10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008     
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission file number 1-8661    
THE CHUBB CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
NEW JERSEY   13-2595722     
     
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I. R. S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)
     
15 MOUNTAIN VIEW ROAD, WARREN, NEW JERSEY   07059
     
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (908) 903-2000
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES þ                     NO o
      Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
      Large accelerated filer þ               Accelerated filer o                         Non-accelerated filer o                         Smaller reporting company o
                                        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES o                     NO þ
     The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2008 was 365,488,126.
 
 


 

 

THE CHUBB CORPORATION
INDEX
         
    Page Number
       
 
       
       
 
       
    1  
 
       
    2  
 
       
    3  
 
       
    4  
 
       
    5  
 
       
    12  
 
       
    31  
 
       
       
 
       
    32  
 
       
    32  
 
       
    33  
 
       
    33  
 EX-31.1: CERTIFICATION
 EX-31.2: CERTIFICATION
 EX-32.1: CERTIFICATION
 EX-32.2: CERTIFICATION


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Page 1
Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 — Financial Statements
THE CHUBB CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31
                 
    2008     2007  
    (in millions)  
Revenues
               
Premiums Earned
  $ 2,976     $ 2,985  
Investment Income
    439       414  
Other Revenues
    6       3  
Realized Investment Gains, Net
    68       117  
 
           
 
               
Total Revenues
    3,489       3,519  
 
           
 
               
Losses and Expenses
               
Losses and Loss Expenses
    1,584       1,580  
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
    774       764  
Other Insurance Operating Costs and Expenses
    116       113  
Investment Expenses
    9       12  
Other Expenses
    12       4  
Corporate Expenses
    65       45  
 
           
 
               
Total Losses and Expenses
    2,560       2,518  
 
           
 
               
Income Before Federal and Foreign Income Tax
    929       1,001  
Federal and Foreign Income Tax
    265       291  
 
           
 
               
Net Income
  $ 664     $ 710  
 
           
 
               
Net Income Per Share
               
Basic
  $ 1.80     $ 1.74  
Diluted
    1.77       1.71  
 
               
Dividends Declared Per Share
    .33       .29  
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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THE CHUBB CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                 
    Mar. 31,     Dec. 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (in millions)  
Assets
               
 
               
Invested Assets
               
Short Term Investments
  $ 1,892     $ 1,839  
Fixed Maturities
               
Tax Exempt (cost $18,180 and $18,208)
    18,459       18,559  
Taxable (cost $15,448 and $15,266)
    15,612       15,312  
Equity Securities (cost $1,869 and $1,907)
    2,008       2,320  
Other Invested Assets
    2,108       2,051  
 
           
 
               
TOTAL INVESTED ASSETS
    40,079       40,081  
 
               
Cash
    25       49  
Securities Lending Collateral
    1,859       1,247  
Accrued Investment Income
    439       440  
Premiums Receivable
    2,204       2,227  
Reinsurance Recoverable on Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses
    2,297       2,307  
Prepaid Reinsurance Premiums
    397       392  
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
    1,575       1,556  
Deferred Income Tax
    424       442  
Goodwill
    467       467  
Other Assets
    1,427       1,366  
 
           
 
               
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 51,193     $ 50,574  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities
               
 
               
Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses
  $ 22,893     $ 22,623  
Unearned Premiums
    6,594       6,599  
Securities Lending Payable
    1,859       1,247  
Long Term Debt
    3,460       3,460  
Dividend Payable to Shareholders
    122       110  
Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
    1,918       2,090  
 
           
 
               
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    36,846       36,129  
 
           
 
               
Contingent Liabilities (Note 5)
               
 
               
Shareholders’ Equity
               
 
               
Common Stock — $1 Par Value; 371,983,070 and 374,649,923 Shares
    372       375  
Paid-In Surplus
    213       346  
Retained Earnings
    13,726       13,280  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
    362       444  
Treasury Stock, at Cost – 6,494,944 Shares in 2008
    (326 )      
 
           
 
               
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    14,347       14,445  
 
           
 
               
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 51,193     $ 50,574  
 
           
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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THE CHUBB CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31
                 
    2008     2007  
    (in millions)  
Net Income
  $ 664     $ 710  
 
           
 
               
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Change in Unrealized Appreciation of Investments
    (148 )     (12 )
Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses)
    61       (12 )
Amortization of Net Loss and Prior Service Cost Included in Net Postretirement Benefit Costs
    5       5  
 
           
 
    (82 )     (19 )
 
           
 
               
Comprehensive Income
  $ 582     $ 691  
 
           
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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THE CHUBB CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31
                 
    2008     2007  
    (in millions)  
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
               
Net Income
  $ 664     $ 710  
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
               
Increase in Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses, Net
    280       120  
Decrease in Unearned Premiums, Net
    (40 )     (118 )
Decrease in Premiums Receivable
    23       129  
Decrease in Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid Losses
    71       58  
Deferred Income Tax
    75       67  
Amortization of Premiums and Discounts on Fixed Maturities
    55       58  
Depreciation
    15       17  
Realized Investment Gains, Net
    (68 )     (117 )
Other, Net
    (368 )     (217 )
 
           
 
               
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    707       707  
 
           
 
               
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
               
Proceeds from Fixed Maturities
               
Sales
    644       498  
Maturities, Calls and Redemptions
    594       458  
Proceeds from Sales of Equity Securities
    64       56  
Purchases of Fixed Maturities
    (1,302 )     (1,732 )
Purchases of Equity Securities
    (32 )     (104 )
Investments in Other Invested Assets, Net
    21       (41 )
Increase in Short Term Investments, Net
    (23 )     (106 )
Increase (Decrease) in Net Payable from Security Transactions Not Settled
    (22 )     83  
Purchases of Property and Equipment, Net
    (11 )     (7 )
 
           
 
               
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
    (67 )     (895 )
 
           
 
               
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
               
Proceeds from Issuance of Long Term Debt
          1,000  
Repayment of Long Term Debt
          (125 )
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Under Stock-Based Employee Compensation Plans
    42       44  
Repurchase of Shares
    (595 )     (610 )
Dividends Paid to Shareholders
    (110 )     (104 )
Other, Net
    (1 )     (13 )
 
           
 
               
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
    (664 )     192  
 
           
 
               
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash
    (24 )     4  
 
               
Cash at Beginning of Year
    49       38  
 
           
 
               
Cash at End of Period
  $ 25     $ 42  
 
           
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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THE CHUBB CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1)   General
     The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and include the accounts of The Chubb Corporation (Chubb) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Corporation). Significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
     The amounts included in this report are unaudited but include those adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items, that management considers necessary for a fair presentation. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
2)   Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
     Effective January 1, 2008, the Corporation adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies whenever other accounting pronouncements require or permit assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value. The Statement does not expand the use of fair value to any new circumstances. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a significant effect on the Corporation’s financial position or results of operations.
3)   Investments
     Short term investments, which have an original maturity of one year or less, are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Fixed maturities and equity securities, all of which are classified as available-for-sale, are carried at fair value as of the balance sheet date. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell the security in an orderly transaction between market participants.
     Fair values of fixed maturities and equity securities are determined using valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Fair values are generally measured using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities or other inputs, such as quoted prices for similar securities, that are observable, either directly or indirectly. Where observable inputs are not available, fair value estimates are derived from unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs reflect the Corporation’s assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the security and are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Fair value estimates derived from unobservable inputs are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rates and the estimated amounts and timing of future cash flows. The derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that would be realized in a current market exchange.


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     The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels as follows:
  Level 1    — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
 
  Level 2    — Other inputs that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly.
 
  Level 3   — Inputs that are unobservable.
     The fair value of fixed maturities and equity securities at March 31, 2008 categorized based upon the lowest level of input that was significant to the fair value measurement was as follows:
                                 
    Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total
    (in millions)
Fixed maturities
  $     $ 33,654     $ 417     $ 34,071  
 
                               
Equity securities
    1,995             13       2,008  
     The change in unrealized appreciation of fixed maturities and equity securities was as follows:
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31  
    2008     2007  
    (in millions)  
Change in unrealized appreciation of fixed maturities
  $ 46     $ (36 )
Change in unrealized appreciation of equity securities
    (274 )     17  
 
           
 
    (228 )     (19 )
 
               
Deferred income tax credit
    (80 )     (7 )
 
           
 
               
Change in unrealized appreciation of investments, net
  $ (148 )   $ (12 )
 
           


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


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     Revenues and income before income tax of the operating segments were as follows:
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31  
    2008     2007  
    (in millions)  
Revenues
               
Property and casualty insurance
               
Premiums earned
               
Personal insurance
  $ 940     $ 894  
Commercial insurance
    1,266       1,277  
Specialty insurance
    750       741  
 
           
 
               
Total insurance
    2,956       2,912  
 
               
Reinsurance assumed
    20       73  
 
           
 
    2,976       2,985  
 
               
Investment income
    418       392  
 
               
Other revenues
    3       2  
 
           
 
               
Total property and casualty insurance
    3,397       3,379  
 
               
Corporate and other
    24       23  
Realized investment gains
    68       117  
 
           
 
               
Total revenues
  $ 3,489     $ 3,519  
 
           
 
               
Income before income tax
               
Property and casualty insurance
               
Underwriting
               
Personal insurance
  $ 164     $ 202  
Commercial insurance
    138       144  
Specialty insurance
    177       141  
 
           
 
               
Total insurance
    479       487  
 
               
Reinsurance assumed
    10       43  
 
           
 
    489       530  
 
               
Increase (decrease) in deferred policy acquisition costs
    13       (3 )
 
           
 
               
Underwriting income
    502       527  
 
               
Investment income
    410       381  
 
               
Other income
    3       3  
 
           
 
               
Total property and casualty insurance
    915       911  
 
               
Corporate and other loss
    (54 )     (27 )
Realized investment gains
    68       117  
 
           
 
               
Total income before income tax
  $ 929     $ 1,001  
 
           


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5)   Contingent Liabilities
     Chubb and certain of its subsidiaries have been involved in the investigations of certain business practices in the property and casualty insurance industry by various Attorneys General and other regulatory authorities of several states, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and certain non-U.S. regulatory authorities with respect to, among other things, (1) potential conflicts of interest and anti-competitive behavior arising from the payment of contingent commissions to brokers and agents and (2) loss mitigation and finite reinsurance arrangements. In connection with these investigations, Chubb and certain of its subsidiaries have received subpoenas and other requests for information from various regulators. The Corporation has been cooperating fully with these investigations. In December 2006, the Corporation settled with the Attorneys General of New York, Connecticut and Illinois all issues arising out of their investigations. On August 24, 2007, Chubb and certain of its subsidiaries were named as defendants in an action filed by the Ohio Attorney General against several insurers and one broker. This action alleges violations of Ohio’s antitrust laws. The Corporation and the other defendants have filed motions to dismiss the Attorney General’s complaint. On April 29, 2008, oral arguments were held on the motions to dismiss, which are still pending. Although no other Attorney General or regulator has initiated an action against the Corporation, it is possible that such an action may be brought against the Corporation with respect to some or all of the issues that are the focus of these ongoing investigations.
     Individual actions and purported class actions arising out of the investigations into the payment of contingent commissions to brokers and agents have been filed in a number of federal and state courts. On August 1, 2005, Chubb and certain of its subsidiaries were named in a putative class action entitled In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. This action, brought against several brokers and insurers on behalf of a class of persons who purchased insurance through the broker defendants, asserts claims under the Sherman Act and state law and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) arising from the alleged unlawful use of contingent commission agreements. Chubb and certain of its subsidiaries have also been named as defendants in two putative class actions relating to allegations of unlawful use of contingent commission arrangements that were originally filed in state court. The first was filed on February 16, 2005 in Seminole County, Florida. The second was filed on May 17, 2005 in Essex County, Massachusetts. Both cases were removed to federal court and then transferred by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey for consolidation with the In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation. Since being transferred to the District of New Jersey, the plaintiff in the former action has been inactive, and that action currently is stayed. The latter action has been voluntarily dismissed. On September 28, 2007, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey dismissed the second amended complaint filed by the plaintiffs in the In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation in its entirety. In so doing, the court dismissed the plaintiffs’ Sherman Act and RICO claims with prejudice for failure to state a claim, and it dismissed the plaintiffs’ state law claims without prejudice because it declined to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over them. The plaintiffs have appealed the dismissal of their second amended complaint to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and that appeal is currently pending.


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     In December 2005, Chubb and certain of its subsidiaries were named in a putative class action similar to the In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation. The action is pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and has been assigned to the judge who is presiding over the In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation. The complaint has never been served in this matter. Separately, in April 2006, Chubb and one of its subsidiaries were named in an action similar to the In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation. This action was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia and subsequently was transferred by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey for consolidation with the In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation. This action currently is stayed. On May 21, 2007, Chubb and one of its subsidiaries were named as defendants in another action similar to the In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation. This action was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and consolidated with the In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation. This action currently is stayed.
     On October 12, 2007, certain of Chubb’s subsidiaries were named as defendants in an action similar to the In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation. This action was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. This action has been identified to the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation as a potential “tag-along action” to the In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation. The Corporation currently anticipates that this action will be transferred by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and consolidated with the In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation.
     In these actions, the plaintiffs generally allege that the defendants unlawfully used contingent commission agreements and conspired to reduce competition in the insurance markets. The actions seek treble damages, injunctive and declaratory relief, and attorneys’ fees. The Corporation believes it has substantial defenses to all of the aforementioned legal proceedings and intends to defend the actions vigorously.
     The Corporation cannot predict at this time the ultimate outcome of the aforementioned ongoing investigations and legal proceedings, including any potential amounts that the Corporation may be required to pay in connection with them. Nevertheless, management believes that it is likely that the outcome will not have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s results of operations or financial condition.


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6)   Earnings Per Share
     The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31  
    2008     2007  
    (in millions, except  
    per share amounts)  
Basic earnings per share:
               
Net income
  $ 664     $ 710  
 
           
 
               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    369.9       407.2  
 
           
 
               
Basic earnings per share
  $ 1.80     $ 1.74  
 
           
 
               
Diluted earnings per share:
               
Net income
  $ 664     $ 710  
 
           
 
               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    369.9       407.2  
Additional shares from assumed exercise of stock-based compensation awards
    5.9       7.1  
 
           
 
               
Weighted average number of common shares and potential common shares assumed outstanding for computing diluted earnings per share
    375.8       414.3  
 
           
 
               
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 1.77     $ 1.71  
 
           
7)   Subsequent Events
     Chubb repaid $225 million of outstanding 3.95% notes due April 1, 2008 when due.
     In May 2008, Chubb issued $600 million of unsecured 5.75% senior notes due May 15, 2018 and $600 million of unsecured 6.5% senior notes due May 15, 2038.


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Item 2 —   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
     Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations addresses the financial condition of the Corporation as of March 31, 2008 compared with December 31, 2007 and the results of operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2007. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in this report and the consolidated financial statements and related notes and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
     Certain statements in this document are “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA). These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the PSLRA and include statements regarding our loss reserve and reinsurance recoverable estimates; the impact of changes to our reinsurance program; premium volume, rates, terms and conditions and competition; the repurchase of common stock under our share repurchase program; and our capital adequacy and funding of liquidity needs. Forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning trends and future developments and their potential effects on us. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those suggested by forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties, which include, among others, those discussed or identified from time to time in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and those associated with:
  global political conditions and the occurrence of terrorist attacks, including any nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological events;
  the effects of the outbreak or escalation of war or hostilities;
  premium pricing and profitability or growth estimates overall or by lines of business or geographic area, and related expectations with respect to the timing and terms of any required regulatory approvals;
  adverse changes in loss cost trends;
  the ability to retain existing business;
  our expectations with respect to cash flow projections and investment income and with respect to other income;


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


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  general economic and market conditions including:
    changes in interest rates, market credit spreads and the performance of the financial markets;
 
    the effects of inflation;
 
    changes in domestic and foreign laws, regulations and taxes;
 
    changes in competition and pricing environments;
 
    regional or general changes in asset valuations;
 
    the inability to reinsure certain risks economically; and
 
    changes in the litigation environment; and
  our ability to implement management’s strategic plans and initiatives.
     Chubb assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information set forth in this document, which speak as of the date hereof.
Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments
     The consolidated financial statements include amounts based on informed estimates and judgments of management for transactions that are not yet complete. Such estimates and judgments affect the reported amounts in the financial statements. Those estimates and judgments that were most critical to the preparation of the financial statements involved the determination of loss reserves and the recoverability of related reinsurance recoverables. These estimates and judgments, which are discussed in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 as supplemented within the following analysis of our results of operations, require the use of assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain and therefore are subject to change as facts and circumstances develop. If different estimates and judgments had been applied, materially different amounts might have been reported in the financial statements.


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Overview
     The following highlights do not address all of the matters covered in the other sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations or contain all of the information that may be important to Chubb’s shareholders or the investing public. This overview should be read in conjunction with the other sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
    Net income was $664 million in the first quarter of 2008 compared with $710 million in the same period of 2007. The decrease in 2008 was due primarily to lower realized investments gains. Net income in both periods benefited from substantial underwriting income in our property and casualty insurance business.
 
    Underwriting results were highly profitable in the first quarter of both 2008 and 2007 as evidenced by the combined loss and expense ratio of 83.9% and 83.4%, respectively.
 
    During the first quarter of 2008, we experienced overall favorable development of about $215 million on loss reserves established as of the previous year end, due primarily to favorable loss trends in the professional liability classes and lower than expected emergence of losses in the homeowners and commercial property classes. During the first quarter of 2007, we experienced overall favorable development of about $145 million, largely in the professional liability classes and the homeowners and commercial property classes as well as in the run-off of the reinsurance assumed business.
 
    Total net premiums written increased by 2% in the first quarter of 2008 compared with the same period in 2007. Net premiums written in our insurance business increased 3%. The growth was attributable to the impact of currency fluctuation on business written outside the United States due to the weakness of the U.S. dollar. Net premiums written in the United States were flat. In a highly competitive market environment, we continued our emphasis on underwriting discipline. Net premiums written in the reinsurance assumed business, which is in runoff, were not significant in the first quarter of 2008 or 2007.
 
    Property and casualty investment income after tax increased 7% in the first quarter of 2008. The growth was due to an increase in invested assets over the past year. For more information on this non-GAAP financial measure, see “Property and Casualty Insurance – Investment Results.”
     A summary of our consolidated net income is as follows:
                 
    Quarter Ended March 31  
    2008     2007  
    (in millions)  
Property and Casualty Insurance
  $ 915     $ 911  
Corporate and Other
    (54 )     (27 )
Realized Investment Gains
    68       117  
 
           
Consolidated Income Before Income Tax
    929       1,001  
Federal and Foreign Income Tax
    265       291  
 
           
 
               
Consolidated Net Income
  $ 664     $ 710  
 
           


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Property and Casualty Insurance
     A summary of the results of operations of our property and casualty insurance business is as follows:
                 
    Quarter Ended March 31  
    2008     2007  
    (in millions)  
Underwriting
               
Net Premiums Written
  $ 2,936     $ 2,867  
Decrease in Unearned Premiums
    40       118  
 
           
Premiums Earned
    2,976       2,985  
 
           
Losses and Loss Expenses
    1,584       1,580  
Operating Costs and Expenses
    894       870  
Decrease (Increase) in Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
    (13 )     3  
Dividends to Policyholders
    9       5  
 
           
 
               
Underwriting Income
    502       527  
 
           
 
Investments
               
Investment Income Before Expenses
    418       392  
Investment Expenses
    8       11  
 
           
 
               
Investment Income
    410       381  
 
           
 
               
Other Income
    3       3  
 
           
 
               
Property and Casualty Income Before Tax
  $ 915     $ 911  
 
           
 
               
Property and Casualty Investment Income After Tax
  $ 327     $ 305  
 
           
     Property and casualty income before tax was similar in the first quarter of 2008 and 2007. A modest decrease in underwriting income was offset by higher investment income.
     The profitability of the property and casualty insurance business depends on the results of both our underwriting and investment operations. We view these as two distinct operations since the underwriting functions are managed separately from the investment function. Accordingly, in assessing our performance, we evaluate underwriting results separately from investment results.


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   Underwriting Results
     We evaluate the underwriting results of our property and casualty insurance business in the aggregate and also for each of our separate business units.
   Net Premiums Written
     Net premiums written were $2.9 billion in the first quarter of 2008, an increase of 2% compared with the same period of 2007.
     Net premiums written by business unit were as follows:
                         
    Quarter Ended March 31     % Increase  
    2008     2007     (Decrease)  
    (in millions)          
Personal insurance
  $ 877     $ 840       4 %
Commercial insurance
    1,340       1,306       3  
Specialty insurance
    703       681       3  
 
                 
Total insurance
    2,920       2,827       3  
Reinsurance assumed
    16       40       (60 )
 
                 
Total
  $ 2,936     $ 2,867       2  
 
                 
     Net premiums written from our insurance business increased 3% in the first quarter of 2008 compared with the comparable period in 2007. The growth was attributable to the impact of currency fluctuation on business written outside the United States due to the weakness of the U.S. dollar. Premiums in the United States, which represented 73% of our insurance premiums in the first quarter of 2008, were flat. Premiums outside the U.S. increased by 14%; in local currencies, such growth was 4%.
     In a highly competitive market environment, we continued our emphasis on underwriting discipline. Rates continued to be under competitive pressure that varied by class of business and geographic area. We continued to retain a high percentage of our existing customers and to renew these accounts at prices we believe to be appropriate relative to the exposure. However, as was true during the latter half of 2007, we saw fewer opportunities to write new business at acceptable rates. We expect the competitive market environment to continue throughout 2008.
     Net premiums written in the reinsurance assumed business, which is in runoff, were not significant in the first quarter of 2008 or 2007.
  Reinsurance Ceded
     Our premiums written are net of amounts ceded to reinsurers who assume a portion of the risk under the insurance policies we write that are subject to the reinsurance.
     Reinsurance rates for property risks have declined somewhat in 2008. However, capacity restrictions continued in some segments of the marketplace.
     We renewed our major property reinsurance treaties, which represent the most significant component of our reinsurance program, in April 2008.


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     On our commercial property per risk treaty, we increased the reinsurance coverage in the top layer of the treaty. This treaty now provides approximately $560 million of coverage per risk in excess of our $25 million retention.
     The structure of our property catastrophe program for events in the United States was modified, but the overall coverage is similar to the previous program. We purchased $200 million of fully collateralized three-year reinsurance coverage in place of traditional reinsurance. This reinsurance was purchased from East Lane Re II Ltd., which financed the provision of reinsurance through the issuance of $200 million in catastrophe bonds to investors under three separate bond tranches. The current traditional catastrophe reinsurance treaty, in combination with the collateralized coverage, provides coverage of approximately 70% of losses (net of recoveries from other available reinsurance) between $350 million and $1.3 billion, with additional coverage of 60% of losses between $1.3 billion and $2.05 billion in the northeastern part of the United States, where we have our greatest concentration of catastrophe exposure.
     We have additional fully collateralized four-year reinsurance coverage, purchased in 2007, for homeowners-related losses sustained from qualifying hurricane loss events in the northeastern part of the United States. This reinsurance was purchased from East Lane Re Ltd., which financed the provision of reinsurance through the issuance of $250 million in catastrophe bonds to investors under two separate bond tranches. This reinsurance provides coverage in 2008 of approximately 30% of covered losses between $1.35 billion and $2.2 billion.
     We have additional reinsurance from the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, which is a state-mandated fund designed to reimburse insurers for a portion of their residential catastrophic hurricane losses. Our participation in this program limits our initial retention in Florida for homeowners related losses to approximately $185 million.
     On our property catastrophe treaty for events outside the United States, we increased the reinsurance coverage in the top layer of the treaty by $50 million and modestly increased our participation in the program. The treaty now provides coverage of approximately 85% of losses (net of recoveries from other available reinsurance) between $75 million and $325 million.
     Our property reinsurance treaties generally contain terrorism exclusions for acts perpetrated by foreign terrorists.
     We expect that the overall cost of our property reinsurance program in 2008 will be modestly lower than that in 2007. We do not expect the changes we made to our reinsurance program during 2008 to have a material effect on the Corporation’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.


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   Profitability
     The combined loss and expense ratio, expressed as a percentage, is the key measure of underwriting profitability traditionally used in the property and casualty insurance business. Management evaluates the performance of our underwriting operations and of each of our business units using, among other measures, the combined loss and expense ratio calculated in accordance with statutory accounting principles. It is the sum of the ratio of losses and loss expenses to premiums earned (loss ratio) plus the ratio of statutory underwriting expenses to premiums written (expense ratio) after reducing both premium amounts by dividends to policyholders. When the combined ratio is under 100%, underwriting results are generally considered profitable; when the combined ratio is over 100%, underwriting results are generally considered unprofitable.
     Statutory accounting principles applicable to property and casualty insurance companies differ in certain respects from generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Under statutory accounting principles, policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses are recognized immediately, not at the time premiums are earned. Management uses underwriting results determined in accordance with GAAP, among other measures, to assess the overall performance of our underwriting operations. To convert statutory underwriting results to a GAAP basis, policy acquisition expenses are deferred and amortized over the period in which the related premiums are earned. Underwriting income determined in accordance with GAAP is defined as premiums earned less losses and loss expenses incurred and GAAP underwriting expenses incurred.
     Underwriting results were highly profitable in the first quarter of 2008 and 2007. The combined loss and expense ratio for our overall property and casualty business was as follows:
                 
    Quarter Ended March 31
    2008   2007
Loss ratio
    53.4 %     53.0 %
Expense ratio
    30.5       30.4  
 
               
Combined ratio
    83.9 %     83.4 %
 
               
     The loss ratio was similar in the first quarter of 2008 compared with the same period in 2007. The loss ratio in both years reflects favorable loss experience which we believe resulted from our disciplined underwriting in recent years as well as relatively mild loss trends in certain classes of business.
     Catastrophe losses were $54 million in the first quarter of 2008, which represented 1.8 percentage points of the combined loss and expense ratio, compared with $76 million or 2.5 percentage points in the same period in 2007.
     The expense ratio was similar in the first quarter of 2008 and 2007, as an increase in commissions was offset by lower operating costs related to the run-off of the reinsurance assumed business. The increase in commissions was due to premium growth outside the United States in countries where commission rates are higher than in the United States as well as modestly higher commission rates in the United States in certain classes of business.


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     In lieu of paying contingent commissions, beginning in 2007, we implemented a new guaranteed supplemental compensation program for agents and brokers in the United States with whom we previously had contingent commission agreements. Under this arrangement, agents and brokers are paid a percentage of written premiums on eligible lines of business in a calendar year based upon their prior performance. The change in our commission arrangements created a difference in the timing of expense recognition, which resulted in a one-time benefit to income during the 2007 transition year. The impact of the change in the first quarter of 2007 was to increase deferred policy acquisition costs by approximately $20 million. The change had no effect on the expense ratio.
  Review of Underwriting Results by Business Unit
  Personal Insurance
     Net premiums written from personal insurance, which represented 30% of our premiums written in the first quarter of 2008, increased by 4% in the first quarter of 2008 compared with the same period in 2007. Net premiums written for the classes of business within the personal insurance segment were as follows:
                         
    Quarter Ended March 31     % Increase  
    2008     2007     (Decrease)  
    (in millions)          
Automobile
  $ 142     $ 147       (3 )%
Homeowners
    539       520       4  
Other
    196       173       13  
 
                   
Total personal
  $ 877     $ 840       4  
 
                   
     Personal automobile premiums decreased in the first quarter of 2008 due to a highly competitive U.S. marketplace. Premium growth in our homeowners business was due primarily to increased insurance-to-value. The in-force policy count for this class decreased slightly during the first quarter of 2008. Our other personal business includes insurance for excess liability, yacht and accident coverages. The substantial growth in this business was due primarily to a significant increase in accident premiums.
     Our personal insurance business produced highly profitable underwriting results in the first quarter of both 2008 and 2007, but more so in 2007. The combined loss and expense ratios for the classes of business within the personal insurance segment were as follows:
                 
    Quarter Ended March 31
    2008   2007
Automobile
    93.1 %     95.4 %
Homeowners
    80.1       71.1  
Other
    93.9       93.1  
 
               
Total personal
    84.8 %     79.3 %
 
               
     Our personal automobile business produced modestly more profitable results in the first quarter of 2008 compared with the same period in 2007. The non-U.S. component of this business, which was unprofitable in the first quarter of 2007, was profitable in the 2008 period.


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     Homeowners results were highly profitable in the first quarter of 2008 and 2007. Results were less profitable in the 2008 period due primarily to the significantly greater impact of large non-catastrophe fire losses. Catastrophe losses represented 2.6 percentage points of the combined ratio for this class in the first quarter of 2008 compared with 2.0 percentage points in the same period of 2007.
     Other personal results were similarly profitable in the first quarter of 2008 and 2007. Our accident business was highly profitable in both periods but more so in 2007. Our yacht business was modestly profitable in the first quarter of 2008 compared with highly profitable results in the same period of 2007. Results in 2008 were adversely affected by two large losses. Our excess liability results were modestly unprofitable in the first quarter of 2008 compared with highly unprofitable results in the same period of 2007. Results in 2007 were adversely affected by inadequate pricing and unfavorable prior year loss development. Excess liability rates have increased modestly in the past year.
  Commercial Insurance
     Net premiums written from commercial insurance, which represented 46% of our premiums written in the first quarter of 2008, increased by 3% in the first quarter of 2008 compared with the same period a year ago. Net premiums written for the classes of business within the commercial insurance segment were as follows:
                         
    Quarter Ended March 31     % Increase  
    2008     2007     (Decrease)  
    (in millions)          
Multiple Peril
  $ 295     $ 307       (4 )%
Casualty
    460       441       4  
Workers’ compensation
    248       257       (4 )
Property and marine
    337       301       12  
 
                   
Total commercial
  $ 1,340     $ 1,306       3  
 
                   
     The modest increase in premiums in our commercial insurance business in the first quarter of 2008 was attributable to growth outside the United States due to the impact of currency fluctuation as well as selective initiatives, particularly in the property and marine segment. Premiums in the United States decreased slightly due to a highly competitive marketplace, particularly for new business. Overall, rates were down modestly in the first quarter of 2008 across all classes of business. Certain classes of business, such as workers’ compensation and large property risks, and geographic areas experienced more competitive pressure than others. Retention levels of our existing customers remained strong, slightly higher than those in the first quarter of 2007. However, new business volume in the first quarter of 2008 was down from 2007 levels as it has become more difficult to find new opportunities at acceptable rates. We have continued to maintain our underwriting discipline in the highly competitive market, renewing business and writing new business only where we believe we are securing acceptable rates and appropriate terms and conditions for the exposures. We expect the competitive market to continue for the remainder of 2008.


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     Our commercial insurance business produced highly profitable underwriting results in the first quarter of both 2008 and 2007. The combined loss and expense ratios for the classes of business within the commercial insurance segment were as follows:
                 
    Quarter Ended March 31
    2008   2007
Multiple peril
    78.4 %     83.3 %
Casualty
    92.4       94.3  
Workers compensation
    82.9       77.3  
Property and marine
    93.1       93.2  
 
               
Total commercial
    87.2 %     88.0 %
 
               
     Results in both years benefited from better terms and conditions and disciplined risk selection in recent years. Additionally, favorable loss experience has mitigated margin compression from modest rate decreases over the past few years.
     Multiple peril results were highly profitable in the first quarter of both 2008 and 2007, but more so in 2008, particularly in the property component of this business. Results in both periods benefited from very favorable loss experience. The impact of catastrophe losses was modest in both years, representing 2.8 and 1.9 percentage points of the combined ratio for this class in the first quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively.
     Our casualty business produced profitable results in the first quarter of both 2008 and 2007. The automobile and primarily liability components of this business were highly profitable in both periods. The excess liability component produced profitable results in the first quarter of 2008 compared with breakeven results in the comparable period in 2007. Excess liability results in 2008 benefited from favorable prior year loss development.
     Workers’ compensation results were highly profitable in the first quarter of 2008 and 2007, but more so in 2007. Results in both periods benefited from our disciplined risk selection during the past several years as well as favorable claim cost trends, resulting in part from the positive effect of reforms in California. The less profitable results in 2008 were primarily due to lower earned premiums, the result of rate reductions associated with state reforms and increased competition.
     Property and marine results were similarly profitable in the first quarter of both years, as lower catastrophe losses in 2008 were offset by higher non-catastrophe losses, due in part to a greater number of large losses. Catastrophe losses represented 8.1 percentage points of the combined ratio for this class in the first quarter of 2008 compared with a 19.3 percentage points in the same period of 2007.


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   Specialty Insurance
     Net premiums written from specialty insurance, which represented 24% of our premiums written in the first quarter of 2008, increased by 3% in the first quarter of 2008 compared with the same period a year ago. Net premiums written for the classes of business within the specialty insurance segment were as follows:
                         
    Quarter Ended March 31     % Increase  
    2008     2007     (Decrease)  
    (in millions)          
Professional liability
  $ 604     $ 597       1 %
Surety
    99       84       18  
 
                   
Total specialty
  $ 703     $ 681       3  
 
                   
     Premium growth in the professional liability classes was constrained due to the continuing competitive pressure on rates, particularly in the directors and officers liability component, and our commitment to maintain underwriting discipline in this environment. While we generally continued to see rate decreases consistent with those in the last half of 2007, we have begun to see rate increases with respect to directors and officers liability insurance for public financial institutions, with significant increases for those companies that have been directly implicated in the current credit crisis. Retention levels in the professional liability classes remained strong in the first quarter of 2008, comparable to those in the same period in 2007. New business volume in 2008 was also comparable to that in 2007. We continued to get what we believe are acceptable rates and appropriate terms and conditions on both new business and renewals. Overall, we expect the competitive market to continue for the balance of 2008.
     The significant growth in net premiums written for our surety business in the first quarter of 2008 was due primarily to several large bonds written in the quarter. We expect growth to slow as the year progresses.
     Our specialty insurance business produced more profitable underwriting results in the first quarter of 2008 compared with the same period in 2007. The combined loss and expense ratios for the classes of business within the specialty insurance segment were as follows:
                 
    Quarter Ended March 31
    2008   2007
Professional liability
    83.7 %     89.0 %
Surety
    30.8       31.4  
 
               
Total specialty
    78.1 %     83.1 %
 
               
     Our professional liability business produced highly profitable results in the first quarter of 2008 and 2007, but more so in 2008. The fidelity class was highly profitable in the first quarter of both years due to favorable loss experience. The results of the directors and officers liability, employment practices liability and fiduciary liability classes were more profitable in the first quarter of 2008 compared with the same period in 2007 due to a higher amount of favorable prior year loss development. The favorable development in both years was due to the recognition of the increasingly positive loss trends we have been experiencing related to accident years 2005 and prior. These trends were largely the result of a favorable business climate, lower policy limits and better terms and conditions.


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     Surety results were highly profitable in the first quarter of both 2008 and 2007. Our surety business tends to be characterized by infrequent but potentially high severity losses.
   Reinsurance Assumed
     Net premiums written from our reinsurance assumed business, which is in runoff, were not significant in the first quarter of 2008 or 2007.
     Reinsurance assumed results were profitable in the first quarter of 2008 and 2007, but more so in 2007 due to significant favorable prior year loss development.
  Loss Reserves
     Unpaid losses and loss expenses, also referred to as loss reserves, are the largest liability of our business.
     Our loss reserves include case estimates for claims that have been reported and estimates for claims that have been incurred but not reported at the balance sheet date as well as estimates of the expenses associated with processing and settling all reported and unreported claims, less estimates of anticipated salvage and subrogation recoveries. Estimates are based upon past loss experience modified for current trends as well as prevailing economic, legal and social conditions. Our loss reserves are not discounted to present value.
     We regularly review our loss reserves using a variety of actuarial techniques. We update the reserve estimates as historical loss experience develops, additional claims are reported and/or settled and new information becomes available. Any changes in estimates are reflected in operating results in the period in which the estimates are changed.


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     Our gross case and incurred but not reported (IBNR) loss reserves and related reinsurance recoverable by class of business were as follows:
                                         
                                    Net  
    Gross Loss Reserves     Reinsurance     Loss  
March 31, 2008   Case     IBNR     Total     Recoverable     Reserves  
    (in millions)  
Personal insurance
                                       
Automobile
  $ 221     $ 200     $ 421     $ 14     $ 407  
Homeowners
    441       304       745       28       717  
Other
    435       553       988       208       780  
 
                             
Total personal
    1,097       1,057       2,154       250       1,904  
 
                             
 
                                       
Commercial insurance
                                       
Multiple peril
    620       1,035       1,655       39       1,616  
Casualty
    1,647       4,461       6,108       416       5,692  
Workers’ compensation
    846       1,342       2,188       249       1,939  
Property and marine
    801       409       1,210       508       702  
 
                             
Total commercial
    3,914       7,247       11,161       1,212       9,949  
 
                             
 
                                       
Specialty insurance
                                       
Professional liability
    2,004       6,160       8,164       559       7,605  
Surety
    22       52       74       14       60  
 
                             
Total specialty
    2,026       6,212       8,238       573       7,665  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total insurance
    7,037       14,516       21,553       2,035       19,518  
 
                                       
Reinsurance assumed
    393       947       1,340       262       1,078  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total
  $ 7,430     $ 15,463     $ 22,893     $ 2,297     $ 20,596  
 
                             
                                         
                                    Net  
    Gross Loss Reserves     Reinsurance     Loss  
December 31, 2007   Case     IBNR     Total     Recoverable     Reserves  
    (in millions)  
Personal insurance
                                       
Automobile
  $ 226     $ 200     $ 426     $ 15     $ 411  
Homeowners
    432       305       737       32       705  
Other
    452       526       978       230       748  
 
                             
Total personal
    1,110       1,031       2,141       277       1,864  
 
                             
 
                                       
Commercial insurance
                                       
Multiple peril
    646       1,010       1,656       37       1,619  
Casualty
    1,640       4,302       5,942       402       5,540  
Workers’ compensation
    842       1,323       2,165       255       1,910  
Property and marine
    814       395       1,209       532       677  
 
                             
Total commercial
    3,942       7,030       10,972       1,226       9,746  
 
                             
 
                                       
Specialty insurance
                                       
Professional liability
    2,079       5,999       8,078       552       7,526  
Surety
    33       52       85       14       71  
 
                             
Total specialty
    2,112       6,051       8,163       566       7,597  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total insurance
    7,164       14,112       21,276       2,069       19,207  
 
                                       
Reinsurance assumed
    400       947       1,347       238       1,109  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total
  $ 7,564     $ 15,059     $ 22,623     $ 2,307     $ 20,316  
 
                             


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     Loss reserves, net of reinsurance recoverable, increased by $280 million during the first quarter of 2008. Loss reserves related to our insurance business increased by $311 million, including approximately $110 million related to currency fluctuation due to the weakness of the U.S. dollar. Loss reserves related to our reinsurance assumed business, which is in runoff, decreased by $31 million.
     Gross case reserves related to our insurance business decreased by $127 million during the first quarter of 2008 due to generally low reported loss activity as well as settlements related to previously existing case reserves, particularly in the professional liability classes.
     In establishing the loss reserves of our property and casualty subsidiaries, we consider facts currently known and the present state of the law and coverage litigation. Based on all information currently available, we believe that the aggregate loss reserves at March 31, 2008 were adequate to cover claims for losses that had occurred as of that date, including both those known to us and those yet to be reported. However, as discussed in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, there are significant uncertainties inherent in the loss reserving process. It is therefore possible that management’s estimate of the ultimate liability for losses that had occurred as of March 31, 2008 may change, which could have a material effect on the Corporation’s results of operations and financial condition.
     Because loss reserve estimates are subject to the outcome of future events, changes in estimates are unavoidable given that actual results can differ from expectations and time is required for changes in trends to be recognized and confirmed. Reserve changes that increase previous estimates of ultimate cost are referred to as unfavorable or adverse development or reserve strengthening. Reserve changes that decrease previous estimates of ultimate cost are referred to as favorable development or reserve releases.
     We estimate that we experienced overall favorable prior year development of about $215 million during the first quarter of 2008 compared with favorable prior year development of about $145 million in the comparable period of 2007.
     The favorable development in the first quarter of 2008 was primarily in the professional liability classes, due to the favorable loss trends related to accident years 2005 and prior, and in the short tail homeowners and commercial property classes, largely related to the 2007 accident year. The favorable development in the first quarter of 2007 was largely in the professional liability classes and the short tail homeowners and commercial property classes. We also experienced significant favorable development in the run-off of the reinsurance assumed business in the first quarter of 2007.
  Investment Results
     Property and casualty investment income before taxes increased by 8% in the first quarter of 2008 compared with the same period in 2007. Growth was due to an increase in invested assets since the first quarter of 2007. The increase in invested assets was due to substantial cash flow from operations over the period.


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     The effective tax rate on investment income was 20.2% in the first quarter of 2008 compared with 19.9% in the same period of 2007. The effective tax rate fluctuates as a result of our holding a different proportion of our investment portfolio in tax exempt securities during different periods.
     On an after-tax basis, property and casualty investment income increased by 7% in the first quarter of 2008. The after-tax annualized yield on the investment portfolio that supports the property and casualty insurance business was 3.50% and 3.45% in the first quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively. Management uses property and casualty investment income after tax, a non-GAAP financial measure, to evaluate its investment performance because it reflects the impact of any change in the proportion of the investment portfolio invested in tax exempt securities and is therefore more meaningful for analysis purposes than investment income before income tax.
Corporate and Other
     Corporate and other includes investment income earned on corporate invested assets, interest expense and other expenses not allocated to our operating subsidiaries and the results of our non-insurance subsidiaries.
     Corporate and other produced a loss before taxes of $54 million in the first quarter of 2008 compared with a loss of $27 million in the first quarter of 2007. The higher loss in 2008 was due mostly to higher interest expense as a result of the issuance of $1.8 billion of new debt during the first half of 2007, the proceeds of which have been used to repurchase Chubb’s common stock.
Realized Investment Gains and Losses
     Net investment gains realized were as follows:
                 
    Quarter Ended March 31  
    2008     2007  
    (in millions)  
Net realized gains
               
Equity securities
  $ 19     $ 15  
Fixed maturities
    4       4  
Other invested assets
    70       98  
 
           
 
    93       117  
 
           
 
               
Other-than-temporary impairment losses
               
Equity securities
    25        
 
           
 
    25        
 
           
 
               
Realized investment gains before tax
  $ 68     $ 117  
 
           
 
               
Realized investment gains after tax
  $ 44     $ 76  
 
           
     The net realized gains on other invested assets represent the aggregate of distributions to us from the limited partnerships in which we have an interest and changes in our equity in the net assets of the partnerships based on valuations provided to us by the manager of each partnership. Due to the timing of our receipt of valuation data from the investment managers, these investments are generally reported on a one quarter lag.


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     We regularly review those invested assets whose fair value is less than cost to determine if an other-than-temporary decline in value has occurred. In evaluating whether a decline in value of any investment is temporary or other-than-temporary, we consider various quantitative criteria and qualitative factors including the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than the cost, the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, whether the issuer is current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments, our intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow us to recover our cost, general market conditions and industry or sector specific factors. If a decline in the fair value of an individual security is deemed to be other-than-temporary, the difference between cost and estimated fair value is charged to income as a realized investment loss. The fair value of the investment becomes its new cost basis. The decision to recognize a decline in the value of a security carried at fair value as other-than-temporary rather than temporary has no impact on shareholders’ equity.
     During the first quarter of 2008, our investments in several equity securities were deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. We determined that these securities were not likely to recover to our cost basis over a near term period.
Capital Resources and Liquidity
     Capital resources and liquidity represent a company’s overall financial strength and its ability to generate cash flows, borrow funds at competitive rates and raise new capital to meet operating and growth needs.
  Capital Resources
     Capital resources provide protection for policyholders, furnish the financial strength to support the business of underwriting insurance risks and facilitate continued business growth. At March 31, 2008, the Corporation had shareholders’ equity of $14.3 billion and total debt of $3.5 billion.
     Management regularly monitors the Corporation’s capital resources. In connection with our long-term capital strategy, Chubb from time to time contributes capital to its property and casualty subsidiaries. In addition, in order to satisfy capital needs as a result of any rating agency capital adequacy or other future rating issues, or in the event we were to need additional capital to make strategic investments in light of market opportunities, we may take a variety of actions, which could include the issuance of additional debt and/or equity securities.
     In December 2007, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 28,000,000 shares of Chubb’s common stock. The authorization has no expiration date. During the first quarter of 2008, we repurchased 11,319,984 shares of Chubb’s common stock in open market transactions at a cost of $582 million. As of March 31, 2008, 14,792,686 shares remained under the share repurchase authorization. We expect to repurchase all of the shares remaining under the authorization by the end of 2008, subject to market conditions.


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  Ratings
     Chubb and its insurance subsidiaries are rated by major rating agencies. These ratings reflect the rating agency’s opinion of our financial strength, operating performance, strategic position and ability to meet our obligations to policyholders.
     Ratings are an important factor in establishing our competitive position in the insurance markets. There can be no assurance that our ratings will continue for any given period of time or that they will not be changed.
     It is possible that one or more of the rating agencies may raise or lower our existing ratings in the future. If our credit ratings were downgraded, we might incur higher borrowing costs and might have more limited means to access capital. A downgrade in our financial strength ratings could adversely affect the competitive position of our insurance operations, including a possible reduction in demand for our products in certain markets.
   Liquidity
     Liquidity is a measure of a company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet the short and long term cash requirements of its business operations.
     The Corporation’s liquidity requirements in the past have been met by funds from operations as well as the issuance of commercial paper and debt and equity securities. We expect that our liquidity requirements in the future will be met by these sources of funds or borrowings from our credit facility.
     Our property and casualty operations provide liquidity in that premiums are generally received months or even years before losses are paid under the policies purchased by such premiums. Historically, cash receipts from operations, consisting of insurance premiums and investment income, have provided more than sufficient funds to pay losses, operating expenses and dividends to Chubb. After satisfying our cash requirements, excess cash flows are used to build the investment portfolio and thereby increase future investment income.
     Our strong underwriting results continued to generate substantial new cash. New cash from operations available for investment by our property and casualty subsidiaries was approximately $330 million in the first quarter of 2008 compared with $430 million in the same period in 2007. New cash available was lower in the first quarter of 2008 compared with the same period in 2007 due to a $250 million higher dividend payment by the property and casualty subsidiaries to Chubb.
     Our property and casualty subsidiaries maintain substantial investments in highly liquid, short-term marketable securities. Accordingly, we do not anticipate selling long-term fixed maturity investments to meet any liquidity needs.
     Chubb’s liquidity requirements primarily include the payment of dividends to shareholders and interest and principal on debt obligations. The declaration and payment of future dividends to Chubb’s shareholders will be at the discretion of Chubb’s Board of Directors and will depend upon many factors, including our operating results, financial condition, capital requirements and any regulatory constraints.


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     As a holding company, Chubb’s ability to continue to pay dividends to shareholders and to satisfy its debt obligations relies on the availability of liquid assets, which is dependent in large part on the dividend paying ability of its property and casualty subsidiaries. Our property and casualty subsidiaries are subject to laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which they operate that restrict the amount of dividends they may pay without the prior approval of regulatory authorities. The restrictions are generally based on net income and on certain levels of policyholders’ surplus as determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices. Dividends in excess of such thresholds are considered “extraordinary” and require prior regulatory approval. The maximum dividend distribution that may be made by the property and casualty subsidiaries to Chubb during 2008 without prior approval is approximately $2.4 billion. During the first quarter of 2008, these subsidiaries paid dividends to Chubb totaling $400 million compared with $150 million during the same period of 2007.
Invested Assets
     The main objectives in managing our investment portfolios are to maximize after-tax investment income and total investment returns while minimizing credit risks in order to provide maximum support to the insurance underwriting operations. Investment strategies are developed based on many factors including underwriting results and our resulting tax position, regulatory requirements, fluctuations in interest rates and consideration of other market risks. Investment decisions are centrally managed by investment professionals based on guidelines established by management and approved by the boards of directors of Chubb and its respective operating companies.
     Our investment portfolio is primarily comprised of high quality bonds, principally tax exempt, U.S. Treasury and government agency, mortgage-backed securities and corporate issues as well as foreign government and corporate bonds that support our international operations. The portfolio also includes equity securities, primarily publicly traded common stocks, and other invested assets, primarily private equity limited partnerships, all of which are held with the primary objective of capital appreciation.
     Our objective is to achieve the appropriate mix of taxable and tax exempt securities in our portfolio to balance both investment and tax strategies. At March 31, 2008, 66% of our U.S. fixed maturity portfolio was invested in tax exempt bonds, the same percentage as at the prior year end.
     The unrealized appreciation before tax of investments carried at market value, which consist of fixed maturities and equity securities classified as available-for-sale, was $582 million and $810 million at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. Such unrealized appreciation is reflected in comprehensive income, net of applicable deferred income tax.
     Changes in unrealized market appreciation or depreciation of fixed maturities were due primarily to fluctuations in interest rates.


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Subsequent Events
     Chubb repaid $225 million of outstanding 3.95% notes due April 1, 2008 when due.
     In May 2008, Chubb issued $600 million of unsecured 5.75% senior notes due in 2018 and $600 million of unsecured 6.5% senior notes due in 2038. We intend to use $460 million of the net proceeds to refinance certain indebtedness that will mature in August 2008. Another $225 million of the net proceeds replaced cash utilized to repay the 3.95% notes referred to above. We intend to use the balance of the net proceeds for general corporate purposes.
Item 4 —   Controls and Procedures
     As of March 31, 2008, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Corporation’s management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer. Based on that evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2008.
     During the quarter ended March 31, 2008, there were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1A — Risk Factors
     Our business is subject to a number of risks, including those identified in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, that could have a material effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity and that could cause our operating results to vary significantly from period to period. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also could have a material effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity.
Item 2 — Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
     The following table summarizes Chubb’s stock repurchased each month in the quarter ended March 31, 2008.
                                 
                    Total Number of   Maximum Number of
                    Shares Purchased   Shares that May
    Total Number   Average   as Part of   Yet Be Purchased
    of Shares   Price Paid   Publicly Announced   Under the
Period
  Purchased(a)   Per Share   Plans or Programs   Plans or Programs(b)
January 2008
    3,707,884     $ 53.21       3,707,884       22,404,786  
 
                               
February 2008
    2,888,100       51.78       2,888,100       19,516,686  
 
                               
March 2008
    4,724,000       49.68       4,724,000       14,792,686  
 
                               
 
                               
Total
    11,319,984       51.37       11,319,984          
 
                               
 
(a)   The stated amounts exclude 14,668 shares, 87,252 shares and 9,989 shares delivered to Chubb during the months of January 2008, February 2008 and March 2008, respectively, by employees of the Corporation to cover option exercise prices and withholding taxes in connection with the Corporation’s stock-based compensation plans.
 
(b)   On December 13, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 28,000,000 shares of common stock. The authorization has no expiration date.


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Item 6 — Exhibits
         
Exhibit        
Number       Description
 
    Articles of incorporation and by-laws
 
       
3.1
      By-laws as amended through April 29, 2008 incorporated by reference to Exhibit (3.1) of the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 2, 2008.
 
       
 
    Material Contracts
 
       
10.1
      Schedule of 2008 Base Salaries for Named Executive Officers incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.1) of the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 17, 2008.
 
       
 
    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
 
       
31.1
      Certification by John D. Finnegan filed herewith.
 
       
31.2
      Certification by Michael O’Reilly filed herewith.
 
       
 
    Section 1350 Certifications
 
       
32.1
      Certification by John D. Finnegan filed herewith.
 
       
32.2
      Certification by Michael O’Reilly filed herewith.
SIGNATURES
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, The Chubb Corporation has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
         
  THE CHUBB CORPORATION

          (Registrant)
 
 
  By:   /s/ Henry B. Schram  
    Henry B. Schram   
    Senior Vice-President and Chief Accounting Officer   
 
Date: May 8, 2008