OREANDA-NEWS. July 22, 2015. The Travelers Companies, Inc. today reported net income of \\$812 million, or \\$2.53 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, compared to net income of \\$683 million, or \\$1.95 per diluted share, in the prior year quarter. Operating income in the current quarter was \\$806 million, or \\$2.52 per diluted share, compared to \\$673 million, or \\$1.93 per diluted share, in the prior year quarter. The increase in net and operating income primarily resulted from lower catastrophe losses and a \\$32 million benefit from the resolution of prior year tax matters, partially offset by lower net investment income. Per diluted share amounts also benefited from the impact of share repurchases.

Consolidated Highlights

(\\$ in millions, except for per share amounts, and after-tax,
except for premiums & revenues)

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
Net written premiums \\$ 6,169 \\$ 6,162 - % \\$ 12,066 \\$ 12,035 - %

Total revenues \\$ 6,706 \\$ 6,785 (1 ) \\$ 13,332 \\$ 13,493 (1 )
Operating income \\$ 806 \\$ 673 20 \\$ 1,633 \\$ 1,725 (5 )
per diluted share \\$ 2.52 \\$ 1.93 31 \\$ 5.05 \\$ 4.89 3
Net income \\$ 812 \\$ 683 19 \\$ 1,645 \\$ 1,735 (5 )
per diluted share \\$ 2.53 \\$ 1.95 30 \\$ 5.08 \\$ 4.91 3
Diluted weighted average 318.0 346.7 (8 ) 321.2 350.5 (8 )
shares outstanding

Combined ratio 90.8 % 95.1 % (4.3 ) pts 89.9 % 90.5 % (0.6 ) pts
Underlying combined ratio 90.6 % 90.9 % (0.3 ) pts 90.4 % 89.6 % 0.8 pts
Operating return on equity 14.2 % 11.4 % 2.8 pts 14.3 % 14.6 % (0.3 ) pts
Return on equity 13.3 % 10.7 % 2.6 pts 13.3 % 13.7 % (0.4 ) pts
Change from
June 30, December 31, June 30, December 31, June 30,
2015 2014 2014 2014 2014
Book value per share \\$ 77.51 \\$ 77.08 \\$ 75.32 1 % 3 %
Adjusted book value per share 73.09 70.98 69.38 3 5
See Glossary of Financial Measures for definitions and the statistical supplement for additional financial data.

“We are pleased to report another strong quarter, with operating income of \\$806 million and operating return on equity of 14.2%,” commented Jay Fishman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Our results were driven by strong underwriting performance across all of our business segments, as reflected in our consolidated combined ratio of 90.8%, as well as net investment income which was consistent with our expectations. We continue to deploy our capital first by seeking opportunities that offer attractive returns, and then by returning excess capital to shareholders. In the quarter, we returned almost \\$1 billion to shareholders, including approximately \\$800 million in share repurchases.

“We remain very pleased with both the stability of the markets in which we compete, as well as how we have executed on our strategies. Given our strong product returns, our goal has been to retain a high percentage of business that meets our return thresholds, to improve profitability where needed, and to actively seek and quote on new business that is consistent with our profitability targets. For the first half of the year, we have achieved our goals as evidenced by historically high retentions, broadly stable renewal pricing, and solid new business. We believe these results demonstrate the value we provide to our agents, brokers, and customers.

“We continue to believe that creating shareholder value is achieved by building meaningful and sustainable competitive advantages which deliver superior returns over time and returning excess capital to shareholders. This strategy has been extremely effective for us, and with our data-driven decisions and relentless focus on execution, we remain well positioned to continue to deliver superior shareholder value.”

Consolidated Results

(\\$ in millions and pre-tax, unless noted otherwise)
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
Underwriting gain: \\$ 511 \\$ 257 \\$ 254 \\$ 1,131 \\$ 1,048 \\$ 83

Underwriting gain includes:

Net favorable prior year reserve development 207 183 24 450 477 (27 )
Catastrophes, net of reinsurance (221 ) (436 ) 215 (383 ) (585 ) 202
Net investment income 632 695 (63 ) 1,224 1,431 (207 )
Other income/(expense), including interest expense (77 ) (67 ) (10 ) (151 ) (125 ) (26 )
Operating income before income taxes 1,066 885 181 2,204 2,354 (150 )
Income tax expense 260 212 48 571 629 (58 )
Operating income 806 673 133 1,633 1,725 (92 )
Net realized investment gains after income taxes 6 10 (4 ) 12 10 2
Net Income \\$ 812 \\$ 683 \\$ 129 \\$ 1,645 \\$ 1,735 \\$ (90 )
Combined ratio 90.8 % 95.1 % (4.3 ) pts 89.9 % 90.5 % (0.6 ) pts

Impact on combined ratio

Net favorable prior year reserve development (3.5 ) (3.1 ) (0.4 ) pts (3.8 ) (4.1 ) 0.3 pts
Catastrophes, net of reinsurance 3.7 7.3 (3.6 ) pts 3.3 5.0 (1.7 ) pts
Underlying combined ratio 90.6 % 90.9 % (0.3 ) pts 90.4 % 89.6 % 0.8 pts
Net written premiums
Business and International Insurance \\$ 3,679 \\$ 3,729 (1 ) % \\$ 7,476 \\$ 7,501 - %
Bond & Specialty Insurance 534 540 (1 ) 1,012 1,022 (1 )
Personal Insurance 1,956 1,893 3 3,578 3,512 2

Total

\\$ 6,169 \\$ 6,162 - % \\$ 12,066 \\$ 12,035 - %

Second Quarter 2015 Results

(All comparisons vs. second quarter 2014, unless noted otherwise)

Net income of \\$812 million after-tax and operating income of \\$806 million after-tax increased \\$129 million and \\$133 million, respectively, primarily driven by lower catastrophe losses and a \\$32 million benefit from the resolution of prior year tax matters, partially offset by lower net investment income.

Underwriting results

  • The combined ratio improved 4.3 points to 90.8% due to lower catastrophe losses (3.6 points), higher net favorable prior year reserve development (0.4 points), and a lower underlying combined ratio (0.3 points).
  • The underlying combined ratio remained strong, improving 0.3 points to 90.6%.
  • Net favorable prior year reserve development occurred in all segments. Catastrophe losses primarily resulted from wind and hail storms in several regions of the United States.

Net investment income of \\$632 million pre-tax (\\$503 million after-tax) decreased primarily due to lower private equity and fixed income returns. Private equity returns were particularly high in the prior year quarter and were impacted in the current quarter by lower valuations for energy-related investments. Fixed income returns declined due to lower reinvestment rates and modestly lower fixed income investments that were impacted by the Company’s \\$579 million payment in the first quarter 2015 related to the settlement of the Asbestos Direct Action Litigation.

Net written premiums of \\$6.169 billion were comparable to the prior year quarter, benefitting from positive renewal premium changes, strong retention in each business segment, and a significant increase in new business in Personal Insurance, partially offset by the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Year-to-Date 2015 Results

(All comparisons vs. year-to-date 2014, unless noted otherwise)

Net income of \\$1.645 billion after-tax and operating income of \\$1.633 billion after-tax decreased \\$90 million and \\$92 million, respectively, primarily driven by lower net investment income and a lower underlying underwriting gain (i.e., excluding net favorable prior year reserve development and catastrophe losses), partially offset by lower catastrophe losses and the \\$32 million benefit from the resolution of prior year tax matters. The underlying underwriting gain in the prior year period benefitted from a \\$49 million after-tax (\\$76 million pre-tax) reduction in the estimated liability for state assessments to be paid by the Company related to workers’ compensation premiums due to a change in state law.

Underwriting results

  • The combined ratio improved 0.6 points to 89.9% due to lower catastrophe losses (1.7 points), partially offset by a higher underlying combined ratio (0.8 points) and lower net favorable prior year reserve development (0.3 points).
  • The underlying combined ratio, while remaining strong, increased 0.8 points to 90.4%, due to an increase in the expense ratio (1.1 points). The expense ratio increased primarily due to the inclusion in the prior year period of the above mentioned state assessments benefit (0.6 points).
  • Net favorable prior year reserve development occurred in all segments. Catastrophe losses included the second quarter 2015 events discussed above, as well as a winter storm in the eastern United States in the first quarter 2015.

Net investment income of \\$1.224 billion pre-tax (\\$981 million after-tax) decreased primarily due to lower private equity returns and fixed income returns. Private equity returns were particularly high in the prior year period and were impacted in the current period by lower valuations for energy-related investments. Fixed income returns declined due to lower reinvestment rates and modestly lower fixed income investments that were impacted by the Company’s \\$579 million payment in the first quarter 2015 related to the settlement of the Asbestos Direct Action Litigation.

Net written premiums of \\$12.066 billion increased slightly from the prior year period, benefitting from positive renewal premium changes and an increase in retention and new business, partially offset by the impact of changes in the timing and structure of certain of the Company’s reinsurance treaties and the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Shareholders’ Equity

Shareholders’ equity of \\$24.121 billion decreased 3% from year-end 2014 primarily due to a reduction in after-tax net unrealized investment gains. After-tax net unrealized investment gains were \\$1.376 billion, compared to \\$1.966 billion at year-end 2014. Book value per share of \\$77.51 increased 1% from year-end 2014, while adjusted book value per share of \\$73.09 increased 3% from year-end 2014.

The Company repurchased 7.9 million shares during the second quarter and 14.2 million shares year-to-date at a total cost of \\$801 million and \\$1.473 billion, respectively, leaving \\$5.084 billion of remaining capacity under its existing share repurchase authorization at the end of the quarter. Also as of the end of the quarter, statutory capital and surplus was \\$20.851 billion and the ratio of debt-to-capital (excluding after-tax net unrealized investment gains) was 21.8%, well within the Company’s target range of 15% to 25%.

The Board of Directors today declared a quarterly dividend of \\$0.61 per share. This dividend is payable on September 30, 2015, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on September 10, 2015.

Business and International Insurance Segment Financial Results

(\\$ in millions and pre-tax, unless noted otherwise)
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
Underwriting gain: \\$ 230 \\$ 55 \\$ 175 \\$ 458 \\$ 424 \\$ 34

Underwriting gain includes:

Net favorable prior year reserve development 103 47 56 180 142 38
Catastrophes, net of reinsurance (108 ) (242 ) 134 (207 ) (325 ) 118
Net investment income 487 539 (52 ) 941 1,109 (168 )
Other income 5 10 (5 ) 13 22 (9 )
Operating income before income taxes 722 604 118 1,412 1,555 (143 )
Income tax expense 179 133 46 354 390 (36 )
Operating income \\$ 543 \\$ 471 \\$ 72 \\$ 1,058 \\$ 1,165 \\$ (107 )
Combined ratio 93.2 % 98.1 % (4.9 ) pts 93.3 % 93.7 % (0.4 ) pts

Impact on combined ratio

Net favorable prior year reserve development (2.8 ) (1.3 ) (1.5 ) pts (2.5 ) (2.0 ) (0.5 ) pts
Catastrophes, net of reinsurance 2.9 6.6 (3.7 ) pts 2.9 4.5 (1.6 ) pts
Underlying combined ratio 93.1 % 92.8 % 0.3 pts 92.9 % 91.2 % 1.7 pts
Net written premiums by market
Domestic
Select Accounts \\$ 709 \\$ 705 1 % \\$ 1,431 \\$ 1,423 1 %
Middle Market 1,456 1,420 3 3,189 3,052 4
National Accounts 228 243 (6 ) 527 543 (3 )
First Party 452 450 - 792 837 (5 )
Specialized Distribution 300 283 6 568 550 3
Total Domestic 3,145 3,101 1 6,507 6,405 2
International 534 628 (15 ) 969 1,096 (12 )
Total \\$ 3,679 \\$ 3,729 (1 ) % \\$ 7,476 \\$ 7,501 - %

Second Quarter 2015 Results

(All comparisons vs. second quarter 2014, unless noted otherwise)

Business and International Insurance had another strong quarter with operating income of \\$543 million after-tax and a combined ratio of 93.2%. Operating income increased \\$72 million primarily due to lower catastrophes, higher net favorable prior year reserve development, and a \\$12 million benefit from the resolution of prior year tax matters in the current quarter, partially offset by lower net investment income and a slightly lower underlying underwriting gain.

Underwriting results

  • The combined ratio improved 4.9 points to 93.2%, due to lower catastrophe losses (3.7 points) and higher net favorable prior year reserve development (1.5 points), partially offset by a higher underlying combined ratio (0.3 points).
  • The underlying combined ratio, while remaining strong, increased by 0.3 points to 93.1%.
  • Net favorable prior year reserve development primarily resulted from better than expected loss experience in the workers’ compensation product line for accident years 2006 and prior, better than expected loss experience in the general liability product line primarily related to primary coverages for accident years 2008 through 2013, reflecting more favorable legal and judicial environments than what the Company previously expected, better than expected loss experience in the Company’s operations at Lloyd’s and in Canada, better than expected loss experience for property coverages in the commercial multi-peril product line primarily related to non-catastrophe losses for accident years 2012 and 2014, and better than expected loss experience for the property product line related to catastrophe losses for accident year 2014. These improvements were partially offset by a \\$47 million after-tax (\\$72 million pre-tax) increase to environmental reserves.

Net written premiums decreased 1% to \\$3.679 billion. Domestic net written premiums increased 1% driven by positive renewal premium changes and an increase in retention rates. International net written premiums decreased 15% primarily due to the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Year-to-Date 2015 Results

(All comparisons vs. year-to-date 2014, unless noted otherwise)

Business and International Insurance performed well in the period with operating income of \\$1.058 billion after-tax and a combined ratio of 93.3%. Operating income decreased \\$107 million primarily due to lower net investment income and a lower underlying underwriting gain, partially offset by lower catastrophe losses, higher net favorable prior year reserve development and the \\$12 million benefit from the resolution of prior year tax matters. The underlying underwriting gain in the prior year period benefitted from a \\$49 million after-tax (\\$76 million pre-tax) reduction in the estimated liability for state assessments to be paid by the Company related to workers’ compensation premiums due to a change in state law.

Underwriting results

  • The combined ratio improved 0.4 points to 93.3%, due to lower catastrophe losses (1.6 points) and higher net favorable prior year reserve development (0.5 points), partially offset by a higher underlying combined ratio (1.7 points).
  • The underlying combined ratio, while remaining strong, increased 1.7 points to 92.9%, due to an increase in the expense ratio (1.7 points). The expense ratio increased primarily due to the inclusion in the prior year quarter of the above mentioned state assessments benefit (1.1 points).
  • Net favorable prior year reserve development primarily resulted from the same factors as discussed above for the second quarter, as well as better than expected loss experience in the general liability product line primarily related to primary coverages for accident years 2005 and prior, and better than expected loss experience for the property product line related to catastrophe losses for accident years 2012 and 2013.

Net written premiums of \\$7.476 billion were comparable to the prior year. Domestic net written premiums increased 2% driven by positive renewal premium changes, an increase in retention rates, and an increase in new business, partially offset by the impact of changes in the timing and structure of certain of the Company’s reinsurance treaties. International net written premiums decreased 12% primarily due to the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Bond & Specialty Insurance Segment Financial Results

(\\$ in millions and pre-tax, unless noted otherwise)
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
Underwriting gain: \\$ 136 \\$ 217 \\$ (81 ) \\$ 254 \\$ 371 \\$ (117 )

Underwriting gain includes:

Net favorable prior year reserve development 40 124 (84 ) 75 191 (116 )
Catastrophes, net of reinsurance (1 ) (4 ) 3 (2 ) (5 ) 3
Net investment income 57 62 (5 ) 113 128 (15 )
Other income 5 6 (1 ) 10 10 -
Operating income before income taxes 198 285 (87 ) 377 509 (132 )
Income tax expense 47 93 (46 ) 102 163 (61 )
Operating income \\$ 151 \\$ 192 \\$ (41 ) \\$ 275 \\$ 346 \\$ (71 )
Combined ratio 73.7 % 58.4 % 15.3 pts 74.9 % 63.4 % 11.5 pts

Impact on combined ratio

Net favorable prior year reserve development (7.7 ) (23.7 ) 16.0 pts (7.3 ) (18.6 ) 11.3 pts
Catastrophes, net of reinsurance 0.3 0.9 (0.6 ) pts 0.2 0.6 (0.4 ) pts
Underlying combined ratio 81.1 % 81.2 % (0.1 ) pts 82.0 % 81.4 % 0.6 pts
Net written premiums
Management Liability \\$ 322 \\$ 331 (3 ) % \\$ 643 \\$ 655 (2 ) %
Surety 212 209

1

369 367 1
Total \\$ 534 \\$ 540 (1 ) %

\\$

1,012

\\$

1,022

(1 ) %

Second Quarter 2015 Results

(All comparisons vs. second quarter 2014, unless noted otherwise)

Bond & Specialty Insurance had another strong quarter, with operating income of \\$151 million after-tax and a combined ratio of 73.7%. Operating income was \\$41 million lower than the prior year quarter due to lower net favorable prior year reserve development, partially offset by a \\$16 million benefit from the resolution of prior year tax matters in the current quarter.

Underwriting results

  • The combined ratio, while remaining strong at 73.7%, increased 15.3 points primarily due to lower net favorable prior year reserve development (16.0 points).
  • The underlying combined ratio remained strong at 81.1% and was comparable to the prior year quarter.
  • Net favorable prior year reserve development primarily resulted from better than expected loss experience in the contract surety product line for accident years 2010 through 2013.

Bond & Specialty Insurance net written premiums decreased slightly to \\$534 million.

Year-to-Date 2015 Results

(All comparisons vs. year-to-date 2014, unless noted otherwise)

Bond & Specialty Insurance performed well in the period with operating income of \\$275 million after-tax and a combined ratio of 74.9%. Operating income decreased by \\$71 million due to lower net favorable prior year reserve development, partially offset by the \\$16 million benefit from the resolution of prior year tax matters.

Underwriting results

  • The combined ratio remained strong at 74.9% while increasing 11.5 points primarily due to lower net favorable prior year reserve development (11.3 points).
  • The underlying combined ratio remained strong at 82.0%.
  • Net favorable prior year reserve development primarily resulted from the same factors as discussed above for the second quarter.

Bond & Specialty Insurance net written premiums decreased slightly to \\$1.012 billion.

Personal Insurance Segment Financial Results

(\\$ in millions and pre-tax, unless noted otherwise)
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
Underwriting gain/(loss): \\$ 145 \\$ (15 ) \\$ 160 \\$ 419 \\$ 253 \\$ 166

Underwriting gain/(loss) includes:

Net favorable prior year reserve development 64 12 52 195 144 51
Catastrophes, net of reinsurance (112 ) (190 ) 78 (174 ) (255 ) 81
Net investment income 88 94 (6 ) 170 194 (24 )
Other income 12 17 (5 ) 24 43 (19 )
Operating income before income taxes 245 96 149 613 490 123
Income tax expense 71 21 50 187 147 40
Operating income \\$ 174 \\$ 75 \\$ 99 \\$ 426 \\$ 343 \\$ 83
Combined ratio 91.1 % 99.8 % (8.7 ) pts 87.3 % 91.7 % (4.4 ) pts

Impact on combined ratio

Net favorable prior year reserve development (3.5 ) (0.7 ) (2.8 ) pts (5.5 ) (4.1 ) (1.4 ) pts
Catastrophes, net of reinsurance 6.2 10.7 (4.5 ) pts 4.9 7.2 (2.3 ) pts
Underlying combined ratio 88.4 % 89.8 % (1.4 ) pts 87.9 % 88.6 % (0.7 ) pts
Net written premiums
Agency Automobile1 \\$ 890 \\$ 831 7 % \\$ 1,712 \\$ 1,619 6 %
Agency Homeowners & Other1 1,010 1,016 (1 ) 1,758 1,804 (3 )
Direct to Consumer 56 46 22 108 89 21
Total \\$ 1,956 \\$ 1,893 3 % \\$ 3,578 \\$ 3,512 2 %
1 Represents business sold through agents, brokers and other intermediaries, and excludes direct to consumer.

Second Quarter 2015 Results

(All comparisons vs. second quarter 2014, unless noted otherwise)

Personal Insurance operating income of \\$174 million after-tax increased by \\$99 million due to strong underwriting performance, primarily driven by lower catastrophe losses, higher net favorable prior year reserve development, a higher underlying underwriting gain, and a \\$4 million benefit from the resolution of prior year tax matters in the current quarter.

Underwriting results

  • The combined ratio improved 8.7 points to 91.1%, primarily driven by lower catastrophe losses (4.5 points), higher net favorable prior year reserve development (2.8 points), and a lower underlying combined ratio (1.4 points).
  • The underlying combined ratio remained strong, improving 1.4 points to 88.4%, primarily due to lower non-catastrophe weather-related losses.
  • Net favorable prior year reserve development primarily resulted from better than expected loss experience in the homeowners and other product line for liability coverages for accident years 2011 through 2014 and for non-catastrophe weather-related losses for accident year 2014, and better than expected loss experience in the Automobile product line for liability coverages for accident years 2012 through 2014.

Personal Insurance net written premiums of \\$1.956 billion increased 3%. Agency Automobile net written premiums grew by 7%, primarily due to higher new business that was driven by the continued success of Quantum 2.0. Agency Automobile policies in force increased by 4% from the prior year quarter. While Agency Homeowners & Other net written premiums were comparable to the prior year quarter, new business has improved. Agency Homeowners & Other policies in force, while down 2% from the prior year quarter, increased slightly on a sequential quarter basis.

Year-to-Date 2015 Results

(All comparisons vs. year-to-date 2014, unless noted otherwise)

Personal Insurance operating income of \\$426 million after-tax increased \\$83 million due to strong underwriting performance, primarily driven by lower catastrophe losses, higher net favorable prior year reserve development, a higher underlying underwriting gain, and the \\$4 million benefit from the resolution of prior year tax matters.

Underwriting results

  • The combined ratio improved 4.4 points to 87.3%, primarily driven by lower catastrophe losses (2.3 points), higher net favorable prior year reserve development (1.4 points), and a lower underlying combined ratio (0.7 points).
  • The underlying combined ratio remained strong, improving 0.7 points to 87.9%, primarily driven by lower non-catastrophe weather-related losses.
  • Net favorable prior year reserve development primarily resulted from the same factors as discussed above for the second quarter, as well as better than expected loss experience for catastrophe weather-related losses for accident year 2011.

Other income of \\$24 million decreased primarily due to the inclusion in the prior year period of revenues associated with the runoff of the Company’s National Flood Insurance Program which was sold on a renewal rights basis in 2013.

Personal Insurance net written premiums of \\$3.578 billion increased 2%. Agency Automobile net written premiums increased 6% due to higher new business. Agency Homeowners & Other net written premiums decreased 3%, primarily driven by the impact of changes in the timing and structure of certain of the Company’s reinsurance treaties.

Financial Supplement and Conference Call

The information in this press release should be read in conjunction with a financial supplement that is available on our website at www.travelers.com. Travelers management will discuss the contents of this release and other relevant topics via webcast at 9 a.m. Eastern (8 a.m. Central) on Tuesday, July 21, 2015. Investors can access the call via webcast at http://investor.travelers.com or by dialing 1-800-272-6255 within the U.S. and 1-303-223-2680 outside the U.S. (use passcode 14788 for both the U.S. and international calls). Prior to the webcast, a slide presentation pertaining to the quarterly earnings will be available on the Company’s website.

Following the live event, an audio playback of the webcast and the slide presentation will be available at the same website. An audio playback can also be accessed by phone at 1-800-633-8284 within the U.S. and 1-402-977-9140 outside the U.S. (use reservation 21770122 for both the U.S. and international calls).

About Travelers

The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. The Company’s diverse business lines offer its customers a wide range of coverage sold primarily through independent agents and brokers. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers has approximately 30,000 employees and operations in the United States and selected International markets. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.

From time to time, Travelers may use its website and/or social media outlets, such as Facebook and Twitter, as distribution channels of material Company information. Financial and other important information regarding the Company is routinely accessible through and posted on our website at http://investor.travelers.com, our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/travelers and our Twitter account (@Travelers) at https://twitter.com/Travelers. In addition, you may automatically receive email alerts and other information about Travelers when you enroll your email address by visiting the Email Notifications section at http://investor.travelers.com.

Travelers is organized into the following reportable business segments:

Business and International Insurance: The Business and International Insurance segment offers a broad array of property and casualty insurance and insurance related services to its clients, primarily in the United States, as well as in Canada, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and throughout other parts of the world as a corporate member of Lloyd’s.

Bond & Specialty Insurance: The Bond & Specialty Insurance segment provides surety, crime, management and professional liability coverages and related risk management services to a wide range of primarily domestic customers, utilizing various degrees of financially-based underwriting approaches.

Personal Insurance: The Personal Insurance segment writes a broad range of property and casualty insurance covering individuals’ personal risks. The primary products of automobile and homeowners insurance are complemented by a broad suite of related coverages.

* * * * *

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains, and management may make, certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, may be forward-looking statements. Words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “likely”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “plans”, “projects”, “believes”, “estimates” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. Specifically, statements about the Company’s outlook, share repurchase plans, expected margin improvement, potential returns, future pension plan contributions and the potential impact of investment markets and other economic conditions on the Company’s investment portfolio and underwriting results, among others, are forward looking, and the Company may also make forward-looking statements about, among other things:

  • its results of operations and financial condition (including, among other things, premium volume, premium rates, net and operating income, investment income and performance, loss costs, return on equity, and expected current returns and combined ratios);
  • the sufficiency of the Company’s asbestos and other reserves;
  • the impact of emerging claims issues as well as other insurance and non-insurance litigation;
  • the cost and availability of reinsurance coverage;
  • catastrophe losses;
  • the impact of investment, economic (including rapid changes in commodity prices, such as a significant decline in oil and gas prices, as well as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates) and underwriting market conditions; and
  • strategic initiatives, including initiatives such as in Personal Insurance, to improve profitability and competitiveness.

The Company cautions investors that such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the Company’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements.

Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • catastrophe losses could materially and adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, its financial position and/or liquidity, and could adversely impact the Company’s ratings, the Company’s ability to raise capital and the availability and cost of reinsurance;
  • during or following a period of financial market disruption or economic downturn, the Company’s business could be materially and adversely affected;
  • if actual claims exceed the Company’s claims and claim adjustment expense reserves, or if changes in the estimated level of claims and claim adjustment expense reserves are necessary, the Company’s financial results could be materially and adversely affected;
  • the Company’s investment portfolio may suffer reduced returns or material realized or unrealized losses;
  • the Company’s business could be harmed because of its potential exposure to asbestos and environmental claims and related litigation;
  • the Company is exposed to, and may face adverse developments involving, mass tort claims such as those relating to exposure to potentially harmful products or substances;
  • the effects of emerging claim and coverage issues on the Company’s business are uncertain;
  • the intense competition that the Company faces could harm its ability to maintain or increase its business volumes and its profitability;
  • consolidation within the insurance industry, including among insurance companies, reinsurance companies and brokers and independent insurance agencies, could alter the competitive environment in which the Company operates, which may impact the Company’s premium volume, the rate it can charge for its products, and the terms on which its products are offered;
  • the Company may not be able to collect all amounts due to it from reinsurers and reinsurance coverage may not be available to the Company in the future at commercially reasonable rates or at all;
  • the Company is exposed to credit risk in certain of its business and investment operations including reinsurance or structured settlements;
  • within the United States, the Company’s businesses are heavily regulated by the states in which it conducts business, including licensing and supervision, and changes in regulation may reduce the Company’s profitability and limit its growth;
  • changes in federal regulation could impose significant burdens on the Company and otherwise adversely impact the Company’s results;
  • a downgrade in the Company’s claims-paying and financial strength ratings could adversely impact the Company’s business volumes, adversely impact the Company’s ability to access the capital markets and increase the Company’s borrowing costs;
  • the inability of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends to the Company’s holding company in sufficient amounts would harm the Company’s ability to meet its obligations, pay future shareholder dividends or make future share repurchases;
  • disruptions to the Company’s relationships with its independent agents and brokers could adversely affect the Company;
  • the Company’s efforts to develop new products or expand in targeted markets may not be successful and may create enhanced risks;
  • the Company may be adversely affected if its pricing and capital models provide materially different indications than actual results;
  • the Company’s business success and profitability depend, in part, on effective information technology systems and on continuing to develop and implement improvements in technology;
  • if the Company experiences difficulties with technology, data and network security and/or outsourcing relationships, including cloud-based, the Company’s ability to conduct its business could be negatively impacted;
  • the Company is subject to a number of risks associated with its business outside the United States;
  • new regulations outside of the United States, including in the European Union, could adversely impact the Company’s results of operations and limit its growth;
  • loss of or significant restrictions on the use of particular types of underwriting criteria, such as credit scoring, or other data or methodologies, in the pricing and underwriting of the Company’s products could reduce the Company’s future profitability;
  • acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses may result in operating difficulties and other unintended consequences;
  • the Company could be adversely affected if its controls designed to ensure compliance with guidelines, policies and legal and regulatory standards are not effective;
  • the Company’s businesses may be adversely affected if it is unable to hire and retain qualified employees;
  • intellectual property is important to the Company’s business, and the Company may be unable to protect and enforce its own intellectual property or the Company may be subject to claims for infringing the intellectual property of others;
  • changes to existing accounting standards may adversely impact the Company’s reported results;
  • changes in U.S. tax laws or in the tax laws of other jurisdictions in which the Company operates could adversely impact the Company; and
  • the Company’s share repurchase plans depend on a variety of factors, including the Company’s financial position, earnings, share price, catastrophe losses, maintaining capital levels commensurate with the Company’s desired ratings from independent rating agencies, funding of the Company’s qualified pension plan, capital requirements of the Company’s operating subsidiaries, legal requirements, regulatory constraints, other investment opportunities (including mergers and acquisitions and related financings), market conditions and other factors.

Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release or as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of these factors, see the information under the captions "Risk Factors" and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 12, 2015.

*****

GLOSSARY OF FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP MEASURES TO GAAP MEASURES

The following measures are used by the Company’s management to evaluate financial performance against historical results and establish targets on a consolidated basis. In some cases, these measures are considered non-GAAP financial measures under applicable SEC rules because they are not displayed as separate line items in the consolidated financial statements or are not required to be disclosed in the notes to financial statements or, in some cases, include or exclude certain items not ordinarily included or excluded in the most comparable GAAP financial measure. Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measures also follow.

In the opinion of the Company’s management, a discussion of these measures provides investors, financial analysts, rating agencies and other financial statement users with a better understanding of the significant factors that comprise the Company’s periodic results of operations and how management evaluates the Company’s financial performance. Internally, the Company’s management uses these measures to evaluate performance against historical results, to establish financial targets on a consolidated basis and for other reasons, which are discussed below.

Some of these measures exclude net realized investment gains (losses), net of tax, and/or net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of tax, which can be significantly impacted by both discretionary and other economic factors and are not necessarily indicative of operating trends.

Other companies may calculate these measures differently, and, therefore, their measures may not be comparable to those used by the Company’s management.

RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING INCOME AND CERTAIN OTHER NON-GAAP MEASURES TO NET INCOME

Operating income is net income excluding the after-tax impact of net realized investment gains (losses) and discontinued operations. Management uses operating income to analyze each segment’s performance and as a tool in making business decisions. Financial statement users also consider operating income when analyzing the results and trends of insurance companies. Operating earnings per share is operating income on a per common share basis.

Reconciliation of Operating Income less Preferred Dividends to Net Income

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
(\\$ in millions, pre-tax) 2015 2014 2015 2014
Operating income \\$ 1,066

\\$ 885 \\$ 2,204 \\$ 2,354
Net realized investment gains 10 16 20 17
Net income \\$ 1,076 \\$ 901 \\$ 2,224 \\$ 2,371
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
(\\$ in millions, after-tax) 2015 2014 2015 2014
Operating income \\$ 806

\\$ 673 \\$ 1,633

\\$ 1,725
Net realized investment gains 6 10 12 10
Net income \\$ 812 \\$ 683 \\$ 1,645 \\$ 1,735
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
(\\$ in millions, after-tax) 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005
Operating income, less preferred dividends

\\$

3,641 \\$ 3,567 \\$ 2,441 \\$ 1,389 \\$ 3,040 \\$ 3,597 \\$ 3,191 \\$ 4,496 \\$ 4,195 \\$ 2,020
Preferred dividends - - - 1 3 3 4 4 5 6
Operating income 3,641 3,567 2,441 1,390 3,043 3,600 3,195 4,500 4,200 2,026
Net realized investment gains (losses) 51 106 32 36 173 22 (271 ) 101 8 35
Income from continuing operations 3,692 3,673 2,473 1,426 3,216 3,622 2,924 4,601 4,208 2,061
Discontinued operations - - - - - - - - - (439 )
Net income

\\$

3,692

\\$

3,673

\\$

2,473

\\$

1,426

\\$

3,216

\\$

3,622

\\$

2,924

\\$

4,601

\\$

4,208

\\$

1,622

Reconciliation of Operating Earnings per Share to Net Income per Share on a Basic and Diluted Basis

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
2015 2014 2015 2014

Basic earnings per share

Operating income \\$ 2.54 \\$ 1.95 \\$ 5.10 \\$ 4.94
Net realized investment gains 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.03
Net income \\$ 2.56 \\$ 1.98 \\$ 5.14 \\$ 4.97

Diluted earnings per share

Operating income \\$ 2.52 \\$ 1.93 \\$ 5.05 \\$ 4.89
Net realized investment gains 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.02
Net income \\$ 2.53 \\$ 1.95 \\$ 5.08 \\$ 4.91

Reconciliation of Operating Income by Segment to Total Operating Income

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
(\\$ in millions, after-tax) 2015 2014 2015 2014
Business and International Insurance \\$ 543 \\$ 471 \\$ 1,058 \\$ 1,165
Bond & Specialty Insurance 151 192 275 346
Personal Insurance 174 75 426 343
Total segment operating income 868

738

1,759

1,854
Interest Expense and Other (62 ) (65 ) (126 ) (129 )
Total operating income \\$ 806

\\$ 673

\\$ 1,633

\\$ 1,725

RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY TO SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND OPERATING RETURN ON EQUITY TO RETURN ON EQUITY

Average shareholders’ equity is (a) the sum of total shareholders’ equity excluding preferred stock at the beginning and end of each of the quarters for the period presented divided by (b) the number of quarters in the period presented times two. Adjusted shareholders’ equity is shareholders’ equity excluding net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of tax, net realized investment gains (losses), net of tax, for the period presented, preferred stock and discontinued operations. Adjusted average shareholders’ equity is average shareholders’ equity excluding net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of tax, for all quarters included in the calculation and, for each quarterly period included in the calculation, that quarter’s net realized investment gains (losses), net of tax and discontinued operations.

Reconciliation of Adjusted Shareholders’ Equity to Shareholders’ Equity

As of June 30,
(\\$ in millions) 2015 2014
Adjusted shareholders' equity \\$ 22,733 \\$ 23,509
Net unrealized investment gains, net of tax 1,376 2,013
Net realized investment gains, net of tax 12 10
Shareholders' equity \\$ 24,121 \\$ 25,532
As of December 31,
(\\$ in millions) 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004
Adjusted shareholders' equity \\$ 22,819 \\$ 23,368 \\$ 22,270 \\$ 21,570 \\$ 23,375 \\$ 25,458 \\$ 25,647 \\$ 25,783 \\$ 24,545 \\$ 22,227 \\$ 20,087
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of tax 1,966 1,322 3,103 2,871 1,859 1,856 (146 ) 620 453 327 866
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of tax 51 106 32 36 173 22 (271 ) 101 8 35 (28 )
Preferred stock - - - - 68 79 89 112 129 153 188
Discontinued operations - - - - - - - - - (439 ) 88
Shareholders' equity \\$ 24,836 \\$ 24,796 \\$ 25,405 \\$ 24,477 \\$ 25,475 \\$ 27,415 \\$ 25,319 \\$ 26,616 \\$ 25,135 \\$ 22,303 \\$ 21,201

Return on equity is the ratio of annualized net income less preferred dividends to average shareholders’ equity for the periods presented. Operating return on equity is the ratio of annualized operating income less preferred dividends to adjusted average shareholders’ equity for the periods presented. In the opinion of the Company’s management, these are important indicators of how well management creates value for its shareholders through its operating activities and its capital management.

Calculation of Operating Return on Equity and Return on Equity

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
(\\$ in millions, after-tax) 2015 2014 2015 2014
Annualized operating income \\$ 3,225 \\$ 2,693 \\$ 3,266 \\$ 3,450
Adjusted average shareholders' equity 22,755 23,612 22,786 23,603
Operating return on equity 14.2 % 11.4 % 14.3 % 14.6 %
Annualized net income \\$ 3,247 \\$ 2,730 \\$ 3,289 \\$ 3,470
Average shareholders' equity 24,484 25,460 24,662 25,276
Return on equity 13.3 % 10.7 % 13.3 % 13.7 %

Average annual operating return on equity over a period is the ratio of:

a) the sum of operating income less preferred dividends for the periods presented to

b) the sum of: 1) the sum of the adjusted average shareholders’ equity for all full years in the period presented, and 2) for partial years in the period presented, the number of quarters in that partial year divided by four, multiplied by the adjusted average shareholders’ equity of the partial year.

Calculation of Average Annual Operating Return on Equity from January 1, 2005 through June 30, 2015

Six Months Ended
June 30, Twelve Months Ended December 31,
(\\$ in millions) 2015 2014 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005
Operating income, less preferred dividends \\$ 1,633 \\$ 1,725 \\$ 3,641 \\$ 3,567 \\$ 2,441 \\$ 1,389 \\$ 3,040 \\$ 3,597 \\$ 3,191 \\$ 4,496 \\$ 4,195 \\$ 2,020
Annualized operating income 3,266 3,450
Adjusted average shareholders' equity 22,786 23,603 23,447 23,004 22,158 22,806 24,285 25,777 25,668 25,350 23,381 21,118
Operating return on equity 14.3 % 14.6 % 15.5 % 15.5 % 11.0 % 6.1 % 12.5 % 14.0 % 12.4 % 17.7 % 17.9 % 9.6 %
Average annual operating return on equity 13.4 %
for the period Jan. 1, 2005 through June 30, 2015

RECONCILIATION OF PRE-TAX UNDERWRITING GAIN EXCLUDING CERTAIN ITEMS TO NET INCOME

Underwriting gain is net earned premiums and fee income less claims and claim adjustment expenses and insurance-related expenses. In the opinion of the Company’s management, it is important to measure the profitability of each segment excluding the results of investing activities, which are managed separately from the insurance business. This measure is used to assess each segment’s business performance and as a tool in making business decisions. Pre-tax underwriting gain, excluding the impact of catastrophes and net favorable prior year loss reserve development, is the underwriting gain adjusted to exclude claims and claim adjustment expenses, reinstatement premiums and assessments related to catastrophes and loss reserve development related to time periods prior to the current year. In the opinion of the Company’s management, this measure is meaningful to users of the financial statements to understand the Company’s periodic earnings and the variability of earnings caused by the unpredictable nature (i.e., the timing and amount) of catastrophes and loss reserve development. This measure is also referred to as underlying underwriting margin or underlying underwriting gain.

A catastrophe is a severe loss, resulting from natural and man-made events, including risks such as fire, earthquake, windstorm, explosion, terrorism and other similar events. Each catastrophe has unique characteristics and catastrophes are not predictable as to timing or amount. Their effects are included in net and operating income and claims and claim adjustment expense reserves upon occurrence. A catastrophe may result in the payment of reinsurance reinstatement premiums and assessments from various pools. In the opinion of the Company’s management, a discussion of the impact of catastrophes is meaningful to users of the financial statements to understand the Company’s periodic earnings and the variability in periodic earnings caused by the unpredictable nature of catastrophes.

Net favorable (unfavorable) prior year loss reserve development is the increase or decrease in incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses as a result of the re-estimation of claims and claim adjustment expense reserves at successive valuation dates for a given group of claims, which may be related to one or more prior years. In the opinion of the Company’s management, a discussion of loss reserve development is meaningful to users of the financial statements as it allows them to assess the impact between prior and current year development on incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses, net and operating income (loss), and changes in claims and claim adjustment expense reserve levels from period to period.

Reconciliation of Pre-tax Underwriting Gain (Excluding the Impact of Catastrophes and Net Favorable Prior Year
Loss Reserve Development) to Net Income

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
(\\$ in millions, after-tax except as noted) 2015 2014 2015 2014
Pre-tax underwriting gain excluding the impact of catastrophes
and net favorable prior year loss reserve development \\$ 525 \\$ 510 \\$ 1,064 \\$ 1,156
Pre-tax impact of catastrophes (221 ) (436 ) (383 ) (585 )
Pre-tax impact of net favorable prior year loss reserve development 207 183 450 477
Pre-tax underwriting gain 511 257 1,131 1,048
Income tax expense on underwriting results 158 95 383 379
Underwriting gain 353 162 748 669
Net investment income 503 553 981 1,135
Other expense, including interest expense (50 ) (42 ) (96 ) (79 )
Operating income 806 673 1,633 1,725
Net realized investment gains 6 10 12 10
Net income \\$ 812 \\$ 683 \\$ 1,645 \\$ 1,735

COMBINED RATIO AND ADJUSTMENTS FOR UNDERLYING COMBINED RATIO

Combined ratio: For Statutory Accounting Practices (SAP), the combined ratio is the sum of the SAP loss and LAE ratio and the SAP underwriting expense ratio as defined in the statutory financial statements required by insurance regulators. The combined ratio as used in this earnings release is the equivalent of, and is calculated in the same manner as, the SAP combined ratio except that the SAP underwriting expense ratio is based on net written premium and the underwriting expense ratio as used in this earnings release is based on net earned premiums.

For SAP, loss and LAE ratio is the ratio of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses less certain administrative services fee income to net earned premiums as defined in the statutory financial statements required by insurance regulators. The loss and LAE ratio as used in this earnings release is calculated in the same manner as the SAP ratio.

For SAP, the underwriting expense ratio is the ratio of underwriting expenses incurred (including commissions paid), less certain administrative services fee income and billing and policy fees, to net written premiums as defined in the statutory financial statements required by insurance regulators. The underwriting expense ratio as used in this earnings release, is the ratio of underwriting expenses (including the amortization of deferred acquisition costs), less certain administrative services, fee income, billing and policy fees and other, to net earned premiums.

The combined ratio, loss and LAE ratio, and underwriting expense ratio are used as indicators of the Company’s underwriting discipline, efficiency in acquiring and servicing its business and overall underwriting profitability. A combined ratio under 100% generally indicates an underwriting profit. A combined ratio over 100% generally indicates an underwriting loss.

Other companies’ method of computing similarly titled measures may not be comparable to the Company’s method of computing these ratios.

Underlying combined ratio represents the combined ratio excluding the impact of net prior year reserve development and catastrophes. The underlying combined ratio is an indicator of the Company’s underwriting discipline and underwriting profitability for the current accident year.

Calculation of the Combined Ratio

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
(\\$ in millions, pre-tax) 2015 2014 2015 2014

Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio

Claims and claim adjustment expenses \\$ 3,547 \\$ 3,826 \\$ 6,978 \\$ 7,141
Less:
Policyholder dividends 10 7 19 18
Allocated fee income 43 46 85 89
Loss ratio numerator \\$ 3,494 \\$ 3,773 \\$ 6,874 \\$ 7,034

Underwriting expense ratio

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs \\$ 963 \\$ 965 \\$ 1,926 \\$ 1,915
General and administrative expenses (G&A) 1,028 1,001 2,020 1,882
Less:
G&A included in Interest Expense and Other 7 9 14 16
Allocated fee income 68 66 137 130
Billing and policy fees and other 22 25 45 55
Expense ratio numerator \\$ 1,894 \\$ 1,866 \\$ 3,750 \\$ 3,596
Earned premium \\$ 5,931 \\$ 5,928 \\$ 11,819 \\$ 11,751
Combined ratio 1
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio 58.9 % 63.6 % 58.2 % 59.9 %
Underwriting expense ratio 31.9 % 31.5 % 31.7 % 30.6 %
Combined ratio 90.8 % 95.1 % 89.9 % 90.5 %

1 For purposes of computing ratios, billing and policy fees and other (which are a component of other revenues) are allocated as a reduction of underwriting expenses. In addition, fee income is allocated as a reduction of losses and loss adjustment expenses and underwriting expenses.

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES TO BOOK VALUE PER SHARE AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Book value per share is total common shareholders’ equity divided by the number of common shares outstanding. Adjusted book value per share is total common shareholders’ equity excluding the after-tax impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses, divided by the number of common shares outstanding. In the opinion of the Company’s management, adjusted book value per share is useful in an analysis of a property casualty company’s book value per share as it removes the effect of changing prices on invested assets (i.e., net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of tax), which do not have an equivalent impact on unpaid claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. Tangible book value per share is adjusted book value per share excluding the after-tax value of goodwill and other intangible assets divided by the number of common shares outstanding. In the opinion of the Company’s management, tangible book value per share is useful in an analysis of a property casualty company’s book value on a nominal basis as it removes certain effects of purchase accounting (i.e., goodwill and other intangible assets), in addition to the effect of changing prices on invested assets.

Reconciliation of Tangible and Shareholders’ Equity, excluding net unrealized investment gains, net of tax, to
Shareholders’ Equity

As of
June 30, December 31, June 30,
(\\$ in millions, except per share amounts) 2015 2014 2014
Tangible shareholders' equity \\$ 18,924 \\$ 19,011 \\$ 19,613
Goodwill 3,594 3,611 3,634
Other intangible assets 284 304 328
Less: Impact of deferred tax on other intangible assets (57 ) (56 ) (56 )
Shareholders' equity, excluding net unrealized investment gains, net of tax 22,745 22,870 23,519
Net unrealized investment gains, net of tax 1,376 1,966 2,013
Shareholders' equity \\$ 24,121

\\$ 24,836 \\$ 25,532
Common shares outstanding 311.2 322.2 339.0
Tangible book value per share \\$ 60.81 \\$ 59.00 \\$ 57.86
Adjusted book value per share 73.09 70.98 69.38
Book value per share 77.51 77.08 75.32

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES TO TOTAL CAPITALIZATION

Total capitalization is the sum of total shareholders’ equity and debt. Debt-to-capital ratio excluding net unrealized gain on investments is the ratio of debt to total capitalization excluding the after-tax impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the debt to capital ratio is useful in an analysis of the Company’s financial leverage.

Reconciliation of Total Debt and Equity Excluding Net Unrealized Investment Gain to Total Capitalization

As of
June 30, December 31, June 30,
(\\$ in millions) 2015 2014 2014
Debt \\$ 6,350 \\$ 6,349 \\$ 6,347
Shareholders' equity 24,121 24,836 25,532
Total capitalization 30,471 31,185 31,879
Net unrealized investment gains, net of tax 1,376 1,966 2,013
Total capitalization excluding net unrealized gain \\$ 29,095 \\$ 29,219 \\$ 29,866
on investments, net of tax
Debt-to-capital ratio 20.8 % 20.4 % 19.9 %
Debt-to-capital ratio excluding net unrealized investment gains, net of tax 21.8 % 21.7 % 21.3 %

OTHER DEFINITIONS

Gross written premiums reflect the direct and assumed contractually determined amounts charged to policyholders for the effective period of the contract based on the terms and conditions of the insurance contract. Net written premiums reflect gross written premiums less premiums ceded to reinsurers. These are GAAP measures.

For the Business and International Insurance and Bond & Specialty Insurance segments, retention is the amount of premium available for renewal that was retained, excluding rate and exposure changes. For the Personal Insurance segment, retention is the ratio of the expected number of renewal policies that will be retained throughout the annual policy period to the number of available renewal base policies. For all of the segments, renewal rate change represents the estimated change in average premium on policies that renew, excluding exposure changes. Exposure is the measure of risk used in the pricing of an insurance product. The change in exposure is the amount of change in premium on policies that renew attributable to the change in portfolio risk. Renewal premium change represents the estimated change in average premium on policies that renew, including rate and exposure changes. New business is the amount of written premium related to new policyholders and additional products sold to existing policyholders. These are operating statistics, which are in part dependent on the use of estimates and are therefore subject to change. For the Business and International Insurance segment, retention, renewal premium change and new business exclude National Accounts and surety.

Statutory capital and surplus represents the excess of an insurance company’s admitted assets over its liabilities, including loss reserves, as determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices (SAP).

Holding company liquidity is the total funds available at the holding company level to fund general corporate purposes, primarily the payment of shareholder dividends and debt service. These funds consist of total cash, short-term invested assets and other readily marketable securities held by the holding company.

For a glossary of other financial terms used in this press release, we refer you to the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.