Annual Statements Open main menu

TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. - Quarter Report: 2021 September (Form 10-Q)


UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
________________________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
_________________________________________________________
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2021
or
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: 001-10898
___________________________________________________________________
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 ____________________________________________________________________
Minnesota 41-0518860
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
485 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
 (917) 778-6000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
_________________________________________________________

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, without par value TRV New York Stock Exchange
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 ý    No o 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 ý    No o 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerýAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller 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. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes    No ý 
The number of shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, without par value, outstanding at October 14, 2021 was 246,008,687.




The Travelers Companies, Inc.
 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
 
For Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2021
_________________________________________________________
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
  Page
  
   
Item 1. 
   
 
Consolidated Statement of Income (Unaudited) — Three Months and Nine Months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020
   
 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) — Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 and 2020
   
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet — September 30, 2021 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2020
   
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited) — Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 and 2020
   
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) — Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 and 2020
   
 
   
Item 2.
   
Item 3.
   
Item 4.
   
  
   
Item 1.
   
Item 1A.
   
Item 2.
   
Item 5.
   
Item 6.
   
 
   

2


PART 1 — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2021202020212020
Revenues
Premiums$7,829 $7,380 $22,831 $21,564 
Net investment income771 671 2,290 1,550 
Fee income97 101 302 323 
Net realized investment gains (losses)8 37 113 (48)
Other revenues100 86 269 195 
Total revenues8,805 8,275 25,805 23,584 
Claims and expenses
Claims and claim adjustment expenses5,464 4,886 15,479 14,782 
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs1,281 1,207 3,742 3,558 
General and administrative expenses1,187 1,109 3,524 3,367 
Interest expense87 87 252 256 
Total claims and expenses8,019 7,289 22,997 21,963 
Income before income taxes786 986 2,808 1,621 
Income tax expense124 159 479 234 
Net income$662 $827 $2,329 $1,387 
Net income per share
Basic$2.65 $3.24 $9.24 $5.44 
Diluted$2.62 $3.23 $9.16 $5.41 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
Basic247.7 253.3 250.1 253.5 
Diluted250.1 254.3 252.4 254.5 
Cash dividends declared per common share$0.88 $0.85 $2.61 $2.52 

 









The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
3


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
(in millions)
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2021202020212020
Net income$662 $827 $2,329 $1,387 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Changes in net unrealized gains on investment securities:
Having no credit losses recognized in the consolidated statement of income(686)217 (1,749)2,001 
Having credit losses recognized in the consolidated statement of income (7) (10)
Net changes in benefit plan assets and obligations26 20 77 64 
Net changes in unrealized foreign currency translation(91)79 (25)(137)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes(751)309 (1,697)1,918 
Income tax expense (benefit)(148)53 (361)420 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes(603)256 (1,336)1,498 
Comprehensive income$59 $1,083 $993 $2,885 
 


































The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
4


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(in millions)
 
September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
(Unaudited)
Assets
Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost $73,614 and $68,830; allowance for expected credit losses of $2 and $2)
$77,040 $74,003 
Equity securities, at fair value (cost $398 and $387)
509 453 
Real estate investments1,004 1,026 
Short-term securities4,754 5,511 
Other investments4,199 3,430 
Total investments87,506 84,423 
Cash818 721 
Investment income accrued565 603 
Premiums receivable (net of allowance for expected credit
    losses of $102 and $105)
8,289 7,829 
Reinsurance recoverables (net of allowance for estimated uncollectible
  reinsurance of $142 and $146)
8,329 8,350 
Ceded unearned premiums1,084 772 
Deferred acquisition costs2,570 2,358 
Contractholder receivables (net of allowance for expected credit
   losses of $19 and $19)
4,024 4,242 
Goodwill4,005 3,976 
Other intangible assets309 317 
Other assets3,207 3,173 
Total assets$120,706 $116,764 
Liabilities  
Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves$56,805 $54,521 
Unearned premium reserves16,677 15,222 
Contractholder payables4,043 4,261 
Payables for reinsurance premiums621 356 
Deferred taxes274 558 
Debt7,290 6,550 
Other liabilities6,522 6,095 
Total liabilities92,232 87,563 
Shareholders’ equity  
Common stock (1,750.0 shares authorized; 246.0 and 252.4 shares issued and outstanding)
24,084 23,743 
Retained earnings40,438 38,771 
Accumulated other comprehensive income1,166 2,502 
Treasury stock, at cost (536.4 and 527.3 shares)
(37,214)(35,815)
Total shareholders’ equity28,474 29,201 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$120,706 $116,764 





The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
5


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)
(in millions)
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2021202020212020
Common stock    
Balance, beginning of period$24,002 $23,606 $23,743 $23,469 
Employee share-based compensation45 214 64 
Compensation amortization under share-based plans and other changes
37 32 127 113 
Balance, end of period24,084 23,646 24,084 23,646 
Retained earnings    
Balance, beginning of period39,998 37,069 38,771 36,977 
Cumulative effect of adoption of updated accounting guidance for credit losses at January 1, 2020
 —  (43)
Net income662 827 2,329 1,387 
Dividends(220)(218)(660)(646)
Other(2)(2)
Balance, end of period40,438 37,679 40,438 37,679 
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax    
Balance, beginning of period1,769 1,882 2,502 640 
Other comprehensive income (loss)(603)256 (1,336)1,498 
Balance, end of period1,166 2,138 1,166 2,138 
Treasury stock, at cost    
Balance, beginning of period(36,613)(35,614)(35,815)(35,143)
Treasury stock acquired — share repurchase authorizations(600)— (1,356)(425)
Net shares acquired related to employee share-based compensation plans
(1)— (43)(46)
Balance, end of period(37,214)(35,614)(37,214)(35,614)
Total shareholders’ equity$28,474 $27,849 $28,474 $27,849 
Common shares outstanding    
Balance, beginning of period249.5 253.2 252.4 255.5 
Treasury stock acquired — share repurchase authorizations(3.8)— (8.8)(3.5)
Net shares issued under employee share-based compensation plans
0.3 0.1 2.4 1.3 
Balance, end of period246.0 253.3 246.0 253.3 
 











The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
6


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(in millions)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020
Cash flows from operating activities  
Net income$2,329 $1,387 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
Net realized investment (gains) losses(113)48 
Depreciation and amortization662 577 
Deferred federal income tax expense (benefit)61 (67)
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs3,742 3,558 
Equity in (income) loss from other investments(774)32 
Premiums receivable(462)(324)
Reinsurance recoverables20 (150)
Deferred acquisition costs(3,955)(3,694)
Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves2,299 2,673 
Unearned premium reserves1,460 960 
Other313 (382)
Net cash provided by operating activities5,582 4,618 
Cash flows from investing activities  
Proceeds from maturities of fixed maturities6,523 5,241 
Proceeds from sales of investments:  
Fixed maturities2,864 1,994 
Equity securities74 76 
Real estate investments7 — 
Other investments275 184 
Purchases of investments:  
Fixed maturities(14,356)(9,951)
Equity securities(68)(80)
Real estate investments(22)(33)
Other investments(643)(321)
Net sales (purchases) of short-term securities754 (1,387)
Securities transactions in course of settlement407 522 
Acquisition, net of cash acquired(38)— 
Other(199)(222)
Net cash used in investing activities(4,422)(3,977)
Cash flows from financing activities  
Treasury stock acquired — share repurchase authorizations(1,356)(425)
Treasury stock acquired — net employee share-based compensation(43)(46)
Dividends paid to shareholders(655)(643)
Issuance of debt739 490 
Issuance of common stock — employee share options256 72 
Net cash used in financing activities(1,059)(552)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash(4)— 
Net increase in cash97 89 
Cash at beginning of year721 494 
Cash at end of period$818 $583 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information  
Income taxes paid$543 $413 
Interest paid$222 $226 



The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
7

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

1.     BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Basis of Presentation
 
The interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the Company). These financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and are unaudited.  In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been reflected.  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 omitted.  All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.  The accompanying interim consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (the Company’s 2020 Annual Report).
 
The preparation of the interim consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the interim consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and claims and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 Adoption of Accounting Standards

Income Taxes - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes

In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued updated guidance for the accounting for income taxes. The updated guidance is intended to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing several exceptions contained in existing guidance and amending other existing guidance to simplify several other income tax accounting matters. The Company adopted the updated guidance for the quarter ended March 31, 2021. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

For additional information regarding accounting standards that the Company adopted during the periods presented, see note 1 of notes to the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report.


2.    SEGMENT INFORMATION

Nature of Operations
 
The Company’s results are reported in the following three business segments — Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance and Personal Insurance. These segments reflect the manner in which the Company’s businesses are currently managed and represent an aggregation of products and services based on the type of customer, how the business is marketed and the manner in which risks are underwritten. For more information regarding the Company’s nature of operations, see the “Nature of Operations section of note 1 of notes to the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report.
8

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
2.    SEGMENT INFORMATION, Continued
The following tables summarize the components of the Company’s revenues, income and total assets by reportable business segments:
(For the three months ended September 30, in millions) Business
Insurance
Bond & Specialty
Insurance
Personal
Insurance
Total
Reportable
Segments
2021    
Premiums$3,970 $806 $3,053 $7,829 
Net investment income575 63 133 771 
Fee income90  7 97 
Other revenues69 5 26 100 
Total segment revenues (1)
$4,704 $874 $3,219 $8,797 
Segment income (loss) (1)
$558 $174 $(2)$730 
2020    
Premiums$3,841 $723 $2,816 $7,380 
Net investment income498 58 115 671 
Fee income95 — 101 
Other revenues58 21 86 
Total segment revenues (1)
$4,492 $788 $2,958 $8,238 
Segment income (1)
$365 $115 $392 $872 
_________________________________________________________
(1)Segment revenues for reportable business segments exclude net realized investment gains (losses) and revenues included in "interest expense and other." Segment income (loss) for reportable business segments equals net income excluding the after-tax impact of net realized investment gains (losses) and income (loss) from "interest expense and other."

(For the nine months ended September 30, in millions) Business
Insurance
Bond & Specialty
Insurance
Personal
Insurance
Total
Reportable
Segments
2021    
Premiums$11,649 $2,325 $8,857 $22,831 
Net investment income1,713 186 391 2,290 
Fee income282  20 302 
Other revenues179 17 73 269 
Total segment revenues (1)
$13,823 $2,528 $9,341 $25,692 
Segment income (1)
$1,518 $498 $433 $2,449 
2020    
Premiums$11,440 $2,083 $8,041 $21,564 
Net investment income1,131 155 264 1,550 
Fee income305 — 18 323 
Other revenues125 17 53 195 
Total segment revenues (1)
$13,001 $2,255 $8,376 $23,632 
Segment income (1)
$596 $309 $738 $1,643 
_________________________________________________________
(1)Segment revenues for reportable business segments exclude net realized investment gains (losses) and revenues included in "interest expense and other." Segment income for reportable business segments equals net income excluding the after-tax impact of net realized investment gains (losses) and income (loss) from "interest expense and other."

9

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
2.    SEGMENT INFORMATION, Continued
Business Segment Reconciliations
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2021202020212020
Revenue reconciliation    
Earned premiums    
Business Insurance:    
Domestic:    
Workers’ compensation$789 $851 $2,410 $2,568 
Commercial automobile718 698 2,122 2,058 
Commercial property582 522 1,669 1,544 
General liability662 605 1,887 1,786 
Commercial multi-peril939 891 2,708 2,660 
Other17 15 45 38 
Total Domestic3,707 3,582 10,841 10,654 
International263 259 808 786 
Total Business Insurance3,970 3,841 11,649 11,440 
Bond & Specialty Insurance:    
Domestic:    
Fidelity and surety277 277 819 805 
General liability365 310 1,043 893 
Other54 60 165 178 
Total Domestic696 647 2,027 1,876 
International110 76 298 207 
Total Bond & Specialty Insurance806 723 2,325 2,083 
Personal Insurance:    
Domestic:    
Automobile1,445 1,391 4,220 3,896 
Homeowners and Other1,437 1,262 4,122 3,659 
Total Domestic2,882 2,653 8,342 7,555 
International171 163 515 486 
Total Personal Insurance3,053 2,816 8,857 8,041 
Total earned premiums7,829 7,380 22,831 21,564 
Net investment income771 671 2,290 1,550 
Fee income97 101 302 323 
Other revenues100 86 269 195 
Total segment revenues8,797 8,238 25,692 23,632 
Net realized investment gains (losses)8 37 113 (48)
Total revenues$8,805 $8,275 $25,805 $23,584 
Income reconciliation, net of tax    
Total segment income$730 $872 $2,449 $1,643 
Interest Expense and Other (1)
(75)(74)(216)(219)
Core income655 798 2,233 1,424 
Net realized investment gains (losses)7 29 88 (37)
Impact of changes in tax laws and/or tax rates (2)
 — 8 — 
Net income$662 $827 $2,329 $1,387 
_________________________________________________________
(1) The primary component of Interest Expense and Other was after-tax interest expense of $69 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 and $199 million and $202 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(2) Impact is recognized in the accounting period in which the change is enacted.
10

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
2.    SEGMENT INFORMATION, Continued
(in millions)September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
Asset reconciliation  
Business Insurance$90,661 $88,422 
Bond & Specialty Insurance10,313 9,420 
Personal Insurance19,028 18,328 
Total assets by reportable segment120,002 116,170 
Other assets (1)
704 594 
Total consolidated assets$120,706 $116,764 
 _________________________________________________________
(1)The primary components of other assets at both September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were accrued over-funded benefit plan assets related to the Company’s qualified domestic pension plan and other intangible assets.

3.      INVESTMENTS
 
Fixed Maturities
 
The amortized cost and fair value of investments in fixed maturities classified as available for sale were as follows:
 Amortized CostAllowance for Expected Credit LossesGross UnrealizedFair Value
(at September 30, 2021, in millions)GainsLosses
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government and government agencies and authorities
$3,908 $ $27 $20 $3,915 
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions:
Local general obligation18,064  1,022 72 19,014 
Revenue10,785  660 36 11,409 
State general obligation1,170  66 3 1,233 
Pre-refunded3,885  218  4,103 
Total obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions
33,904  1,966 111 35,759 
Debt securities issued by foreign governments1,037  12 5 1,044 
Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through securities
1,727  89 1 1,815 
All other corporate bonds33,026 2 1,598 129 34,493 
Redeemable preferred stock12  2  14 
Total$73,614 $2 $3,694 $266 $77,040 

11

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
3.    INVESTMENTS, Continued
 Amortized CostAllowance for Expected Credit LossesGross UnrealizedFair Value
(at December 31, 2020, in millions)GainsLosses
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government and government agencies and authorities
$2,111 $— $38 $— $2,149 
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions:
 
Local general obligation17,289 — 1,370 18,657 
Revenue11,806 — 909 — 12,715 
State general obligation1,343 — 101 — 1,444 
Pre-refunded3,325 — 219 — 3,544 
Total obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions
33,763 — 2,599 36,360 
Debt securities issued by foreign governments1,028 — 26 — 1,054 
Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through securities
2,222 — 139 — 2,361 
All other corporate bonds29,683 2,382 32,054 
Redeemable preferred stock23 — — 25 
Total$68,830 $$5,186 $11 $74,003 
 
Pre-refunded bonds of $4.10 billion and $3.54 billion at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, were bonds for which states or municipalities have established irrevocable trusts, almost exclusively comprised of U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government and government agencies and authorities.  These trusts were created to fund the payment of principal and interest due under the bonds.
 
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities classified as available for sale were $2.86 billion and $1.99 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Gross gains of $56 million and $52 million and gross losses of $5 million and $3 million were realized on those sales during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
 
Equity Securities
 
The cost and fair value of investments in equity securities were as follows:
  Fair
(at September 30, 2021, in millions)CostGross GainsGross LossesValue
Public common stock$367 $105 $5 $467 
Non-redeemable preferred stock31 11  42 
Total$398 $116 $5 $509 
 
  Fair
(at December 31, 2020, in millions)CostGross GainsGross LossesValue
Public common stock$352 $70 $12 $410 
Non-redeemable preferred stock35 — 43 
Total$387 $78 $12 $453 
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $45 million and $(14) million of net gains (losses) on equity securities still held as of September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

12

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
3.    INVESTMENTS, Continued
Unrealized Investment Losses
 
The following tables summarize, for all fixed maturities classified as available for sale in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time those securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss position.  The fair value amounts reported in the tables are estimates that are prepared using the process described in note 4 herein and in note 4 of notes to the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report.  The Company also relies upon estimates of several factors in its review and evaluation of individual investments, using the process described in note 1 of notes to the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report to determine whether a credit loss impairment exists.
 Less than 12 months12 months or longerTotal
(at September 30, 2021, in millions)Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fixed maturities      
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government and government agencies and authorities
$1,804 $20 $5 $ $1,809 $20 
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions
5,143 107 116 4 5,259 111 
Debt securities issued by foreign governments
391 5 2  393 5 
Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through securities
233 1 1  234 1 
All other corporate bonds5,831 121 189 8 6,020 129 
Total $13,402 $254 $313 $12 $13,715 $266 
 
 Less than 12 months12 months or longerTotal
(at December 31, 2020, in millions)Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fixed maturities  
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government and government agencies and authorities
$92 $— $—  $— $92 $— 
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions
245 —  — 245 
Debt securities issued by foreign governments
— —  — — 
Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through securities
20 —  — 21 — 
All other corporate bonds681 97  778 
Total $1,045 $$98  $$1,143 $11 
 
At September 30, 2021, the amount of gross unrealized losses for all fixed maturity investments reported at fair value for which fair value was less than 80% of amortized cost was not significant.
 
13

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
3.    INVESTMENTS, Continued
Credit Impairment Charges
 
The following tables present changes in the allowance for expected credit losses on fixed maturities classified as available for sale for the category of All Other Corporate Bonds (no other categories of fixed maturities currently have an allowance for expected credit losses):
Fixed Maturities
At and For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021At and For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020
(in millions)All Other Corporate BondsAll Other Corporate Bonds
Balance, beginning of period$2 $
Additions for expected credit losses on securities where no credit losses were previously recognized
 
Additions (reductions) for expected credit losses on securities where credit losses were previously recognized
1 (3)
Reductions due to sales/defaults of credit-impaired securities
(1)(2)
Reductions for impairments of securities which the Company intends to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell (1)
 — 
Balance, end of period$2 $
(1)Credit impairment charges recognized in net realized investment gains (losses) for each of the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 included $0 million of credit losses on fixed maturity securities which the Company had the intent to sell. An allowance for expected credit losses was not previously recorded for these securities.
Fixed Maturities
At and For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021At and For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
(in millions)All Other Corporate BondsAll Other Corporate Bonds
Balance, beginning of period$2 $— 
Additions for expected credit losses on securities where no credit losses were previously recognized1 
Additions (reductions) for expected credit losses on securities where credit losses were previously recognized (3)
Reductions due to sales/defaults of credit-impaired securities(1)(2)
Reductions for impairments of securities which the Company intends to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell (1)
 — 
Balance, end of period$2 $
(1)Credit impairment charges recognized in net realized investment gains (losses) for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 included $0 million and $14 million, respectively, of credit losses on fixed maturity securities which the Company had the intent to sell. An allowance for expected credit losses was not previously recorded for these securities.

Total net credit impairment charges included in net realized investment gains (losses) in the consolidated statement of income were $1 million and $(4) million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $1 million and $58 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Additionally, net realized investment gains (losses) in the first nine months of 2020 included $40 million of realized losses related to the other-than-temporary impairment of the carrying value of an equity method investment included in other investments. Credit losses related to the fixed maturity portfolio for both the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 represented less than 1% of the fixed maturity portfolio on a pre-tax basis and less than 1% of shareholders’ equity on an after-tax basis. 
14

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
3.    INVESTMENTS, Continued
Other Investments

Included in other investments are private equity, hedge fund and real estate partnerships that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and typically report their financial statement information to the Company one month to three months following the end of the reporting period. Accordingly, net investment income from these other investments is generally reflected in the Company's financial statements on a quarter lag basis.
 
4.    FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
The Company’s estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in the fair value accounting guidance.  The framework is based on the inputs used in valuation, gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and requires that observable inputs be used in the valuations when available.  The disclosure of fair value estimates in the fair value accounting guidance hierarchy is based on whether the significant inputs into the valuation are observable.  In determining the level of the hierarchy in which the estimate is disclosed, the highest priority is given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s significant market assumptions.  The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is reported is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the measurement in its entirety.  The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows:
 
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access.
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets; or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable (e.g., interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severities, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 - Valuations based on models where significant inputs are not observable.  The unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use.
 
Valuation of Investments Reported at Fair Value in Financial Statements
 
The Company utilized a pricing service to estimate fair value measurements for approximately 99% of its fixed maturities at both September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
 
While the vast majority of the Company’s fixed maturities are included in Level 2, the Company holds a number of municipal bonds and corporate bonds which are not valued by the pricing service and estimates the fair value of these bonds using either another internal pricing matrix, a present value income approach, or a broker quote (collectively, the other methodologies). The other methodologies include some unobservable inputs that are significant to the valuation.  Due to the limited amount of observable market information available in the estimation of fair value, the Company includes the fair value estimates for bonds that are valued using the other methodologies in Level 3. 

Additionally, the Company held investments in non-public common and preferred equity securities that are reported in other investments. Fair value estimates for these investments are determined either internally or by an external fund manager based on the impact of recent observable transactions on the investment’s equity, recent filings, operating results, balance sheet stability, growth and other business and market sector fundamentals. Due to the significant unobservable inputs in these valuations, the Company includes the fair value estimate of $343 million and $35 million for these investments at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, in the amounts disclosed in Level 3.

For more information regarding the valuation of the Company’s fixed maturities, equity securities and other investments, see note 4 of notes to the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report.

Other Liabilities

The Company has a put/call option that was entered into in connection with a business acquisition that allows the Company to acquire the remaining shares of the acquired company at a future date. The fair value of the put/call option at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $4 million and $5 million, respectively, and was determined using an internal model and is
15

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
4.    FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS, Continued
based on the acquired company's financial performance, adjusted for a risk margin and discounted to present value. The Company includes the fair value estimate of the put/call option in Level 3.
 
Fair Value Hierarchy
 
The following tables present the level within the fair value hierarchy at which the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities are measured on a recurring basis.
   
(at September 30, 2021, in millions)TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Invested assets:    
Fixed maturities    
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government and government agencies and authorities
$3,915 $3,915 $ $ 
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions
35,759 5 35,750 4 
Debt securities issued by foreign governments1,044  1,044  
Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through securities
1,815  1,734 81 
All other corporate bonds34,493 4 34,346 143 
Redeemable preferred stock14  14  
Total fixed maturities77,040 3,924 72,888 228 
Equity securities    
Public common stock467 467   
Non-redeemable preferred stock42 16 26  
Total equity securities509 483 26  
Other investments361 18  343 
Total$77,910 $4,425 $72,914 $571 
Other liabilities$4 $ $ $4 
16

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
4.    FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS, Continued
 
(at December 31, 2020, in millions)TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Invested assets:    
Fixed maturities    
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government and government agencies and authorities
$2,149 $2,149 $— $— 
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions
36,360 — 36,349 11 
Debt securities issued by foreign governments1,054 — 1,054 — 
Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-through securities
2,361 — 2,361 — 
All other corporate bonds32,054 — 31,899 155 
Redeemable preferred stock25 22 — 
Total fixed maturities74,003 2,152 71,685 166 
Equity securities    
Public common stock410 410 — — 
Non-redeemable preferred stock43 18 25 — 
Total equity securities453 428 25 — 
Other investments52 17 — 35 
Total$74,508 $2,597 $71,710 $201 
Other liabilities$$— $— $
 
Level 3 investments increased during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, primarily driven by an increase in Other Investments. There was no other significant activity in Level 3 of the hierarchy during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 or the year ended December 31, 2020.

Financial Instruments Disclosed, But Not Carried, At Fair Value
 
The following tables present the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities disclosed, but not carried, at fair value, and the level within the fair value hierarchy at which such assets and liabilities are categorized.
(at September 30, 2021, in millions)Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Level 1Level 2Level 3
Financial assets     
Short-term securities$4,754 $4,754 $663 $4,040 $51 
Financial liabilities     
Debt$7,190 $9,131 $ $9,131 $ 
Commercial paper$100 $100 $ $100 $ 
 
(at December 31, 2020, in millions)Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Level 1Level 2Level 3
Financial assets     
Short-term securities$5,511 $5,511 $630 $4,829 $52 
Financial liabilities     
Debt$6,450 $8,976 $— $8,976 $— 
Commercial paper$100 $100 $— $100 $— 

17

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
4.    FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS, Continued
The Company had no material assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 or the year ended December 31, 2020.

5.    ALLOWANCE FOR EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES

Premiums Receivable

The following tables present the balances of premiums receivable, net of the allowance for expected credit losses, at September 30, 2021 and 2020, and the changes in the allowance for expected credit losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.
At and For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021At and For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020
(in millions)Premiums Receivable, Net of Allowance for Expected Credit LossesAllowance for Expected Credit LossesPremiums Receivable, Net of Allowance for Expected Credit LossesAllowance for Expected Credit Losses
 
Balance, beginning of period$8,555 $105 $8,459 $94 
Current period change for expected credit losses15 17 
Write-offs of uncollectible premiums receivable18 15 
Balance, end of period$8,289 $102 $8,225 $96 

At and For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021At and For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
(in millions)Premiums Receivable, Net of Allowance for Expected Credit LossesAllowance for Expected Credit LossesPremiums Receivable, Net of Allowance for Expected Credit LossesAllowance for Expected Credit Losses
 
Balance, beginning of period$7,829 $105 $7,909 $49 
Current period change for expected credit losses45 84 
Write-offs of uncollectible premiums receivable48 37 
Balance, end of period$8,289 $102 $8,225 $96 

Reinsurance Recoverables

The following tables present the balances of reinsurance recoverables, net of the allowance for estimated uncollectible reinsurance, at September 30, 2021 and 2020, and the changes in the allowance for estimated uncollectible reinsurance for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.
18

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
5.    ALLOWANCE FOR EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES, Continued
At and For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021At and For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020
(in millions)Reinsurance Recoverables, Net of Allowance for Estimated Uncollectible ReinsuranceAllowance for Estimated Uncollectible ReinsuranceReinsurance Recoverables, Net of Allowance for Estimated Uncollectible ReinsuranceAllowance for Estimated Uncollectible Reinsurance
 
Balance, beginning of period$8,209 $135 $8,093 $156 
Current period change for estimated uncollectible reinsurance7 (16)
Write-offs of uncollectible reinsurance recoverables — 
Balance, end of period$8,329 $142 $8,317 $140 

At and For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021At and For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
(in millions)Reinsurance Recoverables, Net of Allowance for Estimated Uncollectible ReinsuranceAllowance for Estimated Uncollectible ReinsuranceReinsurance Recoverables, Net of Allowance for Estimated Uncollectible ReinsuranceAllowance for Estimated Uncollectible Reinsurance
 
Balance, beginning of period$8,350 $146 $8,235 $92 
Cumulative effect of adoption of updated accounting guidance for credit losses at January 1, 2020
 53 
Current period change for estimated uncollectible reinsurance(4)(5)
Write-offs of uncollectible reinsurance recoverables — 
Balance, end of period$8,329 $142 $8,317 $140 

Of the total reinsurance recoverables at September 30, 2021, after deducting mandatory pools and associations and before allowances for estimated uncollectible reinsurance, $5.77 billion, or 86%, were rated by A.M. Best Company.  The Company utilizes updated A.M. Best credit ratings on a quarterly basis when determining the allowance. Of the total rated by A.M. Best Company, 94% were rated A- or better. The remaining 14% of reinsurance recoverables were comprised of the following: 7% related to captive insurance companies, 1% related to the Company’s participation in voluntary pools and 6% related to balances of companies not rated by A.M. Best Company.  Certain of the Company's reinsurance recoverables are collateralized by letters of credit, funds held or trust agreements.

19

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
5.    ALLOWANCE FOR EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES, Continued
Contractholder Receivables

The following tables present the balances of contractholder receivables, net of the allowance for expected credit losses, at September 30, 2021 and 2020, and the changes in the allowance for expected credit losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.
At and For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021At and For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020
(in millions)Contractholder Receivables, Net of Allowance for Expected Credit LossesAllowance for Expected Credit LossesContractholder Receivables, Net of Allowance for Expected Credit LossesAllowance for Expected Credit Losses
 
Balance, beginning of period$4,016 $19 $4,314 $22 
Current period change for expected credit losses — 
Write-offs of uncollectible contractholder receivables 
Balance, end of period$4,024 $19 $4,347 $21 

At and For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021At and For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
(in millions)Contractholder Receivables, Net of Allowance for Expected Credit LossesAllowance for Expected Credit LossesContractholder Receivables, Net of Allowance for Expected Credit LossesAllowance for Expected Credit Losses
 
Balance, beginning of period$4,242 $19 $4,599 $20 
Current period change for expected credit losses 
Write-offs of uncollectible contractholder receivables 
Balance, end of period$4,024 $19 $4,347 $21 

6.          GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill
 
The following table presents the carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill by segment.  Each reportable segment includes goodwill associated with the Company’s international business which is subject to the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
(in millions)September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
Business Insurance$2,608 $2,613 
Bond & Specialty Insurance550 550 
Personal Insurance (1)
821 787 
Other26 26 
Total$4,005 $3,976 
 _________________________________________________________

(1) Goodwill at September 30, 2021 included approximately $33 million associated with a business acquired in the first quarter of 2021, which is deductible for tax purposes.

20

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued

6.    GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, Continued
Other Intangible Assets
 
The following tables present a summary of the Company’s other intangible assets by major asset class.
(at September 30, 2021, in millions)Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Subject to amortization
Customer-related$104 $39 $65 
Contract-based (1)
205 187 18 
Total subject to amortization309 226 83 
Not subject to amortization226  226 
Total$535 $226 $309 
 
(at December 31, 2020, in millions)Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Subject to amortization
Customer-related$101 $31 $70 
Contract-based (1)
205 184 21 
Total subject to amortization306 215 91 
Not subject to amortization226 — 226 
Total$532 $215 $317 
 _________________________________________________________
(1)Contract-based intangible assets subject to amortization are comprised of fair value adjustments on claims and claim adjustment expense reserves, reinsurance recoverables and other contract-related intangible assets. Fair value adjustments recorded in connection with insurance acquisitions were based on management’s estimate of nominal claims and claim adjustment expense reserves and reinsurance recoverables. The method used calculated a risk adjustment to a risk-free discounted reserve that would, if reserves ran off as expected, produce results that yielded the assumed cost-of-capital on the capital supporting the loss reserves.  The fair value adjustments are reported as other intangible assets on the consolidated balance sheet, and the amounts measured in accordance with the acquirer’s accounting policies for insurance contracts have been reported as part of the claims and claim adjustment expense reserves and reinsurance recoverables. The intangible assets are being recognized into income over the expected payment pattern. Because the time value of money and the risk adjustment (cost of capital) components of the intangible assets run off at different rates, the amount recognized in income may be a net benefit in some periods and a net expense in other periods.
 
Amortization expense of intangible assets was $4 million for each of the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, and $11 million for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.  Amortization expense for all intangible assets subject to amortization is estimated to be $3 million for the remainder of 2021, $14 million in 2022, $13 million in 2023, $12 million in 2024 and $12 million in 2025. Amortization expense for intangible assets arising from insurance contracts acquired in a business combination is estimated to be $1 million for the remainder of 2021, $3 million in 2022, $3 million in 2023, $2 million in 2024 and $2 million in 2025.

7.    INSURANCE CLAIM RESERVES

Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves were as follows:
(in millions)September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
Property-casualty$56,795 $54,510 
Accident and health10 11 
Total$56,805 $54,521 
 
21

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
7.    INSURANCE CLAIM RESERVES, Continued
The following table presents a reconciliation of beginning and ending property casualty reserve balances for claims and claim adjustment expenses:
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)20212020
Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves at beginning of year$54,510 $51,836 
Less reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses8,153 8,035 
Cumulative effect of adoption of updated accounting guidance for credit losses at January 1, 2020
 53 
Net reserves at beginning of year46,357 43,854 
Estimated claims and claim adjustment expenses for claims arising in the current year15,813 14,809 
Estimated decrease in claims and claim adjustment expenses for
 claims arising in prior years
(398)(108)
Total increases15,415 14,701 
Claims and claim adjustment expense payments for claims arising in:  
Current year5,653 4,960 
Prior years7,339 7,246 
Total payments12,992 12,206 
Unrealized foreign exchange gain (18)(62)
Net reserves at end of period48,762 46,287 
Plus reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses8,033 8,119 
Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves at end of period$56,795 $54,406 
 
Gross claims and claim adjustment expense reserves at September 30, 2021 increased by $2.29 billion from December 31, 2020, primarily reflecting the impacts of (i) catastrophe losses in the first nine months of 2021, (ii) loss cost trends for the current accident year and (iii) reduced claim settlement activity largely due to the disruptions in the judicial system related to COVID-19.
 
Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses at September 30, 2021 decreased by $120 million from December 31, 2020, primarily reflecting the impacts of cash collections in the first nine months of 2021, partially offset by catastrophe losses in the same period.

PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (together, PG&E) emerged from bankruptcy on July 1, 2020, the date the Debtors' and Shareholder Proponents' Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization Dated June 19, 2020 (the Plan) became effective. In accordance with the terms of the Plan, PG&E funded a trust from which the Company and other subrogation claimants have received, and/or will receive, recoveries related to the 2017 and 2018 California wildfires. In the third quarter of 2020, the Company recognized a subrogation benefit related to these claims of $403 million (the Company's estimate of its total recoveries from the trust prior to its expiration in 2025, pre-tax and net of expenses and amounts that inure to the benefit of the Company's reinsurers).

Prior Year Reserve Development
 
The following disclosures regarding reserve development are on a “net of reinsurance” basis.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, estimated claims and claim adjustment expenses incurred included $398 million and $108 million, respectively, of net favorable development for claims arising in prior years, including $443 million and $171 million, respectively, of net favorable prior year reserve development, and $36 million of accretion of discount in each period that impacted the Company's results of operations.

22

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
7.    INSURANCE CLAIM RESERVES, Continued
Business Insurance. Net unfavorable prior year reserve development in the third quarter of 2021 totaled $108 million, primarily driven by an increase in asbestos reserves of $225 million, partially offset by better than expected loss experience in domestic operations in the workers' compensation product line for multiple accident years. Net unfavorable prior year reserve development in the third quarter of 2020 totaled $220 million, primarily driven by an increase in asbestos reserves of $295 million, primarily in the segment's domestic operations, higher than expected loss experience in the segment's domestic operations in the general liability product line (excluding asbestos and environmental) for primary and excess coverages, primarily due to an increase to the reserves in the Company's run-off operations related to a single insured arising out of policies issued more than 20 years ago and in the commercial multi-peril product line (excluding PG&E subrogation recoveries and asbestos and environmental) for recent accident years, partially offset by PG&E subrogation recoveries of $81 million described above and better than expected loss experience in the segment's domestic operations in the workers' compensation product line for multiple accident years.

Net favorable prior year reserve development in the first nine months of 2021 totaled $99 million, primarily driven by better than expected loss experience in domestic operations in the workers' compensation product line for multiple accident years and in the commercial automobile and commercial property product lines for recent accident years and better than expected loss experience in the segment's international operations, partially offset by an increase in asbestos reserves of $225 million, an increase in other reserves related to run-off operations and an increase to environmental reserves. Net unfavorable prior year reserve development in the first nine months of 2020 totaled $215 million, primarily driven by an increase in asbestos reserves of $295 million, primarily in the segment's domestic operations, higher than expected loss experience in the segment's domestic operations in the general liability product line (excluding asbestos and environmental) for primary and excess coverages and the commercial automobile product line and the commercial multi-peril product line (excluding PG&E subrogation recoveries and asbestos and environmental) for recent accident years, partially offset by better than expected loss experience in the segment's domestic operations in the workers' compensation product line and the commercial property product line (excluding PG&E subrogation recoveries) for multiple accident years, as well as PG&E subrogation recoveries of $81 million described above.

Bond & Specialty Insurance.  Net favorable prior year reserve development in the third quarter of 2021 totaled $22 million, primarily driven by better than expected loss experience in the segment's domestic operations in the fidelity and surety product lines for recent accident years. There was no net prior year reserve development in the third quarter of 2020.

Net favorable prior year reserve development in the first nine months of 2021 totaled $81 million, primarily driven by better than expected loss experience in the segment's domestic operations in the fidelity and surety product lines for recent accident years, partially offset by higher than expected loss experience in the general liability product line for management liability coverages for multiple accident years. Net unfavorable prior year reserve development in the first nine months of 2020 totaled $33 million, primarily driven by higher than expected loss experience in the segment's domestic operations in the general liability product line for management liability coverages for recent accident years.

Personal Insurance.  Net favorable prior year reserve development in the third quarter of 2021 totaled $30 million, primarily driven by better than expected loss experience in the segment's domestic operations in the homeowners and other product line for recent accident years. Net favorable prior year reserve development in the third quarter of 2020 totaled $362 million, primarily driven by $322 million of PG&E subrogation recoveries described above and better than expected loss experience in the segment's domestic operations in the automobile product line for recent accident years.

Net favorable prior year reserve development in the first nine months of 2021 totaled $263 million, primarily driven by better than expected loss experience in the segment's domestic operations in both the homeowners and other and automobile product lines for recent accident years. Net favorable prior year reserve development in the first nine months of 2020 totaled $419 million, primarily driven by $322 million of PG&E subrogation recoveries described above and better than expected loss experience in the segment's domestic operations in the automobile product line for recent accident years.

23


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued

8.    OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
The following table presents the changes in the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2021.
 Changes in Net Unrealized Gains on Investment Securities  
(in millions)Having No Credit
Losses Recognized in
the Consolidated
Statement of Income
Having Credit 
Losses Recognized 
in the Consolidated
Statement of 
Income
Net Benefit Plan Assets and
Obligations
Recognized in
Shareholders’ 
Equity
Net Unrealized
Foreign Currency
Translation
Total Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
Balance, June 30, 2021$3,057 $182 $(792)$(678)$1,769 
Other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI) before reclassifications, net of tax(530)  (84)(614)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax
(10) 21  11 
Net OCI, current period(540) 21 (84)(603)
Balance, September 30, 2021$2,517 $182 $(771)$(762)$1,166 
 
Changes in Net Unrealized Gains on Investment Securities
(in millions)Having No Credit Losses Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of IncomeHaving Credit 
Losses Recognized 
in the Consolidated
Statement of 
Income
Net Benefit Plan Assets and Obligations Recognized in Shareholders’ EquityNet Unrealized Foreign Currency TranslationTotal Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Balance, December 31, 2020$3,892 $182 $(832)$(740)$2,502 
Other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI) before reclassifications, net of tax(1,335)  (22)(1,357)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax(40) 61  21 
Net OCI, current period(1,375) 61 (22)(1,336)
Balance, September 30, 2021$2,517 $182 $(771)$(762)$1,166 

24

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
8.    OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, Continued

The following table presents the pre-tax components of the Company’s other comprehensive income (loss) and the related income tax expense (benefit).
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2021202020212020
Changes in net unrealized gains on investment securities:
    
Having no credit losses recognized in the consolidated statement of income$(686)$217 $(1,749)$2,001 
Income tax expense (benefit)(146)46 (374)428 
Net of taxes(540)171 (1,375)1,573 
Having credit losses recognized in the consolidated statement of income (7) (10)
Income tax benefit (2) (3)
Net of taxes (5) (7)
Net changes in benefit plan assets and obligations26 20 77 64 
Income tax expense5 16 13 
Net of taxes21 16 61 51 
Net changes in unrealized foreign currency translation(91)79 (25)(137)
Income tax expense (benefit)(7)(3)(18)
Net of taxes(84)74 (22)(119)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)(751)309 (1,697)1,918 
Total income tax expense (benefit)(148)53 (361)420 
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes$(603)$256 $(1,336)$1,498 
 
25

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
8.    OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, Continued

The following table presents the pre-tax and related income tax (expense) benefit components of the amounts reclassified from the Company’s AOCI to the Company’s consolidated statement of income.
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2021202020212020
Reclassification adjustments related to unrealized gains on investment securities:
  
Having no credit losses recognized in the consolidated statement of income (1)
$(12)$(23)$(50)$(31)
Income tax expense (2)
(2)(5)(10)(7)
Net of taxes(10)(18)(40)(24)
Having credit losses recognized in the consolidated statement of income (1)
 —  — 
Income tax benefit (2)
 —  — 
Net of taxes —  — 
Reclassification adjustment related to benefit plan assets and obligations:
    
Claims and claim adjustment expenses (3)
10 31 26 
General and administrative expenses (3)
16 12 46 37 
Total26 20 77 63 
Income tax benefit (2)
5 16 13 
Net of taxes21 16 61 50 
Reclassification adjustment related to foreign currency translation (1)
 —  — 
Income tax benefit (2)
 —  — 
Net of taxes —  — 
Total reclassifications14 (3)27 32 
Total income tax (expense) benefit3 (1)6 
Total reclassifications, net of taxes$11 $(2)$21 $26 
 _________________________________________________________
(1)   (Increases) decreases net realized investment gains (losses) on the consolidated statement of income.
(2)   (Increases) decreases income tax expense on the consolidated statement of income.
(3)    Increases (decreases) expenses on the consolidated statement of income.

9.     DEBT
 
Debt Issuance.  On June 8, 2021, the Company issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of 3.05% senior notes that will mature on June 8, 2051.  The net proceeds of the issuance, after the deduction of the underwriting discount and expenses payable by the Company, totaled approximately $739 million.  Interest on the senior notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 8 and December 8.  Prior to December 8, 2050, the senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the Company’s option, at any time or from time to time, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (a) 100% of the principal amount of any senior notes to be redeemed or (b) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest to but excluding December 8, 2050 on any senior notes to be redeemed (exclusive of interest accrued to the date of redemption) discounted to the date of redemption on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the then current Treasury rate (as defined in the senior notes), plus 15 basis points.  On or after
26

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
9.     DEBT, Continued
December 8, 2050, the senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the Company’s option, at any time or from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of any senior notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.
10.     COMMON SHARE REPURCHASES
 
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company repurchased 3.8 million and 8.8 million common shares, respectively, under its share repurchase authorizations for total cost of $600 million and $1.36 billion, respectively. The average cost per share repurchased was $155.57 and $153.93, respectively.  In addition, the Company acquired 12,181 shares and 0.3 million shares for a total cost of approximately $1 million and $43 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, that were not part of its publicly announced share repurchase authorizations.  These shares consisted of shares retained to cover payroll withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock unit awards and performance share awards, and shares used by employees to cover the price of certain stock options that were exercised.

On April 20, 2021, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase authorization that added an additional $5.0 billion of repurchase capacity. At September 30, 2021, the Company had $4.81 billion of capacity remaining under its share repurchase authorizations.

11.     EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
The following is a reconciliation of the income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the periods presented:
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions, except per share amounts)2021202020212020
Basic and Diluted  
Net income, as reported$662 $827 $2,329 $1,387 
Participating share-based awards — allocated income(5)(6)(17)(9)
Net income available to common shareholders — basic and diluted$657 $821 $2,312 $1,378 
Common Shares  
Basic  
Weighted average shares outstanding247.7 253.3 250.1 253.5 
Diluted  
Weighted average shares outstanding247.7 253.3 250.1 253.5 
Weighted average effects of dilutive securities — stock options and performance shares
2.4 1.0 2.3 1.0 
Total250.1 254.3 252.4 254.5 
Net Income per Common Share  
Basic$2.65 $3.24 $9.24 $5.44 
Diluted$2.62 $3.23 $9.16 $5.41 

27

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
12.      SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION

The following information relates to fully vested stock option awards at September 30, 2021:
 
                                           Stock OptionsNumberWeighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Contractual
Life
Remaining
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
($ in millions)
Vested at end of period (1)
7,292,324 $124.13 6.1 years$203 
Exercisable at end of period4,340,430 $118.45 4.6 years$146 
_________________________________________________________
(1)Represents awards for which the requisite service has been rendered, including those that are retirement eligible.

The total compensation cost for all share-based incentive compensation awards recognized in earnings was $37 million and $33 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $126 million and $113 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The related tax benefits recognized in the consolidated statement of income were $7 million and $6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $22 million and $20 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

The total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested share-based incentive compensation awards at September 30, 2021 was $184 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.

13.    PENSION PLANS, RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND SAVINGS PLANS
 
The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost (benefit) for the Company’s pension and postretirement benefit plans recognized in the consolidated statement of income for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.
 Pension PlansPostretirement Benefit Plans
(for the three months ended September 30, in millions)2021202020212020
Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Benefit):    
Service cost$35 $34 $ $— 
Non-service cost (benefit):    
Interest cost on benefit obligation$21 $29 $1 $
Expected return on plan assets(69)(69) — 
Amortization of unrecognized:
Prior service benefit(1)(1)(1)(1)
Net actuarial (gain) loss 28 23 (1)(1)
Total non-service cost (benefit)(21)(18)(1)(1)
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)$14 $16 $(1)$(1)
 
28

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
13.                PENSION PLANS, RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND SAVINGS PLANS, Continued
The following table indicates the line items in which the respective service cost and non-service cost (benefit) are presented in the consolidated statement of income for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.
 
 Pension PlansPostretirement Benefit Plans
(for the three months ended September 30, in millions)2021202020212020
Service Cost:    
Claims and claim adjustment expenses$14 $14 $ $— 
General and administrative expenses21 20  — 
Total service cost35 34  — 
Non-Service Cost (Benefit):    
Claims and claim adjustment expenses(9)(8) (1)
General and administrative expenses(12)(10)(1)— 
Total non-service cost (benefit)(21)(18)(1)(1)
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)$14 $16 $(1)$(1)

The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost (benefit) for the Company’s pension and postretirement benefit plans recognized in the consolidated statement of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.
 Pension PlansPostretirement Benefit Plans
(for the nine months ended September 30, in millions)2021202020212020
Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Benefit):    
Service cost$106 $100 $ $— 
Non-service cost (benefit):    
Interest cost on benefit obligation62 86 2 
Expected return on plan assets(206)(206) — 
Amortization of unrecognized:    
Prior service benefit(1)(1)(3)(3)
Net actuarial (gain) loss82 69 (2)(2)
Total non-service cost (benefit)(63)(52)(3)(2)
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)$43 $48 $(3)$(2)
 
The following table indicates the line items in which the respective service cost and non-service benefit cost (benefit) are presented in the consolidated statement of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.
 Pension PlansPostretirement Benefit Plans
(for the nine months ended September 30, in millions)2021202020212020
Service Cost:    
Claims and claim adjustment expenses$43 $42 $ $— 
General and administrative expenses63 58  — 
Total service cost106 100  — 
Non-Service Cost (Benefit):    
Claims and claim adjustment expenses(26)(22)(1)(1)
General and administrative expenses(37)(30)(2)(1)
Total non-service cost (benefit)(63)(52)(3)(2)
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)$43 $48 $(3)$(2)

29

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
14.    LEASES
The Company enters into lease agreements for real estate that is primarily used for office space in the ordinary course of business. These leases are accounted for as operating leases, whereby lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, and a right-of-use asset and lease liability is recognized as part of other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet.

Most leases include an option to extend or renew the lease term. The exercise of the renewal option is at the Company's discretion. The operating lease liability includes lease payments related to options to extend or renew the lease term if the Company is reasonably certain of exercising those options. The Company, in determining the present value of lease payments, utilizes either the rate implicit in the lease, if that rate is readily determinable, or the Company’s incremental secured borrowing rate commensurate with the term of the underlying lease.

Lease expense is included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of income. Additional information regarding the Company’s real estate operating leases is as follows:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2021202020212020
Lease cost
Operating leases$22 $23 $67 $71 
Short-term leases (1)
 1 
Lease expense22 24 68 73 
Less: sublease income (2)
 —  — 
Net lease cost$22 $24 $68 $73 
Other information on operating leases
Cash payments to settle a lease liability reported in cash flows
$25 $27 $78 $82 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities$2 $$21 $26 
Weighted average discount rate2.37 %2.86 %2.37 %2.86 %
Weighted average remaining lease term4.6 years4.9 years4.6 years4.9 years
_________________________________________________________

(1) Leases with a term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheet.
(2) Sublease income consists of rent from third parties of office space and is recognized as part of other revenues in the consolidated statement of income.


15.    CONTINGENCIES, COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES
 
Contingencies
 
The major pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to which any of the Company’s properties is subject are described below.
 
30

THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
15.    CONTINGENCIES, COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES, Continued
Asbestos and Environmental Claims and Litigation
 
In the ordinary course of its insurance business, the Company has received and continues to receive claims for insurance arising under policies issued by the Company asserting alleged injuries and damages from asbestos- and environmental-related exposures that are the subject of related coverage litigation. The Company is defending asbestos- and environmental-related litigation vigorously and believes that it has meritorious defenses; however, the outcomes of these disputes are uncertain. In this regard, the Company employs dedicated specialists and comprehensive resolution strategies to manage asbestos and environmental loss exposure, including settling litigation under appropriate circumstances. Currently, it is not possible to predict legal outcomes and their impact on future loss development for claims and litigation relating to asbestos and environmental claims. Any such development could be affected by future court decisions and interpretations, as well as future changes, if any, in applicable legislation. Because of these uncertainties, additional liabilities may arise for amounts in excess of the Company’s current insurance reserves. In addition, the Company’s estimate of ultimate claims and claim adjustment expenses may change. These additional liabilities or changes in estimates, or a range of either, cannot now be reasonably estimated and could result in income statement charges that could be material to the Company’s results of operations in future periods.
 
Other Proceedings Not Arising Under Insurance Contracts or Reinsurance Agreements
 
The Company is involved in other lawsuits, including lawsuits alleging extra-contractual damages relating to insurance contracts or reinsurance agreements, that do not arise under insurance contracts or reinsurance agreements. The legal costs associated with such lawsuits are expensed in the period in which the costs are incurred. Based upon currently available information, the Company does not believe it is reasonably possible that any such lawsuit or related lawsuits would be material to the Company’s results of operations or would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or liquidity.

Other Commitments and Guarantees
 
Commitments
 
Investment Commitments — The Company has unfunded commitments to private equity limited partnerships, real estate partnerships and others.  These commitments totaled $1.64 billion and $1.76 billion at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
 
Guarantees
 
The maximum amount of the Company’s contingent obligation for indemnifications related to the sale of businesses that are quantifiable was $351 million at September 30, 2021.
 
The maximum amount of the Company’s obligation related to the guarantee of certain insurance policy obligations of a former insurance subsidiary was $480 million at September 30, 2021, all of which is indemnified by a third party.  For more information regarding Company guarantees, see note 17 of notes to the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report.

31


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Item 2.        MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following is a discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
2021 Third Quarter Consolidated Results of Operations
 
Net income of $662 million, or $2.65 per share basic and $2.62 per share diluted
Net earned premiums of $7.83 billion
Catastrophe losses of $501 million ($395 million after-tax)
Net unfavorable prior year reserve development of $56 million ($44 million after-tax)
Combined ratio of 98.6%
Net investment income of $771 million ($645 million after-tax)
Net realized investment gains of $8 million ($7 million after-tax)
Operating cash flows of $2.54 billion
 
2021 Third Quarter Consolidated Financial Condition
 
Total investments of $87.51 billion; fixed maturities and short-term securities comprised 93% of total investments
Total assets of $120.71 billion
Total debt of $7.29 billion, resulting in a debt-to-total capital ratio of 20.4% (22.0% excluding net unrealized investment gains, net of tax)
Total capital returned to shareholders of $821 million, comprising $601 million of share repurchases and $220 million of dividends
Shareholders’ equity of $28.47 billion
Net unrealized investment gains of $3.43 billion ($2.70 billion after-tax)
Book value per common share of $115.74
Holding company liquidity of $2.01 billion

 
32


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

CONSOLIDATED OVERVIEW
 
Consolidated Results of Operations
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions, except ratio and per share amounts)2021202020212020
Revenues    
Premiums$7,829 $7,380 $22,831 $21,564 
Net investment income771 671 2,290 1,550 
Fee income97 101 302 323 
Net realized investment gains (losses)8 37 113 (48)
Other revenues100 86 269 195 
Total revenues8,805 8,275 25,805 23,584 
Claims and expenses    
Claims and claim adjustment expenses5,464 4,886 15,479 14,782 
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs1,281 1,207 3,742 3,558 
General and administrative expenses1,187 1,109 3,524 3,367 
Interest expense87 87 252 256 
Total claims and expenses8,019 7,289 22,997 21,963 
Income before income taxes786 986 2,808 1,621 
Income tax expense124 159 479 234 
Net income$662 $827 $2,329 $1,387 
Net income per share    
Basic$2.65 $3.24 $9.24 $5.44 
Diluted$2.62 $3.23 $9.16 $5.41 
Combined ratio    
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio69.2 %65.6 %67.2 %67.8 %
Underwriting expense ratio29.4 29.3 29.6 30.1 
Combined ratio98.6 %94.9 %96.8 %97.9 %
 
The following discussions of the Company’s net income and segment income are presented on an after-tax basis.  Discussions of the components of net income and segment income are presented on a pre-tax basis, unless otherwise noted.  Discussions of net income per common share are presented on a diluted basis.
 
Overview
Diluted net income per share of $2.62 in the third quarter of 2021 decreased by 19% from diluted net income per share of $3.23 in the same period of 2020.  Net income of $662 million in the third quarter of 2021 decreased by 20% from net income of $827 million in the same period of 2020.  The lower rate of decrease in diluted net income per share reflected the impact of share repurchases in recent periods. The decrease in income before income taxes in the third quarter of 2021 primarily reflected the pre-tax impacts of (i) net unfavorable prior year reserve development compared to net favorable prior year reserve development in the same period of 2020, (ii) higher catastrophe losses (including recoveries under the Underlying Property Aggregate Catastrophe Excess-of-Loss Reinsurance treaties) and (iii) lower net realized investment gains, partially offset by (iv) higher net investment income and (v) higher underwriting margins excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development ("underlying underwriting margins"). Net unfavorable prior year reserve development in the third quarter of 2021 was $56 million, as compared to net favorable prior year reserve development in the same period of 2020 of $142 million. Catastrophe losses in the third quarters of 2021 and 2020 were $501 million and $397 million, respectively. The higher underlying underwriting margins in the third quarter of 2021 were driven by Business Insurance and Bond & Specialty Insurance, partially offset by Personal Insurance. Underlying underwriting margins in the third quarters of both 2021 and 2020 included a net favorable impact from COVID-19 and related economic conditions. Income tax expense in the third quarter of 2021 was lower than in the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the impact of the decrease in income before income taxes.
33


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued


Diluted net income per share of $9.16 in the first nine months of 2021 increased by 69% over diluted net income per share of $5.41 in the same period of 2020.  Net income of $2.33 billion in the first nine months of 2021 increased by 68% over net income of $1.39 billion in the same period of 2020.  The higher rate of increase in diluted net income per share reflected the impact of share repurchases in recent periods. The increase in income before income taxes primarily reflected the pre-tax impacts of (i) higher net investment income, (ii) higher net favorable prior year reserve development, (iii) higher underlying underwriting margins and (iv) net realized investment gains compared to net realized investment losses in the same period of 2020, partially offset by (v) higher catastrophe losses (including recoveries under the Underlying Property Aggregate Catastrophe Excess-of-Loss Reinsurance treaties). Net favorable prior year reserve development in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 was $443 million and $171 million, respectively. Catastrophe losses in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 were $1.81 billion and $1.58 billion, respectively. The higher underlying underwriting margins in the first nine months of 2021 were driven by Business Insurance and Bond & Specialty Insurance, partially offset by Personal Insurance. Underlying underwriting margins in the first nine months of both 2021 and 2020 reflected a net favorable impact from COVID-19 and related economic conditions. Income tax expense in the first nine months of 2021 was higher than in the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the impact of the increase in income before income taxes.

For discussion regarding the impact of COVID-19 and related economic conditions on the Company's results for the year ended December 31, 2020, see “Part II—Item 7—Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report. For further discussion regarding the potential future impacts of COVID-19 and related economic conditions on the Company, see “Outlook” herein and “The impact of COVID-19 and related risks could materially affect our results of operations, financial position and/or liquidity” included in “Part I—Item 1A—Risk Factors” in the Company's 2020 Annual Report.

The Company has insurance operations in Canada, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and throughout other parts of the world as a corporate member of Lloyd’s, as well as in Brazil and Colombia through joint ventures.  Because these operations are conducted in local currencies other than the U.S. dollar, the Company is subject to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, changes in foreign currency exchange rates impacted reported line items in the statement of income by insignificant amounts.  The impact of these changes was not material to the Company’s net income or segment income for the periods reported.
 
Revenues
 
Earned Premiums
Earned premiums in the third quarter of 2021 were $7.83 billion, $449 million or 6% higher than in the same period of 2020.  Earned premiums in the first nine months of 2021 were $22.83 billion, $1.27 billion or 6% higher than in the same period of 2020. In Business Insurance, earned premiums in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 increased by 3% and 2%, respectively, over the same periods of 2020. Earned premiums in Business Insurance in both periods of 2021 were negatively impacted by lower net written premiums in the preceding twelve months due to a modest reduction in exposures and a decrease in new business volume, in each case impacted by COVID-19 and related economic conditions. Earned premiums in Business Insurance in both periods of 2020 were negatively impacted by reduced exposures and reductions in the Company's estimate of ultimate audit premiums receivable, in each case reflecting the impact of COVID-19 and related economic conditions, including a decrease in new business levels. In Bond & Specialty Insurance, earned premiums in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 increased by 11% and 12%, respectively, over the same periods of 2020. Earned premiums in Bond & Specialty Insurance in both periods of 2021 and 2020 were not materially impacted by COVID-19 and related economic conditions. In Personal Insurance, earned premiums in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 increased by 8% and 10%, respectively, over the same periods of 2020.  Earned premiums in Personal Insurance in both periods of 2021 were not materially impacted by COVID-19 and related economic conditions. Earned premiums in Personal Insurance in the first nine months of 2020 were reduced by premium refunds provided to personal automobile customers, primarily in the second quarter of 2020, in response to COVID-19 and related economic conditions. Factors contributing to the changes in earned premiums in each segment are discussed in more detail in the segment discussions that follow.
 
34


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

Net Investment Income
The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s investments.
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(dollars in millions)2021202020212020
Average investments (1)
$84,647 $78,722 $82,854 $77,304 
Pre-tax net investment income771 671 2,290 1,550 
After-tax net investment income645 566 1,917 1,336 
Average pre-tax yield (2)
3.6 %3.4 %3.7 %2.7 %
Average after-tax yield (2)
3.0 %2.9 %3.1 %2.3 %
_________________________________________________________ 
(1)Excludes net unrealized investment gains and losses and reflects cash, receivables for investment sales, payables on investment purchases and accrued investment income.
(2)Excludes net realized and net unrealized investment gains and losses.
 
Net investment income in the third quarter of 2021 was $771 million, $100 million or 15% higher than in the same period of 2020.  Net investment income in the first nine months of 2021 was $2.29 billion, $740 million or 48% higher than in the same period of 2020. Net investment income from fixed maturity investments in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 was $497 million and $1.48 billion, respectively, $5 million and $30 million lower, respectively, than in the same periods of 2020. The decreases primarily resulted from lower long-term interest rates, partially offset by a higher average level of fixed maturity investments. Net investment income from short-term securities in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 was $2 million and $6 million, respectively, $4 million and $35 million lower, respectively, than in the same periods of 2020. The decreases in both periods of 2021 primarily resulted from lower short-term interest rates. The Company's remaining investment portfolios had net investment income of $281 million and $834 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021, respectively, $108 million and $807 million higher, respectively, than in the same periods of 2020. Included in other investments are private equity, hedge fund and real estate partnerships that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and typically report their financial statement information to the Company one month to three months following the end of the reporting period. Accordingly, net investment income from these other investments is generally reflected in the Company's financial statements on a quarter lag basis. Net investment income from these investments in the first nine months of 2020 included the impact of the disruption in global financial markets associated with COVID-19.

Fee Income
Fee income in the third quarter of 2021 was $97 million, $4 million lower than in the same period of 2020. Fee income in the first nine months of 2021 was $302 million, $21 million lower than in the same period of 2020. The National Accounts market in Business Insurance is the primary source of the Company’s fee-based business and is discussed in the Business Insurance segment discussion that follows. 
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s net realized investment gains (losses).
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2021202020212020
Credit impairment gains (losses):
Fixed maturities$(1)$$(1)$(18)
Other investments —  (40)
Net realized investment gains (losses) on equity securities still held
(6)19 45 (14)
Other net realized investment gains, including from sales15 14 69 24 
Total$8 $37 $113 $(48)

Net realized investment gains (losses) on equity securities still held of $(6) million and $45 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021, respectively. Net realized investment gains for the first nine months of 2021 were driven by the impact of changes in fair value attributable to favorable equity markets. Net realized investment gains (losses) on equity securities still held of $19 million and $(14) million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 were driven by the impact of changes in
35


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

fair value attributable to the disruption in global financial markets associated with the global pandemic beginning in March 2020.

In the second quarter of 2020, the Company recorded a $40 million credit impairment loss from the other-than-temporary
impairment of the carrying value of a joint venture investment included in other investments.

Other Revenues
Other revenues in the third quarters and first nine months of both 2021 and 2020 included revenues from Simply Business and installment premium charges. Installment premium charges in the first nine months of 2020 were reduced by billing relief actions offered to customers as a result of COVID-19.
 
Claims and Expenses

Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses
Claims and claim adjustment expenses in the third quarter of 2021 were $5.46 billion, $578 million or 12% higher than in the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the impacts of (i) net unfavorable prior year reserve development compared to net favorable prior year reserve development in the same period of of 2020, (ii) higher catastrophe losses, (iii) loss cost trends, (iv) higher losses in the automobile product line in Personal Insurance due to a comparison to a low level of loss activity in the prior year quarter as a result of the pandemic and (v) higher business volumes, partially offset by (vi) lower losses in the homeowners and other product line in Personal Insurance due to a comparison to a high level of loss activity in the prior year quarter and (vii) a lower level of property losses in Business Insurance. Catastrophe losses in the third quarter of 2021 primarily resulted from Hurricane Ida and severe storms in several regions of the United States. Catastrophe losses in the third quarter of 2020 primarily resulted from the derecho windstorm in the midwestern region of the United States, the Glass wildfire in California, Tropical Storm Isaias, Hurricane Laura and additional wildfires in the western United States. The impacts of COVID-19 and related economic conditions on claims and claim adjustment expenses are discussed in more detail in the segment discussions that follow.

Claims and claim adjustment expenses in the first nine months of 2021 were $15.48 billion, $697 million or 5% higher than in the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the impacts of (i) higher catastrophe losses, (ii) loss cost trends, (iii) higher business volumes, (iv) higher losses in the automobile product line in Personal Insurance due to a comparison to a low level of loss activity in the prior year period as a result of the pandemic and (v) higher losses in the homeowners and other product line in Personal Insurance, partially offset by (vi) higher net favorable prior year reserve development and (vii) a net favorable impact associated with COVID-19 and related economic conditions in Business Insurance and Bond & Specialty Insurance compared to a net charge in the prior year period. Catastrophe losses in the first nine months of 2021 included the third quarter events described above, as well as winter storms and severe wind and hail storms in several regions of the United States in the first six months of 2021. Catastrophe losses in the first nine months of 2020 included the third quarter events described above, as well as tornado activity in Tennessee and other wind storms and winter storms in several regions of the United States in the first quarter of 2020 and severe storms in several regions of the United States and civil unrest in the second quarter of 2020. The impacts of COVID-19 and related economic conditions on claims and claim adjustment expenses are discussed in more detail in the segment discussions that follow.

Factors contributing to net prior year reserve development during the third quarters and first nine months of 2021 and 2020 are discussed in more detail in note 7 of notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Significant Catastrophe Losses
The following table presents the amount of losses recorded by the Company for significant catastrophes that occurred in the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the amount of net unfavorable (favorable) prior year reserve development recognized in the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 for significant catastrophes that occurred in 2020 and 2019, and the estimate of ultimate losses for those catastrophes at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. For purposes of the table, a significant catastrophe is an event for which the Company estimates its ultimate losses will be $100 million or more after reinsurance and before taxes. The Company's threshold for disclosing catastrophes is primarily determined at the reportable segment level and for 2021 ranged from $20 million to $30 million of losses before reinsurance and taxes. For the Company’s definition of a catastrophe, refer to “Part II—Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations— Consolidated Overview” in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report.
36


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

 Losses Incurred/Unfavorable (Favorable)
Prior Year Reserve Development
  
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Estimated Ultimate Losses
(in millions, pre-tax and net of reinsurance) (1)
2021202020212020September 30,
2021
December 31, 2020
'
2019
PCS Serial Number:
33 — Severe wind storms
(3)1(5)8253 258
61 — Severe wind storms and tornadoes
(3)1(11)12106 117
2020
PCS Serial Number:
16 — Tennessee tornado activity
(7)(14)(10)157141 151
19 — Severe storms
(4)12(15)133119 134
20 — Severe storms
(6)(10)(20)179145 165
33 — Civil unrest
16(1)10799 100
44 — Tropical Storm Isaias
(7)147(21)147119 140
46 — Midwest derecho206(8)206204 212
68 — California wildfire - Glass fire(1)132(9)132136 145
2021
PCS Serial Number:
15 — Winter storms n/a214 n/a214 n/a
17 — Winter storms13 n/a508 n/a508 n/a
29 — Severe wind storms(28)n/a123 n/a123 n/a
60 — Hurricane Ida425 n/a425 n/a425 n/a
_________________________________________________________
(1) Amounts are reported pre-tax and net of recoveries under all applicable reinsurance treaties, except for the Company's 2021, 2020 and 2019 Underlying Property Aggregate Catastrophe Excess-of-Loss Treaties, the terms of which are described in "Part I—Item 1—Business" in the Company's 2020 Annual Report. Those treaties covered the accumulation of certain property losses arising from one or multiple occurrences (both catastrophe and non-catastrophe events) for the period January 1, 2021 through and including December 31, 2021, the period January 1, 2020 through and including December 31, 2020 and the period January 1, 2019 through and including December 31, 2019, respectively. As a result, the benefits from those treaties are not included in the table above as the allocation of the treaty's benefit to each identified catastrophe changes each time there are additional events or changes in estimated losses from any covered event.

n/a: not applicable.

Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs in the third quarter of 2021 was $1.28 billion, $74 million or 6% higher than in the same period of 2020.  Amortization of deferred acquisition costs in the first nine months of 2021 was $3.74 billion, $184 million or 5% higher than in the same period of 2020. The increases in both periods of 2021 were generally consistent with the increases in earned premiums. Amortization of deferred acquisition costs is discussed in more detail in the segment discussions that follow.
 
37


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses in the third quarter of 2021 were $1.19 billion, $78 million or 7% higher than in the same period of 2020. General and administrative expenses in the first nine months of 2021 were $3.52 billion, $157 million or 5% higher than in the same period of 2020. The increases in both periods of 2021 primarily reflected the impact of costs associated with higher business volumes. The benefit of lower net expenses related to COVID-19 and related economic conditions in the first nine months of 2021 was higher than in the same period of 2020. General and administrative expenses are discussed in more detail in the segment discussions that follow.

Interest Expense
Interest expense in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 was $87 million and $252 million, respectively, compared with $87 million and $256 million, respectively, in the same periods of 2020.
 
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense in the third quarter of 2021 was $124 million, $35 million or 22% lower than in the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the $200 million decrease in income before income taxes in the third quarter of 2021. Income tax expense in the first nine months of 2021 was $479 million, $245 million or 105% higher than in the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the impact of the $1.19 billion increase in income before income taxes in the first nine months of 2021.
 
The Company’s effective tax rate was 16% in both the third quarters of 2021 and 2020.  The Company's effective tax rate was 17% and 14% in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020, respectively. The effective tax rates were lower than the statutory rate of 21% in all periods, primarily due to the impact of tax-exempt investment income on the calculation of the Company’s income tax provision.

Combined Ratio
 
The combined ratio of 98.6% in the third quarter of 2021 was 3.7 points higher than the combined ratio of 94.9% in the same period of 2020.  The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 69.2% in the third quarter of 2021 was 3.6 points higher than the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 65.6% in the same period of 2020.  The underwriting expense ratio of 29.4% for the third quarter of 2021 was 0.1 points higher than the underwriting expense ratio of 29.3% in the same period of 2020. 

Catastrophe losses in the third quarters of 2021 and 2020 accounted for 6.4 points and 5.3 points, respectively, of the combined ratio. Net unfavorable prior year reserve development in the third quarter of 2021 accounted for 0.8 points of the combined ratio. Net favorable prior year reserve development in the third quarter of 2020 provided 1.9 points of benefit to the combined ratio. The combined ratio excluding prior year reserve development and catastrophe losses (“underlying combined ratio”) in the third quarter of 2021 was 0.1 points lower than the 2020 ratio on the same basis, primarily reflecting the impacts of (i) earned pricing that exceeded loss cost trends in Business Insurance and Bond & Specialty Insurance, (ii) lower losses in the homeowners and other product line in Personal Insurance due to a comparison to a high level of loss activity in the prior year quarter and (iii) a lower level of property losses in Business Insurance, largely offset by (iv) higher losses in the automobile product line in Personal Insurance due to a comparison to a low level of loss activity in the prior year quarter as a result of the pandemic.

The combined ratio of 96.8% in the first nine months of 2021 was 1.1 points lower than the combined ratio of 97.9% in the same period of 2020. The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 67.2% for the first nine months of 2021 was 0.6 points lower than the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 67.8% in the same period of 2020.  The underwriting expense ratio of 29.6% for the first nine months of 2021 was 0.5 points lower than the underwriting expense ratio of 30.1% in the same period of 2020.

Catastrophe losses in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 accounted for 7.9 points and 7.3 points, respectively, of the combined ratio.  Net favorable prior year reserve development in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 provided 1.9 points and 0.8 points of benefit, respectively, to the combined ratio. The underlying combined ratio in the first nine months of 2021 was 0.6 points lower than the 2020 ratio on the same basis, primarily reflecting the impacts of (i) earned pricing that exceeded loss cost trends in Business Insurance and Bond & Specialty Insurance, (ii) a net favorable impact associated with COVID-19 and related economic conditions in Business Insurance and Bond & Specialty Insurance compared to a net charge in the prior year period and (iii) a lower expense ratio, partially offset by (iv) higher losses in the homeowners and other product line in Personal Insurance and (v) higher losses in the automobile product line in Personal Insurance due to a comparison to a low level of loss activity (net of premium refunds) in the prior year period as a result of the pandemic.

38


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

The combined ratio continues to be impacted by the tort environment, including more aggressive attorney involvement in insurance claims. 

Written Premiums
Consolidated gross and net written premiums were as follows:
 Gross Written Premiums
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2021202020212020
Business Insurance$4,453 $4,230 $13,585 $13,151 
Bond & Specialty Insurance984 803 2,737 2,323 
Personal Insurance3,439 3,210 9,558 8,672 
Total$8,876 $8,243 $25,880 $24,146 
 
 Net Written Premiums
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2021202020212020
Business Insurance$4,021 $3,833 $12,126 $11,800 
Bond & Specialty Insurance894 754 2,471 2,151 
Personal Insurance3,409 3,184 9,367 8,512 
Total$8,324 $7,771 $23,964 $22,463 
 
Gross and net written premiums in the third quarter of 2021 increased by 8% and 7%, respectively, over the same period of 2020. Gross and net written premiums in the first nine months of 2021 both increased by 7% over the same period of 2020. Gross and net written premiums in Business Insurance in both periods of 2020 were negatively impacted by reduced exposures, reflecting the impact of COVID-19 and related economic conditions, including a decrease in new business levels. Gross and net written premiums in Bond & Specialty Insurance in both periods of 2020 were negatively impacted by lower surety volumes, primarily due to COVID-19 and related economic conditions. Gross and net written premiums in Personal Insurance in both periods of 2021 and in the third quarter of 2020 were not materially impacted by COVID-19 and related economic conditions. Gross and net written premiums in Personal Insurance in the first nine months of 2020 were negatively impacted by premium refunds primarily provided in the second quarter of 2020 to personal automobile customers in response to COVID-19 and related economic conditions. Factors contributing to the changes in gross and net written premiums in each segment are discussed in more detail in the segment discussions that follow.



39


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY SEGMENT
 
Business Insurance

Results of Business Insurance were as follows:
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(dollars in millions)2021202020212020
Revenues    
Earned premiums$3,970 $3,841 $11,649 $11,440 
Net investment income575 498 1,713 1,131 
Fee income90 95 282 305 
Other revenues69 58 179 125 
Total revenues4,704 4,492 13,823 13,001 
Total claims and expenses4,040 4,088 12,007 12,358 
Segment income before income taxes664 404 1,816 643 
Income tax expense106 39 298 47 
Segment income$558 $365 $1,518 $596 
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio67.0 %71.8 %67.8 %72.8 %
Underwriting expense ratio30.5 30.5 30.9 31.0 
Combined ratio97.5 %102.3 %98.7 %103.8 %

Overview
Segment income in the third quarter of 2021 was $558 million, $193 million or 53% higher than the same period of 2020. The increase in segment income before income taxes primarily reflected the pre-tax impacts of (i) higher underlying underwriting margins, (ii) lower net unfavorable prior year reserve development and (iii) higher net investment income, partially offset by (iv) higher catastrophe losses (including recoveries under the Underlying Property Aggregate Catastrophe Excess-of-Loss Reinsurance treaties). Net unfavorable prior year reserve development in the third quarters of 2021 and 2020 was $108 million and $220 million, respectively. Catastrophe losses in the third quarters of 2021 and 2020 were $181 million and $97 million, respectively. The higher underlying underwriting margins primarily reflected the impacts of (i) earned pricing that exceeded loss cost trends, (ii) higher business volumes, (iii) a favorable impact associated with COVID-19 and related economic conditions and (iv) a lower level of property losses. Income tax expense in the third quarter of 2021 was higher than in the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the impact of the increase in segment income before income taxes.

Segment income in the first nine months of 2021 was $1.52 billion, $922 million or 155% higher than segment income of $596 million in the same period of 2020. The increase in segment income before income taxes primarily reflected the pre-tax impacts of (i) higher net investment income, (ii) higher underlying underwriting margins and (iii) net favorable prior year reserve development compared to net unfavorable prior year reserve development in the same period of 2020, partially offset by (iv) higher catastrophe losses (including recoveries under the Underlying Property Aggregate Catastrophe Excess-of-Loss Reinsurance treaties). Net favorable prior year reserve development in the first nine months of 2021 was $99 million, as compared to net unfavorable prior year reserve development in the first nine months of 2020 of $215 million. Catastrophe losses in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 were $836 million and $669 million, respectively. The higher underlying underwriting margins primarily reflected the impacts of (i) earned pricing that exceeded loss cost trends, (ii) a favorable impact associated with COVID-19 and related economic conditions and (iii) higher business volumes. Income tax expense in the first nine months of 2021 was higher than in the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the impact of the increase in income before income taxes.

40


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

Revenues
 
Earned Premiums
Earned premiums in the third quarter of 2021 were $3.97 billion, $129 million or 3% higher than in the same period of 2020. Earned premiums in the first nine months of 2021 were $11.65 billion, $209 million or 2% higher than in the same period of 2020. Earned premiums in both periods of 2021 were negatively impacted by lower net written premiums in the preceding twelve months due to a modest reduction in exposures and a decrease in new business volume, in each case impacted by COVID-19 and related economic conditions. Earned premiums in both periods of 2020 were negatively impacted by reduced exposures and reductions in the Company's estimate of ultimate audit premiums receivable, in each case reflecting the impact of COVID-19 and related economic conditions, including a decrease in new business levels.

Net Investment Income
Net investment income in the third quarter of 2021 was $575 million, $77 million or 15% higher than in the same period of 2020.  Net investment income in the first nine months of 2021 was $1.71 billion, $582 million or 51% higher than in the same period of 2020. Refer to the “Net Investment Income” section of the “Consolidated Results of Operations” discussion herein for a description of the factors contributing to the increases in the Company’s consolidated net investment income in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 compared with the same periods of 2020. In addition, refer to note 2 of notes to the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report for a discussion of the Company’s net investment income allocation methodology.
 
Fee Income
National Accounts is the primary source of fee income due to revenue from its large deductible policies and service businesses, which include risk management, claims administration, loss control and risk management information services provided to third parties, as well as policy issuance and claims management services to workers' compensation residual market pools.  Fee income in the third quarter of 2021 was $90 million, $5 million or 5% lower than in the same period of 2020. Fee income in the first nine months of 2021 was $282 million, $23 million or 8% lower than in the same period of 2020. The decrease in the third quarter of 2021 and first nine months of 2021 compared to the same periods of 2020 reflected lower claim volume under administration and lower serviced premium volume from the workers' compensation residual market pool.

Other Revenues
Other revenues in the third quarter of 2021 were $69 million, $11 million higher than in the same period of 2020. Other revenues in the first nine months of 2021 were $179 million, $54 million higher than in the same period of 2020. The increase in both periods primarily reflected growth in revenues from Simply Business. Other revenues also included installment premium charges and other policyholder service charges. 
 
Claims and Expenses
 
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses
Claims and claim adjustment expenses in the third quarter of 2021 were $2.70 billion, $101 million or 4% lower than in the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the impacts of (i) reduced exposures, including the impact of COVID-19 and related economic conditions, (ii) lower net unfavorable prior year reserve development and (iii) a lower level of property losses, partially offset by (iv) higher catastrophe losses and (v) loss cost trends. Claims and claim adjustment expenses in the third quarters of both 2021 and 2020 included comparable favorable loss activity related to the impact of COVID-19 and related economic conditions. Catastrophe losses and non-catastrophe weather-related losses in the third quarters of 2021 and 2020 were reduced by recoveries under the Company's Underlying Property Aggregate Catastrophe Excess-of-Loss Reinsurance treaties.

Claims and claim adjustment expenses in the first nine months of 2021 were $8.03 billion, $445 million or 5% lower than in the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the impacts of (i) reduced exposures, including the impact of COVID-19 and related economic conditions and (ii) net favorable prior year reserve development compared to net unfavorable prior year reserve development in the same period of 2020, partially offset by (iii) higher catastrophe losses and (iv) loss cost trends. Claims and claim adjustment expenses in the first nine months of both 2021 and 2020 included comparable favorable loss activity related to the impact of COVID-19 and related economic conditions. Catastrophe losses and non-catastrophe weather-related losses in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 were reduced by recoveries under the Company's Underlying Property Aggregate Catastrophe Excess-of-Loss Reinsurance treaties.

Factors contributing to net prior year reserve development during the third quarters and first nine months of 2021 and 2020 are discussed in more detail in note 7 of notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.
41


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued


Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs in the third quarter of 2021 was $653 million, $20 million or 3% higher than the same period of 2020. Amortization of deferred acquisition costs in the first nine months of 2021 was $1.92 billion, $31 million or 2% higher than the same period of 2020. The changes in both periods of 2021 were generally consistent with the changes in earned premiums.
 
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses in the third quarter of 2021 were $684 million, $33 million or 5% higher than in the same period of 2020. General and administrative expenses in the first nine months of 2021 were $2.06 billion, $63 million or 3% higher than in the same period of 2020. The increases in both periods of 2021 were primarily in support of business growth. General and administrative expenses in the third quarters and first nine months of both 2021 and 2020 included the benefit of lower travel-related expenses attributable to COVID-19 and related economic conditions. General and administrative expenses in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 also included an increased allowance for expected credit losses on premiums receivable attributable to COVID-19 and related economic conditions.
 
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense in the third quarter of 2021 was $106 million, $67 million higher than the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the impact of the $260 million increase in income before income taxes. Income tax expense in the first nine months of 2021 was $298 million, $251 million higher than in the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the impact of the $1.17 billion increase in income before income taxes.

Combined Ratio
 
The combined ratio of 97.5% in the third quarter of 2021 was 4.8 points lower than the combined ratio of 102.3% in the same period of 2020.  The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 67.0% in the third quarter of 2021 was 4.8 points lower than the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 71.8% in the same period of 2020. The underwriting expense ratio of 30.5% for the third quarter of 2021 was level with the underwriting expense ratio in the same period of 2020. 

Catastrophe losses in the third quarters of 2021 and 2020 accounted for 4.6 points and 2.5 points, respectively, of the combined ratio.  Net unfavorable prior year reserve development in the third quarters of 2021 and 2020 accounted for 2.7 points and 5.8 points of the combined ratio. The underlying combined ratio in the third quarter of 2021 was 3.8 points lower than the 2020 ratio on the same basis, primarily reflecting the impacts of (i) earned pricing that exceeded loss cost trends, (ii) a favorable impact associated with COVID-19 and related economic conditions and (iii) a lower level of property losses.

The combined ratio of 98.7% in the first nine months of 2021 was 5.1 points lower than the combined ratio of 103.8% in the same period of 2020. The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 67.8% in the first nine months of 2021 was 5.0 points lower than the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 72.8% in the same period of 2020.  The underwriting expense ratio of 30.9% for the first nine months of 2021 was 0.1 points lower than the underwriting expense ratio of 31.0% in the same period of 2020.

Catastrophe losses in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 accounted for 7.2 points and 5.8 points, respectively, of the combined ratio. Net favorable prior year reserve development in the first nine months of 2021 provided 0.9 points of benefit to the combined ratio. Net unfavorable prior year reserve development in the first nine months of 2020 accounted for 1.9 points of the combined ratio. The underlying combined ratio in the first nine months of 2021 was 3.7 points lower than the 2020 ratio on the same basis, primarily reflecting the impacts of (i) earned pricing that exceeded loss cost trends and (ii) a favorable impact associated with COVID-19 and related economic conditions compared to a net charge in the same period of 2020.
42


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

Written Premiums
Business Insurance’s gross and net written premiums by market were as follows:
 Gross Written Premiums
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2021202020212020
Domestic:    
Select Accounts$688 $661 $2,166 $2,218 
Middle Market2,400 2,258 7,208 6,934 
National Accounts321 335 1,132 1,162 
National Property and Other794 745 2,107 1,940 
Total Domestic4,203 3,999 12,613 12,254 
International250 231 972 897 
Total Business Insurance$4,453 $4,230 $13,585 $13,151 
 
 Net Written Premiums
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2021202020212020
Domestic:    
Select Accounts$685 $658 $2,140 $2,191 
Middle Market2,252 2,131 6,723 6,499 
National Accounts228 239 731 755 
National Property and Other638 602 1,730 1,615 
Total Domestic3,803 3,630 11,324 11,060 
International218 203 802 740 
Total Business Insurance$4,021 $3,833 $12,126 $11,800 
 
Gross and net written premiums in the third quarter of 2021 both increased by 5% over the same period of 2020. Gross and net written premiums in the first nine months of 2021 both increased by 3% over the same period of 2020.

Select Accounts.  Net written premiums of $685 million in the third quarter of 2021 increased by 4% over the same period of 2020. Net written premiums of $2.14 billion in the first nine months of 2021 decreased by 2% from the same period of 2020. Retention rates remained strong in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021. Renewal premium changes in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 remained positive and were higher than in the same periods of 2020.  New business premiums in the third quarter of 2021 increased over the same period of 2020. New business premiums in the first nine months of 2021 decreased from the same period of 2020.

Middle Market.  Net written premiums of $2.25 billion in the third quarter of 2021 increased by 6% over the same period of 2020. Net written premiums of $6.72 billion in the first nine months of 2021 increased by 3% over the same period of 2020. Retention rates remained strong in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021.  Renewal premium changes in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 remained positive and were higher than in the same periods of 2020.  New business premiums in the third quarter of 2021 decreased from the same period of 2020. New business premiums in the first nine months of 2021 increased over the same period of 2020.

National Accounts.  Net written premiums of $228 million in the third quarter of 2021 decreased by 5% from the same period of 2020.  Net written premiums of $731 million in the first nine months of 2021 decreased by 3% from the same period of 2020. Retention rates remained strong in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021.  Renewal premium changes in the third quarter of 2021 were positive, compared with negative in the same period of 2020. Renewal premium changes in the first nine months of 2021 were positive and higher than in the same period of 2020. New business premiums in the third quarter of 2021 decreased from the same period of 2020. New business premiums in the first nine months of 2021 increased over the same period of 2020.

43


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

National Property and Other.  Net written premiums of $638 million in the third quarter of 2021 increased by 6% over the same period of 2020.  Net written premiums of $1.73 billion in the first nine months of 2021 increased by 7% over the same period of 2020.  Retention rates remained strong in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 and increased over the same periods of 2020.  Renewal premium changes in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 remained positive and were lower than in the same periods of 2020. New business premiums in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 decreased from the same periods of 2020.

International.  Net written premiums of $218 million in the third quarter of 2021 increased by 7% over the same period of 2020. Net written premiums of $802 million in the first nine months of 2021 increased by 8% over the same period of 2020. The increases in both periods of 2021 were primarily driven by changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the Company's operations at Lloyd's. 

Bond & Specialty Insurance
 
Results of Bond & Specialty Insurance were as follows:
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(dollars in millions)2021202020212020
Revenues    
Earned premiums$806 $723 $2,325 $2,083 
Net investment income63 58 186 155 
Other revenues5 17 17 
Total revenues874 788 2,528 2,255 
Total claims and expenses657 649 1,907 1,879 
Segment income before income taxes217 139 621 376 
Income tax expense43 24 123 67 
Segment income$174 $115 $498 $309 
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio46.3 %54.0 %46.2 %53.6 %
Underwriting expense ratio34.8 35.3 35.2 36.1 
Combined ratio81.1 %89.3 %81.4 %89.7 %
 
Overview
Segment income in the third quarter of 2021 was $174 million, $59 million or 51% higher than segment income of $115 million in the same period of 2020. The increase in segment income before income taxes primarily reflected the pre-tax impacts of (i) higher underlying underwriting margins and (ii) net favorable prior year reserve development compared to no net prior year reserve development in the same period of 2020. Net favorable prior year reserve development in the third quarter of 2021 was $22 million. Catastrophe losses in the third quarters of 2021 and 2020 were $3 million and $2 million, respectively. The higher underlying underwriting margins primarily reflected the impacts of (i) a lower level of losses related to COVID-19 and related economic conditions, (ii) higher business volumes and (iii) earned pricing that exceeded loss cost trends. Income tax expense in the third quarter of 2021 was higher than in the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the impact of the increase in segment income before income taxes.

Segment income in the first nine months of 2021 was $498 million, $189 million or 61% higher than segment income of $309 million in the same period of 2020. The increase in segment income before income taxes primarily reflected the pre-tax impacts of (i) higher underlying underwriting margins, (ii) net favorable prior year reserve development compared to net unfavorable prior year reserve development in the same period of 2020 and (iii) higher net investment income, partially offset by (iv) higher catastrophe losses. Net favorable prior year reserve development in the first nine months of 2021 was $81 million, as compared to net unfavorable prior year reserve development in the first nine months of 2020 of $33 million.  Catastrophe losses in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 were $30 million and $10 million, respectively.  The higher underlying underwriting margins primarily reflected the impacts of (i) earned pricing that exceeded loss cost trends, (ii) higher business volumes and (iii) a lower level of losses associated with COVID-19 and related economic conditions. Income tax
44


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

expense in the first nine months of 2021 was higher than in the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the impact of the increase in segment income before income taxes.

Revenues
Earned Premiums
Earned premiums in the third quarter of 2021 were $806 million, $83 million or 11% higher than in the same period of 2020. Earned premiums in the first nine months of 2021 were $2.33 billion, $242 million or 12% higher than in the same period of 2020. The increases in both periods of 2021 primarily reflected the increase in net written premiums over the preceding twelve months. Earned premiums in both periods of 2021 and 2020 were not materially impacted by COVID-19 and related economic conditions.

Net Investment Income
Net investment income in the third quarter of 2021 was $63 million, $5 million or 9% higher than in the same period of 2020. Net investment income in the first nine months of 2021 was $186 million, $31 million or 20% higher than in the same period of 2020. Included in Bond & Specialty Insurance are certain legal entities whose invested assets and related net investment income are reported exclusively in this segment and not allocated among all business segments. Refer to the “Net Investment Income” section of “Consolidated Results of Operations” herein for a discussion of the increase in the Company’s consolidated net investment income in the third quarter of 2021 compared with the same period of 2020. In addition, refer to note 2 of notes to the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report for a discussion of the Company’s net investment income allocation methodology.
 
Claims and Expenses
 
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses
Claims and claim adjustment expenses in the third quarter of 2021 were $375 million, $17 million or 4% lower than in the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the impact of (i) net favorable prior year reserve development compared with no net prior year reserve development in the same period of 2020 and (ii) a lower level of losses related to COVID-19 and related economic conditions, partially offset by (iii) higher business volumes.

Claims and claim adjustment expenses in the first nine months of 2021 were $1.08 billion, $38 million or 3% lower than in the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the impact of (i) net favorable prior year reserve development compared to net unfavorable prior year reserve development in the same period of 2020 and (ii) a lower level of losses associated with COVID-19 and related economic conditions, partially offset by (iii) higher business volumes and (iv) higher catastrophe losses.

Factors contributing to net favorable prior year reserve development during the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 and net unfavorable prior year reserve development during the first nine months of 2020 are discussed in more detail in note 7 of notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs in the third quarter of 2021 was $147 million, $14 million or 11% higher than in the same period of 2020.  Amortization of deferred acquisition costs in the first nine months of 2021 was $423 million, $38 million or 10% higher than in the same period of 2020. The increases in both periods of 2021 were generally consistent with the increases in earned premiums.

General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses in the third quarter of 2021 were $135 million, $11 million or 9% higher than in the same period of 2020. General and administrative expenses in the first nine months of 2021 were $400 million, $28 million or 8% higher than in the same period of 2020. The increases in both periods of 2021 primarily reflected the impacts of higher business volumes. The benefit of lower travel-related expenses related to COVID-19 and related economic conditions in the first nine months of 2021 was higher compared to the benefit in the same period of 2020.
 
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense in the third quarter of 2021 was $43 million, $19 million or 79% higher than in the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the impact of the $78 million increase in segment income before income taxes. Income tax expense in the first nine months of 2021 was $123 million, $56 million or 84% higher than in the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the impact of the $245 million increase in segment income before income taxes.

45


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

Combined Ratio
 
The combined ratio of 81.1% in the third quarter of 2021 was 8.2 points lower than the combined ratio of 89.3% in the same period of 2020.  The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 46.3% in the third quarter of 2021 was 7.7 points lower than the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 54.0% in the same period of 2020. The underwriting expense ratio of 34.8% in the third quarter of 2021 was 0.5 points lower than the underwriting expense ratio of 35.3% in the same period of 2020.
 
Net favorable prior year reserve development in the third quarter of 2021 provided 2.6 points of benefit to the combined ratio. There was no net prior year reserve development in the third quarter of 2020. Catastrophe losses in the third quarters of 2021 and 2020 accounted for 0.3 points of the combined ratio. The underlying combined ratio in the third quarter of 2021 was 5.6 points lower than the 2020 ratio on the same basis, primarily reflecting the impacts of (i) a lower level of losses related to COVID-19 and related economic conditions, (ii) earned pricing that exceeded loss cost trends and (iii) a lower expense ratio.

The combined ratio of 81.4% in the first nine months of 2021 was 8.3 points lower than the combined ratio of 89.7% in the same period of 2020. The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 46.2% in the first nine months of 2021 was 7.4 points lower than the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 53.6% in the same period of 2020.  The underwriting expense ratio of 35.2% in the first nine months of 2021 was 0.9 points lower than the underwriting expense ratio of 36.1% in the same period of 2020.

Net favorable prior year reserve development in the first nine months of 2021 provided 3.5 points of benefit to the combined ratio. Net unfavorable prior year reserve development in the first nine months of 2020 accounted for 1.5 points of the combined ratio.  Catastrophe losses in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 accounted for 1.3 points and 0.5 points, respectively, of the combined ratio.  The underlying combined ratio in the first nine months of 2021 was 4.1 points lower than the 2020 ratio on the same basis, primarily reflecting the impacts of (i) earned pricing that exceeded loss cost trends, (ii) a lower level of losses associated with COVID-19 and related economic conditions and (iii) a lower expense ratio.

Written Premiums
The Bond & Specialty Insurance segment’s gross and net written premiums were as follows:
 Gross Written Premiums
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2021202020212020
Domestic:    
Management Liability$608 $503 $1,663 $1,407 
Surety252 219 726 697 
Total Domestic860 722 2,389 2,104 
International124 81 348 219 
Total Bond & Specialty Insurance$984 $803 $2,737 $2,323 
 Net Written Premiums
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2021202020212020
Domestic:    
Management Liability$532 $467 $1,473 $1,306 
Surety241 208 673 643 
Total Domestic773 675 2,146 1,949 
International121 79 325 202 
Total Bond & Specialty Insurance$894 $754 $2,471 $2,151 
 
Gross and net written premiums in the third quarter of 2021 increased by 23% and 19%, respectively, over the same period of 2020. Gross and net written premiums in the first nine months of 2021 increased by 18% and 15%, respectively, over the same period of 2020. Gross and net written premiums in both periods of 2020 were negatively impacted by lower surety volumes, primarily due to COVID-19 and related economic conditions.
 
46


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

Domestic.  Net written premiums of $773 million in the third quarter of 2021 increased by 15% over the same period of 2020. Net written premiums of $2.15 billion in the first nine months of 2021 increased by 10% over the same period of 2020.  Excluding the surety line of business, for which the following are not relevant measures, retention rates remained strong in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 but declined from the same periods of 2020. Renewal premium changes in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 remained positive and were higher than in the same periods of 2020. New business premiums in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 decreased from the same periods of 2020.
 
International.  Net written premiums of $121 million and $325 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021, respectively, increased by 53% and 61%, respectively, over the same periods of 2020. The increases in both periods of 2021 were primarily driven by increases in the United Kingdom and Canada, including the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Personal Insurance
 
Results of Personal Insurance were as follows:
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(dollars in millions)2021202020212020
Revenues    
Earned premiums$3,053 $2,816 $8,857 $8,041 
Net investment income133 115 391 264 
Fee income7 20 18 
Other revenues26 21 73 53 
Total revenues3,219 2,958 9,341 8,376 
Total claims and expenses3,227 2,459 8,809 7,448 
Segment income (loss) before income taxes(8)499 532 928 
Income tax expense (benefit)(6)107 99 190 
Segment income (loss)$(2)$392 $433 $738 
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio78.2 %60.0 %71.8 %64.5 %
Underwriting expense ratio26.4 26.4 26.5 27.2 
Combined ratio104.6 %86.4 %98.3 %91.7 %
 
Overview
The segment loss in the third quarter of 2021 was $2 million, compared with segment income of $392 million in the same period of 2020. The segment loss before income taxes primarily reflected the pre-tax impacts of (i) lower net favorable prior year reserve development and (ii) lower underlying underwriting margins. Catastrophe losses in the third quarters of 2021 and 2020 were $317 million and $298 million, respectively. Net favorable prior year reserve development in the third quarters of 2021 and 2020 was $30 million and $362 million, respectively. The lower underlying underwriting margins primarily reflected the impacts of (i) higher losses in the automobile product line due to a comparison to a low level of loss activity in the prior year quarter as a result of the pandemic, partially offset by (ii) lower losses in the homeowners and other product line due to a comparison to a high level of loss activity in the prior year quarter and (iii) higher business volumes. The segment recorded a modest income tax benefit in the third quarter of 2021 compared to income tax expense in the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the impact of the decrease in income before income taxes.

47


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

Segment income in the first nine months of 2021 was $433 million, $305 million or 41% lower than segment income of $738 million in the same period of 2020. The decrease in segment income before income taxes primarily reflected the pre-tax impacts of (i) lower underlying underwriting margins and (ii) lower net favorable prior year reserve development, partially offset by (iii) higher net investment income. Net favorable prior year reserve development in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 was $263 million and $419 million, respectively. Catastrophe losses in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 were $945 million and $905 million, respectively.  The lower underlying underwriting margins primarily reflected the impacts of (i) higher losses in the automobile product line due to a comparison to a low level of loss activity (net of premium refunds) in the prior year period as a result of the pandemic and (ii) higher losses in the homeowners and other product line, partially offset by (iii) higher business volumes. Income tax expense in the first nine months of 2021 was lower than in the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the impact of the decrease in segment income before income taxes.

Revenues
 
Earned Premiums
Earned premiums in the third quarter of 2021 were $3.05 billion, $237 million or 8% higher than in the same period of 2020.  Earned premiums in the first nine months of 2021 were $8.86 billion, $816 million or 10% higher than in the same period of 2020. The increases in both periods of 2021 primarily reflected the increase in net written premiums over the preceding twelve months. Net written and earned premiums in both periods of 2021 were not materially impacted by COVID-19 and related economic conditions. Net written and earned premiums in the first nine months of 2020 were reduced by premium refunds provided primarily in the second quarter of 2020 to personal automobile customers in response to COVID-19 and related economic conditions.

Net Investment Income
Net investment income in the third quarter of 2021 was $133 million, $18 million or 16% higher than in the same period of 2020. Net investment income in the first nine months of 2021 was $391 million, $127 million or 48% higher than in the same period of 2020. Refer to the “Net Investment Income” section of the “Consolidated Results of Operations” discussion herein for a description of the factors contributing to the increases in the Company’s consolidated net investment income in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 compared with the same periods of 2020. In addition, refer to note 2 of notes to the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report for a discussion of the Company’s net investment income allocation methodology.
 
Other Revenues
Other revenues in the third quarters and first nine months of 2021 and 2020 primarily consisted of installment premium charges. Installment premium charges in both periods of 2021 were higher than in the same periods of 2020, primarily attributed to the impact of billing relief actions offered to customers as a result of COVID-19 in 2020.
 
Claims and Expenses
 
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses
Claims and claim adjustment expenses in the third quarter of 2021 were $2.39 billion, $696 million or 41% higher than in the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the impacts of (i) lower net favorable prior year reserve development, (ii) higher losses in the automobile product line due to a comparison to a low level of loss activity in the prior year quarter as a result of the pandemic, (iii) higher business volumes, (iv) loss cost trends and (v) higher catastrophe losses, partially offset by (vi) lower losses in the homeowners and other product line due to a comparison to a high level of loss activity in the prior year quarter. Catastrophe losses and non-catastrophe weather-related losses, in the third quarters of 2021 and 2020, were reduced by recoveries under the Company's Underlying Property Aggregate Catastrophe Excess-of-Loss Reinsurance treaties.

Claims and claim adjustment expenses in the first nine months of 2021 were $6.37 billion, $1.18 billion or 23% higher than in the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the impacts of (i) higher losses in the automobile product line due to a comparison to a low level of loss activity in the prior year period as a result of the pandemic, (ii) higher losses in the homeowners and other product line, (iii) lower net favorable prior year reserve development, (iv) higher business volumes, (v) loss cost trends and (vi) higher catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses and non-catastrophe weather-related losses, in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020, were reduced by recoveries under the Company's Underlying Property Aggregate Catastrophe Excess-of-Loss Reinsurance treaties.

Factors contributing to net favorable prior year reserve development during the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 and 2020 are discussed in more detail in note 7 of notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.
48


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

 
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs in the third quarter of 2021 was $481 million, $40 million or 9% higher than in the same period of 2020. Amortization of deferred acquisition costs in the first nine months of 2021 was $1.40 billion, $115 million or 9% higher than in the same period of 2020. The increases in both periods of 2021 were generally consistent with the increases in earned premiums before the impact of premium refunds referred to above.
 
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses in the third quarter of 2021 were $360 million, $32 million or 10% higher than in the same period of 2020. General and administrative expenses in the first nine months of 2021 were $1.05 billion, $66 million or 7% higher than in the same period of 2020. The increases in both periods of 2021 primarily reflected the impacts of higher business volumes and variability in expenses. The totals in the first nine months of 2020 included an increased allowance for expected credit losses on premiums receivable due to the impact of COVID-19 and related economic conditions.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
The income tax benefit in the third quarter of 2021 was $6 million, compared with income tax expense of $107 million in same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the impact of the $507 million decrease in segment income before income taxes. Income tax expense in the first nine months of 2021 was $99 million, $91 million or 48% lower than in the same period of 2020, primarily reflecting the $396 million decrease in segment income before income taxes.

Combined Ratio
 
The combined ratio of 104.6% in the third quarter of 2021 was 18.2 points higher than the combined ratio of 86.4% in the same period of 2020.  The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 78.2% in the third quarter of 2021 was 18.2 points higher than the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 60.0% in the same period of 2020.  The underwriting expense ratio of 26.4% for the third quarter of 2021 was level with the underwriting expense ratio in the same period of 2020.
 
Catastrophe losses in the third quarters of 2021 and 2020 accounted for 10.4 points and 10.5 points, respectively, of the combined ratio. Net favorable prior year reserve development in the third quarters of 2021 and 2020 provided 1.0 points and 12.8 points, respectively, of benefit to the combined ratio. The underlying combined ratio in the third quarter of 2021 was 6.5 points higher than the 2020 ratio on the same basis, primarily reflecting the impacts of (i) higher losses in the automobile product line due to a comparison to a low level of loss activity in the prior year quarter as a result of the pandemic, partially offset by (ii) lower losses in the homeowners and other product line due to a comparison to a high level of loss activity in the prior year quarter.

The combined ratio of 98.3% in the first nine months of 2021 was 6.6 points higher than the combined ratio of 91.7% in the same period of 2020. The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 71.8% in the first nine months of 2021 was 7.3 points higher than the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 64.5% in the same period of 2020.  The underwriting expense ratio of 26.5% in the first nine months of 2021 was 0.7 points lower than the underwriting expense ratio of 27.2% in the same period of 2020.

Catastrophe losses in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 accounted for 10.6 points and 11.3 points, respectively, of the combined ratio.  Net favorable prior year reserve development in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 provided 3.0 points and 5.2 points, respectively, of benefit to the combined ratio.  The underlying combined ratio in the first nine months of 2021 was 5.1 points higher than the 2020 ratio on the same basis, primarily reflecting the impacts of (i) higher losses in the automobile product line due to a comparison to a low level of loss activity (net of premium refunds) in the prior year period as a result of the pandemic and (ii) higher losses in the homeowners and other product line.
49


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

Written Premiums
Personal Insurance’s gross and net written premiums were as follows:
 Gross Written Premiums
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2021202020212020
Domestic:    
Automobile$1,535 $1,490 $4,394 $4,043 
Homeowners and Other1,713 1,537 4,629 4,124 
Total Domestic3,248 3,027 9,023 8,167 
International191 183 535 505 
Total Personal Insurance$3,439 $3,210 $9,558 $8,672 
 
 Net Written Premiums
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2021202020212020
Domestic:    
Automobile$1,529 $1,484 $4,371 $4,021 
Homeowners and Other1,698 1,524 4,476 3,999 
Total Domestic3,227 3,008 8,847 8,020 
International182 176 520 492 
Total Personal Insurance$3,409 $3,184 $9,367 $8,512 
 
Gross and net written premiums in the third quarter of 2021 both increased by 7% over the same period of 2020. Gross and net written premiums in the first nine months of 2021 both increased by 10% over the same period of 2020. Gross and net written premiums in the first nine months of 2020 were negatively impacted by premium refunds provided primarily in the second quarter of 2020 to personal automobile customers in response to COVID-19 and related economic conditions.

Domestic
Automobile net written premiums of $1.53 billion and $4.37 billion in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021, respectively, increased by 3% and 9%, respectively, over the same periods of 2020. Net written premiums in the first nine months of 2020 were negatively impacted by premium refunds provided primarily in the second quarter of 2020 to personal automobile customers in response to COVID-19 and related economic conditions. Retention rates remained strong in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021.  Renewal premium changes in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 were not significant and were lower than in the same periods of 2020.  New business premiums in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 increased over the same periods of 2020.

Homeowners and Other net written premiums of $1.70 billion and $4.48 billion in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021, respectively, increased by 11% and 12%, respectively, over the same periods of 2020.  Retention rates remained strong in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021.  Renewal premium changes in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 remained positive and were higher than in the same periods of 2020.  New business premiums in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 increased over the same periods of 2020.
 
For its Domestic business, Personal Insurance had approximately 8.8 million and 8.3 million active policies at September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

International
International net written premiums of $182 million and $520 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021, respectively, increased by 3% and 6%, respectively, over the same periods of 2020, primarily driven by changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

50


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

For its International business, Personal Insurance had approximately 480,000 and 495,000 active policies at September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Interest Expense and Other
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2021202020212020
Income (loss)$(75)$(74)$(216)$(219)
 
The Income (loss) for Interest Expense and Other in the third quarters of 2021 and 2020 was $(75) million and $(74) million, respectively.  Pre-tax interest expense for the third quarter of both 2021 and 2020 was $87 million. After-tax interest expense for the third quarter of both 2021 and 2020 was $69 million. The Income (loss) for Interest Expense and Other in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 was $(216) million and $(219) million, respectively. Pre-tax interest expense in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 was $252 million and $256 million, respectively. After-tax interest expense in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 was $199 million and $202 million, respectively.

ASBESTOS CLAIMS AND LITIGATION
 
The Company believes that the property and casualty insurance industry has suffered from court decisions and other trends that have expanded insurance coverage for asbestos claims far beyond the original intent of insurers and policyholders. The Company has received and continues to receive a significant number of asbestos claims. Factors underlying these claim filings include continued intensive advertising by lawyers seeking asbestos claimants and the focus by plaintiffs on defendants, such as manufacturers of talcum powder, who were not traditionally primary targets of asbestos litigation. The focus on these defendants is primarily the result of the number of traditional asbestos defendants who have sought bankruptcy protection in previous years.  The bankruptcy of many traditional defendants has also caused increased settlement demands against those policyholders who are not in bankruptcy but remain in the tort system. Currently, in many jurisdictions, those who allege very serious injury and who can present credible medical evidence of their injuries are receiving priority trial settings in the courts, while those who have not shown any credible disease manifestation are having their hearing dates delayed or placed on an inactive docket. Prioritizing claims involving credible evidence of injuries, along with the focus on defendants who were not traditionally primary targets of asbestos litigation, contributes to the claims and claim adjustment expense payment patterns experienced by the Company. The Company’s asbestos-related claims and claim adjustment expense experience also has been impacted by the unavailability of other insurance sources potentially available to policyholders, whether through exhaustion of policy limits or through the insolvency of other participating insurers.
 
The Company continues to be involved in disputes, including litigation, with a number of policyholders, some of whom are in bankruptcy, over coverage for asbestos-related claims. Many coverage disputes with policyholders are only resolved through settlement agreements. Because many policyholders make exaggerated demands, it is difficult to predict the outcome of settlement negotiations. Settlements involving bankrupt policyholders may include extensive releases which are favorable to the Company, but which could result in settlements for larger amounts than originally anticipated. Although the Company has seen a reduction in the overall risk associated with these disputes, it remains difficult to predict the ultimate cost of these claims. As in the past, the Company will continue to pursue settlement opportunities.

In addition to claims against policyholders, proceedings have been launched directly against insurers, including the Company, by individuals challenging insurers’ conduct with respect to the handling of past asbestos claims and by individuals seeking damages arising from alleged asbestos-related bodily injuries.   It is possible that other direct actions against insurers, including the Company, could be filed in the future.  It is difficult to predict the outcome of these proceedings, including whether the plaintiffs would be able to sustain these actions against insurers based on novel legal theories of liability. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to any such claims and has received favorable rulings in certain jurisdictions.

Because each policyholder presents different liability and coverage issues, the Company generally reviews the exposure presented by each policyholder with open claims at least annually.  Among the factors the Company may consider in the course of this review are: available insurance coverage, including the role of any umbrella or excess insurance the Company has issued to the policyholder; limits and deductibles; an analysis of the policyholder’s potential liability; the jurisdictions involved; past and anticipated future claim activity and loss development on pending claims; past settlement values of similar claims; allocated claim adjustment expense; the potential role of other insurance; the role, if any, of non-asbestos claims or potential non-asbestos claims in any resolution process; and applicable coverage defenses or determinations, if any, including the determination as to
51


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

whether or not an asbestos claim is a products/completed operation claim subject to an aggregate limit and the available coverage, if any, for that claim.

In the third quarter of 2021, the Company completed its annual in-depth asbestos claim review, including a review of policyholders with open claims and litigation cases for potential product and "non-product" liability, and noted the continuation of the following trends:
a high level of litigation activity in certain jurisdictions involving individuals alleging serious asbestos-related illness, primarily involving mesothelioma claims;
while overall payment patterns have been generally stable, there has been an increase in severity for certain policyholders due to the high level of litigation activity; and
a moderate level of asbestos-related bankruptcy activity.

Both the number of policyholders with open asbestos claims and gross asbestos-related payments decreased slightly when compared to 2020. Payments on behalf of these policyholders continue to be influenced by a high level of litigation activity in a limited number of jurisdictions where individuals alleging serious asbestos-related injury, primarily mesothelioma, continue to target defendants who were not traditionally primary targets of asbestos litigation.

The Company’s quarterly asbestos reserve reviews include an analysis of exposure and claim payment patterns by policyholder, as well as recent settlements, policyholder bankruptcies, judicial rulings and legislative actions.  The Company also analyzes developing payment patterns among policyholders and the assumed reinsurance component of reserves, as well as projected reinsurance billings and recoveries. In addition, the Company reviews its historical gross and net loss and expense paid experience, year-by-year, to assess any emerging trends, fluctuations, or characteristics suggested by the aggregate paid activity. Conventional actuarial methods are not utilized to establish asbestos reserves, and the Company’s evaluations have not resulted in a reliable method to determine a meaningful average asbestos defense or indemnity payment.

The completion of these reviews and analyses in the third quarters of 2021 and 2020 resulted in $225 million and $295 million increases, respectively, to the Company’s net asbestos reserves. In both 2021 and 2020, the reserve increases were primarily driven by increases in the Company’s estimate of projected settlement and defense costs related to a broad number of policyholders. The increase in the estimate of projected settlement and defense costs primarily resulted from payment trends that continue to be higher than previously anticipated due to the continued high level of mesothelioma claim filings and the impact of the current litigation environment surrounding those claims discussed above. Over the past decade, the property and casualty insurance industry, including the Company, has experienced net unfavorable prior year reserve development with regard to asbestos reserves, but the Company believes that over that period there has been a reduction in the volatility associated with the Company’s overall asbestos exposure as the overall asbestos environment has evolved from one dominated by exposure to significant litigation risks, particularly coverage disputes relating to policyholders in bankruptcy who were asserting that their claims were not subject to the aggregate limits contained in their policies, to an environment primarily driven by a frequency of litigation related to individuals with mesothelioma. The Company’s overall view of the current underlying asbestos environment is essentially unchanged from recent periods, and there remains a high degree of uncertainty with respect to future exposure to asbestos claims.

Net asbestos paid loss and loss expenses in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 were $155 million and $167 million, respectively. Net asbestos reserves were $1.41 billion at both September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020.
 
52


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

The following table displays activity for asbestos losses and loss expenses and reserves:
(at and for the nine months ended September 30, in millions)20212020
Beginning reserves:  
Gross$1,668 $1,601 
Ceded(330)(322)
Net1,338 1,279 
Incurred losses and loss expenses:  
Gross287 362 
Ceded(62)(67)
Net225 295 
Paid loss and loss expenses:  
Gross178 190 
Ceded(23)(23)
Net155 167 
Foreign exchange and other:  
Gross (1)
Ceded 
Net — 
Ending reserves:  
Gross1,777 1,772 
Ceded(369)(365)
Net$1,408 $1,407 
_________________________________________________________
See “—Uncertainty Regarding Adequacy of Asbestos and Environmental Reserves.”

ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS AND LITIGATION
 
The Company has received and continues to receive claims from policyholders who allege that they are liable for injury or damage arising out of the alleged storage, emissions or disposal of toxic substances, frequently under policies issued prior to the mid-1980s. These claims are mainly brought pursuant to various state or federal statutes that require a liable party to undertake or pay for environmental remediation. For example, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) enables private parties as well as federal and state governments to take action with respect to releases and threatened releases of hazardous substances. This federal statute permits the recovery of response costs from some liable parties and may require liable parties to undertake their own remedial action. Liability under these statutes may be joint and several with other responsible parties. The Company has also been, and continues to be, involved in litigation involving insurance coverage issues pertaining to environmental claims. The Company believes that some court decisions pertaining to environmental claims have interpreted the insurance coverage to be broader than the original intent of the insurers and policyholders.
 
In establishing environmental reserves, the Company evaluates the exposure presented by each policyholder and the anticipated cost of resolution, if any. In the course of this analysis, the Company generally considers the probable liability, available coverage and relevant judicial interpretations. In addition, the Company considers the many variables presented, such as: the nature of the alleged activities of the policyholder at each site; the number of sites; the total number of potentially responsible parties at each site; the nature of the alleged environmental harm and the corresponding remedy at each site; the nature of government enforcement activities at each site; the ownership and general use of each site; the overall nature of the insurance relationship between the Company and the policyholder, including the role of any umbrella or excess insurance the Company has issued to the policyholder; the involvement of other insurers; the potential for other available coverage, including the number of years of coverage; the role, if any, of non-environmental claims or potential non-environmental claims in any resolution process; and the applicable law in each jurisdiction. Conventional actuarial methods are not used to estimate these reserves.
53


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued


Over the past several years, the Company has experienced generally favorable trends in the number of new policyholders tendering environmental claims for the first time and in the number of pending declaratory judgment actions relating to environmental matters. These policyholders continue to present smaller exposures, are involved in fewer hazardous waste sites and are lower tier defendants than policyholders presenting such claims in the past. Further, in many instances, clean-up costs have been reduced because regulatory agencies are willing to accept risk-based site analyses and more efficient clean-up technologies. However, the degree to which those favorable trends have continued has been less than anticipated.  In addition, reserve development on existing environmental claims as well as the costs associated with coverage litigation on environmental matters have been greater than anticipated, driven by claims and legal developments in a limited number of jurisdictions. The Company increased its environmental reserves by $9 million and $61 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021, respectively, and $4 million and $38 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020, respectively. Net environmental paid loss and loss expenses in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 were $55 million and $45 million, respectively. Net environmental reserves were $313 million and $314 million at September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, respectively.
  
UNCERTAINTY REGARDING ADEQUACY OF ASBESTOS AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESERVES
 
As a result of the processes and procedures discussed above, management believes that the reserves carried for asbestos and environmental claims are appropriately established based upon known facts, current law and management’s judgment. However, the uncertainties surrounding the final resolution of these claims continue, and it is difficult to determine the ultimate exposure for asbestos and environmental claims and related litigation. As a result, these reserves are subject to revision as new information becomes available and as claims develop. The continuing uncertainties include, without limitation:

the risks and lack of predictability inherent in complex litigation;
a further increase in the cost to resolve, and/or the number of, asbestos and environmental claims beyond that which is anticipated;
the emergence of a greater number of asbestos claims than anticipated as a result of extended life expectancies resulting from medical advances and lifestyle improvements;
the role of any umbrella or excess policies we have issued;
the resolution or adjudication of disputes concerning coverage for asbestos and environmental claims in a manner inconsistent with our previous assessment of these disputes;
the number and outcome of direct actions against us;
future developments pertaining to our ability to recover reinsurance for asbestos and environmental claims;
any impact on asbestos defendants we insure due to the bankruptcy of other asbestos defendants;
the unavailability of other insurance sources potentially available to policyholders, whether through exhaustion of policy limits or through the insolvency of other participating insurers; and
uncertainties arising from the insolvency or bankruptcy of policyholders.

Changes in the legal, regulatory and legislative environment may impact the future resolution of asbestos and environmental claims and result in adverse loss reserve development.  The emergence of a greater number of asbestos or environmental claims beyond that which is anticipated may result in adverse loss reserve development. Changes in applicable legislation and future court and regulatory decisions and interpretations, including the outcome of legal challenges to legislative and/or judicial reforms establishing medical criteria for the pursuit of asbestos claims, could affect the settlement of asbestos and environmental claims.  It is also difficult to predict the ultimate outcome of complex coverage disputes until settlement negotiations near completion and significant legal questions are resolved or, failing settlement, until the dispute is adjudicated. This is particularly the case with policyholders in bankruptcy where negotiations often involve a large number of claimants and other parties and require court approval to be effective. As part of its continuing analysis of asbestos and environmental reserves, the Company continues to study the implications of these and other developments.
Because of the uncertainties set forth above, additional liabilities may arise for amounts in excess of the Company’s current reserves.  In addition, the Company’s estimate of claims and claim adjustment expenses may change.  These additional liabilities or increases in estimates, or a range of either, cannot now be reasonably estimated and could result in income statement charges that could be material to the Company’s operating results in future periods.

54


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
 
The Company’s invested assets at September 30, 2021 were $87.51 billion, of which 93% was invested in fixed maturity and short-term investments, 1% in equity securities, 1% in real estate investments and 5% in other investments.  Because the primary purpose of the investment portfolio is to fund future claims payments, the Company employs a thoughtful investment philosophy that focuses on appropriate risk-adjusted returns.  A significant majority of funds available for investment are deployed in a widely diversified portfolio of high quality, liquid, taxable U.S. government, tax-exempt and taxable U.S. municipal and taxable corporate and U.S. agency mortgage-backed bonds.
 
The carrying value of the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio at September 30, 2021 was $77.04 billion.  The Company closely monitors the duration of its fixed maturity investments, and investment purchases and sales are executed with the objective of having adequate funds available to satisfy the Company’s insurance and debt obligations.  The weighted average credit quality of the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio, both including and excluding U.S. Treasury securities, was “Aa2” at both September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.  Below investment grade securities represented 1.5% and 1.8% of the total fixed maturity investment portfolio at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The weighted average effective duration of fixed maturities and short-term securities was 4.3 (4.5 excluding short-term securities) at September 30, 2021 and 3.8 (4.0 excluding short-term securities) at December 31, 2020.

 Obligations of States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions
 
The Company’s fixed maturity investment portfolio at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 included $35.76 billion and $36.36 billion, respectively, of securities that are obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions (collectively referred to as the municipal bond portfolio).  The municipal bond portfolio is diversified across the United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and includes general obligation and revenue bonds issued by states, cities, counties, school districts and similar issuers.  Included in the municipal bond portfolio at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were $4.10 billion and $3.54 billion, respectively, of pre-refunded bonds, which are bonds for which states or municipalities have established irrevocable trusts, almost exclusively comprised of U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government and government agencies and authorities.  These trusts were created to fund the payment of principal and interest due under the bonds.  The irrevocable trusts are verified as to their sufficiency by an independent verification agent of the underwriter, issuer or trustee.  All of the Company’s holdings of securities issued by Puerto Rico and related entities have either been pre-refunded and therefore are defeased by U.S. Treasury securities or have FHA guarantees subject to federal appropriation.
 
The Company bases its investment decision on the underlying credit characteristics of the municipal security. The weighted average credit rating of the municipal bond portfolio was "Aaa/Aa1" at both September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
 
Mortgage-Backed Securities, Collateralized Mortgage Obligations and Pass-Through Securities
 
The Company’s fixed maturity investment portfolio at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 included $1.82 billion and $2.36 billion, respectively, of residential mortgage-backed securities, which include pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs), all of which are subject to prepayment risk (either shortening or lengthening of duration).  While prepayment risk for securities and its effect on income cannot be fully controlled, particularly when interest rates move dramatically, the Company’s investment strategy generally favors securities that reduce this risk within expected interest rate ranges.  Included in the totals at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were $929 million and $1.24 billion, respectively, of GNMA, FNMA, FHLMC (excluding FHA project loans) and Canadian government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed pass-through securities classified as available for sale.  Also included in those totals were residential CMOs classified as available for sale with a fair value of $886 million and $1.12 billion at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Approximately 58% and 65% of the Company’s CMO holdings at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, were guaranteed by or fully collateralized by securities issued by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC.  The weighted average credit rating of the $370 million and $396 million of non-guaranteed CMO holdings was "Aal" at both September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The weighted average credit rating of all of the above securities was "Aaa/Aa1" at both September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.  For further discussion regarding the Company’s investments in residential CMOs, see “Part II—Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Investment Portfolio” in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report.
 
55


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

Equity Securities, Real Estate and Short-Term Investments
 
See note 1 of notes to the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report for further information about these invested asset classes.
 
Other Investments
 
The Company also invests in private equity, hedge fund and real estate partnerships, and joint ventures.  Also included in other investments are non-public common and preferred equities and derivatives.  These asset classes have historically provided a higher return than investments in fixed maturities but are subject to more volatility.  At September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the carrying value of the Company’s other investments was $4.20 billion and $3.43 billion, respectively.

Investments in private equity, hedge fund and real estate partnerships are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and typically report their financial statement information to the Company one to three months following the end of the reporting period. Accordingly, net investment income from these other investments is generally reflected in the Company's financial statements on a quarter lag basis.

CATASTROPHE REINSURANCE COVERAGE

The Company's normal renewals and changes to its catastrophe reinsurance coverage occur in January and July each year. The changes effective in January are discussed in the "Catastrophe Reinsurance" section of "Part I—Item 1—Business" in the Company's 2020 Annual Report, and changes effective in July are discussed in the "Catastrophe Reinsurance Coverage" section of "Part I—Item 2—Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021.

The Company is party to an Underlying Property Aggregate Catastrophe Excess-of-Loss Reinsurance Treaty, which covers the accumulation of certain property losses arising from one or multiple occurrences for the period January 1, 2021 through and including December 31, 2021. The treaty provides for up to $350 million part of $500 million of coverage, subject to a $1.9 billion retention (i.e., for every dollar of loss between $1.9 billion and $2.4 billion, this treaty provides for 70 cents of coverage), of aggregate qualifying losses. Qualifying losses are subject to a $5 million event deductible per occurrence. Coverage for, and contributions to the $1.9 billion retention from, hurricanes and/or tropical storms, earthquakes and wildfires are limited to $250 million per event. The treaty covers property perils for PCS events in North America and all waters contiguous thereto. The treaty excludes losses arising from communicable disease and most losses arising from cyber and terrorism, including nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological. At September 30, 2021, the Company had aggregate qualifying losses of $2.0 billion under this treaty, and accordingly the Company has recognized a benefit of $95 million provided by this treaty. At September 30, 2021, this treaty provides for up to $255 million part of $364 million of remaining coverage, subject to the terms of this treaty described above.

The Company is also party to an Underlying Property Aggregate Catastrophe Excess-of-Loss Reinsurance Treaty, which covers the accumulation of certain property losses arising from one or multiple occurrences for the period January 1, 2020 through and including December 31, 2020. The treaty provides for up to $280 million part of $500 million of coverage, subject to a $1.55 billion retention (i.e., for every dollar of loss between $1.55 billion and $2.05 billion, this treaty provides for 56 cents of coverage), of aggregate qualifying losses. Qualifying losses are subject to a $5 million franchise deductible per occurrence, so that qualifying catastrophic events at or greater than $5 million count toward the aggregate retention from dollar one. Coverage for, and contributions to the $1.55 billion retention from, hurricanes and/or tropical storms and earthquakes are limited to $250 million per event. The treaty covers property perils for PCS events in North America and all waters contiguous thereto. The treaty excludes most losses arising from cyber and terrorism, including nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological. In the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recognized the full benefit of $280 million provided by this treaty, and, accordingly, the Company accelerated the recognition of the remaining unearned ceded earned premium related to this treaty.

The Company regularly reviews its catastrophe reinsurance coverage and may adjust such coverage in the future.

REINSURANCE RECOVERABLES
 
For a description of the Company’s reinsurance recoverables, refer to “Part II—Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Reinsurance Recoverables” in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report.
56


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

 
The following table summarizes the composition of the Company’s reinsurance recoverables:
(in millions)September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Gross reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses$3,762 $3,731 
Gross structured settlements2,921 2,964 
Mandatory pools and associations 1,788 1,801 
Gross reinsurance recoverables8,471 8,496 
Allowance for estimated uncollectible reinsurance(142)(146)
Net reinsurance recoverables$8,329 $8,350 

Net reinsurance recoverables at September 30, 2021 decreased by $21 million from December 31, 2020.

OUTLOOK
 
The following discussion provides outlook information for certain key drivers of the Company’s results of operations and capital position.

Premiums.  The Company’s earned premiums are a function of net written premium volume.  Net written premiums comprise both renewal business and new business and are recognized as earned premium over the term of the underlying policies. When business renews, the amount of net written premiums associated with that business may increase or decrease (renewal premium change) as a result of increases or decreases in rate and/or insured exposures, which the Company considers as a measure of units of exposure (such as the number and value of vehicles or properties insured).  Net written premiums from both renewal and new business, and therefore earned premiums, are impacted by competitive market conditions as well as general economic conditions, which, particularly in the case of Business Insurance, affect audit premium adjustments, policy endorsements and mid-term cancellations.  Net written premiums may also be impacted by the structure of reinsurance programs and related costs, as well as changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Overall, the Company expects that retention levels (the amount of expiring premium that renews, before the impact of renewal premium changes) will remain strong by historical standards during the remainder of 2021 and into 2022.

Property and casualty insurance market conditions are expected to remain competitive during the remainder of 2021 and into 2022 for new business. In each of the Company’s business segments, new business generally has less of an impact on underwriting profitability than renewal business, given the volume of new business relative to renewal business.  However, in periods of meaningful increases in new business, despite its positive impact on underwriting gains over time, the impact of higher new business levels may negatively impact the combined ratio for a period of time. In periods of meaningful decreases in new business, despite its negative impact on underwriting gains over time, the impact of lower new business levels may positively impact the combined ratio for a period of time.

Underwriting Gain/Loss. The Company’s underwriting gain/loss can be significantly impacted by catastrophe losses and net favorable or unfavorable prior year reserve development, as well as underlying underwriting margins. Underlying underwriting margins can be impacted by a number of factors, including variability in non-catastrophe weather, large loss and other loss activity; changes in current period loss estimates resulting from prior period loss development; changes in loss trend, including as a result of COVID-19 and related economic conditions; changes in business mix; changes in reinsurance coverages and/or costs; premium adjustments; and variability in expenses and assessments.

Catastrophe losses and non-catastrophe weather-related losses are inherently unpredictable from period to period. The Company’s results of operations could be adversely impacted if significant catastrophe and non-catastrophe weather-related losses were to occur.

On average for the ten-year period ended December 31, 2020, the Company experienced approximately 44% of its annual catastrophe losses during the second quarter, primarily arising out of severe wind and hail storms, including tornadoes. Hurricanes, wildfires and winter storms tend to happen at other times of the year and can also have a material impact on the Company's results of operations. Catastrophe losses incurred in a particular quarter in any given year may differ materially from historical experience. In addition, most of the Company's reinsurance programs renew on January 1 or July 1 of each year, and, therefore, any changes to the cost or coverage terms of such programs will be effective after such dates.

57


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

Over much of the past decade, the Company’s results have included significant amounts of net favorable prior year reserve development driven by better than expected loss experience. However, given the inherent uncertainty in estimating claims and claim adjustment expense reserves, loss experience could develop such that the Company recognizes in future periods higher or lower levels of favorable prior year reserve development, no favorable prior year reserve development or unfavorable prior year reserve development. In addition, the ongoing review of prior year claims and claim adjustment expense reserves, or other changes in current period circumstances, may result in the Company revising current year loss estimates upward or downward in future periods of the current year.

It is possible that changes in economic conditions and steps taken by federal, state and/or local governments and the Federal Reserve could lead to higher or lower inflation than the Company anticipated, which could in turn lead to an increase or decrease in the Company’s loss costs and the need to strengthen or reduce claims and claim adjustment expense reserves. These impacts of inflation on loss costs and claims and claim adjustment expense reserves could be more pronounced for those lines of business that require a relatively longer period of time to finalize and settle claims for a given accident year and, accordingly, are relatively more inflation sensitive. Labor shortages, higher costs of used vehicles and parts, and increased demand and decreased supply for raw materials are adversely impacting severity in our auto and property businesses and may continue to do so in future quarters. For a further discussion, see “Part I—Item 1A—Risk Factors—If actual claims exceed our claims and claim adjustment expense reserves, or if changes in the estimated level of claims and claim adjustment expense reserves are necessary, including as a result of, among other things, changes in the legal/tort, regulatory and economic environments in which the Company operates, our financial results could be materially and adversely affected” in the Company's 2020 Annual Report.

Economic conditions and therefore the Company’s results of operations may be impacted by a variety of other factors as well, many of which could continue to be affected by COVID-19, such as the pace of the reopening of the economy, financial market volatility, supply chain disruptions, extraordinary monetary and fiscal policy measures, fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, changes in tariffs or other international trade regulations, the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union, the political and regulatory environment, changes to the U.S. Federal budget, a shutdown of the U.S. government, the failure by the U.S. government to raise the debt ceiling and further potential changes in tax laws.

Investment Portfolio.  The Company expects to continue to focus its investment strategy on maintaining a high-quality investment portfolio and a relatively short average effective duration.  The weighted average effective duration of fixed maturities and short-term securities was 4.3 (4.5 excluding short-term securities) at September 30, 2021.  From time to time, the Company enters into short positions in U.S. Treasury futures contracts to manage the duration of its fixed maturity portfolio.  At September 30, 2021, the Company had no open U.S. Treasury futures contracts.  The Company continually evaluates its investment alternatives and mix.  Currently, the majority of the Company’s investments are comprised of a widely diversified portfolio of high-quality, liquid, taxable U.S. government, tax-exempt and taxable U.S. municipal and taxable corporate and U.S. agency mortgage-backed bonds.

The Company also invests much smaller amounts in equity securities; real estate; private equity, hedge fund and real estate partnerships; and joint ventures.  These investment classes have the potential for higher returns but also the potential for higher degrees of risk, including less stable rates of return and less liquidity.

Approximately 29% of the fixed maturity portfolio is expected to mature over the next three years (including the early redemption of bonds, assuming interest rates (including credit spreads) do not rise significantly by applicable call dates). As a result, the overall yield on and composition of its portfolio could be meaningfully impacted by the types of investments available for reinvestment with the proceeds of maturing bonds.

Net investment income is a material contributor to the Company’s results of operations. Based on the impact of expected lower reinvestment yields on fixed income investments, partially offset by our current expectations for slightly higher levels of fixed income investments, the Company expects that after-tax net investment income from that portfolio will be approximately $425 million to $435 million in the fourth quarter of 2021, and the Company also currently expects that after-tax net investment income from that portfolio will be approximately $420 million to $430 million for each quarter of 2022. This expectation could be impacted by disruptions in global financial markets. Included in other investments are private equity, hedge fund and real estate partnerships that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and typically report their financial statement information to the Company one month to three months following the end of the reporting period. Accordingly, net investment income or loss from these other investments is generally reflected in the Company's financial statements on a quarter lag basis. Net investment income from these other investments was particularly strong for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 reflecting strong global financial market performance. The Company’s net investment income in future periods from its non-fixed income investment portfolio will be impacted, positively or negatively, by the performance of global financial markets.
58


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued


The Company had net pre-tax realized investment gains of $113 million in the first nine months of 2021. Changes in global financial markets could result in net realized investment gains or losses in the Company’s investment portfolio.

The Company had a net pre-tax unrealized investment gain of $3.43 billion ($2.70 billion after-tax) in its fixed maturity investment portfolio at September 30, 2021.  While the Company does not attempt to predict future interest rate movements, a rising interest rate environment would reduce the market value of fixed maturity investments and, therefore, reduce shareholders’ equity, and a declining interest rate environment would have the opposite effects. Additionally, disruptions in global financial markets could also impact the market value of the Company’s investment portfolio. The Company's investment portfolio has benefited from certain tax exemptions (primarily those related to interest from municipal bonds) and certain other tax laws, including, but not limited to, those governing dividends-received deductions and tax credits (such as foreign tax credits). Changes in these laws could adversely impact the value of the Company's investment portfolio. See "Our businesses are heavily regulated by the states and countries in which we conduct business, including licensing, market conduct and financial supervision, and changes in regulation, including higher tax rates, may reduce our profitability and limit our growth" included in “Part I—Item 1A—Risk Factors” in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report.

For further discussion of the Company’s investment portfolio, see “Investment Portfolio.” For a discussion of the risks to the Company’s business during or following a financial market disruption and risks to the Company’s investment portfolio, see the risk factors entitled “During or following a period of financial market disruption or an economic downturn, our business could be materially and adversely affected” and “Our investment portfolio is subject to credit and interest rate risk, and may suffer reduced or low returns or material realized or unrealized losses” included in “Part I—Item 1A—Risk Factors” in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report.  For a discussion of the risks to the Company’s investments from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, see the risk factor entitled “We are subject to additional risks associated with our business outside the United States” included in “Part I—Item 1A—Risk Factors” in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report and see “Part II—Item 7A—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk-Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk” in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report.

Capital Position. The Company believes it has a strong capital position and, as part of its ongoing efforts to create shareholder value, expects to continue to return capital not needed to support its business operations to its shareholders, subject to the considerations described below.  The Company expects that, generally over time, the combination of dividends to common shareholders and common share repurchases will likely not exceed net income.  The Company also expects that to the extent that it continues to grow premium volumes, the level of capital to support the Company's financial strength ratings will also increase, and accordingly, the amount of capital returned to shareholders relative to earnings would be somewhat less than it otherwise would have been absent the growth in premium volumes. The timing and actual number of shares to be repurchased in the future will depend on a variety of additional factors, including the Company’s financial position, earnings, share price, catastrophe losses, maintaining capital levels commensurate with the Company’s desired ratings from independent rating agencies, changes in levels of written premiums, funding of the Company’s qualified pension plan, capital requirements of the Company’s operating subsidiaries, legal requirements, regulatory constraints, other investment opportunities (including mergers and acquisitions and related financings), market conditions, changes in tax laws and other factors. For information regarding the Company’s common share repurchases in 2021, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources” herein.

As a result of the Company’s business outside of the United States, primarily in Canada, the United Kingdom (including Lloyd’s), the Republic of Ireland and in Brazil through a joint venture, the Company’s capital is also subject to the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Strengthening of the U.S. dollar in comparison to other currencies could result in a reduction in shareholders’ equity, while a weakening of the U.S. dollar in comparison to other currencies could result in an increase in shareholders' equity. For additional discussion of the Company’s foreign exchange market risk exposure, see “Part II—Item 7A—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report.

Many of the statements in this “Outlook” section and in “Liquidity and Capital Resources” are forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict and beyond the Company’s control.  Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Further, such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report and the Company undertakes no obligation to update them.  See “—Forward-Looking Statements.”  For a discussion of potential risks and uncertainties that could impact the Company’s results of operations or financial position, see “Part I—Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" herein and “Part I—Item 1A—Risk Factors” and “Part II—Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report, in each case as updated by the Company's periodic filings with the SEC.
59


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company's liquidity and capital resources were not materially impacted by COVID-19 and related economic conditions during the first nine months of 2021. For further discussion regarding the potential future impacts of COVID-19 and related economic conditions on the Company's liquidity and capital resources, see “The impact of COVID-19 and related risks could materially affect our results of operations, financial position and/or liquidity” included in “Part I—Item 1A—Risk Factors” in the Company's 2020 Annual Report.
Liquidity is a measure of a company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet the cash requirements of its business operations and to satisfy general corporate purposes when needed.
 
Operating Company Liquidity.  The liquidity requirements of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are met primarily by funds generated from premiums, fees, income received on investments and investment maturities.  The Company believes that cash flows from operating activities are sufficient to meet the future liquidity requirements of its insurance subsidiaries. Additionally, investment maturities provide a significant level of available liquidity without requiring the sale of investment securities. For further discussion of operating company liquidity, see “Part II—Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources” in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report.
 
Holding Company Liquidity.  TRV’s liquidity requirements primarily include shareholder dividends, debt servicing, common share repurchases and, from time to time, contributions to its qualified domestic pension plan.  At September 30, 2021, TRV held total cash and short-term invested assets in the United States aggregating $2.01 billion and having a weighted average maturity of 50 days.  TRV has established a holding company liquidity target equal to its estimated annual pre-tax interest expense and common shareholder dividends (currently approximately $1.19 billion).  TRV’s holding company liquidity of $2.01 billion at September 30, 2021 exceeded this target, and it is the opinion of the Company’s management that these assets are sufficient to meet TRV’s current liquidity requirements.

TRV is not dependent on dividends or other forms of repatriation from its foreign operations to support its liquidity needs. The undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign operations are intended to be permanently reinvested in those operations, and such earnings were not material to the Company’s financial position or liquidity at September 30, 2021.

TRV has a shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that expires on June 10, 2022 which permits it to issue securities from time to time.  TRV also has a $1.0 billion line of credit facility with a syndicate of financial institutions that expires on June 4, 2023. At September 30, 2021, the Company had $100 million of commercial paper outstanding. TRV is not reliant on its commercial paper program to meet its operating cash flow needs. The Company has no senior notes or junior subordinated debentures maturing until April 2026, at which time $200 million of senior notes will mature.
 
The Company utilized uncollateralized letters of credit issued by major banks with an aggregate limit of approximately $249 million to provide a portion of the capital needed to support its obligations at Lloyd’s at September 30, 2021. If uncollateralized letters of credit are not available at a reasonable price or at all in the future, the Company can collateralize these letters of credit or may have to seek alternative means of supporting its obligations at Lloyd’s, which could include utilizing holding company funds on hand.
 
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 was $5.58 billion and $4.62 billion, respectively. The increase in cash flows in the first nine months of 2021 primarily reflected the impacts of higher levels of cash received for premiums, partially offset by higher levels of payments for claims and claim adjustments expenses, as well as higher commissions paid. Cash received for premiums in the prior year period was adversely impacted by premium refunds provided in the second quarter of 2020 to personal automobile customers in response to COVID-19 and related economic conditions. Cash paid for claims and claim adjustments expenses in the prior year period benefited from $366 million of subrogation recoveries from PG&E related to the 2017 and 2018 California wildfires received in the third quarter of 2020.

60


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 was $4.42 billion and $3.98 billion, respectively.  The Company’s consolidated total investments at September 30, 2021 increased by $3.08 billion, or 4% from year-end 2020, primarily reflecting the impacts of (i) net cash flows provided by operating activities, partially offset by (ii) a decrease in net unrealized gains on investments at September 30, 2021 as compared with December 31, 2020, due to the impact of higher interest rates during the first nine months of 2021, and (iii) net cash used in financing activities.

Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 was $1.06 billion and $552 million, respectively.  The totals in both 2021 and 2020 reflected common share repurchases and dividends paid to shareholders, partially offset by the net proceeds from the issuance of debt and employee stock option exercises. Common share repurchases in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 were $1.40 billion and $471 million, respectively. 
 
Dividends.  Dividends paid to shareholders were $655 million and $643 million in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020, respectively. The declaration and payment of future dividends to holders of the Company’s common stock will be at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and will depend upon many factors, including the Company’s financial position, earnings, capital requirements of the Company’s operating subsidiaries, legal requirements, regulatory constraints and other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant.  Dividends will be paid by the Company only if declared by its Board of Directors out of funds legally available, subject to any other restrictions that may be applicable to the Company.  On October 19, 2021, the Company announced that it declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.88 per share, payable December 31, 2021 to shareholders of record on December 10, 2021.
 
Share Repurchases.  The Company’s Board of Directors has approved common share repurchase authorizations under which repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market, pursuant to pre-set trading plans meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in private transactions or otherwise.  The authorizations do not have a stated expiration date.  The Company expects that, generally over time, the combination of dividends to common shareholders and common share repurchases will likely not exceed net income. The Company also expects that to the extent that it continues to grow premium volumes, the level of capital to support the Company's financial strength ratings will also increase, and accordingly, the amount of capital returned to shareholders relative to earnings would be somewhat less than it otherwise would have been absent the growth in premium volumes. The timing and actual number of shares to be repurchased in the future will depend on a variety of factors, including the Company’s financial position, earnings, share price, catastrophe losses, maintaining capital levels commensurate with the Company’s desired ratings from independent rating agencies, changes in levels of written premiums, funding of the Company’s qualified pension plan, capital requirements of the Company’s operating subsidiaries, legal requirements, regulatory constraints, other investment opportunities (including mergers and acquisitions and related financings), market conditions and other factors.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company repurchased 3.8 million and 8.8 million common shares under its share repurchase authorizations for a total cost of $600 million and $1.36 billion, respectively. The average cost per share repurchased was $155.57 and $153.93, respectively. On April 20, 2021, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase authorization that added an additional $5.0 billion of repurchase capacity to the $805 million of capacity remaining at that date. At September 30, 2021, the Company had $4.81 billion of capacity remaining under its share repurchase authorizations.

Capital Structure.  The following table summarizes the components of the Company’s capital structure at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
61


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

(in millions)September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
Debt:  
Short-term$100 $100 
Long-term7,254 6,504 
Net unamortized fair value adjustments and debt issuance costs(64)(54)
Total debt7,290 6,550 
Shareholders’ equity:  
Common stock and retained earnings, less treasury stock27,308 26,699 
Accumulated other comprehensive income1,166 2,502 
Total shareholders’ equity28,474 29,201 
Total capitalization$35,764 $35,751 
 
On June 8, 2021, the Company issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of 3.05% senior notes that will mature on June 8, 2051. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the notes for general corporate purposes. See note 9 of notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding the terms of the senior notes.

The following table provides a reconciliation of total capitalization presented in the foregoing table to total capitalization excluding net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, included in shareholders' equity.
(dollars in millions)September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
Total capitalization$35,764 $35,751 
Less: net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, included in shareholders' equity
2,699 4,074 
Total capitalization excluding net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, included in shareholders' equity
$33,065 $31,677 
Debt-to-total capital ratio20.4 %18.3 %
Debt-to-total capital ratio excluding net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, included in shareholders' equity
22.0 %20.7 %

The debt-to-total capital ratio excluding net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, included in shareholders’ equity, is calculated by dividing (a) debt by (b) total capitalization excluding net unrealized gains and losses on investments, net of taxes, included in shareholders’ equity. Net unrealized gains and losses on investments can be significantly impacted by both interest rate movements and other economic factors. Accordingly, in the opinion of the Company’s management, the debt-to-total capital ratio calculated on this basis provides another useful metric for investors to understand the Company’s financial leverage position. The Company’s ratio of debt-to-total capital excluding after-tax net unrealized investment gains included in shareholders’ equity of 22.0% at September 30, 2021 was within the Company’s target range of 15% to 25%.

RATINGS

Ratings are an important factor in assessing the Company’s competitive position in the insurance industry. The Company receives ratings from the following major rating agencies: A.M. Best Company (A.M. Best), Fitch Ratings (Fitch), Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) and Standard & Poor’s Corp. (S&P). There have been no rating agency actions taken with respect to the Company since July 20, 2021, the date on which the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 was filed with the SEC. For additional discussion of ratings, see “Part I—Item 1—Business—Ratings” in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report.

62


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, Continued

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
 
For a description of the Company’s critical accounting estimates, refer to “Part II—Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report.  The Company considers its most significant accounting estimates to be those applied to claims and claim adjustment expense reserves and related reinsurance recoverables, and impairments of investments, goodwill and other intangible assets. Except as shown in the table below, there have been no material changes to the Company’s critical accounting estimates since December 31, 2020.
 
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves
The table below displays the Company’s gross claims and claim adjustment expense reserves by product line.  Because establishment of claims and claim adjustment expense reserves is an inherently uncertain process involving estimates and the application of judgment, currently established claims and claim adjustment expense reserves may change.  The Company reflects adjustments to the reserves in the results of operations in the period the estimates are changed.  These changes in estimates could result in income statement charges that could be material to the Company’s operating results in future periods.  In particular, a portion of the Company’s gross claims and claim adjustment expense reserves (totaling $2.13 billion at September 30, 2021) are for asbestos and environmental claims and related litigation.  Asbestos and environmental reserves are included in the General liability, Commercial multi-peril and International and other lines in the summary table below.  While the ongoing review of asbestos and environmental claims and associated liabilities considers the inconsistencies of court decisions as to coverage, plaintiffs’ expanded theories of liability and the risks inherent in complex litigation and other uncertainties, in the opinion of the Company’s management, it is possible that the outcome of the continued uncertainties regarding these claims could result in liability in future periods that differs from current reserves by an amount that could be material to the Company’s future operating results. Asbestos and environmental reserves are discussed separately; see “Asbestos Claims and Litigation”, “Environmental Claims and Litigation” and “Uncertainty Regarding Adequacy of Asbestos and Environmental Reserves” in this report.
 
Gross claims and claim adjustment expense reserves by product line were as follows:
 September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
(in millions)CaseIBNRTotalCaseIBNRTotal
General liability$5,373 $8,866 $14,239 $5,267 $8,098 $13,365 
Commercial property1,141 481 1,622 1,006 366 1,372 
Commercial multi-peril2,471 2,511 4,982 2,354 2,311 4,665 
Commercial automobile2,602 2,315 4,917 2,551 2,231 4,782 
Workers’ compensation10,220 9,492 19,712 10,271 9,514 19,785 
Fidelity and surety178 413 591 215 317 532 
Personal automobile2,025 1,613 3,638 1,901 1,514 3,415 
Personal homeowners and other1,030 1,473 2,503 901 1,168 2,069 
International and other2,514 2,077 4,591 2,565 1,960 4,525 
Property-casualty27,554 29,241 56,795 27,031 27,479 54,510 
Accident and health10  10 11 — 11 
Claims and claim adjustment expense reserves
$27,564 $29,241 $56,805 $27,042 $27,479 $54,521 
 
The $2.28 billion increase in gross claims and claim adjustment expense reserves since December 31, 2020 primarily reflected the impacts of (i) catastrophe losses in the first nine months of 2021, (ii) loss cost trends for the current accident year and (iii) reduced claim settlement activity largely due to the disruptions in the judicial system related to COVID-19.

FUTURE APPLICATION OF ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
See note 1 of notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements contained in this quarterly report and in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.

63



THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This report contains, and management may make, certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, may be forward-looking statements.  Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “views,” “estimates” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements.  These statements include, among other things, the Company’s statements about:
 
the Company’s outlook and its future results of operations and financial condition (including, among other things, anticipated premium volume, premium rates, renewal premium changes, underwriting margins and underlying underwriting margins, net and core income, investment income and performance, loss costs, return on equity, core return on equity and expected current returns, and combined ratios and underlying combined ratios);
the impact of COVID-19 and related economic conditions, including the potential impact on the Company's investments;
the impact of legislative or regulatory actions or court decisions taken in response to COVID-19 or otherwise;
share repurchase plans;
the sufficiency of the Company’s asbestos and other reserves;
the impact of emerging claims issues as well as other insurance and non-insurance litigation;
catastrophe losses;
the impact of investment (including changes in interest rates), economic (including inflation, changes in tax law, changes in commodity prices and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates) and underwriting market conditions;
strategic and operational initiatives to improve profitability and competitiveness;
the Company's competitive advantages and innovation agenda;
new product offerings; and
the impact of developments in the tort environment, such as increased attorney involvement in insurance claims.
 
The Company cautions investors that such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the Company’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements.
 
Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
Insurance-Related Risks

high levels of catastrophe losses, including as a result of factors such as increased concentrations of insured exposures in catastrophe-prone areas, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, its financial position and/or liquidity, and could adversely impact the Company’s ratings, the Company’s ability to raise capital and the availability and cost of reinsurance;
if actual claims exceed the Company’s claims and claim adjustment expense reserves, or if changes in the estimated level of claims and claim adjustment expense reserves are necessary, including as a result of, among other things, changes in the legal/tort, regulatory and economic environments in which the Company operates, the Company’s financial results could be materially and adversely affected;
the Company’s business could be harmed because of its potential exposure to asbestos and environmental claims and related litigation;
the Company is exposed to, and may face adverse developments involving, mass tort claims such as those relating to exposure to potentially harmful products or substances; and
the effects of emerging claim and coverage issues on the Company’s business are uncertain, and court decisions or legislative changes that take place after the Company issues its policies can result in an unexpected increase in the number of claims and have a material adverse impact on the Company's results of operations.

Financial, Economic and Credit Risks

during or following a period of financial market disruption or an economic downturn, the Company’s business could be materially and adversely affected;
the Company’s investment portfolio is subject to credit and interest rate risk, and may suffer reduced or low returns or material realized or unrealized losses;
the Company may not be able to collect all amounts due to it from reinsurers, reinsurance coverage may not be available to the Company in the future at commercially reasonable rates or at all and the Company is exposed to credit risk related to its structured settlements;
64


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, Continued
the Company is exposed to credit risk in certain of its insurance operations and with respect to certain guarantee or indemnification arrangements that it has with third parties;
a downgrade in the Company’s claims-paying and financial strength ratings could adversely impact the Company’s business volumes, adversely impact the Company’s ability to access the capital markets and increase the Company’s borrowing costs; and
the inability of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends to the Company’s holding company in sufficient amounts would harm the Company’s ability to meet its obligations, pay future shareholder dividends and/or make future share repurchases.

Business and Operational Risks

the impact of COVID-19 and related risks could materially affect the Company's results of operations, financial position and/or liquidity, including with respect to revenues, claims and claim adjustment expenses, general and administrative expenses, investments, inflation, adverse legislative and/or regulatory action, operational disruptions and heightened cyber security risks and foreign currency exchange rate changes;
the intense competition that the Company faces, and the impact of innovation, technological change and changing customer preferences on the insurance industry and the markets in which it operates, could harm its ability to maintain or increase its business volumes and its profitability;
disruptions to the Company’s relationships with its independent agents and brokers or the Company’s inability to manage effectively a changing distribution landscape could adversely affect the Company;
the Company’s efforts to develop new products, expand in targeted markets, improve business processes and workflows or make acquisitions may not be successful and may create enhanced risks;
the Company may be adversely affected if its pricing and capital models provide materially different indications than actual results;
loss of or significant restrictions on the use of particular types of underwriting criteria, such as credit scoring, or other data or methodologies, in the pricing and underwriting of the Company’s products could reduce the Company’s future profitability; and
the Company is subject to additional risks associated with its business outside the United States.

Technology and Intellectual Property Risks

if, as a result of cyber attacks or otherwise, the Company experiences difficulties with technology, data and network security, outsourcing relationships or cloud-based technology, the Company’s ability to conduct its business could be negatively impacted;
the Company’s business success and profitability depend, in part, on effective information technology systems and on continuing to develop and implement improvements in technology, particularly as its business processes become more digital; and
intellectual property is important to the Company’s business, and the Company may be unable to protect and enforce its own intellectual property or the Company may be subject to claims for infringing the intellectual property of others.

Regulatory and Compliance Risks

the Company's businesses are heavily regulated by the states and countries in which it conducts business, including licensing, market conduct and financial supervision, and changes in regulation, including higher tax rates, may reduce the Company's profitability and limit its growth; and
the Company could be adversely affected if its controls designed to ensure compliance with guidelines, policies and legal and regulatory standards are not effective.

In addition, the Company’s share repurchase plans depend on a variety of factors, including the Company’s financial position, earnings, share price, catastrophe losses, maintaining capital levels commensurate with the Company’s desired ratings from independent rating agencies, changes in levels of written premiums, funding of the Company’s qualified pension plan, capital requirements of the Company’s operating subsidiaries, legal requirements, regulatory constraints, other investment opportunities (including mergers and acquisitions and related financings), market conditions, changes in tax laws and other factors, including the ongoing level of uncertainty related to COVID-19.

The Company’s forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report or as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.  For a more detailed discussion of these factors, see the information under the captions “Part I—Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
65


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, Continued
Results of Operations" herein and “Part I—Item 1A—Risk Factors” and “Part II—Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report, in each case as updated by the Company's periodic filings with the SEC.

WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA DISCLOSURE
 
The Company may use its website and/or social media outlets, such as Facebook and Twitter, as distribution channels of material company information.  Financial and other important information regarding the Company is routinely posted on and accessible through the Company’s website at http://investor.travelers.com, its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/travelers and its Twitter account (@Travelers) at https://twitter.com/Travelers.  In addition, you may automatically receive email alerts and other information about the Company when you enroll your email address by visiting the “Email Notifications” section under the “Investor Toolkit” section at http://investor.travelers.com.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
For the Company’s disclosures about market risk, please see “Part II—Item 7A—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report filed with the SEC.  There have been no material changes to the Company’s disclosures about market risk in Part II—Item 7A of the Company’s 2020 Annual Report.

Item 4. 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)) that are designed 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 SEC’s rules and forms, and 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. 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 September 30, 2021.  Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2021, the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to accomplish their objectives at the reasonable assurance level.

In addition, there was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and
15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2021 that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

The Company regularly seeks to identify, develop and implement improvements to its technology systems and business processes, some of which may affect its internal control over financial reporting. These changes may include such activities as implementing new, more efficient systems, updating existing systems or platforms, automating manual processes or utilizing technology developed by third parties.  These systems changes are often phased in over multiple periods in order to limit the implementation risk in any one period, and as each change is implemented the Company monitors its effectiveness as part of its internal control over financial reporting.

66



THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.         LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
The information required with respect to this item can be found under “Contingencies” in note 15 of notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements contained in this quarterly report and is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.

Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS
 
For a discussion of the Company’s potential risks or uncertainties, please see “Part I—Item 1A—Risk Factors” and “Part II—Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report and "Part I—Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” herein, in each case as updated by the Company's periodic filings with the SEC. There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Part I—Item 1A of the Company’s 2020 Annual Report.

Item 2.         UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The table below sets forth information regarding repurchases by the Company of its common stock during the periods indicated.

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period BeginningPeriod EndingTotal number of
shares
purchased
Average price paid
per share
Total number of
shares purchased
as part of
publicly announced
plans or programs
Approximate
dollar value of
shares that may
yet be purchased
under the
plans or programs
(in millions)
July 1, 2021July 31, 2021634,634 $148.48 633,500 $5,311 
August 1, 2021August 31, 20211,565,658 $156.30 1,558,268 $5,067 
September 1, 2021September 30, 20211,668,900 $157.55 1,665,243 $4,805 
Total 3,869,192 $155.56 3,857,011 $4,805 
 
The Company’s Board of Directors has approved common share repurchase authorizations under which repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market, pursuant to pre-set trading plans meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in private transactions or otherwise. The most recent authorization was approved by the Board of Directors on April 20, 2021 and added $5.0 billion of repurchase capacity to the $805 million capacity remaining at that date. The authorizations do not have a stated expiration date. The timing and actual number of shares to be repurchased in the future will depend on a variety of factors, including the Company’s financial position, earnings, share price, catastrophe losses, maintaining capital levels commensurate with the Company’s desired ratings from independent rating agencies, funding of the Company’s qualified pension plan, capital requirements of the Company’s operating subsidiaries, legal requirements, regulatory constraints, other investment opportunities (including mergers and acquisitions and related financings), market conditions and other factors.
 
The Company acquired 12,181 shares for a total cost of approximately $1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2021 that were not part of the publicly announced share repurchase authorizations.  These shares consisted of shares retained to cover payroll withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock unit awards and performance share awards, and shares used by employees to cover the price of certain stock options that were exercised.

For additional information regarding the Company’s share repurchases, see “Part I—Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Item 5.   OTHER INFORMATION
 
Executive Ownership and Sales. All of the Company’s executive officers are subject to the Company’s executive stock ownership policy. For a summary of this policy as currently in effect, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Additional
Compensation Information—Stock Ownership Guidelines, Anti-Hedging and Pledging Policies, and Other Trading Restrictions” in the Company’s proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 2, 2021. From time to time, some of the Company’s executives may determine that it is advisable to diversify their investments for personal financial planning reasons,
67


THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION, Continued
or may seek liquidity for other reasons, and may, in compliance with the stock ownership policy, sell shares of common stock of the Company on the open market, in private transactions or to the Company. To effect such sales, from time to time, some of the Company’s executives may enter into trading plans designed to comply with the Company’s Securities Trading Policy and the provisions of Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The trading plans will not reduce any of the executives’ ownership of the Company’s shares below the applicable executive stock ownership guidelines. The Company does not undertake any obligation to report Rule 10b5-1 plans that may be adopted by any employee or director of the Company in the future, or to report any modifications or termination of any publicly announced plan. As of the date of this report, none of the Company's "named executive officers" (i.e. an executive officer included in the compensation disclosures in the Company's most recent proxy statement) has entered into a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan that remains in effect.

Item 6.   EXHIBITS
Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit
   
3.1 
   
3.2 
31.1† 
   
31.2† 
   
32.1† 
   
32.2† 
   
101.1† 
The following information from The Travelers Companies, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Consolidated Statement of Income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020; (ii) Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020; (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020; (iv) Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020; (v) Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020; (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements; and (vii) the cover page.
104.1Cover Page Interactive Data File (Embedded within the Inline XBRL document and included in Exhibit 101.1).
________________________________________________________
†                          Filed herewith.
The total amount of securities authorized pursuant to any instrument defining rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.  Therefore, the Company is not filing any instruments evidencing long-term debt.  However, the Company will furnish copies of any such instrument to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
 
Copies of any of the exhibits referred to above will be furnished to security holders who make written request therefor to The Travelers Companies, Inc., 385 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102, Attention: Corporate Secretary.
 
The agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to this report are not intended to provide factual information or other disclosure except for the terms of the agreements or other documents themselves, and you should not rely on them for other than that purpose.  In particular, any representations and warranties made by the Company in these agreements or other documents were made solely within the specific context of the relevant agreement or document and do not apply in any other context or at any time other than the date they were made.

68



THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, The Travelers Companies, Inc. has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
  THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC.
  (Registrant)
   
Date: October 19, 2021By/S/   CHRISTINE K. KALLA
  Christine K. Kalla
Executive Vice President and General Counsel
(Authorized Signatory)
   
Date: October 19, 2021By/S/    DOUGLAS K. RUSSELL
  
Douglas K. Russell
Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

69