Edgar Filing: CNA FINANCIAL CORP

Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q


þ		QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008


o		TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number 1-5823

CNA FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware		36-6169860
(State or other jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)		Identification No.)

333 S. Wabash
Chicago, Illinois		60604
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(312) 822-5000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):


Large accelerated filer þ		Accelerated filer o		Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o No þ

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.


Class		Outstanding at July 23, 2008
Common Stock, Par value$2.50		269,019,408

CNA Financial Corporation
Index


Item		Page
Number		Number
	PART I. Financial Information

1.	Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited):

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007		3

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007		4

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007		5

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007		7

	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		8

2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		41

3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		68

4.	Controls and Procedures		69

	PART II. Other Information

1.	Legal Proceedings		70

4.	Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders		70

6.	Exhibits		70

CNA Financial Corporation

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)


Period ended June 30	Three months						Six months
(In millions, except per share data)	2008			2007			2008			2007
Revenues
Net earned premiums	$	1,774		$	1,872		$	3,587		$	3,735
Net investment income		576			671			1,010			1,279
Realized investment losses, net of participating policyholders’ and minority interests		(111	)		(139	)		(162	)		(160	)
Other revenues		82			65			168			132


Total revenues		2,321			2,469			4,603			4,986


Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Insurance claims and policyholders’ benefits		1,472			1,473			2,861			2,921
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs		360			372			728			753
Other operating expenses		203			260			430			478
Interest		33			35			67			69


Total claims, benefits and expenses		2,068			2,140			4,086			4,221


Income before income tax and minority interest		253			329			517			765
Income tax expense		(62	)		(91	)		(126	)		(223	)
Minority interest		(12	)		(11	)		(24	)		(21	)


Income from continuing operations		179			227			367			521
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $0, $2, $0 and $1		2			(10	)		1			(8	)


Net income	$	181		$	217		$	368		$	513


Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share

Income from continuing operations	$	0.66		$	0.84		$	1.36		$	1.92
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		0.01			(0.04	)		—			(0.03	)


Basic and diluted earnings per share available to common stockholders	$	0.67		$	0.80		$	1.36		$	1.89


Weighted average outstanding common stock and common stock equivalents

Basic		269.0			271.6			269.9			271.5

Diluted		269.1			271.9			270.0			271.8

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited).

CNA Financial Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)


	June 30,			December 31,
(In millions, except share data)	2008			2007
Assets
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities at fair value (amortized cost of $31,991 and $34,388)	$	30,560		$	34,257
Equity securities at fair value (cost of $1,504 and $366)		1,419			568
Limited partnership investments		2,321			2,214
Other invested assets		9			73
Short term investments		5,064			4,677

Total investments		39,373			41,789
Cash		78			94
Reinsurance receivables (less allowance for uncollectible receivables of $445 and $461)		7,797			8,228
Insurance receivables (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $282 and $312)		2,002			1,972
Accrued investment income		324			330
Receivables for securities sold and collateral		767			142
Deferred acquisition costs		1,167			1,161
Prepaid reinsurance premiums		290			270
Deferred income taxes		1,805			1,198
Property and equipment at cost (less accumulated depreciation of $617 and $596)		402			378
Goodwill and other intangible assets		142			142
Other assets		583			579
Separate account business		451			476

Total assets	$	55,181		$	56,759


Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities:
Insurance reserves:
Claim and claim adjustment expenses	$	28,202		$	28,588
Unearned premiums		3,645			3,598
Future policy benefits		7,325			7,106
Policyholders’ funds		582			930
Collateral on loaned securities and derivatives		—			63
Payables for securities purchased		489			353
Participating policyholders’ funds		34			45
Short term debt		200			350
Long term debt		1,807			1,807
Federal income taxes payable (includes $30 and $5 due to Loews Corporation)		24			2
Reinsurance balances payable		373			401
Other liabilities		2,305			2,505
Separate account business		451			476

Total liabilities		45,437			46,224


Commitments and contingencies (Notes D, G, H, and J)
Minority interest		398			385

Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock ($2.50 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 273,040,243 shares issued; and 269,017,057 and 271,662,278 shares outstanding)		683			683
Additional paid-in capital		2,171			2,169
Retained earnings		7,572			7,285
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(921	)		103
Treasury stock (4,023,186 and 1,377,965 shares), at cost		(109	)		(39	)

		9,396			10,201
Notes receivable for the issuance of common stock		(50	)		(51	)

Total stockholders’ equity		9,346			10,150

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	55,181		$	56,759

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited).

CNA Financial Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)


Six months ended June 30	2008			2007
(In millions)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$	368		$	513
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows provided by operating activities:
(Income) loss from discontinued operations		(1	)		8
Loss on disposal of property and equipment		—			3
Minority interest		24			21
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision		(44	)		7
Trading securities activity		351			(44	)
Realized investment losses, net of participating policyholders’ and minority interests		162			160
Undistributed losses (earnings) of equity method investees		36			(81	)
Net amortization of bond (discount) premium		(137	)		(132	)
Depreciation		36			28
Changes in:
Receivables, net		401			444
Accrued investment income		6			(13	)
Deferred acquisition costs		(6	)		(7	)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums		(20	)		(22	)
Federal income taxes recoverable/payable		22			(61	)
Insurance reserves		(148	)		(86	)
Reinsurance balances payable		(28	)		(11	)
Other assets		(23	)		21
Other liabilities		(190	)		(135	)
Other, net		1			(47	)


Total adjustments		442			53

Net cash flows provided by operating activities-continuing operations	$	810		$	566

Net cash flows provided (used) by operating activities-discontinued operations	$	2		$	(25	)

Net cash flows provided by operating activities-total	$	812		$	541


Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchases of fixed maturity securities	$	(28,260	)	$	(33,938	)
Proceeds from fixed maturity securities:
Sales		26,260			31,598
Maturities, calls and redemptions		2,464			2,836
Purchases of equity securities		(133	)		(97	)
Proceeds from sales of equity securities		132			109
Change in short term investments		(430	)		(1,215	)
Change in collateral on loaned securities and derivatives		(63	)		248
Change in other investments		(153	)		(89	)
Purchases of property and equipment		(64	)		(87	)
Other, net		1			56


Net cash flows used by investing activities-continuing operations	$	(246	)	$	(579	)

Net cash flows provided by investing activities-discontinued operations	$	15		$	50

Net cash flows used by investing activities-total	$	(231	)	$	(529	)

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited).


Six months ended June 30	2008			2007
(In millions)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Dividends paid to stockholders		(81	)		(27	)
Principal payments on debt		(150	)		—
Return of investment contract account balances		(299	)		(57	)
Receipts of investment contract account balances		2			1
Stock options exercised		1			17
Purchase of treasury stock		(70	)		—
Other, net		3			12


Net cash flows used by financing activities-continuing operations	$	(594	)	$	(54	)

Net cash flows provided by financing activities-discontinued operations	$	—		$	—

Net cash flows used by financing activities-total	$	(594	)	$	(54	)


Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash-continuing operations		(1	)		—


Net change in cash		(14	)		(42	)
Net cash transactions from continuing operations to discontinued operations		15			63
Net cash transactions from discontinued operations to continuing operations		(15	)		(63	)

Cash, beginning of year		101			124


Cash, end of period	$	87		$	82


Cash-continuing operations	$	78		$	80
Cash-discontinued operations		9			2

Cash-total	$	87		$	82

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited).

CNA Financial Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited)


Six months ended June 30	2008			2007
(In millions)
Common Stock
Balance, beginning and end of period	$	683		$	683


Additional Paid-in Capital
Balance, beginning of period		2,169			2,166
Stock-based compensation		2			1


Balance, end of period		2,171			2,167


Retained Earnings
Balance, beginning of period		7,285			6,486
Adjustment to initially apply FASB Staff Position Technical Bulletin No. 85-4-1, Accounting for Life Settlement Contracts by Third-Party Investors, net of tax		—			38
Adjustment to initially apply FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an interpretation of FASB No. 109		—			5

Adjusted balance, beginning of period		7,285			6,529
Dividends paid to stockholders		(81	)		(27	)
Net income		368			513


Balance, end of period		7,572			7,015


Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Balance, beginning of period		103			549
Other comprehensive loss		(1,024	)		(314	)


Balance, end of period		(921	)		235


Treasury Stock
Balance, beginning of period		(39	)		(58	)
Purchase of treasury stock		(70	)		—
Stock options exercised and other		—			19


Balance, end of period		(109	)		(39	)


Notes Receivable for the Issuance of Common Stock
Balance, beginning of period		(51	)		(58	)
Decrease in notes receivable for the issuance of common stock		1			8


Balance, end of period		(50	)		(50	)


Total Stockholders’ Equity	$	9,346		$	10,011

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited).

CNA Financial Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Note A. Basis of Presentation

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) include the accounts of CNA Financial Corporation (CNAF) and its controlled subsidiaries. Collectively, CNAF and its subsidiaries are referred to as CNA or the Company. CNA’s property and casualty and the remaining life & group insurance operations are primarily conducted by Continental Casualty Company (CCC), The Continental Insurance Company (CIC) and Continental Assurance Company (CAC). Loews Corporation (Loews) owned approximately 90% of the outstanding common stock of CNAF as of June 30, 2008.

The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Certain financial information that is normally included in annual financial statements, including certain financial statement notes, prepared in accordance with GAAP, is not required for interim reporting purposes and has been condensed or omitted. These statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in CNAF’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the year ended December 31, 2007, as amended by Form 10-K/A, which amended Part I, Item 1 of Form 10-K (Form 10-K). The preparation of Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

The interim financial data as of June 30, 2008 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 is unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, the interim data includes all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s results for the interim periods. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. All significant intercompany amounts have been eliminated.

Note B. Accounting Pronouncements

Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Staff Position (FSP) FIN 39-1, Amendment of FASB Interpretation (FIN) No. 39
(FIN 39-1)

In April 2007, the FASB issued FIN 39-1, which amends FIN 39, Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts (FIN 39), by permitting a reporting entity to offset fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral against fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement that have been offset in the statement of financial position in accordance with FIN 39. Additionally, FIN 39-1 requires that a reporting entity shall not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments without offsetting fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral.

The Company adopted FIN 39-1 in 2008, by electing to not offset cash collateral amounts recognized for derivative instruments under the same master netting arrangements and as a result will no longer offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments. The Company presented the effect of adopting FIN 39-1 as a change in accounting principle through retrospective application. The effect on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was an increase of $5 million and $27 million in Other invested assets and Other liabilities. The Company’s adoption of FIN 39-1 had no impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations as of or for the six months ended June 30, 2008.

Note C. Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share available to common stockholders is based on weighted average outstanding shares. Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. Approximately 1 million shares, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, and approximately 300 thousand shares, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, attributable to exercises under stock-based employee compensation plans, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because they were antidilutive.

The computation of earnings per share is as follows.

Earnings Per Share


Period ended June 30	Three Months				Six Months
(In millions, except per share amounts)	2008		2007		2008		2007
Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders	$	179	$	227	$	367	$	521


Weighted average outstanding common stock and common stock equivalents		269.0		271.6		269.9		271.5
Effect of dilutive securities, employee stock options and appreciation rights		0.1		0.3		0.1		0.3

Adjusted weighted average outstanding common stock and common stock equivalents assuming conversions		269.1		271.9		270.0		271.8


Basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations available to common stockholders	$	0.66	$	0.84	$	1.36	$	1.92


Dividends declared per common share	$	0.15	$	0.10	$	0.30	$	0.10

Note D. Investments

The significant components of net investment income are presented in the following table.

Net Investment Income


Period ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2008			2007			2008			2007
Fixed maturity securities	$	476		$	526		$	994		$	1,022
Short term investments		26			39			65			89
Limited partnerships		46			71			7			123
Equity securities		39			6			44			11
Income (loss) from trading portfolio (a)		(4	)		40			(81	)		43
Other		5			12			11			22


Gross investment income		588			694			1,040			1,310
Investment expense		(12	)		(23	)		(30	)		(31	)


Net investment income	$	576		$	671		$	1,010		$	1,279

(a)

The change in net unrealized gains (losses) on trading securities included in net investment income was $(2) million and $(15) million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and $1 million and $3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007.

The components of realized investment results for available-for-sale securities are presented in the following table.

Realized Investment Gains (Losses)


Period ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2008			2007			2008			2007
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Government bonds	$	(46	)	$	(96	)	$	(14	)	$	(94	)
Corporate and other taxable bonds		(8	)		(50	)		(39	)		(25	)
Tax-exempt bonds		10			(42	)		50			(53	)
Asset-backed bonds		(118	)		(77	)		(157	)		(110	)
Redeemable preferred stock		4			(1	)		—			(1	)


Total fixed maturity securities		(158	)		(266	)		(160	)		(283	)
Equity securities		(14	)		11			(29	)		14
Derivative securities		56			115			12			107
Short term investments		5			—			7			—
Other		—			1			8			2


Realized investment losses, net of participating policyholders’ and minority interests	$	(111	)	$	(139	)	$	(162	)	$	(160	)

For the three months ended June 30, 2008, other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses of $170 million were recorded primarily in the asset-backed bonds sector. This compared to OTTI losses for the three months ended June 30, 2007 of $176 million recorded primarily in the corporate and other taxable bonds, asset-backed bonds and U.S. Government bonds sectors. Realized investment losses for the six months ended June 30, 2008 included OTTI losses of $256 million, recorded primarily in the asset-backed bonds sector. This compared to OTTI losses for the six months ended June 30, 2007 of $263 million recorded primarily in the corporate and other taxable bonds, asset-backed bonds and U.S. Government bonds sectors. The OTTI losses for 2008 were primarily driven by credit issue related OTTI losses. These OTTI losses were driven mainly by credit market conditions and the continued disruption caused by issues surrounding the sub-prime residential mortgage (sub-prime) crisis.

The Company’s investment policies emphasize high credit quality and diversification by industry, issuer and issue. Assets supporting interest rate sensitive liabilities are segmented within the general account to facilitate asset/liability duration management.

The following tables provide a summary of fixed maturity and equity securities investments. In 2008, the Company re-evaluated its classification of preferred stocks between redeemable and non-redeemable and determined that certain securities that were previously classified as redeemable preferred stock have characteristics similar to equities. These securities are presented as preferred stock securities included in Equity securities beginning with the June 30, 2008 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Summary of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities


	Cost or		Gross		Gross Unrealized Losses				Estimated
	Amortized		Unrealized		Less than		12 Months		Fair
June 30, 2008	Cost		Gains		12 Months		or Greater		Value
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of government agencies	$	597	$	92	$	1	$	1	$	687
Asset-backed securities		10,695		69		328		524		9,912
States, municipalities and political subdivisions — tax-exempt securities		7,153		46		255		111		6,833
Corporate bonds		9,690		170		389		144		9,327
Other debt securities		3,756		100		131		24		3,701
Redeemable preferred stock		49		1		1		—		49


Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		31,940		478		1,105		804		30,509


Total fixed maturity securities trading		51		—		—		—		51


Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stock		247		210		9		1		447
Preferred stock		1,257		—		177		108		972


Total equity securities available-for-sale		1,504		210		186		109		1,419


Total	$	33,495	$	688	$	1,291	$	913	$	31,979

Summary of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities


	Cost or		Gross		Gross Unrealized Losses				Estimated
	Amortized		Unrealized		Less than		12 Months		Fair
December 31, 2007	Cost		Gains		12 Months		or Greater		Value
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of government agencies	$	594	$	93	$	—	$	—	$	687
Asset-backed securities		11,776		39		223		183		11,409
States, municipalities and political subdivisions — tax-exempt securities		7,615		144		82		2		7,675
Corporate bonds		8,867		246		149		12		8,952
Other debt securities		4,143		208		48		4		4,299
Redeemable preferred stock		1,216		2		160		—		1,058


Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		34,211		732		662		201		34,080


Total fixed maturity securities trading		177		—		—		—		177


Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stock		246		207		1		—		452
Preferred stock		120		7		11		—		116


Total equity securities available-for-sale		366		214		12		—		568


Total	$	34,754	$	946	$	674	$	201	$	34,825

The following table summarizes, for fixed income securities, preferred stocks and common stocks available-for-sale in an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time those securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss position.

Unrealized Loss Aging


	June 30, 2008				December 31, 2007
			Gross				Gross
	Estimated		Unrealized		Estimated		Unrealized
	Fair Value		Loss		Fair Value		Loss
(In millions)
Fixed income securities:
Investment grade:
0-6 months	$	11,981	$	628	$	4,771	$	228
7-12 months		2,543		431		1,584		193
13-24 months		1,477		346		690		57
Greater than 24 months		2,057		244		3,869		138


Total investment grade		18,058		1,649		10,914		616

Non-investment grade:
0-6 months		1,012		70		1,527		73
7-12 months		1,262		149		125		8
13-24 months		147		36		26		4
Greater than 24 months		8		4		9		2


Total non-investment grade		2,429		259		1,687		87


Total fixed income securities		20,487		1,908		12,601		703


Redeemable and non-redeemable preferred stocks:
0-6 months		127		14		893		143
7-12 months		745		237		104		28
13-24 months		96		35		—		—
Greater than 24 months		—		—		—		—


Total preferred stocks		968		286		997		171


Common stocks:
0-6 months		33		9		34		1
7-12 months		13		1		1		—
13-24 months		—		—		—		—
Greater than 24 months		3		—		3		—


Total common stocks		49		10		38		1


Total	$	21,504	$	2,204	$	13,636	$	875

At June 30, 2008, the fair value of the general account fixed maturities was $30,560 million, representing 78% of the total investment portfolio. The unrealized position associated with the fixed maturity portfolio included $1,909 million in gross unrealized losses, consisting of asset-backed securities which represented 45%, corporate bonds which represented 28%, tax-exempt bonds which represented 19%, and all other fixed maturity securities which represented 8%. The gross unrealized loss for any single issuer was no greater than 0.2% of the carrying value of the total general account fixed maturity portfolio. The total fixed maturity portfolio gross unrealized losses included 2,095 securities which were, in aggregate, approximately 9% below amortized cost.

Given the current facts and circumstances, the Company has determined that the securities presented in the above unrealized gain/loss tables were temporarily impaired when evaluated at June 30, 2008 or December 31, 2007, and therefore no related realized losses were recorded. A discussion of some of the factors reviewed in making that determination as of June 30, 2008 is presented below.

Asset-Backed Securities

The unrealized losses on the Company’s investments in asset-backed securities were caused by a combination of factors related to the market disruption caused by credit concerns surrounding the sub-prime issue, but also extended into other asset-backed securities in the market and specifically in the Company’s portfolio.

The majority of the holdings in this category are collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) typically collateralized with prime residential mortgages and corporate asset-backed structured securities. The holdings in these sectors include 624 securities in a gross unrealized loss position aggregating $849 million. Of these securities in a gross unrealized loss position, 54% are rated AAA, 19% are rated AA, 23% are rated A and 4% are rated BBB or lower. The aggregate severity of the unrealized loss was approximately 10% of amortized cost. The contractual cash flows on the asset-backed structured securities are passed through, but may be structured into classes of preference. The structured securities held are generally secured by over collateralization or default protection provided by subordinated tranches. Within this category, securities subject to Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 99-20, Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased and Retained Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets (EITF 99-20), are monitored for significant adverse changes in cash flow projections. If there are adverse changes in cash flows, the amount of accretable yield is prospectively adjusted and an OTTI loss is recognized. As of June 30, 2008, there was no adverse change in estimated cash flows noted for the securities in an unrealized loss position held subject to EITF 99-20, which have a gross unrealized loss of $214 million. The Company received $53 million of principal repayments on these securities consistent with the cash flow expectations. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, there were OTTI losses of $128 million and $179 million recorded on asset-backed securities, $118 million and $133 million of which related to specific EITF 99-20 securities for which the most recent evaluation did show an adverse change in cash flows.

The remainder of the holdings in this category includes mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by an agency of the U.S. Government. There were 186 agency mortgage-backed pass-through securities and 3 agency CMOs in an unrealized loss position aggregating $3 million as of June 30, 2008. The cumulative unrealized losses on these securities was approximately 4% of amortized cost. These securities do not tend to be influenced by the credit of the issuer but rather the characteristics and projected cash flows of the underlying collateral.

The Company believes the decline in fair value was primarily attributable to the market disruption caused by sub-prime related issues and other temporary market conditions and is not indicative of the quality of the underlying collateral. Because the Company has the ability and intent to hold these investments until an anticipated recovery of fair value, which may be maturity, the Company considers these investments to be temporarily impaired at June 30, 2008.

States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions — Tax-Exempt Securities

The unrealized losses on the Company’s investments in municipal securities were caused primarily by changes in credit spreads, and to a lesser extent, changes in interest rates. The Company invests in municipal securities as an asset class for economic benefits of the returns on the class compared to like after-tax returns on alternative classes. The holdings in this category include 584 securities in a gross unrealized loss position aggregating $366 million with all of these unrealized losses related to investment grade securities (rated BBB- or higher) where the cash flows are supported by the credit of the issuer. The aggregate severity of the unrealized losses was approximately 7% of amortized cost. Because the Company has the ability and intent to hold these investments until an anticipated recovery of fair value, which may be maturity, the Company considers these investments to be temporarily impaired at June 30, 2008. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, there were no OTTI losses recorded on municipal securities.

Corporate Bonds

The holdings in this category include 545 securities in a gross unrealized loss position aggregating $533 million. Of the unrealized losses in this category, 59% relate to securities rated as investment grade. The total holdings in this category are diversified across 11 industry sectors. The aggregate severity of the unrealized losses were approximately 8% of amortized cost. Within corporate bonds, the industry sectors with the largest gross unrealized losses were financial, consumer cyclical, communications and industrial, which as a percentage of total gross unrealized losses were approximately 39%, 21%, 11% and 8% at June 30, 2008. The decline in fair value was primarily attributable to deterioration in the broader credit markets that resulted in widening of credit spreads over risk free rates and macro conditions in certain sectors that the market viewed as out of favor. Because the decline was not related to specific credit quality issues, and because the Company has the ability and intent to hold these investments until an anticipated recovery of fair value, which may be maturity, the Company considers these investments to be temporarily impaired at June 30, 2008. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, there were OTTI losses of $22 million and $32 million recorded on corporate bonds.

Preferred Stock

The unrealized losses on the Company’s investments in preferred stock were caused by similar factors as those that affected the Company’s corporate bond portfolio. Approximately 70% of the gross unrealized losses in this category come from securities issued by financial institutions, 27% from government agency issued securities and 3% from utilities. The holdings in this category include 48 securities in a gross unrealized loss position aggregating $286 million. Of these securities in a gross unrealized loss position, 27% are rated AA, 39% are rated A, 29% are rated BBB and 5% are rated lower than BBB. The Company believes the holdings in this category have been adversely impacted by changes in short term interest rates and significant credit spread widening brought on by a combination of factors in the capital markets. Many of the securities in this category are related to the banking and mortgage industries and are experiencing what the Company believes to be temporarily depressed valuations. Because the Company has the ability and intent to hold these investments until an anticipated recovery of fair value, the Company considers these investments to be temporarily impaired at June 30, 2008. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, there were OTTI losses of $3 million and $8 million recorded on preferred stock.

Investment Commitments

As of June 30, 2008, the Company had committed approximately $528 million to future capital calls from various third-party limited partnership investments in exchange for an ownership interest in the related partnerships.

The Company invests in multiple bank loan participations as part of its overall investment strategy and has committed to additional future purchases and sales. The purchase and sale of these investments are recorded on the date that the legal agreements are finalized and cash settlement is made. As of June 30, 2008, the Company had commitments to purchase $47 million and sell $2 million of various bank loan participations. When loan participation purchases are settled and recorded they may contain both funded and unfunded amounts. An unfunded loan represents an obligation by the Company to provide additional amounts under the terms of the loan participation. The funded portions are reflected on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, while any unfunded amounts are not recorded until a draw is made under the loan facility. As of June 30, 2008, the Company had obligations on unfunded bank loan participations in the amount of $17 million.

Note E. Derivative Financial Instruments

A summary of the recognized gains (losses) related to derivative financial instruments held at June 30, 2008 and 2007 follows.

Recognized Gains (Losses)


	Three Months						Six Months
Period ended June 30	2008			2007			2008			2007
(In millions)
General account
Without hedge designation
Swaps	$	26		$	115		$	4		$	108
Futures sold, not yet purchased		32			—			11			—
Currency forwards		1			—			—			(1	)
Commitments to purchase government and municipal securities (TBAs)		—			1			—			1
Equity warrants		(2	)		—			(2	)		—

Trading activities
Futures purchased		(6	)		32			(78	)		27
Futures sold, not yet purchased		1			1			1			1
Currency forwards		—			(1	)		1			(1	)


Total	$	52		$	148		$	(63	)	$	135

A summary of the aggregate contractual or notional amounts and gross estimated fair values related to derivative financial instruments follows. The contractual or notional amounts for derivatives are used to calculate the exchange of contractual payments under the agreements and are not representative of the potential for gain or loss on these instruments.

Derivative Financial Instruments


	Contractual/
	Notional		Estimated Fair Value
June 30, 2008	Amount		Asset		(Liability)
(In millions)
General account
Without hedge designation
Swaps	$	1,034	$	5	$	(72	)
Futures sold, not yet purchased		231		1		—
Currency forwards		14		—		—
Equity warrants		4		—		—

Trading activities
Futures purchased		339		—		—
Futures sold, not yet purchased		2		—		—


Total general account	$	1,624	$	6	$	(72	)

Derivative Financial Instruments


	Contractual/
	Notional		Estimated Fair Value
December 31, 2007	Amount		Asset		(Liability)
(In millions)
General account
Without hedge designation
Swaps	$	1,605	$	62	$	(62	)
Equity warrants		4		2		—
Options embedded in convertible debt securities		3		—		—

Trading activities
Futures purchased		791		—		(4	)
Futures sold, not yet purchased		135		—		—
Currency forwards		44		2		(1	)


Total general account	$	2,582	$	66	$	(67	)

The Company does not offset its derivative positions against the fair value of the collateral provided or collateral received. The fair value of collateral provided, consisting primarily of cash, was $66 million and $64 million at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007. The fair value of collateral received, consisting primarily of cash, was $10 million at December 31, 2007. The Company held no collateral at June 30, 2008.

Options embedded in convertible debt securities are classified as Fixed maturity securities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, consistent with the host instruments.

Note F. Fair Value

Fair value is the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The following fair value hierarchy is used in selecting inputs, with the highest priority given to Level 1, as these are the most transparent or reliable.

Level 1 — Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.

Level 3 — Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.

The Company is responsible for the valuation process and seeks to obtain quoted market prices for all securities. When quoted market prices are not available, the Company uses a number of methodologies, including discounted cash flow models, prices from recently executed transactions of similar securities, or broker/dealer quotes utilizing market observable information to the extent possible to establish fair value estimates. In conjunction with modeling activities, the Company may use external data as inputs. The modeled inputs are consistent with observable market information, when available, or with the Company’s assumptions as to what market participants would use to value the securities. As further validation of the Company’s valuation process, the Company samples its past fair value estimates and compares the valuations to actual transactions executed in the market on similar dates.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below.


								Total
								Assets/(Liabilities)
June 30, 2008	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3			at fair value
(In millions)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities	$	543	$	26,804	$	3,213		$	30,560
Equity securities		1,056		102		261			1,419
Derivative financial instruments, included in Other invested assets		—		—		5			5
Short term investments		2,053		3,011		—			5,064
Life settlement contracts, included in Other assets		—		—		118			118
Discontinued operations investments, included in Other assets		36		111		23			170
Separate account business		42		359		45			446

Total assets	$	3,730	$	30,387	$	3,665		$	37,782


Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments, included in Other liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	(72	)	$	(72	)

Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	(72	)	$	(72	)

The table below presents a reconciliation for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), and presents changes in unrealized gains or losses recorded in net income for the three months ended June 30, 2008 for Level 3 assets and liabilities.


							Net realized
							investment gains												Unrealized
				Net realized			(losses) and net												gains (losses)
				investment gains			change in												recorded in
				(losses) and net			unrealized												net income
				change in unrealized			appreciation			Purchases,									on level 3
				appreciation			(depreciation)			sales,									assets and
				(depreciation)			included in other			issuances			Net transfers			Balance at			liabilities
	Balance at			included in net			comprehensive			and			in (out) of			June 30,			held at June
Level 3	April 1, 2008			income*			income			settlements			level 3			2008			30, 2008*
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities	$	2,245		$	(85	)	$	(55	)	$	89		$	1,019		$	3,213		$	(91	)
Equity securities		193			—			(2	)		48			22			261			(2	)
Derivative financial instruments, net		(82	)		23			—			(8	)		—			(67	)		15
Short term investments		85			—			—			—			(85	)		—			—
Life settlement contracts		118			12			—			(12	)		—			118			1
Discontinued operations investments		41			—			—			(1	)		(17	)		23			—
Separate account business		47			—			(4	)		2			—			45			—

Total	$	2,647		$	(50	)	$	(61	)	$	118		$	939		$	3,593		$	(77	)

The table below presents a reconciliation for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), and presents changes in unrealized gains or losses recorded in net income for the six months ended June 30, 2008 for Level 3 assets and liabilities.


						Net realized
						investment gains												Unrealized
			Net realized			(losses) and net												gains (losses)
			investment gains			change in												recorded in
			(losses) and net			unrealized												net income
			change in unrealized			appreciation			Purchases,									on level 3
			appreciation			(depreciation)			sales,									assets and
	Balance at		(depreciation)			included other			issuances			Net transfers			Balance at			liabilities
	January 1,		included in net			comprehensive			and			in (out) of			June 30,			held at June
Level 3	2008		income*			income			settlements			level 3			2008			30, 2008*
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities	$	2,684	$	(123	)	$	(270	)	$	84		$	838		$	3,213		$	(135	)
Equity securities		196		(2	)		(3	)		48			22			261			(4	)
Derivative financial instruments, net		2		1			—			(70	)		—			(67	)		(69	)
Short term investments		85		—			—			—			(85	)		—			—
Life settlement contracts		115		30			—			(27	)		—			118			5
Discontinued operations investments		42		—			—			(2	)		(17	)		23			—
Separate account business		30		—			(4	)		(1	)		20			45			—

Total	$	3,154	$	(94	)	$	(277	)	$	32		$	778		$	3,593		$	(203	)

* Net realized and unrealized gains and losses shown above are reported in net income as follows:


Major Category of Assets and Liabilities		Consolidated Statement of Operations Line Items
Fixed maturity securities		Net investment income and Realized investment gains (losses)

Equity securities		Realized investment gains (losses)

Derivative financial instruments (Assets)		Realized investment gains (losses)

Life settlement contracts		Other revenues

Derivative financial instruments (Liabilities)		Realized investment gains (losses)

Securities transferred into Level 3 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 relate primarily to tax-exempt auction rate certificates, included within Fixed maturity securities. These were previously valued using observable prices for similar securities, but due to decreased market liquidity, fair value is determined by cash flow models using market observable and unobservable inputs.

The following section describes the valuation methodologies used to measure different financial instruments at fair value, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which the instrument is generally classified.

Fixed Maturity Securities

Level 1 securities include highly liquid government bonds for which quoted market prices are available. The remaining fixed maturity securities are valued using pricing for similar securities, recently executed transactions, cash flow models with yield curves, broker/dealer quotes and other pricing models utilizing observable inputs. The valuation for most fixed income securities, excluding government bonds, is classified as Level 2. Securities within Level 2 include certain corporate bonds, municipal bonds, asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed pass-through securities and redeemable preferred stock. Securities are generally assigned to Level 3 in cases where broker/dealer quotes are significant inputs to the valuation and there is a lack of transparency as to whether these quotes are based on information that is observable in the marketplace. Level 3 securities include certain corporate bonds, asset-backed securities, municipal bonds and redeemable preferred stock.

Equity Securities

Level 1 securities include publicly traded securities valued using quoted market prices. Level 2 securities are primarily non-redeemable preferred securities and common stocks valued using pricing for similar securities, recently executed transactions, broker/dealer quotes and other pricing models utilizing observable inputs.

Level 3 securities include one equity security, which represents 68% of the total, in an entity which is not publicly traded and is valued based on a discounted cash flow analysis model, which is adjusted for the Company’s assumption regarding an inherent lack of liquidity in the security. The remaining non-redeemable preferred stocks and equity securities are primarily valued using inputs including broker/dealer quotes for which there is a lack of transparency as to whether these quotes are based on information that is observable in the marketplace.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Exchange traded derivatives are valued using quoted market prices and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives, principally credit default swaps, currency forwards and options, represent the present value of amounts estimated to be received from or paid to a marketplace participant in settlement of these instruments. They are valued using inputs including broker/dealer quotes and are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy due to a lack of transparency as to whether these quotes are based on information that is observable in the marketplace.

Short Term Investments

The valuation of securities that are actively traded or have quoted prices are classified as Level 1. These securities include money market funds and treasury bills. Level 2 includes commercial paper, for which all inputs are observable.

Life Settlement Contracts

The fair values of life settlement contracts are estimated using discounted cash flows based on the Company’s own assumptions for mortality, premium expense, and the rate of return that a buyer would require on the contracts, as no comparable market pricing data is available.

Discontinued Operations Investments

Assets relating to CNA’s discontinued operations include fixed maturity securities, equities and short term investments. The valuation methodologies for these asset types have been described above.

Separate Account Business

Separate account business includes fixed maturity securities, equities and short term investments. The valuation methodologies for these asset types have been described above.

Note G. Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves

CNA’s property and casualty insurance claim and claim adjustment expense reserves represent the estimated amounts necessary to resolve all outstanding claims, including claims that are incurred but not reported (IBNR) as of the reporting date. The Company’s reserve projections are based primarily on detailed analysis of the facts in each case, CNA’s experience with similar cases and various historical development patterns. Consideration is given to such historical patterns as field reserving trends and claims settlement practices, loss payments, pending levels of unpaid claims and product mix, as well as court decisions, economic conditions and public attitudes. All of these factors can affect the estimation of claim and claim adjustment expense reserves.

Establishing claim and claim adjustment expense reserves, including claim and claim adjustment expense reserves for catastrophic events that have occurred, is an estimation process. Many factors can ultimately affect the final settlement of a claim and, therefore, the necessary reserve. Changes in the law, results of litigation, medical costs, the cost of repair materials and labor rates can all affect ultimate claim costs. In addition, time can be a critical part of reserving determinations since the longer the span between the incidence of a loss and the payment or settlement of the claim, the more variable the ultimate settlement amount can be. Accordingly, short-tail claims, such as property damage claims, tend to be more reasonably estimable than long-tail claims, such as general liability and professional liability claims. Adjustments to prior year reserve estimates, if necessary, are reflected in the results of operations in the period that the need for such adjustments is determined.

Catastrophes are an inherent risk of the property and casualty insurance business and have contributed to material period-to-period fluctuations in the Company’s results of operations and/or equity. Catastrophe losses related to events occurring for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, net of reinsurance, were $47 million and $100 million. Catastrophe losses in 2008 related primarily to storms, floods, and tornadoes. Catastrophe losses related to events occurring for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, net of reinsurance, were $12 million and $44 million. Catastrophe losses in 2007 related primarily to tornadoes, floods and winter storms. There can be no assurance that CNA’s ultimate cost for catastrophes will not exceed current estimates.

The following provides discussion of the Company’s Asbestos and Environmental Pollution (A&E) reserves.

A&E Reserves

CNA’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries have actual and potential exposures related to A&E claims. The following table provides data related to CNA’s A&E claim and claim adjustment expense reserves.

A&E Reserves


	June 30, 2008						December 31, 2007
				Environmental						Environmental
(In millions)	Asbestos			Pollution			Asbestos			Pollution
Gross reserves	$	2,206		$	326		$	2,352		$	367
Ceded reserves		(977	)		(118	)		(1,030	)		(125	)


Net reserves	$	1,229		$	208		$	1,322		$	242

Asbestos

The Company recorded $6 million and $3 million of unfavorable asbestos-related net claim and claim adjustment expense reserve development for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007. The Company paid asbestos-related claims, net of reinsurance recoveries, of $99 million and $89 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

The ultimate cost of reported claims, and in particular A&E claims, is subject to a great many uncertainties, including future developments of various kinds that CNA does not control and that are difficult or impossible to foresee accurately. With respect to the litigation identified below in particular, numerous factual and legal issues remain unresolved. Rulings on those issues by the courts are critical to the evaluation of the ultimate cost to the Company. The outcome of the litigation cannot be predicted with any reliability. Accordingly, the extent of losses beyond any amounts that may be accrued are not readily determinable at this time.

Some asbestos-related defendants have asserted that their insurance policies are not subject to aggregate limits on coverage. CNA has such claims from a number of insureds. Some of these claims involve insureds facing exhaustion of products liability aggregate limits in their policies, who have asserted that their asbestos-related claims fall within so-called “non-products” liability coverage contained within their policies rather than products liability coverage, and that the claimed “non-products” coverage is not subject to any aggregate limit. It is difficult to predict the ultimate size of any of the claims for coverage purportedly not subject to aggregate limits or predict to what extent, if any, the attempts to assert “non-products” claims outside the products liability aggregate will succeed. CNA’s policies also contain other limits applicable to these claims and the Company has additional coverage defenses to certain claims. CNA has attempted to manage its asbestos exposure by aggressively seeking to settle claims on acceptable terms. There can be no assurance that any of these settlement efforts will be successful, or that any such claims can be settled on terms acceptable to CNA. Where the Company cannot settle a claim on acceptable terms, CNA aggressively litigates the claim. However, adverse developments with respect to such matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and/or equity.

Certain asbestos claim litigation in which CNA is currently engaged is described below:

On February 13, 2003, CNA announced it had resolved asbestos-related coverage litigation and claims involving A.P. Green Industries, A.P. Green Services and Bigelow—Liptak Corporation. Under the agreement, CNA is required to pay $70 million, net of reinsurance recoveries, over a ten year period commencing after the final approval of a bankruptcy plan of reorganization. The settlement received initial bankruptcy court approval on August 18, 2003. The debtor’s plan of reorganization includes an injunction to protect CNA from any future claims. The bankruptcy court issued an opinion on September 24, 2007 recommending confirmation of that plan. Several insurers have appealed that ruling; that appeal is pending at this time.

CNA is engaged in insurance coverage litigation in New York State Court, filed in 2003, with a defendant class of underlying plaintiffs who have asbestos bodily injury claims against the former Robert A. Keasbey Company (Keasbey) (Continental Casualty Co. v. Employers Ins. of Wausau et al., No. 601037/03 (N.Y. County)). Keasbey, a currently dissolved corporation, was a seller and installer of asbestos-containing insulation products in New York and New Jersey. Thousands of plaintiffs have filed bodily injury claims against Keasbey. However, under New York court rules, asbestos claims are not cognizable unless they meet certain minimum medical impairment standards. Since 2002, when these court rules were adopted, only a small portion of such claims have met medical impairment criteria under New York court rules and as to the remaining claims, Keasbey’s involvement at a number of work sites is a highly contested issue.

CNA issued Keasbey primary policies for 1970-1987 and excess policies for 1971-1978. CNA has paid an amount substantially equal to the policies’ aggregate limits for products and completed operations claims in the confirmed CNA policies. Claimants against Keasbey allege, among other things, that CNA owes coverage under sections of the policies not subject to the aggregate limits, an allegation CNA vigorously contests in the lawsuit. In the litigation, CNA and the claimants seek declaratory relief as to the interpretation of various policy provisions. On May 8, 2007, the Court in the first phase of the trial held that all of CNA’s primary policy products aggregates were exhausted and that past products liability claims could not be recharacterized as operations claims. The Court also found that while operations claims would not be subject to products aggregates, such claims could be made only against the policies in effect when the claimants were exposed to asbestos from Keasbey operations. These holdings limit CNA’s exposure to those instances where Keasbey used asbestos in operations between 1970 and 1987. Keasbey largely ceased using asbestos in its operations in the early 1970’s. CNA noticed an appeal to the Appellate Division to challenge certain aspects of the Court’s ruling. Other insurer parties to the litigation also filed separate notices of appeal to the Court’s ruling. The

appeal was fully briefed and was argued on December 6, 2007. Numerous legal issues remain to be resolved on appeal with respect to coverage that are critical to the final result, which cannot be predicted with any reliability. Accordingly, the extent of losses beyond any amounts that may be accrued are not readily determinable at this time.

CNA has insurance coverage disputes related to asbestos bodily injury claims against a bankrupt insured, Burns & Roe Enterprises, Inc. (Burns & Roe). These disputes are currently part of coverage litigation (stayed in view of the bankruptcy) and an adversary proceeding in In re: Burns & Roe Enterprises, Inc., pending in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey, No. 00-41610. Burns & Roe provided engineering and related services in connection with construction projects. At the time of its bankruptcy filing, on December 4, 2000, Burns & Roe asserted that it faced approximately 11,000 claims alleging bodily injury resulting from exposure to asbestos as a result of construction projects in which Burns & Roe was involved. CNA allegedly provided primary liability coverage to Burns & Roe from 1956-1969 and 1971-1974, along with certain project-specific policies from 1964-1970. In September of 2007, CNA entered into an agreement with Burns & Roe, the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors appointed by the Bankruptcy Court and the Future Claims Representative (the “Addendum”), which provides that claims allegedly covered by CNA policies will be adjudicated in the tort system, with any coverage disputes related to those claims to be decided in coverage litigation. With the approval of the Bankruptcy Court, Burns & Roe included the Addendum as part of its Fourth Amended Plan (the “Plan”), which was filed on June 9, 2008 and which will be the subject of a later confirmation hearing. With respect to both confirmation of the Plan and coverage issues, numerous factual and legal issues remain to be resolved that are critical to the final result, the outcome of which cannot be predicted with any reliability. These factors include, among others: (a) whether the Company has any further responsibility to compensate claimants against Burns & Roe under its policies and, if so, under which; (b) whether the Company’s responsibilities under its policies extend to a particular claimant’s entire claim or only to a limited percentage of the claim; (c) whether the Company’s responsibilities under its policies are limited by the occurrence limits or other provisions of the policies; (d) whether certain exclusions, including professional liability exclusions, in some of the Company’s policies apply to exclude certain claims; (e) the extent to which claimants can establish exposure to asbestos materials as to which Burns & Roe has any responsibility; (f) the legal theories which must be pursued by such claimants to establish the liability of Burns & Roe and whether such theories can, in fact, be established; (g) the diseases and damages alleged by such claimants; (h) the extent that any liability of Burns & Roe would be shared with other potentially responsible parties; (i) whether the Plan, which includes the Addendum, will be approved by the Bankruptcy Court in its current form; and (j) the impact of bankruptcy proceedings on claims and coverage issue resolution. Accordingly, the extent of losses beyond any amounts that may be accrued are not readily determinable at this time.

Suits have also been initiated directly against the CNA companies and numerous other insurers in two jurisdictions: Texas and Montana. Approximately 80 lawsuits were filed in Texas beginning in 2002, against two CNA companies and numerous other insurers and non-insurer corporate defendants asserting liability for failing to warn of the dangers of asbestos (e.g. Boson v. Union Carbide Corp., (Nueces County, Texas)). During 2003, several of the Texas suits were dismissed and while certain of the Texas courts’ rulings were appealed, plaintiffs later dismissed their appeals. A different Texas court, however, denied similar motions seeking dismissal. After that court denied a related challenge to jurisdiction, the insurers transferred the case, among others, to a state multi-district litigation court in Harris County charged with handling asbestos cases. In February 2006, the insurers petitioned the appellate court in Houston for an order of mandamus, requiring the multi-district litigation court to dismiss the case on jurisdictional and substantive grounds. On February 29, 2008, the appellate court denied the insurers’ mandamus petition on procedural grounds, but did not reach a decision on the merits of the petition. Instead, the appellate court allowed to stand the multi-district litigation court’s determination that the case remained on its inactive docket and that no further action can be taken unless qualifying reports are filed or the filing of such reports is waived. With respect to the cases that are still pending in Texas, in June 2008, plaintiffs in the only active case dropped the remaining CNA company from that suit, leaving only inactive cases against CNA companies. In those inactive cases, numerous factual and legal issues remain to be resolved that are critical to the final result, the outcome of which cannot be predicted with any reliability. These factors include: (a) the speculative nature and unclear scope of any alleged duties owed to individuals exposed to asbestos and the resulting uncertainty as to the potential pool of potential claimants; (b) the fact that imposing such duties on all insurer and non-insurer corporate defendants would be

unprecedented and, therefore, the legal boundaries of recovery are difficult to estimate; (c) the fact that many of the claims brought to date are barred by the Statute of Limitations and it is unclear whether future claims would also be barred; (d) the unclear nature of the required nexus between the acts of the defendants and the right of any particular claimant to recovery; and (e) the existence of hundreds of co-defendants in some of the suits and the applicability of the legal theories pled by the claimants to thousands of potential defendants. Accordingly, the extent of losses beyond any amounts that may be accrued is not readily determinable at this time.

On March 22, 2002, a direct action was filed in Montana (Pennock, et al. v. Maryland Casualty, et al. First Judicial District Court of Lewis & Clark County, Montana) by eight individual plaintiffs (all employees of W.R. Grace & Co. (W.R. Grace)) and their spouses against CNA, Maryland Casualty and the State of Montana. This action alleges that the carriers failed to warn of or otherwise protect W.R. Grace employees from the dangers of asbestos at a W.R. Grace vermiculite mining facility in Libby, Montana. The Montana direct action is currently stayed because of W.R. Grace’s pending bankruptcy. On April 7, 2008, W.R. Grace announced a settlement in principle with the asbestos personal injury claimants committee subject to confirmation of a plan of reorganization by the bankruptcy court. It is unknown when the confirmation hearing might take place. The settlement in principle with the asbestos claimants has no present impact on the stay currently imposed on the Montana direct action and with respect to such claims, numerous factual and legal issues remain to be resolved that are critical to the final result, the outcome of which cannot be predicted with any reliability. These factors include: (a) the unclear nature and scope of any alleged duties owed to people exposed to asbestos and the resulting uncertainty as to the potential pool of potential claimants; (b) the potential application of Statutes of Limitation to many of the claims which may be made depending on the nature and scope of the alleged duties; (c) the unclear nature of the required nexus between the acts of the defendants and the right of any particular claimant to recovery; (d) the diseases and damages claimed by such claimants; (e) the extent that such liability would be shared with other potentially responsible parties; and (f) the impact of bankruptcy proceedings on claims resolution. Accordingly, the extent of losses beyond any amounts that may be accrued are not readily determinable at this time.

CNA is vigorously defending these and other cases and believes that it has meritorious defenses to the claims asserted. However, there are numerous factual and legal issues to be resolved in connection with these claims, and it is extremely difficult to predict the outcome or ultimate financial exposure represented by these matters. Adverse developments with respect to any of these matters could have a material adverse effect on CNA’s business, insurer financial strength and debt ratings, results of operations and/or equity.

Environmental Pollution

The Company recorded $2 million and $1 million of unfavorable environmental pollution net claim and claim adjustment expense reserve development for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007. The Company paid environmental pollution-related claims, net of reinsurance recoveries, of $36 million and $21 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

Net Prior Year Development

The net prior year development presented below includes premium development due to its direct relationship to claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development. The net prior year development presented below excludes the impact of increases or decreases in the allowance for uncollectible reinsurance, but includes the impact of commutations.

Three Month Comparison

Net Prior Year Development
Three months ended June 30, 2008


						Corporate &
	Standard			Specialty		Other Non-
(In millions)	Lines			Lines		Core		Total
Pretax unfavorable (favorable) net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development:

Core (Non-A&E)	$	(15	)	$	1	$	5	$	(9	)
A&E		—			—		6		6


Pretax unfavorable (favorable) net prior year development before impact of premium development		(15	)		1		11		(3	)


Pretax unfavorable (favorable) premium development		(8	)		1		1		(6	)


Total pretax unfavorable (favorable) net prior year development	$	(23	)	$	2	$	12	$	(9	)

Net Prior Year Development
Three months ended June 30, 2007


							Corporate &
	Standard			Specialty			Other Non-
(In millions)	Lines			Lines			Core			Total
Pretax unfavorable (favorable) net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development:

Core (Non-A&E)	$	(20	)	$	(14	)	$	8		$	(26	)
A&E		—			—			4			4


Pretax unfavorable (favorable) net prior year development before impact of premium development		(20	)		(14	)		12			(22	)


Pretax unfavorable (favorable) premium development		16			—			(5	)		11


Total pretax unfavorable (favorable) net prior year development	$	(4	)	$	(14	)	$	7		$	(11	)

2008 Net Prior Year Development

Standard Lines

Approximately $29 million of favorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development was recorded due to favorable outcomes on claims relating to catastrophes, primarily in accident year 2005.

Approximately $8 million of favorable premium development was recorded across several coverages and accident years due to additional premium processing on auditable policies and changes to ultimate premium

estimates. This favorable development was offset by additional unfavorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development.

Corporate & Other Non-Core

The unfavorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development was primarily related to commutation activity, a portion of which was offset by a release of a previously established allowance for uncollectible reinsurance.

2007 Net Prior Year Development

Standard Lines

Approximately $33 million of favorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development was due to lower than anticipated frequency and severity on claims related to large property products, primarily in accident years 2005 and 2006. The change was driven by decreased incurred losses as a result of changes in individual case reserve estimates.

Additional unfavorable prior year reserve development was recorded in the workers’ compensation line of business as a result of continued claim cost inflation in older accident years, driven by increasing medical inflation and advances in medical care. Additional favorable development was recorded in the commercial automobile, monoline general liability and umbrella product lines. This favorable development was due to improved severity in recent accident years.

Approximately $14 million of unfavorable premium development was taken primarily as a result of favorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development on large account retro policies relating to the automobile and general liability lines of business in accident years 2001 and subsequent. This favorable claim and allocated claim expense reserve development was due to lower than anticipated frequency and severity.

Specialty Lines

Approximately $9 million of favorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development was recorded in the excess and surplus lines of business. This favorable development was primarily related to improved frequency and severity on excess general liability claims across several accident years.

Corporate & Other Non-Core

Approximately $6 million of unfavorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development was related to commutation activity, a portion of which was offset by a release of a previously established allowance for uncollectible reinsurance.

Six Month Comparison

Net Prior Year Development
Six months ended June 30, 2008


							Corporate &
	Standard			Specialty			Other Non-
(In millions)	Lines			Lines			Core		Total
Pretax unfavorable (favorable) net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development:

Core (Non-A&E)	$	(50	)	$	18		$	8	$	(24	)
A&E		—			—			8		8


Pretax unfavorable (favorable) net prior year development before impact of premium development		(50	)		18			16		(16	)


Pretax unfavorable (favorable) premium development		1			(18	)		—		(17	)


Total pretax unfavorable (favorable) net prior year development	$	(49	)	$	—		$	16	$	(33	)

Net Prior Year Development
Six months ended June 30, 2007


							Corporate &
	Standard			Specialty			Other Non-
(In millions)	Lines			Lines			Core			Total
Pretax unfavorable (favorable) net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development:

Core (Non-A&E)	$	(7	)	$	(7	)	$	8		$	(6	)
A&E		—			—			4			4


Pretax unfavorable (favorable) net prior year development before impact of premium development		(7	)		(7	)		12			(2	)


Pretax unfavorable (favorable) premium development		(10	)		(10	)		(3	)		(23	)


Total pretax unfavorable (favorable) net prior year development	$	(17	)	$	(17	)	$	9		$	(25	)

2008 Net Prior Year Development

Standard Lines

Approximately $49 million of favorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development was recorded in property coverages. This favorable development was due to lower than expected frequency in accident year 2007 and favorable outcomes on several individual claims in accident years 2006 and prior, including approximately $29 million related to catastrophes, primarily in accident year 2005.

Approximately $23 million of favorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development was recorded in general liability due to favorable outcomes on individual claims causing lower severity in accident years 2003 and prior.

Approximately $24 million of unfavorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development was recorded in excess workers’ compensation due to higher than expected frequency and severity in accident years 2003 and prior. This is a result of continued claim cost inflation in older accident years, driven by increasing medical inflation and advances in medical care.

Specialty Lines

Approximately $10 million of favorable premium development was recorded due to a change in ultimate premiums within a foreign affiliate’s property and financial lines. This was offset by approximately $9 million of related unfavorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development.

Corporate & Other Non-Core

The net prior year development recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2008 relates to the same reasons included in the three month discussion.

2007 Net Prior Year Development

Standard Lines

Approximately $42 million of favorable premium development was recorded primarily as a result of additional premium resulting from audits on recent policies related to workers’ compensation and general liability books of business. This was offset by $27 million of unfavorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development related to this premium.

Approximately $16 million of unfavorable premium development was recorded due to a change in the estimate of the Company’s exposure related to its participation in involuntary pools. This unfavorable premium development was partially offset by $9 million of favorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development.

The remaining net prior year development recorded relates primarily to the items included in the three month discussion.

Specialty Lines

Approximately $9 million of favorable premium development was recorded mainly as a result of additional premium resulting from audits on recent policies related primarily to general liability coverages. Unfavorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development was recorded related to those premiums.

The remaining net prior year development recorded relates primarily to the items included in the three month discussion.

Corporate & Other Non-Core

The net prior year development recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2007 relates to the same reasons included in the three month discussion.

Note H. Legal Proceedings and Contingent Liabilities

Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation

On August 1, 2005, CNAF and several of its insurance subsidiaries were joined as defendants, along with other insurers and brokers, in multidistrict litigation pending in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation, Civil No. 04-5184 (FSH). The plaintiffs allege bid rigging and improprieties in the payment of contingent commissions in connection with the sale of insurance that violated federal and state antitrust laws, the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and state common law. After discovery, the District Court dismissed the federal antitrust claims and the RICO claims, and declined to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over the state law claims. The plaintiffs have appealed the dismissal of their complaint to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. The parties have filed their briefs on the appeal, but the Court of Appeals has temporarily stayed the appeal. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to this action and intends to defend the case vigorously.

The extent of losses beyond any amounts that may be accrued are not readily determinable at this time. However, based on facts and circumstances presently known, in the opinion of management, an unfavorable outcome will not materially affect the equity of the Company, although results of operations may be adversely affected.

Global Crossing Limited Litigation

CCC has been named as a defendant in an action brought by the bankruptcy estate of Global Crossing Limited (Global Crossing) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, Global Crossing Estate Representative, for itself and as the Liquidating Trustee of the Global Crossing Liquidating Trust v. Gary Winnick, et al., Case No. 04 Civ. 2558 (GEL). In the complaint, plaintiff seeks unspecified monetary damages from CCC and the other defendants for alleged fraudulent transfers and alleged breaches of fiduciary duties arising from actions taken by Global Crossing while CCC was a shareholder of Global Crossing. The Court dismissed some of the claims against CCC as a matter of law. The remainder of the case is now in discovery. CCC believes it has meritorious defenses to the remaining claims in this action and intends to defend the case vigorously.

California Long Term Care Litigation

Shaffer v. Continental Casualty Company, et al., U.S. District Court, Central District of California, CV06-2235 RGK, is a class action on behalf of certain California individual long term health care policyholders, alleging that CCC and CNAF knowingly or negligently used unrealistic actuarial assumptions in pricing these policies. On January 8, 2008, CCC, CNAF and the plaintiffs entered into a binding agreement settling the case on a nationwide basis for the policy forms potentially affected by the allegations of the complaint. Following a fairness hearing, the Court entered an order approving the settlement. This order was appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to this appeal and intends to defend the appeal vigorously. The agreement did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, however it still remains subject to the favorable resolution of the appeal.

Asbestos and Environmental Pollution (A&E) Reserves

The Company is also a party to litigation and claims related to A&E cases arising in the ordinary course of business. See Note G for further discussion.

Other Litigation

The Company is also a party to other litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. Based on the facts and circumstances currently known, such other litigation will not, in the opinion of management, materially affect the equity or results of operations of the Company.

Note I. Benefit Plans

Pension and Postretirement Healthcare and Life Insurance Benefit Plans

CNAF and certain subsidiaries sponsor noncontributory pension plans typically covering full-time employees age 21 or over who have completed at least one year of service. In 2000, the CNA Retirement Plan was closed to new participants; instead, retirement benefits are provided to these employees under the Company’s savings plans. While the terms of the pension plans vary, benefits are generally based on years of credited service and the employee’s highest 60 consecutive months of compensation. CNA uses December 31 as the measurement date for all of its plans.

CNA’s funding policy for defined benefit pension plans is to make contributions in accordance with applicable governmental regulatory requirements with consideration of the funded status of the plans. The assets of the plans are invested primarily in corporate mortgage-backed securities, limited partnerships, equity securities, and short term investments.

CNA provides certain healthcare and life insurance benefits to eligible retired employees, their covered dependents and their beneficiaries. The funding for these plans is generally to pay covered expenses as they are incurred.

The components of net periodic benefit costs are presented in the following table.

Net Periodic Benefit Costs


Period ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2008			2007			2008			2007
Pension benefits
Service cost	$	4		$	5		$	10		$	12
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation		37			35			73			73
Expected return on plan assets		(44	)		(44	)		(89	)		(87	)
Prior service cost amortization		—			1			—			1
Actuarial loss		1			2			2			6


Net periodic pension (benefit) cost	$	(2	)	$	(1	)	$	(4	)	$	5


Postretirement benefits
Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	1		$	1
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation		2			3			4			5
Prior service cost amortization		(4	)		(4	)		(8	)		(9	)
Actuarial loss		1			—			1			1


Net periodic postretirement benefit	$	(1	)	$	(1	)	$	(2	)	$	(2	)

For the six months ended June 30, 2008, $13 million of contributions have been made to the pension plans and $5 million to the postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefit plans. CNA plans to contribute an additional $53 million to the pension plans and $6 million to the postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefit plans during the remainder of 2008.

Note J. Operating Leases, Other Commitments and Contingencies, and Guarantees

Operating Leases

The Company is obligated to make future payments totaling approximately $237 million for non-cancelable operating leases primarily for office space, office and transportation equipment. Estimated future minimum payments under these contracts are as follows: $24 million in 2008; $44 million in 2009; $41 million in 2010; $35 million in 2011; $30 million in 2012; and $63 million in 2013 and beyond.

The Company holds an investment in a real estate joint venture. In the normal course of business, CNA, on a joint and several basis with other unrelated insurance company shareholders, has committed to continue funding the operating deficits of this joint venture. Additionally, CNA and the other unrelated shareholders, on a joint and several basis, have guaranteed an operating lease for an office building, which expires in 2016. The guarantee of the operating lease is a parallel guarantee to the commitment to fund operating deficits; consequently, the separate guarantee to the lessor is not expected to be triggered as long as the joint venture continues to be funded by its shareholders and continues to make its annual lease payments.

In the event that the other parties to the joint venture are unable to meet their commitments in funding the operations of this joint venture, the Company would be required to assume the obligation for the entire office building operating lease. The maximum potential future lease payments at June 30, 2008 that the Company could be required to pay under this guarantee are approximately $199 million. If CNA were required to assume the entire lease obligation, the Company would have the right to pursue reimbursement from the other shareholders and would have the right to all sublease revenues.

Other Commitments and Contingencies

In the normal course of business, CNA has provided letters of credit in favor of various unaffiliated insurance companies, regulatory authorities and other entities. At June 30, 2008 there were approximately $6 million of outstanding letters of credit.

The Company has entered into a limited number of guaranteed payment contracts, primarily relating to software and telecommunication services, amounting to approximately $16 million as of June 30, 2008. Estimated future minimum payments under these contracts are $15 million in 2008 and $1 million in 2009.

Guarantees

In the course of selling business entities and assets to third parties, the Company has agreed to indemnify purchasers for losses arising out of breaches of representation and warranties with respect to the business entities or assets being sold, including, in certain cases, losses arising from undisclosed liabilities or certain named litigation. Such indemnification provisions generally survive for periods ranging from nine months following the applicable closing date to the expiration of the relevant statutes of limitation. As of June 30, 2008, the aggregate amount of quantifiable indemnification agreements in effect for sales of business entities, assets and third party loans was $873 million.

In addition, the Company has agreed to provide indemnification to third party purchasers for certain losses associated with sold business entities or assets that are not limited by a contractual monetary amount. As of June 30, 2008, the Company had outstanding unlimited indemnifications in connection with the sales of certain of its business entities or assets that included tax liabilities arising prior to a purchaser’s ownership of an entity or asset, defects in title at the time of sale, employee claims arising prior to closing and in some cases losses arising from certain litigation and undisclosed liabilities. These indemnification agreements survive until the applicable statutes of limitation expire, or until the agreed upon contract terms expire. As of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company has recorded approximately $23 million and $27 million of liabilities related to these indemnification agreements.

In connection with the issuance of preferred securities by CNA Surety Capital Trust I, CNA Surety issued a guarantee of $75 million to guarantee the payment by CNA Surety Capital Trust I of annual dividends of $1.5 million over 30 years and redemption of $30 million of preferred securities.

Note K. Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of comprehensive income (loss) are shown below.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)


Period ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2008			2007			2008			2007
Net income	$	181		$	217		$	368		$	513


Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on general account investments:
Holding gains (losses) arising during the period, net of tax (expense) benefit of $101, $174, $563 and $146		(188	)		(324	)		(1,041	)		(272	)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income, net of tax expense (benefit) of ($15), $13, ($4) and $33		27			(27	)		7			(62	)

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on general account investments, net of tax (expense) benefit of $86, $187, $559 and $179		(161	)		(351	)		(1,034	)		(334	)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on discontinued operations and other, net of tax (expense) benefit of $1, $1, $2 and $0		(4	)		(2	)		—			(1	)
Net change in foreign currency translation adjustment		2			12			(9	)		5
Net change related to pensions and postretirement benefits, net of tax (expense) benefit of $2, $0, $3 and ($1)		(1	)		(1	)		(3	)		3
Allocation to participating policyholders’ and minority interests		6			14			22			13


Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (expense) benefit of $89, $188, $564 and $178		(158	)		(328	)		(1,024	)		(314	)


Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	23		$	(111	)	$	(656	)	$	199

Note L. Business Segments

CNA’s core property and casualty commercial insurance operations are reported in two business segments: Standard Lines and Specialty Lines. CNA’s non-core operations are managed in two segments: Life & Group Non-Core and Corporate & Other Non-Core.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note A of the Consolidated Financial Statements within CNA’s Form 10-K. The Company manages most of its assets on a legal entity basis, while segment operations are conducted across legal entities. As such, only insurance and reinsurance receivables, insurance reserves and deferred acquisition costs are readily identifiable by individual segment. Distinct investment portfolios are not maintained for each segment; accordingly, allocation of assets to each segment is not performed. Therefore, net investment income and realized investment gains or losses are allocated primarily based on each segment’s net carried insurance reserves, as adjusted. Income taxes have been allocated on the basis of the taxable income of the segments.

In the following tables, certain financial measures are presented to provide information used by management to monitor the Company’s operating performance. Management utilizes these financial measures to monitor the Company’s insurance operations and investment portfolio. Net operating income, which is derived from certain income statement amounts, is used by management to monitor performance of the Company’s insurance operations. The Company’s investment portfolio is monitored through analysis of various quantitative and qualitative factors and certain decisions related to the sale or impairment of investments that produce realized gains and losses. Net realized investment gains and losses are comprised of after-tax realized investment gains and losses net of participating policyholders’ and minority interests.

Net operating income is calculated by excluding from net income the after-tax effects of 1) net realized investment gains or losses, 2) income or loss from discontinued operations and 3) any cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles. In the calculation of net operating income, management excludes after-tax net realized investment gains or losses because net realized investment gains or losses related to the Company’s investment portfolio are largely discretionary, except for losses related to other-than-temporary impairments, are generally driven by economic factors that are not necessarily consistent with key drivers of underwriting performance, and are therefore not an indication of trends in insurance operations.

The Company’s investment portfolio is monitored by management through analyses of various factors including unrealized gains and losses on securities, portfolio duration and exposure to interest rate, market and credit risk. Based on such analyses, the Company may impair an investment security in accordance with its policy, or sell a security. Such activities will produce realized gains and losses.

The significant components of the Company’s continuing operations and selected balance sheet items are presented in the following tables.


Three months ended										Corporate
June 30, 2008	Standard			Specialty			Life & Group			& Other
(In millions)	Lines			Lines			Non-Core			Non-Core			Eliminations			Total
Revenues:
Net earned premiums	$	768		$	859		$	149		$	(1	)	$	(1	)	$	1,774
Net investment income		199			155			157			65			—			576
Other revenues		15			54			8			5			—			82

Total operating revenues		982			1,068			314			69			(1	)		2,432

Claims, benefits and expenses:
Net incurred claims and benefits		566			559			316			26			—			1,467
Policyholders’ dividends		3			1			1			—			—			5
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs		175			184			2			(1	)		—			360
Other insurance related expenses		48			53			51			(2	)		(1	)		149
Other expenses		12			41			5			29			—			87

Total claims, benefits and expenses		804			838			375			52			(1	)		2,068

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax and minority interest		178			230			(61	)		17			—			364
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)		(54	)		(74	)		31			(5	)		—			(102	)
Minority interest		—			(11	)		—			(1	)		—			(12	)


Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations		124			145			(30	)		11			—			250

Realized investment losses, net of participating policyholders’ and minority interests		(60	)		(29	)		(6	)		(16	)		—			(111	)
Income tax benefit on realized investment losses		21			10			2			7			—			40


Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	85		$	126		$	(34	)	$	2		$	—		$	179


Three months ended										Corporate
June 30, 2007	Standard			Specialty			Life & Group			& Other
(In millions)	Lines			Lines			Non-Core			Non-Core			Eliminations			Total
Revenues:
Net earned premiums	$	842		$	870		$	157		$	4		$	(1	)	$	1,872
Net investment income		235			162			188			86			—			671
Other revenues		12			47			6			—			—			65

Total operating revenues		1,089			1,079			351			90			(1	)		2,608

Claims, benefits and expenses:
Net incurred claims and benefits		581			531			326			37			—			1,475
Policyholders’ dividends		(4	)		1			1			—			—			(2	)
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs		191			177			4			—			—			372
Other insurance related expenses		96			48			44			11			(1	)		198
Other expenses		14			39			8			36			—			97

Total claims, benefits and expenses		878			796			383			84			(1	)		2,140

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax and minority interest		211			283			(32	)		6			—			468
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)		(65	)		(94	)		19			1			—			(139	)
Minority interest		—			(10	)		—			(1	)		—			(11	)


Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations		146			179			(13	)		6			—			318

Realized investment losses, net of participating policyholders’ and minority interests		(63	)		(35	)		(18	)		(23	)		—			(139	)
Income tax benefit on realized investment losses		21			12			6			9			—			48


Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	104		$	156		$	(25	)	$	(8	)	$	—		$	227


Six months ended										Corporate
June 30, 2008	Standard			Specialty			Life & Group			& Other
(In millions)	Lines			Lines			Non-Core			Non-Core			Eliminations			Total
Revenues:
Net earned premiums	$	1,551		$	1,732		$	306		$	—		$	(2	)	$	3,587
Net investment income		363			287			241			119			—			1,010
Other revenues		29			107			21			11			—			168

Total operating revenues		1,943			2,126			568			130			(2	)		4,765

Claims, benefits and expenses:
Net incurred claims and benefits		1,143			1,125			528			47			—			2,843
Policyholders’ dividends		7			8			3			—			—			18
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs		354			368			6			—			—			728
Other insurance related expenses		106			103			101			2			(2	)		310
Other expenses		24			92			10			61			—			187

Total claims, benefits and expenses		1,634			1,696			648			110			(2	)		4,086

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax and minority interest		309			430			(80	)		20			—			679
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)		(90	)		(138	)		47			(3	)		—			(184	)
Minority interest		—			(23	)		—			(1	)		—			(24	)


Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations		219			269			(33	)		16			—			471

Realized investment losses, net of participating policyholders’ and minority interests		(76	)		(38	)		(23	)		(25	)		—			(162	)
Income tax benefit on realized investment losses		26			14			8			10			—			58


Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	169		$	245		$	(48	)	$	1		$	—		$	367


June 30, 2008 (In millions)
Reinsurance receivables	$	2,200		$	1,711		$	2,071		$	2,260		$	—		$	8,242

Insurance receivables	$	1,501		$	753		$	13		$	17		$	—		$	2,284

Insurance reserves:
Claim and claim adjustment expenses	$	11,976		$	8,520		$	2,972		$	4,734		$	—		$	28,202
Unearned premiums		1,533			1,945			164			5			(2	)		3,645
Future policy benefits		—			—			7,325			—			—			7,325
Policyholders’ funds		27			6			549			—			—			582

Deferred acquisition costs	$	318		$	370		$	479		$	—		$	—		$	1,167


Six months ended										Corporate
June 30, 2007	Standard			Specialty			Life & Group			& Other
(In millions)	Lines			Lines			Non-Core			Non-Core			Eliminations			Total
Revenues:
Net earned premiums	$	1,705		$	1,715		$	313		$	4		$	(2	)	$	3,735
Net investment income		455			311			349			164			—			1,279
Other revenues		23			89			18			2			—			132

Total operating revenues		2,183			2,115			680			170			(2	)		5,146

Claims, benefits and expenses:
Net incurred claims and benefits		1,174			1,074			599			71			—			2,918
Policyholders’ dividends		(1	)		4			—			—			—			3
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs		385			359			9			—			—			753
Other insurance related expenses		161			89			95			15			(2	)		358
Other expenses		24			81			17			67			—			189

Total claims, benefits and expenses		1,743			1,607			720			153			(2	)		4,221

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax and minority interest		440			508			(40	)		17			—			925
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)		(140	)		(167	)		29			(1	)		—			(279	)
Minority interest		—			(20	)		—			(1	)		—			(21	)


Net operating income from continuing operations		300			321			(11	)		15			—			625

Realized investment losses, net of participating policyholders’ and minority interests		(87	)		(49	)		(17	)		(7	)		—			(160	)
Income tax benefit on realized investment losses		30			17			6			3			—			56


Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	243		$	289		$	(22	)	$	11		$	—		$	521


December 31, 2007 (In millions)
Reinsurance receivables	$	2,269		$	1,819		$	2,201		$	2,400		$	—		$	8,689

Insurance receivables	$	1,664		$	605		$	26		$	(11	)	$	—		$	2,284

Insurance reserves:
Claim and claim adjustment expenses	$	12,048		$	8,403		$	3,027		$	5,110		$	—		$	28,588
Unearned premiums		1,483			1,948			162			5			—			3,598
Future policy benefits		—			—			7,106			—			—			7,106
Policyholders’ funds		26			1			903			—			—			930

Deferred acquisition costs	$	311		$	365		$	485		$	—		$	—		$	1,161

The following table provides revenue by line of business for each reportable segment. Revenues are comprised of operating revenues and realized investment gains and losses, net of participating policyholders’ and minority interests.

Revenue by Line of Business


Period ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2008			2007			2008			2007
Standard Lines
Business Insurance	$	155		$	147		$	310		$	310
Commercial Insurance		767			879			1,557			1,786


Standard Lines revenue		922			1,026			1,867			2,096


Specialty Lines
U.S. Specialty Lines		640			658			1,287			1,320
Surety		120			117			235			227
Warranty		75			73			148			144
CNA Global		204			196			418			375


Specialty Lines revenue		1,039			1,044			2,088			2,066


Life & Group Non-Core
Life & Annuity		54			98			33			179
Health		242			219			480			452
Other		12			16			32			32


Life & Group Non-Core revenue		308			333			545			663


Corporate & Other Non-Core
CNA Re		15			25			32			72
Other		38			42			73			91


Corporate & Other Non-Core revenue		53			67			105			163


Eliminations		(1	)		(1	)		(2	)		(2	)


Total revenue	$	2,321		$	2,469		$	4,603		$	4,986

Note M. Discontinued Operations

CNA has discontinued operations, which consist of run-off insurance and reinsurance operations acquired in its merger with The Continental Corporation in 1995. As of June 30, 2008, the remaining run-off business is administered by Continental Reinsurance Corporation International, Ltd., a Bermuda subsidiary. The business consists of facultative property and casualty, treaty excess casualty and treaty pro-rata reinsurance with underlying exposure to a diverse, multi-line domestic and international book of business encompassing property, casualty and marine liabilities.

Results of the discontinued operations were as follows.

Discontinued Operations


Period ended June 30	Three Months					Six Months
(In millions)	2008		2007			2008		2007
Revenues:
Net investment income	$	2	$	3		$	4	$	9
Realized investment gains and other		1		4			2		2

Total revenues		3		7			6		11
Insurance related expenses		1		19			5		20

Income (loss) before income taxes		2		(12	)		1		(9	)
Income tax (expense) benefit		—		2			—		1

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	2	$	(10	)	$	1	$	(8	)

Net assets of discontinued operations, included in Other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, were as follows.

Discontinued Operations


(In millions)	June 30, 2008		December 31, 2007
Assets:
Investments	$	170	$	185
Reinsurance receivables		6		1
Cash		9		7
Other assets		2		4

Total assets		187		197

Liabilities:
Insurance reserves		170		172
Other liabilities		11		2

Total liabilities		181		174


Net assets of discontinued operations	$	6	$	23

CNA’s accounting and reporting for discontinued operations is in accordance with APB Opinion No. 30, Reporting the Results of Operations — Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions. At June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the insurance reserves are net of discount of $79 million and $73 million. The income (loss) from discontinued operations reported above primarily represents the net investment income, realized investment gains and losses, foreign currency gains and losses, effects of the accretion of the loss reserve discount and re-estimation of the ultimate claim and claim adjustment expense reserve of the discontinued operations.

CNA Financial Corporation

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

The following discussion highlights significant factors impacting the consolidated operations and financial condition of CNA Financial Corporation (CNAF) and its subsidiaries (collectively CNA or the Company). References to “CNA,” “the Company,” “we,” “our,” “us” or like terms refer to the business of CNA and its subsidiaries. Based on 2006 statutory net written premiums, we are the seventh largest commercial insurance writer and the thirteenth largest property and casualty insurance organization in the United States of America.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q and Item 1A Risk Factors and Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which are included in our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the year ended December 31, 2007, as amended by Form 10-K/A which amended Part I, Item 1 of Form 10-K (Form 10-K).

Changes in estimates of claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserves and premium accruals, net of reinsurance, for prior years are defined as net prior year development within this MD&A. These changes can be favorable or unfavorable. Net prior year development does not include the impact of related acquisition expenses. Further information on our reserves is provided in Note G of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 1.

CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS

Results of Operations

The following table includes the consolidated results of our operations. For more detailed components of our business operations and the net operating income financial measure, see the segment discussions within this MD&A.


Period ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions, except per share data)	2008			2007			2008			2007
Revenues
Net earned premiums	$	1,774		$	1,872		$	3,587		$	3,735
Net investment income		576			671			1,010			1,279
Other revenues		82			65			168			132


Total operating revenues		2,432			2,608			4,765			5,146


Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Net incurred claims and benefits		1,467			1,475			2,843			2,918
Policyholders’ dividends		5			(2	)		18			3
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs		360			372			728			753
Other insurance related expenses		149			198			310			358
Other expenses		87			97			187			189


Total claims, benefits and expenses		2,068			2,140			4,086			4,221


Operating income from continuing operations before income tax and minority interest		364			468			679			925
Income tax expense on operating income		(102	)		(139	)		(184	)		(279	)
Minority interest		(12	)		(11	)		(24	)		(21	)


Net operating income from continuing operations		250			318			471			625

Realized investment losses, net of participating policyholders’ and minority interests		(111	)		(139	)		(162	)		(160	)
Income tax benefit on realized investment losses		40			48			58			56


Income from continuing operations		179			227			367			521

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $0, $2, $0 and $1		2			(10	)		1			(8	)


Net income	$	181		$	217		$	368		$	513


Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share

Income from continuing operations	$	0.66		$	0.84		$	1.36		$	1.92
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		0.01			(0.04	)		—			(0.03	)


Basic and diluted earnings per share available to common stockholders	$	0.67		$	0.80		$	1.36		$	1.89


Weighted average outstanding common stock and common stock equivalents

Basic		269.0			271.6			269.9			271.5


Diluted		269.1			271.9			270.0			271.8

Three Month Comparison

Net income decreased $36 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. This decrease was primarily due to decreased net operating income partially offset by lower net realized investment losses.

Net operating income from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2008 decreased $68 million as compared with the same period in 2007. This decrease was primarily due to lower net investment income, decreased current accident year underwriting results in our core Property & Casualty Operations and increased catastrophe losses, partially offset by lower expenses. Net investment income included a decline in trading portfolio results of $44 million, which was more than offset by a corresponding decrease in the policyholders’ funds reserves supported by the trading portfolio, which is included in Insurance claims and policyholders’ benefits on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations included under Item 1. See the Investments section of this MD&A for further discussion of net investment income and net realized investment results.

Favorable net prior year development of $9 million was recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2008 related to our Standard Lines, Specialty Lines and Corporate & Other Non-core segments. This amount consisted of $3 million of favorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development and $6 million of favorable premium development. Favorable net prior year development of $11 million was recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2007 related to our Standard Lines, Specialty Lines and Corporate & Other Non-core segments. This amount consisted of $22 million of favorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development and $11 million of unfavorable premium development.

Net earned premiums decreased $98 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007, including a $74 million decrease related to Standard Lines and a $11 million decrease related to Specialty Lines. See the Segment Results section of this MD&A for further discussion.

Results from discontinued operations increased $12 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007. Results in 2007 were primarily driven by unfavorable net prior year development.

Six Month Comparison

Net income decreased $145 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. This decrease was primarily due to decreased net operating income.

Net operating income from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2008 decreased $154 million as compared with the same period in 2007. This decrease was primarily due to lower net investment income, decreased current accident year underwriting results in our core Property & Casualty Operations and increased catastrophe losses, partially offset by lower expenses. Net investment income included a decline in trading portfolio results of $124 million, a significant portion of which was offset by a corresponding decrease in the policyholders’ funds reserves supported by the trading portfolio. See the Investments section of this MD&A for further discussion of net investment income and net realized investment results.

Favorable net prior year development of $33 million was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2008 related to our Standard Lines, Specialty Lines and Corporate & Other Non-core segments. This amount consisted of $16 million of favorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development and $17 million of favorable premium development. Favorable net prior year development of $25 million was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2007 related to our Standard Lines, Specialty Lines and Corporate & Other Non-core segments. This amount consisted of $2 million of favorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development and $23 million of favorable premium development.

Net earned premiums decreased $148 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007, including a $154 million decrease related to Standard Lines and a $17 million increase related to Specialty Lines. See the Segment Results section of this MD&A for further discussion.

Results from discontinued operations increased $9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007. Results in 2007 were primarily driven by unfavorable net prior year development.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the amounts of revenues and expenses reported during the period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis. We continually evaluate the accounting policies and estimates used to prepare the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. In general, our estimates are based on historical experience, evaluation of current trends, information from third party professionals and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the known facts and circumstances.

The accounting estimates below are considered by us to be critical to an understanding of our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as their application places the most significant demands on our judgment.

•

Insurance Reserves

•

Reinsurance

•

Valuation of Investments and Impairment of Securities

•

Long Term Care Products

•

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Obligations

•

Legal Proceedings

Due to the inherent uncertainties involved with these types of judgments, actual results could differ significantly from estimates and may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations or equity. See the Critical Accounting Estimates section of our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included under Item 7 of our Form 10-K for further information.

SEGMENT RESULTS

The following discusses the results of continuing operations for our operating segments. We utilize the net operating income financial measure to monitor our operations. Net operating income is calculated by excluding from net income the after-tax effects of 1) net realized investment gains or losses, 2) income or loss from discontinued operations and 3) any cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles. See further discussion regarding how we manage our business in Note L of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 1. In evaluating the results of our Standard Lines and Specialty Lines segments, we utilize the loss ratio, the expense ratio, the dividend ratio, and the combined ratio. These ratios are calculated using GAAP financial results. The loss ratio is the percentage of net incurred claim and claim adjustment expenses to net earned premiums. The expense ratio is the percentage of insurance underwriting and acquisition expenses, including the amortization of deferred acquisition costs, to net earned premiums. The dividend ratio is the ratio of policyholders’ dividends incurred to net earned premiums. The combined ratio is the sum of the loss, expense and dividend ratios.

STANDARD LINES

The following table details the results of operations for Standard Lines.

Results of Operations


Period ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2008			2007			2008			2007
Net written premiums	$	848		$	904		$	1,619		$	1,771
Net earned premiums		768			842			1,551			1,705
Net investment income		199			235			363			455
Net operating income		124			146			219			300
Net realized investment losses, after-tax		(39	)		(42	)		(50	)		(57	)
Net income		85			104			169			243

Ratios
Loss and loss adjustment expense		73.7	%		69.0	%		73.7	%		68.8	%
Expense		29.0			34.0			29.6			32.0
Dividend		0.5			(0.4	)		0.5			0.0


Combined		103.2	%		102.6	%		103.8	%		100.8	%

Three Month Comparison

Net written premiums for Standard Lines decreased $56 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007, primarily due to decreased production. The competitive market conditions are expected to put ongoing pressure on premium and income levels, and the expense ratio. Net earned premiums decreased $74 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007, consistent with the decreased premiums written.

Standard Lines averaged rate decreases of 6% for the three months ended June 30, 2008, as compared to decreases of 4% for the three months ended June 30, 2007 for the contracts that renewed during those periods. Retention rates of 80% and 81% were achieved for those contracts that were available for renewal in each period.

Net income decreased $19 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. This decrease was primarily attributable to decreased net operating income.

Net operating income decreased $22 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. This decrease was primarily driven by lower net investment income, higher catastrophe losses and decreased current accident year underwriting results. These decreases were partially offset by increased favorable net prior year development and lower expenses. The catastrophe losses were $29 million after-tax in the second quarter of 2008, as compared to $8 million after-tax in the second quarter of 2007.

The combined ratio increased 0.6 points for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. The loss ratio increased 4.7 points primarily due to increased catastrophe losses and higher current accident year loss ratios related to the decline in rates, partially offset by increased favorable net prior year loss development.

The expense ratio decreased 5.0 points for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. The decrease primarily related to favorable changes in estimates for insurance-related assessment liabilities.

The dividend ratio increased 0.9 points for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. The 2007 results included favorable dividend development in the workers’ compensation line of business.

Favorable net prior year development of $23 million was recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2008, including $15 million of favorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development and $8 million of favorable premium development. Favorable net prior year development of $4 million, including $20 million of favorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development and $16 million of unfavorable premium development, was recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2007. Further information on Standard Lines net prior year development for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 is included in Note G of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 1.

Six Month Comparison

Net written premiums for Standard Lines decreased $152 million and net earned premiums decreased $154 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007, due to the reasons discussed above in the three month comparison.

Standard Lines averaged rate decreases of 6% for the six months ended June 30, 2008, as compared to decreases of 4% for the six months ended June 30, 2007 for the contracts that renewed during those periods. Retention rates of 80% and 79% were achieved for those contracts that were available for renewal in each period.

Net income decreased $74 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. This decrease was primarily attributable to decreased net operating income.

Net operating income decreased $81 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. This decrease was primarily driven by lower net investment income, higher catastrophe losses and decreased current accident year underwriting results. These decreases were partially offset by increased favorable net prior year development and lower expenses. The catastrophe losses were $64 million after-tax for the six months ended June 30, 2008, as compared to $27 million after-tax in the same period of 2007.

The combined ratio increased 3.0 points for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. The loss ratio increased 4.9 points primarily due to increased catastrophe losses and current accident year loss ratios related in part to the decline in rates, partially offset by increased favorable net prior year loss development as discussed below.

The expense ratio decreased 2.4 points for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. The decrease primarily related to favorable changes in estimates for insurance-related assessment liabilities.

The dividend ratio increased 0.5 points for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. The 2007 results included favorable dividend development in the workers’ compensation line of business.

Favorable net prior year development of $49 million was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2008, including $50 million of favorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development and $1 million of unfavorable premium development. Favorable net prior year development of $17 million, including $7 million of favorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development and $10 million of favorable premium development, was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Further information on Standard Lines net prior year development for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 is included in Note G of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 1.

The following table summarizes the gross and net carried reserves as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 for Standard Lines.

Gross and Net Carried
Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves


(In millions)	June 30, 2008		December 31, 2007
Gross Case Reserves	$	6,083	$	5,988
Gross IBNR Reserves		5,893		6,060


Total Gross Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves	$	11,976	$	12,048


Net Case Reserves	$	4,863	$	4,750
Net IBNR Reserves		5,003		5,170


Total Net Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves	$	9,866	$	9,920

SPECIALTY LINES

The following table details the results of operations for Specialty Lines.

Results of Operations


Period ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2008			2007			2008			2007
Net written premiums	$	860		$	869		$	1,708		$	1,733
Net earned premiums		859			870			1,732			1,715
Net investment income		155			162			287			311
Net operating income		145			179			269			321
Net realized investment losses, after-tax		(19	)		(23	)		(24	)		(32	)
Net income		126			156			245			289

Ratios
Loss and loss adjustment expense		65.2	%		61.1	%		65.0	%		62.6	%
Expense		27.6			25.7			27.1			26.2
Dividend		0.1			0.2			0.5			0.2


Combined		92.9	%		87.0	%		92.6	%		89.0	%

Three Month Comparison

Net written premiums for Specialty Lines decreased $9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007. Premiums written in 2008 were unfavorably impacted by decreased production as compared with the same period in 2007. The competitive market conditions are expected to put ongoing pressure on premium and income levels, and the expense ratio. This unfavorable impact was partially offset by decreased ceded premiums. Net earned premiums decreased $11 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007, consistent with the decrease in net written premiums.

Specialty Lines averaged rate decreases of 4% for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to decreases of 3% for the three months ended June 30, 2007 for the contracts that renewed during those periods. Retention rates of 83% and 84% were achieved for those contracts that were available for renewal in each period.

Net income decreased $30 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower net operating income.

Net operating income decreased $34 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. This decrease was primarily driven by unfavorable net prior year development for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to favorable net prior year development for the same period in 2007 and decreased current accident year underwriting results. The 2007 results included favorable experience and a change in estimate related to dealer profit commissions in the warranty line of business.

The combined ratio increased 5.9 points for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. The loss ratio increased 4.1 points, primarily due to unfavorable net prior year development for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to favorable net prior year development for the same period in 2007 and higher current accident year loss ratios primarily related to the decline in rates.

The expense ratio increased 1.9 points for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. The 2007 results included a favorable change in estimate related to dealer profit commissions in the warranty line of business.

Unfavorable net prior year development of $2 million, including $1 million of unfavorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development and $1 million of unfavorable premium development, was recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2008. Favorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development of $14 million was recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2007. There was no premium development for the three months ended June 30, 2007.

Six Month Comparison

Net written premiums for Specialty Lines decreased $25 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007. Premiums written in 2008 were unfavorably impacted by decreased production as compared with the same period in 2007. The competitive market conditions are expected to put ongoing pressure on premium and income levels, and the expense ratio. This unfavorable impact was partially offset by decreased ceded premiums. The U.S. Specialty Lines reinsurance structure was primarily quota share reinsurance through April 2007. We elected not to renew this coverage upon its expiration. With our current diversification in the previously reinsured lines of business and our management of the gross limits on the business written, we did not believe the cost of renewing the program was commensurate with its projected benefit. Net earned premiums increased $17 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007, which reflects the decreased use of reinsurance.

Specialty Lines averaged rate decreases of 4% for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to decreases of 2% for the six months ended June 30, 2007 for the contracts that renewed during those periods. Retention rates of 84% were achieved for those contracts that were available for renewal in each period.

Net income decreased $44 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower net operating income.

Net operating income decreased $52 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. This decrease was primarily driven by less favorable net prior year development, lower net investment income and decreased current accident year underwriting results.

The combined ratio increased 3.6 points for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. The loss ratio increased 2.4 points and the expense ratio increased 0.9 point primarily due to the reasons discussed in the three month comparison above.

Unfavorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development of $18 million and $18 million of favorable premium development was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2008, resulting in no net prior year development. Favorable net prior year development of $17 million, including $7 million of favorable claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development and $10 million of favorable premium development, was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2007.

The following table summarizes the gross and net carried reserves as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 for Specialty Lines.

Gross and Net Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves


(In millions)	June 30, 2008		December 31, 2007
Gross Case Reserves	$	2,730	$	2,585
Gross IBNR Reserves		5,790		5,818


Total Gross Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves	$	8,520	$	8,403


Net Case Reserves	$	2,231	$	2,090
Net IBNR Reserves		4,656		4,527


Total Net Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves	$	6,887	$	6,617

LIFE & GROUP NON-CORE

The following table summarizes the results of operations for Life & Group Non-Core.

Results of Operations


Period ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2008			2007			2008			2007
Net earned premiums	$	149		$	157		$	306		$	313
Net investment income		157			188			241			349
Net operating loss		(30	)		(13	)		(33	)		(11	)
Net realized investment losses, after-tax		(4	)		(12	)		(15	)		(11	)
Net loss		(34	)		(25	)		(48	)		(22	)

Three Month Comparison

Net earned premiums for Life & Group Non-Core decreased $8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. The net earned premiums relate primarily to the group and individual long term care businesses.

Net results decreased $9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. The 2008 net results were impacted by adverse reserve development on our run-off participation in a reinsurance pool, adverse investment performance on a portion of our pension deposit business, and unfavorable long term care experience. In addition, net results for the second quarter of 2007 included favorable resolution of certain contingencies. Lower net realized investment losses partially offset these unfavorable impacts.

The decreased net investment income included a decline of trading portfolio results of $45 million, which was more than offset by a corresponding decrease in the policyholders’ funds reserves supported by the trading portfolio, which is included in Insurance claims and policyholders’ benefits on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations included under Item 1. The trading portfolio supports the indexed group annuity portion of our pension deposit business. See the Investments section of this MD&A for further discussion of net investment income and net realized investment results.

Six Month Comparison

Net earned premiums for Life & Group Non-Core decreased $7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007.

Net results decreased $26 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. In addition to the unfavorable items discussed in the three month comparison, net results were also unfavorably impacted by higher net realized investment losses and lower net investment income. The decreased net investment income included a decline of trading portfolio results of $124 million, a significant portion of which was offset by a corresponding decrease in the policyholders’ fund reserves supported by the trading portfolio. The trading portfolio supports the indexed group annuity portion of our pension deposit business, which experienced a decline in net results of $8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007.

During the first quarter of 2008, we decided to exit the indexed group annuity portion of our pension deposit business. This business had net results of $(5) million and $3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007. The related assets were $367 million and related liabilities were $341 million at June 30, 2008. We expect these liabilities to be settled with the policyholders during the remainder of 2008 with no material impact to results of operations.

CORPORATE & OTHER NON-CORE

The following table summarizes the results of operations for the Corporate & Other Non-Core segment, including Asbestos and Environmental Pollution (A&E) and intrasegment eliminations.

Results of Operations


Period ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2008			2007			2008			2007
Net investment income	$	65		$	86		$	119		$	164
Revenues		52			66			103			161
Net operating income		11			6			16			15
Net realized investment losses, after-tax		(9	)		(14	)		(15	)		(4	)
Net income (loss)		2			(8	)		1			11

Three Month Comparison

Revenues decreased $14 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. Revenues were unfavorably impacted by lower net investment income, partially offset by improved net realized investment results. See the Investments section of this MD&A for further discussion of net investment income and net realized investment results.

Net results improved $10 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. The 2007 results included current accident year losses related to certain mass torts. In addition, net income for the second quarter of 2008 included lower interest costs on corporate debt and $3 million related to the settlement of litigation brought by us against the issuer of a bond investment we previously held. These favorable impacts were partially offset by the decreased revenues as discussed above.

Unfavorable net prior year development of $12 million was recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2008, including $11 million of unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development and $1 million of unfavorable premium development. Unfavorable net prior year development of $7 million was recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2007, including $12 million of unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development and $5 million of favorable premium development.

Six Month Comparison

Revenues decreased $58 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. Revenues were unfavorably impacted by lower net investment income and decreased net realized investment results. See the Investments section of this MD&A for further discussion of net investment income and net realized investment results.

Net income decreased $10 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared with the same period in 2007. The decrease in net income was primarily due to decreased revenues as discussed above. These unfavorable impacts were partly offset by the favorable items discussed in the three month comparison above.

Unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development of $16 million was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2008. There was no premium development recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Unfavorable net prior year development of $9 million was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2007, including $12 million of unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development and $3 million of favorable premium development.

The following table summarizes the gross and net carried reserves as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 for Corporate & Other Non-Core.

Gross and Net Carried
Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves


(In millions)	June 30, 2008		December 31, 2007
Gross Case Reserves	$	1,963	$	2,159
Gross IBNR Reserves		2,771		2,951


Total Gross Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves	$	4,734	$	5,110


Net Case Reserves	$	1,209	$	1,328
Net IBNR Reserves		1,659		1,787


Total Net Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves	$	2,868	$	3,115

A&E Reserves

Our property and casualty insurance subsidiaries have actual and potential exposures related to asbestos and environmental pollution (A&E) claims. Further information on A&E claim and claim adjustment expense reserves and net prior year development is included in Note G of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 1.

Asbestos

We have resolved a number of our large asbestos accounts by negotiating settlement agreements. Structured settlement agreements provide for payments over multiple years as set forth in each individual agreement.

In 1985, 47 asbestos producers and their insurers, including The Continental Insurance Company (CIC), executed the Wellington Agreement. The agreement was intended to resolve all issues and litigation related to coverage for asbestos exposures. Under this agreement, signatory insurers committed scheduled policy limits and made the limits available to pay asbestos claims based upon coverage blocks designated by the policyholders in 1985, subject to extension by policyholders. CIC was a signatory insurer to the Wellington Agreement.

We have also used coverage in place agreements to resolve large asbestos exposures. Coverage in place agreements are typically agreements between us and our policyholders identifying the policies and the terms for payment of asbestos related liabilities. Claim payments are contingent on presentation of adequate documentation showing exposure during the policy periods and other documentation supporting the demand for claim payment. Coverage in place agreements may have annual payment caps. Coverage in place agreements are evaluated based on claims filings trends and severities.

We categorize active asbestos accounts as large or small accounts. We define a large account as an active account with more than $100 thousand of cumulative paid losses. We have made resolving large accounts a significant management priority. Small accounts are defined as active accounts with $100 thousand or less of cumulative paid losses. Approximately 80% and 81% of our total active asbestos accounts are classified as small accounts at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.

We also evaluate our asbestos liabilities arising from our assumed reinsurance business and our participation in various pools, including Excess & Casualty Reinsurance Association (ECRA).

IBNR reserves relate to potential development on accounts that have not settled and potential future claims from unidentified policyholders.

The tables below depict our overall pending asbestos accounts and associated reserves at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.

Pending Asbestos Accounts and Associated Reserves


			Net Paid Losses		Net Asbestos		Percent of
	Number of		in 2008		Reserves		Asbestos
June 30, 2008	Policyholders		(In millions)		(In millions)		Net Reserves
Policyholders with settlement agreements
Structured settlements		14	$	15	$	130		11	%
Wellington		3		1		11		1
Coverage in place		37		19		91		7


Total with settlement agreements		54		35		232		19


Other policyholders with active accounts
Large asbestos accounts		235		42		213		17
Small asbestos accounts		952		18		86		7


Total other policyholders		1,187		60		299		24


Assumed reinsurance and pools		—		4		130		11
Unassigned IBNR		—		—		568		46


Total		1,241	$	99	$	1,229		100	%

Pending Asbestos Accounts and Associated Reserves


			Net Paid Losses		Net Asbestos		Percent of
	Number of		in 2007		Reserves		Asbestos
December 31, 2007	Policyholders		(In millions)		(In millions)		Net Reserves
Policyholders with settlement agreements
Structured settlements		14	$	29	$	151		11	%
Wellington		3		1		12		1
Coverage in place		34		38		100		8


Total with settlement agreements		51		68		263		20


Other policyholders with active accounts
Large asbestos accounts		233		45		237		18
Small asbestos accounts		1,005		15		93		7


Total other policyholders		1,238		60		330		25


Assumed reinsurance and pools		—		8		133		10
Unassigned IBNR		—		—		596		45


Total		1,289	$	136	$	1,322		100	%

Some asbestos-related defendants have asserted that their insurance policies are not subject to aggregate limits on coverage. We have such claims from a number of insureds. Some of these claims involve insureds facing exhaustion of products liability aggregate limits in their policies, who have asserted that their asbestos-related claims fall within so-called “non-products” liability coverage contained within their policies rather than products liability coverage, and that the claimed “non-products” coverage is not subject to any aggregate limit. It is difficult to predict the ultimate size of any of the claims for coverage purportedly not subject to aggregate limits or predict to what extent, if any, the attempts to assert “non-products” claims outside the products liability aggregate will succeed. Our policies also contain other limits applicable to these claims and we have additional coverage defenses to certain claims. We have attempted to manage our asbestos exposure by aggressively

seeking to settle claims on acceptable terms. There can be no assurance that any of these settlement efforts will be successful, or that any such claims can be settled on terms acceptable to us. Where we cannot settle a claim on acceptable terms, we aggressively litigate the claim. However, adverse developments with respect to such matters could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and/or equity.

We are involved in significant asbestos-related claim litigation, which is described in Note G of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 1.

Environmental Pollution

We classify our environmental pollution accounts into several categories, which include structured settlements, coverage in place agreements and active accounts. Structured settlement agreements provide for payments over multiple years as set forth in each individual agreement.

We have also used coverage in place agreements to resolve pollution exposures. Coverage in place agreements are typically agreements between us and our policyholders identifying the policies and the terms for payment of pollution related liabilities. Claim payments are contingent on presentation of adequate documentation of damages during the policy periods and other documentation supporting the demand for claim payment. Coverage in place agreements may have annual payment caps.

We categorize active accounts as large or small accounts in the pollution area. We define a large account as an active account with more than $100 thousand cumulative paid losses. We have made closing large accounts a significant management priority. Small accounts are defined as active accounts with $100 thousand or less of cumulative paid losses. Approximately 73% of our total active pollution accounts are classified as small accounts as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.

We also evaluate our environmental pollution exposures arising from our assumed reinsurance and our participation in various pools, including ECRA.

We carry unassigned IBNR reserves for environmental pollution. These reserves relate to potential development on accounts that have not settled and potential future claims from unidentified policyholders.

The tables below depict our overall pending environmental pollution accounts and associated reserves at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.

Pending Environmental Pollution Accounts and Associated Reserves


					Net
					Environmental		Percent of
			Net Paid		Pollution		Environmental
	Number of		Losses in 2008		Reserves		Pollution Net
June 30, 2008	Policyholders		(In millions)		(In millions)		Reserve
Policyholders with settlement agreements
Structured settlements		10	$	1	$	6		3	%
Coverage in place		18		3		15		7

Total with settlement agreements		28		4		21		10

Other policyholders with active accounts
Large pollution accounts		107		24		46		22
Small pollution accounts		288		7		35		17

Total other policyholders		395		31		81		39

Assumed reinsurance and pools		—		1		30		14
Unassigned IBNR		—		—		76		37


Total		423	$	36	$	208		100	%

Pending Environmental Pollution Accounts and Associated Reserves


					Net		Percent of
			Net Paid Losses		Environmental		Environmental
	Number of		in 2007		Pollution Reserves		Pollution Net
December 31, 2007	Policyholders		(In millions)		(In millions)		Reserve
Policyholders with settlement agreements
Structured settlements		10	$	9	$	6		2	%
Coverage in place		18		8		14		6

Total with settlement agreements		28		17		20		8

Other policyholders with active accounts
Large pollution accounts		112		17		53		22
Small pollution accounts		298		9		42		17

Total other policyholders		410		26		95		39

Assumed reinsurance and pools		—		1		31		13
Unassigned IBNR		—		—		96		40


Total		438	$	44	$	242		100	%

INVESTMENTS

Net Investment Income

The significant components of net investment income are presented in the following table.

Net Investment Income


Period ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2008			2007			2008			2007
Fixed maturity securities	$	476		$	526		$	994		$	1,022
Short term investments		26			39			65			89
Limited partnerships		46			71			7			123
Equity securities		39			6			44			11
Income (loss) from trading portfolio (a)		(4	)		40			(81	)		43
Other		5			12			11			22


Gross investment income		588			694			1,040			1,310
Investment expense		(12	)		(23	)		(30	)		(31	)


Net investment income	$	576		$	671		$	1,010		$	1,279


(a)		The change in net unrealized gains (losses) on trading securities included in net investment income was $(2) million and $(15) million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and $1 million and $3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007.

Net investment income decreased by $95 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared with the same period in 2007. This decrease was primarily driven by decreased results from the trading portfolio and limited partnerships. The decreased results from the trading portfolio were more than offset by a corresponding decrease in the policyholders’ funds reserves supported by the trading portfolio, which is included in Insurance claims and policyholders’ benefits on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Net investment income decreased by $269 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with the same period of 2007. The decrease was primarily driven by the same reasons discussed above in the three month comparison.

The bond segment of the investment portfolio yielded 5.7% and 5.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)

The components of net realized investment results for available-for-sale securities are presented in the following table.


Period ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2008			2007			2008			2007
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Government bonds	$	(46	)	$	(96	)	$	(14	)	$	(94	)
Corporate and other taxable bonds		(8	)		(50	)		(39	)		(25	)
Tax-exempt bonds		10			(42	)		50			(53	)
Asset-backed bonds		(118	)		(77	)		(157	)		(110	)
Redeemable preferred stock		4			(1	)		—			(1	)


Total fixed maturity securities		(158	)		(266	)		(160	)		(283	)
Equity securities		(14	)		11			(29	)		14
Derivative securities		56			115			12			107
Short term investments		5			—			7			—
Other		—			1			8			2


Realized investment losses, net of participating policyholders’ and minority interests		(111	)		(139	)		(162	)		(160	)

Income tax benefit		40			48			58			56


Net realized investment losses, net of participating policyholders’ and minority interests	$	(71	)	$	(91	)	$	(104	)	$	(104	)

Net realized investment losses decreased by $20 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared with the same period in 2007. Net realized investment losses were unchanged for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

For the three months ended June 30, 2008, other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses of $111 million, driven by credit issues, were recorded primarily within the asset-backed bonds sector. For the three months ended June 30, 2007, OTTI losses of $114 million were recorded primarily in the corporate and other taxable bonds, asset-backed bonds and U.S. Government bonds sectors.

For the six months ended June 30, 2008, OTTI losses of $166 million were recorded primarily in the asset-backed bonds sector. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, OTTI losses of $171 million were recorded primarily in the corporate and other taxable bonds, asset-backed bonds and U.S. Government bonds sectors.

The OTTI losses related to securities for which we did not assert an intent to hold until an anticipated recovery in value. The judgment as to whether an impairment is other-than-temporary incorporates many factors including the likelihood of a security recovering to cost, our intent and ability to hold the security until recovery, general market conditions, specific sector views and significant changes in expected cash flows. Our decision to record an OTTI loss is primarily based on whether the security’s fair value is likely to recover to its amortized cost in light of all of the factors considered over the expected holding period. Current factors and market conditions that contributed to recording impairments in 2008 included significant credit spread widening in fixed income sectors and market disruptions surrounding sub-prime residential mortgage concerns. In some instances, an OTTI loss was recorded because, in our judgment, recovery to cost is not likely.

A primary objective in the management of the fixed maturity and equity portfolios is to optimize return relative to underlying liabilities and respective liquidity needs. Our views on the current interest rate environment, tax regulations, asset class valuations, specific security issuer and broader industry segment conditions, and the domestic and global economic conditions, are some of the factors that enter into an investment decision. We also continually monitor exposure to issuers of securities held and broader industry sector exposures and may from time to time adjust such exposures based on our views of a specific issuer or industry sector.

A further consideration in the management of the investment portfolio is the characteristics of the underlying liabilities and the ability to align the duration of the portfolio to those liabilities to meet future liquidity needs, minimize interest rate risk and maintain a level of income sufficient to support the underlying insurance liabilities. For portfolios where future liability cash flows are determinable and typically long term in nature, we segregate investments for asset/liability management purposes.

The segregated investments support liabilities primarily in the Life & Group Non-Core segment including annuities, structured benefit settlements and long term care products. The remaining investments are managed to support the Standard Lines, Specialty Lines and Corporate & Other Non-Core segments.

The effective durations of fixed income securities, short term investments, preferred stocks and interest rate derivatives are presented in the table below. Short term investments are net of securities lending collateral and account payable and receivable amounts for securities purchased and sold, but not yet settled.

Effective Durations


	June 30, 2008				December 31, 2007
			Effective Duration				Effective Duration
(In millions)	Fair Value		(In years)		Fair Value		(In years)
Segregated investments	$	9,066		10.6	$	9,211		10.7

Other interest sensitive investments		27,781		3.6		29,406		3.3


Total	$	36,847		5.3	$	38,617		5.1

The investment portfolio is periodically analyzed for changes in duration and related price change risk. Additionally, we periodically review the sensitivity of the portfolio to the level of foreign exchange rates and other factors that contribute to market price changes. A summary of these risks and specific analysis on changes is included in the Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in Item 7A of our Form 10-K.

We invest in certain derivative financial instruments primarily to reduce our exposure to market risk (principally interest rate, equity price and foreign currency risk) and credit risk (risk of nonperformance of underlying obligor). Derivative securities are recorded at fair value at the reporting date. We also use derivatives to mitigate market risk by purchasing Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index futures in a notional amount equal to the contract liability relating to Life & Group Non-Core indexed group annuity contracts. We provided collateral to satisfy margin deposits on exchange-traded derivatives totaling $24 million as of June 30, 2008. For over-the-counter derivative transactions we utilize International Swaps and Derivatives Association Master Agreements that specify certain limits over which collateral is exchanged. As of June 30, 2008, we provided $42 million of cash as collateral for over-the-counter derivative instruments.

We classify our fixed maturity and equity securities as either available-for-sale or trading, and as such, they are carried at fair value. The amortized cost of fixed maturity securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity, which is included in net investment income. Changes in fair value related to available-for-sale securities are reported as a component of other comprehensive income. Changes in fair value of trading securities are reported within net investment income. As of January 1, 2008, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 157, Fair Value Measurement. See Note F of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 1 for further information.

The following table provides further detail of gross realized investment gains and losses, which include OTTI losses, on available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities.

Realized Investment Gains (Losses)


Period ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2008			2007			2008			2007
Net realized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities and equity securities:
Fixed maturity securities:
Gross realized gains	$	83		$	45		$	200		$	143
Gross realized losses		(241	)		(311	)		(360	)		(426	)


Net realized investment losses on fixed maturity securities		(158	)		(266	)		(160	)		(283	)


Equity securities:
Gross realized gains		7			13			11			20
Gross realized losses		(21	)		(2	)		(40	)		(6	)


Net realized investment gains (losses) on equity securities		(14	)		11			(29	)		14


Net realized investment losses on fixed maturity and equity securities	$	(172	)	$	(255	)	$	(189	)	$	(269	)

The following table provides details of the largest realized investment losses from sales of securities aggregated by issuer including the fair value of the securities at date of sale, the amount of the loss recorded and the period of time that the securities had been in an unrealized loss position prior to sale. The period of time that the securities had been in an unrealized loss position prior to sale can vary due to the timing of individual security purchases. Also included is a narrative providing the industry sector along with the facts and circumstances giving rise to the loss.

Largest Realized Investment Losses from Securities Sold at a Loss

Six months ended June 30, 2008


	Fair				Months in
	Value at				Unrealized
	Date of		Loss		Loss Prior
Issuer Description and Discussion	Sale		On Sale		To Sale (a)
(In millions)
Various notes and bonds issued by the United States Treasury. Securities sold due to outlook on interest rates.	$	7,839	$	84		0-6

A provider of wireless and wire line communication services. Securities were sold to reduce exposure because the company announced a significant shortfall in operating results, causing significant credit deterioration which resulted in a rating downgrade.		38		16		7-12

A provider of electronic communications solutions. Company announced a decision to explore the sale of a struggling and major product unit creating uncertainty with respect to asset value relative to total debt. Securities were sold to reduce exposure.		61		7		7-12


Total	$	7,938	$	107


(a)		Represents the range of consecutive months the various positions were in an unrealized loss prior to sale.

Valuation and Impairment of Investments

The following table details the carrying value of our general account investments.

Carrying Value of General Account Investments


	June 30,					December 31,
(In millions)	2008		%			2007		%
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of government agencies	$	687		2	%	$	687		2	%
Asset-backed securities		9,912		25			11,409		27
States, municipalities and political subdivisions — tax-exempt securities		6,833		17			7,675		18
Corporate bonds		9,327		24			8,952		22
Other debt securities		3,701		9			4,299		10
Redeemable preferred stock		49		—			1,058		3


Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		30,509		77			34,080		82


Fixed maturity securities trading:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of government agencies		—		—			5		—
Asset-backed securities		18		—			31		—
Corporate bonds		29		—			123		—
Other debt securities		4		—			18		—


Total fixed maturity securities trading		51		—			177		—


Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stock		447		1			452		1
Preferred stock		972		3			116		—


Total equity securities available-for-sale		1,419		4			568		1


Short term investments available-for-sale		5,014		13			4,497		11
Short term investments trading		50		—			180		1
Limited partnerships		2,321		6			2,214		5
Other investments		9		—			73		—


Total general account investments	$	39,373		100	%	$	41,789		100	%

A significant judgment in the valuation of investments is the determination of when an OTTI has occurred. We analyze securities on at least a quarterly basis. Part of this analysis is to monitor the length of time and severity of the decline below amortized cost for those securities in an unrealized loss position.

Investments in the general account had a net unrealized loss of $1,519 million at June 30, 2008 compared with a net unrealized gain of $74 million at December 31, 2007. The unrealized position at June 30, 2008 was comprised of a net unrealized loss of $1,431 million for fixed maturity securities, a net unrealized loss of $85 million for equity securities and a net unrealized loss of $3 million for short term investments. The unrealized position at December 31, 2007 was comprised of a net unrealized loss of $131 million for fixed maturity securities, a net unrealized gain of $202 million for equity securities and a net unrealized gain of $3 million for short term investments. See Note D of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 1 for further detail on the unrealized position of our general account investment portfolio.

The following table provides the composition of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale in a gross unrealized loss position at June 30, 2008 by maturity profile. Securities not due at a single date are allocated based on weighted average life.

Maturity Profile


	Percent of			Percent of
	Market			Unrealized
	Value			Loss
Due in one year or less		5	%		4	%
Due after one year through five years		23			14
Due after five years through ten years		26			31
Due after ten years		46			51


Total		100	%		100	%

Our non-investment grade fixed income securities available-for-sale at June 30, 2008 that were in a gross unrealized loss position had a fair value of $2,429 million. The following tables summarize the fair value and gross unrealized loss of non-investment grade securities categorized by the length of time those securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position and further categorized by the severity of the unrealized loss position in 10% increments as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.

Unrealized Loss Aging for Non-investment Grade Securities


											Gross
June 30, 2008	Estimated		Fair Value as a Percentage of Amortized Cost								Unrealized
(In millions)	Fair Value		90-99%		80-89%		70-79%		<70%		Loss
Fixed income securities:
0-6 months	$	1,012	$	29	$	20	$	8	$	13	$	70
7-12 months		1,262		46		63		11		29		149
13-24 months		147		3		13		2		18		36
Greater than 24 months		8		—		1		—		3		4


Total non-investment grade	$	2,429	$	78	$	97	$	21	$	63	$	259

Unrealized Loss Aging for Non-investment Grade Securities


											Gross
December 31, 2007	Estimated		Fair Value as a Percentage of Amortized Cost								Unrealized
(In millions)	Fair Value		90-99%		80-89%		70-79%		<70%		Loss
Fixed income securities:
0-6 months	$	1,527	$	56	$	14	$	3	$	—	$	73
7-12 months		125		6		2		—		—		8
13-24 months		26		1		1		1		1		4
Greater than 24 months		9		1		1		—		—		2


Total non-investment grade	$	1,687	$	64	$	18	$	4	$	1	$	87

As part of the ongoing OTTI monitoring process, we evaluated the facts and circumstances based on available information for each of the non-investment grade securities and determined that the securities presented in the above tables were temporarily impaired when evaluated at June 30, 2008 or December 31, 2007. This determination was based on a number of factors that we regularly consider including, but not limited to: the issuers’ ability to meet current and future interest and principal payments, an evaluation of the issuers’ financial condition and near term prospects, our assessment of the sector outlook and estimates of the fair value of any underlying collateral. In all cases where a decline in value is judged to be temporary, we have the intent and ability to hold these securities for a period of time sufficient to recover the amortized cost of our investment through an anticipated recovery in the fair value of such securities or by holding the securities to maturity. In

many cases, the securities held are matched to liabilities as part of ongoing asset/liability duration management. As such, we continually assess our ability to hold securities for a time sufficient to recover any temporary loss in value or until maturity. We believe we have sufficient levels of liquidity so as to not impact the asset/liability management process.

Our equity securities classified as available-for-sale as of June 30, 2008 that were in a gross unrealized loss position had a fair value of $982 million and gross unrealized losses of $295 million. Under the same process as followed for fixed maturity securities, we monitor the equity securities for other-than-temporary declines in value. In all cases where a decline in value is judged to be temporary, we have the intent and ability to hold these securities for a period of time sufficient to recover the cost of our investment through an anticipated recovery in the fair value of such securities.

Invested assets are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate and credit risk. Due to the level of risk associated with certain invested assets and the level of uncertainty related to changes in the value of these assets, it is possible that changes in these risks in the near term, including increases in interest rates and further credit spread widening, could have an adverse material impact on our results of operations or equity.

The general account portfolio consists primarily of high quality bonds, 88% and 89% of which were rated as investment grade (rated BBB- or higher) at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007. The following table summarizes the ratings of our general account bond portfolio at carrying value.

General Account Bond Ratings


	June 30,					December 31,
(In millions)	2008		%			2007		%
U.S. Government and affiliated agency securities	$	789		3	%	$	816		3	%
Other AAA rated		12,358		40			16,728		50
AA and A rated		8,038		26			6,326		19
BBB rated		5,809		19			5,713		17
Non-investment grade		3,517		12			3,616		11


Total	$	30,511		100	%	$	33,199		100	%

At June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, approximately 97% and 95% of the general account portfolio was issued by U.S. Government and affiliated agencies or was rated by S&P or Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s). The remaining bonds were rated by other rating agencies or internally.

Non-investment grade bonds, as presented in the tables above, are primarily high-yield securities rated below BBB- by bond rating agencies, as well as other unrated securities that, according to our analysis, are below investment grade. High-yield securities generally involve a greater degree of risk than investment grade securities. However, expected returns should compensate for the added risk. This risk is also considered in the interest rate assumptions for the underlying insurance products.

The carrying value of securities that are either subject to trading restrictions or trade in illiquid private placement markets at June 30, 2008 was $491 million, which represents 1.2% of our total investment portfolio. These securities were in a net unrealized gain position of $168 million at June 30, 2008.

Asset-Backed and Sub-prime Mortgage Exposure

Asset-Backed Distribution


																Percent			Percent
June 30, 2008	Security Type															of Total			of Total
(In millions)	MBS(a)			CMO(b)			ABS(c)			CDO(d)			Total			Security Type			Investments
U.S. Government Agencies	$	638		$	1,120		$	—		$	—		$	1,758			18	%		4	%
AAA		—			4,796			2,238			9			7,043			71			18
AA		—			150			329			29			508			5			1
A		—			8			131			116			255			2			1
BBB		—			1			278			7			286			3			1
Non-investment grade and equity tranches		—			5			61			14			80			1			—

Total Fair Value	$	638		$	6,080		$	3,037		$	175		$	9,930			100	%		25	%

Total Amortized Cost	$	650		$	6,416		$	3,297		$	351		$	10,714


Percent of total fair value by security type		6	%		61	%		31	%		2	%		100	%

Sub-prime (included above)
Fair Value	$	—		$	1		$	1,558		$	10		$	1,569			16	%		4	%
Amortized Cost	$	—		$	1		$	1,668		$	33		$	1,702			16	%		4	%

Alt-A (included above)
Fair Value	$	—		$	1,218		$	—		$	12		$	1,230			12	%		3	%
Amortized Cost	$	—		$	1,321		$	—		$	12		$	1,333			12	%		3	%


(a)		Mortgage-backed securities (MBS)

(b)		Collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO)

(c)		Asset-backed securities (ABS)

(d)		Collateralized debt obligations (CDO)

Included in our fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2008 were $9,930 million of asset-backed securities, at fair value, which represents 25% of total invested assets. Of the total asset-backed securities, 89% were U.S. Government Agency issued or AAA rated. The majority of our asset-backed securities are actively traded in liquid markets. Of the total invested assets, $1,569 million or 4% have exposure to sub-prime residential mortgage (sub-prime) collateral, as measured by the original deal structure, while 3% have exposure to Alternative A (Alt-A) collateral. Of the securities with sub-prime exposure, approximately 97% were rated investment grade, while over 99% of the Alt-A securities were rated investment grade. We believe that each of these securities would be rated investment grade even without the benefit of any applicable third-party guarantees. In addition to sub-prime exposure in fixed maturity securities, there is exposure of approximately $44 million through limited partnerships and credit default swaps.

All asset-backed securities in an unrealized loss position are reviewed as part of the ongoing OTTI process, which resulted in OTTI losses of $83 million and $117 million after-tax for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008. Included in these OTTI losses were $64 million and $93 million after-tax related to securities with sub-prime and Alt-A exposure. Our review of these securities includes an analysis of cash flow modeling under various default scenarios, the seniority of the specific tranche within the deal structure, the composition of the collateral and the actual default experience. Given current market conditions and the specific facts and circumstances related to our individual sub-prime and Alt-A exposures, we believe that all remaining unrealized losses are temporary in nature. Continued deterioration in these markets beyond our current expectations may cause us to reconsider and record additional OTTI losses.

Federal National Mortgage Association and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation

The aggregate amounts of our direct exposure at June 30, 2008, at amortized cost, of equity and debt securities of Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) are set forth below.


	June 30,
(In millions)	2008
Fannie Mae
Preferred stock	$	137
Senior bonds	$	16

Freddie Mac
Discount notes	$	846
Preferred stock	$	184
Senior bonds	$	67

Our entire holdings of Freddie Mac Discount notes had either matured or were disposed of, at or above amortized cost, subsequent to June 30, 2008.

Short Term Investments

The carrying value of the components of the general account short term investment portfolio is presented in the following table.


	June 30,		December 31,
(In millions)	2008		2007
Short term investments available-for-sale:
Commercial paper	$	2,004	$	3,040
U.S. Treasury securities		1,207		577
Money market funds		263		72
Other, including collateral held related to securities lending		1,540		808


Total short term investments available-for-sale		5,014		4,497


Short term investments trading:
Commercial paper		—		35
Money market funds		49		139
Other		1		6


Total short term investments trading		50		180


Total short term investments	$	5,064	$	4,677

The fair value of collateral held related to securities lending, included in other short term investments, was $53 million at December 31, 2007. There was no collateral held at June 30, 2008.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash Flows

Our principal operating cash flow sources are premiums and investment income from our insurance subsidiaries. Our primary operating cash flow uses are payments for claims, policy benefits and operating expenses.

For the six months ended June 30, 2008, net cash provided by operating activities was $812 million as compared with $541 million for the same period in 2007. Cash provided by operating activities was favorably impacted by increased net sales of trading securities to fund policyholders’ withdrawals of investment contract

products issued by us and decreased tax and expense payments. Policyholders’ fund withdrawals are reflected as financing cash flows. Cash provided by operating activities was unfavorably impacted by decreased premium collections and increased loss payments.

Cash flows from investing activities include the purchase and sale of available-for-sale financial instruments, as well as the purchase and sale of businesses, land, buildings, equipment and other assets not generally held for resale.

For the six months ended June 30, 2008, net cash used by investing activities was $231 million as compared with $529 million for the same period in 2007. Cash flows used by investing activities related principally to purchases of fixed maturity securities. The cash flow from investing activities is impacted by various factors such as the anticipated payment of claims, financing activity, asset/liability management and individual security buy and sell decisions made in the normal course of portfolio management. Net cash flows provided by investing activities-discontinued operations for the six months ended June 30, 2007 included $64 million of cash proceeds related to the sale of a discontinued operations business.

Cash flows from financing activities include proceeds from the issuance of debt and equity securities, outflows for dividends or repayment of debt, outlays to reacquire equity instruments, and deposits and withdrawals related to investment contract products issued by us.

For the six months ended June 30, 2008, net cash used by financing activities was $594 million as compared with $54 million for the same period in 2007. In January 2008, we repaid our $150 million 6.45% senior note. We also purchased outstanding shares of our common stock as discussed below. Additionally, the increase in cash used for financing activities is related to increased policyholders’ fund withdrawals in 2008 as compared to 2007, which are reflected as a Return of investment contract account balances on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

We believe that our present cash flows from operations, investing activities and financing activities, including cash dividends from CNAF subsidiaries, are sufficient to fund our working capital and debt obligation needs.

We have an effective shelf registration statement under which we may issue debt or equity securities.

Dividends

On May 21, 2008, we paid a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share, to shareholders of record on May 7, 2008. On July 23, 2008, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share, payable August 20, 2008 to shareholders of record on August 6, 2008. The declaration and payment of future dividends to holders of our common stock will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on many factors, including our earnings, financial condition, business needs, and regulatory constraints.

Share Repurchases

Our Board of Directors has approved an authorization to purchase, in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, our outstanding common stock, as our management deems appropriate. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, we repurchased a total of 2,649,621 shares at an average price of $26.53 (including commission) per share. Share repurchases may continue. No shares of common stock were purchased during the second quarter of 2008 or for the year ended December 31, 2007.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains a number of forward-looking statements which relate to anticipated future events rather than actual present conditions or historical events. These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and generally include words such as “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this report include any and all statements regarding expected developments in our insurance business, including losses and loss reserves for asbestos and environmental pollution and other mass tort claims which are more uncertain, and therefore more difficult to estimate than loss reserves respecting traditional property and casualty exposures; the impact of routine ongoing insurance reserve reviews we are conducting; our expectations concerning our revenues, earnings, expenses and investment activities; expected cost savings and other results from our expense reduction and restructuring activities; and our proposed actions in response to trends in our business. Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are subject to a variety of inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected in the forward-looking statement. We cannot control many of these risks and uncertainties. Some examples of these risks and uncertainties are:

•		general economic and business conditions, including inflationary pressures on medical care costs, construction costs and other economic sectors that increase the severity of claims;

•		changes in financial markets such as fluctuations in interest rates, long term periods of low interest rates, credit conditions and currency, commodity and stock prices, including the short and long-term effects of losses produced or threatened in relation to sub-prime residential mortgage-backed securities (sub-prime), including claims under directors and officers and errors and omissions coverages in connection with market disruptions recently experienced in relation to the sub-prime crisis in the U.S. economy;

•		the effects of corporate bankruptcies and accounting errors on capital markets, and on the markets for directors and officers and errors and omissions coverages;

•		changes in foreign or domestic political, social and economic conditions;

•		regulatory initiatives and compliance with governmental regulations, judicial decisions, including interpretation of policy provisions, decisions regarding coverage and theories of liability, trends in litigation and the outcome of any litigation involving us, and rulings and changes in tax laws and regulations;

•		effects upon insurance markets and upon industry business practices and relationships of current litigation, investigations and regulatory activity by the New York State Attorney General’s office and other authorities concerning contingent commission arrangements with brokers and bid solicitation activities;

•		legal and regulatory activities with respect to certain non-traditional and finite-risk insurance products, and possible resulting changes in accounting and financial reporting in relation to such products, including our restatement of financial results in May of 2005 and our relationship with an affiliate, Accord Re Ltd., as disclosed in connection with that restatement;

•		regulatory limitations, impositions and restrictions upon us, including the effects of assessments and other surcharges for guaranty funds and second-injury funds and other mandatory pooling arrangements;

•		the impact of competitive products, policies and pricing and the competitive environment in which we operate, including changes in our book of business;

•		product and policy availability and demand and market responses, including the level of ability to obtain rate increases and decline or non-renew under priced accounts, to achieve premium targets and profitability and to realize growth and retention estimates;

•		development of claims and the impact on loss reserves, including changes in claim settlement policies;

•		the effectiveness of current initiatives by claims management to reduce loss and expense ratios through more efficacious claims handling techniques;

•		the performance of reinsurance companies under reinsurance contracts with us;

•		results of financing efforts, including the availability of bank credit facilities;

•		changes in our composition of operating segments;

•		weather and other natural physical events, including the severity and frequency of storms, hail, snowfall and other winter conditions, natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes, as well as climate change, including effects on weather patterns, greenhouse gases, sea, land and air temperatures, sea levels, rain and snow;

•		regulatory requirements imposed by coastal state regulators in the wake of hurricanes or other natural disasters, including limitations on the ability to exit markets or to non-renew, cancel or change terms and conditions in policies, as well as mandatory assessments to fund any shortfalls arising from the inability of quasi-governmental insurers to pay claims;

•		man-made disasters, including the possible occurrence of terrorist attacks and the effect of the absence or insufficiency of applicable terrorism legislation on coverages;

•		the unpredictability of the nature, targets, severity or frequency of potential terrorist events, as well as the uncertainty as to our ability to contain our terrorism exposure effectively, notwithstanding the extension through December 31, 2014 of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002;

•		the occurrence of epidemics;

•		exposure to liabilities due to claims made by insureds and others relating to asbestos remediation and health-based asbestos impairments, as well as exposure to liabilities for environmental pollution, construction defect claims and exposure to liabilities due to claims made by insureds and others relating to lead-based paint and other mass torts;

•		the sufficiency of our loss reserves and the possibility of future increases in reserves;

•		regulatory limitations and restrictions, including limitations upon our ability to receive dividends from our insurance subsidiaries imposed by state regulatory agencies and minimum risk-based capital standards established by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners;

•		the risks and uncertainties associated with our loss reserves as outlined in the Critical Accounting Estimates and the Reserves — Estimates and Uncertainties sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K;

•		the level of success in integrating acquired businesses and operations, and in consolidating, or selling existing ones;

•		the possibility of changes in our ratings by ratings agencies, including the inability to access certain markets or distribution channels and the required collateralization of future payment obligations as a result of such changes, and changes in rating agency policies and practices; and

•		the actual closing of contemplated transactions and agreements.

Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statement, even if our expectations or any related events or circumstances change.

CNA Financial Corporation

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There were no material changes in our market risk components for the six months ended June 30, 2008. See the Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk included in Item 7A of our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 2007, as amended by Form 10-K/A which amended Part I, Item 1 for further information. Additional information related to portfolio duration is discussed in the Investments section of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in Part I, Item 2.

CNA Financial Corporation

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures which are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits to the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), including this report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis. These disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management on a timely basis to allow decisions regarding required disclosure.

As of June 30, 2008, the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)). Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

There has been 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) during the quarter ended June 30, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

CNA Financial Corporation

Part II. Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Information on our legal proceedings is set forth in Notes G and H of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Set forth below is information relating to the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Registrant.

The annual meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m., April 23, 2008. Represented at the meeting, in person or by proxy, were 265,104,710 shares constituting 98.53% of the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote.

The following business was transacted:

1. Election of Directors

Over 94% of the votes cast for directors were voted for the election of the directors named below. The number of votes for and withheld with respect to each director is as follows:


	Votes For		Votes Withheld
Stephen W. Lilienthal		252,350,575		12,754,135
Paul J. Liska		251,560,988		13,543,722
Jose O. Montemayor		264,776,224		328,486
Don M. Randel		264,787,158		317,552
Joseph Rosenberg		251,432,150		13,672,560
Andrew H. Tisch		251,465,619		13,639,091
James S. Tisch		251,427,298		13,677,412
Marvin Zonis		264,669,878		434,832

There were no broker non-votes. Since the by-laws provide for director elections by plurality voting, votes may not be cast against any director.

2. Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Over 98% of the shares eligible to vote, voted to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Registrant for 2008. In addition, less than 1% of the shares eligible to vote either voted against the appointment or abstained. There were no broker non-votes.


	Votes For		Votes Against		Votes Abstained
Deloitte & Touche LLP		265,067,047		23,916		13,747

Item 6. Exhibits

(a) Exhibits


Description of Exhibit	Exhibit Number

Employment Agreement, dated as of May 22, 2008, by and between CNA Financial Corporation and Thomas F. Motamed		10.1

Second Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2008, by and between Continental Casualty Company and Michael Fusco		10.2

Certification of Chief Executive Officer		31.1

Certification of Chief Financial Officer		31.2

CNA Financial Corporation

Part II. Other Information



Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer of CNA Financial Corporation Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (As adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)			32.1

Written Statement of the Chief Financial Officer of CNA Financial Corporation Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (As adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)			32.2

CNA Financial Corporation

Part II. Other Information

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


	CNA Financial Corporation
Dated: July 28, 2008	By	/s/ D. Craig Mense
		D. Craig Mense
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer