e10vq
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended   June 30, 2009
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 1-8661
THE CHUBB CORPORATION
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
NEW JERSEY   13-2595722
     
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I. R. S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
15 MOUNTAIN VIEW ROAD, WARREN, NEW JERSEY   07059
     
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (908) 903-2000
 
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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  YES 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. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer þAccelerated filer o 
Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES o NO þ
The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2009 was 349,901,560.
 
 


 

THE CHUBB CORPORATION
INDEX
         
    Page Number
       
 
       
       
    1  
    2  
    3  
    4  
    5  
    17  
    41  
 
       
       
 
       
    42  
    42  
    42  
    43  
 
       
    43  
 EX-10.2
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1
 EX-32.2
 EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
 EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

 


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Page 1

 
Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1 —   Financial Statements
 
THE CHUBB CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30
 
                                 
    Second Quarter     Six Months  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (in millions)  
 
Revenues
                               
Premiums Earned
  $   2,828     $   2,986     $   5,654     $   5,962  
Investment Income
    408       438       810       877  
Other Revenues
    3       6       6       12  
Realized Gains (Losses), Net
                               
Total Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Losses on Investments
    (34 )     (96 )     (93 )     (121 )
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Losses on Investments Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
    15             15        
Other Realized Gains (Losses), Net
    46       20       (161 )     113  
                                 
Total Realized Gains (Losses), Net
    27       (76 )     (239 )     (8 )
                                 
                                 
Total Revenues
    3,266       3,354       6,231       6,843  
                                 
                                 
Losses and Expenses
                               
Losses and Loss Expenses
    1,572       1,749       3,187       3,333  
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
    757       781       1,485       1,555  
Other Insurance Operating Costs and Expenses
    102       110       205       226  
Investment Expenses
    7       8       16       17  
Other Expenses
    4       5       7       17  
Corporate Expenses
    71       72       148       137  
                                 
                                 
Total Losses and Expenses
    2,513       2,725       5,048       5,285  
                                 
                                 
Income Before Federal and Foreign Income Tax
    753       629       1,183       1,558  
Federal and Foreign Income Tax
    202       160       291       425  
                                 
                                 
Net Income
  $   551     $   469     $   892     $   1,133  
                                 
                                 
Net Income Per Share
                               
                                 
Basic
  $   1.55     $   1.29     $   2.51     $   3.09  
Diluted
    1.54       1.27       2.49       3.04  
                                 
Dividends Declared Per Share
    .35       .33       .70       .66  
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



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Page 2

 
THE CHUBB CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                 
    June 30,
    Dec. 31,
 
    2009     2008  
    (in millions)  
 
Assets
 
Invested Assets
               
Short Term Investments
  $   2,651     $   2,478  
Fixed Maturities
               
Tax Exempt (cost $18,697 and $18,299)
    19,110       18,345  
Taxable (cost $15,418 and $14,592)
    15,563       14,410  
Equity Securities (cost $1,235 and $1,563)
    1,189       1,479  
Other Invested Assets
    1,784       2,026  
                 
 
TOTAL INVESTED ASSETS
    40,297       38,738  
 
Cash
    65       56  
Accrued Investment Income
    442       435  
Premiums Receivable
    2,207       2,201  
Reinsurance Recoverable on Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses
    2,138       2,212  
Prepaid Reinsurance Premiums
    355       373  
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
    1,562       1,532  
Deferred Income Tax
    887       1,144  
Goodwill
    467       467  
Other Assets
    1,283       1,271  
                 
 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $   49,703     $   48,429  
                 
 
Liabilities
 
Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses
  $   22,576     $   22,367  
Unearned Premiums
    6,306       6,367  
Long Term Debt
    3,975       3,975  
Dividend Payable to Shareholders
    124       118  
Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
    2,218       2,170  
                 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    35,199       34,997  
                 
 
Contingent Liabilities (Note 6)
               
 
Shareholders’ Equity
               
 
Common Stock — $1 Par Value; 371,980,710 Shares
    372       372  
Paid-In Surplus
    196       253  
Retained Earnings
    15,183       14,509  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
    (202 )     (735 )
Treasury Stock, at Cost — 22,079,150 and 19,726,097 Shares
    (1,045 )     (967 )
                 
 
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    14,504       13,432  
                 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $   49,703     $   48,429  
                 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



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Page 3

 
THE CHUBB CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30
 
                                 
    Second Quarter     Six Months  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (in millions)  
 
Net Income
  $   551     $   469     $   892     $   1,133  
                                 
 
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
                               
Change in Unrealized Appreciation or Depreciation of Investments
    188       (316 )     515       (464 )
Change in Unrealized Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Losses on Investments
    (9 )           (9 )      
Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses)
    158       (5 )     45       56  
Amortization of Net Loss and Prior Service Cost Included in Net Postretirement Benefit Costs
    3       5       12       10  
                                 
      340       (316 )     563       (398 )
                                 
 
Comprehensive Income
  $   891     $   153     $   1,455     $   735  
                                 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



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Page 4

 
THE CHUBB CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30
 
                 
    2009     2008  
    (in millions)  
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
               
Net Income
  $ 892     $ 1,133  
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
               
Increase in Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses, Net
    171       420  
Increase (Decrease) in Unearned Premiums, Net
    (65 )     21  
Increase in Premiums Receivable
    (6 )     (122 )
Amortization of Premiums and Discounts on Fixed Maturities
    94       106  
Depreciation
    30       33  
Realized Investment Losses, Net
    239       8  
Other, Net
    (244 )     (354 )
                 
 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    1,111       1,245  
                 
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
               
Proceeds from Fixed Maturities
               
Sales
    1,771       1,254  
Maturities, Calls and Redemptions
    1,206       1,184  
Proceeds from Sales of Equity Securities
    344       137  
Purchases of Fixed Maturities
    (4,000 )     (2,952 )
Purchases of Equity Securities
    (4 )     (113 )
Investments in Other Invested Assets, Net
    (24 )     (26 )
Increase in Short Term Investments, Net
    (182 )     (824 )
Increase in Net Payable from Security Transactions Not Settled
    196       141  
Purchases of Property and Equipment, Net
    (24 )     (25 )
Other, Net
    4        
                 
 
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
    (713 )     (1,224 )
                 
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
               
Proceeds from Issuance of Long Term Debt
          1,200  
Repayment of Long Term Debt
          (225 )
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Under Stock-Based Employee Compensation Plans
    16       59  
Repurchase of Shares
    (161 )     (811 )
Dividends Paid to Shareholders
    (242 )     (232 )
Other, Net
    (2 )     (12 )
                 
 
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
    (389 )     (21 )
                 
 
Net Increase in Cash
    9        
 
Cash at Beginning of Year
    56       49  
                 
 
Cash at End of Period
  $ 65     $ 49  
                 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



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Page 5

 
THE CHUBB CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
1)   General
 
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and include the accounts of The Chubb Corporation (Chubb) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Corporation). Significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Effective April 1, 2009, the Corporation adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position (FSP) FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments. FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 may not be retroactively applied to prior periods’ financial statements; accordingly, consolidated financial statements for periods prior to April 1, 2009 have not been restated for this change in accounting policy. This accounting change is further described in Note (2).
 
The amounts included in this report are unaudited but include those adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items, that management considers necessary for a fair presentation. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. The Corporation has performed an evaluation of subsequent events through August 10, 2009, which is the date the financial statements were issued. No significant subsequent events were identified.
 
2)   Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
 
Effective April 1, 2009, the Corporation adopted FSP FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly. This FSP provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased. This FSP also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. The adoption of FSP FAS 157-4 did not have a significant effect on the Corporation’s financial position or results of operations.
 



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THE CHUBB CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Effective April 1, 2009, the Corporation adopted FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments. This FSP modifies the guidance on the recognition of other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities. Under the guidance, an entity is required to recognize an other-than-temporary impairment when the entity concludes it has the intent to sell or it is more likely than not the entity will be required to sell an impaired debt security before the security recovers to its amortized cost value or it is likely the entity will not recover the entire amortized cost value of an impaired debt security. The FSP also changes the presentation in the financial statements of other-than-temporary impairments and provides for enhanced disclosures of both debt and equity securities. Under the guidance, if an entity has the intent to sell or it is more likely than not the entity will be required to sell an impaired debt security before the security recovers to its amortized cost value, the security is written down to fair value and the entire amount of the writedown is charged to income as a realized investment loss. For all other impaired debt securities, the impairment loss is separated into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount representing the loss related to all other factors. The portion of the impairment loss that represents the credit loss is charged to income as a realized investment loss and the amount representing the loss that relates to all other factors is included in other comprehensive income. The FSP requires a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income. The cumulative effect adjustment from adopting the FSP resulted in a $30 million increase to retained earnings and a corresponding decrease to accumulated other comprehensive income. The adoption of the FSP did not have a significant effect on the Corporation’s financial position or results of operations.
 
Effective January 1, 2009, the Corporation adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 163, Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 60. SFAS No. 163, issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, clarifies how SFAS No. 60 applies to financial guarantee insurance contracts. The adoption of SFAS No. 163 did not have a significant effect on the Corporation’s financial position or results of operations.
 
Effective January 1, 2009, the Corporation adopted FSP EITF 03-06-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities. This FSP addresses whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to vesting in computing earnings per share. The adoption of FSP 03-06-1 did not have a significant effect on the Corporation’s earnings per share.



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Page 7

THE CHUBB CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
3)   Invested Assets
 
(a) The amortized cost and fair value of invested assets were as follows:
 
                                 
    June 30, 2009  
          Gross
    Gross
       
    Amortized
    Unrealized
    Unrealized
    Fair
 
    Cost     Appreciation     Depreciation     Value  
    (in millions)  
 
Fixed maturities
                               
Tax exempt
  $ 18,697     $ 609     $ 196     $ 19,110  
                                 
Taxable
                               
U.S. Government and government agency and authority obligations
    596       13       4       605  
Corporate bonds
    3,647       155       44       3,758  
Foreign bonds
    7,323       290       27       7,586  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    2,147       68       36       2,179  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    1,705       2       272       1,435  
                                 
      15,418       528       383       15,563  
                                 
Total fixed maturities
  $ 34,115     $ 1,137     $ 579     $ 34,673  
                                 
Equity securities
  $ 1,235     $ 106     $ 152     $ 1,189  
                                 
 
At June 30, 2009, the gross unrealized depreciation of fixed maturities included $20 million of unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
 
The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturities at June 30, 2009 by contractual maturity were as follows:
 
                 
    Amortized
    Fair
 
    Cost             Value  
    (in millions)  
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 1,205     $ 1,222  
Due after one year through five years
    9,551       9,891  
Due after five years through ten years
    12,507       12,975  
Due after ten years
    7,000       6,971  
                 
      30,263       31,059  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    2,147       2,179  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    1,705       1,435  
                 
    $ 34,115     $ 34,673  
                 
Actual maturities could differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.



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Page 8

 
THE CHUBB CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
(b) The components of unrealized appreciation or depreciation, including unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses, of investments carried at fair value were as follows:
 
         
    June 30, 2009  
    (in millions)  
 
Fixed maturities
       
Gross unrealized appreciation
  $ 1,137  
Gross unrealized depreciation
    579  
         
      558  
         
Equity securities
       
Gross unrealized appreciation
    106  
Gross unrealized depreciation
    152  
         
      (46 )
         
      512  
Deferred income tax liability
    179  
         
    $ 333  
         
 
When the fair value of any investment is lower than its cost, an assessment is made to determine whether the decline is temporary or other than temporary. The assessment of other-than-temporary impairment of fixed maturities and equity securities is based on both quantitative criteria and qualitative information and also considers a number of other factors including, but not limited to, the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than the cost, the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, whether the issuer is current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments, general market conditions and industry or sector specific factors.
 
For fixed maturities, prior to April 1, 2009, the Corporation considered many factors including its intent and ability to hold a security for a period of time sufficient to allow for the recovery of the security’s cost. When an impairment was deemed other-than-temporary, the security was written down to fair value and the entire writedown was charged to income as a realized investment loss. Effective April 1, 2009, the Corporation adopted FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 which modifies the guidance on the recognition of other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities. Under the guidance, the Corporation is required to recognize an other-than-temporary impairment loss when it concludes it has the intent to sell or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell an impaired fixed maturity before the security recovers to its amortized cost value or it is likely it will not recover the entire amortized cost value of an impaired debt security. Also under the guidance, if the Corporation has the intent to sell or it is more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell an impaired fixed maturity before the security recovers to its amortized cost value, the security is written down to fair value and the entire amount of the writedown is charged to income as a realized investment loss. For all other impaired fixed maturities, the impairment loss is separated into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount representing the loss related to all other factors. The amount of the impairment loss that represents the credit loss is charged to income as a realized investment loss and the amount of the impairment loss that relates to all other factors is included in other comprehensive income.
 


 


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Page 9

 
THE CHUBB CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
For equity securities, the Corporation considers its intent and ability to hold a security for a period of time sufficient to allow for the recovery of cost. If the decline in the fair value of an equity security is deemed to be other than temporary, the security is written down to fair value and the amount of the writedown is charged to income as a realized investment loss.
 
For fixed maturities, the split between the amount of other-than-temporary impairment losses that represents credit losses and the amount that relates to all other factors is principally based on assumptions regarding the amount and timing of projected cash flows. For fixed maturities other than mortgage-backed securities, cash flow estimates are based on assumptions regarding the probability of default and estimates regarding the timing and amount of recoveries associated with a default. For mortgage-backed securities, cash flow estimates are based on assumptions regarding future prepayment rates, default rates, loss severity and timing of recoveries. The Corporation has developed the estimates of projected cash flows using information based on historical market data, industry analyst reports and forecasts and other data relevant to the collectability of a security.
 
The following table summarizes, for all investment securities in an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2009, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized depreciation, including unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses, by investment category and length of time that individual securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position:
 
                                                 
    Less than 12 Months     12 Months or More     Total  
          Gross
          Gross
          Gross
 
    Fair
    Unrealized
    Fair
    Unrealized
    Fair
    Unrealized
 
    Value     Depreciation     Value     Depreciation     Value     Depreciation  
    (in millions)  
 
Fixed maturities
                                               
Tax exempt
  $ 1,420     $ 24     $ 2,724     $ 172     $ 4,144     $ 196  
                                                 
Taxable
                                               
U.S. Government and government agency and authority obligations
    35       1       46       3       81       4  
Corporate bonds
    193       13       412       31       605       44  
Foreign bonds
    828       20       153       7       981       27  
Residential mortgage- backed securities
    25       8       86       28       111       36  
Commercial mortgage- backed securities
    97       6       1,311       266       1,408       272  
                                                 
      1,178       48       2,008       335       3,186       383  
                                                 
Total fixed maturities
    2,598       72       4,732       507       7,330       579  
Equity securities
    537       97       176       55       713       152  
                                                 
    $ 3,135     $ 169     $ 4,908     $ 562     $ 8,043     $ 731  
                                                 
 


 


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THE CHUBB CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
At June 30, 2009, approximately 1,170 individual fixed maturity and equity securities were in an unrealized loss position, of which approximately 1,100 were fixed maturities. The Corporation does not have the intent to sell and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell these fixed maturities before the securities recover to their amortized cost value. In addition, the Corporation believes that none of the declines in the fair values of these fixed maturities relate to credit losses. The Corporation has the intent and ability to hold these equity securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for the recovery of cost. The Corporation believes that none of the declines in fair value of these fixed maturities and equity securities were other than temporary at June 30, 2009.
 
The change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments carried at fair value, including the change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses and the cumulative effect adjustment as a result of adopting FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 effective April 1, 2009 (see Note (2)), was as follows:
 
                 
    Periods Ended
 
    June 30, 2009  
    Second Quarter           Six Months  
    (in millions)  
 
Change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation of fixed maturities
  $ 138     $ 694  
Change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation of equity securities
    91       38  
                 
      229       732  
Deferred income tax
    80       256  
                 
    $ 149     $ 476  
                 
 
(c) Realized investment gains and losses were as follows:
 
                 
    Periods Ended
 
    June 30, 2009  
    Second Quarter     Six Months  
    (in millions)  
 
Fixed maturities
               
Gross realized gains
  $ 29     $ 65  
Gross realized losses
    (11 )     (17 )
Other-than-temporary impairment losses
    (11 )     (19 )
                 
      7       29  
                 
Equity securities
               
Gross realized gains
    60       71  
Other-than-temporary impairment losses
    (8 )     (59 )
                 
      52       12  
                 
Other invested assets
    (32 )     (280 )
                 
    $ 27     $ (239 )
                 
 
(d) As of June 30, 2009, fixed maturities still held by the Corporation for which a portion of their other-than-temporary impairment losses were recognized in other comprehensive income had cumulative credit-related losses of $27 million recognized in net income.


 


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THE CHUBB CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
4)   Fair Values of Financial Instruments
 
Fair values of financial instruments are determined using valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Fair values are generally measured using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities or other inputs, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, that are observable, either directly or indirectly. In those instances where observable inputs are not available, fair values are measured using unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs reflect the Corporation’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Fair value estimates derived from unobservable inputs are affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rates and the estimated amounts and timing of future cash flows. The derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that would be realized in a current market exchange. Certain financial instruments, particularly insurance contracts, are excluded from fair value disclosure requirements.
 
The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values of financial instruments are as follows:
 
(i) The carrying value of short term investments approximates fair value due to the short maturities of these investments.
 
(ii) Fair values for fixed maturities are determined by management, utilizing prices obtained from an independent, nationally recognized pricing service or, in the case of securities for which prices are not provided by a pricing service, from independent brokers. For fixed maturities that have quoted prices in active markets, market quotations are provided. For fixed maturities that do not trade on a daily basis, the pricing services and brokers provide fair value estimates using a variety of inputs including, but not limited to, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, bids, offers, reference data, prepayment spreads and measures of volatility. Management reviews on an ongoing basis the reasonableness of the methodologies used by the relevant pricing services and brokers. In addition, management, using the prices received for the securities from the pricing services and brokers, determines the aggregate portfolio price performance and reviews it against applicable indices. If management believes that significant discrepancies exist, it will discuss these with the relevant pricing service or broker to resolve the discrepancies.
 
(iii) Fair values of equity securities are based on quoted market prices.
 
(iv) Fair values of long term debt issued by Chubb are determined by management, utilizing prices obtained from an independent, nationally recognized pricing service.
 



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THE CHUBB CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The carrying values and fair values of financial instruments were as follows:
 
                 
    June 30, 2009  
    Carrying
    Fair
 
    Value     Value  
    (in millions)  
 
Assets
               
Invested assets
               
Short term investments
  $ 2,651     $ 2,651  
Fixed maturities
    34,673       34,673  
Equity securities
    1,189       1,189  
Liabilities
               
Long term debt
    3,975       3,911  
 
The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels as follows:
 
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
 
Level 2 — Other inputs that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly.
 
Level 3 — Inputs that are unobservable.
 
 
The fair values of fixed maturities and equity securities at June 30, 2009 categorized based upon the lowest level of input that was significant to the fair value measurement were as follows:
 
                                 
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
    (in millions)  
 
                                 
Fixed maturities
  $     $ 34,502     $ 171     $ 34,673  
                                 
Equity securities
    980             209       1,189  



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THE CHUBB CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
5)   Segments Information
 
The principal business of the Corporation is the sale of property and casualty insurance. The profitability of the property and casualty insurance business depends on the results of both underwriting operations and investments, which are viewed as two distinct operations. The underwriting operations are managed and evaluated separately from the investment function.
 
The property and casualty insurance subsidiaries (P&C Group) underwrite most lines of property and casualty insurance. Underwriting operations consist of four separate business units: personal insurance, commercial insurance, specialty insurance and reinsurance assumed. The personal segment targets the personal insurance market. The personal classes include automobile, homeowners and other personal coverages. The commercial segment includes those classes of business that are generally available in broad markets and are of a more commodity nature. Commercial classes include multiple peril, casualty, workers’ compensation and property and marine. The specialty segment includes those classes of business that are available in more limited markets since they require specialized underwriting and claim settlement. Specialty classes include professional liability coverages and surety. The reinsurance assumed business is effectively in run-off following the sale, in 2005, of the ongoing business to a Bermuda-based reinsurance company, Harbor Point Limited.
 
Corporate and other includes investment income earned on corporate invested assets, corporate expenses and the results of the Corporation’s non-insurance subsidiaries.



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THE CHUBB CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Revenues and income before income tax of the operating segments were as follows:
 
                                 
    Periods Ended June 30  
    Second Quarter     Six Months  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (in millions)  
 
Revenues
                               
Property and casualty insurance
                               
Premiums earned
                               
Personal insurance
  $   917     $   947     $   1,824     $   1,887  
Commercial insurance
    1,195       1,282       2,393       2,548  
Specialty insurance
    705       738       1,406       1,488  
                                 
 
Total insurance
    2,817       2,967       5,623       5,923  
 
Reinsurance assumed
    11       19       31       39  
                                 
      2,828       2,986       5,654       5,962  
Investment income
    394       418       780       836  
 
Other revenues
          1             4  
                                 
 
Total property and casualty insurance
    3,222       3,405       6,434       6,802  
 
Corporate and other
    17       25       36       49  
Realized investment gains (losses), net
    27       (76 )     (239 )     (8 )
                                 
 
Total revenues
  $   3,266     $   3,354     $   6,231     $   6,843  
                                 
Income before income tax
                               
Property and casualty insurance
                               
Underwriting
                               
Personal insurance
  $   131     $   150     $   243     $   314  
Commercial insurance
    123       74       221       212  
Specialty insurance
    123       86       248       263  
                                 
 
Total insurance
    377       310       712       789  
 
 
Reinsurance assumed
    15       14       40       24  
                                 
      392       324       752       813  
 
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs
    4       23       20       36  
                                 
 
Underwriting income
    396       347       772       849  
 
Investment income
    387       410       766       820  
 
Other income
    1             5       3  
                                 
 
Total property and casualty insurance
    784       757       1,543       1,672  
 
Corporate and other loss
    (58 )     (52 )     (121 )     (106 )
Realized investment gains (losses), net
    27       (76 )     (239 )     (8 )
                                 
 
Total income before income tax
  $   753     $   629     $   1,183     $   1,558  
                                 



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THE CHUBB CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
6)   Contingent Liabilities
 
Chubb and certain of its subsidiaries have been involved in the investigations by various Attorneys General and other regulatory authorities of several states, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and certain non-U.S. regulatory authorities with respect to certain business practices in the property and casualty insurance industry including (1) potential conflicts of interest and anti-competitive behavior arising from the payment of contingent commissions to brokers and agents and (2) loss mitigation and finite reinsurance arrangements. In connection with these investigations, Chubb and certain of its subsidiaries received subpoenas and other requests for information from various regulators. The Corporation has cooperated fully with these investigations. The Corporation has settled with several state Attorneys General and insurance departments all issues arising out of their investigations. As described in more detail below, the Attorney General of Ohio in August 2007 filed an action against Chubb and certain of its subsidiaries, as well as several other insurers and one broker, as a result of the Ohio Attorney General’s business practices investigation. Although no other Attorney General or regulator has initiated an action against the Corporation, it is possible that such an action may be brought against the Corporation with respect to some or all of the issues that are the focus of these ongoing investigations.
 
Individual actions and purported class actions arising out of the investigations into the payment of contingent commissions to brokers and agents have been filed in a number of federal and state courts. On August 1, 2005, Chubb and certain of its subsidiaries were named in a putative class action entitled In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (the N.J. District Court). This action, brought against several brokers and insurers on behalf of a class of persons who purchased insurance through the broker defendants, asserts claims under the Sherman Act and state law and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) arising from the alleged unlawful use of contingent commission agreements. On September 28, 2007, the N.J. District Court dismissed the second amended complaint filed by the plaintiffs in the In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation in its entirety. In so doing, the court dismissed the plaintiffs’ Sherman Act and RICO claims with prejudice for failure to state a claim, and it dismissed the plaintiffs’ state law claims without prejudice because it declined to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over them. The plaintiffs have appealed the dismissal of their second amended complaint to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and that appeal is currently pending.
 
Chubb and certain of its subsidiaries also have been named as defendants in other putative class actions relating or similar to the In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation that have been filed in various state courts or in U.S. district courts between 2005 and 2007. These actions have been subsequently removed and ultimately transferred to the N.J. district court for consolidation with the In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation. These actions have either been dismissed or are currently stayed.



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THE CHUBB CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
On August 24, 2007, Chubb and certain of its subsidiaries were named as defendants in an action filed by the Ohio Attorney General against several insurers and one broker. This action alleges violations of Ohio’s antitrust laws. In July 2008, the court denied the Corporation’s and the other defendants’ motions to dismiss the Attorney General’s complaint. In August 2008, Chubb and its subsidiaries and the other defendants filed answers to the complaint and discovery is proceeding.
 
In these actions, the plaintiffs generally allege that the defendants unlawfully used contingent commission agreements and conspired to reduce competition in the insurance markets. The actions seek treble damages, injunctive and declaratory relief, and attorneys’ fees. The Corporation believes it has substantial defenses to all of the aforementioned legal proceedings and intends to defend the actions vigorously.
 
The Corporation cannot predict at this time the ultimate outcome of the aforementioned ongoing investigations and legal proceedings, including any potential amounts that the Corporation may be required to pay in connection with them. Nevertheless, management believes that it is likely that the outcome will not have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s results of operations or financial condition.
 
7)   Earnings Per Share
 
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
 
                                 
    Periods Ended
June 30
 
    Second Quarter     Six Months  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (in millions, except
for per share amounts)
 
Basic earnings per share:
                               
Net income
  $ 551     $ 469     $ 892     $ 1,133  
                                 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding
    354.8       364.2       355.0       367.1  
                                 
 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 1.55     $ 1.29     $ 2.51     $ 3.09  
                                 
 
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
Net income
  $ 551     $ 469     $ 892     $ 1,133  
                                 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding
    354.8       364.2       355.0       367.1  
 
Additional shares from assumed exercise of stock-based compensation awards
    2.6       5.2       2.8       5.5  
                                 
 
Weighted average shares and potential shares assumed outstanding for computing diluted earnings per share
    357.4       369.4       357.8       372.6  
                                 
 
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 1.54     $ 1.27     $ 2.49     $ 3.04  
                                 



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Item 2 —  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations addresses the financial condition of the Corporation as of June 30, 2009 compared with December 31, 2008 and the results of operations for the six months and three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in this report and the consolidated financial statements and related notes and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
 
Certain statements in this document are “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA). These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the PSLRA and include statements regarding our loss reserve and reinsurance recoverable estimates; the impact of changes to our ceded reinsurance program, including its cost and terms; property and casualty insurance market conditions, including premium volume, rates and policy terms and conditions; the impact of the continuation of the weak economy; securities in our investment portfolio that may become other-than-temporarily impaired; the repurchase of common stock under our share repurchase program; the impact of a downgrade of our credit ratings; and our capital adequacy and funding of liquidity needs. Forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning trends and future developments and their potential effects on us. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those suggested by forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties, which include, among others, those discussed or identified from time to time in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and those associated with:
 
•    global political conditions and the occurrence of terrorist attacks, including any nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological events;
   
•    the effects of the outbreak or escalation of war or hostilities;
   
•    premium pricing and profitability or growth estimates overall or by lines of business or geographic area, and related expectations with respect to the timing and terms of any required regulatory approvals;
   
•    adverse changes in loss cost trends;
   
•    our ability to retain existing business and attract new business;
   
•    our expectations with respect to cash flow and investment income and with respect to other income;



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•    the adequacy of loss reserves, including:
 
  •  our expectations relating to reinsurance recoverables;
 
  •  the willingness of parties, including us, to settle disputes;
 
  •  developments in judicial decisions or regulatory or legislative actions relating to coverage and liability, in particular, for asbestos, toxic waste and other mass tort claims;
 
  •  development of new theories of liability;
 
  •  our estimates relating to ultimate asbestos liabilities;
 
  •  the impact from the bankruptcy protection sought by various asbestos producers and other related businesses; and
 
  •  the effects of proposed asbestos liability legislation, including the impact of claims patterns arising from the possibility of legislation and those that may arise if legislation is not passed;
 
•  the availability and cost of reinsurance coverage;
 
•    the occurrence of significant weather-related or other natural or human-made disasters, particularly in locations where we have concentrations of risk;
   
•    the impact of economic factors on companies on whose behalf we have issued surety bonds, and in particular, on those companies that file for bankruptcy or otherwise experience deterioration in creditworthiness;
   
•    the effects of disclosures by, and investigations of, companies relating to possible accounting irregularities, practices in the financial services industry, investment losses or other corporate governance issues, including:
 
  •  claims and litigation arising out of stock option “backdating,” “spring loading” and other equity grant practices by public companies;
 
  •  the effects on the capital markets and the markets for directors and officers and errors and omissions insurance;
 
  •  claims and litigation arising out of actual or alleged accounting or other corporate malfeasance by other companies;
 
  •  claims and litigation arising out of practices in the financial services industry;
 
  •  claims and litigation relating to uncertainty in the credit and broader financial markets; and
 
  •  legislative or regulatory proposals or changes;
 
•    the effects of changes in market practices in the U.S. property and casualty insurance industry, in particular contingent commissions and loss mitigation and finite reinsurance arrangements, arising from any legal or regulatory proceedings, related settlements and industry reform, including changes that have been announced and changes that may occur in the future;
   
•    the impact of legislative and regulatory developments on our business, including those relating to terrorism, catastrophes and the financial markets;
   
•    any downgrade in our claims-paying, financial strength or other credit ratings;
   
•    the ability of our subsidiaries to pay us dividends;
 



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•  general economic and market conditions including:
 
  •  changes in interest rates, market credit spreads and the performance of the financial markets;
 
  •  currency fluctuations;
 
  •  the effects of inflation;
 
  •  changes in domestic and foreign laws, regulations and taxes;
 
  •  changes in competition and pricing environments;
 
  •  regional or general changes in asset valuations;
 
  •  the inability to reinsure certain risks economically; and
 
  •  changes in the litigation environment;
 
•  our ability to implement management’s strategic plans and initiatives.
 
Chubb assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information set forth in this document, which speak as of the date hereof.
 
Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments
 
The consolidated financial statements include amounts based on informed estimates and judgments of management for transactions that are not yet complete. Such estimates and judgments affect the reported amounts in the financial statements. Those estimates and judgments that were most critical to the preparation of the financial statements involved the determination of loss reserves and the recoverability of related reinsurance recoverables and the evaluation of whether a decline in value of any investment is temporary or other than temporary. These estimates and judgments, which are discussed in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 as supplemented within the following analysis of our results of operations, require the use of assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain and therefore are subject to change as facts and circumstances develop. If different estimates and judgments had been applied, materially different amounts might have been reported in the financial statements.
 



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Overview
 
The following highlights do not address all of the matters covered in the other sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations or contain all of the information that may be important to Chubb’s shareholders or the investing public. This overview should be read in conjunction with the other sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
  •  Net income was $892 million in the first six months of 2009 and $551 million in the second quarter compared with $1.1 billion and $469 million, respectively, in the comparable periods of 2008. The lower net income in the first six months of 2009 was due primarily to two factors. First, underwriting income in our property and casualty insurance business, while still substantial, was lower in 2009 compared with 2008. Second, we had significantly higher realized investment losses in 2009 compared with the same period in 2008. The higher net income in the second quarter of 2009 compared with the same period in 2008 was also attributable to two factors. First, underwriting income was higher in 2009 due to lower catastrophe losses. Second, we had realized investment gains in 2009 compared to realized investment losses in 2008.
 
  •  Underwriting results were highly profitable in the first six months and second quarter of 2009 and 2008. Our combined loss and expense ratio was 87.0% in the first six months of 2009 and 85.9% in the second quarter compared with 86.2% and 88.5% in the respective periods of 2008. The less profitable results in the first six months of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008 were due in large part to the cumulative impact of rate reductions experienced in our commercial and professional liability classes over the past several years as well as a lower amount of favorable prior year loss development. Underwriting results in the second quarter of 2009 were more profitable than the comparable period in 2008 due to a lesser impact from catastrophe losses.
 
  •  During the first six months and second quarter of 2009, we estimate that we experienced overall favorable development of about $340 million and $210 million, respectively, on loss reserves established as of the previous year end, primarily in the professional liability, commercial liability and commercial property classes. During the first six months and second quarter of 2008, we estimate that we experienced overall favorable development of about $450 million and $235 million, respectively, due primarily to favorable loss trends in certain professional liability and commercial liability classes and lower than expected emergence of losses in the homeowners and commercial property classes.
 
  •  Total net premiums written decreased by 7% in the first six months and second quarter of 2009 compared with the same periods in 2008. For each period, about half of the decrease was attributable to the impact of currency fluctuation on business written outside the United States due to the strength of the U.S. dollar in the first half of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. The general downturn in the economy also contributed to the decline in premiums in 2009. We have continued our emphasis on underwriting discipline in a market environment that remains competitive.
 
  •  Property and casualty investment income after tax decreased 6% in the first six months of 2009 and 5% in the second quarter compared with the same periods in 2008. The decline was due primarily to the effects of currency fluctuation on income from our non-U.S. investments as well as lower yields, especially on short term investments. For more information on this non-GAAP financial measure, see “Property and Casualty Insurance — Investment Results.”



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  •  Net realized investment losses before taxes were $239 million in the first six months of 2009 compared with losses of $8 million in the same period of 2008. Net realized investment gains in the second quarter of 2009 were $27 million, compared with net realized investment losses of $76 million in the same period in 2008. The net realized losses in the first six months of 2009 were primarily attributable to losses in the first quarter from investments in limited partnerships.
 
A summary of our consolidated net income is as follows:
 
                                 
    Periods Ended June 30  
    Second Quarter     Six Months  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (in millions)  
 
Property and Casualty Insurance
  $   784     $   757     $   1,543     $   1,672  
Corporate and Other
    (58 )     (52 )     (121 )     (106 )
Realized Investment Gains (Losses), Net
    27       (76 )     (239 )     (8 )
                                 
Consolidated Income Before Income Tax
    753       629       1,183       1,558  
Federal and Foreign Income Tax
    202       160       291       425  
                                 
 
Consolidated Net Income
  $   551     $   469     $   892     $   1,133  
                                 
 
Property and Casualty Insurance
 
A summary of the results of operations of our property and casualty insurance business is as follows:
 
                                 
    Periods Ended June 30  
    Second Quarter     Six Months  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (in millions)  
 
 
Underwriting
                               
Net Premiums Written
  $   2,846     $   3,047     $   5,589     $   5,983  
Decrease (Increase) in Unearned Premiums
    (18 )     (61 )     65       (21 )
                                 
Premiums Earned
    2,828       2,986       5,654       5,962  
                                 
Losses and Loss Expenses
    1,572       1,749       3,187       3,333  
Operating Costs and Expenses
    857       904       1,700       1,798  
Increase in Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
    (4 )     (23 )     (20 )     (36 )
Dividends to Policyholders
    7       9       15       18  
                                 
 
Underwriting Income
    396       347       772       849  
                                 
 
Investments
                               
Investment Income Before Expenses
    394       418       780       836  
Investment Expenses
    7       8       14       16  
                                 
 
Investment Income
    387       410       766       820  
                                 
 
Other Income
    1             5       3  
                                 
 
Property and Casualty Income Before Tax
  $   784     $   757     $   1,543     $   1,672  
                                 
 
Property and Casualty Investment Income After Tax
  $   312     $   327     $   618     $   654  
                                 



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Property and casualty income before tax was lower in the first six months of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. The lower income in 2009 was attributable to a decrease in underwriting income and to lower investment income. The decrease in underwriting income in 2009 was due in large part to the cumulative impact of rate reductions experienced in our commercial and professional liability classes over the past several years as well as a lower amount of favorable prior year loss development. The decrease in investment income in 2009 was due to the effects of currency fluctuation on income from our non-U.S. investments as well as lower yields, especially on short term investments. Property and casualty income before tax was higher in the second quarter of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008 due to higher underwriting income, offset in part by lower investment income. The higher underwriting income in the second quarter of 2009 was due to lower catastrophe losses.
 
The profitability of the property and casualty insurance business depends on the results of both our underwriting and investment operations. We view these as two distinct operations since the underwriting functions are managed separately from the investment function. Accordingly, in assessing our performance, we evaluate underwriting results separately from investment results.
 
Underwriting Results
 
We evaluate the underwriting results of our property and casualty insurance business in the aggregate and also for each of our separate business units.
 
Net Premiums Written
 
Net premiums written were $5.6 billion in the first six months of 2009 and $2.8 billion in the second quarter, compared with $6.0 billion and $3.0 billion, respectively, in the comparable periods of 2008.
 
Net premiums written by business unit were as follows:
 
                                                 
    Six Months Ended June 30           Quarter Ended June 30        
    2009     2008     % Decr.     2009     2008     % Decr.  
    (in millions)     (in millions)  
 
Personal insurance
  $   1,804     $   1,892       (5 )%   $   961     $   1,015       (5 )%
Commercial insurance
    2,473       2,641       (6 )     1,213       1,301       (7 )
Specialty insurance
    1,299       1,414       (8 )     669       711       (6 )
                                                 
Total insurance
    5,576       5,947       (6 )     2,843       3,027       (6 )
Reinsurance assumed
    13       36       (64 )     3       20       (85 )
                                                 
Total
  $   5,589     $   5,983       (7 )   $   2,846     $   3,047       (7 )
                                                 



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Net premiums written decreased by 7% in the first six months and second quarter of 2009 compared with the comparable periods in 2008. For each period, about half of the decrease was due to the impact of currency fluctuation on business written outside the United States as a result of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar that began in the latter part of 2008. The general downturn in the economy, which began in the second half of 2008 and has continued into 2009, also contributed to the decline in premiums in 2009. We expect that the weaker economy is likely to continue to adversely impact premium growth for the remainder of 2009.
 
During the first six months of 2009, we continued our emphasis on underwriting discipline in a competitive market. Overall, renewal rates in the U.S. commercial and professional liability businesses increased slightly in the first six months of 2009, following several years of decline. We continued to retain a high percentage of our existing customers and to renew those accounts at what we believe are acceptable rates relative to the risks. We have written some new business due to the dislocation in the insurance markets caused by the impact on some of our competitors of the financial market crisis that began in the second half of 2008. However, the modestly positive effect was offset by the decrease in demand for insurance caused by the general downturn in the economy that has continued in 2009.
 
Reinsurance Ceded
 
Our premiums written are net of amounts ceded to reinsurers who assume a portion of the risk under the insurance policies we write that are subject to reinsurance.
 
Reinsurance rates for property risks have increased somewhat in 2009. Capacity restrictions continued in some segments of the marketplace.
 
The most significant component of our ceded reinsurance program is property reinsurance of which we purchase two coverages: catastrophe and property per risk. We renewed our major traditional property catastrophe treaties and our commercial property per risk treaty in April 2009.
 
For the United States and Canada, we refer to our traditional catastrophe reinsurance treaty as the North American catastrophe treaty. In recent years, we have reduced the amount of reinsurance purchased under this treaty and replaced it with multi—year, collateralized reinsurance coverage funded through the issuance of securitized risk linked securities, known as catastrophe bonds.
 
In 2009, we modified the structure of our North American catastrophe treaty. For the 2009 treaty, our initial retention is $500 million per occurrence. We did not renew the coverage for 45% of covered losses between $350 million and $500 million we had under the 2008 treaty. We also converted a northeastern United States-only layer into a layer that covers all of the United States and Canada. The overall impact of these changes was to slightly reduce the maximum amount that we can recover per occurrence under the North American catastrophe treaty.
 
For United States and Canadian exposures, the North American catastrophe treaty and catastrophe bond coverage purchased in 2008 collectively provide coverage of approximately 72% of losses (net of recoveries from other available reinsurance) between $500 million and $1.15 billion and 60% of losses between $1.15 billion and $1.65 billion.


 


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The first of the catastrophe bond coverages, which we purchased in 2007, is a $250 million, four-year reinsurance arrangement that provides coverage for homeowners-related hurricane losses in the northeastern part of the United States, where we have our greatest concentration of catastrophe exposure. The second of the catastrophe bond coverages, which we purchased in 2008, is a $200 million, three-year reinsurance arrangement that provides coverage for homeowners and commercial exposures. A portion of this coverage is limited to loss events in the northeastern part of the United States and the remainder provides coverage for losses occurring anywhere in the continental United States or Canada. Our third catastrophe bond coverage, which we purchased in 2009, is a $150 million, three-year reinsurance arrangement that provides coverage for homeowners-related hurricane losses in Florida.
 
For events in the northeastern part of the United States, we have additional reinsurance that covers approximately 35% of losses (net of recoveries from other available reinsurance) between $1.15 billion and $2.05 billion. This coverage is provided through a combination of our North American catastrophe reinsurance treaty and the catastrophe bond coverage that we purchased in 2008. Additionally, the catastrophe bond coverage purchased in 2007 provides coverage for approximately 30% of homeowners-related hurricane losses between $1.45 billion and $2.25 billion.
 
In addition to the United States and Canadian coverages described above, for hurricane events in Florida, we have a combination of reinsurance coverages. We have reinsurance from the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF), which is a state-mandated fund designed to reimburse insurers for a portion of their residential catastrophic hurricane losses. This program was renewed June 1, 2009. Our retention and coverage limits will be determined by the FHCF in the third quarter of 2009. We expect that our initial retention in Florida for homeowners-related losses will be approximately $185 million and the program will provide coverage of 90% of covered losses between $185 million and $685 million. Additionally, the 2009 catastrophe bond coverage provides coverage of 50% of homeowners-related hurricane losses between $850 million and $1,150 million.
 
For any catastrophe losses, we are subject to certain coinsurance requirements that affect the interaction of some elements of our catastrophe reinsurance program.
 
Our property catastrophe treaty for events outside the United States was renewed with only modest changes in coverage. We increased both our initial retention and the reinsurance coverage in the top layer of the treaty by $25 million and increased our participation in the program. The treaty now provides coverage of approximately 75% of losses (net of recoveries from other available reinsurance) between $100 million and $350 million.
 
Our commercial property per risk treaty was renewed with only slight changes in coverage. This treaty provides approximately $560 million of coverage per risk in excess of our initial retention, which is generally $25 million.
 
Our property reinsurance treaties generally contain terrorism exclusions for acts perpetrated by foreign terrorists, and for nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological loss causes whether such acts are perpetrated by foreign or domestic terrorists.


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We expect that the overall cost of our property reinsurance program in 2009 will be modestly higher than in 2008. We do not expect the changes we made to our reinsurance program during 2009 to have a material effect on the Corporation’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
 
Profitability
 
The combined loss and expense ratio, expressed as a percentage, is the key measure of underwriting profitability traditionally used in the property and casualty insurance business. Management evaluates the performance of our underwriting operations and of each of our business units using, among other measures, the combined loss and expense ratio calculated in accordance with statutory accounting principles. It is the sum of the ratio of losses and loss expenses to premiums earned (loss ratio) plus the ratio of statutory underwriting expenses to premiums written (expense ratio) after reducing both premium amounts by dividends to policyholders. When the combined ratio is under 100%, underwriting results are generally considered profitable; when the combined ratio is over 100%, underwriting results are generally considered unprofitable.
 
Statutory accounting principles applicable to property and casualty insurance companies differ in certain respects from generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Under statutory accounting principles, policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses are recognized immediately, not at the time premiums are earned. Management uses underwriting results determined in accordance with GAAP, among other measures, to assess the overall performance of our underwriting operations. To convert statutory underwriting results to a GAAP basis, policy acquisition expenses are deferred and amortized over the period in which the related premiums are earned. Underwriting income determined in accordance with GAAP is defined as premiums earned less losses and loss expenses incurred and GAAP underwriting expenses incurred.
 
Underwriting results were highly profitable in the first six months and second quarter of 2009 and 2008. Results in the first six months of 2009 were slightly less profitable than results in the same period in 2008, whereas results in the second quarter of 2009 were modestly more profitable than those in the same period in 2008. The combined loss and expense ratio for our overall property and casualty business was as follows:
 
                                 
    Periods Ended June 30  
    Six Months     Second Quarter  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
 
Loss ratio
    56.5 %     56.1 %     55.7 %     58.7 %
Expense ratio
    30.5       30.1       30.2       29.8  
                                 
Combined ratio
    87.0 %     86.2 %     85.9 %     88.5 %
                                 
 
The relatively low loss ratio in all periods reflects the favorable loss experience which we believe resulted from our disciplined underwriting in recent years as well as relatively mild loss trends in certain classes of business. The slightly higher loss ratio in the first six months of 2009 compared with the same period in 2008 was due in part to the cumulative impact of rate reductions experienced in our commercial and professional liability classes over the past several years as well as a lower amount of favorable prior year loss development, offset in large part by a more modest impact from catastrophe losses. The lower loss ratio in the second quarter of 2009 compared with the same period in 2008 was due to significantly lower catastrophe losses.


 


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Catastrophe losses were $69 million in the first six months of 2009, which represented 1.2 percentage points of the combined loss and expense ratio, compared with $214 million, or 3.6 percentage points, in the same period in 2008. Catastrophe losses were $43 million in the second quarter of 2009, which represented 1.5 percentage points of the combined ratio, compared with $160 million or 5.4 percentage points in the same period in 2008. The catastrophe losses in the second quarter of 2008 were primarily related to storms in the midwest United States.
The expense ratio was slightly higher in the first six months and second quarter of 2009 compared with the same periods in 2008, due primarily to an increase in the commission ratio. The increase was due for the most part to modestly higher commission rates in the United States in certain classes of business.
 
Review of Underwriting Results by Business Unit
 
Personal Insurance
 
Net premiums written from personal insurance, which represented 32% of our premiums written in the first six months of 2009, decreased by 5% in the first six months and second quarter of 2009 compared with the comparable periods in 2008, largely due to the impact of currency fluctuation on business written outside the U.S. Net premiums written for the classes of business within the personal insurance segment were as follows:
 
                                                 
    Six Months Ended June 30     % Incr.
    Quarter Ended June 30     % Incr.
 
    2009     2008     (Decr.)     2009     2008     (Decr.)  
    (in millions)           (in millions)        
 
Automobile
  $   278     $   303       (8 )%   $   147     $   161       (9 )%
Homeowners
    1,151       1,213       (5 )     637       674       (5 )
Other
    375       376             177       180       (2 )
                                                 
Total personal   $   1,804     $   1,892       (5 )   $   961     $   1,015       (5 )
                                                 
 
Personal automobile premiums decreased in the 2009 periods due to a highly competitive U.S. marketplace as well as the impact of currency fluctuation on business written outside the United States. Premium growth in our homeowners business was constrained by the downturn in the economy, which resulted in a slowdown in construction of new homes as well as lower demand for jewelry and fine arts endorsements. The in-force policy count for this class decreased modestly during the first six months of 2009. Premiums from our other personal business, which includes insurance for excess liability, yacht and accident and health coverages, were flat for the first six months of 2009 and decreased modestly in the second quarter compared with the same periods in 2008. Growth in our accident and health business in the U.S. in the 2009 periods, due primarily to a select initiative, was offset by the effect of currency fluctuation on our non-U.S. accident and health business.


 


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Our personal insurance business produced highly profitable underwriting results in the first six months and second quarter of both 2009 and 2008. The combined loss and expense ratios for the classes of business within the personal insurance segment were as follows:
 
                                 
    Periods Ended June 30  
    Six Months     Second Quarter  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
 
Automobile
    90.1 %     89.8 %     90.5 %     86.7 %
Homeowners
    84.3       77.4       80.7       75.1  
Other
    93.9       97.7       90.7       101.5  
     Total personal     87.0       83.3       84.2       81.9  
 
Our personal automobile business produced similarly profitable results in the first six months of 2009 and 2008. Results in the second quarter of 2009 were modestly less profitable than those in the same period of 2008.
 
Homeowners results were highly profitable in the first six months and second quarter of 2009 and 2008, but more so in 2008. The less profitable results in 2009 were largely attributable to a higher impact from significant non-catastrophe related losses. Catastrophe losses represented 3.5 and 4.7 percentage points of the combined ratio for this class in the first six months and second quarter of 2009, respectively, compared with 4.7 and 6.7 percentage points, respectively, in the comparable periods of 2008.
 
Other personal results were more profitable in the first six months and second quarter of 2009 compared with the same periods in 2008, due primarily to significant improvement in our excess liability business. Our excess liability business produced highly profitable results in the first six months and second quarter of 2009 compared with unprofitable results in the same periods in 2008. Our accident and health business produced breakeven results in the first six months and second quarter of 2009 compared with profitable results in the first six months and modestly unprofitable results in the second quarter of 2008. Our yacht business produced highly profitable results in the first six months and second quarter of both years.
 
Commercial Insurance
 
Net premiums written from commercial insurance, which represented 45% of our premiums written in the first six months of 2009, decreased by 6% in the first six months of 2009 and 7% in the second quarter compared with the same periods a year ago. Net premiums written for the classes of business within the commercial insurance segment were as follows:
 
                                                 
    Six Months Ended June 30     % Incr.
    Quarter Ended June 30     % Incr.
 
    2009     2008     (Decr.)     2009     2008     (Decr.)  
    (in millions)           (in millions)        
 
 
Multiple peril
  $ 561     $ 607       (8 )%   $ 292     $ 312       (6 )%
Casualty
    815       896       (9 )     406       436       (7 )
Workers’ compensation
    424       461       (8 )     188       213       (12 )
Property and marine
    673       677       (1 )     327       340       (4 )
                                                 
Total commercial
  $ 2,473     $ 2,641       (6 )   $ 1,213     $ 1,301       (7 )
                                                 


 


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Approximately half of the decrease in premiums in our commercial insurance business in the first six months and second quarter of 2009 was attributable to the impact of currency fluctuation on business written outside the United States, with the remaining decrease due to the adverse effects of the economic downturn. Overall, renewal rates were up slightly in the first six months of 2009. Retention levels of our existing customers remained strong, similar to those in the first six months of 2008. However, new business volume in the first six months of 2009 was down from 2008 levels. While we have obtained some new business due to the dislocation in the insurance markets caused by the impact of the financial market crisis on some of our competitors, the impact has been offset by a general reduction in insurance demand due to the effects of the economic downturn. We have continued to maintain our underwriting discipline in this competitive market, renewing business and writing new business only where we believe we are securing acceptable rates and appropriate terms and conditions for the exposures. We expect these market conditions to continue for the remainder of this year.
 
Our commercial insurance business produced highly profitable underwriting results in the first six months and second quarter of both 2009 and 2008, but somewhat more so in the 2009 periods. The combined loss and expense ratios for the classes of business within the commercial insurance segment were as follows:
 
                                 
    Periods Ended June 30  
    Six Months     Second Quarter  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
 
Multiple peril
    82.8 %     78.9 %     79.9 %     79.5 %
Casualty
    97.7       92.1       92.7       91.9  
Workers’ compensation
    89.6       80.2       91.8       77.8  
Property and marine
    86.2       107.3       91.4       120.4  
Total commercial
    89.7       90.5       89.2       93.7  
 
Results in both years benefited from disciplined risk selection and appropriate policy terms and conditions in recent years. The more profitable results in the 2009 periods were due to a lesser impact from catastrophe losses, particularly in the property and marine classes, largely offset by the cumulative impact of rate reductions experienced over the past several years.
 
Multiple peril results were highly profitable in the first six months and second quarter of both 2009 and 2008. Results in both years, but more so in 2008, benefited from very favorable loss experience in both the property and liability components of this business. Loss experience was particularly favorable in 2008 in the property component of this business outside of the United States. Catastrophe losses represented 1.4 percentage points of the combined ratio for this class in the first six months of 2009 and 0.7 percentage points in the second quarter compared with 4.1 and 5.5 percentage points, respectively, in the same periods of 2008.


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Our casualty business produced profitable results in the first six months of 2009 and 2008, but more so in the first six months of 2008. Results in the second quarter of both years were similarly profitable. The less profitable results in the first six months of 2009 were primarily attributable to the excess liability component of this business which produced breakeven results in the first six months of 2009 compared with profitable results in the comparable period in 2008. The automobile and primary liability components of this business were highly profitable in both periods. Casualty results in the first six months and second quarter of both years were adversely affected by incurred losses related to toxic waste claims. Such losses represented 4.4 and 3.9 percentage points of the combined ratio in the first six months of 2009 and 2008, respectively, and 3.8 and 4.7 percentage points in the second quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
Workers’ compensation results were highly profitable in the first six months and second quarter of 2009 and 2008, but more so in 2008. Results in both periods benefited from our disciplined risk selection during the past several years. The less profitable results in the 2009 periods were due in large part to lower earned premiums, the result of rate reductions associated with state reforms and increased competition. Results in the 2008 periods also benefited from favorable prior year loss development.
 
Property and marine results were highly profitable in the first six months and second quarter of 2009 compared with unprofitable results in the same periods in 2008. The more profitable results in 2009 were due primarily to lower catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses represented 1.3 percentage points of the combined ratio for this class in the first six months of 2009 and 2.3 percentage points in the second quarter compared with 19.8 and 30.5 percentage points, respectively, in the same periods of 2008.
 
Specialty Insurance
 
Net premiums written from specialty insurance, which represented 23% of our premiums written in the first six months of 2009, decreased by 8% in the first six months of 2009 and 6% in the second quarter compared with the same periods a year ago. Net premiums written for the classes of business within the specialty insurance segment were as follows:
 
                                                 
    Six Months Ended June 30     % Incr.
    Quarter Ended June 30     % Incr.
 
    2009     2008     (Decr.)     2009     2008     (Decr.)  
    (in millions)           (in millions)        
 
 
Professional liability
  $ 1,137     $ 1,230       (8 )%   $ 584     $ 626       (7 )%
Surety
    162       184       (12 )     85       85        
                                                 
Total specialty
  $ 1,299     $ 1,414       (8 )   $ 669     $ 711       (6 )
                                                 


 


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The decrease in net premiums written in our professional liability business in the first six months and second quarter of 2009 was due to several factors. About half of the decrease was due to the impact of currency fluctuation on business written outside the U.S. The remainder of the decrease was due mostly to lower retention levels, reduced purchases of certain coverages and reduced new business volume in the U.S. compared to the comparable periods in 2008. Renewal rates in the U.S. increased slightly overall, after several years of decline. While we have obtained some new business as a result of the market dislocation in the insurance industry, this was offset by the decrease in the demand for insurance resulting from the general economic downturn. We have continued our focus on underwriting discipline, obtaining what we believe are acceptable rates and appropriate terms and conditions on both new business and renewals.
 
The decrease in net premiums written for our surety business in the first six months of 2009 was due primarily to the effects of the weaker economy, a trend that we expect will continue as the year progresses.
 
 
Our specialty insurance business produced highly profitable underwriting results in the first six months and second quarter of 2009 and 2008. The combined loss and expense ratios for the classes of business within the specialty insurance segment were as follows:
 
                                 
    Periods Ended June 30  
    Six Months     Second Quarter  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
 
 
Professional liability
    90.6 %     83.8 %     90.1 %     84.0 %
Surety
    38.4       81.4       38.5       128.4  
Total specialty
    84.4       83.6       83.9       89.3  
 
Our professional liability business produced highly profitable results in the first six months and second quarter of 2009 and 2008. Results in both periods were particularly profitable in the fidelity, employment practices liability and fiduciary liability classes. The directors and officers liability class was also profitable in both years. Results in the errors and omissions liability class were unprofitable in 2009 and 2008. The results of our professional liability business were less profitable in the 2009 periods compared with the same periods in 2008 due mainly to a lower amount of favorable prior year loss development. The favorable development in both years was driven by continued positive loss trends related to accident years 2006 and prior. These trends were largely the result of a favorable business climate, lower policy limits and better terms and conditions. The expected combined ratio for the current accident year in our professional liability business is slightly above breakeven, due in part to the uncertainty surrounding the crisis in the financial markets that began in 2008 and has continued in 2009.
 
Surety results were highly profitable in the first six months and second quarter of 2009. Surety results were highly unprofitable in the second quarter of 2008 due to one large loss, but despite this were highly profitable in the first six months of 2008. Our surety business tends to be characterized by infrequent but potentially severe losses.


 


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Reinsurance Assumed
 
Net premiums written from our reinsurance assumed business, which is in runoff, were not significant in the first six months and second quarter of 2009 or 2008.
 
Reinsurance assumed results were profitable in the first six months and second quarter of 2009 and 2008. Results in the first six months and second quarter of both years benefited from favorable prior year loss development.
 
Loss Reserves
 
Unpaid losses and loss expenses, also referred to as loss reserves, are the largest liability of our business.
 
Our loss reserves include case estimates for claims that have been reported and estimates for claims that have been incurred but not reported at the balance sheet date as well as estimates of the expenses associated with processing and settling all reported and unreported claims, less estimates of anticipated salvage and subrogation recoveries. Estimates are based upon past loss experience modified for current trends as well as prevailing economic, legal and social conditions. Our loss reserves are not discounted to present value.
 
We regularly review our loss reserves using a variety of actuarial techniques. We update the reserve estimates as historical loss experience develops, additional claims are reported and/or settled and new information becomes available. Any changes in estimates are reflected in operating results in the period in which the estimates are changed.


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Our gross case and incurred but not reported (IBNR) loss reserves and related reinsurance recoverable by class of business were as follows:
 
                                         
    Gross Loss Reserves     Reinsurance
    Net
Loss
 
June 30, 2009   Case     IBNR     Total     Recoverable     Reserves  
    (in millions)  
 
Personal insurance
                                       
Automobile
  $   220     $   188     $   408     $   14     $   394  
Homeowners
    405       309       714       35       679  
Other
    370       654       1,024       179       845  
                                         
Total personal
    995       1,151       2,146       228       1,918  
                                         
 
Commercial insurance
                                       
Multiple peril
    561       1,065       1,626       35       1,591  
Casualty
    1,522       4,699       6,221       389       5,832  
Workers’ compensation
    854       1,422       2,276       214       2,062  
Property and marine
    802       448       1,250       456       794  
                                         
Total commercial
    3,739       7,634       11,373       1,094       10,279  
                                         
 
Specialty insurance
                                       
Professional liability
    1,600       6,187       7,787       431       7,356  
Surety
    18       49       67       8       59  
                                         
Total specialty
    1,618       6,236       7,854       439       7,415  
                                         
 
Total insurance
    6,352       15,021       21,373       1,761       19,612  
 
Reinsurance assumed
    328       875       1,203       377       826  
                                         
 
Total
  $   6,680     $   15,896     $   22,576     $   2,138     $   20,438  
                                         
 
                                         
    Gross Loss Reserves     Reinsurance
    Net
Loss
 
December 31, 2008   Case     IBNR     Total     Recoverable     Reserves  
    (in millions)  
 
Personal insurance
                                       
Automobile
  $   210     $   195     $   405     $   14     $   391  
Homeowners
    434       310       744       29       715  
Other
    382       608       990       175       815  
                                         
Total personal
    1,026       1,113       2,139       218       1,921  
                                         
 
Commercial insurance
                                       
Multiple peril
    589       1,034       1,623       37       1,586  
Casualty
    1,431       4,621       6,052       392       5,660  
Workers’ compensation
    832       1,377       2,209       227       1,982  
Property and marine
    889       449       1,338       499       839  
                                         
Total commercial
    3,741       7,481       11,222       1,155       10,067  
                                         
 
Specialty insurance
                                       
Professional liability
    1,690       5,959       7,649       474       7,175  
Surety
    28       51       79       11       68  
                                         
Total specialty
    1,718       6,010       7,728       485       7,243  
                                         
 
Total insurance
    6,485       14,604       21,089       1,858       19,231  
 
Reinsurance assumed
    370       908       1,278       354       924  
                                         
 
Total
  $   6,855     $   15,512     $   22,367     $   2,212     $   20,155  
                                         



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Loss reserves, net of reinsurance recoverable, increased by $283 million during the first six months of 2009. Loss reserves related to our insurance business increased by $381 million, which included an increase of approximately $110 million related to currency fluctuation due to the weakening of the U.S. dollar. Loss reserves related to our reinsurance assumed business, which is in runoff, decreased by $98 million.
 
Gross case reserves related to our insurance business decreased by $133 million during the first six months of 2009, largely due to settlements related to previously existing case reserves, particularly in the professional liability classes as well as in the personal and commercial property classes related to catastrophes.
 
In establishing the loss reserves of our property and casualty subsidiaries, we consider facts currently known and the present state of the law and coverage litigation. Based on all information currently available, we believe that the aggregate loss reserves at June 30, 2009 were adequate to cover claims for losses that had occurred as of that date, including both those known to us and those yet to be reported. However, as discussed in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, there are significant uncertainties inherent in the loss reserving process. It is therefore possible that management’s estimate of the ultimate liability for losses that had occurred as of June 30, 2009 may change, which could have a material effect on the Corporation’s results of operations and financial condition.
 
Because loss reserve estimates are subject to the outcome of future events, changes in estimates are unavoidable given that actual results can differ from expectations and time is required for changes in trends to be recognized and confirmed. Reserve changes that increase previous estimates of ultimate cost are referred to as unfavorable or adverse development or reserve strengthening. Reserve changes that decrease previous estimates of ultimate cost are referred to as favorable development or reserve releases.
 
We estimate that we experienced overall favorable prior year development of about $340 million during the first six months of 2009 and $210 million in the second quarter compared with favorable prior year development of about $450 million and $235 million, respectively, in the comparable periods of 2008.
 
The favorable development in the first six months of 2009 was primarily in the professional liability classes, due to the continued favorable loss trends related to accident years 2004 through 2006, in the commercial property classes, largely related to the 2008 accident year, as well as in the commercial casualty classes related to accident years 2006 and prior. The favorable development in the first six months of 2008 was primarily in certain professional liability and commercial liability classes, due to the favorable loss trends related to accident years 2005 and prior, and in the homeowners and commercial property classes, largely related to the 2007 accident year.
 



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     Investment Results
 
Property and casualty investment income before taxes decreased by 7% in the first six months of 2009 and by 6% in the second quarter of 2009 compared with the same periods in 2008. About half of the decline was related to currency fluctuation on income from our non-U.S. investments. The decrease in investment income was also due to lower yields, especially on short term investments. Average invested assets of the property and casualty subsidiaries for the first six months and second quarter of 2009 and 2008 were similar as a result of substantial dividend distributions made by the property and casualty subsidiaries to Chubb during 2008, particularly in the latter part of the year.
 
The effective tax rate on investment income was 19.3% in the first six months of 2009 compared with 20.2% in the same period of 2008. The effective tax rate fluctuates as a result of holding a different proportion of our investment portfolio in tax exempt securities during different periods.
 
On an after-tax basis, property and casualty investment income decreased by 6% in the first six months of 2009 and 5% in the second quarter compared with the same periods in 2008. The after-tax annualized yield on the investment portfolio that supports the property and casualty insurance business was 3.41% and 3.49% in the first six months of 2009 and 2008, respectively. Management uses property and casualty investment income after tax, a non-GAAP financial measure, to evaluate its investment performance because it reflects the impact of any change in the proportion of the investment portfolio invested in tax exempt securities and is therefore more meaningful for analysis purposes than investment income before income tax.
 
Corporate and Other
 
Corporate and other comprises investment income earned on corporate invested assets, interest expense and other expenses not allocated to our operating subsidiaries and the results of our non-insurance subsidiaries.
 
Corporate and other produced a loss before taxes of $121 million in the first six months of 2009 compared with a loss of $106 million in the first six months of 2008. The higher loss in 2009 was due primarily to higher interest expense and lower investment income. The higher interest expense was the result of the issuance of additional debt during the first half of 2008, the proceeds of which were used to repurchase shares of Chubb’s common stock.
 



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Realized Investment Gains and Losses
 
Net realized investment gains and losses were as follows:
 
                                 
    Periods Ended June 30  
    Second Quarter     Six Months  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (in millions)  
 
Net realized gains (losses)
                               
Fixed maturities
  $   18     $   (7 )   $   48     $   (3 )
Equity securities
    60       33       71       52  
Other invested assets
    (32 )     (6 )     (280 )     64  
                                 
      46       20       (161 )     113  
                                 
                                 
Other-than-temporary impairment losses
                               
Fixed maturities
    (11 )     (31 )     (19 )     (31 )
Equity securities
    (8 )     (65 )     (59 )     (90 )
                                 
      (19 )     (96 )     (78 )     (121 )
                                 
                                 
Realized investment gains (losses) before tax
  $   27     $   (76 )   $   (239 )   $   (8 )
                                 
                                 
Realized investment gains (losses) after tax
  $   18     $   (49 )   $   (155 )   $   (5 )
                                 
 
The net realized gains and losses on other invested assets represent the aggregate of distributions to us from the limited partnerships in which we have an interest and changes in our equity in the net assets of the partnerships based on valuations provided to us by the manager of each partnership. Due to the timing of our receipt of valuation data from the investment managers, these investments are generally reported on a one quarter lag. In the first six months of 2009, limited partnerships losses were $280 million which were largely due to losses on the underlying assets held by the limited partnerships and reflected both the decline in the value of equities and the increase in credit spreads that occurred during late 2008.
 
We regularly review those invested assets whose fair value is less than cost to determine if an other-than-temporary decline in value has occurred. We have a monitoring process overseen by a committee of investment and accounting professionals that is responsible for identifying those securities to be specifically evaluated for potential other-than-temporary impairment.
 
The determination of whether a decline in value of any investment is temporary or other-than-temporary requires the judgment of management. The assessment of other-than-temporary impairment of fixed maturities and equity securities is based on both quantitative criteria and qualitative information and also considers a number of factors including, but not limited to, the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than the cost, the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, whether the issuer is current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments, general market conditions and industry or sector specific factors. The decision to recognize a decline in the value of a security carried at fair value as other-than-temporary rather than temporary has no impact on shareholders’ equity.
 



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For fixed maturities, prior to April 1, 2009, we considered many factors including the intent and ability to hold a security for a period of time sufficient to allow for the recovery of the security’s cost. When an impairment was deemed other than temporary, the security was written down to fair value and the entire writedown was charged to income as a realized investment loss. Effective April 1, 2009, the Corporation adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Postition (FSP) FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments. This FSP modified the guidance on the recognition of other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities. Under this guidance, we are required to recognize an other-than-temporary impairment loss for a fixed maturity when we conclude that we have the intent to sell or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell an impaired fixed maturity before the security recovers to its amortized cost value or it is likely we will not recover the entire amortized cost value of an impaired security. If we have the intent to sell or it is more likely than not we will be required to sell an impaired fixed maturity before the security recovers to its amortized cost value, the security is written down to fair value and the entire amount of the writedown is charged to income as a realized investment loss. For all other impaired fixed maturities, the impairment loss is separated into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount representing the loss related to all other factors. The amount of the impairment loss that represents the credit loss is charged to income as a realized investment loss and the amount of the impairment loss that relates to all other factors is included in other comprehensive income.
 
For equity securities, we consider our intent and ability to hold a security for a period of time sufficient to allow us to recover our cost. If a decline in the fair value of an equity security is deemed to be other than temporary, the security is written down to fair value and the amount of the writedown is charged to income as a realized investment loss.
 
As a result of the significant crisis in the financial markets that occurred during 2008 and has continued into 2009, the fair value of many of our investments have declined to a level below our cost. Conditions in the equity and fixed maturity markets have improved somewhat in 2009; however, if conditions deteriorate during the remainder of 2009, additional securities may be deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired in the future.
 
Capital Resources and Liquidity
 
Capital resources and liquidity represent a company’s overall financial strength and its ability to generate cash flows, borrow funds at competitive rates and raise new capital to meet operating and growth needs.
 
Capital Resources
 
Capital resources provide protection for policyholders, furnish the financial strength to support the business of underwriting insurance risks and facilitate continued business growth. At June 30, 2009, the Corporation had shareholders’ equity of $14.5 billion and total debt of $4.0 billion.
 



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Management regularly monitors the Corporation’s capital resources. In connection with our long term capital strategy, Chubb from time to time contributes capital to its property and casualty subsidiaries. In addition, in order to satisfy capital needs as a result of any rating agency capital adequacy or other future rating issues, or in the event we were to need additional capital to make strategic investments in light of market opportunities, we may take a variety of actions, which could include the issuance of additional debt and/or equity securities. We believe that our strong financial position and existing debt levels provide us with the flexibility and capacity to obtain funds externally through debt or equity financings on both a short term and long term basis.
 
In December 2008, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 20,000,000 shares of Chubb’s common stock. The authorization has no expiration date. During the first six months of 2009, we repurchased 4,114,529 shares of Chubb’s common stock in open market transactions at a cost of $164 million. As of June 30, 2009, 15,669,371 shares remained under the share repurchase authorization. We expect to repurchase all of the shares remaining under the authorization by the end of 2009, subject to market conditions.
 
Ratings
 
Chubb and its insurance subsidiaries are rated by major rating agencies. These ratings reflect the rating agency’s opinion of our financial strength, operating performance, strategic position and ability to meet our obligations to policyholders.
 
Ratings are an important factor in establishing our competitive position in the insurance markets. There can be no assurance that our ratings will continue for any given period of time or that they will not be changed.
 
It is possible that one or more of the rating agencies may raise or lower our existing ratings in the future. If our credit ratings were downgraded, we might incur higher borrowing costs and might have more limited means to access capital. A downgrade in our financial strength ratings could adversely affect the competitive position of our insurance operations, including a possible reduction in demand for our products in certain markets.
 
Liquidity
 
Liquidity is a measure of a company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet the short and long term cash requirements of its business operations.
 
The Corporation’s liquidity requirements in the past have generally been met by funds from operations and we expect that funds from operations will continue to be sufficient to meet such requirements. Liquidity requirements could also be met by funds from the maturity or sale of marketable securities in our investment portfolio. The Corporation also has the ability to borrow under its existing $500 million credit facility and we believe we could issue debt or equity securities.
 



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Our property and casualty operations provide liquidity in that premiums are generally received months or even years before losses are paid under the policies purchased by such premiums. Historically, cash receipts from operations, consisting of insurance premiums and investment income, have provided more than sufficient funds to pay losses, operating expenses and dividends to Chubb. After satisfying our cash requirements, excess cash flows are used to build the investment portfolio and thereby increase future investment income.
 
Our strong underwriting results continued to generate substantial new cash. New cash from operations available for investment by our property and casualty subsidiaries was approximately $1.0 billion in the first six months of 2009 compared with $525 million in the same period in 2008. New cash available was higher as a result of the property and casualty subsidiaries not paying a dividend to Chubb during the first six months of 2009 compared with dividends of $800 million paid to Chubb in the first six months of 2008. This was caused by a difference in the timing of subsidiary dividends in 2008 and those anticipated in 2009. Partially offsetting the lower dividend payments to Chubb was the impact of modestly lower premium receipts in the first six months of 2009 compared with the same period in 2008. In our U.S. property and casualty operations, during the first six months of 2009 we invested new cash in tax exempt bonds and corporate bonds.
 
Our property and casualty subsidiaries maintain investments in highly liquid, short term marketable securities. Accordingly, we do not anticipate selling long term fixed maturity investments to meet any liquidity needs.
 
Chubb’s liquidity requirements primarily include the payment of dividends to shareholders and interest and principal on debt obligations. The declaration and payment of future dividends to Chubb’s shareholders will be at the discretion of Chubb’s Board of Directors and will depend upon many factors, including our operating results, financial condition, capital requirements and any regulatory constraints.
 
As a holding company, Chubb’s ability to continue to pay dividends to shareholders and to satisfy its debt obligations relies on the availability of liquid assets, which is dependent in large part on the dividend paying ability of its property and casualty subsidiaries. Our property and casualty subsidiaries are subject to laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which they operate that restrict the amount of dividends they may pay without the prior approval of regulatory authorities. The restrictions are generally based on net income and on certain levels of policyholders’ surplus as determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices. Dividends in excess of such thresholds are considered “extraordinary” and require prior regulatory approval. The maximum dividend distribution that may be made by the property and casualty subsidiaries to Chubb during 2009 without prior approval is approximately $1.2 billion. As noted above, during the first six months of 2009, these subsidiaries paid no dividends to Chubb compared with $800 million of dividends paid during the same period of 2008.



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Invested Assets
 
The main objectives in managing our investment portfolios are to maximize after-tax investment income and total investment returns while minimizing credit risks in order to ensure that funds will be available to meet our insurance obligations. Investment strategies are developed based on many factors including underwriting results and our resulting tax position, regulatory requirements, fluctuations in interest rates and consideration of other market risks. Investment decisions are centrally managed by investment professionals based on guidelines established by management and approved by the boards of directors of Chubb and its respective operating companies.
 
Our investment portfolio is primarily comprised of high quality bonds, principally tax exempt securities, mortgage-backed securities, corporate issues and U.S. Treasury securities as well as foreign government and corporate bonds that support our operations outside the United States. The portfolio also includes equity securities, primarily publicly traded common stocks, and other invested assets, primarily private equity limited partnerships, all of which are held with the primary objective of capital appreciation.
 
Our objective is to achieve the appropriate mix of taxable and tax exempt securities in our portfolio to balance both investment and tax strategies. At June 30, 2009, 68% of our U.S. fixed maturity portfolio was invested in tax exempt bonds, compared with 69% at December 31, 2008. About 80% of our tax exempt bonds are rated AA or better by Moody’s or Standard and Poor’s, with about 25% rated AAA. The average rating of our tax exempt bonds is AA. While about 40% of our tax exempt bonds are insured, the effect of insurance on the average credit rating of these bonds is insignificant. The insured tax exempt bonds in our portfolio have been selected based on the quality of the underlying credit and not the value of the credit insurance enhancement.
 
At June 30, 2009, we held $3.6 billion of mortgage-backed securities which comprised 23% of our taxable bond portfolio. About 97% of the mortgage-backed securities are rated AAA, and of the remaining 3%, half are investment grade. Of the AAA rated securities, about 60% are residential mortgage-backed securities, consisting of government agency pass-through securities guaranteed by a government agency or a government sponsored enterprise (GSE), GSE collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) and other CMOs, all backed by single family home mortgages. The majority of the CMOs are actively traded in liquid markets. The other 40% of the AAA rated securities are call protected, commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS). About 90% of our CMBS are senior securities with the highest level of subordination. The remainder of our CMBS are seasoned securities that were issued in 2004 or earlier.
 
The net unrealized appreciation before tax of our fixed maturities and equity securities carried at fair value was $512 million at June 30, 2009 compared with net unrealized depreciation before tax of $220 million at December 31, 2008. Such unrealized appreciation and depreciation is reflected in comprehensive income or loss, net of applicable deferred income tax.
 
Credit spreads, which refer to the differences between the yields on U.S. Treasury securities and the yields on other fixed maturity investments, decreased significantly for almost all fixed maturity investments during the first six months 2009. This decrease resulted in an increase in the fair value of many of our fixed maturity investments.


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Fair Values of Financial Instruments
 
Fair values of financial instruments are determined using valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Fair values are generally measured using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities or other inputs, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities that are observable, either directly or indirectly. In those instances where observable inputs are not available, fair values are measured using unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Fair value estimates derived from unobservable inputs are affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rates and the estimated amounts and timing of future cash flows. The derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that would be realized in a current market exchange.
 
The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure the fair values of our fixed maturities and equity securities into three broad levels as follows:
 
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
 
Level 2 — Other inputs that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly.
 
Level 3 — Inputs that are unobservable.
 
The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values of financial instruments are as follows:
 
Fair values for fixed maturities are determined by management, utilizing prices obtained from an independent, nationally recognized pricing service or, in the case of securities for which prices are not provided by a pricing service, from independent brokers. For fixed maturities that have quoted prices in active markets, market quotations are provided. For fixed maturities that do not trade on a daily basis, the pricing services and brokers provide fair value estimates using a variety of inputs including, but not limited to, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, bids, offers, reference data, prepayment spreads and measures of volatility. Management reviews on an ongoing basis the reasonableness of the methodologies used by the relevant pricing services and brokers. In addition, management, using the prices received for the securities from the pricing services and brokers, determines the aggregate portfolio price performance and reviews it against applicable indices. If management believes that significant discrepancies exist, it will discuss these with the relevant pricing service or broker to resolve the discrepancies.
 
Fair values of equity securities are based on quoted market prices.
 
The carrying value of short term investments approximates fair value due to the short maturities of these investments.


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Fair values of long term debt issued by Chubb are determined by management, utilizing prices obtained from an independent, nationally recognized pricing service. Such prices are subject to management review similar to the review of prices received related to our fixed maturities.
 
We use a pricing service to estimate fair value measurements for approximately 99% of our fixed maturities. The prices we obtain from a pricing service and brokers generally are non-binding, but are reflective of current market transactions in the applicable financial instruments. At June 30, 2009, we did not hold financial instruments in our investment portfolio for which a lack of market liquidity impacted our determination of fair value.
 
Change in Accounting Principle
 
Effective April 1, 2009, we adopted FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments. This FSP modified the guidance on the recognition of other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities. The adoption of this FSP did not have a significant effect on the Corporation’s financial position or results of operations. The adoption of this FSP is discussed further in Note(2) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Item 4 — Controls and Procedures
 
As of June 30, 2009, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Corporation’s management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer. Based on that evaluation, Chubb’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2009.
 
During the quarter ended June 30, 2009, there were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1A — Risk Factors
 
The Corporation’s business is subject to a number of risks, including those identified in Item 1A of Chubb’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, that could have a material effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity and that could cause our operating results to vary significantly from fiscal period to fiscal period. The risks described in the Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also could have a material effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity.
 
Item 2 — Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
The following table summarizes Chubb’s stock repurchased each month in the quarter ended June 30, 2009.
 
                                 
                Total Number of
    Maximum Number of
 
                Shares Purchased
    Shares that May
 
    Total Number
    Average
    as Part of
    Yet be Purchased
 
    of Shares
    Price Paid
    Publicly Announced
    Under the
 
Period
  Purchased(a)     per Share     Plans or Programs     Plans or Programs(b)  
 
 
April 2009
    120,000     $ 39.41       120,000       17,859,400  
 
May 2009
    1,673,500       39.04       1,673,500       16,185,900  
 
June 2009
    516,529       39.72       516,529       15,669,371  
                                 
 
Total
    2,310,029       39.21       2,310,029          
                                 
 
 
(a) The stated amounts exclude 2,111 shares delivered to Chubb during the month of May 2009 by employees of the Corporation to cover option exercise prices and withholding taxes in connection with the Corporation’s stock-based compensation plans.
 
(b) On December 4, 2008, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 20,000,000 shares of common stock. The authorization has no expiration date.
 
Item 4 — Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
Information regarding the matters submitted to a vote of Chubb’s security holders at Chubb’s annual meeting conducted on April 28, 2009, including the voting results relating thereto, is set forth in Item 8.01 of Chubb’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2009. Item 8.01 of this Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.


 


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Item 6 — Exhibits
 
             
Exhibit
       
Number
     
Description
 
        -   Material Contracts
  10 .1       The Chubb Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan (2009) incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the registrant’s registration statement on Form S-8 filed on April 28, 2009 (File No. 333-158841).
  10 .2       Form of Deferred Stock Unit Agreement under The Chubb Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan (2009) filed herewith.
 
        -   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
  31 .1       Certification by John D. Finnegan filed herewith.
  31 .2       Certification by Richard G. Spiro filed herewith.
 
        -   Section 1350 Certifications
  32 .1       Certification by John D. Finnegan filed herewith.
  32 .2       Certification by Richard G. Spiro filed herewith.
 
 
        -   Interactive Data File
  101 .INS*       XBRL Instance Document
  101 .SCH*       XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
  101 .CAL*       XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
  101 .LAB*       XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
  101 .PRE*       XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
  101 .DEF*       XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
* Pursuant to applicable securities laws and regulations, the Corporation is deemed to have complied with the reporting obligation relating to the submission of interactive data files in such exhibits and is not subject to liability under any anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws as long as the Corporation has made a good faith attempt to comply with the submission requirements and promptly amends the interactive data files after becoming aware that the interactive data files fail to comply with the submission requirements. Users of this data are advised that, pursuant to Rule 406T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed and otherwise are not subject to liability.
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, The Chubb Corporation has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
THE CHUBB CORPORATION

(Registrant)
 
  By:     /s/ John J. Kennedy 
John J. Kennedy
Senior Vice-President and Chief Accounting
Officer
 
Date: August 10, 2009