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CINCINNATI FINANCIAL CORP - Quarter Report: 2020 March (Form 10-Q)



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
 (Mark one)
       QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. 
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020.
       TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. 
For the transition period from _____________________ to _____________________.
Commission file number 0-4604
CINCINNATI FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Ohio
 
31-0746871
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6200 S. Gilmore Road,
Fairfield,
Ohio
 
45014-5141
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (513) 870-2000
N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
 
Trading Symbol(s)
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock
 
CINF
 
Nasdaq Global Select Market
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 No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a nonaccelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definition of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer Nonaccelerated filer Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):
Yes No
As of April 22, 2020, there were 160,801,531 shares of common stock outstanding.




CINCINNATI FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED March 31, 2020
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Results
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 2



Part I – Financial Information
Item 1.    Financial Statements (unaudited)
 
Cincinnati Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
Assets
 
 

 
 

Investments
 
 

 
 

Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2020—$11,074; 2019—$11,108)
 
$
11,340

 
$
11,698

Equity securities, at fair value (cost: 2020—$3,702; 2019—$3,581)
 
6,225

 
7,752

Other invested assets
 
311

 
296

Total investments
 
17,876

 
19,746

Cash and cash equivalents
 
486

 
767

Investment income receivable
 
124

 
133

Finance receivable
 
76

 
77

Premiums receivable
 
1,900

 
1,777

Reinsurance recoverable
 
567

 
610

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
 
57

 
54

Deferred policy acquisition costs
 
827

 
774

Land, building and equipment, net, for company use (accumulated depreciation:
   2020—$281; 2019—$276)
 
208

 
207

Other assets
 
388

 
381

Separate accounts
 
858

 
882

Total assets
 
$
23,367

 
$
25,408

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 

 
 

Insurance reserves
 
 

 
 

Loss and loss expense reserves
 
$
6,206

 
$
6,147

Life policy and investment contract reserves
 
2,861

 
2,835

Unearned premiums
 
2,922

 
2,788

Other liabilities
 
858

 
928

Deferred income tax
 
660

 
1,079

Note payable
 
114

 
39

Long-term debt and lease obligations
 
846

 
846

Separate accounts
 
858

 
882

Total liabilities
 
15,325

 
15,544

 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)
 


 


 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' Equity
 
 

 
 

Common stock, par value—$2 per share; (authorized: 2020 and 2019—500 million
   shares; issued: 2020 and 2019—198.3 million shares)
 
397

 
397

Paid-in capital
 
1,300

 
1,306

Retained earnings
 
7,932

 
9,257

Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
204

 
448

Treasury stock at cost (2020—37.5 million shares and 2019—35.4 million shares)
 
(1,791
)
 
(1,544
)
Total shareholders' equity
 
8,042

 
9,864

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
23,367

 
$
25,408

 
 
 
 
 
 Accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 3



Cincinnati Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
Three months ended March 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Revenues
 

 
 

Earned premiums
$
1,456

 
$
1,333

Investment income, net of expenses
165

 
157

Investment gains and losses, net
(1,725
)
 
663

Fee revenues
3

 
4

Other revenues
2

 
2

Total revenues
(99
)
 
2,159

Benefits and Expenses
 

 
 

Insurance losses and contract holders' benefits
1,003

 
860

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
456

 
411

Interest expense
13

 
13

Other operating expenses
5

 
8

 Total benefits and expenses
1,477

 
1,292

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
(1,576
)
 
867

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes
 

 
 

Current
3

 
28

Deferred
(353
)
 
144

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes
(350
)
 
172

Net Income (Loss)
$
(1,226
)
 
$
695

Per Common Share
 

 
 

Net income (loss)—basic
$
(7.56
)
 
$
4.27

Net income (loss)—diluted
(7.56
)
 
4.22

 
 
 
 
Accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 4



Cincinnati Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
Net Income (Loss)
 
$
(1,226
)
 
$
695

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 

 
 

Change in unrealized gains on investments, net of tax (benefit) of $(68) and $50,
  respectively
 
(256
)
 
192

Amortization of pension actuarial loss and prior service cost, net of tax of $0 and $0,
   respectively
 
1

 

Change in life deferred acquisition costs, life policy reserves and other, net of tax (benefit) of $3 and $(1), respectively
 
11

 
(4
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(244
)
 
188

Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
$
(1,470
)
 
$
883

 
 
 
 
 
Accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 5



Cincinnati Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020

2019
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
   Beginning of year
 
$
397

 
$
397

   Share-based awards
 

 

   End of period
 
397

 
397

 
 
 
 
 
Paid-In Capital
 
 
 
 
   Beginning of year
 
1,306

 
1,281

   Share-based awards
 
(16
)
 
(14
)
   Share-based compensation
 
9

 
9

   Other
 
1

 
1

   End of period
 
1,300

 
1,277

 
 
 
 
 
Retained Earnings
 
 
 
 
   Beginning of year
 
9,257

 
7,625

Cumulative effect of change in accounting for credit losses as of January 1, 2020
 
(2
)
 

Adjusted beginning of year
 
9,255

 
7,625

   Net income (loss)
 
(1,226
)
 
695

Dividends declared
 
(97
)
 
(91
)
   End of period
 
7,932

 
8,229

 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
 
 
   Beginning of year
 
448

 
22

   Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(244
)
 
188

   End of period
 
204

 
210

 
 
 
 
 
Treasury Stock
 
 
 
 
   Beginning of year
 
(1,544
)
 
(1,492
)
   Share-based awards
 
11

 
13

   Shares acquired - share repurchase authorization
 
(256
)
 

   Shares acquired - share-based compensation plans
 
(3
)
 
(5
)
   Other
 
1

 
1

   End of period
 
(1,791
)
 
(1,483
)
 
 
 
 
 
      Total Shareholders' Equity
 
$
8,042

 
$
8,630

 
 
 
 
 
(In millions, except per common share)
 
 
 
 
Common Stock - Shares Outstanding
 
 
 
 
   Beginning of year
 
162.9

 
162.8

   Share-based awards
 
0.4

 
0.4

   Shares acquired - share repurchase authorization
 
(2.5
)
 

   End of period
 
160.8

 
163.2

 
 
 
 
 
   Dividends declared per common share
 
$
0.60

 
$
0.56

 
 
 
 
 
Accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 6



Cincinnati Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 (Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
(1,226
)
 
$
695

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
 
22

 
19

Investment gains and losses, net
 
1,729

 
(660
)
Share-based compensation
 
9

 
9

Interest credited to contract holders'
 
11

 
11

Deferred income tax expense
 
(353
)
 
144

Changes in:
 
 

 
 

Investment income receivable
 
9

 
4

Premiums and reinsurance receivable
 
(86
)
 
(95
)
Deferred policy acquisition costs
 
(31
)
 
(24
)
Other assets
 
(11
)
 
(25
)
Loss and loss expense reserves
 
59

 
(40
)
Life policy and investment contract reserves
 
27

 
22

Unearned premiums
 
134

 
113

Other liabilities
 
(123
)
 
(93
)
Current income tax receivable/payable
 
(3
)
 
120

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
167

 
200

Cash Flows From Investing Activities
 
 

 
 

Sale of fixed maturities
 
21

 
1

Call or maturity of fixed maturities
 
321

 
269

Sale of equity securities
 
7

 
31

Purchase of fixed maturities
 
(336
)
 
(289
)
Purchase of equity securities
 
(132
)
 
(26
)
Investment in finance receivables
 
(6
)
 
(8
)
Collection of finance receivables
 
7

 
7

Investment in building and equipment
 
(4
)
 
(5
)
Change in other invested assets, net
 
(14
)
 
(36
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(136
)
 
(56
)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
 
 

 
 

Payment of cash dividends to shareholders
 
(90
)
 
(85
)
Shares acquired - share repurchase authorization
 
(256
)
 

Changes in note payable
 
75

 

Proceeds from stock options exercised
 
4

 
3

Contract holders' funds deposited
 
21

 
19

Contract holders' funds withdrawn
 
(40
)
 
(44
)
Other
 
(26
)
 
(19
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(312
)
 
(126
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
 
(281
)
 
18

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
767

 
784

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
486

 
$
802

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
 
 

 
 

Income taxes paid
 

 
94

Noncash Activities
 
 

 
 

Equipment acquired under finance lease obligations
 
$
6

 
$
3

Cashless exercise of stock options
 
3

 
5

Other assets and other liabilities
 
77

 
23

 
 
 
 
 
 Accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 7



NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 1 — Accounting Policies
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cincinnati Financial Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, each of which is wholly owned. These statements are presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Our actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain financial information that is normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, but that is not required for interim reporting purposes, has been condensed or omitted.
 
Our March 31, 2020, condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited. We believe that we have made all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, that are necessary for fair presentation. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements included in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for interim periods do not necessarily indicate results to be expected for the full year.

The World Health Organization declared the 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19) outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, 2020, and a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The pandemic outbreak has caused an economic downturn on a global scale, including temporary closures of many businesses and reduced consumer spending due to shelter-in-place and other governmental regulations, as well as significant market disruption and volatility. The company continues to monitor the impact of the pandemic as it unfolds. The company cannot, at this time, predict the impact the pandemic will have on its future consolidated financial position, cash flows or results of operations, however the impact could be material. The company's future financial results and operations depends in part on the duration and severity of the pandemic and what actions are taken to mitigate the outbreak.

Adopted Accounting Updates
ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, as well as additional implementation related ASU's in 2018, 2019 and 2020. These ASU’s amend previous guidance on the impairment of financial instruments by adding an impairment model that allows an entity to recognize expected credit losses as an allowance rather than impairing as they are incurred. The new guidance is intended to reduce complexity of credit impairment models and result in a more timely recognition of expected credit losses. The standards require the company to consider all relevant information at the time of estimating the expected credit loss, including past events, the current environment, and reasonable and supportable forecasts over the life of the asset.

These ASU's also eliminated the other-than-temporary impairment model for available for sale fixed-maturity securities by requiring that credit related impairments be recognized through an allowance account. Changes in the allowance account are recorded in the period of change as a credit loss expense or reversal of credit loss expense. The measurement of credit losses is not impacted, except that credit losses recognized are limited to the amount by which fair value is below amortized cost and that the length of time that a security has been below amortized cost cannot be considered. These ASU's retain the guidance requiring that impaired securities intended to be sold have their amortized cost basis written down to fair value through net income.

The company adopted these ASU's on January 1, 2020 and applied them on a modified retrospective basis. As a result of this adoption, an after-tax cumulative effect decrease of $2 million was made to retained earnings representing an increase to the overall valuation allowances for financial instruments measured at amortized cost. These ASU's will be applied to available for sale fixed-maturity securities prospectively with no adjustments to the amortized cost basis of securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment had been previously recognized. The company has elected not to measure expected credit losses for accrued interest receivables related to its finance receivables and fixed-maturity securities.

Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 8



Pending Accounting Updates
ASU 2018-12, Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-12, Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts. ASU 2018-12 is intended to improve the timeliness of recognizing changes in the liability for future policy benefits and modify the rate used to discount future cash flows. The ASU will simplify and improve the accounting for certain market-based options or guarantees associated with deposit or account balance contracts, simplify amortization of deferred acquisition costs while improving and expanding required disclosures. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-09, Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Effective Date. ASU 2019-09 delays the effective date of ASU 2018-12 by one year to interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021. These ASU's have not yet been adopted. Management is currently evaluating the impact on our company's consolidated financial position, cash flows and results of operations.



Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 9



NOTE 2 – Investments
The following table provides amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair value for our fixed-maturity securities:
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amortized
cost
 
Gross unrealized
 
Fair value
At March 31, 2020
 
 
gains
 
losses
 
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate
 
$
6,134

 
$
180

 
$
181

 
$
6,133

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
4,445

 
272

 
6

 
4,711

Commercial mortgage-backed
 
290

 
2

 
8

 
284

United States government
 
96

 
6

 

 
102

Government-sponsored enterprises
 
86

 
1

 

 
87

Foreign government
 
23

 

 

 
23

Total
 
$
11,074

 
$
461

 
$
195

 
$
11,340

At December 31, 2019
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturity securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate
 
$
6,074

 
$
332

 
$
5

 
$
6,401

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
4,477

 
252

 
1

 
4,728

Commercial mortgage-backed
 
290

 
11

 

 
301

United States government
 
102

 
2

 

 
104

Government-sponsored enterprises
 
137

 

 
1

 
136

Foreign government
 
28

 

 

 
28

Total
 
$
11,108

 
$
597

 
$
7

 
$
11,698

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
The net unrealized investment gains in our fixed-maturity portfolio at March 31, 2020, are primarily the result of the continued low interest rate environment that increased the fair value of our fixed-maturity portfolio. Our commercial mortgage-backed securities had an average rating of Aa1/AA+ at March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019.


Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 10



The table below provides fair values and gross unrealized losses by investment category and by the duration of the securities' continuous unrealized loss positions:
(Dollars in millions)
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or more
 
Total
At March 31, 2020
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate
 
$
2,168

 
$
176

 
$
52

 
$
5

 
$
2,220

 
$
181

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
76

 
5

 
3

 
1

 
79

 
6

Commercial mortgage-backed
 
163

 
8

 

 

 
163

 
8

United States government
 

 

 

 

 

 

Government-sponsored enterprises
 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign government
 
15

 

 

 

 
15

 

Total
 
$
2,422

 
$
189

 
$
55

 
$
6

 
$
2,477

 
$
195

At December 31, 2019
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturity securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate
 
$
199

 
$
2

 
$
118

 
$
3

 
$
317

 
$
5

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
98

 
1

 
10

 

 
108

 
1

Commercial mortgage-backed
 
6

 

 

 

 
6

 

United States government
 

 

 
4

 

 
4

 

Government-sponsored enterprises
 
26

 
1

 
51

 

 
77

 
1

Foreign government
 
11

 

 

 

 
11

 

Total
 
$
340

 
$
4

 
$
183

 
$
3

 
$
523

 
$
7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Contractual maturity dates for fixed-maturities investments were:
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amortized
cost
 
Fair
value
 
% of fair
value
At March 31, 2020
 
 
 
Maturity dates:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Due in one year or less
 
$
502

 
$
502

 
4.4
%
Due after one year through five years
 
3,132

 
3,137

 
27.7

Due after five years through ten years
 
3,833

 
3,874

 
34.2

Due after ten years
 
3,607

 
3,827

 
33.7

Total
 
$
11,074

 
$
11,340

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities when there is a right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.


Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 11



The following table provides investment income and investment gains and losses, net:
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
Investment income:
 
 
 
 
Interest
 
$
112

 
$
111

Dividends
 
53

 
46

Other
 
3

 
3

Total
 
168

 
160

Less investment expenses
 
3

 
3

Total
 
$
165

 
$
157

 
 
 
 
 
Investment gains and losses, net:
 
 

 
 

Equity securities:
 
 

 
 

Investment gains and losses on securities sold, net
 
$
(4
)
 
$
4

Unrealized gains and losses on securities still held, net
 
(1,649
)
 
652

Subtotal
 
(1,653
)
 
656

Fixed maturities:
 
 

 
 

Gross realized gains
 
2

 
2

Write-down of impaired securities
 
(77
)
 

Subtotal
 
(75
)
 
2

 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
3

 
5

Total
 
$
(1,725
)
 
$
663

 
 
 
 
 

 
The fair value of our common equities portfolio was $6.017 billion and $7.518 billion at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The financial, information technology, industrials, energy and consumer discretionary sectors experienced the most significant declines in fair value as our common equity portfolio has a similar sector distribution as the S&P 500 industry weightings. At March 31, 2020, Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq:MSFT) was our largest single equity holding with a fair value of $395 million, which was 6.6% of our publicly traded common equities portfolio and 2.3% of the total investment portfolio.

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, there were no fixed-maturity securities with an allowance for credit losses and 12 fixed-maturity securities from the energy, real estate, consumer goods and technology & electronics sectors which are intended to be sold and were written down to fair value. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, there were no fixed-maturity securities other-than-temporarily impaired. There were no credit losses on fixed-maturity securities for which an allowance for credit losses has been recorded in other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2020. There were no credit losses on fixed-maturity securities for which a portion of other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) has been recognized in other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

At March 31, 2020, 605 fixed-maturity securities with a total unrealized loss of $195 million were in an unrealized loss position driven primarily by a market value decline of corporate bonds related to economic uncertainty from the pandemic impact. Of that total, 18 fixed-maturity securities from the energy, services, financial services, leisure, real estate and retail sectors had a fair value below 70% of amortized cost. At December 31, 2019, 38 fixed-maturity securities with a total unrealized loss of $3 million had been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more. Of that total, no fixed-maturity securities had fair values below 70% of amortized cost.


Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 12



NOTE 3 – Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures, we categorized our financial instruments, based on the priority of the observable and market-based data for the valuation technique used, into a three-level fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices with readily available independent data in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable market inputs (Level 3). When various inputs for measurement fall within different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the lowest observable input that has a significant impact on fair value measurement is used. Our valuation techniques have not changed from those used at December 31, 2019, and ultimately management determines fair value. See our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 8, Note 3, Fair Value Measurements, Page 144, for information on characteristics and valuation techniques used in determining fair value.

Fair Value Disclosures for Assets
The following tables illustrate the fair value hierarchy for those assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019. We do not have any liabilities carried at fair value.
(Dollars in millions)
 
Quoted prices in
active markets for
identical assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant other
observable inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
At March 31, 2020
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, available for sale:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate
 
$

 
$
6,133

 
$

 
$
6,133

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 

 
4,711

 

 
4,711

Commercial mortgage-backed
 

 
284

 

 
284

United States government
 
102

 

 

 
102

Government-sponsored enterprises
 

 
87

 

 
87

Foreign government
 

 
23

 

 
23

Subtotal
 
102

 
11,238

 

 
11,340

Common equities
 
6,017

 

 

 
6,017

Nonredeemable preferred equities
 

 
208

 

 
208

Separate accounts taxable fixed maturities
 

 
845

 

 
845

Top Hat savings plan mutual funds and common
equity (included in Other assets)
 
38

 

 

 
38

Total
 
$
6,157

 
$
12,291

 
$

 
$
18,448

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, available for sale:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate
 
$

 
$
6,401

 
$

 
$
6,401

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 

 
4,728

 

 
4,728

Commercial mortgage-backed
 

 
301

 

 
301

United States government
 
104

 

 

 
104

Government-sponsored enterprises
 

 
136

 

 
136

Foreign government
 

 
28

 

 
28

Subtotal
 
104

 
11,594

 

 
11,698

Common equities
 
7,518

 

 

 
7,518

Nonredeemable preferred equities
 

 
234

 

 
234

Separate accounts taxable fixed maturities
 

 
855

 

 
855

Top Hat savings plan mutual funds and common
  equity (included in Other assets)
 
45

 

 

 
45

Total
 
$
7,667

 
$
12,683

 
$

 
$
20,350

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 13



We also held Level 1 cash and cash equivalents of $486 million and $767 million at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Level 3 assets reported at fair value in our condensed consolidated financial statements are not material, and therefore no further disclosures are provided.

Fair Value Disclosures for Assets and Liabilities Not Carried at Fair Value 
The disclosures below are presented to provide information about the effects of current market conditions on financial instruments that are not reported at fair value in our condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
This table summarizes the book value and principal amounts of our long-term debt:
(Dollars in millions)
 
 
 
Book value
 
Principal amount
Interest
rate
 
Year of 
issue
 
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
 
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
6.900
%
 
1998
 
Senior debentures, due 2028
 
$
27

 
$
27

 
$
28

 
$
28

6.920
%
 
2005
 
Senior debentures, due 2028
 
391

 
391

 
391

 
391

6.125
%
 
2004
 
Senior notes, due 2034
 
370

 
370

 
374

 
374

Total

 
 
 
 
 
$
788

 
$
788

 
$
793

 
$
793

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
The following table shows fair values of our note payable and long-term debt:
(Dollars in millions)
 
Quoted prices in
active markets for
identical assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
At March 31, 2020
 
 
 
 
Note payable
 
$

 
$
114

 
$

 
$
114

6.900% senior debentures, due 2028
 

 
35

 

 
35

6.920% senior debentures, due 2028
 

 
525

 

 
525

6.125% senior notes, due 2034
 

 
501

 

 
501

Total
 
$

 
$
1,175

 
$

 
$
1,175

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note payable
 
$

 
$
39

 
$

 
$
39

6.900% senior debentures, due 2028
 

 
34

 

 
34

6.920% senior debentures, due 2028
 

 
506

 

 
506

6.125% senior notes, due 2034
 

 
512

 

 
512

Total
 
$

 
$
1,091

 
$

 
$
1,091

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 14



The following table shows the fair value of our life policy loans included in other invested assets and the fair values of our deferred annuities and structured settlements included in life policy and investment contract reserves:
(Dollars in millions)
 
Quoted prices in
active markets for
identical assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant other
observable inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
At March 31, 2020
 
 
 
 
Life policy loans
 
$

 
$

 
$
50

 
$
50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred annuities
 

 

 
752

 
752

Structured settlements
 

 
201

 

 
201

Total
 
$

 
$
201

 
$
752

 
$
953

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life policy loans
 
$

 
$

 
$
44

 
$
44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred annuities
 

 

 
770

 
770

Structured settlements
 

 
212

 

 
212

Total
 
$

 
$
212

 
$
770

 
$
982

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Outstanding principal and interest for these life policy loans totaled $33 million and $32 million at
March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
 
Recorded reserves for the deferred annuities were $754 million and $760 million at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Recorded reserves for the structured settlements were $151 million at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.



Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 15



NOTE 4 – Property Casualty Loss and Loss Expenses
This table summarizes activity for our consolidated property casualty loss and loss expense reserves:
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
Gross loss and loss expense reserves, beginning of period
 
$
6,088

 
$
5,646

Less reinsurance recoverable
 
342

 
238

Net loss and loss expense reserves, beginning of period
 
5,746

 
5,408

 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and loss expense reserves related to acquisition of Cincinnati Global at
  February 28, 2019
 

 
246

 
 
 
 
 
Net incurred loss and loss expenses related to:
 
 

 
 

Current accident year
 
963

 
857

Prior accident years
 
(33
)
 
(67
)
Total incurred
 
930

 
790

Net paid loss and loss expenses related to:
 
 

 
 

Current accident year
 
186

 
177

Prior accident years
 
631

 
647

Total paid
 
817

 
824

Net loss and loss expense reserves, end of period
 
5,859

 
5,620

Plus reinsurance recoverable
 
294

 
266

Gross loss and loss expense reserves, end of period
 
$
6,153

 
$
5,886

 
 
 
 
 

 
We use actuarial methods, models and judgment to estimate, as of a financial statement date, the property casualty loss and loss expense reserves required to pay for and settle all outstanding insured claims, including incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims, as of that date. The actuarial estimate is subject to review and adjustment by an inter-departmental committee that includes actuarial, claims, underwriting, loss prevention and accounting management. This committee is familiar with relevant company and industry business, claims and underwriting trends, as well as general economic and legal trends that could affect future loss and loss expense payments. The amount we will actually have to pay for claims can be highly uncertain. This uncertainty, together with the size of our reserves, makes the loss and loss expense reserves our most significant estimate. The reserve for loss and loss expenses in the condensed consolidated balance sheets also included $53 million at March 31, 2020, and $58 million at March 31, 2019, for certain life and health loss and loss expense reserves.

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, we experienced $33 million of favorable development on prior accident years, including $6 million of favorable development in commercial lines, $28 million of favorable development in personal lines and $1 million of unfavorable development in excess and surplus lines. Within commercial lines, we recognized favorable reserve development of $7 million for the workers' compensation line and $5 million for the commercial casualty line due to reduced uncertainty of prior accident year loss and loss adjustment expense for these lines. This was partially offset by unfavorable reserve development of $6 million for the commercial auto line. Within personal lines, we recognized favorable reserve development of $18 million for the homeowner line of business and $13 million in personal auto.

For the three months ended March 31, 2019, we experienced $67 million of favorable development on prior accident years, including $62 million of favorable development in commercial lines, $3 million of unfavorable development in personal lines and $2 million of favorable development in excess and surplus lines. Within commercial lines, we recognized favorable reserve development of $31 million for the commercial casualty line, $15 million for the workers' compensation line and $11 million for the commercial auto line due to reduced uncertainty of prior accident year loss and loss adjustment expense for these lines. Within personal lines, we recognized unfavorable reserve development of $11 million for the homeowner line of business due primarily to higher-than-anticipated loss development on known claims.


Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 16



NOTE 5 – Life Policy and Investment Contract Reserves
We establish the reserves for traditional life insurance policies based on expected expenses, mortality, morbidity, withdrawal rates, timing of claim presentation and investment yields, including a provision for uncertainty. Once these assumptions are established, they generally are maintained throughout the lives of the contracts. We use both our own experience and industry experience, adjusted for historical trends, in arriving at our assumptions for expected mortality, morbidity and withdrawal rates as well as for expected expenses. We base our assumptions for expected investment income on our own experience adjusted for current and future economic conditions.
 
We establish reserves for the company's deferred annuity, universal life and structured settlement policies equal to the cumulative account balances, which include premium deposits plus credited interest less charges and withdrawals. Some of our universal life policies contain no-lapse guarantee provisions. For these policies, we establish a reserve in addition to the account balance, based on expected no-lapse guarantee benefits and expected policy assessments.

This table summarizes our life policy and investment contract reserves:
(Dollars in millions)
 
March 31,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
Life policy reserves:
 
 
 
 
Ordinary/traditional life
 
$
1,245

 
$
1,226

Other
 
50

 
50

Subtotal
 
1,295

 
1,276

Investment contract reserves:
 
 
 
 
Deferred annuities
 
754

 
760

Universal life
 
653

 
640

Structured settlements
 
151

 
151

Other
 
8

 
8

Subtotal
 
1,566

 
1,559

Total life policy and investment contract reserves
 
$
2,861

 
$
2,835

 
 
 
 
 




Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 17



NOTE 6 – Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Expenses directly related to successfully acquired insurance policies – primarily commissions, premium taxes and underwriting costs – are deferred and amortized over the terms of the policies. We update our acquisition cost assumptions periodically to reflect actual experience, and we evaluate the costs for recoverability. The table below shows the deferred policy acquisition costs and asset reconciliation.
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,

 
2020
 
2019
Property casualty:
 
 
 
 
Deferred policy acquisition costs asset, beginning of period
 
$
512

 
$
464

Capitalized deferred policy acquisition costs
 
280

 
254

Amortized deferred policy acquisition costs
 
(256
)
 
(233
)
Deferred policy acquisition costs asset, end of period
 
$
536

 
$
485

 
 
 
 
 
Life:
 
 
 
 
Deferred policy acquisition costs asset, beginning of period
 
$
262

 
$
274

Capitalized deferred policy acquisition costs
 
15

 
16

Amortized deferred policy acquisition costs
 
(9
)
 
(13
)
Shadow deferred policy acquisition costs
 
23

 
(11
)
Deferred policy acquisition costs asset, end of period
 
$
291

 
$
266

 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated:
 
 
 
 
Deferred policy acquisition costs asset, beginning of period
 
$
774

 
$
738

Capitalized deferred policy acquisition costs
 
295

 
270

Amortized deferred policy acquisition costs
 
(265
)
 
(246
)
Shadow deferred policy acquisition costs
 
23

 
(11
)
Deferred policy acquisition costs asset, end of period
 
$
827

 
$
751

 
 
 
 
 

No premium deficiencies were recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of income, as the sum of the anticipated loss and loss expenses, policyholder dividends and unamortized deferred acquisition expenses did not exceed the related unearned premiums and anticipated investment income.
 

Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 18



NOTE 7 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) includes changes in unrealized gains and losses on investments, changes in pension obligations and changes in life deferred acquisition costs, life policy reserves and other as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
Before tax
 
Income tax
 
Net
 
 
Before tax
 
Income tax
 
Net
Investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AOCI, beginning of period
 
$
590

 
$
123

 
$
467

 
 
$
46

 
$
9

 
$
37

OCI before investment gains and losses, net, recognized in net income
 
(399
)
 
(84
)
 
(315
)
 
 
244

 
51

 
193

Investment gains and losses, net, recognized in net income
 
75

 
16

 
59

 
 
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
OCI
 
(324
)
 
(68
)
 
(256
)
 
 
242

 
50

 
192

AOCI, end of period
 
$
266

 
$
55

 
$
211

 
 
$
288

 
$
59

 
$
229

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AOCI, beginning of period
 
$
(9
)
 
$

 
$
(9
)
 
 
$
(16
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$
(14
)
OCI excluding amortization recognized in net income
 

 

 

 
 

 

 

Amortization recognized in net income
 
1

 

 
1

 
 

 

 

OCI
 
1

 

 
1

 
 

 

 

AOCI, end of period
 
$
(8
)
 
$

 
$
(8
)
 
 
$
(16
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$
(14
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life deferred acquisition costs, life policy reserves and other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AOCI, beginning of period
 
$
(13
)
 
$
(3
)
 
$
(10
)
 
 
$
(1
)
 
$

 
$
(1
)
OCI before investment gains and losses, net, recognized in net income
 
14

 
3

 
11

 
 

 

 

Investment gains and losses, net, recognized in net income
 

 

 

 
 
(5
)
 
(1
)
 
(4
)
OCI
 
14

 
3

 
11

 
 
(5
)
 
(1
)
 
(4
)
AOCI, end of period
 
$
1

 
$

 
$
1

 
 
$
(6
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
(5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Summary of AOCI:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AOCI, beginning of period
 
$
568

 
$
120

 
$
448

 
 
$
29

 
$
7

 
$
22

Investments OCI
 
(324
)
 
(68
)
 
(256
)
 
 
242

 
50

 
192

Pension obligations OCI
 
1

 

 
1

 
 

 

 

Life deferred acquisition costs, life policy reserves and other OCI
 
14

 
3

 
11

 
 
(5
)
 
(1
)
 
(4
)
Total OCI
 
(309
)
 
(65
)
 
(244
)
 
 
237

 
49

 
188

AOCI, end of period
 
$
259

 
$
55

 
$
204

 
 
$
266

 
$
56

 
$
210

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Investment gains and losses, net, and life deferred acquisition costs, life policy reserves and other investment gains and losses, net, are recorded in the investment gains and losses, net, line item in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Amortization on pension obligations is recorded in the insurance losses and contract holders' benefits and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses line items in the condensed consolidated statements of income.


Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 19



NOTE 8 – Reinsurance
Primary components of our property casualty reinsurance assumed operations include involuntary and voluntary assumed risks as well as contracts from Cincinnati Re, our reinsurance assumed operations. Primary components of our ceded reinsurance include a property per risk treaty, property excess treaty, casualty per occurrence treaty, casualty excess treaty, property catastrophe treaty and retrocessions on our reinsurance assumed operations. Management's decisions about the appropriate level of risk retention are affected by various factors, including changes in our underwriting practices, capacity to retain risks and reinsurance market conditions.

The table below summarizes our consolidated property casualty insurance net written premiums, earned premiums and incurred loss and loss expenses:
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
Direct written premiums
 
$
1,458

 
$
1,335

Assumed written premiums
 
111

 
87

Ceded written premiums
 
(51
)
 
(41
)
Net written premiums
 
$
1,518

 
$
1,381

 
 
 
 
 
Direct earned premiums
 
$
1,371

 
$
1,266

Assumed earned premiums
 
66

 
43

Ceded earned premiums
 
(48
)
 
(42
)
Earned premiums
 
$
1,389

 
$
1,267

 
 
 
 
 
Direct incurred loss and loss expenses
 
$
900

 
$
787

Assumed incurred loss and loss expenses
 
34

 
25

Ceded incurred loss and loss expenses
 
(4
)
 
(22
)
Incurred loss and loss expenses
 
$
930

 
$
790

 
 
 
 
 


Our life insurance company purchases reinsurance for protection of a portion of the risks that are written. Primary components of our life reinsurance program include individual mortality coverage, aggregate catastrophe and accidental death coverage in excess of certain deductibles.

The table below summarizes our consolidated life insurance earned premiums and contract holders' benefits incurred:
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
Direct earned premiums
 
$
85

 
$
83

Ceded earned premiums
 
(18
)
 
(17
)
Earned premiums
 
$
67

 
$
66

 
 
 
 
 
Direct contract holders' benefits incurred
 
85

 
85

Ceded contract holders' benefits incurred
 
(12
)
 
(15
)
Contract holders' benefits incurred
 
$
73

 
$
70

 
 
 
 
 

 
The ceded benefits incurred can vary depending on the type of life insurance policy held and the year the policy was issued.


Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 20



NOTE 9 – Income Taxes
The differences between the 21% statutory federal income tax rate and our effective income tax rate were as follows:
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
Tax at statutory rate:
 
$
(331
)
 
21.0
%
 
$
182

 
21.0
 %
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Tax-exempt income from municipal bonds
 
(5
)
 
0.3

 
(5
)
 
(0.6
)
Dividend received exclusion
 
(4
)
 
0.3

 
(4
)
 
(0.5
)
Other
 
(10
)
 
0.6

 
(1
)
 
(0.1
)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
 
$
(350
)
 
22.2
%
 
$
172

 
19.8
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
The provision for federal income taxes is based upon filing a consolidated income tax return for the company and its domestic subsidiaries.

We continue to believe that after considering all positive and negative evidence of taxable income in the carryback and carryforward periods as permitted by law, we believe it is more likely than not that all of the deferred tax assets on our U.S. domestic operations will be realized. As a result, we have no valuation allowance for our U.S. domestic operations as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. As more fully discussed below, we do carry a valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets related to Cincinnati Global.

During the first quarter of 2020, the IRS notified us they would be expanding their audit of tax year 2017 to include the tax year ended December 31, 2018.

In response to the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19), as more fully discussed in Note 1, Accounting Policies, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law on March 27, 2020. We are currently evaluating the CARES Act, but at the present time, believe any impact to our financial statements will be immaterial.

Unrecognized Tax Benefits
As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had a gross unrecognized tax benefit of $34 million. There were no changes to this amount during the first quarter of 2020. It is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months, our unrecognized tax benefit could change when the IRS completes its examination of the tax year ended December 31, 2018.

Cincinnati Global
As a result of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020, Cincinnati Global had a $6 million reduction to their net deferred tax assets with an offsetting $6 million reduction to their valuation allowance. As of March 31, 2020, Cincinnati Global had a net deferred tax asset of $35 million and an offsetting valuation allowance of $35 million.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when management believes it is more likely than not that some, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. After considering all positive and negative evidence related to the Cincinnati Global operations, we continue to believe it is appropriate to carry a valuation allowance as of March 31, 2020.

As of March 31, 2020, Cincinnati Global had operating loss carryforwards of $118 million in the United Kingdom. These Cincinnati Global losses can only be utilized within the Cincinnati Global group in the United Kingdom and cannot offset the income of our CFC group domestic operations in the United States. Other than the Cincinnati Global loss carryforwards, we had no other operating or capital loss carryforwards as of March 31, 2020.


Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 21



NOTE 10 – Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share
Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share are computed based on the weighted average number of common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding using the treasury stock method. The table shows calculations for basic and diluted earnings per share:
(In millions, except per share data)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Numerator:
 
 

 
 

Net income (loss)—basic and diluted
 
$
(1,226
)
 
$
695

Denominator:
 
 

 
 

Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding
 
162.2

 
163.0

Effect of share-based awards:
 
 

 
 

Stock options
 

 
0.9

Nonvested shares
 

 
0.7

Diluted weighted-average shares
 
162.2

 
164.6

Earnings (loss) per share:
 
 

 
 

Basic
 
$
(7.56
)
 
$
4.27

Diluted
 
$
(7.56
)
 
$
4.22

Number of anti-dilutive share-based awards
 
2.5

 
0.7

 
 
 
 
 


In accordance with ASC 260, Earnings per Share, the assumed exercise of share-based awards in 2020 were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share. See our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 8, Note 17, Share-Based Associate Compensation Plans, Page 176, for information about share-based awards. The above table shows the number of anti-dilutive share-based awards for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. These share-based awards were not included in the computation of net income (loss) per common share (diluted) because their exercise would have anti-dilutive effects.

NOTE 11 – Employee Retirement Benefits
The following summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost for our qualified and supplemental pension plans:
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
Service cost
 
$
2

 
$
2

Non-service costs (benefit):
 
 
 
 
Interest cost
 
3

 
3

Expected return on plan assets
 
(5
)
 
(5
)
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost
 
1

 

Other
 

 
1

 Total non-service benefit
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
1

 
$
1

 
 
 
 
 


See our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 8, Note 13, Employee Retirement Benefits, Page 170, for information on our retirement benefits. Service costs and non-service costs (benefit) are allocated in the same proportion primarily to the underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses line item with the remainder allocated to the insurance losses and contract holders' benefits line item on the condensed consolidated statements of income for both 2020 and 2019.


Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 22



We made matching contributions totaling $8 million and $5 million to our 401(k) and Top Hat savings plans during the first quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively.

We made no contributions to our qualified pension plan during the first three months of 2020.

NOTE 12 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
In the ordinary course of conducting business, the company and its subsidiaries are named as defendants in various legal proceedings. Most of these proceedings are claims litigation involving the company's insurance subsidiaries in which the company is either defending or providing indemnity for third-party claims brought against insureds or litigating first-party coverage claims. The company accounts for such activity through the establishment of unpaid loss and loss expense reserves. We believe that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such ordinary-course claims litigation, after consideration of provisions made for potential losses and costs of defense, is immaterial to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
The company and its subsidiaries also are occasionally involved in other legal and regulatory proceedings, some of which assert claims for substantial amounts. These actions include, among others, putative class actions seeking certification of a state or national class. Such proceedings have alleged, for example, breach of an alleged duty to search national databases to ascertain unreported deaths of insureds under life insurance policies. The company's insurance subsidiaries also are occasionally parties to individual actions in which extra-contractual damages, punitive damages or penalties are sought, such as claims alleging bad faith handling of insurance claims or writing unauthorized coverage or claims alleging discrimination by former or current associates.
 
On a quarterly basis, we review these outstanding matters. Under current accounting guidance, we establish accruals when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and we can reasonably estimate its potential exposure. The company accounts for such probable and estimable losses, if any, through the establishment of legal expense reserves. Based on our quarterly review, we believe that our accruals for probable and estimable losses are reasonable and that the amounts accrued do not have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations. However, if any one or more of these matters results in a judgment against us or settlement for an amount that is significantly greater than the amount accrued, the resulting liability could have a material effect on the company's consolidated results of operations or cash flows. Based on our most recent review, our estimate for any other matters for which the risk of loss is not probable, but more than remote, is immaterial.

NOTE 13 – Segment Information
We operate primarily in two industries, property casualty insurance and life insurance. Our chief operating decision maker regularly reviews our reporting segments to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance. Our reporting segments are:
Commercial lines insurance
Personal lines insurance
Excess and surplus lines insurance
Life insurance
Investments

We report as Other the noninvestment operations of the parent company and its noninsurer subsidiary, CFC Investment Company. We also report as Other the underwriting results of Cincinnati Re, our reinsurance assumed operation, and Cincinnati Global, our London-based global specialty underwriter. See our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 8, Note 18, Segment Information, Page 179, for a description of revenue, income or loss before income taxes and identifiable assets for each of the five segments.


Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 23



Segment information is summarized in the following table: 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
Revenues:
 
 

 
 

Commercial lines insurance
 
 

 
 

Commercial casualty
 
$
289

 
$
268

Commercial property
 
249

 
234

Commercial auto
 
185

 
170

Workers' compensation
 
75

 
77

Other commercial
 
65

 
61

Commercial lines insurance premiums
 
863

 
810

Fee revenues
 
1

 
1

Total commercial lines insurance
 
864

 
811

 
 
 
 
 
Personal lines insurance
 
 

 
 

Personal auto
 
154

 
155

Homeowner
 
159

 
147

Other personal
 
46

 
42

Personal lines insurance premiums
 
359

 
344

Fee revenues
 
1

 
1

Total personal lines insurance
 
360

 
345

 
 
 
 
 
Excess and surplus lines insurance
 
78

 
63

Fee revenues
 
1

 
1

Total excess and surplus lines insurance
 
79

 
64

 
 
 
 
 
Life insurance premiums
 
67

 
66

Fee revenues
 

 
1

Total life insurance
 
67

 
67

 
 
 
 
 
Investments
 
 
 
 
    Investment income, net of expenses
 
165

 
157

    Investment gains and losses, net
 
(1,725
)
 
663

Total investment revenue
 
(1,560
)
 
820

 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
Premiums
 
89

 
50

Other
 
2

 
2

Total other revenues
 
91

 
52

Total revenues
 
$
(99
)
 
$
2,159

 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes:
 
 

 
 

Insurance underwriting results
 
 

 
 

Commercial lines insurance
 
$
(20
)
 
$
76

Personal lines insurance
 
21

 
(4
)
Excess and surplus lines insurance
 
9

 
11

Life insurance
 
2

 
(1
)
Investments
 
(1,586
)
 
796

Other
 
(2
)
 
(11
)
Total income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
(1,576
)
 
$
867

Identifiable assets:
 
March 31,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
Property casualty insurance
 
$
3,444

 
$
3,437

Life insurance
 
1,517

 
1,516

Investments
 
17,699

 
19,583

Other
 
707

 
872

Total
 
$
23,367

 
$
25,408

 
 
 
 
 


Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 24



Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
The following discussion highlights significant factors influencing the condensed consolidated results of operations and financial position of Cincinnati Financial Corporation. It should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Unless otherwise noted, the industry data is prepared by A.M. Best Co., a leading insurance industry statistical, analytical and financial strength rating organization. Information from A.M. Best is presented on a statutory basis for insurance company regulation in the United States of America. When we provide our results on a comparable statutory basis, we label it as such; all other company data is presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP).
 
We present per share data on a diluted basis unless otherwise noted, adjusting those amounts for all stock splits and dividends. Dollar amounts are rounded to millions; calculations of percent changes are based on dollar amounts rounded to the nearest million. Certain percentage changes are identified as not meaningful (nm).
 
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
This is our “Safe Harbor” statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Our business is subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements in this report. Some of those risks and uncertainties are discussed in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 1A, Risk Factors, Page 35.
Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to:
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that could affect results for reasons such as: 
Securities market disruption or volatility and related effects such as decreased economic activity that affect the company’s investment portfolio and book value
An unusually high level of claims in our insurance or reinsurance operations that increase litigation-related expenses
An unusually high level of insurance losses, including risk of legislation or court decisions extending business interruption insurance to require coverage when there was no direct physical damage or loss to property
Decreased premium revenue and cash flow from disruption to our distribution channel of independent agents, consumer self-isolation, travel limitations, business restrictions and decreased economic activity
Inability of our workforce to perform necessary business functions
Unusually high levels of catastrophe losses due to risk concentrations, changes in weather patterns, environmental events, terrorism incidents or other causes
Increased frequency and/or severity of claims or development of claims that are unforeseen at the time of policy issuance
Inadequate estimates, assumptions or reliance on third-party data used for critical accounting estimates
Declines in overall stock market values negatively affecting the company’s equity portfolio and book value
Prolonged low interest rate environment or other factors that limit the company’s ability to generate growth in investment income or interest rate fluctuations that result in declining values of fixed-maturity investments, including declines in accounts in which we hold bank-owned life insurance contract assets
Domestic and global events resulting in capital market or credit market uncertainty, followed by prolonged periods of economic instability or recession, that lead to:
Significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of a particular security or group of securities and impairment of the asset(s)
Significant decline in investment income due to reduced or eliminated dividend payouts from a particular security or group of securities
Significant rise in losses from surety and director and officer policies written for financial institutions or other insured entities
Our inability to integrate Cincinnati Global and its subsidiaries into our on-going operations, or disruptions to our on-going operations due to such integration
Recession or other economic conditions resulting in lower demand for insurance products or increased payment delinquencies
Difficulties with technology or data security breaches, including cyberattacks, that could negatively affect our ability to conduct business; disrupt our relationships with agents, policyholders and others; cause

Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 25



reputational damage, mitigation expenses and data loss and expose us to liability under federal and state laws
Disruption of the insurance market caused by technology innovations such as driverless cars that could decrease consumer demand for insurance products
Delays, inadequate data developed internally or from third parties, or performance inadequacies from ongoing development and implementation of underwriting and pricing methods, including telematics and other usage-based insurance methods, or technology projects and enhancements expected to increase our pricing accuracy, underwriting profit and competitiveness
Increased competition that could result in a significant reduction in the company’s premium volume
Changing consumer insurance-buying habits and consolidation of independent insurance agencies that could alter our competitive advantages
Inability to obtain adequate ceded reinsurance on acceptable terms, amount of reinsurance coverage purchased, financial strength of reinsurers and the potential for nonpayment or delay in payment by reinsurers
Inability to defer policy acquisition costs for any business segment if pricing and loss trends would lead management to conclude that segment could not achieve sustainable profitability
Inability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends consistent with current or past levels
Events or conditions that could weaken or harm the company’s relationships with its independent agencies and hamper opportunities to add new agencies, resulting in limitations on the company’s opportunities for growth, such as:
Downgrades of the company’s financial strength ratings
Concerns that doing business with the company is too difficult
Perceptions that the company’s level of service, particularly claims service, is no longer a distinguishing characteristic in the marketplace
Inability or unwillingness to nimbly develop and introduce coverage product updates and innovations that our competitors offer and consumers expect to find in the marketplace
Actions of insurance departments, state attorneys general or other regulatory agencies, including a change to a federal system of regulation from a state-based system, that:
Impose new obligations on us that increase our expenses or change the assumptions underlying our critical accounting estimates
Place the insurance industry under greater regulatory scrutiny or result in new statutes, rules and regulations
Restrict our ability to exit or reduce writings of unprofitable coverages or lines of business
Add assessments for guaranty funds, other insurance‑related assessments or mandatory reinsurance arrangements; or that impair our ability to recover such assessments through future surcharges or other rate changes
Increase our provision for federal income taxes due to changes in tax law
Increase our other expenses
Limit our ability to set fair, adequate and reasonable rates
Place us at a disadvantage in the marketplace
Restrict our ability to execute our business model, including the way we compensate agents
Adverse outcomes from litigation or administrative proceedings
Events or actions, including unauthorized intentional circumvention of controls, that reduce the company’s future ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Unforeseen departure of certain executive officers or other key employees due to retirement, health or other causes that could interrupt progress toward important strategic goals or diminish the effectiveness of certain longstanding relationships with insurance agents and others
Events, such as an epidemic, natural catastrophe or terrorism, that could hamper our ability to assemble our workforce at our headquarters location
Further, the company’s insurance businesses are subject to the effects of changing social, global, economic and regulatory environments. Public and regulatory initiatives have included efforts to adversely influence and restrict premium rates, restrict the ability to cancel policies, impose underwriting standards and expand overall regulation. The company also is subject to public and regulatory initiatives that can affect the market value for its common stock, such as measures affecting corporate financial reporting and governance. The ultimate changes and eventual effects, if any, of these initiatives are uncertain.


Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 26



CORPORATE FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
Net Income and Comprehensive Income Data
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
 
% Change
Earned premiums
 
$
1,456

 
$
1,333

 
9

Investment income, net of expenses (pretax)
 
165

 
157

 
5

Investment gains and losses, net (pretax)
 
(1,725
)
 
663

 
nm

Total revenues
 
(99
)
 
2,159

 
nm

Net income (loss)
 
(1,226
)
 
695

 
nm

Comprehensive income (loss)
 
(1,470
)
 
883

 
nm

Net income (loss) per share—diluted
 
(7.56
)
 
4.22

 
nm

Cash dividends declared per share
 
0.60

 
0.56

 
7

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
 
162.2

 
164.6

 
(1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total revenues were negative for the first quarter of 2020, as a reduction in net investment gains offset increases in earned premiums and investment income. Premium and investment revenue trends are discussed further in the respective sections of Financial Results.

Investment gains and losses are recognized on the sales of investments, on certain changes in fair values of securities even though we continue to hold the securities or as otherwise required by GAAP. We have substantial discretion in the timing of investment sales, and that timing generally is independent of the insurance underwriting process. The change in fair value of securities is also generally independent of the insurance underwriting process.
 
The net loss for the first quarter of 2020, compared with first-quarter 2019 net income, was a change of $1.921 billion, including a decrease of $1.886 billion in after-tax net investment gains and losses and a decrease of $53 million in after-tax property casualty underwriting income. First-quarter 2020 catastrophe losses, mostly weather related, were $41 million higher after taxes and unfavorably affected both net income and property casualty underwriting income. After-tax investment income for the first quarter of 2020 increased by $6 million and life insurance segment results on a pretax basis improved $3 million compared with first-quarter 2019.

The recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19), recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, caused significant economic effects where we operate, including temporary closures of many businesses and reduced consumer spending due to shelter-in-place, stay-at-home and other governmental regulations. Those orders and the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 had broad financial market effects in the last few weeks of first-quarter 2020 and caused significant market disruption and volatility. The stock market volatility was a major contributor to the revenue decrease and net loss effects discussed above, and in this quarterly report Item 2, Investments Results, that resulted from a reduction in net investment gains for our investment portfolio.

The COVID-19 pandemic did not have a significant effect on our premium revenues for the first quarter of 2020. Approximately 85% of our net written premiums are from renewals of expiring policies or reinsurance treaties that were generally arranged in advance of the economic slowdown resulting from COVID-19 effects on businesses or consumers, and only a small fraction of premiums written in March were earned during the first quarter. In the last few weeks of March and the first few weeks of April, we saw a reduction in submissions from agents for us to quote premiums for policies that would be new business for us in the second quarter of 2020. At the same time, we have seen early signs of a higher ratio of quoted policies that were subsequently issued for certain lines of business, which somewhat offset the decrease in submissions. Regardless of future policy submission volume, new business and renewal premium amounts could decline if the basis for policy premiums, such as sales and payrolls of businesses we insure, decrease as a result of a weakened economy. Early in the second quarter of 2020, we announced a 15% policyholder credit applied to each personal auto policy for the months of April and May, for an estimated aggregate amount of $16 million. At this time, we are not able to determine other material effects of the pandemic for future periods.


Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 27



Loss experience for our insurance operations is influenced by many factors, as discussed in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 7, Property Casualty Insurance Loss and Loss Expense Reserves, page 56. We have not determined any material effect on our loss experience for the first quarter of 2020 as a result of the pandemic. Because of fewer vehicles on the road and other factors that reduce exposure to certain insurance losses, such as reduced sales and payrolls for businesses, there could be a reduction in future losses that generally correspond to reduced premiums. For example, we saw a reduction in personal auto reported claims as a result of reduced driving in late March and early April. However, there could be losses or legal expenses that occur independent of changes in sales or payrolls of businesses we insure. At this time, we are not able to determine premium or loss effects for future periods.

Virtually all of our commercial property policies do not provide coverage for business interruption claims unless there is direct physical damage or loss to property. Because a virus does not produce direct physical damage or loss to property, no coverage exists for this peril – rendering an exclusion unnecessary. For this reason, most of our standard market commercial property policies in states where we actively write business do not contain a specific exclusion for COVID-19. While we will evaluate each claim based on the specific facts and circumstances involved, our commercial property policies do not provide coverage for business interruption claims unless there is direct physical damage or loss to property.

Performance by segment is discussed below in Financial Results. As discussed in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 7, Factors Influencing Our Future Performance, Page 55, there are several reasons why our performance during 2020 may be below our long-term targets.
 
The board of directors is committed to rewarding shareholders directly through cash dividends and through share repurchase authorizations. Through 2019, the company had increased the annual cash dividend rate for 59 consecutive years, a record we believe is matched by only seven other publicly traded companies. In January 2020, the board of directors increased the regular quarterly dividend to 60 cents per share, setting the stage for our 60th consecutive year of increasing cash dividends. During the first three months of 2020, cash dividends declared by the company increased 7% compared with the same period of 2019. Our board regularly evaluates relevant factors in decisions related to dividends and share repurchases. The 2020 dividend increase reflected our strong earnings performance and signaled management's and the board's positive outlook and confidence in our outstanding capital, liquidity and financial flexibility.

Balance Sheet Data and Performance Measures
(Dollars in millions, except share data)
 
At March 31,
 
At December 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
Total investments
 
$
17,876

 
$
19,746

Total assets
 
23,367

 
25,408

Short-term debt
 
114

 
39

Long-term debt
 
788

 
788

Shareholders' equity
 
8,042

 
9,864

Book value per share
 
50.02

 
60.55

Debt-to-total-capital ratio
 
10.1
%
 
7.7
%
 
 
 
 
 


Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 28



Total assets at March 31, 2020, decreased 8% compared with year-end 2019, and included a 9% decrease in total investments that reflected lower fair values for many securities in our portfolio. Shareholders' equity decreased 18%, and book value per share decreased 17% during the first three months of 2020. Our debt-to-total-capital ratio (capital is the sum of debt plus shareholders' equity) increased compared with year-end 2019.

Our value creation ratio is our primary performance metric. That ratio was negative 16.4% for the first three months of 2020, and was significantly lower than the same period in 2019, primarily due to a reduction of overall net gains from our investment portfolio. The $10.53 decrease in book value per share during the first three months of 2020 contributed negative 17.4 percentage points to the value creation ratio, while dividends declared at $0.60 per share contributed 1.0 point. Value creation ratios by major components and in total, along with calculations from per-share amounts, are shown in the tables below.
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
Value creation ratio major components:
 
 

 
 

Net income before investment gains
 
1.4
 %
 
2.2
 %
Change in fixed-maturity securities, realized and unrealized gains
 
(3.2
)
 
2.5

Change in equity securities, investment gains
 
(13.4
)
 
6.6

Other
 
(1.2
)
 
(0.2
)
     Value creation ratio
 
(16.4
)%
 
11.1
 %
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars are per share)
Three months ended March 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Value creation ratio:
 

 
 

End of period book value*
$
50.02

 
$
52.88

Less beginning of period book value
60.55

 
48.10

Change in book value
(10.53
)
 
4.78

Dividend declared to shareholders
0.60

 
0.56

Total value creation
$
(9.93
)
 
$
5.34

 
 
 
 
Value creation ratio from change in book value**
(17.4
)%
 
9.9
%
Value creation ratio from dividends declared to shareholders***
1.0

 
1.2

Value creation ratio
(16.4
)%
 
11.1
%
 
 
 
 
    * Book value per share is calculated by dividing end of period total shareholders' equity by end of period shares outstanding
 
 
  ** Change in book value divided by the beginning of period book value
 
 
*** Dividend declared to shareholders divided by beginning of period book value
 
 

DRIVERS OF LONG-TERM VALUE CREATION
Operating through The Cincinnati Insurance Company, Cincinnati Financial Corporation is one of the 25 largest property casualty insurers in the nation, based on 2019 net written premiums for approximately 2,000 U.S. stock and mutual insurer groups. We market our insurance products through a select group of independent insurance agencies as discussed in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 1, Our Business and Our Strategy, Page 5. At March 31, 2020, we actively marketed through agencies located in 45 states. We maintain a long-term perspective that guides us in addressing immediate challenges or opportunities while focusing on the major decisions that best position our company for success through all market cycles.

Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 29




To measure our long-term progress in creating shareholder value, our value creation ratio is our primary financial performance target. As discussed in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 7, Executive Summary, Page 51, management believes this measure is a meaningful indicator of our long-term progress in creating shareholder value and has three primary performance drivers:

Premium growth – We believe our agency relationships and initiatives can lead to a property casualty written premium growth rate over any five-year period that exceeds the industry average. For the first three months of 2020, our consolidated property casualty net written premium year-over-year growth was 10%. As of March 2020, A.M. Best projected the industry's full-year 2020 written premium growth at approximately 4%. For the five-year period 2015 through 2019, our growth rate exceeded that of the industry. The industry's growth rate excludes its mortgage and financial guaranty lines of business.
Combined ratio – We believe our underwriting philosophy and initiatives can generate a GAAP combined ratio over any five-year period that is consistently within the range of 95% to 100%. For the first three months of 2020, our GAAP combined ratio was 98.5%, including 9.4 percentage points of current accident year catastrophe losses partially offset by 2.4 percentage points of favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years. Our statutory combined ratio was 96.6% for the first three months of 2020. As of March 2020, A.M. Best projected the industry's full-year 2020 statutory combined ratio at approximately 99%, including approximately 5 percentage points of catastrophe losses and a favorable effect of approximately 1 percentage point of loss reserve development on prior accident years. The industry's ratio again excludes its mortgage and financial guaranty lines of business.
Investment contribution – We believe our investment philosophy and initiatives can drive investment income growth and lead to a total return on our equity investment portfolio over a five-year period that exceeds the five-year return of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. For the first three months of 2020, pretax investment income was $165 million, up 5% compared with the same period in 2019. We believe our investment portfolio mix provides an appropriate balance of income stability and growth with capital appreciation potential.

Highlights of Our Strategy and Supporting Initiatives
Management has worked to identify a strategy that can lead to long-term success, with concurrence by the board of directors. Our strategy is intended to position us to compete successfully in the markets we have targeted while appropriately managing risk. Further description of our long-term, proven strategy can be found in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 1, Our Business and Our Strategy, Page 5. We believe successful implementation of initiatives that support our strategy will help us better serve our agent customers and reduce volatility in our financial results while we also grow earnings and book value over the long term, successfully navigating challenging economic, market or industry pricing cycles.

Manage insurance profitability – Implementation of these initiatives is intended to enhance underwriting expertise and knowledge, thereby increasing our ability to manage our business while also gaining efficiency. Better profit margins can arise from additional information and more focused action on underperforming product lines, plus pricing capabilities we are expanding through the use of technology and analytics. In addition to enhancing company efficiency, improving internal processes also supports the ability of the independent agencies that represent us to grow profitably by allowing them to serve clients faster and to more efficiently manage agency expenses.
We continue to enhance our property casualty underwriting expertise and to effectively and efficiently underwrite individual policies and process transactions. Ongoing initiatives supporting this work include expanding our pricing and segmentation capabilities through experience and use of predictive analytics and additional data. Our segmentation efforts emphasize identification and retention of insurance policies we believe have relatively stronger pricing, while seeking more aggressive renewal terms and conditions on policies we believe have relatively weaker pricing. In 2020, we are continuing to improve underwriting and rate adequacy for our commercial auto and homeowner lines of business. Our commercial auto policies that renewed during the first three months of 2020 experienced an estimated average price increase at percentages in the mid-single-digit range, and our homeowner policies that renewed during that period also averaged an estimated price increase at percentages in the mid-single-digit range.
Drive premium growth – Implementation of these initiatives is intended to further penetrate each market we serve through our independent agencies. Strategies aimed at specific market opportunities, along with service enhancements, can help our agents grow and increase our share of their business. Premium growth initiatives also include expansion of Cincinnati ReSM, our reinsurance assumed operation, and successful integration of

Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 30



Cincinnati Global Underwriting Ltd.SM (Cincinnati Global), our London-based global specialty underwriter for Lloyd's Syndicate 318. Diversified growth also may reduce variability of losses from weather-related catastrophes.
We continue to appoint new agencies to develop additional points of distribution. In 2020, we are planning approximately 125 appointments of independent agencies that offer most or all of our property casualty insurance products. During the first three months of 2020, we appointed 50 new agencies that meet that criteria.
We also plan to appoint additional agencies that focus on high net worth personal lines clients. In 2020, we are targeting the appointment of approximately 35 agencies that market only personal lines products for us. During the first three months of 2020, we appointed 11 new agencies that meet that criteria.
As of March 31, 2020, a total of 1,814 agency relationships market our property casualty insurance products from 2,492 reporting locations. The totals do not include Lloyd's brokers or coverholders that source business for Cincinnati Global.
We also continue to grow premiums through the disciplined expansion of Cincinnati Re and the acquisition of Cincinnati Global. During the first three months of 2020, Cincinnati Re contributed $21 million of growth in consolidated property casualty insurance net written premiums while Cincinnati Global contributed $16 million. We also believe that over time Cincinnati Global will provide opportunities to support business produced by our independent agencies in new geographies and lines of business.
 
Financial Strength
An important part of our long-term strategy is financial strength, which is described in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 1, Our Business and Our Strategy, Financial Strength, Page 8. One aspect of our financial strength is prudent use of reinsurance ceded to help manage financial performance variability due to catastrophe loss experience. A description of how we use reinsurance ceded is included in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 7, Liquidity and Capital Resources, 2020 Reinsurance Ceded Programs, Page 109. Another aspect of our financial strength is our investment portfolio, which remains well-diversified as discussed in this quarterly report in Item 3, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. Our strong parent-company liquidity and financial strength increase our flexibility to maintain a cash dividend through all periods and to continue to invest in and expand our insurance operations.

At March 31, 2020, we held $2.670 billion of our cash and invested assets at the parent-company level, of which $2.498 billion, or 93.6%, was invested in common stocks, and $16 million, or 0.6%, was cash or cash equivalents. Our debt-to-total-capital ratio was 10.1% at March 31, 2020. Another important indicator of financial strength is our ratio of property casualty net written premiums to statutory surplus, which was 1.2-to-1 for the 12 months ended March 31, 2020, compared with 1.0-to-1 at year-end 2019.

Financial strength ratings assigned to us by independent rating firms also are important. In addition to rating our parent company's senior debt, four firms award insurer financial strength ratings to one or more of our insurance subsidiary companies based on their quantitative and qualitative analyses. These ratings primarily assess an insurer's ability to meet financial obligations to policyholders and do not necessarily address all of the matters that may be important to investors. Ratings are under continuous review and subject to change or withdrawal at any time by the rating agency. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating; please see each rating agency's website for its most recent report on our ratings.


Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 31



At April 24, 2020, our insurance subsidiaries continued to be highly rated.
Insurer Financial Strength Ratings
Rating
agency
Standard market property casualty insurance subsidiaries
Life insurance
 subsidiary
Excess and surplus lines insurance subsidiary
Outlook
 
 
 
Rating
tier
 
 
Rating
tier
 
 
Rating
tier
 
A.M. Best Co.
 ambest.com
A+
Superior
2 of 16
A+
Superior
2 of 16
A+
Superior
2 of 16
Stable
Fitch Ratings
 fitchratings.com
A+
Strong
5 of 21
A+
Strong
5 of 21
-
-
-
Stable
Moody's Investors  Service
 moodys.com
A1
Good
5 of 21
-
-
-
-
-
-
Stable
S&P Global  Ratings
 spratings.com
A+
Strong
5 of 21
A+
Strong
5 of 21
-
-
-
Stable
 

Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 32



CONSOLIDATED PROPERTY CASUALTY INSURANCE HIGHLIGHTS
Consolidated property casualty insurance results include premiums and expenses for our standard market insurance segments (commercial lines and personal lines), our excess and surplus lines segment, Cincinnati Re and our London-based global specialty underwriter known as Cincinnati Global.
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
 
% Change
Earned premiums
 
$
1,389

 
$
1,267

 
10

Fee revenues
 
3

 
3

 
0

Total revenues
 
1,392

 
1,270

 
10

Loss and loss expenses from:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Current accident year before catastrophe losses
 
832

 
786

 
6

Current accident year catastrophe losses
 
131

 
71

 
85

Prior accident years before catastrophe losses
 
(28
)
 
(70
)
 
60

Prior accident years catastrophe losses
 
(5
)
 
3

 
nm

Loss and loss expenses
 
930

 
790

 
18

Underwriting expenses
 
438

 
389

 
13

Underwriting profit
 
$
24

 
$
91

 
(74
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios as a percent of earned premiums:
 
 

 
 

 
Pt. Change
    Current accident year before catastrophe losses
 
59.9
 %
 
62.0
 %
 
(2.1
)
    Current accident year catastrophe losses
 
9.4

 
5.6

 
3.8

    Prior accident years before catastrophe losses
 
(2.1
)
 
(5.5
)
 
3.4

    Prior accident years catastrophe losses
 
(0.3
)
 
0.2

 
(0.5
)
Loss and loss expenses
 
66.9

 
62.3

 
4.6

Underwriting expenses
 
31.6

 
30.7

 
0.9

Combined ratio
 
98.5
 %
 
93.0
 %
 
5.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Combined ratio
 
98.5
 %
 
93.0
 %
 
5.5

Contribution from catastrophe losses and prior years reserve development
 
7.0

 
0.3

 
6.7

Combined ratio before catastrophe losses and prior years reserve development
 
91.5
 %
 
92.7
 %
 
(1.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The COVID-19 pandemic did not have a significant effect on our premiums for the first quarter of 2020. In the last few weeks of March and the first few weeks of April, we saw a reduction in submissions from agents for us to quote premiums for policies that would be new business for us in the second quarter of 2020. At the same time, we have seen early signs of a higher ratio of quoted policies that were subsequently issued for some lines of business, which somewhat offset the decrease in submissions. Regardless of future policy submission volume, new business and renewal premium amounts could decline if the basis for policy premiums, such as sales and payrolls of businesses we insure, decrease as a result of a weakened economy. At this time, we are not able to determine other effects of the pandemic on future periods.

Loss experience for our insurance operations is influenced by many factors. We have not determined any material effect on our loss experience for the first quarter of 2020 as a result of the pandemic. Because of factors that reduce exposure to certain insurance losses, such as fewer vehicles on the road or reduced sales and payrolls for businesses, there could be a reduction in future losses that generally correspond to reduced premiums. However, there could be losses or legal expenses that occur independent of changes in sales or payrolls of businesses we insure. At this time, we are not able to determine premium or loss effects for future periods.

Our consolidated property casualty insurance operations generated an underwriting profit of $24 million for the first three months of 2020. The decrease of $67 million, compared with the first quarter of 2019, included an unfavorable increase of $52 million in losses from natural catastrophes, mostly caused by severe weather. We believe future property casualty underwriting results will continue to benefit from price increases and our ongoing initiatives to improve pricing precision and loss experience related to claims and loss control practices.

Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 33



For all property casualty lines of business in aggregate, net loss and loss expense reserves at March 31, 2020, were $113 million higher than at year-end 2019, including an increase of $121 million for the incurred but not reported (IBNR) portion. The $113 million reserve increase raised year-end 2019 net loss and loss expense reserves by 2%.

We measure and analyze property casualty underwriting results primarily by the combined ratio and its component ratios. The GAAP-basis combined ratio is the percentage of incurred losses plus all expenses per each earned premium dollar – the lower the ratio, the better the performance. An underwriting profit results when the combined ratio is below 100%. A combined ratio above 100% indicates that an insurance company's losses and expenses exceeded premiums.

Our consolidated property casualty combined ratio for the first quarter of 2020 increased by 5.5 percentage points, compared with the same period of 2019, including an increase of 3.3 points from higher catastrophe losses and loss expenses.
 
The combined ratio can be affected significantly by natural catastrophe losses and other large losses as discussed in detail below. The combined ratio can also be affected by updated estimates of loss and loss expense reserves established for claims that occurred in prior periods, referred to as prior accident years. Net favorable development on prior accident year reserves, including reserves for catastrophe losses, benefited the combined ratio by 2.4 percentage points in the first three months of 2020, compared with 5.3 percentage points in the same period of 2019. Net favorable development is discussed in further detail in Financial Results by property casualty insurance segment.
 
The ratio for current accident year loss and loss expenses before catastrophe losses improved in the first three months of 2020. That 59.9% ratio was 2.1 percentage points lower, compared with the 62.0% accident year 2019 ratio measured as of March 31, 2019, including an increase of 0.7 points in the ratio for large losses of $1 million or more per claim, discussed below.
 
The underwriting expense ratio increased for the first quarter of 2020, compared with the same period a year ago. The increase was largely due to higher employee-related expenses and premium taxes, plus the full effect of Cincinnati Global, which partially offset ongoing expense management efforts and higher earned premiums.

Consolidated Property Casualty Insurance Premiums
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,

 
2020
 
2019
 
% Change
Agency renewal written premiums
 
$
1,198

 
$
1,130

 
6

Agency new business written premiums
 
215

 
181

 
19

Other written premiums
 
105

 
70

 
50

Net written premiums
 
1,518

 
1,381

 
10

Unearned premium change
 
(129
)
 
(114
)
 
(13
)
Earned premiums
 
$
1,389

 
$
1,267

 
10

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The trends in net written premiums and earned premiums summarized in the table above include the effects of price increases. Price change trends that heavily influence renewal written premium increases or decreases, along with other premium growth drivers for 2020, are discussed in more detail by segment below in Financial Results.
 
Consolidated property casualty net written premiums for the three months ended March 31, 2019, grew $137 million compared with the same period of 2019, primarily from our commercial lines insurance segment. Our premium growth initiatives from prior years have provided an ongoing favorable effect on growth during the current year, particularly as newer agency relationships mature over time.

Consolidated property casualty agency new business written premiums increased by $34 million for the first quarter of 2020, compared with the same period of 2019. The increase was driven by our commercial lines insurance segment. New agency appointments during 2019 and 2020 produced an $18 million increase in standard lines new business for the first three months of 2020 compared with the same period of 2019. As we appoint new agencies

Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 34



that choose to move accounts to us, we report these accounts as new business. While this business is new to us, in many cases it is not new to the agent. We believe these seasoned accounts tend to be priced more accurately than business that may be less familiar to our agent upon obtaining it from a competing agent.

Net written premiums for Cincinnati Re, included in other written premiums, increased by $21 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared with the same period of 2019, to $105 million. Cincinnati Re assumes risks through reinsurance treaties and in some cases cedes part of the risk and related premiums to one or more unaffiliated reinsurance companies through transactions known as retrocessions. Cincinnati Re earned premiums were $62 million for the first three months of 2020, compared with $40 million for the same period a year ago.
 
Cincinnati Global also contributed to the increase in other written premiums, following our acquisition of it on February 28, 2019. Net written premiums increased by $16 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared with $21 million for one month of premiums in 2019, to $37 million. Cincinnati Global earned premiums were $27 million and $10 million for those respective periods.
 
Other written premiums also include premiums ceded to reinsurers as part of our reinsurance ceded program. An increase in ceded premiums reduced net written premiums by $2 million for the first quarter of 2020, compared with the same period of 2019.

Catastrophe losses and loss expenses typically have a material effect on property casualty results and can vary significantly from period to period. Losses from natural catastrophes contributed 9.1 percentage points to the combined ratio in the first quarter of 2020, compared with 5.8 percentage points in the same period of 2019.

The following table shows consolidated property casualty insurance catastrophe losses and loss expenses incurred, net of reinsurance, as well as the effect of loss development on prior period catastrophe events. We individually list declared catastrophe events for which our incurred losses reached or exceeded $10 million.

Consolidated Property Casualty Insurance Catastrophe Losses and Loss Expenses Incurred
(Dollars in millions, net of reinsurance)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 
Comm.
 
Pers.
 
E&S
 
 
 
 

Dates
Region
 
lines
 
lines
 
lines
 
Other
 
Total
2020
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jan. 10-12
Midwest, Northeast, South

$
6

 
$
5

 
$

 
$

 
$
11

Feb. 5-8
Northeast, South

11

 
6

 

 

 
17

Mar. 2-4
Midwest, South

64

 
10

 

 

 
74

Mar. 27-30
Midwest, Northeast, South

6

 
16

 

 

 
22

All other 2020 catastrophes

1

 
6

 

 

 
7

Development on 2019 and prior catastrophes

(3
)
 
(5
)
 

 
3

 
(5
)
Calendar year incurred total

$
85

 
$
38

 
$

 
$
3

 
$
126


 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jan. 29-Feb. 1
Midwest, Northeast

$
14

 
$
11

 
$

 
$

 
$
25

Feb. 23-26
Midwest, Northeast, South

11

 
12

 

 

 
23

Mar. 12-17
Midwest, Northeast, West, South

4

 
7

 

 

 
11

All other 2019 catastrophes

4

 
8

 

 

 
12

Development on 2018 and prior catastrophes

(6
)
 
8

 

 
1

 
3

Calendar year incurred total

$
27

 
$
46

 
$

 
$
1

 
$
74

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 35



The following table includes data for losses incurred of $1 million or more per claim, net of reinsurance.
 
Consolidated Property Casualty Insurance Losses Incurred by Size
(Dollars in millions, net of reinsurance)
Three months ended March 31,
 
2020
 
2019
 
% Change
Current accident year losses greater than $5 million
$

 
$

 
nm

Current accident year losses $1 million - $5 million
50

 
37

 
35

Large loss prior accident year reserve development
26

 
16

 
63

Total large losses incurred
76

 
53

 
43

Losses incurred but not reported
79

 
47

 
68

Other losses excluding catastrophe losses
496

 
493

 
1

Catastrophe losses
123

 
69

 
78

Total losses incurred
$
774

 
$
662

 
17

 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios as a percent of earned premiums:
 
 
 
 
Pt. Change
Current accident year losses greater than $5 million
%
 
%
 
0.0

Current accident year losses $1 million - $5 million
3.6

 
2.9

 
0.7

Large loss prior accident year reserve development
1.9

 
1.2

 
0.7

Total large loss ratio
5.5

 
4.1

 
1.4

Losses incurred but not reported
5.7

 
3.7

 
2.0

Other losses excluding catastrophe losses
35.6

 
38.9

 
(3.3
)
Catastrophe losses
8.9

 
5.5

 
3.4

Total loss ratio
55.7
%
 
52.2
%
 
3.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We believe the inherent variability of aggregate loss experience for our portfolio of larger policies is greater than that of our portfolio of smaller policies, and we continue to monitor the variability in addition to general inflationary trends in loss costs. Our analysis continues to indicate no unexpected concentration of large losses and case reserve increases by risk category, geographic region, policy inception, agency or field marketing territory. The first-quarter 2020 property casualty total large losses incurred of $76 million, net of reinsurance, were lower than the $80 million quarterly average during full-year 2019 but higher than the $53 million experienced for the first quarter of 2019. The ratio for these large losses was 1.4 percentage points higher compared with last year's first quarter. We believe results for the three-month period largely reflected normal fluctuations in loss patterns and normal variability in large case reserves for claims above $1 million. Losses by size are discussed in further detail in results of operations by property casualty insurance segment.
 
FINANCIAL RESULTS
Consolidated results reflect the operating results of each of our five segments along with the parent company, Cincinnati Re, Cincinnati Global and other activities reported as "Other." The five segments are:
Commercial lines insurance
Personal lines insurance
Excess and surplus lines insurance
Life insurance
Investments


Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 36



COMMERCIAL LINES INSURANCE RESULTS
(Dollars in millions)
Three months ended March 31,

2020
 
2019
 
% Change
Earned premiums
$
863

 
$
810

 
7

Fee revenues
1

 
1

 
0

Total revenues
864

 
811

 
7

Loss and loss expenses from:
 

 
 

 
 

Current accident year before catastrophe losses
526

 
510

 
3

Current accident year catastrophe losses
88

 
33

 
167

Prior accident years before catastrophe losses
(3
)
 
(56
)
 
95

Prior accident years catastrophe losses
(3
)
 
(6
)
 
50

Loss and loss expenses
608

 
481

 
26

Underwriting expenses
276

 
254

 
9

Underwriting profit (loss)
$
(20
)
 
$
76

 
nm

 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios as a percent of earned premiums:
 
 
 
 
Pt. Change
Current accident year before catastrophe losses
61.0
 %
 
63.0
 %
 
(2.0
)
Current accident year catastrophe losses
10.2

 
4.1

 
6.1

Prior accident years before catastrophe losses
(0.3
)
 
(6.9
)
 
6.6

Prior accident years catastrophe losses
(0.4
)
 
(0.8
)
 
0.4

Loss and loss expenses
70.5

 
59.4

 
11.1

Underwriting expenses
32.0

 
31.4

 
0.6

Combined ratio
102.5
 %
 
90.8
 %
 
11.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
Combined ratio
102.5
 %
 
90.8
 %
 
11.7

Contribution from catastrophe losses and prior years reserve development
9.5

 
(3.6
)
 
13.1

Combined ratio before catastrophe losses and prior years reserve development
93.0
 %
 
94.4
 %
 
(1.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview
The COVID-19 pandemic did not have a significant effect on our commercial lines insurance segment premiums for the first quarter of 2020. In the last few weeks of March and the first few weeks of April, we saw a reduction in submissions from agents for us to quote premiums for policies that would be new business for us in the second quarter of 2020. At the same time, we have seen early signs of a higher ratio of quoted policies that were subsequently issued for some lines of business, which somewhat offset the decrease in submissions. Regardless of future policy submission volume, new business and renewal premium amounts could decline if the basis for policy premiums, such as sales and payrolls of businesses we insure, decrease as a result of a weakened economy. At this time, we are not able to determine other effects of the pandemic on future periods.

Loss experience for our insurance operations is influenced by many factors. We have not determined any material effect on our loss experience for the first quarter of 2020 as a result of the pandemic. Because of factors that reduce exposure to certain insurance losses, such as fewer vehicles on the road or reduced sales and payrolls for businesses, there could be a reduction in future losses that generally corresponds to reduced premiums. However, there could be losses or legal expenses that occur independent of changes in sales or payrolls of businesses we insure. At this time, we are not able to determine premium or loss effects for future periods.

Performance highlights for the commercial lines segment include:
Premiums – Earned premiums and net written premiums for the commercial lines segment rose during the first quarter of 2020, compared with the same period a year ago, reflecting higher new business premiums and renewal written premium growth that continued to include higher average pricing. The table below analyzes the primary components of premiums. We continue to use predictive analytics tools to improve pricing precision and segmentation while leveraging our local relationships with agents through the efforts of our teams that work closely with them. We seek to maintain appropriate pricing discipline for both new and renewal business as our

Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 37



agents and underwriters assess account quality to make careful decisions on a case-by-case basis whether to write or renew a policy.
Agency renewal written premiums increased by 5% during the first three months of 2020, compared with the same period of 2019. During the first quarter of 2020, our overall standard commercial lines policies averaged estimated renewal price increases at percentages in the low-single-digit range, higher than any quarter during 2019. We continue to segment commercial lines policies, emphasizing identification and retention of policies we believe have relatively stronger pricing. Conversely, we have been seeking stricter renewal terms and conditions on policies we believe have relatively weaker pricing, thus retaining fewer of those policies. We measure average changes in commercial lines renewal pricing as the percentage rate of change in renewal premium for the new policy period compared with the premium for the expiring policy period, assuming no change in the level of insured exposures or policy coverage between those periods for the respective policies.
Our average overall commercial lines renewal pricing change includes the impact of flat pricing for certain coverages within package policies written for a three-year term that were in force but did not expire during the period being measured. Therefore, our reported change in average commercial lines renewal pricing reflects a blend of three-year policies that did not expire and other policies that did expire during the measurement period. For commercial lines policies that did expire and were then renewed during the first quarter of 2020, we estimate that our average percentage price increase for commercial auto was near the high end of the mid-single-digit range. The estimated average percentage price change for our commercial property line of business was an increase in the mid-single-digit range and for commercial casualty it was an increase in the low-single-digit range, both higher than in 2019. The estimated average percentage price change for workers' compensation was a decrease in the mid-single-digit range.
Renewal premiums for certain policies, primarily our commercial casualty and workers' compensation lines of business, include the results of policy audits that adjust initial premium amounts based on differences between estimated and actual sales or payroll related to a specific policy. Audits completed during the first three months of 2020 contributed $18 million to net written premiums.
New business written premiums for commercial lines increased $34 million during the first three months of 2020, compared with the same period of 2019. The increase reflected growth for each major line of business in our commercial lines insurance segment and a higher level of submissions from our agents requesting our quote for prospective policyholders. Trend analysis for year-over-year comparisons of individual quarters is more difficult to assess for commercial lines new business written premiums, due to inherent variability. That variability is often driven by larger policies with annual premiums greater than $100,000.
Other written premiums include premiums ceded to reinsurers as part of our reinsurance ceded program. For our commercial lines insurance segment, an increase in ceded premiums reduced net written premiums by $1 million for the first quarter of 2020, compared with the same period of 2019.

Commercial Lines Insurance Premiums
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
 
% Change
Agency renewal written premiums
 
$
842

 
$
799

 
5

Agency new business written premiums
 
154

 
120

 
28

Other written premiums
 
(24
)
 
(23
)
 
(4
)
Net written premiums
 
972

 
896

 
8

Unearned premium change
 
(109
)
 
(86
)
 
(27
)
Earned premiums
 
$
863

 
$
810

 
7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Combined ratio – The commercial lines first-quarter 2020 combined ratio increased by 11.7 percentage points, compared with the same period a year ago, including an increase of 6.5 points in losses from natural catastrophes. Underwriting results for the three-month period included a lower level of favorable reserve development on prior accident years that offset better loss experience for the current accident year.
The current accident year loss and loss expenses before catastrophe losses ratio for commercial lines improved in the first three months of 2020. That 61.0% ratio was 2.0 percentage points lower, compared with

Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 38



the 63.0% accident year 2019 ratio measured as of March 31, 2019, including an increase of 0.8 percentage points in the ratio for large losses of $1 million or more per claim, discussed below.
Catastrophe losses and loss expenses accounted for 9.8 percentage points of the combined ratio for the first quarter of 2020, compared with 3.3 percentage points for the same period a year ago. Through 2019, the 10-year annual average for that catastrophe measure for the commercial lines segment was 5.2 percentage points, and the five-year annual average was 5.5 percentage points.
The net effect of reserve development on prior accident years during the first quarter of 2020 was favorable for commercial lines overall by $6 million, compared with $62 million for the same period in 2019. For the first three months of 2020, our commercial casualty and workers' compensation lines of business were the largest contributors to the total commercial lines net favorable reserve development on prior accident years. The net favorable reserve development recognized during the first three months of 2020 for our commercial lines insurance segment was primarily for accident years 2019 and 2018 and was primarily due to lower-than-anticipated loss emergence on known claims. Reserve estimates are inherently uncertain as described in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 7, Critical Accounting Estimates, Property Casualty Insurance Loss and Loss Expense Reserves, Page 56.
The commercial lines underwriting expense ratio increased for the first quarter of 2020, compared with the same period a year ago, largely due to higher employee-related expenses and premium taxes. The ratio also reflects ongoing expense management efforts and higher earned premiums.

Commercial Lines Insurance Losses Incurred by Size
(Dollars in millions, net of reinsurance)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
 
% Change
Current accident year losses greater than $5 million
 
$

 
$

 
nm

Current accident year losses $1 million - $5 million
 
36

 
26

 
38

Large loss prior accident year reserve development
 
22

 
13

 
69

Total large losses incurred
 
58

 
39

 
49

Losses incurred but not reported
 
58

 
43

 
35

Other losses excluding catastrophe losses
 
298

 
286

 
4

Catastrophe losses
 
82

 
25

 
228

Total losses incurred
 
$
496

 
$
393

 
26

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios as a percent of earned premiums:
 
 
 
 
 
Pt. Change
Current accident year losses greater than $5 million
 
%
 
%
 

Current accident year losses $1 million - $5 million
 
4.1

 
3.3

 
0.8

Large loss prior accident year reserve development
 
2.6

 
1.6

 
1.0

Total large loss ratio
 
6.7

 
4.9

 
1.8

Losses incurred but not reported
 
6.8

 
5.4

 
1.4

Other losses excluding catastrophe losses
 
34.5

 
35.1

 
(0.6
)
Catastrophe losses
 
9.5

 
3.1

 
6.4

Total loss ratio
 
57.5
%
 
48.5
%
 
9.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

We continue to monitor new losses and case reserve increases greater than $1 million for trends in factors such as initial reserve levels, loss cost inflation and claim settlement expenses. Our analysis continues to indicate no unexpected concentration of these large losses and case reserve increases by risk category, geographic region, policy inception, agency or field marketing territory. The first-quarter 2020 commercial lines total large losses incurred of $58 million, net of reinsurance, were lower than the quarterly average of $65 million during full-year 2019 but higher than the $39 million total large losses incurred for the first quarter of 2019. The increase in commercial lines large losses for the first three months of 2020 was primarily due to our commercial casualty line of business. The first-quarter 2020 ratio for commercial lines total large losses was 1.8 percentage points higher than last year's first-quarter ratio. We believe results for the three-month period largely reflected normal fluctuations in loss patterns and normal variability in large case reserves for claims above $1 million.


Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 39



PERSONAL LINES INSURANCE RESULTS
(Dollars in millions)
Three months ended March 31,
 
2020
 
2019
 
% Change
Earned premiums
$
359

 
$
344

 
4

Fee revenues
1

 
1

 
0

Total revenues
360

 
345

 
4

Loss and loss expenses from:
 

 
 

 
 

Current accident year before catastrophe losses
216

 
209

 
3

Current accident year catastrophe losses
43

 
38

 
13

Prior accident years before catastrophe losses
(23
)
 
(5
)
 
(360
)
Prior accident years catastrophe losses
(5
)
 
8

 
nm

Loss and loss expenses
231

 
250

 
(8
)
Underwriting expenses
108

 
99

 
9

Underwriting profit (loss)
$
21

 
$
(4
)
 
nm

 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios as a percent of earned premiums:
 
 
 
 
Pt. Change
Current accident year before catastrophe losses
60.0
 %
 
60.6
 %
 
(0.6
)
Current accident year catastrophe losses
12.0

 
10.9

 
1.1

Prior accident years before catastrophe losses
(6.5
)
 
(1.4
)
 
(5.1
)
Prior accident years catastrophe losses
(1.3
)
 
2.4

 
(3.7
)
Loss and loss expenses
64.2

 
72.5

 
(8.3
)
Underwriting expenses
30.1

 
28.8

 
1.3

Combined ratio
94.3
 %
 
101.3
 %
 
(7.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Combined ratio
94.3
 %
 
101.3
 %
 
(7.0
)
Contribution from catastrophe losses and prior years reserve development
4.2

 
11.9

 
(7.7
)
Combined ratio before catastrophe losses and prior years reserve development
90.1
 %
 
89.4
 %
 
0.7

 
 
 
 
 
 

Overview
The COVID-19 pandemic did not have a significant effect on our personal lines insurance segment premiums for the first quarter of 2020. In the last few weeks of March and the first few weeks of April, we saw a reduction in submissions from agents for us to quote premiums for policies that would be new business for us in the second quarter of 2020. Early in the second quarter of 2020, we announced a 15% policyholder credit applied to each personal auto policy for the months of April and May, for an estimated aggregate amount of $16 million. At this time, we are not able to determine other effects of the pandemic on future periods.

Loss experience for our insurance operations is influenced by many factors. We have not determined any material effect on our loss experience for the first quarter of 2020 as a result of the pandemic. Because of factors that reduce exposure to certain insurance losses, there could be a reduction in future losses that generally corresponds to reduced premiums. For example, we saw a reduction in personal auto reported claims as a result of reduced driving in late March and early April. However, there could be losses or legal expenses that occur independent of changes in miles driven for autos we insure. At this time, we are not able to determine premium or loss effects for future periods.

Performance highlights for the personal lines segment include:
Premiums – Personal lines earned premiums and net written premiums continued to grow during the first quarter of 2020, driven by increases in agency renewal written premiums reflecting higher average pricing. Personal lines net written premiums from high net worth policies totaled approximately $101 million for the first quarter of 2020, compared with $77 million for the same period of 2019. The table below analyzes the primary components of premiums.

Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
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Agency renewal written premiums increased 4% for the first quarter of 2020, largely due to rate increases in select states. We estimate that premium rates for our personal auto line of business increased at average percentages in the mid-single-digit range during the first three months of 2020. For our homeowner line of business, we estimate that premium rates for the first three months of 2020 increased at average percentages in the mid-single-digit range, higher than in 2019. For both our personal auto and homeowner lines of business, some individual policies experienced lower or higher rate changes based on each risk's specific characteristics and enhanced pricing precision enabled by predictive models.
Personal lines new business written premiums decreased by 3% during the first three months of 2020, compared with the same period of 2019, reflecting underwriting and pricing discipline, particularly in select states.
Other written premiums include premiums ceded to reinsurers as part of our reinsurance ceded program. For our personal lines insurance segment, an increase in ceded premiums reduced net written premiums by less than $1 million for the first quarter of 2020, compared with the same period of 2019.
We continue to implement strategies discussed in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 1, Strategic Initiatives, Page 15, to enhance our responsiveness to marketplace changes and to help achieve our long-term objectives for personal lines growth and profitability. These strategies include initiatives to more profitably underwrite homeowner policies.
 
Personal Lines Insurance Premiums
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
 
% Change
Agency renewal written premiums
 
$
294

 
$
282

 
4

Agency new business written premiums
 
34

 
35

 
(3
)
Other written premiums
 
(9
)
 
(8
)
 
(13
)
Net written premiums
 
319

 
309

 
3

Unearned premium change
 
40

 
35

 
14

Earned premiums
 
$
359

 
$
344

 
4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Combined ratio – Our personal lines combined ratio improved for the first quarter of 2020, compared with the same period a year ago. The first-quarter improvement reflected better experience in the ratio for current accident year loss and loss expenses before catastrophe losses and favorable reserve development on prior accident years.
The current accident year loss and loss expenses before catastrophe losses ratio for personal lines improved in the first three months of 2020. That 60.0% ratio was 0.6 percentage points lower, compared with the 60.6% accident year 2019 ratio measured as of March 31, 2019, including an increase of 0.7 percentage points in the ratio for large losses of $1 million or more per claim, discussed below.
Catastrophe losses and loss expenses accounted for 10.7 percentage points of the combined ratio for the first quarter of 2020, compared with 13.3 percentage points for the same period of last year. The 10-year annual average catastrophe loss ratio for the personal lines segment through 2019 was 10.1 percentage points, and the five-year annual average was 10.5 percentage points.
In addition to the average rate increases discussed above, we continue to refine our pricing to better match premiums to the risk of loss on individual policies. Improved pricing precision and broad-based rate increases are expected to help position the combined ratio at a profitable level over the long term. In addition, greater geographic diversification is expected to reduce the volatility of homeowner loss ratios attributable to weather-related catastrophe losses over time.
Our homeowner line of business, representing 43% of our 2019 personal lines earned premiums, was the only major line in this segment with a first-quarter 2020 total loss and loss expense ratio before catastrophe losses significantly higher than we desired, although it improved compared with the prior-year period. In recent quarters, our homeowner policies have experienced average renewal price increases at percentages in the mid-single-digit range. We believe rate increases and other actions to improve pricing precision and reduce loss costs will improve future profitability.

Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
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The net effect of reserve development on prior accident years during the first quarter of 2020 was favorable for personal lines overall by $28 million, compared with $3 million of unfavorable net reserve development for the first three months of 2019. Our homeowner and personal auto lines of business were the largest contributors to the 2020 total personal lines net favorable reserve development on prior accident years. The net favorable reserve development was primarily due to lower-than-anticipated loss emergence on known claims. Reserve estimates are inherently uncertain as described in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 7, Critical Accounting Estimates, Property Casualty Insurance Loss and Loss Expense Reserves, Page 56.
The underwriting expense ratio increased for the first quarter of 2020, compared with the same period a year ago, largely due higher employee-related expenses and premium taxes. The ratio also reflects ongoing expense management efforts and higher earned premiums.
 
Personal Lines Insurance Losses Incurred by Size
(Dollars in millions, net of reinsurance)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
 
% Change
Current accident year losses greater than $5 million
 
$

 
$

 
nm

Current accident year losses $1 million - $5 million
 
12

 
10

 
20

Large loss prior accident year reserve development
 
5

 
2

 
150

Total large losses incurred
 
17

 
12

 
42

Losses incurred but not reported
 
24

 
4

 
500

Other losses excluding catastrophe losses
 
127

 
163

 
(22
)
Catastrophe losses
 
38

 
45

 
(16
)
Total losses incurred
 
$
206

 
$
224

 
(8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios as a percent of earned premiums:
 
 
 
 
 
Pt. Change
Current accident year losses greater than $5 million
 
%
 
%
 
0.0

Current accident year losses $1 million - $5 million
 
3.5

 
2.8

 
0.7

Large loss prior accident year reserve development
 
1.3

 
0.6

 
0.7

Total large loss ratio
 
4.8

 
3.4

 
1.4

Losses incurred but not reported
 
6.6

 
1.0

 
5.6

Other losses excluding catastrophe losses
 
35.3

 
47.4

 
(12.1
)
Catastrophe losses
 
10.5

 
13.1

 
(2.6
)
Total loss ratio
 
57.2
%
 
64.9
%
 
(7.7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

We continue to monitor new losses and case reserve increases greater than $1 million for trends in factors such as initial reserve levels, loss cost inflation and claim settlement expenses. Our analysis continues to indicate no unexpected concentration of these large losses and case reserve increases by risk category, geographic region, policy inception, agency or field marketing territory. In the first quarter of 2020, the personal lines total large loss ratio, net of reinsurance, was 1.4 percentage points higher than last year's first quarter. The increase in personal lines large losses for the first three months of 2020 occurred primarily for umbrella coverage in our other personal line of business. We believe results for the three-month period largely reflected normal fluctuations in loss patterns and normal variability in large case reserves for claims above $1 million.


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EXCESS AND SURPLUS LINES INSURANCE RESULTS
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
 
% Change
Earned premiums
 
$
78

 
$
63

 
24

Fee revenues
 
1

 
1

 
0

Total revenues
 
79

 
64

 
23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss and loss expenses from:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Current accident year before catastrophe losses
 
44

 
35

 
26

Current accident year catastrophe losses
 

 

 
0

Prior accident years before catastrophe losses
 
1

 
(2
)
 
nm

Prior accident years catastrophe losses
 

 

 
0

Loss and loss expenses
 
45

 
33

 
36

Underwriting expenses
 
25

 
20

 
25

Underwriting profit
 
$
9

 
$
11

 
(18
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios as a percent of earned premiums:
 
 
 
 
 
Pt. Change
Current accident year before catastrophe losses
 
55.7
%
 
55.5
 %
 
0.2

Current accident year catastrophe losses
 
0.5

 
0.3

 
0.2

Prior accident years before catastrophe losses
 
0.7

 
(4.2
)
 
4.9

Prior accident years catastrophe losses
 
0.5

 
(0.1
)
 
0.6

Loss and loss expenses
 
57.4

 
51.5

 
5.9

Underwriting expenses
 
31.7

 
32.0

 
(0.3
)
Combined ratio
 
89.1
%
 
83.5
 %
 
5.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Combined ratio
 
89.1
%
 
83.5
 %
 
5.6

Contribution from catastrophe losses and prior years reserve development
 
1.7

 
(4.0
)
 
5.7

Combined ratio before catastrophe losses and prior years reserve development
 
87.4
%
 
87.5
 %
 
(0.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview
The COVID-19 pandemic did not have a significant effect on our excess and surplus lines insurance segment premiums for the first quarter of 2020. In the last few weeks of March and the first few weeks of April, we saw a reduction in submissions from agents for us to quote premiums for policies that would be new business for us in the second quarter of 2020. Regardless of future policy submission volume, new business and renewal premium amounts could decline if the basis for policy premiums, such as sales and payrolls of businesses we insure, decrease as a result of a weakened economy. At this time, we are not able to determine other effects of the pandemic on future periods.

Loss experience for our insurance operations is influenced by many factors. We have not determined any material effect on our loss experience for the first quarter of 2020 as a result of the pandemic. Because of factors that reduce exposure to certain insurance losses, such as reduced sales for businesses, there could be a reduction in future losses that generally corresponds to reduced premiums. However, there could be losses or legal expenses that occur independent of changes in sales of businesses we insure. At this time, we are not able to determine premium or loss effects for future periods.

Performance highlights for the excess and surplus lines segment include:
Premiums – Excess and surplus lines net written premiums continued to grow during the first quarter of 2020, compared with the same period a year ago, primarily due to an increase in agency renewal written premiums. Renewal written premiums rose 27% for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared with the same period of 2019, reflecting the opportunity to renew many accounts for the first time, as well as higher renewal pricing. For the first three months of 2020, excess and surplus lines policy renewals experienced estimated average price increases at percentages in the mid-single-digit range. We measure average changes in excess

Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
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and surplus lines renewal pricing as the percentage rate of change in renewal premium for the new policy period compared with the premium for the expiring policy period, assuming no change in the level of insured exposures or policy coverage between those periods for respective policies.
New business written premiums produced by agencies increased by $1 million for the first three months of 2020, compared with the same period of 2019, as we continued to carefully underwrite each policy in a highly competitive market. Some of what we report as new business came from accounts that were not new to our agents. We believe our agents' seasoned accounts tend to be priced more accurately than business that may be less familiar to them.
 
Excess and Surplus Lines Insurance Premiums
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
 
% Change
Agency renewal written premiums
 
$
62

 
$
49

 
27
Agency new business written premiums
 
27

 
26

 
4
Other written premiums
 
(4
)
 
(4
)
 
0
Net written premiums
 
85

 
71

 
20
Unearned premium change
 
(7
)
 
(8
)
 
13
Earned premiums
 
$
78

 
$
63

 
24
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Combined ratio – The excess and surplus lines combined ratio increased by 5.6 percentage points for the first quarter of 2020, compared with the same period of 2019. The increase was primarily due to less favorable reserve development on prior accident years.
The current accident year loss and loss expenses before catastrophe losses ratio for excess and surplus lines increased slightly in the first three months of 2020. That 55.7% ratio was 0.2 percentage points higher, compared with the 55.5% accident year 2019 ratio measured as of March 31, 2019, including an increase of 1.0 percentage point in the ratio for large losses of $1 million or more per claim, discussed below.
Excess and surplus lines net reserve development on prior accident years, as a ratio to earned premiums, was an unfavorable 1.2% for the first quarter of 2020, compared with favorable net reserve development of 4.3% for the same period of 2019. The 2020 net unfavorable reserve development recognized during the first three months of 2020 was due to an unfavorable 2.9% ratio for defense and cost containment expenses, which was 3.2 percentage points higher than the same period in 2019, including 2.8 points for IBNR reserves and 0.4 points for the paid portion of those expenses. Reserve estimates are inherently uncertain as described in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 7, Critical Accounting Estimates, Property Casualty Insurance Loss and Loss Expense Reserves, Page 56.
The excess and surplus lines underwriting expense ratio for the first quarter of 2020 decreased, compared with the same period of 2019, as we continued to see higher earned premiums and ongoing expense management efforts.
 

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Excess and Surplus Lines Insurance Losses Incurred by Size
(Dollars in millions, net of reinsurance)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
 
% Change
Current accident year losses greater than $5 million
 
$

 
$

 
nm

Current accident year losses $1 million - $5 million
 
2

 
1

 
100

Large loss prior accident year reserve development
 
(1
)
 
1

 
nm

Total large losses incurred
 
1

 
2

 
(50
)
Losses incurred but not reported
 
(3
)
 

 
nm

Other losses excluding catastrophe losses
 
29

 
19

 
53

Catastrophe losses
 
1

 

 
nm

Total losses incurred
 
$
28

 
$
21

 
33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios as a percent of earned premiums:
 
 
 
 
 
Pt. Change
Current accident year losses greater than $5 million
 
 %
 
%
 
0.0

Current accident year losses $1 million - $5 million
 
2.6

 
1.6

 
1.0

Large loss prior accident year reserve development
 
(1.5
)
 
1.2

 
(2.7
)
Total large loss ratio
 
1.1

 
2.8

 
(1.7
)
Losses incurred but not reported
 
(4.4
)
 
0.8

 
(5.2
)
Other losses excluding catastrophe losses
 
37.8

 
29.1

 
8.7

Catastrophe losses
 
0.9

 
0.2

 
0.7

Total loss ratio
 
35.4
 %
 
32.9
%
 
2.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We continue to monitor new losses and case reserve increases greater than $1 million for trends in factors such as initial reserve levels, loss cost inflation and claim settlement expenses. Our analysis continues to indicate no unexpected concentration of these large losses and case reserve increases by risk category, geographic region, policy inception, agency or field marketing territory. In the first quarter of 2020, the excess and surplus lines total ratio for large losses, net of reinsurance, was 1.7 percentage points lower than last year's first quarter. We believe results for the three-month period largely reflected normal fluctuations in loss patterns and normal variability in large case reserves for claims above $1 million.
 


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LIFE INSURANCE RESULTS
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
 
% Change
Earned premiums
 
$
67

 
$
66

 
2

Fee revenues
 

 
1

 
(100
)
Total revenues
 
67

 
67

 
0

Contract holders' benefits incurred
 
73

 
70

 
4

Investment interest credited to contract holders'
 
(26
)
 
(24
)
 
(8
)
Underwriting expenses incurred
 
18

 
22

 
(18
)
Total benefits and expenses
 
65

 
68

 
(4
)
Life insurance segment profit (loss)
 
$
2

 
$
(1
)
 
nm

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview
The COVID-19 pandemic did not have a significant effect on our life insurance segment premiums, benefits or expenses for the first quarter of 2020. However, higher rates of unemployment related to the pandemic could decrease premiums of our life insurance products and cause an increase in policy surrender activity. Specifically, worksite premiums, which originate from enrollments at the workplace, will be negatively impacted in future periods as enrollment activity has been curtailed. At this time, we are not able to determine other premium, benefit or expense effects for future periods, but we may experience higher than projected future death claims due to the pandemic.

Performance highlights for the life insurance segment include:
Revenues – Revenues increased for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared with the same period a year ago, primarily due to higher earned premiums from term life insurance, our largest life insurance product line.
Net in-force life insurance policy face amounts increased to $71.044 billion at March 31, 2020, from $69.984 billion at year-end 2019.
Fixed annuity deposits received for the three months ended March 31, 2020, were $11 million, compared with $7 million for the same period of 2019. Fixed annuity deposits have a minimal impact to earned premiums because deposits received are initially recorded as liabilities. Profit is earned over time by way of interest-rate spreads. We do not write variable or equity-indexed annuities.
 
Life Insurance Premiums
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,

 
2020
 
2019
 
% Change
Term life insurance
 
$
47

 
$
45

 
4

Universal life insurance
 
8

 
10

 
(20
)
Other life insurance and annuity products
 
12

 
11

 
9

Net earned premiums
 
$
67

 
$
66

 
2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Profitability – Our life insurance segment typically reports a small profit or loss on a GAAP basis because profits from investment income spreads are included in our investment segment results. We include only investment income credited to contract holders (including interest assumed in life insurance policy reserve calculations) in our life insurance segment results. A profit of $2 million for our life insurance segment in the first three months of 2020, compared with a loss of $1 million for the same period of 2019, was primarily due to higher earned premiums and improved mortality results.
Life insurance segment benefits and expenses consist principally of contract holders' (policyholders') benefits incurred related to traditional life and interest-sensitive products and operating expenses incurred, net of deferred acquisition costs. Total benefits decreased in the first three months of 2020. Life policy and investment

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contract reserves increased with continued growth in net in-force life insurance policy face amounts. Mortality results decreased slightly, compared with the same period of 2019, and were below our 2020 projections.
Underwriting expenses for the first three months of 2020 decreased compared with the same period a year ago. For the first three months of 2020, unlocking of interest rate actuarial assumptions increased the amount of expenses deferred to future periods, decreasing underwriting expenses. For the first three months of 2019, unlocking of interest rate actuarial assumptions decreased the amount of expenses deferred to future periods, increasing underwriting expenses.
We recognize that assets under management, capital appreciation and investment income are integral to evaluating the success of the life insurance segment because of the long duration of life products. On a basis that includes investment income and investment gains or losses from life-insurance-related invested assets, the life insurance company reported a net loss of $13 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared with net income of $10 million for the same period of 2019. The life insurance company portfolio had net after-tax investment losses of $25 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared with $1 million of net after-tax investment losses for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The increased after-tax investment losses for the three months ended March 31, 2020 were due to impairments of fixed-maturity securities.

INVESTMENTS RESULTS
 
Overview
The investments segment contributes investment income and investment gains and losses to results of operations. Investments traditionally are our primary source of pretax and after-tax profits. The effects from the COVID-19 pandemic were a major contributor to the first-quarter 2020 decrease in fair values of securities discussed below in Total Investment Gains and Losses. Our fixed-maturity and equity portfolios experienced a decrease in valuation in large part due to the volatility and economic uncertainty caused by the coronavirus outbreak, affecting various sectors of our portfolio. Already low oil prices and the sudden demand drop in related products due to governmental regulations, such as shelter-in-place orders, contributed to the energy sector accounting for most of the write-downs of impaired securities in the tables below.
 
Investment Income
Pretax investment income increased 5% for the first quarter of 2020, compared with the same period of 2019. Interest income increased by $1 million as net purchases of fixed-maturity securities in recent quarters generally offset the continuing effects of the low interest rate environment. Higher dividend income reflected rising dividend rates and net purchases of equity securities in recent quarters.

Investments Results
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,

 
2020
 
2019
 
% Change
Total investment income, net of expenses
 
$
165

 
$
157

 
5

Investment interest credited to contract holders'
 
(26
)
 
(24
)
 
(8
)
Investment gains and losses, net
 
(1,725
)
 
663

 
nm

Investments profit (loss), pretax
 
$
(1,586
)
 
$
796

 
nm

 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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We continue to position our portfolio considering both the challenges presented by the current low interest rate environment and the risks presented by potential future inflation. As bonds in our generally laddered portfolio mature or are called over the near term, we will be challenged to replace their current yield. The table below shows the average pretax yield-to-amortized cost associated with expected principal redemptions for our fixed-maturity portfolio. The expected principal redemptions are based on par amounts and include dated maturities, calls and prefunded municipal bonds that we expect will be called during each respective time period.
(Dollars in millions)
% Yield
 
Principal redemptions
At March 31, 2020
 
Fixed-maturity pretax yield profile:
 
 
 
Expected to mature during the remainder of 2020
4.46
%
 
$
402

Expected to mature during 2021
4.36

 
907

Expected to mature during 2022
4.11

 
931

Average yield and total expected maturities from the remainder of 2020 through 2022
4.28

 
$
2,240

 
 
 
 

The table below shows the average pretax yield-to-amortized cost for fixed-maturity securities acquired during the periods indicated. The average yield for total fixed-maturity securities acquired during the first three months of 2020 was lower than the 4.10% average yield-to-amortized cost of the fixed-maturity securities portfolio at the end of 2019. Our fixed-maturity portfolio's average yield of 4.04% for the first three months of 2020, from the investment income table below, was also lower than that yield for the year-end 2019 fixed-maturities portfolio.
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
Average pretax yield-to-amortized cost on new fixed-maturities:
 
 
 
 
Acquired taxable fixed-maturities
 
4.06
%
 
4.99
%
Acquired tax-exempt fixed-maturities
 
3.72

 
3.52

Average total fixed-maturities acquired
 
4.05

 
4.79

 
 
 
 
 

While our bond portfolio more than covers our insurance reserve liabilities, we believe our diversified common stock portfolio of mainly blue chip, dividend-paying companies represents one of our best investment opportunities for the long term. We discussed our portfolio strategies in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 1, Investments Segment, Page 27, and Item 7, Investments Outlook, Page 95. We discuss risks related to our investment income and our fixed-maturity and equity investment portfolios in this quarterly report Item 3, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.


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The table below provides details about investment income. Average yields in this table are based on the average invested asset and cash amounts indicated in the table, using fixed-maturity securities valued at amortized cost and all other securities at fair value.
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020

2019
 
% Change
Investment income:
 
 

 
 

 
 
Interest
 
$
112

 
$
111

 
1
Dividends
 
53

 
46

 
15
Other
 
3

 
3

 
0
Less investment expenses
 
3

 
3

 
0
Investment income, pretax
 
165

 
157

 
5
Less income taxes
 
26

 
24

 
8
Total investment income, after-tax
 
$
139

 
$
133

 
5
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment returns:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average invested assets plus cash and cash equivalents
 
$
19,010

 
$
17,924

 
 
Average yield pretax
 
3.47
%
 
3.50
%
 
 
Average yield after-tax
 
2.92

 
2.97

 
 
Effective tax rate
 
15.5

 
15.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-maturity returns:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average amortized cost
 
$
11,091

 
$
10,689

 
 
Average yield pretax
 
4.04
%
 
4.15
%
 
 
Average yield after-tax
 
3.37

 
3.46

 
 
Effective tax rate
 
16.6

 
16.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Investment Gains and Losses
Investment gains and losses are recognized on the sale of investments, for certain changes in fair values of securities even though we continue to hold the securities or as otherwise required by GAAP. The change in fair value for equity securities still held are included in investment gains and losses and also in net income. The change in unrealized gains or losses for fixed-maturity securities are included as a component of other comprehensive income (OCI). Accounting requirements for the allowance for credit losses and other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) charges for the fixed-maturity portfolio are disclosed in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 8, Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Page 133 and in this quarterly report Item 1, Note 1, Accounting Policies.
 

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The table below summarizes total investment gains and losses, before taxes.
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020

2019
Investment gains and losses:
 
 
 
 
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
Investment gains and losses on securities sold, net
 
$
(4
)
 
$
4

Unrealized gains and losses on securities still held, net
 
(1,649
)
 
652

Subtotal
 
(1,653
)
 
656

Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
Gross realized gains
 
2

 
2

Write-down of impaired securities
 
(77
)
 

Subtotal
 
(75
)
 
2

Other
 
3

 
5

Total investment gains and losses reported in net income
 
(1,725
)
 
663

Change in unrealized investment gains and losses:
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities
 
(324
)
 
242

Total
 
$
(2,049
)
 
$
905

 
 
 
 
 

Of the 3,945 fixed-maturity securities in the portfolio, 18 securities were trading below 70% of amortized cost at March 31, 2020, with a fair value of $58 million and an unrealized loss of $40 million. Our asset impairment committee regularly monitors the portfolio, including a quarterly review of the entire portfolio for potential credit losses, resulting in charges disclosed in the table below. We believe that if liquidity in the markets were to significantly deteriorate or economic conditions were to significantly weaken, we could experience declines in portfolio values and possibly increases in the allowance for credit losses or write-downs to fair value.

The table below provides additional details for write-downs of impaired securities or OTTI charges. We had no allowance for credit losses for the first three months of 2020.
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
Fixed maturities:
 
 

 
 

Energy
 
$
62

 
$

Real Estate
 
13

 

Consumer Goods
 
1

 

Technology & Electronics
 
1

 

Total fixed maturities
 
$
77

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 



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OTHER
We report as Other the noninvestment operations of the parent company and a noninsurance subsidiary, CFC Investment Company. We also report as Other the underwriting results of Cincinnati Re, our reinsurance assumed operation, and Cincinnati Global, since its acquisition on February 28, 2019. Underwriting results in the table below for Cincinnati Re and Cincinnati Global include earned premiums, loss and loss expenses and underwriting expenses.

Total revenues for the first three months of 2020 for our Other operations increased, compared with the same period of 2019, primarily due to earned premiums from Cincinnati Re and Cincinnati Global, with increases of $22 million and $17 million, respectively. Total expenses for Other increased for the first three months of 2020, primarily due to more losses and loss expenses from Cincinnati Re and Cincinnati Global.

Other loss in the table below represents losses before income taxes. For both periods shown, Other loss resulted largely from interest expense from debt of the parent company.
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
 
% Change
Interest and fees on loans and leases
 
$
1

 
$
2

 
(50
)
Earned premiums
 
89

 
50

 
78

Other revenues
 
1

 

 
nm

Total revenues
 
91

 
52

 
75

Interest expense
 
13

 
13

 
0

Loss and loss expenses
 
46

 
26

 
77

Underwriting expenses
 
29

 
16

 
81

Operating expenses
 
5

 
8

 
(38
)
Total expenses
 
93

 
63

 
48

 Total other loss
 
$
(2
)
 
$
(11
)
 
82

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TAXES
We had $350 million income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared with $172 million of income tax expense for the same period of 2019. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020, was 22.2% compared with 19.8% for the same period last year. The change in our effective tax rate between periods was primarily due to large net investment losses included in income for 2020 versus net investment gains included in income for the prior-year period, as well as changes in underwriting income.

Historically, we have pursued a strategy of investing some portion of cash flow in tax-advantaged fixed-maturity and equity securities to minimize our overall tax liability and maximize after-tax earnings. See Tax-Exempt Fixed Maturities in this quarterly report Item 3, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk for further discussion on municipal bond purchases in our fixed-maturity investment portfolio. For our property casualty insurance subsidiaries, approximately 75% of interest from tax-advantaged fixed-maturity investments and approximately 40% of dividends from qualified equities are exempt from federal tax after applying proration from the 1986 Tax Reform Act. Our noninsurance companies own an immaterial amount of tax-advantaged fixed-maturity investments. For our noninsurance companies, the dividend received deduction exempts 50% of dividends from qualified equities. Our life insurance company does not own tax-advantaged fixed-maturity investments or equities subject to the dividend received deduction. Details about our effective tax rate are in this quarterly report Item 1, Note 9, Income Taxes.


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Page 51



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
At March 31, 2020, shareholders' equity was $8.042 billion, compared with $9.864 billion at December 31, 2019. Total debt was $902 million at March 31, 2020, up $75 million from December 31, 2019. At March 31, 2020, cash and cash equivalents totaled $486 million, compared with $767 million at December 31, 2019.

The effects from COVID-19 were a major contributor to the decrease in shareholders' equity in the first quarter of 2020 due to the decline in fair values of securities. The pandemic did not have a significant effect on our cash flows for the first quarter of 2020. In an effort to support insurance consumers during this pandemic, most states where we market our products have issued mandates or requests such as moratoriums on policy cancellations or nonrenewals for nonpayments of premiums, forbearance on premium collections, waivers of late payment fees and extended periods in which policyholders may make their missed payments.

In April, thus far, we have seen a reduction in cash flows from premium receipts as we work to assist policyholders and follow guidance from each state. Extended moratoriums and deferral of premiums may further disrupt cash flows while also increasing credit risk from policyholders struggling to make timely premium payments.

Because of fewer vehicles on the road and other factors that reduce exposure to certain insurance losses, such as reduced sales and payrolls for businesses, there could be a reduction in future losses that generally correspond to reduced premiums. For example, we saw a reduction in personal auto reported claims as a result of reduced driving in late March and early April.

SOURCES OF LIQUIDITY
 
Subsidiary Dividends
Our lead insurance subsidiary declared dividends of $125 million to the parent company in the first three months of 2020, compared with $200 million for the same period of 2019. For full-year 2019, subsidiary dividends declared totaled $625 million. State of Ohio regulatory requirements restrict the dividends our insurance subsidiary can pay. For full-year 2020, total dividends that our insurance subsidiary can pay to our parent company without regulatory approval are approximately $562 million.
 
Investing Activities
Investment income is a source of liquidity for both the parent company and its insurance subsidiaries. We continue to focus on portfolio strategies to balance near-term income generation and long-term book value growth.
 
Parent company obligations can be funded with income on investments held at the parent-company level or through sales of securities in that portfolio, although our investment philosophy seeks to compound cash flows over the long term. These sources of capital can help minimize subsidiary dividends to the parent company, protecting insurance subsidiary capital.

For a discussion of our historic investment strategy, portfolio allocation and quality, see our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 1, Investments Segment, Page 27.
 
Insurance Underwriting
Our property casualty and life insurance underwriting operations provide liquidity because we generally receive premiums before paying losses under the policies purchased with those premiums. After satisfying our cash requirements, we use excess cash flows for investment, increasing future investment income.
 
Historically, cash receipts from property casualty and life insurance premiums, along with investment income, have been more than sufficient to pay claims, operating expenses and dividends to the parent company.
 

Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 52



The table below shows a summary of operating cash flow for property casualty insurance (direct method):
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
 
% Change
Premiums collected
 
$
1,467

 
$
1,349

 
9

Loss and loss expenses paid
 
(817
)
 
(824
)
 
1

Commissions and other underwriting expenses paid
 
(591
)
 
(514
)
 
(15
)
Cash flow from underwriting
 
59

 
11

 
436

Investment income received
 
119

 
113

 
5

Cash flow from operations
 
$
178

 
$
124

 
44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collected premiums for property casualty insurance rose $118 million during the first three months of 2020, compared with the same period in 2019. Loss and loss expenses paid for the 2020 period decreased $7 million. Commissions and other underwriting expenses paid increased $77 million, primarily due to higher commissions paid to agencies, reflecting the increase in collected premiums.
 
We discuss our future obligations for claims payments and for underwriting expenses in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 7, Contractual Obligations, Page 101, and Other Commitments also on Page 101.
 
Capital Resources
At March 31, 2020, our debt-to-total-capital ratio was 10.1%, with $788 million in long-term debt and $114 million in borrowing on our revolving short-term line of credit. The additional $75 million in borrowing from the $39 million balance at December 31, 2019, was used to repurchase shares. At March 31, 2020, $186 million was available for future cash management needs as part of the general provisions of the line of credit agreement, with another $300 million available as part of an accordion feature. Based on our capital requirements at March 31, 2020, we do not anticipate a material increase in debt levels exceeding the available line of credit amount during the remainder of the year. As a result, we expect changes in our debt-to-total-capital ratio to continue to be largely a function of the contribution of unrealized investment gains or losses to shareholders' equity. As part of our Cincinnati Global acquisition, on February 25, 2019, we entered into an unsecured letter of credit agreement to provide a portion of the capital needed to support its obligations at Lloyd's. The amount of this unsecured letter of credit agreement was $131 million at March 31, 2020.
 
We provide details of our three long-term notes in this quarterly report Item 1, Note 3, Fair Value Measurements. None of the notes are encumbered by rating triggers.
 
Four independent ratings firms award insurer financial strength ratings to our property casualty insurance companies and three firms rate our life insurance company. Those firms made no changes to our parent company debt ratings during the first three months of 2020. Our debt ratings are discussed in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 7, Liquidity and Capital Resources, Other Sources of Liquidity, Page 99.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not use any special-purpose financing vehicles or have any undisclosed off-balance sheet arrangements (as that term is defined in applicable SEC rules) that are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on the company's financial condition, results of operation, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources. Similarly, the company holds no fair-value contracts for which a lack of marketplace quotations would necessitate the use of fair-value techniques.
 

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Page 53



USES OF LIQUIDITY
Our parent company and insurance subsidiary have contractual obligations and other commitments. In addition, one of our primary uses of cash is to enhance shareholder return.
 
Contractual Obligations
We estimated our future contractual obligations as of December 31, 2019, in our 2019 Annual Report on Form
10-K, Item 7, Contractual Obligations, Page 101. There have been no material changes to our estimates of future contractual obligations since our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Other Commitments
In addition to our contractual obligations, we have other property casualty operational commitments.
Commissions – Commissions paid were $385 million in the first three months of 2020. Commission payments generally track with written premiums, except for annual profit-sharing commissions typically paid during the first quarter of the year.
Other underwriting expenses – Many of our underwriting expenses are not contractual obligations, but reflect the ongoing expenses of our business. Noncommission underwriting expenses paid were $206 million in the first three months of 2020.
There were no contributions to our qualified pension plan during the first three months of 2020.
 
Investing Activities
After fulfilling operating requirements, we invest cash flows from underwriting, investment and other corporate activities in fixed-maturity and equity securities on an ongoing basis to help achieve our portfolio objectives. We discuss our investment strategy and certain portfolio attributes in this quarterly report Item 3, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
 
Uses of Capital
Uses of cash to enhance shareholder return include dividends to shareholders. In January 2020, the board of directors declared regular quarterly cash dividends of 60 cents per share for an indicated annual rate of $2.40 per share. During the first three months of 2020, we used $90 million to pay cash dividends to shareholders.

PROPERTY CASUALTY INSURANCE LOSS AND LOSS EXPENSE RESERVES
For the business lines in the commercial and personal lines insurance segments, and in total for the excess and surplus lines insurance segment and other property casualty insurance operations, the following table details gross reserves among case, IBNR (incurred but not reported) and loss expense reserves, net of salvage and subrogation reserves. Reserving practices are discussed in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 7, Property Casualty Insurance Loss and Loss Expense Obligations and Reserves, Page 102.
 
Total gross reserves at March 31, 2020, increased $65 million compared with December 31, 2019. Case loss reserves for losses decreased by $49 million, IBNR loss reserves increased by $112 million and loss expense reserves increased by $2 million. The total gross increase was primarily due to our commercial casualty and homeowner lines of business and Cincinnati Re.


Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 54



Property Casualty Gross Reserves
(Dollars in millions)
 
Loss reserves
 
Loss expense reserves
 
Total gross reserves
 
 
 
 
Case reserves
 
IBNR reserves
 
 
 
Percent of total
At March 31, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial lines insurance:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial casualty
 
$
952

 
$
682

 
$
632

 
$
2,266

 
36.8
%
Commercial property
 
303

 
60

 
62

 
425

 
6.9

Commercial auto
 
396

 
181

 
136

 
713

 
11.6

Workers' compensation
 
401

 
522

 
92

 
1,015

 
16.5

Other commercial
 
97

 
9

 
79

 
185

 
3.0

Subtotal
 
2,149

 
1,454

 
1,001

 
4,604

 
74.8

Personal lines insurance:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Personal auto
 
226

 
51

 
66

 
343

 
5.6

Homeowner
 
131

 
57

 
37

 
225

 
3.7

Other personal
 
54

 
77

 
5

 
136

 
2.2

Subtotal
 
411

 
185

 
108

 
704

 
11.5

Excess and surplus lines insurance
 
158

 
99

 
108

 
365

 
5.9

Cincinnati Re
 
56

 
211

 
3

 
270

 
4.4

Cincinnati Global
 
141

 
67

 
2

 
210

 
3.4

Total
 
$
2,915

 
$
2,016

 
$
1,222

 
$
6,153

 
100.0
%
At December 31, 2019
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial lines insurance:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial casualty
 
$
937

 
$
680

 
$
622

 
$
2,239

 
36.8
%
Commercial property
 
339

 
20

 
64

 
423

 
7.0

Commercial auto
 
409

 
157

 
143

 
709

 
11.6

Workers' compensation
 
404

 
516

 
93

 
1,013

 
16.6

Other commercial
 
108

 
7

 
70

 
185

 
3.0

Subtotal
 
2,197

 
1,380

 
992

 
4,569

 
75.0

Personal lines insurance:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Personal auto
 
233

 
46

 
78

 
357

 
5.9

Homeowner
 
134

 
32

 
41

 
207

 
3.4

Other personal
 
49

 
69

 
5

 
123

 
2.0

Subtotal
 
416

 
147

 
124

 
687

 
11.3

Excess and surplus lines insurance
 
149

 
102

 
100

 
351

 
5.8

Cincinnati Re
 
47

 
204

 
2

 
253

 
4.2

Cincinnati Global
 
155

 
71

 
2

 
228

 
3.7

Total
 
$
2,964

 
$
1,904

 
$
1,220

 
$
6,088

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIFE POLICY AND INVESTMENT CONTRACT RESERVES
Gross life policy and investment contract reserves were $2.861 billion at March 31, 2020, compared with $2.835 billion at year-end 2019, reflecting continued growth in life insurance policies in force. We discuss our life insurance reserving practices in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 7, Life Insurance Policyholder Obligations and Reserves, Page 108.

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OTHER MATTERS
 
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our significant accounting policies are discussed in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 8, Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Page 133, and updated in this quarterly report Item 1, Note 1, Accounting Policies.
 
In conjunction with those discussions, in the Management's Discussion and Analysis in the 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, management reviewed the estimates and assumptions used to develop reported amounts related to the most significant policies. Management discussed the development and selection of those accounting estimates with the audit committee of the board of directors.
 
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Our greatest exposure to market risk is through our investment portfolio. Market risk is the potential for a decrease in securities' fair value resulting from broad yet uncontrollable forces such as: inflation, economic growth or recession, interest rates, world political conditions or other widespread unpredictable events. It is comprised of many individual risks that, when combined, create a macroeconomic impact.
 
Our view of potential risks and our sensitivity to such risks is discussed in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, Page 117.
 
The fair value of our investment portfolio was $17.565 billion at March 31, 2020, down $1.885 billion from year-end 2019, including a $358 million decrease in the fixed-maturity portfolio and a $1.527 billion decrease in the equity portfolio.
(Dollars in millions)
At March 31, 2020
 
At December 31, 2019
 
Cost or 
amortized cost
Percent 
of total
 
Fair value
Percent 
of total
 
Cost or 
amortized cost
Percent 
of total
 
Fair value
Percent 
of total
Taxable fixed maturities
$
7,250

49.0
%
 
$
7,288

41.4
%
 
$
7,250

49.4
%
 
$
7,617

39.1
%
Tax-exempt fixed maturities
3,824

25.9

 
4,052

23.1

 
3,858

26.3

 
4,081

21.0

Common equities
3,483

23.6

 
6,017

34.3

 
3,371

22.9

 
7,518

38.7

Nonredeemable preferred
  equities
219

1.5

 
208

1.2

 
210

1.4

 
234

1.2

Total
$
14,776

100.0
%
 
$
17,565

100.0
%
 
$
14,689

100.0
%
 
$
19,450

100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At March 31, 2020, substantially all of our consolidated investment portfolio, measured at fair value, are classified as Level 1 or Level 2. See Item 1, Note 3, Fair Value Measurements, for additional discussion of our valuation techniques. We have generally obtained and evaluated two nonbinding quotes from brokers; then, our investment professionals determined our best estimate of fair value. These investments include private placements, small issues and various thinly traded securities.
 
In addition to our investment portfolio, the total investments amount reported in our condensed consolidated balance sheets includes Other invested assets. Other invested assets included $33 million of life policy loans, $165 million in Lloyd's deposits, $88 million of private equity investments and $25 million of real estate through direct property ownership and development projects in the United States at March 31, 2020.
 

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FIXED-MATURITY SECURITIES INVESTMENTS
By maintaining a well-diversified fixed-maturity portfolio, we attempt to reduce overall risk. We invest new money in the bond market on a regular basis, targeting what we believe to be optimal risk-adjusted, after-tax yields. Risk, in this context, includes interest rate, call, reinvestment rate, credit and liquidity risk. We do not make a concerted effort to alter duration on a portfolio basis in response to anticipated movements in interest rates. By regularly investing in the bond market, we build a broad, diversified portfolio that we believe mitigates the impact of adverse economic factors.

In the first three months of 2020, the decrease in fair value of our fixed-maturity portfolio reflected a decrease in net unrealized gains, primarily due to market value decline of corporate bonds related to economic uncertainty from effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. At March 31, 2020, our fixed-maturity portfolio with an average rating of A2/A was valued at 102.4% of its amortized cost, compared with 105.3% at December 31, 2019.
 
At March 31, 2020, our investment-grade and noninvestment-grade fixed-maturity securities represented 84.2% and 2.7% of the portfolio, respectively. The remaining 13.1% represented fixed-maturity securities that were not rated by Moody's or S&P Global Ratings.

Attributes of the fixed-maturity portfolio include:
 
 
At March 31, 2020
 
At December 31, 2019
Weighted average yield-to-amortized cost
 
4.20
%
 
4.10
%
Weighted average maturity
 
7.7
yrs
 
7.7
yrs
Effective duration
 
4.7
yrs
 
4.8
yrs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We discuss maturities of our fixed-maturity portfolio in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 8, Note 2, Investments, Page 141, and in this quarterly report Item 2, Investments Results.
 


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TAXABLE FIXED MATURITIES
Our taxable fixed-maturity portfolio, with a fair value of $7.288 billion at March 31, 2020, included:
(Dollars in millions)
 
At March 31, 2020
 
At December 31, 2019
Investment-grade corporate
 
$
5,831

 
$
6,137

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
659

 
647

Noninvestment-grade corporate
 
302

 
264

Commercial mortgage backed
 
284

 
301

United States government
 
102

 
104

Government sponsored enterprises
 
87

 
136

Foreign government
 
23

 
28

Total
 
$
7,288

 
$
7,617

 
 
 
 
 
 
Our strategy is to buy, and typically hold, fixed-maturity investments to maturity, but we monitor credit profiles and fair value movements when determining holding periods for individual securities. With the exception of United States agency issues that include government-sponsored enterprises, no individual issuer's securities accounted for more than 0.9% of the taxable fixed-maturity portfolio at March 31, 2020. Our investment-grade corporate bonds had an average rating of Baa2 by Moody's or BBB by S&P Global Ratings and represented 80.0% of the taxable fixed-maturity portfolio's fair value at March 31, 2020, compared with 80.6% at year-end 2019.
 
The heaviest concentration in our investment-grade corporate bond portfolio, based on fair value at
March 31, 2020, was the financial sector. It represented 46.3% of our investment-grade corporate bond portfolio, compared with 44.6% at year-end 2019. No other sector exceeded 10% of our investment-grade corporate bond portfolio.

Our taxable fixed-maturity portfolio at March 31, 2020, included $284 million of commercial mortgage-backed securities with an average rating of Aa1/AA+.
 
TAX-EXEMPT FIXED MATURITIES
At March 31, 2020, we had $4.052 billion of tax-exempt fixed-maturity securities with an average rating of Aa2/AA by Moody's and S&P Global Ratings. We traditionally have purchased municipal bonds focusing on general obligation and essential services issues, such as water, waste disposal or others. The portfolio is well diversified among approximately 1,600 municipal bond issuers. No single municipal issuer accounted for more than 0.6% of the tax-exempt fixed-maturity portfolio at March 31, 2020.

INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
Because of our strong surplus, long-term investment horizon and ability to hold most fixed-maturity investments until maturity, we believe the company is adequately positioned if interest rates were to rise. Although the fair values of our existing holdings may suffer, a higher rate environment would provide the opportunity to invest cash flow in higher-yielding securities, while reducing the likelihood of untimely redemptions of currently callable securities. While higher interest rates would be expected to continue to increase the number of fixed-maturity holdings trading below 100% of amortized cost, we believe lower fixed-maturity security values due solely to interest rate changes would not signal a decline in credit quality. We continue to manage the portfolio with an eye toward both meeting current income needs and managing interest rate risk.
 
Our dynamic financial planning model uses analytical tools to assess market risks. As part of this model, the effective duration of the fixed-maturity portfolio is continually monitored by our investment department to evaluate the theoretical impact of interest rate movements.
 

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The table below summarizes the effect of hypothetical changes in interest rates on the fair value of the fixed-maturity portfolio:
(Dollars in millions)
 
Effect from interest rate change in basis points
 
 
-200
 
 -100
 
-
 
100
 
200
At March 31, 2020
 
$
12,442

 
$
11,879

 
$
11,340

 
$
10,800

 
$
10,251

At December 31, 2019
 
$
12,850

 
$
12,263

 
$
11,698

 
$
11,117

 
$
10,529

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The effective duration of the fixed-maturity portfolio as of March 31, 2020, was 4.7 years, down from 4.8 years at year-end 2019. The above table is a theoretical presentation showing that an instantaneous, parallel shift in the yield curve of 100 basis points could produce an approximately 4.8% change in the fair value of the fixed-maturity portfolio. Generally speaking, the higher a bond is rated, the more directly correlated movements in its fair value are to changes in the general level of interest rates, exclusive of call features. The fair values of average- to lower-rated corporate bonds are additionally influenced by the expansion or contraction of credit spreads.
 
In our dynamic financial planning model, the selected interest rate change of 100 to 200 basis points represents our view of a shift in rates that is quite possible over a one-year period. The rates modeled should not be considered a prediction of future events as interest rates may be much more volatile in the future. The analysis is not intended to provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in rates on our results or financial condition, nor does it take into account any actions that we might take to reduce exposure to such risks.

EQUITY INVESTMENTS
Our equity investments, with a fair value totaling $6.225 billion at March 31, 2020, included $6.017 billion of common stock securities of companies generally with strong indications of paying and growing their dividends. Other criteria we evaluate include increasing sales and earnings, proven management and a favorable outlook. We believe our equity investment style is an appropriate long-term strategy. While our long-term financial position would be affected by prolonged changes in the market valuation of our investments, we believe our strong surplus position and cash flow provide a cushion against short-term fluctuations in valuation. Continued payment of cash dividends by the issuers of our common equity holdings can provide a floor to their valuation.

The table below summarizes the effect of hypothetical changes in market prices on fair value of our equity portfolio.
(Dollars in millions)
Effect from market price change in percent
 
 
-30%
 
-20%
 
-10%
 
 
10%
 
20%
 
30%
At March 31, 2020
 
$
4,358

 
$
4,980

 
$
5,603

 
$
6,225

 
$
6,848

 
$
7,470

 
$
8,093

At December 31, 2019
 
5,426

 
6,202

 
6,977

 
7,752

 
8,527

 
9,302

 
10,078

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

At March 31, 2020, Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq:MSFT) was our largest single common stock holding with a fair value of $395 million, or 6.6% of our publicly traded common stock portfolio and 2.3% of the total investment portfolio. Twenty-six holdings among 7 different sectors each had a fair value greater than $100 million.
 

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Common Stock Portfolio Industry Sector Distribution
 
Percent of common stock portfolio
 
At March 31, 2020
 
At December 31, 2019
 
Cincinnati
 Financial
 
S&P 500 Industry
Weightings
 
Cincinnati
Financial
 
S&P 500 Industry
Weightings
Sector:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Information technology
25.2
%
 
25.5
%
 
23.7
%
 
23.2
%
Financial
14.1

 
10.9

 
15.7

 
13.0

Healthcare
13.9

 
15.4

 
12.4

 
14.2

Industrials
11.8

 
8.2

 
12.6

 
9.1

Consumer discretionary
9.1

 
9.8

 
9.7

 
9.7

Consumer staples
7.0

 
7.8

 
6.2

 
7.2

Materials
4.8

 
2.4

 
5.0

 
2.7

Energy
4.6

 
2.7

 
6.3

 
4.3

Telecomm services
3.9

 
10.7

 
3.4

 
10.4

Utilities
2.8

 
3.6

 
2.5

 
3.3

Real Estate
2.8

 
3.0

 
2.5

 
2.9

Total
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
UNREALIZED INVESTMENT GAINS AND LOSSES
At March 31, 2020, unrealized investment gains before taxes for the fixed-maturity portfolio totaled $461 million and unrealized investment losses amounted to $195 million before taxes.
 
The $266 million net unrealized gain position in our fixed-maturity portfolio at March 31, 2020, decreased in the first three months of 2020, primarily due to market value decline of corporate bonds related to economic uncertainty from effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The net gain position for our current fixed-maturity holdings will naturally decline over time as individual securities mature. In addition, changes in interest rates can cause rapid, significant changes in fair values of fixed-maturity securities and the net gain position, as discussed in Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

For federal income tax purposes, taxes on gains from appreciated investments generally are not due until securities are sold. We believe that the appreciated value of equity securities, compared with the cost of securities that is generally used as a tax basis, is a useful measure to help evaluate how fair value can change over time. On this basis, the net unrealized investment gains at March 31, 2020, consisted of a net gain position in our equity portfolio of $2.523 billion. Events or factors such as economic growth or recession can affect the fair value and unrealized investment gains of our equity securities. The five largest holdings in our common stock portfolio were Microsoft, Apple Inc. (Nasdaq:AAPL), JP Morgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM), BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) and Honeywell (NYSE:HON), which had a combined fair value of $1.312 billion.

Unrealized Investment Losses
We expect the number of fixed-maturity securities trading below amortized cost to fluctuate as interest rates rise or fall and credit spreads expand or contract due to prevailing economic conditions. Further, amortized costs for some securities are revised through write-downs recognized in prior periods. At March 31, 2020, 605 of the 3,945 fixed-maturity securities we owned had fair values below amortized cost, compared with 157 of the 3,911 securities we owned at year-end 2019. The 605 holdings with fair values below amortized cost at March 31, 2020, represented 21.8% of the fair value of our fixed-maturity investment portfolio and $195 million in unrealized losses.
464 of the 605 holdings had fair value between 90% and 100% of amortized cost at March 31, 2020. These primarily consist of securities whose current valuation is largely the result of interest rate factors. The fair value of these 464 securities was $1.966 billion, and they accounted for $65 million in unrealized losses.
123 of the 605 fixed-maturity holdings had fair value between 70% and 90% of amortized cost at March 31, 2020. We believe the 123 fixed-maturity securities will continue to pay interest and ultimately pay principal upon

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maturity. The issuers of these 123 securities have strong cash flow to service their debt and meet their contractual obligation to make principal payments. The fair value of these securities was $453 million, and they accounted for $90 million in unrealized losses.
18 of the 605 fixed-maturity holdings had fair value below 70% of amortized cost at March 31, 2020. We believe these fixed-maturity securities will continue to pay interest and ultimately pay principal upon maturity. The fair value of these securities was $58 million, and they accounted for $40 million in unrealized losses.

The table below reviews fair values and unrealized losses by investment category and by the overall duration of the securities' continuous unrealized loss position.
(Dollars in millions)
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or more
 
Total
At March 31, 2020
 
Fair value
 
Unrealized
 losses
 
Fair value
 
Unrealized
 losses
 
Fair
 value
 
Unrealized
 losses
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate
 
$
2,168

 
$
176

 
$
52

 
$
5

 
$
2,220

 
$
181

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
76

 
5

 
3

 
1

 
79

 
6

Commercial mortgage-backed
 
163

 
8

 

 

 
163

 
8

United States government
 

 

 

 

 

 

Government-sponsored enterprises
 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign government
 
15

 

 

 

 
15

 

Total
 
$
2,422

 
$
189

 
$
55

 
$
6

 
$
2,477

 
$
195

At December 31, 2019
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate
 
$
199

 
$
2

 
$
118

 
$
3

 
$
317

 
$
5

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
98

 
1

 
10

 

 
108

 
1

Commercial mortgage-backed
 
6

 

 

 

 
6

 

United States government
 

 

 
4

 

 
4

 

Government-sponsored enterprises
 
26

 
1

 
51

 

 
77

 
1

Foreign government
 
11

 

 

 

 
11

 

Total
 
$
340

 
$
4

 
$
183

 
$
3

 
$
523

 
$
7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At March 31, 2020, applying our invested asset impairment policy, we determined that the total of $195 million, for securities in an unrealized loss position in the table above, was not the result of a credit loss.

During the first quarter of 2020, 12 securities were written down to fair value through an impairment charge resulting in $77 million of noncash charges. During the first three months of 2019, there were no OTTI charges.
 
During full-year 2019, we wrote down three securities and recorded $9 million in OTTI charges. At December 31, 2019, 38 fixed-maturity investments with a total unrealized loss of $3 million had been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more. Of that total, no fixed-maturity investments had fair values below 70% of amortized cost.


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The following table summarizes the investment portfolio by severity of decline:
(Dollars in millions)
 
Number
of issues
 
Amortized
cost
 
Fair value
 
Gross 
unrealized 
gain (loss)
 
Gross investment income
At March 31, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair valued below 70% of amortized cost
 
18

 
$
98

 
$
58

 
$
(40
)
 
$
1

Fair valued at 70% to less than 100% of amortized cost
 
536

 
2,522

 
2,372

 
(150
)
 
27

Fair valued at 100% and above of amortized cost
 
1,266

 
4,630

 
4,858

 
228

 
51

Investment income on securities sold in current year
 

 

 

 

 
2

Total
 
1,820

 
7,250

 
7,288

 
38

 
81

Tax-exempt fixed maturities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fair valued below 70% of amortized cost
 

 

 

 

 

Fair valued at 70% to less than 100% of amortized cost
 
51

 
52

 
47

 
(5
)
 
1

Fair valued at 100% and above of amortized cost
 
2,074

 
3,772

 
4,005

 
233

 
30

Investment income on securities sold in current year
 

 

 

 

 

Total
 
2,125

 
3,824

 
4,052

 
228

 
31

Fixed-maturities summary:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fair valued below 70% of amortized cost
 
18

 
98

 
58

 
(40
)
 
1

Fair valued at 70% to less than 100% of amortized cost
 
587

 
2,574

 
2,419

 
(155
)
 
28

Fair valued at 100% and above of amortized cost
 
3,340

 
8,402

 
8,863

 
461

 
81

Investment income on securities sold in current year
 

 

 

 

 
2

Total
 
3,945

 
$
11,074

 
$
11,340

 
$
266

 
$
112

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2019
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed-maturities summary:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fair valued below 70% of amortized cost
 

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Fair valued at 70% to less than 100% of amortized cost
 
157

 
530

 
523

 
(7
)
 
12

Fair valued at 100% and above of amortized cost
 
3,754

 
10,578

 
11,175

 
597

 
401

Investment income on securities sold in current year
 

 

 

 

 
33

Total
 
3,911

 
$
11,108

 
$
11,698

 
$
590

 
$
446

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 7, Critical Accounting Estimates, Asset Impairment, Page 61, and updated in this quarterly report Item 1, Note 1, Accounting Policies.

Item 4.        Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures – The company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act)).
 
Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. The company's management, with the participation of the company's chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the company's disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2020. Based upon that evaluation, the company's chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the design and operation of the company's disclosure controls and procedures provided reasonable assurance that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure:
that information required to be disclosed in the company's reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and

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that such information is accumulated and communicated to the company's management, including its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting – During the three months ended March 31, 2020, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Part II – Other Information
Item 1.    Legal Proceedings
Neither the company nor any of our subsidiaries are involved in any litigation believed to be material other than ordinary, routine litigation incidental to the nature of our business.
 
Item 1A.    Risk Factors
Our risk factors have not changed materially since they were described in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 25, 2020, other than as discussed below.

The outbreak of COVID-19 could result in an unusually high level of losses.
In March 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 caused by a novel strain of the coronavirus was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The outbreak has become increasingly widespread in the United States, including in the markets in which we operate. Risks to our business include legislation or court decisions that extend business interruption insurance to require coverage for COVID-19 when there was no direct physical damage or loss to property. These actions would extend coverage beyond the terms and conditions we intended for those policies, meaning we would be forced to pay claims when no coverage was contemplated and for which no premium was collected. These amounts could have a material, adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

A weaker economy could result in reduced insurance premium revenue.
The outbreak of COVID-19 could have adverse impacts on economic activity that affect demand for insurance or cause substantial disruption to our distribution channel of independent agents, due to self-isolation, travel limitations, business restrictions, and otherwise. Many areas within the United States have imposed mandatory closures for businesses not deemed to be essential, and it is currently unclear for how long such closures will last. Though most of our employees are able to work remotely, these closures have affected agents, through which we sell our products and services, or their clients, which could result in significant declines in premium revenues. In an effort to support insurance consumers during this pandemic, most states where we market our products have issued mandates or requests such as moratoriums on policy cancellations or nonrenewals for nonpayments of premiums, forbearance on premium collections, waivers of late payment fees and extended periods in which policyholders may make their missed payments. Such actions may result in delayed premium receipts, disrupting cash flows and increasing credit risk from policyholders unable to make timely premium payments. Cash flows and gross premium receipts may also be affected by mid-term adjustments to exposures on which premium calculations are based to reflect the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis on insureds’ business operations. The amount or duration of the effects could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Such adverse impacts may be material.

Financial disruption or a prolonged economic downturn could materially and adversely affect our investment performance.
The outbreak of COVID-19 has contributed to recent significant disruption and volatility for financial markets and decreased economic activity, reducing the valuation of investments. Many companies have experienced reduced liquidity and uncertainty and could cause our investment income or the value of securities we own to decrease.
In the event that these conditions recur or result in a prolonged economic downturn, they could adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Such adverse impacts may be material.



Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
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Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
We did not sell any of our shares that were not registered under the Securities Act during the first three months of 2020. Our repurchase program was expanded on October 22, 2007, to increase our repurchase authorization to approximately 13 million shares. Our repurchase program does not have an expiration date. On January 26, 2018, an additional 15 million shares were authorized, which expanded our current repurchase program. We have 12,376,785 shares available for purchase under our programs at March 31, 2020.
Period
 
Total number
 of shares
 purchased
 
Average
 price paid
 per share
 
Total number of shares 
purchased as part of
publicly announced
plans or programs
 
Maximum number of
shares that may yet be
purchased under the
plans or programs
January 1-31, 2020
 

 

 

 
14,876,785

February 1-29, 2020
 
1,009,670

 
$
110.26

 
1,009,670

 
13,867,115

March 1-31, 2020
 
1,490,330

 
97.44

 
1,490,330

 
12,376,785

Totals
 
2,500,000

 
102.62

 
2,500,000

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
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Item 6.    Exhibits
Exhibit No.
 
Exhibit Description
3.1
 
3.2
 
31A
 
31B
 
32
 
101.INS
 
The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104
 
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
 

Cincinnati Financial Corporation First-Quarter 2020 10-Q
Page 65



SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
CINCINNATI FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Date: April 27, 2020
 
/S/ Michael J. Sewell
Michael J. Sewell, CPA
Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President and Treasurer
(Principal Accounting Officer)


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