Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission File Number: 001-13958
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware   13-3317783
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06155
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(860) 547-5000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
             
Large accelerated filer þ   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
As of October 22, 2008, there were outstanding 300,570,776 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the registrant.
 
 

 

 


 

THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

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 Exhibit 15.01
 Exhibit 31.01
 Exhibit 31.02
 Exhibit 32.01
 Exhibit 32.02

 

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Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.
Hartford, Connecticut
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2008, and the related condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, and changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, comprehensive income, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 20, 2008 (which report includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the Company’s change in its method of accounting and reporting for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans in 2006), we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2007 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Hartford, Connecticut
October 28, 2008

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
(In millions, except for per share data)   2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
Revenues
                               
Earned premiums
  $ 3,903     $ 4,062     $ 11,637     $ 11,760  
Fee income
    1,333       1,398       4,056       4,026  
Net investment income (loss)
                               
Securities available-for-sale and other
    1,103       1,298       3,526       3,907  
Equity securities held for trading
    (3,415 )     (698 )     (5,840 )     746  
 
                       
Total net investment income (loss)
    (2,312 )     600       (2,314 )     4,653  
Other revenues
    132       126       377       368  
Net realized capital losses
    (3,449 )     (363 )     (5,102 )     (565 )
 
                       
Total revenues
    (393 )     5,823       8,654       20,242  
 
                               
Benefits, losses and expenses
                               
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses
    3,994       3,666       10,937       10,543  
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses — returns credited on International variable annuities
    (3,415 )     (698 )     (5,840 )     746  
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits
    1,927       476       3,201       2,185  
Insurance operating costs and expenses
    1,029       973       3,026       2,826  
Interest expense
    84       67       228       196  
Other expenses
    171       164       542       522  
 
                       
Total benefits, losses and expenses
    3,790       4,648       12,094       17,018  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (4,183 )     1,175       (3,440 )     3,224  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (1,552 )     324       (1,497 )     870  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ (2,631 )   $ 851     $ (1,943 )   $ 2,354  
 
                       
 
                               
Earnings (Loss) per share
                               
Basic
  $ (8.74 )   $ 2.70     $ (6.29 )   $ 7.42  
Diluted
  $ (8.74 )   $ 2.68     $ (6.29 )   $ 7.35  
 
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    301.1       315.4       308.8       317.3  
Weighted average common shares outstanding and dilutive potential common shares
    301.1       318.0       308.8       320.1  
 
                       
 
                               
Cash dividends declared per share
  $ 0.53     $ 0.50     $ 1.59     $ 1.50  
 
                       
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
(In millions, except for share and per share data)   2008     2007  
    (Unaudited)  
Assets
               
Investments
               
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $77,007 and $80,724)
  $ 70,091     $ 80,055  
Equity securities, held for trading, at fair value (cost of $33,974 and $30,489)
    33,655       36,182  
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost of $1,645 and $2,611)
    1,730       2,595  
Policy loans, at outstanding balance
    2,159       2,061  
Mortgage loans on real estate
    6,222       5,410  
Limited partnerships and other alternative investments
    2,817       2,566  
Other investments
    1,410       615  
Short-term investments
    5,353       1,602  
 
           
Total investments
    123,437       131,086  
Cash
    1,963       2,011  
Premiums receivable and agents’ balances
    3,627       3,681  
Reinsurance recoverables
    5,675       5,150  
Deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits
    12,272       11,742  
Deferred income taxes
    3,560       308  
Goodwill
    1,801       1,726  
Property and equipment, net
    1,038       972  
Other assets
    4,083       3,739  
Separate account assets
    154,029       199,946  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 311,485     $ 360,361  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities
               
Reserve for future policy benefits and unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
               
Property and casualty
  $ 22,605     $ 22,153  
Life
    16,602       15,331  
Other policyholder funds and benefits payable
    47,208       44,190  
Other policyholder funds and benefits payable — International variable annuities
    33,629       36,152  
Unearned premiums
    5,523       5,545  
Short-term debt
    927       1,365  
Long-term debt
    4,620       3,142  
Consumer notes
    1,225       809  
Other liabilities
    12,560       12,524  
Separate account liabilities
    154,029       199,946  
 
           
Total liabilities
    298,928       341,157  
 
               
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)
               
 
               
Stockholders’ Equity
               
Common stock, $0.01 par value — 750,000,000 shares authorized, 329,923,910 and 329,951,138 shares issued
    3       3  
Additional paid-in capital
    6,598       6,627  
Retained earnings
    12,249       14,686  
Treasury stock, at cost — 29,569,622 and 16,108,895 shares
    (2,138 )     (1,254 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
    (4,155 )     (858 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    12,557       19,204  
 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 311,485     $ 360,361  
 
           
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
                 
    Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,  
(In millions, except for share data)   2008     2007  
    (Unaudited)  
Common Stock and Additional Paid-in Capital
               
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 6,630     $ 6,324  
Issuance of shares under incentive and stock compensation plans
    (39 )     219  
Tax benefit on employee stock options and awards
    10       45  
 
           
Balance at end of period
    6,601       6,588  
 
           
Retained Earnings
               
Balance at beginning of period, before cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of tax
    14,686       12,421  
Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of tax
    (3 )     (41 )
 
           
Balance at beginning of period, as adjusted
    14,683       12,380  
Net income (loss)
    (1,943 )     2,354  
Dividends declared on common stock
    (491 )     (474 )
 
           
Balance at end of period
    12,249       14,260  
 
           
Treasury Stock, at Cost
               
Balance at beginning of period
    (1,254 )     (47 )
Treasury stock acquired
    (1,000 )     (1,172 )
Issuance of shares under incentive and stock compensation plans from treasury stock
    133        
Return of shares under incentive and stock compensation plans to treasury stock
    (17 )     (13 )
 
           
Balance at end of period
    (2,138 )     (1,232 )
 
           
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax
               
Balance at beginning of period
    (858 )     178  
Total other comprehensive loss
    (3,297 )     (844 )
 
           
Balance at end of period
    (4,155 )     (666 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
  $ 12,557     $ 18,950  
 
           
Outstanding Shares (in thousands)
               
Balance at beginning of period
    313,842       323,315  
Treasury stock acquired
    (14,682 )     (12,643 )
Issuance of shares under incentive and stock compensation plans
    1,442       3,185  
Return of shares under incentive and stock compensation plans to treasury stock
    (248 )     (135 )
 
           
Balance at end of period
    300,354       313,722  
 
           
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
(In millions)   2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
                               
Net income (loss)
  $ (2,631 )   $ 851     $ (1,943 )   $ 2,354  
 
                       
Other comprehensive income (loss)
                               
Change in net unrealized gain/loss on securities
    (1,483 )     (224 )     (3,509 )     (970 )
Change in net gain/loss on cash-flow hedging instruments
    163       48       177       (20 )
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments
    (63 )     100       11       111  
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial net losses included in net periodic benefit costs
    8       11       24       35  
 
                       
Total other comprehensive loss
    (1,375 )     (65 )     (3,297 )     (844 )
 
                       
Total comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (4,006 )   $ 786     $ (5,240 )   $ 1,510  
 
                       
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                 
    Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,  
(In millions)   2008     2007  
    (Unaudited)  
Operating Activities
               
Net income (loss)
  $ (1,943 )   $ 2,354  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities
               
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits
    3,201       2,185  
Additions to deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits
    (2,837 )     (3,177 )
Change in:
               
Reserve for future policy benefits and unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and unearned premiums
    1,689       1,216  
Reinsurance recoverables
    (19 )     417  
Receivables and other assets
    646       (234 )
Payables and accruals
    (673 )     437  
Accrued and deferred income taxes
    (1,604 )     538  
Net realized capital losses
    5,102       565  
Net receipts (to) from investment contracts related to policyholder funds - International variable annuities
    1,740       4,446  
Net (increase) decrease in equity securities, held for trading
    (1,799 )     (4,288 )
Depreciation and amortization
    263       484  
Other, net
    (828 )     (376 )
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    2,938       4,567  
Investing Activities
               
Proceeds from the sale/maturity/prepayment of:
               
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale
    17,523       26,816  
Equity securities, available-for-sale
    995       450  
Mortgage loans
    351       1,245  
Partnerships
    130       250  
Payments for the purchase of:
               
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale
    (19,392 )     (30,127 )
Equity securities, available-for-sale
    (689 )     (865 )
Mortgage loans
    (1,161 )     (3,161 )
Partnerships
    (556 )     (929 )
Purchase price of businesses acquired
    (94 )      
Change in policy loans, net
    (98 )     1  
Change in payables for collateral under securities lending, net
    (339 )     2,046  
Change in all other securities, net
    (524 )     (379 )
Additions to property and equipment, net
    (195 )     (251 )
 
           
Net cash used for investing activities
    (4,049 )     (4,904 )
Financing Activities
               
Deposits and other additions to investment and universal life-type contracts
    15,752       26,315  
Withdrawals and other deductions from investment and universal life-type contracts
    (20,276 )     (22,678 )
Net transfers from (to) separate accounts related to investment and universal life-type contracts
    5,584       (2,226 )
Issuance of long-term debt
    1,487       495  
Repayments at maturity of long-term debt
    (425 )     (300 )
Payments on capital lease obligations
    (37 )      
Change in short-term debt
          75  
Proceeds from issuance of consumer notes
    445       465  
Repayments at maturity of consumer notes
    (29 )      
Proceeds from issuance of shares under incentive and stock compensation plans
    47       166  
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation
    4       29  
Treasury stock acquired
    (1,000 )     (1,172 )
Return of shares under incentive and stock compensation plans to treasury stock
    (17 )     (13 )
Dividends paid
    (501 )     (481 )
 
           
Net cash provided by financing activities
    1,034       675  
Foreign exchange rate effect on cash
    29       190  
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    (48 )     528  
Cash — beginning of period
    2,011       1,424  
 
           
Cash — end of period
  $ 1,963     $ 1,952  
 
           
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
               
Net Cash Paid During the Period For:
               
Income taxes
  $ 232     $ 366  
Interest
  $ 186     $ 172  
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in millions, except for per share data, unless otherwise stated)
(Unaudited)
1. Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. is a financial holding company for a group of subsidiaries that provide investment products and life and property and casualty insurance to both individual and business customers in the United States and internationally (collectively, “The Hartford” or the “Company”).
The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which differ materially from the accounting practices prescribed by various insurance regulatory authorities.
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and notes as of September 30, 2008, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 are unaudited. These financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal accruals) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods. These condensed consolidated financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report. The results of operations for the interim periods should not be considered indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
Consolidation
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., companies in which the Company directly or indirectly has a controlling financial interest and those variable interest entities in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company determines if it is the primary beneficiary using both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Entities in which The Hartford does not have a controlling financial interest but in which the Company has significant influence over the operating and financing decisions are reported using the equity method. All material intercompany transactions and balances between The Hartford and its subsidiaries and affiliates have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with U.S. GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The most significant estimates include those used in determining property and casualty reserves, net of reinsurance; life estimated gross profits used in the valuation and amortization of assets and liabilities associated with variable annuity and other universal life-type contracts; living benefits required to be fair valued; valuation of investments and derivative instruments; evaluation of other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale securities; pension and other postretirement benefit obligations; and contingencies relating to corporate litigation and regulatory matters.
Significant Accounting Policies
For a description of significant accounting policies, see Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report.
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
Fair Value Measurements
On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”), which was issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in September 2006. The Company also adopted on January 1, 2008 the SFAS 157 related FASB Staff Positions (“FSPs”) described below. For financial statement elements currently required to be measured at fair value, SFAS 157 redefines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under U.S. GAAP and enhances disclosures about fair value measurements. The new definition of fair value focuses on the price that would be received to sell the asset or paid to transfer the liability regardless of whether an observable liquid market price existed (an exit price). SFAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels (“Level 1, 2, and 3”).

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
1. Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies (continued)
The Company applied the provisions of SFAS 157 prospectively to financial assets and financial liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value under existing U.S. GAAP. The Company also recorded in opening retained earnings the cumulative effect of applying SFAS 157 to certain customized derivatives measured at fair value in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 02-3, “Issues Involved in Accounting for Derivative Contracts Held for Trading Purposes and Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities” (“EITF 02-3”). See Note 4 for additional information regarding SFAS 157. Specifically, see the SFAS 157 Transition discussion within Note 4 for information regarding the effects of applying SFAS 157 on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements in the first quarter of 2008.
In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 157-1, “Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13” (“FSP FAS 157-1”). FSP FAS 157-1 provides a scope exception from SFAS 157 for the evaluation criteria on lease classification and capital lease measurement under SFAS No. 13, “Accounting for Leases” and other related accounting pronouncements. Accordingly, the Company did not apply the provisions of SFAS 157 in determining the classification of and accounting for leases and the adoption of FSP FAS 157-1 did not have an impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (“FSP FAS 157-2”) which delays the effective date of SFAS 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 for certain nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities. Examples of applicable nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities to which FSP FAS 157-2 applies include, but are not limited to:
 
Nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination that are not subsequently remeasured at fair value;
 
 
Reporting units measured at fair value in the goodwill impairment test as described in SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”), and nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities measured at fair value in the SFAS 142 goodwill impairment test, if applicable; and
 
 
Nonfinancial long-lived assets measured at fair value for impairment assessment under SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”
As a result of the issuance of FSP FAS 157-2, the Company did not apply the provisions of SFAS 157 to the nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities within the scope of FSP FAS 157-2.
Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active
In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active” (“FSP FAS 157-3”). This FSP clarifies the application of SFAS 157 in a market that is not active and provides an example to illustrate key considerations in the determination of the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that asset is not active. The key considerations illustrated in the FSP FAS 157-3 example include the use of an entity’s own assumptions about future cash flows and appropriately risk-adjusted discount rates, appropriate risk adjustments for nonperformance and liquidity risks, and the reliance that an entity should place on quotes that do not reflect the result of market transactions. FSP FAS 157-3 was preceded by a press release that was jointly issued by the Office of the Chief Accountant of the SEC and the FASB staff on September 30, 2008 which provides immediate clarification on fair value accounting based on the measurement guidance of SFAS 157. FSP FAS 157-3 was effective upon issuance. FSP FAS 157-3 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS 159”). The objective of SFAS 159 is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported net income caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently. This statement permits entities to choose, at specified election dates, to measure eligible items at fair value (i.e., the fair value option). Items eligible for the fair value option include certain recognized financial assets and liabilities, rights and obligations under certain insurance contracts that are not financial instruments, host financial instruments resulting from the separation of an embedded nonfinancial derivative instrument from a nonfinancial hybrid instrument, and certain commitments. Business entities shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in net income. The fair value option: (a) may be applied instrument by instrument, with certain exceptions; (b) is irrevocable (unless a new election date occurs); and (c) is applied only to entire instruments and not to portions of instruments. SFAS 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. Companies shall report the effect of the first remeasurement to fair value as a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. On January 1, 2008, the Company did not elect to apply the provisions of SFAS 159 to financial assets and liabilities.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
1. Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies (continued)
Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards
Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities
In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. EITF 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities” (“FSP EITF 03-6-1”). The FSP addresses whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, need to be included in the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share (“EPS”) under the two-class method described in SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share” (“SFAS 128”). The FSP requires that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of EPS pursuant to the two-class method. FSP EITF 03-6-1 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those years. All prior-period EPS data presented shall be adjusted retrospectively (including interim financial statements, summaries of earnings, and selected financial data) to conform with the provisions of this FSP. Early application is not permitted. The Company expects to adopt FSP EITF 03-6-1 on January 1, 2009, and does not expect the adoption to have a material effect on the Company’s earnings per share.
Determining Whether an Instrument (or Embedded Feature) Is Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock
In June 2008, the FASB issued EITF No. 07-5, “Determining Whether an Instrument (or Embedded Feature) Is Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock” (“EITF 07-5”). EITF 07-5 addresses the determination of whether an instrument (or an embedded feature) is indexed to an entity’s own stock for the purposes of determining whether an instrument is a derivative. To the extent a derivative instrument or embedded derivative feature is deemed indexed to an entity’s own stock, it may be exempt from the requirements of SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 133”). EITF 07-5 concluded that an entity should determine whether an equity-linked financial instrument (or embedded feature) is indexed to its own stock first by evaluating the instrument’s contingent exercise provisions, if any, and then by evaluating the instrument’s settlement provisions. EITF 07-5 will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier application is not permitted. EITF 07-5 shall be applied to outstanding instruments as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which the EITF is adopted. The Company expects to adopt EITF 07-5 on January 1, 2009, and the adoption is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 60
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 163, “Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 60” (“SFAS 163”). The scope of SFAS 163 is limited to financial guarantee insurance (and reinsurance) contracts issued by enterprises that are included within the scope of SFAS No. 60, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises” (“SFAS 60”) and that are not accounted for as derivative instruments. SFAS 163 excludes from its scope insurance contracts that are similar to financial guarantee insurance such as mortgage guaranty insurance and credit insurance on trade receivables. SFAS 163 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and all interim periods within those fiscal years, except for certain disclosures about the insurance enterprise’s risk-management activities, which are effective for the first period (including interim periods) beginning after May 2008. Except for certain disclosures, earlier application is not permitted. The Company does not have financial guarantee insurance products, and, accordingly does not expect the issuance of SFAS 163 to have an effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled In Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)
In May 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. APB 14-1, “Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)” (“FSP APB 14-1”). FSP APB 14-1 specifies that issuers of such instruments should separately account for the liability and equity components in a manner that will reflect the entity’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. FSP APB 14-1 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. FSP APB 14-1 shall be applied retrospectively to all periods presented unless instruments were not outstanding during any period included in the financial statements. The Company expects to adopt FSP APB 14-1 on January 1, 2009. The Company does not have any instruments outstanding that are within the scope of FSP APB 14-1, and, accordingly, does not expect the issuance of FSP APB 14-1 to have any effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
1. Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies (continued)
Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets
In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (“FSP FAS 142-3”). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142. FSP FAS 142-3 amends paragraph 11(d) of SFAS 142 to require an entity to use its own assumptions about renewal or extension of an arrangement, adjusted for the entity-specific factors in paragraph 11 of SFAS 142, even when there is likely to be substantial cost or material modifications. FSP FAS 142-3 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption prohibited. The provisions of FSP FAS 142-3 are to be applied prospectively to intangible assets acquired after January 1, 2009 for the Company, although the disclosure provisions are required for all intangible assets recognized as of or subsequent to January 1, 2009. The Company expects to adopt FSP FAS 142-3 on January 1, 2009, and does not expect the adoption to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 amends and expands disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities with the intent of providing users of financial statements with an enhanced understanding of (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. SFAS 161 encourages, but does not require, comparative disclosures. The Company expects to adopt SFAS 161 on January 1, 2009.
Disclosures about Credit Derivatives and Certain Guarantees: An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 and FASB Interpretation No. 45; and Clarification of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 161
In September 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4 “Disclosures about Credit Derivatives and Certain Guarantees: An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 and FASB Interpretation No. 45; and Clarification of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 161” (“FSP FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4”). This FSP amends SFAS 133 to require disclosures by entities that assume credit risk through the sale of credit derivatives including credit derivatives embedded in a hybrid instrument. The intent of these enhanced disclosures is to enable users of financial statements to assess the potential effect on its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows from these credit derivatives. This FSP also amends FASB Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others”, to require an additional disclosure about the current status of the payment/performance risk of a guarantee. FSP FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4 are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods ending after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. FSP FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4 encourages, but does not require, comparative disclosures. The Company expects to adopt FSP FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4 on December 31, 2008.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was 37% and 28%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was 44% and 27%, respectively. The principal causes of the difference between the effective rate and the U.S. statutory rate of 35% were tax-exempt interest earned on invested assets and the separate account dividends received deduction (“DRD”). This caused an increase in the tax benefit on the 2008 pretax loss and a decrease in the tax expense on the 2007 pretax income.
The separate account DRD is estimated for the current year using information from the prior year-end, adjusted for current year equity market performance. The actual current year DRD can vary from estimates based on, but not limited to, changes in eligible dividends received by the mutual funds, amounts of distribution from these mutual funds, amounts of short-term capital gains at the mutual fund level and the Company’s taxable income before the DRD. The Company recorded benefits related to the separate account DRD of $50 and $27 in the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, and $158 and $115 in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The benefit recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 included prior period adjustments of $9 related to the 2007 tax return.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
1. Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies (continued)
In Revenue Ruling 2007-61, issued on September 25, 2007, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) announced its intention to issue regulations with respect to certain computational aspects of DRD on separate account assets held in connection with variable annuity contracts. Revenue Ruling 2007-61 suspended Revenue Ruling 2007-54, issued in August 2007, that had purported to change accepted industry and IRS interpretations of the statutes governing these computational questions. Any regulations that the IRS ultimately proposes for issuance in this area will be subject to public notice and comment, at which time insurance companies and other members of the public will have the opportunity to raise legal and practical questions about the content, scope and application of such regulations. As a result, the ultimate timing and substance of any such regulations are unknown, but they could result in the elimination of some or all of the separate account DRD tax benefit that the Company receives. Management believes that it is highly likely that any such regulations would apply prospectively only.
The Company receives a foreign tax credit (“FTC”) against its U.S. tax liability for foreign taxes paid by the Company including payments from its separate account assets. The separate account FTC is estimated for the current year using information from the most recent filed return, adjusted for the change in the allocation of separate account investments to the international equity markets during the current year. The actual current year FTC can vary from the estimates due to actual FTCs passed through by the mutual funds. During the second quarter of 2008, the Company booked a tax benefit of $4 related to the 2007 provision to filed return adjustment. The Company recorded benefits related to separate account FTC of $3 and $3 in the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, and $14 and $7 in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
In total, there was no net change in the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Unrecognized tax benefits increased by $12 as a result of tax positions expected to be taken on the Company’s 2008 tax return and decreased by $12 with respect to tax positions taken on the 2007 tax return. Total unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2008 were $76. This entire amount, if it were recognized, would lower the effective tax rate for the applicable periods.
The Company’s federal income tax returns are routinely audited by the IRS. The examination of the Company’s tax returns for 2002 through 2003 is anticipated to be completed during 2008. The 2004 through 2006 examination began during the second quarter of 2008, and is expected to close by the end of 2010. In addition, the Company is working with the IRS on a possible settlement of a DRD issue related to prior periods which, if settled, may result in the booking of tax benefits in early 2009. Such benefits are not expected to be material to the statement of operations.
2. Earnings (Loss) Per Share
The following tables present a reconciliation of net income (loss) and shares used in calculating basic earnings (loss) per share to those used in calculating diluted earnings (loss) per share.
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30, 2008     September 30, 2008  
    Net Income             Per Share     Net Income             Per Share  
    (Loss)     Shares     Amount     (Loss)     Shares     Amount  
Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share
                                               
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ (2,631 )     301.1     $ (8.74 )   $ (1,943 )     308.8     $ (6.29 )
 
                                           
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share [1]
                                               
Stock compensation plans
                                       
 
                                   
Net income available to common shareholders plus assumed conversions
  $ (2,631 )     301.1     $ (8.74 )   $ (1,943 )     308.8     $ (6.29 )
 
                                   
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30, 2007     September 30, 2007  
    Net             Per Share     Net             Per Share  
    Income     Shares     Amount     Income     Shares     Amount  
Basic Earnings per Share
                                               
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 851       315.4     $ 2.70     $ 2,354       317.3     $ 7.42  
 
                                           
Diluted Earnings per Share
                                               
Stock compensation plans
          2.6                     2.8          
 
                                   
Net income available to common shareholders plus assumed conversions
  $ 851       318.0     $ 2.68     $ 2,354       320.1     $ 7.35  
 
                                   
     
[1]  
As a result of the net loss in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, SFAS 128 requires the Company to use basic weighted average common shares outstanding in the calculation of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 diluted earnings (loss) per share, since the inclusion of shares for stock compensation plans of 1.0 and 1.5, respectively, would have been antidilutive to the earnings per share calculation. In the absence of the net loss, weighted average common shares outstanding and dilutive potential common shares would have totaled 302.1 and 310.3, respectively.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
3. Segment Information
The Hartford is organized into two major operations: Life and Property & Casualty, each containing reporting segments. Within the Life and Property & Casualty operations, The Hartford conducts business principally in eleven reporting segments. Corporate primarily includes the Company’s debt financing and related interest expense, as well as other capital raising activities and purchase accounting adjustments.
Life
Life is organized into four groups which are comprised of six reporting segments: The Retail Products Group (“Retail”) and Individual Life segments make up the Individual Markets Group. The Retirement Plans and Group Benefits segments make up the Employer Markets Group. The Institutional Solutions Group (“Institutional”) and International segments each make up their own group.
The accounting policies of the reporting segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1. Life primarily evaluates performance of its segments based on revenues, net income and the segment’s return on allocated capital. Each reporting segment is allocated corporate surplus as needed to support its business. The Company charges direct operating expenses to the appropriate segment and allocates the majority of indirect expenses to the segments based on an intercompany expense arrangement. Inter-segment revenues primarily occur between Life’s Other category and the reporting segments. These amounts primarily include interest income on allocated surplus and interest charges on excess separate account surplus. Consolidated Life net investment income is unaffected by such transactions.
Property & Casualty
Property & Casualty is organized into five reporting segments: the underwriting segments of Personal Lines, Small Commercial, Middle Market and Specialty Commercial (collectively, “Ongoing Operations”); and the Other Operations segment. For the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, AARP accounted for earned premiums of $695 and $680, respectively, in Personal Lines. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, AARP accounted for earned premiums of $2.1 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively, in Personal Lines.
Through inter-segment arrangements, Specialty Commercial reimburses Personal Lines, Small Commercial and Middle Market for losses incurred from uncollectible reinsurance and losses incurred under certain liability claims. Earned premiums assumed (ceded) under the inter-segment arrangements were as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
Net assumed (ceded) earned premiums under   September 30,     September 30,  
inter-segment arrangements   2008     2007     2008     2007  
Personal Lines
  $ (1 )   $ (2 )   $ (4 )   $ (5 )
Small Commercial
    (8 )     (7 )     (23 )     (22 )
Middle Market
    (8 )     (8 )     (24 )     (25 )
Specialty Commercial
    17       17       51       52  
 
                       
Total
  $     $     $     $  
 
                       
Financial Measures and Other Segment Information
For further discussion of the types of products offered by each segment, see Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report.
One of the measures of profit or loss used by The Hartford’s management in evaluating the performance of its Life segments is net income. Within Property & Casualty, net income is a measure of profit or loss used in evaluating the performance of Ongoing Operations and the Other Operations segment. Within Ongoing Operations, the underwriting segments of Personal Lines, Small Commercial, Middle Market and Specialty Commercial are evaluated by The Hartford’s management primarily based upon underwriting results. Underwriting results represent premiums earned less incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting expenses. The sum of underwriting results, net investment income, net realized capital gains and losses, net servicing and other income, other expenses, and related income taxes is net income.
Certain transactions between segments occur during the year that primarily relate to tax settlements, insurance coverage, expense reimbursements, services provided, security transfers and capital contributions. In addition, certain reinsurance stop loss arrangements exist between the segments which specify that one segment will reimburse another for losses incurred in excess of a predetermined limit. Also, one segment may purchase group annuity contracts from another to fund pension costs and annuities to settle casualty claims.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
3. Segment Information (continued)
The following tables present revenues and net income (loss) by segment. Underwriting results are presented for the Personal Lines, Small Commercial, Middle Market and Specialty Commercial segments, while net income (loss) is presented for each of Life’s reporting segments, total Property & Casualty, Ongoing Operations, Other Operations, and Corporate.
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Revenues   2008     2007     2008     2007  
Life [1]
                               
Retail [2]
  $ 435     $ 806     $ 1,483     $ 2,550  
Individual Life
    119       267       660       853  
 
                       
Total Individual Markets Group
    554       1,073       2,143       3,403  
Retirement Plans
    1       130       293       426  
Group Benefits
    779       1,166       3,099       3,573  
 
                       
Total Employer Markets Group
    780       1,296       3,392       3,999  
International [2]
    190       247       603       643  
Institutional
    (84 )     782       692       1,831  
Other
    (29 )     25       28       157  
 
                       
Total Life segment revenues [1] [2]
    1,411       3,423       6,858       10,033  
Net investment income (loss) on equity securities, held for trading [3]
    (3,415 )     (698 )     (5,840 )     746  
 
                       
Total Life [1] [2]
    (2,004 )     2,725       1,018       10,779  
Property & Casualty
                               
Ongoing Operations
                               
Earned premiums
                               
Personal Lines
    978       984       2,941       2,904  
Small Commercial
    678       683       2,048       2,048  
Middle Market
    553       582       1,688       1,779  
Specialty Commercial
    358       377       1,087       1,139  
 
                       
Ongoing Operations earned premiums
    2,567       2,626       7,764       7,870  
Net investment income
    285       346       929       1,082  
Other revenues [4]
    132       126       377       368  
Net realized capital losses
    (1,268 )     (72 )     (1,455 )     (73 )
 
                       
Total Ongoing Operations
    1,716       3,026       7,615       9,247  
Other Operations
    (109 )     60       (10 )     184  
 
                       
Total Property & Casualty
    1,607       3,086       7,605       9,431  
Corporate
    4       12       31       32  
 
                       
Total revenues [1] [2]
  $ (393 )   $ 5,823     $ 8,654     $ 20,242  
 
                       
     
[1]  
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, Life segment revenues includes other-than-temporary impairments of $1.8 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively.
 
[2]  
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the transition impact related to the SFAS 157 adoption was a reduction in revenues of $616 and $34 for Retail and International, respectively. For further discussion of the SFAS 157 adoption impact, refer to Note 4.
 
[3]  
Management does not include net investment income (loss) and the mark-to-market effects of equity securities held for trading supporting the international variable annuity business in its segment revenues since corresponding amounts are credited to policyholders.
 
[4]  
Represents servicing revenue.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
3. Segment Information (continued)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Net Income (Loss)   2008     2007     2008     2007  
Life [1]
                               
Retail [2]
  $ (822 )   $ 294     $ (729 )   $ 616  
Individual Life
    (102 )     55       (52 )     151  
 
                       
Total Individual Markets Group
    (924 )     349       (781 )     767  
Retirement Plans
    (160 )     4       (134 )     54  
Group Benefits
    (186 )     83       (78 )     235  
 
                       
Total Employer Markets Group
    (346 )     87       (212 )     289  
International [2]
    (107 )     90       (27 )     185  
Institutional
    (393 )     8       (543 )     60  
Other
    (45 )     (9 )     (73 )     (20 )
 
                       
Total Life [1] [2]
    (1,815 )     525       (1,636 )     1,281  
Property & Casualty
                               
Ongoing Operations
                               
Underwriting results
                               
Personal Lines
    (45 )     78       78       292  
Small Commercial
    82       119       270       304  
Middle Market
    (38 )     22       14       89  
Specialty Commercial
    (43 )     6       20       50  
 
                       
Total Ongoing Operations underwriting results
    (44 )     225       382       735  
Net servicing income [3]
    14       16       21       41  
Net investment income
    285       346       929       1,082  
Net realized capital losses
    (1,268 )     (72 )     (1,455 )     (73 )
Other expenses
    (58 )     (63 )     (180 )     (179 )
Income tax (expense) benefit
    405       (111 )     195       (452 )
 
                       
Ongoing Operations
    (666 )     341       (108 )     1,154  
Other Operations
    (108 )     12       (91 )     4  
 
                       
Total Property & Casualty
    (774 )     353       (199 )     1,158  
Corporate
    (42 )     (27 )     (108 )     (85 )
 
                       
Net income (loss) [1] [2]
  $ (2,631 )   $ 851     $ (1,943 )   $ 2,354  
 
                       
     
[1]  
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, Life segment net income includes other-than-temporary impairments, after-tax and DAC, of $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively.
 
[2]  
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the transition impact related to the SFAS 157 adoption was a reduction in net income of $209 and $11 for Retail and International, respectively. For further discussion of the SFAS 157 adoption impact, refer to Note 4.
 
[3]  
Net of expenses related to service business.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
3. Segment Information (continued)
Total assets of The Hartford decreased primarily due to market declines impacting Life separate account assets and reductions in the fair value of investments. Total assets of The Hartford by reporting segments are as follows:
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
Assets   2008     2007  
Life
               
Retail
  $ 112,145     $ 136,023  
Individual Life
    14,516       15,590  
 
           
Total Individual Markets Group
    126,661       151,613  
Retirement Plans
    25,743       27,986  
Group Benefits
    9,203       9,295  
 
           
Total Employer Markets Group
    34,946       37,281  
International
    40,298       41,625  
Institutional
    62,598       78,766  
Other
    4,364       6,891  
 
           
Total Life
    268,867       316,176  
Property & Casualty
               
Ongoing Operations
    34,582       35,899  
Other Operations
    5,377       5,942  
 
           
Total Property & Casualty
    39,959       41,841  
Corporate
    2,659       2,344  
 
           
Total Assets
  $ 311,485     $ 360,361  
 
           
4. Fair Value Measurements
The following financial instruments are carried at fair value in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements: fixed maturities, equity securities, short-term investments, freestanding and embedded derivatives, and separate account assets. These fair value disclosures include information regarding the valuation of the Company’s guaranteed benefits products and the impact of the adoption of SFAS 157, followed by the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements of SFAS 157.
Accounting for Guaranteed Benefits Offered With Variable Annuities
Many of the variable annuity contracts issued by the Company offer various guaranteed minimum death, withdrawal, income and accumulation benefits. Those benefits are accounted for under SFAS 133 or AICPA Statement of Position No. 03-1 “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts” (“SOP 03-1”). Guaranteed minimum benefits often meet the definition of an embedded derivative under SFAS 133 as they have notional amounts (the guaranteed balance) and underlyings (the investment fund options), they require no initial net investment and they have terms that require or permit net settlement. However, certain guaranteed minimum benefits settle only upon a single insurable event, such as death (guaranteed minimum death benefits or “GMDB”) or living (life contingent portion of guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits or “GMWB”), and as such are outside of the scope of SFAS 133 under the “insurance contract exception”. Other guaranteed minimum benefits require settlement in the form of a long-term financing transaction, such as is typical with guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”), and as such do not meet the net settlement requirement in SFAS 133. Guaranteed minimum benefits that are outside of the scope of SFAS 133 or do not meet the net settlement requirements of SFAS 133 are accounted for as insurance benefits under SOP 03-1.
Guaranteed Benefits Accounted for at Fair Value Prior to SFAS 157
The non-life-contingent portion of the Company’s GMWBs and guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMAB”) meet the definition of an embedded derivative under SFAS 133, and as such are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in net realized capital gains (losses) in net income. In bifurcating the embedded derivative, the Company attributes to the derivative a portion of total fees, in basis points, to be collected from the contract holder (the “Attributed Fees”). Attributed Fees are set equal to the present value of future claims, in basis points, (excluding margins for risk) expected to be paid for the guaranteed living benefit embedded derivative at the inception of the contract. The excess of total fees collected from the contract holder over the Attributed Fees are associated with the host variable annuity contract and are recorded in fee income. In subsequent valuations, both the present value of future claims expected to be paid and the present value of Attributed Fees expected to be collected are revalued based on current market conditions and policyholder behavior assumptions. The difference between each of the two components represents the fair value of the embedded derivative.
GMWBs provide the policyholder with a guaranteed remaining balance (“GRB”) if the account value is reduced to a contractually specified minimum level, through a combination of market declines and withdrawals. The GRB is generally equal to premiums less withdrawals. If the GRB exceeds the account value for any policy, the contract is “in-the-money” by the difference between the GRB and the account value.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)
During the first quarter of 2007, the Company launched its “3Win” product with a GMAB rider attached to certain Japanese variable annuity contracts. The GMAB provides the policyholder with the GRB if the account value is less than premiums after an accumulation period, generally 10 years, and if the account value has not dropped below 80% of the initial deposit, at which point a GMIB must either be exercised or the policyholder can elect to surrender the contract and receive 80% of the initial deposit without a surrender charge. The GRB is generally equal to premiums less surrenders.
A GMWB and/or GMAB contract is ‘in the money’ if the contract holder’s guaranteed remaining benefit becomes greater than the account value. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, 57.9% and 19.4%, respectively, of all unreinsured U.S. GMWB ‘in-force’ contracts were ‘in the money’. For U.S. and U.K. GMWB contracts that were ‘in the money’ the Company’s exposure to the guaranteed remaining benefit, after reinsurance, as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, was $3.4 billion and $146, respectively. For GMAB contracts that were ‘in the money’ the Company’s exposure, as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, was $500 and $38, respectively. Significant declines in equity markets since September 30, 2008 have significantly increased our exposure to these guarantees.
However, the only ways the GMWB contract holder can monetize the excess of the GRB over the account value of the contract is upon death or if their account value is reduced to a contractually specified minimum level, through a combination of a series of withdrawals that do not exceed a specific percentage of the premiums paid per year and market declines. If the account value is reduced to the contractually specified minimum level, the contract holder will receive an annuity equal to the remaining GRB and for the Company’s “lifetime” GMWB products, payments can continue beyond the GRB. As the amount of the excess of the GRB over the account value can fluctuate with equity market returns on a daily basis and the ultimate lifetime GMWB payments can exceed the GRB, the ultimate amount to be paid by the Company, if any, is uncertain and could be significantly more or less than $3.4 billion.
For GMAB contracts, the only ways the contract holder can monetize the excess of the GRB over the account value of the contract is upon death or by waiting until the end of the contractual deferral period of 10 years. As the amount of the excess of the GRB over the account value can fluctuate with equity market returns on a daily basis, the ultimate amount to be paid by the Company, if any, is uncertain and could be significantly more or less than $500.
Derivatives That Hedge Capital Markets Risk for Guaranteed Minimum Benefits Accounted for as Derivatives
Changes in capital markets or policyholder behavior may increase or decrease the Company’s exposure to benefits under the guarantees. The Company uses derivative transactions, including GMWB reinsurance (described below) which meets the definition of a derivative under SFAS 133 and customized derivative transactions, to mitigate some of that exposure. Derivatives are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in net realized capital gains (losses) in net income.
GMWB Reinsurance
The Company has entered into reinsurance arrangements to offset a portion of its exposure to the GMWB for the remaining lives of covered contracts. Reinsurance contracts covering GMWB are considered freestanding derivatives that are recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in net realized gains/losses in net income.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)
Customized Derivatives
The Company has entered into customized swap contracts to hedge certain risk components for the remaining term of certain blocks of non-reinsured U.S. GMWB riders. These customized derivative contracts provide protection from capital markets risks based on policyholder behavior assumptions specified by the Company at the inception of the derivative transactions. Due to the significance of the non-observable inputs associated with pricing swap contracts entered into in 2007, the initial difference between the transaction price and modeled value of $51 was deferred in accordance with EITF 02-3 and included in other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The swap contract entered into in 2008 resulted in a loss at inception of approximately $20 before the effects of DAC amortization and income taxes, as market values on similar instruments were lower than the transaction price.
Other Derivative Instruments
The Company uses other hedging instruments to hedge its unreinsured GMWB exposure. These instruments include interest rate futures and swaps, variance swaps, S&P 500 and NASDAQ index put options and futures contracts. The Company also uses EAFE Index swaps to hedge GMWB exposure to international equity markets.
Adoption of SFAS 157 for Guaranteed Benefits Offered With Variable Annuities That are Required to be Fair Valued
Fair values for GMWB and GMAB contracts and the related reinsurance and customized derivatives that hedge certain equity markets exposure for GMWB contracts are calculated based upon internally developed models because active, observable markets do not exist for those items. Below is a description of the Company’s fair value methodologies for guaranteed benefit liabilities, the related reinsurance and customized derivatives, all accounted for under SFAS 133, prior to the adoption of SFAS 157 and subsequent to adoption of SFAS 157.
Pre-SFAS 157 Fair Value
Prior to January 1, 2008, the Company used the guidance prescribed in SFAS 133 and other related accounting literature on fair value which represented the amount for which a financial instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between knowledgeable, unrelated willing parties. However, under that accounting literature, when an estimate of fair value was made for liabilities where no market observable transactions existed for that liability or similar liabilities, market risk margins were only included in the valuation if the margin was identifiable, measurable and significant. If a reliable estimate of market risk margins was not obtainable, the present value of expected future cash flows under a risk neutral framework, discounted at the risk free rate of interest, was the best available estimate of fair value in the circumstances (“Pre-SFAS 157 Fair Value”).
The Pre-SFAS 157 Fair Value was calculated based on actuarial and capital market assumptions related to projected cash flows, including benefits and related contract charges, over the lives of the contracts, incorporating expectations concerning policyholder behavior such as lapses, fund selection, resets and withdrawal utilization (for the customized derivatives, policyholder behavior is prescribed in the derivative contract). Because of the dynamic and complex nature of these cash flows, best estimate assumptions and a Monte Carlo stochastic process involving the generation of thousands of scenarios that assume risk neutral returns consistent with swap rates and a blend of observable implied index volatility levels were used. Estimating these cash flows involved numerous estimates and subjective judgments including those regarding expected markets rates of return, market volatility, correlations of market index returns to funds, fund performance, discount rates and policyholder behavior. At each valuation date, the Company assumed expected returns based on:
 
risk-free rates as represented by the current LIBOR forward curve rates;
 
 
forward market volatility assumptions for each underlying index based primarily on a blend of observed market “implied volatility” data;
 
 
correlations of market returns across underlying indices based on actual observed market returns and relationships over the ten years preceding the valuation date;
 
 
three years of history for fund regression; and
 
 
current risk-free spot rates as represented by the current LIBOR spot curve to determine the present value of expected future cash flows produced in the stochastic projection process.
As many guaranteed benefit obligations are relatively new in the marketplace, actual policyholder behavior experience is limited. As a result, estimates of future policyholder behavior are subjective and based on analogous internal and external data. As markets change, mature and evolve and actual policyholder behavior emerges, management continually evaluates the appropriateness of its assumptions for this component of the fair value model.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)
Fair Value Under SFAS 157
The Company’s SFAS 157 fair value is calculated as an aggregation of the following components: Pre-SFAS 157 Fair Value; Actively-Managed Volatility Adjustment; Credit Standing Adjustment; Market Illiquidity Premium; and Behavior Risk Margin. The resulting aggregation is reconciled or calibrated, if necessary, to market information that is, or may be, available to the Company, but may not be observable by other market participants, including reinsurance discussions and transactions. The Company believes the aggregation of each of these components, as necessary and as reconciled or calibrated to the market information available to the Company, results in an amount that the Company would be required to transfer, for a liability or receive for an asset, to market participants in an active liquid market, if one existed, for those market participants to assume the risks associated with the guaranteed minimum benefits and the related reinsurance and customized derivatives required to be fair valued. The SFAS 157 fair value is likely to materially diverge from the ultimate settlement of the liability as the Company believes settlement will be based on our best estimate assumptions rather than those best estimate assumptions plus risk margins. In the absence of any transfer of the guaranteed benefit liability to a third party, the release of risk margins is likely to be reflected as realized gains in future periods’ net income. Each of the components described below are unobservable in the marketplace and require subjectivity by the Company in determining their value.
 
Actively-Managed Volatility Adjustment. This component incorporates the basis differential between the observable index implied volatilities used to calculate the Pre-SFAS 157 component and the actively-managed funds underlying the variable annuity product. The Actively-Managed Volatility Adjustment is calculated using historical fund and weighted index volatilities.
 
 
Credit Standing Adjustment. This component makes an adjustment that market participants would make to reflect the risk that guaranteed benefit obligations or the GMWB reinsurance recoverables will not be fulfilled (“nonperformance risk”). SFAS 157 explicitly requires nonperformance risk to be reflected in fair value. The Company calculates the Credit Standing Adjustment by using default rates provided by rating agencies, adjusted for market recoverability, reflecting the long-term nature of living benefit obligations and the priority of payment on these obligations versus long-term debt.
 
 
Market Illiquidity Premium. This component makes an adjustment that market participants would require to reflect that guaranteed benefit obligations are illiquid and have no market observable exit prices in the capital markets.
 
 
Behavior Risk Margin. This component adds a margin that market participants would require for the risk that the Company’s assumptions about policyholder behavior used in the Pre-SFAS 157 model could differ from actual experience. The Behavior Risk Margin is calculated by taking the difference between adverse policyholder behavior assumptions and the best estimate assumptions used in the Pre-SFAS 157 model using interest rate and volatility assumptions that the Company believes market participants would use in developing risk margins.
SFAS 157 Transition
The Company applied the provisions of SFAS 157 prospectively to financial instruments that are recorded at fair value including guaranteed living benefits that are required to be fair valued. The Company also applied the provisions of SFAS 157 using limited retrospective application (i.e., cumulative effect adjustment through opening retained earnings) to certain customized derivatives historically measured at fair value in accordance with EITF 02-3.
The impact on January 1, 2008 of adopting SFAS 157 for guaranteed benefits accounted for under SFAS 133 and the related reinsurance was a reduction to net income of $220, after the effects of DAC amortization and income taxes. In addition, net realized capital gains and losses that will be recorded in 2008 and future years are also likely to be more volatile than amounts recorded in prior years.
Moreover, the adoption of SFAS 157 has resulted in lower variable annuity fee income for new business issued in 2008 as Attributed Fees have increased consistent with incorporating additional risk margins and other indicia of “exit value” in the valuation of the embedded derivative. The level of Attributed Fees for new business each quarter also depends on the level of equity index volatility, as well as other factors, including interest rates. As equity index volatility has risen, interest rates have declined, and the Company adopted SFAS 157, the fees ascribed to the new business cohorts issued in 2008 have risen to levels above the rider fee for most products. The extent of any excess of Attributed Fee over rider fee will vary by product. The Company does not believe it is likely that today’s level of Attributed Fees will persist over the long-term.
The Company also recognized a decrease in opening retained earnings of $51 in relation to the loss deferred in accordance with EITF 02-3 on customized derivatives purchased in 2007, and used to hedge a portion of the U.S. GMWB risk. In addition, the change in value of the customized derivatives due to the initial adoption of SFAS 157 of $41 was recorded as an increase in opening retained earnings with subsequent changes in fair value recorded in net realized capital gains (losses) in net income. After amortization of DAC and the effect of income taxes, the impact on opening retained earnings is a decrease of $3.
The Company’s adoption of SFAS 157 did not materially impact the fair values of other financial instruments, including, but not limited to, other derivative instruments used to hedge guaranteed minimum benefits.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)
The SFAS 157 transition amounts, before the effects of DAC amortization and income taxes, as of January 1, 2008 are shown below by type of guaranteed benefit liability and derivative asset.
                         
SFAS 157 Transition Adjustment for Guaranteed Benefit Liabilities and Derivative Assets
As of January 1, 2008
                    Transition  
                    Adjustment  
    SFAS 157     Pre-SFAS 157     Gain (Loss)  
    Fair Value     Fair Value     [Before tax and  
    Asset (Liability)     Asset (Liability)     DAC amortization]  
Guaranteed Benefits
                       
U.S. Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefits
  $ (1,114 )   $ (553 )   $ (561 )
Non-Life Contingent Portion of “for Life” Guaranteed
                       
Minimum Withdrawal Benefits
                       
U.S. Riders
    (319 )     (154 )     (165 )
International Riders
    (17 )     (7 )     (10 )
 
                 
Total
    (336 )     (161 )     (175 )
International Guaranteed Minimum Accumulation Benefits
    (22 )     2       (24 )
 
                 
Total Guaranteed Benefits
    (1,472 )     (712 )     (760 )
GMWB Reinsurance
    238       128       110  
 
                 
Total
  $ (1,234 )   $ (584 )   $ (650 )
 
                 
The transition adjustment as of January 1, 2008 was comprised of the following amounts by transition component:
         
    Transition  
    Adjustment  
    Gain (Loss)  
    [Before tax and  
    DAC amortization]  
Actively-Managed Volatility Adjustment
  $ (100 )
Credit Standing Adjustment
    4  
Market Illiquidity Premium
    (194 )
Behavior Risk Margin
    (360 )
 
     
Total SFAS 157 Transition Adjustment before tax and DAC amortization
  $ (650 )
 
     
Fair Value Disclosures
The following section applies the SFAS 157 fair value hierarchy and disclosure requirements to the Company’s financial instruments that are carried at fair value. SFAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs in the valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad Levels (Level 1, 2 or 3).
     
Level 1
 
Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 1 securities include highly liquid U.S. Treasury securities, certain mortgage backed securities, and exchange traded equity and derivative securities.
 
   
Level 2
 
Observable inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, for the asset or liability or prices for similar assets and liabilities. Most debt securities and some preferred stocks are model priced by vendors using observable inputs and are classified within Level 2. Also included in the Level 2 category are derivative instruments that are priced using models with observable market inputs, including interest rate, foreign currency and certain credit swap contracts.
 
   
Level 3
 
Valuations that are derived from techniques in which one or more of the significant inputs are unobservable (including assumptions about risk). Level 3 securities include less liquid securities such as highly structured and/or lower quality asset-backed securities (“ABS”) and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), including ABS backed by sub-prime loans, and private placement debt and equity securities. Embedded derivatives and complex derivatives securities, including equity derivatives, longer dated interest rate swaps and certain complex credit derivatives are also included in Level 3. Because Level 3 fair values, by their nature, contain unobservable market inputs as there is no observable market for these assets and liabilities, considerable judgment is used to determine the SFAS 157 Level 3 fair values. Level 3 fair values represent the Company’s best estimate of an amount that could be realized in a current market exchange absent actual market exchanges.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)
The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value, by SFAS 157 hierarchy level, as of September 30, 2008:
                                 
            Quoted Prices              
            in Active     Significant     Significant  
            Markets for     Observable     Unobservable  
            Identical Assets     Inputs     Inputs  
    Total     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
Assets accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis
                               
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale
  $ 70,091     $ 648     $ 53,206     $ 16,237  
Equity securities, held for trading
    33,655       1,717       31,938        
Equity securities, available-for-sale
    1,730       269       348       1,113  
Other investments
                               
Customized derivatives used to hedge US GMWB
    201                   201  
Other derivatives used to hedge US GMWB
    872             11       861  
Other investments [1]
    190             116       74  
Total Other Investments
    1,263             127       1,136  
Short-term investments
    5,353       837       4,516        
Reinsurance recoverables for US GMWB
    438                   438  
Separate account assets [2] [5]
    149,679       117,897       30,769       1,013  
 
                       
Total assets accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis
  $ 262,209     $ 121,368     $ 120,904     $ 19,937  
 
                       
 
                               
Liabilities accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis
                               
Other policyholder funds and benefits payable
                               
US GMWB
  $ (2,397 )   $     $     $ (2,397 )
UK GMWB [6]
    (30 )                 (30 )
Japan GMAB
    (20 )                 (20 )
Japan GMWB
    (4 )                 (4 )
Institutional Notes
    (9 )                 (9 )
Equity Linked Notes
    (12 )                 (12 )
Total other policyholder funds and benefits payable
    (2,472 )                 (2,472 )
Other liabilities [3]
                               
Other derivatives used to hedge US GMWB
    80             (10 )     90  
Other liabilities
    (741 )           (205 )     (536 )
Total Other Liabilities
    (661 )           (215 )     (446 )
Consumer notes [4]
    (6 )                 (6 )
 
                       
Total liabilities accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis
  $ (3,139 )   $     $ (215 )   $ (2,924 )
 
                       
     
[1]  
Includes over-the-counter derivative instruments in a net asset value position which may require the counterparty to pledge collateral to the Company. At September 30, 2008, $725 was the amount of cash collateral liability that was netted against the derivative asset value on the condensed consolidated balance sheet and is excluded from the table above. See footnote 3 below for derivative liabilities.
 
[2]  
Pursuant to the conditions set forth in SOP 03-1, the value of separate account liabilities is set to equal the fair value for separate account assets.
 
[3]  
Includes over-the-counter derivative instruments in a net negative market value position (derivative liability). In the SFAS 157 Level 3 roll forward table included below in this Note, the derivative asset and liability are referred to as “freestanding derivatives” and are presented on a net basis.
 
[4]  
Represents embedded derivatives associated with non-funding agreement-backed consumer equity linked notes.
 
[5]  
Excludes approximately $4 billion of investment sales receivable net of investment purchases payable that are not subject to SFAS 157.
 
[6]  
Includes a foreign currency translation adjustment of $2.
In many situations, inputs used to measure the fair value of an asset or liability position may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In these situations, the Company will determine the level in which the fair value falls based upon the lowest level input that is significant to the determination of the fair value. In most cases, both observable (e.g., changes in interest rates) and unobservable (e.g., changes in risk assumptions) inputs are used in the determination of fair values that the Company has classified within Level 3. Consequently, these values and the related gains and losses are based upon both observable and unobservable inputs.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)
Determination of fair values
The valuation methodologies used to determine the fair values of assets and liabilities under the “exit price” notion of SFAS 157 reflect market-participant objectives and are based on the application of the fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable market inputs over unobservable inputs. The Company determines the fair values of certain financial assets and financial liabilities based on quoted market prices, where available. The Company also determines fair value based on future cash flows discounted at the appropriate current market rate. Fair values reflect adjustments for counterparty credit quality, the Company’s credit standing, liquidity and, where appropriate, risk margins on unobservable parameters. The following is a discussion of the methodologies used to determine fair values for the financial instruments listed in the above table.
Fixed Maturity, Short-Term, and Equity Securities, Available- for-Sale
The fair value of fixed maturity, short term, and equity securities, available for sale, is determined by management after considering one of three primary sources of information: third party pricing services, independent broker quotations, or pricing matrices. Security pricing is applied using a “waterfall” approach whereby publicly available prices are first sought from third party pricing services, the remaining unpriced securities are submitted to independent brokers for prices, or lastly, securities are priced using a pricing matrix. Typical inputs used by these three pricing methods include, but are not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, and/or estimated cash flows and prepayments speeds. Based on the typical trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices for fixed maturities, third party pricing services normally derive the security prices through recent reported trades for identical or similar securities making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable information outlined above. If there are no recent reported trades, the third party pricing services and brokers may use matrix or model processes to develop a security price where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate. Included in the pricing of ABS, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), and mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) are estimates of the rate of future prepayments of principal over the remaining life of the securities. Such estimates are derived based on the characteristics of the underlying structure and prepayment speeds previously experienced at the interest rate levels projected for the underlying collateral. Actual prepayment experience may vary from these estimates.
Prices from third party pricing services are often unavailable for securities that are rarely traded or traded only in privately negotiated transactions. As a result, certain securities are priced via independent broker quotations which utilize inputs that may be difficult to corroborate with observable market based data. Additionally, the majority of these independent broker quotations are non-binding. A pricing matrix is used to price securities for which the Company is unable to obtain either a price from a third party pricing service or an independent broker quotation. The pricing matrix used by the Company begins with current spread levels to determine the market price for the security. The credit spreads, as assigned by a knowledgeable private placement broker, incorporate the issuer’s credit rating and a risk premium, if warranted, due to the issuer’s industry and the security’s time to maturity. The issuer-specific yield adjustments, which can be positive or negative, are updated twice per year, as of June 30 and December 31, by the private placement broker and are intended to adjust security prices for issuer-specific factors. The Company assigns a credit rating to these securities based upon an internal analysis of the issuer’s financial strength.
The Company performs a monthly analysis on the prices and credit spreads received from third parties to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value. This process involves quantitative and qualitative analysis and is overseen by investment and accounting professionals. Examples of procedures performed include, but are not limited to, initial and on-going review of third party pricing services methodologies, review of pricing statistics and trends, back testing recent trades, and monitoring of trading volumes. In addition, the Company ensures whether prices received from independent brokers represent a reasonable estimate of fair value through the use of internal and external cash flow models developed based on spreads and, when available, market indices. As a result of this analysis, if the Company determines there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the available market data, the price received from the third party is adjusted accordingly. During the third quarter, the Company made fair value determinations which lowered prices received from third party pricing services and brokers by a total of $487. The securities adjusted had an amortized cost and fair value after adjustment, of $4.3 and 2.8 billion, respectively, and were primarily CMBS securities.
In accordance with SFAS 157, the Company has analyzed the third party pricing services’ valuation methodologies and related inputs, and has also evaluated the various types of securities in its investment portfolio to determine an appropriate SFAS 157 fair value hierarchy level based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs. Based on this evaluation and investment class analysis, each price was classified into Level 1, 2 or 3. Most prices provided by third party pricing services are classified into Level 2 because the inputs used in pricing the securities are market observable.
Due to a general lack of transparency in the process that the brokers use to develop prices, most valuations that are based on brokers’ prices are classified as Level 3. Some valuations may be classified as Level 2 if the price can be corroborated. Internal matrix-priced securities, primarily consisting of certain private placement debt, are also classified as Level 3. The matrix pricing of certain private placement debt includes significant non-observable inputs, the internally determined credit rating of the security and an externally provided credit spread.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)
The following table presents the fair value of the significant asset sectors within the SFAS 157 Level 3 securities classification as of September 30, 2008.
                 
            % of Total  
    Fair Value     Fair Value  
ABS
               
Below Prime
  $ 1,983       11.4 %
Collateralized Loan Obligations (“CLOs”)
    2,472       14.3 %
Other
    908       5.2 %
Corporate
               
Matrix priced private placements
    5,035       29.0 %
Other
    2,830       16.3 %
Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”)
    2,688       15.5 %
Preferred stock
    887       5.1 %
Other
    547       3.2 %
 
           
Total Level 3 securities
  $ 17,350       100.0 %
 
           
 
ABS below prime primarily represents sub-prime and Alt-A securities which are classified as Level 3 due to the lack of liquidity in the market.
 
 
ABS CLOs represent senior secured bank loan CLOs which are primarily priced by independent brokers.
 
 
ABS Other primarily represents broker priced securities.
 
 
Corporate-matrix priced represents private placement securities that are thinly traded and priced using a pricing matrix which includes significant non-observable inputs.
 
 
Corporate-other primarily represents broker-priced securities which are thinly traded and privately negotiated transactions.
 
 
CMBS primarily represents CMBS bonds and commercial real estate collateralized debt obligations (“CRE CDOs”) which were either fair valued by the Company or by independent brokers due to the illiquidity of this sector.
 
 
Preferred stock primarily represents perpetual preferred securities that are currently illiquid due to market conditions.
Derivative Instruments, including embedded derivatives within investments
Derivative instruments are reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value and are reported in Other Investments and Other Liabilities. Embedded derivatives are reported with the host instruments on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Derivative instruments are fair valued using pricing valuation models, which utilize market data inputs or independent broker quotations. Excluding embedded derivatives, as of September 30, 2008, 97% of derivatives based upon notional values were priced by valuation models, which utilize independent market data. The remaining derivatives were priced by broker quotations. The derivatives are valued using mid-market inputs that are predominantly observable in the market. Inputs used to value derivatives include, but are not limited to, interest swap rates, foreign currency forward and spot rates, credit spreads and correlations, interest and equity volatility and equity index levels. The Company performs a monthly analysis on derivative valuations which includes both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Examples of procedures performed include, but are not limited to, review of pricing statistics and trends, back testing recent trades, analyzing the impacts of changes in the market environment, and review of changes in market value for each derivative including those derivatives priced by brokers.
Derivative instruments classified as Level 1 include futures and certain option contracts which are traded on active exchange markets.
Derivative instruments classified as Level 2 primarily include interest rate, currency and certain credit default swaps. The derivative valuations are determined using pricing models with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.
Derivative instruments classified as Level 3 include complex derivatives, such as equity options and swaps, interest rate derivatives which have interest rate optionality, certain credit default swaps, and long-dated interest rate swaps. Also included in Level 3 classification for derivatives are customized equity swaps that hedge the U.S. GMWB liabilities. Additional information on the customized transactions is provided under the “Accounting for Guaranteed Benefits Offered With Variable Annuities” section of this Note 4. These derivative instruments are valued using pricing models which utilize both observable and unobservable inputs and, to a lesser extent, broker quotations. A derivative instrument containing Level 1 or Level 2 inputs will be classified as a Level 3 financial instrument in its entirety if it has as least one significant Level 3 input.
The Company utilizes derivative instruments to manage the risk associated with certain assets and liabilities. However, the derivative instrument may not be classified with the same fair value hierarchy level as the associated assets and liabilities. Therefore the realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivatives reported in Level 3 may not reflect the offsetting impact of the realized and unrealized gains and losses of the associated assets and liabilities.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)
U.S. GMWB Reinsurance Derivative
The fair value of the U.S. GMWB reinsurance derivative is calculated as an aggregation of the components described in the SFAS 157 Transition section of this Note. The fair value of the U.S. GMWB reinsurance derivative is modeled using significant unobservable policyholder behavior inputs, identical to those used in calculating the underlying liability, such as lapses, fund selection, resets and withdrawal utilization, and risk margins. As a result, the U.S. GMWB reinsurance derivative is categorized as Level 3.
Separate Account Assets
Separate account assets are primarily invested in mutual funds but also have investments in fixed maturity and equity securities. The separate account investments are valued in the same manner, and using the same pricing sources and inputs, as the fixed maturity, equity security, and short-term investments of the Company. Open-ended mutual funds are included in Level 1. Most debt securities and short-term investments are included in Level 2. Level 3 assets include less liquid securities, such as highly structured and/or lower quality ABS and CMBS, ABS backed by sub-prime loans, and any investment priced solely by broker quotes.
GMWB and GMAB Embedded Derivatives (in Other Policyholder Funds and Benefits Payable)
The fair value of GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives, reported in Other Policyholder Funds and Benefits Payable on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet, are calculated as an aggregation of the components described in the SFAS 157 Transition section of this Note. The fair value of GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives are modeled using significant unobservable policyholder behavior inputs, such as lapses, fund selection, resets and withdrawal utilization, and risk margins. As a result, the GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives are categorized as Level 3.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
The tables below provide a fair value roll forward for the three and nine months ending September 30, 2008 for the financial instruments for which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) are used in the fair value measurement on a recurring basis. The Company classifies the fair values of financial instruments within Level 3 if there are no observable markets for the instruments or, in the absence of active markets, the majority of the inputs used to determine fair value are based on the Company’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions. However, the Company prioritizes the use of market-based inputs over entity-based assumptions in determining Level 3 fair values in accordance with SFAS 157. Therefore, the gains and losses in the tables below include changes in fair value due partly to observable and unobservable factors.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)
Roll-forward of Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) for the three months from July 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008
                                                         
                                                    Changes in  
                                                    unrealized  
                                                gains (losses)  
            Total                             included in net  
        realized/unrealized                             income related  
    SFAS 157     gains (losses)             SFAS 157     to financial  
    Fair value     included in:     Purchases,     Transfers     Fair value     instruments  
    as of     Net         issuances,     in and/or     as of     still held at  
    July 1,     income     AOCI     and     (out) of     September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     [2], [3]     [5]     settlements     Level 3 [7]     2008     2008 [3]  
Assets
                                                       
Fixed maturities
  $ 16,512     $ (683 )   $ (596 )   $ 77     $ 927     $ 16,237     $ (680 )
Equity securities, available-for-sale
    1,367       (229 )     122       (232 )     85       1,113       (217 )
Freestanding derivatives [4]
                                                       
Customized derivatives used to hedge US GMWB
    85       116                         201       116  
Other freestanding derivatives used to hedge US GMWB
    686       293             (28 )           951       269  
Other freestanding derivatives
    (382 )     (146 )     (4 )     68       2       (462 )     (165 )
Total Freestanding Derivatives
    389       263       (4 )     40       2       690       220  
Reinsurance recoverable for US GMWB [2][9]
    250       106             82             438       106  
Separate accounts [6]
    665       (53 )             (25 )     426       1,013       (34 )
 
                                         
Supplemental Asset Information:
                                                       
Total freestanding derivatives used to hedge US GMWB including those in Levels 1, 2 and 3
    784       475             (106 )           1,153       475  
 
                                         
Liabilities
                                                       
Other policyholder funds and benefits payable accounted for at fair value [2]
                                                       
US GMWB
  $ (1,664 )   $ (697 )   $     $ (36 )   $     $ (2,397 )   $ (697 )
UK GMWB
    (17 )     (13 )     2       (2 )           (30 )     (13 )
Japan GMWB
    1       (4 )           (1 )           (4 )     (4 )
Japan GMAB
    (23 )     4             (1 )           (20 )     4  
Institutional Notes
    (21 )     12                         (9 )     12  
Equity Linked Notes
    (15 )     3                         (12 )     3  
Total other policyholder funds and benefits payable accounted for at fair value[2]
    (1,739 )     (695 )     2       (40 )           (2,472 )     (695 )
Consumer notes
    (3 )     2             (5 )           (6 )     2  
 
                                         
Supplemental Information:
                                                       
Net US GMWB (Embedded derivatives, freestanding derivatives including those in Levels 1, 2 and 3 and reinsurance recoverable)[8]
    (630 )     (116 )           (60 )           (806 )     (116 )
 
                                         

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)
Roll-forward of Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) for the nine months from January 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008
                                                         
                                                    Changes in  
                                                    unrealized  
                                                gains (losses)  
            Total                             included in net  
        realized/unrealized                             income related  
    SFAS 157     gains (losses)             SFAS 157     to financial  
    Fair value     included in:     Purchases,     Transfers     Fair value     instruments  
    as of     Net         issuances,     in and/or     as of     still held at  
    January 1,     income     AOCI     and     (out) of     September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     [2], [3]     [5]     settlements     Level 3 [7]     2008     2008 [3]  
Assets
                                                       
Fixed maturities
  $ 17,996     $ (860 )   $ (1,992 )   $ 1,355     $ (262 )   $ 16,237     $ (824 )
Equity securities, available-for-sale
    1,339       (230 )     (7 )     95       (84 )     1,113       (228 )
Freestanding derivatives [4]
                                                       
Customized derivatives used to hedge US GMWB
    91       110                         201       110  
Other freestanding derivatives used to hedge US GMWB
    564       360             27             951       334  
Other freestanding derivatives
    (401 )     (411 )     (2 )     249       103       (462 )     (303 )
Total Freestanding Derivatives
    254       59       (2 )     276       103       690       141  
Reinsurance recoverable for US GMWB [1], [2] [9]
    238       108             92             438       108  
Separate accounts [6]
    701       (109 )           (5 )     426       1,013       (89 )
 
                                         
Supplemental Asset Information:
                                                       
Total freestanding derivatives used to hedge US GMWB including those in Levels 1, 2 and 3
    643       520             (10 )           1,153       520  
 
                                         
Liabilities
                                                       
Other policyholder funds and benefits payable accounted for at fair value [2]
                                                       
US GMWB
  $ (1,433 )   $ (869 )   $     $ (95 )   $     $ (2,397 )   $ (869 )
UK GMWB
    (17 )     (12 )     1       (2 )           (30 )     (12 )
Japan GMWB
          (3 )           (1 )           (4 )     (3 )
Japan GMAB
    (22 )     4             (2 )           (20 )     4  
Institutional Notes
    (24 )     15                         (9 )     15  
Equity Linked Notes
    (21 )     9                         (12 )     9  
Total other policyholder funds
and benefits payable
accounted for at fair value [2]
    (1,517 )     (856 )     1       (100 )           (2,472 )     (856 )
Consumer notes
    (5 )     4             (5 )           (6 )     4  
 
                                         
Supplemental Information:
                                                       
Net US GMWB (Embedded derivatives, freestanding derivatives including those in Levels 1, 2 and 3 and reinsurance recoverable)[8]
    (552 )     (241 )           (13 )           (806 )     (241 )
 
                                         
     
[1]  
The January 1, 2008 fair value of $238 includes the pre-SFAS 157 fair value of $128 and transitional adjustment of $110.
 
[2]  
The Company classifies all the gains and losses on GMWB reinsurance derivatives and GMWB embedded derivatives as unrealized gains/losses for purposes of disclosure in this table because it is impracticable to track on a contract-by-contract basis the realized gains/losses for these derivatives and embedded derivatives.
 
[3]  
All amounts in these columns are reported in net realized capital gains/losses except for $2 and $3 for the three and nine months ending September 30, 2008 respectively, which are reported in benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses. All amounts are before income taxes and amortization of DAC.
 
[4]  
The freestanding derivatives, excluding reinsurance derivatives instruments, are reported in this table on a net basis for asset/(liability) positions and reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheet in other investments and other liabilities.
 
[5]  
AOCI refers to “Accumulated other comprehensive income” in the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss). All amounts are before income taxes and amortization of DAC.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)
     
[6]  
The realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income for separate account assets are offset by an equal amount for separate account liabilities, which results in a net zero impact on net income for the Company.
 
[7]  
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 are attributable to a change in the availability of market observable information for individual securities with the respective categories.
 
[8]  
The net loss on US GMWB since January 1, 2008 was primarily related to liability model assumption updates for mortality in the first quarter and market-based hedge ineffectiveness in the third quarter due to extremely volatile capital markets in September.
 
[9]  
During July 2008, the Company reinsured, with a third party, U.S. GMWB risks associated with approximately $7.8 billion of account value sold between 2003 and 2006. The reinsurance agreement is an 80% quota-share agreement. The third party’s financial strength is rated A+ by A.M. Best, AA- by Standard and Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. The reinsurance agreement will be accounted for as a free-standing derivative.
For comparative and informational purposes only, the following tables rollforward the customized and free standing derivatives used to hedge US GMWB, the reinsurance recoverable for US GMWB and the embedded derivatives reported in other policyholder funds and benefits payable for the three and nine months periods ended September 30, 2007. The fair value amounts in these following tables are the Pre-SFAS 157 fair values.
Roll-forward for the three months from July 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007
                                 
            Total                
            Realized/unrealized             Fair value  
    Fair value     gains (losses)     Purchases,     as of  
    as of     included in:     issuances, and     September 30,  
    July 1, 2007     Net income     settlements     2007  
Assets
                               
Customized derivatives used to hedge US GMWB
  $ (21 )   $ 29     $     $ 8  
Other freestanding derivatives used to hedge US GMWB
    265       104       6       375  
Reinsurance recoverable for US GMWB
    20       54       6       80  
 
                       
Liabilities
                               
Other policyholder funds and benefits payable accounted for at fair value
                               
US GMWB
  $ (56 )   $ (326 )   $ (25 )   $ (407 )
UK GMWB
          (2 )           (2 )
Institutional Notes
    18       (25 )           (7 )
Equity Linked Notes
          1       (22 )     (21 )
Total other policyholder funds and benefits payable accounted for at fair value
    (38 )     (352 )     (47 )     (437 )
 
                       
Supplemental Information:
                               
Net US GMWB (Embedded derivatives, freestanding derivatives and reinsurance recoverable) [1]
    208       (139 )     (13 )     56  
 
                       
     
[1]  
The net loss on US GMWB was primarily due to liability model assumption updates made during the third quarter to reflect model refinements.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)
Roll-forward for the nine months from January 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007
                                 
            Total                
    Fair value     Realized/unrealized             Fair value  
    as of     gains (losses)     Purchases,     as of  
    January 1,     included in:     issuances, and     September 30,  
    2007     Net income     settlements     2007  
Assets
                               
Customized derivatives used to hedge US GMWB
  $     $ 8     $     $ 8  
Other freestanding derivatives used to hedge US GMWB
    346       46       (17 )     375  
Reinsurance recoverable for US GMWB
    (22 )     85       17       80  
 
                       
Liabilities
                               
Other policyholder funds and benefits payable accounted for at fair value
                               
US GMWB
  $ 53     $ (389 )   $ (71 )   $ (407 )
UK GMWB
          (2 )           (2 )
Institutional Notes
    4       (11 )           (7 )
Equity Linked Notes
          1       (22 )     (21 )
Total other policyholder funds and benefits payable accounted for at fair value
    57       (401 )     (93 )     (437 )
 
                       
Supplemental Information:
                               
Net US GMWB (Embedded derivative, freestanding derivatives and reinsurance recoverable) [1]
    377       (250 )     (71 )     56  
 
                       
     
[1]  
The net loss on US GMWB was primarily due to liability model assumption updates made during the second and third quarter to reflect newly reliable market inputs for volatility and model refinements.
The following table summarizes the notional amount and fair value of freestanding derivatives in other investments, reinsurance recoverables, embedded derivatives in other policyholder funds and benefits payable and consumer notes as of September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007. The notional amount of derivative contracts represents the basis upon which pay or receive amounts are calculated and are not necessarily reflective of credit risk. The fair value amounts of derivative assets and liabilities are presented on a net basis in the following table.
                                 
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    Notional     Fair     Notional     Fair  
    Amount     Value     Amount     Value  
Reinsurance recoverables for US GMWB
  $ 11,815     $ 438     $ 6,579     $ 128  
Customized derivatives used to hedge US GMWB
    12,862       201       12,784       50  
Freestanding derivatives used to hedge US GMWB
    10,751       952       8,573       592  
US GMWB
    47,022       (2,397 )     44,852       (707 )
UK GMWB
    1,768       (30 )     1,048       (8 )
Japan GMWB
    253       (4 )            
Japan GMAB
    3,674       (20 )     2,768       2  
Consumer Notes
    70       (6 )     19       (5 )
Equity Linked Notes
    50       (12 )     50       (21 )
 
                       
Total
  $ 88,265     $ (878 )   $ 76,673     $ 31  
 
                       
The increase in notional of embedded derivatives associated with GMWB and GMAB riders is primarily due to additional product sales. The increase in the reinsurance recoverables for U.S. GMWB was primarily due to the execution of a reinsurance transaction in July 2008. The increase in customized derivatives used to hedge U.S. GMWB was primarily related to a customized swap contract that was entered into during the three months ended June 30, 2008, with a notional value of $3.2 billion. The decrease in the net fair value of the derivative instruments in the table above was primarily due to the adoption of SFAS 157 and the net effects of capital market movements during the third quarter of 2008.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments
                                                                 
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    Cost or     Gross     Gross           Cost or     Gross     Gross      
    Amortized
Cost
    Unrealized
Gains
    Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value
    Amortized
Cost
    Unrealized
Gains
    Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value
 
Bonds and Notes
                                                               
ABS
  $ 9,200     $ 12     $ (1,588 )   $ 7,624     $ 9,515     $ 33     $ (633 )   $ 8,915  
CMBS
    15,053       56       (2,827 )     12,282       17,625       244       (838 )     17,031  
CMOs
                                                               
Agency backed
    856       14       (6 )     864       1,191       32       (4 )     1,219  
Non-agency backed
    425       1       (55 )     371       525       4       (3 )     526  
Corporate
    33,438       425       (2,331 )     31,532       34,118       1,022       (942 )     34,198  
Government/Government agencies
                                                               
Foreign
    886       26       (37 )     875       999       59       (5 )     1,053  
United States
    1,824       35       (7 )     1,852       836       22       (3 )     855  
MBS
    2,726       16       (20 )     2,722       2,757       26       (20 )     2,763  
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
    12,599       195       (825 )     11,969       13,152       427       (90 )     13,489  
Redeemable preferred stock
                            6                   6  
 
                                               
Fixed maturities
    77,007       780       (7,696 )     70,091       80,724       1,869       (2,538 )     80,055  
Equity securities, available-for-sale
    1,645       197       (112 )     1,730       2,611       218       (234 )     2,595  
 
                                               
Total securities, available-for-sale
  $ 78,652     $ 977     $ (7,808 )   $ 71,821     $ 83,335     $ 2,087     $ (2,772 )   $ 82,650  
 
                                               
Securities Lending
The Company participates in securities lending programs to generate additional income, whereby certain domestic fixed income securities are loaned from the Company’s portfolio to qualifying third party borrowers, in return for collateral in the form of cash or U.S. government securities. Borrowers of these securities provide collateral of 102% of the market value of the loaned securities and can return the securities to the Company for cash at varying maturity dates. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, under terms of securities lending programs, the fair value of loaned securities was approximately $3.9 billion and $4.3 billion, respectively, which was included in fixed maturities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2008, the Company held collateral against the loaned securities in the amount of $4.0 billion.
Security Unrealized Loss Aging
As part of the Company’s ongoing security monitoring process by a committee of investment and accounting professionals, the Company has identified securities in an unrealized loss position that could potentially be other-than-temporarily impaired. For further discussion regarding the Company’s other-than-temporary impairment policy, see the Investments section of Note 1 in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report. Due to the issuers’ continued satisfaction of the securities’ obligations in accordance with their contractual terms and the expectation that they will continue to do so, management’s intent and ability to hold these securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value, as well as the evaluation of the fundamentals of the issuers’ financial condition and other objective evidence, the Company believes that the prices of the securities in the sectors identified in the tables below were temporarily depressed as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.
The following tables present the Company’s unrealized loss aging for total fixed maturity and equity securities classified as available-for-sale as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, by investment category and length of time the security was in a continuous unrealized loss position.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)
                                                                         
    September 30, 2008  
    Less Than 12 Months     12 Months or More     Total  
    Amortized     Fair     Unrealized     Amortized     Fair     Unrealized     Amortized     Fair     Unrealized  
    Cost     Value     Losses     Cost     Value     Losses     Cost     Value     Losses  
ABS
  $ 4,548     $ 3,873     $ (675 )   $ 4,228     $ 3,315     $ (913 )   $ 8,776     $ 7,188     $ (1,588 )
CMOs
                                                                       
Agency backed
    309       304       (5 )     29       28       (1 )     338       332       (6 )
Non-agency backed
    265       226       (39 )     64       48       (16 )     329       274       (55 )
CMBS
    6,600       5,629       (971 )     7,144       5,288       (1,856 )     13,744       10,917       (2,827 )
Corporate
    18,491       17,157       (1,334 )     6,458       5,461       (997 )     24,949       22,618       (2,331 )
Government/Government agencies
                                                                       
Foreign
    555       522       (33 )     56       52       (4 )     611       574       (37 )
United States
    505       498       (7 )                       505       498       (7 )
MBS
    849       842       (7 )     441       428       (13 )     1,290       1,270       (20 )
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
    6,044       5,528       (516 )     2,120       1,811       (309 )     8,164       7,339       (825 )
Redeemable preferred stock
                                                     
 
                                                     
Total fixed maturities
    38,166       34,579       (3,587 )     20,540       16,431       (4,109 )     58,706       51,010       (7,696 )
Equity securities, available-for-sale
    605       518       (87 )     170       145       (25 )     775       663       (112 )
 
                                                     
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 38,771     $ 35,097     $ (3,674 )   $ 20,710     $ 16,576     $ (4,134 )   $ 59,481     $ 51,673     $ (7,808 )
 
                                                     
                                                                         
    December 31, 2007  
    Less Than 12 Months     12 Months or More     Total  
    Amortized     Fair     Unrealized     Amortized     Fair     Unrealized     Amortized     Fair     Unrealized  
    Cost     Value     Losses     Cost     Value     Losses     Cost     Value     Losses  
ABS
  $ 7,811     $ 7,222     $ (589 )   $ 671     $ 627     $ (44 )   $ 8,482     $ 7,849     $ (633 )
CMOs
                                                                       
Agency backed
    324       321       (3 )     89       88       (1 )     413       409       (4 )
Non-agency backed
    120       118       (2 )     54       53       (1 )     174       171       (3 )
CMBS
    8,138       7,453       (685 )     3,400       3,247       (153 )     11,538       10,700       (838 )
Corporate
    13,849       13,165       (684 )     4,873       4,615       (258 )     18,722       17,780       (942 )
Government/Government agencies
                                                                       
Foreign
    226       221       (5 )     66       66             292       287       (5 )
United States
    216       213       (3 )     14       14             230       227       (3 )
MBS
    56       56             1,033       1,013       (20 )     1,089       1,069       (20 )
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
    3,157       3,081       (76 )     342       328       (14 )     3,499       3,409       (90 )
Redeemable preferred stock
    6       6                               6       6        
 
                                                     
Total fixed maturities
    33,903       31,856       (2,047 )     10,542       10,051       (491 )     44,445       41,907       (2,538 )
Equity securities, available-for-sale
    1,675       1,442       (233 )     21       20       (1 )     1,696       1,462       (234 )
 
                                                     
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 35,578     $ 33,298     $ (2,280 )   $ 10,563     $ 10,071     $ (492 )   $ 46,141     $ 43,369     $ (2,772 )
 
                                                     

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)
The following tables present the Company’s unrealized loss aging for total fixed maturity and equity securities classified as available-for-sale depressed over 20% as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, by length of time the security was in an unrealized loss position.
                                                                 
Securitized Assets Depressed over 20%  
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
            Cost or                             Cost or              
            Amortized     Fair     Unrealized             Amortized     Fair     Unrealized  
Consecutive Months   Items     Cost     Value     Loss     Items     Cost     Value     Loss  
Three months or less
    437     $ 6,003     $ 3,975     $ (2,028 )     138     $ 1,263     $ 835     $ (428 )
Greater than three to six months
    120       1,381       780       (601 )     12       146       91       (55 )
Greater than six to nine months
    106       1,125       682       (443 )                        
Greater than nine to twelve months
    4       24       16       (8 )                        
Greater than twelve months
    3       13       7       (6 )     6       40       26       (14 )
 
                                               
Total
    670     $ 8,546     $ 5,460     $ (3,086 )     156     $ 1,449     $ 952     $ (497 )
 
                                               
                                                                 
All Other Securities Depressed over 20%  
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
            Cost or                             Cost or              
            Amortized     Fair     Unrealized             Amortized     Fair     Unrealized  
Consecutive Months   Items     Cost     Value     Loss     Items     Cost     Value     Loss  
Three months or less
    391     $ 3,084     $ 2,300     $ (784 )     116     $ 635     $ 492     $ (143 )
Greater than three to six months
    27       331       230       (101 )     9       74       21       (53 )
Greater than six to nine months
    31       301       205       (96 )                        
Greater than nine to twelve months
    6       31       21       (10 )                        
Greater than twelve months
                                               
 
                                               
Total
    455     $ 3,747     $ 2,756     $ (991 )     125     $ 709     $ 513     $ (196 )
 
                                               
Securitized Assets
The majority of securitized assets depressed over 20% for six consecutive months are primarily related to CMBS and sub-prime RMBS. Based upon the Company’s cash flow modeling in a severe negative economic outlook, which shows no loss of principle and interest, and the Company’s assertion of its ability and intent to retain the securities until recovery, it has been determined that these securities are temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2008.
All Other Securities
The majority of all other securities depressed over 20% for six consecutive months or greater in the tables above primarily relate to Corporate Financial Services securities that include corporate bonds as well as preferred equity issued by large high quality financial institutions that are lower in the capital structure, and as a result have incurred greater price depressions. Based upon the Company’s analysis of these securities and current macroeconomic conditions, the Company expects to see significant price recovery on these securities within a reasonable period of time, generally two years.
Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”)
The Company is involved with variable interest entities as a collateral manager and as an investor through normal investment activities. The Company’s involvement includes providing investment management and administrative services for a fee, and holding ownership or other investment interests in the entities.
VIEs may or may not be consolidated on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. When the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE, all of the assets of the VIE are consolidated into the Company’s financial statements. The Company also reports a liability for the portion of the VIE that represents the minority interest of other investors in the VIE. When the Company concludes that it is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE, the fair value of the Company’s investment in the VIE is recorded in the Company’s financial statements.
The Company’s maximum exposure to loss represents the maximum loss amount that the Company could recognize as a reduction in net investment income or as a realized capital loss.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)
As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company had relationships with four and seven VIEs, respectively, where the Company was the primary beneficiary. The following table sets forth the carrying value of assets and liabilities, and the Company’s maximum exposure to loss on these consolidated VIEs.
                                                 
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
                    Maximum                     Maximum  
    Total     Total     Exposure     Total     Total     Exposure  
    Assets     Liabilities [1]     to Loss     Assets     Liabilities [1]     to Loss  
CLOs [2]
  $ 336     $ 41     $ 291     $ 128     $ 47     $ 107  
Limited partnerships
    301       51       251       309       47       262  
Other investments [3]
    261       107       148       377       71       317  
 
                                   
Total
  $ 898     $ 199     $ 690     $ 814     $ 165     $ 686  
 
                                   
     
[1]  
Creditors have no recourse against the Company in the event of default by the VIE.
 
[2]  
The Company provides collateral management services and earns a fee associated with these structures.
 
[3]  
Other investments include one unlevered investment bank loan fund for which the Company provides collateral management services and earns an associated fee. As of December 31, 2007, two investment structures were also included that were backed by preferred securities.
As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company also held variable interests in four and five VIEs, respectively, where the Company is not the primary beneficiary. These investments have been held by the Company for two years. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss from these non-consolidated VIEs as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was $410 and $150, respectively.
As of December 31, 2007, Hartford Investment Management Company (“HIMCO”) was the collateral manager of four VIEs with provisions that allowed for termination if the fair value of the aggregate referenced bank loan portfolio declined below a stated level. These VIEs were market value CLOs that invested in senior secured bank loans through total return swaps. Two of these market value CLOs were consolidated, and two were not consolidated. During the first quarter of 2008, the fair value of the aggregate referenced bank loan portfolio declined below the stated level in all four market value CLOs and the total return swap counterparties terminated the transactions. Three of these CLOs were restructured from market value CLOs to cash flow CLOs without market value triggers and the remaining CLO is expected to terminate by the end of 2008. The Company realized a capital loss of $90, before-tax, from the termination of these CLOs. In connection with the restructurings, the Company purchased interests in two of the resulting VIEs, one of which the Company is the primary beneficiary. These purchases resulted in an increase in the Company’s maximum exposure to loss for both consolidated and non-consolidated VIEs.
Derivative Instruments
The Company utilizes a variety of derivative instruments, including swaps, caps, floors, forwards, futures and options through one of four Company-approved objectives: to hedge risk arising from interest rate, equity market, credit spread including issuer default, price or currency exchange rate risk or volatility; to manage liquidity; to control transaction costs; or to enter into replication transactions.
On the date the derivative contract is entered into, the Company designates the derivative as (1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability (“fair-value” hedge), (2) a hedge of the variability of cash flows of a forecasted transaction or of amounts to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash-flow” hedge), (3) a foreign-currency fair-value or cash-flow hedge (“foreign-currency” hedge), (4) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation (“net investment” hedge), or (5) held for other investment and/or risk management purposes, which primarily involve managing asset or liability related risks that do not qualify for hedge accounting.
The Company’s derivative transactions are used in strategies permitted under the derivative use plans required by the State of Connecticut, the State of Illinois, and the State of New York insurance departments.
For a detailed discussion of the Company’s use of derivative instruments, see Notes 1 and 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)
Derivative instruments are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value and are presented as assets or liabilities as determined by calculating the net position, taking into account income accruals and cash collateral held, for each derivative counterparty by legal entity. The fair value of derivative instruments, excluding income accruals and cash collateral held, are presented as follows:
                                 
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    Fair Value     Fair Value     Fair Value     Fair Value  
    Assets     Liabilities     Assets     Liabilities  
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale
  $     $ 4     $     $  
Other investments
    1,263             528        
Reinsurance recoverables
    438             128        
Other policyholder funds and benefits payable
          2,463       2       737  
Consumer notes
          6             5  
Other liabilities
          661             617  
 
                       
Total
  $ 1,701     $ 3,134     $ 658     $ 1,359  
 
                       
The following table summarizes the notional amount and fair value of derivatives by hedge designation as of September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007. The notional amount of derivative contracts represents the basis upon which pay or receive amounts are calculated and are not necessarily reflective of credit risk. The fair value amounts of derivative assets and liabilities are presented on a net basis in the following table.
                                 
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    Notional     Fair     Notional     Fair  
    Amount     Value     Amount     Value  
Cash-flow hedges
  $ 8,442     $ (79 )   $ 6,637     $ (205 )
Fair-value hedges
    2,886       (20 )     4,922       (41 )
Other investment and risk management activities
    113,602       (1,334 )     99,796       (455 )
 
                       
Total
  $ 124,930     $ (1,433 )   $ 111,355     $ (701 )
 
                       
The notional amount of derivatives in cash-flow hedge relationships increased since December 31, 2007, primarily due to an increase in interest rate swaps used to hedge changes in cash flows associated with variable rate bonds due to changes in interest rates.
The notional amount of derivatives in fair-value hedge relationships decreased since December 31, 2007, primarily due to a decline in interest rate swaps used to hedge changes in fair value of fixed rate bonds due to changes in interest rates.
The notional amount of derivatives used for other investment and risk management activities increased since December 31, 2007, primarily due to an increase in notional of derivatives associated with GMWB riders (See Note 4) and statutory reserve hedging instruments, partially offset by a decline in notional of credit derivatives. During the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Company entered into two additional hedges on the S&P 500 index to economically hedge the statutory reserve impact of equity exposure arising primarily from GMDB and GMWB obligations against a decline in the equity markets to certain levels. The notional value and fair value of these derivatives as of September 30, 2008, is $5.3 billion and $49. The notional amount related to credit derivatives declined since December 31, 2007, primarily due to terminations and maturities of credit derivatives, which reduced the overall net credit exposure assumed by the Company through credit derivatives.
The decrease in net fair value of derivative instruments since December 31, 2007, was primarily related to GMWB derivatives (See Note 4).

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. Investments and Derivative Instruments (continued)
Ineffectiveness on hedges that qualify for hedge accounting and the total change in value for derivative-based strategies that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment (“non-qualifying strategies”), including periodic derivative net coupon settlements, are reported in earnings and are presented in the following table.
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Ineffectiveness on cash-flow hedges
  $     $ 1     $ 3     $ 1  
Ineffectiveness on fair-value hedges
          1             (3 )
Total change in value for non-qualifying strategies
    (1,203 )     (125 )     (185 )     (368 )
Other
    (46 )           (46 )      
 
                       
Net earnings impact, before tax
  $ (1,249 )   $ (123 )   $ (228 )   $ (370 )
 
                       
The total change in value for non-qualifying strategies, including periodic derivative net coupon settlements, are reported in net realized capital gains (losses). The circumstances giving rise to the changes in these non-qualifying strategies are as follows:
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2008, net losses were primarily comprised of net losses on credit default swaps and GMWB related hedging derivatives (See Note 4), partially offset by net gains on foreign currency swaps and forwards. The net losses on credit default swaps were primarily due to losses on credit derivatives that assume credit exposure as a result of credit spread widening. The Company uses foreign currency swaps and forwards to hedge the currency risk related to certain foreign currency bonds and liabilities. These swaps resulted in net gains primarily due to weakening of the Euro.
 
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, net losses were primarily comprised of net losses on GMWB related derivatives (See Note 4) and credit derivatives, partially offset by net gains on the Japan fixed annuity hedging instruments. The net losses on credit derivatives were primarily comprised of losses on credit derivatives that assume credit exposure as a result of credit spread widening. The gains on the Japanese fixed annuity hedging instruments were primarily due to the Japanese yen strengthening against the U.S. dollar.
 
 
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, net losses were primarily comprised of net losses on GMWB related derivatives (See Note 4) and credit default swaps, partially offset by gains on the Japan fixed annuity hedging instruments. The net losses on credit default swaps were a result of credit spread widening. The gains on the Japanese fixed annuity hedging instruments were primarily due to the Japanese yen strengthening against the U.S. dollar.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company has incurred Other losses of $(46) on derivative instruments due to counterparty default related to the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. These losses were a result of the contractual collateral threshold amounts and open collateral calls in excess of such amounts immediately prior to the bankruptcy filing, as well as interest rate and credit spread movements from the date of the last collateral call to the date of the bankruptcy filing.
As of September 30, 2008, the before tax deferred net gains on derivative instruments recorded in AOCI that are expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months are $1. This expectation is based on the anticipated interest payments on hedged investments in fixed maturity securities that will occur over the next twelve months, at which time the Company will recognize the deferred net gains (losses) as an adjustment to interest income over the term of the investment cash flows. The maximum term over which the Company is hedging its exposure to the variability of future cash flows (for all forecasted transactions, excluding interest payments on existing variable-rate financial instruments) is five years. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Company had no net reclassifications from AOCI to earnings resulting from the discontinuance of cash-flow hedges due to forecasted transactions that were no longer probable of occurring. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company had $(4), before-tax, of net reclassifications from AOCI to earnings resulting from the discontinuance of cash-flow hedges due to forecasted transactions that were no longer probable of occurring. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company had no net reclassifications from AOCI to earnings resulting from the discontinuance of cash-flow hedges due to forecasted transactions that were no longer probable of occurring.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
6. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Profits
Changes in deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits by Life and Property & Casualty were as follows:
Life
Unlock Results
During the third quarter of 2008, the Company completed a comprehensive study of assumptions underlying estimated gross profits (“EGPs”), resulting in an unlock of future estimated gross profits (the “Unlock”). The study covered all assumptions, including mortality, lapses, expenses, and separate account returns, in substantially all product lines. The new best estimate assumptions were applied to the current policy related in-force or account values to project future gross profits. The after-tax impact on the Company’s assets and liabilities as a result of the unlock during the third quarter was as follows:
                                         
                    Death and                
            Unearned     Income     Sales          
Segment   DAC and     Revenue     Benefit     Inducement          
After-tax (charge) benefit   PVFP     Reserves     Reserves [1]     Assets     Total  
Retail
  $ (648 )   $ 18     $ (75 )   $ (27 )   $ (732 )
Retirement Plans
    (49 )                       (49 )
Individual Life
    (29 )     (12 )     (3 )           (44 )
International
    (23 )     (1 )     (90 )     (2 )     (116 )
Corporate
    9                         9  
 
                             
Total
  $ (740 )   $ 5     $ (168 )   $ (29 )   $ (932 )
 
                             
     
[1]  
As a result of the unlock, death benefit reserves, in Retail, increased $389, pre-tax, offset by an increase of $273, pre-tax, in reinsurance recoverables. In International, death benefit reserves increased $164 pre-tax, offset by an increase of $25, pre-tax, in reinsurance recoverables.
Changes in deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits were as follows:
                 
    2008     2007  
Balance, January 1, before cumulative effect of accounting change, pre-tax
  $ 10,514     $ 9,071  
Cumulative effect of accounting change, pre-tax (SOP 05-1) [1]
          (79 )
 
           
Balance, January 1, as adjusted
    10,514       8,992  
Deferred costs
    1,238       1,570  
Amortization — Deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits [2]
    (481 )     (931 )
Amortization — Unlock, pre-tax
    (1,153 )     327  
Adjustments to unrealized gains and losses on securities, available-for-sale and other
    820       257  
Effect of currency translation adjustment
    74       61  
 
           
Balance, September 30
  $ 11,012     $ 10,276  
 
           
     
[1]  
The Company’s cumulative effect of accounting change includes an additional $(1), pre-tax, related to sales inducements.
 
[2]  
The decrease in amortization from the prior year period is due to lower actual gross profits resulting from increased realized capital losses primarily from the adoption of SFAS 157 at the beginning of the first quarter of 2008 and impairment charges taken during 2008. For further discussion of the SFAS 157 transition impact, see Note 4.
Property & Casualty
                 
    2008     2007  
Balance, January 1
  $ 1,228     $ 1,197  
Deferred costs
    1,599       1,607  
Amortization — Deferred policy acquisition costs
    (1,567 )     (1,581 )
 
           
Balance, September 30
  $ 1,260     $ 1,223  
 
           

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
7. Separate Accounts, Death Benefits and Other Insurance Benefit Features
The Company records the variable portion of individual variable annuities, 401(k), institutional, 403(b)/457, private placement life and variable life insurance products within separate account assets and liabilities. Separate account assets are reported at fair value. Separate account liabilities are set equal to separate account assets. Separate account assets are segregated from other investments. Investment income and gains and losses from those separate account assets, which accrue directly to, and whereby investment risk is borne by the policyholder, are offset by the related liability changes within the same line item in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The fees earned for administrative and contract holder maintenance services performed for these separate accounts are included in fee income. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, there were no gains or losses on transfers of assets from the general account to the separate account.
Many of the variable annuity and universal life (“UL”) contracts issued by the Company offer various guaranteed minimum death, withdrawal, income, accumulation, and UL secondary guarantee benefits. UL secondary guarantee benefits ensure that the policy will not terminate, and will continue to provide a death benefit, even if there is insufficient policy value to cover the monthly deductions and charges. Guaranteed minimum death and income benefits are offered in various forms as described in further detail throughout this Note 7. The Company currently reinsures a portion of the death benefit guarantees associated with its in-force block of business. Changes in the gross U.S. guaranteed minimum death benefit (“GMDB”), Japan GMDB/guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”), and UL secondary guarantee benefits sold with annuity and/or UL products accounted for and collectively known as “SOP 03-1 reserve liabilities” are as follows:
                         
                    UL Secondary  
    U.S. GMDB [1]     Japan GMDB/GMIB [1]     Guarantees [1]  
Liability balance as of January 1, 2008
  $ 529     $ 42     $ 19  
Incurred
    127       21       16  
Paid
    (127 )     (19 )      
Unlock
    389       164        
Currency translation adjustment
          4        
 
                 
Liability balance as of September 30, 2008
  $ 918     $ 212     $ 35  
 
                 
     
[1]  
The reinsurance recoverable asset related to the U.S. GMDB was $613 as of September 30, 2008. The reinsurance recoverable asset related to the Japan GMDB was $34 as of September 30, 2008. The reinsurance recoverable asset related to the UL Secondary Guarantees was $14 as of September 30, 2008.
                         
                    UL Secondary  
    U.S. GMDB [1]     Japan GMDB/GMIB [1]     Guarantees [1]  
Liability balance as of January 1, 2007
  $ 475     $ 35     $ 7  
Incurred
    108       12       2  
Paid
    (67 )     (1 )      
Unlock
    (4 )     (9 )      
Currency translation adjustment
          1        
 
                 
Liability balance as of September 30, 2007
  $ 512     $ 38     $ 9  
 
                 
     
[1]  
The reinsurance recoverable asset related to the U.S. GMDB was $320 as of September 30, 2007. The reinsurance recoverable asset related to the Japan GMDB was $8 as of September 30, 2007. The reinsurance recoverable asset related to the UL Secondary Guarantees was $8 as of September 30, 2007.
The net SOP 03-1 reserve liabilities are established by estimating the expected value of net reinsurance costs and death and income benefits in excess of the projected account balance. The excess death and income benefits and net reinsurance costs are recognized ratably over the accumulation period based on total expected assessments. The SOP 03-1 reserve liabilities are recorded in reserve for future policy benefits in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the SOP 03-1 reserve liabilities are recorded in benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations. In a manner consistent with the Company’s accounting policy for deferred acquisition costs, the Company regularly evaluates estimates used and adjusts the additional liability balances, with a related charge or credit to benefit expense if actual experience or other evidence suggests that earlier assumptions should be revised.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
7. Separate Accounts, Death Benefits and Other Insurance Benefit Features (continued)
The following table provides details concerning GMDB and GMIB exposure as of September 30, 2008:
                                 
Breakdown of Individual Variable and Group Annuity Account Value by GMDB/GMIB Type  
                    Retained Net     Weighted Average  
    Account     Net Amount     Amount     Attained Age of  
Maximum anniversary value (“MAV”) [1]   Value     at Risk [9]     at Risk [9]     Annuitant  
MAV only
  $ 32,985     $ 9,699     $ 2,967       66  
With 5% rollup [2]
    2,363       782       304       65  
With Earnings Protection Benefit Rider (“EPB”) [3]
    3,417       768       130       62  
With 5% rollup & EPB
    946       247       46       64  
 
                       
Total MAV
    39,711       11,496       3,447          
Asset Protection Benefit (“APB”) [4]
    33,685       7,339       4,081       63  
Lifetime Income Benefit (“LIB”) — Death Benefit [5]
    9,813       246       246       63  
Reset [6] (5-7 years)
    4,378       619       618       66  
Return of Premium [7]/Other
    11,531       321       173       54  
 
                       
Subtotal U.S. Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefits
    99,118       20,021       8,565       63  
Japan Guaranteed Minimum Death and Income Benefit [8]
    32,706       4,538       3,716       66  
 
                       
Total at September 30, 2008
  $ 131,824     $ 24,559     $ 12,281          
 
                       
     
[1]  
MAV: the death benefit is the greatest of current account value, net premiums paid and the highest account value on any anniversary before age 80 (adjusted for withdrawals).
 
[2]  
Rollup: the death benefit is the greatest of the MAV, current account value, net premium paid and premiums (adjusted for withdrawals) accumulated at generally 5% simple interest up to the earlier of age 80 or 100% of adjusted premiums.
 
[3]  
EPB: the death benefit is the greatest of the MAV, current account value, or contract value plus a percentage of the contract’s growth. The contract’s growth is account value less premiums net of withdrawals, subject to a cap of 200% of premiums net of withdrawals.
 
[4]  
APB: the death benefit is the greater of current account value or MAV, not to exceed current account value plus 25% times the greater of net premiums and MAV (each adjusted for premiums in the past 12 months).
 
[5]  
LIB: the death benefit is the greatest of current account value, net premiums paid, or for certain contracts a benefit amount that ratchets over time, generally based on market performance.
 
[6]  
Reset: the death benefit is the greatest of current account value, net premiums paid and the most recent five to seven year anniversary account value before age 80 (adjusted for withdrawals).
 
[7]  
Return of premium: the death benefit is the greater of current account value and net premiums paid.
 
[8]  
Death benefits include a Return of Premium and MAV (before age 80) paid in a single lump sum. The income benefit is a guarantee to return initial investment, adjusted for earnings liquidity, paid through a fixed annuity, after a minimum deferral period of 10, 15 or 20 years. The guaranteed remaining balance related to the Japan GMIB was $29.8 billion and $26.8 billion as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.
 
[9]  
Net amount at risk and retained net amount at risk are highly sensitive to equity markets movements. For example, as equity markets decline, net amount at risk and retained net amount at risk will generally increase.
See Note 4 for a description of the Company’s guaranteed living benefits that are accounted for at fair value.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
8. Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
The Hartford is involved in claims litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, both as a liability insurer defending or providing indemnity for third-party claims brought against insureds and as an insurer defending coverage claims brought against it. The Hartford accounts for such activity through the establishment of unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves. Subject to the uncertainties discussed below under the caption “Asbestos and Environmental Claims,” management expects that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such ordinary-course claims litigation, after consideration of provisions made for potential losses and costs of defense, will not be material to the consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of The Hartford.
The Hartford is also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert claims for substantial amounts. These actions include, among others, putative state and federal class actions seeking certification of a state or national class. Such putative class actions have alleged, for example, underpayment of claims or improper underwriting practices in connection with various kinds of insurance policies, such as personal and commercial automobile, property, life and inland marine; improper sales practices in connection with the sale of life insurance and other investment products; and improper fee arrangements in connection with investment products and structured settlements. The Hartford also is involved in individual actions in which punitive damages are sought, such as claims alleging bad faith in the handling of insurance claims. Like many other insurers, The Hartford also has been joined in actions by asbestos plaintiffs asserting, among other things, that insurers had a duty to protect the public from the dangers of asbestos and that insurers committed unfair trade practices by asserting defenses on behalf of their policyholders in the underlying asbestos cases. Management expects that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such lawsuits, after consideration of provisions made for estimated losses, will not be material to the consolidated financial condition of The Hartford. Nonetheless, given the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these actions, and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.
Broker Compensation Litigation — Following the New York Attorney General’s filing of a civil complaint against Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., and Marsh, Inc. (collectively, “Marsh”) in October 2004 alleging that certain insurance companies, including The Hartford, participated with Marsh in arrangements to submit inflated bids for business insurance and paid contingent commissions to ensure that Marsh would direct business to them, private plaintiffs brought several lawsuits against the Company predicated on the allegations in the Marsh complaint, to which the Company was not party. Among these is a multidistrict litigation in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. There are two consolidated amended complaints filed in the multidistrict litigation, one related to conduct in connection with the sale of property-casualty insurance and the other related to alleged conduct in connection with the sale of group benefits products. The Company and various of its subsidiaries are named in both complaints. The complaints assert, on behalf of a putative class of persons who purchased insurance through broker defendants, claims under the Sherman Act, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”), state law, and in the case of the group-benefits products complaint, claims under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”). The claims are predicated upon allegedly undisclosed or otherwise improper payments of contingent commissions to the broker defendants to steer business to the insurance company defendants. The district court has dismissed the Sherman Act and RICO claims in both complaints for failure to state a claim and has granted the defendants’ motions for summary judgment on the ERISA claims in the group-benefits products complaint. The district court further has declined to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over the state law claims, has dismissed those state law claims without prejudice, and has closed both cases. The plaintiffs have appealed the dismissal of claims in both consolidated amended complaints, except the ERISA claims.
The Company is also a defendant in two consolidated securities actions and two consolidated derivative actions filed in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. The consolidated securities actions assert claims on behalf of a putative class of shareholders alleging that the Company and certain of its executive officers violated Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 by failing to disclose to the investing public that The Hartford’s business and growth was predicated on the unlawful activity alleged in the New York Attorney General’s complaint against Marsh. The consolidated derivative actions, brought by shareholders on behalf of the Company against its directors and an additional executive officer, allege that the defendants knew adverse non-public information about the activities alleged in the Marsh complaint and concealed and misappropriated that information to make profitable stock trades in violation of their duties to the Company. In July 2006, the district court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss the consolidated securities actions. The plaintiffs have appealed that decision. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the consolidated derivative actions in May 2005, and the plaintiffs have agreed to stay further proceedings until after the resolution of the appeal from the dismissal of the securities action.
In September 2007, the Ohio Attorney General filed a civil action in Ohio state court alleging that certain insurance companies, including The Hartford, conspired with Marsh in violation of Ohio’s antitrust statute. The trial court denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint in July 2008. The Company disputes the allegations and intends to defend this action vigorously.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
8. Commitments and Contingencies (continued)
Fair Credit Reporting Act Class Action — In February 2007, the United States District Court for the District of Oregon gave final approval of the Company’s settlement of a lawsuit brought on behalf of a class of homeowners and automobile policy holders alleging that the Company willfully violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act by failing to send appropriate notices to new customers whose initial rates were higher than they would have been had the customer had a more favorable credit report. The settlement was made on a claim-in, nationwide-class basis and required eligible class members to return valid claim forms postmarked no later than June 28, 2007. The Company has paid approximately $84.3 to eligible claimants in connection with the settlement. The Company has sought reimbursement from the Company’s Excess Professional Liability Insurance Program for the portion of the settlement in excess of the Company’s $10 self-insured retention. Certain insurance carriers participating in that program have disputed coverage for the settlement, and one of the excess insurers has commenced an arbitration to resolve the dispute. Management believes it is probable that the Company’s coverage position ultimately will be sustained.
Call-Center Patent Litigation — In June 2007, the holder of twenty-one patents related to automated call flow processes, Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, LP (“Katz”), brought an action against the Company and various of its subsidiaries in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The action alleges that the Company’s call centers use automated processes that willfully infringe the Katz patents. Katz previously has brought similar patent-infringement actions against a wide range of other companies, none of which has reached a final adjudication of the merits of the plaintiff’s claims, but many of which have resulted in settlements under which the defendants agreed to pay licensing fees. The case has been transferred to a multidistrict litigation in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, which is currently presiding over other Katz patent cases. In August 2008, the Company reached a settlement under which the Company purchased a license under the patent portfolio held by Katz in exchange for a payment of an immaterial amount.
Asbestos and Environmental Claims — As discussed in Note 12, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under the caption “Asbestos and Environmental Claims”, included in the Company’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report, The Hartford continues to receive asbestos and environmental claims that involve significant uncertainty regarding policy coverage issues. Regarding these claims, The Hartford continually reviews its overall reserve levels and reinsurance coverages, as well as the methodologies it uses to estimate its exposures. Because of the significant uncertainties that limit the ability of insurers and reinsurers to estimate the ultimate reserves necessary for unpaid losses and related expenses, particularly those related to asbestos, the ultimate liabilities may exceed the currently recorded reserves. Any such additional liability cannot be reasonably estimated now but could be material to The Hartford’s consolidated operating results, financial condition and liquidity.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
9. Pension Plans and Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefit Plans
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Total net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 include the following components:
                                 
    Pension Benefits     Other Postretirement Benefits  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Service cost
  $ 30     $ 30     $ 2     $ 2  
Interest cost
    57       52       5       5  
Expected return on plan assets
    (69 )     (70 )     (3 )     (2 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    (2 )     (3 )           (1 )
Amortization of actuarial loss
    15       23              
 
                       
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 31     $ 32     $ 4     $ 4  
 
                       
Total net periodic benefit cost for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 include the following components:
                                 
    Pension Benefits     Other Postretirement Benefits  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Service cost
  $ 90     $ 91     $ 5     $ 5  
Interest cost
    171       155       17       16  
Expected return on plan assets
    (207 )     (210 )     (9 )     (6 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    (7 )     (9 )     (1 )     (4 )
Amortization of actuarial loss
    44       73              
 
                       
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 91     $ 100     $ 12     $ 11  
 
                       
10. Stock Compensation Plans
The Company has two primary stock-based compensation plans, The Hartford 2005 Incentive Stock Plan and The Hartford Employee Stock Purchase Plan. For a description of these plans, see Note 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report.
Shares issued in satisfaction of stock-based compensation may be made available from authorized but unissued shares, shares held by the Company in treasury or from shares purchased in the open market. In 2008, the Company issues shares from treasury in satisfaction of stock-based compensation. In 2007, the Company issued new shares in satisfaction of stock-based compensation. The compensation expense recognized for the stock-based compensation plans was $11 and $17 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $49 and $56 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The income tax benefit recognized for stock-based compensation plans was $3 and $5 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $15 and $18 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company did not capitalize any cost of stock-based compensation. As of September 30, 2008, the total compensation cost related to non-vested awards not yet recognized was $82, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
11. Debt
Senior Notes
On August 16, 2008, The Hartford repaid its $425, 5.55% senior notes at maturity.
On May 12, 2008, The Hartford issued $500 of 6.0% senior notes due January 15, 2019.
On March 4, 2008, The Hartford issued $500 of 6.3% senior notes due March 15, 2018.
Junior Subordinated Debentures
On June 6, 2008, the Company issued $500 aggregate principal amount of 8.125% fixed-to-floating rate junior subordinated debentures (the “debentures”) due June 15, 2068 for net proceeds of approximately $493, after deducting underwriting discounts and expenses from the offering. The debentures bear interest at an annual fixed rate of 8.125% from the date of issuance to, but excluding, June 15, 2018, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15. From and including June 15, 2018, the debentures will bear interest at an annual rate, reset quarterly, equal to three-month LIBOR plus 4.6025%, payable quarterly in arrears on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year. The Company has the right, on one or more occasions, to defer the payment of interest on the debentures. The Company may defer interest for up to ten consecutive years without giving rise to an event of default. Deferred interest will accumulate additional interest at an annual rate equal to the annual interest rate then applicable to the debentures. If the Company defers interest for five consecutive years or, if earlier, pays current interest during a deferral period, which may be paid from any source of funds, the Company will be required to pay deferred interest from proceeds from the sale of certain qualifying securities.
The debentures carry a scheduled maturity date of June 15, 2038 and a final maturity date of June 15, 2068. During the 180-day period ending on a notice date not more than fifteen and not less than ten business days prior to the scheduled maturity date, the Company is required to use commercially reasonable efforts to sell certain qualifying replacement securities sufficient to permit repayment of the debentures at the scheduled maturity date. If any debentures remain outstanding after the scheduled maturity date, the unpaid amount will remain outstanding until the Company has raised sufficient proceeds from the sale of qualifying replacement securities to permit the repayment in full of the debentures. If there are remaining debentures at the final maturity date, the Company is required to redeem the debentures using any source of funds.
Subject to the replacement capital covenant described below, the Company can redeem the debentures at its option, in whole or in part, at any time on or after June 15, 2018 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount being redeemed plus accrued but unpaid interest. The Company can redeem the debentures at its option prior to June 15, 2018 (a) in whole at any time or in part from time to time or (b) in whole, but not in part, in the event of certain tax or rating agency events relating to the debentures, at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount being redeemed and the applicable make-whole amount, in each case plus any accrued and unpaid interest.
In connection with the offering of the debentures, the Company entered into a “replacement capital covenant” for the benefit of holders of one or more designated series of the Company’s indebtedness, initially the Company’s 6.1% notes due 2041. Under the terms of the replacement capital covenant, if the Company redeems the debentures at any time prior to June 15, 2048 it can only do so with the proceeds from the sale of certain qualifying replacement securities.
Consumer Notes
As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, $1,225 and $809, respectively, of consumer notes were outstanding. As of September 30, 2008, these consumer notes have interest rates ranging from 4.0% to 6.3% for fixed notes and, for variable notes, either consumer price index plus 80 to 267 basis points, or indexed to the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrials or the Nikkei 225. For the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, interest credited to holders of consumer notes was $16 and $10, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, interest credited to holders of consumer notes was $43 and $21, respectively.
For additional information regarding consumer notes, see Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
12. Stockholders’ Equity
Common Stock
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, The Hartford repurchased $1.0 billion (14.7 million shares), of which $500 (7.3 million shares) were repurchased under an accelerated share repurchase transaction described below.
On June 4, 2008, the Company entered into a collared accelerated share repurchase agreement (“ASR”) with a major financial institution. Under the terms of the agreement, The Hartford paid $500 and initially received a minimum number of shares based on a maximum or “capped” share price. The Company funded this payment with proceeds from the offering of the junior subordinated debentures (see Note 11). The Hartford initially received 6.3 million shares of common stock based on the “cap”. The actual per share purchase price and the final number of shares to be repurchased were based on the volume weighted average price, or VWAP, of the Company’s common stock, not to be fixed above a cap price nor fall lower than a floor price. The contract settled on September 3, 2008, and the Company received an additional 1.0 million shares. The Company has accounted for this transaction in accordance with EITF Issue No. 99-7, “Accounting for an Accelerated Share Repurchase Program.”
Also in June 2008, The Hartford’s Board of Directors authorized a new $1 billion stock repurchase program which is in addition to the previously announced $2 billion program. The Company’s repurchase authorization permits purchases of common stock, which may be in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The Company also may enter into derivative transactions to facilitate future repurchases of common stock. The timing of any future repurchases will be dependent upon several factors, including the market price of the Company’s securities, the Company’s capital position, consideration of the effect of any repurchases on the Company’s financial strength or credit ratings, and other corporate considerations. The repurchase program may be modified, extended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time. As of September 30, 2008, The Hartford has completed the $2 billion stock repurchase program and has $807 remaining for stock repurchase under the new $1 billion repurchase program.
13. Investment by Allianz SE in The Hartford
On October 17, 2008, the Company entered into an Investment Agreement (the “Investment Agreement”), with Allianz SE (“Allianz”) under which, among other things, the Company agreed to issue and sell in a private placement to Allianz for aggregate cash consideration of $2.5 billion: (i) $1.75 billion of the Company’s 10% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2068 (the “Debentures”); (ii) 6,048,387 shares of the Company’s Series D Non-Voting Contingent Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series D Preferred Stock”), initially convertible (as discussed below) into 24,193,548 shares of the Company’s common stock at an issue price of $31.00 per share; and (iii) warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase the Company’s Series B Non-Voting Contingent Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) and Series C Non-Voting Contingent Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series C Preferred Stock” and, together with the Series B Preferred Stock and the Series D Preferred Stock, the “Preferred Stock”) structured to entitle Allianz, upon receipt of necessary approvals, to purchase 69,115,324 shares of Common Stock at an initial exercise price of $25.32 per share. The private placement closed on October 17, 2008.
Exercise of the Warrants and conversion of the Preferred Stock are subject to receipt of specified governmental and regulatory approvals. In addition, the conversion into 34,308,872 shares of Common Stock of the Series C Preferred Stock underlying certain of the Warrants is subject to the approval of the Company’s stockholders in accordance with applicable regulations of the New York Stock Exchange. Under the Investment Agreement, the Company is obligated to pay Allianz $75 if such stockholder approval is not obtained at the first stockholder meeting to consider such approval, and $50 if such stockholder approval is not obtained at a second such meeting. If such stockholder approval is not obtained at such record meeting, the Company would be obligated to use its reasonable best efforts to list the Series C Preferred Stock on a public securities exchange.
The Company has also agreed that, for the one-year period following October 17, 2008, it will pay certain amounts to Allianz if the Company effects or agrees to effect any transaction (or series of transactions) pursuant to which any person or group (within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws) is issued Common Stock or certain equity-related instruments constituting more than 5% of the Company’s fully-diluted Common Stock outstanding at the time for an effective price per share (determined as provided in the Investment Agreement) of less than $25.32. Amounts so payable depend on the effective price for the applicable transaction (or the weighted average price for a series of transactions) and range from $50 if the effective price per share is between $25.31 and $23.00, $150 if between $22.99 and $20.00, $200 if between $19.99 and $15.00 and $300 if $14.99 or less.
Under the Investment Agreement, Allianz has agreed to certain standstill provisions that are also applicable to its subsidiaries and affiliates lasting until October 6, 2018, including limitations or prohibitions, among other things, on the acquisition of shares of Common Stock that would result in its beneficially owning more than 25% of the outstanding Common Stock, making or proposing a merger or change of control transaction or soliciting proxies, subject in each case to certain exceptions for a change of control and other matters, as specified in the Investment Agreement.
The Company has also agreed under the Investment Agreement that, prior to entering into any binding agreement to effect a merger or similar business combination with a third party or to pay a break-up fee or similar compensation to a third party with respect to such a potential transaction, it will permit Allianz a reasonable period of time to conduct due diligence and make a bona fide competing proposal to the Company.
Debentures
The 10% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2068 bear interest at an annual fixed rate of 10% from the date of issuance to, but excluding, October 15, 2018, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15. From and including October 15, 2018, the debentures will bear interest at an annual rate, reset quarterly, equal to three-month LIBOR plus 6.824%, payable quarterly in arrears. The Company has the right, on one or more occasions, to defer the payment of interest on the debentures. The Company may defer interest for up to ten consecutive years without giving rise to an event of default. Deferred interest will accumulate additional interest at an annual rate equal to the annual interest rate then applicable to the debentures. If the Company defers interest for five consecutive years or, if earlier, pays current interest during a deferral period, which may be paid from any source of funds, the Company will be required to pay deferred interest from proceeds from the sale of certain qualifying securities.

 

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
13. Investment by Allianz SE in The Hartford (continued)
In connection with the offering of the debentures, the Company entered into a “replacement capital covenant” for the benefit of holders of one or more designated series of the Company’s indebtedness, initially the Company’s 6.1% notes due 2041. Under the terms of the replacement capital covenant, if the Company redeems the debentures at any time prior to October 15, 2048 it can only do so with the proceeds from the sale of certain qualifying replacement securities. Subject to the replacement capital covenant, the Company can redeem the debentures at its option, in whole or in part, at any time on or after October 15, 2018 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount being redeemed plus accrued but unpaid interest.
Preferred Stock
Each share of Preferred Stock is initially convertible into four shares of Common Stock, subject to receipt of specified governmental, regulatory and other approvals (including receipt of stockholder approval as described above in the case of the Series C Preferred Stock), which vary by Series. The conversion ratio under the Preferred Stock is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.
Warrants
Subject to receipt of specified governmental, regulatory and other approvals, the Warrants are exercisable to purchase 69,115,324 shares of Common Stock at an initial exercise price of $25.32 per share. Pending receipt of such approvals, the Warrants are immediately exercisable for the Series B Preferred Stock and the Series C Preferred Stock, which are initially convertible, in the aggregate, into such number of shares of Common Stock. The exercise price under the Warrants is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. The Warrants have a term of seven years.
14. Subsequent Event
Due to significant market declines since September 30, 2008, approximately 95% of the in-force policies of the Company’s 3 Win product in Japan, equaling approximately $3.0 billion of account value, have declined to 80% or less of their initial deposit, thus triggering the associated GMIB. This GMIB requires the policyholder to elect one of two options; either receive 80% of their initial deposit without surrender penalty immediately or receive 100% of the initial deposit via a 15 year pay out annuity. In either case these actions effectively eliminate all future profits on these policies. As a result of triggering the GMIB for these policies, the Company will record a DAC charge in the fourth quarter of 2008 of at least $124, after-tax. Additionally, to the extent policyholders elect the annuity option, the Company will establish a reserve for future annuity payments. Based on current assumptions about the percentage of policyholders who will elect the annuity option and expected investment returns, which could be higher or lower than today’s investment returns and a yen to dollar exchange rate of ¥93 to $1 dollar, the Company estimates that establishing this reserve will reduce net income in the fourth quarter by $60-$100, after-tax.

 

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollar amounts in millions except share data unless otherwise stated)
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) addresses the financial condition of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “The Hartford” or the “Company”) as of September 30, 2008, compared with December 31, 2007, and its results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the equivalent 2007 periods. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the MD&A in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report.
Certain of the statements contained herein are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and include estimates and assumptions related to economic, competitive and legislative developments. These forward-looking statements are subject to change and uncertainty which are, in many instances, beyond the Company’s control and have been made based upon management’s expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect upon the Company. There can be no assurance that future developments will be in accordance with management’s expectations or that the effect of future developments on The Hartford will be those anticipated by management. Actual results could differ materially from those expected by the Company, depending on the outcome of various factors, including, but not limited to, those set forth in Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors as well as Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report. These factors include: the difficulty in predicting the potential effect from the legislation and other governmental initiatives taken in response to the current financial crisis; the difficulty in predicting the Company’s potential exposure for asbestos and environmental claims; the possible occurrence of terrorist attacks; the response of reinsurance companies under reinsurance contracts and the availability, pricing and adequacy of reinsurance to protect the Company against losses; changes in financial and capital markets, including changes in interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices and foreign exchange rates; the inability to effectively mitigate the impact of equity market volatility on the Company’s financial position and results of operations arising from obligations under annuity product guarantees; the possibility of unfavorable loss development; the incidence and severity of catastrophes, both natural and man-made; stronger than anticipated competitive activity; unfavorable judicial or legislative developments; the potential effect of domestic and foreign regulatory developments, including those which could increase the Company’s business costs and required capital levels; the possibility of general economic and business conditions that are less favorable than anticipated; the Company’s ability to distribute its products through distribution channels, both current and future; the uncertain effects of emerging claim and coverage issues; the amount of statutory capital that the Company has and the Company’s ability to hold sufficient statutory capital to maintain financial strength and credit ratings; a downgrade in the Company’s financial strength or credit ratings; the ability of the Company’s subsidiaries to pay dividends to the Company; the Company’s ability to adequately price its property and casualty policies; the ability to recover the Company’s systems and information in the event of a disaster or other unanticipated event; potential for difficulties arising from outsourcing relationships; potential changes in federal or state tax laws, including changes impacting the availability of the separate account dividend received deduction; losses due to defaults by others; the Company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and defend against claims of infringement; and other factors described in such forward-looking statements.
INDEX
         
Overview
    45  
Critical Accounting Estimates
    45  
Consolidated Results of Operations
    53  
Life
    57  
Retail
    67  
Individual Life
    70  
Retirement Plans
    73  
Group Benefits
    76  
International
    78  
Institutional
    81  
Other
    84  
Property & Casualty
    85  
Total Property & Casualty
    99  
Ongoing Operations
    100  
Personal Lines
    105  
Small Commercial
    111  
Middle Market
    116  
Specialty Commercial
    121  
Other Operations (Including Asbestos and Environmental Claims)
    126  
Investments
    131  
Investment Credit Risk
    140  
Capital Markets Risk Management
    151  
Capital Resources and Liquidity
    155  
Accounting Standards
    161  

 

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OVERVIEW
The Hartford is a diversified insurance and financial services company with operations dating back to 1810. The Company is headquartered in Connecticut and is organized into two major operations: Life and Property & Casualty, each containing reporting segments. Within the Life and Property & Casualty operations, The Hartford conducts business principally in eleven reporting segments. Corporate primarily includes the Company’s debt financing and related interest expense, as well as other capital raising activities and purchase accounting adjustments. To present its operations in a more meaningful and organized way, management has included separate overviews within the Life and Property & Casualty sections of MD&A. For further overview of Life’s profitability and analysis, see page 57. For further overview of Property & Casualty’s profitability and analysis, see page 85.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The Company has identified the following estimates as critical in that they involve a higher degree of judgment and are subject to a significant degree of variability: property and casualty reserves, net of reinsurance; life estimated gross profits used in the valuation and amortization of assets and liabilities associated with variable annuity and other universal life-type contracts; living benefits required to be fair valued; valuation of investments and derivative instruments; evaluation of other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale securities; pension and other postretirement benefit obligations; and contingencies relating to corporate litigation and regulatory matters. In developing these estimates management makes subjective and complex judgments that are inherently uncertain and subject to material change as facts and circumstances develop. Although variability is inherent in these estimates, management believes the amounts provided are appropriate based upon the facts available upon compilation of the financial statements. For a discussion of the critical accounting estimates not discussed below, see MD&A in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report.
Life Estimated Gross Profits Used in the Valuation and Amortization of Assets and Liabilities Associated with Variable Annuity and Other Universal Life-Type Contracts
Accounting Policy and Assumptions
Life’s deferred policy acquisition costs asset and present value of future profits (“PVFP”) intangible asset (hereafter, referred to collectively as “DAC”) related to investment contracts and universal life-type contracts (including variable annuities) are amortized in the same way, over the estimated life of the contracts acquired using the retrospective deposit method. Under the retrospective deposit method, acquisition costs are amortized in proportion to the present value of estimated gross profits (“EGPs”). EGPs are also used to amortize other assets and liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet, such as sales inducement assets and unearned revenue reserves (“URR”). Components of EGPs are used to determine reserves for guaranteed minimum death, income and universal life secondary guarantee benefits accounted for and collectively referred to as “SOP 03-1 reserves”. The specific breakdown of the most significant EGP based balances by segment is as follows:
                                                 
    Individual Variable Annuities -     Individual Variable Annuities -     Individual  
    U.S.     Japan     Life  
    September 30,     December 31,     September 30,     December 31,     September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  
DAC
  $ 4,632     $ 4,982     $ 1,816     $ 1,760     $ 2,618     $ 2,309  
Sales Inducements
  $ 454     $ 390     $ 15     $ 8     $ 39     $ 20  
URR
  $ 108     $ 124     $     $     $ 1,102     $ 816  
SOP 03-1 reserves
  $ 915     $ 527     $ 212     $ 42     $ 35     $ 19  
For most contracts, the Company estimates gross profits over a 20 year horizon as estimated profits emerging subsequent to that timeframe are immaterial. The Company uses other amortization bases for amortizing DAC, such as gross costs (net of reinsurance), as a replacement for EGPs when EGPs are expected to be negative for multiple years of the contract’s life. Actual gross profits, in a given reporting period, that vary from management’s initial estimates result in increases or decreases in the rate of amortization, commonly referred to as a “true-up”, which are recorded in the current period. The true-up recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 was an increase to amortization of $47, and $105, respectively. The true-up recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 was an increase (decrease) to amortization of $4 and ($10), respectively.

 

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Products sold in a particular year are aggregated into cohorts. Future gross profits for each cohort are projected over the estimated lives of the underlying contracts, and are, to a large extent, a function of future account value projections for variable annuity products and to a lesser extent for variable universal life products. The projection of future account values requires the use of certain assumptions. The assumptions considered to be important in the projection of future account value, and hence the EGPs, include separate account fund performance, which is impacted by separate account fund mix, less fees assessed against the contract holder’s account balance, surrender and lapse rates, interest margin, mortality, and hedging costs. The assumptions are developed as part of an annual process and are dependent upon the Company’s current best estimates of future events. The Company’s current 20 year separate account return assumption is approximately 7.2% (after fund fees, but before mortality and expense charges) for U.S. products and 4.2% (after fund fees, but before mortality and expense charges) in aggregate for all Japanese products, but varies from product to product. The Company estimates gross profits using the mean of EGPs derived from a set of stochastic scenarios that have been calibrated to our estimated separate account return.
Estimating future gross profits is a complex process requiring considerable judgment and the forecasting of events well into the future. The estimation process, the underlying assumptions and the resulting EGPs, are evaluated regularly.
The Company plans to complete a comprehensive assumption study and refine its estimate of future gross profits during the third quarter of each year. Upon completion of an assumption study, the Company revises its assumptions to reflect its current best estimate, thereby changing its estimate of projected account values and the related EGPs in the DAC, sales inducement and unearned revenue reserve amortization models as well as SOP 03-1 reserving models. The DAC asset, as well as the sales inducement asset, unearned revenue reserves and SOP 03-1 reserves are adjusted with an offsetting benefit or charge to income to reflect such changes in the period of the revision, a process known as “Unlocking”. An Unlock that results in an after-tax benefit generally occurs as a result of actual experience or future expectations of product profitability being favorable compared to previous estimates. An Unlock that results in an after-tax charge generally occurs as a result of actual experience or future expectations of product profitability being unfavorable compared to previous estimates.
In addition to when a comprehensive assumption study is completed, revisions to best estimate assumptions used to estimate future gross profits are necessary when the EGPs in the Company’s models fall outside of an independently determined reasonable range of EGPs. The Company performs a quantitative process each quarter to determine the reasonable range of EGPs. This process involves the use of internally developed models, which run a large number of stochastically determined scenarios of separate account fund performance. Incorporated in each scenario are assumptions with respect to lapse rates, mortality and expenses, based on the Company’s most recent assumption study. These scenarios are run for the Company’s individual variable annuity businesses in the United States and Japan, the Company’s Retirement Plans businesses, and for the Company’s individual variable universal life business and are used to calculate statistically significant ranges of reasonable EGPs. The statistical ranges produced from the stochastic scenarios are compared to the present value of EGPs used in the Company’s models. If EGPs used in the Company’s models fall outside of the statistical ranges of reasonable EGPs, an “Unlock” would be necessary. If EGPs used in the Company’s models fall inside of the statistical ranges of reasonable EGPs, the Company will not solely rely on the results of the quantitative analysis to determine the necessity of an Unlock. In addition, the Company considers, on a quarterly basis, other qualitative factors such as product, regulatory and policyholder behavior trends and may also revise EGPs if those trends are expected to be significant and were not or could not be included in the statistically significant ranges of reasonable EGPs.

 

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Unlock and Sensitivity Analysis
As described above, as of September 30 2008, the Company completed a comprehensive study of assumptions underlying EGPs, resulting in an Unlock. The study covered all assumptions, including mortality, lapses, expenses, interest rate spreads, hedging costs, and separate account returns, in substantially all product lines. The new best estimate assumptions were applied to the current policy related in-force or account values to project future gross profits. The after-tax impact on the Company’s assets and liabilities as a result of the Unlock during the third quarter of 2008 was as follows:
                                         
                    Death and              
            Unearned     Income     Sales        
Segment   DAC and     Revenue     Benefit     Inducement        
After-tax (charge) benefit   PVFP     Reserves     Reserves [1]     Assets     Total [2]  
Retail
  $ (648 )   $ 18     $ (75 )   $ (27 )   $ (732 )
Retirement Plans
    (49 )                       (49 )
Individual Life
    (29 )     (12 )     (3 )           (44 )
International
    (23 )     (1 )     (90 )     (2 )     (116 )
Corporate
    9                         9  
 
                             
Total
  $ (740 )   $ 5     $ (168 )   $ (29 )   $ (932 )
 
                             
     
[1]  
As a result of the Unlock, death benefit reserves in Retail, increased $389, pre-tax, offset by an increase of $273, pre-tax, in reinsurance recoverables. In International, death benefit reserves increased $164, pre-tax, offset by an increase of $25, pre-tax, in reinsurance recoverables.
 
[2]  
The following were the most significant contributors to the Unlock amounts recorded during the third quarter of 2008:
   
Actual separate account returns from the period ending July 31, 2007 to September 30, 2008 were significantly below our aggregated estimated return.
 
   
The Company reduced its 20 year projected separate account return assumption from 7.8% to 7.2% in the U.S.
 
   
In Retirement Plans, the Company reduced its estimate of future fees as plans meet contractual size limits (“breakpoints”) causing a lower fee schedule to apply and the Company increased its assumption for future deposits by existing plan participants.
As a result of the Unlock in the third quarter of 2008, the Company expects a reduction to Life DAC amortization dollars in 2009.
The after-tax impact on the Company’s assets and liabilities as a result of the Unlock during the third quarter of 2007 was as follows:
                                         
                    Death and              
            Unearned     Income     Sales        
Segment   DAC and     Revenue     Benefit     Inducement        
After-tax (charge) benefit   PVFP     Reserves     Reserves [1]     Assets     Total [2]  
Retail
  $ 180     $ (5 )   $ (4 )   $ 9     $ 180  
Retirement Plans
    (9 )                       (9 )
Institutional
    1                         1  
Individual Life
    24       (8 )                 16  
International — Japan
    16             6             22  
Corporate
    3                         3  
 
                             
Total
  $ 215     $ (13 )   $ 2     $ 9     $ 213  
 
                             
     
[1]  
As a result of the Unlock, death benefit reserves, in Retail, decreased $4, pre-tax, offset by a decrease of $10, pre-tax, in reinsurance recoverables.
 
[2]  
The following were the most significant contributors to the Unlock amounts recorded during the third quarter of 2007:
   
Actual separate account returns were above our aggregated estimated return.
 
   
During the third quarter of 2007, the Company estimated gross profits using the mean of EGPs derived from a set of stochastic scenarios that have been calibrated to our estimated separate account return as compared to prior year where we used a single deterministic estimation. The impact of this change in estimation was a benefit of $13, after-tax, for Japan variable annuities and $20, after-tax, for U.S. variable annuities.
 
   
As part of its continual enhancement to its assumption setting processes and in connection with its assumption study, the Company included dynamic lapse behavior assumptions. Dynamic lapses reflect that lapse behavior will be different depending upon market movements. The impact of this assumption change along with other base lapse rate changes was an approximate benefit of $40, after-tax, for U.S. variable annuities.

 

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The Company performs sensitivity analyses with respect to the effect certain assumptions have on EGPs and the related DAC, sales inducement, unearned revenue reserve and SOP 03-1 reserve balances. Each of the sensitivities illustrated below are estimated individually, without consideration for any correlation among the key assumptions. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to take each of the sensitivity amounts below and add them together in an attempt to estimate volatility for the respective EGP-related balances in total. In addition, the tables below only provide sensitivities on separate account returns and lapses. While those two assumptions are critical in projecting EGP’s, as described above, many additional assumptions are necessary to project EGP’s and to determine an Unlock amount. As a result, actual Unlock amounts may vary from those calculated by using the sensitivities below. The following tables depict the estimated sensitivities for U.S. variable annuities and Japan variable annuities:
U.S. Variable Annuities
(Increasing separate account returns and decreasing lapse rates generally result in benefits. Decreasing separate account returns and increasing lapse rates generally result in charges.)
                         
    Effect on EGP-related  
  balances if Unlocked  
  (after-tax) [1]  
If actual separate account returns were 1% above or below our aggregated estimated return
  $ 20           $ 40 [3]
If actual lapse rates were 1% above or below our estimated aggregate lapse rate
  $ 10           $ 25 [2]
If we changed our future separate account return rate by 1% from our aggregated estimated future return
  $ 90           $ 120  
If we changed our future lapse rate by 1% from our estimated aggregate future lapse rate
  $ 50           $ 80 [2]
 
Japan Variable Annuities
                       
 
(Increasing separate account returns and decreasing lapse rates generally result in benefits. Decreasing separate account returns and increasing lapse rates generally result in charges.)
 
    Effect on EGP-related  
  balances if Unlocked  
  (after-tax) [1]  
If actual separate account returns were 1% above or below our aggregated estimated return
  $ 5           $ 20 [4][5]
If actual lapse rates were 1% above or below our estimated aggregate lapse rate
  $ 1           $ 10 [2]
If we changed our future separate account return rate by 1% from our aggregated estimated future return
  $ 50           $ 70  
If we changed our future lapse rate by 1% from our estimated aggregate future lapse rate
  $ 10           $ 25 [2]
     
[1]  
These sensitivities are reflective of the results of our 2008 assumption studies. The Company’s EGP models assume that separate account returns are earned linearly and that lapses occur linearly (except for certain dynamic lapse features) throughout the year. Similarly, the sensitivities assume that differential separate account and lapse rates are linear and parallel and persist for one year from September 30, 2008, the date of our third quarter 2008 Unlock, and reflect all current in-force and account value data, including the corresponding market levels, allocation of funds, policyholder behavior and actuarial assumptions. These sensitivities are not perfectly linear nor perfectly symmetrical for increases and decreases. As such, extrapolating results over a wide range will decrease the accuracy of the sensitivities’ predictive ability. Sensitivity results are, in part, based on the current “in-the-moneyness” of various guarantees offered with the products. Future market conditions could significantly change the sensitivity results.
 
[2]  
Sensitivity around lapses assumes lapses increase or decrease consistently across all cohort years and products.
 
[3]  
The overall actual return generated by the U.S. variable annuity separate accounts is dependent on several factors, including the relative mix of the underlying sub-accounts among bond funds and equity funds as well as equity sector weightings and as a result of the large proportion of separate account assets invested in U.S. equity markets, the Company’s overall U.S. separate account fund performance has been reasonably correlated to the overall performance of the S&P 500 although no assurance can be provided that this correlation will continue in the future.
 
[4]  
The overall actual return generated by the Japan variable annuity separate accounts is influenced by the variable annuity products offered in Japan as well as the wide variety of funds offered within the sub-accounts of those products. The actual return is also dependent upon the relative mix of the underlying sub-accounts among the funds. Unlike in the U.S., there is no global index or market that reasonably correlates with the overall Japan actual separate account fund performance.
 
[5]  
For the Company’s 3Win product in Japan, which represented approximately $3.2 billion account values as of September 30, 2008, significant movements in the contract holders account value, (which is partially dependent upon equity market movements due to fixed contractual investment allocations) down by more than 20% of the initial deposit, require the contract holder to withdraw 80% of their initial deposit without penalty or recover their initial investment through a payout annuity. The exercise of these options will result in an acceleration of the amount of DAC amortization in a specific reporting period. As of September 30, 2008, the contract holder with the largest account value decline was 17.4% down from their initial deposit. The average for all contract holders was 13% down from initial deposits. As of September 30, 2008, the Company had $219 of DAC associated with the Japan 3Win product. Subsequent to September 30, 2008, equity markets further declined from their September 30, 2008 levels. As a result, as of October 27, 2008, approximately 95% of all 3Win contractholders now have account values that are 20% down from their initial deposit. This will result in accelerated amortization of DAC in the fourth quarter of 2008 of at least $124, after-tax. Additionally, to the extent policyholders elect the annuity option, the Company will establish a reserve for future annuity payments. Based on current assumptions about the percentage of policyholders who will elect the annuity option and expected investment returns, which could be higher or lower than today’s investment returns and a yen to dollar exchange rate of ¥93 to $1 dollar, the Company estimates that establishing this reserve will reduce net income in the fourth quarter by $60-$100, after-tax. Further declines in equity markets during the fourth quarter of 2008 or thereafter could cause the entire DAC balance of $219 to be amortized.

 

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An “Unlock” only revises EGPs to reflect current best estimate assumptions. With or without an Unlock, and even after an Unlock occurs, the Company must also test the aggregate recoverability of the DAC and sales inducement assets by comparing the original amounts deferred to the present value of total EGPs (both actual past gross profits and estimates of future gross profits). In addition, the Company routinely stress tests its DAC and sales inducement assets for recoverability against severe declines in its separate account assets, which could occur if the equity markets experienced a significant sell-off, as the majority of policyholders’ funds in the separate accounts is invested in the equity market. As of September 30, 2008, the Company believed U.S. individual and Japan individual variable annuity separate account assets could fall, through a combination of negative market returns, lapses and mortality, by at least 39% and 64%, respectively, before portions of its DAC and sales inducement assets would be unrecoverable. However, because equity markets have continued to decline since September 30, 2008, this margin has been reduced.
Valuation of Investments and Derivative Instruments
The Hartford’s investments in fixed maturities include bonds, redeemable preferred stock and commercial paper. These investments, along with certain equity securities, which include common and non-redeemable preferred stocks, are classified as “available-for-sale” and are carried at fair value. The after-tax difference from cost or amortized cost is reflected in stockholders’ equity as a component of AOCI, after adjustments for the effect of deducting the life and pension policyholders’ share of the immediate participation guaranteed contracts and certain life and annuity deferred policy acquisition costs and reserve adjustments. The equity investments associated with the variable annuity products offered in Japan are recorded at fair value and are classified as “trading” with changes in fair value recorded in net investment income. Policy loans are carried at outstanding balance, which approximates fair value. Mortgage loans on real estate are recorded at the outstanding principal balance adjusted for amortization of premiums or discounts and net of valuation allowances, if any. Short-term investments are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Limited partnerships and other alternative investments are reported at their carrying value with the change in carrying value accounted for under the equity method and accordingly the Company’s share of earnings are included in net investment income. Other investments primarily consist of derivatives instruments which are carried at fair value.
Valuation of Fixed Maturity, Short-term, and Equity Securities, Available-for-Sale
The fair value for fixed maturity, short-term, and equity securities, available-for-sale, is determined by management after considering one of three primary sources of information: third party pricing services, independent broker quotations, or pricing matrices. Security pricing is applied using a “waterfall” approach whereby publicly available prices are first sought from third party pricing services, the remaining unpriced securities are submitted to independent brokers for prices, or lastly, securities are priced using a pricing matrix. Typical inputs used by these three pricing methods include, but are not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, and/or estimated cash flows and prepayments speeds. Based on the typical trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices for fixed maturities, third party pricing services will normally derive the security prices through recent reported trades for identical or similar securities making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable information as outlined above. If there are no recent reported trades, the third party pricing services and brokers may use matrix or model processes to develop a security price where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate. Included in the pricing of asset-backed securities (“ABS”), collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), and mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) are estimates of the rate of future prepayments of principal over the remaining life of the securities. Such estimates are derived based on the characteristics of the underlying structure and prepayment speeds previously experienced at the interest rate levels projected for the underlying collateral. Actual prepayment experience may vary from these estimates.
Prices from third party pricing services are often unavailable for securities that are rarely traded or are traded only in privately negotiated transactions. As a result, certain securities are priced via independent broker quotations which utilize inputs that may be difficult to corroborate with observable market based data. Additionally, the majority of these independent broker quotations are non-binding. A pricing matrix is used to price securities for which the Company is unable to obtain either a price from a third party pricing service or an independent broker quotation. The pricing matrix used by the Company begins with current spread levels to determine the market price for the security. The credit spreads, as assigned by a knowledgeable private placement broker, incorporate the issuer’s credit rating and a risk premium, if warranted, due to the issuer’s industry and the security’s time to maturity. The issuer-specific yield adjustments, which can be positive or negative, are updated twice per year, as of June 30 and December 31, by the private placement broker and are intended to adjust security prices for issuer-specific factors. The Company assigns a credit rating to these securities based upon an internal analysis of the issuer’s financial strength.
The Company performs a monthly analysis on the prices and credit spreads received from third parties to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value. This process involves quantitative and qualitative analysis and is overseen by investment and accounting professionals. Examples of procedures performed include, but are not limited to, initial and on-going review of third party pricing services methodologies, review of pricing statistics and trends, back testing recent trades, and monitoring of trading volumes. In addition, the Company ensures whether prices received from independent brokers represent a reasonable estimate of fair value through the use of internal and external cash flow models developed based on spreads, and when available, market indices. As a result of this analysis, if the Company determines that there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the available market data, the price received from the third party is adjusted accordingly. During the third quarter, the Company made fair value determinations which lowered prices received from third party pricing services and brokers by a total of $487. The securities adjusted had an amortized cost and fair value after the adjustment of $4.3 billion and $2.8 billion, respectively, and were primarily CMBS securities.

 

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In accordance with SFAS 157, the Company has analyzed the third party pricing services valuation methodologies and related inputs, and has also evaluated the various types of securities in its investment portfolio to determine an appropriate SFAS 157 fair value hierarchy level based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs. For further discussion of SFAS 157, see Note 4 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Based on this, each price was classified into Level 1, 2, or 3. Most prices provided by third party pricing services are classified into Level 2 because the inputs used in pricing the securities are market observable.
Due to a general lack of transparency in the process that brokers use to develop prices, most valuations that are based on brokers’ prices are classified as Level 3. Some valuations may be classified as Level 2 if the price can be corroborated. Internal matrix priced securities, primarily consisting of certain private placement debt, are also classified as Level 3. The matrix pricing of certain private placement debt includes significant non-observable inputs, the internally determined credit rating of the security and an externally provided credit spread.
The following table presents the fair value of fixed maturity, short-term and equity securities, available-for-sale, by pricing source and SFAS 157 hierarchy level as of September 30, 2008.
                                 
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
Priced via third party pricing services
  $ 917     $ 53,183     $ 3,869     $ 57,969  
Priced via independent broker quotations
                4,178       4,178  
Priced via matrices
          367       5,495       5,862  
Priced via other methods [1]
          4       3,808       3,812  
Short-term investments [2]
    837       4,516             5,353  
 
                       
Total
  $ 1,754     $ 58,070     $ 17,350     $ 77,174  
 
                       
% of Total
    2.3 %     75.2 %     22.5 %     100.0 %
 
                       
     
[1]  
Primarily represents securities for which adjustments were made to reduce prices received from third parties.
 
[2]  
Short-term investments are primarily valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between knowledgeable, unrelated willing parties using inputs, including assumptions and estimates, a market participant would utilize. As such, the estimated fair value of a financial instrument may differ significantly from the amount that could be realized if the security was sold immediately.
The following table presents the fair value of the significant asset sectors within the SFAS 157 Level 3 securities classification as of September 30, 2008.
                 
            % of Total  
    Fair Value     Fair Value  
ABS
               
Below prime
  $ 1,983       11.4 %
Collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”)
    2,472       14.3 %
Other
    908       5.2 %
Corporate
               
Matrix priced private placements
    5,035       29.0 %
Other
    2,830       16.3 %
Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”)
    2,688       15.5 %
Preferred stock
    887       5.1 %
Other
    547       3.2 %
 
           
Total Level 3 securities
  $ 17,350       100.0 %
 
           
 
ABS below prime primarily represents sub-prime and Alt-A securities which are classified as Level 3 due to the lack of liquidity in the market.
 
 
ABS CLOs represent senior secured bank loan CLOs which are primarily priced by independent brokers.
 
 
ABS Other primarily represents broker priced securities.
 
 
Corporate matrix priced represents private placement securities that are thinly traded and priced using a pricing matrix which includes significant non-observable inputs.
 
 
Corporate other primarily represents broker priced securities which are thinly traded and privately negotiated transactions.
 
 
CMBS primarily represents CMBS bonds and commercial real estate collateralized debt obligations (“CRE CDOs”) which were either fair valued by the Company or by independent brokers due to the illiquidity of this sector.
 
 
Preferred stock primarily represents perpetual preferred securities that are currently illiquid due to market conditions.

 

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Valuation of Derivative Instruments, excluding embedded derivatives within liability contracts
Derivative instruments are reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value and are reported in Other Investments and Other Liabilities. Derivative instruments are fair valued using pricing valuation models, which utilize market data inputs or independent broker quotations. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, 97% and 89% of derivatives, respectively, based upon notional values, were priced by valuation models, which utilize independent market data. The remaining derivatives were priced by broker quotations. The derivatives are valued using mid-market level inputs, with the exception of the customized swap contracts that hedge GMWB liabilities, that are predominantly observable in the market. Inputs used to value derivatives include, but are not limited to, interest swap rates, foreign currency forward and spot rates, credit spreads and correlations, interest and equity volatility and equity index levels. The Company performs a monthly analysis on derivative valuations which includes both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Examples of procedures performed include, but are not limited to, review of pricing statistics and trends, back testing recent trades, analyzing the impacts of changes in the market environment, and review of changes in market value for each derivative including those derivatives priced by brokers.
The following table presents the fair value and notional value of derivatives instruments by SFAS 157 hierarchy level as of September 30, 2008.
                 
    Notional Value     Fair Value  
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
  $ 3,084     $  
Significant observable inputs (Level 2)
    25,509       (88 )
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
    31,376       690  
 
           
Total
  $ 59,969     $ 602  
 
           
The following table presents the fair value and notional value of the derivative instruments within the SFAS 157 Level 3 securities classification as of September 30, 2008.
                 
    Notional Value     Fair Value  
Credit derivatives
  $ 3,945     $ (568 )
Interest derivatives
    3,384       (23 )
Equity derivatives
    23,517       1,241  
Other
    530       40  
 
           
Total Level 3
  $ 31,376     $ 690  
 
           
Derivative instruments classified as Level 3 include complex derivatives, primarily consisting of equity options and swaps, interest rate derivatives which have interest rate optionality, certain credit default swaps, and long-dated interest rate swaps. These derivative instruments are valued using pricing models which utilize both observable and unobservable inputs and, to a lesser extent, broker quotations. A derivative instrument that is priced using both observable and unobservable inputs will be classified as a Level 3 financial instrument in its entirety if the unobservable input is significant in developing the price.
The Company utilizes derivative instruments to manage the risk associated with certain assets and liabilities. However, the derivative instrument may not be classified with the same fair value hierarchy level as the associated assets and liabilities.
Evaluation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Available-for-Sale Securities
One of the significant estimates related to available-for-sale securities is the evaluation of investments for other-than-temporary impairments. If a decline in the fair value of an available-for-sale security is judged to be other-than-temporary, a charge is recorded in net realized capital losses equal to the difference between the fair value and cost or amortized cost basis of the security. In addition, for securities expected to be sold, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is recognized if the Company does not expect the fair value of a security to recover to cost or amortized cost prior to the expected date of sale. The fair value of the other-than-temporarily impaired investment becomes its new cost basis. For fixed maturities, the Company accretes the new cost basis to par or to the estimated future value over the expected remaining life of the security by adjusting the security’s yield.
The evaluation of impairments is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties and is intended to determine whether declines in the fair value of investments should be recognized in current period earnings. The risks and uncertainties include changes in general economic conditions, the issuer’s financial condition or near term recovery prospects, the effects of changes in interest rates or credit spreads and the recovery period. The Company has a security monitoring process overseen by a committee of investment and accounting professionals (“the committee”) that identifies securities that, due to certain characteristics, as described below, are subjected to an enhanced analysis on a quarterly basis. Based on this evaluation, as of September 30, 2008, the Company concluded $3.1 billion of unrealized losses were other-than-temporarily impaired and as of September 30, 2008, the Company’s unrealized losses for fixed maturity and available-for-sale equity securities of $7.8 billion were temporarily impaired.

 

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Securities not subject to Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 99-20, “Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased Beneficial Interests and Beneficial Interests That Continued to Be Held by a Transferor in Securitized Financial Assets” (“non-EITF Issue No. 99-20 securities”) that are in an unrealized loss position, are reviewed at least quarterly to determine if an other-than-temporary impairment is present based on certain quantitative and qualitative factors. The primary factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in value for non-EITF Issue No. 99-20 securities is other-than-temporary include: (a) the length of time which the fair value has been less than cost or amortized cost and the expected recovery period of the security, generally two years, (b) the financial condition, credit rating and near-term prospects of the issuer, (c) whether the debtor is current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments and (d) the intent and ability of the Company to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery.
For securitized financial assets with contractual cash flows, including those subject to EITF Issue No. 99-20, the Company periodically updates its best estimate of cash flows over the life of the security. Currently the Company’s best estimate of cash flows uses severe economic assumptions due to market uncertainty. If the fair value of a securitized financial asset is less than its cost or amortized cost and there has been an adverse change in timing or amount of anticipated future cash flows since the last revised estimate, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is recognized. The Company also considers its intent and ability to retain a temporarily depressed security until recovery. Estimating future cash flows is a quantitative and qualitative process that incorporates information received from third party sources along with certain internal assumptions and judgments regarding the future performance of the underlying collateral. In addition, projections of expected future cash flows may change based upon new information regarding the performance of the underlying collateral.
Each quarter, during this analysis, the Company asserts its intent and ability to retain until recovery those securities judged to be temporarily impaired. Once identified, these securities are systematically restricted from trading unless approved by the committee. The committee will only authorize the sale of these securities based on predefined criteria that relate to events that could not have been foreseen. Examples of the criteria include, but are not limited to, the deterioration in the issuer’s creditworthiness, a change in regulatory requirements or a major business combination or major disposition.
In light of recent regulatory comments by the Securities and Exchange Commission on other-than-temporary impairments along with expected deliberations at the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Company will continue to evaluate its policy on other-than-temporary impairments.

 

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CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,
Operating Summary   2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change
Earned premiums
  $ 3,903     $ 4,062       (4 %)   $ 11,637     $ 11,760       (1 %)
Fee income
    1,333       1,398       (5 %)     4,056       4,026       1 %
Net investment income (loss)
                                               
Securities available-for-sale and other
    1,103       1,298       (15 %)     3,526       3,907       (10 %)
Equity securities held for trading [1]
    (3,415 )     (698 )   NM       (5,840 )     746     NM  
 
                                   
Total net investment income (loss)
    (2,312 )     600     NM       (2,314 )     4,653     NM  
Other revenues
    132       126       5 %     377       368       2 %
Net realized capital losses
    (3,449 )     (363 )   NM       (5,102 )     (565 )   NM  
 
                                   
Total revenues
    (393 )     5,823     NM       8,654       20,242       (57 %)
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses
    3,994       3,666       9 %     10,937       10,543       4 %
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses — returns credited on International variable annuities [1]
    (3,415 )     (698 )   NM       (5,840 )     746     NM  
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits
    1,927       476     NM       3,201       2,185       46 %
Insurance operating costs and expenses
    1,029       973       6 %     3,026       2,826       7 %
Interest expense
    84       67       25 %     228       196       16 %
Other expenses
    171       164       4 %     542       522       4 %
 
                                   
Total benefits, losses and expenses
    3,790       4,648       (18 %)     12,094       17,018       (29 %)
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (4,183 )     1,175     NM       (3,440 )     3,224     NM  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (1,552 )     324     NM       (1,497 )     870     NM  
 
                                   
Net income (loss)
  $ (2,631 )   $ 851     NM     $ (1,943 )   $ 2,354     NM  
 
                                   
     
[1]  
Includes investment income and mark-to-market effects of equity securities held for trading supporting the international variable annuity business, which are classified in net investment income with corresponding amounts credited to policyholders within benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses.
                                                 
Segment Results   2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change
Life
                                               
Retail [1]
  $ (822 )   $ 294     NM     $ (729 )   $ 616     NM  
Individual Life
    (102 )     55     NM       (52 )     151     NM  
 
                                   
Total Individual Markets Group
    (924 )     349     NM       (781 )     767     NM  
Retirement Plans
    (160 )     4     NM       (134 )     54     NM  
Group Benefits
    (186 )     83     NM       (78 )     235     NM  
 
                                   
Total Employer Markets Group
    (346 )     87     NM       (212 )     289     NM  
International [1]
    (107 )     90     NM       (27 )     185     NM  
Institutional
    (393 )     8     NM       (543 )     60     NM  
Other
    (45 )     (9 )   NM       (73 )     (20 )   NM  
 
                                   
Total Life [1]
    (1,815 )     525     NM       (1,636 )     1,281     NM  
Property & Casualty
                                               
Ongoing Operations
                                               
Underwriting results
                                               
Personal Lines
    (45 )     78     NM       78       292       (73 %)
Small Commercial
    82       119       (31 %)     270       304       (11 %)
Middle Market
    (38 )     22     NM       14       89       (84 %)
Specialty Commercial
    (43 )     6     NM       20       50       (60 %)
 
                                   
Ongoing Operations underwriting results
    (44 )     225     NM       382       735       (48 %)
Net servicing income [2]
    14       16       (13 %)     21       41       (49 %)
Net investment income
    285       346       (18 %)     929       1,082       (14 %)
Net realized losses
    (1,268 )     (72 )   NM       (1,455 )     (73 )   NM  
Other expenses
    (58 )     (63 )     8 %     (180 )     (179 )     (1 %)
Income taxes
    405       (111 )   NM       195       (452 )   NM  
 
                                   
Ongoing Operations
    (666 )     341     NM       (108 )     1,154     NM  
Other Operations
    (108 )     12     NM       (91 )     4     NM  
 
                                   
Total Property & Casualty
    (774 )     353     NM       (199 )     1,158     NM  
Corporate
    (42 )     (27 )     (56 %)     (108 )     (85 )     (27 %)
 
                                   
Net income (loss) [1]
  $ (2,631 )   $ 851     NM     $ (1,943 )   $ 2,354     NM  
 
                                   
     
[1]  
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the transition impact related to the SFAS 157 adoption was a reduction in net income of $209 and $11 for Retail and International, respectively. For further discussion of the SFAS 157 adoption impact, refer to Note 4.
 
[2]  
Net of expenses related to service business.

 

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The Hartford defines “NM” as not meaningful for increases or decreases greater than 200%, or changes from a net gain to a net loss position, or vice versa.
Three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007
Net income decreased $3.5 billion primarily due to a decrease of $2.3 billion from Life and $1.1 billion from Property & Casualty.
The decrease in Life’s net income was due to the following:
 
Realized losses increased $1,724 as compared to the comparable prior year period primarily due to increased impairments in 2008. For further discussion, please refer to the Realized Capital Gains and Losses by Segment table under Life’s Operating Section of the MD&A.
 
 
Life recorded a DAC unlock charge of $941, after-tax, during the third quarter of 2008 as compared to a DAC unlock benefit of $210, after-tax, during the third quarter of 2007. See Critical Accounting Estimates within MD&A for a further discussion on the DAC unlock.
 
 
Declines in assets under management in Retail, primarily due to equity market declines during 2008, drove fee income in that segment down $65 as compared to the third quarter of 2007.
 
 
Declines in net investment income on securities, available for sale and other of $124, due to a decrease in investment yield for fixed maturities and declines in limited partnership and other alternative investments income.
Property & Casualty results for the three month period changed from net income of $353 in 2007 to a net loss of $774 in 2008, largely due to an $880 after-tax increase in net realized capital losses on investments and a $190 after-tax increase in current accident year catastrophes.
 
Ongoing Operations’ results changed from net income of $341 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 to a net loss of $666 for the three months ended September 30, 2008. Before income taxes, Ongoing Operations’ results deteriorated by $1.5 billion, primarily due to a $1.2 billion increase in net realized capital losses on investments and, to a lesser extent, a $293 increase in current accident year catastrophes and a $61 decrease in net investment income, partially offset by a $59 increase in net favorable prior accident year reserve development. The increase in net realized capital losses of $1.2 billion in 2008 was primarily due to impairments of corporate debt and equity securities in the financial services sector. The $293 increase in current accident year catastrophes was largely due to losses incurred from hurricane Ike in September of 2008. Contributing to the $61 decrease in net investment income was a decrease in investment yield for limited partnerships and other alternative investments and, to a lesser extent, a decrease in yield on fixed maturity investments. Net favorable reserve development for Ongoing Operations in 2008 was largely driven by releases of reserves for workers’ compensation, personal auto liability and professional liability claims.
 
 
Other Operations’ results changed from net income of $12 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 to a net loss of $108 for the three months ended September 30, 2008. Before income taxes, Other Operations’ results deteriorated by $184, primarily due to a $157 increase in net realized capital losses on investments, largely driven by impairments of corporate debt and equity securities in the financial services sector.
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007
Net income decreased $4.3 billion primarily due to a decrease of $2.9 billion from Life and $1.4 billion from Property & Casualty.
The decrease in Life’s net income was due to the following:
 
Realized losses increased as compared to the comparable prior year period primarily due to net losses from the adoption of SFAS 157 and impairments. For further discussion, please refer to the Realized Capital Gains and Losses by Segment table under Life’s Operating Section of the MD&A.
 
 
Life recorded a DAC unlock charge of $941, after-tax, during the third quarter of 2008 as compared to a DAC unlock benefit of $210, after-tax, during the third quarter of 2007. See Critical Accounting Estimates with Managements Discussion and Analysis for a further discussion on the DAC unlock.
 
 
Declines in assets under management in Retail, primarily due to equity market declines during 2008, drove fee income in that segment down $70 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
 
 
Declines in net investment income on securities, available-for-sale, and other of $212, primarily due to a decrease in investment yield for fixed maturities and declines in limited partnership and other alternative investments income.
 
 
Death benefits in Individual Life increased $43 due to growth in in-force and unfavorable mortality.
Partially offsetting the decrease in Life’s net income were the following:
 
Increased fee income of $72 on asset growth in International businesses.
 
 
Benefits of $13 from provision to filed return adjustments and revisions to estimates of the separate account dividends received deduction and foreign tax credit.
 
 
A charge of $21 recorded in the second quarter of 2007 for regulatory matters.

 

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Property & Casualty results for the nine month period changed from net income of $1.2 billion in 2007 to a net loss of $199 in 2008, largely due to a $1 billion after-tax increase in net realized capital losses on investments and a $282 after-tax increase in current accident year catastrophes.
 
Ongoing Operations’ results changed from net income of $1.2 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 to a net loss of $108 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Before income taxes, Ongoing Operations’ results deteriorated by $1.9 billion, primarily due to a $1.4 billion increase in net realized capital losses on investments and, to a lesser extent, a $434 increase in current accident year catastrophes and a $153 decrease in net investment income, partially offset by a $141 increase in net favorable prior accident year reserve development. The increase in net realized capital losses of $1.4 billion in 2008 was primarily due to impairments of corporate debt and equity securities in the financial services sector. The $434 increase in current accident year catastrophes was largely due to losses incurred from hurricane Ike in September of 2008 and an increase in losses from tornadoes and thunderstorms in the South and Midwest. Contributing to the $153 decrease in net investment income was a decrease in investment yield for limited partnerships and other alternative investments and, to a lesser extent, a decrease in yield on fixed maturity investments. Net favorable reserve development for Ongoing Operations in 2008 was largely driven by releases of reserves for workers’ compensation and professional liability claims.
 
Other Operations’ results changed from net income of $4 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 to a net loss of $91 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Before income taxes, Other Operations’ results deteriorated by $144, primarily due to a $173 increase in net realized capital losses on investments, largely driven by impairments of corporate debt and equity securities in the financial services sector. Partially offsetting the increase in net realized capital losses was a $47 decrease in net unfavorable prior accident year reserve development.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was 37% and 28%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was 44% and 27%, respectively. The principal causes of the difference between the effective rate and the U.S. statutory rate of 35% were tax-exempt interest earned on invested assets and the separate account dividends received deduction (“DRD”). This caused an increase in the tax benefit on the 2008 pretax loss and a decrease in the tax expense on the 2007 pretax income.
The separate account DRD is estimated for the current year using information from the prior year-end, adjusted for current year equity market performance. The actual current year DRD can vary from estimates based on, but not limited to, changes in eligible dividends received by the mutual funds, amounts of distribution from these mutual funds, amounts of short-term capital gains at the mutual fund level and the Company’s taxable income before the DRD. The Company recorded benefits related to the separate account DRD of $50 and $27 in the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, and $158 and $115 in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The benefit recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 included prior period adjustments of $9 related to the 2007 tax return.
In Revenue Ruling 2007-61, issued on September 25, 2007, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) announced its intention to issue regulations with respect to certain computational aspects of DRD on separate account assets held in connection with variable annuity contracts. Revenue Ruling 2007-61 suspended Revenue Ruling 2007-54, issued in August 2007, that had purported to change accepted industry and IRS interpretations of the statutes governing these computational questions. Any regulations that the IRS ultimately proposes for issuance in this area will be subject to public notice and comment, at which time insurance companies and other members of the public will have the opportunity to raise legal and practical questions about the content, scope and application of such regulations. As a result, the ultimate timing and substance of any such regulations are unknown, but they could result in the elimination of some or all of the separate account DRD tax benefit that the Company receives. Management believes that it is highly likely that any such regulations would apply prospectively only.
The Company receives a foreign tax credit (“FTC”) against its U.S. tax liability for foreign taxes paid by the Company including payments from its separate account assets. The separate account FTC is estimated for the current year using information from the most recent filed return, adjusted for the change in the allocation of separate account investments to the international equity markets during the current year. The actual current year FTC can vary from the estimates due to actual FTCs passed through by the mutual funds. During the second quarter of 2008, the Company booked a tax benefit of $4 related to the 2007 provision to filed return adjustment. The Company recorded benefits related to separate account FTC of $3 and $3 in the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, and $14 and $7 in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

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In total, there was no net change in the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Unrecognized tax benefits increased by $12 as a result of tax positions expected to be taken on the Company’s 2008 tax return and decreased by $12 with respect to tax positions taken on the 2007 tax return. Total unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2008 were $76. This entire amount, if it were recognized, would lower the effective tax rate for the applicable periods.
The Company’s federal income tax returns are routinely audited by the IRS. The examination of the Company’s tax returns for 2002 through 2003 is anticipated to be completed during 2008. The 2004 through 2006 examination began during the second quarter of 2008, and is expected to close by the end of 2010. In addition, the Company is working with the IRS on a possible settlement of a DRD issue related to prior periods which, if settled, may result in the booking of tax benefits in early 2009. Such benefits are not expected to be material to the statement of operations.
Outlook
The Hartford provides projections and other forward-looking information in the “Outlook” section of each segment discussion within MD&A. The “Outlook” sections contain many forward-looking statements, particularly relating to the Company’s future financial performance. These forward-looking statements are estimates based on information currently available to the Company, are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are subject to the precautionary statements set forth in the introduction to MD&A above. Actual results are likely to differ materially from those forecast by the Company, depending on the outcome of various factors, including, but not limited to, those set forth in each “Outlook” section, in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report, and in Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors in this Form 10-Q.

 

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LIFE
Executive Overview
Life is organized into four groups which are comprised of six reporting segments: The Retail Products Group (“Retail”) and Individual Life segments make up the Individual Markets Groups. The Retirement Plans and Group Benefits segments make up the Employer Markets Group. The Institutional Solutions Group (“Institutional”) and International segments each make up their own group. Life provides investment and retirement products, such as variable and fixed annuities, mutual funds and retirement plan services and other institutional investment products, such as structured settlements; individual and private-placement life insurance and products including variable universal life, universal life, interest sensitive whole life and term life; and group benefit products, such as group life and group disability insurance.
The following provides a summary of the significant factors used by management to assess the performance of the business. For a complete discussion of these factors, see MD&A in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report.
Performance Measures
Fee Income
Fee income is largely driven from amounts collected as a result of contractually defined percentages of assets under management. These fees are generally collected on a daily basis. For individual life insurance products, fees are contractually defined as percentages based on levels of insurance, age, premiums and deposits collected and contract holder value. Life insurance fees are generally collected on a monthly basis. Therefore, the growth in assets under management either through positive net flows or net sales, or favorable equity market performance will have a favorable impact on fee income. Conversely, either negative net flows or net sales, or unfavorable equity market performance will reduce fee income.

 

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    As of and For the     As of and For the  
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Product/Key Indicator Information   2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
                               
Retail U.S. Individual Variable Annuities
                               
Account value, beginning of period
  $ 105,345     $ 121,529     $ 119,071     $ 114,365  
Net flows
    (1,540 )     (633 )     (4,357 )     (1,635 )
Change in market value and other
    (11,555 )     2,155       (22,464 )     10,321  
 
                       
Account value, end of period
  $ 92,250     $ 123,051     $ 92,250     $ 123,051  
 
                       
 
                               
Retail Mutual Funds
                               
Assets under management, beginning of period
  $ 47,239     $ 45,644     $ 48,383     $ 38,536  
Net sales
    816       651       3,838       4,285  
Change in market value and other
    (7,152 )     1,490       (11,318 )     4,964  
 
                       
Assets under management, end of period
  $ 40,903     $ 47,785     $ 40,903     $ 47,785  
 
                       
 
                               
Individual Life Insurance
                               
Variable universal life account value, end of period
  $ 5,848     $ 7,402     $ 5,848     $ 7,402  
Total life insurance in-force
  $ 191,361     $ 175,723     $ 191,361     $ 175,723  
 
                       
 
                               
Retirement Plans Group Annuities
                               
Account value, beginning of period
  $ 27,029     $ 26,255     $ 27,094     $ 23,575  
Net flows
    587       370       2,098       1,447  
Change in market value and other
    (2,448 )     546       (4,024 )     2,149  
 
                       
Account value, end of period
  $ 25,168     $ 27,171     $ 25,168     $ 27,171  
 
                       
 
                               
Retirement Plans Mutual Funds
                               
Assets under management, beginning of period
  $ 19,854     $ 1,329     $ 1,454     $ 1,140  
Net sales
    39       18       (69 )     71  
Acquisitions
                18,725        
Change in market value and other
    (1,767 )     62       (1,984 )     198  
 
                       
Assets under management, end of period
  $ 18,126     $ 1,409     $ 18,126     $ 1,409  
 
                       
 
                               
Japan Annuities
                               
Account value, beginning of period
  $ 38,122     $ 33,708     $ 37,637     $ 31,343  
Net flows
    579       1,398       1,839       3,874  
Change in market value and other
    (3,499 )     (900 )     (6,241 )     192  
Effect of currency translation
    (80 )     2,467       1,887       1,264  
 
                       
Account value, end of period
  $ 35,122     $ 36,673     $ 35,122     $ 36,673  
 
                       
 
                               
S&P 500 Index
                               
Period end closing value
    1,165       1,527       1,165       1,527  
Daily average value
    1,252       1,489       1,324       1,471  
 
                       
Assets under management, across all businesses except Retirement Plans Mutual Funds, declined from prior year results, primarily due to declines in equity markets during 2008. In addition:
 
Retail U.S. individual variable annuity recorded increased negative net flows as a result of increased competition and equity market volatility.
 
 
Retail Mutual funds has seen positive net sales as a result of diversified sales growth.
 
 
Individual Life in-force growth has occurred across multiple product lines, including variable universal life, guaranteed universal life and term.
 
 
Retirement Plans group annuities has seen positive net flows driven by strong sales.
 
 
Retirement Plans mutual funds reflects an increase of $18.7 billion in Retirement Plans mutual funds from the acquisition of servicing rights of Sun Life Retirement Services, Inc and Princeton Retirement Group, both of which closed in the first quarter of 2008. Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 reflect expected outflows on the acquired business.
 
 
International — Japan Annuities has seen positive net flows and favorable effects from currency exchange rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Net flows for the three and nine months ended have decreased in Japan annuities due to increased competition in Japan, particularly competition relating to products offered with living benefit guarantees.

 

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Net Investment Spread
Management evaluates performance of certain products based on net investment spread. These products include those that have insignificant mortality risk, such as fixed annuities, certain general account universal life contracts and certain institutional contracts. Net investment spread is determined by taking the difference between the earned rate and the related crediting rates on average general account assets under management. The net investment spreads shown below are for the total portfolio of relevant contracts in each segment and reflect business written at different times. When pricing products, the Company considers current investment yields and not the portfolio average. Net investment spread can be volatile period over period, which can have a significant positive or negative effect on the operating results of each segment. Investment earnings can also be influenced by factors such as the actions of the Federal Reserve and a decision to hold higher levels of short-term investments. The volatile nature of net investment spread is driven primarily by prepayment premiums on securities and earnings on limited partnership and other alternative investments.
Net investment spread is calculated as a percentage of general account assets and expressed in basis points (“bps”):
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Retail — Individual Annuity
  73bps   169bps   169bps   266bps
Individual Life
  86bps   137bps   116bps   131bps
Retirement Plans
  106bps   161bps   127bps   166bps
Institutional (GIC’s, Funding Agreements, Funding Agreement Backed Notes and Consumer Notes)
  20bps   113bps   63bps   100bps
 
Retail individual annuity, Retirement Plans and Institutional net investment spreads decreased primarily due to lower yields on limited partnerships and alternative investment income. Retail individual annuity and Retirement Plans declines also are impacted by decreases in interest rates.
 
 
Individual Life net investment spread decreased primarily due to lower yields on fixed maturities and declines on limited partnership and other alternative investment income, partially offset by reduced credited rates.
Premiums
Traditional insurance type products, such as those sold by Group Benefits, collect premiums from policyholders in exchange for financial protection for the policyholder from a specified insurable loss, such as death or disability. These premiums together with net investment income earned from the overall investment strategy are used to pay the contractual obligations under these insurance contracts. Two major factors, new sales and persistency, impact premium growth. Sales can increase or decrease in a given year based on a number of factors, including but not limited to, customer demand for the Company’s product offerings, pricing competition, distribution channels and the Company’s reputation and ratings. A majority of new sales correspond with the open enrollment periods of employers’ benefits, typically January 1 or July 1. Persistency refers to the percentage of policies remaining in-force from year-to-year.
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Group Benefits   2008     2007     2008     2007  
Total premiums and other considerations
  $ 1,109     $ 1,061     $ 3,283     $ 3,237  
Fully insured ongoing sales (excluding buyouts)
  $ 158     $ 125     $ 674     $ 630  
 
Total premiums and other considerations include $0 and $26, in buyout premiums for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively, and $1 of buyout premiums for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008. Total premiums and other considerations, excluding buyouts, increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 as increases in sales and persistency were offset by lower premiums in the medical stop loss business as a result of the renewal rights transaction that closed during the second quarter of 2007.

 

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Expenses
There are three major categories for expenses. The first major category of expenses is benefits and losses. These include the costs of mortality and morbidity, particularly in the group benefits business, and mortality in the individual life businesses, as well as other contractholder benefits to policyholders. In addition, traditional insurance type products generally use a loss ratio which is expressed as the amount of benefits incurred during a particular period divided by total premiums and other considerations, as a key indicator of underwriting performance. Since Group Benefits occasionally buys a block of claims for a stated premium amount, the Company excludes this buyout from the loss ratio used for evaluating the underwriting results of the business as buyouts may distort the loss ratio.
The second major category is insurance operating costs and expenses, which is commonly expressed in a ratio of a revenue measure depending on the type of business. The third major category is the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and the present value of future profits, which is typically expressed as a percentage of pre-tax income before the cost of this amortization (an approximation of actual gross profits). Retail individual annuity business accounts for the majority of the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits for Life.
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
Retail
                               
General insurance expense ratio (individual annuity)
  20.5 bps   16.6 bps   19.5 bps   17.2 bps
DAC amortization ratio (individual annuity) [1]
    555.9 %     (26.0 %)     154.6 %     21.4 %
DAC amortization ratio (individual annuity) excluding DAC Unlock [1], [3]
    42.3 %     47.0 %     42.8 %     46.3 %
Insurance expenses, net of deferrals
  $ 294     $ 305     $ 933     $ 889  
 
                       
 
Individual Life
                               
Death benefits
  $ 86     $ 78     $ 265     $ 222  
Insurance expenses, net of deferrals
    49       44       147       141  
 
                       
 
Group Benefits
                               
Total benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 780     $ 765     $ 2,379     $ 2,364  
Loss ratio (excluding buyout premiums)
    70.3 %     72.1 %     72.5 %     72.8 %
Insurance expenses, net of deferrals
  $ 283     $ 273     $ 838     $ 836  
Expense ratio (excluding buyout premiums)
    26.9 %     27.0 %     26.8 %     27.5 %
 
                       
 
International — Japan
                               
General insurance expense ratio
  47.0 bps   52.3 bps   47.3 bps   45.9 bps
DAC amortization ratio [2]
    605.6 %     20.0 %     68.2 %     31.2 %
DAC amortization ratio excluding DAC Unlock [2], [3]
    40.6 %     36.6 %     40.3 %     37.2 %
Insurance expenses, net of deferrals
  $ 60     $ 51     $ 171     $ 137  
 
                       
     
[1]  
Excludes the effects of realized gains and losses.
 
[2]  
Excludes the effects of realized gains and losses except for net periodic settlements. Included in the net realized capital gain (losses) are amounts that represent the net periodic accruals on currency rate swaps used in the risk management of Japan fixed annuity products.
 
[3]  
See Unlock and Sensitivity Analysis in the Critical Accounting Estimates section of the MD&A.
 
The Retail DAC amortization ratio (individual annuity), excluding the effects of the 2008 Unlock and realized losses, decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, due to amortization rates declining as a result of the 2007 Unlock.
 
 
Retail insurance expenses, net of deferrals, increased during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 primarily due to increasing non-deferrable commissions on strong mutual fund deposits, while insurance expenses, net of deferrals decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2008 as trail commissions on declining individual annuity account values decreased.
 
 
Retail — individual annuity’s general insurance expense ratio has increased primarily due to individual annuity assets declining due to declining equity markets.
 
 
Individual Life death benefits increased, primarily due to a larger life insurance in-force for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and unfavorable mortality for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.
 
 
Individual Life insurance expenses, net of deferrals increased in line with growth of in-force business.
 
 
Group Benefits loss ratio decreased due to favorable morbidity and favorable medical stop loss experience partially offset by unfavorable mortality.
 
 
Group Benefits expense ratio, excluding buyouts decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 due primarily to lower commission expense.
 
 
International — Japan DAC amortization ratio, excluding DAC Unlock and certain realized gains or losses, increased due to actual gross profits being less than expected as a result of lower fees earned on declining assets resulting in negative true-ups and a higher DAC amortization rate.
 
 
International — Japan insurance expenses, net of deferrals increased due to growth and strategic investment in the Japan operation.

 

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Profitability
Management evaluates the rates of return various businesses can provide as an input in determining where additional capital should be invested to increase net income and shareholder returns. The Company uses the return on assets for the individual annuity business for evaluating profitability. In Group Benefits and Individual Life, after-tax margin is a key indicator of overall profitability.
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Ratios   2008     2007     2008     2007  
Retail
                               
Individual annuity return on assets (“ROA”)
  (305.1 )bps   83.7 bps   (88.2 )bps   58.8 bps
Effect of net realized gains (losses), net of tax and DAC on ROA [1]
  (99.5 )bps   (21.2 )bps   (65.1 )bps   (14.2 )bps
Effect of DAC Unlock on ROA [3]
  (267.4 )bps   54.7 bps   (84.0 )bps   18.6 bps
 
                       
ROA excluding realized gains (losses) and DAC Unlock
  61.8 bps   50.2 bps   60.9 bps   54.4 bps
 
                       
 
                               
Individual Life
                               
After-tax margin
    (85.7 )%     20.6 %     (7.9 )%     17.7 %
Effect of net realized gains (losses), net of tax and DAC on after-tax margin [1]
    (68.4 )%     (1.3 )%     (15.6 )%     (0.2 )%
Effect of DAC Unlock on after-tax margin [3]
    (31.9 )%     5.7 %     (6.5 )%     1.8 %
 
                       
After-tax margin excluding realized gains (losses) and DAC Unlock
    14.6 %     16.2 %     14.2 %     16.1 %
 
                       
 
                               
Retirement Plans
                               
Retirement Plans ROA
  (141.9 )bps   5.7 bps   (49.7 )bps   27.0 bps
Effect of net realized gains (losses), net of tax and DAC on ROA [1]
  (109.1 )bps   (20.0 )bps   (55.1 )bps   (6.5 )bps
Effect of DAC Unlock on ROA [3]
  (43.4 )bps   (12.8 )bps   (18.1 )bps   (4.5 )bps
 
                       
ROA excluding realized gains (losses) and DAC Unlock
  10.6 bps   38.5 bps   23.5 bps   38.0 bps
 
                       
 
                               
Group Benefits
                               
After-tax margin (excluding buyouts)
    (23.9 )%     7.1 %     (2.5 )%     6.6 %
Effect of net realized gains (losses), net of tax on after-tax margin [1]
    (32.2 )%     (0.5 )%     (9.6 )%     (0.2 )%
 
                       
After-tax margin excluding realized gains (losses)
    8.3 %     7.6 %     7.1 %     6.8 %
 
                       
 
                               
International — Japan
                               
International — Japan ROA
  (88.5 )bps   111.4 bps   0.7 bps   80.4 bps
Effect of net realized gains (losses) excluding net periodic settlements, net of tax and DAC on ROA [1] [2]
  (32.8 )bps   11.4 bps   (29.7 )bps   (3.2 )bps
Effect of DAC Unlock on ROA [3]
  (125.6 )bps   25.0 bps   (42.2 )bps   8.7 bps
 
                       
ROA excluding realized gains (losses) and DAC Unlock
  69.9 bps   75.0 bps   72.6 bps   74.9 bps
 
                       
 
                               
Institutional
                               
Institutional ROA
  (255.6 )bps   5.5 bps   (118.5 )bps   14.4 bps
Effect of net realized gains (losses), net of tax and DAC on ROA [1]
  (255.6 )bps   (19.9 )bps   (129.2 )bps   (10.6 )bps
Effect of DAC Unlock on ROA [3]
        0.7 bps         0.3 bps
 
                       
ROA excluding realized gains (losses) and DAC Unlock
        24.7 bps   10.7 bps   24.7 bps
 
                       
     
[1]  
See “Realized Capital Gains and Losses by Segment” table within the Life Section of the MD&A.
 
[2]  
Included in the net realized capital gain (losses) are amounts that represent the net periodic accruals on currency rate swaps used in the risk management of Japan fixed annuity products.
 
[3]  
See Unlock and Sensitivity Analysis within the Critical Accounting Estimates section of the MD&A.
 
The increase in Retail — individual annuity ROA, excluding realized gains (losses) and the effect of the DAC Unlock, was primarily due to declining DAC amortization in 2008, and a higher DRD benefit.
 
 
The decrease in Individual Life’s after-tax margin, excluding realized gains (losses) and the effect of the DAC Unlock, was primarily due to the implementation of a more efficient capital approach for our secondary guarantee universal life business which drove down assets supporting capital and the related net investment income earned on those assets, described further in Individual Life’s “Outlook” section of the MD&A, lower net investment income from limited partnership and other alternative investments and lower fees from equity market declines, partially offset by life insurance in-force growth, lower credited rates and higher surrender charges for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2008, as well as unfavorable mortality for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.
 
 
The decrease in Retirement Plans ROA, excluding realized gains (losses) and the effect of the DAC Unlock, was primarily driven by an increase in assets under management due to the acquired rights to service $18.7 billion in mutual funds, comprised of $15.8 billion in mutual funds from Sun Life Retirement Services, Inc., and $2.9 billion in mutual funds from Princeton Retirement Group, both of which closed in the first quarter of 2008. The acquired blocks of assets produce a lower ROA as they are comprised of larger cases that tend to have institutional pricing. Also contributing to the decrease was lower yields on fixed maturity investments and a decline in limited partnership and other alternative investment income, higher service and technology costs and additional expenses associated with the acquisitions. Offsetting the decrease for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, were benefits associated with DRD provision to filed return adjustments and changes in estimates.

 

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The Group Benefit increase in after-tax margin for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was primarily due to a favorable loss ratio.
 
 
International-Japan ROA, excluding realized gains (losses) and the effect of the DAC Unlock, declined due to lower earned fees as a result of declining account values, lower surrender fees due to a reduction in lapses and an increase in the DAC amortization rate due to lower actual gross profits.
 
 
The decrease in Institutional’s ROA, excluding realized gains (losses), is primarily due to a decrease in limited partnership and other alternative investment income.
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Operating Summary   2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change  
Earned premiums
  $ 1,335     $ 1,434       (7 %)   $ 3,869     $ 3,887        
Fee income
    1,329       1,394       (5 %)     4,042       4,013       1 %
Net investment income (loss)
                                               
Securities, available-for-sale and other
    759       883       (14 %)     2,407       2,619       (8 %)
Equity securities, held for trading [1]
    (3,415 )     (698 )   NM       (5,840 )     746     NM  
 
                                   
Total net investment income (loss)
    (2,656 )     185     NM       (3,433 )     3,365     NM  
Net realized capital losses
    (2,012 )     (288 )   NM       (3,460 )     (486 )   NM  
 
                                   
Total revenues [2]
    (2,004 )     2,725     NM       1,018       10,779       (91 %)
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses
    2,045       1,911       7 %     5,523       5,293       4 %
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment
expenses — returns credited on
International variable annuities [1]
    (3,415 )     (698 )   NM       (5,840 )     746     NM  
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits
    1,404       (49 )   NM       1,634       604       171 %
Insurance operating costs and other expenses
    838       811       3 %     2,518       2,379       6 %
 
                                   
Total benefits, losses and expenses
    872       1,975       (56 %)     3,835       9,022       (57 %)
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (2,876 )     750     NM       (2,817 )     1,757     NM  
Income (loss) tax expense (benefit)
    (1,061 )     225     NM       (1,181 )     476     NM  
 
                                   
Net income (loss) [3]
  $ (1,815 )   $ 525     NM     $ (1,636 )   $ 1,281     NM  
 
                                   
     
[1]  
Net investment income includes investment income and mark-to-market effects of equity securities, held for trading, supporting the international variable annuity business, which are classified in net investment income with corresponding amounts credited to policyholders.
 
[2]  
The transition impact related to the SFAS 157 adoption was a reduction in revenues of $650 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. For further discussion of the SFAS 157 transition impact, refer to Note 4 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
[3]  
The transition impact related to the SFAS 157 adoption was a reduction in net income of $220 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. For further discussion of the SFAS 157 transition impact, refer to Note 4 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007
The decrease in Life’s net income was due to the following:
 
Realized losses increased $1,724 as compared to the comparable prior year period primarily due to increased impairments and realized losses on credit default swaps in 2008. For further discussion, please refer to the Realized Capital Gains and Losses by Segment table under Life’s Operating Section of the MD&A.
 
 
Life recorded a DAC Unlock charge of $941, after-tax during, the third quarter of 2008 as compared to a DAC Unlock benefit of $210, after-tax, during the third quarter of 2007. See Critical Accounting Estimates within Managements Discussion and Analysis for a further discussion on the DAC Unlock.
 
 
Declines in assets under management in Retail, primarily due to equity market declines during 2008, drove fee income in that segment down $65 as compared to the third quarter of 2007.
 
 
Declines in net investment income on securities, available for sale and other of $124, due to a decrease in investment yield for fixed maturities and declines in limited partnership and other alternative investment income.

 

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Nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007
The decrease in Life’s net income was due to the following:
 
Realized losses increased as compared to the comparable prior year period primarily due to net losses from the adoption of SFAS 157 and impairments. For further discussion, please refer to the Realized Capital Gains and Losses by Segment table under Life’s Operating Section of the MD&A.
 
 
Life recorded a DAC Unlock charge of $941, after-tax, during the third quarter of 2008 as compared to a DAC Unlock benefit of $210, after-tax, during the third quarter of 2007. See Critical Accounting Estimates with Managements Discussion and Analysis for a further discussion on the DAC Unlock.
 
 
Declines in assets under management in Retail, primarily due to equity market declines during 2008, drove fee income in that segment down $70 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
 
 
Declines in net investment income on securities, available-for-sale and other of $212, primarily due to a decrease in investment yield for fixed maturities and declines in limited partnership and other alternative investments income.
 
 
Death benefits in Individual Life increased $43 due to growth in in-force and unfavorable mortality.
Partially offsetting the decrease in Life’s net income were the following:
 
Increased fee income of $72 on asset growth in International businesses.
 
 
Benefits of $13 from provision to filed return adjustments and revisions to estimates of the separate account dividends received deduction and foreign tax credit.
 
 
A charge of $21 recorded in the second quarter of 2007 for regulatory matters.

 

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Realized Capital Gains and Losses by Segment
Life includes net realized capital gains and losses in each reporting segment. Following is a summary of the types of realized gains and losses by segment:
Net realized gains (losses) for three months ended September 30, 2008
                                                                 
                    Japanese                                      
                    fixed                                      
                    annuity     Periodic net                             Total gains/  
                    contract     coupon     GMWB                     losses, net  
    Gains/losses             hedges,     settlements on     derivatives,     Other,             of tax and  
    on sales, net     Impairments     net     credit derivatives     net     net     Total     DAC  
Retail
  $ (16 )   $ (329 )   $     $ (1 )   $ (116 )   $ (21 )   $ (483 )   $ (283 )
Individual Life
          (175 )                       5       (170 )     (111 )
Retirement Plans
    (11 )     (174 )           (1 )           5       (181 )     (123 )
Group Benefits
          (428 )           (1 )           (12 )     (441 )     (287 )
International
    1       (84 )     36       (8 )     (17 )     5       (67 )     (36 )
Institutional
    (10 )     (498 )                       (97 )     (605 )     (394 )
Other
    (9 )     (72 )           3             13       (65 )     (43 )
 
                                               
Total
  $ (45 )   $ (1,760 )   $ 36     $ (8 )   $ (133 )   $ (102 )   $ (2,012 )   $ (1,277 )
 
                                               
Net realized gains (losses) for three months ended September 30, 2007
                                                                 
                    Japanese                                        
                    fixed                                     Total  
                    annuity     Periodic net                             gains/  
                    contract     coupon     GMWB                     losses, net  
    Gains/losses             hedges,     settlements on     derivatives,     Other,             of tax and  
    on sales, net     Impairments     net     credit derivatives     net     net     Total     DAC  
Retail
  $ (9 )   $ (22 )   $     $ 1     $ (139 )   $ (5 )   $ (174 )   $ (87 )
Individual Life
    (6 )     (4 )                       (6 )     (16 )     (11 )
Retirement Plans
    (6 )     (6 )                       (9 )     (21 )     (16 )
Group Benefits
          (3 )                       (7 )     (10 )     (6 )
International
    1       (3 )     15       (16 )     (2 )     5             1  
Institutional
    2       (36 )           1             (13 )     (46 )     (29 )
Other
    (2 )     (1 )           5             (23 )     (21 )     (15 )
 
                                               
Total
  $ (20 )   $ (75 )   $ 15     $ (9 )   $ (141 )   $ (58 )   $ (288 )   $ (163 )
 
                                               

 

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Net realized gains (losses) for the nine months ended September 30, 2008
                                                                         
                    Japanese                                                
                    fixed                                             Total  
                    annuity     Periodic net                                     gains/  
                    contract     coupon     GMWB     SFAS 157                     losses, net  
    Gains/losses             hedges,     settlements on     derivatives,     Transition     Other,             of tax and  
    on sales, net     Impairments     net     credit derivatives     net     Impact     net     Total     DAC  
Retail
  $ (24 )   $ (393 )   $     $ (3 )   $ (241 )   $ (616 )   $ (34 )   $ (1,311 )   $ (576 )
Individual Life
    (13 )     (207 )           (1 )                 (6 )     (227 )     (145 )
Retirement Plans
    (25 )     (210 )           (2 )                 1       (236 )     (149 )
Group Benefits
    (2 )     (468 )           (1 )                 (43 )     (514 )     (334 )
International
    (10 )     (106 )     13       (26 )     (15 )     (34 )           (178 )     (97 )
Institutional
    (44 )     (649 )           1                   (219 )     (911 )     (592 )
Other
    2       (82 )           6                   (9 )     (83 )     (54 )
 
                                                     
Total
  $ (116 )   $ (2,115 )   $ 13     $ (26 )   $ (256 )   $ (650 )   $ (310 )   $ (3,460 )   $ (1,947 )
 
                                                     
Net realized gains (losses) for the nine months ended September 30, 2007
                                                                 
                    Japanese                                        
                    fixed                                     Total  
                    annuity     Periodic net                             gains/  
                    contract     coupon                             losses, net  
    Gains/losses             hedges,     settlements on     GMWB                     of tax  
    on sales, net     Impairments     net     credit derivatives     derivatives, net     Other, net     Total     and DAC  
Retail
  $ (9 )   $ (28 )   $     $ 1     $ (250 )   $ (17 )   $ (303 )   $ (156 )
Individual Life
    5       (9 )                       (6 )     (10 )     (7 )
Retirement Plans
    (11 )     (7 )                       (1 )     (19 )     (14 )
Group Benefits
    (1 )     (5 )                       (8 )     (14 )     (9 )
International
    1       (3 )     3       (52 )     (2 )     (10 )     (63 )     (40 )
Institutional
    7       (56 )           1             (21 )     (69 )     (44 )
Other
    4       (1 )           16             (27 )     (8 )     (8 )
 
                                               
Total
  $ (4 )   $ (109 )   $ 3     $ (34 )   $ (252 )   $ (90 )   $ (486 )   $ (278 )
 
                                               
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007
For the three months ended September 30, 2008, net realized capital losses increased as a result of impairments and increases in Other, net losses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, net realized capital losses increased primarily due to the SFAS 157 transition impact in the first quarter of 2008 and higher net losses on both impairments and other net losses. A more expanded discussion of these components is as follows:
     
Gross Gains and Losses on Sale
 
     Gross gains on sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 were predominantly within fixed maturities and were primarily comprised of corporate securities. Gross losses on sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 were primarily comprised of corporate securities, CMBS, and municipal securities, as well as $17 of CLOs in the first quarter for which HIMCO is the collateral manager. Gross gains and losses on sale, excluding the loss on CLOs, primarily resulted from the decision to reallocate the portfolio to securities with more favorable risk/return profiles. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, securities sold at a loss were depressed, on average, approximately 7% and 2%, respectively, at the respective period’s impairment review date and were deemed to be temporarily impaired.
 
   
 
 
     Gross gains and losses on sales for three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 were primarily comprised of corporate securities. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, securities sold at a loss were depressed, on average, approximately 2% and 1%, respectively, at the respective period’s impairment review date and were deemed to be temporarily impaired.

 

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Impairments
 
     See the Other-Than-Temporary Impairments section for information on impairment losses.
 
   
SFAS 157
 
     See Note 4 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the SFAS 157 transition impact.
 
   
GMWB
 
     See Note 4 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of GMWB gains and losses.
 
   
Other
 
     Other, net losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 were primarily related to net losses on credit derivatives of $106 and $314, respectively. The net losses on credit derivatives were primarily due to significant credit spread widening on credit derivatives that assume credit exposure. Included in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were losses incurred in the first quarter on HIMCO managed CLOs. Also included were derivative related losses of $39 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 due to counterparty default related to the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc.
 
   
 
 
     Other, net losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 were primarily driven by the change in value of non-qualifying derivatives due to credit spread widening as well as fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates.

 

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RETAIL
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Operating Summary   2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change  
Fee income and other
  $ 723     $ 788       (8 %)   $ 2,229     $ 2,299       (3 %)
Earned premiums
    11       (13 )   NM       (2 )     (48 )     96 %
Net investment income
    184       205       (10 %)     567       602       (6 %)
Net realized capital losses
    (483 )     (174 )     (178 %)     (1,311 )     (303 )   NM  
 
                                   
Total revenues [1]
    435       806       (46 %)     1,483       2,550       (42 %)
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses
    351       210       67 %     741       609       22 %
Insurance operating costs and other expenses
    294       305       (4 %)     933       889       5 %
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits
    1,118       (126 )   NM       1,130       262     NM  
 
                                   
Total benefits, losses and expenses
    1,763       389     NM       2,804       1,760       59 %
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (1,328 )     417     NM       (1,321 )     790     NM
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (506 )     123     NM       (592 )     174     NM  
 
                                   
Net income (loss) [2]
  $ (822 )   $ 294     NM     $ (729 )   $ 616     NM
 
                                   
Assets Under Management
                                               
Individual variable annuity account values
                          $ 92,250     $ 123,051       (25 %)
Individual fixed annuity and other account values
                            10,687       10,263       4 %
Other retail products account values
                            500       671       (25 %)
 
                                         
Total account values [3]
                            103,437       133,985       (23 %)
Retail mutual fund assets under management
                            40,903       47,785       (14 %)
Other mutual fund assets under management
                            2,084       2,039       2 %
 
                                         
Total mutual fund assets under management
                            42,987       49,824       (14 %)
 
                                         
Total assets under management
                          $ 146,424     $ 183,809       (20 %)
 
                                         
     
[1]  
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the transition impact related to the SFAS 157 adoption was a reduction in revenues of $616. For further discussion of the SFAS 157 transition impact, refer to Note 4 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
[2]  
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the transition impact related to the SFAS 157 adoption was a reduction in net income of $209. For further discussion of the SFAS 157 transition impact, refer to Note 4 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
[3]  
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, includes policyholders’ balances for investment contracts and reserves for future policy benefits for insurance contracts.
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007
Net income decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, primarily due to increased realized capital losses due to other than temporary impairment charges and the 2008 Unlock charge as compared to the 2007 Unlock benefit. The nine months ended September 30, 2008 also included the adoption of SFAS 157 during the first quarter of 2008, which resulted in realized capital losses of $616. For further discussion of the SFAS 157 transition impact, see Note 4 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. For further discussion of realized capital losses, see the Realized Capital Gains and Losses by Segment table under Life’s Operating Section of the MD&A. For further discussion of the 2008 and 2007 Unlock, see the Critical Accounting Estimates section of the MD&A. The following other factors contributed to the changes in net income:
     
Fee income and other
 
     Fee income and other decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 primarily as a result of lower variable annuity fee income of $94 and $151, respectively. Variable annuity fee income decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 due to a decline in average variable annuity account values. The decrease in average variable annuity account values can be attributed to market depreciation of $25 billion and net outflows of $5 billion over the past four quarters. Net outflows were driven by surrender activity due to the aging of the variable annuity in-force block of business; increased sales competition, particularly competition related to guaranteed living benefits and volatility in the equity markets.
 
   
Earned Premiums
 
     Earned Premiums increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 primarily due to an increase in life contingent premiums combined with a decrease in reinsurance premiums as a result of significant decline in equity markets values.

 

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Net investment income
 
     Net investment income was lower primarily due to decreased yields on limited partnership and other alternative investments, combined with lower yields on fixed maturity investments due to interest rate declines.
 
   
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses
 
     Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 primarily as a result of the impact of the 2008 Unlock of the GMDB reserve and sales inducement asset.
 
   
Insurance operating costs and other expenses
 
     Insurance operating costs and other expenses declined for the three months ended September 30, 2008, principally driven by lower trail commissions as a result of the significant market declines at the end of the third quarter. Insurance operating costs increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 primarily as a result of increased non-deferrable commissions on higher sales of retail mutual funds.
 
   
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits (“DAC”)
 
     Amortization of DAC increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, primarily due to the impact of the 2008 Unlock charge as compared to the 2007 Unlock benefit, offset by DAC amortization benefits associated with increased realized capital losses. The nine months ended September 30, 2008 also includes a DAC benefit associated with the adoption of SFAS 157 at the beginning of the first quarter of 2008.
 
   
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
     For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the income tax benefits are caused by the pre-tax losses driven by the factors previously discussed. Differences from tax rates of 35% are caused by the recognition of tax benefits associated with the dividends received deduction and foreign tax credits.

 

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Outlook
Management believes the market for retirement products continues to expand as individuals increasingly save and plan for retirement. Demographic trends suggest that as the “baby boom” generation matures, a significant portion of the United States population will allocate a greater percentage of their disposable incomes to saving for their retirement years due to uncertainty surrounding the Social Security system and increases in average life expectancy.
Near-term, the industry and the Company are experiencing lower variable annuity sales as a result of recent market turbulence and uncertainty in the U.S. financial system. Current market pressures are also increasing the expected claim costs, the cost and effectiveness of hedging programs, and the level of capital needed to support living benefit guarantees. Some competitors may eventually revise pricing for living benefit guarantees or change the guarantees offered, but there is no assurance that this will happen.
Significant declines in equity markets and increased equity market volatility are also likely to continue to impact the cost and effectiveness of our GMWB hedging program. The significant declines and increased volatility in the equity markets caused a realized capital loss of $116 during the third quarter. As of the date of this filing, equity markets have experienced a sharp decline from September 30, 2008 levels and market volatility has increased dramatically. While the hedging program has performed as expected given the market conditions, hedge losses to date have significantly exceeded those sustained in the third quarter given the absolute level of liability movements. Continued equity market volatility could result in material losses in our hedging program. For more information on the GMWB hedging program, see the Equity Risk Management section within Capital Markets Risk Management.
During periods of volatile equity markets, policyholders may allocate more of their variable account assets to the fixed account options and fixed annuities may see increased sales.
For the retail mutual fund business net sales can vary significantly depending on market conditions. As this business continues to evolve, success will be driven by diversifying net sales across the mutual fund platform, delivering superior investment performance and creating new investment solutions for current and future mutual fund shareholders.
Based on results to date, management’s current full year projections for 2008 are as follows:
 
Variable annuity sales of $8 billion to $8.5 billion
 
 
Fixed annuity sales of $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion
 
 
Retail mutual fund sales of $14 billion to $14.8 billion
 
 
Variable annuity outflows of $6.2 billion to $6.9 billion
 
 
Fixed annuity flows of $(100) to $300
 
 
Retail mutual fund net sales of $2 billion to $2.5 billion

 

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INDIVIDUAL LIFE
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Operating Summary   2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change  
Fee income and other
  $ 220     $ 206       7 %   $ 675     $ 638       6 %
Earned premiums
    (15 )     (14 )     (7 %)     (52 )     (42 )     (24 %)
Net investment income
    84       91       (8 %)     264       267       (1 %)
Net realized capital losses
    (170 )     (16 )   NM       (227 )     (10 )   NM  
 
                                   
Total revenues
    119       267       (55 %)     660       853       (23 %)
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses
    159       143       11 %     466       415       12 %
Insurance operating costs and other expenses
    49       44       11 %     147       141       4 %
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits
    73       (1 )   NM       142       78       82 %
 
                                   
Total benefits, losses and expenses
    281       186       51 %     755       634       19 %
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (162 )     81     NM       (95 )     219     NM
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (60 )     26     NM       (43 )     68     NM  
 
                                   
Net income (loss)
  $ (102 )   $ 55     NM     $ (52 )   $ 151     NM
 
                                   
Account Values
                                               
Variable universal life insurance
                          $ 5,848     $ 7,402       (21 %)
Universal life/interest sensitive whole life
                            4,663       4,285       9 %
Modified guaranteed life and other
                            660       683       (3 %)
 
                                         
Total account values
                          $ 11,171     $ 12,370       (10 %)
 
                                         
Life Insurance In-force
                                               
Variable universal life insurance
                          $ 78,809     $ 76,498       3 %
Universal life/interest sensitive whole life
                            51,355       47,581       8 %
Term Life
                            60,261       50,641       19 %
Modified guaranteed life and other
                            936       1,003       (7 %)
 
                                         
Total life insurance in-force
                          $ 191,361     $ 175,723       9 %
 
                                         

 

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Three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2007
Net income decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, driven primarily by significantly higher realized capital losses and the impacts of the Unlock in the third quarter of 2007 as compared to the third quarter of 2008. For further discussion on the Unlock, see Unlock and Sensitivity Analysis in the Critical Accounting Estimates section of the MD&A. For further discussion of net realized capital losses, see Realized Capital Gains and Losses by Segment table under Life’s Operating Section of the MD&A. The following other factors contributed to the changes in net income:
     
Fee income and other
 
     Fee income and other increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 primarily due to growth in variable universal and universal life insurance in-force and fees on higher surrenders of $9 and $14, respectively, partially offset by impacts of the Unlock in the third quarter of 2008 compared to 2007 as well as equity market declines.
 
   
Earned premiums
 
     Earned premiums, which include premiums for ceded reinsurance, decreased primarily due to increased ceded reinsurance premiums due to life insurance in-force growth.
 
   
Net investment income
 
     Net investment income decreased due to lower investment yields driven primarily by lower yields on fixed maturity investments, lower income from limited partnership and other alternative investments and reduced net investment income associated with the capital approach for our secondary guarantee universal life business, described further in the “Outlook” section below, partially offset by growth in general account values.
 
   
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses
 
     Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 as a result of increased death benefits consistent with a larger life insurance in-force and the impacts of the Unlock in the third quarter of 2008 along with unfavorable mortality volatility for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.
 
   
Insurance operating costs and other expenses
 
     Insurance operating costs and other increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 in line with growth of in-force business.
 
   
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits (“DAC”)
 
     Amortization of DAC increased primarily as a result of the Unlock in the third quarter of 2008 compared to 2007, partially offset by reduced DAC amortization primarily attributed to net realized capital losses. This increase had a partial offset in amortization of deferred revenues, included in fee income.
 
   
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
     For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the income tax benefits were a result of lower income before income taxes primarily due to an increase in realized capital losses and DAC amortization in the third quarter of 2008 as compared to the third quarter of 2007.

 

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Outlook
Individual Life operates in a mature and competitive marketplace with customers desiring products with guarantees and distribution requiring highly trained insurance professionals. Individual Life continues to expand its core distribution model of sales through financial advisors and banks, while also pursuing growth opportunities through other distribution sources such as independent life brokerage. The Company is looking to broaden the reach of its field sales system and wholesaling capabilities, take advantage of cross selling opportunities, and extend its penetration in the private wealth management services areas. The Company is committed to maintaining a competitive product portfolio; it refreshed its variable universal life insurance products in the second quarter of 2008 and its universal life product with secondary guarantees in the third quarter of 2008.
Sales results for the three months ended September 30, 2008 were consistent with the three months ended September 30, 2007. Sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 increased 4%. Year to date sales results were driven by increased sales in the independent channels of 11% and steady performance in the wirehouse channel. Sales within the bank channel have been impacted in the first nine months of 2008 by restructurings and acquisitions within certain of Individual Life’s banking distribution relationships and the liquidity and capital issues throughout the banking industry. The variable universal life mix was 32% and 36% of total sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively.
Sales and account values for variable universal life products have been under pressure due to continued equity market volatility and declines. For the nine months ended, and as of September 30, 2008, variable universal life sales and account values have both decreased 21% compared to prior year. Continued volatility and declines in the equity markets may reduce the attractiveness of variable universal life products and put additional strain on future earnings as variable life fees earned by the Company are driven by the level of assets under management.
Future sales for all products will be influenced by the Company’s management of current distribution relationships, including recent merger and consolidation activity, and the development of new sources of distribution, while offering competitive and innovative new products and product features. The current economic environment poses both opportunities and challenges for future sales; while life insurance products respond well to consumer demand for financial security and wealth accumulation solutions, individuals may be reluctant to transfer funds when market volatility has recently resulted in significant declines in investment values. In addition, the availability and terms of capital solutions in the marketplace, as discussed below, to support universal life products with secondary guarantees, may influence future growth.
Effective November 1, 2007, Individual Life reinsured the policy liability related to statutory reserves in universal life with secondary guarantees to a captive reinsurance subsidiary. These reserves are calculated under prevailing statutory reserving requirements as promulgated under Actuarial Guideline 38, “The Application of the Valuation of Life Insurance Policies Model Regulation”. An unaffiliated standby third party letter of credit supports a portion of the statutory reserves that have been ceded to this subsidiary. As of September 30, 2008, the transaction provided approximately $383 of statutory capital relief associated with the Company’s universal life products with secondary guarantees. The Company expects this transaction to accommodate future statutory capital needs for in-force business and new business written through approximately December 31, 2008. The use of the letter of credit will result in a decline in net investment income and increased expenses in future periods for Individual Life. The additional statutory capital provided by the use of the letter of credit is available to the Company for general corporate purposes. As its business grows in this product line, Individual Life will evaluate the need for, and availability of, an additional capital transaction.
For risk management purposes, Individual Life accepts and maintains up to $10 in risk on any one life. Individual Life uses reinsurance where appropriate to mitigate earnings volatility; however, death claim experience may lead to periodic short-term earnings volatility.
Individual Life continues to face uncertainty surrounding estate tax legislation, aggressive competition from other life insurance providers, reduced availability and higher price of reinsurance, and the current regulatory environment related to reserving for term insurance and universal life products with no-lapse guarantees. These risks may have a negative impact on Individual Life’s future earnings.
Based on results to date, management’s current full year life insurance in-force projection for 2008 is an increase of 8% to 9%.

 

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RETIREMENT PLANS
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Operating Summary   2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change  
Fee income and other
  $ 94     $ 62       52 %   $ 259     $ 175       48 %
Earned premiums
    1                   3       3        
Net investment income
    87       89       (2 %)     267       267        
Net realized capital losses
    (181 )     (21 )   NM       (236 )     (19 )   NM  
 
                                   
Total revenues
    1       130       (99 %)     293       426       (31 %)
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses
    69       62       11 %     200       186       8 %
Insurance operating costs and other expenses
    95       40       138 %     248       125       98 %
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits
    94       26     NM       93       44       111 %
 
                                   
Total benefits, losses and expenses
    258       128       102 %     541       355       52 %
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (257 )     2     NM       (248 )     71     NM
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (97 )     (2 )   NM       (114 )     17     NM  
 
                                   
Net income (loss)
  $ (160 )   $ 4     NM     $ (134 )   $ 54     NM
 
                                   
Assets Under Management
                                               
403(b)/457 account values
                          $ 11,432     $ 12,486       (8 %)
401(k) account values
                            13,736       14,685       (6 %)
 
                                         
Total account values [1]
                            25,168       27,171       (7 %)
403(b)/457 mutual fund assets under management [2]
                            104       20     NM  
401(k) mutual fund assets under management [3]
                            18,022       1,389     NM  
 
                                   
Total mutual fund assets under management
                            18,126       1,409     NM
 
                                         
Total assets under management
                          $ 43,294     $ 28,580       51 %
 
                                         
Total assets under administration — 401(k) [4]
                          $ 5,853     $        
 
                                         
     
[1]  
Includes policyholder balances for investment contracts and reserves for future policy benefits for insurance contracts.
 
[2]  
In 2007, Life began selling mutual fund based products in the 403(b) market.
 
[3]  
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, Life acquired the rights to service $18.7 billion in mutual funds from Sun Life Retirement Services, Inc., and Princeton Retirement Group.
 
[4]  
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, Life acquired the rights to service $5.7 billion of assets under administration (“AUA”) from Princeton Retirement Group. Servicing revenues from AUA are based on the number of plan participants and do not vary directly with asset levels. As such, they are not included in AUM upon which asset based returns are calculated.

 

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Three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007
Net income in Retirement Plans decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 due to higher net realized capital losses, the DAC Unlock in 2008 as compared to 2007 and increased operating expenses partially offset by growth in fee income. For further discussion of net realized capital losses, see Realized Capital Gains and Losses by Segment table under Life’s Operating section of the MD&A. For further discussion of 2008 and 2007 Unlocks see Critical Accounting Estimates section of the MD&A. The following other factors contributed to the changes in net income:
     
Fee income and other
 
     For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, fee income and other increased primarily due to $35 and $79, respectively, of fees earned on assets relating to the acquisitions in the first quarter of 2008. Offsetting this increase was lower annuity fees driven by lower average account values as market depreciation of $4.3 billion was partially offset by positive net flows of $2.3 billion over the past four quarters.
 
   
Net investment income
 
     Net investment income remained relatively consistent, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, with growth in general account assets offset by a decrease in yields on fixed maturity investments and a decrease in limited partnership and other alternative investment income, particularly during the three months ended September 30, 2008.
 
   
Insurance operating costs and other expenses
 
     Insurance operating costs and other expenses increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, primarily attributable to operating expenses associated with the acquired businesses. Also contributing to higher insurance operating costs were higher trail commissions resulting from an aging portfolio and higher service and technology costs.
 
   
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits
 
     Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 as a result of the higher Unlock in the third quarter of 2008 as compared to the Unlock in the third quarter of 2007, partially offset by DAC amortization benefits associated with increased realized capital losses. For further discussion, see Unlock and Sensitivity Analysis in the Critical Accounting Estimates section of the MD&A.
 
   
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
     For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 the income tax benefit as compared to the prior year periods income tax balances was due to lower income before income taxes primarily due to increased realized capital losses and increased tax benefits associated with the dividends received deduction.

 

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Outlook
The future profitability of this segment will depend on Life’s ability to increase assets under management across all businesses, achieve scale in areas with a high degree of fixed costs and maintain its investment spread earnings on the general account products sold largely in the 403(b)/457 business. Disciplined expense management will continue to be a focus; however, as Life expands its reach, additional investments in service and technology will occur.
As the “baby boom” generation approaches retirement, management believes that over the long term these individuals, as well as younger individuals, will contribute more of their income to retirement plans due to the uncertainty of the Social Security system and the increase in average life expectancy.
During 2008, the Company completed three acquisitions. The acquisition of part of the defined contribution record keeping business of Princeton Retirement Group gives Life a foothold in the business of providing recordkeeping services to large financial firms which offer defined contribution plans to their clients and added $2.9 billion in mutual funds to Retirement Plans assets under management and $5.7 billion of assets under administration. The acquisition of Sun Life Retirement Services, Inc., added $15.8 billion in Retirement Plans assets under management across 6,000 plans and provides new service locations in Boston, Massachusetts and Phoenix, Arizona. The acquisition of TopNoggin LLC., provides web-based technology to address data management, administration and benefit calculations. These three acquisitions illustrate Life’s commitment to increase scale in the Retirement Plans segment and grow its offering to serve additional markets, customers and types of retirement plans across the defined contribution and defined benefit spectrum. These three acquisitions will not be accretive to 2008 net income. Furthermore, net income as a percentage of assets is expected to be lower in 2008 reflecting the new business mix represented by the acquisitions, which includes larger, more institutionally priced plans, predominantly executed on a mutual fund platform, and the cost of maintaining multiple technology platforms during the integration period.
Given the recent market declines and volatility, we expect that growth in Retirement deposits may be somewhat affected as small businesses potentially reduce their workforces and offer more modest salary increases and as workers potentially allocate less to retirement accounts in the near term.
Based on results to date, management’s current full-year projections for 2008 (including the impacts of the acquisitions) are as follows:
 
Deposits of $8.9 billion to $9.3 billion
 
 
Net flows of $2.25 billion to $2.75 billion

 

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GROUP BENEFITS
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Operating Summary   2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change  
Premiums and other considerations
  $ 1,109     $ 1,061       5 %   $ 3,283     $ 3,237       1 %
Net investment income
    111       115       (3 %)     330       350       (6 %)
Net realized capital losses
    (441 )     (10 )   NM       (514 )     (14 )   NM  
 
                                   
Total revenues
    779       1,166       (33 %)     3,099       3,573       (13 %)
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses
    780       765       2 %     2,379       2,364       1 %
Insurance operating costs and other expenses
    283       273       4 %     838       836        
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    15       13       15 %     42       48       (13 %)
 
                                   
Total benefits, losses and expenses
    1,078       1,051       3 %     3,259       3,248        
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (299 )     115     NM       (160 )     325     NM
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (113 )     32     NM       (82 )     90     NM  
 
                                   
Net income (loss)
  $ (186 )   $ 83     NM     $ (78 )   $ 235     NM
 
                                   
Earned Premiums and Other
                                               
Fully insured — ongoing premiums
  $ 1,099     $ 1,053       4 %   $ 3,255     $ 3,186       2 %
Buyout premiums
    1                   1       26       (96 %)
Other
    9       8       13 %     27       25       8 %
 
                                   
Total earned premiums and other
  $ 1,109     $ 1,061       5 %   $ 3,283     $ 3,237       1 %
 
                                   
 
                                               
Ratios, excluding buyouts
                                               
Loss ratio
    70.3 %     72.1 %             72.5 %     72.8 %        
Loss ratio, excluding financial institutions
    74.8 %     76.6 %             77.1 %     78.1 %        
Expense ratio
    26.9 %     27.0 %             26.8 %     27.5 %        
Expense ratio, excluding financial institutions
    22.1 %     22.6 %             22.3 %     22.6 %        
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007
The decrease in net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, was primarily due to increased realized capital losses. For further discussion, see Realized Capital Gains and Losses by Segment table under Life’s Operating Section of the MD&A. The following other factors contributed to the changes in net income:
     
Net investment income
 
     For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, net investment income decreased primarily as a result of lower yields on fixed maturity investments and lower limited partnership and other alternative investment returns.
 
   
Loss ratio
 
     The segment’s loss ratio (defined as benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses as a percentage of premiums and other considerations excluding buyouts) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, decreased due to favorable morbidity and favorable medical stop loss experience partially offset by unfavorable mortality.
 
   
Expense ratio
 
     The segment’s expense ratio, excluding buyouts, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, decreased compared to the prior year due to lower commission expenses.

 

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Outlook
Management is committed to selling competitively priced products that meet the Company’s internal rate of return guidelines and as a result, sales may fluctuate based on the competitive pricing environment in the marketplace. In 2007, the Company generated premium growth due to the increased scale of the group life and disability operations. Also in 2007, the Company completed a renewal rights transaction associated with its medical stop loss business, which will cause lower earned premium and sales growth in 2008. The Company anticipates relatively stable loss ratios and expense ratios based on underlying trends in the in-force business and disciplined new business and renewal underwriting. The Company has not seen a meaningful impact in disability loss ratios as a result of the recent economic downturn. While claims incidence may increase during a recession, the Company would expect the impact to the disability loss ratio to be within the normal range of volatility.
The economic downturn may have a negative impact on future premium growth if unemployment rises significantly above current levels or if employees lessen spending on the Company’s products. However, despite the current economic downturn and other market conditions, including rising medical costs, the changing regulatory environment and cost containment pressure on employers, the Company continues to leverage its strength in claim practices risk management, service and distribution, enabling the Company to capitalize on market opportunities. Additionally, employees continue to look to the workplace for a broader and ever expanding array of insurance products. As employers design benefit strategies to attract and retain employees, while attempting to control their benefit costs, management believes that the need for the Company’s products will continue to expand. This, combined with the significant number of employees who currently do not have coverage or adequate levels of coverage, creates opportunities for our products and services.
Based on results to date, management’s current full year projections for 2008 are as follows:
 
Fully insured ongoing premiums (excluding buyout premiums and premium equivalents) of $4.3 billion to $4.4 billion
 
 
Loss ratio (excluding buyout premiums) between 71% and 74%
 
 
Expense ratio (excluding buyout premiums) between 26% and 28%

 

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INTERNATIONAL
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Operating Summary   2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change  
Fee income
  $ 225     $ 216       4 %   $ 684     $ 612       12 %
Earned premiums
    (2 )     (3 )     33 %     (7 )     (8 )     13 %
Net investment income
    34       34             104       102       2 %
Net realized capital losses
    (67 )                 (178 )     (63 )     (183 %)
 
                                   
Total revenues [1]
    190       247       (23 %)     603       643       (6 %)
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses
    157       1     NM       188       18     NM  
Insurance operating costs and other expenses
    84       69       22 %     234       179       31 %
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits
    99       36       175 %     211       153       38 %
 
                                   
Total benefits, losses and expenses
    340       106     NM       633       350       81 %
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (150 )     141     NM       (30 )     293     NM
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (43 )     51     NM       (3 )     108     NM  
 
                                   
Net income (loss) [2]
  $ (107 )   $ 90     NM     $ (27 )   $ 185     NM
 
                                   
Assets Under Management — Japan
                                               
Japan variable annuity account values
                          $ 32,706     $ 34,888       (6 %)
Japan MVA fixed annuity account values
                            2,416       1,785       35 %
 
                                         
Total assets under management — Japan
                          $ 35,122     $ 36,673       (4 %)
 
                                         
     
[1]  
The transition impact related to the SFAS 157 adoption was a reduction in revenues of $34 during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. For further discussion of the SFAS 157 transition impact, refer to Note 4 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
[2]  
The transition impact related to the SFAS 157 adoption was a reduction in net income of $11 during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. For further discussion of the SFAS 157 transition impact, refer to Note 4 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007
Net income decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2008, as a result of the impacts of the Unlock charge in the third quarter of 2008 as compared to the Unlock benefit in the third quarter of 2007 and an increase in realized capital losses primarily due to impairment charges within the third quarter of 2008. Net income decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as a result of the 2008 Unlock versus the 2007 Unlock along with increased realized capital losses from the adoption of SFAS 157, which resulted in a net realized capital loss of $34 during the first quarter of 2008, impairment charges, increases in insurance operating costs and other expenses, partially offset by an increase in fee income. For further discussion on the Unlock, see Unlock and Sensitivity Analysis in the Critical Accounting Estimates section of the MD&A. For further discussion of the SFAS 157 transition impact, see Note 4 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. For further discussion of realized capital losses, see Realized Capital Gains and losses by Segment table under Life’s Operating Section of the MD&A. The following other factors contributed to the changes in net income:
     
Fee income
 
     Fee income increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, primarily due to growth in Japan’s variable annuity average assets under management offset by lower fees on lower surrenders. The increase in average assets under management over the past four quarters was driven by positive net flows of $2.0 billion and a $2.9 billion increase due to foreign currency exchange translation as the yen strengthened compared to the U.S. dollar. Positive net flows and favorable foreign currency exchange were offset by unfavorable market performance of $7.0 billion.
 
   
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses
 
     Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expense increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, as a result of the impacts of the Unlock in the third quarter of 2008 as compared to the third quarter of 2007, as well as higher GMDB net amount at risk and increased claims costs resulting from declining markets between customers’ date of death and date of payment.
 
   
Insurance operating costs and other expenses
 
     Insurance operating costs and other expenses increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 due to the growth and strategic investment in the Japan and Other International operations.
 
   
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits
 
     Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 as a result of the impacts of the Unlock in the third quarter of 2008 as compared to the third quarter of 2007.
 
   
Income Tax expense
 
     Income tax expense decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 primarily as a result of a decline in income before taxes.

 

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Outlook
Management continues to be optimistic about the long-term growth potential of the retirement savings market in Japan. Several trends, such as an aging population, longer life expectancies and declining birth rates leading to a smaller number of younger workers to support each retiree, have resulted in greater need for an individual to plan and adequately fund retirement savings.
Profitability depends on the account values of our customers, which are affected by equity, bond and currency markets. Periods of favorable market performance will increase assets under management and thus increase fee income earned on those assets, while unfavorable market performance will have the reverse effect. In addition, higher or lower account value levels will generally reduce or increase, respectively, certain costs for individual annuities to the Company, such as guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”), guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”), guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMAB”) and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”). Prudent expense management is also an important component of product profitability.
Due to significant market declines between September 30th and October 27, 2008, approximately 95% of our in-force 3 Win policies, or $3 billion in account value, have triggered the associated GMIB. In the event that the policyholders’ account value declines to 80% or less of the initial deposit, this GMIB requires the policyholder to elect one of two options, either receive 80% of their initial deposit value without surrender penalty immediately or a full return of the initial deposit via a 15 year payout annuity. As a result of the GMIB trigger, the majority of our 3 Win policies will surrender free of charge or annuitize in the fourth quarter of 2008. This will significantly impact fourth quarter net flows as well as current and future profitability. For further details on the trigger of the GMIB associated with the 3 Win product, see Unlock and Sensitivity Analysis within Critical Accounting Estimates and Note 4 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Competition has increased dramatically in the Japanese market from both domestic and foreign insurers. This increase in competition has impacted current deposits and is expected to negatively impact future deposit levels. In addition, the Company continues to evaluate product designs that meet customers’ needs while maintaining prudent risk management. During the second and third quarters of 2008, the Company launched a new product called “Rising Income/Care Story,” which is a GMWB variable annuity combined with a nursing care rider, as well as the new product “Plus 5,” which is a 10-year GMAB variable annuity with a 5% bonus at year 10. The success of the Company’s product offerings will ultimately be based on customer acceptance in an increasingly competitive environment.
During the nine months ended of 2008, the Company has experienced lower than expected surrenders and related surrender fees. In addition, the Company has experienced significant market declines and therefore some of the product guarantees have increased in cost. Specifically, the 3 Win product, referenced above, will have a significant impact on future net flows and profitability. Lower surrender fees, net flows and market returns are consequently expected to result in a lower return on assets than in prior years.
Based on the results to date and the items discussed above, management has lowered its full year projections for Japan in 2008 as follows (using ¥100/$1 exchange rate for the remainder of 2008):
 
Variable annuity deposits of ¥310 billion to ¥350 billion ($2.9 billion to $3.3 billion)
 
 
Variable annuity outflows of ¥210 billion to ¥110 billion ($2.1 billion to $1.1 billion) [1]
     
[1]  
Variable annuity net flows projection includes approximately ¥300 billion ($3.0 billion) of outflows due to the 3 Win trigger.

 

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INSTITUTIONAL
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Operating Summary   2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change  
Fee income and other
  $ 40     $ 97       (59 %)   $ 119     $ 211       (44 %)
Earned premiums
    241       411       (41 %)     671       770       (13 %)
Net investment income
    240       320       (25 %)     813       919       (12 %)
Net realized capital losses
    (605 )     (46 )   NM       (911 )     (69 )   NM  
 
                                   
Total revenues
    (84 )     782     NM       692       1,831       (62 %)
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses
    485       692       (30 %)     1,431       1,583       (10 %)
Insurance operating costs and other expenses
    35       81       (57 %)     93       149       (38 %)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits
    5       2       150 %     16       19       (16 %)
 
                                   
Total benefits, losses and expenses
    525       775       (32 %)     1,540       1,751       (12 %)
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (609 )     7     NM       (848 )     80     NM
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (216 )     (1 )   NM       (305 )     20     NM  
 
                                   
Net income (loss)
  $ (393 )   $ 8     NM     $ (543 )   $ 60     NM
 
                                   
Assets Under Management
                                               
Institutional account values [1]
                          $ 24,496     $ 25,041       (2 %)
Bank Owned Life Insurance account values [1]
                            32,866       32,041       3 %
Mutual fund assets under management
                            3,325       3,398       (2 %)
 
                                         
Total assets under management
                          $ 60,687     $ 60,480        
 
                                         
[1]    Includes policyholder balances for investment contracts and reserves for future policy benefits for insurance contracts.
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007
Net income in Institutional decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, primarily due to increased net realized capital losses. For further discussion, see Realized Capital Gains and Losses by Segment table under Life’s Operating Section of the MD&A. Further discussion of income is presented below:
     
Fee income and other
 
     Fee income and other decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, primarily due to large Private Placement Life Insurance (“PPLI”) cases sold during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007. PPLI collects front-end loads recorded in fee income, offset by corresponding premium taxes reported in insurance operating costs and other expenses. For the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, PPLI had deposits of $33 and $2.6 billion, respectively, which resulted in fee income due to front-end loads of $1 and $55, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, PPLI had deposits of $189 and $4.8 billion, respectively, which resulted in fee income due to front-end loads of $2 and $100, respectively.
 
   
Earned premiums
 
     For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, earned premiums decreased as compared to the comparable prior year periods due to one large terminal funding life contingent case sold in the third quarter of 2007. The decrease in earned premiums was offset by a corresponding decrease in benefits, losses, and loss adjustment expenses.
 
   
Net investment income
 
     Net investment income decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, due to decreased returns on limited partnership and other alternative investments, as well as lower income yields on fixed maturity investments. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, limited partnership and other alternative investment losses were ($24) and ($15), respectively. For the comparable three and nine month periods in 2007, limited partnership and other alternative investment income was $13 and $42, respectively. The decline in yield on fixed maturities was largely offset by a corresponding decrease in interest credited on liabilities reported in benefits, losses, and loss adjustment expenses.

 

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Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses
 
     Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the comparable prior year periods primarily due to lower changes in reserve, driven by one large terminal funding life contingent case sold in the third quarter of 2007. The decrease was also caused by lower interest credited on liabilities indexed to LIBOR.
 
   
Insurance operating costs and other expenses
 
     Insurance operating costs and other expenses decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, due to a decline in PPLI premium tax, driven by reduced PPLI deposits.
 
   
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
     The income tax benefit for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008 increased compared to the prior year primarily due to a decline in income before taxes primarily due to increased realized capital losses. For further discussion of net realized capital losses, see Realized Capital Gains and Losses by Segment table under the Operating section of the MD&A.

 

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Outlook
As the “baby boom” generation approaches retirement, management believes these individuals will seek investment and insurance vehicles that will give them steady streams of income throughout retirement. IIP recently has launched new products to provide solutions that deal specifically with longevity risk. Longevity risk is defined as the likelihood of an individual outliving their assets. Institutional is also designing innovative solutions to corporations’ defined benefit liabilities.
Institutional’s markets are highly competitive from a pricing perspective, and a small number of cases often account for a significant portion of deposits. Therefore, the Company does not expect to be able to sustain the level of assets under management growth attained in 2007.
Variable life policies purchased by a company or a trust named as beneficiary under the insurance policy on the lives of key employees and variable life products continue to be used to fund non-qualified benefits or other post-employment benefit liabilities, due to the opportunity to select from a range of tax deferred investment options. However, financial institutions comprise a large portion of the customer base. The financial services industry have experienced significant financial distress in 2008, and as a result sales, deposits and net flows have declined relative to the prior year and the Company expects that trend to continue for the remainder of 2008 or until the general economic climate improves.
Hartford Income Notes and other stable value products (collectively “stable value products”) are sold in markets which are highly competitive and the Company’s success depends in part on the level of credited interest rates and the Company’s credit rating. The turmoil in the credit and financial markets has negatively impacted the Company’s stable value product deposits in 2008. The Company expects deposit activity to increase once the market environment improves. Stable value products net flows can be impacted by contractual maturities and rights which can include an investor’s option to accelerate principal repayments after a defined notice period of typically thirteen months (such contracts represent approximately $3 billion of account value), as well as certain fixed rate contracts for which the Company has the option to accelerate the repayment of principal and has exercised this option in certain cases. Considering these factors, as well as the interest rate and credit spread environment as of September 30, 2008, the Company expects increased outflows, and has reflected that expectation in its projection for net flows for full year 2008. Outflows in the fourth quarter 2008 for the Company’s stable value products, including normal contract maturities and investor accelerated principal repayments, are expected to total approximately $650. Additionally, in light of changes in the credit spread environment, the Company expects virtually all of these contracts that include an investor’s option to accelerate to be surrendered and paid out by the end of 2009.
The future net income of this segment will depend on Institutional’s ability to increase assets under management, mix of business and net investment spread. Market conditions are expected to negatively impact Institutional’s net flows and net income over the near term. The net investment spread, as previously discussed in the Performance Measures section of this MD&A, has declined relative to the prior year and we expect the remainder of 2008 to continue to be lower than prior year levels, primarily due to lower income amounts from limited partnerships and other alternative investments as well as the aforementioned factors impacting net flows.
Based on results to date, management’s current full year projections for 2008 are as follows:
 
Deposits (including mutual funds) of $4.5 billion to $5.5 billion
 
 
Net flows (including mutual funds) of ($500) to $500

 

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OTHER
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Operating Summary   2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change  
Fee income and other
  $ 17     $ 17           $ 49     $ 53       (8 %)
Net investment income (loss)
                                               
Securities available-for sale and other
    19       29       (34 %)     62       112       (45 %)
Equity securities, held for trading [1]
    (3,415 )     (698 )   NM       (5,840 )     746     NM  
 
                                   
Total net investment income (loss)
    (3,396 )     (669 )   NM       (5,778 )     858     NM  
Net realized capital losses
    (65 )     (21 )   NM       (83 )     (8 )   NM  
 
                                   
Total revenues
    (3,444 )     (673 )   NM       (5,812 )     903     NM
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses
    44       38       16 %     118       118        
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses — returns credited on International variable annuities [1]
    (3,415 )     (698 )   NM       (5,840 )     746     NM  
Insurance operating costs and other expenses
    (2 )               25       60       (58 %)
 
                                   
Total benefits, losses and expenses
    (3,373 )     (660 )   NM       (5,697 )     924     NM
Loss before income taxes
    (71 )     (13 )   NM       (115 )     (21 )   NM
Income tax benefit
    (26 )     (4 )   NM       (42 )     (1 )   NM  
 
                                   
Net loss
  $ (45 )   $ (9 )   NM     $ (73 )   $ (20 )   NM
 
                                   
     
[1]  
Includes investment income and mark-to-market effects of equity securities held for trading supporting the international variable annuity business, which are classified in net investment income with corresponding amounts credited to policyholders.
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007
     
Net investment income
 
     Net investment income on securities available-for-sale declined primarily due to decreases in yields on fixed maturity investments and declines in limited partnerships and other alternative investment income.
 
   
Realized capital gains (losses)
 
     See Realized Capital Gains and Losses by Segment table under Life’s Operating section of the MD&A.
 
   
Insurance operating costs and other expenses
 
     Insurance operating costs and other expenses decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to a charge of $21 for regulatory matters in the second quarter of 2007 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 due to a reallocation of expenses to the applicable lines of business in 2008.

 

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PROPERTY & CASUALTY
Executive Overview
Property & Casualty is organized into five reporting segments: the underwriting segments of Personal Lines, Small Commercial, Middle Market and Specialty Commercial (collectively, “Ongoing Operations”); and the Other Operations segment.
Property & Casualty provides a number of coverages, as well as insurance related services, to businesses throughout the United States, including workers’ compensation, property, automobile, liability, umbrella, specialty casualty, marine, livestock, fidelity, surety, professional liability and directors and officers’ liability coverages. Property & Casualty also provides automobile, homeowners and home-based business coverage to individuals throughout the United States as well as insurance-related services to businesses.
Property & Casualty derives its revenues principally from premiums earned for insurance coverages provided to insureds, investment income, and, to a lesser extent, from fees earned for services provided to third parties and net realized capital gains and losses. Premiums charged for insurance coverages are earned principally on a pro rata basis over the terms of the related policies in-force.
Service fees principally include revenues from third party claims administration services provided by Specialty Risk Services and revenues from member contact center services provided through the AARP Health program.
Total Property & Casualty Financial Highlights
The following discusses Property & Casualty financial highlights for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007.
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Premium revenue   2008     2007     2008     2007  
Written Premiums [1]
                               
Personal Lines
  $ 1,024     $ 1,035     $ 2,989     $ 3,013  
Small Commercial
    652       664       2,074       2,098  
Middle Market
    555       573       1,616       1,666  
Specialty Commercial
    361       356       1,080       1,147  
Other Operations
    1       2       5       3  
 
                       
Total
  $ 2,593     $ 2,630     $ 7,764     $ 7,927  
 
                       
 
                               
Earned Premiums [1]
                               
Personal Lines
  $ 978     $ 984     $ 2,941     $ 2,904  
Small Commercial
    678       683       2,048       2,048  
Middle Market
    553       582       1,688       1,779  
Specialty Commercial
    358       377       1,087       1,139  
Other Operations
    1       2       4       3  
 
                       
Total
  $ 2,568     $ 2,628     $ 7,768     $ 7,873  
 
                       
     
[1]  
The difference between written premiums and earned premiums is attributable to the change in unearned premium reserve.

 

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Three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007
Earned Premiums
Total Property & Casualty earned premiums decreased $60, or 2%, primarily due to lower earned premiums in Middle Market and Specialty Commercial.
     
Personal Lines
 
     Earned premium decreased slightly, by $6, as a $21, or 7%, decrease in Agency and Other earned premiums was largely offset by a $15, or 2%, increase in AARP earned premiums. AARP earned premiums grew primarily due to an increase in the size of the AARP target market, the effect of direct marketing programs and the effect of cross selling homeowners insurance to insureds who have auto policies. Agency earned premium decreased $17, or 6%, largely due to a decline in new business premium and premium renewal retention since the middle of 2007, partially offset by the effect of modest earned pricing increases.
 
   
Small Commercial
 
     Earned premium decreased by $5, or 1%, primarily due to the effect of modest earned pricing decreases, partially offset by new business outpacing non-renewals over the last six months of 2007 and the first three months of 2008.
 
   
Middle Market
 
     Earned premium decreased by $29, or 5%, driven by decreases in commercial auto, general liability, property and marine. Earned premium decreases were driven primarily by earned pricing decreases.
 
   
Specialty Commercial
 
     Earned premium decreased by $19, or 5%, driven primarily by a decrease in property due largely to the Company’s decision to stop writing specialty property business with large, national accounts and the effect of decreases in earned pricing and new business written premium.
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007
Earned Premiums
Total Property & Casualty earned premiums decreased $105, or 1%, primarily due to lower earned premiums in Middle Market and Specialty Commercial, partially offset by increased earned premiums in Personal Lines.
     
Personal Lines
 
     Earned premium grew by $37, or 1%, due to a $77, or 4%, increase in AARP earned premiums, partially offset by a $40, or 4%, decrease in Agency and other earned premiums. AARP earned premiums grew primarily due to an increase in the size of the AARP target market, the effect of direct marketing programs and the effect of cross selling homeowners insurance to insureds who have auto policies. Agency earned premium decreased $26, or 3%, largely due to a decline in new business premium and premium renewal retention since the middle of 2007, partially offset by the effect of modest earned pricing increases.
 
   
Small Commercial
 
     Earned premium was flat, at $2,048, primarily due to new business outpacing non-renewals in workers’ compensation business over the last six months of 2007 and first three months of 2008, largely offset by the effect of earned pricing decreases.
 
   
Middle Market
 
     Earned premium decreased by $91, or 5%, driven by decreases in commercial auto, workers’ compensation and general liability. Earned premium decreases were driven primarily by a decline in earned pricing in 2008 and the effect of non-renewals outpacing new business over the last six months of 2007.
 
   
Specialty Commercial
 
     Earned premium decreased by $52, or 5%, driven primarily by a decrease in property due largely to the Company’s decision to stop writing specialty property business with large, national accounts and the effect of decreases in earned pricing and new business written premium.

 

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    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Net income   2008     2007     2008     2007  
Underwriting results before catastrophes and prior accident year development
  $ 206     $ 242     $ 756     $ 814  
Current accident year catastrophes
    325       32       546       112  
Prior accident year reserve development
    (14 )     28       (34 )     154  
 
                       
Underwriting results
    (105 )     182       244       548  
Net servicing and other income [1]
    14       16       21       41  
Net investment income
    335       407       1,091       1,266  
Net realized capital losses
    (1,428 )     (75 )     (1,631 )     (76 )
Other expenses
    (57 )     (64 )     (181 )     (182 )
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (1,241 )     466       (456 )     1,597  
Income tax (expense) benefit
    467       (113 )     257       (439 )
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ (774 )   $ 353     $ (199 )   $ 1,158  
 
                       
     
[1]  
Net of expenses related to service business.
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Net realized capital gains (losses)   2008     2007     2008     2007  
Gross gains on sales
  $ 12     $ 31     $ 95     $ 121  
Gross losses on sales
    (82 )     (36 )     (195 )     (98 )
Impairments
    (1,312 )     (35 )     (1,425 )     (56 )
Periodic net coupon settlements on credit derivatives
    2       5       5       11  
Other, net
    (48 )     (40 )     (111 )     (54 )
 
                       
Net realized capital losses, before-tax
  $ (1,428 )   $ (75 )   $ (1,631 )   $ (76 )
 
                       
Three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007
Net income decreased by $1,127, from net income of $353 in 2007 to a net loss of $774 in 2008, primarily driven by an increase in net realized capital losses.
     
Realized capital gains
(losses)
  Gross gains (losses) on sales, net
 
   
 
 
     Gross gains on sales in 2008 were predominantly within fixed maturities and were comprised of sales of corporate and municipal securities. Gross gains in 2007 were primarily from sales of municipal and foreign government securities.
 
   
 
 
     Gross losses on sales in 2008 were predominantly from sales of financial services securities. Gross losses on sales in 2007 were primarily from sales of corporate and municipal securities.
 
   
 
  Impairments
 
   
 
 
     Impairments of $1.3 billion in 2008 primarily consisted of impairments of corporate debt and equity securities in the financial services sector and impairments of previously impaired sub-prime ABS and CMBS securities. (See the Other-Than-Temporary Impairments discussion within “Investment Results” in the “Investments” section of the MD&A for more information on the impairments recorded in 2008).
 
   
 
  Other, net
 
   
 
 
     Other, net realized losses in 2008 were primarily related to $42 of net losses on credit derivatives. The net losses on credit derivatives were primarily due to significant credit spread widening on credit derivatives that assume credit exposure. Also included in other, net realized losses for 2008 were $7 of derivative related losses due to counterparty default related to the Lehman Brothers Holdings bankruptcy.
 
   
 
 
     Other, net realized losses in 2007 were primarily driven by the change in value of non-qualifying derivatives due to credit spread widening.
 
   
Net investment income
 
     Primarily driving the $72 decrease in net investment income was a decrease in investment yield for limited partnerships and other alternative investments and, to a lesser extent, a decrease in investment yield for fixed maturities.

 

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Underwriting results
 
     Contributing to the $36 decrease in underwriting results before catastrophes and prior accident year reserve development was a $35 increase in insurance operating costs and expenses, primarily driven by $20 of hurricane Ike-related assessments and an $11 increase in the estimated amount of dividends payable to certain workers’ compensation policyholders due to underwriting profits. Apart from the increase in insurance operating costs and expenses, current accident year underwriting results before catastrophes were relatively flat as the effect of a lower loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for Small Commercial workers’ compensation and Personal Lines auto liability and physical damage claims was largely offset by the effects of lower earned premium in Middle Market and higher non-catastrophe losses on Middle Market property, marine and Personal Lines homeowners’ business.
 
   
 
 
     The $293 increase in current accident year catastrophe losses was primarily due to losses from hurricane Ike in September 2008.
 
   
 
 
     The change from net unfavorable prior accident year reserve development in 2007 to net favorable reserve development in 2008 was largely due to an increase in net favorable reserve development in Ongoing Operations, partially offset by a larger environmental reserve increase in 2008 than in 2007. Net favorable reserve development for Ongoing Operations in 2008 was largely due to releases of reserves for workers’ compensation, personal auto liability and professional liability claims. Refer to the “Reserves” section of the MD&A for further discussion.
 
   
Income tax expense
 
     Income taxes decreased by $580, from income tax expense of $113 in 2007 to an income tax benefit of $467 in 2008 primarily reflecting the change from pre-tax income of $466 in 2007 to a pre-tax loss of $1,241 in 2008.
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007
Net income decreased by $1,357, from net income of $1,158 in 2007 to a net loss of $199 in 2008, primarily driven by an increase in net realized capital losses.
     
Realized capital gains
(losses)
  Gross gains (losses) on sales, net
 
   
 
 
     Gross gains on sales in 2008 were predominantly within fixed maturities and were comprised of sales of corporate and municipal securities. Gross gains in 2007 were primarily from sales of corporate and foreign government securities.
 
   
 
 
     Gross losses on sales in 2008 were predominantly from sales of financial services securities and included $19 of losses on CLOs in the first quarter for which HIMCO is the collateral manager. For more information regarding losses on the sale of HIMCO managed CLOs, refer to the Variable Interest Entities section within “Investment Results” in the “Investments” section of the MD&A. Gross losses on sales in 2007 were primarily from sales of corporate securities.
 
   
 
  Impairments
 
   
 
 
     Impairments of $1.4 billion in 2008 primarily consisted of impairments of corporate debt and equity securities in the financial services sector and impairments of previously impaired sub-prime ABS and CMBS securities. (See the Other-Than-Temporary Impairments discussion within “Investment Results” in the “Investments” section of the MD&A for more information on the impairments recorded in 2008).
 
   
 
  Other, net
 
   
 
 
     Other, net realized losses in 2008 were primarily related to $118 of net losses on credit derivatives. The net losses on credit derivatives were primarily due to significant credit spread widening on credit derivatives that assume credit exposure. Also included in other, net realized losses for 2008 were losses on HIMCO managed CLOs as well as $7 of derivative related losses due to counterparty default related to the Lehman Brothers Holdings bankruptcy. For more information regarding losses on HIMCO managed CLOs, refer to the Variable Interest Entities section within “Investment Results” in the “Investments” section of the MD&A.
 
   
 
 
     Other, net realized losses in 2007 were primarily driven by the change in value of non-qualifying derivatives due to credit spread widening.
 
   
Net investment
income
 
     Primarily driving the $175 decrease in net investment income was a decrease in investment yield for limited partnerships and other alternative investments and, to a lesser extent, a decrease in investment yield for fixed maturities.

 

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Underwriting results
 
     Contributing to the $58 decrease in underwriting results before catastrophes and prior accident year reserve development was a $49 increase in insurance operating costs and expenses, primarily driven by $20 of hurricane Ike-related assessments and a $26 increase in the estimated amount of dividends payable to certain workers’ compensation policyholders due to underwriting profits. Apart from the increase in insurance operating costs and expenses, current accident year underwriting results before catastrophes decreased as the effects of lower earned premium in Middle Market and higher non-catastrophe losses on Middle Market property, marine and Personal Lines homeowners’ business were partially offset by a lower loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for Small Commercial workers’ compensation and Personal Lines auto physical damage claims.
 
   
 
 
     The $434 increase in current accident year catastrophe losses was primarily due to more severe catastrophes in 2008, including losses from hurricane Ike, tornadoes and thunderstorms in the South and Midwest.
 
   
 
 
     The change from net unfavorable prior accident year reserve development in 2007 to net favorable reserve development in 2008 was largely due to an increase in net favorable reserve development in Ongoing Operations, partially offset by a decrease in unfavorable reserve development in Other Operations. Net favorable reserve development for Ongoing Operations in 2008 was largely due to releases of reserves for workers’ compensation and professional liability claims. Refer to the “Reserves” section of the MD&A for further discussion.
 
   
Net servicing and other income
 
     The $20 decrease in net servicing income was primarily driven by a decrease in servicing income from the AARP Health program and the Write Your Own flood program and the write-off of software used in administering policies for third parties.
 
   
Income tax expense
 
     Income taxes decreased by $696, from income tax expense of $439 in 2007 to an income tax benefit of $257 in 2008, reflecting the change from pre-tax income of $1,597 in 2007 to a pre-tax loss of $456 in 2008.
Key Performance Ratios and Measures
The Company considers several measures and ratios to be the key performance indicators for the property and casualty underwriting businesses. For a detailed discussion of the Company’s key performance and profitability ratios and measures, see the Property & Casualty Executive Overview section of the MD&A included in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report. The following table and the segment discussions include the more significant ratios and measures of profitability for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007. Management believes that these ratios and measures are useful in understanding the underlying trends in The Hartford’s property and casualty insurance underwriting business. However, these key performance indicators should only be used in conjunction with, and not in lieu of, underwriting income for the underwriting segments of Personal Lines, Small Commercial, Middle Market and Specialty Commercial and net income for the Property & Casualty business as a whole, Ongoing Operations and Other Operations. These ratios and measures may not be comparable to other performance measures used by the Company’s competitors.

 

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    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Ongoing Operations earned premium growth   2008     2007     2008     2007  
Personal Lines
    (1 %)     3 %     1 %     3 %
Small Commercial
    (1 %)     2 %           4 %
Middle Market
    (5 %)     (6 %)     (5 %)     (4 %)
Specialty Commercial
    (5 %)     (3 %)     (5 %)     (3 %)
 
                       
Total Ongoing Operations
    (2 %)           (1 %)     1 %
 
                       
 
                               
Ongoing Operations combined ratio
                               
Combined ratio before catastrophes and prior year development
    91.8       90.6       90.1       89.5  
Catastrophe ratio
                               
Current year
    12.7       1.2       7.0       1.4  
Prior years
    (0.2 )     0.3       (0.2 )     0.1  
 
                       
Total catastrophe ratio
    12.5       1.5       6.8       1.5  
Non-catastrophe prior year development
    (2.6 )     (0.7 )     (1.9 )     (0.3 )
 
                       
Combined ratio
    101.7       91.4       95.1       90.7  
 
                       
 
                               
Other Operations net income (loss)
  $ (108 )   $ 12     $ (91 )   $ 4  
 
                       
 
                               
Total Property & Casualty measures of net investment income
                               
Investment yield, after-tax
    3.4 %     4.1 %     3.7 %     4.4 %
Average invested assets at cost
  $ 30,134     $ 30,227     $ 30,380     $ 29,512  
 
                       
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007
Ongoing Operations earned premium growth
         
Personal Lines
   
The decrease in the earned premium growth rate from 2007 to 2008 was due to a significantly lower growth rate on AARP business and a change to declining earned premium in Agency, partially offset by the effect of the sale of Omni in 2006 which lowered the growth rate in 2007. Excluding Omni, Personal Lines earned premium grew 7% in both the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007. By contrast, earned premiums were relatively flat in 2008, declining 1% in the third quarter and increasing 1% in the nine month period. The effects of a change to declining auto and homeowners’ new business premium and declining homeowners’ renewal retention since the middle of 2007 were largely offset by the effect of a change to modest earned pricing increases in auto.
 
       
Small Commercial
   
The earned premium growth rate in 2008 was reduced from moderate earned premium increases in 2007, declining by 1% for the third quarter of 2008 and remaining flat for the nine month period. The decrease in the growth rate was primarily attributable to slightly larger earned pricing decreases in 2008 compared to 2007 and because of a change to decreasing premium renewal retention since the middle of 2007.
 
       
Middle Market
   
Earned premium declined in the mid-single digits in both 2007 and 2008. The effect of slightly larger earned pricing decreases in 2008 has been largely offset by the effect of a change to new business growth and increasing premium renewal retention in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008.
 
       
Specialty Commercial
   
For both the three and nine month periods, earned premium decreased by 5% in 2008 compared to 3% in 2007. A larger earned premium decrease in property and a change from earned premium growth in professional liability, fidelity and surety in 2007 to flat or declining earned premium in 2008, was partially offset by an improvement in the rate of earned premium decline in casualty. Property earned premium decreased more significantly in 2008 than in 2007 due, in part, to a decision to stop writing specialty property business with large, national accounts. Also contributing to the larger decrease in property earned premium in 2008 were the effects of a change to earned pricing decreases in 2008 and a change to declining new business and premium renewal retention since the third quarter of 2007.
Ongoing Operations combined ratio
For the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Ongoing Operations’ combined ratio increased 10.3 points, to 101.7, primarily due to an 11.5 point increase in the current accident year catastrophe ratio driven by losses from hurricane Ike. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Ongoing Operations’ combined ratio increased by 4.4 points, to 95.1, primarily due to a 5.6 point increase in the current accident year catastrophe ratio driven by an increase in losses from hurricanes, tornadoes and windstorms, including losses from hurricane Ike.

 

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Combined ratio
before catastrophes
and prior accident
year development
   
For the three and nine month periods, there was an increase in the combined ratio before catastrophes and prior accident year development of 1.2 points and 0.6 points, respectively. Contributing to the increase was an increase in insurance operating costs and expenses of 1.5 points and 0.7 points, respectively, primarily driven by hurricane Ike-related assessments and an increase in the estimated amount of dividends payable to certain workers’ compensation policyholders due to underwriting profits. Apart from the increase in insurance operating costs and expenses, the combined ratio before catastrophes and prior accident year development improved slightly as the effect of a lower loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for Small Commercial workers’ compensation and Personal Lines auto physical damage claims was largely offset by higher non-catastrophe losses on Middle Market property, marine and Personal Lines homeowners’ business and earned pricing decreases in Middle Market.
 
       
Catastrophes
   
The catastrophe ratio increased for both the three and nine month periods due to an increase in current accident year catastrophes in 2008 primarily due to losses from hurricane Ike and, for the nine month period, losses from tornadoes and thunderstorms in the South and Midwest.
 
       
Non-catastrophe prior accident year development
   
For both the three and nine month periods, net non-catastrophe prior accident year reserve development was more favorable in 2008 than in 2007. Favorable reserve development in 2008 included, among other reserve changes, a release of reserves for workers’ compensation claims, primarily related to accident years 2000 to 2007, and a release of reserves for professional liability claims related to accident years 2003 through 2006. See the “Reserves” section for a discussion of prior accident year reserve development for Ongoing Operations in 2008.
Other Operations net income
 
Other Operations reported a net loss of $108 in the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to net income of $12 for the comparable period in 2007 and a net loss of $91 in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to net income of $4 for the comparable period in 2007. The change from net income to a net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was primarily due to an increase in net realized capital losses, a larger environmental reserve increase in 2008 than in 2007 and lower net investment income. The change from net income to a net loss for the nine month period was primarily due to an increase in net realized capital losses and a decrease in net investment income, partially offset by a decrease in unfavorable prior accident year reserve development. See the Other Operations segment MD&A for further discussion.
Investment yield and average invested assets
 
For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the after-tax investment yield decreased due to a lower investment yield for limited partnerships and other alternative investments and, to a lesser extent, a lower investment yield for fixed maturities.
 
 
For the three month period, the average annual invested assets at cost decreased as a result of impairments of securities and dividends paid to Corporate, partially offset by the effect of positive operating cash flows. For the nine month period, average annual invested assets at cost increased due to positive operating cash flows, partially offset by the effects of impairments of securities and dividends paid to Corporate.

 

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Reserves
Reserving for property and casualty losses is an estimation process. As additional experience and other relevant claim data become available, reserve levels are adjusted accordingly. Such adjustments of reserves related to claims incurred in prior years are a natural occurrence in the loss reserving process and are referred to as “reserve development”. Reserve development that increases previous estimates of ultimate cost is called “reserve strengthening”. Reserve development that decreases previous estimates of ultimate cost is called “reserve releases”. Reserve development can influence the comparability of year over year underwriting results and is set forth in the paragraphs and tables that follow. The “prior accident year development (pts)” in the following table represents the ratio of reserve development to earned premiums. For a detailed discussion of the Company’s reserve policies, see Notes 1, 11 and 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and the Critical Accounting Estimates section of the MD&A included in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report.
Based on the results of the quarterly reserve review process, the Company determines the appropriate reserve adjustments, if any, to record. Recorded reserve estimates are changed after consideration of numerous factors, including but not limited to, the magnitude of the difference between the actuarial indication and the recorded reserves, improvement or deterioration of actuarial indications in the period, the maturity of the accident year, trends observed over the recent past and the level of volatility within a particular line of business. In general, changes are made more quickly to more mature accident years and less volatile lines of business. For information regarding reserving for asbestos and environmental claims within Other Operations, refer to the Other Operations segment discussion.
As part of its quarterly reserve review process, the Company is closely monitoring reported loss development in certain lines where the recent emergence of paid losses and case reserves could indicate a trend that may eventually lead the Company to change its estimate of ultimate losses in those lines. If, and when, the emergence of reported losses is determined to be a trend that changes the Company’s estimate of ultimate losses, prior accident year reserves would be adjusted in the period the change in estimate is made.
For example, the Company has experienced favorable emergence of reported workers’ compensation claims for recent accident years and, during the first nine months of 2008, released workers’ compensation reserves in Small Commercial and Middle Market by a total of $106. If reported losses on workers’ compensation claims for recent accident years continue to emerge favorably, reserves could be reduced further.
The Company has also seen favorable emergence over the first three quarters of 2008 on Personal Lines auto liability claims. Severity of reported claims for accidents years 2006 and 2007 has been lower than expected and reserves were released in the third quarter as a result. If these favorable trends continue, future releases are possible. For the 2008 accident year, lower than expected auto liability frequency has led to a $9 release of prior quarter reserves in the third quarter. If frequency continues to emerge favorably in the fourth quarter, further reserve reductions for the current accident year may result.
In addition, reported losses for claims under directors’ and officers’ and errors and omissions insurance policies are emerging favorably to initial expectations although it is too early to tell if this trend will be sustained. Up until the fourth quarter of 2007, there had been a decrease in the number of shareholders’ class action suits under directors’ and officers’ insurance policies and emerged claim severity has been favorable to previous expectations for the 2003 to 2006 accident years. The Company released a total of $45 of reserves for directors’ and officers’ and errors and omissions claims in the first nine months of 2008. Any continued favorable emergence of claims under directors’ and officers’ or errors and omissions insurance policies for the 2006 and prior accident years could lead the Company to reduce reserves for these liabilities in future quarters.
Incurred allocated loss adjustment expenses for casualty business within Specialty Commercial have been emerging unfavorable to previous expectations and, in the third quarter of 2008, the Company strengthened reserves for allocated loss adjustment expenses by $15 related to accident years 2004 and prior. Should allocated loss adjustment expenses continue to emerge unfavorably, the Company may be required to further increase reserves in the future.

 

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A rollforward follows of Property & Casualty liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses by segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008:
                                                         
Three Months Ended September 30, 2008  
    Personal     Small     Middle     Specialty     Ongoing     Other     Total  
    Lines     Commercial     Market     Commercial     Operations     Operations     P&C  
Beginning liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses-gross
  $ 2,091     $ 3,619     $ 4,791     $ 6,888     $ 17,389     $ 4,926     $ 22,315  
Reinsurance and other recoverables
    62       191       431       2,164       2,848       919       3,767  
 
                                         
Beginning liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses-net
    2,029       3,428       4,360       4,724       14,541       4,007       18,548  
 
                                         
Provision for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
                                                       
Current accident year before catastrophes
    634       380       377       247       1,638             1,638  
Current accident year catastrophes
    168       49       64       44       325             325  
Prior accident years
    (9 )     (46 )     (17 )     2       (70 )     56       (14 )
 
                                         
Total provision for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
    793       383       424       293       1,893       56       1,949  
Payments
    (704 )     (354 )     (357 )     (135 )     (1,550 )     (103 )     (1,653 )
 
                                         
Ending liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses-net
    2,118       3,457       4,427       4,882       14,884       3,960       18,844  
Reinsurance and other recoverables
    87       189       423       2,158       2,857       904       3,761  
 
                                         
Ending liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses-gross
  $ 2,205     $ 3,646     $ 4,850     $ 7,040     $ 17,741     $ 4,864     $ 22,605  
 
                                         
Earned premiums
  $ 978     $ 678     $ 553     $ 358     $ 2,567     $ 1     $ 2,568  
Loss and loss expense paid ratio [1]
    71.9       52.4       64.3       37.3       60.3                  
Loss and loss expense incurred ratio
    81.1       56.5       76.5       81.7       73.7                  
Prior accident year development (pts) [2]
    (0.9 )     (6.8 )     (3.2 )     0.5       (2.8 )                
 
                                         
     
[1]  
The “loss and loss expense paid ratio” represents the ratio of paid losses and loss adjustment expenses to earned premiums.
 
[2]  
“Prior accident year development (pts)” represents the ratio of prior accident year development to earned premiums.
                                                         
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008  
    Personal     Small     Middle     Specialty     Ongoing     Other     Total  
    Lines     Commercial     Market     Commercial     Operations     Operations     P&C  
Beginning liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses-gross
  $ 2,042     $ 3,470     $ 4,687     $ 6,883     $ 17,082     $ 5,071     $ 22,153  
Reinsurance and other recoverables
    81       177       413       2,317       2,988       934       3,922  
 
                                         
Beginning liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses-net
    1,961       3,293       4,274       4,566       14,094       4,137       18,231  
 
                                         
Provision for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
                                                       
Current accident year before catastrophes
    1,914       1,130       1,118       740       4,902             4,902  
Current accident year catastrophes
    295       93       106       52       546             546  
Prior accident years
    (16 )     (50 )     (55 )     (39 )     (160 )     126       (34 )
 
                                         
Total provision for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
    2,193       1,173       1,169       753       5,288       126       5,414  
Payments
    (2,036 )     (1,009 )     (1,016 )     (437 )     (4,498 )     (303 )     (4,801 )
 
                                         
Ending liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses-net
    2,118       3,457       4,427       4,882       14,884       3,960       18,844  
Reinsurance and other recoverables
    87       189       423       2,158       2,857       904       3,761  
 
                                         
Ending liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses-gross
  $ 2,205     $ 3,646     $ 4,850     $ 7,040     $ 17,741     $ 4,864     $ 22,605  
 
                                         
Earned premiums
  $ 2,941     $ 2,048     $ 1,688     $ 1,087     $ 7,764     $ 4     $ 7,768  
Loss and loss expense paid ratio [1]
    69.2       49.2       60.1       40.1       57.9                  
Loss and loss expense incurred ratio
    74.6       57.2       69.2       69.3       68.1                  
Prior accident year development (pts) [2]
    (0.6 )     (2.4 )     (3.3 )     (3.6 )     (2.1 )                
 
                                         
     
[1]  
The “loss and loss expense paid ratio” represents the ratio of paid losses and loss adjustment expenses to earned premiums.
 
[2]  
“Prior accident year development (pts)” represents the ratio of prior accident year development to earned premiums.

 

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Current accident year catastrophes
For the three months ended September 30, 2008, net current accident year catastrophe loss and loss adjustment expenses totaled $325, of which $246 related to hurricane Ike. In addition to the $246 of net catastrophe loss and loss adjustment expenses from hurricane Ike, the Company incurred $20 of assessments and $11 of reinstatement premium due to hurricane Ike. The following table shows total current accident year catastrophe impacts in the three months ended September 30, 2008:
                                                         
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008  
    Personal     Small     Middle     Specialty     Ongoing     Other     Total  
    Lines     Commercial     Market     Commercial     Operations     Operations     P&C  
Gross incurred claim and claim adjustment expenses for current accident year catastrophes
  $ 194     $ 56     $ 73     $ 57     $ 380     $     $ 380  
Ceded claim and claim adjustment expenses for current accident year catastrophes
    26       7       9       13       55             55  
 
                                         
Net incurred claim and claim adjustment expenses for current accident year catastrophes
    168       49       64       44       325             325  
Assessments owed to Texas Windstorm Insurance Association due to hurricane Ike
    10       7       3             20             20  
Reinstatement premium ceded to reinsurers due to hurricane Ike
    7       2       1       1       11             11  
 
                                         
Total current accident year catastrophe impacts
  $ 185     $ 58     $ 68     $ 45     $ 356     $     $ 356  
 
                                         
A portion of the gross incurred loss and loss adjustment expenses are recoverable from reinsurers under the Company’s principal catastrophe reinsurance program in addition to other reinsurance programs. Reinsurance recoveries under the Company’s principal catastrophe reinsurance program, which covers multiple lines of business, are allocated to the segments in accordance with a pre-established methodology that is consistent with the method used to allocate the ceded premium to each segment. In the third quarter of 2008, the Company reinstated the limits under its reinsurance programs that were partially exhausted by hurricane Ike, resulting in additional ceded premium of $11, which is reflected as a reduction in earned premium.
The Company’s estimate of loss and loss expenses arising from hurricanes and other catastrophes is based on covered losses under the terms of the policies. The Company does not provide residential flood insurance on its Personal Lines homeowners policies so the Company’s estimate of hurricane losses on Personal Lines homeowners business does not include any provision for damages arising from flood waters. The Company acts as an administrator for the Write Your Own flood program on behalf of the National Flood Insurance Program under FEMA, for which it earns a fee for collecting premiums and processing claims. Under the program, the Company services both personal lines and commercial lines flood insurance policies and does not assume any underwriting risk. As a result, catastrophe losses in the above table do not include any losses related to the Write Your Own flood program.

 

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Prior accident year development recorded in 2008
Included within prior accident year development for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were the following reserve strengthenings (releases):
                                                         
    Personal     Small     Middle     Specialty     Ongoing     Other     Total  
    Lines     Commercial     Market     Commercial     Operations     Operations     P&C  
Released reserves for personal auto liability claims related to accident years 2000 to 2007
  $ (23 )   $     $     $     $ (23 )   $     $ (23 )
Released workers’ compensation reserves, primarily related to accident years 2000 to 2007
          (33 )     (15 )           (48 )           (48 )
Released reserves for directors and officers claims and errors and omissions claims for accident years 2004 to 2006
                      (25 )     (25 )           (25 )
Strengthened reserves for national account general liability claims related to accident years 2004 and prior
                      15       15             15  
Strengthening of net environmental reserves
                                  53       53  
Other reserve re-estimates, net [1]
    14       (13 )     (2 )     12       11       3       14  
 
                                         
Total prior accident year development for the three months ended September 30, 2008
  $ (9 )   $ (46 )   $ (17 )   $ 2     $ (70 )   $ 56     $ (14 )
 
                                         
Strengthened reserves for claims under Small Commercial package policies related to accident year 2007
  $     $ 10     $     $     $ 10     $     $ 10  
Released reserves for extra-contractual liability claims under non-standard personal auto policies
    (9 )                       (9 )           (9 )
Released workers’ compensation reserves, primarily related to accident years 2000 to 2007
          (39 )     (19 )           (58 )           (58 )
Strengthened reserves for general liability and products liability claims primarily for accident years 2004 and prior
          17       30             47             47  
Released reserves for general liability claims, primarily related to accident years 2001 to 2006
          (5 )     (37 )           (42 )           (42 )
Released reserves for directors and officers claims and errors and omissions claims for accident years 2003, 2004 and 2006
                      (20 )     (20 )           (20 )
Strengthening of net asbestos reserves
                                  50       50  
Released reserves for construction defect claims for accident years 2001 and prior
                      (10 )     (10 )           (10 )
Other reserve re-estimates, net [2]
    2       13       (12 )     (11 )     (8 )     20       12  
 
                                         
Total prior accident year development for the six months ended June 30, 2008
  $ (7 )   $ (4 )   $ (38 )   $ (41 )   $ (90 )   $ 70     $ (20 )
 
                                         
Total prior accident year development for the nine months ended September 30, 2008
  $ (16 )   $ (50 )   $ (55 )   $ (39 )   $ (160 )   $ 126     $ (34 )
 
                                         
     
[1]  
Includes reserve discount accretion of $6, including $2 in Small Commercial, $2 in Middle Market and $2 in Specialty Commercial.
 
[2]  
Includes reserve discount accretion of $15, including $3 in Small Commercial, $4 in Middle Market, $5 in Specialty Commercial and $3 in Other Operations.

 

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During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company’s re-estimates of prior accident year reserves included the following significant reserve changes:
Ongoing Operations
 
Released workers’ compensation reserves related to accident years 2000 to 2007 by $106 in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, including $48 in the third quarter of 2008. These reserve releases are a continuation of favorable developments first recognized in 2005 and recognized in both 2006 and 2007. The reserve releases in 2008 resulted from a determination that workers’ compensation losses continue to develop even more favorably from prior expectations due to the California and Florida legal reforms and underwriting actions as well as cost reduction initiatives first instituted in 2003. In particular, the state legal reforms and underwriting actions have resulted in lower than expected medical claim severity.
 
 
Released reserves for professional liability claims for accident years 2003 to 2006 by $45 in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, including $25 in the third quarter of 2008. During the first nine months of 2008, the Company updated its analysis of certain professional liability claims and the new analysis showed that claim severity for directors and officers losses in the 2003 to 2006 accident years were favorable to previous expectations, resulting in a $10 reduction of reserves in the first quarter, a $4 reduction of reserves in the second quarter, and a $25 reduction of reserves in the third quarter. The analysis in the second quarter also showed favorable emergence of claim severity on errors and omission policy claims for the 2004 and 2005 accident years, resulting in a release of $6 in reserves in the second quarter.
 
 
During the third quarter of 2008, released reserves for Personal Lines auto liability claims by $23, principally related to AARP business for the 2006 and 2007 accident years. Beginning in the first quarter of 2008, management observed an improvement in emerged claim severity for the 2006 and 2007 accident years attributed, in part, to changes made in claim handling procedures in 2007. In the third quarter of 2008, the Company recognized that favorable trends in reported severity were a sustained trend and accordingly, management reduced its reserve estimate in the third quarter.
 
 
During the third quarter of 2008, strengthened reserves for allocated loss adjustment expenses on national account general liability claims within Specialty Commercial by $15. Allocated loss adjustment expense reserves on general liability excess and umbrella claims were strengthened for accident years 2004 and prior as the Company observed that the cost of settling these claims has exceeded previous expectations.
 
 
Released reserves for general liability claims primarily related to the 2001 to 2006 accident years by $42 in the first six months of 2008. Beginning in the third quarter of 2007, the Company observed that reported losses for high hazard and umbrella general liability claims, primarily related to the 2001 to 2006 accident years, were emerging favorably and this caused management to reduce its estimate of the cost of future reported claims for these accident years, resulting in a reserve release in each quarter since the third quarter of 2007. The number of reported claims for this line of business has been lower than expected, a trend first observed in 2005. Over time, management has come to believe that the lower than expected number of claims reported to date will not be offset by a higher than expected number of late reported claims.
 
 
During the second quarter of 2008, strengthened reserves for claims under Small Commercial package policies by $10. Beginning in the first quarter of 2008, the Company observed an increase in the emerged severity of package business claims for the 2007 accident year, under both property and liability coverages, driven by a higher than initially expected number of large-sized claims. In the second quarter of 2008, the Company recognized that this trend in increasing severity was a verifiable trend and, accordingly, increased reserves in the second quarter of 2008.
 
 
During the first quarter of 2008, released reserves for extra-contractual liability claims under non-standard personal auto policies by $9. As part of the agreement to sell its non-standard auto insurance business in November, 2006, the Company continues to be obligated for certain extra-contractual liability claims arising prior to the date of sale. Reserve estimates for extra-contractual liability claims are subject to significant variability depending on the expected settlement of individually large claims and, during the first quarter of 2008, the Company determined that the settlement value of a number of these claims was expected to be less than previously anticipated, resulting in a $9 release of reserves.
 
 
During the first quarter of 2008, strengthened reserves for general liability and products liability claims primarily for accident years 2004 and prior by $47 for losses expected to emerge after 20 years of development, including $17 in Small Commercial and $30 in Middle Market. In 2007, management observed that long outstanding general liability claims have been settling for more than previously anticipated and, during the first quarter of 2008, the Company increased the estimate of late development of general liability claims.
 
 
During the first quarter of 2008, released reserves for construction defect claims in Specialty Commercial by $10 for accident years 2001 and prior due to lower than expected reported claim activity. Lower than expected claim activity was first noted in the first quarter of 2007 and continued throughout 2007. In the first quarter of 2008, management determined that this was a verifiable trend and reduced reserves accordingly.

 

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Other Operations
 
During the third quarter of 2008, the Company completed its annual ground up environmental reserve evaluation, resulting in a $53 increase in net environmental reserves. As part of this evaluation, the Company reviewed all of its open direct domestic insurance accounts exposed to environmental liability as well as assumed reinsurance accounts and its London Market exposures for both direct and assumed reinsurance. The Company found estimates for some individual accounts increased based upon new damage and defense cost information obtained on these accounts since the last review. In addition, the decline in the reporting of new accounts and sites has been slower than anticipated in our previous review.
 
 
During the second quarter of 2008, the Company completed its annual ground up asbestos reserve evaluation. As part of this evaluation, the Company reviewed all of its open direct domestic insurance accounts exposed to asbestos liability as well as assumed reinsurance accounts and its London Market exposures for both direct insurance and assumed reinsurance. The Company found estimates for individual cases changed based upon the particular circumstances of each account. These changes were case specific and not as a result of any underlying change in the current environment. The net effect of these changes resulted in a $50 increase in net asbestos reserves.
Risk Management Strategy
Refer to the MD&A in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report for an explanation of Property & Casualty’s risk management strategy.
Use of Reinsurance
In managing risk, The Hartford utilizes reinsurance to transfer risk to well-established and financially secure reinsurers. Reinsurance is used to manage aggregations of risk as well as specific risks based on accumulated property and casualty liabilities in certain geographic zones. All treaty purchases related to the Company’s property and casualty operations are administered by a centralized function to support a consistent strategy and ensure that the reinsurance activities are fully integrated into the organization’s risk management processes.
A variety of traditional reinsurance products are used as part of the Company’s risk management strategy, including excess of loss occurrence-based products that protect property and workers’ compensation exposures, and individual risk or quota share arrangements, that protect specific classes or lines of business. There are no significant finite risk contracts in place and the statutory surplus benefit from all such prior year contracts is immaterial. Facultative reinsurance is also used to manage policy-specific risk exposures based on established underwriting guidelines. The Hartford also participates in governmentally administered reinsurance facilities such as the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (“FHCF”), the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program established under The Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 (“TRIPRA”) and other reinsurance programs relating to particular risks or specific lines of business.
The Company has several catastrophe reinsurance programs, including reinsurance treaties that cover property and workers’ compensation losses aggregating from single catastrophe events. The following table summarizes the primary catastrophe treaty reinsurance coverages that the Company has renewed subsequent to January 1, 2008. Refer to the MD&A in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report for an explanation of the Company’s primary catastrophe program, including the treaties that renewed January 1, 2008.
                                 
            % of layer(s)              
Coverage   Treaty term     reinsured     Per occurrence limit     Retention  
Layer covering property catastrophe losses from a single wind or earthquake event affecting the northeast of the United States from Virginia to Maine
  6/1/2008 to 6/1/2009       90 %   $ 300     $ 1,000  
 
                       
 
Reinsurance with the FHCF covering Florida Personal Lines property catastrophe losses from a single event
  6/1/2008 to 6/1/2009       90 %     436 [1]     83  
 
                       
 
Workers’ compensation losses arising from a single catastrophe event
  7/1/2008 to 7/1/2009       95 %     280       20  
     
[1]  
The per occurrence limit on the FHCF treaty is $436 for the 6/1/2008 to 6/1/2009 treaty year based on the Company’s election to purchase additional limits under the “Temporary Increase in Coverage Limit (TCIL)” statutory provision in excess of the coverage the Company is required to purchase from the FHCF.

 

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The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (“TWIA”)
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (“TWIA”) provides hail and windstorm coverage to Texas residents of 14 counties along the Texas Gulf coast who are unable to obtain insurance from other carriers. Insurance carriers who write property insurance in the state of Texas, including The Hartford, are required to be members of TWIA and are obligated to pay assessments in the event that TWIA losses exceed the available funds in the Texas Catastrophe Reserve Trust Fund (CRTF). Assessments are allocated to carriers based on their share of premium writings in the state of Texas, as defined.
During the third quarter of 2008, the board of directors of TWIA notified its member companies that it would assess them $100 to cover TWIA losses from hurricane Dolly and a total of $430 for hurricane Ike. For hurricane Dolly, the Company’s share of the assessment was $4, which was recorded as incurred losses within current accident year catastrophes in the third quarter of 2008.
For hurricane Ike, the TWIA board indicated that the first $370 of TWIA losses from hurricane Ike would be covered by the CRTF, but that the cost of TWIA losses and reinstatement premium above that amount would be funded by assessments. Of the $430 in assessments, $230 is to fund the first $230 of TWIA losses in excess of the $370 available in the CRTF and $200 is to fund additional reinsurance premiums that TWIA must pay to reinstate a layer of coverage that reimburses TWIA for up to $1.5 billion of TWIA losses in excess of $600 per occurrence. Thus, TWIA’s assessment notice for $430 is based on an estimate that TWIA losses from hurricane Ike will total approximately $2.1 billion. If TWIA losses exceed $2.1 billion, the entire amount in excess of $2.1 billion would be recovered from assessing member companies according to their market share. In notifying member companies, TWIA’s board of directors stated that actual TWIA losses will likely be greater than $2.1 billion and management has accrued a total of $27 in assessments for Ike based on an estimate that TWIA’s Ike losses will be approximately $2.5 billion and that TWIA assessments to the industry will ultimately be approximately $830. Of the $27 in assessments for Ike recorded in the third quarter of 2008, $7 has been recorded as incurred losses within current accident year catastrophes and $20 has been recorded as insurance operating costs and expenses.
Through premium tax credits, member companies may recoup a portion of Ike-related assessments made to cover the first $2.1 billion of TWIA losses and may recoup all of the Ike-related assessments made to fund losses in excess of that amount. None of the assessments for hurricane Dolly may be recouped. Under generally accepted accounting principles, the Company is required to accrue the assessments in the period the assessments become probable and estimable and the obligating event has occurred. However, premium tax credits may not be recorded as an asset until the related premium is earned and TWIA requires that premium tax credits be spread over a period of at least five years. The Company estimates that of the $27 of accrued assessments for Ike, it will ultimately be able to recoup $20 through premium tax credits.
Reinsurance Recoverables
Refer to the MD&A in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report for an explanation of Property & Casualty’s reinsurance recoverables.
Premium Measures
Written premium is a statutory accounting financial measure which represents the amount of premiums charged for policies issued, net of reinsurance, during a fiscal period. Earned premium is a measure under both U.S. GAAP and statutory accounting principles. Premiums are considered earned and are included in the financial results on a pro rata basis over the policy period. Management believes that written premium is a performance measure that is useful to investors as it reflects current trends in the Company’s sale of property and casualty insurance products. Written and earned premium are recorded net of ceded reinsurance premium. Reinstatement premium represents additional ceded premium paid for the reinstatement of the amount of reinsurance coverage that was reduced as a result of a reinsurance loss payment.
Unless otherwise specified, the following discussion speaks to changes in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007 and the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

 

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TOTAL PROPERTY & CASUALTY
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Operating Summary   2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change  
Earned premiums
  $ 2,568     $ 2,628       (2 %)   $ 7,768     $ 7,873       (1 %)
Net investment income
    335       407       (18 %)     1,091       1,266       (14 %)
Other revenues [1]
    132       126       5 %     377       368       2 %
Net realized capital losses
    (1,428 )     (75 )   NM       (1,631 )     (76 )   NM  
 
                                   
Total revenues
    1,607       3,086       (48 %)     7,605       9,431       (19 %)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
                                               
Current accident year before catastrophes
    1,638       1,695       (3 %)     4,902       4,984       (2 %)
Current accident year catastrophes
    325       32     NM       546       112     NM  
Prior accident years
    (14 )     28     NM       (34 )     154     NM  
 
                                   
Total losses and loss adjustment expenses
    1,949       1,755       11 %     5,414       5,250       3 %
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    523       525             1,567       1,581       (1 %)
Insurance operating costs and expenses
    201       166       21 %     543       494       10 %
Other expenses
    175       174       1 %     537       509       6 %
 
                                   
Total losses and expenses
    2,848       2,620       9 %     8,061       7,834       3 %
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (1,241 )     466     NM       (456 )     1,597     NM  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (467 )     113     NM       (257 )     439     NM  
 
                                   
Net income (loss) [2]
  $ (774 )   $ 353     NM     $ (199 )   $ 1,158     NM  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Net Income (Loss)
                                               
Ongoing Operations
  $ (666 )   $ 341     NM     $ (108 )   $ 1,154     NM  
Other Operations
    (108 )     12     NM       (91 )     4     NM  
 
                                   
Total Property & Casualty net income (loss)
  $ (774 )   $ 353     NM     $ (199 )   $ 1,158     NM  
 
                                   
     
[1]  
Represents servicing revenue.
 
[2]  
Includes net realized capital losses, after-tax, of $(929) and $(49) for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $(1,061) and $(50) for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007
Net income decreased by $1,127, from net income of $353 in 2007 to a net loss of $774 in 2008. The decrease in net income was driven by a $1,007 decrease in Ongoing Operations results, from net income of $341 in 2007 to a net loss of $666 in 2008 and a $120 decrease in Other Operations’ results, from net income of $12 in 2007 to a net loss of $108 in 2008. See the Ongoing Operations and Other Operations segment MD&A discussions for an analysis of the underwriting results and investment performance driving the decrease in net income.
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007
Net income decreased by $1,357, from net income of $1,158 in 2007 to a net loss of $199 in 2008. The decrease in net income was due to a $1,262 decrease in Ongoing Operations’ results, from net income of $1,154 in 2007 to a net loss of $108 in 2008 and a $95 decrease in Other Operations’ results, from net income of $4 in 2007 to a net loss of $91 in 2008. See the Ongoing Operations and Other Operations segment MD&A discussions for an analysis of the underwriting results and investment performance driving the decrease in net income.

 

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ONGOING OPERATIONS
Ongoing Operations includes the four underwriting segments of Personal Lines, Small Commercial, Middle Market and Specialty Commercial.
Operating Summary
Net income for Ongoing Operations includes underwriting results for each of its segments, income from servicing businesses, net investment income, other expenses and net realized capital gains (losses), net of related income taxes.
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change  
Written premiums
  $ 2,592     $ 2,628       (1 %)   $ 7,759     $ 7,924       (2 %)
Change in unearned premium reserve
    25       2     NM       (5 )     54     NM  
 
                                   
Earned premiums
    2,567       2,626       (2 %)     7,764       7,870       (1 %)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
                                               
Current accident year before catastrophes
    1,638       1,695       (3 %)     4,902       4,984       (2 %)
Current accident year catastrophes
    325       32     NM       546       112     NM  
Prior accident years
    (70 )     (11 )   NM       (160 )     (19 )   NM  
 
                                   
Total losses and loss adjustment expenses
    1,893       1,716       10 %     5,288       5,077       4 %
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    523       525             1,567       1,581       (1 %)
Insurance operating costs and expenses
    195       160       22 %     527       477       10 %
 
                                   
Underwriting results
    (44 )     225     NM       382       735       (48 %)
Net servicing income [1]
    14       16       (13 %)     21       41       (49 %)
Net investment income
    285       346       (18 %)     929       1,082       (14 %)
Net realized capital losses
    (1,268 )     (72 )   NM       (1,455 )     (73 )   NM  
Other expenses
    (58 )     (63 )     8 %     (180 )     (179 )     (1 %)
 
                                   
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (1,071 )     452     NM       (303 )     1,606     NM  
Income tax (expense) benefit
    405       (111 )   NM       195       (452 )   NM  
 
                                   
Net income (loss)
  $ (666 )   $ 341     NM     $ (108 )   $ 1,154     NM  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
                                               
Current accident year before catastrophes
    63.8       64.5       0.7       63.1       63.3       0.2  
Current accident year catastrophes
    12.7       1.2       (11.5 )     7.0       1.4       (5.6 )
Prior accident years
    (2.8 )     (0.4 )     2.4       (2.1 )     (0.2 )     1.9  
 
                                   
Total loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
    73.7       65.3       (8.4 )     68.1       64.5       (3.6 )
Expense ratio
    27.3       25.9       (1.4 )     26.4       25.9       (0.5 )
Policyholder dividend ratio
    0.7       0.2       (0.5 )     0.5       0.2       (0.3 )
 
                                   
Combined ratio
    101.7       91.4       (10.3 )     95.1       90.7       (4.4 )
 
                                   
 
Catastrophe ratio
                                               
Current accident year
    12.7       1.2       (11.5 )     7.0       1.4       (5.6 )
Prior accident years
    (0.2 )     0.3       0.5       (0.2 )     0.1       0.3  
 
                                   
Total catastrophe ratio
    12.5       1.5       (11.0 )     6.8       1.5       (5.3 )
 
                                   
 
Combined ratio before catastrophes
    89.2       89.9       0.7       88.2       89.2       1.0  
Combined ratio before catastrophes and prior accident year development
    91.8       90.6       (1.2 )     90.1       89.5       (0.6 )
 
                                   
     
[1]  
Net of expenses related to service business.
Three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007
Net income
Net income decreased by $1,007, from net income of $341 in 2007 to a net loss of $666 in 2008, due primarily to a $1,196 increase in net realized capital losses, a $269 decrease in underwriting results and a $61 decrease in net investment income.
Net realized capital losses increased by $1,196
The increase in net realized capital losses of $1,196 in 2008 was primarily due to realized losses in 2008 from impairments of corporate debt and equity securities in the financial services sector. (See the Other-Than-Temporary Impairments discussion within “Investment Results” in the “Investments” section of the MD&A for more information on the impairments recorded in 2008).

 

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Underwriting results decreased by $269
Underwriting results decreased by $269 with a corresponding 10.3 point increase in the combined ratio, from 91.4 to 101.7, due to:
         
Change in underwriting results        
Decrease in earned premiums
  $ (59 )
 
       
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
       
Volume change — Decrease in current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes due to the decrease in earned premium
    38  
Ratio change — A decrease in the current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes
    19  
 
     
Decrease in current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes
    57  
Catastrophes — Increase in current accident year catastrophe losses
    (293 )
Reserve changes — An increase in net favorable prior accident year reserve development
    59  
 
     
Net increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (177 )
 
       
Operating expenses
       
Decrease in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    2  
Increase in insurance operating costs and expenses
    (35 )
 
     
Net increase in operating expenses
    (33 )
 
     
 
       
Decrease in underwriting results from 2007 to 2008
  $ (269 )
 
     
Earned premium decreased by $59
Ongoing Operations’ earned premium decreased by $59, or 2%, primarily due to a 5% decrease in both Middle Market and Specialty Commercial. Refer to the earned premium discussion in the Executive Overview section of the Property & Casualty MD&A for further discussion of the decrease in earned premium.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses increased by $177
Current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes decreased by $57
Ongoing Operations’ current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes decreased by $57 due to a decrease in earned premium and a decrease in the current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes. The current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes decreased by 0.7 points, to 63.8, driven by a decrease in Personal Lines and Small Commercial, partially offset by an increase in Middle Market and Specialty Commercial.
         
Personal
Lines
   
The current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes in Personal Lines decreased by 2.2 points, primarily due to a lower current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for auto claims, partially offset by increased severity of non-catastrophe losses on homeowners’ business. Contributing to the lower loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for auto claims was the effect of a $9 release of current accident year auto liability reserves and favorable frequency on auto physical damage claims as well as the effect of earned pricing increases.
 
       
Small Commercial
   
The current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes in Small Commercial decreased by 3.1 points, primarily due to a lower loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for workers’ compensation business. The lower loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for workers’ compensation business was primarily due to lower claim frequency, partially offset by the effect of earned pricing decreases.
 
       
Middle
Market
   
The current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes in Middle Market increased by 2.0 points due primarily to earned pricing decreases and higher non-catastrophe losses on property and marine business, driven by increased claim severity.
 
       
Specialty Commercial
   
The current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes in Specialty Commercial increased by 3.1 points, primarily due to a higher loss and loss adjustment ratio on directors and officers insurance for professional liability business, driven by earned pricing decreases.
Current accident year catastrophes increased by $293
Current accident year catastrophe losses of $325, or 12.7 points, in 2008 were higher than current accident year catastrophe losses of $32, or 1.2 points, in 2007, primarily due to losses from hurricane Ike.

 

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Net favorable prior accident year reserve development increased by $59
Net favorable prior accident year reserve development increased from net favorable development of $11, or 0.4 points, in 2007, to net favorable development of $70, or 2.8 points, in 2008. Among other reserve changes, net favorable reserve development of $70 in 2008 included a $48 release of workers’ compensation reserves, primarily related to accident years 2006 and 2007, a $25 release of reserves on directors and officers insurance claims related to accident years 2004 to 2006 and a $23 release of Personal Lines auto liability reserves related to accident years 2006 and 2007, partially offset by a $28 strengthening of reserves for allocated loss adjustment expenses on specialty casualty business, including $15 on national accounts business. Refer to the “Reserves” section of the MD&A for further discussion of the prior accident year reserve development in 2008. Net favorable reserve development of $11 in 2007 primarily included a $58 release of workers’ compensation reserves for accident years 2003 through 2006, partially offset by a $40 strengthening of Middle Market workers’ compensation reserves for accident years 1973 and prior.
Operating expenses increased by $33
Insurance operating costs and expenses increased by $35 primarily due to a $12 increase in policyholder dividends and an estimated $20 of assessments owed to TWIA to fund Texas Gulf Coast losses sustained by TWIA due to hurricane Ike. The increase in policyholder dividends was primarily due to an $11 increase in the estimated amount of dividends payable to certain workers’ compensation policyholders due to underwriting profits. The expense ratio increased by 1.4 points, to 27.3, primarily because of the TWIA assessments coupled with a reduction in earned premium. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs decreased slightly reflecting the decrease in earned premium.
Net investment income decreased by $61
Primarily driving the $61 decrease in net investment income was a decrease in investment yield for limited partnerships and other alternative investments and, to a lesser extent, a decrease in investment yield for fixed maturities. The lower yield on limited partnerships and other alternative investments was largely driven by lower returns on hedge funds and real estate partnerships. The lower yield on fixed maturities primarily resulted from lower income on variable rate securities due to a decrease in short-term interest rates.
A $516 change from income tax expense to an income tax benefit
Income taxes changed by $516, from income tax expense of $111 in 2007 to an income tax benefit of $405 in 2008, reflecting the change from pre-tax income of $452 in 2007 to a pre-tax loss of $1,071 in 2008.
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007
Net income
Net income decreased by $1,262, from net income of $1,154 in 2007 to a net loss of $108 in 2008, due primarily to a $1,382 increase in net realized capital losses, a $353 decrease in underwriting results and a $153 decrease in net investment income.
Net realized capital losses increased by $1,382
The increase in net realized capital losses of $1,382 in 2008 was primarily due to realized losses in 2008 from impairments of corporate debt and equity securities in the financial services sector. (See the Other-Than-Temporary Impairments discussion within “Investment Results” in the “Investments” section of the MD&A for more information on the impairments recorded in 2008).

 

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Underwriting results decreased by $353
Underwriting results decreased by $353 with a corresponding 4.4 point increase in the combined ratio, from 90.7 to 95.1, due to:
         
Change in underwriting results
Decrease in earned premiums
  $ (106 )
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
       
 
       
Volume change — Decrease in current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes due to the decrease in earned premium
    67  
Ratio change — A decrease in the current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes
    15  
 
     
Net decrease in current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes
    82  
Catastrophes — Increase in current accident year catastrophe losses
    (434 )
Reserve changes — An increase in net favorable prior accident year reserve development
    141  
 
     
Net increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (211 )
 
       
Operating expenses
       
Decrease in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    14  
Increase in insurance operating costs and expenses
    (50 )
 
     
Net increase in operating expenses
    (36 )
 
     
 
       
Decrease in underwriting results from 2007 to 2008
  $ (353 )
 
     
Earned premium decreased by $106
Ongoing Operations’ earned premium decreased by $106, or 1%, due to a 5% decrease in both Middle Market and Specialty Commercial. Refer to the earned premium discussion in the Executive Overview section of the Property & Casualty MD&A for further discussion of the decrease in earned premium.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses increased by $211
Current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes decreased by $82
Ongoing Operations’ current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes decreased by $82 due primarily to a decrease in earned premium. The current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes decreased by 0.2 points, to 63.1, due to a decrease in Small Commercial, partially offset by an increase in Personal Lines, Middle Market and Specialty Commercial.
         
Personal
Lines
   
The current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes in Personal Lines increased by 0.4 points, primarily due to increased severity of non-catastrophe losses on homeowners business, partially offset by favorable frequency on auto physical damage claims and the effect of earned pricing increases for both auto and homeowners.
 
       
Small Commercial
   
The current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes in Small Commercial decreased by 3.5 points, primarily due to a lower loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for workers’ compensation business and, to a lesser extent, a lower loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for package business. The lower loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for workers’ compensation business was primarily due to lower claim frequency, partially offset by the effect of earned pricing decreases.
 
       
Middle
Market
   
The current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes in Middle Market increased by 1.9 points, primarily due to higher non-catastrophe losses on property and marine business, driven by a number of large individual claims, and the effect of earned pricing decreases.
 
       
Specialty Commercial
   
The current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes in Specialty Commercial increased by 1.5 points, primarily due to a higher loss and loss adjustment ratio on directors and officers insurance in professional liability, driven by earned pricing decreases.
Current accident year catastrophes increased by $434
Current accident year catastrophe losses of $546, or 7.0 points, in 2008 were higher than current accident year catastrophe losses of $112, or 1.4 points, in 2007, primarily due to losses from hurricane Ike and tornadoes and thunderstorms in the South and Midwest.

 

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An increase in net favorable prior accident year reserve development of $141
Net favorable prior accident year reserve development increased from net favorable development of $19, or 0.2 points, in 2007, to net favorable development of $160, or 2.1 points, in 2008. Among other reserve developments, net favorable development in 2008 included a $106 release of workers’ compensation reserves, primarily related to accident years 2000 to 2007 and a $45 release of reserves for directors’ and officers insurance and errors and omissions insurance claims related to accident years 2003 to 2006. Refer to the “Reserves” section of the MD&A for further discussion of the prior accident year reserve development in 2008. Net favorable reserve development of $19 in 2007 included an $85 release of workers’ compensation reserves for accident years 2003 through 2006, partially offset by a $40 strengthening of Middle Market workers’ compensation reserves for accident years 1973 and prior and other reserve increases.
Operating expenses increased by $36
Insurance operating costs and expenses increased by $50, primarily due a $23 increase in policyholder dividends and an estimated $20 of assessments owed to TWIA to fund Texas Gulf Coast losses sustained by TWIA due to hurricane Ike. The increase in policyholder dividends was primarily due to a $26 increase in the estimated amount of dividends payable to certain workers’ compensation policyholders due to underwriting profits. The expense ratio increased by 0.5 points, to 26.4, primarily due to the TWIA assessments coupled with a reduction in earned premium. The $14 decrease in the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs was largely due to the decrease in earned premium.
Net investment income decreased by $153
Primarily driving the $153 decrease in net investment income was a decrease in investment yield for limited partnerships and other alternative investments and, to a lesser extent, a decrease in investment yield for fixed maturities. The lower yield on limited partnerships and other alternative investments was largely driven by lower returns on hedge funds and real estate partnerships. The lower yield on fixed maturities primarily resulted from lower income on variable rate securities due to a decrease in short-term interest rates.
Net servicing income decreased by $20
The decrease in net servicing income was primarily driven by a decrease in servicing income from the AARP Health program and the Write Your Own flood program and the write-off of software used in administering policies for third parties.
A $647 change from income tax expense to an income tax benefit
Income taxes changed by $647, from income tax expense of $452 in 2007 to an income tax benefit of $195, reflecting the change from pre-tax income of $1,606 in 2007 to a pre-tax loss of $303 in 2008.

 

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PERSONAL LINES
                                                 
Premiums   Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Written Premiums [1]   2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change  
Business Unit
                                               
AARP
  $ 741     $ 724       2 %   $ 2,144     $ 2,101       2 %
Agency
    269       294       (9 %)     798       856       (7 %)
Other
    14       17       (18 %)     47       56       (16 %)
 
                                   
Total
  $ 1,024     $ 1,035       (1 %)   $ 2,989     $ 3,013       (1 %)
 
                                   
Product Line
                                               
Automobile
  $ 726     $ 732       (1 %)   $ 2,153     $ 2,170       (1 %)
Homeowners
    298       303       (2 %)     836       843       (1 %)
 
                                   
Total
  $ 1,024     $ 1,035       (1 %)   $ 2,989     $ 3,013       (1 %)
 
                                   
 
                                               
Earned Premiums [1]
                                               
Business Unit
                                               
AARP
  $ 695     $ 680       2 %   $ 2,073     $ 1,996       4 %
Agency
    266       283       (6 %)     816       842       (3 %)
Other
    17       21       (19 %)     52       66       (21 %)
 
                                   
Total
  $ 978     $ 984       (1 %)   $ 2,941     $ 2,904       1 %
 
                                   
Product Line
                                               
Automobile
  $ 707     $ 712       (1 %)   $ 2,120     $ 2,110        
Homeowners
    271       272             821       794       3 %
 
                                   
Total
  $ 978     $ 984       (1 %)   $ 2,941     $ 2,904       1 %
 
                                   
     
[1]  
The difference between written premiums and earned premiums is attributable to the change in unearned premium reserve.
                                 
Premium Measures   2008     2007     2008     2007  
Policies in-force end of period
                               
Automobile
                    2,324,124       2,359,246  
Homeowners
                    1,465,907       1,484,157  
 
                           
Total policies in-force end of period
                    3,790,031       3,843,403  
 
                           
 
                               
New business premium
                               
Automobile
  $ 97     $ 108     $ 268     $ 340  
Homeowners
  $ 29     $ 36     $ 80     $ 112  
 
                       
 
                               
Premium Renewal Retention
                               
Automobile
    86 %     88 %     87 %     88 %
Homeowners
    90 %     94 %     90 %     97 %
 
                       
 
                               
Written Pricing Increase
                               
Automobile
    2 %           2 %      
Homeowners
    3 %     5 %     2 %     6 %
 
                       
 
                               
Earned Pricing Increase
                               
Automobile
    1 %           1 %      
Homeowners
    2 %     6 %     3 %     6 %
 
                       
Earned Premiums
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007
Earned premiums decreased $6, or 1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and increased $37, or 1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. In both periods, growth in AARP earned premiums was largely or more than offset by earned premium decreases in Agency and Other.
 
AARP earned premium grew $15 and $77, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, reflecting growth in the size of the AARP target market, the effect of direct marketing programs and the effect of cross selling homeowners insurance to insureds who have auto policies. In the three month period, the earned premium growth in AARP was primarily due to modest increases in earned pricing for both auto and homeowners. In the nine month period, the earned premium growth in AARP was largely due to new business written premium outpacing non-renewals over the last six months of 2007 and to modest earned pricing increases for both auto and homeowners. In the first nine months of 2008, non-renewals have outpaced new business due largely to a decline in new business written premium and renewal retention driven by increased competition.

 

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Agency earned premium decreased by $17 and $26, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 as the effect of a decline in new business premium and premium renewal retention since the middle of 2007 was partially offset by the effect of modest earned pricing increases. The market environment continues to be intensely competitive. The increase in advertising for auto business among the top carriers is also occurring with homeowners’ business, particularly in non-coastal and non-catastrophe prone areas. In 2008, a number of Personal Lines carriers have begun to increase rates although a significant portion of the market continues to compete heavily on price.
 
 
Other earned premium decreased by $4 and $14, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, primarily due to a decision to reduce other affinity business.
While auto earned premium grew slightly for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, auto earned premium decreased by 1% for the three months then ended as non-renewals began to outpace new business in 2008. Homeowners’ earned premium was relatively flat for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and grew 3% for the nine month period, as earned pricing increases of 2% and 3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, were largely offset by the effect of a decline in new business since the middle of 2007 and a decline in policy retention since the beginning of 2008.
         
New business premium
   
Both auto and homeowners’ new business written premium decreased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008. Auto new business decreased by $11, or 10%, for the three month period and by $72, or 21%, for the nine month period, including decreases in both AARP and Agency. Homeowners’ new business decreased by $7, or 19%, for the three month period and by $32, or 29%, for the nine month period, including decreases in both AARP and Agency. AARP new business written premium decreased primarily due to lower auto and homeowners’ policy conversion rates, driven by increased competition, including the effect of price decreases by some carriers and the effect of continued advertising among carriers for new business. Agency new business written premium decreased primarily due to price competition driven, in part, by a greater number of agents using comparative rating software to obtain quotes from multiple carriers.
 
       
Premium renewal retention
   
Premium renewal retention for auto decreased from 88% to 86% in the three month period and from 88% to 87% in the nine month period, driven primarily by a decrease in policy retention for both AARP and Agency business, partially offset by the effect of modest written pricing increases in 2008. Premium renewal retention for homeowners decreased from 94% to 90% in the three month period and from 97% to 90% in the nine month period driven by a decrease in retention for both AARP and Agency business. The decrease in premium renewal retention for AARP homeowners’ business was driven by increased price competition by some carriers and mandated homeowners rate declines in Florida for AARP policies. The decrease in premium renewal retention for Agency homeowners’ business was due, in part, to Florida policyholders non-renewing in advance of the Company’s decision to stop renewing Florida homeowners’ policies sold through agents which took effect at the end of August 2008.
 
       
Earned pricing increase (decrease)
   
Auto earned pricing increases of 1% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 represents the portion of the 2% increase in written pricing for the first nine months of 2008 that is reflected in earned premium. While auto written pricing was flat in 2007, in 2008 the Company has increased auto insurance rates in certain states for certain classes to maintain profitability in the face of rising loss costs. In addition, written pricing increases included the effect of policyholders purchasing newer vehicle models in place of older models. Homeowners’ earned pricing increases of 2% and 3% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, primarily reflect the earning of a blend of mid-single digit written pricing increases recognized over the last six months of 2007 and 2% written pricing increases recognized in the first six months of 2008. Written pricing increases in homeowners were largely driven by increases in coverage limits due to rising replacement costs.
 
       
Policies in-force
   
The number of policies in-force decreased slightly for both auto and homeowners, primarily due to a 7% decline in the number of Agency policies in-force, partially offset by a 1% increase in the number of AARP policies in-force.

 

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    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Personal Lines — Underwriting Summary   2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change  
Written premiums
  $ 1,024     $ 1,035       (1 %)   $ 2,989     $ 3,013       (1 %)
Change in unearned premium reserve
    46       51       (10 %)     48       109       (56 %)
 
                                   
Earned premiums
    978       984       (1 %)     2,941       2,904       1 %
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
                                               
Current accident year before catastrophes
    634       659       (4 %)     1,914       1,880       2 %
Current accident year catastrophes
    168       26     NM       295       75     NM  
Prior accident years
    (9 )     7     NM       (16 )     15     NM  
 
                                   
Total losses and loss adjustment expenses
    793       692       15 %     2,193       1,970       11 %
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    159       155       3 %     470       461       2 %
Insurance operating costs and expenses
    71       59       20 %     200       181       10 %
 
                                   
Underwriting results
  $ (45 )   $ 78     NM     $ 78     $ 292       (73 %)
 
                                   
 
                                               
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
                                               
Current accident year before catastrophes
    64.7       66.9       2.2       65.1       64.7       (0.4 )
Current accident year catastrophes
    17.2       2.6       (14.6 )     10.0       2.6       (7.4 )
Prior accident years
    (0.9 )     0.7       1.6       (0.6 )     0.5       1.1  
 
                                   
Total loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
    81.1       70.1       (11.0 )     74.6       67.8       (6.8 )
Expense ratio
    23.5       21.9       (1.6 )     22.8       22.1       (0.7 )
 
                                   
Combined ratio
    104.6       92.0       (12.6 )     97.3       89.9       (7.4 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Catastrophe ratio
                                               
Current year
    17.2       2.6       (14.6 )     10.0       2.6       (7.4 )
Prior years
    0.8       0.4       (0.4 )     0.2       0.2        
 
                                   
Total catastrophe ratio
    18.1       3.0       (15.1 )     10.2       2.8       (7.4 )
 
                                   
Combined ratio before catastrophes
    86.5       89.0       2.5       87.2       87.1       (0.1 )
Combined ratio before catastrophes and prior accident years development
    88.3       88.7       0.4       87.9       86.9       (1.0 )
 
                                   
Other revenues [1]
  $ 33     $ 33           $ 96     $ 102       (6 %)
 
                                   
     
[1]  
Represents servicing revenues.
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Combined Ratios   2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change  
Automobile
    90.5       95.9       5.4       92.5       94.2       1.7  
Homeowners
    141.2       81.9       (59.3 )     109.9       78.6       (31.3 )
 
                                   
Total
    104.6       92.0       (12.6 )     97.3       89.9       (7.4 )
 
                                   

 

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Underwriting results and ratios
Three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007
Underwriting results decreased by $123, from underwriting income of $78 in 2007 to an underwriting loss of $45 in 2008, with a corresponding 12.6 point increase in the combined ratio, from 92.0 to 104.6, due to:
         
Change in underwriting results        
Decrease in earned premiums
  $ (6 )
 
       
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
       
Ratio change — A decrease in the current accident loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes
    21  
Volume change — Decrease in current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes due to the decrease in earned premium
    4  
 
     
Decrease in current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes
    25  
Catastrophes — Increase in current accident year catastrophes
    (142 )
Reserve changes — A change to net favorable prior accident year reserve development
    16  
 
     
Net increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (101 )
 
       
Operating expenses
       
Increase in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    (4 )
Increase in insurance operating costs and expenses
    (12 )
 
     
Increase in operating expenses
    (16 )
 
     
 
       
Decrease in underwriting results from 2007 to 2008
  $ (123 )
 
     
Earned premium decreased by $6
Earned premiums decreased $6, as earned premium decreases in Agency and Other were largely offset by growth in AARP. Refer to the earned premium section above for further discussion.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses increased by $101
Current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes decreased by $25
Personal Lines current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes decreased by $25, to $634, due largely to a decrease in the current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes. The current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes decreased by 2.2 points, to 64.7. The decrease was primarily due to a lower current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for auto claims, partially offset by increased severity of non-catastrophe losses on homeowners’ business. Contributing to the lower loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for auto claims was the effect of a $9 release of current accident year auto liability reserves, favorable frequency on auto physical damage claims and the effect of earned pricing increases. As with auto physical damage claims, claim frequency for auto liability claims has emerged favorably to initial expectations for the 2008 accident year and, accordingly, management reduced its estimate of loss and loss adjustment expenses on auto liability claims during the third quarter of 2008.
Current accident year catastrophes increased by $142
Current accident year catastrophe losses of $168, or 17.2 points, in 2008 were higher than current accident year catastrophe losses of $26, or 2.6 points, in 2007, primarily due to losses from hurricane Ike.
Prior accident year reserve development changed by $16, from net unfavorable to net favorable development
Net favorable reserve development of $9 in 2008 included a $23 release of auto liability reserves primarily related to accident years 2000 to 2007, partially offset by reserve increases for homeowners’ business. There were no significant prior accident year reserve developments in 2007.
Operating expenses increased by $16
The expense ratio increased 1.6 points, to 23.5, due largely to the increase in insurance operating costs and expenses. Insurance operating costs and expenses increased by $12, primarily due to an estimated $10 of assessments owed to TWIA to fund Texas Gulf Coast losses sustained by TWIA due to hurricane Ike and an increase in insurance operating costs and expenses to achieve earned premium growth, including higher IT costs. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs increased by $4 driven primarily by the amortization of a higher amount of direct marketing costs, partially offset by the effect of a slight decline in earned premium.

 

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Nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007
Underwriting results decreased by $214, from $292 in 2007 to $78 in 2008, with a corresponding 7.4 point increase in the combined ratio, from 89.9 to 97.3 due to:
         
Change in underwriting results        
Increase in earned premiums
  $ 37  
 
       
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
       
Volume change — Increase in current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes due to the increase in earned premium
    (24 )
Ratio change — An increase in the current accident loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes
    (10 )
 
     
Increase in current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes
    (34 )
Catastrophes — Increase in current accident year catastrophes
    (220 )
Reserve changes — A change to net favorable prior accident year reserve development
    31  
 
     
Net increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (223 )
 
       
Operating expenses
       
Increase in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    (9 )
Increase in insurance operating costs and expenses
    (19 )
 
     
Increase in operating expenses
    (28 )
 
     
 
       
Decrease in underwriting results from 2007 to 2008
  $ (214 )
 
     
Earned premium increased by $37
Earned premiums increased $37, or 1%, primarily due to earned premium growth in AARP, partially offset by a decrease in Agency and Other earned premium. Refer to the earned premium section above for further discussion.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses increased by $223
Current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes increased by $34
Personal Lines current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes increased by $34, to $1,914, due to an increase in earned premium and an increase in the current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes. The current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes increased by 0.4 points, to 65.1. The increase was primarily due to increased severity of non-catastrophe losses on homeowners business and auto liability claims, partially offset by favorable frequency on auto physical damage claims and the effect of earned pricing increases for both auto and homeowners.
Current accident year catastrophes increased by $220
Current accident year catastrophe losses of $295, or 10.0 points, in 2008 were higher than current accident year catastrophe losses of $75, or 2.6 points, in 2007, primarily due to losses from hurricane Ike and tornadoes and thunderstorms in the South and Midwest.
Prior accident year reserve development changed by $31, from net unfavorable to net favorable development
Net favorable reserve development of $16 in 2008 included a $23 release of auto liability reserves primarily related to accident years 2000 to 2007. There were no significant prior accident year reserve developments in 2007.
Operating expenses increased by $28
The expense ratio increased 0.7 points, to 22.8, due largely to the increase in insurance operating costs and expenses. Insurance operating costs and expenses increased by $19, primarily due to an estimated $10 of assessments owed to TWIA and an increase in insurance operating costs and expenses to achieve earned premium growth. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs increased by $9, driven primarily by the increase in earned premium and the amortization of a higher amount of direct marketing costs.

 

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Outlook
Management expects written premium for the Personal Lines segment to be flat to 2% lower in 2008 than in 2007. New business written premium began to decline in the third quarter of 2007 and this trend continued in the first nine months of 2008 for both AARP and Agency. Based on competitive market conditions, written premium is expected to be flat to 2% lower in both auto and homeowners with growth in AARP offset by declines in Agency and other. For AARP business, management expects to achieve its written premium growth primarily through continued direct marketing to AARP members and an expansion of underwriting appetite through the continued roll-out of the “Next Gen Auto” product. Through improvements in technology, the Company seeks to increase AARP new business flow from the internet and increase the percentage of AARP new business submissions that can be quoted real-time. In addition to marketing directly to AARP members, the Company is increasing its media spend to enhance brand awareness.
For the Agency business in 2008, management expects written premium to decrease as competition for business has increased, in part, driven by more agencies using comparative raters to obtain quotes from multiple carriers. The Company seeks to increase its new business by appointing more agents, increasing the flow of new business from recently appointed agents and improving its price competitiveness across a spectrum of risks through continued enhancements of the Dimensions Auto class plan.
In April of 2008, the Company launched a brand and channel expansion pilot in four states: Arizona, Illinois, Tennessee and Minnesota. In those four states, the Company increased Personal Lines brand advertising and has launched direct marketing efforts beyond its existing AARP program. In addition, certain agents in the four target states will be authorized to offer the Company’s AARP product. The Company is in the process of rolling out the agent-sold AARP product in these four states.
Margins for both auto and homeowners are under pressure as carriers have generally been willing to allow their combined ratios to increase in order to grow written premium. For auto, written pricing was flat for 2007 and did not keep pace with loss costs which increased due to a higher frequency of auto claims. In response to rising loss costs, in 2008 the Company began to increase auto insurance rates in certain states for certain classes of business to maintain profitability. While carriers in the personal lines industry will continue to compete on price, management expects that auto pricing in the industry will continue to firm a bit in 2008 as combined ratios have risen in the past couple of years and eroded profitability. For auto business, loss cost severity has continued to increase while loss cost frequency has emerged favorable to previous expectations. In the third quarter of 2008, the Company reduced its estimate of current accident year loss costs for auto liability claims, due primarily to lower than anticipated frequency on AARP business.
For homeowners, written pricing increased 5% for the 2007 full year and 2% in the first nine months of 2008, primarily reflecting an increase in coverage limits due to rising replacement costs. Non-catastrophe loss costs of homeowners claims increased in both 2007 and the first nine months of 2008 due to higher claim severity and management expects this trend to continue.
For Personal Lines, the Company expects a 2008 combined ratio before catastrophes and prior accident year development in the range of 87.5 to 89.5. The combined ratio before catastrophes and prior accident year development was 88.6 in 2007. To help maintain profitability, the Company is seeking to achieve greater economy of scale, enhance its products, improve its pricing structure and expand market access.
To summarize, management’s outlook in Personal Lines for the 2008 full year is:
 
Written premium flat to 2% lower, with both auto and homeowners’ written premium flat to 2% lower
 
 
A combined ratio before catastrophes and prior accident year development of 87.5 to 89.5

 

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SMALL COMMERCIAL
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Premiums [1]   2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change  
Written premiums
  $ 652     $ 664       (2 %)   $ 2,074     $ 2,098       (1 %)
Earned premiums
    678       683       (1 %)     2,048       2,048        
[1]  
The difference between written premiums and earned premiums is attributable to the change in unearned premium reserve.
                                 
Premium Measures   2008     2007     2008     2007  
New business premium
  $ 105     $ 116     $ 349     $ 371  
Premium renewal retention
    83 %     84 %     82 %     84 %
Written pricing decrease
    (2 %)     (1 %)     (2 %)     (1 %)
Earned pricing decrease
    (2 %)     (1 %)     (2 %)      
Policies in-force end of period
                    1,062,291       1,031,855  
Earned Premiums
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007
Earned premiums for the Small Commercial segment were flat to slightly down for the three and nine month periods, due to the effect of earned pricing decreases, partially offset by the effect of new business outpacing non-renewals over the last six months of 2007 and the first three months of 2008. While the Company has focused on increasing new business from its agents and expanding writings in certain territories, actions taken by some of the Company’s competitors to increase market share and increase business appetite in certain classes of risks and actions taken by the Company to reduce workers’ compensation rates in certain states have contributed to the decrease in written premiums from 2007 to 2008.
         
New business premium
   
New business written premium was down $11, or 9%, in the three months ended September 30, 2008 and down $22, or 6%, for the nine months then ended, primarily driven by a decrease in new package and commercial automobile business. New business declined due to increased competition despite the use of lower pricing on targeted accounts and an increase in commissions paid to agents.
 
       
Premium renewal retention
   
Premium renewal retention decreased from 84% to 83% in the three month period and decreased from 84% to 82% in the nine month period due largely to the effect of a decrease in retention of workers’ compensation business and the effect of larger written pricing decreases for workers’ compensation business.
 
       
Earned pricing increase (decrease)
   
For both the three and nine month periods, earned pricing decreased for workers’ compensation and commercial auto and was flat for package business. As written premium is earned over the 12-month term of the policies, the earned pricing changes during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008 were primarily a reflection of written pricing decreases of 2% over the last six months of 2007 and 3% over the first six months of 2008.
 
       
Policies in-force
   
While earned premium was flat to slightly down for the three and nine month periods, the number of policies in-force has increased 3% from September 30, 2007 to September 30, 2008. The growth in policies in-force does not correspond directly with the change in earned premiums due to the effect of changes in earned pricing and changes in the average premium per policy.

 

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    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Small Commercial — Underwriting Summary   2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change  
Written premiums
  $ 652     $ 664       (2 %)   $ 2,074     $ 2,098       (1 %)
Change in unearned premium reserve
    (26 )     (19 )     (37 %)     26       50       (48 %)
 
                                   
Earned premiums
    678       683       (1 %)     2,048       2,048        
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
                                               
Current accident year before catastrophes
    380       406       (6 %)     1,130       1,202       (6 %)
Current accident year catastrophes
    49       6     NM       93       25     NM  
Prior accident years
    (46 )     (47 )     2 %     (50 )     (79 )     37 %
 
                                   
Total losses and loss adjustment expenses
    383       365       5 %     1,173       1,148       2 %
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    159       158       1 %     477       477        
Insurance operating costs and expenses
    54       41       32 %     128       119       8 %
 
                                   
Underwriting results
  $ 82     $ 119       (31 %)   $ 270     $ 304       (11 %)
 
                                   
 
                                               
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
                                               
Current accident year before catastrophes
    56.3       59.4       3.1       55.2       58.7       3.5  
Current accident year catastrophes
    7.0       0.8       (6.2 )     4.5       1.2       (3.3 )
Prior accident years
    (6.8 )     (6.9 )     (0.1 )     (2.4 )     (3.9 )     (1.5 )
 
                                   
Total loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
    56.5       53.3       (3.2 )     57.2       56.0       (1.2 )
Expense ratio
    30.1       28.8       (1.3 )     28.9       28.8       (0.1 )
Policyholder dividend ratio
    1.3       0.3       (1.0 )     0.6       0.2       (0.4 )
 
                                   
Combined ratio
    87.9       82.4       (5.5 )     86.8       85.1       (1.7 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Catastrophe ratio
                                               
Current year
    7.0       0.8       (6.2 )     4.5       1.2       (3.3 )
Prior years
    (0.5 )     0.1       0.6       (0.1 )     0.2       0.3  
 
                                   
Total catastrophe ratio
    6.5       1.0       (5.5 )     4.4       1.4       (3.0 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Combined ratio before catastrophes
    81.4       81.5       0.1       82.4       83.7       1.3  
Combined ratio before catastrophes and prior accident years development
    87.7       88.5       0.8       84.7       87.8       3.1  
 
                                   
Underwriting results and ratios
Three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007
Underwriting results decreased by $37, from $119 to $82, with a corresponding 5.5 point increase in the combined ratio, from 82.4 to 87.9, due to:
         
Change in underwriting results        
Decrease in earned premiums
  $ (5 )
 
       
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
       
Ratio change — A decrease in the current accident loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes
    23  
Volume change — Decrease in current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes due to the decrease in earned premium
    3  
 
     
Net decrease in current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes
    26  
Catastrophes — Increase in current accident year catastrophes
    (43 )
Reserve changes — Decrease in net favorable prior accident year reserve development
    (1 )
 
     
Net increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (18 )
 
       
Operating expenses
       
Increase in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    (1 )
Increase in insurance operating costs and expenses
    (13 )
 
     
Increase in operating expenses
    (14 )
 
     
 
       
Decrease in underwriting results from 2007 to 2008
  $ (37 )
 
     

 

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Earned premium decreased by $5
For the three months ended September 30, 2008, earned premiums for the Small Commercial segment decreased by $5, to $678. Refer to the earned premium section above for discussion.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses increased by $18
Current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes decreased by $26
Small Commercial’s current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes decreased by $26 in 2008, to $380, primarily due to a 3.1 point decrease in the current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes, to 56.3. The decrease in this ratio was primarily due to a lower loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for workers’ compensation business. Workers’ compensation claim frequency has been trending favorably for recent accident years due to improved workplace safety and underwriting actions and the lower loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for the 2008 accident year includes an assumption that this decreasing level of claim frequency will continue. The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for the 2007 accident year recorded in 2007 did not give as much credence to this lower level of claim frequency. The effect of lower claim frequency for workers’ compensation claims was partially offset by the effect of earned pricing decreases.
Current accident year catastrophes increased by $43
Current accident year catastrophe losses of $49, or 7.0 points, in 2008 were higher than current accident year catastrophe losses of $6, or 0.8 points, in 2007, primarily due to losses from hurricane Ike.
Net favorable prior accident year development decreased by $1
Net favorable prior accident year development of $46 in 2008 included a $33 release of workers’ compensation reserves related to accident years 2000 to 2007. Net favorable reserve development of $47 in 2007 included a $47 release of workers’ compensation reserves for accident years 2003 through 2006.
Operating expense increased by $14
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs remained relatively flat, consistent with earned premium. Insurance operating costs and expenses increased by $13, primarily due to a $7 increase in policyholder dividends and an estimated $7 of assessments owed to TWIA to fund Texas Gulf Coast losses sustained by TWIA due to hurricane Ike. The increase in policyholder dividends was primarily due to a $6 increase in the estimated amount of dividends payable to certain workers’ compensation policyholders due to underwriting profits. The expense ratio increased by 1.3 points, to 30.1, primarily because of the TWIA assessments and, to a lesser extent, increased IT costs.
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007
Underwriting results decreased by $34, from $304 to $270, with a corresponding 1.7 point increase in the combined ratio, from 85.1 to 86.8, due to:
         
Change in underwriting results        
No change in earned premiums
  $  
 
       
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
       
Ratio change — A decrease in the current accident loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes
    72  
Catastrophes — Increase in current accident year catastrophes
    (68 )
Reserve changes — Decrease in net favorable prior accident year reserve development
    (29 )
 
     
Net increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (25 )
 
       
Operating expenses
       
No change in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
     
Increase in insurance operating costs and expenses
    (9 )
 
     
Increase in operating expenses
    (9 )
 
     
 
       
Decrease in underwriting results from 2007 to 2008
  $ (34 )
 
     

 

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Earned premium — no change
Refer to the earned premium section above for discussion.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses increased by $25
Current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes decreased by $72
Small Commercial’s current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes decreased by $72 in 2008, to $1,130, primarily due to a 3.5 point decrease in the current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes, to 55.2. The decrease in this ratio was primarily due to a lower loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for workers’ compensation business and, to a lesser extent, a lower loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for package business. Workers’ compensation claim frequency has been trending favorably for recent accident years due to improved workplace safety and underwriting actions and the lower loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for the 2008 accident year includes an assumption that this decreasing level of claim frequency will continue. The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for the 2007 accident year recorded in 2007 did not give as much credence to this lower level of claim frequency. The effect of lower claim frequency for workers’ compensation claims was partially offset by the effect of earned pricing decreases. The lower current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for package business was due to lower non-catastrophe property losses, primarily driven by lower claim severity.
Current accident year catastrophes increased by $68
Current accident year catastrophe losses of $93, or 4.5 points, in 2008 were higher than current accident year catastrophe losses of $25, or 1.2 points, in 2007, primarily due to hurricane Ike and tornadoes and thunderstorms in the South and Midwest.
Net favorable prior accident year development decreased by $29
Net favorable prior accident year development of $50 in 2008 included a $72 release of workers’ compensation reserves related to accident years 2000 to 2007, largely offset by a $17 strengthening of reserves for general liability and products liability claims primarily for accident years 2004 and prior. Net favorable reserve development of $79 in 2007 included a $74 release of workers’ compensation reserves for accident years 2003 through 2006.
Operating expenses increased by $9
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs remained flat, consistent with earned premium. Insurance operating costs and expenses increased by $9, primarily due to an $8 increase in policyholder dividends and an estimated $7 of TWIA assessments partially offset by lower expenses for guaranty fund assessments. The increase in policyholder dividends was primarily due to an $8 increase in the estimated amount of dividends payable to certain workers’ compensation policyholders due to underwriting profits. The expense ratio in 2008 was relatively flat at 28.9, as insurance operating costs and expenses other than policyholder dividends were relatively flat compared to 2007.

 

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Outlook
Management expects written premium in 2008 to be 0.5% to 2.5% lower than in 2007 as it seeks to increase the flow of new business from its agents. Small Commercial expects to increase written premium by selectively expanding its underwriting appetite, refining its pricing models and upgrading product features. The Company expects to provide more pricing flexibility in 2008 by adding a pricing tier for workers’ compensation business. In addition, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company plans to introduce an enhanced renewal pricing model for the Company’s Spectrum business owners’ package product. Despite an increased flow of new business submissions from producers, new business written premium has declined in the first nine months of 2008. Including supplemental commissions, the Company has increased commissions paid to agents and expects that this will help it write new business.
Through technology and process improvements, in 2008, the Company plans to improve efficiency and service levels in its underwriting centers and enhance the agent’s on-line experience. Average premium per policy is expected to continue to decline due to the sale of more liability-only policies, workers’ compensation rate reductions and a lower average premium on Next Generation Auto business. (Refer to the Business Section in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report for further discussion on Small Commercial’s Next Generation Auto Business). Written pricing for Small Commercial business has declined modestly, by 2%, in the first nine months of 2008, as carriers have competed for new business through new product features and expanded coverage. In 2008, the Company will continue to focus on renewal retention, particularly in the mid-Western states, where competition has been particularly strong.
Reflecting favorable trends in workers’ compensation frequency in recent accident years, Small Commercial recognized a lower 2008 accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for workers’ compensation business in the first nine months of 2008. Management believes that the expected favorable frequency on workers’ compensation claims will continue for the balance of the year. While the Company experienced favorable non-catastrophe property losses on package business and commercial auto claims in the first six months of 2008 due to favorable severity, non-catastrophe property losses were not as favorable in the third quarter of 2008 and management expects this recent trend to continue for the balance of the year. Based on anticipated trends in earned pricing and loss costs, the combined ratio before catastrophes and prior accident year development is expected to be in the range of 84.0 to 86.0 in 2008. The combined ratio before catastrophes and prior accident year development was 88.0 in 2007.
To summarize, management’s outlook in Small Commercial for the 2008 full year is:
 
Written premium 0.5% to 2.5% lower
 
A combined ratio before catastrophes and prior accident year development of 84.0 to 86.0

 

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MIDDLE MARKET
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Premiums [1]   2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change  
Written premiums
  $ 555     $ 573       (3 %)   $ 1,616     $ 1,666       (3 %)
Earned premiums
    553       582       (5 %)     1,688       1,779       (5 %)
[1]  
The difference between written premiums and earned premiums is attributable to the change in unearned premium reserve.
                                 
Premium Measures   2008     2007     2008     2007  
New business premium
  $ 111     $ 93     $ 315     $ 296  
Premium renewal retention
    78 %     77 %     79 %     77 %
Written pricing decrease
    (5 %)     (3 %)     (6 %)     (4 %)
Earned pricing decrease
    (6 %)     (5 %)     (6 %)     (5 %)
Policies in-force end of period
                    83,188       79,813  
Earned Premiums
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007
Earned premiums for the Middle Market segment decreased by $29, or 5%, for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and decreased by $91, or 5%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The decrease was primarily due to earned pricing decreases in 2008 and, for the nine month period, the effect of non-renewals outpacing new business written premium over the last six months of 2007.
         
New business premium
   
New business written premium increased by $18, or 19%, to $111 in the third quarter of 2008 and increased by $19, or 6%, for the first nine months of 2008. An increase in new business written premium for workers’ compensation was partially offset by a decrease in new business for general liability and marine. While continued price competition and the effect of some state-mandated rate reductions in workers’ compensation has lessened the attractiveness of new business in certain lines and regions, the Company has increased new business for workers’ compensation due, in part, to the effect of targeting business in selected industries and regions of the country.
 
       
Premium renewal retention
   
Premium renewal retention increased from 77% to 78% for the three month period and increased from 77% to 79% for the nine month period due largely to an increase in retention of workers’ compensation, property and marine, partially offset by a decrease in retention of auto business for the three month period and the effect of larger written pricing decreases. The Company continued to take actions to protect renewals in the first nine months of 2008, including the use of reduced pricing on targeted accounts.
 
       
Earned pricing increase (decrease)
   
Earned pricing decreased in all lines of business, including workers’ compensation, commercial auto, general liability, property and marine. As written premium is earned over the 12-month term of the policies, the earned pricing decreases during the third quarter and first nine months of 2008 were primarily a reflection of mid-single digit written pricing decreases over the last six months of 2007 and the first three months of 2008. A number of carriers have continued to compete fairly aggressively on price, particularly on larger accounts within Middle Market, which has contributed to mid-single digit price decreases across the industry.
 
       
Policies in-force
   
While the number of policies in-force increased by 4% from September 30, 2007 to September 30, 2008, due largely to growth on smaller accounts, earned premium declined due to the reduction in the average premium per policy.

 

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    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Middle Market — Underwriting Summary   2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change  
Written premiums
  $ 555     $ 573       (3 %)   $ 1,616     $ 1,666       (3 %)
Change in unearned premium reserve
    2       (9 )   NM       (72 )     (113 )     36 %
 
                                   
Earned premiums
    553       582       (5 %)     1,688       1,779       (5 %)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
                                               
Current accident year before catastrophes
    377       384       (2 %)     1,118       1,145       (2 %)
Current accident year catastrophes
    64       (1 )   NM       106       9     NM  
Prior accident years
    (17 )     11     NM       (55 )     27     NM  
 
                                   
Total losses and loss adjustment expenses
    424       394       8 %     1,169       1,181       (1 %)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    127       132       (4 %)     385       401       (4 %)
Insurance operating costs and expenses
    40       34       18 %     120       108       11 %
 
                                   
Underwriting results
  $ (38 )   $ 22     NM     $ 14     $ 89       (84 %)
 
                                   
 
                                               
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
                                               
Current accident year before catastrophes
    68.1       66.1       (2.0 )     66.3       64.4       (1.9 )
Current accident year catastrophes
    11.5             (11.5 )     6.3       0.5       (5.8 )
Prior accident years
    (3.2 )     1.8       5.0       (3.3 )     1.5       4.8  
 
                                   
Total loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
    76.5       67.9       (8.6 )     69.2       66.4       (2.8 )
Expense ratio
    29.6       28.2       (1.4 )     28.8       28.1       (0.7 )
Policyholder dividend ratio
    0.8       0.3       (0.5 )     1.1       0.5       (0.6 )
 
                                   
Combined ratio
    106.8       96.3       (10.5 )     99.2       95.0       (4.2 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Catastrophe ratio
                                               
Current year
    11.5             (11.5 )     6.3       0.5       (5.8 )
Prior years
    (1.1 )     (0.3 )     0.8       (0.4 )     (0.4 )      
 
                                   
Total catastrophe ratio
    10.4       (0.3 )     (10.7 )     5.8       0.2       (5.6 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Combined ratio before catastrophes
    96.4       96.6       0.2       93.3       94.8       1.5  
Combined ratio before catastrophes and prior accident years development
    98.5       94.5       (4.0 )     96.2       93.0       (3.2 )
 
                                   
Underwriting results and ratios
Three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007
Underwriting results decreased by $60, from underwriting income of $22 in 2007 to an underwriting loss of $38 in 2008 with a corresponding 10.5 point increase in the combined ratio, from 96.3 to 106.8, due to:
         
Change in underwriting results        
Decrease in earned premiums
  $ (29 )
 
       
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
       
Volume change — Decrease in current accident year loss and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes due to the decrease in earned premium
    19  
Ratio change — An increase in the current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes
    (12 )
 
     
Net decrease in current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes
    7  
Catastrophes — Increase in current accident year catastrophes
    (65 )
Reserve changes — A change to net favorable prior accident year reserve development
    28  
 
     
Net increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (30 )
Operating expenses
       
Decrease in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    5  
Increase in insurance operating costs and expenses
    (6 )
 
     
Net increase in operating expenses
    (1 )
 
     
 
       
Decrease in underwriting results from 2007 to 2008
  $ (60 )
 
     

 

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Earned premium decreased by $29
Earned premiums for the Middle Market segment decreased by $29, or 5%, driven primarily by decreases in commercial auto, general liability, property and marine. Refer to the earned premium section for further discussion.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses increased by $30
Current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes decreased by $7
Middle Market current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes decreased by $7 due to a decrease in earned premium, partially offset by the effect of an increase in the current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes. Before catastrophes, the current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio increased by 2.0 points, to 68.1, primarily due to higher non-catastrophe losses on property and marine business, driven by an increase in claim severity, and the effect of earned pricing decreases.
Current accident year catastrophes increased by $65
Current accident year catastrophe losses increased $65, or 11.5 points, primarily due to losses from hurricane Ike.
A $28 change to net favorable prior accident year development
Prior accident year reserve development changed from net unfavorable prior accident year reserve development of $11, or 1.8 points, in 2007 to net favorable prior accident year reserve development of $17, or 3.2 points, in 2008. Net favorable reserve development of $17 in 2008 primarily included a $15 release of workers’ compensation reserves, primarily for the 2007 accident year. Net unfavorable reserve development of $11 in 2007 primarily included a $40 strengthening of workers’ compensation reserves for accident years 1973 & prior, partially offset by an $18 release of commercial auto liability reserves for accident years 2003 and 2004.
Operating expenses remained relatively flat
The $5 decrease in the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs was largely due to the decrease in earned premium. Insurance operating costs and expenses increased by $6 primarily due to a $3 increase in policyholder dividends, higher IT costs and an estimated $3 of assessments owed to TWIA to fund Texas Gulf Coast losses sustained by TWIA due to hurricane Ike. The increase in policyholder dividends was primarily due to a $2 increase in the estimated amount of dividends payable to certain workers’ compensation policyholders due to underwriting profits. The expense ratio increased by 1.4 points, to 29.6, because of an increase in insurance operating costs and expenses other than policyholder dividends, including the TWIA assessments and higher IT costs, and the effect of lower earned premiums.
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007
Underwriting results decreased by $75, from $89 to $14, with a corresponding 4.2 point increase in the combined ratio, from 95.0 to 99.2, due to:
         
Change in underwriting results        
Decrease in earned premiums
  $ (91 )
 
       
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
       
Volume change — Decrease in current accident year loss and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes due to the decrease in earned premium
    59  
Ratio change — An increase in the current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes
    (32 )
 
     
Net decrease in current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes
    27  
Catastrophes — Increase in current accident year catastrophes
    (97 )
Reserve changes — Change to net favorable prior accident year reserve development
    82  
 
     
Net decrease in losses and loss adjustment expenses
    12  
Operating expenses
       
Decrease in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    16  
Increase in insurance operating costs and expenses
    (12 )
 
     
Net decrease in operating expenses
    4  
 
     
 
       
Decrease in underwriting results from 2007 to 2008
  $ (75 )
 
     

 

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Earned premium decreased by $91
Earned premiums for the Middle Market segment decreased by $91, or 5%, driven primarily by decreases in commercial auto, workers’ compensation, general liability and marine. Refer to the earned premium section for further discussion.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses decreased by $12
Current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes decreased by $27
Middle Market current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes decreased by $27 due to a decrease in earned premium, partially offset by the effect of an increase in the current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes. Before catastrophes, the current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio increased by 1.9 points, to 66.3, primarily due to higher non-catastrophe losses on property and marine business, driven by a number of large individual claims, and the effect of earned pricing decreases.
Current accident year catastrophes increased by $97
Current accident year catastrophe losses of $106, or 6.3 points, in 2008 were higher than current accident year catastrophe losses of $9, or 0.5 points, in 2007, primarily due to losses from hurricane Ike and tornadoes and thunderstorms in the South and Midwest.
An $82 change to net favorable prior accident year development
Prior accident year reserve development changed from net unfavorable prior accident year reserve development of $27, or 1.5 points, in 2007 to net favorable prior accident year reserve development of $55, or 3.3 points, in 2008. Net favorable reserve development of $55 in 2008 primarily included a $37 release of reserves for high hazard and umbrella general liability claims, primarily related to the 2001 to 2006 accident years and a $34 release of workers’ compensation reserves primarily related to accident years 2000 to 2007, partially offset by a $30 strengthening of general liability and products liability claims, primarily related to accident years 2004 and prior. Net unfavorable reserve development of $27 in 2007 primarily included a $40 strengthening of workers’ compensation reserves for accident years 1973 and prior, partially offset by an $18 release of commercial auto liability reserves for accident years 2003 and 2004.
Operating expenses decreased by $4
The $16 decrease in the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs was largely due to the decrease in earned premium. Insurance operating costs and expenses increased by $12 primarily due to a $10 increase in policyholder dividends, higher IT costs and an estimated $3 of TWIA assessments. The increase in policyholder dividends was primarily due to a $14 increase in the estimated amount of dividends payable to certain workers’ compensation policyholders due to underwriting profits. The expense ratio increased by 0.7 points, to 28.8, due to an increase in insurance operating costs and expenses other than policyholder dividends, including the TWIA assessments and higher IT costs, and the effect of lower earned premiums.

 

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Outlook
Management expects written premium to be 3% to 5% lower in 2008 as the Company takes a disciplined approach to evaluating and pricing risks in the face of declines in written pricing. Contributing to the expected decline in Middle Market written premium is the effect of state-mandated rate reductions in workers’ compensation and increased competition in specific geographic markets and lines. For both workers’ compensation and commercial auto products, the Company is improving the sophistication of its pricing models in order to target business in selected industries and regions of the country. Including supplemental commissions, the Company has modestly increased commissions paid to agents and expects that this will help it achieve its new business and renewal retention objectives in 2008.
Written pricing has been affected by increased competition for new business as evidenced by written pricing decreases of 5% in 2007 and 6% in the first nine months of 2008. Market conditions in the commercial lines industry continue to be soft with written pricing likely to continue to decline in 2008, more so on the larger accounts. Through the end of 2007, The Hartford’s new business had been declining due to the increased competition and written pricing decreases. However, new business written premium increased in the first nine months of 2008 for workers’ compensation and property business. In 2008, the Company will continue to focus on protecting its renewals.
Consistent with claims experience for the 2007 accident year, during 2008, management expects an increase in claim cost severity. Loss costs are expected to continue to increase across many lines of business in Middle Market, including non-catastrophe property claims covered under property and marine policies. Based on anticipated trends in earned pricing and loss costs, the combined ratio before catastrophes and prior accident year development is expected to be in the range of 95.5 to 97.5 in 2008. The combined ratio before catastrophes and prior accident year development was 93.8 in 2007.
To summarize, management’s outlook in Middle Market for the 2008 full year is:
 
Written premium 3% to 5% lower
 
A combined ratio before catastrophes and prior accident year development of 95.5 to 97.5

 

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SPECIALTY COMMERCIAL
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change  
 
                                               
Written Premiums [1]
                                               
Property
  $ 30     $ 44       (32 %)   $ 84     $ 144       (42 %)
Casualty
    134       119       13 %     428       431       (1 %)
Professional liability, fidelity and surety
    178       173       3 %     506       510       (1 %)
Other
    19       20       (5 %)     62       62        
 
                                   
Total
  $ 361     $ 356       1 %   $ 1,080     $ 1,147       (6 %)
 
                                   
 
                                               
Earned Premiums [1]
                                               
Property
  $ 35     $ 52       (33 %)   $ 119     $ 153       (22 %)
Casualty
    131       130       1 %     395       409       (3 %)
Professional liability, fidelity and surety
    173       176       (2 %)     512       514        
Other
    19       19             61       63       (3 %)
 
                                   
Total
  $ 358     $ 377       (5 %)   $ 1,087     $ 1,139       (5 %)
 
                                   
[1]  
The difference between written premiums and earned premiums is attributable to the change in unearned premium reserve.
Earned premiums
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007
Earned premiums for the Specialty Commercial segment decreased by $19, or 5% for the three month period and by $52, or 5%, for the nine month period, primarily due to a decrease in property earned premiums.
 
Property earned premiums decreased by $17, or 33%, for the three month period and by $34, or 22%, for the nine month period, primarily due to the Company’s decision to stop writing specialty property business with large, national accounts, the effect of increased competition for core excess and surplus lines business and the effect of an arrangement with Berkshire Hathaway to share premiums written under subscription policies sold in the excess and surplus lines market. Under the arrangement with Berkshire Hathaway that commenced in the second quarter of 2007, a share of excess and surplus lines business that was previously written entirely by the Company is now being written in conjunction with Berkshire Hathaway under subscription policies, whereby both companies share, or participate, in the business written. As a result of increased competition and capacity for core excess and surplus lines business, the Company has experienced a decrease in earned pricing, lower new business growth and lower premium renewal retention since the third quarter of 2007, particularly for catastrophe-exposed business.
 
Casualty earned premiums were relatively flat for the three month period and decreased by $14, or 3%, for the nine month period, primarily because of earned pricing decreases and, for the nine month period, a decline in new business premium on loss-sensitive business written with larger accounts.
 
Professional liability, fidelity and surety earned premium decreased $3, or 2%, for the three month period due to a slight decrease in contract surety earned premium and decreased $2 in the nine month period due to a slight decrease in professional liability earned premium. The decrease in contract surety earned premium for the three month period was primarily due to increased competition for public construction projects and reduced private construction activity. The decrease in earned premium from professional liability business in the nine month period was primarily due to earned pricing decreases in 2008 and the effect of a decline in new business written premium over the last six months of 2007 and first six months of 2008, partially offset by the effect of a decrease in the portion of risks ceded to outside reinsurers.
 
Within the “Other” category, earned premium remained relatively flat from 2007 to 2008 in both the three and nine month periods. The “Other” category of earned premiums includes premiums assumed under inter-segment arrangements.

 

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    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Specialty Commercial — Underwriting Summary   2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change  
Written premiums
  $ 361     $ 356       1 %   $ 1,080     $ 1,147       (6 %)
Change in unearned premium reserve
    3       (21 )   NM       (7 )     8     NM  
 
                                   
Earned premiums
    358       377       (5 %)     1,087       1,139       (5 %)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
                                               
Current accident year before catastrophes
    247       246             740       757       (2 %)
Current accident year catastrophes
    44       1     NM       52       3     NM  
Prior accident years
    2       18       (89 %)     (39 )     18     NM  
 
                                   
Total losses and loss adjustment expenses
    293       265       11 %     753       778       (3 %)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    78       80       (3 %)     235       242       (3 %)
Insurance operating costs and expenses
    30       26       15 %     79       69       14 %
 
                                   
Underwriting results
  $ (43 )   $ 6     NM     $ 20     $ 50       (60 %)
 
                                   
 
                                               
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
                                               
Current accident year before catastrophes
    68.6       65.5       (3.1 )     67.9       66.4       (1.5 )
Current accident year catastrophes
    12.6       0.2       (12.4 )     4.9       0.3       (4.6 )
Prior accident years
    0.5       5.0       4.5       (3.6 )     1.7       5.3  
 
                                   
Total loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
    81.7       70.7       (11.0 )     69.3       68.4       (0.9 )
Expense ratio
    29.0       27.7       (1.3 )     28.0       26.9       (1.1 )
Policyholder dividend ratio
    1.3       0.3       (1.0 )     0.9       0.4       (0.5 )
 
                                   
Combined ratio
    111.9       98.6       (13.3 )     98.1       95.7       (2.4 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Catastrophe ratio
                                               
Current year
    12.6       0.2       (12.4 )     4.9       0.3       (4.6 )
Prior years
    (0.7 )     1.2       1.9       (1.0 )     0.1       1.1  
 
                                   
Total catastrophe ratio
    11.9       1.4       (10.5 )     3.9       0.4       (3.5 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Combined ratio before catastrophes
    100.0       97.2       (2.8 )     94.3       95.3       1.0  
Combined ratio before catastrophes and prior accident years development
    98.8       93.5       (5.3 )     96.8       93.7       (3.1 )
 
                                   
Other revenues [1]
  $ 99     $ 91       9 %   $ 281     $ 264       6 %
 
                                   
[1]  
Represents servicing revenue.
Underwriting results and ratios
Three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007
Underwriting results decreased by $49, from underwriting income of $6 in 2007 to an underwriting loss of $43 in 2008 with a corresponding 13.3 point increase in the combined ratio, from 98.6 to 111.9, due to:
         
Change in underwriting results        
Decrease in earned premiums
  $ (19 )
 
       
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
       
Ratio change — An increase in the current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes
    (13 )
Volume change — Decrease in current accident year loss and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes due to the decrease in earned premium
    12  
 
     
Net increase in current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes
    (1 )
Catastrophes — Increase in current accident year catastrophe losses
    (43 )
Reserve changes — Decrease in net unfavorable prior accident year reserve development
    16  
 
     
Net increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (28 )
 
       
Operating expenses
       
Decrease in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    2  
Increase in insurance operating costs and expenses
    (4 )
 
     
Net increase in operating expenses
    (2 )
 
     
 
       
Decrease in underwriting results from 2007 to 2008
  $ (49 )
 
     

 

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Earned premium decreased by $19
Earned premiums for the Specialty Commercial segment decreased by $19, or 5%, primarily due to a decrease in property earned premiums. Refer to the earned premium section above for further discussion.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses increased by $28
Current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes increased slightly
Specialty Commercial current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes increased slightly in 2008, to $247, primarily due to an increase in the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes and prior accident year development, largely offset by a decrease in earned premium. The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes and prior accident year development increased by 3.1 points, to 68.6, primarily due to a higher loss and loss adjustment ratio on directors and officers insurance for professional liability business, driven by earned pricing decreases, and, to a lesser extent, higher non-catastrophe property losses.
Current accident year catastrophes increased by $43
Current accident year catastrophe losses increased $43, or 12.4 points, primarily due to losses from hurricane Ike.
Prior accident year net unfavorable reserve development decreased by $16
Prior accident year reserve development decreased from net unfavorable development of $18, or 5.0 points, in 2007 to net unfavorable development of $2, or 0.5 points, in 2008. Net unfavorable reserve development of $2 in the third quarter of 2008 primarily included $28 of reserve strengthening for allocated loss adjustment expenses on casualty business, including a $15 strengthening of reserves on national account business, partially offset by a $25 release of reserves for directors and officers insurance for the 2004 to 2006 accident years. Net unfavorable reserve development of $18 in the third quarter of 2007 primarily consisted of a $25 strengthening of reserves for general liability claims on large deductible policies within casualty business, partially offset by a release of reserves on surety business.
Operating expenses increased by $2
Insurance operating costs and expenses increased by $4, primarily due to a $2 increase in non-deferrable expenses and a $2 increase in policyholder dividends. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs did not decrease as much as the decrease in earned premium because of an increase in net acquisition costs related to writing a greater mix of higher net commission small commercial and private directors’ and officers’ insurance. The expense ratio increased by 1.3 points, to 29.0, primarily due to the increase in net acquisition costs for directors’ and officers’ insurance and the effect of the decrease in earned premium.
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007
Underwriting results decreased by $30, with a corresponding 2.4 point increase in the combined ratio, from 95.7 to 98.1, due to:
         
Change in underwriting results        
Decrease in earned premiums
  $ (52 )
 
       
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
       
Volume change — Decrease in current accident year loss and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes due to the decrease in earned premium
    34  
Ratio change — Increase in the current accident year non-catastrophe loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes
    (17 )
 
     
Net decrease in current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes
    17  
Catastrophes — Increase in current accident year catastrophe losses
    (49 )
Reserve changes — A change to net favorable prior accident year reserve development
    57  
 
     
Net decrease in losses and loss adjustment expenses
    25  
 
       
Operating expenses
       
Decrease in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    7  
Increase in insurance operating costs and expenses
    (10 )
 
     
Net increase in operating expenses
    (3 )
 
     
 
       
Decrease in underwriting results from 2007 to 2008
  $ (30 )
 
     

 

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Earned premium decreased by $52
Earned premiums for the Specialty Commercial segment decreased by $52, or 5%, primarily due to a decrease in property earned premiums. Refer to the earned premium section above for further discussion.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses decreased by $25
Current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes decreased by $17
Specialty Commercial current accident year losses and loss adjustment expenses before catastrophes decreased by $17 in 2008, to $740, primarily due to a decrease in earned premium, partially offset by an increase in the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes and prior accident year development. The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio before catastrophes and prior accident year development increased by 1.5 points, to 67.9, primarily due to a higher loss and loss adjustment ratio on directors and officers insurance in professional liability, driven by earned pricing decreases.
Current accident year catastrophes increased by $49
Current accident year catastrophe losses increased $49, or 4.6 points, primarily due to losses from hurricane Ike.
Change to net favorable prior accident year development by $57
Prior accident year reserve development changed from net unfavorable prior accident year reserve development of $18, or 1.7 points, in 2007 to net favorable prior accident year reserve development of $39, or 3.6 points, in 2008. Net favorable prior accident year reserve development of $39 in 2008 primarily included a $45 release of reserves for directors’ and officers insurance and errors and omissions insurance claims related to accident years 2003 to 2006. Prior accident year reserve development in the first nine months of 2007 primarily consisted of a $25 strengthening of general liability reserves for accident years more than 20 years old.
Operating expenses increased by $3
Insurance operating costs and expenses increased by $10, primarily due to a $5 increase in non-deferrable expenses and a $5 increase in policyholder dividends, driven by an increase in the estimated amount of dividends payable to certain workers’ compensation policyholders due to underwriting profits. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs did not decrease as much as the decrease in earned premium because of an increase in net acquisition costs related to writing a greater mix of higher net commission small commercial and private directors’ and officers’ insurance. The expense ratio increased by 1.1 point, to 28.0, primarily due to the increase in net acquisition costs for directors’ and officers’ insurance and the effect of the decrease in earned premium.

 

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Outlook
In 2008, the Company expects written premium for the Specialty Commercial segment to be 4% to 6% lower. For property business, the Company expects written premium to decrease, largely because of the decision to stop writing specialty property business with large, national accounts. Also contributing to the expected decline in property written premium is a decrease in written premium for the Company’s core excess and surplus lines property business. Under an arrangement with Berkshire Hathaway that commenced in the second quarter of 2007, a share of core excess and surplus lines business that was previously written entirely by the Company is now being written in conjunction with Berkshire Hathaway under subscription policies, whereby both companies share, or participate, in the business written. While the arrangement with Berkshire Hathaway enables the Company to offer its insureds larger policy limits and thereby enhance its competitive position, marketplace capacity and competition have increased significantly, particularly for catastrophe-exposed business. In addition, standard admitted markets have expanded their appetite for core excess and surplus lines business which has significantly increased competition.
Management expects a slight decrease in casualty written premium in 2008 due largely to lower written pricing and a decrease in new business premium in construction, larger loss-sensitive accounts, and captive programs. Despite the expected decrease in written premiums within the specialty casualty business, the Company will continue to focus on improving interaction with agents by reducing the number of internal touch points through the underwriting process and will realign the field office organization to better serve specialty construction accounts.
Within professional liability, fidelity and surety, management expects written premium to be relatively flat for 2008 as an increase in professional liability written premium will be offset by a decrease in surety written premium. The increase in professional liability written premium will largely be driven by reducing the portion of risks ceded to outside reinsurers, partially offset by the effect of declines in written pricing. The near-dormant IPO market coupled with incumbent carriers competing to keep existing business hindered production during the first nine months of 2008. The Company will focus on D&O and E&O new business opportunities with both large and middle market private companies and seeks to grow its business in Europe through its new underwriting office in the United Kingdom. In addition, the Company will continue to cross-sell professional liability coverage to small businesses that purchase business owners package policies and capitalize on the increased demand for separate Side-A D&O insurance limits of liability that provide protection to individual directors and officers to the extent their company is unwilling or unable to indemnify them against litigation. In the face of written pricing decreases, the Company will maintain underwriting discipline when writing professional liability coverage for larger public companies.
Written premium from surety business is expected to be down as this segment of the market has been affected by increased competition for public construction projects and reduced private construction activity. The Company will seek to diversify its portfolio of commercial surety business, including a focus on growing our small bond book of business. Written premium growth could be lower than planned in any one or all of the Specialty Commercial businesses if written pricing is less favorable than anticipated and management determines that new and renewal business is not adequately priced.
Written pricing has been decreasing in professional liability and property lines of business. Since 2006, competition has intensified for professional liability business, particularly for directors’ and officers’ insurance coverage. A lower frequency of shareholder class action cases in 2005 and 2006 has put downward pressure on rates. Increased volatility in the equity and debt markets along with the evolving fall out of the sub-prime mortgage market led to a rebound of such cases in 2007 and a stabilization of rates in affected industries. It is possible that the current financial market turmoil could increase the number of shareholder class action lawsuits against our insureds or their directors and officers. Approximately 13% of the Company’s professional liability in-force net written premium is from financial services firms, the area most directly affected by the turmoil in the financial markets.
Written pricing for property business began to decline in the second half of 2007, primarily due to price competition which has resulted in lower pricing in the standard core excess and surplus lines markets. The industry has increased its capacity and appetite to write business in catastrophe-prone markets and this has increased competition in those markets.
As a percentage of earned premiums, management expects that losses and loss adjustment expenses will increase in 2008 for professional liability, casualty and property business with the increase driven primarily by lower earned pricing. The Company expects its sub-prime loss activity to be manageable based on several factors. Principal among them is the diversified nature of the product and customer portfolio with the majority of the Company’s total in-force professional liability net written premium derived from policyholders with privately-held ownership and, therefore, relatively low shareholder class action exposure. The Company’s average net limit exposed is $8 at an average attachment point of $74 on reported claims or notices of potential claims on sub-prime exposed policies. Given the anticipated trends in pricing and loss costs in Specialty Commercial, management expects a combined ratio before catastrophes and prior accident year development in the range of 96.5 to 98.5 for 2008. The combined ratio before catastrophes and prior accident year development was 94.4 in 2007.
To summarize, management’s outlook in Specialty Commercial for the 2008 full year is:
 
Written premium 4% to 6% lower
 
A combined ratio before catastrophes and prior accident year development of 96.5 to 98.5

 

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OTHER OPERATIONS (INCLUDING ASBESTOS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS)
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
Operating Summary   2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change  
Written premiums
  $ 1     $ 2       (50 %)   $ 5     $ 3       67 %
Change in unearned premium reserve
                      1              
 
                                   
Earned premiums
    1       2       (50 %)     4       3       33 %
Losses and loss adjustment
expenses — prior years
    56       39       44 %     126       173       (27 %)
Insurance operating costs and expenses
    6       6             16       17       (6 %)
 
                                   
Underwriting results
    (61 )     (43 )     (42 %)     (138 )     (187 )     26 %
Net investment income
    50       61       (18 %)     162       184       (12 %)
Net realized capital losses
    (160 )     (3 )   NM       (176 )     (3 )   NM  
Other expenses
    1       (1 )   NM       (1 )     (3 )     67 %
 
                                   
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (170 )     14     NM       (153 )     (9 )   NM  
Income tax (expense) benefit
    62       (2 )   NM       62       13     NM  
 
                                   
Net income (loss)
  $ (108 )   $ 12     NM     $ (91 )   $ 4     NM  
 
                                   
The Other Operations segment includes operations that are under a single management structure, Heritage Holdings, which is responsible for two related activities. The first activity is the management of certain subsidiaries and operations of the Company that have discontinued writing new business. The second is the management of claims (and the associated reserves) related to asbestos, environmental and other exposures. The Other Operations book of business contains policies written from approximately the 1940s to 2003. The Company’s experience has been that this book of run-off business has, over time, produced significantly higher claims and losses than were contemplated at inception.
Three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2008 decreased $120 compared to the prior year period, driven primarily by the following:
 
An $18 decrease in underwriting results, primarily due to a $17 increase in unfavorable prior year loss development. Reserve development in the three months ended September 30, 2008 included $53 of environmental reserve strengthening as a result of the Company’s annual environmental reserve evaluation. For the comparable three month period ended September 30, 2007, reserve development included $25 of environmental reserve strengthening.
 
An $11 decrease in net investment income, primarily as a result of a decrease in investment yield for limited partnerships and other alternative investments and, to a lesser extent, a decrease in investment yield for fixed maturities and a decrease in invested assets resulting from net losses and loss adjustment expenses paid.
 
A $157 increase in net realized capital losses in 2008, primarily due to realized losses in 2008 from impairments of corporate debt and equity securities in the financial services sector. (See the Other-Than-Temporary Impairments discussion within “Investment Results” in the “Investments” section of the MD&A for more information on the impairments recorded in 2008).
 
A change from $2 income tax expense to $62 income tax benefit, primarily as a result of an increase in net realized capital losses.
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 decreased $95 compared to the prior year period, driven primarily by the following:
 
A $49 increase in underwriting results, primarily due to a $47 decrease in unfavorable prior year loss development. Reserve development in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 included $53 of environmental reserve strengthening as a result of the Company’s annual environmental reserve evaluation and $50 of asbestos reserve strengthening as a result of the Company’s annual asbestos reserve evaluation. For the comparable nine month period ended September 30, 2007, reserve development included $99 principally as a result of an adverse arbitration decision and $25 of environmental reserve strengthening.
 
A $22 decrease in net investment income, primarily as a result of a decrease in investment yield for limited partnerships and other alternative investments and, to a lesser extent, a decrease in investment yield for fixed maturities and a decrease in invested assets resulting from net losses and loss adjustment expenses paid.
 
A $173 increase in net realized capital losses in 2008, primarily due to realized losses in 2008 from impairments of corporate debt and equity securities in the financial services sector. (See the Other-Than-Temporary Impairments discussion within “Investment Results” in the “Investments” section of the MD&A for more information on the impairments recorded in 2008).
 
A $49 increase in income tax benefit, primarily as a result of an increase in net realized capital losses.

 

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Asbestos and Environmental Claims
The Company continues to receive asbestos and environmental claims. Asbestos claims relate primarily to bodily injuries asserted by people who came in contact with asbestos or products containing asbestos. Environmental claims relate primarily to pollution and related clean-up costs.
The Company wrote several different categories of insurance contracts that may cover asbestos and environmental claims. First, the Company wrote primary policies providing the first layer of coverage in an insured’s liability program. Second, the Company wrote excess policies providing higher layers of coverage for losses that exhaust the limits of underlying coverage. Third, the Company acted as a reinsurer assuming a portion of those risks assumed by other insurers writing primary, excess and reinsurance coverages. Fourth, subsidiaries of the Company participated in the London Market, writing both direct insurance and assumed reinsurance business.
With regard to both environmental and particularly asbestos claims, significant uncertainty limits the ability of insurers and reinsurers to estimate the ultimate reserves necessary for unpaid losses and related expenses. Traditional actuarial reserving techniques cannot reasonably estimate the ultimate cost of these claims, particularly during periods where theories of law are in flux. The degree of variability of reserve estimates for these exposures is significantly greater than for other more traditional exposures. In particular, the Company believes there is a high degree of uncertainty inherent in the estimation of asbestos loss reserves.
In the case of the reserves for asbestos exposures, factors contributing to the high degree of uncertainty include inadequate loss development patterns, plaintiffs’ expanding theories of liability, the risks inherent in major litigation, and inconsistent emerging legal doctrines. Furthermore, over time, insurers, including the Company, have experienced significant changes in the rate at which asbestos claims are brought, the claims experience of particular insureds, and the value of claims, making predictions of future exposure from past experience uncertain. Plaintiffs and insureds also have sought to use bankruptcy proceedings, including “pre-packaged” bankruptcies, to accelerate and increase loss payments by insurers. In addition, some policyholders have asserted new classes of claims for coverages to which an aggregate limit of liability may not apply. Further uncertainties include insolvencies of other carriers and unanticipated developments pertaining to the Company’s ability to recover reinsurance for asbestos and environmental claims. Management believes these issues are not likely to be resolved in the near future.
In the case of the reserves for environmental exposures, factors contributing to the high degree of uncertainty include expanding theories of liability and damages, the risks inherent in major litigation, inconsistent decisions concerning the existence and scope of coverage for environmental claims, and uncertainty as to the monetary amount being sought by the claimant from the insured.
It is also not possible to predict changes in the legal and legislative environment and their effect on the future development of asbestos and environmental claims. Although potential Federal asbestos-related legislation was considered by the Senate in 2006, it is uncertain whether such legislation will be reconsidered or enacted in the future and, if enacted, what its effect would be on the Company’s aggregate asbestos liabilities.
The reporting pattern for assumed reinsurance claims, including those related to asbestos and environmental claims, is much longer than for direct claims. In many instances, it takes months or years to determine that the policyholder’s own obligations have been met and how the reinsurance in question may apply to such claims. The delay in reporting reinsurance claims and exposures adds to the uncertainty of estimating the related reserves.
Given the factors described above, the Company believes the actuarial tools and other techniques it employs to estimate the ultimate cost of claims for more traditional kinds of insurance exposure are less precise in estimating reserves for its asbestos and environmental exposures. For this reason, the Company relies on exposure-based analysis to estimate the ultimate costs of these claims and regularly evaluates new information in assessing its potential asbestos and environmental exposures.

 

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Reserve Activity
Reserves and reserve activity in the Other Operations segment are categorized and reported as asbestos, environmental, or “all other”. The “all other” category of reserves covers a wide range of insurance and assumed reinsurance coverages, including, but not limited to, potential liability for construction defects, lead paint, silica, pharmaceutical products, molestation and other long-tail liabilities. In addition, within the “all other” category of reserves, Other Operations records its allowance for future reinsurer insolvencies and disputes that might affect reinsurance collectability associated with asbestos, environmental, and other claims recoverable from reinsurers.
The following table presents reserve activity, inclusive of estimates for both reported and incurred but not reported claims, net of reinsurance, for Other Operations, categorized by asbestos, environmental and “all other” claims, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008.
Other Operations Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
                                 
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008   Asbestos     Environmental     All Other [1]   Total  
Beginning liability — net [2][3]
  $ 1,967     $ 237     $ 1,803     $ 4,007  
Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred
    3       53             56  
Losses and loss adjustment expenses paid
    (35 )     (9 )     (59 )     (103 )
 
                       
Ending liability — net [2][3]
  $ 1,935 [4]   $ 281     $ 1,744     $ 3,960  
 
                       
                                 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008   Asbestos     Environmental     All Other [1]   Total  
Beginning liability — net [2][3]
  $ 1,998     $ 251     $ 1,888     $ 4,137  
Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred
    59       53       14       126  
Losses and loss adjustment expenses paid
    (122 )     (23 )     (158 )     (303 )
 
                       
Ending liability — net [2][3]
  $ 1,935 [4]   $ 281     $ 1,744     $ 3,960  
 
                       
[1]  
“All Other” includes unallocated loss adjustment expense reserves and the allowance for uncollectible reinsurance.
[2]  
Excludes asbestos and environmental net liabilities reported in Ongoing Operations of $15 and $6, respectively, as of September 30, 2008, $12 and $6, respectively, as of June 30, 2008, and $9 and $6, respectively, as of December 31, 2007. Total net losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred in Ongoing Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 includes $5 and $13, respectively, related to asbestos and environmental claims. Total net losses and loss adjustment expenses paid in Ongoing Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 includes $2 and $7, respectively, related to asbestos and environmental claims.
[3]  
Gross of reinsurance, asbestos and environmental reserves, including liabilities in Ongoing Operations, were $2,625 and $323, respectively, as of September 30, 2008, $2,676 and $271, respectively, as of June 30, 2008, and $2,707 and $290, respectively, as of December 31, 2007.
[4]  
The one year and average three year net paid amounts for asbestos claims, including Ongoing Operations, are $237 and $277, respectively, resulting in a one year net survival ratio of 8.2 and a three year net survival ratio of 7.0. Net survival ratio is the quotient of the net carried reserves divided by the average annual payment amount and is an indication of the number of years that the net carried reserve would last (i.e. survive) if the future annual claim payments were consistent with the calculated historical average.
During the third quarter of 2008, the Company completed its annual ground up environmental reserve evaluation. As part of this evaluation, the Company reviewed all of its open direct domestic insurance accounts exposed to environmental liability as well as assumed reinsurance accounts and its London Market exposures for both direct and assumed reinsurance. The Company found estimates for some individual accounts increased based upon new damage and defense cost information obtained on these accounts since the last review. In addition, the decline in the reporting of new accounts and sites has been slower than anticipated in our previous review. The net effect of these changes resulted in a $53 increase in net environmental reserves. The Company currently expects to continue to perform an evaluation of its environmental liabilities annually.
In reporting environmental results, the Company divides its gross exposure into Direct, which is subdivided further as: Accounts with future exposure greater than $2.5, Accounts with future exposure less than $2.5, and Other direct; Assumed Reinsurance; and London Market. The unallocated amounts in the Other direct category include an estimate of the necessary reserves for environmental claims related to direct insureds who have not previously tendered environmental claims to the Company.
An account may move between categories from one evaluation to the next. For example, an account with future expected exposure of greater than $2.5 in one evaluation may be reevaluated due to changing conditions and re-categorized as less than $2.5 in a subsequent evaluation or vice versa.

 

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The following table displays gross environmental reserves and other statistics by category as of September 30, 2008:
                 
            Total  
    Number of Accounts [1]     Reserves  
Accounts with future exposure > $2.5
    9     $ 44  
Accounts with future exposure < $2.5
    565       100  
Other direct [2]
          62  
 
           
Total Direct
    574     $ 206  
Assumed Reinsurance
            61  
London Market
            56  
 
           
Total as of September 30, 2008 [3] [4]
          $ 323  
 
           
[1]  
Number of accounts established as of June 2008.
[2]  
Includes unallocated IBNR.
[3]  
The one year gross paid amount for total environmental claims is $47, resulting in a one year gross survival ratio of 6.9.
[4]  
The three year average annual gross paid amount for total environmental claims is $96, resulting in a three year gross survival ratio of 3.4.
During the second quarter of 2008, the Company completed its annual ground up asbestos reserve evaluation. As part of this evaluation, the Company reviewed all of its open direct domestic insurance accounts exposed to asbestos liability as well as assumed reinsurance accounts and its London Market exposures for both direct insurance and assumed reinsurance. The Company found estimates for individual cases changed based upon the particular circumstances of each account. These changes were case specific and not as a result of any underlying change in the current environment. The net effect of these changes resulted in a $50 increase in net asbestos reserves. The Company currently expects to continue to perform an evaluation of its asbestos liabilities annually.
For paid and incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses reporting, the Company classifies its asbestos and environmental reserves into three categories: Direct, Assumed — Domestic and London Market. Direct insurance includes primary and excess coverage. Assumed reinsurance includes both “treaty” reinsurance (covering broad categories of claims or blocks of business) and “facultative” reinsurance (covering specific risks or individual policies of primary or excess insurance companies). London Market business includes the business written by one or more of the Company’s subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, which are no longer active in the insurance or reinsurance business. Such business includes both direct insurance and assumed reinsurance.
Of the three categories of claims (Direct, Assumed — Domestic and London Market), direct policies tend to have the greatest factual development from which to estimate the Company’s exposures.
Assumed reinsurance exposures are inherently less predictable than direct insurance exposures because the Company may not receive notice of a reinsurance claim until the underlying direct insurance claim is mature. This causes a delay in the receipt of information at the reinsurer level and adds to the uncertainty of estimating related reserves.
London Market exposures are the most uncertain of the three categories of claims. As a participant in the London Market (comprised of both Lloyd’s of London and London Market companies), certain subsidiaries of the Company wrote business on a subscription basis, with those subsidiaries’ involvement being limited to a relatively small percentage of a total contract placement. Claims are reported, via a broker, to the “lead” underwriter and, once agreed to, are presented to the following markets for concurrence. This reporting and claim agreement process makes estimating liabilities for this business the most uncertain of the three categories of claims.

 

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The following table sets forth, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, paid and incurred loss activity by the three categories of claims for asbestos and environmental.
Paid and Incurred Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense (“LAE”) Development — Asbestos and Environmental
                                 
    Asbestos [1]     Environmental [1]  
    Paid     Incurred     Paid     Incurred  
Three Months Ended September 30, 2008   Losses & LAE     Losses & LAE     Losses & LAE     Losses & LAE  
Gross
                               
Direct
  $ 28     $     $ 9     $ 69  
Assumed — Domestic
    17                   (17 )
London Market
    10             1       13  
 
                       
Total
    55             10       65  
Ceded
    (20 )     3       (1 )     (12 )
 
                       
Net
  $ 35     $ 3     $ 9     $ 53  
 
                       
 
                               
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008
                               
Gross
                               
Direct
  $ 97     $ 76     $ 23     $ 69  
Assumed — Domestic
    51             5       (17 )
London Market
    16             3       13  
 
                       
Total
    164       76       31       65  
Ceded
    (42 )     (17 )     (8 )     (12 )
 
                       
Net
  $ 122     $ 59     $ 23     $ 53  
 
                       
[1]  
Excludes asbestos and environmental paid and incurred loss and LAE reported in Ongoing Operations. Total gross loss and LAE incurred in Ongoing Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 includes $4 and $12, respectively, related to asbestos and environmental claims. Total gross loss and LAE paid in Ongoing Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 includes $3 and $7, respectively, related to asbestos and environmental claims.
A number of factors affect the variability of estimates for asbestos and environmental reserves including assumptions with respect to the frequency of claims, the average severity of those claims settled with payment, the dismissal rate of claims with no payment and the expense to indemnity ratio. The uncertainty with respect to the underlying reserve assumptions for asbestos and environmental adds a greater degree of variability to these reserve estimates than reserve estimates for more traditional exposures. While this variability is reflected in part in the size of the range of reserves developed by the Company, that range may still not be indicative of the potential variance between the ultimate outcome and the recorded reserves. The recorded net reserves as of September 30, 2008 of $2.24 billion ($1.95 billion and $287 for asbestos and environmental, respectively) is within an estimated range, unadjusted for covariance, of $1.87 billion to $2.49 billion. The process of estimating asbestos and environmental reserves remains subject to a wide variety of uncertainties, which are detailed in the Company’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report. The Company believes that its current asbestos and environmental reserves are reasonable and appropriate. However, analyses of future developments could cause the Company to change its estimates and ranges of its asbestos and environmental reserves, and the effect of these changes could be material to the Company’s consolidated operating results, financial condition and liquidity.
During the second quarter of 2008, the Company completed its annual evaluation of the collectability of the reinsurance recoverables and the adequacy of the allowance for uncollectible reinsurance associated with older, long-term casualty liabilities reported in the Other Operations segment. The evaluation resulted in no addition to the allowance for uncollectible reinsurance. In conducting this evaluation, the Company used its most recent detailed evaluations of ceded liabilities reported in the segment. The Company analyzed the overall credit quality of the Company’s reinsurers, recent trends in arbitration and litigation outcomes in disputes between cedants and reinsurers, and recent developments in commutation activity between reinsurers and cedants. The allowance for uncollectible reinsurance reflects management’s current estimate of reinsurance cessions that may be uncollectible in the future due to reinsurers’ unwillingness or inability to pay. As of September 30, 2008, the allowance for uncollectible reinsurance for Other Operations totals $265. The Company currently expects to perform its regular comprehensive review of Other Operations reinsurance recoverables annually. Uncertainties regarding the factors that affect the allowance for uncollectible reinsurance could cause the Company to change its estimates, and the effect of these changes could be material to the Company’s consolidated results of operations or cash flows.
The Company expects to perform reviews of its assumed reinsurance and unallocated loss adjustment expense reserves in the fourth quarter of 2008. Consistent with the Company’s long-standing reserve practices, the Company will continue to review and monitor its reserves in the Other Operations segment regularly, and where future developments indicate, make appropriate adjustments to the reserves. For a discussion of the Company’s reserving practices, see the Critical Accounting Estimates—Property & Casualty Reserves, Net of Reinsurance and Other Operations (Including Asbestos and Environmental Claims) sections of the MD&A included in the Company’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report.

 

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INVESTMENTS
General
The Hartford’s investment portfolios are primarily divided between Life and Property & Casualty. The investment portfolios of Life and Property & Casualty are managed by HIMCO, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Hartford. HIMCO manages the portfolios to maximize economic value, while attempting to generate the income necessary to support the Company’s various product obligations within internally established objectives, guidelines and risk tolerances. The portfolio objectives and guidelines are developed based upon the asset/liability profile, including duration, convexity and other characteristics within specified risk tolerances. The risk tolerances considered include, for example, asset and credit issuer allocation limits, maximum portfolio below investment grade (“BIG”) holdings and foreign currency exposure. The Company attempts to minimize adverse impacts to the portfolio and the Company’s results of operations due to changes in economic conditions through asset allocation limits, asset/liability duration matching and through the use of derivatives. For a further discussion of how HIMCO manages the investment portfolios, see the Investments section of the MD&A under the General section in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report. For a further discussion of how the investment portfolio’s credit and market risks are assessed and managed, see the Investment Credit Risk and Capital Markets Risk Management sections of the MD&A.
Return on general account invested assets is an important element of The Hartford’s financial results. Significant fluctuations in the fixed income or equity markets could weaken the Company’s financial condition or its results of operations. Additionally, changes in market interest rates may impact the period of time over which certain investments, such as MBS, are repaid and whether certain investments are called by the issuers. Such changes may, in turn, impact the yield on these investments and also may result in re-investment of funds received from calls and prepayments at rates below the average portfolio yield. For the three and nine months ended September 30, net investment income and net realized capital losses reduced the Company’s consolidated revenues by $5,761 and $7,416, respectively, for 2008 and contributed $237 and $4,088, respectively, for 2007. For the three and nine months ended September 30, net investment income and net realized capital losses, excluding net investment income from trading securities, reduced consolidated revenues by $2,346 and $1,576, respectively, for 2008 and contributed $935 and $3,342, respectively, for 2007. The reduction to consolidated revenues for 2008, as compared to the prior year period contribution, is primarily due to a net loss in the value of equity securities held for trading and realized capital losses in 2008.
Fluctuations in interest rates affect the Company’s return on, and the fair value of, fixed maturity investments, which comprised approximately 57% and 61% of the fair value of its invested assets as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. Other events beyond the Company’s control, including changes in credit spreads, a downgrade of an issuer’s credit rating or default of payment by an issuer, could also adversely impact the fair value of these investments.
A decrease in the fair value of any investment that is deemed other-than-temporary would result in the Company’s recognition of a net realized capital loss in its financial results prior to the actual sale of the investment. Following the recognition of the other-than-temporary impairment for fixed maturities, the Company accretes the new cost basis to par or to estimated future value over the remaining life of the security based on future estimated cash flows by adjusting the security’s yields. For a further discussion of the evaluation of other-than-temporary impairments, see the Critical Accounting Estimates section of the MD&A under “Evaluation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Available-for-Sale Securities” section.

 

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Life
The primary investment objective of Life’s general account is to maximize economic value consistent with acceptable risk parameters, including the management of credit risk and interest rate sensitivity of invested assets, while generating sufficient after-tax income to support policyholder and corporate obligations.
The following table identifies the invested assets by type held in the general account as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.
                                 
Composition of Invested Assets
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent  
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value
  $ 46,292       75.5 %   $ 52,542       82.6 %
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value
    908       1.5 %     1,284       2.0 %
Policy loans, at outstanding balance
    2,159       3.5 %     2,061       3.2 %
Mortgage loans, at amortized cost [1]
    5,460       8.9 %     4,739       7.5 %
Limited partnerships and other alternative investments [2]
    1,410       2.3 %     1,306       2.1 %
Short-term investments
    3,793       6.2 %     1,158       1.8 %
Other investments [3]
    1,308       2.1 %     534       0.8 %
 
                       
Total investments excl. equity securities, held for trading
  $ 61,330       100.0 %   $ 63,624       100.0 %
Equity securities, held for trading, at fair value [4]
    33,655               36,182          
 
                       
Total investments
  $ 94,985             $ 99,806          
 
                       
     
[1]  
Consist of commercial and agricultural loans.
 
[2]  
Includes a real estate joint venture.
 
[3]  
Primarily relates to derivative instruments.
 
[4]  
These assets primarily support the International variable annuity business. Changes in these balances are also reflected in the respective liabilities.
Total investments decreased $4.8 billion since December 31, 2007 primarily as a result of a decrease in value of equity securities, held for trading, and increased unrealized losses associated with fixed maturities primarily due to a widening of credit spreads, partially offset by positive operating cash flows. Short-term investments as a percentage of total investments, excluding equity securities, held for trading, increased in preparation for funding liability outflows and in anticipation of investing in more favorable risk/return opportunities. The decrease in value of equity securities, held for trading, of $2.5 billion primarily resulted from a decline in value of the underlying investment funds supporting the Japanese variable annuity product due to negative market performance partially offset by positive cash flows generated from sales and deposits.
Life’s limited partnerships and other alternative investment composition has not significantly changed since December 31, 2007. Life is currently evaluating its allocation to limited partnerships and other alternative investments and plans to decrease its investment in hedge funds. The following table summarizes Life’s limited partnerships and other alternative investments as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.
                                 
Composition of Limited Partnerships and Other Alternative Investments
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent  
Hedge funds [1]
  $ 514       36.4 %   $ 506       38.7 %
Mortgage and real estate [2]
    300       21.3 %     309       23.7 %
Mezzanine debt [3]
    93       6.6 %     72       5.5 %
Private equity and other [4]
    503       35.7 %     419       32.1 %
 
                       
Total
  $ 1,410       100.0 %   $ 1,306       100.0 %
 
                       
     
[1]  
Hedge funds include investments in funds of funds as well as direct funds. The hedge funds of funds invest in approximately 25 to 50 different hedge funds within a variety of investment styles. Examples of hedge fund strategies include long/short equity or credit, event driven strategies and structured credit.
 
[2]  
Mortgage and real estate funds consist of investments in funds whose assets consist of mortgage loans, participations in mortgage loans, mezzanine loans or other notes which may be below investment grade credit quality as well as equity real estate. Also included is the investment in a real estate joint venture.
 
[3]  
Mezzanine debt funds consist of investments in funds whose assets consist of subordinated debt that often times incorporates equity-based options such as warrants and a limited amount of direct equity investments.
 
[4]  
Private equity and other funds primarily consist of investments in funds whose assets typically consist of a diversified pool of investments in small non-public businesses with high growth potential.

 

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Investment Results
The following table summarizes Life’s net investment income (loss).
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    Amount     Yield [1]     Amount     Yield [1]     Amount     Yield [1]     Amount     Yield [1]  
Fixed maturities [2]
  $ 718       5.4 %   $ 794       5.9 %   $ 2,184       5.4 %   $ 2,313       5.9 %
Equity securities, available-for-sale
    17       5.2 %     23       6.8 %     73       7.0 %     63       7.0 %
Mortgage loans
    71       5.4 %     68       6.2 %     214       5.7 %     184       6.3 %
Policy loans
    34       6.3 %     32       6.3 %     101       6.3 %     102       6.6 %
Limited partnerships and other alternative investments
    (59 )     (16.8 %)     23       9.3 %     (67 )     (6.7 %)     101       14.7 %
Other [3]
    (3 )           (39 )           (44 )           (90 )      
Investment expense
    (19 )           (18 )           (54 )           (54 )      
 
                                               
Total net investment income excl. equity securities held for trading
  $ 759       4.8 %   $ 883       6.0 %   $ 2,407       5.2 %   $ 2,619       6.0 %
Equity securities, held for trading [4]
    (3,415 )           (698 )           (5,840 )           746        
 
                                               
Total net investment income (loss)
  $ (2,656 )         $ 185           $ (3,433 )         $ 3,365        
 
                                               
     
[1]  
Yields calculated using investment income before investment expenses divided by the monthly weighted average invested assets at cost, amortized cost, or adjusted carrying value, as applicable excluding collateral received associated with the securities lending program and consolidated variable interest entity minority interests. Included in the fixed maturity yield is Other income (loss) as it primarily relates to fixed maturities (see footnote [3] below). Included in the total net investment income yield is investment expense.
 
[2]  
Includes net investment income on short-term bonds.
 
[3]  
Includes fees associated with securities lending activities of $11 and $50, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, and $29 and $67, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007. The income from securities lending activities is included within fixed maturities. Also included are derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS 133. These derivatives hedge fixed maturities.
 
[4]  
Includes investment income and mark-to-market effects of equity securities, held for trading.
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007
Net investment income, excluding equity securities, held for trading, decreased $124, or 14%, and $212, or 8%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, compared to the prior year period. The decrease in net investment income for both periods was primarily due to a decrease in investment yield for fixed maturities and limited partnership and other alternative investments. The decrease in the fixed maturity yield primarily resulted from lower income on variable rate securities due to decreases in short-term interest rates year over year. The decrease in limited partnerships and other alternative investments yield was largely due to lower returns on hedge funds and real estate partnerships as a result of the lack of liquidity in the financial markets and a wider credit spread environment. Based upon the current interest rate and credit environment, Life expects a lower average portfolio yield for 2008 as compared to 2007 levels primarily driven by lower yields on both fixed maturities and limited partnership and other alternative investments.
The decrease in net investment income on equity securities, held for trading, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the prior year periods was primarily attributed to a decline in the value of the underlying investment funds supporting the Japanese variable annuity product due to negative market performance year over year.
The following table summarizes Life’s net realized capital gains and losses results.
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Gross gains on sale
  $ 44     $ 25     $ 128     $ 133  
Gross losses on sale
    (89 )     (45 )     (244 )     (137 )
Impairments
    (1,760 )     (75 )     (2,115 )     (109 )
Japanese fixed annuity contract hedges, net [1]
    36       15       13       3  
Periodic net coupon settlements on credit derivatives/Japan
    (8 )     (9 )     (26 )     (34 )
SFAS 157 transition impact [2]
                (650 )      
GMWB derivatives, net
    (133 )     (141 )     (256 )     (252 )
Other, net [3]
    (102 )     (58 )     (310 )     (90 )
 
                       
Net realized capital losses, before-tax
  $ (2,012 )   $ (288 )   $ (3,460 )   $ (486 )
 
                       
     
[1]  
Relates to the Japanese fixed annuity product (product and related derivative hedging instruments excluding periodic net coupon settlements).
 
[2]  
Includes losses from SFAS 157 transition impact of $616, $10 and $24 related to the embedded derivatives within GMWB-US, GMWB-UK and GMAB liabilities, respectively.
 
[3]  
Primarily consists of changes in fair value on non-qualifying derivatives and other investment gains and losses.

 

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The circumstances giving rise to the net realized capital gains and losses in these components are as follows:
         
Gross Gains and Losses on Sale
   
Gross gains on sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 were predominantly within fixed maturities and were primarily comprised of corporate securities. Gross losses on sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 were primarily comprised of corporate securities, CMBS, and municipal securities, as well as $17 of CLOs in the first quarter for which HIMCO is the collateral manager. Gross gains and losses on sale, excluding the loss on CLOs, primarily resulted from the decision to reallocate the portfolio to securities with more favorable risk/return profiles. For more information regarding losses on the sale of HIMCO managed CLOs, refer to the Variable Interest Entities section below. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, securities sold at a loss were depressed, on average, approximately 7% and 2%, respectively, at the respective period’s impairment review date and were deemed to be temporarily impaired.
 
 
   
Gross gains and losses on sales for three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 were primarily comprised of corporate securities. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, securities sold at a loss were depressed, on average, approximately 2% and 1%, respectively, at the respective period’s impairment review date and were deemed to be temporarily impaired.
 
       
Impairments
   
See the Other-Than-Temporary Impairments section that follows for information on impairment losses.
 
       
SFAS 157
   
See Note 4 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the SFAS 157 transition impact.
 
       
GMWB
   
See Note 4 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of GMWB gains and losses.
 
       
Other
   
Other, net losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 were primarily related to net losses on credit derivatives of $106 and $314, respectively. The net losses on credit derivatives were primarily due to significant credit spread widening on credit derivatives that assume credit exposure. Included in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were losses incurred in the first quarter on HIMCO managed CLOs. For more information regarding these losses, refer to the Variable Interest Entities section below. Also included were derivative related losses of $39 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 due to counterparty default related to the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc.
 
       
 
   
Other, net losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 were primarily driven by the change in value of non-qualifying derivatives due to credit spread widening as well as fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates.

 

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Property & Casualty
The primary investment objective for Property & Casualty’s Ongoing Operations segment is to maximize economic value while generating sufficient after-tax income to meet policyholder and corporate obligations. For Property & Casualty’s Other Operations segment, the investment objective is to ensure the full and timely payment of all liabilities. Property & Casualty’s investment strategies are developed based on a variety of factors including business needs, regulatory requirements and tax considerations.
The following table identifies the invested assets by type held as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.
                                 
Composition of Invested Assets
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent  
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value
  $ 23,727       86.2 %   $ 27,205       88.8 %
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value
    741       2.7 %     1,208       3.9 %
Mortgage loans, at amortized cost [1]
    762       2.8 %     671       2.2 %
Limited partnerships and other alternative investments [2]
    1,407       5.1 %     1,260       4.1 %
Short-term investments
    827       3.0 %     284       0.9 %
Other investments
    62       0.2 %     38       0.1 %
 
                       
Total investments
  $ 27,526       100.0 %   $ 30,666       100.0 %
 
                       
     
[1]  
Consist of commercial and agricultural loans.
 
[2]  
Includes hedge fund investments outside of limited partnerships and a real estate joint venture.
Total investments decreased $3.1 billion since December 31, 2007, primarily as a result of increased unrealized losses primarily due to a widening of credit spreads associated with fixed maturities, partially offset by positive operating cash flows. Short-term investments increased as a result of the investment of proceeds received from fixed maturities sold in anticipation of investing in favorable risk/return opportunities.
Property & Casualty’s limited partnerships and other alternative investment composition has not significantly changed since December 31, 2007. Property & Casualty is currently evaluating its allocation to limited partnerships and other alternative investments and plans to decrease its investment in hedge funds over the next few years. The following table summarizes Property & Casualty’s limited partnerships and other alternative investments as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.
                                 
Composition of Limited Partnerships and Other Alternative Investments
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent  
Hedge funds [1]
  $ 780       55.4 %   $ 728       57.8 %
Mortgage and real estate [2]
    318       22.6 %     291       23.1 %
Mezzanine debt [3]
    60       4.3 %     48       3.8 %
Private equity and other [4]
    249       17.7 %     193       15.3 %
 
                       
Total
  $ 1,407       100.0 %   $ 1,260       100.0 %
 
                       
     
[1]  
Hedge funds include investments in funds of funds as well as direct funds. The hedge funds of funds invest in approximately 25 to 50 different hedge funds within a variety of investment styles. Examples of hedge fund strategies include long/short equity or credit, event driven strategies and structured credit.
 
[2]  
Mortgage and real estate funds consist of investments in funds whose assets consist of mortgage loans, participations in mortgage loans, mezzanine loans or other notes which may be below investment grade credit quality as well as equity real estate. Also included is the investment in a real estate joint venture.
 
[3]  
Mezzanine debt funds consist of investments in funds whose assets consist of subordinated debt that often times incorporates equity-based options such as warrants and a limited amount of direct equity investments.
 
[4]  
Private equity and other funds primarily consist of investments in funds whose assets typically consist of a diversified pool of investments in small non-public businesses with high growth potential.

 

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Investment Results
The following table below summarizes Property & Casualty’s net investment income.
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    Amount     Yield [1]     Amount     Yield [1]     Amount     Yield [1]     Amount     Yield [1]  
Fixed maturities [2]
  $ 364       5.5 %   $ 383       5.7 %   $ 1,092       5.5 %   $ 1,126       5.6 %
Equity securities, available-for-sale
    17       5.8 %     12       5.6 %     56       6.2 %     34       5.9 %
Mortgage loans
    11       5.8 %     11       6.7 %     30       5.6 %     28       6.4 %
Limited partnerships and other alternative investments
    (42 )     (11.8 %)     19       7.2 %     (45 )     (4.4 %)     114       16.4 %
Other [3]
    (8 )           (11 )           (23 )           (17 )      
Investment expense
    (7 )           (7 )           (19 )           (19 )      
 
                                               
Net investment income, before-tax
  $ 335       4.6 %   $ 407       5.6 %   $ 1,091       4.9 %   $ 1,266       5.9 %
 
                                               
Net investment income, after-tax [4]
  $ 248       3.4 %   $ 296       4.1 %   $ 810       3.7 %   $ 933       4.4 %
 
                                               
     
[1]  
Yields calculated using investment income before investment expenses divided by the monthly weighted average invested assets at cost, amortized cost, or adjusted carrying value, as applicable excluding collateral received associated with the securities lending program. Included in the fixed maturity yield is Other income (loss) as it primarily relates to fixed maturities (see footnote [3] below). Included in the total net investment income yield is investment expense.
 
[2]  
Includes net investment income on short-term bonds.
 
[3]  
Includes fees associated with securities lending activities of $4 and $22, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and $14 and $28, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007. Also included are derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS 133. These derivatives hedge fixed maturities.
 
[4]  
Due to significant holdings in tax-exempt investments, after-tax net investment income and yield are also included.
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007
Before-tax net investment income decreased $72, or 18%, and $175, or 14%, and after-tax net investment income decreased $48, or 16%, and $123, or 13%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, compared to the prior year period. The decrease in net investment income for both periods was primarily due to a decrease in investment yield for fixed maturities and limited partnership and other alternative investments in 2008. The decrease in fixed maturity yield primarily resulted from lower income on variable rate securities due to a decrease in short-term interest rates year over year. The decrease in limited partnerships and other alternative investments yield was largely due to lower returns on hedge funds and real estate partnerships as a result of the lack of liquidity in the financial markets and a wider credit spread environment. Based upon the current interest rate and credit environment, Property & Casualty expects a lower average portfolio yield for 2008 as compared to 2007 levels primarily driven by lower yields on both fixed maturities and limited partnership and other alternative investments.
The following table summarizes Property & Casualty’s net realized capital gains and losses results.
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Gross gains on sale
  $ 12     $ 31     $ 95     $ 121  
Gross losses on sale
    (82 )     (36 )     (195 )     (98 )
Impairments
    (1,312 )     (35 )     (1,425 )     (56 )
Periodic net coupon settlements on credit derivatives
    2       5       5       11  
Other, net [1]
    (48 )     (40 )     (111 )     (54 )
 
                       
Net realized capital losses, before-tax
  $ (1,428 )   $ (75 )   $ (1,631 )   $ (76 )
 
                       
     
[1]  
Primarily consists of changes in fair value on non-qualifying derivatives and other investment gains and losses.

 

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The circumstances giving rise to the net realized capital gains and losses in these components are as follows:
         
Gross Gains and Losses on Sale
   
Gross gains on sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 were predominantly within fixed maturities and were comprised of corporate and municipal securities. Gross losses on sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, were primarily comprised of financial services securities, as well as $19 of CLOs in the first quarter for which HIMCO is the collateral manager. Gross gains and losses on sale, excluding the loss on CLOs, primarily resulted from the decision to reallocate the portfolio to securities with more favorable risk/return profiles. For more information regarding losses on the sale of HIMCO managed CLOs, refer to the Variable Interest Entities section below. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, securities sold at a loss were depressed, on average, approximately 6% and 3%, respectively at the respective period’s impairment review date and were deemed to be temporarily impaired.
 
 
   
Gross gains and losses on sales for three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 were primarily comprised of foreign government, corporate, and municipal securities. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, securities sold at a loss were depressed, on average, approximately 1% and 2%, respectively, at the respective period’s impairment review date and were deemed to be temporarily impaired.
 
       
Impairments
   
See the Other-Than-Temporary Impairments section that follows for information on impairment losses.
 
       
Other
   
Other, net losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 were primarily related to net losses on credit derivatives of $42 and $118, respectively. The net losses on credit derivatives were primarily due to significant credit spread widening on credit derivatives that assume credit exposure. Included in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were losses incurred in the first quarter on HIMCO managed CLOs. For more information regarding these losses, refer to the Variable Interest Entities section below. Also included were derivative related losses of $7 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 due to counterparty default related to the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc.
 
       
 
   
Other, net losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 were primarily driven by the change in value of non-qualifying derivatives due to credit spread widening.
Corporate
The investment objective of Corporate is to raise capital through financing activities to support the Life and Property & Casualty operations of the Company and to maintain sufficient funds to support the cost of those financing activities including the payment of interest for The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (“HFSG”) issued debt and dividends to shareholders of The Hartford’s common stock. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, Corporate held $72 and $308, respectively, of fixed maturity investments, $733 and $160, respectively, of short-term investments and $81 and $103, respectively, of equity securities. Short-term investments increased in anticipation of repayment of approximately $530  of senior notes that will mature during the fourth quarter of 2008. For further information on these notes, see “Capital Resources and Liquidity” section under Liquidity Requirements. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, a put option agreement for the Company’s contingent capital facility with a fair value of $40 and $43 was included in Other invested assets.
Securities Lending
The Company participates in securities lending programs to generate additional income, whereby certain domestic fixed income securities are loaned from the Company’s portfolio to qualifying third party borrowers, in return for collateral in the form of cash or U.S. government securities. Borrowers of these securities provide collateral of 102% of the market value of the loaned securities and can return the securities to the Company for cash at varying maturity dates. As of September 30, 2008, the Company loaned securities with a fair value of $3.9 billion and held collateral against the loaned securities in the amount of $4.0 billion. The following table represents when the borrowers can return the loaned securities to the Company and, in turn, when the cash collateral would be returned to the borrower.
         
    Cash Collateral  
Thirty days or less
  $ 992  
Thirty one to 90 days
    598  
Over three to six months
    1,322  
Over six to nine months
    692  
Over nine months to one year
    417  
 
     
Total
  $ 4,021  
 
     

 

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Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”)
The Company is involved with variable interest entities as a collateral manager and as an investor through normal investment activities. The Company’s involvement includes providing investment management and administrative services for a fee, and holding ownership or other investment interests in the entities.
VIEs may or may not be consolidated on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. When the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE, all of the assets of the VIE are consolidated into the Company’s financial statements. The Company also reports a liability for the portion of the VIE that represents the minority interest of other investors in the VIE. When the Company concludes that it is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE, the fair value of the Company’s investment in the VIE is recorded in the Company’s financial statements.
The Company’s maximum exposure to loss represents the maximum loss amount that the Company could recognize as a reduction in net investment income or as a realized capital loss.
As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company had relationships with four and seven VIEs, respectively, where the Company was the primary beneficiary. The following table sets forth the carrying value of assets and liabilities, and the Company’s maximum exposure to loss on these consolidated VIEs.
                                                 
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    Total     Total     Maximum
Exposure
    Total     Total     Maximum
Exposure
 
    Assets     Liabilities [1]     to Loss     Assets     Liabilities [1]     to Loss  
CLOs [2]
  $ 336     $ 41     $ 291     $ 128     $ 47     $ 107  
Limited partnerships
    301       51       251       309       47       262  
Other investments [3]
    261       107       148       377       71       317  
 
                                   
Total
  $ 898     $ 199     $ 690     $ 814     $ 165     $ 686  
 
                                   
     
[1]  
Creditors have no recourse against the Company in the event of default by the VIE.
 
[2]  
The Company provides collateral management services and earns a fee associated with these structures.
 
[3]  
Other investments include one unlevered investment bank loan fund for which the Company provides collateral management services and earns an associated fee. As of December 31, 2007, two investment structures were also included that were backed by preferred securities.
As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company also held variable interests in four and five VIEs, respectively, where the Company is not the primary beneficiary. These investments have been held by the Company for two years. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss from these non-consolidated VIEs as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was $410 and $150, respectively.
As of December 31, 2007, Hartford Investment Management Company (“HIMCO”) was the collateral manager of four VIEs with provisions that allowed for termination if the fair value of the aggregate referenced bank loan portfolio declined below a stated level. These VIEs were market value CLOs that invested in senior secured bank loans through total return swaps. Two of these market value CLOs were consolidated, and two were not consolidated. During the first quarter of 2008, the fair value of the aggregate referenced bank loan portfolio declined below the stated level in all four market value CLOs and the total return swap counterparties terminated the transactions. Three of these CLOs were restructured from market value CLOs to cash flow CLOs without market value triggers and the remaining CLO is expected to terminate by the end of 2008. The Company realized a capital loss of $90, before-tax, from the termination of these CLOs. In connection with the restructurings, the Company purchased interests in two of the resulting VIEs, one of which the Company is the primary beneficiary. These purchases resulted in an increase in the Company’s maximum exposure to loss for both consolidated and non-consolidated VIEs.

 

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Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
The following table identifies the Company’s other-than-temporary impairments by type of security.
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
ABS
                               
Sub-prime residential mortgages
  $ 117     $ 54     $ 198     $ 54  
Other
    27       5       27       17  
CMBS
                               
Bonds
    70       ––       93       ––  
IOs
    59       ––       59       ––  
CRE CDOs
    225       ––       357       ––  
CMOs/MBS
    37       ––       37       ––  
Corporate
                               
Financial Services
    1,198       7       1,293       9  
Other
    286       26       344       56  
Equities
                               
Financial Services
    1,052       3       1,119       11  
Other
    2       2       5       5  
Other
    4       13       13       13  
 
                       
Total other-than-temporary impairments
  $ 3,077     $ 110     $ 3,545     $ 165  
 
                       
The Company has a comprehensive security monitoring process to identify and evaluate individual securities that may be other-than-temporarily impaired. The process includes a quarterly review of the entire portfolio using a screening process to identify specific securities where the fair value compared to the amortized cost or cost, as applicable, is below established thresholds. In addition, the Company uses other monitoring criteria, such as ratings, ratings downgrades, payment defaults and internal credit monitoring watch lists. The unrealized losses on securities identified are then evaluated based on individual facts and circumstances to determine if the impairment is other-than-temporary.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, impairments of $3,077 and $3,545, respectively, were concentrated in subordinated fixed maturities and preferred equities within the financial services sector as well as in structured securities.
Of the $2,250 and $2,412 of impairments on financial services companies for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, we do not anticipate substantial recovery on $785 of securities due to bankruptcy, financial restructurings, or concerns about the issuer’s ability to continue to make contractual payments. The remaining balance primarily relates to securities that experienced extensive credit spread widening and the Company could not reasonably assert that the security would recover in value in a reasonable period of time, generally two years. For these securities, the Company expects to recover principal and interest in accordance with the security’s contractual terms.
Impairments for structured securities totaled $535 and $771, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008. For these securities, the Company determines impairments by modeling cash flows in a severe negative economic outlook scenario. If the results of this cash flow modeling indicate an economic loss, the Company takes an impairment. During the third quarter the economic assumptions used in this modeling worsened from the second quarter modeling. In CMBS, for example, the third quarter model anticipates higher unemployment and a more severe contraction of GDP. Primarily as a result of these aforementioned negative changes in economic outlook along with further price deterioration on previously impaired securities, the Company recognized impairments of $117 on sub-prime residential mortgages and $354 on CMBS. Currently, almost all CMBS and sub-prime ABS securities continue to receive contractual principal and interest payments.
The remaining impairments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 of $292 and $362, respectively, were comprised of securities in various sectors, primarily non-financial services corporate securities, that experienced significant credit spread widening and for which the Company was uncertain of its intent to retain the investments for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, impairments of $110 and $165, respectively, were recorded on securities that had declined in value for which the Company was uncertain of its intent to retain the investments for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery.

 

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INVESTMENT CREDIT RISK
The Company has established investment credit policies that focus on the credit quality of obligors and counterparties, limit credit concentrations, encourage diversification and require frequent creditworthiness reviews. Investment activity, including setting of policy and defining acceptable risk levels, is subject to review and approval by senior management.
The Company invests primarily in securities which are rated investment grade and has established exposure limits, diversification standards and review procedures for all credit risks including borrower, issuer and counterparty. Creditworthiness of specific obligors is determined by consideration of external determinants of creditworthiness, typically ratings assigned by nationally recognized ratings agencies and is supplemented by an internal credit evaluation. Obligor, asset sector and industry concentrations are subject to established Company limits and are monitored on a regular basis.
The Company is not exposed to any credit concentration risk of a single issuer greater than 10% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity other than U.S. government and U.S. government agencies backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. For further discussion of concentration of credit risk, see the “Concentration of Credit Risk” section in Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report.
Derivative Instruments
In the normal course of business, the Company uses various derivative counterparties in executing its derivative transactions. The use of counterparties creates credit risk that the counterparty may not perform in accordance with the terms of the derivative transaction. The Company has developed a derivative counterparty exposure policy which limits the Company’s exposure to credit risk.
The derivative counterparty exposure policy establishes market-based credit limits, favors long-term financial stability and creditworthiness of the counterparty and typically requires credit enhancement/credit risk reducing agreements.
The Company minimizes the credit risk of derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high quality counterparties rated A2/A or better, which are monitored by the Company’s internal compliance unit and reviewed frequently by senior management. In addition, the compliance unit monitors counterparty credit exposure on a monthly basis to ensure compliance with Company policies and statutory limitations. The Company also maintains a policy of requiring that derivative contracts, other than exchange traded contracts, currency forward contracts, and certain embedded derivatives, be governed by an International Swaps and Derivatives Association Master Agreement which is structured by legal entity and by counterparty and permits right of offset.
For each counterparty, the Company has developed credit exposure thresholds which are based upon counterparty ratings. Credit exposures are measured using the market value of the derivatives, resulting in amounts owed to the Company by its counterparties or potential payment obligations from the Company to its counterparties. Credit exposures are generally quantified daily based on the prior business day’s market value and collateral is pledged to and held by, or on behalf of, the Company to the extent the current value of derivatives exceeds the exposure policy thresholds. In accordance with industry standards and the contractual agreements, collateral is typically settled on the next business day. The Company has exposure to credit risk for amounts below the exposure thresholds which are uncollateralized as well as for market fluctuations that may occur between contractual settlement periods of collateral movements.
The maximum uncollateralized threshold for a derivative counterparty for a single legal entity is $10. The Company currently transacts derivatives in five legal entities and therefore the maximum combined threshold for a single counterparty over all legal entities that use derivatives is $50. In addition, the Company may have exposure to multiple counterparties in a single corporate family due to a common credit support provider. As of September 30, 2008, the maximum combined threshold for all counterparties under a single credit support provider over all legal entities that use derivatives is $100. Based on the contractual terms of the collateral agreements, these thresholds may be immediately reduced due to a downgrade in a counterparty’s credit rating.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company has incurred losses of $46 on derivative instruments due to counterparty default related to the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. These losses were a result of the contractual collateral threshold amounts and open collateral calls in excess of such amounts immediately prior to the bankruptcy filing, as well as interest rate and credit spread movements from the date of the last collateral call to the date of the bankruptcy filing.
In addition to counterparty credit risk, the Company enters into credit derivative instruments to manage credit exposure. Credit derivatives used by the Company include credit default swaps, credit index swaps, and total return swaps.
Credit default swaps involve a transfer of credit risk of one or many referenced entities from one party to another in exchange for periodic payments. The party that purchases credit protection will make periodic payments based on an agreed upon rate and notional amount, and for certain transactions there will also be an upfront premium payment. The second party, who assumes credit exposure, will typically only make a payment if there is a credit event and such payment will be equal to the notional value of the swap contract less the value of the referenced security issuer’s debt obligation. A credit event is generally defined as default on contractually obligated interest or principal payments or bankruptcy of the referenced entity.
Credit index swaps and total return swaps involve the periodic exchange of payments with other parties, at specified intervals, calculated using the agreed upon index and notional principal amounts. Generally, no cash or principal payments are exchanged at the inception of the contract.

 

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The Company uses credit derivatives to assume credit risk from and reduce credit risk to a single entity, referenced index, or asset pool. The credit default swaps in which the Company assumes credit risk reference investment grade single corporate issuers, baskets of up to five corporate issuers and diversified portfolios of corporate issuers. The diversified portfolios of corporate issuers are established within sector concentration limits and are typically divided into tranches which possess different credit ratings ranging from AAA through the CCC rated first loss position. In addition to the credit default swaps that assume credit exposure, the Company also purchases credit protection through credit default swaps to economically hedge and manage credit risk of certain fixed maturity investments across multiple sectors of the investment portfolio.
The credit default swaps are carried on the balance sheet at fair value. The Company received upfront premium payments on certain credit default swaps, which reduces the Company’s overall credit exposure. The following table summarizes the credit default swaps used by the Company to manage credit risk within the portfolio, excluding credit default swaps with offsetting positions.
                                                 
Credit Default Swaps
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
            Initial                     Initial        
    Notional     Premium     Fair     Notional     Premium     Fair  
    Amount     Received     Value     Amount     Received     Value  
Assuming credit risk
  $ 1,392     $ (157 )   $ (592 )   $ 2,715     $ (203 )   $ (416 )
Reducing credit risk
    3,596       33       133       5,166       (1 )     81  
 
                                   
Total credit default swaps
  $ 4,988     $ (124 )   $ (459 )   $ 7,881     $ (204 )   $ (335 )
 
                                   
During 2008, the Company continued to reduce overall credit risk exposure to general credit spread movements by both reducing and rebalancing the total notional amount of the credit default swap portfolio. The Company’s credit default swap portfolio has experienced and may continue to experience market value fluctuations based upon certain market conditions, including credit spread movement of specific referenced entities. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company realized losses of $148 and $266, respectively, on credit default swaps.
Subsequent to September 30, 2008, the Company terminated its $310 of notional amount related to credit derivatives that reference the first loss position of a basket of corporate issuers, which resulted in a realized loss of $21 in October 2008.
Prior to the first quarter of 2008, the Company also assumed credit exposure through credit index swaps referencing AAA rated CMBS indices. During the first and second quarter of 2008, the Company realized a loss of $100 and $3, before-tax, respectively, as a result of these swaps maturing as well as the Company eliminating exposure to the remaining swaps by entering into offsetting positions. As of September 30, 2008, the Company does not have exposure to CMBS through credit derivatives.
Available-for-Sale Securities
The following table identifies fixed maturities by credit quality on a consolidated basis as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007. The ratings referenced below are based on the ratings of a nationally recognized rating organization or, if not rated, assigned based on the Company’s internal analysis of such securities.
                                                 
Consolidated Fixed Maturities by Credit Quality
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
                    Percent of                     Percent of  
    Amortized             Total Fair     Amortized             Total Fair  
    Cost     Fair Value     Value     Cost     Fair Value     Value  
AAA
  $ 19,886     $ 17,613       25.1 %   $ 28,547     $ 28,318       35.4 %
AA
    13,929       12,410       17.7 %     11,326       10,999       13.7 %
A
    18,710       17,069       24.3 %     16,999       17,030       21.3 %
BBB
    14,992       13,794       19.7 %     15,093       14,974       18.7 %
United States Government/Government agencies
    5,754       5,785       8.3 %     5,165       5,229       6.5 %
BB & below
    3,736       3,420       4.9 %     3,594       3,505       4.4 %
 
                                   
Total fixed maturities
  $ 77,007     $ 70,091       100.0 %   $ 80,724     $ 80,055       100.0 %
 
                                   
The Company’s investment ratings as a percentage of total fixed maturities experienced a shift from AAA rated to AA and A rated since December 31, 2007 primarily due to rating agency downgrades of monoline insurers.

 

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The following table identifies fixed maturity and equity securities classified as available-for-sale on a consolidated basis as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.
                                                                                 
Consolidated Available-for-Sale Securities by Type
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
                                    Percent                                     Percent  
    Cost or     Gross     Gross             of Total     Cost or     Gross     Gross             of Total  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair     Fair     Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair     Fair  
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value     Value     Cost     Gains     Losses     Value     Value  
ABS
                                                                               
Auto
  $ 580     $ ––     $ (57 )   $ 523       0.8 %   $ 692     $     $ (16 )   $ 676       0.9 %
CLOs [1]
    2,908       2       (438 )     2,472       3.5 %     2,590             (114 )     2,476       3.1 %
Credit cards
    1,047             (77 )     970       1.4 %     957       3       (22 )     938       1.2 %
RMBS [2]
    2,614       3       (623 )     1,994       2.8 %     2,999       10       (343 )     2,666       3.3 %
Student loan
    766             (168 )     598       0.9 %     786       1       (40 )     747       0.9 %
Other [3]
    1,285       7       (225 )     1,067       1.5 %     1,491       19       (98 )     1,412       1.7 %
CMBS
                                                                               
Bonds
    11,766       25       (1,809 )     9,982       14.2 %     13,641       126       (421 )     13,346       16.7 %
CRE CDOs
    1,834             (937 )     897       1.3 %     2,243       1       (390 )     1,854       2.3 %
Interest only (“IOs”)
    1,453       31       (81 )     1,403       2.0 %     1,741       117       (27 )     1,831       2.3 %
CMOs
                                                                               
Agency backed
    856       14       (6 )     864       1.3 %     1,191       32       (4 )     1,219       1.5 %
Non-agency backed [4]
    425       1       (55 )     371       0.5 %     525       4       (3 )     526       0.7 %
Corporate [5]
                                                                               
Basic industry
    2,719       36       (110 )     2,645       3.8 %     2,508       61       (34 )     2,535       3.2 %
Capital goods
    2,393       27       (122 )     2,298       3.3 %     2,194       86       (26 )     2,254       2.8 %
Consumer cyclical
    2,689       29       (150 )     2,568       3.7 %     3,011       87       (60 )     3,038       3.8 %
Consumer non-cyclical
    3,551       37       (126 )     3,462       4.9 %     3,008       89       (37 )     3,060       3.8 %
Energy
    1,727       22       (106 )     1,643       2.3 %     1,595       71       (12 )     1,654       2.1 %
Financial services
    8,967       106       (879 )     8,194       11.7 %     11,153       227       (512 )     10,868       13.5 %
Technology and communications
    4,156       74       (284 )     3,946       5.6 %     3,763       181       (40 )     3,904       4.9 %
Transportation
    558       6       (45 )     519       0.8 %     401       12       (13 )     400       0.5 %
Utilities
    5,022       86       (319 )     4,789       6.8 %     4,500       181       (104 )     4,577       5.7 %
Other [6]
    1,656       2       (190 )     1,468       2.1 %     1,985       27       (104 )     1,908       2.4 %
Government/Government agencies
                                                                               
Foreign
    886       26       (37 )     875       1.2 %     999       59       (5 )     1,053       1.3 %
United States
    1,824       35       (7 )     1,852       2.6 %     836       22       (3 )     855       1.1 %
MBS
    2,726       16       (20 )     2,722       3.9 %     2,757       26       (20 )     2,763       3.5 %
Municipal
                                                                               
Taxable
    1,113       7       (91 )     1,029       1.5 %     1,376       33       (23 )     1,386       1.7 %
Tax-exempt
    11,486       188       (734 )     10,940       15.6 %     11,776       394       (67 )     12,103       15.1 %
Redeemable preferred stock
                                  6                   6        
 
                                                           
Fixed maturities
  $ 77,007     $ 780     $ (7,696 )   $ 70,091       100.0 %   $ 80,724     $ 1,869     $ (2,538 )   $ 80,055       100.0 %
Equity securities, available-for-sale
                                                                               
Financial Services
    1,042             (66 )     976               2,062       13       (224 )     1,851          
Other
    603       197       (46 )     754               549       205       (10 )     744          
 
                                                           
Total securities, available-for-sale [7]
  $ 78,652     $ 977     $ (7,808 )   $ 71,821             $ 83,335     $ 2,087     $ (2,772 )   $ 82,650          
 
                                                           
     
[1]  
As of September 30, 2008, 99% of these senior secured bank loan CLOs were AAA rated with an average subordination of 29%.
 
[2]  
Includes securities with an amortized cost and fair value of $14 and $11, respectively, as of September 30, 2008, and $40 and $37, respectively, as of December 31, 2007, which were backed by pools of loans issued to prime borrowers. Includes securities with an amortized cost and fair value of $92 and $69, respectively, as of September 30, 2008, and $96 and $87, respectively, as of December 31, 2007, which were backed by pools of loans issued to Alt-A borrowers.
 
[3]  
Includes CDO securities with an amortized cost and fair value of $17 and $5, respectively, as of September 30, 2008, and $16 and $15, respectively, as of December 31, 2007, that contain a below-prime residential mortgage loan component. Typically these CDOs are also backed by assets other than below-prime loans.
 
[4]  
Includes securities with an amortized cost and fair value of $221 and $185, respectively, as of September 30, 2008, and $270 as of December 31, 2007, which were backed by pools of loans issued to Alt-A borrowers.
 
[5]  
As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, 92% of corporate securities were rated investment grade.
 
[6]  
Includes structured investments with an amortized cost and fair value of $682 and $586, respectively, as of September 30, 2008 and $782 and $730, respectively, as of December 31, 2007. The underlying securities supporting these investments are primarily diversified pools of investment grade corporate issuers which can withstand a 15% cumulative default rate, assuming a 35% recovery.
 
[7]  
Gross unrealized gains represent gains of $535, $436, and $6 for Life, Property & Casualty, and Corporate, respectively, as of September 30, 2008 and $1,339, $734, and $14, respectively, as of December 31, 2007. Gross unrealized losses represent losses of $5,620, $2,183, and $5 for Life, Property & Casualty, and Corporate, respectively, as of September 30, 2008 and $1,985, $781, and $6, respectively, as of December 31, 2007.

 

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The Company’s investment sector allocations as a percentage of total fixed maturities have changed since December 31, 2007 due to portfolio reallocations. These reallocations have led to the Company reducing its exposure to CMBS, financial services, and consumer cyclical, while increasing allocations to consumer non-cyclical and short-term investments. The available-for-sale net unrealized loss position increased $6.1 billion since December 31, 2007. The increase since December 31, 2007 primarily resulted from credit spread widening, partially offset by interest rates declining. Credit spreads widened primarily due to the continued deterioration in the U.S. housing market, tightened lending conditions and the market’s flight to quality securities as well as the increased likelihood of a U.S. recession which has caused significant market strain. Early steps taken by the government to stabilize the financial system have proven ineffective and pressures continued to build throughout the third quarter. The sectors most significantly impacted include financial services, residential and commercial mortgage backed investments, and consumer loan backed investments. The following sections illustrate the Company’s holdings and provide commentary on the sectors identified above.
Financial Services
Financial companies are under severe stress driven initially by the housing market collapse which has led to massive asset write-downs, concerns over capital adequacy, funding pressures and an overall loss of confidence. The Company has exposure to the financial services sector predominantly through banking, insurance, and brokerage firms. A comparison of fair value to amortized cost is not indicative of the pricing of individual securities as rating downgrades and impairments have occurred. The following table represents the Company’s exposure to the financial services sector included in the corporate and equity securities, available-for-sale lines in the Consolidated Available-for-Sale Securities by Type table above.
                                                 
Financial Services by Credit Quality
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
                    Percent of                     Percent of  
    Amortized             Total Fair     Amortized             Total Fair  
    Cost     Fair Value     Value     Cost     Fair Value     Value  
AAA
  $ 743     $ 658       7.2 %   $ 635     $ 614       4.8 %
AA
    2,726       2,510       27.4 %     4,141       4,008       31.5 %
A
    5,471       5,019       54.7 %     6,755       6,525       51.3 %
BBB
    931       846       9.2 %     1,378       1,283       10.1 %
BB & below
    138       137       1.5 %     306       289       2.3 %
 
                                   
Total
  $ 10,009     $ 9,170       100.0 %   $ 13,215     $ 12,719       100.0 %
 
                                   

 

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Sub-prime Residential Mortgage Loans
The Company has exposure to sub-prime and Alt-A residential mortgage backed securities included in the Consolidated Available-for-Sale Securities by Type table above. These securities continue to be affected by uncertainty surrounding the decline in home prices, negative technical factors, along with deterioration in collateral performance.
The following table presents the Company’s exposure to ABS supported by sub-prime mortgage loans by current credit quality and vintage year, including direct investments in CDOs that contain a sub-prime loan component, included in the RMBS and ABS other line in the Consolidated Available-for-Sale Securities by Type table above. A comparison of fair value to amortized cost is not indicative of the pricing of individual securities as rating downgrades and impairments have occurred. Credit protection represents the current weighted average percentage, excluding wrapped securities, of the outstanding capital structure subordinated to the Company’s investment holding that is available to absorb losses before the security incurs the first dollar loss of principal. The table below does not include the Company’s exposure to Alt-A residential mortgage loans, with an amortized cost and fair value of $313 and $254, respectively, as of September 30, 2008, and $366 and $357, respectively, as of December 31, 2007. These securities were primarily rated AAA and backed by 2007 vintage year collateral.
                                                                                                 
Sub-Prime Residential Mortgage Loans [1] [2] [3] [4]
    September 30, 2008 [5]  
    AAA     AA     A     BBB     BB and Below     Total  
    Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair  
    Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value  
2003 & Prior
  $ 59     $ 51     $ 177     $ 153     $ 59     $ 46     $ 31     $ 20     $ 28     $ 16     $ 354     $ 286  
2004
    114       101       361       298       6       5       2       1                   483       405  
2005
    93       83       683       544       55       42       3       3       9       9       843       681  
2006
    221       178       142       71       21       13       75       38       53       14       512       314  
2007
    133       94       15       6       54       27       30       26       101       80       333       233  
 
                                                                       
Total
  $ 620     $ 507     $ 1,378     $ 1,072     $ 195     $ 133     $ 141     $ 88     $ 191     $ 119     $ 2,525     $ 1,919  
 
                                                                       
Credit protection   35.9%     47.9%     26.9%     22.9%     13.8%     41.1%  
                                   
                                                                                                 
    December 31, 2007  
    AAA     AA     A     BBB     BB and Below     Total  
    Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair  
    Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value  
2003 & Prior
  $ 93     $ 92     $ 213     $ 199     $ 113     $ 94     $ 8     $ 7     $ 7     $ 7     $ 434     $ 399  
2004
    133       131       358       324       2       2       2       1                   495       458  
2005
    113       107       796       713       8       5       10       3       33       23       960       851  
2006
    457       413       67       55       2       3       3       2       8       2       537       475  
2007
    280       241       71       39       56       47       21       20       25       27       453       374  
 
                                                                       
Total
  $ 1,076     $ 984     $ 1,505     $ 1,330     $ 181     $ 151     $ 44     $ 33     $ 73     $ 59     $ 2,879     $ 2,557  
 
                                                                       
Credit protection   32.7%     47.3%     21.1%     19.6%     17.1%     39.8%  
                                     
     
[1]  
The vintage year represents the year the underlying loans in the pool were originated.
 
[2]  
The Company’s exposure to second lien residential mortgages is composed primarily of loans to prime and Alt-A borrowers, of which approximately over half were wrapped by monoline insurers. These securities are included in the table above and have an amortized cost and fair value of $183 and $110, respectively, as of September 30, 2008 and $260 and $217, respectively, as of December 31, 2007.
 
[3]  
As of September 30, 2008, the weighted average life of the sub-prime residential mortgage portfolio was 3.9 years.
 
[4]  
As of September 30, 2008, approximately 83% of the portfolio is backed by adjustable rate mortgages.
 
[5]  
The credit qualities above include downgrades since December 31, 2007.

 

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Commercial Mortgage Loans
The Company has observed some weakness in commercial real estate market fundamentals and expects continued pressure on these fundamentals including increased vacancies, rising delinquencies, lower rent growth, and declining property values. The following tables represent the Company’s exposure to CMBS bonds, commercial real estate CDOs, and IOs by current credit quality and vintage year. A comparison of fair value to amortized cost is not indicative of the pricing of individual securities as rating downgrades and impairments have occurred. Credit protection represents the current weighted average percentage of the outstanding capital structure subordinated to the Company’s investment holding that is available to absorb losses before the security incurs the first dollar loss of principal. This credit protection does not include any equity interest or property value in excess of outstanding debt.
                                                                                                 
CMBS – Bonds [1]
    September 30, 2008  
    AAA     AA     A     BBB     BB and Below     Total  
    Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair  
    Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value  
2003 & Prior
  $ 2,226     $ 2,186     $ 463     $ 436     $ 181     $ 157     $ 36     $ 35     $ 37     $ 36     $ 2,943     $ 2,850  
2004
    725       691       85       72       65       50       23       16                   898       829  
2005
    1,200       1,087       475       356       325       240       56       42       23       10       2,079       1,735  
2006
    2,757       2,307       411       297       481       342       389       262       43       20       4,081       3,228  
2007
    1,036       849       439       301       148       103       139       86       3       1       1,765       1,340  
 
                                                                       
Total
  $ 7,944     $ 7,120     $ 1,873     $ 1,462     $ 1,200     $ 892     $ 643     $ 441     $ 106     $ 67     $ 11,766     $ 9,982  
 
                                                                       
Credit protection   24.7%   16.2%   11.7%   5.2%   4.3%   20.6%
                         
                                                                                                 
    December 31, 2007  
    AAA     AA     A     BBB     BB and Below     Total  
    Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair  
    Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value  
2003 & Prior
  $ 2,666     $ 2,702     $ 495     $ 502     $ 289     $ 292     $ 30     $ 32     $ 46     $ 49     $ 3,526     $ 3,577  
2004
    709       708       89       87       130       128       23       21                   951       944  
2005
    1,280       1,258       479       454       404       389       85       76       24       21       2,272       2,198  
2006
    2,975       2,910       415       395       763       739       456       400       24       22       4,633       4,466  
2007
    1,365       1,342       461       431       240       220       190       165       3       3       2,259       2,161  
 
                                                                       
Total
  $ 8,995     $ 8,920     $ 1,939     $ 1,869     $ 1,826     $ 1,768     $ 784     $ 694     $ 97     $ 95     $ 13,641     $ 13,346  
 
                                                                       
Credit protection   23.8%   16.4%   13.6%   6.8%   3.7%   20.6%
                         
     
[1]  
The vintage year represents the year the pool of loans was originated.

 

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CMBS – CRE CDOs [1] [2] [3]
    September 30, 2008 [4]  
    AAA     AA     A     BBB     BB and Below     Total  
    Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair  
    Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value  
2003 & Prior
  $ 184     $ 113     $ 97     $ 48     $ 84     $ 26     $ 64     $ 17     $ 33     $ 7     $ 462     $ 211  
2004
    127       68       18       10       30       12       11       3       14       3       200       96  
2005
    93       58       67       36       65       22       11       3                   236       119  
2006
    262       150       96       53       85       35       22       4                   465       242  
2007
    147       97       108       48       112       36       28       8                   395       189  
2008
    34       24       16       8       20       6       6       2                   76       40  
 
                                                                       
Total
  $ 847     $ 510     $ 402     $ 203     $ 396     $ 137     $ 142     $ 37     $ 47     $ 10     $ 1,834     $ 897  
 
                                                                       
Credit protection   28.3%   22.6%   18.9%   18.3%   57.2%   25.0%
                         
                                                                                                 
    December 31, 2007  
    AAA     AA     A     BBB     BB and Below     Total  
    Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair  
    Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value  
2003 & Prior
  $ 378     $ 320     $ 88     $ 73     $ 64     $ 42     $ 13     $ 10             $ 543     $ 445  
2004
    170       149       17       15       24       17       8       7                   219       188  
2005
    178       153       63       52       60       42       6       5                   307       252  
2006
    517       436       178       136       149       118       46       34                   890       724  
2007
    107       97       92       80       72       58       13       10                   284       245  
 
                                                                       
Total
  $ 1,350     $ 1,155     $ 438     $ 356     $ 369     $ 277     $ 86     $ 66             $ 2,243     $ 1,854  
 
                                                                       
Credit protection   31.5%   27.1%   16.7%   10.4%     27.5%
                         
     
[1]  
The vintage year represents the year that the underlying collateral in the pool was originated. Individual CDO market value is allocated by the proportion of collateral within each vintage year.
 
[2]  
As of September 30, 2008, approximately 36% of the underlying CMBS CRE CDO collateral are seasoned, below investment grade securities.
 
[3]  
For certain CDO’s, the collateral manager has the ability to reinvest proceeds that become available, primarily from collateral maturities. The increase in the 2008 vintage year represents reinvestment under these CDO’s.
 
[4]  
The credit qualities above include downgrades since December 31, 2007.
                                 
CMBS – IOs [1]
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    AAA     AAA  
    Amortized             Amortized        
    Cost     Fair Value     Cost     Fair Value  
2003 & Prior
  $ 462     $ 462     $ 548     $ 606  
2004
    283       272       360       374  
2005
    366       339       422       430  
2006
    169       163       194       205  
2007
    173       167       217       216  
 
                       
Total
  $ 1,453     $ 1,403     $ 1,741     $ 1,831  
 
                       
     
[1]  
The vintage year represents the year the pool of loans was originated.
In addition to commercial mortgage-backed securities, the Company has whole loan commercial real estate investments. The carrying value of these investments was $6.2 billion and $5.4 billion as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. The Company’s mortgage loans are collateralized by a variety of commercial and agricultural properties. The mortgage loans are geographically dispersed throughout the United States and by property type. At September 30, 2008, the Company held one delinquent mortgage loan with a carrying value of $60, however, the value of the underlying collateral exceeds the carrying value. Accordingly, the Company had no valuation allowance for mortgage loans at September 30, 2008.

 

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Consumer Loans
The Company continues to see weakness in consumer credit fundamentals. Rising delinquency and loss rates have been driven by the softening economy and higher unemployment rates. Delinquencies and losses on consumer loans rose during the third quarter of 2008 and the Company expects this trend to continue throughout the year. However, the Company expects its ABS consumer loan holdings to face limited credit concerns, as the borrower collateral quality and structural credit enhancement of the securities is sufficient to absorb a significantly higher level of defaults than are currently anticipated. The following table presents the Company’s exposure to ABS consumer loans by credit quality.
                                                                                                 
ABS Consumer Loans
    September 30, 2008  
    AAA     AA     A     BBB     BB and Below     Total  
    Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair  
    Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value  
Credit card [1]
  $ 438     $ 416     $ 6     $ 5     $ 128     $ 125     $ 417     $ 378     $ 58     $ 46     $ 1,047     $ 970  
Auto [2]
    160       150       30       29       154       137       205       181       31       26       580       523  
Student loan [3]
    294       220       332       278       140       100                               766       598  
 
                                                                       
Total
  $ 892     $ 786     $ 368     $ 312     $ 422     $ 362     $ 622     $ 559     $ 89     $ 72     $ 2,393     $ 2,091  
 
                                                                       
 
December 31, 2007
    AAA     AA     A     BBB     BB and Below     Total  
    Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair  
    Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value     Cost     Value  
Credit card [1]
  $ 166     $ 166     $ 19     $ 19     $ 162     $ 162     $ 610     $ 591     $     $     $ 957     $ 938  
Auto [2]
    274       270       27       27       151       148       198       192       42       39       692       676  
Student loan [3]
    313       297       333       317       140       133                               786       747  
 
                                                                       
Total
  $ 753     $ 733     $ 379     $ 363     $ 453     $ 443     $ 808     $ 783     $ 42     $ 39     $ 2,435     $ 2,361  
 
                                                                       
     
[1]  
As of September 30, 2008, approximately 9% of the securities were issued by lenders that lend primarily to sub-prime borrowers.
 
[2]  
Includes monoline insured securities with an amortized cost and fair value of $53 and $50, respectively, at September 30, 2008, and amortized cost and fair value of $49 at December 31, 2007. Additionally, approximately 5% of the auto consumer loan-backed securities were issued by lenders whose primary business is to sub-prime borrowers.
 
[3]  
Includes monoline insured securities with an amortized cost and fair value of $102 and $55, respectively, at September 30, 2008, and amortized cost and fair value of $102 and $93, respectively, at December 31, 2007. Additionally, approximately half of the student loan-backed exposure is guaranteed by the Federal Family Education Loan Program, with the remainder comprised of loans to prime-borrowers.
Monoline Insured Securities
Monoline insurers guarantee the timely payment of principal and interest of certain securities. Municipalities will often purchase monoline insurance to “wrap” a security issuance in order to benefit from better market execution. Recent rating agency downgrades of bond insurers have not had a significant impact on the fair value of the Company’s insured portfolio; however, these downgrades have caused a shift in rating quality from AAA rated to AA and A rated since December 31, 2007. As of September 30, 2008, the fair value of the Company’s total monoline insured securities was $7.3 billion, with the fair value of the insured municipal securities totaling $6.6 billion. At September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the overall credit quality of the municipal bond portfolio, including the benefits of monoline insurance, was AA and AA+, respectively, and excluding the benefits of monoline insurance, the overall credit quality was AA-. In addition to the insured municipal securities, as of September 30, 2008, the Company has other insured securities with a fair value of $682. These securities include the below prime mortgage-backed securities and other consumer loan receivables discussed above and corporate securities. The Company also has direct investments in monoline insurers with a fair value of approximately $76 as of September 30, 2008.

 

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Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities, Available-for-Sale, Consolidated Unrealized Loss
The following table presents the Company’s unrealized loss aging for total fixed maturity and equity securities classified as available-for-sale as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, by length of time the security was in an unrealized loss position.
                                                                 
Consolidated Securities
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
            Cost or                             Cost or              
            Amortized     Fair     Unrealized             Amortized     Fair     Unrealized  
    Items     Cost     Value     Loss     Items     Cost     Value     Loss  
Three months or less
    2,777     $ 19,417     $ 18,324     $ (1,093 )     1,581     $ 10,879     $ 10,445     $ (434 )
Greater than three to six months
    1,002       8,280       7,575       (705 )     1,052       11,857       10,954       (903 )
Greater than six to nine months
    746       5,899       5,047       (852 )     813       10,086       9,354       (732 )
Greater than nine to twelve months
    459       5,175       4,151       (1,024 )     262       2,756       2,545       (211 )
Greater than twelve months
    2,136       20,710       16,576       (4,134 )     1,735       10,563       10,071       (492 )
 
                                               
Total
    7,120     $ 59,481     $ 51,673     $ (7,808 )     5,443     $ 46,141     $ 43,369     $ (2,772 )
 
                                               
The following tables present the Company’s unrealized loss aging for total fixed maturity and equity securities classified as available-for-sale depressed over 20% as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, by length of time the security was in an unrealized loss position.
                                                                 
Securitized Assets Depressed over 20%
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
            Cost or                             Cost or              
            Amortized     Fair     Unrealized             Amortized     Fair     Unrealized  
Consecutive Months   Items     Cost     Value     Loss     Items     Cost     Value     Loss  
Three months or less
    437     $ 6,003     $ 3,975     $ (2,028 )     138     $ 1,263     $ 835     $ (428 )
Greater than three to six months
    120       1,381       780       (601 )     12       146       91       (55 )
Greater than six to nine months
    106       1,125       682       (443 )     ––       ––       ––       ––  
Greater than nine to twelve months
    4       24       16       (8 )     ––       ––       ––       ––  
Greater than twelve months
    3       13       7       (6 )     6       40       26       (14 )
 
                                               
Total
    670     $ 8,546     $ 5,460     $ (3,086 )     156     $ 1,449     $ 952     $ (497 )
 
                                               
                                                                 
All Other Securities Depressed over 20%
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
            Cost or                             Cost or              
            Amortized     Fair     Unrealized             Amortized     Fair     Unrealized  
Consecutive Months   Items     Cost     Value     Loss     Items     Cost     Value     Loss  
Three months or less
    391     $ 3,084     $ 2,300     $ (784 )     116     $ 635     $ 492     $ (143 )
Greater than three to six months
    27       331       230       (101 )     9       74       21       (53 )
Greater than six to nine months
    31       301       205       (96 )     ––       ––       ––       ––  
Greater than nine to twelve months
    6       31       21       (10 )     ––       ––       ––       ––  
Greater than twelve months
                            ––       ––       ––       ––  
 
                                               
Total
    455     $ 3,747     $ 2,756     $ (991 )     125     $ 709     $ 513     $ (196 )
 
                                               
                                                                 
Consolidated Securities Depressed over 20%
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
            Cost or                             Cost or              
            Amortized     Fair     Unrealized             Amortized     Fair     Unrealized  
Consecutive Months   Items     Cost     Value     Loss     Items     Cost     Value     Loss  
Three months or less
    828     $ 9,087     $ 6,275     $ (2,812 )     254     $ 1,898     $ 1,327     $ (571 )
Greater than three to six months
    147       1,712       1,010       (702 )     21       220       112       (108 )
Greater than six to nine months
    137       1,426       887       (539 )                        
Greater than nine to twelve months
    10       55       37       (18 )                        
Greater than twelve months
    3       13       7       (6 )     6       40       26       (14 )
 
                                               
Total
    1,125     $ 12,293     $ 8,216     $ (4,077 )     281     $ 2,158     $ 1,465     $ (693 )
 
                                               

 

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The following tables present the Company’s unrealized loss aging for total fixed maturity and equity securities classified as available-for-sale depressed over 50% (included in the tables above) as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, by length of time the security was in an unrealized loss position.
                                                                 
Securitized Assets Depressed over 50%
(included in the depressed over 20% table above)
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
            Cost or                             Cost or              
            Amortized     Fair     Unrealized             Amortized     Fair     Unrealized  
Consecutive Months   Items     Cost     Value     Loss     Items     Cost     Value     Loss  
Three months or less
    108     $ 1,095     $ 388     $ (707 )     27     $ 124     $ 47     $ (77 )
Greater than three to six months
    38       338       118       (220 )     ––       ––       ––       ––  
Greater than six to nine months
    8       44       12       (32 )     ––       ––       ––       ––  
Greater than nine to twelve months
                            ––       ––       ––       ––  
Greater than twelve months
                            ––       ––       ––       ––  
 
                                               
Total
    154     $ 1,477     $ 518     $ (959 )     27     $ 124     $ 47     $ (77 )
 
                                               
                                                                 
All Other Securities Depressed over 50%
(included in the depressed over 20% table above)
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
            Cost or                             Cost or              
            Amortized     Fair     Unrealized             Amortized     Fair     Unrealized  
Consecutive Months   Items     Cost     Value     Loss     Items     Cost     Value     Loss  
Three months or less
    23     $ 51     $ 16     $ (35 )     9     $ 3     $ 1     $ (2 )
Greater than three to six months
                            4       17       1       (16 )
Greater than six to nine months
                            ––       ––       ––       ––  
Greater than nine to twelve months
                            ––       ––       ––       ––  
Greater than twelve months
                            ––       ––       ––       ––  
 
                                               
Total
    23     $ 51     $ 16     $ (35 )     13     $ 20     $ 2     $ (18 )
 
                                               
                                                                 
Consolidated Securities Depressed over 50%
(included in the depressed over 20% table above)
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
            Cost or                             Cost or              
            Amortized     Fair     Unrealized             Amortized     Fair     Unrealized  
Consecutive Months   Items     Cost     Value     Loss     Items     Cost     Value     Loss  
Three months or less
    131     $ 1,146     $ 404     $ (742 )     36     $ 127     $ 48     $ (79 )
Greater than three to six months
    38       338       118       (220 )     4       17       1       (16 )
Greater than six to nine months
    8       44       12       (32 )                        
Greater than nine to twelve months
                                               
Greater than twelve months
                                               
 
                                               
Total
    177     $ 1,528     $ 534     $ (994 )     40     $ 144     $ 49     $ (95 )
 
                                               
Securitized Assets
The majority of securitized assets depressed over 20% as well as over 50% for six consecutive months are primarily related to CMBS and sub-prime RMBS. Based upon the Company’s cash flow modeling in a severe negative economic outlook, which shows no loss of principle and interest, and the Company’s assertion of its ability and intent to retain the securities until recovery, it has been determined that these securities are temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2008.

 

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All Other Securities
The majority of all other securities depressed over 20% for six consecutive months or greater in the tables above primarily relate to Corporate Financial Services securities that include corporate bonds as well as preferred equity issued by large high quality financial institutions that are lower in the capital structure, and as a result have incurred greater price depressions. Based upon the Company’s analysis of these securities and current macroeconomic conditions, the Company expects to see significant price recovery on these securities within a reasonable period of time, generally two years. For further discussion on these securities, see the discussion below the “Consolidated Available-for-Sale Securities by Type” table in this section above.
Future changes in the fair value of the investment portfolio are primarily dependent on the extent of future issuer credit losses, return of liquidity, and changes in general market conditions, including interest rates and credit spread movements.
As part of the Company’s ongoing security monitoring process by a committee of investment and accounting professionals, the Company has reviewed its investment portfolio and concluded that there were no additional other-than-temporary impairments as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007. During this analysis, the Company asserts its intent and ability to retain until recovery those securities judged to be temporarily impaired. Once identified, these securities are systematically restricted from trading unless approved by the committee. The committee will only authorize the sale of these securities based on predefined criteria that relate to events that could not have been foreseen at the time the committee rendered its judgment on the Company’s intent and ability to retain such securities until recovery. Examples of the criteria include, but are not limited to, the deterioration in the issuer’s creditworthiness, a change in regulatory requirements or a major business combination or major disposition.
The evaluation for other-than-temporary impairments is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties in the determination of whether declines in the fair value of investments are other-than-temporary. The risks and uncertainties include changes in general economic conditions, the issuer’s financial condition or near term recovery prospects and the effects of changes in interest rates and credit spreads. In addition, for securitized financial assets with contractual cash flows (e.g., ABS and CMBS), projections of expected future cash flows may change based upon new information regarding the performance of the underlying collateral. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, management’s expectation of the discounted future cash flows on these securities was in excess of the associated securities’ amortized cost. For a further discussion, see “Evaluation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Available-for-Sale Securities” included in the “Critical Accounting Estimates” section of the MD&A and “Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Available-for-Sale Securities” section in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements both of which are included in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report.

 

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CAPITAL MARKETS RISK MANAGEMENT
The Hartford has a disciplined approach to managing risks associated with its capital markets and asset/liability management activities. Investment portfolio management is organized to focus investment management expertise on the specific classes of investments, while asset/liability management is the responsibility of a dedicated risk management unit supporting Life and Property & Casualty operations. Derivative instruments are utilized in compliance with established Company policy and regulatory requirements and are monitored internally and reviewed by senior management.
Market Risk
The Hartford is exposed to market risk, primarily relating to the market price and/or cash flow variability associated with changes in interest rates, credit spreads, including issuer defaults, equity prices or market indices, and foreign currency exchange rates. The Hartford is also exposed to credit and counterparty repayment risk. The Company analyzes interest rate risk using various models including parametric models that forecast cash flows of the liabilities and the supporting investments, including derivative instruments, under various market scenarios. For further discussion of market risk, see the “Capital Markets Risk Management” section of the MD&A in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company’s exposure to interest rate risk relates to the market price and/or cash flow variability associated with the changes in market interest rates. The Company manages its exposure to interest rate risk through asset allocation limits, asset/liability duration matching and through the use of derivatives. For further discussion of interest rate risk, see the Interest Rate Risk discussion within the Capital Markets Risk Management section of the MD&A in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report.
The Company is also exposed to interest rate risk based upon the discount rate assumption associated with the Company’s pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. The discount rate assumption is based upon an interest rate yield curve comprised of bonds rated AA or higher with maturities primarily between zero and thirty years. For further discussion of interest rate risk associated with the benefit obligations, see the Critical Accounting Estimates section of the MD&A under “Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations” and Note 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report.
Credit Risk
The Company is exposed to credit risk within our investment portfolio and through derivative counterparties. Credit risk relates to the uncertainty of an obligor’s continued ability to make timely payments in accordance with the contractual terms of the instrument or contract. The Company manages credit risk through established investment credit policies which address quality of obligors and counterparties, credit concentration limits, diversification requirements and acceptable risk levels under expected and stressed scenarios. These policies are regularly reviewed and approved by senior management and by the Company’s Board of Directors.
The derivative counterparty exposure policy establishes market-based credit limits, favors long-term financial stability and creditworthiness of the counterparty and typically requires credit enhancement/credit risk reducing agreements. The Company minimizes the credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high quality counterparties rated A2/A or better, which are monitored by the Company’s internal compliance unit and reviewed frequently by senior management.
Derivative counterparty credit risk is measured as the amount owed to the Company based upon current market conditions and potential payment obligations between the Company and its counterparties. Credit exposures are generally quantified daily based on the prior business day’s market value and collateral is pledged to and held by, or on behalf of, the Company to the extent the current value of derivative instruments exceeds the exposure policy thresholds. In accordance with industry standards and the contractual agreements, collateral is typically settled on the next business day. The Company has exposure to credit risk for amounts below the exposure thresholds which are uncollateralized as well as for market fluctuations that may occur between contractual settlement periods of collateral movements.
Counterparty exposure thresholds are developed for each of the counterparties based upon their ratings. The maximum uncollateralized threshold for a derivative counterparty for a single legal entity is $10. The Company currently transacts derivatives in five legal entities and therefore the maximum combined threshold for a single counterparty over all legal entities that use derivatives is $50. In addition, the Company may have exposure to multiple counterparties in a single corporate family due to a common credit support provider. As of September 30, 2008, the maximum combined threshold for all counterparties under a single credit support provider over all legal entities that use derivatives is $100. Based on the contractual terms of the collateral agreements, these thresholds may be immediately reduced due to a downgrade in a counterparty’s credit rating.
In addition to counterparty credit risk, the Company enters into credit derivative instruments, including credit default, index and total return swaps, in which the Company assumes credit risk from or reduces credit risk to a single entity, referenced index, or asset pool, in exchange for periodic payments. For further information on credit derivatives, see the “Investment Credit Risk” section.

 

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The Company is also exposed to credit spreads risk related to security market price and cash flows associated with changes in credit spreads. Credit spread widening will reduce the fair value of the investment portfolio and will increase net investment income on new purchases. This will also result in losses associated with credit based non-qualifying derivatives where the Company assumes credit exposure. If issuer credit spreads increase significantly or for an extended period of time, it would likely result in higher other-than-temporary impairments. Credit spreads tightening will reduce net investment income associated with new purchases of fixed maturities and increase the fair value of the investment portfolio. During 2008, credit spread widening resulted in a significant increase in the Company’s unrealized losses and other-than-temporary impairments. For further discussion of sectors most significantly impacted, see the “Investment Credit Risk” section.
Life’s Equity Products Risk
The Company’s Life operations are significantly influenced by changes in the U.S., Japanese, and other global equity markets. Appreciation or depreciation in equity markets impacts certain assets and liabilities related to the Company’s variable products and the Company’s net income derived from those products. The Company’s variable products include variable annuities, mutual funds, and variable life insurance sold to retail and institutional customers.
Generally, declines in equity markets will:
1)  
reduce the value of assets under management and the amount of fee income generated from those assets;
 
2)  
reduce the value of equity securities, held for trading, for international variable annuities, the related policyholder funds and benefits payable, and the amount of fee income generated from those annuities;
 
3)  
increase the liability for guaranteed minimum withdrawal and accumulation benefits (GMWB and GMAB) resulting in realized capital losses;
 
4)  
increase the value of derivative assets used to hedge GMWB resulting in realized capital gains;
 
5)  
increase the Company’s net amount at risk for guaranteed death benefits and guaranteed income benefits; and
 
6)  
decrease the Company’s actual gross profits, resulting in a negative true-up to current period DAC amortization
A prolonged or precipitous market decline may:
1)  
turn customer sentiment toward equity-linked products negative, causing a decline in sales;
 
2)  
cause a significant decrease in the range of reasonable estimates of future gross profits used in the Company’s quantitative assessment of its modeled estimates of gross profits. If, in a given financial statement period, the modeled estimates of gross profits are determined to be unreasonable, the Company will accelerate the amount of DAC amortization in that period. Particularly in the case of variable annuities, an acceleration of DAC amortization could potentially cause a material adverse deviation in that period’s net income, but it would not affect the Company’s cash flow or liquidity position. See Life Estimated Gross Profits Used in the Valuation and Amortization of Assets and Liabilities Associated with Variable Annuity and Other Universal Life-Type Contracts within Critical Accounting Estimates for further information on DAC and related equity market sensitivities; and increase costs under the Company’s hedging programs.
In addition to the impact on U.S. GAAP results, Life’s statutory financial results also have material exposure to equity market volatility due to the issuance of variable annuity contracts with guarantees. Specifically, in scenarios where equity markets decline substantially, as we have seen during 2008, we would expect statutory net losses or lower statutory net income and significant increases in the amount of statutory surplus Life would have to devote to maintain targeted rating agency, regulatory risk based capital (“RBC”) ratios and other similar solvency margin ratios. In addition, extreme declines in equity market levels can result in dramatic increases in required reserves and diminish the Company’s statutory capital. In an attempt to mitigate these risks, in addition to the Company’s use of reinsurance, hedging instruments and other risk management techniques, described below, the Company maintains capital resources to mitigate the statutory net income and surplus risks associated with equity market declines. For general information on this topic, see Variable Annuity Equity Risk Impact on Statutory Distributable Earnings in The Company’s Form 10-K for further information.
Equity Risk Management
The Company has made considerable investment in analyzing current and potential future market risk exposures arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to, product guarantees (GMDB, GMWB, GMAB, and GMIB), equity market and interest rate risks (in both the U.S. and Japan) and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company evaluates these risks individually and, increasingly, in the aggregate to determine the risk profiles of all of its products and to judge their potential impacts on financial metrics including U.S. GAAP net income and statutory capital. The Company manages the equity market risks embedded in these product guarantees through product design, reinsurance, and hedging programs. The accounting for various benefit guarantees offered with variable annuity contracts can be significantly different and may influence the form of risk management employed by the Company.
Many benefit guarantees meet the definition of an embedded derivative under SFAS 133 (GMWB and GMAB) and are recorded at fair value, incorporating changes in equity indices and equity index volatility, with changes in fair value recorded in net income. However, for other benefit guarantees, certain contract features that define how the contract holder can access the value and substance of the guaranteed benefit change the accounting from SFAS 133 to SOP 03-1. For contracts where the contract holder can only obtain the value of the guaranteed benefit upon the occurrence of an insurable event such as death (GMDB) or when the benefit received is in substance a long-term financing (GMIB) the accounting for the benefit is prescribed by SOP 03-1.

 

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As a result of these significant accounting differences, the liability for guarantees recorded under SOP 03-1 may be significantly different than if it was recorded under SFAS 133 and vice versa. In addition, the conditions in the capital markets in Japan vs. those in the U.S. are sufficiently different that if the Company’s GMWB product currently offered in the U.S. were offered in Japan, the capital market conditions in Japan would have a significant impact on the valuation of the GMWB, irrespective of the accounting model. The same would hold true if the Company’s GMIB product currently offered in Japan were to be offered in the U.S. Capital market conditions in the U.S. would have a significant impact on the valuation of the GMIB.
The Company believes its long-term success in the variable annuity market will continue to be aided by successful innovation that allows the Company to offer attractive product features in tandem with prudent equity market risk management. The Company’s variable annuity market share in the U.S. has generally increased during periods when it has recently introduced new products to the market. In contrast, the Company’s market share has generally decreased when competitors introduce products that cause an issuer to assume larger amounts of equity and other market risk than the Company is confident it can prudently manage. In the absence of this innovation, the Company’s market share in one or more of its markets could decline.
The Company expects to evolve its risk management strategies over time to mitigate its aggregate exposures to market-driven changes in U.S. GAAP equity, statutory capital and other economic metrics. Because these strategies target a reduction of a combination of exposures rather than a single one, further risk management changes could cause volatility of U.S. GAAP net income to increase, particularly if the Company places an increased relative weight on protection of statutory surplus in future strategies.
The Company employs additional strategies to manage equity market risk in addition to the derivative and reinsurance strategy described above that economically hedges the fair value of the U.S. GMWB rider. Notably, the Company purchases one and two year S&P 500 Index put option contracts to partially economically hedge certain other liabilities that could increase if the equity markets decline. During the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Company also entered into two hedges on the S&P 500 index to partially economically hedge the statutory reserve impact of equity exposure arising primarily from GMDB and GMWB obligations against a decline in the equity markets to certain levels. Because these strategies are intended to partially hedge certain equity-market sensitive liabilities calculated under statutory accounting (see Capital Resources and Liquidity), changes in the value of the options may not be closely aligned to changes in liabilities determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, causing volatility in U.S. GAAP net income.
Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefits and Guaranteed Minimum Accumulation Benefits
The majority of the Company’s U.S. and U.K. variable annuities are sold with a GMWB living benefit rider, which is accounted for under SFAS 133. Declines in the equity market may increase the Company’s exposure to benefits under the GMWB contracts and will increase the Company’s existing liability for those benefits.
For example, a GMWB and/or GMAB contract is ‘in the money’ if the contract holder’s guaranteed remaining benefit becomes greater than the account value. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, 57.9% and 19.4%, respectively, of all unreinsured U.S. GMWB ‘in-force’ contracts were ‘in the money’. For U.S. and U.K. GMWB contracts that were ‘in the money’ the Company’s exposure to the guaranteed remaining benefit, after reinsurance, as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, was $3.4 billion and $146, respectively. For GMAB contracts that were ‘in the money’ the Company’s exposure, as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, was $500 and $38, respectively. Significant declines in equity markets since September 30, 2008, have significantly increased our exposure to these guarantees.
However, the only ways the GMWB contract holder can monetize the excess of the GRB over the account value of the contract is upon death or if their account value is reduced to a contractually specified minimum level, through a combination of a series of withdrawals that do not exceed a specific percentage of the premiums paid per year and market declines. If the account value is reduced to the contractually specified minimum level, the contract holder will receive an annuity equal to the remaining GRB and for the Company’s “life-time” GMWB products can continue beyond the GRB. As the amount of the excess of the GRB over the account value can fluctuate with equity market returns on a daily basis, and the ultimate life-time GMWB payments can exceed the GRB, the ultimate amount to be paid by the Company, if any, is uncertain and could be significantly more or less than $3.4 billion.
For GMAB benefits, the only ways the contract holder can monetize the excess of the GRB over the account value of the contract is upon death or by waiting until the end of the contractual deferral period of 10 years. As the amount of the excess of the GRB over the account value can fluctuate with equity market returns on a daily basis, the ultimate amount to be paid by the Company, if any, is uncertain and could be significantly more or less than $500.
The Company uses reinsurance to manage the risk exposure for a portion of contracts issued with GMWB riders. Contracts not covered by reinsurance generate volatility in net income each quarter as the underlying embedded derivative liabilities are recorded at fair value. In order to minimize the volatility associated with the non-reinsured GMWB liabilities, the Company established a dynamic hedging program.
The Company uses hedging instruments to hedge its non-reinsured GMWB exposure. These instruments include interest rate futures and swaps, variance swaps, S&P 500 and NASDAQ index put options and futures contracts. The Company also uses EAFE Index swaps to hedge GMWB exposure to international equity markets. The hedging program involves a detailed monitoring of policyholder behavior and capital markets conditions on a daily basis and rebalancing of the hedge position as needed. While the Company actively manages this hedge position within defined risk parameters, hedge ineffectiveness may also result from factors including, but not limited to, policyholder behavior, capital markets dislocation or discontinuity and divergence between the performance of the underlying funds and the hedging indices.

 

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The Company is continually exploring new ways and new markets to manage or layoff the capital markets and policyholder behavior risks associated with its living benefits. During 2007 and in April of 2008, the Company entered into customized swap contracts to hedge certain capital market risk components for the remaining term of specific blocks of non-reinsured GMWB riders. In addition, during July 2008, the Company entered into a reinsurance agreement with a third party to reinsure GMWB risks associated with approximately $7.8 billion of account value sold between 2003 and 2006. The reinsurance agreement is an 80% quota-share agreement. The reinsurance agreement is accounted for as a free-standing derivative. The third party’s financial strength is rated A+ by A.M. Best, AA- by Standard and Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s.
The following table illustrates the Company’s U.S. GMWB account value by type of SFAS 133/157 risk management strategy as of September 30, 2008:
                     
Risk Management Strategy   Duration   Account Value     %  
Entire risk reinsured with a third party
  Life of Product   $ 12,787       28 %
Capital markets risk transferred to a third party — behavior risk retained by the Company
  Designed to cover the
effective life of the
product
    12,862       28 %
Dynamic hedging of capital markets risk using various derivative instruments
  Weighted average of 7 years     20,685       44 %
 
               
 
      $ 46,334       100 %
 
               
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefits and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefits
In the U.S., the Company sells variable annuity contracts that offer various guaranteed death benefits. Declines in the equity market may increase the Company’s exposure to death benefits under these contracts.
The Company’s total gross exposure (i.e., before reinsurance) to U.S. guaranteed death benefits as of September 30, 2008 is $20.0 billion. The Company will incur these guaranteed death benefit payments in the future only if the policyholder has an in-the-money guaranteed death benefit at their time of death. The Company currently reinsures 57% of these death benefit guarantees. Under certain of these reinsurance agreements, the reinsurers’ exposure is subject to an annual cap. The Company’s net exposure (i.e. after reinsurance) is $8.6 billion, as of September 30, 2008. This amount is often referred to as the retained net amount at risk.
In Japan, the Company offers certain variable annuity products with both a guaranteed death benefit and a guaranteed income benefit. Declines in equity markets as well as a strengthening of the Japanese yen in comparison to the U.S. dollar and other currencies may increase the Company’s exposure to these guaranteed benefits. This increased exposure may be significant in extreme market scenarios.
The Company’s total gross exposure (i.e., before reinsurance) to these guaranteed death benefits and income benefits offered in Japan as of September 30, 2008 is $4.5 billion. However, the Company will incur these guaranteed death or income benefits in the future only if the contract holder has an in-the-money guaranteed benefit at either the time of their death or if the account value is insufficient to fund the guaranteed living benefits. The Company currently reinsures 18% of the death benefit guarantees. Under certain of these reinsurance agreements, the reinsurers’ exposure is subject to an annual cap. For these products, the Company’s retained net amount at risk is $3.7 billion.
Derivative Instruments
The Hartford utilizes a variety of derivative instruments, including swaps, caps, floors, forwards, futures and options, in compliance with Company policy and regulatory requirements, designed to achieve one of four Company approved objectives: to hedge risk arising from interest rate, equity market, credit spreads including issuer defaults, price or foreign currency exchange rate risk or volatility; to manage liquidity; to control transaction costs; or to enter into replication transactions.

 

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CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Capital resources and liquidity represent the overall financial strength of The Hartford and its ability to generate strong cash flows from each of the business segments, borrow funds at competitive rates and raise new capital to meet operating and growth needs.
Liquidity Requirements
The liquidity requirements of The Hartford have been and will continue to be met by funds from operations as well as the issuance of commercial paper, common stock, debt or other capital securities and borrowings from its credit facilities. Current and expected patterns of claim frequency and severity may change from period to period but continue to be within historical norms and, therefore, the Company’s current liquidity position is considered to be sufficient to meet anticipated demands over the next twelve months. However, if an unanticipated demand was placed on the Company, it is likely that the Company would either sell certain of its investments to fund claims which could result in larger than usual realized capital gains and losses or the Company would enter the capital markets to raise further funds to provide the requisite liquidity. For a discussion and tabular presentation of the Company’s current contractual obligations by period, including those related to its Life and Property & Casualty insurance operations, refer to Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations within the Capital Resources and Liquidity section of the MD&A included in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report.
In June 2008, The Hartford’s Board of Directors authorized a new $1 billion stock repurchase program which is in addition to the previously announced $2 billion program. The Company’s repurchase authorization permits purchases of common stock, which may be in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The Company also may enter into derivative transactions to facilitate future repurchases of common stock. The timing of any future repurchases will be dependent upon several factors, including the market price of the Company’s securities, the Company’s capital position, consideration of the effect of any repurchases on the Company’s financial strength or credit ratings, and other corporate considerations. The repurchase program may be modified, extended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time. As of September 30, 2008, The Hartford has completed the $2 billion stock repurchase program and has $807 remaining for stock repurchase under the new $1 billion repurchase program. For further discussion of common stock acquired in 2008, refer to the Stockholders’ Equity section below.
HFSG and Hartford Life, Inc. (“HLI”) are holding companies which rely upon operating cash flow in the form of dividends from their subsidiaries, which enable them to service debt, pay dividends, and pay certain business expenses. Dividends to the Company from its insurance subsidiaries are restricted. The payment of dividends by Connecticut-domiciled insurers is limited under the insurance holding company laws of Connecticut. These laws require notice to and approval by the state insurance commissioner for the declaration or payment of any dividend, which, together with other dividends or distributions made within the preceding twelve months, exceeds the greater of (i) 10% of the insurer’s policyholder surplus as of December 31 of the preceding year or (ii) net income (or net gain from operations, if such company is a life insurance company) for the twelve-month period ending on the thirty-first day of December last preceding, in each case determined under statutory insurance accounting principles. In addition, if any dividend of a Connecticut-domiciled insurer exceeds the insurer’s earned surplus, it requires the prior approval of the Connecticut Insurance Commissioner. The insurance holding company laws of the other jurisdictions in which The Hartford’s insurance subsidiaries are incorporated (or deemed commercially domiciled) generally contain similar (although in certain instances somewhat more restrictive) limitations on the payment of dividends. Dividends paid to HFSG by its insurance subsidiaries are further dependent on cash requirements of HLI and other factors. The Company’s property-casualty insurance subsidiaries are permitted to pay up to a maximum of approximately $1.6 billion in dividends to HFSG in 2008 without prior approval from the applicable insurance commissioner. The Company’s life insurance subsidiaries are permitted to pay up to a maximum of approximately $784 in dividends to HLI in 2008 without prior approval from the applicable insurance commissioner. The aggregate of these amounts, net of amounts required by HLI, is the maximum the insurance subsidiaries could pay to HFSG in 2008. From January 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008, HFSG and HLI received a combined total of $1.3 billion from their insurance subsidiaries. From October 1, 2008 through October 24, 2008, HFSG and HLI received a combined total of $466 from their insurance subsidiaries.
The principal sources of operating funds are premiums and investment income, while investing cash flows originate from maturities and sales of invested assets. The primary uses of funds are to pay claims, policy benefits, operating expenses and commissions and to purchase new investments. In addition, The Hartford has a policy of carrying a significant short-term investment position to meet liquidity needs. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, HFSG held total fixed maturity investments of $743 and $457, of which $692 and $154 were short-term investments, respectively. HFSG intends to use $200 to repay its 6.375% notes at maturity on November 1, 2008 and $330 to repay its 5.663% notes at maturity on November 16, 2008. HFSG issued senior notes during the first half of 2008 to pre-fund payment of these maturities. For a discussion of the Company’s investment objectives and strategies, see the Investments and Capital Markets Risk Management sections above.

 

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As of September 30, 2008, the Company’s key sources of liquidity included $7.3 billion of cash and short-term investments (which includes securities with maturities of one year or less at the time of purchase), of which $725 was collateral received from, and held on behalf of, derivative counterparties and $137 was collateral pledged to derivative counterparties. The Company also held $1.9 billion of treasury securities, of which $506 had been pledged to derivative counterparties. These figures do not include the proceeds from the $2.5 billion Allianz SE investment received on October 17, 2008, see Note 13 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company intends to utilize the proceeds to support capital and liquidity requirements across The Hartford as appropriate.
Sources of Capital
The Hartford endeavors to maintain a capital structure that provides financial and operational flexibility to its insurance subsidiaries, ratings that support its competitive position in the financial services marketplace (see the “Ratings” section below for further discussion), and strong shareholder returns. As a result, the Company may from time to time raise capital from the issuance of stock, debt or other capital securities and is continuously evaluating strategic opportunities. The issuance of common stock, debt or other capital securities could result in the dilution of shareholder interests or reduced net income due to additional interest expense.
Shelf Registrations
On April 11, 2007, The Hartford filed an automatic shelf registration statement (Registration No. 333-142044) for the potential offering and sale of debt and equity securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The registration statement allows for the following types of securities to be offered: (i) debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, depositary shares, warrants, stock purchase contracts, stock purchase units and junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures of the Company, and (ii) preferred securities of any of one or more capital trusts organized by The Hartford (“The Hartford Trusts”). The Company may enter into guarantees with respect to the preferred securities of any of The Hartford Trusts. In that The Hartford is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, the registration statement went effective immediately upon filing and The Hartford may offer and sell an unlimited amount of securities under the registration statement during the three-year life of the shelf.
Contingent Capital Facility
On February 12, 2007, The Hartford entered into a put option agreement (the “Put Option Agreement”) with Glen Meadow ABC Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “ABC Trust”), and LaSalle Bank National Association, as put option calculation agent. The Put Option Agreement provides The Hartford with the right to require the ABC Trust, at any time and from time to time, to purchase The Hartford’s junior subordinated notes (the “Notes”) in a maximum aggregate principal amount not to exceed $500. Under the Put Option Agreement, The Hartford will pay the ABC Trust premiums on a periodic basis, calculated with respect to the aggregate principal amount of Notes that The Hartford had the right to put to the ABC Trust for such period. The Hartford has agreed to reimburse the ABC Trust for certain fees and ordinary expenses. The Company holds a variable interest in the ABC Trust where the Company is not the primary beneficiary. As a result, the Company did not consolidate the ABC Trust, as they did not meet the consolidation requirements under FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51” (“FIN 46(R)”).
Commercial Paper, Revolving Credit Facility and Line of Credit
The table below details the Company’s short-term debt programs and the applicable balances outstanding.
                                                 
                    Maximum Available As of     Outstanding As of  
    Effective     Expiration     September 30,     December 31,     September 30,     December 31,  
Description   Date     Date     2008     2007     2008     2007  
Commercial Paper
                                               
The Hartford
    11/10/86       N/A     $ 2,000     $ 2,000     $ 373     $ 373  
Revolving Credit Facility
                                               
5-year revolving credit facility
    8/9/07       8/9/12       1,900       2,000              
Line of Credit
                                               
Life Japan Operations [1]
    9/18/02       1/5/09       47       45              
 
                                   
Total Commercial Paper, Revolving Credit Facility and Line of Credit
                  $ 3,947     $ 4,045     $ 373     $ 373  
 
                                   
     
[1]  
As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the line of credit in yen was ¥5 billion.
The revolving credit facility provides for up to $1.9 billion of unsecured credit, which excludes a $100 commitment from an affiliate of Lehman Brothers. Of the total availability under the revolving credit facility, up to $100 is available to support letters of credit issued on behalf of The Hartford or other subsidiaries of The Hartford. Under the revolving credit facility, the Company must maintain a minimum level of consolidated net worth. In addition, the Company must not exceed a maximum ratio of debt to capitalization. Quarterly, the Company certifies compliance with the financial covenants for the syndicate of participating financial institutions. As of September 30, 2008, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.
The Federal Reserve Board authorized the Commercial Paper Funding Facility (“CPFF”) on October 7, 2008 under Section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve Act to provide a liquidity backstop to U.S. issuers of commercial paper. The CPFF is intended to improve liquidity in short-term funding markets by increasing the availability of term commercial paper funding to issuers and by providing greater assurance to both issuers and investors that firms will be able to roll over their maturing commercial paper.
The Company registered with the CPFF in order to sell up to a maximum of $375 to the facility. The Company’s commercial paper must be rated A-1/P-1/F1 by at least two ratings agencies to be eligible for the program. If ratings are downgraded below this level, outstanding commercial paper held by CPFF will continue to be held until maturity, however, no additional commercial paper may be sold to CPFF. The Company may sell commercial paper to other investors in excess of the maximum of $375, but the CPFF will not purchase additional commercial paper from the Company if total commercial paper outstanding to all investors (including the CPFF) equals or exceeds the issuer’s limit.

 

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While The Hartford’s maximum borrowings available under its commercial paper program are $2.0 billion, which includes the $375 from the CPFF, the Company is dependent upon market conditions, including recent market conditions, to finance the remaining available commercial paper with investors.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations
There have been no material changes to the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements and aggregate contractual obligations since the filing of the Company’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report.
Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits
While the Company has significant discretion in making voluntary contributions to the U. S. qualified defined benefit pension plan (the “Plan”), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 as amended by the Pension Protection Act of 2006 mandates minimum contributions in certain circumstances. For 2008, the Company does not expect to have a required minimum funding contribution for the Plan and the funding requirements for all of the pension plans are expected to be immaterial.
Capitalization
The capital structure of The Hartford as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 consisted of debt and equity, summarized as follows:
                         
    September 30,     December 31,        
    2008     2007     Change  
Short-term debt (includes current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations)
  $ 927     $ 1,365       (32 %)
Long-term debt
    4,620       3,142       47 %
 
                 
Total debt [1]
    5,547       4,507       23 %
Equity excluding accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (“AOCI”)
    16,712       20,062       (17 %)
AOCI, net of tax
    (4,155 )     (858 )   NM  
 
                 
Total stockholders’ equity
  $ 12,557     $ 19,204       (35 %)
 
                 
Total capitalization including AOCI
  $ 18,104     $ 23,711       (24 %)
 
                 
Debt to equity
    44 %     23 %        
Debt to capitalization
    31 %     19 %        
 
                 
     
[1]  
Total debt of the Company excludes $1.2 billion and $809 of consumer notes as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.
The Hartford’s total capitalization decreased $5.6 billion, or 24%, from December 31, 2007 to September 30, 2008 primarily due to the following:
         
AOCI, net of tax
    Decreased $3.3 billion primarily due to increases in unrealized losses on securities of $3.5 billion.
 
       
Equity excluding AOCI, net of tax
    Decreased $3.4 billion primarily due to a net loss of $1.9 billion and share repurchases of $1.0 billion.
 
       
Total Debt
    Increased from issuance of $1.0 billion in senior notes and $500 in junior subordinated debentures, partially offset by repayment of The Hartford’s $425 5.55% senior notes.
Recent Developments
In order to strengthen its capital and liquidity position, the Company on October 17, 2008 closed on a $2.5 billion investment by Allianz SE (“Allianz”). Allianz purchased $1.75 billion of the Company’s 10% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2068, and $750 of the Company’s Series D Non-Voting Contingent Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Convertible Preferred”) initially convertible into 24,193,548 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Common Stock”), upon receipt of applicable approvals, at an issue price of $31.00 per share of Common Stock. Allianz additionally received warrants to purchase an aggregate of $1.75 billion of the Company’s Series B and Series C Convertible Preferred at an initial exercise price of $25.32 per share. Conversion of the Convertible Preferred referred to above into Common Stock is subject to receipt of certain governmental and regulatory approvals and, in the case of the Series C Convertible Preferred, to the approval of the Company’s stockholders in accordance with the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. For further detail about the Allianz investment, please see Note 13 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Debt
Senior Notes
On August 16, 2008, The Hartford repaid its $425, 5.55% senior notes at maturity.
On May 12, 2008, The Hartford issued $500 of 6.0% senior notes due January 15, 2019. The issuance was made pursuant to the Company’s shelf registration statement (Registration No. 333-142044).
On March 4, 2008, The Hartford issued $500 of 6.3% senior notes due March 15, 2018. The issuance was made pursuant to the Company’s shelf registration statement (Registration No. 333-142044).

 

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HFSG used a portion of the proceeds from the total $1 billion in issuances of senior notes to repay its $425 5.55% notes at maturity on August 16, 2008, and intends to use the remaining proceeds to repay its $200 6.375% notes at maturity on November 1, 2008 and $330 5.663% notes at maturity on November 16, 2008.
For additional information regarding debt, see Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report.
Junior Subordinated Debentures
On June 6, 2008, the Company issued $500 aggregate principal amount of 8.125% fixed-to-floating rate junior subordinated debentures (the “debentures”) due June 15, 2068 for net proceeds of approximately $493, after deducting underwriting discounts and expenses from the offering. The debentures bear interest at an annual fixed rate of 8.125% from the date of issuance to, but excluding, June 15, 2018, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15. From and including June 15, 2018, the debentures will bear interest at an annual rate, reset quarterly, equal to three-month LIBOR plus 4.6025%, payable quarterly in arrears on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year. The Company has the right, on one or more occasions, to defer the payment of interest on the debentures. The Company may defer interest for up to ten consecutive years without giving rise to an event of default. Deferred interest will accumulate additional interest at an annual rate equal to the annual interest rate then applicable to the debentures. If the Company defers interest for five consecutive years or, if earlier, pays current interest during a deferral period, which may be paid from any source of funds, the Company will be required to pay deferred interest from proceeds from the sale of certain qualifying securities.
The debentures carry a scheduled maturity date of June 15, 2038 and a final maturity date of June 15, 2068. During the 180-day period ending on a notice date not more than fifteen and not less than ten business days prior to the scheduled maturity date, the Company is required to use commercially reasonable efforts to sell certain qualifying replacement securities sufficient to permit repayment of the debentures at the scheduled maturity date. If any debentures remain outstanding after the scheduled maturity date, the unpaid amount will remain outstanding until the Company has raised sufficient proceeds from the sale of qualifying replacement securities to permit the repayment in full of the debentures. If there are remaining debentures at the final maturity date, the Company is required to redeem the debentures using any source of funds.
Subject to the replacement capital covenant described below, the Company can redeem the debentures at its option, in whole or in part, at any time on or after June 15, 2018 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount being redeemed plus accrued but unpaid interest. The Company can redeem the debentures at its option prior to June 15, 2018 (a) in whole at any time or in part from time to time or (b) in whole, but not in part, in the event of certain tax or rating agency events relating to the debentures, at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount being redeemed and the applicable make-whole amount, in each case plus any accrued and unpaid interest.
In connection with the offering of the debentures, the Company entered into a “replacement capital covenant” for the benefit of holders of one or more designated series of the Company’s indebtedness, initially the Company’s 6.1% notes due 2041. Under the terms of the replacement capital covenant, if the Company redeems the debentures at any time prior to June 15, 2048 it can only do so with the proceeds from the sale of certain qualifying replacement securities.

 

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Consumer Notes
As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, $1,225 and $809, respectively, of consumer notes were outstanding. As of September 30, 2008, these consumer notes have interest rates ranging from 4.0% to 6.3% for fixed notes and, for variable notes, either consumer price index plus 80 to 267 basis points, or indexed to the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrials or the Nikkei 225. For the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, interest credited to holders of consumer notes was $16 and $10, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, interest credited to holders of consumer notes was $43 and $21, respectively.
For additional information regarding consumer notes, see Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report.
Stockholders’ Equity
Treasury stock acquired – For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, The Hartford repurchased $1.0 billion (14.7 million shares), of which $500 (7.3 million shares) were repurchased under an accelerated share repurchase transaction described below.
On June 4, 2008, the Company entered into a collared accelerated share repurchase agreement (“ASR”) with a major financial institution. Under the terms of the agreement, The Hartford paid $500 and initially received a minimum number of shares based on a maximum or “capped” share price. The Company funded this payment with proceeds from the offering of the junior subordinated debentures, see Note 11 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The Hartford initially received 6.3 million shares of common stock based on the “cap”. The actual per share purchase price and the final number of shares to be repurchased were based on the volume weighted average price, or VWAP, of the Company’s common stock, not to be fixed above a cap price nor fall lower than a floor price. The contract settled on September 3, 2008, and the Company received an additional 1.0 million shares. The Company has accounted for this transaction in accordance with EITF Issue No. 99-7, “Accounting for an Accelerated Share Repurchase Program.”
Dividends — On October 15, 2008, The Hartford’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.32 per share payable on January 2, 2009 to shareholders of record as of December 1, 2008.
AOCI – AOCI, net of tax, decreased by $3.3 billion as of September 30, 2008 compared with December 31, 2007. The decrease in AOCI includes unrealized losses on securities of $3.5 billion, primarily due to widening credit spreads associated with fixed maturities. Because The Hartford’s investment portfolio has a duration of approximately 5 years, a 100 basis point parallel movement in rates would result in approximately a 5% change in fair value. Movements in short-term interest rates without corresponding changes in long-term rates will impact the fair value of our fixed maturities to a lesser extent than parallel interest rate movements.
For additional information on stockholders’ equity and AOCI, see Notes 15 and 16, respectively, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report.
Cash Flow
                 
    Nine months ended  
    September 30,  
    2008     2007  
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 2,938     $ 4,567  
Net cash used for investing activities
  $ (4,049 )   $ (4,904 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
  $ 1,034     $ 675  
Cash – end of period
  $ 1,963     $ 1,952  
 
           
The decrease in cash from operating activities compared to prior year period was primarily the result of an increase in payments on payables and accrual balances and a decrease in collections on reinsurance recoverables. Net purchases of available-for-sale securities continue to account for the majority of cash used for investing activities. Cash from financing activities increased primarily due to $1.5 billion in issuances of long-term debt in 2008 and short-term debt repayments reflected in the prior year period activity, partially offset by repayments of long-term debt in 2008 and decreased proceeds on investment and universal life-type contracts.
Operating cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 have been adequate to meet liquidity requirements.
Equity Markets
For a discussion of the potential impact of the equity markets on capital and liquidity, see the Capital Markets Risk Management section under “Market Risk” above.

 

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Ratings
Ratings are an important factor in establishing the competitive position in the insurance and financial services marketplace. There can be no assurance that the Company’s ratings will continue for any given period of time or that they will not be changed. In the event the Company’s ratings are downgraded, the level of revenues, the liquidity or the persistency of the Company’s business may be adversely impacted.
On September 29, 2008, Fitch Ratings revised its rating outlook on our issuer default ratings, senior debt and insurer financial strength, and on our primary life and property/casualty insurance subsidiaries to negative.
On October 6, 2008, S&P revised its outlook the Company’s debt to negative. At the same time, S&P affirmed the financial strength ratings on the core insurance subsidiaries with a stable outlook.
On October 6, 2008, A.M. Best placed the debt and financial strength ratings under review with negative implications.
On October 8, 2008, Moody’s placed the Company’s debt rating on review for possible downgrade. In the same action, Moody’s affirmed the insurance financial strength ratings for the life and property/casualty subsidiaries. The outlook for the life subsidiaries remains negative.
The following table summarizes The Hartford’s significant member companies’ financial ratings from the major independent rating organizations as of October 22, 2008.
                 
Insurance Financial Strength Ratings:   A.M. Best   Fitch   Standard & Poor’s   Moody’s
Hartford Fire Insurance Company
  A+   AA   AA-   Aa3
Hartford Life Insurance Company
  A+   AA   AA-   Aa3
Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company
  A+   AA   AA-   Aa3
Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company
  A+   AA   AA-   Aa3
Hartford Life Insurance KK (Japan)
      AA-  
Hartford Life Limited (Ireland)
      AA-  
 
Other Ratings:
               
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.:
               
Senior debt
  a   A   A   A2
Commercial paper
  AMB-1   F1   A-1   P-1
Junior subordinated debentures
  bbb+   A-   BBB+   A3
Hartford Life, Inc.:
               
Senior debt
  a   A   A   A2
Hartford Life Insurance Company:
               
Short term rating
      A-1+   P-1
Consumer notes
  a+   AA-   AA-   A1
 
       
These ratings are not a recommendation to buy or hold any of The Hartford’s securities and they may be revised or revoked at any time at the sole discretion of the rating organization.
The agencies consider many factors in determining the final rating of an insurance company. One consideration is the relative level of statutory surplus necessary to support the business written. Statutory surplus represents the capital of the insurance company reported in accordance with accounting practices prescribed by the applicable state insurance department.
The table below sets forth statutory surplus for the Company’s insurance companies.
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
Life Operations
  $ 4,691     $ 5,786  
Japan Life Operations
    1,546       1,620  
Property & Casualty Operations
    6,883       8,509  
 
           
Total
  $ 13,120     $ 15,915  
 
           
Contingencies
Legal Proceedings – For a discussion regarding contingencies related to The Hartford’s legal proceedings, see Part II, Item 1, “Legal Proceedings”.

 

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ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
For a discussion of accounting standards, see Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in The Hartford’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report and Note 1 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The information contained in the Capital Markets Risk Management section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
The Company’s principal executive officer and its principal financial officer, based on their evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective for the purposes set forth in the definition thereof in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) as of September 30, 2008.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s third fiscal quarter of 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Litigation
The Hartford is involved in claims litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, both as a liability insurer defending or providing indemnity for third-party claims brought against insureds and as an insurer defending coverage claims brought against it. The Hartford accounts for such activity through the establishment of unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves. Subject to the uncertainties discussed below under the caption “Asbestos and Environmental Claims,” management expects that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such ordinary-course claims litigation, after consideration of provisions made for potential losses and costs of defense, will not be material to the consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of The Hartford.
The Hartford is also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert claims for substantial amounts. These actions include, among others, putative state and federal class actions seeking certification of a state or national class. Such putative class actions have alleged, for example, underpayment of claims or improper underwriting practices in connection with various kinds of insurance policies, such as personal and commercial automobile, property, life and inland marine; improper sales practices in connection with the sale of life insurance and other investment products; and improper fee arrangements in connection with investment products and structured settlements. The Hartford also is involved in individual actions in which punitive damages are sought, such as claims alleging bad faith in the handling of insurance claims. Like many other insurers, The Hartford also has been joined in actions by asbestos plaintiffs asserting, among other things, that insurers had a duty to protect the public from the dangers of asbestos and that insurers committed unfair trade practices by asserting defenses on behalf of their policyholders in the underlying asbestos cases. Management expects that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such lawsuits, after consideration of provisions made for estimated losses, will not be material to the consolidated financial condition of The Hartford. Nonetheless, given the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these actions, and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.
Broker Compensation Litigation – Following the New York Attorney General’s filing of a civil complaint against Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., and Marsh, Inc. (collectively, “Marsh”) in October 2004 alleging that certain insurance companies, including The Hartford, participated with Marsh in arrangements to submit inflated bids for business insurance and paid contingent commissions to ensure that Marsh would direct business to them, private plaintiffs brought several lawsuits against the Company predicated on the allegations in the Marsh complaint, to which the Company was not party. Among these is a multidistrict litigation in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. There are two consolidated amended complaints filed in the multidistrict litigation, one related to conduct in connection with the sale of property-casualty insurance and the other related to alleged conduct in connection with the sale of group benefits products. The Company and various of its subsidiaries are named in both complaints. The complaints assert, on behalf of a putative class of persons who purchased insurance through broker defendants, claims under the Sherman Act, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”), state law, and in the case of the group-benefits products complaint, claims under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”). The claims are predicated upon allegedly undisclosed or otherwise improper payments of contingent commissions to the broker defendants to steer business to the insurance company defendants. The district court has dismissed the Sherman Act and RICO claims in both complaints for failure to state a claim and has granted the defendants’ motions for summary judgment on the ERISA claims in the group-benefits products complaint. The district court further has declined to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over the state law claims, has dismissed those state law claims without prejudice, and has closed both cases. The plaintiffs have appealed the dismissal of claims in both consolidated amended complaints, except the ERISA claims.

 

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The Company is also a defendant in two consolidated securities actions and two consolidated derivative actions filed in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. The consolidated securities actions assert claims on behalf of a putative class of shareholders alleging that the Company and certain of its executive officers violated Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 by failing to disclose to the investing public that The Hartford’s business and growth was predicated on the unlawful activity alleged in the New York Attorney General’s complaint against Marsh. The consolidated derivative actions, brought by shareholders on behalf of the Company against its directors and an additional executive officer, allege that the defendants knew adverse non-public information about the activities alleged in the Marsh complaint and concealed and misappropriated that information to make profitable stock trades in violation of their duties to the Company. In July 2006, the district court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss the consolidated securities actions. The plaintiffs have appealed that decision. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the consolidated derivative actions in May 2005, and the plaintiffs have agreed to stay further proceedings until after the resolution of the appeal from the dismissal of the securities action.
In September 2007, the Ohio Attorney General filed a civil action in Ohio state court alleging that certain insurance companies, including The Hartford, conspired with Marsh in violation of Ohio’s antitrust statute. The trial court denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint in July 2008. The Company disputes the allegations and intends to defend this action vigorously.
Fair Credit Reporting Act Class Action – In February 2007, the United States District Court for the District of Oregon gave final approval of the Company’s settlement of a lawsuit brought on behalf of a class of homeowners and automobile policy holders alleging that the Company willfully violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act by failing to send appropriate notices to new customers whose initial rates were higher than they would have been had the customer had a more favorable credit report. The settlement was made on a claim-in, nationwide-class basis and required eligible class members to return valid claim forms postmarked no later than June 28, 2007. The Company has paid approximately $84.3 to eligible claimants in connection with the settlement. The Company has sought reimbursement from the Company’s Excess Professional Liability Insurance Program for the portion of the settlement in excess of the Company’s $10 self-insured retention. Certain insurance carriers participating in that program have disputed coverage for the settlement, and one of the excess insurers has commenced an arbitration to resolve the dispute. Management believes it is probable that the Company’s coverage position ultimately will be sustained.
Call-Center Patent Litigation – In June 2007, the holder of twenty-one patents related to automated call flow processes, Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, LP (“Katz”), brought an action against the Company and various of its subsidiaries in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The action alleges that the Company’s call centers use automated processes that willfully infringe the Katz patents. Katz previously has brought similar patent-infringement actions against a wide range of other companies, none of which has reached a final adjudication of the merits of the plaintiff’s claims, but many of which have resulted in settlements under which the defendants agreed to pay licensing fees. The case has been transferred to a multidistrict litigation in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, which is currently presiding over other Katz patent cases. In August 2008, the Company reached a settlement under which the Company purchased a license under the patent portfolio held by Katz in exchange for a payment of an immaterial amount.
Asbestos and Environmental Claims – As discussed in Note 12, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under the caption “Asbestos and Environmental Claims”, included in the Company’s 2007 Form 10-K Annual Report, The Hartford continues to receive asbestos and environmental claims that involve significant uncertainty regarding policy coverage issues. Regarding these claims, The Hartford continually reviews its overall reserve levels and reinsurance coverages, as well as the methodologies it uses to estimate its exposures. Because of the significant uncertainties that limit the ability of insurers and reinsurers to estimate the ultimate reserves necessary for unpaid losses and related expenses, particularly those related to asbestos, the ultimate liabilities may exceed the currently recorded reserves. Any such additional liability cannot be reasonably estimated now but could be material to The Hartford’s consolidated operating results, financial condition and liquidity.

 

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Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
The risk factors set forth below update the risk factors section previously disclosed in Item 1A of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
The current financial crisis has resulted in unprecedented levels of market volatility. Governmental initiatives intended to alleviate the crisis that have been adopted may not be effective and, in any event, may be accompanied by other initiatives, including new capital requirements or other regulations, that could materially affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity in ways that we cannot predict.
Markets in the United States and elsewhere have been experiencing extreme volatility and disruption for more than 12 months, due in part to the financial stresses affecting the liquidity of the banking system and the financial markets generally. In recent weeks, this volatility and disruption has reached unprecedented levels. These circumstances have also exerted downward pressure on stock prices and reduced access to the debt markets for certain issuers, including us. This unprecedented market volatility and general decline in the equity markets has directly and materially affected our results of operations and our investment portfolio.
Legislation has been passed in an attempt to stabilize the financial markets. This legislation includes a provision to grant the U.S. Treasury Department the authority to, among other things, purchase up to $700 billion of mortgage-backed and other securities from financial institutions. This legislation or similar proposals, as well as companion actions such as monetary or fiscal actions of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board or comparable authorities in other countries, may fail to stabilize the financial markets. This legislation and other proposals or actions may also have other consequences, including material effects on interest rates and foreign exchange rates, which could materially affect our investments, results of operations and liquidity in ways that we cannot predict. The failure to effectively implement this legislation and related proposals or actions could also result in material adverse effects, notably increased constraints on the liquidity available in the banking system and financial markets and increased pressure on stock prices, any of which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. In the event of future material deterioration in business conditions, we may need to raise additional capital or consider other transactions to manage our capital position or our liquidity.
In addition, we are subject to extensive laws and regulations that are administered and enforced by a number of different governmental authorities and non-governmental self-regulatory agencies, including foreign regulators, state insurance regulators, state securities administrators, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the New York Stock Exchange, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the Financial Services Agency in Japan, the Financial Services Authority in the U.K., the U.S. Department of Justice and state attorneys general. In light of the current financial crisis, some of these authorities are or may in the future consider enhanced or new regulatory requirements intended to prevent future crises or otherwise assure the stability of institutions under their supervision. These authorities may also seek to exercise their supervisory or enforcement authority in new or more robust ways. All of these possibilities, if they occurred, could affect the way we conduct our business and manage our capital, and may require us to satisfy increased capital requirements, any of which in turn could materially affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
The markets in the United States and elsewhere have been experiencing extreme and unprecedented volatility and disruption. We are exposed to significant financial and capital markets risk, including changes in interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices, and foreign exchange rates which may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
The markets in the United States and elsewhere have been experiencing extreme and unprecedented volatility and disruption. We are exposed to significant financial and capital markets risk, including changes in interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices and foreign currency exchange rates.
Our exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to the market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in interest rates. A rise in interest rates, in the absence of other countervailing changes, will increase the net unrealized loss position of our investment portfolio and, if long-term interest rates rise dramatically within a six to twelve month time period, certain of our Life businesses may be exposed to disintermediation risk. Disintermediation risk refers to the risk that our policyholders may surrender their contracts in a rising interest rate environment, requiring us to liquidate assets in an unrealized loss position. Due to the long-term nature of the liabilities associated with certain of our Life businesses, such as structured settlements and guaranteed benefits on variable annuities, sustained declines in long term interest rates may subject us to reinvestment risks and increased hedging costs. In other situations, declines in interest rates or changes in credit spreads may result in reducing the duration of certain Life liabilities, creating asset liability duration mismatches and possibly lower spread income.
Our exposure to credit spreads primarily relates to market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in credit spreads. With the recent widening of credit spreads, the net unrealized loss position of our investment portfolio has increased, as have other than temporary impairments. If issuer credit spreads continue to widen or increase significantly over an extended period of time, it would likely exacerbate these effects, resulting in greater and additional other-than-temporary impairments. Increased losses have also occurred associated with credit based non-qualifying derivatives where the Company assumes credit exposure. If credit spreads tighten significantly, it will reduce net investment income associated with new purchases of fixed maturities. In addition, a reduction in market liquidity has made it difficult to value certain of our securities as trading has become less frequent. As such, valuations may include assumptions or estimates that may be more susceptible to significant period to period changes which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

 

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Our statutory surplus is also impacted by widening credit spreads as a result of the accounting for the assets and liabilities on our fixed market value adjusted (“MVA”) annuities. Statutory separate account assets supporting the fixed MVA annuities are recorded at fair value. In determining the statutory reserve for the fixed MVA annuities we are required to use current crediting rates in the U.S. and Japanese LIBOR in Japan. In many capital market scenarios, current crediting rates in the U.S. are highly correlated with market rates implicit in the fair value of statutory separate account assets. As a result, the change in the statutory reserve from period to period will likely substantially offset the change in the fair value of the statutory separate account assets. However, in periods of volatile credit markets, such as we are now experiencing, actual credit spreads on investment assets may increase sharply for certain sub-sectors of the overall credit market, resulting in statutory separate account asset market value losses. As actual credit spreads are not fully reflected in current crediting rates in the U.S. or Japanese LIBOR in Japan, the calculation of statutory reserves will not substantially offset the change in fair value of the statutory separate account assets resulting in reductions in statutory surplus. This has resulted and may continue to result in the need to devote significant additional capital to support the product.
One important primary exposure to equity risk relates to the potential for lower earnings associated with certain of our Life businesses, such as variable annuities, where fee income is earned based upon the fair value of the assets under management. During the course of 2008, the declines in equity markets have negatively impacted assets under management. As a result, fee income earned off of those assets has also been negatively impacted. In addition, certain of our Life products offer guaranteed benefits which increase our potential benefit exposure should equity markets decline. Due to declines in equity markets during 2008, our liability for these guaranteed benefits has increased. We are also exposed to interest rate and equity risk based upon the discount rate and expected long-term rate of return assumptions associated with our pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations. Sustained declines in long-term interest rates or equity returns likely would have a negative effect on the funded status of these plans.
Our primary foreign currency exchange risks are related to net income from foreign operations, non–U.S. dollar denominated investments, investments in foreign subsidiaries, our yen-denominated individual fixed annuity product, and certain guaranteed benefits associated with the Japan variable annuity. These risks relate to potential decreases in value and income resulting from a strengthening or weakening in foreign exchange rates versus the U.S. dollar. In general, the weakening of foreign currencies versus the U.S. dollar will unfavorably affect net income from foreign operations, the value of non-U.S. dollar denominated investments, investments in foreign subsidiaries and realized gains or losses on the yen denominated individual fixed annuity product. In comparison, a strengthening of the Japanese yen in comparison to the U.S. dollar and other currencies may increase our exposure to the guarantee benefits associated with the Japan variable annuity.
If significant, declines in equity prices, changes in U.S. interest rates, changes in credit spreads and the strengthening or weakening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar or in combination, could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
In addition, in the conduct of our business, there could be scenarios where in order to fulfill our obligations and to raise incremental liquidity, we would need to sell assets at a loss due to the unrealized loss position in our overall investment portfolio and the lack of liquidity in the credit markets.
Declines in equity markets and changes in interest rates and credit spreads can also negatively impact the fair values of each of our segments. If a significant decline in the fair value of a segment occurred and this resulted in an excess of that segment’s book value over fair value, the goodwill assigned to that segment might be impaired and could cause the Company to record a charge to impair a part or all of the related goodwill assets.
We may be unable to effectively mitigate the impact of equity market volatility on our financial position and results of operations arising from obligations under annuity product guarantees, which may affect our consolidated results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Some of the products offered by our life businesses, especially variable annuities, offer certain guaranteed benefits which, as a result of any decline in equity markets would not only result in potentially lower earnings, but may also increase our exposure to liability for benefit claims. During the course of 2008, as equity markets have declined, our liability for guaranteed benefits has increased. We are also subject to equity market volatility related to these benefits, especially the guaranteed minimum death benefit (“GMDB”), guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit (“GMWB”), guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit (“GMAB”) and guaranteed minimum income benefit (“GMIB”) offered with variable annuity products. We use reinsurance structures and have modified benefit features to mitigate the exposure associated with GMDB. We also use reinsurance in combination with derivative instruments to minimize the claim exposure and the volatility of net income associated with the GMWB liability. While we believe that these and other actions we have taken mitigate the risks related to these benefits, we remain liable for the guaranteed benefits in the event that reinsurers or derivative counterparties are unable or unwilling to pay, and are subject to the risk that other management procedures prove ineffective or that unanticipated policyholder behavior, combined with adverse market events, produces economic losses beyond the scope of the risk management techniques employed, which individually or collectively may have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

 

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Losses due to defaults by others, including issuers of investment securities (which include structured securities such as commercial mortgage backed securities and residential mortgage backed securities or other high yielding bonds) or reinsurance and derivative instrument counterparties, could adversely affect the value of our investments, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Issuers or borrowers whose securities or loans we hold, customers, trading counterparties, counterparties under swaps and other derivative contracts, reinsurers, clearing agents, exchanges, clearing houses and other financial intermediaries and guarantors may default on their obligations to us due to bankruptcy, insolvency, lack of liquidity, adverse economic conditions, operational failure, fraud or other reasons. Such defaults could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Additionally, the underlying assets supporting our structured securities may deteriorate causing these securities to incur losses.
Our investment portfolio includes investment securities in the financial services sector that have experienced defaults recently. Further defaults could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
The Company is not exposed to any credit concentration risk of a single issuer greater than 10% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity other than U.S. government and U.S. government agencies backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. However, if the Company’s creditors are acquired, merge or otherwise consolidate with other creditors of the Company’s, the Company’s credit concentration risk could increase above the 10% threshold, for a period of time, until the Company is able to sell securities to get back in compliance with the established investment credit policies.
The amount of statutory capital that we have and the amount of statutory capital that we must hold to maintain our financial strength and credit ratings and meet other requirements can vary significantly from time to time and is sensitive to a number of factors outside of our control, including equity market and credit market conditions and changes in rating agency models.
We conduct the vast majority of our business through licensed insurance company subsidiaries. Accounting standards and statutory capital and reserve requirements for these entities are prescribed by the applicable insurance regulators and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”). The NAIC has established regulations that provide minimum capitalization requirements based on risk-based capital (“RBC”) formulas for both life and property and casualty companies. The RBC formula for life companies establishes capital requirements relating to insurance, business, asset and interest rate risks, including equity, interest rate and expense recovery risks associated with variable annuities and group annuities that contain death benefits or certain living benefits. The RBC formula for property and casualty companies adjusts statutory surplus levels for certain underwriting, asset, credit and off-balance sheet risks.
In any particular year, statutory surplus amounts and RBC ratios may increase or decrease depending on a variety of factors – the amount of statutory income or losses generated by our insurance subsidiaries (which itself is sensitive to equity market and credit market conditions), the amount of additional capital our insurance subsidiaries must hold to support business growth, changes in equity market levels, the value of certain fixed-income and equity securities in our investment portfolio, the value of certain derivative instruments that do not get hedge accounting, changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, as well as changes to the NAIC RBC formulas. Most of these factors are outside of the Company’s control. The Company’s financial strength and credit ratings are significantly influenced by the statutory surplus amounts and RBC ratios of our insurance company subsidiaries. In addition, rating agencies may implement changes to their internal models that have the effect of increasing or decreasing the amount of statutory capital we must hold in order to maintain our current ratings. In addition, in extreme scenarios of equity market declines, the amount of additional statutory reserves that we are required to hold for our variable annuity guarantees increases at a greater than linear rate. This reduces the statutory surplus used in calculating our RBC ratios. To the extent that our statutory capital resources are deemed to be insufficient to maintain a particular rating by one or more rating agencies, we may seek to raise additional capital through public or private equity or debt financing. Alternatively, if we were not to raise additional capital in such a scenario, either at our discretion or because we were unable to do so, our financial strength and credit ratings might be downgraded by one or more rating agencies.
We may experience a downgrade in our financial strength or credit ratings, which may make our products less attractive, increase our cost of capital and inhibit our ability to refinance our debt, which would have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
Financial strength and credit ratings, including commercial paper ratings, are an important factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies. Rating agencies assign ratings based upon several factors. While most of the factors relate to the rated company, some of the factors relate to the views of the rating agency, general economic conditions, and circumstances outside the rated company’s control. In addition, rating agencies may employ different models and formulas to assess the financial strength of a rated company, and from time to time rating agencies have, in their discretion, altered these models. Changes to the models, general economic conditions, or circumstances outside our control could impact a rating agency’s judgment of its rating and the rating it assigns us. We cannot predict what actions rating agencies may take, or what actions we may be required to take in response to the actions of rating agencies, which may adversely affect us.
Our financial strength ratings, which are intended to measure our ability to meet policyholder obligations, are an important factor affecting public confidence in most of our products and, as a result, our competitiveness. A downgrade, or an announced potential downgrade in the rating of our financial strength or of one of our principal insurance subsidiaries could affect our competitive position in the insurance industry and make it more difficult for us to market our products, as potential customers may select companies with higher financial strength ratings.

 

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A downgrade of our credit ratings, or an announced potential downgrade, could affect our ability to raise additional debt with terms and conditions similar to our current debt, and accordingly, would likely increase our cost of capital. A downgrade of our credit ratings could also make it more difficult to raise capital to refinance any maturing debt obligations, to support business growth at our insurance subsidiaries and to maintain or improve the current financial strength ratings of our principal insurance subsidiaries described above. As of September 30, 2008, a downgrade of four levels below our current insurance financial strength levels could begin to trigger material collateral calls on certain of our derivative instruments. If any of these negative events were to occur, our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity could be materially and adversely affected.
Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
The following table summarizes the Company’s repurchases of its common stock for the three months ended September 30, 2008:
                                 
                            Approximate Dollar  
                    Total Number of     Value of Shares that  
                    Shares Purchased as     May Yet Be  
    Total Number     Average Price     Part of Publicly     Purchased Under  
    of Shares     Paid Per     Announced Plans or     the Plans or  
    Purchased     Share     Programs     Programs  
Period                     (in millions)  
July 1, 2008 – July 31, 2008
    2,011,315 [1]   $ 64.08       2,007,835     $ 807  
August 1, 2008 – August 31, 2008
    73 [1]   $ 62.94           $ 807  
September 1, 2008 – September 30, 2008
    1,000,224 [1] [2]   $ 68.18       999,944     $ 807  
 
                       
Total
    3,011,612     $ 65.44       3,007,779       N/A  
 
                       
     
[1]  
Includes 3,480, 73 and 280 shares in July, August, and September, respectively, acquired from employees of the Company for tax withholding purposes in connection with the Company’s stock compensation plans.
 
[2]  
Includes 1.0 million shares delivered to the Company’s treasury stock account pursuant to the terms of a collared accelerated stock repurchase confirmation agreement between the Company and a major financial institution (see Note 12 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).
In June 2008, The Hartford’s Board of Directors authorized a new $1 billion stock repurchase program which is in addition to the previously announced $2 billion program. The Company’s repurchase authorization permits purchases of common stock, which may be in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The Company also may enter into derivative transactions to facilitate future repurchases of common stock. The timing of any future repurchases will be dependent upon several factors, including the market price of the Company’s securities, the Company’s capital position, consideration of the effect of any repurchases on the Company’s financial strength or credit ratings, and other corporate considerations. The repurchase program may be modified, extended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time. As of September 30, 2008, The Hartford has completed the $2 billion stock repurchase program and has $807 remaining for stock repurchase under the new $1 billion repurchase program. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, The Hartford repurchased $1.0 billion (14.7 million shares).
Item 6. EXHIBITS
See Exhibits Index on page 168.

 

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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
     
 
  The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.
 
   
 
  (Registrant)
Date: October 29, 2008
  /s/ Beth A. Bombara
 
   
 
  Beth A. Bombara
 
  Senior Vice President and Controller
 
  (Chief accounting officer and duly
 
  authorized signatory)

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THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
FORM 10-Q
EXHIBITS INDEX
Exhibit No.   Description
 
3.01  
Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company, effective September 18, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 24, 2008).
 
3.02  
Certificate of Designation with respect to Series B Non-Voting Contingent Convertible Preferred Stock, including form of stock certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on October 17, 2008).
 
3.03  
Certificate of Designation with respect to Series C Non-Voting Contingent Convertible Preferred Stock, including form of stock certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on October 17, 2008).
 
3.04  
Certificate of Designation with respect to Series D Non-Voting Contingent Convertible Preferred Stock, including form of stock certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on October 17, 2008).
 
4.01  
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 17, 2008, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, relating to the 10% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2068, including form of Debenture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on October 17, 2008).
 
4.02  
Form of Series B Warrant to Purchase Shares of Non-Voting Contingent Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on October 17, 2008).
 
4.03  
Form of Series C Warrant to Purchase Shares of Non-Voting Contingent Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on October 17, 2008).
 
4.04  
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 17, 2008, between the Company and Allianz SE (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on October 17, 2008).
 
10.01  
First Amendment, dated July 10, 2008, to the Amended and Restated Five-Year Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Facility Agreement, dated as of August 9, 2007, by and among the Company and the Lenders, including Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Citibank, N.A., as syndication agents, and Wachovia Bank, N.A., as documentation agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 14, 2008).
 
10.02  
Investment Agreement, dated as of October 17, 2008, between the Company and Allianz SE (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on October 17, 2008).
 
10.03  
Replacement Capital Covenant, dated as of October 17, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on October 17, 2008).
 
15.01  
Deloitte & Touche LLP Letter of Awareness.
 
31.01  
Certification of Ramani Ayer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
31.02  
Certification of Lizabeth H. Zlatkus pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
32.01  
Certification of Ramani Ayer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
32.02  
Certification of Lizabeth H. Zlatkus pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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