 basis points, a 10% decline in foreign currency exchange rates and a 10% decline in the S&P 500, with all other variables held constant.
Market Risk Scenario 1
(1) Reported at amortized value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets included under Item 8
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
CNA Financial Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Operations
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
CNA Financial Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
CNA Financial Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheets
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
CNA Financial Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
CNA Financial Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
CNA Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note A. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of CNA Financial Corporation (CNAF) and its subsidiaries. Collectively, CNAF and its subsidiaries are referred to as CNA or the Company. Loews Corporation (Loews) owned approximately 90% of the outstanding common stock of CNAF as of December 31, 2016.
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Intercompany amounts have been eliminated. The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Sale of Continental Assurance Company (CAC)
On August 1, 2014, the Company completed the sale of CAC. The business sold, which was previously reported within the Life & Group Non-Core segment, is reported as discontinued operations. The Company elected to include CAC cash flow activity in the comparative Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow. Further information related to the sale of CAC is provided in Note P to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In connection with the sale of CAC, the Company entered into a 100% coinsurance agreement on a separate small block of annuity business outside of CAC. The coinsurance agreement required the transfer of assets with a book value equal to the ceded reserves on the inception date of the contract. Because a substantial portion of the assets supporting these liabilities are held in trust for the benefit of the original cedant, those assets were transferred on a funds withheld basis. Under this approach the Company maintains legal ownership of the assets, but the investment income and realized gains and losses on those assets inure to the reinsurer. As a result, the $34 million difference between market value and book value of the funds withheld assets at the coinsurance contract's inception was recognized as a loss in Other operating expenses in 2014. The funds withheld aspect of the agreement is considered an embedded derivative. The embedded derivative is separately accounted for at fair value and reported with the host contract in Other liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company recognizes Other operating expense equal to the Net investment income generated by these trust assets.
Insurance Operations
Premiums: Insurance premiums on property and casualty insurance contracts are recognized in proportion to the underlying risk insured and are principally earned ratably over the duration of the policies. Premiums on long term care contracts are earned ratably over the policy year in which they are due. The reserve for unearned premiums represents the portion of premiums written relating to the unexpired terms of coverage.
Insurance receivables include balances due currently or in the future, including amounts due from insureds related to losses under high deductible policies, and are presented at unpaid balances, net of an allowance for uncollectible receivables. Amounts are considered past due based on policy payment terms. The allowance is determined based on periodic evaluations of aged receivables, management's experience and current economic conditions. Insurance receivables and any related allowance are written off after collection efforts are exhausted or a negotiated settlement is reached.
Property and casualty contracts that are retrospectively rated contain provisions that result in an adjustment to the initial policy premium depending on the contract provisions and loss experience of the insured during the experience period. For such contracts, the Company estimates the amount of ultimate premiums that the Company may earn upon completion of the experience period and recognizes either an asset or a liability for the difference between the initial policy premium and the estimated ultimate premium. The Company adjusts such estimated ultimate premium amounts during the course of the experience period based on actual results to date. The resulting adjustment is recorded as either a reduction of or an increase to the earned premiums for the period.
Claim and claim adjustment expense reserves: Claim and claim adjustment expense reserves, except reserves for structured settlements not associated with asbestos and environmental pollution (A&EP), workers' compensation lifetime claims and long term care claims, are not discounted and are based on 1) case basis estimates for losses reported on direct business, adjusted in the aggregate for ultimate loss expectations; 2) estimates of incurred but not reported (IBNR) losses; 3) estimates of losses on assumed reinsurance; 4) estimates of future expenses to be incurred in the settlement of claims; 5) estimates of salvage and subrogation recoveries and 6) estimates of amounts due from insureds related to losses under high deductible policies. Management considers current conditions and trends as well as past Company and industry experience in establishing these estimates. The effects of inflation, which can be significant, are implicitly considered in the reserving process and are part of the recorded reserve balance. Ceded claim and claim adjustment expense reserves are reported as a component of Reinsurance receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Claim and claim adjustment expense reserves are presented net of anticipated amounts due from insureds related to losses under deductible policies of $1.2 billion and $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. A significant portion of these amounts are supported by collateral. The Company has an allowance for uncollectible deductible amounts, which is presented as a component of the allowance for doubtful accounts included in Insurance receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Structured settlements have been negotiated for certain property and casualty insurance claims. Structured settlements are agreements to provide fixed periodic payments to claimants. The Company's obligations for structured settlements not funded by annuities are included in claim and claim adjustment expense reserves and carried at present values determined using interest rates ranging from to 5.5% to 8.0% as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the discounted reserves for unfunded structured settlements were $544 million and $560 million, net of discount of $841 million and $880 million. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the amount of interest recognized on the discounted reserves of unfunded structured settlements was $42 million, $42 million and $43 million, respectively. This interest accretion is presented as a component of Insurance claims and policyholders’ benefits on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, but is excluded from the Company’s disclosure of prior year development.
Workers' compensation lifetime claim reserves are calculated using mortality assumptions determined through statutory regulation and economic factors. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, workers' compensation lifetime claim reserves are discounted at a 3.5% interest rate. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the discounted reserves for workers’ compensation lifetime claim reserves were $371 million and $396 million, net of discount of $202 million and $218 million. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 the amount of interest accretion recognized on the discounted reserves of workers’ compensation lifetime claim reserves was $17 million, $20 million and $22 million, respectively.
Long term care claim reserves are calculated using mortality and morbidity assumptions based on Company and industry experience. Long term care claim reserves are discounted at interest rates ranging from 4.5% to 6.8% as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, such discounted reserves totaled $2.2 billion and $2.2 billion, net of discount of $529 million and $435 million.
Future policy benefits reserves: Future policy benefits reserves represent the active life reserves related to the Company's long term care policies and are computed using the net level premium method, which incorporates actuarial assumptions as to morbidity, persistency, discount rate and expenses. Expense assumptions primarily relate to claim adjudication. Actuarial assumptions generally vary by plan, age at issue, policy duration and gender. The initial assumptions are determined at issuance, include a margin for adverse deviation and are locked in throughout the life of the contract unless a premium deficiency develops. If a premium deficiency emerges, the assumptions are unlocked and deferred acquisition costs, if any, and the future policy benefits reserves are adjusted. The December 31, 2015 gross premium valuation (GPV) indicated a premium deficiency of $296 million. The indicated premium deficiency necessitated a charge to income that was affected by the write off of the entire long term care deferred acquisition cost asset of $289 million and an increase to active life reserves of $7 million. As a result, the long term care active life reserves carried as of December 31, 2015 represent management’s best estimate assumptions at that date with no margin for adverse deviation. The December 31, 2016 GPV indicated the carried reserves were sufficient, therefore there was no unlocking of assumptions. Interest rates for long term care active life reserves range from 6.6% to 7.0% as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Guaranty fund and other insurance-related assessments: Liabilities for guaranty fund and other insurance-related assessments are accrued when an assessment is probable, when it can be reasonably estimated and when the event obligating the entity to pay an imposed or probable assessment has occurred. Liabilities for guaranty funds and other insurance-related assessments are not discounted and are included as part of Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the liability balances were $125 million and $129 million.
Reinsurance: Reinsurance accounting allows for contractual cash flows to be reflected as premiums and losses. To qualify for reinsurance accounting, reinsurance agreements must include risk transfer. To meet risk transfer requirements, a reinsurance contract must include both insurance risk, consisting of underwriting and timing risk, and a reasonable possibility of a significant loss for the assuming entity.
Reinsurance receivables related to paid losses are presented at unpaid balances. Reinsurance receivables related to unpaid losses are estimated in a manner consistent with claim and claim adjustment expense reserves or future policy benefits reserves. Reinsurance receivables are reported net of an allowance for uncollectible amounts on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The cost of reinsurance is primarily accounted for over the life of the underlying reinsured policies using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the underlying policies or over the reinsurance contract period. The ceding of insurance does not discharge the primary liability of the Company.
The Company has established an allowance for uncollectible reinsurance receivables which relates to both amounts already billed on ceded paid losses as well as ceded reserves that will be billed when losses are paid in the future. The allowance for uncollectible reinsurance receivables is estimated on the basis of periodic evaluations of balances due from reinsurers, reinsurer solvency, management's experience and current economic conditions. Reinsurer financial strength ratings are updated and reviewed on an annual basis or sooner if the Company becomes aware of significant changes related to a reinsurer. Because billed receivables generally approximate 3% or less of total reinsurance receivables, the age of the reinsurance receivables related to paid losses is not a significant input into the allowance analysis. Changes in the allowance for uncollectible reinsurance receivables are presented as a component of Insurance claims and policyholders' benefits on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Amounts are considered past due based on the reinsurance contract terms. Reinsurance receivables related to paid losses and any related allowance are written off after collection efforts have been exhausted or a negotiated settlement is reached with the reinsurer. Reinsurance receivables related to paid losses from insolvent insurers are written off when the settlement due from the estate can be reasonably estimated. At the time reinsurance receivables related to paid losses are written off, any required adjustment to reinsurance receivables related to unpaid losses is recorded as a component of Insurance claims and policyholders' benefits on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Reinsurance contracts that do not effectively transfer the economic risk of loss on the underlying policies are recorded using the deposit method of accounting, which requires that premium paid or received by the ceding company or assuming company be accounted for as a deposit asset or liability. The Company had $3 million recorded as deposit assets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and $6 million and $8 million recorded as deposit liabilities as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. Income on reinsurance contracts accounted for under the deposit method is recognized using an effective yield based on the anticipated timing of payments and the remaining life of the contract. When the anticipated timing of payments changes, the effective yield is recalculated to reflect actual payments to date and the estimated timing of future payments. The deposit asset or liability is adjusted to the amount that would have existed had the new effective yield been applied since the inception of the contract.
A loss portfolio transfer is a retroactive reinsurance contract. If the cumulative claim and allocated claim adjustment expenses ceded under a loss portfolio transfer exceed the consideration paid, the resulting gain from such excess is deferred and amortized into earnings in future periods in proportion to actual recoveries under the loss portfolio transfer. In any period in which there is a gain position and a revised estimate of claim and allocated claim adjustment expenses, a portion of the deferred gain is cumulatively recognized in earnings as if the revised estimate was available at the inception date of the loss portfolio transfer.
Deferred acquisition costs: Deferrable acquisition costs include commissions, premium taxes and certain underwriting and policy issuance costs which are incremental direct costs of successful contract acquisitions. Acquisition costs related to property and casualty business are deferred and amortized ratably over the period the related premiums are earned. Deferred acquisition costs are presented net of ceding commissions and other ceded acquisition costs.
The Company evaluates deferred acquisition costs for recoverability. Anticipated investment income is considered in the determination of the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs. Adjustments, if necessary, are recorded in current period results of operations.
Deferred acquisition costs related to long term care contracts issued prior to January 1, 2004 include costs which vary with and are primarily related to the acquisition of business. As noted under Future policy benefits reserves, all of the long term care deferred acquisition costs of $289 million were written off as of December 31, 2015 in recognition of a premium deficiency.
Investments in life settlement contracts and related revenue recognition: Prior to 2002, the Company purchased investments in life settlement contracts. The Company obtained the ownership and beneficiary rights of an underlying life insurance policy through a life settlement contract with the owner of the life insurance contract.
The Company accounts for its investments in life settlement contracts using the fair value method. Under the fair value method, each life settlement contract is carried at its fair value at the end of each reporting period. The change in fair value estimated through the Company's internal valuation process, life insurance proceeds received and periodic maintenance costs, such as premiums, necessary to keep the underlying policy in force, are recorded in Other revenues on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
In December 2016, the Company reached agreement on terms to sell the entire portfolio of life settlement contracts to a third party. The Company expects to consummate this transaction in 2017. As a result, the portfolio, which is included within Life & Group Non-Core segment, was determined to be held for sale as of December 31, 2016. Therefore, the contracts were measured at the lower of the carrying amount or the fair value per the agreed terms. This resulted in a $10 million loss recognized within Net realized investment gains. The fair value of the Company's investments in life settlement contracts were $58 million and $74 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and are included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The cash receipts and payments related to life settlement contracts are included in Cash flows from operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
The following table details the values for life settlement contracts. The determination of fair value is discussed in Note C to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company uses an actuarial model to estimate the aggregate face amount of life insurance that are expected to settle in each future year and the corresponding fair value. This model projects the likelihood of the insured's death for each inforce policy based upon the Company's estimated mortality rates, which may vary due to the relatively small size of the portfolio of life settlement contracts. The number of life settlement contracts presented in the table above is based upon the average face amount of inforce policies estimated to settle in each future year.
The increase in fair value recognized in Other revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 on contracts still held at each respective period-end was $7 million, $1 million and $8 million. The gains recognized during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 on contracts that settled were $8 million, $24 million and $25 million.
Investments
The Company classifies its fixed maturity securities and its equity securities as either available-for-sale or trading, and as such, they are carried at fair value. Changes in fair value of trading securities are reported within Net investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Changes in fair value related to available-for-sale securities are reported as a component of Other comprehensive income. Losses may be recognized within Net realized investment gains (losses) on the Consolidated Statements of Operations when a decline in value is determined by the Company to be other-than-temporary.
The cost of fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, which are included in Net investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The amortization of premium and accretion of discount for fixed maturity securities takes into consideration call and maturity dates that produce the lowest yield. In 2015 the Company changed its accounting principle as previously the amortization of premiums was to maturity. This change in estimate effected by a change in accounting principle was adopted in the fourth quarter of 2015 and decreased Net investment income and the amortized cost of fixed maturity securities by $39 million in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year-ended December 31, 2015 and the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015. The $39 million decrease to Net investment income included a $22 million cumulative adjustment relating to prior periods. The total adjustment decreased Basic and Diluted earnings per share by $0.09 for the year ended December 31, 2015.
To the extent that unrealized gains on fixed income securities supporting long term care products and structured settlements not funded by annuities would result in a premium deficiency if those gains were realized, a related increase in Insurance reserves is recorded, net of tax, as a reduction of net unrealized gains through Other comprehensive income (Shadow Adjustments). Shadow Adjustments, net of tax, decreased $97 million and $177 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, net unrealized gains on investments included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) were correspondingly reduced by Shadow Adjustments of $1,014 million and $1,111 million.
For asset-backed securities included in fixed maturity securities, the Company recognizes income using an effective yield based on anticipated prepayments and the estimated economic life of the securities. When estimates of prepayments change, the effective yield is recalculated to reflect actual payments to date and anticipated future payments. The amortized cost of high credit quality fixed rate securities is adjusted to the amount that would have existed had the new effective yield been applied since the acquisition of the securities. Such adjustments are reflected in Net investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Interest income on lower rated and variable rate securities is determined using the prospective yield method.
The Company's carrying value of investments in limited partnerships is its share of the net asset value of each partnership, as determined by the general partner. Certain partnerships for which results are not available on a timely basis are reported on a lag, primarily three months or less. Changes in net asset values are accounted for under the equity method and recorded within Net investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Mortgage loans are commercial in nature, are carried at unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized fees and any valuation allowance, and are recorded once funded. Mortgage loans are considered to be impaired loans when it is probable that contractual principal and interest payments will not be collected. A valuation allowance is established for impaired loans to the extent that the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's original effective interest rate is less than the carrying value of the loan. Interest income from mortgage loans is recognized on an accrual basis using the effective yield method. Accrual of income is generally suspended for mortgage loans that are impaired and collection of principal and interest payments is unlikely. Mortgage loans are considered past due when full principal or interest payments have not been received according to contractual terms.
Other invested assets include overseas deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBC) stock. FHLBC stock is carried at fair value. Overseas deposits are valued using the net asset value per share (or equivalent) practical expedient. They are primarily short-term government securities, agency securities and corporate bonds held in trusts that are managed by Lloyd's of London. These funds are required of Lloyd's syndicates to protect policyholders in overseas markets and may be denominated in local currency.
Short term investments are carried at fair value, with the exception of cash accounts earning interest, which are carried at cost and approximate fair value. Changes in fair value are reported as a component of Other comprehensive income.
Purchases and sales of all securities are recorded on the trade date, except for private placement debt securities, including bank loan participations, which are recorded once funded. Realized investment gains and losses are determined on the basis of the cost or amortized cost of the specific securities sold.
In the normal course of investing activities, the Company enters into relationships with variable interest entities (VIEs), as both an investor in limited partnerships and asset-backed securities issued by third-party VIEs. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs, and therefore does not consolidate them. The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE based on a qualitative assessment of the relative power and benefits of the Company and our venture partners. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is limited to the investment carrying values included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and any unfunded commitments.
A security is impaired if the fair value of the security is less than its cost adjusted for accretion, amortization and previously recorded other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses, otherwise defined as an unrealized loss. When a security is impaired, the impairment is evaluated to determine whether it is temporary or other-than-temporary.
Significant judgment is required in the determination of whether an OTTI loss has occurred for a security. The Company follows a consistent and systematic process for determining and recording an OTTI loss. The Company has established a committee responsible for the OTTI process referred to as the Impairment Committee. The Impairment Committee is responsible for evaluating all securities in an unrealized loss position on at least a quarterly basis.
The Impairment Committee’s assessment of whether an OTTI loss has occurred incorporates both quantitative and qualitative information. Fixed maturity securities that the Company intends to sell, or it more likely than not will be required to sell before recovery of amortized cost, are considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired and the entire difference between the amortized cost basis and fair value of the security is recognized as an OTTI loss in earnings. The remaining fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position are evaluated to determine if a credit loss exists. The factors considered by the Impairment Committee include (a) the financial condition and near-term and long-term prospects of the issuer, (b) whether the debtor is current on interest and principal payments, (c) credit ratings of the securities and (d) general market conditions and industry or sector specific outlook. The Company also considers results and analysis of cash flow modeling for asset-backed securities, and when appropriate, other fixed maturity securities. The focus of the analysis for asset-backed securities is on assessing the sufficiency and quality of underlying collateral and timing of cash flows based on scenario tests. If the present value of the modeled expected cash flows equals or exceeds the amortized cost of a security, no credit loss is judged to exist and the asset-backed security is deemed to be temporarily impaired. If the present value of the expected cash flows is significantly less than amortized cost, the security is judged to be other-than-temporarily impaired for credit reasons and that shortfall, referred to as the credit component, is recognized as an OTTI loss in earnings. The difference between the adjusted amortized cost basis and fair value, referred to as the non-credit component, is recognized as OTTI in Other comprehensive income. In subsequent reporting periods, a change in intent to sell or further credit impairment on a security whose fair value has not deteriorated will cause the non-credit component originally recorded as OTTI in Other comprehensive income to be recognized as an OTTI loss in earnings. The Company performs the discounted cash flow analysis using stressed scenarios to determine future expectations regarding recoverability. Significant assumptions enter into these cash flow projections including delinquency rates, probable risk of default, loss severity upon a default, over collateralization and interest coverage triggers and credit support from lower level tranches.
The Company applies the same impairment model as described above for the majority of its non-redeemable preferred stock securities on the basis that these securities possess characteristics similar to debt securities and that the issuers maintain their ability to pay dividends. For all other equity securities, in determining whether the security is other-than-temporarily impaired, the Impairment Committee considers a number of factors including, but not limited to: (a) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost, (b) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, (c) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in value and (d) general market conditions and industry or sector specific outlook.
Income Taxes
The Company and its eligible subsidiaries (CNA Tax Group) are included in the consolidated federal income tax return of Loews and its eligible subsidiaries. The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the financial statement and tax return bases of assets and liabilities, based on enacted tax rates and other provisions of the tax law. The effect of a change in tax laws or rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period in which such change is enacted. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not, and a valuation allowance is established for any portion of a deferred tax asset that management believes will not be realized.
Pension and Postretirement Benefits
The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of its defined benefit plans in Other assets or Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in funded status related to prior service costs and credits and actuarial gains and losses are recognized in the year in which the changes occur through Other comprehensive income. Annual service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service costs and credits and amortization of actuarial gains and losses are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The vested benefit obligation for the CNA Retirement Plan is determined based on eligible compensation and accrued service for previously entitled employees. Effective June 30, 2015, future benefit accruals under the CNA Retirement Plan were eliminated and the benefit obligations were frozen.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company records compensation expense using the fair value method for all awards it grants, modifies or cancels primarily on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, generally three to four years.
Foreign Currency
Foreign currency translation gains and losses are reflected in Stockholders' equity as a component of AOCI. The Company's foreign subsidiaries' balance sheet accounts are translated at the exchange rates in effect at each reporting date and income statement accounts are either translated at the exchange rate on the date of the transaction or at the average exchange rates. Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) of $(9) million, $(11) million and $(25) million were included in determining Net income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is based on the estimated useful lives of the various classes of property and equipment and is determined principally on the straight-line method. Furniture and fixtures are depreciated over seven years. Office equipment is depreciated over five years. The estimated lives for data processing equipment and software generally range from three to five years, but can be as long as ten years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the corresponding lease terms not to exceed the underlying asset life. The Company's previously owned building and related capital improvements were depreciated over periods not to exceed fifty years.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of acquired entities and businesses. Goodwill in the International segment may change from period to period as a result of foreign currency translation.
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or when certain triggering events require such tests. As a result of reviews completed for the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company determined that the estimated fair value of the reporting units were in excess of their carrying value including Goodwill. Changes in future periods in assumptions about the level of economic capital, business growth, earnings projections or the weighted average cost of capital could result in a goodwill impairment.
Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets are reported within Other assets. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Indefinite-lived other intangible assets are tested for impairment annually or when certain triggering events require such tests.
Earnings (Loss) Per Share Data
Earnings (loss) per share is based on weighted average number of outstanding common shares. Basic earnings (loss) per share excludes the impact of dilutive securities and is computed by dividing Net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, approximately 678 thousand, 534 thousand and 675 thousand potential shares attributable to exercises or conversions into common stock under stock-based employee compensation plans were included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share. For those same periods, approximately 102 thousand, 106 thousand and 170 thousand potential shares attributable to exercises or conversions into common stock under stock-based employee compensation plans were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been antidilutive.
Supplementary Cash Flow Information
Cash payments made for interest were $157 million, $152 million and $179 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. Cash payments made for income taxes were $170 million, $310 million and $313 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Updates (ASU)
In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The updated accounting guidance requires debt issuance costs to be presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability instead of the historical presentation as an unamortized debt issuance asset. As of January 1, 2016, the Company adopted the updated accounting guidance retrospectively. The Company adjusted its previously reported financial information included herein to reflect the change in accounting guidance for debt issuance costs. The impacts of adopting the new accounting standard on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015, were a decrease in Other assets and a decrease in Long term debt of $2 million.
In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-09, Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts. The updated accounting guidance requires enhanced disclosures to provide additional information about insurance liabilities for short-duration contracts. The updated guidance is effective for annual financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within the annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company has adopted the change in disclosure requirements for short-duration contracts.
In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent). The updated accounting guidance removes the requirement to categorize assets measured at fair value utilizing the net asset value per share (or equivalent) practical expedient within the fair value hierarchy. As of January 1, 2016, the Company adopted the updated accounting guidance retrospectively. The Company adjusted its previously reported financial information included herein to reflect the change in accounting guidance for assets measured using the net asset value. The impact of adopting the new accounting standard resulted in excluding overseas deposits of $31 million and $27 million and limited partnership investments held within the pension plan of $876 million and $935 million from the fair value level disclosures as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
Accounting Standards Pending Adoption
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue Recognition (Topic 606): Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The standard excludes from its scope the accounting for insurance contracts, financial instruments, and certain other agreements that are governed under other GAAP guidance. The updated guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue as performance obligations are met, in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity is entitled to receive for the transfer of the promised goods or services. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and may be applied retrospectively or through a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings at the date of adoption. The Company has not made a decision on the method of adoption and is currently evaluating the effect the updated guidance will have on the Company’s financial statements. While the Company anticipates some changes to revenue recognition for certain of our warranty products and services, we do not currently believe ASU 2014-09 will have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The updated accounting guidance requires changes to the reporting model for financial instruments. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the guidance will have on the Company's financial statements, and expects the primary change for the Company to be the requirement for equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842): Accounting for Leases. The updated accounting guidance requires lessees to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by all leases, including those historically accounted for as operating leases. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the updated guidance will have on the Company's financial statements. It is expected that assets and liabilities will increase based on the present value of remaining lease payments for leases in place at the adoption date; however, this is not expected to be material to the Company's results of operations or financial position.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The updated accounting guidance simplifies the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the updated guidance will have on the Company’s financial statements, but anticipates the primary change to be the recognition of excess tax benefits or deficiencies on vesting or settlement of awards as an income tax benefit or expense within net income and the related cash flows classified within operating activities.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The updated accounting guidance requires changes to the recognition of credit losses on financial instruments not accounted for at fair value through net income. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the guidance will have on the Company's financial statements, but expects the primary changes to be the use of the expected credit loss model for its mortgage loan portfolio and reinsurance receivables and the presentation of credit losses within the available-for-sale fixed maturities portfolio through an allowance method rather than as a direct write-down. The expected credit loss model will require a financial asset to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance method for available-for-sale debt securities will allow the Company to record reversals of credit losses if the estimate of credit losses declines.
Note B. Investments
The significant components of Net investment income are presented in the following table.
As of December 31, 2016, the Company held no non-income producing fixed maturity securities. As of December 31, 2015, the Company held $54 million of non-income producing fixed maturity securities. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, no investments in a single issuer exceeded 10% of stockholders' equity, other than investments in securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises.
Net realized investment gains (losses) are presented in the following table.
Net change in unrealized gains on investments is presented in the following table.
The components of OTTI losses recognized in earnings by asset type are presented in the following table.
The following tables present a summary of fixed maturity and equity securities.
The following tables present the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity and equity securities in a gross unrealized loss position by the length of time in which the securities have continuously been in that position.
Based on current facts and circumstances, the Company believes the unrealized losses presented in the December 31, 2016 securities in a gross unrealized loss position table above are not indicative of the ultimate collectibility of the current amortized cost of the securities, but rather are attributable to changes in interest rates, credit spreads and other factors. The Company has no current intent to sell securities with unrealized losses, nor is it more likely than not that it will be required to sell prior to recovery of amortized cost; accordingly, the Company has determined that there are no additional OTTI losses to be recorded as of December 31, 2016.
The following table presents the activity related to the pretax credit loss component reflected in Retained earnings on fixed maturity securities still held as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 for which a portion of an OTTI loss was recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss).
Contractual Maturity
The following table presents available-for-sale fixed maturity securities by contractual maturity.
Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain securities may be called or prepaid. Securities not due at a single date are allocated based on weighted average life.
Limited Partnerships
The carrying value of limited partnerships as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $2,371 million and $2,548 million, which includes undistributed earnings of $523 million and $687 million. Limited partnerships comprising 60% of the total carrying value are reported on a current basis through December 31, 2016 with no reporting lag, 18% are reported on a one month lag and the remainder are reported on more than a one month lag. The number of limited partnerships held and the strategies employed provide diversification to the limited partnership portfolio and the overall invested asset portfolio.
Limited partnerships comprising 68% and 70% of the carrying value as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 employ hedge fund strategies. Limited partnerships comprising 27% and 26% of the carrying value as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 were invested in private debt and equity and the remainder were primarily invested in real estate strategies. Hedge fund strategies include both long and short positions in fixed income, equity and derivative instruments. These hedge fund strategies may seek to generate gains from mispriced or undervalued securities, price differentials between securities, distressed investments, sector rotation or various arbitrage disciplines. Within hedge fund strategies, approximately 55% were equity related, 26% pursued a multi-strategy approach, 17% were focused on distressed investments and 2% were fixed income related as of December 31, 2016.
The ten largest limited partnership positions held totaled $1,168 million and $1,221 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. Based on the most recent information available regarding the Company’s percentage ownership of the individual limited partnerships, the carrying value reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets represents approximately 4% and 3% of the aggregate partnership equity as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related income reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations represents approximately 4%, 3% and 4% of the changes in aggregate partnership equity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
While the Company generally does not invest in highly leveraged partnerships, there are risks inherent in limited partnership investments which may result in losses due to short-selling, derivatives or other speculative investment practices. The use of leverage increases volatility generated by the underlying investment strategies.
The Company’s limited partnership investments contain withdrawal provisions that generally limit liquidity for a period of thirty days up to one year and in some cases do not permit withdrawals until the termination of the partnership. Typically, withdrawals require advance written notice of up to 90 days.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company may use derivatives in the normal course of business, primarily in an attempt to reduce its exposure to market risk (principally interest rate risk, credit risk, equity price risk and foreign currency risk) stemming from various assets and liabilities. The Company's principal objective under such strategies is to achieve the desired reduction in economic risk, even if the position does not receive hedge accounting treatment.
The Company may enter into interest rate swaps, futures and forward commitments to purchase securities to manage interest rate risk. The Company may use foreign currency forward contracts to manage foreign currency risk.
Credit exposure associated with non-performance by the counterparties to derivative instruments is generally limited to the uncollateralized fair value of the asset related to the instruments recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company generally requires that all over-the-counter derivative contracts be governed by an International Swaps and Derivatives Association Master Agreement, and exchanges collateral under the terms of these agreements with its derivative investment counterparties depending on the amount of the exposure and the credit rating of the counterparty. Gross estimated fair values of derivative positions are presented in Other invested assets and Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company does not offset derivative positions against the fair value of collateral provided or positions subject to netting arrangements. There would be no significant difference in the balance included in such accounts if the estimated fair values were presented net for the periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.
There was no cash collateral provided by the Company as of December 31, 2016 or 2015. There was no cash collateral received from counterparties held as of December 31, 2016 or 2015.
The Company holds an embedded derivative on funds withheld liability with a notional value of $174 million and $179 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and a fair value of $3 million and $5 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. The embedded derivative on funds withheld liability is accounted for separately and reported with the funds withheld liability in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Commercial Mortgage Loans
Risks related to the recoverability of loan balances include declines in the estimated cash flows from underlying property leases, fair value of collateral and creditworthiness of tenants of credit tenant loan properties, where lease payments directly service the loan. The Company evaluates loans for impairment on a specific loan basis and identifies loans for evaluation of impairment based on the collection experience of each loan and other credit quality indicators such as debt service coverage ratio and the creditworthiness of the borrower or tenants of credit tenant loan properties. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, there were no loans past due or in non-accrual status, and no valuation allowance was recorded.
Investment Commitments
As of December 31, 2016, the Company had committed approximately $380 million to future capital calls from various third-party limited partnership investments in exchange for an ownership interest in the related partnerships.
As of December 31, 2016, the Company had mortgage loan commitments of $20 million representing signed loan applications received and accepted.
The Company invests in various privately placed debt securities, including bank loans, as part of its overall investment strategy and has committed to additional future purchases, sales and funding. Purchases and sales of privately placed debt securities are recorded once funded. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had commitments to purchase or fund additional amounts of $130 million and sell $121 million under the terms of such securities.
Investments on Deposit
Securities with carrying values of approximately $2.3 billion and $2.8 billion were deposited by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries under requirements of regulatory authorities and others as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Cash and securities with carrying values of approximately $514 million and $364 million were deposited with financial institutions as collateral for letters of credit as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. In addition, cash and securities were deposited in trusts with financial institutions to secure reinsurance and other obligations with various third parties. The carrying values of these deposits were approximately $261 million and $263 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Note C. Fair Value
Fair value is the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The following fair value hierarchy is used in selecting inputs, with the highest priority given to Level 1, as these are the most transparent or reliable.
Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.
Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are not observable.
Prices may fall within Level 1, 2 or 3 depending upon the methodology and inputs used to estimate fair value for each specific security. In general the Company seeks to price securities using third-party pricing services. Securities not priced by pricing services are submitted to independent brokers for valuation and, if those are not available, internally developed pricing models are used to value assets using a methodology and inputs the Company believes market participants would use to value the assets. Prices obtained from third-party pricing services or brokers are not adjusted by the Company.
The Company performs control procedures over information obtained from pricing services and brokers to ensure prices received represent a reasonable estimate of fair value and to confirm representations regarding whether inputs are observable or unobservable. Procedures may include i) the review of pricing service methodologies or broker pricing qualifications, ii) back-testing, where past fair value estimates are compared to actual transactions executed in the market on similar dates, iii) exception reporting, where period-over-period changes in price are reviewed and challenged with the pricing service or broker based on exception criteria, iv) deep dives, where the Company performs an independent analysis of the inputs and assumptions used to price individual securities and v) pricing validation, where prices received are compared to prices independently estimated by the Company.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are presented in the following tables.
The tables below present a reconciliation for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).
*Net realized and unrealized gains and losses from Level 3 securities and derivatives are reported in Net income (loss) as follows:
(1) Unrealized gains and losses are reported within AOCI.
Securities shown on the previous page may be transferred in or out of levels within the fair value hierarchy based on the availability of observable market information and quoted prices used to determine the fair value of the security. The availability of observable market information and quoted prices varies based on market conditions and trading volume. During the year ended December 31, 2016 there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2. There were $63 million of transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 and $52 million from Level 1 to Level 2 during the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company's policy is to recognize transfers between levels at the beginning of quarterly reporting periods.
Valuation Methodologies and Inputs
The following section describes the valuation methodologies and relevant inputs used to measure different financial instruments at fair value, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which the instruments are generally classified.
Fixed Maturity Securities
Level 1 securities include highly liquid and exchange traded bonds and redeemable preferred stock, valued using quoted market prices. Level 2 securities include most other fixed maturity securities as the significant inputs are observable in the marketplace. All classes of Level 2 fixed maturity securities are valued using a methodology based on information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets, a discounted cash flow methodology, or a combination of both when necessary. Common inputs for all classes of fixed maturity securities include prices from recently executed transactions of similar securities, marketplace quotes, benchmark yields, spreads off benchmark yields, interest rates and U.S. Treasury or swap curves. Specifically for asset-backed securities, key inputs include prepayment and default projections based on past performance of the underlying collateral and current market data. Fixed maturity securities are primarily assigned to Level 3 in cases where broker/dealer quotes are significant inputs to the valuation and there is a lack of transparency as to whether these quotes are based on information that is observable in the marketplace. Level 3 securities also include private placement debt securities whose fair value is determined using internal models with inputs that are not market observable.
Equity Securities
Level 1 equity securities include publicly traded securities valued using quoted market prices. Level 2 securities are primarily non-redeemable preferred stocks and common stocks valued using pricing for similar securities, recently executed transactions and other pricing models utilizing market observable inputs. Level 3 securities are primarily priced using broker/dealer quotes and internal models with inputs that are not market observable.
Other Invested Assets
The fair value of Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBC) stock is equal to par because it can only be redeemed by the FHLBC at par or sold to another member of the FHLBC at par and is classified as Level 2.
As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there were approximately $31 million and $27 million respectively of overseas deposits within other invested assets, which can be redeemed at net asset value in 90 days or less. Overseas deposits are excluded from the fair value hierarchy because their fair value is recorded using the net asset value per share (or equivalent) practical expedient.
Short Term Investments
Securities that are actively traded or have quoted prices are classified as Level 1. These securities include money market funds and treasury bills. Level 2 primarily includes commercial paper, for which all inputs are market observable. Fixed maturity securities purchased within one year of maturity are classified consistent with fixed maturity securities discussed above. Short term investments as presented in the tables above differ from the amounts presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets because certain short term investments, such as time deposits, are not measured at fair value.
Life Settlement Contracts
Historically, the fair values of life settlement contracts were determined as the present value of the anticipated death benefits less anticipated premium payments based on contract terms that are distinct for each insured, as well as the Company's own assumptions for mortality, premium expense and the rate of return that a buyer would require on the contracts. As discussed in Note A, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, because the Company has reached agreement on terms to sell the portfolio of life settlement contracts to a third party, the fair value was written down to reflect the value determined per the agreed terms of sale. Despite the pending sale, as there is not an active market for life settlement contracts, they have been classified as Level 3.
Derivative Financial Investments
Level 2 securities primarily include the embedded derivative on funds withheld liability. The embedded derivative on funds withheld liability is valued using the change in fair value of the assets supporting the funds withheld liability, which are fixed maturity securities valued with observable inputs.
Significant Unobservable Inputs
The following tables present quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs utilized by the Company in the fair value measurements of Level 3 assets. Valuations for assets and liabilities not presented in the tables below are primarily based on broker/dealer quotes for which there is a lack of transparency as to inputs used to develop the valuations. The quantitative detail of these unobservable inputs is neither provided nor reasonably available to the Company. The valuation of life settlement contracts as of December 31, 2016 was based on the terms of the pending sale of the contracts to a third party, therefore the contracts are not included in the table below.
For fixed maturity securities, an increase to the credit spread assumptions would result in a lower fair value measurement. For life settlement contracts, an increase in the discount rate risk premium or decrease in the mortality assumption would result in a lower fair value measurement.
Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value
The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company's financial assets and liabilities which are not measured at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are presented in the following tables.
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of these financial assets and liabilities.
The fair values of mortgage loans were based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the current interest rate for origination of similar quality loans, adjusted for specific loan risk.
The Company's senior notes and debentures were valued based on observable market prices. The fair value for other debt was estimated using discounted cash flows based on current incremental borrowing rates for similar borrowing arrangements.
The carrying amounts reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for Cash, Short term investments not carried at fair value, Accrued investment income and certain Other assets and Other liabilities approximate fair value due to the short term nature of these items. These assets and liabilities are not listed in the tables above.
Note D. Income Taxes
The CNA Tax Group is included in the consolidated federal income tax return of Loews and its eligible subsidiaries. Loews and the Company have agreed that for each taxable year, the Company will 1) be paid by Loews the amount, if any, by which the Loews consolidated federal income tax liability is reduced by virtue of the inclusion of the CNA Tax Group in the Loews consolidated federal income tax return, or 2) pay to Loews an amount, if any, equal to the federal income tax that would have been payable by the CNA Tax Group filing a separate consolidated tax return. In the event that Loews should have a net operating loss in the future computed on the basis of filing a separate consolidated tax return without the CNA Tax Group, the Company may be required to repay tax recoveries previously received from Loews. This agreement may be canceled by either party upon 30 days written notice.
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company paid $142 million, $256 million and $287 million to Loews related to federal income taxes.
For 2014 through 2016, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has accepted Loews and the Company into the Compliance Assurance Process (CAP), which is a voluntary program for large corporations. Under CAP, the IRS conducts a real-time audit and works contemporaneously with the Company to resolve any issues prior to the filing of the tax return. The Company believes that this approach should reduce tax-related uncertainties, if any.
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, there were no unrecognized tax benefits.
The Company recognizes interest accrued related to: 1) unrecognized tax benefits in Interest expense and 2) tax refund claims in Other revenues on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company recognizes penalties (if any) in Income tax (expense) benefit on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During 2016, 2015 and 2014 the Company recognized no interest and no penalties. There were no amounts accrued for interest or penalties as of December 31, 2016 or 2015.
The following table presents a reconciliation between the Company's federal income tax expense at statutory rates and the recorded income tax expense, excluding discontinued operations.
Provision has not been made for the Company's investment in certain subsidiaries for which the Company intends to invest the undistributed earnings indefinitely. As of December 31, 2016, the Company has not provided deferred taxes of $1 million on $3 million of undistributed earnings related to a foreign subsidiary.
The following table presents the current and deferred components of the Company's income tax expense, excluding discontinued operations.
Total income tax presented above includes foreign tax expense of approximately $9 million, $14 million and $24 million related to income from continuing foreign operations of approximately $51 million, $71 million and $66 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
The deferred tax effects of the significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are presented in the following table.
As of December 31, 2016, the CNA Tax Group had no loss carryforwards or tax credit carryforwards.
Although realization of deferred tax assets is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the recognized net deferred tax asset will be realized through recoupment of ordinary and capital taxes paid in prior carryback years and through future earnings, reversal of existing temporary differences and available tax planning strategies. As a result, no valuation allowance was recorded as of December 31, 2016 or 2015.
Note E. Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves
The Company's property and casualty insurance claim and claim adjustment expense reserves represent the estimated amounts necessary to resolve all outstanding claims, including IBNR claims as of the reporting date. The Company's reserve projections are based primarily on detailed analysis of the facts in each case, the Company's experience with similar cases and various historical development patterns. Consideration is given to such historical patterns as claim reserving trends and settlement practices, loss payments, pending levels of unpaid claims and product mix, as well as court decisions, economic conditions, including inflation, and public attitudes. All of these factors can affect the estimation of claim and claim adjustment expense reserves.
Establishing claim and claim adjustment expense reserves, including claim and claim adjustment expense reserves for catastrophic events that have occurred, is an estimation process. Many factors can ultimately affect the final settlement of a claim and, therefore, the necessary reserve. Changes in the law, results of litigation, medical costs, the cost of repair materials and labor rates can all affect ultimate claim costs. In addition, time can be a critical part of reserving determinations since the longer the span between the incidence of a loss and the payment or settlement of the claim, the more variable the ultimate settlement amount can be. Accordingly, short-tail claims, such as property damage claims, tend to be more reasonably estimable than long-tail claims, such as workers' compensation, general liability and professional liability claims. Adjustments to prior year reserve estimates, if necessary, are reflected in the results of operations in the period that the need for such adjustments is determined. There can be no assurance that the Company's ultimate cost for insurance losses will not exceed current estimates.
Catastrophes are an inherent risk of the property and casualty insurance business and have contributed to material period-to-period fluctuations in the Company's results of operations and/or equity. The Company reported catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance, of $165 million, $141 million and $156 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. Catastrophe losses in 2016 related primarily to U.S. weather-related events and the Fort McMurray wildfires.
In developing claim and claim adjustment expense (“loss” or “losses”) reserve estimates, our actuaries perform detailed reserve analyses that are staggered throughout the year. Every reserve group is reviewed at least once during the year. The analyses generally review losses gross of ceded reinsurance and apply the ceded reinsurance terms to the gross estimates to establish estimates net of reinsurance. In addition to the detailed analyses, we review actual loss emergence for all products each quarter. In developing the loss reserve estimates for property and casualty contracts, we generally project ultimate losses using several common actuarial methods as listed below. We review the various indications from the various methods and apply judgment to select an actuarial point estimate. The indicated required reserve is the difference between the selected ultimate loss and the inception-to-date paid losses. The difference between the selected ultimate loss and the case incurred or reported loss is IBNR. IBNR includes a provision for development on known cases as well as a provision for late reported incurred claims. Further, the Company does not establish case reserves for allocated loss adjustment expenses (ALAE), therefore all ALAE reserves are included in our estimate of IBNR. The most frequently utilized methods to project ultimate losses include the following:
•paid development;
•incurred development;
•loss ratio;
•Bornhuetter-Ferguson using premiums and paid loss;
•Bornhuetter-Ferguson using premiums and incurred loss;
•frequency times severity; and
•stochastic modeling.
The paid development method estimates ultimate losses by reviewing paid loss patterns and applying them to accident years with further expected changes in paid loss. The incurred development method is similar to the paid development method, but it uses case incurred losses instead of paid losses. The loss ratio method multiplies premiums by an expected loss ratio to produce ultimate loss estimates for each accident year. The Bornhuetter-Ferguson using premiums and paid loss method is a combination of the paid development approach and the loss ratio approach. This method normally determines expected loss ratios similar to the approach used to estimate the expected loss ratio for the loss ratio method. The Bornhuetter-Ferguson using premiums and incurred loss method
is similar to the Bornhuetter-Ferguson using premiums and paid loss method except that it uses case incurred losses. The frequency times severity method multiplies a projected number of ultimate claims by an estimated ultimate average loss for each accident year to produce ultimate loss estimates. Stochastic modeling produces a range of possible outcomes based on varying assumptions related to the particular product being modeled.
For many exposures, especially those that can be considered long-tail, a particular accident or policy year may not have a sufficient volume of paid losses to produce a statistically reliable estimate of ultimate losses. In such a case, our actuaries typically assign more weight to the incurred development method than to the paid development method. As claims continue to settle and the volume of paid loss increases, the actuaries may assign additional weight to the paid development method. For most of our products, even the incurred losses for accident or policy years that are early in the claim settlement process will not be of sufficient volume to produce a reliable estimate of ultimate losses. In these cases, we may not assign any weight to the paid and incurred development methods. We will use the loss ratio, Bornhuetter-Ferguson and frequency times severity methods. For short-tail exposures, the paid and incurred development methods can often be relied on sooner, primarily because our history includes a sufficient number of years to cover the entire period over which paid and incurred losses are expected to change. However, we may also use the loss ratio, Bornhuetter-Ferguson and frequency times severity methods for short-tail exposures. For other more complex reserve groups where the above methods may not produce reliable indications, we use additional methods tailored to the characteristics of the specific situation.
Reserves for policyholder benefits for our Life & Group Non-Core segment, which primarily includes long term care, are based on actuarial assumptions which include estimates of morbidity, persistency, discount rates and expenses over the life of the contracts. Under GAAP, the best estimates of the actuarial assumptions at the date the contract was issued are locked-in throughout the life of the contract, unless a premium deficiency develops, which occurred in 2015. As a result, the Company updated the assumptions to represent management’s best estimates at the time of the premium deficiency and these revised assumptions are locked-in unless another premium deficiency is identified.
Certain claim liabilities are more difficult to estimate and have differing methodologies and considerations which are described below.
Our mass tort and A&EP reserving methodologies are similar as both are based on detailed account reviews of all large accounts with estimates based on ultimate payments considering the applicable law and coverage litigation. These reserves are subject to greater inherent variability than is typical of the remainder of the Company’s reserves due to, among other things, a general lack of sufficiently detailed data, expansion of the population being held responsible for these exposures and significant unresolved legal issues such as the existence of coverage and the definition of an occurrence.
Our actuarial reserve analyses result in point estimates. Each quarter, the results of detailed reserve reviews are summarized and discussed with our senior management to determine management's best estimate of reserves. Senior management considers many factors in making this decision. The factors include, but are not limited to, the historical pattern and volatility of the actuarial indications, the sensitivity of the actuarial indications to changes in paid and incurred loss patterns, the consistency of claims handling processes, the consistency of case reserving practices, changes in our pricing and underwriting, pricing and underwriting trends in the insurance market and legal, judicial, social and economic trends. Our recorded reserves reflect our best estimate as of a particular point in time based upon known facts, consideration of the factors cited above and our judgment. The carried reserve may differ from the actuarial point estimate as the result of our consideration of the factors noted above as well as the potential volatility of the projections associated with the specific product being analyzed and other factors affecting claims costs that may not be quantifiable through traditional actuarial analysis.
The loss reserve development tables presented herein illustrate the change over time of reserves established for claim and allocated claim adjustment expenses arising from short duration insurance contracts for certain lines of business within our property & casualty segments. Not all lines of business or segments are presented based on their context to the Company's overall loss reserves, calendar year reserve development, or calendar year net earned premiums. Insurance contracts are considered to be short duration contracts when the contracts are not expected to remain in force for an extended period of time. The Cumulative Net Incurred Claim and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses tables, reading across, show the cumulative net incurred claim and allocated claim adjustment expenses relating to each accident year at the end of the stated calendar year. Changes in the cumulative amount
across time are the result of the Company's expanded awareness of additional facts and circumstances that pertain to the unsettled claims. The Cumulative Net Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses tables, reading across, show the cumulative amount paid for claims in each accident year as of the end of the stated calendar year. The Net Strengthening or (Releases) of Prior Accident Year Reserves tables, reading across, show the net increase or decrease in the cumulative net incurred accident year claim and allocated claim adjustment expenses during each stated calendar year and indicates whether the reserves for that accident year were strengthened or released.
The information in the tables is reported on a net basis after reinsurance and does not include unallocated claim and claim adjustment expenses or the effects of discounting. The information contained in the years preceding the current calendar year is unaudited. Information contained in the tables pertaining to our International segment has been presented at the year-end 2016 foreign currency exchange rates for all periods presented to remove the effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes between calendar years. The Company has presented development information for the Hardy business prospectively from the date of acquisition and is presented as a separate table within our International segment. To the extent the Company enters into a commutation, the transaction is reported on a prospective basis. To the extent that the Company enters into a disposition, the effects of the disposition are reported on a retrospective basis by removing the balances associated with the disposed of business.
The amounts reported for the cumulative number of reported claims include direct and assumed open and closed claims by accident year at the claimant level. The number excludes claim counts for claims within a policy deductible where the insured is responsible for payment of losses in the deductible layer. Claim count data for certain assumed reinsurance contracts is unavailable.
In the loss reserve development tables, IBNR includes reserves for incurred but not reported losses and expected development on case reserves. The Company does not case reserve ALAE, therefore all ALAE reserves are also included in the estimate of IBNR.
Liability for Unpaid Claim and Claim Adjustment Expenses Rollforward
The following table presents a reconciliation between beginning and ending claim and claim adjustment expense reserves, including claim and claim adjustment expense reserves of the Life & Group Non-Core segment.
(1)
Total net incurred above does not agree to Insurance claims and policyholders' benefits as reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations due to amounts related to retroactive reinsurance deferred gain accounting, uncollectible reinsurance and loss deductible receivables, and benefit expenses related to future policy benefits, which are not reflected in the table above.
The following tables present the gross and net carried reserves.
Net Prior Year Development
Changes in estimates of claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserves and premium accruals, net of reinsurance, for prior years are defined as net prior year development. These changes can be favorable or unfavorable. The following tables and discussion present the net prior year development recorded for Specialty, Commercial, International and Corporate & Other Non-Core segments.
Favorable net prior year development of $45 million, $50 million and $14 million was recorded in the Life & Group Non-Core segment for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. The favorable net prior year development for the year ended December 31, 2016 was driven by a reserve release resulting from the annual experience study of long term care claim reserves which indicated lower than expected claim severity.
Premium development can occur in the property and casualty business when there is a change in exposure on auditable policies or when premium accruals differ from processed premium. Audits on policies usually occur in a period after the expiration date of the policy.
Specialty
The following table presents further detail of the net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development (development) recorded for the Specialty segment.
Favorable development for medical professional liability was primarily due to lower than expected severities for individual healthcare professionals, allied facilities and hospitals in accident years 2011 and prior and better than expected severity in medical products liability in accident years 2010 through 2015. This was partially offset by unfavorable development in accident years 2012 and 2013 related to higher than expected large loss emergence in hospitals and higher than expected frequency and severity in accident years 2014 and 2015 in our aging services business.
Favorable development in other professional liability and management liability was primarily due to favorable settlements on closed claims and lower than expected frequency of claims in accident years 2010 through 2014 related to professional services and financial institutions. This was partially offset by unfavorable development related to a specific financial institutions claim in accident year 2014, higher management liability severities in accident year 2015, and deterioration on credit crises-related claims in accident year 2009.
Favorable development in surety coverages was primarily due to lower than expected frequency of large losses in accident years 2014 and prior.
Favorable development for other coverages provided to Specialty customers was due to better than expected claim frequency and claim severity in commercial lines coverages in accident years 2010 through 2015.
Overall, favorable development for medical professional liability was related to lower than expected severity in accident years 2012 and prior. Unfavorable development was recorded related to increased claim frequency and severity in the aging services business in accident years 2013 and 2014.
Favorable development in other professional liability and management liability related to better than expected large loss emergence in financial institutions primarily in accident years 2011 through 2014. Additional favorable development related to lower than expected severity for professional services in accident years 2011 and prior. Unfavorable development was recorded related to increased frequency of large claims on public company management liability in accident years 2012 through 2014.
Favorable development for surety coverages was primarily due to lower than expected frequency of large losses in accident years 2013 and prior.
Favorable development for other coverages was due to better than expected claim frequency in property coverages provided to Specialty customers in accident year 2014.
Unfavorable development for medical professional liability was primarily related to increased frequency of large medical products liability class action lawsuits in accident years 2012 and prior and increased frequency of other large medical professional liability losses in accident years 2011 through 2013.
Overall, favorable development for other professional liability and management liability was related to better than expected severity in accident years 2008 through 2011, including favorable outcomes on individual large claims. Additional favorable development related to lower than expected frequency in accident years 2011 through 2013. Unfavorable development was recorded due to higher than expected severity in financial institution and professional service coverages in accident years 2009 through 2011.
Favorable development for surety coverages was primarily due to better than expected large loss emergence in accident years 2012 and prior.
Specialty - Line of Business Composition
The table below provides the line of business composition of the net liability for unpaid claim and claim adjustment expenses for the Specialty segment.
Specialty - Medical Professional Liability
Cumulative Net Incurred Claim and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses are presented in the following table.
Cumulative Net Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses are presented in the following table.
Net strengthening or (releases) of prior accident year reserves is presented in the following table.
(1) Data presented for these calendar years is required supplemental information, which is unaudited.
Specialty - Other Professional Liability and Management Liability
Cumulative Net Incurred Claim and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses are presented in the following table.
Cumulative Net Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses are presented in the following table.
Net strengthening or (releases) of prior accident year reserves is presented in the following table.
(1) Data presented for these calendar years is required supplemental information, which is unaudited.
Specialty - Surety
Cumulative Net Incurred Claim and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses are presented in the following table.
Cumulative Net Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses are presented in the following table.
Net strengthening or (releases) of prior accident year reserves is presented in the following table.
(1) Data presented for these calendar years is required supplemental information, which is unaudited.
Commercial
The following table presents further detail of the development recorded for the Commercial segment.
Favorable development for commercial auto was primarily due to favorable settlements on claims in accident years 2010 through 2014 and lower than expected severities in accident years 2012 through 2015.
Favorable development for general liability was primarily due to better than expected claim settlements in accident years 2012 through 2014 and better than expected severity on umbrella claims in accident years 2010 through 2013. This was partially offset by unfavorable development related to an increase in reported claims prior to the closing of the three year window set forth by the Minnesota Child Victims Act in accident years 2006 and prior.
Unfavorable development for workers' compensation was primarily due to higher than expected severity for Defense Base Act contractors that largely resulted from a reduction of expected future recoveries from the US Department of Labor under the War Hazard Act. Further unfavorable development was due to the impact of recent Florida court rulings for accident years 2008 through 2015. These were partially offset by favorable development related to lower than expected frequencies related to our ongoing Middle Market and Small Business results for accident years 2009 through 2014.
Favorable development for property and other was primarily due to better than expected loss frequency in accident years 2013 through 2015. This was partially offset by unfavorable development related to higher than expected severity from a fourth quarter 2015 catastrophe event.
Favorable development for commercial auto was primarily due to lower than expected severity in accident years 2009 through 2014.
Favorable development for general liability was primarily due to favorable settlements on claims in accident years 2010 through 2013.
Unfavorable development for workers’ compensation was primarily due to higher than expected severity related to Defense Base Act contractors in accident years 2008 through 2014.
Favorable development for property and other was primarily due to better than expected claim emergence from 2012 and 2014 catastrophe events and better than expected frequency of large claims in accident year 2014.
The year ended December 31, 2015 also included unfavorable loss development related to extra contractual obligation losses and losses associated with premium development.
Unfavorable development for commercial auto was primarily related to higher than expected frequency in accident years 2012 and 2013 and higher than expected severity for liability coverages in accident years 2010 through 2013. Favorable development was recorded related to fewer large claims than expected in accident years 2008 and 2009.
Overall, unfavorable development for general liability was primarily related to higher than expected severity in accident years 2010 through 2013. Favorable development was recorded primarily related to lower than expected frequency of large losses in accident years 2005 through 2009.
Overall, unfavorable development for workers’ compensation was primarily due to increased medical severity in accident years 2010 and prior, higher than expected severity related to Defense Base Act contractors in accident years 2010 through 2013 and the recognition of losses related to favorable premium development in accident year 2013. Favorable development of $26 million was recorded in accident years 1996 and prior related to the commutation of a workers’ compensation reinsurance pool.
Favorable development for property and other first-party coverages was recorded in accident years 2013 and prior, primarily related to fewer claims than expected and favorable individual claim settlements.
Commercial - Line of Business Composition
The table below provides the line of business composition of the net liability for unpaid claim and claim adjustment expenses for the Commercial segment.
Commercial - Commercial Auto
Cumulative Net Incurred Claim and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses are presented in the following table.
Cumulative Net Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses are presented in the following table.
Net strengthening or (releases) of prior accident year reserves is presented in the following table.
(1) Data presented for these calendar years is required supplemental information, which is unaudited.
Commercial - General Liability
Cumulative Net Incurred Claim and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses are presented in the following table.
Cumulative Net Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses are presented in the following table.
Net strengthening or (releases) of prior accident year reserves is presented in the following table.
(1) Data presented for these calendar years is required supplemental information, which is unaudited.
Commercial - Workers' Compensation
Cumulative Net Incurred Claim and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses are presented in the following table.
Cumulative Net Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses are presented in the following table.
(2) Other includes the effect of discounting lifetime claim reserves.
Net strengthening or (releases) of prior accident year reserves is presented in the following table.
(1) Data presented for these calendar years is required supplemental information, which is unaudited.
International
The following table presents further detail of the development recorded for the International segment.
Unfavorable development for other professional liability was primarily due to higher than expected large loss emergence in accident years 2011 through 2015 associated with our Commercial Institutions business, partially offset by favorable settlements on claims in accident years 2013 and prior.
Favorable development for liability was primarily due to favorable settlements on claims in accident years 2013 and prior related to our Canadian package business. Additional favorable development in accident years 2013 and 2015 was primarily due to lower than expected frequency of large losses related to our Europe business.
Favorable development for property and marine was due to better than expected severity on the December 2015 UK Floods and better than expected attritional losses and large loss experience on accident years 2013 through 2015 for Hardy business. Additional favorable development was due to a commutation of exposures in marine run-off classes on our Europe business.
Favorable development in medical professional liability was due to better than expected frequency of losses in accident years 2011 to 2013.
Favorable development in other professional liability was due to better than expected large loss emergence in accident years 2011 and prior.
Favorable development in liability was due to better than expected large loss emergence in accident years 2012 and prior.
Favorable development in property and marine was due to better than expected individual large loss emergence and favorable settlements on large claims in accident years 2013 and 2014.
Unfavorable development in other is due to higher than expected large losses in financial institutions and political risk, primarily in accident year 2014.
Overall, favorable development for other professional liability was primarily related to better than expected severity in accident years 2012 and prior. Unfavorable development was recorded in accident year 2008 due to financial crisis claims.
Favorable development for liability was primarily related to better than expected frequency and severity in accident years 2009 and subsequent.
Favorable development for property and marine coverages primarily related to better than expected frequency of large claims in accident years 2012 and prior. Reinsurance commutations in the first quarter of 2014 reduced ceded losses from prior years. Overall the commutations increased net operating income because of the release of the related allowance for uncollectible reinsurance.
Favorable development for other coverages was a result of better than expected frequency in Hardy, primarily in financial institution coverages.
International - Line of Business Composition
The table below provides the composition of the net liability for unpaid claim and claim adjustment expenses for the International segment.
International - Excluding Hardy
Cumulative Net Incurred Claim and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses are presented in the following table.
Cumulative Net Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses are presented in the following table.
Net strengthening or (releases) of prior accident year reserves is presented in the following table.
(1) Data presented for these calendar years is required supplemental information, which is unaudited.
(2) The amounts included in the loss reserve development tables above are presented at the year-end 2016 foreign currency exchange rates for all periods presented to remove the effects of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations between calendar years. The amounts included within the table on page 102 presenting the detail of the development recorded within the International segment include the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
International - Hardy
Cumulative Net Incurred Claim and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses are presented in the following table.
Cumulative Net Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses are presented in the following table.
Net strengthening or (releases) of prior accident year reserves is presented in the following table.
(1) Data presented for these calendar years is required supplemental information, which is unaudited.
(2) Data presented for this calendar year is post-acquisition of Hardy.
(3) The amounts included in the loss reserve development tables above are presented at the year-end 2016 foreign currency exchange rates for all periods presented to remove the effects of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations between calendar years. The amounts included within the table on page 102 presenting the detail of the development recorded within the International segment include the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
The table below reconciles the net liability for unpaid claim and claim adjustment expenses for the property and casualty segments to the amount presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(1) The Life & Group Non-Core segment amount is primarily related to long term care claim reserves, but does include amounts related to unfunded structured settlements arising from short duration contracts. Long term care policies are long duration contracts.
(2) Reinsurance receivables presented do not include reinsurance receivables related to paid losses.
The table below presents information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2016 and is presented as required supplementary information, which is unaudited.
(1) Due to the nature of the Surety business, average annual percentage payout of ultimate net incurred claim and allocated claim adjustment expenses has been calculated using only the payouts of mature accident years presented in the loss reserve development tables.
(2) Average historical claims duration for Hardy is presented prospectively beginning with the first full year subsequent to acquisition, 2013.
A&EP Reserves
In 2010, Continental Casualty Company (CCC) together with several of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries completed a transaction with National Indemnity Company (NICO), a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., under which substantially all of the Company’s legacy A&EP liabilities were ceded to NICO through a Loss Portfolio Transfer (LPT). At the effective date of the transaction, the Company ceded approximately $1.6 billion of net A&EP claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserves to NICO under a retroactive reinsurance agreement with an aggregate limit of $4 billion. The $1.6 billion of claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserves ceded to NICO was net of $1.2 billion of ceded claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserves under existing third-party reinsurance contracts. The NICO LPT aggregate reinsurance limit also covers credit risk on the existing third-party reinsurance related to these liabilities. The Company paid NICO a reinsurance premium of $2 billion and transferred to NICO billed third-party reinsurance receivables related to A&EP claims with a net book value of $215 million, resulting in total consideration of $2.2 billion.
Subsequent to the effective date of the LPT, the Company recognized adverse prior year development on its A&EP reserves which resulted in additional amounts ceded under the LPT. As a result, the cumulative amounts ceded under the LPT exceeded the $2.2 billion consideration paid, resulting in the NICO LPT moving into a gain position, requiring retroactive reinsurance accounting. Under retroactive reinsurance accounting, this gain is deferred and only recognized in earnings in proportion to actual paid recoveries under the LPT. Over the life of the contract, there is no economic impact as long as any additional losses incurred are within the limit of the LPT. In a period in which the Company recognizes a change in the estimate of A&EP reserves that increases the amounts ceded under the LPT, the proportion of actual paid recoveries to total ceded losses is impacted and the change in the deferred gain is recognized in earnings as if the revised estimate of ceded losses was available at the effective date of the LPT. The effect of the deferred retroactive reinsurance benefit is recorded in Insurance claims and policyholders' benefits in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The following table presents the impact of the Loss Portfolio Transfer on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Based upon the Company's 2016 A&EP reserve review, net unfavorable prior year development of $200 million was recognized before consideration of cessions to the LPT. The unfavorable development was driven by an increase in anticipated future expenses associated with determination of coverage, higher anticipated payouts associated with a limited number of historical accounts having significant asbestos exposures and higher than expected severity on pollution claims. An A&EP reserve review was not completed in 2014 because additional information and analysis on inuring third-party reinsurance recoveries were needed to finalize the review. The review was finalized in the second quarter of 2015 and management has adopted the first quarter of the year as the timing for all future annual A&EP claims actuarial reviews, subject to the timing of the corresponding review performed by NICO. Unfavorable development of $150 million was recorded in 2015 to reflect a decrease in anticipated future reinsurance recoveries related to asbestos claims and higher than expected severity on pollution claims. While this unfavorable development was ceded to NICO in 2016 and 2015 under the LPT, the Company’s Net income in both periods was negatively affected due to the application of retroactive reinsurance accounting.
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the cumulative amounts ceded under the LPT were $2.8 billion and $2.6 billion. The unrecognized deferred retroactive reinsurance benefit was $334 million and $241 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.
NICO established a collateral trust account as security for its obligations to the Company. The fair value of the collateral trust account was $2.8 billion as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. In addition, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. guaranteed the payment obligations of NICO up to the aggregate reinsurance limit as well as certain of NICO’s performance obligations under the trust agreement. NICO is responsible for claims handling and billing and collection from third-party reinsurers related to the Company’s A&EP claims.
Note F. Legal Proceedings, Commitments and Contingencies, and Guarantees
CNA 401(k) Plus Plan Litigation
In September 2016, a class action lawsuit was filed against CCC, Continental Assurance Company (CAC), CNAF, the Investment Committee of the CNA 401(k) Plus Plan, The Northern Trust Company and John Does 1-10 (collectively Defendants) over the CNA 401(k) Plus Plan. The complaint alleges that defendants breached fiduciary duties to the CNA 401(k) Plus Plan and caused prohibited transactions in violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 when the CNA 401(k) Plus Plan's Fixed Income Fund’s annuity contract with CAC was canceled. The plaintiff alleges he and a proposed class of the CNA 401(k) Plus Plan participants who had invested in the Fixed Income Fund suffered lower returns in their CNA 401(k) Plus Plan investments as a consequence of these alleged violations and seeks relief on behalf of the putative class. Management has only recently begun evaluating the lawsuit as this litigation is in its preliminary stages, and as of yet no class has been certified. CCC and the other defendants are contesting the case and management currently is unable to predict the final outcome or the impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. As of December 31, 2016, the likelihood of loss is reasonably possible, but the amount of loss, if any, cannot be estimated at this stage of the litigation.
Small Business Premium Rate Adjustment Contingency
The Company recently identified rating errors related to its multi-peril package product within its Small Business unit. The Company recorded a charge which reduced Earned premium by $16 million in anticipation of voluntarily issuing $30 million of premium refunds related to affected policies written from December 1, 2015 through December 31, 2016. Earned premium in 2017 will be negatively impacted by the portion of the $30 million that has not yet been earned through December 31, 2016 and the expected refund amount will increase further because of premium written in 2017 prior to the Company’s actions to correct its rating process. The Company is currently in dialogue with state regulators and providing them with details regarding the anticipated premium refunds and other corrective actions. The Company is reviewing other business lines to determine whether other similar issues exist. Fines or penalties related to the foregoing or further refunds which may be required are reasonably possible, but the amount of such losses, if any, cannot be estimated at this time.
Other Litigation
The Company is a party to other routine litigation incidental to its business, which, based on the facts and circumstances currently known, is not material to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Commitments and Contingencies
The Company holds an investment in a real estate joint venture in which the Company, on a joint and several basis with the other unrelated shareholders, guaranteed to fund operating deficits of the joint venture and an operating lease for an office building entered into by the venture. The lease was terminated in March 2016. In the event that the other parties to the joint venture are unable to meet their commitments in funding this joint venture, the Company would be required to assume future obligations, primarily related to the wind-down of the lease and joint venture. The Company does not believe it is likely that it will be required to do so. However, as of December 31, 2016, the maximum potential loss that the Company could be required to pay under this guarantee, in excess of amounts already recorded, was approximately $11 million. If the Company were required to assume future obligations, the Company would have the right to pursue reimbursement from the other shareholders.
Guarantees
As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had recorded liabilities of approximately $5 million related to guarantee and indemnification agreements. Management believes that it is not likely that any future indemnity claims will be significantly greater than the amounts recorded.
In the course of selling business entities and assets to third parties, the Company agreed to guarantee the performance of certain obligations of a previously owned subsidiary and to indemnify purchasers for losses arising out of breaches of representation and warranties with respect to the business entities or assets sold, including, in certain cases, losses arising from undisclosed liabilities or certain named litigation. Such guarantee and indemnification agreements in effect for sales of business entities, assets and third-party loans may include provisions that survive indefinitely. As of December 31, 2016, the aggregate amount related to quantifiable guarantees was $375 million and the aggregate amount related to quantifiable indemnification agreements was $258 million. Should the Company be required to make payments under the guarantee, it would have the right to seek reimbursement in certain cases from an affiliate of a previously owned subsidiary.
In addition, the Company has agreed to provide indemnification to third-party purchasers for certain losses associated with sold business entities or assets that are not limited by a contractual monetary amount. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had outstanding unlimited indemnifications in connection with the sales of certain of its business entities or assets that included tax liabilities arising prior to a purchaser's ownership of an entity or asset, defects in title at the time of sale, employee claims arising prior to closing and in some cases losses arising from certain litigation and undisclosed liabilities. Certain provisions of the indemnification agreements survive indefinitely, while others survive until the applicable statutes of limitation expire, or until the agreed-upon contract terms expire.
The Company also provided guarantees, if the primary obligor fails to perform, to holders of structured settlement annuities provided by a previously owned subsidiary. As of December 31, 2016, the potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to pay under these guarantees was approximately $1.9 billion, which will be paid over the lifetime of the annuitants. The Company does not believe any payment is likely under these guarantees, as the Company is the beneficiary of a trust that must be maintained at a level that approximates the discounted reserves for these annuities.
Note G. Reinsurance
The Company cedes insurance to reinsurers to limit its maximum loss, provide greater diversification of risk, minimize exposures on larger risks and to exit certain lines of business. The ceding of insurance does not discharge the primary liability of the Company. A credit exposure exists with respect to reinsurance ceded to the extent that any reinsurer is unable to meet its obligations. A collectibility exposure also exists to the extent that the reinsurer disputes the liabilities assumed under reinsurance agreements. Property and casualty reinsurance coverages are tailored to the specific risk characteristics of each product line and the Company's retained amount varies by type of coverage. Reinsurance contracts are purchased to protect specific lines of business such as property and workers' compensation. Corporate catastrophe reinsurance is also purchased for property and workers' compensation exposure. Currently, most reinsurance contracts are purchased on an excess of loss basis. The Company also utilizes facultative reinsurance in certain lines. In addition, the Company assumes reinsurance, primarily through Hardy and as a member of various reinsurance pools and associations.
The following table presents the amounts receivable from reinsurers.
The Company has established an allowance for uncollectible reinsurance receivables related to credit risk. The Company reviews the allowance quarterly and adjusts the allowance as necessary to reflect changes in estimates of uncollectible balances. The allowance may also be reduced by write-offs of reinsurance receivable balances.
The Company attempts to mitigate its credit risk related to reinsurance by entering into reinsurance arrangements with reinsurers that have credit ratings above certain levels and by obtaining collateral. On a limited basis, the Company may enter into reinsurance agreements with reinsurers that are not rated, primarily captive reinsurers. The primary methods of obtaining collateral are through reinsurance trusts, letters of credit and funds withheld balances. Such collateral was approximately $3.0 billion and $3.2 billion as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.
The Company's largest recoverables from a single reinsurer including ceded unearned premium reserves, as of December 31, 2016, were approximately $2,353 million from a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Group, $350 million from the Gateway Rivers Insurance Company and $212 million from subsidiaries of Wilton Re. These amounts are substantially collateralized. The recoverable from the Berkshire Hathaway Group includes amounts related to third-party reinsurance for which NICO has assumed the credit risk under the terms of the Loss Portfolio Transfer as discussed in Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The effects of reinsurance on earned premiums and written premiums are presented in the following tables.
Included in the direct and ceded earned premiums for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are $3,865 million, $3,344 million and $2,643 million related to property business that is 100% reinsured under a significant third-party captive program. The third-party captives that participate in this program are affiliated with the non-insurance company policyholders, therefore this program provides a means for the policyholders to self-insure this property risk. The Company receives and retains a ceding commission.
Long term care premiums are from long duration contracts; property and casualty premiums are from short duration contracts.
Insurance claims and policyholders' benefits reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations are net of reinsurance recoveries of $3,016 million, $2,601 million and $1,379 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, including $2,621 million, $2,282 million and $1,458 million, respectively, related to the significant third-party captive program discussed above. Reinsurance recoveries in 2014 were unfavorably affected by the commutation of a workers’ compensation reinsurance pool.
Note H. Debt
Debt is composed of the following obligations.
CCC is a member of the FHLBC. FHLBC membership provides participants with access to additional sources of liquidity through various programs and services. As a requirement of membership in the FHLBC, CCC held $5 million of FHLBC stock as of December 31, 2016 giving it access to approximately $111 million of additional liquidity. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, CCC had no outstanding borrowings from the FHLBC.
During 2015, the Company entered into a five-year $250 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks which may be used for general corporate purposes. At the Company's election, the commitments under the credit agreement may be increased from time to time up to an additional aggregate amount of $100 million and the credit agreement includes two optional one-year extensions prior to the first and second anniversary of the closing date, subject to applicable consents. Under the credit agreement, the Company is required to pay a facility fee which would adjust automatically in the event of a change in the Company's financial ratings. The credit agreement includes several covenants, including maintenance of a minimum consolidated net worth and a defined ratio of consolidated indebtedness to consolidated total capitalization. The minimum consolidated net worth, as defined as of December 31, 2016, was $8.7 billion. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the credit agreements.
The Company's debt obligations contain customary covenants for investment grade issuers. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.
The combined aggregate maturities for debt as of December 31, 2016 are presented in the following table.
Note I. Benefit Plans
Pension and Postretirement Health Care Benefit Plans
CNA sponsors noncontributory defined benefit pension plans, primarily through the CNA Retirement Plan, covering certain eligible employees. These plans were closed to new entrants. CNA's funding policy for defined benefit pension plans is to make contributions in accordance with applicable governmental regulatory requirements with consideration of the funded status of the plans.
Effective January 1, 2000, the CNA Retirement Plan was closed to new participants. Existing participants at that time were given a choice to either continue to accrue benefits under the CNA Retirement Plan or to cease accruals effective December 31, 1999. Employees who chose to continue to accrue benefits under the plan received benefits in accordance with plan provisions through June 30, 2015 as discussed further below. Employees who elected to cease accruals effective December 31, 1999 received the present value of their accrued benefit in an accrued pension account that is credited with interest based on the annual rate of interest on 30-year Treasury securities. These employees also receive certain enhanced employer contributions in the CNA 401(k) Plus Plan.
In 2016, the CNA Retirement Plan paid $88 million to settle its obligation to certain retirees through the purchase of a group annuity contract from a third party insurance company. This transaction reduced the plan’s projected benefit obligation by $86 million.
In the second quarter of 2015, the Company eliminated future benefit accruals associated with the CNA Retirement Plan effective June 30, 2015. Employees who were continuing to accrue under the CNA Retirement Plan up until that date are entitled to an accrued benefit payable based on their eligible compensation and accrued service through June 30, 2015, in accordance with the terms of the CNA Retirement Plan. Starting with the first pay period after July 1, 2015, affected employees began receiving enhanced employer contributions in the CNA 401(k) Plus Plan similar to employees who elected to cease accruals effective December 31, 1999. Employees who elected to cease accruals effective December 31, 1999 are not affected by this curtailment. This curtailment resulted in a $55 million decrease in the CNA Retirement Plan benefit obligation liability and a reduction of the unrecognized actuarial losses included in AOCI. In connection with the curtailment, the Company remeasured the plan benefit obligation which resulted in an increase in the discount rate used to determine the benefit obligation from 3.85% to 4.00%.
During 2014, the CNA Retirement Plan offered a limited-time lump sum settlement payment opportunity to the majority of the terminated vested participants of the plan. The lump sum settlements reduced the Company’s risk and volatility related to funding the CNA Retirement Plan. The number of participants that elected to accept the lump sum opportunity was approximately 20% of the then total participants in the plan. Settlement payments of $253 million were made from CNA Retirement Plan assets. The $84 million settlement charge recorded by the Company in the fourth quarter of 2014 represents recognition of a portion of the unrecognized actuarial losses previously reflected in AOCI. This settlement charge is included in Other operating expenses within the Corporate & Other Non-Core segment.
CNA provides certain health care benefits to eligible retired employees, their covered dependents and their beneficiaries primarily through the CNA Health and Group Benefits Program. These postretirement benefits have largely been eliminated for active employees.
In the second quarter of 2014, the Company eliminated certain postretirement medical benefits associated with the CNA Health and Group Benefits Program. This change was a negative plan amendment which resulted in an $86 million curtailment gain reported in Other operating expenses within the Corporate & Other Non-Core segment. In connection with the plan amendment, the Company remeasured the plan benefit obligation which resulted in a decrease in the discount rate used to determine the benefit obligation from 3.60% to 3.10%.
The following table presents a reconciliation of benefit obligations and plan assets.
The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $2,729 million and $2,821 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.
The components of net periodic cost (benefit) are presented in the following table.
The amounts recognized in Other comprehensive income are presented in the following table.
The table below presents the estimated amounts to be recognized from AOCI into net periodic cost (benefit) during 2017.
Actuarial assumptions used for the CNA Retirement Plan and CNA Health and Group Benefits Program to determine benefit obligations are presented in the following table.
Actuarial assumptions used for the CNA Retirement Plan and CNA Health and Group Benefits Program to determine net cost or benefit are presented in the following table.
In determining the expected long term rate of return on plan assets assumption for the CNA Retirement Plan, CNA considered the historical performance of the benefit plan investment portfolio as well as long term market return expectations based on the investment mix of the portfolio and the expected investment horizon.
The CNA Health and Group Benefits Program has limited its share of the health care trend rate to a cost-of-living adjustment of 4% per year. For all participants, the employer subsidy on health care costs will not increase by more than 4% per year. As a result, the assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for the CNA Health and Group Benefits Program was 4% per year in 2016, 2015 and 2014.
CNA employs a total return approach whereby a mix of equity, limited partnerships and fixed maturity securities are used to maximize the long term return of retirement plan assets for a prudent level of risk and to manage cash flows according to plan requirements. The target allocation of plan assets is 40% to 60% invested in equity securities and limited partnerships, with the remainder primarily invested in fixed maturity securities. Alternative investments, including limited partnerships, are used to enhance risk adjusted long term returns while improving portfolio diversification. The intent of this strategy is to minimize the Company's expense related to funding the plan by generating investment returns that exceed the growth of the plan liabilities over the long run. Risk tolerance is established after careful consideration of the plan liabilities, plan funded status and corporate financial conditions.
As of December 31, 2016, the plan had committed approximately $113 million to future capital calls from various third-party limited partnership investments in exchange for an ownership interest in the related partnerships. Derivatives may be used to gain market exposure in an efficient and timely manner. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through annual liability measurements, periodic asset/liability studies and quarterly investment portfolio reviews.
Pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as well as cash are presented in the following tables.
(1) In accordance with Subtopic 820-10, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the statement of financial position.
The limited partnership investments held within the plan are recorded at fair value, which represents the plan's share of net asset value of each partnership, as determined by the general partner. Limited partnerships comprising 86% and 87% of the carrying value as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 employ hedge fund strategies that generate returns through investing in marketable securities in the public fixed income and equity markets and the remainder were primarily invested in private debt and equity. Within hedge fund strategies, approximately 57% were equity related, 38% pursued a multi-strategy approach and 5% were focused on distressed investments as of December 31, 2016.
For a discussion of the fair value levels and the valuation methodologies used to measure fixed maturity securities, equities, derivatives and short term investments, see Note C to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The tables below present a reconciliation for all pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).
The table below presents the estimated future minimum benefit payments to participants as of December 31, 2016.
In 2017, CNA expects to contribute $12 million to its pension plans and $3 million to its postretirement health care benefit plans.
Savings Plans
CNA sponsors savings plans, which are generally contributory plans that allow most employees to contribute a maximum of 50% of their eligible compensation, subject to certain limitations prescribed by the IRS. The Company contributes matching amounts to participants, amounting to 70% of the first 6% (35% of the first 6% in the first year of employment) of eligible compensation contributed by the employee. Matching contributions vest ratably over participants first five years of service.
Eligible employees also receive a Company contribution of 3% or 5% of their eligible compensation, depending on their age. In addition, these employees are eligible to receive additional discretionary contributions of up to 2% of eligible compensation and an additional Company match of up to 80% of the first 6% of eligible compensation contributed by the employee. These additional contributions are made at the discretion of management and are contributed to participant accounts in the first quarter of the year following management's determination of the discretionary amounts. Matching contributions vest ratably over participants first five years of service.
Benefit expense for the Company's savings plans was $75 million, $71 million and $69 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
Note J. Stock-Based Compensation
The CNAF Incentive Compensation Plan (the Plan), as amended and restated on January 1, 2010, as amended, authorizes the grant of stock-based compensation to certain management personnel for up to 11 million shares of CNAF's common stock. The Plan currently provides for awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted shares, restricted stock units (RSUs), performance-based RSUs and performance share units. The number of shares available for the granting of stock-based compensation under the Plan as of December 31, 2016 was approximately 3.7 million.
The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense related to the Plan of $36 million, $14 million and $11 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. The related income tax benefit recognized was $12 million, $5 million and $4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014. The compensation cost related to non-vested awards not yet recognized was $32 million, and the weighted average period over which it is expected to be recognized is 1.9 years as of December 31, 2016.
Equity based compensation that is not fully vested prior to termination is generally forfeited upon termination, except in cases of retirement, death or disability, and as otherwise provided by contractual obligations.
Share Awards
The fair value of share awards is based on the market value of the Company's common stock as of the date of grant. Share awards currently granted under the Plan include RSUs, performance-based RSUs and performance share units. Generally, RSU's vest over a two or three year service period following the date of grant. Performance-based RSUs generally become payable within a range of 0% to 100% of the number of shares initially granted based upon the attainment of specific annual performance goals and vest ratably over a four-year service period following the date of grant.
In 2016, CNA adopted the Annual Performance Share Plan (PSP). The PSP provides officers with an opportunity to earn an award based upon attainment of specific performance goals achieved over a one-year performance period. Awards are granted at the beginning of each performance year and are subject to a two-year cliff vesting period after the Company’s annual performance has been determined. Prior to the PSP, CNA issued performance share units under the Long Term Incentive Plan (LTI). The LTI Plan has a three year performance period and will continue to have outstanding awards through 2017. In both plans, the performance share units become payable within a range of 0% to 200% of the number of performance share units initially granted.
In 2016, CNA granted Special Supplemental Equity Awards (SSE). The awards consist of restricted stock units subject to both Company performance in 2016 and service-based vesting up to two years. Payments made under the PSP and SSE are made entirely in shares of common stock, except for awards made to non-U.S. participants, which are paid in cash.
The following table presents activity for non-vested RSUs, performance-based RSUs and performance share units under the Plan in 2016.
SARs
The exercise price of all SARs granted is based on the market value of the Company's common stock as of the date of grant. SARs generally vest ratably over a four-year service period following date of grant and have a maximum term of ten years.
The fair value of granted SARs was estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes model incorporates a risk free rate of return and various assumptions regarding the underlying common stock and the expected life of the securities granted. Different interest rates and assumptions were used for each grant, as appropriate based on date of grant.
There were no SARs granted for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. As of December 31, 2016, there were approximately 1 million awards outstanding, fully vested or expected to vest and be exercisable. The grant date fair value of SARs vested was $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Note K. Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets are presented in the following table.
The Company's other intangible assets primarily relate to the purchase of Hardy, and the amortization of these intangible assets is included in the Statement of Operations for the International segment. For the year ended December 31, 2014 amortization expense of $2 million was included in Amortization of deferred acquisition costs. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 amortization expense of $1 million was included in Other operating expenses. The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization in the table above may change from period to period as a result of foreign currency translation. Estimated future amortization expense for other intangible assets is $1 million annually in 2017 through 2021.
Note L. Operating Leases
The Company occupies office facilities under lease agreements that expire at various dates. In addition, data processing, office and transportation equipment is leased under agreements that expire at various dates. Most leases contain renewal options that provide for rent increases based on prevailing market conditions. Lease expenses for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $60 million, $46 million and $55 million. Sublease revenue for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $1 million.
The table below presents the expected future minimum lease payments to be made under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2016.
In connection with the planned relocation of the Company's global headquarters, on March 24, 2016, the Company sold the building in which it maintains the current principal executive offices of CNAF. Concurrently, the Company agreed to lease back the current office space until the relocation of the global headquarters under a separate lease agreement, which is expected to occur in 2018. The sale-leaseback agreement includes expected future minimum lease payments of $10 million in 2017 and $4 million in 2018.
Note M. Stockholders’ Equity and Statutory Accounting Practices
Common Stock Dividends
There are no restrictions on the retained earnings or net income of CNAF with regard to payment of dividends to its stockholders. However, given the holding company nature of CNAF, its ability to pay a dividend is significantly dependent on the receipt of dividends from its subsidiaries, particularly CCC, which directly or indirectly owns all significant subsidiaries. See the Statutory Accounting Practices section below for a discussion of the regulatory restrictions on CCC's availability to pay dividends.
CNAF's ability to pay dividends is indirectly limited by the minimum consolidated net worth covenant in the Company's line of credit agreement. See Note H to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the Company's debt obligations.
Statutory Accounting Practices
CNAF’s insurance subsidiaries are domiciled in various jurisdictions. These subsidiaries prepare statutory financial statements in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the respective jurisdictions’ insurance regulators. Domestic prescribed statutory accounting practices are set forth in a variety of publications of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) as well as state laws, regulations and general administrative rules. These statutory accounting principles vary in certain respects from GAAP. In converting from statutory accounting principles to GAAP, the more significant adjustments include deferral of policy acquisition costs and the inclusion of net unrealized holding gains or losses in stockholders’ equity relating to certain fixed maturity securities.
The Company has a prescribed practice as it relates to the accounting under Statement of Statutory Accounting Principles No. 62R (SSAP No. 62R), Property and Casualty Reinsurance, paragraphs 67 and 68 in conjunction with the 2010 Loss Portfolio Transfer with NICO which is further discussed in Note E. The prescribed practice allows the Company to aggregate all third party AE&P reinsurance balances administered by NICO in Schedule F and to utilize the Loss Portfolio Transfer as collateral for the underlying third party reinsurance balances for purposes of calculating the statutory reinsurance penalty. This prescribed practice increased statutory capital and surplus by $67 million and $90 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015.
The 2015 long term care premium deficiency discussed in Note A was recorded on a GAAP basis. There was no premium deficiency for statutory accounting purposes. Statutory accounting principles requires the use of prescribed discount rates in calculating the reserves for long term care future policy benefits which are lower than the discount rates used on a GAAP basis and results in higher carried reserves relative to GAAP reserves.
The payment of dividends by CNAF's insurance subsidiaries without prior approval of the insurance department of each subsidiary’s domiciliary jurisdiction is generally limited by formula. Dividends in excess of these amounts are subject to prior approval by the respective insurance regulator.
Dividends from CCC are subject to the insurance holding company laws of the State of Illinois, the domiciliary state of CCC. Under these laws, ordinary dividends, or dividends that do not require prior approval by the Illinois Department of Insurance (the Department), are determined based on the greater of the prior year's statutory net income or 10% of statutory surplus as of the end of the prior year, as well as timing and amount of dividends paid in the preceding twelve months. Additionally, ordinary dividends may only be paid from earned surplus, which is calculated by removing unrealized gains from unassigned surplus. As of December 31, 2016, CCC is in a positive earned surplus position. The maximum allowable dividend CCC could pay during 2017 that would not be subject to the Department’s prior approval is $1,075 million, less dividends paid during the preceding twelve months measured at that point in time. CCC paid dividends of $765 million in 2016. The actual level of dividends paid in any year is determined after an assessment of available dividend capacity, holding company liquidity and cash needs as well as the impact the dividends will have on the statutory surplus of the applicable insurance company.
Combined statutory capital and surplus and statutory net income (loss), determined in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by insurance and/or other regulatory authorities for the Combined Continental Casualty Companies, are presented in the table below.
(1) Information derived from the statutory-basis financial statements to be filed with insurance regulators.
CNAF’s domestic insurance subsidiaries are subject to risk-based capital (RBC) requirements. RBC is a method developed by the NAIC to determine the minimum amount of statutory capital appropriate for an insurance company to support its overall business operations in consideration of its size and risk profile. The formula for determining the amount of RBC specifies various factors, weighted based on the perceived degree of risk, which are applied to certain financial balances and financial activity. The adequacy of a company's actual capital is evaluated by a comparison to the RBC results, as determined by the formula. Companies below minimum RBC requirements are classified within certain levels, each of which requires specified corrective action.
The statutory capital and surplus presented above for CCC was approximately 270% and 266% of company action level RBC as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. Company action level RBC is the level of RBC which triggers a heightened level of regulatory supervision. The statutory capital and surplus of the Company's foreign insurance subsidiaries, which is not significant to the overall statutory capital and surplus, also met or exceeded their respective regulatory and other capital requirements.
Note N. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component
The table below displays the changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component.
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) shown above are reported in Net income (loss) as follows:
Note O. Business Segments
The Company's core property and casualty commercial insurance operations are managed and reported in three business segments: Specialty, Commercial and International. Specialty provides a broad array of professional, financial and specialty property and casualty products and services through a network of independent agents, brokers and managing general underwriters. Commercial includes property and casualty coverages sold to small businesses and middle market entities and organizations primarily through an independent agency distribution system. Commercial also includes commercial insurance and risk management products sold to large corporations primarily through insurance brokers. International provides management and professional liability coverages as well as a broad range of other property and casualty insurance products and services abroad through a network of brokers, independent agencies and managing general underwriters, as well as the Lloyd’s of London marketplace.
The Company's non-core operations are managed and reported in two segments: Life & Group Non-Core and Corporate & Other Non-Core. Life & Group Non-Core primarily includes the results of our individual and group long term care businesses that are in run-off. Corporate & Other Non-Core primarily includes certain corporate expenses, including interest on corporate debt, and the results of certain property and casualty business in run-off, including CNA Re and A&EP.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note A to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company manages most of its assets on a legal entity basis, while segment operations are generally conducted across legal entities. As such, only Insurance and Reinsurance receivables, Insurance reserves, Deferred acquisition costs and Goodwill are readily identifiable for all individual segments. Distinct investment portfolios are not maintained for every individual segment; accordingly, allocation of assets to each segment is not performed. Therefore, a significant portion of Net investment income and Realized investment gains or losses are allocated primarily based on each segment's net carried insurance reserves, as adjusted. All significant intersegment income and expense has been eliminated. Income taxes have been allocated on the basis of the taxable income of the segments.
Approximately 7.9%, 8.0% and 8.8% of the Company's direct written premiums were derived from outside the United States for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
In the following tables, certain financial measures are presented to provide information used by management to monitor the Company's operating performance. Management utilizes these financial measures to monitor the Company's insurance operations and investment portfolio. Net operating income (loss), which is derived from certain income statement amounts, is used by management to monitor performance of the Company's insurance operations. The Company's investment portfolio is monitored by management through analysis of various factors including unrealized gains and losses on securities, portfolio duration and exposure to market and credit risk. Based on such analyses, the Company may recognize an OTTI loss on an investment security in accordance with its policy, or sell a security, which may produce realized gains and losses.
Net operating income (loss) is calculated by excluding from net income (loss) the after-tax effects of i) net realized investment gains (losses) ii) income or loss from discontinued operations and iii) any cumulative effects of changes in accounting guidance. The calculation of net operating income excludes net realized investment gains (losses) because net realized investment gains (losses) are largely discretionary, except for some losses related to OTTI, and are generally driven by economic factors that are not necessarily consistent with key drivers of underwriting performance, and are therefore not considered an indication of trends in insurance operations.
The Company's results of continuing operations and selected balance sheet items by segment are presented in the following tables.
The following table presents revenue by line of business for each reportable segment. Revenues are comprised of operating revenues and net realized investment gains and losses.
Note P. Discontinued Operations
The results of discontinued operations reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows:
The disposal group included $3,550 million of assets and $3,297 million of liabilities as of August 1, 2014.
Note Q. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The following tables present unaudited quarterly financial data.
(1)
Net income (loss) in the first quarter of 2016 and the second quarter of 2015 included a charge related to the application of retroactive reinsurance accounting to adverse reserve development ceded under the 2010 A&EP Loss Portfolio Transfer in our Corporate & Other Non-Core segment.
(2)
Net income (loss) in the fourth quarter of 2015 included a charge related to recognition of a premium deficiency in our long term care business.
Note R. Related Party Transactions
The Company reimburses Loews for, or pays directly, fees and expenses of investment facilities and services provided to the Company. The amounts incurred by the Company for these fees and expenses were $43 million, $39 million and $39 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 and amounts due to Loews, included in Other liabilities and payable in the first quarter of the subsequent year, were $23 million and $21 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. In addition, the Company reimbursed Loews for general corporate services and related travel expenses of $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The CNA Tax Group is included in the consolidated federal income tax return of Loews and its eligible subsidiaries, and the related payable to Loews, included in Other liabilities, was $28 million and $61 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. For a detailed description of the income tax agreement with Loews see Note D to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition, the Company writes, at standard rates, a limited amount of insurance for Loews and its subsidiaries. The earned premiums for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $2 million.
CNA previously sponsored a stock ownership plan whereby the Company financed the purchase of Company common stock by certain former officers, including executive officers. Interest charged on the principal amount of these outstanding stock purchase loans is generally equivalent to the short term applicable federal rate in effect on the disbursement date of the loan, compounded semi-annually. Loans made pursuant to the plan were full recourse and secured by the stock purchased.
Note S. Organization Review
In 2016, the Company completed a comprehensive organization review intended to improve effectiveness and efficiency. The review resulted in the elimination of approximately 370 positions. The Company incurred employee termination costs as a result of these actions totaling approximately $19 million during the year ended December 31, 2016. The costs incurred to date are included in Total claims, benefits, and expenses on the consolidated Statements of Operations and have been allocated to the Company's reportable segments in a manner consistent with the Company's current allocation of personnel costs. The costs by reportable segment for the year ended December 31, 2016, are presented in the following table.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
CNA Financial Corporation
Chicago, Illinois
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CNA Financial Corporation (an affiliate of Loews Corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive (loss) income, cash flows, and stockholders' equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016. Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15. We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedules, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedules and an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 15, 2017
MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The management of CNA Financial Corporation (CNAF or the Company) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. CNAF's internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company's management, its Audit Committee and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.
There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any internal control or system of control, however well designed, including the possibility of human error and the possible circumvention or overriding of such controls or systems. Moreover, because of changing conditions the reliability of internal controls may vary over time. As a result even effective internal controls can provide no more than reasonable assurance with respect to the accuracy and completeness of financial statements and their process of preparation.
CNAF management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016. In making this assessment, it has used the criteria set forth by the 2013 Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control - Integrated Framework. Based on those criteria and our assessment we believe that, as of December 31, 2016, the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective.
CNAF's independent registered public accountant, Deloitte & Touche LLP, has issued an audit report on the Company's internal control over financial reporting. This report appears on page 135.
CNA Financial Corporation
Chicago, Illinois
February 15, 2017
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of December 31, 2016, the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and the implementing rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company included a report of management's assessment of the design and effectiveness of its internal controls as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. Management's report and the independent registered public accounting firm's attestation report are included in Part II, Item 8 under the captions entitled “Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” and “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and are incorporated herein by reference.
There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15 (f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended December 31, 2016 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
(1) Mr. Robusto assumed this role on November 21, 2016. Prior to this date, Thomas F. Motamed held this office.
Officers are elected annually and hold office until their successors are elected and qualified, and are subject to removal by the Board of Directors.
Additional information required in Part III, Item 10 has been omitted as we intend to include such information in our definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after December 31, 2016.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information required in Part III, Item 11 has been omitted as we intend to include such information in our definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after December 31, 2016.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Equity Compensation Plan
The table below presents the securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans. Performance share units are included at the maximum potential payout percentage.
Additional information required in Part III, Item 12 has been omitted as we intend to include such information in our definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after December 31, 2016.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information required in Part III, Item 13 has been omitted as we intend to include such information in our definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after December 31, 2016.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Information required in Part III, Item 14 has been omitted as we intend to include such information in our definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after December 31, 2016.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(1) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
(2) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES:
(3) EXHIBITS:
SCHEDULE I. SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS - OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
Incorporated herein by reference to Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
SCHEDULE II. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (PARENT COMPANY)
CNA Financial Corporation
Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Information as well as the
Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes.
CNA Financial Corporation
Balance Sheets
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Information as well as the
Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes.
CNA Financial Corporation
Statements of Cash Flows
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Information as well as the
Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes.
Notes to Condensed Financial Information
A. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The condensed financial information of CNA Financial Corporation (CNAF or the Parent Company) should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. CNAF’s subsidiaries are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Equity in net income of these subsidiaries is presented on the Condensed Statements of Operations as Equity in net income of subsidiaries. Loews owned approximately 90% of the outstanding common stock of CNAF as of December 31, 2016.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Updates (ASU)
In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The updated accounting guidance requires debt issuance costs to be presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability instead of the historical presentation as an unamortized debt issuance asset. As of January 1, 2016, the Parent Company adopted the updated accounting guidance retrospectively. The Parent Company adjusted its previously reported financial information included herein to reflect the change in accounting guidance for debt issuance costs. The impacts of adopting the new accounting standard on the Parent Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015, were a decrease in Other assets and a decrease in Long term debt of $2 million.
B. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 CNAF had recorded liabilities of approximately $5 million related to guarantee agreements. The Parent Company believes that it is not likely that any future indemnity claims will be significantly greater than the amounts recorded.
In the course of selling business entities and assets to third parties, CNAF has agreed to guarantee the performance of certain obligations of both a previously owned subsidiary and a current subsidiary. Such obligations include agreement to indemnify purchasers for losses arising out of breaches of representation and warranties with respect to the business entities or assets sold, including, in certain cases, losses arising from undisclosed liabilities or certain named litigation. The guarantee agreements may include provisions that survive indefinitely. As of December 31, 2016, the aggregate amount of quantifiable guarantee agreements in effect for sales of business entities, assets and third-party loans was $625 million. Should the company be required to make payments under the guarantee, it would have the right to seek reimbursement in certain cases from an affiliate of a previously owned subsidiary.
In addition, CNAF has agreed to provide indemnification to third-party purchasers for certain losses associated with sold business entities or assets that are not limited by a contractual monetary amount. As of December 31, 2016, CNAF had outstanding unlimited indemnifications in connection with the sales of certain of its business entities or assets that included tax liabilities arising prior to a purchaser’s ownership of an entity or asset, defects in title at the time of sale, employee claims arising prior to closing and in some cases losses arising from certain litigation and undisclosed liabilities. These indemnification agreements survive until the applicable statutes of limitation expire or until the agreed upon contract terms expire.
CNAF also provided guarantees, if the primary obligor fails to perform, to holders of structured settlement annuities provided by a previously owned subsidiary. As of December 31, 2016, the potential amount of future payments CNAF could be required to pay under these guarantees was approximately $1.9 billion, which will be paid over the lifetime of the annuitants. The Parent Company does not believe a payable is likely under these guarantees, as it is the beneficiary of a trust that must be maintained at a level that approximates the discounted reserves for these annuities.
SCHEDULE III. SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
Incorporated herein by reference to Note O to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
SCHEDULE IV. REINSURANCE
Incorporated herein by reference to Note G to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8.
SCHEDULE V. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(1) Amount includes effects of foreign currency translation.
SCHEDULE VI. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
CNA Financial Corporation
Dated: February 15, 2017
By
/s/ Dino E. Robusto
Dino E. Robusto
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Dated: February 15, 2017
By
/s/ D. Craig Mense
D. Craig Mense
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial & Accounting Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.