Unassociated Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark one)
 
þ      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010.
 
¨      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 0-4604
 
CINCINNATI FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Ohio
 
31-0746871
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
6200 S. Gilmore Road, Fairfield, Ohio
 
45014-5141
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (513) 870-2000
 
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.
 
þ Yes ¨ No
 
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).
 
þ Yes o No
 
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 definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
þ Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company 
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):
 
o Yes þ No
 
As of July 26, 2010, there were 162,674,119 shares of common stock outstanding.
 
 
 

 
 
CINCINNATI FINANCIAL CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2010
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Part I – Financial Information
3
Item 1.     Financial Statements (unaudited)
3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
3
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations
4
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders’ Equity
5
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows
6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
7
Item 2.     Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
19
Safe Harbor Statement
19
Introduction
21
Results of Operations
28
Liquidity and Capital Resources
41
Other Matters
44
Item 3.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
45
Fixed-Maturity Investments
45
Short-Term Investments
47
Equity Investments
47
Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses
48
Item 4.     Controls and Procedures
51
Part II – Other Information
51
Item 1.     Legal Proceedings
51
Item 1A.  Risk Factors
51
Item 2.     Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
51
Item 3.     Defaults upon Senior Securities
52
Item 4.      (Removed and Reserved)
52
Item 5.     Other Information
52
Item 6.     Exhibits
52

 
2

 
 
Part I – Financial Information
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements (unaudited)
 
Cincinnati Financial Corporation And Subsidiaries
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
             
 
 
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
(In millions except per share data)  
2010
   
2009
 
             
ASSETS
           
Investments
           
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2010—$7,789; 2009—$7,514)
  $ 8,339     $ 7,855  
Equity securities, at fair value (cost: 2010—$2,116; 2009—$2,016)
    2,611       2,701  
Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost; 2010—$0; 2009—$6)
    -       6  
Other invested assets
    82       81  
Total investments
    11,032       10,643  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
    325       557  
Investment income receivable
    120       118  
Finance receivable
    72       75  
Premiums receivable
    1,055       995  
Reinsurance receivable
    543       675  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    16       15  
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    485       481  
Land, building and equipment, net, for company use (accumulated depreciation:
2010—$351; 2009—$335)
    243       251  
Other assets
    90       45  
Separate accounts
    626       585  
Total assets
  $ 14,607     $ 14,440  
                 
LIABILITIES
               
Insurance reserves
               
Loss and loss expense reserves
  $ 4,184     $ 4,142  
Life policy reserves
    1,926       1,783  
Unearned premiums
    1,572       1,509  
Other liabilities
    578       670  
Deferred income tax
    145       152  
Note payable
    49       49  
Long-term debt
    790       790  
Separate accounts
    626       585  
Total liabilities
    9,870       9,680  
                 
Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 10)
           
                 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Common stock, par value—$2 per share; (authorized: 2010 and 2009—500 million shares; issued: 2010—197 million shares, 2009—196 million shares)
    393       393  
Paid-in capital
    1,084       1,081  
Retained earnings
    3,828       3,862  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    636       624  
Treasury stock at cost (2010 and 2009—34 million shares)
    (1,204 )     (1,200 )
Total shareholders' equity
    4,737       4,760  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 14,607     $ 14,440  
 
Accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 
 
Cincinnati Financial Corporation And Subsidiaries
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations
             
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
(In millions except per share data)  
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
REVENUES
                       
Earned premiums
  $ 768     $ 770     $ 1,515     $ 1,535  
Investment income, net of expenses
    130       119       260       243  
Other income
    3       3       5       6  
Realized investment gains (losses), net
                               
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
    (1 )     (3 )     (2 )     (43 )
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to Other Comprehensive Income
    -       -       -       -  
Other realized investment gains (losses), net
    (22 )     (15 )     (13 )     23  
Total realized investment gains (losses), net
    (23 )     (18 )     (15 )     (20 )
Total revenues
    878       874       1,765       1,764  
                                 
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
                               
Insurance losses and policyholder benefits
    595       658       1,111       1,239  
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
    246       248       514       503  
Other operating expenses
    3       4       7       10  
Interest expense
    13       14       27       28  
Total benefits and expenses
    857       924       1,659       1,780  
                                 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    21       (50 )     106       (16 )
                                 
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES
                               
Current
    10       (49 )     25       (52 )
Deferred
    (16 )     18       (14 )     19  
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes
    (6 )     (31 )     11       (33 )
                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 27     $ (19 )   $ 95     $ 17  
                                 
PER COMMON SHARE
                               
Net income (loss)—basic
  $ 0.17     $ (0.12 )   $ 0.59     $ 0.10  
Net income (loss)—diluted
    0.17       (0.12 )     0.58       0.10  
 
Accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
4

 
 
Cincinnati Financial Corporation And Subsidiaries
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders’ Equity
                                           
 
                         
Accumulated
         
Total
 
   
Common Stock
               
Other
         
Share-
 
   
Outstanding
         
Paid-In
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
   
Treasury
   
holders'
 
(In millions)  
Shares
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Income
   
Stock
   
Equity
 
                                           
Balance December 31, 2008
    162     $ 393     $ 1,069     $ 3,579     $ 347     $ (1,206 )   $ 4,182  
                                                         
Net income
    -       -       -       17       -       -       17  
Other comprehensive income, net
    -       -       -       -       63       -       63  
Total comprehensive income
                                                    80  
Cumulative effect of change in
                                                       
accounting for other-than-temporary
                                                       
impairments as of April 1, 2009, net of tax
    -       -       -       106       (106 )     -       -  
Dividends declared
    -       -       -       (127 )     -       -       (127 )
Stock-based compensation
    -       -       5       -       -       -       5  
Other
            -       1       -       -       3       4  
Balance June 30, 2009
    162     $ 393     $ 1,075     $ 3,575     $ 304     $ (1,203 )   $ 4,144  
                                                         
Balance December 31, 2009
    162     $ 393     $ 1,081     $ 3,862     $ 624     $ (1,200 )   $ 4,760  
                                                         
Net income
    -       -       -       95       -       -       95  
Other comprehensive income, net
    -       -       -       -       12       -       12  
Total comprehensive income
                                                    107  
Dividends declared
    -       -       -       (129 )     -       -       (129 )
Stock options exercised
    1       -       (2 )     -       -       3       1  
Stock-based compensation
    -       -       6       -       -       -       6  
Purchases
    -       -       -       -       -       (10 )     (10 )
Other
    -       -       (1 )     -       -       3       2  
Balance June 30, 2010
    163     $ 393     $ 1,084     $ 3,828     $ 636     $ (1,204 )   $ 4,737  
 
Accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
5

 
 
Cincinnati Financial Corporation And Subsidiaries
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows
       
 
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
(In millions)  
2010
   
2009
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
Net income
  $ 95     $ 17  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation, amortization and other non-cash items
    17       14  
Realized losses on investments
    15       20  
Stock-based compensation
    6       5  
Interest credited to contract holders
    22       20  
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
    (14 )     19  
Changes in:
               
Investment income receivable
    (2 )     (13 )
Premiums and reinsurance receivable
    72       13  
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    (18 )     (8 )
Other assets
    (4 )     (3 )
Loss and loss expense reserves
    42       147  
Life policy reserves
    58       50  
Unearned premiums
    63       21  
Other liabilities
    (12 )     (9 )
Current income tax receivable/payable
    (87 )     (136 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    253       157  
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Sale of fixed maturities
    99       84  
Call or maturity of fixed maturities
    340       495  
Sale of equity securities
    60       655  
Collection of finance receivables
    15       14  
Purchase of fixed maturities
    (756 )     (1,548 )
Purchase of equity securities
    (158 )     (517 )
Change in short-term investments, net
    6       72  
Investment in buildings and equipment, net
    (11 )     (20 )
Investment in finance receivables
    (12 )     (17 )
Change in other invested assets, net
    2       (3 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (415 )     (785 )
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Payment of cash dividends to shareholders
    (126 )     (124 )
Purchase of treasury shares
    (10 )     -  
Contract holder funds deposited
    103       35  
Contract holder funds withdrawn
    (34 )     (34 )
Excess tax benefits on share-based compensation
    2       -  
Other
    (5 )     (4 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (70 )     (127 )
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (232 )     (755 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    557       1,009  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 325     $ 254  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Interest paid (net of capitalized interest: 2010—$0; 2009—$0)
  $ 27     $ 28  
Income taxes paid
    112       84  
Non-cash activities:
               
Conversion of securities
  $ 1     $ 6  
Equipment acquired under capital lease obligations
    -       9  
 
Accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
6

 
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
 
NOTE 1 — Accounting Policies
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cincinnati Financial Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, each of which are wholly owned, and are presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Our actual results could differ from those estimates. The December 31, 2009, condensed consolidated balance sheet amounts are derived from the audited financial statements but do not include all disclosures required by GAAP.
 
We have changed our presentation of earned premiums in our condensed consolidated statements of operations, effective the first quarter of 2010. We have summarized property casualty and life earned premiums to a single caption, “Earned premiums.” See Note 7, Reinsurance, Page 15, for further detail on property casualty and life earned premiums. We have changed our presentation of long-term debt in our condensed consolidated balance sheet, effective the second quarter of 2010. We have summarized the long-term debt to a single caption, “Long-term debt.” See Note 3, Fair Value Measurements, Page 10, for further detail on interest rates, year of issue and maturity of our long-term debt.
 
Our June 30, 2010, condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited. Certain financial information that is included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP is not required for interim reporting and has been condensed or omitted. We believe that we have made all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, that are necessary for fair presentation. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements included in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for interim periods do not necessarily indicate results to be expected for the full year.
 
With the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 320, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, in the second quarter of 2009, we recognized a cumulative effect adjustment of $106 million, net of tax, to reclassify the non-credit component of previously recognized impairments by increasing retained earnings and reducing accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). ASC 320 does not allow retrospective application of the new other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) model. Our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2010, are not measured on the same basis as prior period amounts and, accordingly, these amounts are not comparable.
 
Adopted Accounting Updates
 
ASU 2010-08, Technical Corrections to Various Topics
 
In February 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2010-08, Technical Corrections to Various Topics. ASU 2010-08 does not change any of the fundamentals of U.S. GAAP, but it does explain certain clarifications made to the guidance on embedded derivatives and hedging. We have adopted ASU 2010-08, and was effective for the first reporting period after issuance and for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2009. It did not have a material impact on our company’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations.
 
ASU 2010-09, Subsequent Events
 
In February 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-09, Subsequent Events. ASU 2010-09 removes the requirement for Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filers to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated in both issued and revised financial statements. We have adopted ASU 2010-09, and was effective for the first reporting period after issuance. It did not have a material impact on our company’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations.
 
Pending Accounting Updates
 
ASU 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures
 
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. ASU 2010-06 applies to all entities that are required to make disclosures about recurring or nonrecurring fair value measurements. ASU 2010-06 requires separate disclosures of the activity in the Level 3 category related to any purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements on a gross basis. The effective date of the disclosures regarding Level 3 category purchases, sales, issuances and settlements is for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2010. The portion of ASU 2010-06 that we have not yet adopted will not have a material impact on our company’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations.
 
 
7

 
 
ASU 2010-15, How Investments Held through Separate Accounts Affect an Insurer’s Consolidation Analysis of Those Investments
 
In April 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-15, How Investments Held through Separate Accounts affect an Insurer’s Consolidation Analysis of Those Investments. ASU 2010-15 applies to all insurance entities that have separate accounts that meet the definition and requirements set in the Accounting Standards Codification Manual.
 
ASU 2010-15 clarifies that an insurance entity should not consider any separate account interests held for the benefit of contract holders in an investment to be the insurer’s interests. The insurance entity should not combine those interests with its general account interest in the same investment when assessing the investment for consolidation. The insurance entity may combine those interests when the separate account interests are held for the benefit of a related-party policyholder as defined in the Variable Interest Subsections of Consolidation topic in the Codification Manual.
 
The effective date of the amendments in this update is for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2010, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in this update do not modify the disclosures currently required by GAAP, and are not expected to have a material impact on our company’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations.
 
ASU 2010-20, Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses
 
In July 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-20, Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses. ASU 2010-20 will improve transparency in financial reporting for companies that hold financing receivables, which include loans, lease receivables and other long-term receivables. The additional disclosures required by ASU 2010-20 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. The ASU has not yet been adopted and is not expected to have a material impact on our company’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations.
 
NOTE 2 – Investments
 
Fixed maturities (bonds and redeemable preferred stocks), equity securities (common and non-redeemable preferred stocks) and short-term investments have been classified as available for sale and are stated at fair values at June 30, 2010, and December 31, 2009. Realized gains and losses on investments are recognized in net income on a specific identification basis.
 
The change in unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, described in the following table, is included in other comprehensive income and shareholders’ equity.
 
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
(In millions)  
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Change in unrealized investment gains and losses and other summary:
                       
Fixed maturities
  $ 123     $ 226     $ 209     $ 380  
Equity securities
    (254 )     225       (190 )     (286 )
Adjustment to deferred acquisition costs and life policy reserves
    (4 )     (6 )     (7 )     (10 )
Pension obligations
    -       -       1       1  
Other
    3       24       5       12  
Income taxes on above
    46       (128 )     (6 )     (34 )
Total
  $ (86 )   $ 341     $ 12     $ 63  
 
 
8

 
 
The following table analyzes cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair value for our investments, along with the amount of cumulative non-credit OTTI losses transferred to AOCI in accordance with ASC 320-10-65, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, for securities that also had a credit impairment:
 
 
 
Cost or
                         
(In millions)  
amortized
   
Gross unrealized
   
Fair
   
OTTI in
 
At June 30,
 
cost
   
gains
   
losses
   
value
   
AOCI
 
2010
                             
Fixed maturities:
                             
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
  $ 3,018     $ 156     $ 1     $ 3,173     $ -  
Convertibles and bonds with warrants attached
    70       -       -       70       -  
United States government
    4       1       -       5       -  
Government-sponsored enterprises
    346       1       -       347       -  
Foreign government
    3       -       -       3       -  
Corporate bonds
    4,348       405       12       4,741       -  
Total
  $ 7,789     $ 563     $ 13     $ 8,339     $ -  
Equity securities
  $ 2,116     $ 587     $ 92     $ 2,611    
NA
 
                                         
At December 31,
                                       
2009
                                       
Fixed maturities:
                                       
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
  $ 3,007     $ 128     $ 6     $ 3,129     $ -  
Convertibles and bonds with warrants attached
    91       -       -       91       -  
United States government
    4       -       -       4       -  
Government-sponsored enterprises
    354       -       7       347       -  
Foreign government
    3       -       -       3       -  
Short-term investments
    6       -       -       6       -  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    37       -       6       31       -  
Corporate bonds
    4,018       268       36       4,250       -  
Total
  $ 7,520     $ 396     $ 55     $ 7,861     $ -  
Equity securities
  $ 2,016     $ 714     $ 29     $ 2,701    
NA
 
 
The unrealized investment gains at June 30, 2010, were largely due to a net gain position in our fixed income portfolio of $550 million and a net gain position in our common stock portfolio of $477 million. The two primary contributors to the net gain position were Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) and Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) common stock, which had a combined net gain position of $203 million. At June 30, 2010, we had $70 million fair value of hybrid securities included in fixed maturities that follow ASC 815-15-25, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments. The hybrid securities are carried at fair value, and the changes in fair value are included in realized investment gains and losses.
 
The table below provides fair values and unrealized losses by investment category and by the duration of the securities’ continuous unrealized loss position:
 
  
 
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
(In millions)  
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
At June 30,
 
value
   
losses
   
value
   
losses
   
value
   
losses
 
2010
                                   
Fixed maturities:
                                   
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
  $ 30     $ -     $ 25     $ 1     $ 55     $ 1  
Corporate bonds
    130       3       156       9       286       12  
Total
    160       3       181       10       341       13  
Equity securities
    730       83       64       9       794       92  
Total
  $ 890     $ 86     $ 245     $ 19     $ 1,135     $ 105  
                                                 
At December 31,
                                               
2009
                                               
Fixed maturities:
                                               
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
  $ 196     $ 4     $ 29     $ 2     $ 225     $ 6  
Government-sponsored enterprises
    347       7       -       -       347       7  
Short-term investments
    1       -       -       -       1       -  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    -       -       27       6       27       6  
Corporate bonds
    397       19       309       17       706       36  
Total
    941       30       365       25       1,306       55  
Equity securities
    65       3       415       26       480       29  
Total
  $ 1,006     $ 33     $ 780     $ 51     $ 1,786     $ 84  
 
 
9

 
 
Other-than-temporary Impairment Charges
 
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, there were no credit losses on fixed-maturity securities for which a portion of OTTI has been recognized in other comprehensive income. The following table provides the amount of OTTI charges for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010:
 
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
(In millions)  
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Fixed maturities
  $ 1     $ 3     $ 2     $ 43  
Equity securities
    33       49       33       59  
Total
  $ 34     $ 52     $ 35     $ 102  
 
During the quarter ended June 30, 2010, we impaired six fixed-maturity securities for a total of $1 million and six equity securities for a total of $33 million. At June 30, 2010, 59 fixed-maturity investments with a total unrealized loss of $10 million had been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more, but none were trading below 70 percent of book value. Five equity securities with a total unrealized loss of $9 million had been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more, but none were trading below 70 percent of book value.
 
At December 31, 2009, 121 fixed-maturity investments with a total unrealized loss of $25 million had been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more. Of that total, eight fixed maturity investments were trading below 70 percent of book value with a total unrealized loss of $2 million. Ten equity investments with a total unrealized loss of $26 million had been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more as of December 31, 2009. Of that total, no equity investments were trading below 70 percent of book value.
 
NOTE 3 –Fair Value Measurements
 
Fair Value Hierarchy
 
In accordance with fair value measurements and disclosures, we categorized our financial instruments, based on the priority of the observable and market-based data for valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices with readily available independent data in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable market inputs (Level 3). When various inputs for measurement fall within different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the lowest observable input that has a significant impact on fair value measurement is used. Our valuation techniques have not changed from those used at December 31, 2009, and ultimately management determines fair value.
 
Financial instruments are categorized based upon the following characteristics or inputs to the valuation techniques:
 
·
Level 1 – Financial assets and liabilities for which inputs are observable and are obtained from reliable quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. This is the most reliable fair value measurement and includes, for example, active exchange-traded equity securities.
 
·
Level 2 – Financial assets and liabilities for which values are based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which values are based on similar assets and liabilities that are actively traded. This also includes pricing models for which the inputs are corroborated by market data.
 
·
Level 3 – Financial assets and liabilities for which values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. Level 3 inputs include the following:
 
 
o
Quotes from brokers or other external sources that are not considered binding;
 
 
o
Quotes from brokers or other external sources where it cannot be determined that market participants would in fact transact for the asset or liability at the quoted price; or
 
 
o
Quotes from brokers or other external sources where the inputs are not deemed observable.
 
We conduct a thorough review of fair value hierarchy classifications on a quarterly basis. Reclassification of certain financial instruments may occur when input observability changes. As noted below in the Level 3 disclosure table, reclassifications are reported as transfers in or out of the Level 3 category as of the beginning of the quarter in which the reclassification occurred.
 
 
10

 
 
The following tables illustrate the fair value hierarchy for those assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at June 30, 2010, and December 31, 2009. We do not have any material liabilities carried at fair value. There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2.
 
Fair Value Disclosures for Assets
 
 
 
Asset fair value measurements at June 30, 2010 using:
 
(In millions)  
Quoted prices in
active markets for
identical assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant other
observable inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total
 
Fixed maturities, available for sale:
                       
Corporate securities
  $ -     $ 4,788     $ 23     $ 4,811  
Foreign government
    -       3       -       3  
U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies
    5       347       -       352  
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
    -       3,169       4       3,173  
Subtotal
    5       8,307       27       8,339  
Common equities, available for sale
    2,379       138       -       2,517  
Preferred equities, available for sale
    -       89       5       94  
Taxable fixed maturities separate accounts
    -       598       -       598  
Top Hat Savings Plan
    7       -       -       7  
Total
  $ 2,391     $ 9,132     $ 32     $ 11,555  
 
 
 
Asset fair value measurements at December 31, 2009 using:
 
(In millions)  
Quoted prices in
active markets for
identical assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant other
observable inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total
 
Fixed maturities, available for sale:
                       
Corporate securities
  $ -     $ 4,314     $ 27     $ 4,341  
Foreign government
    -       3       -       3  
U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies
    4       347       -       351  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    -       31       -       31  
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
    -       3,125       4       3,129  
Taxable fixed maturities separate accounts
    -       555       -       555  
Subtotal
    4       8,375       31       8,410  
Common equities, available for sale
    2,474       134       -       2,608  
Preferred equities, available for sale
    -       88       5       93  
Short-term investments
    -       6       -       6  
Top Hat Savings Plan
    7       -       -       7  
Total
  $ 2,485     $ 8,603     $ 36     $ 11,124  
 
Each financial instrument that was deemed to have significant unobservable inputs when determining valuation is identified in the tables below by security type with a summary of changes in fair value for periods ended June 30, 2010 and 2009. As of June 30, 2010, total Level 3 assets continue to be less than 1 percent of financial assets measured at fair value. At June 30, 2010, total fair value of assets priced with broker quotes and other non-observable market inputs for the fair value measurements and disclosures was $32 million.
 
 
11

 
 
The following table provides the change in Level 3 assets for the three months ended June 30, 2010. One Level 3 corporate fixed-maturity security matured and made up the majority of the $3 million sales and settlements. As a result of the change in use of observable inputs for the three months ended June 30, 2010, one corporate fixed-maturity security totaling $2 million was transferred from Level 3 to Level 2.
 
 
 
Asset fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
 
(In millions)  
Corporate
fixed
maturities
   
Taxable fixed
maturities-
separate accounts
   
States,
municipalities
and political
subdivisions
fixed maturities
   
Common
equities
   
Preferred
equities
   
Total
 
Beginning balance, March 31, 2010
  $ 28     $ -     $ 4     $ -     $ 6     $ 38  
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
                                               
Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Included in other comprehensive income
    -       -       -       -       (1 )     (1 )
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements
    (3 )     -       -       -       -       (3 )
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
    (2 )     -       -       -       -       (2 )
Ending balance, June 30, 2010
  $ 23     $ -     $ 4     $ -     $ 5     $ 32  
 
 
 
Asset fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
 
(In millions)  
Taxable
fixed
maturities
   
Taxable fixed
maturities-
separate accounts
   
Tax-exempt
fixed maturities
   
Common
equities
   
Preferred
equities
   
Total
 
Beginning balance, March 31, 2009
  $ 38     $ -     $ 5     $ 64     $ 6     $ 113  
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
                                               
Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Included in other comprehensive income
    -       -       -       -       2       2  
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
    (18 )     -       -       -       -       (18 )
Ending balance, June 30, 2009
  $ 20     $ -     $ 5     $ 64     $ 8     $ 97  
 
The following table provides the change in Level 3 assets for the six months ended June 30, 2010. One Level 3 corporate fixed-maturity security was purchased for $5 million and one corporate fixed-maturity security matured for approximately $3 million, resulting in a $2 million increase to purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements. As a result of the change in use of observable or unobservable inputs throughout the six months ended June 30, 2010, Level 3 corporate fixed-maturity securities decreased $6 million as two securities totaling $9 million transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 and one security totaling $3 million transferred from Level 2 to Level 3.
 
 
 
Asset fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
 
(In millions)  
Corporate
fixed
maturities
   
Taxable fixed
maturities-
separate accounts
   
States,
municipalities
and political
subdivisions
fixed maturities
   
Common
equities
   
Preferred
equities
   
Total
 
Beginning balance, December 31, 2009
  $ 27     $ -     $ 4     $ -     $ 5     $ 36  
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
                                               
Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Included in other comprehensive income
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements
    2       -       -       -       -       2  
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
    (6 )     -       -       -       -       (6 )
Ending balance, June 30, 2010
  $ 23     $ -     $ 4     $ -     $ 5     $ 32  
 
 
 
Asset fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
 
(In millions)  
Taxable
fixed
maturities
   
Taxable fixed
maturities-
separate accounts
   
Tax-exempt
fixed
maturities
   
Common
equities
   
Preferred
equities
   
Total
 
Beginning balance, December 31, 2008
  $ 50     $ 6     $ 5     $ 64     $ 22     $ 147  
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
                                               
Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)
    -       -       -       -       (3 )     (3 )
Included in other comprehensive income
    (1 )     -       -       -       4       3  
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
    (29 )     (6 )     -       -